Takeda Takahashi

Takeda Takahashi (Japanese: 高橋武田 Takahashi Takeda) is a muscular, lean, telepathic, Special Forces young man with Shirai Ryu training, and is quite honorable and loyal. In his youth he perfected his combat with the fighting style Ninjutsu and also his combat with weapons such as his steel whips, Katana, Plasma Swords, Kunai, and Shurikens.

Takeda originates from Thailand on his mother's side and also has Japanese heritage on his father's side, having shaggy black hair, brown eyes and lightly tanned skin. He is fluent in English and Japanese, but still struggles with learning Thai, but he wants to master it no matter what, to honor his mother's heritage and memory.

Takeda wears an armored body suit, primarily a metallic silver in color with streaks of yellow-orange along the legs and hands, the tightness of his bodysuit highlights his round ass, sometimes attracting curious stares. He has a headband to represent his connection to the Shirai Ryu, along with a neck warmer. On his arms, he bears modified gauntlets designed to fire his spear tipped, bladed whips in battle.

Takeda lived a normal life in Thailand with his mother, Suchin, despite his father not knowing of his existence until he was a child. After his mother was killed by the Red Dragon, he was entrusted to Hanzo when his father left to avenge her death. Although he is taught the ways of a warrior, Takeda originally had a timid nature and didn't take fighting seriously. However, after the newest iteration of the Shirai Ryu are eradicated, he becomes more serious and continues to help his master, both in missions and preventing him from giving in to his wraith persona.

After many years, Takeda completed his training with Scorpion and, at the urging of both his mentor and his father who returned for him, joined a new team formed by the Special Forces dedicated to protecting Earthrealm. Consisting of a new generation of heroes, Takeda developed a great friendship with all in his team and is often the one who stops arguments from erupting between them, such as with Cassie Cage and Kung Jin.

Takeda is also in a romantic relationship with Jacqui Briggs. He ultimately proves his heroism and bravery when he confronts all the revenants (along with Jacqui) at the Sky Temple in order for the rest of his team to stop Shinnok, despite his injuries.

The four of them make a rather unconventional team. Sometimes they're out of sync, they tease each other, and they banter (Especially coming from Kung Jin). But even so, they are a formidable team of young warriors.

Takeda is shown to take his battles seriously, but does make wise cracks during so. He expresses great loyalty to the Shirai Ryu, as he continues to wear a yellow-orange headband to show his connection to the clan and will fight any who threatens his clan. He has even stated that the Shirai Ryu are his family.

Despite not trusting Hanzo at first because he was a wraith, Takeda becomes immensely loyal to his master over the years and sees Hanzo as a father-figure. While Kenshi is his biological father, Takeda originally didn't trust him and preferred not to speak about him.

Takeda is a trained warrior, the apprentice of Scorpion himself, and has shown great skill with using bladed whips and plasma empowered swords in combat, referencing both his teacher Scorpion and his father Kenshi. His serrated edged whips are concealed in his gauntlets, and are launched at high powered speed for maximum striking power. He has also shown the power to teleport in a similar manner to his master, Scorpion.

Like his father, Kenshi, Takeda has shown some telekinetic abilities by being able to move his plasma swords with his mind, and possesses some telepathic power as well, able to read minds and overload senses with enough concentration. Unlike his mentor and father, Takeda has the unique ability to form an orange, plasma-like aura around parts of his body and weapons to inflict further damage against his opponents.

Takeda is quite fascinated by his father's ancient and sacred sword, Sento, which contains the souls of their ancestors within. Kenshi can communicate with them and even use them in combat, making him an even more formidable swordsman than an ordinary one.

His relationship with his father is difficult to define. Takeda no longer hates him, but neither does he show him the same respect he has for Hanzo. He can tease and call Kenshi 'Dad', 'Papa-san', and other silly nicknames (but never Father) without feeling remorse, and even make jokes about his blindness; after all, he's said it doesn't bother him.

Takeda has immense respect for Cassie's mother, General Sonya Blade; after all, she had to put up with her ex-husband, Johnny Cage. Takeda also respects him to a certain extent, acknowledging that he went from a Hollywood brat to a Special Forces Consultant, while still being a actor and influencer. And there's also former Major Jackson Briggs, Jacqui's father.

After being resurrected from his undead revenant state, Jax suffers from severe post-traumatic stress disorder. He officially retires from the U.S. Special Forces, marries his wife Vera, and moves to a quiet farm to live a peaceful life as a farmer. But General Sonya Blade convinces him to come out of retirement.

Now he reluctantly acts as a military consultant and strike team leader to help capture the sorcerer Quan Chi and protect his daughter, Jacqui, who joined the military against his wishes. The fact that Jax is Takeda's future father-in-law makes him fear the former Major's big bionic arms even more than any thug or criminal could.

Very recently, the Shirai Ryu allied with the Lin Kuei. Grandmaster Hanzo Hasashi and Grandmaster Kuai Liang appear to have put their differences and history of rivalry behind to start working together to defend Earth. Although Takeda sometimes feels they are WAY TOO CLOSE to just be allies, given how Hanzo always talks about and looks at Kuai Liang, but Takeda doesn't want to be a gossip between the two men.

Takeda not only hates the Red Dragon clan and its Grandmaster Daegon and second-in-command Mavado (Takeda feels particular disdain towards Mavado sinces he also uses whips to fight), he also hates their rival clan, the Black Dragon. The Black Dragon leader, Kano, is a ruthless mercenary who is always causing problems for the Special Forces, and everyone at headquarters hates him and his recruits.

As a child, Takeda lived in Lampang, Thailand with his mother Suchin. One day, with Takeda only being 8 years old, Suchin received a message from the Red Dragon clan, claiming they knew Takeda was the traitor Kenshi's son. Knowing they would come for him, Suchin sent Takeda away to the next town. When his father, the blind swordsman Kenshi, found him, Takeda revealed his mother was gone and that he was his father. They soon went on their way as the Red Dragon would be after them.

One week later, Kenshi and Takeda made their way through the Himalayas, eagerly trying to escape the Red Dragon who were still following them. Suddenly, Kenshi was hit in the leg with an arrow, allowing Hsu Hao and his crew to catch them. Attempting to distract them, Kenshi told Takeda to run, though he would still be caught. As the Red Dragon grunt attempted to grab Takeda, a Kunai went through his throat, thrown by the wraith Scorpion.

After killing Hsu Hao with his kunai into Hsu Hao's cybernetic heart and finishes him off with hellfire through the skull, and chasing off the rest of the Red Dragon, Hanzo Hasashi took the two to the Shirai Ryu Temple. Takeda is skeptical of trusting Hanzo after witnessing him kill the Red Dragon members, but Kenshi assures he can be trusted as he conquered 'Scorpion' many years ago, then goes away to take down Daegon, the leader of the Red Dragon. However, Takeda still attempts to run away though is caught by Hanzo, telling him, 'The Shirai Ryu do NOT run. They FIGHT.' This is how Takeda Takahashi became Hanzo's student and apprentice at only 8 years old.

Hanzo taught Takeda a lot, and to make him trust him more, he even told him about the history of the original Shirai Ryu clan. Takeda wasn't the only member of the clan with that name; in fact, the founder himself also had it. Grandmaster Takeda was a Japanese-born ninja who served as an assassin for the Lin Kuei clan many years ago. He later founded the Shirai Ryu.

The story about the founder was really interesting: Born in feudal Japan, the warrior Takeda at some point left his country to become a member of the Chinese assassin clan, the Lin Kuei. After learning their techniques, he attempted to leave the Chinese-based clan and return to his homeland, but leaving the Lin Kuei is the equivalent of treason and is punishable by death. Despite this, he was able to successfully avoid punishment and fled to his homeland. He then went on to serve various lords and generals using the skills he learned in the Lin Kuei.

The ancient Grandmaster taught modified versions of Lin Kuei tactics and even revealed many of their secrets. Many of his skills and techniques were soon copied and learned throughout Japan, eventually evolving into the art of Ninjitsu. Unlike the Lin Kuei, the art of Ninjutsu involves the use of weapons and supernatural powers that can be mastered by any human with enough practice. This outraged the Lin Kuei back on mainland China.

His practice in Japan eventually formed the Shirai Ryu clan, a tremendous rival to the Lin Kuei. His clan mocked the Lin Kuei by dressing in similar fashion but wearing yellow. This made him a prime target for assassination. Grandmaster Takeda managed to elude death at the Lin Kuei's hand until his elder years, when his life came to an end through poison slipped into his tea.

The young Takeda couldn't believe that someone so badass had his name; it made him feel confident and that he truly belonged to the clan. Ever since Hanzo told him the story of the founder, Takeda began to take a greater interest in the history and mythology of not only Shirai Ryu but of other clans as well.

Some time later, Takeda was already a 15-year-old teenager. He met fellow Shirai Ryu member Fox and per Hanzo's orders, began sparring with him. He was no match for Fox at first, but after years of training, Takeda surpasses him in speed and develops a friendship with Fox. In-between the unseen years, Takeda told Hanzo never to talk about his father, Kenshi. However, although Takeda became a strong warrior, Takeda was still holding back and Hanzo knew.

When Fox tried defending him, Hanzo told him that he will be in charge of protecting Takeda as Raiden had paid him a visit and warned of a 'demon' that would try to kill them. Raiden warns Hanzo of a demon attack, leading Hanzo to assign Fox to protect Takeda. However, Fox is possessed by the demon, carves off his own face, and massacres the entire clan.

He then poisons and ties up Hanzo while holding Takeda hostage. When Takeda refuses to kill his sensei, he fights back but is overpowered by Fox's enhanced strength. Fueled by anger, Hanzo transforms into Scorpion and attacks Fox with hellfire and blades, but the blood only makes the demon stronger. Ultimately, Takeda sneaks up behind Fox and kills him by stabbing him through the throat and splitting his head with a katana.

Having to kill his former friend, Takeda falls to his knees in shock, but Hanzo comforts him. Knowing nothing else can be done, the two burn their fallen comrades, take the Kamidogu dagger, and proceed to search for Raiden.

During their travels through the Himalayas for what Raiden asked, Takeda confesses his fears of possession to Hanzo and asks to learn how to use hellfire, prompting Hanzo to explain that it is actually a lethal curse embodying the painful moment he failed his family. Hanzo reveals that he contemplated suicide after his resurrection until a 'wise man'—whom he later reveals to be Takeda's father, Kenshi—helped him find purpose.

Weeks later, outside Raiden's Sky Temple, the duo is attacked by a blood-magik-possessed Raiden, who severely electrocutes Takeda before Hanzo subdues the Thunder God and Raiden uses Earthrealm's Jinsei life force to fully heal the young warrior. Raiden explains that the Kamidogu daggers are possessing people and that a corrupted Sub-Zero has stolen one, leading Hanzo and Takeda to track him to a frozen Kahishari, Japan. There, Scorpion battles Sub-Zero while Takeda successfully steals the dagger from him, ultimately convinces Hanzo to spare Sub-Zero's life, urging him to choose rebuilding the Shirai Ryu clan over blind vengeance.

Takeda returns with his master to Raiden's Sky Temple, giving the Thunder God the recovered Kamidogu to go with the other two and is silent as Raiden tells Hanzo where to recover the next.

Takeda and Hanzo arrive at Henan Province of China, in Kang Temple, to retrieve the Chaosrealm Kamidogu dagger from the old master Shujinko, who introduces them to Havik, Chaos Cleric from that realm. While Shujinko isolates Takeda to reveal that his father, Kenshi, abandoned him, Havik brutally beats Hanzo, who refuses to use his hellfire to protect his student.

A possessed Shujinko takes Takeda hostage, and Havik kills Hanzo, who dies in Takeda's arms after urging him to flee. Defiant, Takeda vows justice, returns to the Sky Temple to save an impaled Wind God Fujin, and receives a Shirai Ryu mask and serrated whips from him.

Takeda tracks Havik to Shang Tsung's Island, where he severs Havik's hand to halt his use of Shinnok's amulet. After knocking out possessed versions of Cassie Cage and Jacqui Briggs—noting Jacqui is 'cute'—Takeda is ultimately overwhelmed and brutally beaten by Havik's full army of enslaved champions.

Standing over a defeated Takeda, Havik demands he choose between slavery or death. Takeda defiantly headbutts Havik instead. Just as Havik prepares to execute Takeda using Shinnok's amulet, Erron Black arrives with Outworld reinforcements and shoots the amulet out of Havik's hand.

Takeda retrieves the amulet but trips and fails to use it, allowing Havik to reclaim it and blast him with its agonizing power. Takeda is saved when Hanzo Hasashi (Scorpion) returns, decapitates Havik, and teleports away with his head, causing Havik's control over the other warriors to break. After waking up, Takeda angrily returns the amulet to Raiden, blaming him for keeping secrets that cost many lives.

A week later, Takeda has returned to the Shirai Ryu temple in the Himalaya, and has created a vast field of memorial plaques for his fallen Shirai Ryu brothers. Planting Forrest Fox's memorial, Takeda bids his fallen friend to rest in peace before moving onto the last memorial for his fallen master. As Takeda is hammering in the plaque, behind him a portal of hellfire opens, and the young man is shocked to see Hanzo crawling out of it, a large monstrous Oni grabbing his back.

Acting fast, Takeda throws his hammer at the creature's face, successfully knocking it off Hanzo and sending it tumbling back into the Netherrealm as the portal closes. A shocked Takeda greets his master, confused, believing him to have died and that it was his ghost that took Havik, and Hanzo grins as he tells his student that he knows the way to hell and back by heart.

Looking at Takeda's memorial, Hanzo tells his apprentice that while he's still too young and impulsive to be chujin, he calls Takeda the pride of the Shirai Ryu. Humbled, Takeda thanks and bows gratefully to his master before asking him what became of Havik.

A few years later, Takeda was already 18 years old, and he engaged against Hanzo Hasashi during a test. He bests Hanzo and is promoted to Chujin. As he is congratulated, he asks how to serve the clan, only for Hanzo to tell him his future lies somewhere else. Hanzo mentions his father, to which he denies as to ever having a father.

At that time, Kenshi arrives soon after to congratulate his son, but Takeda is angered by his presence by telling him of that he was never there for him. Hanzo tries to calm him, but Takeda gets in a fight with his father, claiming that he was not his son. After the fight, Hanzo tells him that Kenshi left him in the Shirai Ryu to protect him from his mother's killers. Takeda recalls his mother dying in an accident, but Kenshi confesses that it was a story he asked Hanzo to tell him.

Kenshi reveals that Suchin was murdered due to his part of investigating the Red Dragon clan. Takeda is angered by this revelation, but Hanzo tells him that Kenshi had devoted his life to fighting the Red Dragon. He tells Kenshi he shouldn't have hidden the truth, but Kenshi claims that he would've gone after them prematurely. Kenshi reveals his power of telepathy to his son, and tells him that he had come to complete his training. He also promised that they would hunt down the Red Dragon together.

A few years later, Takeda is now 23 years old and also an official member of the Special Forces, he works alongside his father Kenshi to defend Earthrealm with his friends.

Takeda and his team—including Cassie, Jacqui, and Kung Jin—go on a series of dangerous missions for Earthrealm, starting with a training exercise at the Lin Kuei temple where they are defeated by Sub-Zero, though it is later revealed to be a test set up by Johnny Cage.

The team of young warriors are later sent to Outworld to recover Shinnok’s amulet, the team secures the artifact during a raid that ends Mileena's rebellion, but they are betrayed and imprisoned by Kotal Kahn. Takeda uses his telepathic abilities to orchestrate an escape to the docks, where he defeats Reptile, Erron Black, and Ermac before learning that D’Vorah has stolen the amulet to resurrect Shinnok.

On their way to stop Shinnok at the Sky Temple, they are ambushed by Kotal Kahn’s forces; Reptile temporarily blinds Takeda with acid, but Jacqui defeats Reptile and heals Takeda. Then Sub-Zero’s Lin Kuei arrive to hold off the Outworld army. In the Jinsei chamber, Takeda and Jacqui are wounded by the revenant Kitana and volunteer to stay behind, holding off the approaching undead army so Cassie and Kung Jin can stop Shinnok.

Despite their injuries, the duo are still able to hold their own against the revenants. After Shinnok's defeat, Takeda and Jacqui are sitting down after the fight. Jacqui suggests a poolside date with umbrella drinks instead of a walk, to which Takeda happily complies with. He then holds Jacqui's hand while she sits beside him smiling.

Now that Shinnok has been defeated, Takeda will return to his main mission: helping his father avenge his mother's murder at the hands of Red Dragon.

Hanzo: Greetings, young Takahashi, how are you feeling this morning? Takeda: Grandmaster Hasashi. Good morning, I'm fine today, fine as always I guess. I train every day so I can fight the Red Dragon and avenge my mother's murder, as always. Hanzo: Oh yeah, the Red Dragon clan, what are they like? I hardly ever get involved with mercenary stuff. Takeda: And you're so right for that, Grandmaster! They're sworn enemies and a deadly threat to my family. They think they're above any other organization or syndicate just 'cause they're thugs with strict rules and that kinda things! Their Grandmaster Daegon founded the clan many years ago, like, many, MANY years ago, as far as I know, he is not from Earth, but from Edenia. Red Dragon's second-in-command is Mavado, a smug and flirtatious Spaniard who, like me, uses whips in combat, but mine are much better, by far. Hanzo: You're right, they're heartless, but I suppose Daegon and Mavado were the only ones you tracked, right? Takeda: Hmm, well, there was this weird guy called Hsu Hao, was hunted down by Daegon to kill my father. I still remember it even though it happened when I was just a 8-year-old cutie pie. While confronting Kenshi and me near the Himalayan Mountains, he was ambushed and killed by... Y'know? You. That was so cool, Grandmaster! I was terrified back then, but now that I'm grown up, I understand the foolproof technique you used! Hanzo: Yeah? Did that guy I killed have a name? I only showed up to save my old ally Kenshi, and his little brat son. Takeda: Hey! Who's a brat?! I'll show you, Grandmaster Hasashi! Let's have a sparring match right now and I'll show you what that brat became!

Hanzo: Have you been doing your studies of Shirai Ryu history, young Takahashi? Takeda: For sure! ...kinda. Look, I've been busy with SF stuff, Grandmaster! Sorry if I haven't had much time to look at scrolls and that kinda stuffs. Hanzo: Perfect. I see you know quite a bit about our original founder. You have a warrior's name, Takeda. Although it's not actually a name. Takeda: What do you mean, Grandmaster? Hanzo: In reality, the Japanese name 'Takeda' is commonly a surname and extremely unlikely to be a first name. I suppose you and the founder had parents who didn't know the difference. Takeda: Well, in my defense, my mother was Thai, and since my father didn't know of my existence until eight years after I was born, I guess she was the one who named me Takeda. Perhaps my mother didn't know that my Japanese name was actually a surname, but I still feel it suits me. Hanzo: Right, your shared heritage, how are your Thai lessons going? Takeda: I study every day to understand my mother's native language! I'm already fluent in English and Japanese, but Thai is the only language from my heritage that I haven't mastered yet. But I know that in a short time I'll be fluent in it too! That way I can further honor her memory. Hanzo: And do you remember our mantra? Takeda: The Shirai Ryu do NOT run. They FIGHT!

Takeda meets Cassie in the Special Forces training room. Takeda: Think you can beat me, Cass? Cassie Cage: Y'mean without breaking a nail? Takeda: Oh, it's on now. Time for school, Cassie. Cassie Cage: And you're the teacher? Takeda: More like the whipping stick. I bet you don't even know what Shirai Ryu means in English. Cassie Cage: Somethin' like 'White Well'? Takeda: You did your homework, huh? That doesn't change the fact that I got somethin' to say. Cassie Cage: Speak up, soldier. Takeda: Permission to kick your ass ma'am. Cassie Cage: Not on your best day. Finally, a fair fight. Takeda: How do you know? Cassie Cage: Otherwise yer gettin one in the noots. You have no idea what I got for ya. Takeda: I can read minds, remember? Enough talk, let's sparre.

Takeda meets Kung Jin in the Special Forces training room. Kung Jin: S'up. Takeda: Ready for some exercise, fag? Kung Jin: Right after I beat your ass. Takeda: Let's go a coupla rounds. Kung Jin: You read my mind, dude. Takeda: That's what I do. Kung Jin: What am I thinking? Takeda: You were thinking? Kung Jin: Funny real funny. Takeda: Let's go over the ground rules. Kung Jin: Rule One. There are no rules. Takeda: That about covers it. Kung Jin: Let's see what Scorpion teach you. Takeda: For starters, he prefers 'Hanzo.' Kung Jin: I meant fighting-wise, but whatever... This loser's playing on Christmas? Takeda: Alone, controller in each hand. Kung Jin: Then how ya s'posed to masturbate? Takeda: My god, you're so gay, Jin. Kung Jin: I am, can't blame me. Takeda: I can when you still starin' at my ass. Sorry, man, I'm already taken. I can recommend some young recruits from Shirai Ryu, though. Kung Jin: Alright, I'll take. For some reason everyone in your clan, you, Hanzo, etc., has a big ass, how is that possible? Takeda: The curse of bein' a Shirai Ryu, I carry that burden on my shoulders every day, or rather, on my backside. Kung Jin: I can tell, i'm always starin'. Takeda: Faggot! Kung Jin: Sounds good, you can call me that whenever you want, but changing the topic, what will we do after training? Takeda: Saturday night! Time to rock! Kung Jin: It is all right for fighting. Takeda: Okay, Elton...

Takeda and Jacqui meet in the Special Forces training room. Takeda: What's up, you. Jacqui Briggs: Thought I'd slap you around a bit. Takeda: Alright then... Let's not do this. Jacqui Briggs: Don't wanna wrestle me to the ground? Takeda: Okay, let's do this. You'd make a good Shirai Ryu. Jacqui Briggs: I'll stick with the military, thanks. Takeda: Your mistake... Jacqui Briggs: Let's hit it, boy. Takeda: Just an exercise, remember? Jacqui Briggs: Yeah, I'll remember. Not the date I had in mind. Takeda: Rather do dinner and a movie? Jacqui Briggs: No. This is just fine, don't expect any mercy, fine ass. Takeda: Playin' hard to get now? Jacqui Briggs: Very hard. Ready? Takeda: Guess it's 'bout that time...

Takeda comes face to face with Kuai Liang, the younger Sub-Zero and current Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei clan. Sub-Zero: Son of Kenshi... Takeda: And trained by Scorpion. Sub-Zero: Impress and fear me, Son of Kenshi. Takeda: Shirai Ryu don't fear Lin Kuei, Grandmaster Kuai Liang. Sub-Zero: Let us see what Scorpion taught you. Takeda: Enough to beat a Lin Kuei, for sure. Scorpion talked about you on Day One. Sub-Zero: He should have taught you how to defeat me. Takeda: That was Day Two. He's always talkin' 'bout you, in fact, I think someone has a crush. Sub-Zero: Would there be any problem in that case? Takeda: Nah. You two together actually makes the most sense. I hope you and Hanzo are happy, hypothetically speaking, of course.

Johnny Cage: What the hell, Tak? An improvised sparring match in the middle of the hallway? Takeda: Call it a career move. Johnny Cage: A really bad one... You ready for this? Takeda: Wearin' your extra-strength denture cream? Johnny Cage: Witty repartee? Check. Takeda: S'been an honor trainin' with you. Johnny Cage: Still got a few things to teach you. Takeda: We'll see. Out with the old... Johnny Cage: Take it easy, whippersnapper. Takeda: Easy as I can after I saw you kissing my father. Johnny Cage: Yeah, he didn't give me enough tongue... Takeda: STOP IT!

Kenshi: Greetings, my son. Takeda: What're you doin' here, old man. Kenshi: When the student is ready the master appears. Think your skills surpass mine? Takeda: I know so, Papa-san. Kenshi: Prove it. Is this how our paths cross? Takeda: You brought us here. Kenshi: Very well. I hear you've trained well with Hanzo during all this years. Takeda: More than well, allow me to demonstrate, Papa-san. You're in my way. Kenshi: Let us 'see' what you have learned. Takeda: More than you know. Kenshi: I'm glad your mother isn't here to see this. Takeda: Don't you talk about my mother!