The Tea Ceremony represents a pivotal main quest in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, wherein Naoe faces the daunting challenge of confronting the elusive Golden Teppo. This mission follows previous quests, Dress for Success and The Perfect Gift, during which Naoe prepares herself to infiltrate a lavish tea ceremony, a setting rife with potential for vengeance against a specified target.
Disclaimer: The following content contains significant plot spoilers related to Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Initiating The Tea Ceremony Quest
To embark on The Tea Ceremony main quest, return to Imai Sokun, who will request that Naoe don her attire before introducing her to his father. Following her successful recovery of silk from pirates, Naoe obtains a new kosode and gains essential knowledge of tea etiquette, enabling her to effectively blend into elite circles.
During her encounter with Imai Sokyu, Naoe delves into the significance of tea ceremonies and will be prompted with a pair of dialogue choices that, interestingly, do not influence the quest’s outcome:
- The tea ceremony is a spiritual experience.
- It’s a place to make contacts.
Their discussion is disrupted when Akechi Mitsuhide intervenes, pushing Naoe to engage with other attendees.
Identifying the Golden Teppo
In the courtyard, Naoe has the opportunity to engage with three guests: Lady Satoko, Otama, and Wakasa. Each could possibly be the Golden Teppo, and it is essential to glean valuable information from each individual.
Otama
Otama makes an instant impression by critiquing Naoe’s appearance and queries her invitation to the ceremony. Respond with one of the following:
- I had a good teacher.
- I know the son well.
Otama’s demeanor is increasingly hostile as she belittles Naoe’s origins, prompting Naoe to subsequently speak with the other guests.
Wakasa
Wakasa stands out as the most courteous among the attendees, complimenting Naoe on her choice of red Chinese silk over black Portuguese fabric, and extending an invitation to Osaka Castle after the event.
Lady Satoko
Do not be misled by Lady Satoko’s frail exterior; she exudes a preference for hunting over social gatherings. She also claims prior experience with a teppo, raising further suspicion about her potential identity as the Golden Teppo.
After conversing with all three guests, the host will invite everyone to partake in the tea.
Naoe’s Journey into High Society
The commencement of the tea ceremony requires displaying courtesy and respect towards the host and other guests. This is where the teachings of Sen No Rikyu come to fruition; Naoe must perform a precise halfway bow and rotate the tea bowl to the right.
Following the respectful act, the group transitions indoors where Imai Sokyu circulates the tea bowl. Don’t forget to spin the bowl to the right after drinking.
As the evening draws to a close, guests present their gifts. Note that the gift selected in prior missions does not influence the mission’s trajectory; if the bamboo ladle was chosen, it is recognized as the canonical gift.
Regardless, Imai Sokyu graciously accepts the offering.
Narrowing Down the Golden Teppo
Post-ceremony, the inquiry leads Naoe to focus on Wakasa and Otama. Through keen insight, she dismisses Lady Satoko as a contender, despite her rifle skills, while becoming increasingly suspicious of Wakasa’s affable demeanor and Otama’s abrasive personality.
Pursuing Otama
Opting to pursue Otama results in an extensive chase that concludes with her assassination by Naoe. Although a letter retrieved from her body discloses that she isn’t the Golden Teppo, it highlights a nefarious secret she wished to conceal. Completing this action grants you 1000 XP.
Confronting Wakasa: The Golden Teppo Revealed
If you choose to face Wakasa, she confronts her identity without hesitation, reaffirming the availability of her invitation to Osaka Castle. This decision wraps up the quest, enabling Naoe to claim vengeance with a retrieved rifle.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is currently accessible on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.