An Overview of “The Unpayable Debt” is a pivotal mission within Assassin’s Creed Shadows, where players assume the role of Naoe. This mission unfolds in the aftermath of a devastating attack by Oda Nobunaga’s forces on Iga Province, compounded by the machinations of a masked faction vying for a secretive artifact.
The narrative centers around Naoe’s father, Nagato, who entrusted her with the protection of the mysterious box. Unfortunately, she is swiftly pursued and is ultimately overpowered, leading to the loss of the box to one of her assailants. Following a harrowing escape, she manages to reclaim the box but suffers a severe injury during the ordeal. Nagato comes to her rescue but tragically loses his life in the process.
What follows is a flashback two years prior to these events, providing deeper insight into Naoe’s character and history. The mission officially begins after this reflective segment, transitioning into the main quest titled “An Unpayable Debt”.
Walkthrough for “An Unpayable Debt”in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The mission kicks off with a cinematic cutscene, showing Naoe awakening in a room, where she catches a glimpse of a child who quickly scurries away. Following this, players are thrust into the gameplay where Naoe must escape her current surroundings.
However, her escape is short-lived as she soon collapses due to her injuries. Upon regaining consciousness, another cutscene reveals an elderly figure named Sorin, who attempts to calm her and implores her not to flee.
At this juncture, players face a choice regarding Naoe’s response:
- I won’t run.
- You can’t keep me here.
Selecting the first option proves beneficial, as Sorin cautions Naoe against exerting herself in her fragile condition, warning that she risks serious injury.
Sorin then inquires about her name, prompting a hesitant response from Naoe. He takes this moment to introduce himself and the child she saw earlier—Junjiro. Sorin shares that they are currently at Makinoodera, a temple where she has been recuperating.
As days pass, Naoe asks about her father, Nagato, only to be met with the devastating news from Sorin that he did not survive. Overwhelmed with sorrow, Naoe remains bedridden for several days.
One day, Junjiro sits beside her, offering another dialogue choice:
- It’s all right, you can speak.
- Spil it out.
- [Say nothing]
The best response here is the first option. Junjiro encourages Naoe to eat and regain her strength. Soon after, Sorin enters and requests Junjiro to bring a knife to remove the splint from Naoe’s leg.
As Junjiro exits, a conversation ensues between Sorin and Naoe, where she queries if the boy is afraid of her. Sorin, in a playful manner, counters with, “Should he be?”
This leads to yet another choice:
- Junjiro has nothing to fear from me.
- As long as he’s not an enemy.
Opting for the first choice is recommended. Sorin reveals that Junjiro had been attending to Naoe tirelessly throughout her recovery, which prompts a smile from her as she notes the portraits hanging around her room. Sorin explains that these are Junjiro’s drawings and encourages her to be gentle with him due to the losses he has endured.
When Junjiro returns with the knife, Sorin, trembling from the cold, steps aside, allowing the boy to proceed with the task. Junjiro, though anxious, manages to remove the splint and wonders if he has caused her pain.
Later on, Naoe discovers a collection of Junjiro’s artwork, including unsettling images depicting her as a demon-like figure. Feeling remorseful, she apologizes to him, recognizing that he simply reflects what he sees.
Inputting a positive twist, Junjiro reassures her by stating that there are still many beautiful things in the world, offering to teach her how to appreciate them. He invites her to follow him, marking a new chapter in her journey.
Artistic Endeavors with Junjiro
Follow Junjiro to the designated spot in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, where he introduces her to a tanuki, a Japanese raccoon dog named Mikan. This encounter leads Naoe to engage in a Sumi-e painting task.
- Carefully crouch and approach the tanuki without alarming it.
- Stand alongside the steps to observe it without disturbance.
- Press and hold the L2 button (on PlayStation 5) to initiate the drawing.
Upon finishing her drawing, Naoe presents it to Junjiro, who concurs that it resembles a tanuki. She admits her lack of artistic skill, but Junjiro encourages her, emphasizing that practice making perfect.
A cutscene captures her rehabilitation and progress in painting, culminating with her physical training as she climbs rocks to regain her strength.
Swordsmanship Practice in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The next goal is for Naoe to test her abilities with a sword.
- Make your way southeast to the highlighted area.
- Utilize the attack button to cut through bamboo stalks.
- Continue chopping until the progress bar fills completely.
This task culminates in a cutscene where Sorin advises Naoe that vengeance is a lonely path, suggesting that there may be alternative routes to healing.
As Naoe is set to return to the temple, Junjiro invites her into another room, revealing that he has repaired her father’s instrument and encourages Naoe to play it.
While she plays, memories flood back, reinforcing her resolve as she recalls her father’s dying words: “There is hope. Follow the blade.”This moment becomes pivotal, solidifying her decision to leave.
Before concluding her stay, she expresses her gratitude to Sorin and Junjiro, acknowledging that their kindness can never be fully repaid. As she prepares for her journey, Sorin asks about her destination, to which she answers that she intends to visit Settsu, where her family friend Tomiko resides.
Sorin cautions her of the dangers that lie ahead, while Naoe bids a heartfelt goodbye to Junjiro, urging him to look after himself and Sorin.
This chapter, “An Unpayable Debt,”reaches its conclusion in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, leaving players eager for the journey ahead.