Assassin’s Creed Shadows may focus on hunting and eliminating targets, but there are some enjoyable elements for players to discover, particularly the romance options.
Players can explore various romantic possibilities with both Naoe and Yasuke throughout Feudal Japan, including some hidden gems. One intriguing character that Yasuke can develop a relationship with is Ibuki, who can be a bit elusive. Here’s how you can find and engage with them.
Ambush Interruption
Finding Ibuki
The biggest challenge related to Ibuki is actually tracking them down, as they are part of a side quest that you might overlook. This mission, known as Ambush Interrupted, is located in Hijiyama, Iga. Make your way to this area as Yasuke, and you will encounter Ibuki.
When you first meet Ibuki, they will immediately recognize Yasuke, presenting the first critical choice for either romance or friendship. Select the phrase, "I have changed" to steer the conversation positively. Following that, you’ll need to fight off a group of enemies alongside Ibuki, which will lead into the next phase of the mission.
Homecoming
Meeting Ibuki Again
After completing Ambush Interrupted, Ibuki will ask you to meet them further north of Hijiyama, near a fort where a friend is being held captive. Travel to that location and engage in conversation. This dialogue presents an opportunity for some optional flirting, where Yasuke can say, "I am here to help." If your goal is simply to recruit Ibuki, you can opt for, "Maybe you’re overthinking it."
The rest of this mission is straightforward; you must navigate a fort filled with guards to locate someone named Kyobei. Continue advancing through the area, taking down enemies, until you find Kyobei just before an execution. It’s crucial to choose, "Fight with us, Kyobei" to keep Ibuki satisfied.
You’ll then face the executioner and a few guards, which should not pose much of a challenge. However, be mindful that Kyobei can die, but as long as you’ve made the right choices earlier, Ibuki will depart and become available again in Hijiyama.
When you run into Ibuki next, they will engage in a conversation with Yasuke, allowing for a new romantic dialogue option. You can choose, "Your mind works in beautiful ways," or you can simply ask Ibuki to join your cause, gaining a valuable ally in the process. This leads to the final part of Ibuki’s quest.
Putting Down Roots
Finding Flowers for Ibuki
The concluding questline for Ibuki, involving a romantic scene, is named Putting Down Roots, and you can start it back at the Hideout. When you talk to Ibuki, they will mention that the Hideout needs more color, prompting Yasuke to search for flowers. You also have the option to say, "You have beautiful eyes" to keep up the flirtation.
To collect the flowers, return to Hijiyama to the designated area we’ve indicated on the map. Gather the three flowers available nearby, using the "Observe" ability if you start to lose track of them, and then head back to Ibuki, who can be found in a bamboo grove near the entrance of the Hideout.
Be prepared for a skirmish because the location of the third flower is within an enemy hideout. However, these foes should not be too much of a hassle.
Once you talk to Ibuki, Yasuke has the final chance to express romantic interest by saying, "I want more than a friendship," leading to a touching scene between the two characters. Alternatively, if you prefer to keep things platonic, you can express happiness in the friendship by saying, "I’m glad we’re friends." Regardless of your choice, there are no negative consequences associated with either option.