Step into the shadows of feudal Japan with “An Evening in Otsu,” the gripping quest in Assassin’s Creed Shadows where you track down the elusive Shinbakufu member known as The Naginata. Begin your pursuit in the serene yet secretive Otsu Upper District, home to Aoi, a shrine maiden whose crucial information will lead you to a deadly duel on the iconic Seta Bridge. Navigate through stealth, combat, and intrigue as you unravel a plot that could change the fate of Omi forever.
In this Assassin’s Creed Shadows guide, we’ll walk you through how to find Aoi and how to find the lead on Seta Bridge.
Note that you won’t be able to start “An Evening in Otsu” until you unlock Yasuke as a playable character and complete his additional flashback quests.
Aoi location in ’An Evening in Otsu’
In the mission “An Evening in Otsu” in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Aoi is a key ally located in the Otsu Upper District, which lies in the southern part of the Omi province near the southwestern shore of Lake Biwa. Players can find her in the northern section of the Upper District, near a large Torii gate, holding an umbrella, making her easy to spot. Approaching Aoi triggers a quest update where she reveals information about a high-ranking Shinbakufu member involved in a duel at Seta Bridge, guiding players to the next phase of the mission. Using a scout or observation mode helps pinpoint her exact location on the map, just west of the Mouth of Seta area. Engaging with Aoi is essential to progress in the quest to eliminate The Naginata.
Your first step in “An Evening in Otsu” is to find Aoi, a woman who will aid you in your hunt. You’ll find her in the city of Otsu, which is in the southernmost part of the Omi province, and borders the tail of Lake Biwa.
If you want to use a scout to find her, she’s in the top half of the city on the map. Alternatively, she is just west of the upper district dot, almost directly north of the Otsu Kakurega.
To get to Aoi, travel to the Otsu Kukurega. Outside, hop the fence in front of you and walk a few feet forward until you’re on a road. Look and walk right and you’ll see her standing next to a fence and a lantern with a black and red parasol in her hands.
Talk to her to continue the quest.
How to find Seta Bridge in ’An Evening in Otsu’
To find Seta Bridge in the “An Evening in Otsu” mission in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, first locate Aoi in the Otsu Upper District near the southwestern side of Lake Biwa. After speaking with her, your objective will update to guide you to Seta Bridge, which lies southeast of Otsu in the village of Seta. Follow the main road to the large bridge spanning the river, not the smaller nearby one. At the midpoint of Seta Bridge, look for a damaged section under repair with bamboo scaffolding on the left side. Descend the ladder there to find a letter on a crate, which triggers a cutscene and advances the quest. Be prepared to face ambushers in waves after this encounter. This location is key to uncovering leads about The Naginata and progressing the mission.
After you talk to Aoi, you’ll be told to “find a lead on Seta Bridge.” Your objective marker will automatically change, so follow the guidance line or just go down Otsu’s main street until you find it. (It’s the giant bridge connecting the two sides of the river, not the small bridge just outside of town.)
Halfway across the bridge, you’ll find a part that’s been blown up or burned and is currently being repaired. Walk off the bridge and onto the bamboo scaffolding to your left. Take the ladder down (or do a sick flip – you’re a ninja, act like one), and read the letter on the boards in front of you. This will cause a cutscene to happen where Naoe waits for the duel later that night.
When you regain control of Naoe, you’ll be back on the bridge and a group of ambushers will be running toward you. Kill them and then move down the bridge toward the next group. After you’ve killed all the enemies on the bridge, Aoi will run up to you. Talk to her again to complete the quest and earn 1,100 XP.
What secrets does the Aoi location in Assassin’s Creed Shadows reveal
The Aoi location in Assassin’s Creed Shadows reveals critical intelligence about a planned duel involving The Naginata, a key Shinbakufu target. Found in the Otsu Upper District near the western Mouth of Seta, Aoi is a shrine maiden who provides Yasuke with a lead on Seta Bridge, where a staged duel and ambush are set to take place. Interacting with Aoi sets the stage for the next phase of the quest, uncovering a plot to ambush Shotei, an enemy of Lord Nobunaga, and triggering a nighttime battle sequence on the bridge. This location is pivotal for advancing the story and gathering clues that lead to the elimination of The Naginata.
What hidden clues about Aoi’s true motives are revealed in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The hidden clues about Aoi’s true motives in Assassin’s Creed Shadows suggest she is more than just a loyal shrine maiden; her role is intertwined with the complex political and factional struggles of the time. While Aoi appears as an associate and follower within Ōtsu, subtle hints imply her allegiance and actions may be influenced by deeper loyalties or conflicts, possibly connected to the Shinbakufu or other factions operating in the shadows. However, explicit revelations about her true motives remain limited, leaving room for player interpretation and further story development as the game progresses.
