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Leroy Smith (リロイ・スミス Riroi Sumisu) is a playable character in the Tekken series who made his first appearance in Tekken 7. He is an American martial artist introduced as part of the third season pass, originally announced alongside Zafina during the EVO 2019 finals.

Leroy was released on December 10, 2019.

Biography[]

Leroy grew up in New York until, as a young boy, he lost his entire family to gang violence. An all out gang war in which, even police and politicians were on gang payrolls. It escalated and turned the streets into a warzone. Leroy's family were killed in the crossfire and Leroy himself was badly injured. This was likely the moment when Leroy sustained a lasting injury in his right eye, which appears to be blind, and may also be why he now uses a cane. During the violence, an injured Leroy fell into a river and was swept out to sea. Fortunately, Leroy was picked up by a passing trade ship, who took him in. He worked as a trader, travelling all over the world, until one day he witnessed Wing Chun in Hong Kong, and decided to stay and learn the martial art.

About half a century later, Leroy heard that New York was still in the grasp of the gangs responsible for his family's death, though their power was now greatly diminished. He set out for revenge and to liberate the city. He struck hard and single-handedly destroyed the gang influence over the city. In the process, Leroy learned from one of the gang leaders that the violence fifty years ago was initiated by the Mishima Zaibatsu working from behind the scenes.

On discovering that the same corporation that had plunged the world into its current violence was also responsible for the destruction in his home city, Leroy set his heart on confronting Heihachi Mishima, the man he held responsible. With this purpose in mind, Leroy joined the King of Iron Fist Tournament that Heihachi called.[6]

Personality[]

Leroy is a disciplined and seasoned martial artist, who has dedicated himself to perfecting Wing Chun for decades. The hanzi on his back (temperance) refers to his choice to he keep himself in check.[7] Leroy is motivated by justice, and his heart was set first on liberating the populace of New York from gang violence, and then on taking down the Mishima Zaibatsu when he learned that they are orchestrators of war both in the past and present. As well as justice however, Leroy is also motivated by revenge. His desire to liberate his home city was also one born of anger at his family's death and the brutality of the violence and pain he was personally subject to. His vendetta against Heihachi, as Zaibatsu leader then and now, is a personal one.

Leroy has a more gentle and caring side to him, as seen in his manner towards his dog, Sugar, who at times acts as his partner in battle. Leroy seems to have a sense of humour, chuckling to himself at opponents he doesn't see as worthwhile. He can also be quietly mocking of such opponents, though always conducts himself with discipline and self-control.

Appearance[]

Leroy has white dreadlocks, some of which are adorned with gold jewelry. Leroy is muscular and fit despite his advancing years. He has a mustache and beard, a dragon tattoo on his right arm, and tattoos of rings on his thumbs. Leroy appears to be blind in his right eye, though he is mostly seen with his eyes obscured by a pair of black sunglasses.

Outfits[]

Main article: Leroy Smith/Outfits

Leroy's main outfit consists of a long white jacket and red bottoms. The jacket is decorated with two golden dragons on the front, and a (temperance) hanzi on the back. His shoes are golden with leopard print decoration. He also wears a large golden medallion around his neck. He wears sunglasses and carries a cane that has brass knuckles for a handle.

Story[]

Tekken 7[]

TEKKEN_7_-_Leroy_Smith_DLC_TWT_Trailer_-_PS4,_X1,_PC

TEKKEN 7 - Leroy Smith DLC TWT Trailer - PS4, X1, PC

Leroy revealed in Tekken 7 Season 4 Launch Trailer

Official Website Profile (English)
Nearly a half century ago, a young boy named Leroy Smith lost his entire family to the violence in New York.

Many years passed...

Amidst Leroy's quest, a gang lord familiar with the old days informed Leroy that it was the Mishima Zaibatsu that was behind the war that tore the city apart a half a century ago.

Surprised that the mega conglomerate currently waging a war to split the world in two was also responsible for the atrocities committed so long ago, Leroy nonetheless resolved to eradicate the corporation if it truly was behind all of the evils he had seen.

To carry out his quest, he decided to enter The King of Iron Fist Tournament, which was organized by the Mishima Zaibatsu itself.[8]

Official Website Profile (Japanese)
Nearly a half-century ago, New York was in the midst of a dark period where gangsters were rampant in the tens of thousands. With both the police and politicians in the gangs' pockets, nobody was able to stop their rampage, and the general public was left with no choice but to try to survive the chaos.

As the gangs looked to expand their control over the city, it often led to violent clashes between them, which eventually erupted into all-out war. The streets were overtaken by gunfire, resulting in numerous casualties amongst young and old, man and woman alike. Explosions and deadly fires erupted through the city, turning the once vibrant city of New York into a war-torn hellscape.

The family of Leroy Smith, who was a boy at the time, were caught in the crossfire and all killed. Leroy was also badly injured and fell into a river, eventually getting swept out to sea, where he was rescued by a merchant vessel who took him in. As he drifted in and out of consciousness, Leroy was angry at his own helplessness and harbored a desire for revenge against the ruthless gangs that had taken his family from him.

And so, he left America behind and traveled the world as a trader until he came across the fighting art known as Wing Chun in the streets of Hong Kong. Leroy was fascinated by this martial art that was designed to face multiple opponents while using superior combat expertise to render one's attackers powerless. He decided to stay in Hong Kong in order to learn Wing Chun.

Many years passed and eventually, the incident in New York came to be known as the Big Apple War and 50 years later, although weakened compared to their peak, the gangs still controlled much of the city. Upon learning this, Leroy decided to return to New York in order to avenge his family and finally free his city from the endless grip of fear and violence. Fueled by his anger, Leroy single-handedly attacked and destroyed the gangs with the strength of a fierce demon.

In the process, he learned from one of the gang leaders that the current Mishima Zaibatsu was behind the large-scale war of half a century ago. Leroy was surprised to learn that a major corporation that was currently waging a war that divides the world in two had been active in the dark for such a long time. He decided that, if the Mishima Zaibatsu was the root of all evil, it must be destroyed, and decided to participate in The King of Iron Fist Tournament organised by the Mishima Zaibatsu.[6]

Tekken 8[]

TEKKEN_8_-_Leroy_Smith_Gameplay_Trailer

TEKKEN 8 - Leroy Smith Gameplay Trailer

Official Website Profile (EU English)
A Wing Chun master, Leroy Smith is extolled as a hero for freeing New York from the clutches of gangs.

When he discovers that the Mishima Zaibatsu was responsible for the war that tore the city apart half a century ago, he decides to participate in The King of Iron Fist Tournament with the sole purpose of shutting them down.

When Heihachi Mishima, the head of the Mishima Zaibatsu, suddenly disappears, G Corp takes advantage of this situation and overthrows the Mishima Zaibatsu.

G Corp continues its invasion, and soon the whole world is ruled by its iron fist.

After learning that Heihachi's son, Kazuya Mishima, is the leader of G Corp, Leroy and his dog, Sugar, know what they must do to restore peace to the world.[9]

Official Website Profile (Japanese; US English)
Leroy Smith is extolled as a hero for freeing New York from the clutches of gangs. When he finds out that the Mishima Zaibatsu was the ringleader behind the war that tore the city apart half a century ago, he decides to participate in The King of Iron Fist Tournament with the sole purpose of taking them down.

Then Heihachi Mishima, the head of the Mishima Zaibatsu, suddenly disappears. G Corp takes advantage of this situation and overthrows the Mishima Zaibatsu. G Corp continues its invasion, and soon the whole world will be ruled by its iron fist. After learning that Heihachi's son, Kazuya Mishima, is the leader of G Corp, Leroy and his dog, Sugar, know what they must do to restore peace in the world.[10]

Tekken_8_-_Leroy_Character_Episode_Ending

Tekken 8 - Leroy Character Episode Ending

Character Episode Prologue
Leroy Smith was extolled as a hero for freeing New York from the clutches of gangs backed by the Mishima Zaibatsu.

The Wing Chun master moved to crush the Mishima Zaibatsu himself, but the news of Heihachi Mishima's disappearance circulated throughout the world.

Afterward, the Mishima Zaibatsu announced The King of Iron Fist Tournament to select a new head of the organization.

Sensing another chance to dismantle the conglomerate once and for all, Leroy pledged to win the tournament.

"Man, what a stubborn bunch. Now's the time for a good clean-up."

Ending Description
Leroy is seen taking Sugar out for a walk in the park, where the two meet with Xiaoyu. Leroy admits to have been surprised to see the little girl from Hong Kong having grown into a capable fighter and joining the King of Iron Fist Tournament. While walking over a bridge with Panda underneath, Leroy offers to spar for old time's sake, which Xiaoyu readily accepts.

Summary of In-Game Events
Leroy was among the participants of Kazuya's King of Iron Fist Tournament, being the winner of North America Block B, and faced Jin in the opening rounds. Before their fight, Leroy thanks Jin for standing up against Kazuya in New York, even if he was unable to stop his father. Over the course of their fight, Leroy senses Jin's personal fears of his own powers and falling to the same corruption as his father, and pushes him to recognize himself as his own entity instead. When Jin begins accepting himself, he finally gains the power to defeat Leroy, who muses that Jin's heart, not his strength, was what earned him victory.

When the tournament is suspended due to the attack of both the United Nations and Yggdrasil, Leroy is among the fighters recruited by Lars to stop G Corporation's attack on Yakushima. Leroy came to blows again with Feng Wei, now one of G Corporation's commanders.

In the good ending, Leroy is shown to have returned to New York, enjoying being served a cup of coffee by Azucena Ortiz with Sugar at his side. In the bad ending, Leroy finally falls against Feng.

Other Appearances[]

Tekken: Bloodline[]

Leroy appears in the animated series Tekken: Bloodline, where his story closely follows his Tekken 7 backstory. He is seeking revenge for the deaths of his family, who died due to the actions of Heihachi Mishima and the Mishima Zaibatsu.

Leroy is a competitor at the third King of Iron Fist Tournament. Aware that Jin Kazama has been trained under Heihachi, Leroy attempts to instigate a fight with Jin before the tournament has started. Jin walks away from Leroy after a brief clash. Upon seeing this, Heihachi intentionally slates Leroy as Jin's first opponent.

Their fight has Leroy taking quick advantage of his footwork against Jin, but Jin taps into his own anger and eventually overwhelms Leroy. Despite being outmatched, Leroy is determined to meet Heihachi and continuously refuses Jin's calls to concede, instead attempting to continue the fight. In response, Jin breaks Leroy's leg, forcing him to stay down.

Rather than rest in the medical bay, Leroy sits outside, where he is found by Jin. He finds Jin's concern surprising for a student of Heihachi Mishima, and confides in him his family's background and demise, and Heihachi's habit of manipulating others for personal gain. The discussion is broken up by Heihachi, who is displeased by Jin's concern for Leroy's well-being.

Gameplay[]

Leroy's moveset contains many fast strikes and flurries of punches, providing him some very effective and varied counter tools. Leroy also has possesses a very strong parry game, making him a very dangerous opponent. These strengths, combined with his moveset's more straightforward execution, make him a more simple to pick up, beginner-friendly character.

Fighting Style[]

Leroy fights using Wing Chun, a fighting style developed around defensive counters to opponents' advances. Wing Chun is characterized by its defensive stance and use of parries and evasion to provide opportunities to land fierce debilitating strikes to opponents vital areas and weak spots.

Like Kazumi Mishima and Devil Kazumi, who can summon their pet tiger or white tiger respectively, Leroy can summon his pet in battle, a dog named Sugar. Sugar is less obedient than Kazumi's Tiger, however, and may not attack Leroy's opponent depending on whether she decides to follow her master's orders or not.

Additionally, Leroy has a special move wherein he uses his cane as a weapon to beat down his opponents. This move can only be used once per match.

Moves[]

Quotes[]

Leroy Smith/Quotes

Character Relationships[]

  • Sugar - His pet dog.
  • Heihachi Mishima - He holds Heihachi responsible for the violence that took the lives of his family long ago, as well as for the current war.
  • Kazuya Mishima - He destroyed several city blocks and killed numerous people in New York, which Leroy had previously aided in restoring, leading Leroy to set out and aid the rebels in stopping Kazuya's path of destruction.
  • Jin Kazama - He canonically first met Jin in person during the quarter finals of the eighth tournament in Italy. Leroy is grateful to Jin for attempting to stop Kazuya from destroying New York and assists Jin in regaining confidence in himself. Leroy decides to aid Jin and ultimately joins the war on his side against G Corporation. Non-canonically in Tekken: Bloodline, Leroy was initially hostile towards Jin and sought to fight him, as Heihachi's heir in the re-told third tournament.
  • Lili De Rochefort - They are acquainted as of Tekken 8, sharing dialogue about their pets.
  • Feng Wei - Leroy defeated him during the seventh tournament, and the two are at odds in their approach to martial arts philosophy. They have a rematch during the battle at Yakushima in Tekken 8.
  • Wu Zihao - Leroy is acquainted with the teachings of Wu Zihao, Feng's now deceased master.
  • Ling Xiaoyu - Acquaintances during Leroy's time in Hong Kong when Xiaoyu was much smaller, where it is revealed he had been a teacher to her for a time.

Trivia[]

General:

  • Leroy is the very first Wing Chun fighter to be featured in a Japanese-made fighting game.
  • Leroy's style is heavily inspired by Ip Man, a Wing Chun master.
  • The character at the back of Leroy's default outfit (戒) can mean "temperance" in Chinese (or "admonish" in Japanese). According to the developers, this was to represent how he keeps himself in check. They considered others too, such as 'harmony' and 'mirror', but ultimately settled on '戒'.[7]
  • The hanzi 戒 can also refer to Buddhist monastic discipline.[11]
  • Several of Leroy's attacks were motion-captured from a Japanese Wing Chun master who was taught by one of Ip Man's nephews.[7]
  • The way Leroy uses his cane is based off a Wing Chun form that uses the Dragon Pole (Luk Dim Boon Kwan).[7]
  • Leroy is infamous among fans for having been game-breakingly overpowered when he first came out. This was most notably seen in EVO Japan 2020, the first tournament where he was available, where 7 out of the top 8 players had used Leroy at some point in the tournament. He has since been greatly nerfed.
  • In Tekken: Bloodline, he is the only character who debuted after Tekken 3 who has a speaking role.
  • Leroy's backstory takes place "about half a century ago". Heihachi took over the Mishima corporation and renamed it the Mishima Zaibatsu 44 years before Tekken 7, and is the one Leroy holds responsible for the "Big Apple War". This means the war either took place after Heihachi took over and consolidated the Zaibatsu and was one of the first things he did as CEO, or that Heihachi spearheaded the violence that was done under his Jinpachi Mishima's tenure as head of the corporation.
  • Singer, rapper, DJ & producer T-Pain cosplayed as Leroy.[12]
  • Chicago born rapper Lupe Fiasco, who also studies martial arts, compared himself to Leroy Smith; notably their similar hairstyles and facial hair alongside both he and Leroy's practice of martial arts. This comparison was also noted by Harada himself.[13]

Tekken 7: Fated Retribution:

  • Leroy is the first new original character to be added via DLC in the game or the series overall, followed by Fahkumram.
  • Leroy's backstory is similar to Bruce Irvin, another African American man who loses his family young as a result of criminal activity and is driven to martial arts as a result.
  • Leroy first demonstrated his fighting moves in Tekken 7 reveal trailer, where he takes down both Lei Wulong and Marshall Law with several punches and heavy blows. He also delivered a flurry of punches and a one-inch punch to Feng Wei, a move later revealed to be his Rage Art.
    • In Leroy's reveal trailer, he is seen defeating Feng Wei and then looking up to the sky during a thunderstorm, reminiscent of how Feng Wei does the same while standing over his defeated master in the Tekken 5 opening movie.
  • At the time of his entry, Leroy was one of the few weapon users in the series, utilizing his cane in battle, and is only the second character that can summon animals to help them, after Kazumi/(Devil Kazumi) .
  • Though he is able to summon Sugar at will, it is noted that there are times when Sugar will refuse to obey orders depending on its mood.[14]
  • He is the only character who has a move, Master's Lesson, that can be used only once per match, unlike the rest of the weapon user characters, who can use their weapons infinitely.
  • Like many DLC characters, despite having been added to the game later, Leroy's story does not take place after Tekken 7, but during it. This is evidenced by his desire to confront Heihachi who is still alive at the time, and by his choice to enter the Iron Fist Tournament, an event which is cancelled part way through Tekken 7's story.
    • However, he did participate the seventh tournament and defeated Feng prior to the tournament's sudden cancellation, off-screen instead of having his own Character Episode.

Tekken 8:

  • Leroy is referenced in Tekken 8's Urban Square, where there are several stops for "Smith Coffee" with his face as the logo, as well as a statue of him along with his dog, Sugar.
    • Smith Coffee is also seen on the side of a coffee cup that Azucena Ortiz drinks from.

Gallery[]

Main article: Leroy Smith/Gallery

References[]

Navigation[]

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