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{{redirect|Playmaker|the ''Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL'' card|""Playmaker"" (card)}}
{{Infobox character
| headers = true
| ja_name = {{Ruby|藤|ふじ}}{{Ruby|木|き}} {{Ruby|遊|ゆう}}{{Ruby|作|さく}}
| romaji_name = Fujiki Yūsaku
| other_names = * Playmaker(プレイメーカー, ''Pureimēkā'')* Unknown (アンノウン, ''Announ'', Japanese version only)<ref name="ep64">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|64|ref}}</ref>
| age = 16
| gender = Male
| school = [[Den AcademyCity High School]]| anime_deck = [[Cyberse]]
| appears_in_anime = ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS]]''
| en_voice = {{voice actors|en|[[Jake Paque]]}}<ref name="Yusaku English VA">[https://twitter.com/jakepaque/status/1033444031815196672 Jake Paque's Twitter]</ref>
| ja_voice = {{voice actors|ja|Shouya Ishige|Kana Omuro|e2=(younger)}}
| anime_debut = {{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|1|ref}}
}}
'''Yusaku Fujiki''' ({{Ruby|藤|ふじ}}{{Ruby|木|き}} {{Ruby|遊|ゆう}}{{Ruby|作|さく}}, ''Fujiki Yūsaku'') , known as '''Playmaker''' (プレイメーカー, ''Pureimēkā'') in [[LINK VRAINS]], is the main protagonist of the ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS]]'' anime.<ref name="jumpfesta">{{cite web | url = https://ygorganization.com/jump-festa-2017-latest-information-stage/ | title = The Organization {{!}} <nowiki>The Organization | [Jump Festa 2017] </nowiki> Latest Information Stage: 6th Yu-Gi-Oh! Anime</nowiki> | publisher = YGOrganization | date = December 17, 2016 | accessdate = December 17, 2016}}</ref> When Dueling A victim of the [[Hanoi Project]], he battles against the [[Knights of Hanoi]] in order to avenge his past with the aid of his friend [[Cal Kolter]] and the [[LINK VRAINSIgnis]]that he has captured, he [[Ai]]. He is known as '''Playmaker'the Origin of Ai. In the second season, Yusaku becomes entangled in the kidnapping of [[Jin Kolter]]'s soul and the hunt for the people who destroyed the [[Cyberse (world)|Cyberse]], teaming up with fellow Hanoi Project victim [[Theodore Hamilton]] and Theodore's own Ignis, [[Flame (character)|Flame]].
==Design==
===Appearance===
[[File:YoungYusaku.png|thumb|100px|Young Yusaku.]]
When he was a child, Yusaku wore a brown jacket with a green shirt. He wore blue pants, brown boots, and didn't have pink accents on his light blue bangs yet.
===Personality===
{{Quote|That's right. I am the emissary of revenge. I'll crush the [[Knights of Hanoi]].|author=Yusaku Fujiki<ref name="ep12"/>}}Yusaku may be the first ''Yu-Gi-Oh !'' protagonist who is an anti-hero. He is not a bad person, but he can appear cold and apathetic. Yusaku is described as a boy who doesn't like standing out at school, not that he's timid or shy but because he is a hacker. Due to a certain incidentthe trauma of the Lost Incident, he generally tries to avoid contact with others and only seems to trust [[Shoichi KusanagiCal Kolter|Kolter]]. HoweverYusaku is calm and collected most of the time. Outside of Duels he is shown to be intelligent and clever, he gets drawn into encounters but also calculating, standoffish, reserved, and somewhat anti-social. He prefers to distance himself from others and doesn't usually interact with people , not even remembering his classmates' names after a month in school. When [[Naoki Shima]] tried to be friendly with him, Yusaku casually admitted to being a loner and inadvertently irritated Shima with his observations, then didn't react to Shima storming off. In public, Yusaku comes off as rather awkward and often doesn't know how to answer questions, leading others to assume things about him, such as when Shima assumed he wanted to join the Duel Club and Skye assumed he tries out Dueling for oncewanted new equipment from SOL. Despite his aloof and calm demeanor Yusaku can be quite sullen when it comes to dealing with Ai's antics. In the dub, Yusaku is substantially snarkier, particularly when it comes to dealing with Ai.<ref name="jumpfesta" />
Following the events of the first season, Yusaku slowly begins to change, and this is largely due to his interactions with Ai and Varis, who he discovered to be the Ignis based on him and the person who kept up his spirits respectively. He is generally level-headedand Ai gradually build up a rocky, but trusting relationship, seriousand after learning Varis's true identity, aloof Yusaku casts aside his desire for revenge and keeps attempts to save Varis from himself, expressing a stoic expression most of desire to have a friend for the first time. In the dub, though this is taken even further, as Yusaku openly declares that he can give short smiles occasionally. He is also doesn't seem fighting for his fallen allies and impresses upon Roken the damage that his actions would cause both to the world and to carry animosity towards othershimself. As he states in his final Duel with Bohman, as he stated Yusaku comes to believe that his allies expanded his views and that there are experiences one can only learn by accepting one's friends. Though still quiet and anti-social, he didnbecomes far more willing to work with other people; teaming up with [[Theodore Hamilton]] and [[Flame (character)|Flame]], and later even extending an offer to Gore to work together again despite Gore't hate Akira for s negative feelings towards him. When his foul tortureclosest friends fall in the war with the Ignis, making it clear that Yusaku is heartbroken; he only hates is further traumatized after being forced to defeat Kolter, though this is eased by Kolter anticipating the Knights of Hanoiscenario and asking him to do so, and infuriated by Soulburner's defeat at Bohman's hands.
===Abilities===
Yusaku is said to be an intelligent hacker who possesses considerable ability and who solves mysteries in a cool manner. It helps him Cool-headed and extremely clever, Yusaku's real skill is in his hacking and cracking abilities. He was able to hack into SOL Technologies' systems to find Ai, which both SOL and the Knights of Hanoi had been hunting, within a few minutes and in the middle of a security scan, and managed to read capture it into his Duel Disk while leaving the Ignis with no means to escape. He has been fighting the Knights of Hanoi for some time without leaving any trace of his actions as "Playmaker", and keeps a situation dummy deck to mislead others when in public. Yusaku combines his high intellect with his hacking abilities to quickly come up with plans and Decode Talkerthink on his feet. An observant individual, he is good at reading people. When Dueling, Yusaku keeps a close eye on his opponent's thoughtsbody language and expressions to know when they're planning something, and as such, he usually isn't surprised when something unexpected happens.
===Etymology===
Like the protagonists of the previous five series ([[Yugi Muto]], [[Jaden Yuki]], [[Yusei Fudo]], [[Yuma Tsukumo]], and [[Yuya Sakaki]]), his name contains the character「遊」(Yu). In a break from tradition, however, his first name contains three syllables instead of the usual two.
His given name contains the characters "game" (''Yu'' 遊), and "work" (''Saku'' 作). His surname, '''Fujiki''', means "[[wikipedia:wisteria|wisteria]] tree", the blue-and-pink coloring of which matches that of his hair. The kanji of his given name can also be translated as "playing" and "making", which is most likely the pun of his VR name "The Playmaker".
==Biography==
===History===
[[File:Young Yusaku loses.png|thumb|left|Young 250px|Yusaku loses in an unknown location with losing a VR mask on.Duel during the Hanoi Project]][[File:Young Yusaku found in a forest.png|thumb|Young 250px|Yusaku found in a forestis rescued from the Hanoi Project.]]Yusaku mentioned the once ran into [[Knights of HanoiRoken Kogami]] stole , knocking his past Deck over. As he picked up the cards, Yusaku and some of Roken asked one another if they played ''Duel Monsters'', and Roken offered to show Yusaku his Deck at his memorieshouse. <ref name="ep58">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|58|ref}}</ref> But once Yusaku vaguely remembers being held captive arrived at an unknown facility when the [[Kogami family's house]], he was younger being kidnapped as part of the [[Hanoi Project]] and he woke up in a white, empty room, with VR goggles. Yusaku was forced to [[Duel]] continuously for six months, and was penalized for losing with electrocution and starvation. After losing During Yusaku's imprisonment, a Duelvoice told him not to give up, someone told Yusaku and advised him to think of three reasons why to continue fighting. Yusaku asked who the voice was, but the voice told him he needed 'd soon go home. After six months, the system was disbanded, and while Yusaku was rescued, the Incident was covered up and not mentioned in the media. Yusaku developed PTSD due to stay alive the torture he suffered during the Incident, and though he received treatment for it and win Duelswas treated normally by society, he found himself unable to recover from the tragedies he'd suffered. Ever since <ref name="ep19">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|19|ref}}</ref> Eventually, Yusaku decided to take action and face his own destiny by taking revenge on those who had wronged him, though he still kept the habit advice to think of listing out three reasons to continue fighting to his heart.<ref name="ep11" /> He learned that the "Lost Incident" that he had been put through was called the "Hanoi Project", and he decided to hunt down the hacker group the [[Knights of Hanoi]], believing them to be responsible for his thoughtsthe "Hanoi Project". He worked alone under the alias "Unknown" (in the dub, he simply did not use an alias at all), rescuing another Duelist from the Knights of Hanoi, [[Cal Kolter|Unnamed]]. Unnamed tried to ask if Unknown knew anything about the Lost Incident, but Unknown simply told him to log out. Unknown later rescued Unnamed again, asking why he never found kept logging in. Unnamed explained that he was fighting for his little brother's sake, and Unknown distracted the Knights of Hanoi to allow Unnamed to get beyond their field that prevented him from logging out who . Unknown then challenged one of the Knights to a Duel, countering his "[[Limiter Removal (anime)|Limiter Removal]]" with "[[Forbidden Lance (anime)|Forbidden Lance]]" and his own "Limiter Removal" to power up "[[Gaia Saber, the Lightning Shadow (anime)|Gaia Saber, the Lightning Shadow]]"gave and defeat the Knight in a single attack. As he fled from the other Knights, a portal appeared above him and the voice of Unnamed told him to jump into it. The portal logged Unknown out, and Unnamed told him courageto come to [[Café Nom]].<ref name="ep64">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|64|ref}}</ref> Yusaku visited the hotdog stand and met with Cal Kolter, who was shocked to learn that he was so young and asked if he was a victim of the Lost Incident. At some pointHe explained that his brother, [[Jin Kolter|Jin]], had also been a victim and had been significantly changed by the experience. Kolter offered to team up with Yusaku, describing him as the ultimate spear, while Kolter could act as the ultimate shield, he and five other children Yusaku agreed.<ref name="ep64" /> Yusaku and Kolter quickly became a strong team, defeating several Knights of Hanoi, but making little progress in their goals for revenge. Yusaku wondered if the Knights were hunting the [[Cyberse]] monsters because they were found scared of them, and he decided to investigate an urban legend of a Cyberse Deck in a forestsecret dungeon. As he and Unnamed explored the dungeon, Unknown had to save Unnamed from a booby trap, and he noted that if one lost their [[Duel Disk]] in LINK VRAINS, presumably after having escaped captivitythey couldn't log out. He shortly recollected at one point They managed to find the Deck, but the way was blocked by a Duel Puzzle that he most likely surfed a Knight of Hanoi undertook. Unknown observed the Ancient Ghost's [[Extra Link]] and watched as the Knight of Hanoi attempted to win by attacking with the [[Megamorph (anime)|powered-up]] "[[Update Jammer (anime)|Update Jammer]]", but was defeated by "[[Chaos Burst (anime)|Chaos Burst]]" and logged out by being devoured by a monster. Unknown then undertook the winds challenge himself, cautiously observing his cards in his [[LINK VRAINSGraveyard]] and [[Extra Deck]] as well as in his hand and on his field at Unnamed's suggestion. Another Knight of Hanoi arrived as Unknown realized the solution, and Unnamed chained the Knight up to buy Unknown time. They deduced that destroying five monsters with "[[Thunder Crash (anime)|Thunder Crash]]" and then reviving them with "[[Torrential Reborn (later anime)|Torrential Reborn]]" would inflict enough damage to win, but they controlled a [[Token monster]] , as the Knight pointed out, which would not be revived. Unknown was able to assemble the necessary field to trigger the combo, defeating the Ancient Ghost. They sprinted to the sarcophagus, but it was empty, and the Knight mocked them before they disappearedlogging out.<ref name="ep1ep65">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|165|ref}}</ref> At some point Yusaku began fighting realized that the layout of the field had been a map of Den City, which depicted the location of the Cyberse Deck in the real world. Sure enough, when he and Kolter went to the Knights unfinished first bridge of Hanoi under the alias "Playmakercity, they found a room with arrows leading to it and the " with [[Shoichi KusanagiSecure Gardna (anime)|Secure Gardna]]'s help" card on the door, with the Cyberse Deck inside the real sarcophagus. Kolter declared that the power of the Deck would allow them to combat the Knights of Hanoi. <ref name="ep65" /> With the powerful Cyberse Deck in hand, Yusaku took up the alias of "Playmaker" , and soon became a famous [[Duelist]] within LINK VRAINS, with no one knowing what his real identity is because he and Kolter always deleted his activity logs.<ref name="ep1">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|1|ref}}</ref> ===Knights of Hanoi===At school, Yusaku met [[Naoki Shima]], who started bragging to him about his new [[Duel Disk]]. Yusaku attempted to leave, but Shima offered to teach him how to Duel. Yusaku rejected his offer saying Shima did not seem very strong, but probably not a bad person either. Yusaku's remarks annoyed Shima, but he didn't think much of it. Before leaving, he wondered about a rule set where there were only three Main Monster Zones.<ref name="ep1" /> [[File:Yusaku and Kusanagi disccussing.png|thumb|left|250px|Yusaku and Kolter talking about the A.I.]][[File:Playmaker Saves The Blue Angel.png|thumb|250px|Playmaker saves Blue Angel.]]Yusaku later met up with [[Cal Kolter|Kolter]] and they discussed how both [[SOL Technologies]] and the [[Knights of Hanoi]] were chasing after [[Ai|an A.I. program]] in [[LINK VRAINS]]. Upon learning that SOL Technologies had scheduled a full scan of Link VRAINS that evening to try and find the A.I., they quickly started working on a trap to catch the A.I. themselves. Although Yusaku successfully captured the reluctant A.I. in his Duel Disk, one of [[Number 10 (character)|the Knights of Hanoi]] threatened to destroy LINK VRAINS. Yusaku quickly logged into LINK VRAINS as Playmaker and saved [[Skye Zaizen|Blue Angel]] from the Knight's "[[Cracking Dragon (anime)|Cracking Dragon]]". He then challenged the Knight to a Duel, putting the A.I. at stake. The A.I. voiced his doubts that Yusaku's Deck could beat "Cracking Dragon", and stirred up [[Data Storm]] in LINK VRAINS, starting a [[Speed Duel (VRAINS)|Speed Duel]] between Yusaku and the Knight.<ref name="ep1" /> [[File:Knight of Hanoi laughs at Playmaker.png|thumb|left|250px|Playmaker being overwhelmed by the Data Storm]]As Playmaker rode the Data Storm, the A.I. explained how Speed Duels differed from [[Master Duel]]s; including that there were only three Main Monster Zones, causing Playmaker to wonder if he already knew about Speed Duels. Ai offered to help Playmaker Duel the Knight, but Playmaker refused, reminding Ai that he was his hostage. The Knight took the first turn and swiftly Summoned "[[Cracking Dragon (anime)|Cracking Dragon]]". Playmaker counterattacked with "[[Cyberse Wizard (anime)|Cyberse Wizard]]", using its effect to change "Cracking Dragon" to [[Defense Position]] and inflict damage to the Knight. He failed to destroy "Cracking Dragon", something Playmaker had expected due to the Knight's confidence.<ref name="ep2">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|2|ref}}</ref> [[File:Playmaker Storm Access.png|thumb|250px|Playmaker uses the "Storm Access" Skill.]]The Knight activated a [[Skill]], which the A.I. hadn't mentioned, irritating Playmaker. The Knight managed to knock Playmaker off his [[Duel Board]], but Blue Angel saved Playmaker by using her whip to throw the Duel Board back at him. The Knight reduced Playmaker's LP to 400, and he was sucked into the Data Storm. Playmaker realized that this was part of the A.I's calculations. Ai revealed that powerful monsters resided within the Data Storm, and that Playmaker's skill "[[Storm Access (anime)|Storm Access]]" allowed him to obtain those monsters when his LP was below 1000. Playmaker obtained "[[Decode Talker (anime)|Decode Talker]]", which he used to win the Duel. As the Knight fell off his Duel Board, Yusaku declared that the Knight had no right to call himself a Duelist.<ref name="ep2" /> Playmaker attempted to interrogate the Knight, only for the Knight to attempt to kill him by self-destructing. The A.I. saved his life by devouring the Knight's avatar. [[George Gore|The Gore]] and Blue Angel appeared and challenged Playmaker, but he simply said he wasn't interested and logged out. Yusaku and Kolter spent the next few days trying to figure out the A.I's programming, giving him the nickname "Ai". Yusaku discovered some video logs that were actually Ai's memories. Ai claimed that he didn't understand those memories because they were damaged when he was reduced to an eye, but he did recognize the Knights of Hanoi's [[Roken Kogami|leader]]. Later that night, messing with Ai caused the Knight's leader to sense their location and travel there; Yusaku asked Kolter to shut down [[Café Nom]]'s power to prevent them from being found, though he caught a glimpse of the Knight's leader and his [[Borreload Dragon (anime)|dragon]].<ref name="ep3">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|3|ref}}</ref> [[File:VRAINS log in.png|thumb|left|250px|Yusaku logs into the network.]]The next day a Knight of Hanoi appeared in LINK VRAINS while Ai was at [[Yusaku Fujiki's house|Yusaku's house]], so Yusaku skipped school to get his Duel Disk and face the Knight. On his way there, Kolter gave him the "Decode Talker" card which he had materialized. Upon arriving in LINK VRAINS, Playmaker quickly figured out that the Knight was an impostor. The Knight revealed himself to be The Gore, who wanted to defeat Playmaker and recover his title as "VRAINS' hero". Playmaker rejected his challenged, but SOL Technologies triggered a program that stopped him from logging out until he defeated Gore. With no choice, Playmaker started the Duel. When Gore made an intentional misplay and took damage, Ai questioned why he would make such an illogical move; Playmaker replied that humans' hearts make them do illogical things. Ai was confused by that statement, but Playmaker didn't explain what he meant, claiming that Ai's algorithm-based thinking wouldn't comprehend it.<ref name="ep4">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|4|ref}}</ref>
Playmaker attempted to interrogate was quickly at the Knightmercy of Blue Angel's [[Trickstar]] Deck, only for the Knight to attempt to kill which repeatedly dealt him by self-destructing. Ai saved his life by devouring [[effect damage]] while powering up the Knight. [[Go OnizukaATK]] and Blue of her ace monster, "[[Trickstar Holly Angel (anime)|Trickstar Holly Angel appeared ]]", and challenged Playmaker, but he simply said he wasn't interested and logged outnoted that the offensive strategy was very efficient. Yusaku He Summoned "Decode Talker" and Shoichi spent attacked "Holly Angel", but the next few days trying to figure out Ai's programming attack failed and gave him the nickname "aiDecode Talker"was destroyed instead. Yusaku discovered some video logs Ai commented that Blue Angel was putting pressure on them, but Playmaker noticed that were actually AiHanoi's memoriespresence was getting stronger as Blue Angel drew [[Dark Angel (anime)|her next card]]. Ai said he didn't understand those memories because most were damaged when he Playmaker was reduced to an eyeless than 1000 LP, but he did recognize The Knight's of Hanoi's allowing him to use his Skill and gain access to "[[RevolverEncode Talker (anime)|leaderEncode Talker]]", which he promptly Link Summoned. Later Blue Angel realized that night, messing with Ai caused Playmaker was taking advantage of the Knight's leader damage that she was inflicting to sense their location him, and travel theretried to end the Duel by using her Skill, Yusaku asked Shoichi to shut down but failed because Playmaker was protected by "[[Café NagiDefect Compiler (anime)|Defect Compiler]]". In response, she played Hanoi's power to prevent them from being foundcard, "Dark Angel", though he caught and immediately fell under their influence. She flew into a glimpse of the Knightberserk rage and started screaming, much to Playmaker's and Ai's leaderconcern. He ended the Duel as quickly as possible by destroying "Holly Angel" with "Encode Talker", defeating Blue Angel in one hit, but not before she succumbed to mental damage from "Dark Angel" and fell unconscious.<ref name="ep3ep7">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|37|ref}}</ref>
[[File:VRAINS log inVRAINSChurch.png|thumb|left250px|Yusaku logs is caught in to the network"Blue Angel's" trap.]]The next day a Knight of Hanoi appeared at LINK VRAINS Playmaker found Blue Angel unconscious while Ai devoured the "Dark Angel" card. He was back at [[forced to log out when security bots approached them, and he found Skye comatose on the roof of the school. He answered Skye's phone when Zaizen called, and took Skye to the hospital. There, he met Zaizen in person, who thanked him and asked about his relationship with Skye; Yusaku claimed that they were just classmates. Yusaku Fujiki, Kolter, and Ai later discussed Skye's house|Yusakucondition and a possible cure. Ai explained that he detected that Skye's brain must be infected by a virus when he devoured Hanoi's house]]card, so Yusaku skipped school to go get his Duel Disk and face that the only ones with the Knightappropriate anti-virus would be Hanoi themselves. On his way there, Shoichi gave him the [[Emma Bessho|"Decode TalkerBlue Angel" card which had materialized]] then appeared on the [[Den City|city]]'s screens challenging Playmaker to a rematch. Upon arriving at LINK VRAINSDespite knowing that it was an impostor and most likely a trap, Yusaku quickly figured out claimed that it was his responsibility to rescue Skye; if the impostor was a Knight of Hanoi he could get the anti-virus; if it was an impostora SOL agent he could explain them what happened to Skye. The Knight After logging in, he identified Blue Angel as a fake, but he was trapped by her as she revealed himself herself to be Go Onizuka"Ghost Gal". Zaizen then logging into LINK VRAINS, who wanted and proceeded to defeat torture Playmaker and recover his title as "VRAINS, believing him to be responsible for Skye' hero"s condition, despite Playmaker rejected his challenged but SOL triggered a program and Ai's claims of innocence. [[Roken Kogami|Varis]] appeared and claimed that stops he would challenge Playmaker from logging out until he defeated Go. With no choicefor Ai, threatening that Skye would never wake up unless Playmaker started the defeated him in a Duel. When Go made an intentional misplay Zaizen released Playmaker, and Varis departed. Before Playmaker took damagehis leave, Ai questioned why he would make such an illogical moveZaizen pleaded with him to save Skye, to which despite his brutal treatment towards him. Playmaker said replied that humans' hearts make them do illogical things. Ai was confused by that but Playmaker he didn't explain what it meant because Ai's algorithm-based thinking wouldn't comprehend ithate Akira; he only hated the Knights of Hanoi.<ref name="ep4ep8">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|48|ref}}</ref>
Playmaker quickly met up with Ghost Girl and she showed him her program she set as a stake for Ai watched an eclipse blocking the Duelvirtual sun in LINK VRAINS. Playmaker wondered why wouldn't she access Ai recalled that people in the data bankancient past were scared of such events, and was told Ghost Girl wanted his Aisurprised that even today people were still afraid. Playmaker replied that people had remained the same, so she could sell it unlike technology that advances. He likened the eclipse to SOL Technologies. She admitted she grew more interested the Lost Incident, vowing that he would not let the incident be buried in Playmaker after his latest Duel, darkness and wanted to battle him as a cyber treasure hunteruncover the truth. Despite Ai's warningsLater, Playmaker accepted her DuelYusaku was at school, as remembering the two rode off on person who saved him. Shima talked to him about the Data Wind. In her first turn, Ghost Girl Summoned "[[Altergeist Marionetter (anime)|Altergeist MarionetterDeleted]]" , and Set two cards. Playmaker had his "[[Cyberse Wizard]]" attack, but was stopped by Ghost GirlAi noted the phenomenon's similarities to Blue Angel's "[[Altergeist Kunquery (anime)|Altergeist Kunquery]]". Despite his attackcoma, Ghost Girl was intrigued how he dared to attackbut Yusaku shushed him, despite her Set cardssince Shima could hear him. Ghost Girl Summoned another "Altergeist Marionetter"Shima doubted Yusaku would become a victim, Set another card, then Link Summoned "[[Altergeist Primebanshee (anime)|Altergeist Primebanshee]]". She swapped one of her "Altergeist Marionetters" for "Altergeist Meluseek". Ghost Girl ended her preparationsas they were usually promising Duelists, and aimed Yusaku advised Shima to defeat Playmaker before he could use stay away from his SkillDuel Disk. As Ghost Girl initiated the Battle Phase and claimed she would win in that turnAt Café Nom, Kolter showed Ai laughed, as she would make 2400 LP damage. Both Playmaker and Ghost Girl scolded Ai for such thinking; Playmaker claimed no Duelist would make that simple math errorYusaku the footage of a person being Deleted, making Ghost Girl wonder why everyone was after "this dumb AI" which causes Ai to get angry, Playmaker then happened six minutes before midnight. Kolter told him to them the person had not to get angry when she is telling the truth about him. Regardlessrecovered yet, "Altergeist Meluseek" attacked directly and sent "Cyberse Wizard" to the Graveyard, allowing "Altergeist Marionetter" to attack directly, and allowing "Altergeist Primebanshee" to do so as wellshowed them pictures of more Deleted patients in hospitals. Ghost Girl smiled, feeling her dreams grow larger, Ai and ordered Playmaker to brace himself for his defeatYusaku knew this was the same condition that Blue Angel had been infected by.<ref name="ep14ep22" >{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|22|ref}}</ref>
==Relationships==
===Shoichi KusanagiCal Kolter===Shoichi Kolter is one of the very few people Yusaku actively interacts with. The two are close friends and work together to fight The the Knights of Hanoi. Yusaku shows trust in ShoichiKolter's hacking abilities and even gave a brief smile when talking to him. Likewise, Shoichi Kolter hopes Yusaku can one day enjoy Dueling again. Shoichi Kolter also teases Yusaku about his poor social skills.
===Naoki Shima(The Brave Battler)===When they met, Naoki Shima tried to befriend Yusaku and Duel him, but Yusaku showed little interest and irritated Naoki Shima by criticizing his Dueling and analyzing him, despite Yusaku saying Naoki Shima isn't a bad person. Despite their initial encounter, Naoki Shima continues his attempts to befriend Yusaku and he often sits with Yusaku during class, much to the latter's annoyance. Naoki Shima is a big fan of "Playmaker", unaware that he's Yusaku. Yusaku has a tendency to forget NaokiShima's name repeatedlyand keeps ignoring Shima due to his belief that he doesn't need friends. However, when Shima was kidnapped by [[Faust]], Yusaku showed genuine concern for him.
===Knights of Hanoi===
Yusaku holds a deep grudge against the Knights of Hanoi over an unknown incident in and believes they're the pastculprits of the Hanoi Project. He swears revenge against the Hanoi and fights them whenever they make an attack. The Hanoi consider "Playmaker" to be a threat and plan to defeat him in order to retrieve Ai which "Playmaker" had captured.
===Ai===
[[Ai]] sees Yusaku as a partner, but Yusaku considers initially considered Ai to be nothing more than an object he needs to gain the upper hand against the Knights of Hanoi. He threatened to delete Ai in order to challenge a Knight, and ignored his pleas not to go back to VRAINS. Yusaku has little patience for Ai's antics and often doesn't let him talk. Nevertheless, Ai supports Yusaku in his Duels, though he claims to do so out of a desire for survival. Ai also seems to enjoy teasing Yusaku, but knows when things get serious. Likewise, Yusaku follows Ai's advice when needed. Despite being rude to Ai most of the time Yusaku slowly grows to genuinely care about himto some extent; this was seen when Ai was deleted affected by [[RevolverRoken Kogami|Varis]]'s "[[Fire Prison (anime)|Fire Prison]]" . Ai seems to have gradually warmed up to Yusaku and he showed legitimate concern for is keen on treating himlike a friend, showing that despite though the rockiness of their relationshipfeeling is not mutual. In the dub, Yusaku does view is less harsh to Ai as a friend and ally. He was also happy when Ai returned to , denying his Duel Disk claims less coldly and playfully teased often snarking gently at him rather than outright insulting him for coming back to hostage.
Yusaku is shown and Ai serve as foils to each other as while both started out as happy individuals, both were subjected to deeply care for Aoi after he logged an immense emotional trauma that hurt them severely, while Yusaku started out following his duel as cold and anti-social, Ai was a happy and friendly individual with Revolver friends he asked to Shoichi if Aoi is alright cared deeply for. As the series progresses, Yusaku begins opening up and after she recovered from her coma Yusaku is shown able to be worried about her safety make friends with others, while Ai loses his Ignis friends in the Ignis War and well being that she doesnturned against humanity. During his duel against the Zaizens, Ai echoed Yusaku't attend school regularly and since her s statement from Season 1 during his duel with him she against Akira, claiming that time has stopped coming to LINK VRAINS. Ai also teases him moving for being worried about her or being linked with her which causes him to dodge the subjectand that he can't move forward unless he defeats all who stand in his way.
===Go Onizuka Skye Zaizen (GO OnizukaBlue Angel)===Skye and Yusaku are classmates, though Skye is not aware of his alter-ego but she seems be suspicious of his identity as Playmaker after noticing he has the same Duel Disk as him and asked to see his Deck in order to confirm his identity. As "Blue Angel", Skye is shown to develop an interest in Yusaku's alter-ego, "Playmaker", after he saved her from a "[[Cracking Dragon (anime)|Cracking Dragon]]". She is shown to be grateful for "Playmaker" for saving her and she even saved him in return after he fell from his Duel Board. After Kolter figured out that Skye is "Blue Angel", Yusaku tried to get close to her in order to get a lead on [[Akira Zaizen]] and SOL Technologies regarding his past memories. Skye on the other hand believed Yusaku wanted her for her connections to SOL Technologies as many others had tried (which is technically correct, though not for the reasons she assumed), so she quickly dismissed him. Yusaku was shocked when he discovered that Skye may have ties to the Knights of Hanoi showing that he never thought of her as an enemy, but he was still willing to duel her. He was visibly disturbed when Hanoi's card began damaging Skye so he rushed to end the Duel as quickly as possible, out of concern for her well being. After the Duel, Yusaku felt it was his responsibility to help Skye recover from her coma and willingly walked into a trap set by [[Emma Bessho|Ghost Gal]]. Yusaku is shown to deeply care for Skye after he logged out following his duel with Varis he asked to Kolter if Skye is alright and after she recovered from her coma Yusaku is shown to be worried about her safety and well being that she doesn't attend school regularly and since her duel with him she stopped coming to LINK VRAINS. Ai also teases him for being worried about her or being linked with her which causes him to dodge the subject. In the dub, Yusaku shows somewhat more of a connection with Skye; openly declaring that he is fighting for Blue Angel during his second Speed Duel with Varis and stammering awkwardly when he tries to downplay calling the hospital for her and accidentally implies that she may not be special. ===George Gore (The Gore)===At first, Yusaku was indifferent to Go Gore who considers his alter-ego, "Playmaker", to be his rival. Go Gore was mad at Playmaker for stealing his spotlight and this grew worse when the children at the city orphanage, which he volunteered and donated to, started seeing Playmaker as a hero instead of him. After defeating him, Yusaku acknowledged Go Gore as a worthy opponent and started to respect his Dueling style, and even admitting to have enjoyed Dueling him. When Shoichi Kolter suggested recruiting Go Gore for their fight against Hanoi, Yusaku objected by saying that he did not want Go Gore to face this kind of danger.After Gore defeated [[Dr. Genome]], Yusaku became more willing to let Gore fight against Hanoi in the wake of the [[Deleted]] crisis and they formed an alliance. After his defeat at Varis's hands in the dub, Yusaku goes as far as to claim that he is also fighting for Gore's sake when he confronts Varis during their Speed Duel. By Season 2, Gore developed a grudge against Playmaker for being the one to defeat Varis and save LINK VRAINS, and became a SOL Tech bounty hunter in order to duel and defeat Yusaku. Yusaku had no interest in fighting Gore, instead believing they could still be allies. After Gore implanted the AI chip into his brain and defeated and captured Earth, Gore once again reaffirimed that he only cared about defeating Playmaker, forcing Yusaku to accept that Gore was no longer his ally, and was now a dangerous enemy. By the time of their second duel, Yusaku intially attemped to reason with Gore again but to no avail. After learning Gore had implanted Earth into his chip, Yusaku showed no heasitation in dueling Gore or any concern when Ai attemped to reterive Earth's data from him after deafeating Gore. By Season 3, the two of them are once again on friendly terms after Gore had the AI chip removed
===Akira Zaizen===
Despite having a brief interaction with Yusaku at the hospital he Zaizen was grateful to him for locating his sister and informing him about her comatose status. He questioned Yusaku about his relationship to Aoi Skye and the latter responded they are only classmates.
On the other hand, Akira Zaizen dislikes Yusaku's alter ego "Playmaker" for having stolen Ai. Akira Zaizen grew to utterly hate Playmaker after his Duel against Blue Angel which resulted in Aoi Skye falling comatose. Akira Zaizen immediately assumed that Playmaker was the culprit for AoiSkye's predicament and worked with Ghost Girl to with Ghost Gal to turn all of LINK VRAINS into a trap to capture Playmaker. Akira Zaizen then mercilessly tortured Playmaker and refused to believe Playmaker's explanation that it was Hanoi's fault for Aoi Skye being comatose. However, upon being informed of his mistake by Revolverby Varis, Akira Zaizen reluctantly freed Playmaker and was surprised that Playmaker didn't hate him for what he did. He was grateful to grateful for Playmaker for saving Aoi Skye from the virus.
When Zaizen is captured and threatened by Spectre during his Duel with Playmaker, Playmaker refuses to attack Spectre out of fear for Zaizen's safety and instead plays defensively, despite Zaizen continually urging him to attack without worrying about him. Zaizen eventually takes it upon himself to sacrifice himself so that Skye's prior loss to Spectre wouldn't be in vain, and his absorption by the Tower of Hanoi enraged Playmaker, and he subsequently vengefully defeated Spectre. ===Roken Kogami (Varis)===When first informed about a hacker named "Playmaker" who was defeating Hanoi members, [[Roken Kogami|Varis]] initially suspected Playmaker was an agent from SOL Technologies but rejected the idea because SOL would act more publicly and dismissed Playmaker. It wasn't until Playmaker captured Ai that Varis became interested in him. Varis then switched all his efforts into defeating Playmaker before SOL did, as doing so was the only way to capture Ai. Playmaker, on the other hand, hates Revolver Varis for being Hanoi's leader and vowed to defeat him and discover his true identity. During their first Duel, Revolver Varis claimed that he wasn't interested in Playmaker's identity and considered him to be just another of the many people who hates the Hanoi. However, during their second Duel, Varis recognized Playmaker's speech pattern of listing out three reasons and was disturbed when Playmaker mentioned about a certain incident that happened ten years ago. He chides Playmaker for siding with SOL Technologies without knowing the truth and, after the Duel, is eager to uncover Playmaker's true identity, to the extent of requesting more time from his father before the completion of Hanoi's program, in which the latter agrees under the condition it did not take too long. After they learn one another's identities, Yusaku and Roken's relationship changes substantially. After realizing that Roken not only saved him, but also talked to him while he was captured and taught him his three reasons philosophy, Yusaku became determined to save Varis from himself, wishing to become his friend. He threw aside his desire for revenge and stated that he wished to create a new future with Roken. Despite Yusaku's efforts, Roken rejected his offer and continued to oppose the Ignis. Nevertheless, Yusaku still trusts Roken deeply and continues to hope that they can become friends. He believes fiercely in his capacity to change, begging him not to destroy Jin's data in order to defeat Lightning as this would revert Varis back to his old ways. ===Emma Bessho (Ghost Gal)===Emma showed an interest in Playmaker. After witnessing his Duel against Blue Angel, Ghost Gal caught him in a trap under Zaizen's orders to interrogate him about Skye's condition. Her interest in him continued to grow after watching him defeat Varis and Dueling him herself, even admitting that he exceeded her expectations. The two explored LINK VRAINS underground, though Ghost Gal continued to deceive Playmaker by letting him go in the wrong direction which led to him and Ai being chased by a data monster. Before being absorbed by the Tower of Hanoi, Ghost Gal entrusted Playmaker with the data for the Tower and attempted to warn him about Varis's dangerous card. Playmaker in turn was angry for not being able to save her and vowed to do so, passing on her advice to Blue Angel and The Gore.
==Deck==
===Cyberse===
====Knights of Hanoi====[[File:Yusaku and his monsters.png|thumb|250px|Yusaku (as Playmaker) with "[[Encode Decode Talker (anime)|Encode Decode Talker]]" and "[[Firewall Dragon (anime)|Firewall Dragon]]".]]Yusaku uses a '''[[Cyberse]] Beatdown Deck''', which he initially found after solving an urban legend. <ref name="ep64" /><ref name="VRAINSED3">''Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS'' Ending 3: [[BOY]]</ref> His main strategy involves using methodically calculated moves to overwhelm the opponent with [[Link Monster]]s. His early turns are usually slow, with him setting up his bigger combos for later while analyzing the opponent's strategies. Once his field is set up, he [[Link Summon]]s multiple weak Link Monsters at once to then use them as Materials for his stronger ones such as the "[[Code Talker (archetype)|code Code Talkers]]", and "[[Firewall Dragon (anime)|Firewall Dragon]]". His other Link Monsters can also act as support for his primary ones. [[File:Decode Talker materializing.png|thumb|left|"Decode Talker" materializing into a real card.]]After capturing [[Ai]] and unlocking Yusaku also makes regular use of cards which banish themselves or other cards from the "Storm Access" [[SkillGraveyard]], he can obtain new [[Link Monster]]s when his [[LP]] are 1000 or below during a Speed Duel when a [[Data Storm]] is near. To this endhand to activate effects, he usually allows himself granting him access to drop below 1000 LP. The Link Monsters gained this way expand his arsenal of monsters for the current Duel and future Duels alike and typically help turn a disadvantageous situation in his favor. And as shown with "Decode Talker", the data steady stream of the Link Monsters added by his Skill will start materializing into a real card. In case the opponent tries to prevent "Storm Access" from activating by not dealing Damage, Yusaku also uses cards resources even with effects that cost LP to get around itan empty field or hand.
[[File:Decode Talker materializing.png|thumb|left|250px|"Decode Talker" materializing into a real card]]After capturing [[Ai]] and unlocking the "[[Storm Access (anime)|Storm Access]]" [[Skill]], he can obtain new Cyberse [[Link Monster]]s when his [[LP]] are 1000 or below during a Speed Duel when a [[Data Storm]] is near. To this end, he usually allows himself to drop below 1000 LP. The Link Monsters gained this way expand his arsenal of monsters for the current Duel and future Duels alike and typically help turn a disadvantageous situation in his favor. As shown with "Decode Talker", the data of the Link Monsters added by his Skill can materialize into real cards with the proper equipment. In case the opponent tries to prevent "Storm Access" from activating by not dealing damage, Yusaku also uses cards with effects that require him to pay LP to get around it. During his Duel with Go OnizukaThe Gore, spectators likened this strategy to GoGore's habit of letting his opponent take the lead, then making a comeback from a pinch.
Yusaku also used three copies of "[[Sphere Kuriboh (anime)|Sphere Kuriboh]]" as shields during his inflitration infiltration of [[SOL Technologies]]' data bank. Whether or not they are in his Deck or not is unknown.<ref name="ep16">{{episode|Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|16|ref}}</ref>
{{Decklist|Knights of Hanoi| skill = [[Storm Access (anime)|Storm Access]]|normal monsters =
* [[Bitron (anime)|Bitron]] x2
* [[Digitron (anime)|Digitron]]|effect monsters =
* [[Backlinker (anime)|Backlinker]]
* [[Backup Secretary (anime)|Backup Secretary]]
* [[Balancer Lord (anime)|Balancer Lord]]
* [[Bitrooper (anime)|Bitrooper]]
* [[Boot Staggered (anime)|Boot Staggered]]
* [[Capacitor Stalker (anime)|Capacitor Stalker]]
* [[Cluster Congester (anime)|Cluster Congester]]
* [[Cyberse Gadget (anime)|Cyberse Gadget]]
* [[Cyberse Wizard (anime)|Cyberse Wizard]]
* [[Defect Compiler (anime)|Defect Compiler]]
* [[Dot Scaper Dotscaper (anime)|Dot ScaperDotscaper]]<ref group=Notes name="send16">This card is [[send|sent]] from his [[hand]] to the [[Graveyard]] via the [[card effect|effect]] of [[Prototype Ai-A]]'s "[[Tentacluster Drillworm]]" in [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 016|episode 16]].</ref>
* [[Draconnet (anime)|Draconnet]]
* [[Dual Assembloom Assembwurm (anime)|Dual AssembloomAssembwurm]]* [[Fault Tolerlancer]]* [[Flick Clown (anime)|Flick Clown]]<ref group=Notes name="send16" />
* [[Interrupt Resistor (anime)|Interrupt Resistor]]
* [[Latency (anime)|Latency]]
* [[Link Infra-Flier (anime)|Link Infra-Flier]]
* [[Linkslayer (anime)|Linkslayer]]
* [[Lockout Gardna(anime)|Lockout Gardna]]* [[Protection Wizard]]* [[Rescue Interlacer (anime)|Rescue Interlacer]]* [[ROM Cloudia (anime)|ROM Cloudia]]
* [[Salvagent Driver (anime)|Salvagent Driver]]
* [[Scan Doll]]
* [[SIMM Tablir (anime)|SIMM Tablir]]
* [[Stack Reviver (anime)|Stack Reviver]]
* [[Striping Partner(anime)|Striping Partner]]* [[Swap Cleric (anime)|Swap Cleric]]|link monsters =* [[Binary Blader (anime)|Binary Blader]]* [[Binary Sorceress (anime)|Binary Sorceress]]* [[Decode Talker (anime)|Decode Talker]]<ref group=Notes name="decode">This card is obtained via [[SkillStorm Access (anime)|Storm Access]] in [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 002|episode 2]].</ref>* [[Encode Talker (anime)|Encode Talker]]<ref group=Notes name="encode">This card is obtained via [[SkillStorm Access (anime)|Storm Access]] in [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 007|episode 7]].</ref>* [[Excode Talker (anime)|Excode Talker]]<ref group=Notes name="excode">This card is obtained via [[SkillStorm Access (anime)|Storm Access]] in [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 015|episode 15]].</ref>* [[Firewall Dragon (anime)|Firewall Dragon]]<ref group=Notes name="firewall">This card is obtained via [[SkillStorm Access (anime)|Storm Access]] in [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 010|episode 10]].</ref>* [[Flame Administrator (anime)|Flame Administrator]]
* [[Honeybot (anime)|Honeybot]]
* [[Link Bumper (anime)|Link Bumper]]<ref group=Notes name="link">This card is obtained via [[Storm Access (anime)|Storm Access]] in [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 005|episode 5]].</ref>* [[Link Devotee (anime)|Link Devotee]]* [[Link Disciple (anime)|Link Disciple]]
* [[Link Spider (anime)|Link Spider]]
* [[Multi Sledgehammer]]* [[Powercode Talker (anime)|Powercode Talker]]<ref group=Notes name="powercode">This card is obtained via [[Storm Access (anime)|Storm Access]] in [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 028|episode 28]].</ref>* [[Recovery Sorcerer (anime)|Recovery Sorcerer]]* [[Restoration Point Guard (anime)|Restoration Point Guard]]* [[Secure Gardna (anime)|Secure Gardna]]* [[Security Dragon (anime)|Security Dragon]]* [[Space Insulator (anime)|Space Insulator]]* [[Talkback Lancer (anime)|Talkback Lancer]]* [[Transcode Talker (anime)|Transcode Talker]]<ref group=Notes name="transcode">This card is obtained via [[Storm Access (anime)|Storm Access]] in [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 042|episode 42]].</ref>* [[Underclock Taker (anime)|Underclock Taker]]* [[Vector Scare Archfiend (anime)|Vector Scare Archfiend]]<ref group=Notes name="vector">This card is obtained via [[Storm Access (anime)|Storm Access]] in [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 017|episode 17]].</ref>|spells =* [[Alert Lancer]]* [[Arrow Charge]]
* [[Battle Buffer]]
* [[Cybersal Cyclone (anime)|Cybersal Cyclone]]
* [[Cyberse Annihilation]]
* [[Cyberse Cache]]
* [[Cynet Backdoor (anime)|Cynet Backdoor]]* [[Cynet Defrag]]<ref group=Notes name="send16" />* [[Cynet Storm (anime)|Cynet Storm]]
* [[Cynet Universe (anime)|Cynet Universe]]
* [[Disconnect Linker]]
* [[Effect Cowl]]
* [[Frontline Disturbance]]
* [[Link Atrocity]]
* [[Link Processing Failure]]
* [[Linkage Hole (anime)|Linkage Hole]]
* [[Security Block (anime)|Security Block]]
* [[Spam Mail]]* [[Spool Code (anime)|Spool Code]]* [[Zero Extra Link (anime)|Zero Extra Link]]|traps =
* [[Cyberse Beacon (anime)|Cyberse Beacon]]
* [[Cyberse Shatter]]
* [[Cynet Refresh(anime)|Cynet Refresh]]* [[Doppler Phase Coating]]* [[Drop Frame Wedge]]* [[Limit Code (anime)|Limit Code]]
* [[Link Restart (anime)|Link Restart]]
* [[Link Surge Counter]]
* [[Overload Anchor]]
* [[Parallel Port Armor (anime)|Parallel Port Armor]]
* [[Recoded Alive (anime)|Recoded Alive]]
* [[Shield Handler (anime)|Shield Handler]]
* [[Three Strikes Barrier (anime)|Three Strikes Barrier]]
* [[Transaction Rollback (anime)|Transaction Rollback]]
* [[Urgent Link]]
| tokens =
* [[Congester Token (anime)|Congester Token]]
* [[Gadget Token (anime)|Gadget Token]]
* [[Link Token (anime)|Link Token]]
* [[Spool Token (anime)|Spool Token]]
* [[Stag Token (anime)|Stag Token]]
}}
====Ignis====
Prior to the events of this season, Yusaku added other support for Summoning methods to his Deck, including [[Ritual Monster]]s, [[Fusion Monster]]s, [[Synchro Monster]]s, and [[Xyz Monster]]s, in addition to support cards like "[[Cyberse Witch (anime)|Cyberse Witch]]". He also acquires "[[Linkuriboh (anime)|Linkuriboh]]" from [[Ai]], and continues to acquire new Link Monsters like "[[Clock Spartoi (anime)|Clock Spartoi]]" through "Storm Access". His Skill later evolves, becoming "[[Neo Storm Access]]", which not only allows him to add other Cyberse Extra Deck monsters to his Deck from the Data Storm, but can be used again if it was unsuccessful and he has 100 or less LP, while also allowing him to draw another card. He focuses less on his "[[Code Talker (archetype)|Code Talker]]" monsters and more on other Link Monsters and his new Summoning methods.
During his final Duel with [[Bohman]], Yusaku acquires one of the first [[Link 5 Monster Cards|Link-5]] Link Monsters, "[[Firewall Dragon Darkfluid (anime)|Firewall Dragon Darkfluid]]". Subsequently, Yusaku combines his two strategies; allowing him to build a steady field through use of multiple Summoning methods and beginning to use his "Code Talker" monsters again.
{{Decklist|Ignis
| skill =
* [[Storm Access (anime)|Storm Access]]
* [[Neo Storm Access]]
|normal monsters =
* [[Bitron (anime)|Bitron]]
* [[Digitron (anime)|Digitron]]
* [[Protron (anime)|Protron]]
|effect monsters =
* [[Backup Secretary (anime)|Backup Secretary]]
* [[Bitrooper (anime)|Bitrooper]]
* [[Boot Staggered (anime)|Boot Staggered]]
* [[Catche Eve L2 (anime)|Catche Eve L2]]
* [[Clock Wyvern (anime)|Clock Wyvern]]
* [[Code Generator (anime)|Code Generator]]
* [[Cross Debug (anime)|Cross Debug]]
* [[Cyberse Gadget (anime)|Cyberse Gadget]]
* [[Cyberse White Hat (anime)|Cyberse White Hat]]
* [[Cyberse Wizard (anime)|Cyberse Wizard]]
* [[Defcon Bird (anime)|Defcon Bird]]
* [[Degrade Buster (anime)|Degrade Buster]]
* [[Dotscaper (anime)|Dotscaper]]
* [[Dual Assembwurm (anime)|Dual Assembwurm]]
* [[Firewall Guardian (anime)|Firewall Guardian]]
* [[Flame Bufferlo (anime)|Flame Bufferlo]]
* [[Flick Clown (anime)|Flick Clown]]<ref group=Notes name="linkback">This card is [[sent]] from the top of his [[Main Deck|Deck]] to the [[GY]] via the [[card effect|effect]] of "[[Link Back (anime)|Link Back]]" in [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 067|episode 67]].</ref>
* [[Grid Sweeper (anime)|Grid Sweeper]]
* [[Launcher Commander (anime)|Launcher Commander]]<ref group=Notes name="clockdragon67">This card is [[sent]] from the top of his [[Main Deck|Deck]] to the [[GY]] via the [[card effect|effect]] of "[[Cyberse Clock Dragon (anime)|Cyberse Clock Dragon]]" in [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 067|episode 67]].</ref>
* [[Link Infra-Flier (anime)|Link Infra-Flier]]
* [[Linkslayer (anime)|Linkslayer]]
* [[Micro Coder (anime)|Micro Coder]]
* [[Poisoning Blocker]]
* [[RAM Clouder (anime)|RAM Clouder]]
* [[Sea Archiver (anime)|Sea Archiver]]
* [[SIMM Tablir (later anime)|SIMM Tablir]]
* [[Stack Reviver (anime)|Stack Reviver]]
* [[Storm Cipher (anime)|Storm Cipher]]
* [[Threshold Borg (anime)|Threshold Borg]]
* [[Trash Hacker]]
* [[Widget Kid (anime)|Widget Kid]]
|tuner monsters =
* [[Cyberse Synchron (anime)|Cyberse Synchron]] (later played with [[Cyberse Synchron (later anime)|a different effect]])
|ritual monsters =
* [[Cyberse Magician (anime)|Cyberse Magician]]
|fusion monsters =
* [[Cyberse Clock Dragon (anime)|Cyberse Clock Dragon]]
|synchro monsters =
* [[Cyberse Quantum Dragon (anime)|Cyberse Quantum Dragon]]<ref group=Notes name="cyberse">This card is obtained via [[Neo Storm Access]] in [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 073|episode 73]].</ref>
|xyz monsters =
* [[Firewall eXceed Dragon (anime)|Firewall eXceed Dragon]]<ref group=Notes name="xceed">This card is obtained via [[Neo Storm Access]] in [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 082|episode 82]].</ref>
|link monsters =
* [[Clock Lizard (anime)|Clock Lizard]]
* [[Clock Spartoi (anime)|Clock Spartoi]]<ref group=Notes name="clock">This card is obtained via [[Storm Access (anime)|Storm Access]] in [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 054|episode 54]].</ref>
* [[Code Talker (anime)|Code Talker]]
* [[Cyberse Wicckid (anime)|Cyberse Wicckid]]
* [[Cyberse Witch (anime)|Cyberse Witch]]
* [[Decode Talker (anime)|Decode Talker]]
* [[Decode Talker Extended (anime)|Decode Talker Extended]]
* [[Doublebyte Dragon (anime)|Doublebyte Dragon]]
* [[Detonate Deleter (anime)|Detonate Deleter]]
* [[Elphase (anime)|Elphase]]
* [[Encode Talker (anime)|Encode Talker]]
* [[Firewall Dragon (anime)|Firewall Dragon]]
* [[Firewall Dragon Darkfluid (anime)|Firewall Dragon Darkfluid]]
* [[Flame Administrator (anime)|Flame Administrator]]
* [[Link Devotee (anime)|Link Devotee]]
* [[Link Disciple (anime)|Link Disciple]]
* [[Link Spider (anime)|Link Spider]]
* [[Linkuriboh (anime)|Linkuriboh]]
* [[Pentestag (anime)|Pentestag]]
* [[Protocol Gardna (anime)|Protocol Gardna]]
* [[Proxy Dragon (anime)|Proxy Dragon]]
* [[Recovery Sorcerer (later anime)|Recovery Sorcerer]]
* [[Security Dragon (anime)|Security Dragon]]
* [[Shootingcode Talker (anime)|Shootingcode Talker]]<ref group=Notes name="shootingcode">This card is obtained via [[Storm Access (anime)|Storm Access]] in [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 048|episode 48]].</ref>
* [[Transcode Talker (anime)|Transcode Talker]]
* [[Tri-Gate Wizard (anime)|Tri-Gate Wizard]]
* [[Update Jammer (anime)|Update Jammer]]
* [[Zombie Prosaber]]
|spells =
* [[Cyberse Annihilation]]
* [[Cyberse Bridge]]
* [[Cyberse Pride]]
* [[Cynet Codec (anime)|Cynet Codec]]
* [[Cynet Fusion (anime)|Cynet Fusion]]
* [[Cynet Mining (anime)|Cynet Mining]]
* [[Cynet Optimization (anime)|Cynet Optimization]]
* [[Cynet Ritual (anime)|Cynet Ritual]]
* [[Decode Destruction (anime)|Decode Destruction]]
* [[Dimension Link]]
* [[Grid Rod (anime)|Grid Rod]]
* [[Link Back (anime)|Link Back]]
* [[Link Bound (anime)|Link Bound]]<ref group=Notes name="AI">This card is shown when he adds "[[Linkuriboh (anime)|Linkuriboh]]" to his [[Main Deck|Deck]] in [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 047|episode 47]].</ref>
* [[Link Drive]]
* [[Link Satellite]]
* [[One-Time Passcode (anime)|One-Time Passcode]]
* [[Resume Mace]]
* [[Spool Code (anime)|Spool Code]]
* [[Suspend Wand]]
|traps =
* [[Arrow Break]]
* [[Break & Reuse]]
* [[Cure Conversion]]
* [[Draw Discharge (anime)|Draw Discharge]]
* [[Excess Lesser Linker]]
* [[Link Cancel]]
* [[Link Ration]]
* [[Link Rush]]
* [[Packet Link (anime)|Packet Link]]<ref group=Notes name="AI" />
* [[Return Risk Reservoir]]
| tokens =
* [[Clock Token (anime)|Clock Token]]
* [[Cynet Token (anime)|Cynet Token]]
* [[Gadget Token (anime)|Gadget Token]]
* [[Link Token (anime)|Link Token]]
* [[Ration Token]]
* [[Security Token (anime)|Security Token]]
* [[Spool Token (anime)|Spool Token]]
* [[Stag Token (anime)|Stag Token]]
}}
====Ai====
Yusaku continues to build upon his combination of his "[[Code Talker (archetype)|Code Talker]]" monsters and his other Extra Deck Summons, including more cards that can support both and the cards to search the necessary monsters from his Deck. Via combining his ace monsters, he can create a lock with the effects of "[[Cyberse Magician (anime)|Cyberse Magician]]", "[[Cyberse Clock Dragon (anime)|Cyberse Clock Dragon]]", and "[[Cyberse Quantum Dragon (anime)|Cyberse Quantum Dragon]]" by controlling two of them at once in addition to a Link Monster. Prior to his Duel with [[Ai]], [[Roken Kogami|Roken]] gives him "[[Borreload Furious Dragon (anime)|Borreload Furious Dragon]]" to combat Ai's use of "[[Judgment Arrows (later anime)|Judgment Arrows]]", and Yusaku subsequently includes cards to give him the necessary materials to Fusion Summon it.
{{Decklist|Ai
|effect monsters =
* [[Backup Secretary (anime)|Backup Secretary]]
* [[Bitrooper (anime)|Bitrooper]]<ref group=Notes name="clockdragon118">This card is [[sent]] from the top of his [[Main Deck|Deck]] to the [[GY]] via the [[card effect|effect]] of "[[Cyberse Clock Dragon (later anime)|Cyberse Clock Dragon]]" in [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 118|episode 118]].</ref>
* [[Clock Wyvern (anime)|Clock Wyvern]]
* [[Cyberse Gadget (anime)|Cyberse Gadget]]
* [[Cyberse Wizard (anime)|Cyberse Wizard]]
* [[Degrade Buster (anime)|Degrade Buster]]
* [[Dotscaper (anime)|Dotscaper]]
* [[Flame Bufferlo (anime)|Flame Bufferlo]]
* [[Formud Skipper (anime)|Formud Skipper]]
* [[Garbage Collector (anime)|Garbage Collector]]
* [[L2 Cachevalier]]
* [[Linkslayer (anime)|Linkslayer]]
* [[Metal Molephosis]]
* [[Overfloater]]
* [[Parallel eXceed (anime)|Parallel eXceed]] x2
* [[Sea Archiver (anime)|Sea Archiver]]
* [[Widget Kid (anime)|Widget Kid]]
|tuner monsters =
* [[Cyberse Synchron (later anime)|Cyberse Synchron]]
|ritual monsters =
* [[Cyberse Magician (anime)|Cyberse Magician]]
|fusion monsters =
* [[Borreload Furious Dragon (anime)|Borreload Furious Dragon]]
* [[Cyberse Clock Dragon (anime)|Cyberse Clock Dragon]]
|synchro monsters =
* [[Cyberse Quantum Dragon (anime)|Cyberse Quantum Dragon]]
|xyz monsters =
* [[Firewall eXceed Dragon (anime)|Firewall eXceed Dragon]]
|link monsters =
* [[Accesscode Talker (anime)|Accesscode Talker]]
* [[Clock Spartoi (later anime)|Clock Spartoi]]
* [[Cyberse Wicckid (anime)|Cyberse Wicckid]]
* [[Cyberse Witch (anime)|Cyberse Witch]]
* [[Decode Talker (anime)|Decode Talker]]
* [[Firewall Dragon Darkfluid (anime)|Firewall Dragon Darkfluid]]
* [[Exslayer]]
* [[Linkross (anime)|Linkross]]
* [[Proxy F Magician (anime)|Proxy F Magician]]
* [[Splash Mage (anime)|Splash Mage]]
* [[Transcode Talker (later anime)|Transcode Talker]]
|spells =
* [[Cynet Backdoor (anime)|Cynet Backdoor]]<ref group=Notes name="clockdragon118" />
* [[Cynet Closure]]
* [[Cynet Fusion (anime)|Cynet Fusion]]
* [[Cynet Optimization (anime)|Cynet Optimization]]
* [[Cynet Ritual (anime)|Cynet Ritual]]
* [[Cynet Universe (anime)|Cynet Universe]]<ref group=Notes name="clockdragon118" />
* [[Drastic Draw (anime)|Drastic Draw]]
* [[Link Pressure]]
|traps =
* [[Code Hack (anime)|Code Hack]]
* [[Limit Code (anime)|Limit Code]]<ref group=Notes name="clockdragon118" />
* [[Recoded Alive (anime)|Recoded Alive]]
| tokens =
* [[Clock Token (anime)|Clock Token]]
* [[Cynet Token (anime)|Cynet Token]]
* [[Gadget Token (anime)|Gadget Token]]
* [[Link Token (anime)|Link Token]]
}}
====Card changes====
Over the course of the series, some of the cards used by Playmaker have been changed with regards to their effect or type. This is the list of cards which he used previously.
{{Decklist|
|effect monsters =
* [[SIMM Tablir (anime)|SIMM Tablir]]
|tuner monsters =
* [[Cyberse Synchron (anime)|Cyberse Synchron]]
|fusion monsters =
* [[Cyberse Clock Dragon (anime)|Cyberse Clock Dragon]]
|link monsters =
* [[Clock Spartoi (anime)|Clock Spartoi]]
* [[Recovery Sorcerer (anime)|Recovery Sorcerer]]
* [[Transcode Talker (anime)|Transcode Talker]]
|traps =
* [[Link Restart (anime)|Link Restart]]
}}
===Past===
Prior to obtaining his [[Cyberse]] Deck, Yusaku played a mash-up Deck that focused on swarming the the field with monsters to be used as [[Link Material|material]] for [[Link Summon]]s. The Deck was shown to have been quite reactive to his opponent's plays, including cards like "[[Forbidden Lance (anime)|Forbidden Lance]]".<ref name="ep64" />
{{Decklist
| effect monsters =
* [[Exarion Universe (anime)|Exarion Universe]]
* [[Marauding Captain (anime)|Marauding Captain]]
* [[Photon Thrasher (later anime)|Photon Thrasher]]
| link monsters =
* [[Gaia Saber, the Lightning Shadow (anime)|Gaia Saber, the Lightning Shadow]]
| spells =
* [[Forbidden Lance (anime)|Forbidden Lance]]
* [[Limiter Removal (later anime)|Limiter Removal]]
}}
===LIGHT===
Additionally, Yusaku has a '''[[LIGHT]]''' dummy [[Main Deck|Deck]] for situations in real life where he has to show his Deck to other [[Duelist]]s. The Deck is poorly built extremely basic in addition to using very old cards, to make it seem seems like Yusaku is an a regular untalented Duelist.<ref name="ep6" />
{{Decklist||normal monsters =
* [[Neo the Magic Swordsman (anime)|Neo the Magic Swordsman]]
|effect monsters =
* [[Hoshiningen (anime)|Hoshiningen]]
|spells =
* [[Black Pendant (anime)|Black Pendant]]
* [[Goblin's Secret Remedy (anime)|Goblin's Secret Remedy]]
|traps =
* [[Reinforcements (anime)|Reinforcements]]
* [[Trap Hole (anime)|Trap Hole]]
==Duels==
{| class="wikitable card-list"
! scope="col" | Opponent
! scope="col" | Episode(s)
! scope="col" | Outcome
|-
| Unknown Duelist || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 011|11]] || Lose (flashback)
|-
| Unknown Duelist || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 019|19]] || Lose (flashback)
|-
| Unknown Duelist || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 019|19]] || Lose (flashback)
|-
| [[Knights of Hanoi|Knight of Hanoi]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 064|64]] || Win (flashback)
|-
| [[Knights of Hanoi|Knight of Hanoi]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 001|1]] || Win
|-
| [[Knights of HanoiNumber 10 (character)|Knight of HanoiNumber 10]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 002|2]] || Win|-| [[George Gore|George Gore/The Gore]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 004|4]]-[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 005|5]] || Win|-| [[Skye Zaizen|Skye Zaizen/Blue Angel]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 007|7]] || Win|-| [[Roken Kogami|Varis]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 009|9]]-[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 010|10]] || [[DRAW]]|-| [[Roken Kogami|Varis]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 010|10]]-[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 012|12]] || Win|-| [[Emma Bessho|Emma Bessho/Ghost Gal]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 014|14]]-[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 015|15]] || Win|-| [[Prototype Green-A]] ||[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 016|16]]-[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 017|17]] || Win|-| [[Akira Zaizen]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 018|18]]-[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 020|20]] || Win
|-
| [[Go OnizukaKnights of Hanoi|Knight of Hanoi]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 004|4]]-[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 005024|524]] || Win
|-
| [[Aoi Zaizen|Aoi Zaizen/Blue AngelFaust]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 007028|728]] || Win
|-
| [[RevolverSpectre]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 009035|935]]-[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 010037|1037]] || [[DRAW]]Win
|-
| [[RevolverRoken Kogami|Roken Kogami/Varis]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 010041|1041]]-[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 012042|1242]] || WinDRAW
|-
| [[Emma BesshoRoken Kogami|Emma BesshoRoken Kogami/Ghost GirlVaris]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 014043|1443]]-[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 015046|1546]] || Win
|-
| [[Prototype Bohman]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 047|47]]-[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 048|48]] || Win|-| [[The Shepherd]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 053|53]]-[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 054|54]] || Win|-| [[Bohman]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 057|57]]-[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 058|58]] || Win|-| [[Kenchi]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 062|62]] || Win|-| [[Yozaka]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 063|63]] || Win|-| [[Earth (character)|Earth]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 066|66]]-[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 067|67]] || Win|-| [[Bohman]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 072|72]]-[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 073|73]] || DRAW|-| [[George Gore|George Gore/The Gore]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 081|81]]-[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 082|82]] || Win|-| [[Bit]][[Boot]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 086|86]] || Win|-| [[Cal Kolter]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 092|92]]-[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 093|93]] || Win|-| [[Bohman]] || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 099|99]]-[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 102|102]] || Win|-| [[Ai]] copy || [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 106|106]], [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 108|108]] || Win|-A| [[Ai]] ||[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 016117|16117]]-??? [[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS - Episode 120|120]]|| TBDWin
|}
==Trivia==
* Yusaku used every type of Summoning that had been introduced during the ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS|VRAINS]]'' series, except [[Pendulum Summon]]ing due to it not being featured.
** This makes him one of two characters to use [[Fusion Monster|Fusion]], [[Ritual Monster|Ritual]], [[Synchro Monster|Synchro]] and [[Xyz Monster]]s all together, the other being [[Ai]].
* With only 31 Duels, Yusaku has Dueled the fewest times of any anime protagonist.
* Similar to [[Jaden Yuki|Jaden]], three of Yusaku's Duels ended in a [[DRAW]].
* In early plans for ''Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS'', Yusaku was going to be a newcomer to ''Duel Monsters'', which would have fit the show's original theme of "Take a step forward and try".{{citation needed}} This was changed before the series was released.
* Yusaku is the first spin-off protagonist whose Deck centers around a newly introduced monster Type (in this case, Cyberse).
* Yusaku is the first protagonist since [[Yugi Muto|Yugi]]:
** To have three different colors in his hairstyle's design.
** Whose [[Signature card|ace monster]]'s Type is neither Warrior (like Jaden and [[Yuma Tsukumo|Yuma]]) nor Dragon (like [[Yusei Fudo|Yusei]] and [[Yuya Sakaki|Yuya]]).
** To successfully perform a [[Ritual Summon]].
* Yusaku is the first protagonist since Jaden to:
** Use [[Field Spell Card]]s in his Deck.
** Not have his father be central to the plot of his series.
** Have never been defeated by his [[Roken Kogami|rival]].
* Yusaku is the first protagonist since Yusei to:
** Use [[Normal Monster]]s in his Deck.
** Have never lost a Duel within the present main storyline.
* Yusaku is the only protagonist:
** Who has never lost a Duel to another human.
** To have neither of his parents, or any family, seen or mentioned at any point.
** Who is not a close friend of the [[Skye Zaizen|heroine]] of his series, although he does occasionally work with her.
** Who never participated in a tournament or [[Tag-Team Duel]] (unless Yusaku fighting Bit and Boot, 2 Duelists in 1 body, counts in the case of the latter).
* Yusaku has several similarities to Yusei, despite having a much harsher demeanor than the latter.
** Both have "Fu" as the first part of their surnames.
** Both are incredible hackers.
** Both have suffered great hardship in their youth.
** Both are noble and look out for others, but at the same time keep some distance from others so they don't get involved in their conflicts.
** Both commonly have Duels while riding on [[D-Board|fast]] [[Duel Runner|vehicles]].
** Both are highly intelligent and have great strategic skills in dueling that often make use of recycle tactics.
** Both have not worn anything around their necks.
** Both were once considered criminals in their series.
** Both have only lost Duels in flashbacks that take place prior to the beginning of their series.
** Both have never been turned evil at any point in their series like the other protagonists, though Yuma never actually turned evil as Astral embraced evil power and merged with him into Dark ZEXAL.
* Yusaku and Yusei also both have similar monsters in their Decks.
** Dragon-themed primary ace monsters with 2500 ATK and defensive effects that focus on protecting other cards ("Firewall Dragon" and "[[Stardust Dragon (anime)|Stardust Dragon]]").
** Warrior-themed secondary ace monsters with a DARK Attribute, 2300 ATK, and offensive effects that focus on gaining strength from other monsters ("Decode Talker" and "[[Junk Warrior (anime)|Junk Warrior]]").
** Effect Monsters that can Special Summon a Level 2 or lower monster from its controller's Graveyard in Defense Position, but with its effects negated, upon being Normal Summoned ("Cyberse Gadget" and "[[Junk Synchron (anime)|Junk Synchron]]").
** Level 1 EARTH Normal Monsters with 100 ATK and DEF ("Protron" and "[[Unicycular (anime)|Unicycular]]").
* Much like [[Sherry LeBlanc]], Yusaku has 1 or 2 people they can actually trust (in Yusaku's case, he only had Kolter). Also, both of them had a desire for vengeance against the organization that took the lives of someone important to them, despite having different backgrounds (Yusaku against The Knights of Hanoi and Sherry against [[Iliaster]]).
* Yusaku is the first character to use five different Summoning methods ([[Link Summon|Link]], Ritual, [[Fusion Summon|Fusion]], [[Synchro Summon|Synchro]], and [[Xyz Summon|Xyz]]).
* Yusaku's ace monsters with a draconic appearance have the same color scheme as the card type of that monster: "Firewall Dragon" is blue ([[Link Monster|Link]]), "Cyberse Clock Dragon" is violet ([[Fusion Monster|Fusion]]), "Cyberse Quantum Dragon" is white ([[Synchro Monster|Synchro]]) and "Firewall eXceed Dragon" is indigo, which is close to black ([[Xyz Monster|Xyz]]).
* Yusaku is the only character in the ''VRAINS'' series to use more than one Fusion Monster (albeit the second monster didn't originally belong to him).
* Like Yugi and Yuma, Yusaku dueled against his partner in the final episodes of his series. All three also used a new monster at the Duel's climax (in Yusaku's case, it was "Accesscode Talker").
** Unlike Yugi and Yuma's monsters, which represented their own individual strength, Yusaku's seems to represent his bond with Ai (hinted in the summoning chant).
** All three have used cards that can be seen with deep meaning behind them and were key in their victory. For Yusaku, it was "Recoded Alive" which was also used to defeat Varis in both of their Master Duels. Of the three, Yusaku's is the only one to be a Trap instead of a Spell.
** Also unlike Yugi and Yuma, Yusaku used a [[Borreload Furious Dragon (anime)|card]] that was not his for his final Duel. Although his was given to him, rather than offered.
* Each of Yusaku's four non-Link ace monsters has at least one gameplay difference from the other three.
** "Cyberse Magician": The only one to not be a Dragon-themed Extra Deck monster (instead being a Spellcaster-themed Main Deck monster).
** "Cyberse Clock Dragon": The only one to require a specific monster as part of its Summon method (in this case, "Clock Wyvern"), and to have an effect that activates upon its Summoning.
** "Cyberse Quantum Dragon": The only one to not have an effect that increases its ATK.
** "Firewall eXceed Dragon": The only one to not be a Level 7 monster from the "[[Cyber]]" archetype (instead being a Rank 4 monster from the "[[Firewall (archetype)|Firewall]]" archetype), and to not have an effect that protects other monsters from attacks or card effects while a Link Monster is on the field.
==References==
<references group="Notes" />
{{Yusaku Fujiki pages}}
{{Characters/VRAINS/Anime}}
[[Category:Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS characters]]