Just before the first game, Retsu was indefinitely excommunicated from his temple for using forbidden techniques, as well as his combative tendencies. His encounter with a young Ryu made him change his ways however, and he now lives as an ascetic martial artist. a friend of Ryu and Ken's teacher, Gouken. He is also a friend of Dhalsim and had met Oro in the past. Retsu also offered Ryu to taste of his two self-made yokan after their first fight, thus first introducing Ryu about Japanese sweets.