Unveiling Kenshi's Epic Destiny in Mortal Kombat 1's Alternate Universe

In the past thirty years, the Mortal Kombat universe has seen numerous fighters come and go. While a few have achieved iconic status, many others have been forgotten. However, Kenshi Takahashi, despite making his appearance towards the end of the 3D era, has become a prominent figure in the franchise. He has featured in most of the recent NetherRealm games, including a significant role in the upcoming Mortal Kombat 1.

Taking place in a fresh timeline created by Fire God Liu Kang, Mortal Kombat 1 will bring players back to the origins of the series, just before the events of the original Mortal Kombat trilogy. However, with Liu Kang in control instead of Kronika, there will be some notable differences this time. While familiar characters like Raiden, Kung Lao, Johnny Cage, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Mileena, and Kitana are present, their backstories have been significantly altered. Kenshi Takahashi is no exception, although certain major life events may still hold true across all timelines.

What Kenshi's Canon Events Could Be In Mortal Kombat 1

In the original Mortal Kombat storyline, Kenshi Takahashi is renowned as a skilled swordsman, constantly engaging in duels to boost his own sense of pride and self-worth. One fateful day, an elderly man informs Kenshi about an ancient, immensely powerful sword known as Sento. Intrigued, Kenshi accompanies the old man to a cave where the sword is believed to be housed. However, unsuspectingly, Kenshi unwittingly opens a portal that unleashes a swarm of souls. These souls blind Kenshi as they fly into his face. The true identity of the old man is then revealed to be none other than the sorcerer Shang Tsung from Outworld. Leaving Kenshi for dead, Shang Tsung consumes the remaining souls. In a surprising turn of events, Kenshi receives telepathic communication from the sword Sento, which prompts him to locate and claim the weapon. Determined to avenge himself and armed with newfound abilities, Kenshi vows to seek retribution against Shang Tsung.

In Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, Jax and Sonya approach Kenshi with a proposition to join the Special Forces in their mission to Outworld. Recognizing this as an opportunity to finally exact revenge on Shang Tsung, Kenshi accepts their offer and becomes a part of the faction. During his journey, Kenshi encounters Ermac and successfully frees him from Shao Kahn's mind control. In gratitude, Ermac reveals Kenshi's latent telekinetic abilities. Despite this newfound power, Kenshi is ultimately defeated by Mavado, who leaves him to face death.

In Mortal Kombat: Deception, Sub-Zero helps nurse Kenshi back to health, leading to his induction into the Lin Kuei. Unfortunately, Kenshi, like many other Kombatants, falls victim to Shao Kahn in Mortal Kombat: Armageddon. However, when Raiden sends a message to his past self, a new Mortal Kombat timeline is inadvertently created. In this timeline, Mortal Kombat X reveals that Kenshi has been working alongside the Special Forces to defeat Shinnok. Despite his efforts, Kenshi is defeated in this timeline as well.

Kenshi's backstory in Mortal Kombat 1 unfolds differently. Once a part of the powerful Takahashi family of warriors, they suffer a major defeat and lose their ancestral sword, Sento. As a result, they are compelled to join the Bakuto clan, which eventually transforms into the Yakuza in present times. To liberate his family from the Yakuza's influence, Kenshi embarks on a quest to recover Sento. One significant event in Kenshi's story is the loss of his sight. Although the recent Mortal Kombat 1 gameplay trailer portrays Kenshi with full eyesight while confronting Johnny Cage, promotional art still depicts him wearing a blindfold, suggesting that he might lose his vision during the game, possibly at the hands of Shang Tsung once again. Another recurring event for Kenshi across various timelines is his alliance with the Special Forces.

Mortal Kombat 1 releases on September 19 for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.