Assassin’s Creed Shadows presents an early choice that seems meaningful on the surface. After Naoe wakes up injured from the brutal Onryo attack at Makinoodera Temple, she will find Sorin and young Junjiro at the temple. Sorin will head out on a pilgrimage and wants you to watch over the kid. In the conversation with Junjiro, you will get the choice: let Junjiro stay or tell him this is no place for a child. Seems like a big choice, right? Let me save you some deliberation time.
Should You Let Junjiro Stay or Leave at Your Hideout in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
- If you choose “You can stay, Junjiro,” he’ll happily settle into the Hideout and become your ally. Tomiko will comment on taking in strays. Sorin will be relieved, and life goes on. Junjiro will become part of the Hideout, where he hangs around and reacts to story events.
- If you pick the option “This is no place for a child,” Naoe will explain that the Hideout is dangerous and not meant for a child, and she isn’t wrong. Sorin will disagree, saying no place is completely safe, and Junjiro should stay there. The kid will ignore your refusal, shout his celebratory line, and run into the Hideout. So, the outcome is not different even when you disagree, Junjiro won’t leave.
In the end, you can’t get rid of Junjiro. He’ll stick around, whether you like it or not. A hideout might not be the safest place for a kid, but Sengoku Japan’s wilderness isn’t good either. Not exactly a thrilling twist, but that’s the way it goes.
You can get a clear picture if you play with Canon Mode, which completely strips away all dialogue choices. With the mode active, Junjiro automatically stays in your Hideout without any player input required. It reveals that this choice wasn’t really a choice to begin with. The game just wanted you to think you were in the driver’s seat. Many decisions in Assassin’s Creed Shadows seem important, but they’re just an illusion.
Once Junjiro settles into the Hideout, he will be your permanent companion. You’ll interact with him throughout the story, and he unlocks character specific side quests. His presence brings a light element to the otherwise dark revenge tale that drives Naoe’s journey.
