Complete Guide to Kabukimono Leaders: Locations & Rewards

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players engage with the Kabukimono target board and corresponding questline, which features eight notable targets spread across the regions of Izumi Settsu and Harima. Naoe, the protagonist, is tasked with eliminating these Kabukimono samurai who recklessly terrorize the people of Settsu. Similar to other quests and main storylines, players will receive clues to help locate each leader and put an end to their chaos. Notably, there’s a unique option that allows players not to track each target separately.

The Kabukimono target roster, akin to the objective board in AC Mirage, includes: Grave Dancer, Big Sueki, Chief Cuckoo, Ember, Ghost General, Corrupt Blade, Peacock, and Laughing Man. Once you successfully eliminate several of these foes, you can leave a note for the remaining three targets, which will determine where they ultimately gather. This feature lets you choose whether to confront each target individually or to assemble them at a single location for a group hit. Each of the Kabukimono targets offers specific clues to aid in your search, provided you know where to investigate.

How to Acquire the Kabukimono Quest & Target Board Clues

Shin’nyo Is Found at Nishinomiya Shrine with His Spirited Daughter, Izumi

To unlock the Kabukimono Quest and its target board, I first met with Shin’nyo at the Nishinomiya Shrine located in western Izumi Settsu. His lively daughter speaks passionately about the notorious Kabukimono ronin, while Shin’nyo reveals insights about the feared clan that he believes must be eliminated, thereby initiating the Kabukimono target board in your Objectives menu.

Initially, you will learn the locations of five out of the eight targets. You will need to solve puzzles to unveil the whereabouts of the last three – Peacock, Laughing Man, and Corrupt Blade. The clues below provide a general idea of where each target can be found, but uncovering their exact locations may require additional investigation:

All Kabukimono Target Locations & Rewards

Targets Are Located Across the Izumi Settsu Region

The targets are arranged on the board based on difficulty, moving counterclockwise. Chief Cuckoo is the easiest to defeat, while Corrupt Blade, Peacock, and Laughing Man pose greater challenges. The rewards vary for each target, but one of the key benefits of completing this quest is a significant XP boost from defeating all eight targets. You’ll earn at least 5000 XP, which can increase to 5500 if you’ve developed the Tera building in your hideout.

Chief Cuckoo

The primary clue for Chief Cuckoo may be elusive until you arrive in the relevant area, after which it becomes clear. The clues indicate he is involved in oil trading. Head to the Kamako district to find the Kamako Oil Trading Company, where Chief Cuckoo and his crew are based. After eliminating him, you will receive the unique Prancing Naginata and the Damage After Dodging Engraving as rewards.

Big Sueki

Big Sueki and his companions are known for their love of sake. The clues will guide you to an inn north of Amagasaki Castle. You’ll find him and his group at the Muko Post Town, right outside the castle. Exercise caution to sneak up on him successfully. Defeating Big Sueki rewards you with the Damage + Affliction Engraving and the Tactless Parley Uncommon Katana.

Grave Dancer

Grave Dancer is an easy target located in the southwest section of Osaka at the Sumiyoshi Shrine, where you can approach him without much hassle. Be sure to clear out the shrine area for an additional Knowledge Point, and he will drop an uncommon item and grant you 1000 XP upon defeat.

Ember

You will find Ember in a burned-out village in central Osaka, an area he and his gang have devastated. He’s also a significant adversary in the Kabukimono hierarchy. He is located slightly to the west of the Temple of Osaka, and defeating him will yield the Spark of Ember Teppo for Yasuke, as well as provide the Armor Piercing On Consecutive Hits engraving.

Ghost General

The Ghost General is the last of the initial five targets from the Kabukimono board you pursue before deciding how to handle the final trio. He’s found at the Port of Sakai and carries a note that will unlock the last three targets for this quest. Positioned on a dock, you can approach him from the water if you’re stealthy enough.

Should You Gather the Kabukimono Leaders in One Place?

You Can Choose to Take Them Out Together or One by One

The last target you eliminate will possess a “Note To All Kabukimono.” You must then choose to either post this note to a notice board and gather the remaining three leaders—Peacock, Laughing Man, and Corrupt Blade—or track them down individually. The notice board is positioned at the Nishinomiya Shrine near Shin’nyo’s location. You can either bring all three targets together for a coordinated attack or eliminate them one at a time.

Your decision to gather the targets or pursue them separately will depend on your personal gaming style and choice of character—Yasuke or Naoe. Regardless, these targets will be at least level 23 and situated in the Harima region. Yasuke is adept at taking out all three simultaneously, while Naoe can stealthily eliminate them one at a time. If you opt for individual takedowns, here’s where you’ll find each target:

If you prefer to collect them all in one location, they can be found near the Takagi Kofun as you cross into southeast Harima. Locate them in the lumberyard southeast of the main entrance to Takagi Kofun, identifiable by blue beacons. Successfully eliminating the three targets will grant you a rare bow and katana, with the Laughing Man drop yielding the Flight of Ubagabi Legendary Trinket and a legendary engraving as notable rewards. Once you’ve finished, return to Shin’nyo for 5000 XP.