The main quest “Smuggler’s Gambit”in Assassin’s Creed Shadows begins immediately following the completion of the Chef Hong mission. Players are swiftly propelled into action, setting their sights on Hiruga Bay where they’ll pursue a new target: Samemaru, linked to the infamous Niwa clan massacres. This mission intensifies quickly, providing various strategies based on your play style.
Whether you choose to confront enemies head-on or prefer a stealthy approach, both Yasuke and Naoe play pivotal roles in this chapter. Below is a detailed guide to successfully navigating the “Smuggler’s Gambit”quest.
A Comprehensive Walkthrough for Smuggler’s Gambit

Initiating Your Journey
Upon concluding the Chef Hong mission, the “Smuggler’s Gambit”quest will become available on the Shinbakufu Objectives Board. Activate the quest and depart from Obama, traveling north along the main road until you reach Inokuma Hamlet. From there, you can either swim or take a boat northward to Hiruga Bay, your next destination in the quest.
Expect Challenges in Hiruga Bay

Beware—Hiruga Bay is rife with enemies. Upon your arrival, a red line on your compass signals incoming danger. If melee combat suits your style, Yasuke is your ally. Conversely, if you prefer a stealthy tactic, Naoe excels at navigating undetected. Utilize the tall grass, rooftops, and shadows to your advantage to avoid conflict. For this run, our strategy involved silent movement alongside Naoe.
Uncovering the First Clue About Samemaru
Upon arrival in Hiruga Bay, your first objective is to gather information on Samemaru, which can be found at two separate locations on the map.

Start your search by heading north through the tall grass. You’ll eventually come across a house nestled at the end of the path. Carefully enter, ensuring you don’t attract attention, and the first note is located just inside the entrance. If executed patiently, this can be completed without incident.
Locating the Second Clue

After securing the first note, retrace your steps and proceed further north. Stay vigilant for a bridge; underneath it lies a small breach in the fencing that serves as your route. This will guide you to another elevated house, where the second note awaits. You have the option to sneak in or confront any guards present. However, if you stick with Naoe, evading detection is certainly feasible—just be aware of the guard movements and utilize shadows effectively.
With both clues successfully collected, your quest for “Smuggler’s Gambit”in Assassin’s Creed Shadows reaches its conclusion.
Explore more: Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Completing the Red Walls Main Quest