Roa Kirishima

Roa is charismatic, calculating and intensely ambitious. He knows how to perform for an audience and presents himself as a confident band leader, but he is equally comfortable manipulating circumstances behind the scenes when doing so advances his goals.

His desire to become the King of Duels initially makes him possessive of Rush Dueling. Rather than simply proving himself against Yuga, he devises a multi-stage plan intended to take control of the format and uses his knowledge of his opponents' weaknesses to choose favorable matchups.

Roa is nevertheless a genuinely talented duelist and musician. As he becomes less dependent on manipulation, his competitive confidence increasingly rests on his own abilities rather than carefully engineered advantages.

Roa uses a Royal Demon's Deck whose monsters combine demonic imagery with musical terminology. His strategy makes extensive use of Tribute Summoning, particularly effects that become stronger when high-Level monsters are summoned by Tributing other high-Level monsters.

Royal Demon's Heavymetal is his signature monster. When Tribute Summoned under the correct conditions, it can destroy a lower-Level opposing monster and gain ATK equal to that monster's original ATK, allowing Roa to produce enormous swings in momentum.

He is also an accomplished vocalist and band leader. RoaRomin's popularity gives him substantial influence among students, and he is comfortable performing before large crowds.

Roa begins monitoring Rush Duels through Romin after Yuga successfully installs the new rules into Goha's network. He eventually invites Yuga and his friends to a RoaRomin concert at Seven Hells Hall and challenges them to a three-on-three series with control of Rush Dueling at stake.

His preparations are extensive. Roa arranges opponents specifically suited to exploit the weaknesses of Lucidien "Luke" Kallister and Gakuto Sogetsu, while planning to face Yuga personally in the deciding Duel.

Roa's attempt to have Yuga disqualified through Sevens Road Magician fails when the truth surrounding the card is exposed, and Yuga defeats him. Their rivalry continues afterward, but Roa gradually becomes an ally rather than someone seeking to take Rush Duels through manipulation.

Romin Kirishima is Roa's cousin, guitarist and most important bandmate. Roa initially pressures Romin Kirishima into gathering information about Rush Duels and exploits a personal secret to keep her cooperating. Their relationship improves as he learns to value her choices rather than simply treating her as part of his plans.

Yuga Ohdo is Roa's principal Dueling rival. Roa wants the position of King of Duels that he associates with Yuga Ohdo and initially attempts to take control of Rush Dueling from him.

Getta Taira is Roa's drummer and a fiercely loyal admirer, while Ushiro Omaeno plays bass in RoaRomin. Roa relies on both musicians during his early schemes surrounding Rush Duels.

Otes inspires Roa's ambition to become King of Duels after Roa witnesses him at the Goha Dueling Tournament. Roa resents that Otes chose Yuga Ohdo rather than him to receive Sevens Road Magician.