Budo was originally part of an extensive team of recruits vying for a spot on the G.I.Joe team. After brutal training Budo, Repeater and Lightfoot were the only ones to graduate.
Hours after their official graduation, the trio were called in to assist in a nearby Cobra attack. This caused problems as the three thought this might be yet another test from the Joe team. Budo uses his skill with the sword to take out several Cobra troopers.
Later Budo is seen defending the Fort Wadsworth Joe HQ from a small Cobra infiltration team.