Substory 23

Follow our step-by-step guide to complete the 'Bluffin' Up the Wrong Alley' substory in Like a Dragon: Ishin!, including where to start and how to handle the Ronin encounters.

Alright, let's tackle Substory 23, titled 'Bluffin' Up the Wrong Alley.' This one kicks off at the start of Chapter 6. First things first, you'll want to head to the Gambling Den in Rakugai. The quickest way there is to use the Palanquin to get to the Kamo River in Rakugai, then just head west down the street. You'll spot a guy named Haraguchi getting roughed up by some Ronin. Naturally, you're gonna step in.

When you approach, you'll have the option to intervene. Pick the top choice, and after a bit of back-and-forth, it's time to draw your sword. Just when those Ronin think they've got the upper hand, Okita shows up out of nowhere to back you up, and the thugs scatter. Haraguchi will thank you for the save, but here's the kicker: the substory isn't over yet. You'll notice this when you try to leave.

To get things moving again, head into the Gambling Den and then immediately exit. You'll find a Gambler hanging around outside. He'll tell you that the same Ronin you just dealt with are causing trouble again, this time in Mukurogai. He'll ask if the Shinsengumi can lend a hand.

To get to Mukurogai, you can either use the main gate (you'll need a Doburoku) or take the ferry from Fushimi. Once you're there, check your map – you'll see a '!' marking the Gambler's location. Head over to him, and he'll lead you down a shady alley. Yep, it's the Ronin again, and this time you're surrounded. Don't sweat it too much, though; your Wild Dancer style is more than capable of handling this. Think of it like a regular random battle, just with a few more guys. Honestly, the best strategy here is just to keep an eye on your health and heal up if you need to.

After you've dealt with the Ronin, you might think it's all over, but just as things look grim, you'll hear Okita's voice. It turns out it's actually Haraguchi doing a surprisingly good impression, tricking the Ronin into thinking Okita's about to join the fight. They'll bail, deciding they're not up for round two with the Shinsengumi.

When you go to thank Okita, Haraguchi will make a quick exit. Later, back at the Shinsengumi Barracks, you'll have a scene where you thank Okita, who's completely clueless about what you're talking about, leaving you scratching your head. And that's how this substory wraps up.