Junjiro: The Heart and Soul of Assassin’s Creed Shadows

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The following contains spoilers for Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Many story-driven games often feature a standout character, someone exceptional in terms of growth, personality, and impact on the plot. While some games make their protagonist shine, others may elevate a secondary character to surpass even the main characters in brilliance. This is exactly what happens in “Assassin’s Creed Shadows“, where one of its lesser-known characters, Junjiro, steals the show with his appealing demeanor, optimism, and genuine sincerity, along with his significant role within the game’s narrative.

The Assassin’s Creed series often features captivating characters, but it’s not common for a side character to shine like Junjiro from Assassin’s Creed Shadows does. At first, he seems to be just a child enamored by one of the game’s dual protagonists, Naoe. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Junjiro is more than meets the eye, significantly influencing the relationships between the main characters and leaving a lasting impression due to his endearing character.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Junjiro Steals the Show

Junjiro’s Charm, Positivity, and Youthful Honesty Set Him Apart

Beyond his character in the story of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Junjiro stands out for his humble demeanor and soothing aura, which make him a beloved figure within the game. Among the characters, Junjiro is one of the kindest and most appealing individuals, and his poignant backstory only enhances these qualities. Junjiro first appears in the quest “An Unpayable Debt” in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, where he is a young resident of Makinoodera Temple who assists Sorin in caring for Naoe following her confrontation with the Shinbakufu. Later, his artistic talents lead him to teach Naoe Sumi-e, creating an indissoluble bond between them.

An essential part of Junjiro’s past revolves around his connection with his father, Ido Yoshihiro, who was a samurai and belonged to the Shinbakufu. Over time, Junjiro discovers that Naoe was the one who killed his father, as he had been oblivious about his father’s affiliations with the Shinbakufu. Despite this revelation about his father’s death at Naoe’s hands, Junjiro opts to grant her forgiveness instead of seeking revenge. This decision underscores his maturity, humility, and the depth of their bond in the game Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Junjiro Plays an Integral Role in Uniting Naoe and Yasuke

In the game ‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’, the principal characters exhibit deep complexity, notably Naoe and Yasuke who have broader character developments than many previous series protagonists. Contrastingly, Junjiro is no exception; initially presenting as a straightforward character, possibly because he is a child. It’s common for child characters to be underestimated in their role within a narrative, but Junjiro buckles this trend by serving as a significant catalyst for the growth of the relationship between Naoe and Yasuke.

In addition to the narrative significance of Junjiro in the tale of “Assassin’s Creed Shadows”, it is his understated demeanor and soothing disposition that contribute significantly to his endearing appeal within the game.

At first, Naoe and Yasuke were at odds due to Naoe’s anger towards Yasuke, who was implicated in the attack on Iga Province, an incident that resulted in Naoe’s father’s demise. It is during this time that Junjiro enters the picture, as his act of forgiving Naoe for killing his own father encourages her to reassess her hostility towards Yasuke. In the end, Junjiro’s optimistic outlook on life helps Naoe see the advantages of teaming up with Yasuke against common adversaries in the narrative of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, ultimately leading to their friendship.

In the game “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” Junjiro might not appear on the promotional artwork, but his character and significance in the narrative linger vividly in one’s mind even after the closing credits. Through his silent strength, sincere emotions, and ability to forgive, he transforms from a secondary figure into a pivotal point for the game’s central relationship and its underlying themes, providing a stable foundation.

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2025-03-26 03:38