Part of what makes the Overwatch 2 cast so strong is the web of relationships they have with their fellow characters. Torbjorn is Brigitte’s father, Mercy and Moira have a deep rivalry due to their differing views on science, and Winston and Hammond were both experiments in the same colony. However, some of the best lore is tied to Hanzo and Genji, with the recently released hero Kiriko’s origins connecting to the Shimada brothers.
Kiriko has a very different relationship with each brother, which has been explored through some of the pre-match conversations in Overwatch 2. However, most players will know that the series’ multiplayer gameplay is not canon, explaining why characters like Reaper and Soldier: 76 can be on the same team without wanting to kill each other. With this in mind, a proper canon interaction between Kiriko and the Shimadas is important, and the upcoming PvE mode seems like a perfect place to deliver it.
Kiriko, Genji, and Hanzo Have a Lot to Talk About in Overwatch 2
Though they may not be officially canon, the dialogue between the three characters gives an idea of what players could expect from an official meetup. Genji and Kiriko were very close as kids, and their chat about getting matching bowl cuts could be one of many conversations where they reminisce about the past. Hanzo and Kiriko, on the other hand, are a lot more confrontational, with the latter blaming the former for failing to help when her home was overrun by the Hashimoto gang.
Kiriko getting through to Hanzo and making him feel ashamed for letting things get out of hand in Japan could be an important step for his character arc. Perhaps Hanzo could recognize his mistake, rebuilding the Shimada gang and taking an altruistic approach to protect the people of his country. By doing so, he could regain Kiriko’s respect and rebuild their friendship, making up for the years of selfish soul-searching after he seemingly killed Genji.
As for the Overwatch universe’s beloved Cyborg Ninja, Genji meeting up with Kiriko again could be a lot more heartwarming. Not only could the pair rekindle a bond from their childhood, which would mean a lot for fans of both heroes, but Genji could recruit Kiriko for the new version of Overwatch. Not only is Kiriko a kindhearted protector, but she has experience working with others due to her time in the Yokai gang. While she may turn Genji down so that she can keep taking care of Kanezaka, an offer definitely seems likely.
Assuming that Kiriko makes peace with Hanzo and comes across her old friend Genji, the next step could be bringing the three characters together. Hanzo and Genji’s relationship is in desperate need of a resolution, as it has not moved forward in the lore since the events of the “Dragons” animated short. With Overwatch 2’s PvE mode finally set to evolve the characters and progress the story, a big moment like Hanzo and Genji reconciling would be perfect for the campaign. Kiriko could serve as the mediator, reminding the brothers how much they loved each other as children and helping them get back to that point.
There are a lot of character dynamics that would be worth exploring in Overwatch 2’s PvE campaign, like Sombra protecting Sigma from Talon or Ana continuing to fix things with Pharah. However, the dynamic between the Shimadas - and now Kiriko as well - is something that Blizzard should prioritize. Players have been waiting a long time to see Hanzo and Genji interact again, and Kiriko could be exactly what is needed to help them move on from the past.
Overwatch 2 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
