So, you're tracking the Iron Hand Guild in Assassin's Creed Shadows and you’ve finally pinned down Merchant Kanta. He's a seafood vendor in Otsu, but honestly, he’s much more than just a guy selling fish. He's one of those targets that makes you pause. Do you slide a blade into his neck for the loot, or do you spare him because he’s basically just a pawn in a much bigger game?
Kanta is a key figure in "The Iron Hand Guild" side quest. This isn't just some random filler mission. It’s a deep dive into the corporate—well, 16th-century version of corporate—espionage happening between the legitimate Imai clan and a shady syndicate.
Most players just see a red icon and charge in. Don't do that. There's a lot of nuance to how you handle merchant kanta ac shadows that can actually change his future and yours.
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Where to find Merchant Kanta (Day vs. Night)
Finding him isn't too hard, but he doesn't just sit in one spot. He’s a busy guy. If you’re hunting him during the daylight hours, head over to the Rice Shipyard in Otsu, Omi. He’s usually wandering around his wares or checking shipping logs.
Nighttime changes things.
He retreats to his home in the Otsu Upper District.
Honestly, the night approach is way more atmospheric. If you're playing as Naoe, creeping through the rafters of a quiet Japanese house feels exactly like what this game was made for. If you’re Yasuke, well, you might just want to walk through the front door and get it over with. But wait—before you do anything drastic, you need to know about the loot.
To Kill or To Spare? The Loot Dilemma
This is where things get tricky. In Assassin's Creed Shadows, the "Iron Hand Guild" quest gives you a choice for almost every merchant. Imai Sokun specifically asks you to try and spare them. But Ubisoft knows we love shiny things.
If you decide to assassinate Merchant Kanta, you get:
- Kanabo of Blood Gluttony (Epic weapon for Yasuke)
- Engraving: Critical Chance Under Half Health
- 2 Mastery Points
- 345 Mon
The Kanabo is the big draw here. It’s a beastly weapon. However, there’s been some chatter in the community about a bug where the weapon skin might unlock anyway, or it might be available via other drops later in the game. If you’re a completionist who wants the physical item in your inventory right now, killing him is the only guaranteed way.
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What happens if you spare him?
Sparing him is a bit more work. You can't just talk to him; you have to find a specific scroll on a table in his home. Once you loot that, the game registers him as "dealt with" peacefully.
The payoff for being a "good guy"? Kanta eventually flips. He leaves the Iron Hand Guild and starts working as a captain for Imai Sokun’s legitimate merchant fleet. You lose the weapon, but you gain a bit of world-building satisfaction. Plus, Imai Sokun won't be disappointed in you when you turn in the quest.
The Backstory You Probably Missed
Kanta isn't a villain. Not really.
He’s a merchant who got caught in the crossfire of the 1582 chaos. The Iron Hand Guild was essentially a front, using the Imai name to steal business opportunities. Kanta was forced to give up his profits and his seafood wares to the guild just to keep operating.
The most interesting bit of lore involves a missing ship.
Before you even find Kanta, Naoe can find a wrecked ship on Okishima (Lake Biwa). It was carrying Kanta’s goods but was intercepted by pirates. On that wreck, there’s a list that links the shipment back to Otsu. That’s the "detective work" side of merchant kanta ac shadows that makes the quest feel like a real investigation rather than a checklist.
Tactical Tips for the Rice Shipyard
If you're going for the kill—or just want to get close enough to steal that scroll—the Rice Shipyard is a bit of a maze. There are guards everywhere.
- The Southeast Corner: There are some thick bushes here. It’s the perfect spot to whistle. Kanta has a long patrol route, so you might have to wait a minute, but eventually, he’ll wander close enough for a whistle-lure.
- Scout First: Use your scouts to mark him. Because he’s a "Target," his icon is distinct.
- The Night Stealth Route: Honestly, it's easier to hit his house at night. There’s less "eyes on" than the busy shipyard.
Actionable Steps for Your Playthrough
Don't just rush the quest. If you want the best experience with merchant kanta ac shadows, follow this order:
- Find the Wreckage First: Go to Okishima in Lake Biwa and inspect the wrecked ship. It adds context and makes the confrontation feel earned.
- Check Your Inventory: If you already have a high-tier Kanabo you love, you don't need to kill Kanta for the weapon. Sparing him is better for the "true" ending of the questline.
- Save Before the Choice: If you're torn, drop a manual save before entering the Otsu Upper District. See the rewards, and if you feel guilty, reload and spare him.
Ultimately, Kanta is a reminder that in the world of AC Shadows, the line between "target" and "victim" is incredibly thin. Whether you want the Kanabo of Blood Gluttony or a new captain for the Imai fleet, the choice is yours—just make sure you're okay with the consequences.
To finish this quest properly, you'll need to deal with the other three merchants (Ginroku, Kin-no-suke, and Tamao) before you can finally track down the leader of the Iron Hand at Fukuchiyama Castle. Each one has their own unique "spare" mechanic, like destroying Tamao's pots to lure him out or finding Kin-no-suke's letter in the storage sheds. Once all targets are handled, return to Sakai to see how your choices affected Imai Sokun's opinion of your methods.