Completing the Hunters of Kyonyo Quest in Assassin's Creed: Shadows

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Assassin’s Creed has always been about taking down targets, and in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, you’ll find plenty of them. Some of these targets are part of the main storyline, while others give you extra experience points and gear. However, you’ll need to devote a lot of time to grinding, which can sometimes feel repetitive.

The assassination missions can spice up the grinding experience, especially in the Hunters of Kyonyo Quest. This quest features a variety of components that make it both intriguing and complex. Since the objectives aren’t spelled out, this guide will assist you in navigating through it.

Unlocking the Hunters of Kyonyo

You can unlock this quest in Act Three, specifically after reaching Negoroji in northern Kii.

Once you arrive in town, go to the Fudo-do Temple, which is situated in the eastern side of Negoroji, just past the Monk Quarters.

This quest can be approached with either Naoe or Yasuke, both of whom have skills suitable for the mission.

Upon getting to the temple, you’ll encounter Kennyo, standing near a bell in front of the temple. He will inform you that bounty hunters are causing trouble in the area, and you’ll need to deal with them.

To make matters more pressing, Kennyo’s son is also in danger. You’ll need to slay five bounty hunters in the Kii province. While taking them out might be straightforward, tracking down their locations is the real challenge.

Locations of the Hunters of Kyonyo

Some targets are easier to find, as you might receive a clue in the form of a letter that reveals their locations. Others may require more investigation, allowing for a more immersive experience. Below are the details for each assassination.

Bounty Hunter Target 1 – Inumaru: The Ambusher

After your conversation with Kennyo, visit the Objective Board for the Hunters of Kyonyo quest, where you’ll see that you need to investigate central Kii.

For Inumaru, your only hint will lead you to southeast Koyasan, near Sazae Oni Shores. There, you will encounter a Ronin. Defeating him will yield a letter that directs you to Yakushi Onsen, which is located east of the Nakahechi Route.

Inumaru typically wanders alone during the day, making it a prime time to strike.

Bounty Hunter Target 2 – Kamakichi: The Spy

Move to western Kii in Saika and locate a house in the northeast of the town. Inside, you’ll need to collect three items: one is on a table by the main door, and the other two are on bed mats directly across from the door.

Once you have all three items, Kamakichi’s location will be revealed. His whereabouts change based on the time of day: by night, he can be found south of Saika Castle in the Monk Houses, while during the day, he’ll be north of the Monk Houses in the market.

After taking care of Kamakichi, head to the southwest corner of Saika Temple Grounds (behind Saika Castle) and look for a hole to descend into. Inside, you’ll meet Kyonyo, Kennyo’s son.

Don’t forget to grab the letters nearby to learn about your next targets.

Bounty Hunter Target 3 – Shishi-o: The Interrogator

For Shishi-o, make your way to southeastern Kii in Kumano Sanzan. Head south to Kumano Nachi Taisha Temple, where you’ll find him interrogating NPCs behind the temple, up the stairs in the back right corner.

Bounty Hunter Target 4 – The Shinobi: Toro

This quest requires you to play at night, as the NPCs you need to talk to won’t appear during the day. Head to Koyasan in Kii in the northern section of the region. Look for the Ornament Vendor south of Kongobuji Temple.

After speaking with her, go south past the market until you spot a guard standing near a body. He will instruct you to head to the Monks’ District, west from your current location.

When you reach the Monks’ District, engage with the monk outside the temple and follow him inside. You must eliminate four light sources in one of the houses to set up an ambush. The Shinobi will then appear; make sure to stealthily pursue him around the temple grounds.

After you’ve completed your fourth kill, travel to the southwestern part of Iseji Trails, located at the west of Kii, to find Kyonyo in a camp just south of Iseji Trails.

Upon interacting with Kyonyo, you’ll discover that the head of the Bounty Hunters has taken his father hostage at a nearby fort.

Bounty Hunter Target 5 – Tsuchi-Gumo: Bounty Leader

Once you learn that Kennyo is in danger, you and Kyonyo must rescue him. Fortunately, the fort is close by, to the northwest of Kyonyo’s camp, towards Akagi Fort.

When you arrive, you will once again meet Kyonyo, and together you will strategize your attack, which leads to a dialogue choice:

“I’m going alone.”
“Let’s go together.”

Opting to go alone is more challenging, as the fort will be filled with guards. However, choosing to team up with Kyonyo allows his men to engage the first wave of enemies, giving you the chance to sneak in.