Side Quests: Dojo Master's Trials

Master the Dojo Master's Trials in Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. These side quests hone your Ninjitsu skills and reward powerful items for your ninja.

Beyond the main quest of vengeance, the world of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance offers a series of challenging trials from the venerable Dojo Master. These side quests are not merely diversions; they are crucial for honing your skills, unlocking powerful Ninjitsu, and acquiring rare items that will prove invaluable in your journey. Each trial tests a different aspect of your shinobi prowess, from stealth and precision to combat mastery and environmental navigation.

Accessing the Trials

The Dojo Master's Trials become available after you complete the "Whispers of the Serpent" main quest in the Bamboo Forest. Return to the Hidden Leaf Dojo, located in the central district of Sakura Village. Speak with the Dojo Master, who will be standing near the training dummies in the main courtyard. He will offer you the first trial, "The Silent Blade."

Trial 1: The Silent Blade

Objective: Infiltrate the Old Watchtower undetected and retrieve the Scroll of Shadow Step.

• Location: The Old Watchtower, accessible from the northern path of the Bamboo Forest.
• Strategy: This trial emphasizes stealth. You cannot be detected by any of the patrolling Watchtower Guards or the stationary Archer Sentinels.
• Walkthrough:
  1. Upon entering the Watchtower grounds, immediately use your Crouch Walk ability to stay low.
  2. Observe the patrol patterns of the first two Watchtower Guards. Wait for them to separate, then use the tall grass on the left to bypass the first.
  3. For the second guard, climb the nearby crumbling wall using your Wall Run, then drop down behind him for a silent takedown (press Square/X when prompted).
  4. The next section features two Archer Sentinels on elevated platforms. Use your Smoke Bomb (select from your Ninjitsu menu) to obscure their vision, allowing you to dash across the open courtyard.
  5. Ascend the main tower by scaling the ivy-covered wall on the west side. Be mindful of falling debris; time your climbs between gusts of wind.
  6. At the top, a single Elite Watchman guards the chamber. He has a wider detection cone. Wait for him to turn his back, then perform a Stealth Kill.
  7. Inside the chamber, the Scroll of Shadow Step is on a pedestal in the center. Collect it to complete the trial.
• Reward: Unlocks the Shadow Step Ninjitsu, allowing for short-range, silent teleportation. Also grants 500 XP and 100 Gold Sen.

Trial 2: The Serpent's Dance

Objective: Defeat 10 Serpent Clan Assassins in the Forgotten Caves using only your Katana and Kunai.

• Location: The Forgotten Caves, accessible via a hidden entrance near the Waterfall Shrine in the Misty Mountains.
• Strategy: This trial focuses on close-quarters combat and efficient weapon use. Ninjitsu is disabled for this trial.
• Walkthrough:
  1. Enter the Forgotten Caves. The path is linear but filled with traps. Watch for pressure plates that trigger dart traps; use your Double Jump to clear them.
  2. The Serpent Clan Assassins are agile and will attempt to flank you. Prioritize blocking their initial strikes (hold L1/LB) and counter-attacking.
  3. In confined spaces, use your Spinning Blade attack (Circle/B after a dash) to hit multiple enemies.
  4. Against single assassins, a combo of three quick Katana strikes (Square/X x3) followed by a Kunai throw (Triangle/Y) is highly effective.
  5. Be aware of assassins hiding in the shadows. Their eyes will glow faintly before they attack.
  6. The trial ends once the tenth assassin is defeated. A counter will appear on your HUD.
• Reward: Unlocks the Blade Mastery Perk, increasing Katana damage by 15%. Also grants 750 XP and 150 Gold Sen.

Trial 3: The Eagle's Ascent

Objective: Reach the summit of Mount Kage within 3 minutes, collecting all 5 Wind Charms along the way.

• Location: Mount Kage, the towering peak overlooking the Misty Mountains. The starting point is at the base camp.
• Strategy: This trial is a test of agility, platforming, and precise movement. The timer is strict, so efficiency is key.
• Walkthrough:
  1. From the base camp, immediately use your Grappling Hook (aim with L2/LT, fire with R2/RT) to ascend the first cliff face.
  2. The first Wind Charm is on a narrow ledge to your left after the first grapple.
  3. use consecutive Wall Runs and Double Jumps to navigate the treacherous rock formations. Look for glowing handholds.
  4. The second Wind Charm is located on a precarious wooden bridge that requires a well-timed Dash to cross before it collapses.
  5. Mid-way up, you'll encounter strong updrafts. Use these to gain extra height with your Glide ability (hold Jump). The third Wind Charm is floating within one of these updrafts.
  6. The path becomes icy near the summit. Perform precise Slide Jumps (Crouch + Jump) to maintain momentum and avoid slipping off.
  7. The fourth Wind Charm is hidden behind a frozen waterfall. You'll need to Wall Run across the ice and quickly grab it before falling.
  8. The final ascent involves a series of moving platforms. Time your jumps carefully. The fifth Wind Charm is on the final stationary platform before the summit.
  9. Reach the very top of the summit to complete the trial.
• Reward: Unlocks the Eagle's Eye Perk, increasing your maximum stamina and allowing for longer glides. Also grants 1000 XP and 200 Gold Sen.

Completing all three Dojo Master's Trials will earn you the respect of the Dojo Master and a special audience, leading to further story revelations and potential future challenges. Good luck, Shinobi!