Dan Kuso remains the central protagonist across the original Bakugan anime continuity, including the New Vestroia season. Hailing from Wardington, he initially resides with parents Miyoko and Shinjiro Kuso before later relocations. His journey centers on his partnership with the Pyrus Dragonoid Drago, forged when interdimensional phenomena brought Bakugan to Earth. Three years after the first season, Dan returns to New Vestroia upon learning of its invasion by the Vestal species. The Vestals enforce a new battling system using gauntlets and specialized Bakugan Traps, capturing native Bakugan for entertainment. Dan adapts by partnering with Neo Dragonoid—Drago's evolved form after separation from the Perfect Core—and wielding a Pyrus Scorpion Bakugan Trap obtained from Mira Fermin. He allies with the Bakugan Battle Brawlers Resistance, a Vestal group opposing the Vexos-led occupation. Key conflicts involve freeing petrified original Guardian Bakugan, including his friends', and thwarting schemes by Vexos leaders King Zenoheld and Prince Hydron. Dan temporarily loses Drago to the masked Vexos brawler Spectra Phantom but reunites through determination and a temporary alliance with the Pyrus Bakugan Apollonir. He later battles alongside Baron Leltoy against Vexos members Mylene Farrow and Shadow Prove, leveraging Drago's connection to the Perfect Core. The season culminates in preventing Zenoheld's Alternative Weapon System from destroying Earth and Vestal, achieved through coordinated efforts with the Resistance and former adversaries like Lync Volan. His New Vestroia appearance features a gold-trimmed, long-sleeved red overcoat over a light blue sleeveless shirt, white pants with grey pinstriped patches outlined in blue, black boots, and black fingerless gloves. Suspenders-like straps with gold buckles and a white/blue belt with a square buckle complete the outfit. Personality-wise, Dan retains his foundational love for battling and ambition to be the strongest, alongside characteristic impulsiveness and occasional overconfidence. Experiences like reconciling with Drago after separation and navigating the Vestal conflict cultivate increased strategic thinking and leadership, though frustration surfaces during inactivity. He extends forgiveness, offering redemption to former enemies like Spectra, Gus Grav, and Lync. His complex relationship with Runo Misaki persists through frequent arguments masking mutual care, culminating in a first-season date, though their romantic status remains unresolved in New Vestroia. Bonds with childhood friends Shun Kazami and Marucho Marukura anchor the team dynamic. The Vestal battle system debuting in New Vestroia employs a Life Gauge starting at 500 points, reduced by battle damage. Battles commence with "Gauntlet, Power Strike!" Gate Card usage is restricted to one active card per turn, and defeated Bakugan may return in later rounds. A rule permits claiming an opponent's Bakugan if the G-power difference exceeds 500 points, though enforcement varies. Dan engages extensively in battles under this system throughout New Vestroia's conflict.