Where To Find Tea Merchant, Imai Sokyu, And Kosode In Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Embarking on the Sakai investigation in Assassin’s Creed Shadows presents a multi-layered challenge that many players find initially confusing. This comprehensive guide breaks down each objective with precision navigation tips and strategic insights to streamline your progress through this early-game bottleneck.

The investigation centers on locating key figures and items essential for confronting the Shinbakufu antagonist known as the Golden Teppo. This formidable foe previously targeted protagonist Naoe, making this personal vendetta a critical narrative moment. Understanding the interconnected nature of these tasks is crucial – each must be completed sequentially before advancing to the final confrontation.

Pro Tip: Many players waste time searching the wrong districts. The objectives are concentrated in central Sakai rather than the outskirts, saving you 15-20 minutes of unnecessary exploration if you know exactly where to focus your efforts.

Your primary objective involves finding Imai Sokyu, who resides in Sakai town along the eastern coastline of Izumi Settsu region. His precise location often eludes players due to misleading environmental cues and the game’s intricate urban layout.

Sokyu occupies a residence strategically positioned between the Money Changer District and Sakai Firearm District. Contrary to what the map might suggest, his dwelling sits closer to the settlement’s central hub rather than the southwestern periphery where many instinctively search.

Imai Sokyu’s residence is centrally located – note the architectural details that distinguish it from surrounding buildings.

Navigation Strategy: When approaching this area, press and maintain the aim button while systematically scanning your surroundings. The detection system will highlight Sokyu’s position with a distinctive light blue marker that becomes visible within 50-100 meters of his location. Advanced players recommend using rooftop vantage points for clearer visibility of these detection markers.

Common Mistake: Many players abandon the aim-button scanning too quickly. The marker may take 3-5 seconds to appear, especially if environmental obstructions or weather conditions affect visibility.

The tea merchant encounter represents one of Assassin’s Creed Shadows‘s more culturally immersive moments, blending traditional Japanese tea ceremony with narrative progression. This segment requires both spatial awareness and dialogue precision.

The merchant operates from an establishment easily missed if you’re not specifically looking for tea-related signage and traditional architecture. His location becomes accessible after completing the initial Sokyu interaction, creating a natural progression path through the investigation.

Tea ceremony choices require cultural knowledge – select options reflecting traditional Japanese tea practices.

Ceremony Mechanics: During the tea ceremony, you’ll face multiple dialogue choices that test your understanding of Japanese tea traditions. Selecting historically accurate responses (typically the more formal, traditional options) yields better rewards and smoother narrative progression.

Optimization Tip: Players familiar with Sen no Rikyu‘s tea philosophy should apply that knowledge, as the game rewards authentic cultural engagement with additional experience points and unique items.

Obtaining the kosode garment presents a classic Assassin’s Creed stealth challenge. This traditional Japanese clothing item is held by pirates aboard a substantial vessel anchored just beyond the port’s main docking area.

The pirate vessel containing the kosode is typically the largest ship in the anchorage – approach from the seaward side for better stealth opportunities.

Infiltration Options: You can approach the kosode acquisition through multiple pathways. The stealth method involves swimming to the ship’s stern and using the rigging for covert access, while the combat approach triggers a more challenging but potentially rewarding confrontation sequence.

Advanced Strategy: Experienced players recommend the stealth approach during nighttime for reduced guard vigilance. The kosode is usually located in the captain’s quarters or a secured storage area near the ship’s bow.

Time Estimate: Efficient players can complete the kosode retrieval in 8-12 minutes using optimized routes, while those opting for combat should allocate 15-20 minutes for the extended engagement.

The culmination of your investigation presents a significant narrative choice: confronting either Otama or Wakasa. This decision carries weight beyond immediate mission completion, influencing character relationships and available resources in subsequent gameplay segments.

Character Analysis: Otama typically represents a more direct, combat-oriented resolution with immediate tangible rewards, while Wakasa offers a stealth-focused alternative with longer-term narrative benefits.

Consequence Mapping: Your selection between these characters affects not only immediate mission outcomes but also opens or closes certain side quests and alliance opportunities later in the campaign.

Reward Comparison: Players should consider their preferred playstyle when making this choice. Combat-focused builds may prefer Otama’s path for the weapon upgrades, while stealth specialists might find Wakasa’s route more aligned with their skill development.

Pro Recommendation: For players aiming for 100% completion, multiple playthroughs or strategic save points before this decision are recommended to experience both narrative branches.

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