In the early stages of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players uncover details about the mysterious Shinbakufu faction, which was responsible for the death of Naoe’s father and the theft of his enigmatic box. One of the key leads is a character known as the Golden Teppo, a woman recognized solely by her distinct voice and the striking gold-trimmed rifle she carries. Throughout the game, Naoe navigates a series of crucial decisions involving a threatening gunsmith and a seasoned tea drinker. Ultimately, she finds herself participating in a tea ceremony, where she must adhere to a set of rituals to win over her host.
As the ceremony unfolds, Naoe faces a group of discerning guests, one of whom she suspects may be involved in her father’s death. This sequence is intricate and presents various paths depending on the choices made (unless you opt for the canonical mode in AC Shadows). Some choices are straightforward, while others rely on social intuition and memory. Below is a guide on how to successfully navigate the tea ceremony while simultaneously tracking down the person responsible for Naoe’s father’s demise.
What Alias Should You Use?
The first dialogue decision occurs during the tea ceremony when you introduce yourself to the guests. You will have three aliases to choose from:
- "My name is Shizuka."
- "My name is Sanuki."
- "My name is Shigure."
Any of these names could work as long as you remember which one you told Sen no Rikyu in a previous scene. If you didn’t write it down, Imai Sokyu will mention it when you arrive at the ceremony, which may jog your memory.
Regardless of the name you select, consistency is key throughout the ceremony. Personally, I opted for "Shizuka" because it was the first option, making it easier to recall since the names appear in the same order each time you use them.
How to Engage with Otama
Once inside Imai’s garden, the first guest you encounter is Otama. Although you can speak to any of the guests in any order, Otama, who comes from a wealthy background, openly berates Naoe for her clothing, labeling her a rustic simpleton. Here, it’s important to remain gracious and composed. Demonstrating maturity in the conversation can present opportunities for Naoe to respond assertively.
You will introduce yourself, after which Otama will inquire how you became involved in the tea ceremony. You will have these response options:
- "I had a good teacher."
- "I know the son well."
While the second option is somewhat misleading, choosing the truthful response, "I had a good teacher," allows you to avoid the risk of being caught in a lie, even if Otama is sure to find a way to insult you either way.
Next Up: Conversations with Satoko
The following guest you meet is Lady Satoko. After using your chosen alias, she will politely ask what brings you to the ceremony, and you can choose from these options:
- "I’m friends with Master Sokyu."
- "I have contracts with the Imai."
Ultimately, it doesn’t make much difference which option you select, as both are somewhat true. Lady Satoko isn’t particularly interested in the ceremony and admits to her preference for bounty hunting. Following a brief discussion of ideals, she departs to ponder a cherry blossom tree.
Final Guest: Wakasa
Wakasa is the last person you will converse with at the ceremony. After greeting her with your alias, she compliments your attire before revealing she believes you might have already heard of her. Your choices here are:
- "Of course I know you."
- "I’m new to Sakai."
Opt for the honest response, "I’m new to Sakai." Wakasa appreciates transparency and may even play coy, depending on the situation. She will then explain her reputation in Sakai as someone ambitious enough to want to take control, prompting her to inquire about the behavior of people back where you’re from:
- "I didn’t say where I was from."
- "I’m from Nagasaki."
Stay truthful by responding, "I didn’t say," leading to a conversation where Naoe admits her past is irrelevant since she plans to remain in Sakai. Wakasa will extend an invitation to visit her at Osaka Castle, a significant clue that you will need later.
How to Bow at the Ceremony
As the ceremony progresses, you will be prompted to bow before the guests and will need to choose from the following options:
- "Bow head."
- "Bow halfway."
- "Bow deeply."
Keep Sen no Rikyu’s advice in mind—the half bow is ideal, as it represents equality between you and your host. A head bow may seem disrespectful, while a deep bow could appear overly submissive, reinforcing Rikyu’s guidance to treat guests with respect but not as superiors.
Turning Your Cup Correctly
When the tea is served, make sure to turn the bowl slightly to the right, allowing the most aesthetically pleasing side to face the attendees.
As the ceremony comes to a close, guests will present their gifts to Imai. Don’t worry too much about your selection; he will appreciate it regardless.
Making Your Accusation
Before concluding the event, you will have the opportunity choose between confronting Otama or Wakasa about their possible involvement in your father’s death. Although both are scrutinizable, it is recommended to confront Wakasa, as this choice leads to lighter consequences and a better immediate storyline outcome.
With these steps, you can finish your first tea ceremony in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, take out your target, and proceed with the main storyline. As long as you’ve been attentive during the ceremony, you should have no trouble navigating this pivotal sequence.
