In Assassin's Creed Shadows, many of the side quests you'll encounter task you with eliminating entire groups of enemies. These organizations can be made up of anything from outlaw Ronin terrorizing the countryside, to former students of a famous sword master. One of the first groups you'll encounter in AC Shadows is the Kabukimono. Made up of eight rogue samurai, this group is spread throughout several key regions of the game, and offers up impressive rewards for defeating the individual members, as well as for completing the quest as a whole. This guide will show where to find the location of all eight Kabukimono in Assassin's Creed Shadows.

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How to Start The Kabukimono Quest in Assassin's Creed Shadows

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Visit Nishinomiya Shrine:

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To begin the quest to eliminate the Kabukimono, you'll want to locate Nishinomiya Shrine Town, east of Amagasaki and south of Nakayama Peak in northeastern Izumi Settsu. Your goal is to locate Nishinomiya Shrine itself, where you'll find a man named Shin'nyo standing at the Torii Gate that marks the entrance to the shrine.

If you check the map before visiting, you should be able to spot the small black and white exclamation symbol that tells you there is a side quest in the area. Speak to Shin'nyo, and agree to help take down this group of outlaw Ronin.

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You may come across members of the Kabukimono before you begin the quest. You'll notice them by the yellow crown that is found above the numerical level hovering over their heads. However, this crown is found on many types of important enemies. You'll know if you've defeated any Kabukimono early by checking the Objectives section of the menu. A new circle will be revealed on the lower left side of the Shinbakufu circle. It will be marked as an "Unknown Organization" until you initiate the quest with Shin'nyo.

All Kabukimono Locations Video – AC Shadows

Where to Find the Ghost General Kabukimono in Assassin's Creed Shadows

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Ghost General Location:

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The Ghost General is one of the first Kabukimono that you'll encounter, as he is located in Sakai, one of the first regions Naoe will have to visit after the prologue. Sakai is found on the west coast of Izumi Settsu, just south of Osaka, and west of the Izumi Coast region.

You'll find the Ghost General in the Money Changer District, which is right near the center of the western edge of Sakai. You'll find it south of the Port of Sakai, and west of the Sakai Firearms District and Sakai Kakurega. The area is filled with bandits, so make sure you're ready for a fight.

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The Ghost General, and his Ronin guard, are usually found at the northern end of the district.

Ghost General Rewards:

  • Kabukimono's Greed – Uncommon Katana (Naoe)
  • Adrenaline on Multiple Enemies Engraving
  • 290 Mon.

Where to Find Ember Kabukimono in Assassin's Creed Shadows

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Ember Location:

The Kabukimono known as Ember, is located on the island that makes up a big chunk of western Osaka. The island includes the Temple of Osaka and the Fisherman's District.

You'll find Ember in a small courtyard just slightly northeast of the Temple of Osaka. There is a massive pile of exploding pots in the courtyard, and if you climb the house, you can shoot the pots as Ember walks by, killing him instantly.

Ember Rewards:

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  • Spark of Ember – Rare Teppo
  • Armor Piercing on Consecutive Hits Engraving

Where to Find Grave Dancer Kabukimono in Assassin's Creed Shadows

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Grave Dancer Location:

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Grave Dancer is a particularly vile Kabukimono, known for leading a group known as the Defilers. He can be found terrorizing the worshipers visiting the Sumiyoshi Shrine in the southern Osaka region. The shrine is located directly south of the city of Osaka, just before the river that separates Osaka from the Izumi Coast.

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Grave Dancer makes it very easy to attack from above. If you have the Double Assassination skill unlocked for Tanto, you can likely kill him and his Ronin guard at once. It is possible that you will not be able to fully defeat him with an assassination, but it is still worth attempting, as you will likely remove a massive chunk of health.

Grave Dancer Rewards:

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  • Widower's Solace – Uncommon Katana (Naoe)
  • Buildup on Consecutive Kills – Engraving
  • 235 Mon
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Where to Find Big Sueki Kabukimono in Assassin's Creed Shadows

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Big Sueki Location:

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Big Sueki leads a gang of rowdy bandits based out of Muko Post Town, just north of Amagasaki Castle in the small Amagasaki region. This area is found in western Izumi Settsu, across the river northwest of Osaka.

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Big Sueki is found in a small garden courtyard, surrounded by multiple Ronin. If you sneak through the bushes in the garden, you can get close enough to quickly execute him.

Big Sueki Rewards:

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  • Tactless Parlay – Rare Katana (Naoe)
  • Damage With Affliction – Engraving

Where to Find Chief Cuckoo Kabukimono in Assassin's Creed Shadows

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Chief Cuckoo Location:

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Chief Cuckoo is found at the Katano Oil Trading POI, which sits just to the southwest of Katano Castle, one of the first locations you visit with Naoe. Be careful when approaching this location, as it is filled with multiple bandits, as well as the usual Kabukimono Ronin guards.

If you visit this location at night, it is very easy to sneak up close to Chief Cuckoo and assassinate him. He walks a continuous path around the courtyard where he is located, with the best kill locations being the rooftops around the courtyard, or the well. Chief Cuckoo will stop momentarily right in front of the well, making it a great location to strike.

Chief Cuckoo Rewards:

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  • Prancing Naginata – Rare Naginata (Yasuke)
  • Damage After Dodge – Engraving
  • 245 Mon

These first five Kabukimono can be killed in any order. The last of these five to die will give you a note detailing the next steps to take.

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Should You Fight Kabukimono Bosses Together or Separately in Assassin's Creed Shadows?

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Should You Leave a Note?

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After you dispense with the first five Kabukimono, you'll need to visit Nishinomiya Shrine in northwestern Izumi Settsu. There, you will find a sign posted at the shrine's front gate. You must decide whether you wish to go after the final three Kabukimono as a group, or locate them individually.

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There does not appear to be any benefit to picking one option over the other. It will simply come down to whether you want to take on the challenge of facing all three bosses at the same location. It may be convenient to gather them all together in one location, but the combat will be much easier individually.

Where to Find Corrupt Blade Kabukimono in Assassin's Creed Shadows

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Corrupt Blade Location:

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Corrupt Blade, like all the final three Kabukimono, is found in the Harima region, which is directly west of Izumi Settsu. This area is marked at Level 24, so you'll likely encounter several enemies that can one-shot you if you are below level 22. If you feel confident in your combat ability, it's safe to go around level 20. Corrupt Blade is located at Habayama Peak, which is southwest of Miki.

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We made our way to Corrupt Blade with Yasuke at level 20, and we found him guarded by two Ronin with skulls in place of a level. This essentially means they can kill you with one hit. Still, we were able to defeat Corrupt Blade, who is level 24. You can make your way around the outside of the camp, then up behind the tower, without being seen. You should be able to take the Kabukimono out, then run away, if you don't feel like dealing with the Ronin.

Corrupt Blade Rewards:

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  • Kabuki Corruptor – Rare Katana (Yasuke)
  • Ration on Kill - Engraving
  • 230 Mon.
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Where to Find The Peacock Kabukimono in Assassin's Creed Shadows

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The Peacock Location:

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The Peacock is found in the far northern reaches of Harima, right on the border with Tamba. In fact, you may need to cross into Tamba to kill him. Luckily, he does not take on Tamba's level. From the lake at Mount Kasagata, follow the river north, and you'll end up exactly in the correct location.

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The Peacock is only guarded by a single Ronin. There are large grass fields on both sides of the path that The Peacock is found walking along, so it may be a good idea to use Naoe for this kill. She should be able to assassinate the Ronin from the grass, and do serious damage to The Peacock - depending on your level and skills.

The Peacock Rewards:

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  • The Sleight of Hand – Rare Bow (Yasuke)
  • Buildup with Backstab – Engraving
  • 235 Mon

Where to Find the Laughing Man Kabukimono in Assassin's Creed Shadows

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Laughing Man Location:

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The Laughing Man Kabukimono is located at a POI called the Blackstone Cascades in Harmia. It is directly east of Mount Kasagata, and northwest of Kamakura Valley.

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There is a large tree that hangs over the area where the Laughing Man is found. This provides the perfect opportunity for Naoe to perform an Air Assassination. However, if you prefer to use Yasuke, Laughing Man is only guarded by one Ronin, so it is not a difficult fight if you are properly leveled. Both Laughing Man and his Ronin guard are level 23.

Laughing Man Rewards:

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  • Flight of the Ubagabi – Legendary. Trinket (Naoe)
  • Adrenaline Gain for Kusarigama Mastery – Engraving
  • 310 Mon.
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Kabukimono Bosses Gathering Location in Assassin's Creed Shadows

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Three Kabukimono Bosses Location:

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If you decide to have all three Kabukimono bosses meet in the same location, they can be found in the southeastern corner of the Kanki Burned Fields. It does not appear that there is any special POI name for their location. You can triangulate the exact position by looking at the center point between Kanki Burned Fields, Miki, and Nakayama Peak.

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Corrupt Blade, The Peacock, and Laughing Man will all be found in a small compound. When you attack, several Ronin will attack the bosses as well. However, you'll have to defeat them as well at the end of the fight. All rewards remain the same as the solo fights.

How to Complete The Kabukimono Quest in Assassin's Creed Shadows

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Return to NIshinomiya Shrine:

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To complete the mission, make your way back to the shrine where you started the quest and speak to Shin'nyo one last time. He will thank you, and the mission will end.

The Kabukimono Quest Rewards:

Upon completing "The Kabukimono," you will check-off one of the two requirements that allow access to the following skills:

  • Third Wave – the final tier of Naoe's Tidal Wave skill.
  • Chained Power Dash – the final tier of Yasuke's Power Dash skill.

Both skills also require you to reach Knowledge level 6. Along with the skill unlocks, you will also receive 5000 XP.

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Top Critic Avg: 81 /100 Critics Rec: 82%
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Released
March 20, 2025
ESRB
Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language
Developer(s)
Ubisoft Quebec
Publisher(s)
Ubisoft
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Assassin’s Creed Shadows Expansion Details Leaked on Steam
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Engine
AnvilNext
Franchise
Assassin's Creed
Number of Players
1
Steam Deck Compatibility
Unknown
Genre(s)
Action, Stealth, RPG
X|S Optimized
Yes