Nobutsuna’s Student Locations and Rewards Guide

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players alternate between the perspectives of Yasuke and Naoe. As you navigate through the game as Yasuke, your objective will be to locate all of Nobutsuna’s students. Before you embark on this quest, though, you’ll need to complete certain prerequisites.

After finishing the quest titled “An Education“, which explores Yasuke’s journey to becoming a warrior, you will unlock the quest to find Nobutsuna’s students. In this quest, you’ll be limited to using a specific weapon that matches what some of the students wield, and tracking down all seven of Nobutsuna’s ex-pupils will culminate in a significant lesson for Yasuke in AC Shadows.

Where to Find Every Student of Nobutsuna

Every Location and Reward for Finding the Student

Asari Nobutane

While playing as Yasuke, help a Teppo merchant defend against two soldiers located to the south of Negoroji, where you’ll encounter Asari Nobutane. He is at level 37 and uses a Teppo gun and smoke bombs to conceal his movements. Make sure to utilize the specific Teppo assigned to you; modify your skills to match its abilities. Asari can be found south of Negoroji, in a bamboo thicket in the northwestern section of the Kii region. You have the option to follow his marker or the mini-quest leading to him.

Hozoin In’ei

Yasuke can find Hozoin In’ei at Choanji Yakushido, located in the southeast section of the Asuka Rocks Basin. He resides within Choanji Yakushido, a small temple-like structure. Hozoin is at level 35, and you will need to employ the Kanabo during this encounter, so adjust your strategies accordingly. Utilizing adrenaline charges will be crucial in launching special attacks and efficiently defeating him.

Marume Nagayoshi

First, complete the side quest “Duel Notices” to find Marume Nagayoshi. Following the signboard will lead you into a duel with this student. In the Omi region, he is located past Saikoji Temple in the northwestern area of Azuchi. He will battle using a Katana, so utilize dodges and parries to inflict damage as he staggers.

Nagano Saemon

Travel northwest of the Sotomo Gate, where you will find several corpses and a wounded soldier nearby. By speaking to him, you’ll learn that the damage was caused by Nagano Saemon, who is level 32. You can locate this student across the cove in the Wakasa region, which is in the northwestern part of the map. Following the dead body trail along the beach will guide you directly to him.

Sanada Masatoyo

After defeating the previous six students listed on your objectives board and returning to Nobutsuna, you’ll encounter Sanada Masatoyo, who has a higher level of 42. Find him at the Sanada Estate in the Omi region of the Suzuka Foothills. If you have a nearby fast travel point, it will significantly reduce your travel time. Dodging will be essential in this battle, and defeating him will conclude the task of finding Nobutsuna’s students.

Yagyu Munetoshi

It is advisable to be at least level 29 to take on Yagyu Munetoshi efficiently. He is meditating on Mount Miwa in the Yamato region within the Nara Heartland and is located near a fast travel point. Approach Yagyu to challenge him to a duel; he wields a katana and relies on heavy attacks, so dodging will greatly assist you in this encounter.

Yuki no Kata

You can find Yuki no Kata at the Ishinohoden Shrine, located in the Harima region on the northwest side of the Kakogawa Estuary. Upon interacting with a wounded soldier and reviving him, he will speak of the warrior who bested him. Upon reaching the shrine, you will see her waiting for you. You will need to use a Naginata against her, employing dodges and heavy attacks to claim victory.

Rewards for Completing Nobutsuna’s Quest

Defeat All Students to Receive Additional Rewards

Following your final confrontation with Sanada Masatoyo, a cutscene featuring Yasuke will play. You’ll hear Nobutsuna’s voice as Yasuke drinks, declaring him the master of the blade that both takes and gives life, anointing him as the champion of the sword school. Once you’ve proven your worth, you’ll receive notification that the Nobutsuna’s Students quest is complete, and your rewards will be granted. These include 5000 XP, a Samurai Stand, and Natural Shinto Shrine decor.

To utilize the Samurai Stand, you’ll need to acquire 5 mastery points to unlock it within the Samurai Skill Tree. For a duration of 10 seconds, it allows you to unleash a frenzy, converting all your attacks into Posture attacks. The Natural Shinto Shrine decor is a cosmetic addition for your Hideout, and unlike the Shinto shrines found throughout the various regions of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, it won’t offer temporary perks when you pray at it.

Set against the backdrop of Japan’s Sengoku period, this game features two distinct protagonists—Naoe, a shinobi, and Yasuke, a historical African samurai—who navigate political intrigue and fierce conflicts between the Assassins and Templars. Players will experience both stealthy, shadow-based gameplay with Naoe and direct combat with Yasuke, exploring the duality of their missions within a beautifully designed open world.

Franchise

Assassin’s Creed

Released

March 20, 2025

ESRB

Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language

Developer(s)

Ubisoft Quebec

Number of Players

1

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

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