Raiden

Raiden () is a character featured in Yakuza 5. He is a competitor in the Victory Road tournament.
== Profile ==
=== Appearance ===
Raiden has a heavy build and is very tall. His head is bald.
==== Tattoo ====
Raiden's tattoo covers his upper arms and the top of his head; part of it peers into his face and past his right eye. His tattoo bears a tribal design, symbolizing his origins.
==== Attire ====
Raiden's attire consists of a red tank top, brown camouflage pants with a black belt and gold buckle, brown combat boots, and black fingerless gloves.
=== Personality ===
Raiden is a hardened, merciless individual deeply shaped by his harsh upbringing. He projects his past onto others, stating "human life is worth less than garbage" where he came from. Raiden shows no signs of mercy for the people he kills; he laughs at the prospect of taking "even the most worthless of lives" if it means he is getting paid.
== Background ==
Raiden was born in an unspecified country. He describes that country as a "battlefield," where parents were killed by the rebel army, and their children were forced to join that army where death awaited them. Being from the wrong tribe also got people killed. It was this battlefield where Raiden fought for his life, and grew obsessed with fighting.
Raiden learned various martial arts and began touring the world throughout various underground fighting scenes. He eventually arrived in Kamurocho to compete in the Victory Road tournaments.
== Involvement ==
=== Yakuza 5: 2012 ===
Raiden learns about the Coliseum's undefeated champion, Kazuma Kiryu, and awaits his presence in the Coliseum's lobby. As Kiryu enters, Raiden approaches him and gives a brief introduction, before sending a kick in Kiryu's direction. Raiden lays out the situation: they'll be fighting soon. He remarks how Japan must be peaceful if fighting is considered entertainment. Raiden leaves, heading out to the streets of Kamurocho.
Near Bantam, Raiden initiates a fight against another Victory Road competitor, fully set on killing him. Kiryu enters the scene, and reprimands Raiden. Asked if he plans on killing him, Raiden answers yes, and demonstrates it by breaking his foe's spine. Afterwards, Raiden details his life, explaining why he believes human life is worthless. A Victory Road staff member enters the scene, informing Raiden he has entered the finals. Disallowed to kill outside the Coliseum, Raiden delays his fight with Kiryu, and heads to the Coliseum.
At the Coliseum lobby, Raiden sees Kiryu standing alongside Taiga Saejima, Shun Akiyama, and Tatsuo Shinada. Hearing how Kiryu wants to face Raiden personally, Raiden realizes Kiryu wants to protect them. Raiden enters the scene, promising his own victory, and heads to compete in the finals.
During the finals, Raiden wins every match, reaching the final match: against Kiryu. However, Raiden is easily defeated by Kiryu. Unable to accept defeat, Raiden continues to project his past, but Kiryu gives his own view on why he lost. As Kiryu walks away, Raiden screams his name. Raiden's fate is unknown.
== Fighting Style ==
On the streets of Kamurocho, Raiden approaches and challenges Kazuma Kiryu, Taiga Saejima, Shun Akiyama, and Tatsuo Shinada to impromptu street battles.
Raiden uses Yoshitaka Mine's moveset from Yakuza 3. He also has access to the Komaki Knockback and Komaki Evade and Strike. He has two health bars in street fights, six health bars in the Victory Road finals, and close to seven health bars in the Coliseum Grand Prix.
== References ==
Category:Yakuza 5 Characters