**SPOILER WARNING**: This article delves into Yasuke's personal narrative and the Templar's role in *Assassin's Creed Shadows*.
After hearing rumors of "worse men" from his past being active in Japan, Yasuke embarks on a series of quests known as Yasuke's Past. These quests are tied to the Templar Hunt Objective Board, which requires players to locate and eliminate specific Templar targets. We'll start with the hunt for Kimura Kei in *Assassin's Creed Shadows*.
Your first clue to Kimura Kei's whereabouts comes from a ronin contact in Kii. Head to the central Nakahechi Route and find the inn at Takahara Village. If you're having trouble locating the ronin, consider using Scouts to pinpoint his exact position. Look for a building adorned with green flags next to a cherry blossom tree. Inside, you'll find a ronin dressed in Oda Clan attire. Speak with him, and he'll direct you to a recruiter named Kumabe Ujiie.
Kumabe Ujiie is located in northern Kii, at a cemetery in Koyasan, just northeast of the Kongobuji Temple. Approach him as he walks with his ronin escort, but do not engage them. Choose the dialogue option "I seek guidance" when you speak to him. Follow Kumabe Ujiie, and he will eventually reveal Kimura Kei's location to you.
Kimura Kei's Training Grounds are situated in the southwest part of Kii, just north of the shore, between Sazae Oni Shores and Nakahechi Route. Once you arrive, follow the other students to reach Kimura Kei. He will recognize Yasuke and order his students to attack. You'll face waves of ronin, so ensure you're equipped with the best armor and weapons available. Use the environment to your advantage; exploding red barrels along the path can help you clear groups of enemies quickly.
The confrontation with Kimura Kei escalates into a multi-phase boss fight, where stealth assassination is not an option. Equip armor with engravings that allow you to parry unblockable attacks, as Kimura Kei frequently employs them. In the first phase, he uses a standard Katana; parry his attacks to make him vulnerable and use posture attacks to break his armor. As his armor weakens, he switches to a Long Katana and a standard Katana, increasing his unblockable attacks. Dodge and strike strategically.
When Kimura Kei's health drops to half, the fight moves outside. He becomes more aggressive with high-damage unblockable attacks. Maintain distance and use your bow or teppo for effective long-range attacks.
Defeating Kimura Kei grants you 3,000 XP, some Mon, and the Templar-themed Destroyer Samurai Armor and Helmet. The armor features an engraving that reduces the impact of enemy attacks, while the helmet boosts Yasuke's damage by 10% for every 10% of his health that's missing.
After defeating the Shinbakufu, the Silver Queen appears on the Templar Board, aiding the Portuguese in plundering Tamba. To reach her, you must first speak with several contacts.
The Spy, who holds crucial information about the Silver Queen, is located in Southeast Tamba's Silver Lands. Find him sitting on a rug under a small structure near a wooden cart and crates. After speaking with him, he'll reveal the Silver Queen's location.
Head to the town of Tada, just northeast of Tada Kakurega, to find the Silver Queen conversing with Portuguese soldiers. Engage in conversation with her, and follow her to her house for tea. However, you'll wake up in Tada Silver Mine, drugged.
Upon waking in a locked room within Tada Silver Mine, break the door by sprinting into it. After dealing with any guards, decide whether to fight or sneak your way out. Sneaking is the most efficient method. Head southwest out of the mine, eliminating any threats in your path.
The Silver Queen requires Yasuke's assistance in rescuing her brother, Akechi Mitsuyoshi, in exchange for information about Yasuke's true target. After escaping Tada Silver Mine, head north towards Kameyama Castle. Stock up on Ammo and Rations at the Kakurega just north of Senneji Temple in Kameyama. Use Pathfinder to navigate through Kameyama Castle, eliminating guards as you proceed. You'll find a bleeding servant in the living quarters who provides a key to the castle's Tenshu.
Use the key to access the castle's Tenshu and free Akechi Mitsuyoshi. Follow him as he escapes, using your bow or teppo to protect him from distant threats. After his escape, return to the castle to retrieve his Katana from Baltazar. Defeat Baltazar and his soldiers using abilities and posture attacks to break his guard. Once you've reclaimed the Katana, head north to Atago Shrine and speak with Akechi Mitsuyoshi to learn the location of your next target.
Yasuke's ultimate target, Nuno Caro, is preparing to leave Japan. Find him in Western Tamba at Takeda Castle, high atop a mountain. Use Pathfinder to navigate the winding road to the castle. Takeda Castle is heavily guarded with alarm bells; disable them with your bow or teppo to maintain stealth. As you ascend, you'll eventually reach a set of double doors leading to Nuno Caro.
Engage and defeat Nuno Caro's men as you climb the castle. Nuno Caro awaits at the top, wielding a sword and pistol. His main attack is a four-swipe combo, which you can block or parry. Dodge when his pistol glows red to avoid being shot. Use Abilities to inflict high damage and make him vulnerable, then attack until he's defeated. With Nuno Caro's demise, the Templar Hunt Objective Board is completed.
*Assassin's Creed Shadows* is set to launch on March 20th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.