Daniel "Dan" Kuso is the central protagonist across the Bakugan series *Battle Brawlers*, *New Vestroia*, *Gundalian Invaders*, and *Mechtanium Surge*. Introduced as a passionate 12-year-old Bakugan brawler, he rises to become Earth's top-ranked brawler by the end of the first season. His primary partner is the Pyrus Dragonoid Drago, whose evolution parallels Dan's own growth. Initially impulsive and overconfident, Dan prioritizes raw power over strategy in battle. This approach causes conflict with Drago, culminating in Dan discarding his partner after a loss stemming from reckless decisions. Following defeat by Ryo, Dan reconciles with Drago and learns to incorporate strategy, enabling him to challenge elite opponents like Chan Lee. His key relationships include a close bond with childhood friend Shun Kazami, a romantic connection with Runo Misaki, and supportive parents Miyoko and Shinjiro Kuso residing in Wardington during the first two seasons. Aged 15 during *New Vestroia*, Dan is summoned by Drago alongside Marucho Marukura to liberate New Vestroia from Vestal occupation, which suppresses Bakugan consciousness and imprisons Bakugan like Tigrerra. He joins the Bakugan Brawlers Resistance led by Mira Fermin, allying with Ace Grit and Baron Leltoy. His resurgent arrogance causes friction with Ace, who demands proof of Dan's skill; their trial brawl ends in a draw, securing Dan's place. Adapting to the new battle system involving Life Gauges and Bakugan Traps, Dan utilizes Pyrus Scorpion and temporarily commandeers Traps from opponents like Mira and Gus Grav. Spectra Phantom's capture of Drago drives Dan to relentlessly pursue his partner. Their reunion triggers Drago's evolution into Cross Dragonoid after absorbing energy from Apollonir. Dan later secures Battle Gear such as Silver JetKor and evolves Drago into Helix Dragonoid to counter threats like King Zenoheld's Bakugan Termination System. Dan's physical appearance evolves. In *New Vestroia*, he wears a gold-trimmed long-sleeved overcoat with darker shoulder pads, a light blue sleeveless shirt, white pants with grey pinstripes, black boots, and black fingerless gloves, completed by suspenders-like straps with gold buckles and a white-and-blue belt. Post–*New Vestroia*, Dan relocates to Bayview (*Gundalian Invaders*) and later to Bakugan City (*Mechtanium Surge*). He temporarily becomes the #1 brawler in Bakugan Interspace but is disqualified after Drago's uncontrolled powers surface during a match against Anubias. In *Mechtanium Surge*, he partners with Fusion Dragonoid and temporarily allies with Haos Reptak, utilizing Mechtogan and Battle Suits against new threats. His battle record includes three losses in *New Vestroia*, notably a pivotal defeat against Spectra resulting in Drago's capture. Key victories demonstrate his resilience, such as reclaiming Drago with Apollonir's aid and destroying Zenoheld's Alternative Weapon System to safeguard Earth and Vestal.