Manabu Sougetsu

Manabu is serious, diligent and strongly committed to rules. He takes MIK regulations literally and initially approaches unfamiliar aliens from the perspective of an officer responsible for protecting Earth.

His strict demeanor is balanced by an earnest and occasionally excitable side. Chemistry is a genuine passion for him, and his enthusiasm becomes particularly obvious when a Duel gives him an opportunity to explain or demonstrate scientific concepts.

Manabu's experiences with Yudias and other aliens gradually complicate his rigid understanding of MIK's mission. Personal friendships increasingly force him to consider whether following institutional orders is always the same thing as doing what is right.

Manabu is trained as an MIK officer and works with Nyandestar to locate and monitor extraterrestrials. He understands alien regulations and participates directly in operations involving potentially dangerous visitors.

His FIRE Chemistry Deck primarily uses Pyro monsters and cards based on chemical reactions. Chemicalize Salamander can weaken an opponent's monster by returning cards from Manabu's Graveyard to the Deck, supporting an attrition-based strategy.

As his Deck develops, Manabu incorporates additional chemical concepts and stronger monsters. He later gains the Maximum Monster Blazebolt Chemistorm Fenghuang Volcalize Phoenix through his position within MIK, substantially increasing his Deck's offensive power.

Manabu arrives at UTS with Nyandestar while investigating Yudias's presence on Earth. His insistence on applying MIK rules leads directly to a Rush Duel with the newly arrived Velgearian.

Although initially an obstacle, Manabu becomes a recurring friend and rival to the UTS group. His position within MIK allows him to provide information and official assistance while also creating tension whenever his organization's priorities conflict with theirs.

That conflict becomes severe after Phaser Ryugu takes control of MIK and begins using Maximum monsters and the Relic to turn defeated people into cards. Manabu initially remains within the organization but ultimately confronts the consequences of its increasingly extreme methods.

Nyandestar is Manabu's regular MIK partner. The two patrol together, investigate extraterrestrials and frequently balance one another's contrasting personalities.

Yudias Velgear begins as an alien Manabu is assigned to investigate. Their first Rush Duel develops into a lasting friendship and rivalry.

Yuhi Ohdo and Yuamu Ohdo become Manabu's allies through UTS, although his responsibilities to MIK occasionally place him at odds with both.

Phaser Ryugu becomes Manabu's superior within MIK. [The increasingly authoritarian direction imposed by Phaser Ryugu forces Manabu to confront the conflict between institutional loyalty and his friendships.](#spoiler)

Maguto Sougetsu is another member of the Sougetsu family and becomes directly involved with Manabu during later events.