In the immersive world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, defeating The Noble is an integral part of the Shinbakufu questline. Successfully completing this challenge is essential for players aiming to finish the game.
As you embark on this journey, you should be prepared to tackle several sub-quests necessary for gathering intelligence before taking down this elusive target. Specifically, you’ll have to complete four distinct tasks, each designed to bring you closer to your ultimate goal. While they may not be overly complex, they do require a bit more effort than usual.
If you’re encountering difficulties with The Noble and his related tasks, don’t worry. We’ve crafted a comprehensive walkthrough, detailing each sub-quest to ensure your success.
Throughout this quest, you will encounter various dialogue options, although your choices won’t influence the storyline. For those looking to save time, consider playing in Canon Mode.
The Rengakai
This initial sub-quest does involve some combat, but it’s manageable. Whether you choose to play as Naoe or another character, the goal remains the same.
Your first task is to gain entry to a Rengakai gathering, where local poets convene to create new verses. Your target here is the Renga Master, so proceed to the fast travel point at Saifukuji Temple, located just south of Himeji Castle in the Harima region.
This temple is safe, unlike the guard outpost nearby, allowing you to comfortably climb the pagoda to claim the viewpoint if it’s your first visit.
Using the Observe feature, search for the Renga Master’s blue icon located just below.
The subsequent part of the quest is quite straightforward; you will automatically follow the Renga Master, meet the young Ukita Hideie (who plays a pivotal role later), and interact with Kuroda Kanbei before heading to the Rengakai meeting.
At the event, seated beside a participant named Ukita Naoie, you’ll gain insight into the poetic community.
However, just as things seem calm, a band of shinobi attacks, prompting an urgent response.
After eliminating three adversaries outside the house, you’ll have allies to assist you in swiftly dispatching them. Yet, the aftermath reveals a troubling twist: Ukita Hideie has been kidnapped by the assailants.
The Scent of War
Here, stealth and agility are paramount. Continue your journey as Naoe.
To track the kidnappers and uncover their motives, consult Konishi Yukinaga, whose location will be highlighted on your map. Expect no combat on your way, granting you the freedom to explore.
Yukinaga informs you that impostor gunpowder merchants were responsible for the ambush, so it’s essential to confront them. Follow the map to find their location nearby.
Inside a nearby temple, you’ll gather crucial intel about an incoming gunpowder shipment. Make your way to Aga Hontokuji Temple to collect several intel pieces related to the shipment.
As this area is heavily guarded, leverage Naoe’s stealth to navigate it effectively.
Start by climbing the perimeter wall and using Observe to locate three necessary items labeled as left, middle, and right.
Your first target is in the left building. Approach quietly to eliminate the enemy near the open door before claiming your first item.
If executed stealthily, you can return to the rooftops, but you can also rush through, grabbing all three pieces as you evade guards.
After obtaining the necessary items, head back to Yukinaga and share your findings.
Losing Hand
This subprocess favors Naoe’s abilities once more.
Next, seek out Suzu, Tokubei’s wife. Her location won’t auto-populate, so you may need to scout. She’s found just southwest of Himeji, where you can fast travel again to Saifukuji Temple.
Her residence is hostile, requiring you to clear out three enemies in the vicinity before you can gather information from her.
After learning that her husband is missing due to excessive gambling, head to Tokubei’s new marker located at a gambling den.
The gambling cellar is also a dangerous area, but you can bypass most combat by sticking to the rooftops and observing for an entrance. Once inside, you’ll find Tokubei in a desperate state after losing everything in gambling.
Upon exiting, expect him to try and flee. Chase him, but don’t worry: he will tire, allowing you to catch up easily and conclude this quest.
A Peculiar Guest
This task is more combat-centric, making it ideal for playing as Yasuke.
With enough intel at your disposal, proceed to rescue Ukita Hideie, who is being held at Junisho Shrine.
If you’re without scouts, the shrine’s location is marked on your map, situated just south and across the river.
As you near the shrine, watch for a “suspicious miko, ”who is, in fact, a shinobi allied with The Noble. Engaging her will prompt a boss battle.
Using familiar combat techniques, you can defeat her effortlessly. Once she is vanquished, an item will reveal Hideie’s location, guiding you onward.
Your next stop is Itatehyozu Shrine, where Hideie is reportedly held. Approach the location, and you’ll receive a notification upon discovery.
Upon finding Hideie, auto-follow him to speak with a priest, and soon after, his father Ukita Naoie will appear, revealing a shocking truth about the Rengakai’s true identity.
This association leads to a confrontation against several undercover shinobi, making it crucial to switch characters to Yasuke for this battle.
Spring and Fall
Begin by selecting Naoe for this quest until prompted to switch to Yasuke.
Head to Kuroda Kanbei, west of Himeji Castle, where you can fill him in and prepare to track down Ukita Naoie.
No need for stealth here; engage him immediately to proceed to the next phase. Once you’re ready, move out at nightfall to locate Ukita Naoie within the castle.
Your first goal is three more undercover agents. As per the usual strategy, observe your surroundings as you head to your first target: the Castle Swordmaster.
Keep in mind the explosive barrels nearby to take out multiple guards if desired, but a stealthier aerial assassination is usually the preferred method.
Continue infiltrating the castle, staying alert and using strategic assassin methods to eliminate your targets while avoiding detection.
Finally, to allow Yasuke to enter, open a gate marked on your map, understanding that you must be hidden to do so effectively.
Switch to Yasuke when the time comes, as a combat heavy scenario is inevitable.
Engage six shinobi upon transition and ensure you utilize the lovely Observe feature to assist you in locating and defeating your enemies throughout the castle.
After a short cutscene revealing conversations with your foes, Ukita Naoie will flee to the top of his keep.
Your mission now demands you to scale the tallest tower while defeating any enemies in your path along the ascent.
Be methodical in your attacks; this will help prevent being overwhelmed. There are various floors, each filled with adversaries that must be dealt with to reach your ultimate target.
After a bit of climbing, you will find a door leading to the top floor, where the final battle takes place.
As you enter, stock up on supplies from a nearby ration box to prepare for the encounter with Ukita Naoie.
Here’s a breakdown of his moveset:
- A three-hit blue combo that can be parried.
- A two-hit red combo that requires dodging.
- At half health, he will summon allies to assist him.
Despite the buildup, this fight may prove to be less challenging than expected, as Ukita Naoie shares characteristics with standard enemies.
After defeating him, you’ll face a moral decision to either spare him or deliver a fatal blow, with narrative implications that remain consistent irrespective of your choice.
Regardless of your decision, return to report to Kuroda Kanbei, where you can relay Ukita Naoie’s last words to his son, concluding the Shinbakufu quest.
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