Isshin Ashina, the elderly leader of the Ashina clan, seized control of a land blessed by a Divine Dragon. On his deathbed, he faces the Interior Ministry's assault and disapproves of his grandson Genichiro's plan to use Kuro's blood for an immortal army, instructing Emma to warn Wolf.
Isshin Ashina's Role and Influence
Isshin Ashina is a pivotal figure in the narrative, having seized control of a land blessed by the Divine Dragon. Despite his advanced age and declining health, he remains a powerful presence. He is the adoptive grandfather of Genichiro, who seeks to use Kuro's Dragon's Heritage to create an immortal army to defend the Ashina clan from the Interior Ministry. Isshin, however, disapproves of Genichiro's extreme methods and instructs his private physician, Emma, to warn Wolf.
Kuro's Escape Plan and Isshin's Knowledge
Kuro reveals that he learned about a secret passage beneath the moat's bridge from Lord Isshin. This passage is crucial for Kuro's escape from Ashina Castle. Wolf's task is to find this passage and signal Kuro with a "reed whistle."
Combat Tutorials and Early Challenges
As Wolf navigates Ashina Castle, several combat tutorials are introduced:
- Quick Items: A tutorial appears for using items like the Pellet, which restores Vitality.
- Posture and Deathblow: Instructions for locking onto targets with R3 and performing Deathblows are provided.
- Deflection: A tutorial explains that deflecting with L1 just as an attack lands is key, differing from traditional blocking or parrying.
- Counter-Slash: This technique involves deflecting with L1 and then pressing R1 for a counter.
Wolf will encounter challenges such as a gate with four guards, which can be bypassed by climbing rooftops and performing a stealth Deathblow. The Mini-Boss Leader Shigenori Yamauchi requires multiple Deathblows, indicated by red circular icons, and can be defeated by blocking and countering attacks.
Voice Actor
Isshin Ashina is voiced by Tetsuo Kanao.