Sakura ("Cherry blossom", Japanese) is Ryu's biggest fan. After seeing him fight one day in Japan, Sakura knew then and there that she wanted to be just like him. So she trained hard. She got into fights at school, and even beat up many boys. She fought so much that she often got suspended from school. All so she could be just like Ryu, her idol. Still, Sakura had some gift within her, and she learned how to tap into her chi without any formal instruction, a truly remarkable feat.

However, upon hearing of the second Alpha tournament, Sakura thought she was ready. She knew Ryu would be there, and this would be her chance to finally have a teacher, a master. Sakura entered the tournament without hesitation, to find her idol. Eventually, Sakura found and confronted Ryu in the tournament. Ryu was amazed when a sixteen year old girl came up to him and asked for him to be her teacher, and was using her chi to throw hadoukens! Ryu and Sakura squared off, but Ryu held back, defeating her easily but causing her no harm. Ryu told Sakura that he was still learning himself, and could not teach anyone until he discovered the true meaning of the fight. So, instead, Sakura opted for an autographed picture of Ryu, and pondered his words as she continued to train. Maybe one day...she thought.