In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players who ride Naue unlock a Kuji-Kiri lesson. This practice—meditation in quiet places—plays a key role in Naue’s personal questline. This guide details every Kuji-Kiri location and provides a thorough walkthrough for each search connected to this activity.
Note: Meditation cannot be performed everywhere. Look for orange-marked shrines bearing a meditating figure. These spots appear only when you are in the vicinity, while question-mark badges on the map can hint at potential Kuji-Kiri sites.
All places for Kuji-Kiri in Izumi-Settsu
In the scenic region of Izumi-Settsu, four distinct sites await those who seek Kuji-Kiri. Each location offers a compelling search that uncovers the plan behind the yoke and the vital role Naue plays in guarding it.
To begin one of these journeys, a specific point must be found and interacted with. Then follow on-screen prompts and press the corresponding keys on the keyboard or GamePad until the task begins. Yet be warned: as time passes, the most important indicators fade and the markings themselves may disappear, forcing reliance on memory. If a button is pressed too early or too late, the last few steps must be repeated.
Kuji-Kiri tasks follow fixed sequences, regardless of the order in which actions are triggered. Whether it is Eboshigat Hatiman’s sanctuary or Tomiko’s domain, the initial search remains the same for every mission. Still, this guide describes the dialogue of each mission in the order in which the author encountered them, enabling focus on the missions themselves.
The sanctuary of Eboshigat Hatiman. Sinobi techniques
You begin with meditation at the sanctuary, which you reach soon after leaving the temple following Naue’s recovery. Follow Matsu and accept the gift from a small altar to advance on the Kuji-Kiri path.
Go to Nagano’s Gap
The route sits along the only path occupied by invaders. The game offers a stealth approach, but even on higher difficulties a runner can bypass enemies because they cannot inflict damage quickly enough. After crossing, keep to the road and ignore the warriors looming ahead.
Defeat the Ode Clan Villain
When you reach the right location, a cinematic plays before a battle with a formidable warrior begins. This foe uses a four-hit sequence that can be parried. If angered, he will unleash an attack that cannot be reflected as his blade glows red. A safe approach is to dodge and avoid those blows, then press the advantage after the window opens.
Employ quick light strikes between his standard and strong attacks after any unreflected assault to create openings.
When the battle ends, the next steps unfold, and the search is considered complete.
Tomiko Farm. Reason and body
At the start of this search you again meditate, though the duration is shorter than the initial Kuji-Kiri activation. The task evolves after a brief sequence, keeping pace with the rhythm of the mission.
Talk to Matsu
The woman waits by her cabin. Travel west through the fields and speak with her. Matsu will request a family branch hidden in a shrine nearby.
Find a family role for Matsu
Return to the sanctuary and prepare for an encounter with different robbers. Three enemies await at the lower level, with the same number looming at the temple’s upper level.
Here you can also observe three buildings—the role is on the right.
Talk to Nagato
Head back to the family leader and report what happened. The task is considered complete once this update is acknowledged.
Hilly Hollow. A true resident of IGI
The next Kuji-Kiri site lies to the east of Osaka Castle. If this area has not been visited before or you are not mounted on a horse, a question mark marks its proximity on the map.
Inspect the Fort of Kunimiyam
Speak with the village elder to receive a new assignment. Follow the single road behind the marker to the fort’s rear. Circumvent the fort on either side to locate a fallen tree. Use it and the grappling hook to reach a lookout post.
Do not unnecessarily disturb nearby enemies. Move quietly, hide in the shrubbery, and when the patrol crosses the bridge, sprint to the gate and ascend. Repeat this method to traverse the courtyard until you are beside the tower.
If the alarm is raised and enemies close in, take a higher route, drop into a roof and adopt a prone stance. Opponents will lose your trail, allowing you to listen in on the conversation between two warriors.
Find the commander next by climbing to the tower’s summit and examining the fallen body. A lone guard at the entrance must be dealt with first.
Return to Sanday
Return the same way to the settlement’s leader and recount what was seen in the fort. A lengthy sequence follows, and when it ends the search is fulfilled.
Amagasaki Castle (Log Warehouse). Traditions
The final Kuji-Kiri location in this region sits near Amagasaki Castle, beside the coast’s Log Warehouse.
Walk with Sandai toward the dialogue between two characters. He urges speaking up during the ceremony, and you will be invited to participate. When the ceremony begins, you will be offered a choice: declare that action is needed and fight for the ISU. Fujita Dzyuro will call you to engage in combat.
Fight with Fujita Dzyuro
The opponent uses tactics that start with an unavoidable strike, followed by three regular hits, and ends with a red-tinted finishing blow. Use light, rapid strokes and exploit openings as the enemy has little armor. The fight ends with a scene update and the task advances.
Penetrate into the castle
After the Kats, you appear on the enemy castle walls. Stand on crates, exploit a wall opening, and slip into the terrain. Reach the roof, then the watchtower and proceed to the next roof. In the distance to the left you can see a broken fence segment; it is guarded by a single soldier. Approach from behind to stun him.
Find the plans for the ODA clan
You will spot two more enemies above the stairs, but you do not need to eliminate them. Instead, head to the closed gates and climb onto the roof. Here you can listen to a dialogue between two opponents. Move along the perimeter to the next gate and climb again. Jump into a haystack, then hide among bushes to avoid detection. Circle the lone building, enter through a window, and witness the long sequence that completes the search.
We are adding details to guide you through these steps.
Other guides
These sections compile a broader set of strategies for Kuji-Kiri in Izumi-Settsu and beyond. The walkthrough emphasizes practical play, ensuring players in Canada and the United States can follow along with confidence.
These details reflect editorial notes from VG Times