- Primary Decision: Learn the immediate and long-term narrative consequences of choosing rise of the ronin kill naosuke ii or not during the Sakurada Gate Incident.
- Sparing Naosuke Ii: Unlocks unique bond missions, keeps key characters favorable, and aligns with historical progression.
- Killing Naosuke Ii: Results in immediate execution, pleasing the radical anti-shogunate faction but locking out specific early bond paths.
- Timeline Reversibility: Use the Testament of the Soul mechanic to replay the mission later and change your choice.
The Sakurada Gate Incident Choice
The Sakurada Gate Incident serves as the dramatic climax of Chapter 1. After fighting through waves of guards and defeating Naosuke Ii, the Tairo of the Tokugawa Shogunate, you are presented with a critical narrative junction. Your blade is at his throat, and you must decide whether to execute him or spare his life. This choice significantly influences your relationships with key factions and alters the path of several companion characters.
Video Highlights:
- The intense confrontation at the Sakurada Gate of Edo Castle in March 1860.
- The cinematic choice presented to the player after defeating the Red Demon.
- The immediate cutscene reaction depending on the player's final decision.
Making this decision requires understanding both the immediate narrative impact and the long-term rewards. While the main story structure remains intact, your standing with the Pro-Shogunate and Anti-Shogunate factions will shift.
| Decision Path | Immediate Action | Narrative Tone | Faction Favor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kill Naosuke Ii | Protagonist executes the Tairo | Dark and vengeful | Anti-Shogunate |
| Spare Naosuke Ii | Protagonist shows mercy | Honorable and diplomatic | Pro-Shogunate |
The Sakurada Gate Incident is based on a real historical event from March 1860, where Tairo Naosuke Ii was assassinated by Mito clan ronin due to his political purges and foreign treaties.
Should You Choose Rise of the Ronin Kill Naosuke Ii or Not?
Deciding on the choice of rise of the ronin kill naosuke ii or not depends on your desired playstyle and relationship goals. Sparing Naosuke Ii is widely considered the optimal choice for players who want to experience all available content in a single playthrough. Sparing him allows you to unlock specific bond missions with his retainers later in the game.
If you choose to kill him, the protagonist decapitates the Tairo on the spot. This action satisfies the radical anti-shogunate faction, aligning you with characters like Kogoro Katsura and Shinsaku Takasugi. However, this path shuts down immediate access to certain pro-shogunate character bonds.
| Reward Category | Kill Route Reward | Spare Route Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Faction Standing | High Anti-Shogunate affinity | High Pro-Shogunate affinity |
| Bond Unlocks | Standard faction bonds | Akikatsu Manabe bond path |
| Equipment Drop | Red Demon Armor Set | Chief Minister Robes Set |
Choosing to kill Naosuke Ii immediately prevents you from unlocking Akikatsu Manabe as an ally until you replay the mission using the timeline mechanic.
Detailed Consequences of Sparing Naosuke Ii
Sparing Naosuke Ii does not change his ultimate historical fate, but it changes how characters perceive your honor. If you spare him, Mito ronin will ambush the scene and assassinate him anyway. However, because you showed mercy, his loyal retainer Akikatsu Manabe recognizes your restraint.
This path allows you to build a bond with Akikatsu Manabe later in the story. You will gain access to his unique bond missions, which yield valuable equipment, experience, and faction influence.
Ally Recruitment
- Unlock Akikatsu Manabe as a companion
- Access unique training sessions
- Gain combat assistance in specific missions
Pro-Shogunate Favor
- Improve standing with Edo authorities
- Lower shop prices in pro-shogunate areas
- Unlock exclusive faction gear
Narrative Legacy
- Protagonist viewed as honorable
- Softer dialogue options with moderate characters
- Historically consistent progression
For your first playthrough, sparing Naosuke Ii is highly recommended to maximize your character bonds and secure all companion achievements.
How to Change Your Choice Using Testament of the Soul
If you regret your decision, the game provides a mechanic to rewrite history. The Testament of the Soul, accessed from your Longhouse, allows you to replay completed missions and alter key decisions.
Access the Longhouse
Travel to any major city and enter your personal Longhouse.
Open the Testament of the Soul
Interact with the book icon to open the timeline interface.
Select the Sakurada Gate Incident
Navigate to the Chapter 1 mission list and select the Sakurada Gate Incident.
Replay and Choose the Alternative
Complete the mission boss fight and choose the opposite option at the prompt.
Reflect the Changes to the Timeline
Choose to apply the new decisions to your current world state when prompted at the end of the mission.
You must complete the entire mission for the choice to register. Simply exiting the mission mid-way will not update your world state.
Progression Goals and Checklist
Managing your faction alignments and choices is crucial for unlocking all combat styles and gear sets. Use the checklist below to track your progress through the Sakurada Gate Incident and its aftermath.
Sakurada Gate Checklist:
- Defeat the Red Demon boss fight at the Sakurada Gate
- Decide whether to kill or spare Naosuke Ii
- Collect the Red Demon Armor or Chief Minister Robes
- Unlock Akikatsu Manabe by sparing the Tairo
- Use the Testament of the Soul to view the alternative outcome
Replaying the mission to view both outcomes is required if you want to collect every unique equipment set available in the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does choosing rise of the ronin kill naosuke ii or not lock me out of the true ending?
No, this choice does not lock you out of the final ending of the game. It only affects mid-game faction standing, dialogue options, and specific companion bond missions.
Q: Can I get both armor sets in a single playthrough?
Yes. By using the Testament of the Soul at your Longhouse, you can replay the Sakurada Gate Incident, make the opposite choice, and acquire the other armor set.
Q: What happens to Akikatsu Manabe if I kill Naosuke Ii?
If you kill Naosuke Ii, Akikatsu Manabe will become hostile and refuse to form a bond with you, locking you out of his companion missions until you rewrite the timeline.
Q: Is there any penalty for changing choices via the Testament of the Soul?
There are no penalties. The system is designed to let players explore all narrative branches and collect all character rewards without restarting the game.
Sparing Naosuke Ii offers the most gameplay benefits for a first run. Use the Testament of the Soul later to experience the darker path and collect remaining rewards.