In *Assassin's Creed Shadows*, commerce drives the narrative, but not all transactions are above board. If you're on the hunt for the Iron Hand Guild members, this comprehensive guide will illuminate your path to uncovering all five merchants involved in this clandestine syndicate.
The Iron Hand in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Explained

The Iron Hand questline becomes accessible once Naoe masters the tea ceremony under the tutelage of Imai Sokun, a respected businessman in Settsu. Later, Sokun seeks Naoe's help to dismantle a rogue syndicate using the Imai name for illegal activities. Your mission: to locate and confront five merchants, each controlling different facets of the illicit trade. You can choose to handle these encounters lethally or non-lethally, depending on your approach.
How and Where To Find All Iron Hand Guild Members in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
As you embark on this early quest, you'll need to explore the game's world, uncovering key locations and using provided clues to pinpoint your targets. Let this guide remove the guesswork and streamline your search.
Merchant Tamao

Tamao, a dealer in contraband, operates openly in the Yamashiro region. Head to Kyoto, the central city, and locate Honpoji Temple on its east side. From there, move west to find Tamao hiding in his brewery. Engage his staff to learn he's holed up inside. Smash the barrels in the courtyard to lure him out, then deal with him as you see fit before moving on to the next target.
Merchant Kanta

Not all merchants are willing participants in the Iron Hand's schemes. Kanta, found at the Mouth of Seta in the Omi region, can be spared if you use the Observe mechanic to gather evidence of his coercion. This intel can lead to his redemption and a new role in Imai Sokun's fleet, or you can choose to attack him directly.
Merchant Ginroku

Ginroku deals in rare delicacies, catering to the wealthy around Miyazu Bay in the Tamba region. Find him southwest of Miyazu Castle, across the bridge. You can either eliminate him or search nearby huts for a crucial letter that can spare his life, leading him to work with the legitimate House Imai and access more lucrative markets.
Merchant Kin-no-suke

Kin-no-suke's ostentatious displays of wealth are suspicious, and his use of bandits to bolster his business raises alarms. Located in Obama, east of the Trading Port in Wakasa, he's protected by bodyguards. Use stealth tactics like smoke bombs and assassinations to take him down efficiently.
Iron Hand

The final target, the Iron Hand himself, is entrenched in the highly fortified Fukuchiyama Castle in Tamba. Prepare for a challenging assault. Approach from the south side of the castle walls to find him. Eliminate the guards strategically before engaging him directly. Once the Iron Hand is defeated, return to Imai Sokun to claim your rewards.
With this guide, you're now equipped to find and deal with all the Iron Hand Guild members in *Assassin's Creed Shadows*. For further assistance, explore resources on The Escapist.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.*