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