Unleashing Dragon's Fortune: Kiryu Faces an Unbeatable Quest for Limitless Wealth

Highlights

Kiryu's return in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth may be his last hurrah, as the trailer reveals he is battling terminal cancer.

Despite enduring grueling battles and seemingly insurmountable situations, Kiryu now faces a unique challenge in his battle against cancer.

Kiryu's inclusion as a playable character in the game is a bittersweet opportunity, as it hints at his potential farewell from the series due to his illness.

The Dragon of Dojima, Kazuma Kiryu, may be nearing the end of his time in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Reprising his role as a playable protagonist alongside Ichiban Kasuga, Kiryu faces his toughest battle yet. Despite his limited role in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, fans are eager to witness the unfolding dynamic between these two heroes. However, the latest game trailer reveals a formidable foe that even Kiryu may struggle to defeat.

Throughout the Like a Dragon series, a mix of wacky, over-the-top elements and somber, gritty crime drama has been the hallmark. But in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, the series takes a darker turn. The recent story trailer unveils a shocking twist - Kiryu has been diagnosed with cancer, with uncertain time left. Despite his history of surviving intense battles and persevering in the face of defeat, cancer proves to be a formidable enemy. This might truly mark the end of Kiryu's heroic journey.

What Kiryu's Cancer Could Mean for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Fans of the Like a Dragon series are well acquainted with Kiryu's remarkable ability to survive situations that would be impossible for the average person. Throughout his journey, the Dragon of Dojima has faced off against the toughest opponents in the Yakuza world, battled mobs of enemies, and miraculously endured numerous bullet wounds, stab wounds, and explosions. However, even the seemingly invincible Kiryu finds himself at a significant disadvantage in his battle against cancer, potentially signaling his final appearance in the Like a Dragon series.

Following the events of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, it appeared that Kiryu's story had come to an end as he faked his own death to safeguard his loved ones from his enemies. The subsequent release, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, introduced Ichiban Kasuga as a fresh protagonist for the series, symbolically passing the torch to the next generation with Kiryu making a brief cameo. Nevertheless, the return of Kiryu in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth presents a bittersweet scenario. On one hand, he is once again a playable protagonist, but on the other hand, his battle with cancer suggests that this appearance may serve as one final adventure for the beloved character.

Based on the trailer, it appears that Kiryu's illness is terminal, as shown by him coughing up blood and being rushed to the hospital, indicative of advanced-stage cancer. He expresses his desire to support Kasuga with the time he has left, and another scene features Goro Majima suggesting that if Kiryu can't overcome cancer, nobody can. These indications strongly suggest that Kiryu may meet his demise in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, with survival being unlikely.

Despite developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's previous plans to bring back Kiryu in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth since the development of Yakuza 6, the series has seemingly wanted to move away from his story for some time now. Despite having multiple opportunities to retire and pass the torch to Kasuga, Kiryu always finds himself being pulled back into conflicts. It appears that the only way for the series to truly move on from Kiryu is through his death, with cancer posing as the formidable opponent he cannot conquer.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is set to release on January 26, 2024, for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.