in the back-story, hamato yoshi was a member of the foot clan in feudal japan. he is initially known for his unruly temper and lack of discipline. but with the help of his master, masato, and his love, tang shen, he learned to control his temper and becomes a skilled warrior. his contemporary, oroku saki, seeks to make the foot a clan to be feared. when yoshi openly objects to the needless slaughter of a village connected to an assassination target, he and his family are declared traitors. yoshi cannot save tang shen from being murdered but does save his sons. yoshi raises and trains his sons for three years until saki and the foot find them. when his sons are executed before his eyes, yoshi swears that he will destroy oroku saki before he, himself, falls under the blade.