You’re wandering through the Kii region, probably distracted by the gorgeous visuals of 16th-century Japan, when you run into Junjiro again. The kid has a heart of gold, but his cooking skills? Not so much. He’s trying to whip up something special for Master Sorin, the monk who essentially saved Naoe's life and acted as a moral compass when things were looking pretty grim.
It sounds like a simple fetch quest. Get some ingredients, make a pot of liquid, and move on. But Soup for Sorin AC Shadows is one of those tiny moments that actually rewards you for paying attention to the lore. If you just grab the first things you see, you’re going to end up with a disappointed Junjiro and a soup that tastes like literal seawater.
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The Mystery of "Something Brown From the Sea"
Junjiro gives you a cryptic shopping list. He knows he needs Kii’s famous shoyu—that’s the easy part. But then he asks for "something brown from the sea."
Here is where most people mess up.
When you get to the vendor in the northern part of Yuasa, you’ll see Salted Fish. It’s brown. It’s from the sea. It seems like the obvious choice, right? Wrong. If you’ve been listening to the dialogue or reading the codex entries, you know that Master Sorin is a devout Buddhist monk. He doesn't eat anything "with a heart."
Basically, if it had a pulse, it’s off the menu.
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The correct choice is Konbu. It’s dried brown kelp. It fits the description perfectly, and more importantly, it keeps the soup vegetarian-friendly for the old master. Honestly, it's a great bit of environmental storytelling that forces you to think about the culture and the characters rather than just following a golden waypoint.
How to Unlock and Finish the Quest
You won't find this quest immediately. It’s part of "The League" questline and typically pops up in Act 3. You need to have finished "A Different Kind of Samurai" (Junjiro’s previous story) and "Secrets of the Blade" (Naoe’s story).
- Location: Head to the southwestern corner of the Kii region. You’ll find Junjiro in the port town of Yuasa.
- The Vendor: Don't get confused by the map markers. Sometimes the "Scout" ability pings the east side of the street, but the actual vendor is on the west side.
- The Ingredients: Buy the Shoyu and the Konbu.
When you get back to Junjiro, he’ll ask for your advice on the final recipe. If you tell him to use the Konbu, he’s thrilled. He talks about how the broth is "meaningful." If you suggest the fish, Naoe (or Yasuke) will actually struggle to explain why they recommended it, and Junjiro will eventually admit the soup tastes pretty awful.
Does the Choice Actually Matter?
Technically? No. You’ll get your 1,000 XP and the Hay Supply cosmetic for your Hideout regardless of whether the soup is a culinary masterpiece or a disaster.
But from a role-playing perspective, it feels wrong to let the kid fail. Junjiro sees Naoe as a big sister and Yasuke as a big brother. Seeing him happy because he finally made something worthy of his mentor is a nice break from all the assassinations and political backstabbing.
Why We Care About Sorin Anyway
Sorin isn't just a random NPC. He’s the reason Naoe isn't dead in a ditch after the attack on Iga. He’s the one who nursed her back to health at Makinoodera Temple. He’s also the one who convinced Junjiro not to murder Naoe in her sleep, despite the fact that she killed Junjiro’s father.
That’s some heavy stuff for a guy who just wants a bowl of soup.
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In the Japanese dub, you might notice he’s called Sogen. It’s a bit of a translation quirk that has sparked some debate in the forums, but whether you call him Sorin or Sogen, the intent is the same: he’s the "origin" or "foundation" (which is what the kanji in his name actually means).
Actionable Next Steps for Completionists
If you want to make sure you've squeezed everything out of the Kii region and the food mechanics:
- Check your Rations: While you're in Yuasa, look for the noodle bowl icon. Interacting with these food vendors permanently increases your ration capacity.
- The Pilgrimage: After the credits roll, keep an eye out for "The Pilgrimage" quest. It’s the final beat of this story arc where you see the long-term impact of your help.
- Hideout Upgrades: Use that Hay Supply cosmetic! If you're going for the achievement for a fully upgraded hideout, you’ll need to build the Zashiki and the Tea Room to boost your healing efficiency.
The "Soup for Sorin" quest is a small thread in a much larger tapestry, but it’s these specific, culturally grounded details that make the world of Shadows feel lived-in. Just remember: no hearts in the soup.