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In Like a Dragon: Ishin, you can complete various substories for rewards and virtue points. This guide covers the 12 Rakugai substories!
The Reclusive Son
Obtained: Look at the man and woman east of the Creepy Bar
After listening to the mother and son’s argument, speak with the woman to make sure she’s okay. Agree to speak with her son. Select whichever options you’d like! After the conversation, you’ll leave and Uchitaro will show up to save the day. Fight the scary men with Uchitaro to complete the substory.
Reward: Iron Gauntlets and Platinum Chunk
Palanquin Paladin
Obtained: During Chapter 6, approach the old man in front of the 2 Palanqin Bearers just south of the Shady Bar
When you’re ready, agree to keep Sayoko safe. You’ll then need to guard the Palanquin until it reaches its destination. You will fail if the Palanquin loses all durability so protect it well. When you reach the bridge, a cutscene will trigger during which Hayakaze will show up. Defeat him to complete the substory.
Reward: Crimson Bead
Can I Quote You on That?
Obtained: Approach the street just northwest of the Scarecrow Chateau
When you approach the area, a cutscene will trigger followed by a fight. Defeat the enemies then travel to Mibu near Shinsengumi Barracks. You’ll be asked several questions. The answers are as follows:
- It’s my duty, nothing more.
- Go home and be family men.
- Someone I get along with.
- It’s a path for true strength.
- Maintain your innocence.
After the interview ends, so will the substory.
Sonno Joui
Obtained: Listen to the student and his foreign teacher speaking up the street north of the Shady Bar
After listening to their conversation, follow after the foreigner. You’ll find him near a shrine on the eastern side of Rakugai. Approach him to learn that his name is Creek. After the introductions are made, defeat the ruffians. Creek will then leave. You’ll find him in Mukurogai! More specifically, make your way to the upper east side of the area to find him staring at a wall. Speak with him for another altercation to trigger. Defeat the enemies once again to complete the substory.
Ee Ja Not Ka
Obtained: Approach the dancing group on Central Street
When you approach the group, a cutscene will trigger with an Old Woman. A fight will ensue with 6 ruffians. Take them all down to complete this substory!
Reward: Vermilion Fabric
Bluffin’ Up the Wrong Alley
Obtained: After progressing to Chapter 6, approach the men harassing the gambler in front of the Gambling Den on Sannocho Street.
When you approach the troublesome ronin, agree to step in. The cutscene will play out and everyone will disperse. Wait awhile then check back in with the gambler. After speaking to him, head south into Mukurogai. Speak with the gambler again near the entrance. Take out the group of enemies that appear. With some smart thinking on Haraguchi’s part, you’ll be saved! When the cutscene concludes, so will the substory.
The Panthers’ Playmaker
Obtained: After completing The Panthers’ Leading Man substory, return to Ryoma’s villa to receive a letter.
The letter will contain a challenge. Travel to the bridge east of the Gambling Den in Rakugai to find the Black Panthers. Approach the group and speak with them when you’re ready to begin. After you successfully deliver all the letters the quickest, the substory will end.
The Sword Nut
Obtained: Approach the Odd Man on the east side of the Scarecrow Chateau
Speaking with him will complete the substory. You’ll learn that if you bring him swords, he’ll reward you! He wants to first see an Ebony Sword.
Reward: Bond with Sword Nut
The Battered Defender
Obtained: Speak with the Suspicious Man standing on South Umekojicho street, which is just north of Utamaruya
This man will jump to save the cute woman from disgrace. Unfortunately, he’s not a great fighter and gets hurt in the process. Hand over some medicine to help him to complete the substory.
Reward: Bond with Battered Defender
The Mysterious Merchant
Obtained: Approach the wall southwest of the Rakugai Arms Dealer
A man will speak to you from behind the wall and requests that you get him 10 tomatoes. These tomatoes can be harvested at Ryoma’s villa. To unlock tomatoes, you’ll need to spend your virtue points at a shrine. Tomatoes cost 1000 virtue to unlock. Once you can grow tomatoes, head to the hoes next to the field and interact with them to begin your Farm Management. Select a dirt square then choose tomatoes to plant them. Since the tomatoes take up a large area, you might need to pull the other crops you have planted first. Once you have 10 tomatoes, return to the Mysterious Merchant to hand them over to complete the substory.
Reward: 2 ryo and bond with Mysterious Merchant
The Hungry Cat
Obtained: Interact with the black cat just northeast up the street from Unyuan in East Umekoicho
This poor kitty is hungry so feed it! You can either purchase fish from a store or fish for one yourself! We were able to give it a Freshwater Eel or Rainbow Trout. After feeding the cat, the substory will complete.
Reward: Bond with Hungry Cat
The Spitfire Town Protector
Obtained: Pass by the arguing couple on Umekojicho street
After the cutscene, a woman will show up to save her client. You’ll of course help so defeat the ruffians to learn the truth of Bunkichi and Okiku’s situation. Yae will scold her client then speak with you to complete the substory.
Reward: 3 Ryo
