WithNinja Gaiden 4making its debut later this year, fans of the Koei Tecmo action series are discussing an intriguing theory relating to protagonist Yakumo’s lineage. TheNinja Gaidenseries, known asNinja Ryukendenin Japan, first debuted in arcades back in 1988 and has since produced over 20 titles under its IP. The franchise gained popularity during its NES era, thanks to its refined action, addictive music, and 8-bit graphics, andNinja Gaiden 4looks set to take the series to new heights once more.
Ninja Gaiden 4is due to hit shelves on June 17, 2025, and this entry is helmed byNiohdeveloper Team Ninja and Platinum Games. Serving as the seventh main entry in the series and a direct sequel to 2012’sNinja Gaiden 3, this chapter will follow a new character named Yakumo, set in a near-future version of Tokyo.Ninja Gaiden 4has already received an Xbox Game Pass release date, and one theory is filling in the waiting time nicely.
Posted on Reddit, Acceptable_Deal_369, a question was shared on theNinja Gaidensubreddit, asking if the community thinks Yakumo could be the son of Genshin. Genshin was known as the Ninja Warlord of the Black Spider Ninja Clan and the main rival of Ryu in the antagonist’sNinja Gaiden 2debut. Fans received a good look at Yakumo as the young protagonist during the sequel’s promotional footage, and there are several otherdetails fans may have missed in theNinja Gaiden 4trailer.
Ninja Gaiden 4 Fans Discuss Theory Regarding Yakumo Being Genshin’s Son
With Yakumo in the spotlight this time around, alongside a confirmed playable role from past lead character Ryu Hayabusa, fans believeNinja Gaiden 4needs to balance its protagonists carefully. Regarding Yakumo’s father theory, Redditors noted both theNinja Gaiden 4character and Genshin were from different clans, but one fan reckoned Yakumo could have been kidnapped. Other fans wanted to know who the mother was, and one commenter thought Yakumo could be the descendant of the Dark Dragon, which would make him a mirror to Ryu. Lastly, several Redditors commented on Yakumo’s design, comparing the protagonist to a VTuber or a K-pop star.
With October still a long way away,Ninja Gaidenfans should mark a specific July date in their calendars.Ninja Gaiden: Rageboundis a brand-new entry in the series fromBlasphemous’ The Game Kitchen, which will offer fans of the franchise a vibrant side-scrolling adventure to sink their teeth into. Ryu returns as the protagonist, delivering high-octane action against a background of retro, pixel art visuals.
