Beating Imagawa Tomeji in AC Shadows Claws of Awaji: A Pro's Brutal Strategy Guide

Let me tell you straight up – facing Imagawa Tomeji in Assassin's Creed Shadows' Claws of Awaji DLC feels like trying to outmaneuver a typhoon with a paper umbrella. This samurai isn't just another cookie-cutter villain; he's the sworn protector of Yukari, daughter of the Templar leader Yasuke killed earlier. Tomeji's rage isn't just personal – it's a storm waiting to drown Awaji in Templar control. I've fought him countless times, and trust me, rushing in blindly is like tossing yourself into a woodchipper. But don't sweat it; I've cracked his code and lived to share the scars.

Where to Corner the Beast and His Pack

Right after grabbing the 'A Garrison to Dismantle' quest, Konatsu will point you toward Sumoto Castle's southwest end. Tempting as it is to charge in swinging, hold your horses! If you attack Tomeji immediately, you'll face him plus 10 elite captains simultaneously. Taking them all on is like juggling flaming katana blades – theoretically possible but practically suicidal. Instead, hunt down his 14 roaming captains first. Why? Because isolating Tomeji turns this brawl from a chaotic mosh pit into a clean duel. Here’s how to track those captains across Awaji:

• 🗺️ Roam the Roads: Wander paths randomly till you bump into a patrol. Slow but scenic!

• ⚔️ Provoke Guards: Fight local grunts; they’ll signal captains like distressed seagulls summoning sharks. My go-to tactic!

• 🙏 Rescue Civilians: Save oppressed folks (especially near Fukura Kakurega), and they’ll gift captain locations. Feels good and pays off!

Crushing the Captains: Your Pre-Boss Warm-Up

Each captain travels with 2+ guards and wields nasty gear like naginatas, teppos, or the slick new bo staff. They’re often higher-level than you, so treat them like mini-bosses. Speed and aggression win here – dawdle, and they’ll swarm you like piranhas on a wounded duck. My pro tips:

• Character Choice: Use Yasuke. Naoe’s stealth helps, but Yasuke’s defense and katana reach shred captains faster. His 'Wind Slash' and 'Power Dash' slice through guards like hot knives through butter.

• Gear Up: Equip stagger-inducing amulets (e.g., 'Howl of the Dragon'). Steel teppo bullets? Yes! They interrupt combos beautifully.

• Tactic Table:

| Captain Type | Weakness | My Recommended Move |

|--------------|----------|---------------------|

| Naginata User | Close-range pressure | Power Dash + Heavy Strike |

| Teppo Shooter | Flanking | Wind Slash from behind |

| Bo Staff Master | Parry timing | Perfect Parry into Takedown |

Once all captains fall, Tomeji waits alone at Sumoto Castle – a wide, arena-like space with no backup. Perfect.

The Main Event: Dancing with the Devil

Alright, here’s where things get spicy. Tomeji’s kanabo might look clunky, but he swings it like a ballet dancer wielding a wrecking ball – deceptively agile. He’ll block arrows, leap across the arena, and smash shockwaves into the ground. Playing as Yasuke isn’t just smart; it’s poetic. Their grudge match feels like two titans clashing over a cursed crown. Key survival rules:

1. Armor First: Chip away his armor with ranged attacks (teppos work). Once it’s gone, he gets faster but more vulnerable.

2. Avoid the Crush: His grab attack is a one-way ticket to respawn town. Dodge sideways, never backward!

3. Stagger & Strike: After armor breaks, hit him with 'Howl of the Dragon' or teppo shots. He’ll stagger – that’s your cue for critical hits! Time it right; it’s like cracking a walnut with a sledgehammer.

People Also Ask:

"Can I beat Tomeji as Naoe?"

Sure, but it’s like bringing a sewing needle to a swordfight. Her low defense makes his kanabo slams brutal. Yasuke’s tankiness saves headaches.

"What if I skip captains?"

You’ll face a 10-vs-1 gang beatdown. Possible with maxed gear, but harder than convincing a cat to take a bath.

Loot Worth Bleeding For: Tomeji's Treasures

Drop Tomeji, and he gifts the 'Boneshaker' kanabo – its perk flattens armored foes like steamrolling a soda can. But the real jackpot comes if you down all 14 captains. You’ll get 'Tomeji’s Prize', a letter revealing a seasonal treasure:

• ❄️☀️ Yura Castle (Winter/Summer): Check western storage kuras (those locked shed-like buildings).

• 🌸🍂 Sumoto Castle (Spring/Autumn): Peek inside stable kuras.

Both hide the 'Master Fisherman’s Kasa' helmet 🎣 with the 'Last Stand' perk – letting Yasuke cheat death briefly if he kills an enemy fast. It’s as rare and game-changing as finding a diamond in a rice paddy.

Beating Tomeji isn’t just a victory; it’s a statement. That typhoon I mentioned earlier? By the end, you’re not surviving it – you’re steering it. Take down his captains, dance around his kanabo fury, and claim those treasures. Trust me, wearing the Master Fisherman’s Kasa while staring at Awaji’s conquered horizon? Pure, unadulterated bliss. Now get out there and make that storm yours.