The words “Japan” and “warrior” inevitably bring samurai with gleaming katanas into mind, and Yoru from Valorant embodies the two words perfectly. And while he might lack a katana in his arsenal (unless you got your hands on the Onimaru Kunitsuna from the Oni 2.0 bundle), he does seem to pull out a samurai mask from a dimensional pocket while initiating his ultimate ability. So, without further ado, let’s have a deep look at this duelist Agent’s history and explore whether he has the honor of being a samurai.
Does Yoru Belong To A Samurai Heritage?
Although Yoru shares numerous similarities with the famed Japanese warriors, there is no explicit information definitively labeling him as a samurai. However, it’s worth noting that his ancestors were undoubtedly part of this esteemed lineage.
In fact, we know that his ancestors lived during the Tokugawa or Edo period of feudal Japan. And their story plays a pivotal role in Yoru’s lore. To learn more about this historical connection, we’ll have to travel to a frosty map we’re all familiar with: Icebox.
How Is Yoru Connected To Icebox?
If you’ve ever messed around on Icebox while in Ghost Mode, you must have noticed the old red-colored Japanese warship frozen in place just outside the map. This ship is believed to have been transported to this isolated location in the Arctic Circle through dimensional drift.
The ship’s journey, whether intentional or accidental, ended in a crash. Centuries later, it was discovered by Kingdom, the primary antagonistic corporation in Valorant. Upon dissecting the wreckage, Kingdom discovered samurai suits laced with the mysterious element central to everything in Valorantl: Radianite.
This discovery suggests that Yoru’s ancestors were not only aware of Radianite but also knew how to harness its power to create powerful artifacts. It’s theorized that Yoru may not be the first Radiant capable of manipulating reality for dimensional travel and teleportation.
We also know from teasers that Yoru discovered the Icebox facility and infiltrated it to steal a mask from one of the samurai suits that were being examined. This is the same mask he uses to navigate while riftwalking.
After stealing the mask from Icebox, Yoru was soon discovered by the Valorant Protocol, who recruited him as the 15th Agent on their team. However, one question that remains unanswered is where exactly Yoru got his powers from prior to gaining the mask.
How Did Yoru Get His Powers?
The origin of Yoru’s Radiant powers is shrouded in mystery and has sparked much speculation among fans. However, just as Jett can soar through the skies and Neon can sprint at superhuman speeds, Yoru is believed to have acquired his powers during a pivotal event known as the First Light.
The First Light was a mysterious event involving Radianite that caused a huge blackout across the globe. This event led to the awakening of many Radiants, individuals with hypernatural abilities. However, given that Yoru’s ancestors had been utilizing Radianite centuries before the First Light, it’s plausible that the key to understanding Yoru’s powers lies within his biological lineage.
A popular theory suggests that Radiants like Yoru, Jett, and Sage may have inherited “Radiant genes” that were dormant until activated by Radianite during the First Light. This genetic activation could explain the sudden appearance of their superpowers.
However, it’s crucial to note that this is purely speculative. The true nature of Yoru’s powers and the origins of all Radiants remain a mystery. Fans eagerly await further revelations from Riot Games to shed more light on the captivating lore of Valorant.
Final Thoughts
While Yoru may not be a samurai in the traditional sense, his lore is deeply rooted in the Radianite-wielding samurai history. If you’ve come across any hints or theories that could bring us closer to uncovering the truth about Yoru’s origins, we’d love to hear them! Please feel free to share your insights in the comments section below!