Rise of the Ronin: Looking Ahead Quest Guide

Find out how to complete the Looking Ahead quest in Rise of the Ronin in this guide. We’ll explain everything you need to know!

Embark on an exhilarating journey in Rise of the Ronin’s Looking Ahead quest, where players will navigate the complex political landscape of Edo and Kyoto while uncovering clues about the enigmatic Blade Twin.

This comprehensive guide will walk adventurers through the quest’s objectives, provide strategies for overcoming formidable bosses, and offer insights into the intricate storyline that shapes the path ahead.

Rise of the Ronin: Looking Ahead Quest Guide

Keep on reading to find out what you need to do to finish the Looking Ahead quest in Rise of the Ronin!

Step 1: Reporting to Katsu and Heading to the Military Academy

Begin the quest by reporting to Katsu at the Kaishu Katsu Estate in Akasaka. He will inform the player about the shogunate’s trap, recruiting Ronin for a protection mission.

Agree to join the group to protect the shogunate if the situation takes a turn for the worse. The next step is to head to the military academy in Kanda, where Katsu has gathered some of the best warriors around for additional training.

Step 2: A Show for the Shogun

Upon arriving at the military academy, players will need to follow Katsu inside and participate in a sparring contest. The objective is to defeat three opponents using wooden weapons to win a prize.

The first challenger is Tesshu Yamaoka, a skilled katana wielder who relies more on sword combos than Martial Skills. Here’s a summary of Tesshu Yamaoka’s move set:

Attack	Description
Overhead Slash	Swings sword over his head at you.
Rushing Stab	Straight forward stab while rushing towards you.
Five Slash Combo	Rapidly executes a five-hit combo with his sword.
Jab Combo	Rushes forward jabbing with sword, followed by three additional attacks.

Next up is Deishu Takahashi, an aggressive spear user who jumps around and attacks quickly after bouncing. Here’s a breakdown of Deishu Takahashi’s attacks:

Attack	Description
Plunging Stab	Jumps into the air and plunges down with spear.
Lunge	Lunges towards you after briefly pulling back his spear.
Sweeping Strike	Quick jump attack followed by an unblockable swinging strike with his spear.
Spinning Combo	Spins three times with his spear.

The final opponent is Jigoro Kano, a martial artist who fights with his bare hands, utilizing quick attacks and grapples. Here’s a summary of Jigoro Kano’s attacks:

Attack	Description
Rushing Grab	Runs at you with arms out, attempting to grab upon reaching you.
Kick Combo	Opens with a roundhouse kick, followed by 1 to 3 more attacks.

After defeating the three challengers, a surprise fourth fight awaits against the Mysterious Samurai, who wields an Odachi. This battle uses real weapons, allowing players to employ their normal equipment.

Here’s a breakdown of the Mysterious Samurai’s move set:

Attack	Description
Strike	Pulls back sword before rushing strike.
Three Spin Combo	Performs three spinning slashes with pauses between attacks.
Jumping Combo	Jumps with downward attack, followed by 1 to 3 additional swings.
Ground Pound	Lights sword on fire and plunges into ground, creating a shockwave of fire.
Flame Arc	Lights sword on fire, dashes backwards, and slashes to create a projectile arc.

The Mysterious Samurai’s identity is revealed as Yoshinobu Tokugawa, the shogunate himself, upon his defeat.

Step 3: Looking Ahead Part 2 – A Big Job from Katsu

Following the sparring contest, players will return to the longhouse, where Ryoma awaits with news of a big job from Katsu. Head to the Kaishu Katsu Estate to learn about the shogunate’s readiness to set a trap by recruiting ronin for a protection mission.

You will be asked to join the group to ensure the shogunate’s safety if things go awry. The next step is to rendezvous with the group at Densuin Temple in Koishikawa.

Step 4: Temper, Temper

At Densuin Temple, players will find potential fighters causing a commotion by trying to fight everyone else. Agree to step in and deal with the troublemakers. The mission takes place in a small circular area, with the main objective located in the central building. Defeat the enemies, including three formidable foes, and collect valuable loot along the way.

The boss battle is against two enemies:

Burly Country Samurai

Here’s a summary of Burly Country Samurai’s attacks:

Attack	Description
Rushing Grab	Holds arms out and runs at you, attempting to grab.
Slash Combo	Executes 4 to 6 rapid sword strikes.
Sliding Combo	Slides on ground towards you, kicks, then follows up with a sword strike.

Lanky Country Samurai

Here’s a breakdown for Lanky’s move set:

Attack	Description
Side Slash	Pulls swords to one side, then lunges forward to stab.
Overhead Slash	Pulls sword to the side, then raises them above his head to bring down on you.
Slash Combo	Performs 3 to 5 slashing attacks in rapid succession.
Flying Kick	Jumps into the air and delivers a kick.

Utilize environmental weapons, such as oil drums and burning stakes, to gain an advantage for these battles. Once one of the bosses reaches half health, the Ki Blaze will activate, lighting their weapons on fire temporarily.

Rewards for this mission are:

• Treatise on Enlightenment
• Old Jar (Large)
• Luminous Medicine
• Jizo Statuette
• Silver Coin x3

Step 5: Looking Ahead Part 3 – The Journey to Kyoto

After completing the Temper, Temper mission, players will find themselves just outside the temple. Speak with Kiyokawa inside to initiate the journey to Kyoto, a point of no return for Edo.

Upon arriving at the checkpoint to Kyoto, ruffians are discovered robbing people trying to enter the region. Ryoma suggests teaming up with the anti-shogunate forces to fight them.

To make the upcoming fight easier, players can optionally track down Shinsaku Takasugi at the gambling den and Genzui Kusaka, who is arguing with a group of thugs. Completing these short missions will grant their assistance in the battle ahead.

Mission 1 – Where The Dice Roll

First, find Shinsaku at the gambling den. Ask him to join you, but he’ll insist that you need to win in the hall first. The game is Odds and Evens, where you guess if the total of the dice rolled will be odd or even. Bet the minimum because the dice are rigged. After three rolls, you can leave, triggering a fight with five enemies. Defeat them, and Shinsaku will agree to join you

Mission 2 – Opportunity Makes a Thief

Next, head to where Genzui is, where he’s arguing with a group of thugs. Team up with him to defeat four thugs. None of them are tough enemies or bosses. After defeating them, return to Hachiro to initiate the next battle.

Step 6: Strange Bedfellows

Speak with Hachiro to start the attack on the ruffians. Players will have the choice to side with either the pro-shogunate or anti-shogunate forces. This guide will choose the anti-shogunate option.

Navigate through the town towards the checkpoint, defeating enemies and collecting loot along the way. Be cautious of the machine gun posted on the walkway and take advantage of grappling spots to flank the operator.

Rewards for this mission are:

• Oxtail Blades – Qing Style
• Oxtail Blade
• Handgun
• Premium Whiskey
• Silver Coin x3

Step 7: Boss Battle – Kamezo Iwata and Tsurunosuke Tachiki

Engage in combat with the two bosses, Kamezo Iwata, an unarmed enemy, and Tsurunosuke Tachiki, who initially operates a machine gun before joining the fray with a saber.

Here’s a breakdown of Kamezo Iwata’s move set:

Attack	Description
Rushing Punch	Rushes at you and performs a spinning punch attack.
Slam	Rushes at you and executes an overhead slam with both fists.
Closing Punch	Performs a four-punch combo, ending with an unblockable final punch.
Grab	Rushes at you and attempts to grab you.
Punch and Kick Combo	Opens with a punch and then mixes in a series of 4 punches and kicks.

Here is a summary of Tsurunosuke Tachiki’s attacks:

Attack	Description
Jumping Slash	Jumps into the air and slashes down with his sword.
Double Slash	Performs two quick side-to-side slashes with his sword.
Sweeping Kick	Executes a low-kick in a circular motion.
Gun	Pulls out a gun with his off hand and shoots you, 1 to 3 times.
Stabbing Saber combo	Rushes you, stabbing forward with his saber 3 to 4 times.
Spinning Pistol attack	Pulls out two guns and shoots them while spinning in a circle.
Spinning Blade combo	Initiates spinning slashes, and his sword extends on a chain, swinging in a wider circle.

Step 8: Parting Ways

After the victory against the ruffians, players will find themselves in Mibudera Temple with Ryoma. Speak with him and choose to move forward with either the pro-shogunate or anti-shogunate faction. This walkthrough follows the anti-shogunate route.

A cutscene will transport you to the Choshu Clan Kyoto Estate, where they will briefly follow Ryoma and speak with Kogoro Katsura. However, the meeting is raided by the pro-shogunate faction, initiating the next mission.

Step 9: The Ikeda Inn Incident

In this mission, players will battle against former allies who have sided with the pro-shogunate faction. Navigate through the meeting place, defeating enemies and collecting loot.

The first boss encounter is against Soji Okita, a skilled Katana wielder. Defeating him will grant a key to advance to the next area. Here’s a summary of Soji Okita’s move set:

Attack	Description
Lunging Stab	Loads up a lunging stab and quickly moves towards you, stabbing forward.
Heavy Sword combo	Rapidly attacks with 6 to 8 sword swings, starting with a big unblockable slash.
Three Slash combo	Executes three consecutive sword swings.
Lunging Stab (blockable)	Same maneuver as Martial Skill 1 but blockable like a normal attack.
Slide	Slides towards you, then stands up and finishes with a sword attack.

The second boss battle is against Shinpachi Nagakura and Heisuke Todo, both wielding Odachis. Heisuke also possesses a handheld cannon, making him a priority target.

Here’s a summary of Shinpachi Nagakura’s move set:

Attack	Description
Low Slash	Shinpachi holds his sword low and performs a low slash.
Grab	He runs at you with his arm outstretched to grab you.
Rapid Slash	Shinpachi holds his sword up and starts with an unblockable slash, followed by three rapid slashes.
Jumping Slash	Jumps into the air and brings his sword down on you.

And here is a breakdown of Heisuke Todo’s attacks:

Attack	Description
Sword Slash	Heisuke performs an overhead slash, which is unblockable and sometimes comes at the end of a four-hit combo.
Frontflip Slash	He jumps in the air and performs a frontflip, then slams down with his sword.
Point Blank	He shoots his cannon at your feet from point-blank range.
Jumping Cannon Shot	He jumps off you into the air, firing his cannon at you.

Once defeated, speak with Teizo Miyabe about the attacking Roshigumi and agree to help Katsu escape.

The final boss battle is against Isami Kondo, a formidable katana user who employs slow, methodical strikes that hit hard. After defeating him, he will reveal where to find him if you change your mind about joining the Roshigumi in the future. Here’s a summary of Isami Kondo’s move set:

Attack	Description
Tackle	Isami rushes at you with his arms out, attempting to grab you.
Overhead Slash	He slams his sword down from above his head.
Grab	Isami grabs you with his off hand.
Slide	He slides towards you, standing up and swinging his sword.

Rewards for this mission are:

• Accessories
• Head armor
• Arm armor
• Dousing Powder
• Silver Coin x3

Step 10: Parting Ways Part 2

Following the Ikeda Inn Incident, players will find themselves in the Choshu Clan Kyoto Estate. Speak with Gensui Kusaka, who is raising an army to take on the shogunate, and agree to join him.

Step 11: The Forbidden Gate Rebellion

In this mission, players will battle through the streets of Kyoto, engaging in combat with various enemies and formidable foes. Navigate burning buildings, collect loot, and claim banners as you progress toward the objective marker.

The first boss battle is a rematch against Heisuke Todo, who retains his move set from the previous encounter. Defeat him to obtain a key and advance to the next area. Here’s a summary of Heisuke Todo’s move set:

Attack	Description
Sword Slash	Heisuke performs an overhead slash that can’t be blocked.
Frontflip Slash	He jumps in the air, performs a frontflip, then slams down with his sword.
Point Blank	He shoots his cannon at your feet from close range.
Jumping Cannon Shot	He jumps off you, firing his cannon at you while airborne

The second boss battle is against Soji Okita and Toshizo Hijikata, with the latter wielding dual blades connected by a chain. Focus on defeating Toshizo first due to his increased range.

Here’s a list of Soji Okita’s move set:

Attack	Description
Lunging Stab	Soji prepares a lunging stab, swiftly moving towards you and thrusting forward.
Heavy Sword Combo	Soji rapidly performs 6 to 8 sword swings in quick succession, starting with an unblockable slash.
Three Slash Combo	Soji executes three consecutive sword swings.
Lunging Stab	Similar to the first martial skill, but blockable like a normal attack.
Slide	Soji slides towards you, then stands up and finishes with a sword attack

In addition to that, these are Toshizo Hijikata’s attacks:

Attack	Description
Lunging Strike	Toshizo pulls back his swords, then lunges forward to strike.
Jumping Strike	Similar to the lunging strike, but Toshizo jumps into the air and swings his swords down on you.
Three Consecutive Strikes	Toshizo performs three consecutive sword strikes.
Sword Combo	Toshizo starts with a sword slash, follows with two punches, and finishes with another sword strike.
Overhead Strike	Toshizo swings his blade around him before bringing it overhead and down onto you.

The final boss battle is another confrontation with Isami Kondo, who now has the ability to light his sword on fire after losing a portion of his health. Once defeated, a short cutscene will play, leading to a surprise encounter with the Twin Blade. Here’s a simplified summary of Isami Kondo’s move set:

Attack	Description
Tackle	Isami runs at you with his arms out, attempting to grab you.
Overhead Slash	Isami slams his sword down from above his head. Sometimes it’s part of a four-hit combo.
Grab	Isami grabs you with his off hand.
Double Ground Slam	When his sword is on fire, Isami performs two unblockable ground stabs in quick succession, creating a ring of fire.
Slide	Isami slides towards you, then stands up and swings his sword

Rewards for this long mission are:

• Treatise on Enlightenment
• Choshu Retainer’s Fan
• Brush Kit
• Luminous Medicine
• Silver Coin x3

Step 12: Boss Battle – Twin Blade

The Twin Blade appears, seeking a fight and wielding an electrified Odachi. Despite the heavier weapon, they move with incredible speed, requiring players to parry attacks effectively. Here’s a full breakdown of the Twin Blade’s move set:

Attack	Description
Electric Grab	They run at you and grab you with their metal hand after dragging it on the ground.
Electric Blast	They charge their weapon with electricity and shoot a blast at you.
Grapple Shot	They shoot a grappling hook at you from eye level with their metal hand.
Upward Swing	They pause briefly before swinging their sword in an uppercut motion. Sometimes follows a brief two-hit combo.
Double Jump Slam	They jump into the air, fake a downward strike, then jump again and slam down.
Downward Strike	They spin and swing their weapon overhead, then down onto you.
Four Slash Combo	They perform four big slashes with their Odachi, swinging it from side to side.

Completing the Looking Ahead Quest in Rise of the Ronin

After bringing the Twin Blade’s health down, a cutscene will play, revealing their attempt to persuade you to join them before fleeing from the fight. This means you have already completed a long journey of Looking Ahead quest.

We hope this detailed guide helps you to defeat all of the bosses so you can continue on your journey in Rise of the Ronin.

More Rise of the Ronin Quest Guides:

The Bridge to Yokohama | Follow Your Blade Twin | Veiled Edge Village | Yokohama’s Shadow | Infiltrating the Black Ship | The Setting Sun | Cultural Exchange | Those Who Know Shoin | Those Who Gather at Edo | Decisions