Street Fighter 6 marks a pivotal moment in the franchise by aging several iconic characters and placing the storyline post-Street Fighter 3. However, many beloved disciples are conspicuously absent.

While new characters Kimberly and A.K.I. represent fresh disciples, they don’t fulfill the legacy of classic characters. Notably, Li-Fen plays a crucial role in the World Tour mode but isn’t playable, raising questions about her potential inclusion. Ed, whose connection to Balrog runs deep, adds intrigue with his prominent narrative arc in Neo Shadaloo.

Yet, the glaring omissions of Sakura and Sean, disciples of Ryu and Ken, highlight a significant gap. With Ken’s storyline involving peril and the brothers’ rivalry at a high, it’s baffling that Sean, never appearing alongside Sakura, isn’t featured.

Given Street Fighter 6’s theme of mentorship, the absence of these key characters leaves fans yearning for the iconic interactions between masters and their students. The hope remains alive that Capcom will reintegrate these beloved figures, enriching the game’s narrative tapestry.