You’ve spent hours tracking down legendary duelists across the sprawling map of Sengoku-era Japan. You’ve mastered the teppo, dodged arrows in Wakasa, and maybe even pulled your hair out trying to parry a kanabo in Yamato. Now, the objective marker finally blinks with that simple, somewhat ominous instruction: Return to Nobutsuna Sensei.
If you're playing Assassin's Creed Shadows, you know this isn't just a "turn in the quest" moment. It’s a massive tonal shift. Most players expect a pat on the back and a shiny new sword. Instead, they find a plot twist that hits like a heavy katana strike.
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The Reality of Nobutsuna’s Students
Honestly, the "Nobutsuna’s Students" questline is one of the better pieces of side content Ubisoft has put together in years. It’s not just filler. It’s a deep dive into the history of the Shinkage-ryū school, centered around the real-life figure of Kamiizumi Nobutsuna.
In the game, Nobutsuna acts as a mentor to Yasuke, sending you out to find his six greatest pupils. These aren't just random NPCs. They are based on historical badasses like Yagyū Munetoshi and Hōzōin In'ei. The quest feels like a tournament arc from a classic samurai film, right up until you actually try to return to your master’s estate in Azuchi.
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Why You Can’t Find Him
Here is the part where people get stuck. You ride back to the southwestern corner of Azuchi, Omi, expecting to see the old man sitting by his tea set. But the courtyard is empty. Or rather, it’s empty of Nobutsuna.
Instead, you find Marume Nagayoshi sitting there looking absolutely defeated.
The "Return to Nobutsuna Sensei" objective is actually a setup for the quest Just One Cup. If you haven't finished all six student duels, the game won't trigger the proper dialogue. You have to beat:
- Marume Nagayoshi (Long Katana)
- Asari Nobutane (Teppo/Matchlock)
- Hozoin In'ei (Kanabo)
- Nagano Saemon (Yumi Bow)
- Yagyu Munetoshi (Katana)
- Yuki no Kata (Naginata)
The Sanada Twist
The reason for the heavy atmosphere? While you were out playing "best student," a rival swordmaster named Sanada Masatoyo showed up. He didn't come for tea.
Basically, Sanada was shamed by Nobutsuna years ago and has been nursing a grudge that would make a Dark Souls boss look well-adjusted. By the time you return, Nobutsuna has been killed. It’s a gut punch. Yasuke’s story is often about finding a place where he belongs, and Nobutsuna represented that stability.
The quest then shifts from a test of skill to a hunt for vengeance. You aren't just returning to report; you're returning to pick up the trail of a murderer.
How to Handle the Final Duel
Once you talk to Nagayoshi, he’ll point you toward the Suzuka Foothills in Omi. This is where Sanada Masatoyo is hiding out.
- Don't rush the gate. The estate is crawling with Sanada’s own students.
- The Weapon Lock: Just like the previous duels, this is a 1v1 fight where you are locked into a specific weapon—in this case, the Long Katana.
- Watch the patterns. Sanada has two distinct phases. He’s aggressive, but his heavy attacks leave huge windows for counters.
If you’ve been relying on Naoe’s stealth for the whole game, this quest is going to be a wake-up call. You have to play as Yasuke. You have to be precise.
Actionable Steps for Completion
If your quest log is stuck on "Return to Nobutsuna Sensei" and nothing is happening, check these specific things:
- Check your Objectives Board. Look under the "People of Omi" category. If any of the six students don't have a checkmark, the final encounter at the Azuchi estate won't trigger.
- Confirm your character. You must be playing as Yasuke to interact with Nagayoshi and progress the story. The students won't duel Naoe; they only care about the "African Samurai" who carries their master's favor.
- The Reward Loot: Completing this entire arc doesn't just give you XP. You get the Samurai Stand skill, which is a game-changer for Yasuke’s combat flow, and the Tori Gate decoration for your hideout.
The legacy of the Shinkage-ryū school in AC Shadows serves as a bridge between the game's fictionalized narrative and the very real martial arts history of the 16th century. It’s a reminder that even the greatest masters aren't untouchable, and the "Return" is less about a destination and more about what you do with the techniques they left behind.