In the sprawling, chaotic world of Assassin's Creed Shadows, our shinobi protagonist Naoe sometimes finds herself in a bit of a pickle. After the whole Wada Koretake assassination business, things got a tad frosty with her warrior monk pal, Yaya. You see, Yaya is all about that 'greater good' life, while Naoe... well, let's just say she's got a more 'ends justify the means' kind of vibe when it comes to avenging her pops and homeland. Talk about a classic buddy-cop dynamic gone sour! The Stray Dogs sidequest is your golden ticket to patching things up, and hey, who doesn't want a formidable fighter like Yaya watching their back? This walkthrough will have you mending fences and building your league in no time flat.
Where To Find Yaya: Osaka Drama ️
The quest kicks off with you needing to locate Yaya in western Osaka. Don't sweat it; she's not exactly playing hard to get. You'll stumble upon her and a few other monks embroiled in a heated skirmish with some unsavory types. Your job? Help her clean house. Simple as that. Depending on your previous choices regarding Wada Koretake, your reunion will be either a heartfelt 'long time no see' or a passive-aggressive 'you've got some nerve showing up here.' Classic.
After the dust settles, Yaya drops the real tea. Some rogue monks tried to raid a shrine, and one of them made off with her most prized possession: the kanzashi (hairpin) of her deceased husband. Oof. Low blow. The culprit? A former acquaintance named Tetsuo. So now, to get back in Yaya's good graces, you've got to play detective and retrieve the stolen goods. No pressure!
The Hunt for Tetsuo: Chase Scene Activated!
Your only clue is the Church of Takatsuki. For your convenience, the location is pinpointed above (you're welcome!). The town of Takatsuki sits just north of Katano. If you're coming from the south entrance, you can't miss the church—it's basically waving at you.
Head inside, and you'll find Tetsuo rummaging through drawers like a raccoon in a trash can. As soon as he spots you, he bolts. This triggers a scripted chase sequence, so don't bother trying to tackle or air-assassinate him; the game won't let you. Just follow him as he makes a run for it outside the town gate. The chase ends when Yaya herself makes a spectacular, cinematic entrance and... let's just say she forcefully persuades him to stop.
Making Amends and Building Your League
What follows is a tense but ultimately heartwarming reunion. With Naoe acting as the peacemaker, Yaya and Tetsuo manage to hash out their differences and forgive each other. More importantly, Yaya finally accepts Naoe's offer to join the fight for the greater good, officially becoming your first combat ally. How's that for a successful mediation?
If Yaya is indeed your inaugural ally, you'll be rewarded with the shiny 'Build Your League' trophy/achievement. Sweet! From this point on, you can manage Yaya and any future allies at various Kakurega locations scattered across the map or back at your Hideout.
Pro-Tips for The Stray Dogs (& Beyond)
Here’s a quick rundown of essential info to keep in your utility belt:
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Quest Type: League Quest (Side Content)
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Primary Objective: Reconcile with Yaya and recruit her as an ally.
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Key Location: Takatsuki (North of Katano region).
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Rewards:
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Yaya as a permanent Combat Ally.
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'Build Your League' Trophy/Achievement.
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Progress in the 'The League' questline.
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Why This Quest is a Big Deal in 2026: In the current meta of Assassin's Creed Shadows, having a reliable ally like Yaya early on is a game-changer. She can turn the tide in tough castle assaults and provide crucial support during stealth sections. This quest isn't just about feels; it's a strategic power move.
So there you have it! By completing The Stray Dogs, you've not only mended a broken friendship but also gained a powerful warrior for your cause. Now go forth, build your league, and show the shadows who's boss!