The first half of the season begins with Jaden arriving as a freshman and being placed into the Slifer Red dorm. Jaden makes new friends and settles into his new life at the Academy. Despite getting low grades in class, he is recognized as a strong duelist by his peers. During the second half of the season, Jaden is selected to be one of the "Keykeepers", seven duelists who are charged with the duty of preventing the powerful Sacred Beast cards from falling into evil hands. The season ends with Jaden dueling against Zane Truesdale, the top student in the school.