In *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, not every decision carries significant weight, but choosing whether to confront Wakasa or Otama during the "The Tea Ceremony" mission will impact the rest of your campaign. Both characters present reasons to be suspicious, yet there's a clear choice that simplifies the quest considerably.
Should You Confront Wakasa or Otama in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

After the tea ceremony in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the best choice is to confront Wakasa. She is the Golden Teppo of the Onryo, and identifying her correctly leads to the most straightforward way to end her. When you confront Wakasa, she'll invite Naoe to her home for a private discussion. Upon entering, you'll spot the kasa (straw hat) from the prologue hanging on her wall, confirming your choice.
Following some dialogue, Naoe can quickly end the mission by grabbing Wakasa's Teppo from the wall and shooting her at point-blank range. This approach not only makes the mission easier but also more satisfying, given Wakasa's role in Naoe's father's death.
Related: How to Complete The Tournament and Get the “Test Your Might” Achievement in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
What If You Confront Otama in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Opting to confront Otama after the tea ceremony in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* still allows you to kill Wakasa eventually, but it complicates matters. Initially, Naoe will chase down and kill Otama. A letter on Otama reveals her corruption, but this mistake lets Wakasa escape and fortify herself in Osaka Castle with her soldiers.
To reach Wakasa, you'll need to travel to Osaka Castle, either fighting her soldiers or sneaking past them. Even if you have the Osaka Tenshu fast travel point unlocked, you'll face some resistance. Sneaking up on Wakasa for an assassination won't suffice; you'll need to engage her in at least a one-on-one battle.
While the boss fight isn't overly challenging, confronting Wakasa directly from the start avoids the extra hassle and provides a more cinematic and satisfying kill. Considering her involvement in Naoe's father's death, this approach feels more rewarding.
Now that you understand the optimal decision post the Tea Ceremony mission, consider learning how to gain XP and level up quickly in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* to tackle the game's tougher challenges. Additionally, explore ways to acquire more Knowledge Points, unlocking more skills for Naoe and Yasuke.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.*