In the Kii region of Japan, Rin is desperately seeking assistance to combat a group of bandits that have been plaguing her village. While she is in search of a samurai to address the problem, she is also eager to learn how to defend herself. Enter Yasuke: a skilled warrior capable of both handling the bandits and mentoring Rin to become a formidable fighter.
Rin’s storyline in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is similar to other romance options, as it unfolds through a sequence of quests. However, the distinct aspect of Rin’s narrative is the incorporation of patience across her three quests. Her initial quest, Arrow Strike, begins with a meeting at her grandfather’s hut where she and Yasuke clean up and she expresses her desire to live independently. Eager to learn archery for self-defense, Rin asks Yasuke for help in mastering the bow. The lesson includes some playful banter, but once it’s over, Yasuke must leave. He can only return to Rin after the seasons have changed.
This approach contrasts with my experience of other romance storylines, where patience was optional. Usually, I could swiftly progress through quests, leading to romance choices that, albeit sweet, felt hurried. The enforced waiting period in Rin and Yasuke’s story exemplifies the notion of absence makes the heart grow fonder. I found myself eagerly anticipating the change of seasons and checking in on Rin’s development.
In the second segment of Rin’s tale, marked by a seasonal shift, Yasuke gives her horseback riding lessons. It’s a charming scene, featuring a ride by a waterfall and a race to a lake. Their relationship blossoms, yet again Yasuke must depart, returning only after the seasons change. The final chapter, titled Ride into Town, involves a visit to a market, mingling with merchants and artists. It’s one of the most heartwarming and delightful moments in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The quest starts with Rin defending her hut from bandits using her newfound skills, but concludes with a discussion about art, music, and plum onigiri, culminating in a perfect date that justifies the wait.
