Rise of the Ronin’s Bond Missions are a showcase of the game’s diverse supporting cast and their individual stories. Treated as side missions that see your Ronin take on a specific objective either with or for these characters, they are also a great way to unlock unique rewards and gear.

Furthermore, taking on these missions improves your Bond Level with that character, further improving the rewards you can gain from them with each level. It can make taking on Bond Missions a great way to level up your character while netting some cool gear and buffs in the process.

Business and Pleasure

Your Ronin meets Taka Murayama quite early on in the main story. As a member of the pro-shogunate faction, her first Bond Mission Encroaching Shadows in Yokohama sees you protect her from enemies who were after you to begin with. Your Ronin makes sure that no one tries to exploit your friendship again.

With a pleasant demeanour and a sharp wit, it soon becomes clear that Taka is an important player in Yokohama’s inner circles.

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Her second Bond Mission A Light in the Darkness showcases her gentle side, while also providing a lovely diversion from the fast-paced events of your initial hours in Edo, where the game’s second act takes place.

During the events of Those Who Gather in Edo, your Ronin enters a conversation with Taka, who mentions a favor in a dialogue option marked with the Bond Mission icon. Simply select this option to start the mission.

How to Complete A Light in the Darkness in Rise of the Ronin

You are transported to the Yoshiwara Pleasure District where Take informs you that geisha who have been taken ill are mysteriously disappearing, never to be heard from again. Suspecting foul play, Taka entrusts you with finding out what has happened.

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She informs your Ronin of a recent disappearance, directing you to the geisha’s last known location. Fortunately, it is quite close by. Simply exit the building and follow the map marker to find the geisha’s house.

Enter it and look around to find a ladder in the corner of the room. Follow this path to reach a grapple point that you can use to enter a cutscene.

After a conversation with the rather imposing official, you finally solve the mystery of what is happening. Deal with the official and her bodyguards and talk to the geisha afterward. All that is left is to report to Taka.

Return to Taka in her chambers to talk with her and begin a cutscene. Taka asks you to take a photograph of her. Do so and interact with her to end the mission.

Completing this Bond Mission nets you 1500 Coins, 35 XP, the Courtesan’s Hairpin, a Pleasure District Flower Kimono, a Pleasure District Flower Hat, an Anti-Ki Remedy, and a Photograph of Taka as rewards. It also improves your bond with Taka, each level of which grants a Charm Point and unique gear.

There are many more Bond Missions in Rise of the Ronin and many other characters to bond with! Check out our guides to learn more about these missions and a whole lot more.