Does Bi-Han really has no idea where his brothers are living now?
To me, the most funny thing about the origin of the MK1 Shirai Ryu clan is Kuai Liang and Tomas' assumption that Bi-Han has no idea where their new clan is stationed.
We know from intros, Scorpion and Smoke do not share its location even with their allies so that Lin Kuei can't find it.
Kenshi: Why keep the Shirai Ryu's location secret?
Smoke: So that the Lin Kuei can't find it.
But then we have Kuai Liang's ending:
"No sooner had Titan Shang Tsung had been defeated than Bi-Han and his loyalists hunted us down. Outnumbered, we fled to Japan. There we sought refuge from an old family friend. As children, we played together. But Harumi Shirai was a woman now, the head of her clan. Her strength, beauty, and intellect awed me. Also incensed by Bi-Han's betrayal, Harumi agreed to help me forge a new clan. One that would stand against him and defend Earthrealm. Her aid proved invaluable. And as time went on, we grew closer. To honor Harumi and pay respects to my new bride, I named the clan after her, calling it the Shirai Ryu. Now the battle against my brother begins in earnest. The Shirai Ryu won't rest until Bi-Han is defeated and the Lin Kuei's honor restored."
in which:
A) Kuai Liang and Tomas fled to Japan and sought refuge from Harumi Shirai who is called an "old family friend"
B) she and Kuai played together as a children
C) Harumi is the head of her own clan living in Japan so between Scorpion and Smoke and her, it is Harumi who own land, money and/or necessary goods for a clan to prospere AND to fund Kuai Liang's new clan
D) Kuai Liang named his clan, Shirai Ryu, in honor of Harumi.
With such a description, the chances that Bi-Han is not familiar with Harumi are pretty slim to none. He already knows Scorpion and Smoke are in Japan, as they were hunted down by Sub-Zero's loyalists. Kuai has no money so for him to start a new clan, he needs to ally himself with someone who can fund it and support the two former Lin Kuei - and Harumi Shirai is an obvious choice, as the old family friend.
But even if that was not the first Bi-Han's conclusion, the fact that Kuai Liang married Harumi Shirai AND named his clan the Shirai Ryu makes it clear where he is - around Harumi. Scorpion's clan may go into hiding but I doubt Harumi would abaddon her land and clan or force everyone under her rule/protection into hiding so Bi-Han doesn’t even need to search for his brothers, he needs find only Harumi, as Scorpion and Smoke will come to protect her against Lin Kuei.
Since these days it seems everyone, including Outworld and Netherrealm characters, know about Kuai Liang's marriage and Bi-Han is A) operating in Sun Do, the capital of Mileena's Empire and B) is know to collect secrets, it is no surprise he knows about brother's relationship with Harumi. As even intro dialogues outright says so
Scorpion: Stay away from Harumi.
Sub-Zero: In this war, family isn't off limits.
and look, putting aside the threat, Bi-Han already considers Harumi part of the family even if they are enemies.
So yeah, the whole "keep Shirai Ryu's location in secret" is so hilarious to me, because the Shirai name is total opposite of secret for Bi-Han, as he knows Harumi and where she is living, if Kuai Liang and Tomas knew where they should go while fleeing to Japan.
Good job, Kuai!
But you know what is even more hilarious? The fact that Kuai Liang has no real idea where is currently his older brother and goes asking allies and enemies alike for help or information. Like yes, he and Tomas know the Lin Kuei clan is operating somewhere in Sun Do, but Li Mei found them and confronted them about Shirai Ryu activity in her city, while they did not capture Bi-Han there. And sure, Sub-Zero may not stay in one place for too long, however his own ending
"I had broken the Lin Kuei free of Liu Kang's enslavement. We were now masters of our destiny and could take our place among Earthrealm's greatest nations. But taking and holding territory would require a vast army. I needed more fighters to make our presence felt. Then I recalled Shang Tsung's dragon warriors. An army of them would be unstoppable. But trafficking in such strong magic would surely draw Liu Kang's attention. Sektor advised me that we avoid detection by building our army using science, not sorcery. We've invested much time in this endeavor, and we are beginning to see results. Once again proving the depths of Sektor's genius. When we are done, all of Earthrealm will honor our desires and heed our demands. If not, they will face the Lin Kuei's wrath."
says Bi-Han wanted to take and hold territory for his clan and so Lin Kuei invested time and energy into building an army based on magic Dragon warriors. Though it is not specified, I think it is right to assume the building of the army happened on Lin Kuei territory,
as that was their best secured base of operation. Like sure, Liu Kang and Shirai Ryu knew where Lin Kuei home was based but as the clan was living in hiding for centuries, their land was probably well guarded and the headquarter was located in a naturally defensive place.
And I admit, the whole idea that Bi-Han knows perfectly well where his brothers are hiding while Kuai Liang and Tomas have no idea about Sub-Zero's whereabouts and can't find him because none of them thought - or dared - to check Lin Kuei home is way too more hilarious than it should be.
People may make fun of Bi-Han not being smart during story mode but damn, Kuai Liang for sure is no mastermind either.
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Some of the Earthrealm crew at Madam Bo's
Bi-Han glaring over at Tomas and Syzoth: "I grow tired of seeing that Zaterran everywhere we go"
An amused Kuai Liang stays quiet as he smiles into a sip of his drink.
Bi-han shifts against the railing, scowling as he watches the pair share a laugh.
*Meanwhile across the restaurant*
Syzoth smiles as an intoxicated Tomas leans against his shoulder. His cup stops halfway to his mouth as he frowns. He looks around, scanning the area.
Tomas, frowning as he lazily swirls his cup: "....and he looked so handsome in his new uniform! I got scolded for not paying attention when he caught me looking though"
Syzoth smirks as he locks eyes with said cryomancer. He doesn't hesitate to throw his arm over Tomas: "You should tell him how you feel then, my friend"
Tomas scoffs, chuckling as he leans further into syzoth: "do you wish me an early death? Don't be ridiculous Sy'" he trails off as the alcohol makes him drowsy.
Syzoth hums in reply, his tongue flicked out instinctively as he never broke eye contact with Bi-han. He began idly running his fingers against Tomas' arm. Taking a drink in triumph when it got the expected reaction.
*Back at a now very cold corner of Madam Bo's Restaurant*
Kuai Liang looking nervously at a large accumulation of ice growing up the walls and floorboards: "Brother, control yourself. Madam Bo will kick us out if we scare her customers"
Bi-han only grunts in anger, his cold grip splintering the railing: "damned, reptile"
*Kuai Liang winces as a passing group of customers slip, hitting the ground hard. Groans of pain bringing attention to their section. He sighs, setting down his cup to help them up*
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