In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players eventually cross paths with Takeda Motoaki, better known as the Fox. On the surface, he presents himself as a refined and poetic figure, performing tranquil shamisen music under the moonlight. But beneath the charm lies a man responsible for organizing the trafficking of innocent lives to Portuguese slavers. His eloquence can’t wash away the blood on his hands, and his crimes demand retribution.
Entering the Mission: Preparing for a Dual Threat
The quest titled “The Performer” places players into a unique setup—two consecutive boss fights, each featuring one of the main protagonists. This time, character choice is not offered, meaning players will start as Yasuke before shifting to Naoe.
For Yasuke, speed is essential, so equipping a katana is the ideal strategy. Meanwhile, Naoe must also be equipped for combat, not stealth. Equipping her strongest katana and unlocking perks that reward perfect dodges will give her an edge. Vault techniques are unnecessary here; the battle doesn’t allow time for them.
Yasuke’s Chase: Confronting Samemaru
The action begins with Yasuke chasing the pirate leader, Samemaru, through the streets. Eventually, he corners him in an open area, initiating a challenging fight. Samemaru mixes fast-paced strikes with unblockable counterattacks, often launching kunai when at range. His unpredictability and speed make him a real threat, requiring players to exploit every opportunity to use Yasuke’s special abilities.
During their confrontation, Samemaru reveals a critical name—Duarte—hinting at larger operations involving Portuguese slavers. But before diving deeper into that thread, the mission continues with Naoe stepping in to complete the second half.
Naoe’s Pursuit: Tracking Down the Fox
After the cutscene ends, control switches to Naoe, who begins her part of the mission atop a rooftop. Players will need to navigate the city streets to reach the Samurai Yashiki district. It’s smart to avoid ronin patrols by climbing rooftops and bypassing danger.
At the district, a small ceremony is taking place at a shrine dedicated to Takeda Motoaki. When it concludes, the group heads toward Takeda’s estate. Naoe will notice the diamond flags signaling ownership. As the player proceeds through the estate’s archway, following the sound of a shamisen reveals the Fox’s location.
A right-side door leads into a room that contains information about the hired pirates and the infamous Fox mask. A cinematic scene unfolds, showing the Fox playing the shamisen in the moonlight—serene and dignified, yet unmistakably guilty of heinous crimes.
The Fox’s Final Stand
Takeda Motoaki doesn’t go down easily. His fighting skills are considerable, and his poisoned katana only adds to the difficulty. His long and deceptive combo attacks can throw off a player’s timing, making it tough to find safe openings for counterattacks.
Applying afflictions, if available, can help. The strategy is to play patiently, accumulating adrenaline by dodging and dealing smaller blows, and then unleashing powerful abilities once the bar fills. These moves will deliver the most effective damage.
Eventually, after a tense battle, the Fox falls. Players are then presented with a moral choice—whether Motoaki was simply consumed by vengeance or fully deserving of his fate. The choice has no effect on the storyline but offers a reflective moment on justice and revenge.
The Aftermath: The Path Forward
Completing this mission grants experience points, but its significance goes deeper. Yasuke now has a lead—Duarte, one of the key figures behind the slave operations. With that, the story shifts toward Yasuke’s personal vendetta, one that promises even more intensity as he sets out to destroy the Portuguese network that once enslaved him.
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