Shobu Kirifuda is the first and longest appearing central protagonist of the anime and manga series. He was replaced by his younger brother, Katta Kirifuda in the Victory and Versus Saga and later on, his nephew Joe Kirifuda in the new generation. Years before Katta's dueling era, he disappeared in the climax of a war against Adam without any memories of Duel Masters. He eventually returned in the Versus Saga to assist his brother under the shadows and later on his nephew in certain circumstances as a recurring character of the series.