Moral choices are often dilemmas when playing Assassin’s Creed Shadows. One of these is during the “Spring and Fall” mission, confronting Ukita Naoie “The Noble” of the Shinbakufu group. So, here’s what you need to know about the aftermath of choices for Ukita Naoie in AC Shadows.
The Lead-Up to the Decision
There are several steps you need to go through before deciding on Ukita Naoie’s fate. It’ll take quite a while before you encounter Ukita Naoie on your journey. Here’s what you have to pass through first:
- You’ll explore the Harima region mainly focusing on quests in Himeji
- Then, meet with Kuroda Kanbei to participate in a rengakai or poem writing ceremony
- You’ll search for armament and munitions shipment.
- Find out that Ukita Naoie’s son, Hideie, was kidnapped.
- Try to rescue Hideie at Itatehyozu Shrine
- Discover that “The Noble”, your Shinbakufu target, is Ukita Naoie
You’ll see him reading a scroll once you’ve reached Naoie’s chamber on top of Himeji Castle. However, be wary, as the castle is heavily guarded. It’ll be best to use Yasuke as your character for this section.
Your First Choice: Fight Now or Let Him Finish Reading
A pop-up will show, making you choose between two important choices. This will determine how the game will play throughout. It’ll show up before the boss battle begins saying,
- “We fight now”: Initiating the boss battle immediately
- “Finish reading”: You allow Naoie to finish reading the stanza written by his son
Now, letting him finish reading will unlock an additional dialogue option later while speaking with his son. This will be a better choice for those who want an emotionally satisfying conclusion.
The Boss Fight
Moving to the boss fight, Ukita Naoie isn’t exceptionally difficult as a boss. What he does is summon shinobi enemies when he tosses smoke bombs. So, you have to use your character’s best skills (whether you’re playing as Yasuke or Naoe) just to defeat him quickly and efficiently.
Once you defeat Naoie in the battle, you have to choose whether to kill or keep him alive. This will serve as the heaviest and biggest decision to make during the encounter
What Happens If You Kill Ukita Naoie
Choosing to execute Naoie means he accepts his fate saying the words, “My life for his. In all my lives.” It is a reference to his willingness to die in order to protect his son from the wrath of Kuroda Kanbei. Moreover, the death will be quick yet lacking emotional depth due to the absence of alternative choice.
What Happens If You Spare Ukita Naoie
Although choosing to spare Ukita Naoie, he’ll still meet his ultimate end. Choosing to spare his life doesn’t actually save him. He explains that staying alive only endangers his son Hideie since Kanbei would likely hunt the boy. The only way he can ensure the safety of his son is by dying.
The difference occurs if you choose previously the option allowing him to finish reading the stanze. By letting him do so, he’ll recite a final passage “The black earth glistens; With the promise of dead leaves; Spring fear not the fall.” Then, he’ll have you deliver this message to his son before Naoe kills him anyway.
Talking to Hideie: The Final Choice
After the encounter with Ukita Naoie, you have to return to Kuroda Kanbei. You’ll report what happened, and once Hideie arrives, you’ll have several options to answer. These options depend on your previous choices.
If you chose to fight immediately (not letting Naoie finish reading):
- “His life for your life” (Truth): Hideie accepts this harsh truth with tears
- “Do not be seduced by power” (Lie): Hideie thanks you, but Kanbei is displeased with your fabrication
If you allow Naoie to finish reading the stanza, you gain an additional option:
- “Your father recited a stanza”: This is considered the best outcome, as it provides emotional closure for Hideie. It lets him know his father read his work before dying
Rewards Regardless of Choice
Regardless of the choice you make about the fate of Ukita Naoie, you’ll still earn the same rewards. It includes the following:
- Oni’s Fury
- Damage for Non-Legendary Gear
The best choice would be the most emotionally satisfying path. You have to select the following:
- Let Ukita Naoie finish reading when you first encounter him
- Spare him after the battle
- Tell Hideie that his father recited the stanza
Conclusion
The fate of Ukita Naoie in AC Shadows is just one of the cruel and heart-wrenching choices you have to make. Regardless of your decision, you’ll still be able to get the same set of rewards. However, it’ll affect the story progression as well as character development. Think thoroughly before committing to any choices throughout the game.
