Rise of the Ronin’s Bond Missions is a great way to explore the motivations and backstories of its extensive cast of supporting characters. However, unlocking these missions comes with a layer of obscurity that can lead to them being easily missable.

However, some of the game’s best story beats – and rewards – are locked behind these Bond Missions, unlocking as you improve your Ronin’s bond with each character. From unique weapons and mastery of combat styles, completing Bond Missions as they come along is sure to make your journey a lot more memorable than it already is!

The Sakomoto Magic

Ryoma Sakomoto quickly becomes a crucial part of your Ronin’s own story. From your early encounter with him in the main story, he is at your side for a lot of important story beats and is a valuable addition to a rapidly growing supporting cast.

His cheery disposition and optimistic outlook add nuance to the complicated relationships between pro-shogunate and anti-shogunate characters. His Bond Missions are a great way to explore that nuance, while also granting many valuable rewards along the way. To that end, developing your bond with the “eccentric samurai” is certainly worth considering!

How to Complete A House Divided in Rise of the Ronin

A House Divided is the third Bond Mission you get to complete with Ryoma. Completing The Men from Tosa and The Two Apprentices is a prerequisite towards unlocking this mission, along with requiring your ronin to be at level 30. You can always use the Testament of the Soul if you missed out on the first mission, which is in the initial playable area of the game.

Furthermore, you must encounter Kaishu Katsu as a part of the main story and begin working for him in the Edo region, the second playable area in the game. You eventually find that Ryoma needs your assistance at Katsu’s manor.

Speak with Ryoma to begin the mission, which begins as a simple walk to Katsu’s favorite dinner joint. Along the way, Ryoma’s old friend Izo Okada joins the group. As it turns out, Katsu hired him as a personal bodyguard on Ryoma’s request following the events of The Two Apprentices.

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Follow the party for a short while until Okada suddenly turns on the rest of you. Clearly, his hate for anything to do with the shogunate has blinded him to everything else.

As a fighter, Okada is quick and agile. However, with both Ryoma and Katsu on your side, you can make short work of him with a few well-timed Countersparks and choose a combat style that can foil his formidable paired swords. Defeat Okada to complete the mission, and further deepen your bond with both Ryoma and Katsu.

Best Friends Forever

Completing A House Divided improves your bond with Ryoma and also builds favor with him, allowing you to explore further avenues of engagement with your fellow ronin. If you can’t wait to find out where Ryoma’s story takes you next, it can be a great idea to spar with him at the Dojo or give him gifts suitable to his tastes. You can also take him along as an ally on main story missions.

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A few gift ideas for Ryoma include:

• European Dandy’s Kit
• Premium Whiskey
• Imported Beer
• Milk Chocolate
• Knot Of Destiny

Need more help with Rise of the Ronin? Our guides are sure to be of use. See you there!