Like a Dragon: Ishin! bonds guide: all bond locations, rewards, tasks

You have a slew of options to choose from when it comes to pursuing bonds. Ishin, like a Dragon. From chatting with a shop owner to becoming a regular at a sushi joint or patching up a samurai wannabe citizen with health items, there’ss no shortage of friendships to build. While bonds can be used as extensions of substories and quite honestly, there are many available bonds. Ishin, like a DragonIt can seem overwhelming.

Bonds can seem like a trivial thing at first, considering how many things there are to discover and do. The following guide will explore all benefits you get by bonds. Ishin, like a DragonYou can see the value of these friendships over time without needing to invest any money. We’ve also highlighted the bonds in Ishin that you shouldn’t miss.

Ishin!

These bonds are sometimes called friendships. Ishin, like a DragonThis will allow you to meet the locals better. Many have longer stories, while others relate to other systems like Another Life. There are many substories, some of which may feel brief at first but will unlock a connection for you afterward.

Bonds are entirely optional. They can’t be missed during the main story either, so you can always tackle them during Premium Adventure after the credits have rolled. If you’re looking to gain some Virtue, however, they can be a good source for that. However, these friendships can be a good way to get some Virtue, but they are not a great investment of time.

Image: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio/Sega via Polygon

Ishin! You should finish all bonds

Out of all the different bonds out there, here are some that you should do as quickly as possible. As a general rule, if you’re trying to speed up the process of increasing the friendship level of a bond, you can always exit the area that you’re in and come back again. If that doesn’t work, performing an activity — such as a battle dungeon, a karaoke song, or eating at a restaurant — might do the trick. But in any case, if you’re still doing the main story, progressing through your current main objective is always likely to reset an NPC so they’ll talk to you again.

Here are some tools to help you prepare for mid- and endgame. Ishin, like a Dragon bonds you shouldn’t miss. You can find out more about these bonds as well as how you can strengthen them. And, of course, the benefits that come with doing so.

• Ecchudo Apothecary
• Deal in Arms
• Patient Dog
• Injured Dog
• Barking Dog
• Cat that is hungry
• Filthy Cat
• Lucky Cat

Ishin, like a Dragon bonds — all rewards and locations

There are two types of bonds: Friendships Shops for Friendship. They are more likely to be encountered as you only need to dine or purchase at one place. These stories tend to relate to the rest. The following list should be considered. Is in processThis is it for now. We’ll update it in the coming days to include the remaining few bonds.

All the available options are listed below Ishin, like a DragonBond rewards and places:

Friendships

Wood cutter

• LageLocated near the Fushimi Palanquin.
• Get Rewards: Ancient Amulet, Broken Compass, 1,500 Virtue
• Task: Complete the wood-cutting minigame a few times until you’ve reached the numbers the NPC asks for.

Palanquin Bearer

• Lage: Any Palanquin spot.
• Get Rewards1 500 Virtue
• TaskYou can just do Palanquin visits until you activate a combat sequence. The friendship can be complete after that.

Servile Beggar

• Lage: Talk to a Beggar on the first floor of Mukurogai, who’s sitting in the corner diagonally to the door that goes to Rakugai, northeast of the Arms Dealer.
• Get Rewards: Precise Machine 1,500 Virtue
• TaskTake food to him. You can locate him at East Umekojicho, Rakugai once he ceases to appear in his normal spot.

Hungry Sumo wrestler

• Lage: In Rakunai, you’ll find a sumo in distress on South Teramachi street, which is southeast of Don Quijote. If you don’t see this yet, try progressing through the main story until after you’ve met Yamazaki.
• Get Rewards1 500 Virtue
• TaskHelp him by bringing food.

Revolutionary Chef

• LageGion is on the street that the Palanquin takes you to.
• Get RewardsRevolutionary Croquettes, 1500 Virtue recipe
• Task: Prepare meals in Another Life and then bring them to him — you can repeat them!

Love-Starved Husband

• LageFrom East Shijo Street (just before the bridge), we head down the riverbank to Teramachi. There’s a man looking at the river.
• Get RewardsManly love Bento 1,500 Virtue
• TaskTake him home with you, prepared in another life

The Sword Nut

• LageFrom East Shijo Street (just before the bridge), we head down the riverbank to Teramachi. There’s a man looking at the river.
• Get Rewards: Tunasmith (katana), 1,500 Virtue
• Task: You have to have some weapons to show him — these are Ebony Sword, Yaksha Blade, Vulpecula, and King of Beasts. These can be made at the blacksmith. If King of Beasts is too difficult, however, it can still be obtained towards the end.

The Battered Defender

• Lage: As you’re heading to Rakugai taking South Umekojicho from North Fushimi Ichibangai, you’ll see a guy standing on the corner.
• Get Rewards1 500 Virtue
• TaskThe next time you visit him, make sure to bring some health products.

Amnesiac

• Lage: As you’re progressing through the main story in chapter four, you’ll be tasked to go to Kiyomizu Temple. On your way there as you’re trekking in that long path after the bridge, you’ll find a man on the ground.
• Get Rewards: 1,500 Virtue.
• TaskWhen you visit him again, make sure to bring some health products.

Oblivion Woman

• Lage: As you’re walking down Karasuma Street in Rakunai, right before stumbling upon Teramachi Street, a woman will ask you if you’ve seen her purse.
• Get Rewards: 3 ryos, 1,500 virtues, health items
• Task: She must be retrieved any veggies during your subsequent visits.

Veggie-Loving Boy

• LageHeading towards the exit, you will find the Eastern corner of Mibu.
• Get Rewards1 500 Virtue
• TaskIf he asks for vegetables, you must bring them to him. Then, he’ll give you a prompt to prepare a recipe in Another Life, which only asks for a few vegetables, so it shouldn’t be too hard to cook.

A desperate Fisherman

• LageShinmachi: Located in Fushimi’s southeast corner, Shinmachi overlooks the River.
• Get Rewards1 500 Virtue
• TaskDuring your subsequent visits, you will need to bring any fishes that can be purchased at a local store.

Image: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio/Sega via Polygon

Injured Grandma

• Lage: In Teramachi, Rakugai, there’s an injured old lady next to the riverbank. It is easier to find her by heading to Sannocho Bridge on the east side of the map and then going down towards the riverbank to face north.
• Get Rewards1 500 Virtue
• Task: She will ask you to retrieve her medication items and other requested items.

Mystery Merchant

• Lage: In Teramachi, Rakugai, there’s an injured old lady next to the riverbank. It is easier to find her by heading to Sannocho Bridge on the east side of the map and then going down towards the riverbank to face north.
• Get RewardsAccess to his Shop, some ryo and 1,500 Virtue
• TaskYou must fetch him several very common items. Ginseng is a rare one, but you can actually plant it on your farm if you’ve gotten the upgrade in the altar using Virtue.

The Sexy Madam

• LageGion can be found in the northern plaza, next to a tree.
• Get Rewards: Gold Plate and 1,500 Virtues, Health Items
• TaskYou can fetch her these vegetables: Cucumbers, carrots, eggplant, daikon and pumpkin.

Junk Boy

• LageFind it in Kuramachi. It is located between the Teradaya and Teradaya structures.
• Get Rewards1 500 Virtue
• TaskYou can give the items to him as toys. That childlike wonder is a wonderful thing.

Trash Dealer

• LageYou will find a bald male on your left side at the open door to Rakugai.
• Get Rewards1 500 Virtue
• TaskDuring subsequent visits, you can retrieve any item from him.

Courier frequently lost

• LageLocated in the southeast corner of Fushimi near the ferryman that will take you to Mukurogai.
• Get Rewards1500 Virtues, A Couple Ryo
• TaskThere are a couple of deliveries you need to make. These seem to be random, but as long as you pay attention to what the courier says to you, it’s fairly straightforward. Simply head to the district, look out for NPCs, which are usually located near a corner or backstreet. The dialogue prompt will be provided.

Patient Dog

• Lage: In Yashikimachi, Fushimi, south of the dojo while looking at the map, as you’re heading toward the Sengoku Residence.
• Get Rewards: Pet For Another Life, fetching items for you as well as 1500 Virtue
• TaskYou will need to provide food for the dog during subsequent visits. Ingredients are not counted as usual. Then, Ryoma will invite them to his home in Another Life, and you’ll get to name them.

Injured Dog

• Lage: In the first floor of Mukurogai, you’ll see an injured dog on the top street, right at the center of the map and at the northern end of the path in the middle of the town, to the left of Paradise.
• Get RewardsPet for Another Life: This fetches you items as well as 1500 Virtue
• TaskYour next visit will be required to provide some pet health products to your dog. Then, Ryoma will invite them to his home in Another Life, and you’ll get to name them.

Barking Dog

• Lage: As you’re walking down Tearamachi in Rakunai, heading down from East Shijo Street, around the corner of Ebisu Pawn Rakunai, a cutscene will automatically play featuring a barking dog.
• Get RewardsPet for Another Life: This fetches you items as well as 1500 Virtue
• TaskYou must deliver bone to your dog on all subsequent visits. You can purchase bones in the Pawn Shop in Rakunai if you don’t have them. Then, Ryoma will invite them to his home in Another Life, and you’ll get to name them.

Cat that is hungry

• LageEast Umekojicho can be found in an alleyway at the northeast corner of Unyuan.
• Get Rewards: You can pet another person, which increases the amount you get for finishing Another Life orders.
• TaskYou must bring them fish during your subsequent visits. Then, Ryoma will invite them to his home in Another Life, and you’ll get to name them.

Filthy Cat

• LageLocated on the southwest side of Fushimi. Sitting in one the port over the river.
• Get Rewards: You can pet another person, which increases the amount you get for finishing Another Life orders.
• TaskDuring subsequent visits you will only need to keep an eye on the cat. Ryoma may take the cats to the bathhouse with him a few times.

Lucky Cat

• Lage: In Karasuma Street, over at Rakunai, you’ll find a man bowing to a cat in the top corner, adjacent to the Ginryu Dojo.
• Get RewardsPet for Another Life: This increases the loot that you get when you complete Another Life orders. It also includes 5 ryos and 1 500 Virtue.
• Task: Throughout subsequent visits, you’ll have to fetch the cat a few thousand mon. Don’t worry as you’ll gain back all of that money plus some nice additional change once you’re done with the bond.

Friendships (Shops).

Utamaruya Owner

• Lage: On the southern side of Fushimi is the ferry man, which takes you to Mukurogai.
• Get Rewards: A Few Ryos, 1,500 Virtue
• TaskThere are a couple of deliveries you need to make. These seem to be random, but as long as you pay attention to what the courier says to you, it’s fairly straightforward. Simply head to the district, look out for NPCs, which are usually located near a corner or backstreet. The dialogue prompt will be provided.

Umai Udon Owner

• LageLocated in the southeast corner of Fushimi near the ferryman that takes you to Mukurogai.
• Get Rewards1 500 Virtue
• TaskThere are a couple of deliveries you need to make. These seem to be random, but as long as you pay attention to what the courier says to you, it’s fairly straightforward. Simply head to the district, look out for NPCs, which are usually located near a corner or backstreet. The dialogue prompt will be provided.

Maijo-sensei

• Lage: On the southern side of Fushimi is the ferry man, which takes you to Mukurogai.
• Get Rewards1500 Virtue, Solid Wood
• TaskThere are a couple of deliveries you need to make. These seem to be random, but as long as you pay attention to what the courier says to you, it’s fairly straightforward. Simply head to the district, look out for NPCs, which are usually located near a corner or backstreet. The dialogue prompt will be provided.

Shinto Priest

• Lage: You have to purchase the “Shinto Priest’s Exchange, now open!” upgrade in an Altar with 500 Virtue.
• Get Rewards: 1,700 Virtue total
• TaskYou can buy the most affordable item several times.

Akari

• Lage: Akari appears next to the Shinto Priest in Rakunai after you’ve made progress with the main story (around chapter four) and Another Life (I was rank 4 of Haruka’s Trust, as a reference).
• Get Rewards: Akari’s Omosubi, 1,500 Virtue total.
• TaskDuring your subsequent visits, visit her.

Ecchudo Apothecary

• Lage: Ecchudo in Rakunai
• Get RewardsThe Longevity Pill is an item which replenishes heat and health. You get the freebie to max out your bond for 8,000 Mon. Additionally, you get 1,500 Virtue.
• TaskThe character must be visited only a handful of times, and you will need to take tests. They’re just cutscenes, but make sure to go in with full health.

Deal in Arms

• LageRakugai: Arms dealer
• Get RewardsDragon Fang is a rare crafting item. There are also new products in the shop and 1,500 virtues
• TaskBuy items multiple times until you have reached the end of your friendship. I’d recommend going for the cheapest options, then donating them to the blacksmith to increase the shop’s level. This specific bond has two question prompts, too — I chose the third and the second option, respectively, but it may not make too much of a difference. As long as you get the Dragon Fang, you’ll be set.

Uji Tea Parlor Girl

• Lage: Uji Tea Parlor
• Get Rewards1 500 Virtue
• TaskYou can dine multiple times to complete the bond.

Don Quijote Employee

• Lage: Don Quijote up north
• Get Rewards1.500 Virtues, Gold Plate
• TaskYou can purchase items up to the end of your bond. Always go with the lowest price and buy one every time.

Kasuga Okami

• Lage: Kasuga Okami
• Get RewardsFine Silk Fabric with 1,500 Virtue
• TaskYou can dine multiple times to complete the bond.

Kitchen Aoba Chef

• Lage: Kitchen Aoba
• Get Rewards1 500 Virtue
• TaskYou can dine multiple times to complete the bond.

Momokawa Brothers

• LageShippoku Momokawa
• Get Rewards: Broken Compass, 1,500 Virtue
• TaskFor more dining opportunities, eat several times. Then, a competition will ensue, as well as a conversation prompt, but the answer doesn’t matter: The result is the same.

Sushi Zanmai Chef

• Lage: Sushi Zanmai
• Get Rewards1 500 Virtue
• TaskYou can dine multiple times to complete the bond.

Hanamaru Udon Employee

• Lage: Hanamaru Udon
• Get RewardsBeef Udon is available for purchase. 1,500 Virtue
• TaskYou can dine multiple times to complete the bond.

Pawnbroker

• Location: Ebisu Pawn.
• Get Rewards: Platinum Chunk, 1,500 Virtue
• TaskYou can purchase items up to the end of your bond. The cheapest is best.

Greengrocer

• LageFushimi Greengrocer
• Get RewardsSturdy Lumber 1,500 Virtue
• TaskBuy any vegetable during your subsequent visits.