Rise Of The Ronin: Shinsaku Takasugi Bond Guide

«Even in battle, I’m there wishing I could noodle the shamisen.»

While Rise of the Ronin's anti-shogunate crew all have the same goal, each character has a distinct personality. Genzui Kusaka is a radical who wants to take down the system. Ryoma Sakamoto is the idealist straining to find a compromise. Kogoro Katsura is the high-strung brother figure trying to maintain some order among them all. And then there's Shinsaku Takasugi, who goes and does his own thing.

Shinsaku is one of those types who seems "too cool for school." His straight tone and deadpan ribs can make him seem aloof. However, he is a fun-loving, artistic soul who makes others welcome. Furthermore, he is an excellent combatant from whom you can learn much. So, grab a cup of sake while we walk you through bonding with Shinsaku Takasugi.

Where Can I Find Shinsaku Takasugi?

Shinsaku Takasugi is one of the few characters you'll encounter throughout all three chapters of Rise of the Ronin (other characters like this include Kogoro Katsura and Ryoma Sakamoto).

You'll find Shinsaku in each of the Choshu Clan bases: the Sakura Inn in Bashamichi (Chapter 1), the Choshu Clan Villa in Azabu (Chapter 2), and the Choshu Clan Kyoto Estate in Sanjo (Chapter 3).

Chapter	Location	Map
Chapter 1 (Yokohama)	Sakura Inn — Bashamichi
Chapter 2 (Edo)	Choshu Clan Villa — Azabu
Chapter 3 (Kyoto)	Choshu Clan Kyoto Estate — Sanjo

How Can I Get Shinsaku Takasugi To Visit My Longhouse?

You can compel Shinsaku to visit your longhouse by redecorating via the Remodel menu. Place the following accessories on your display shelf:

Accessory	Effect
Miniature Biwa	Raises the visit frequency for people who like Japanese poetry.
Iris (Bamboo Tube)	Raises the visit frequency for people who like Japanese poetry.
Painted Urn	Raises the visit frequency for people who like folk art.
Painted Jar	Raises the visit frequency for people who like folk art.
Sky Blue Bottle	Raises the visit frequency for people who like art.
Vibrant Bottle	Raises the visit frequency for people who like art.
Orange-Colored Bowl	Raises the visit frequency for people who like to throw banquets.

What Gifts Does Shinsaku Takasugi Like?

Shinsaku enjoys gifts related to arts and leisure (if you haven't already gathered that from the shamisen-playing and trips to the gambling den). Make sure to gift him these items whenever you meet.

Treasured Sake
Landmark Ukiyo-e
Japanese Poetry Anthology
Knot of Destiny

You can purchase gifts from Traders and Black Marketeers. Additionally, you can receive gift items via enemy drops, mission rewards, cat concierge missions, and pilgrim dog voyages.

How Else Can I Bond With Shinsaku Takasugi?

Shinsaku Takasugi is an easy character to bond with because there are several ways to bond with him. He has four Bond Missions to pursue. Plus, you can face off with him at the training dojo. Lastly, you may engage in a romantic relationship with him by earning his Favour (but we'll discuss that later).

Bond Missions

Bond Missions are character-driven sub-missions that dive into said character's personal life so we may learn more about them. Shinsaku's Bond Missions are vital to complete if you wish to form a Veiled Vow with him.

Bond Mission Name	Mission Level	Rewards
Try Your Luck	Level 7	1,100 Coins 17 Karma Points American Revolver Mk. II Handgun Bullets x 6 Wooden Tokens x 15 Black Sand Steel x 3
Something to Believe In	Level 13	1,400 Coins 55 Karma Points Qing Style Hat Qing Style Robe Gesture: Clasp Hands 2 Jizo Statuette x 1
Where There's A Will	Level 32	2,800 Coins 1,070 Karma Points Gesture: Play Shamisen Toxic Whetstone x 1 Healing Elixir x 2 Silver Coin x 3 [Optional Reward]
The Spice Of Life	Level 39	3,300 Coins 1,875 Karma Points Fujiwara-no-Sadayasu (Katana) Eastward Journey Kimono Foreign Revolver Handgun Bullet x 6

Dojo Training

Once you get comfortable in the training dojo, you should spar with Shinsaku. This training uses real weapons and provides Shinsaku with firebombs, making winning difficult. However, you'll get rewarded with a stronger bond between yourself and Shinsaku. Plus, you'll learn two new Martial Skills!

Training Dojo: Shinsaku TakasugiStyle: Actual CombatWeapon: Polearm, Katana
Novice Rewards	Polearm — Shinto Munen-ryu — Crouching Dragon II (Martial Skill) Katana — Yagyu Shinkage-ryu — Moonveil Blade (Martial Skill)
Intermediate Rewards	Japanese Poetry Anthology
Advanced Rewards	Set Bonus Armor
Master Rewards	A New Primary Weapon

Can I Romance Shinsaku Takasugi?

You can earn Favour and form a Veiled Vow with Shinsaku Takasugi. However, unlocking this romantic option requires much patience. Follow the steps below to woo this enticing free spirit.

Fill Shinsaku's Favour Gauge using the bond-building tips we have discussed.
Complete all of Shinsaku's Bond Missions, including The Spice of Life mission in Chapter 3.
Talk to Shinsaku after completing The Spice of Life to propose a Veiled Vow.

As you can see, Shinsaku is a character you must wait for throughout most of the campaign to finally court. A pertinent story event resolves itself in The Spice of Life mission, finally making romancing Shinsaku a possibility.

What Are Shinsaku Takasugi's Bond Bonuses?

Shinsaku Takasugi is the man to know if you wish to significantly expand your combat style knowledge. Bonding with him will teach you three unique combat styles: Yagyu Shinkage-ryu (Katana), Shinto Munen-ryu (Polearm), and Kiheitai Style (Oxtail Blade). You'll also learn how to perform Combined Assassinations with allies.

Bond Level	Bond Bonus
Acquainted	Vow Of Comradeship Yagyu Shinkage-ryu Novice (Katana Combat Style) Shinto Munen-ryu Novice (Polearm Combat Style)
Friendly	Combined Assassination (With Ally) Intellect Point + 1 Yagyu Shinkage-ryu Intermediate (Katana Combat Style) Shinto Munen-ryu Intermediate (Polearm Combat Style)
Inseparable	Kiheitai Style Advanced (Oxtail Blade Combat Style) Yagyu Shinkage-ryu Advanced (Katana Combat Style) Shinto Munen-ryu Advanced (Polearm Combat Style)
Fated	Intellect Point + 1 Kiheitai Style Master (Oxtail Blade Combat Style) Yagyu Shinkage-ryu Master (Katana Combat Style) Shinto Munen-ryu Master (Polearm Combat Style)