AC Shadows: Kill or Spare Takako in Thrown to the Dogs

By Dillan | March 23rd, 2025 | Categories: Others

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Thrown to the Dogs is a minor questline that lets you unlock the dog Tsuki-Maru in your hideout. The quest will lead you to an inheritance left by the dog’s previous owner, Ichiro, and a confrontation with his in-law Takako. The woman has been mistreating the deceased’s loyal companion, so you can decide to spare her or make her pay for what she’s done.

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How to Start the Thrown to the Dogs Quest

This side quest is only available for those who pre-ordered the game, so it might not be available if you bought AC Shadows after launch. For those who have the quest, start by looking for Tsuki-Maru in Izumi Settsu – Tennoji Temple. You can find him near the top of the temple in an area littered with purple petals. You’ll need to pet Tsuki-Maru to start the quest.

Follow and Protect Tsuki-Maru

Upon starting the quest, Tsuki-Maru will begin to lead you to an object. You’ll need to protect him during this time and fend off several threats, such as a Samurai Duelist with his lackeys. After fighting them off and following the dog, you’ll eventually reach a house where you’ll find Takako.

Spare or Kill Takako

Takako abused Tsuki-Maru, and she states it was because the dog had the key to Ichiro’s inheritance. At this point, you’re given the choice to threaten her to leave or to kill her. Your choice here will not impact the overall outcome aside from deciding whether Takako lives. Regardless of choice, Tsuki-Maru will lead you to search the houses to find the key to Ichiro’s inheritance. Afterward, you’ll get to send the dog to your hideout as a permanent companion after reading the letter.

Should You Kill Takako

As much as we love to punish the woman for abusing Tsuki-Maru, it might be best to spare her. Future DLCs may have different narratives or side stories depending on decisions in the current storyline. Sparing Takako might open up some interesting content in the future. Otherwise, you can eliminate her since it won’t immediately impact the game.