Location: Inside Teradaya Inn (2nd floor)

Pass the men in the hall just outside of your room and go around the corner, following the hall to the very end. A cutscene will trigger and you will meet the author. He'll need your help 3 times, so you will have to exit and re-enter the inn after answering each of his questions.

Answer 1: A cat might be funny
Answer 2: Botch-chan!
Answer 3: Heart

Reward: Broken Compass, Fine Silk Fabric, European Fabric, 300 Virtue

Location: At Umai Udon shop in Fushimi Ichibangai

Interact with the owner and order something off the menu to establish a bond. Come back one more time (you can do this immediately) to initiate the substory.

Reward: 10% cut of earnings, 250 Virtue, unlocks udon shop mini game

Location: Next to Hanako shop in South Yashikimachi

Approach the two women talking to trigger a cutscene. When there's only one lady left, interact with her and choose to hear her out. Answer her questions in the following order.

Answer 1: Bamboo shoots
Answer 2: Outside a tea shop
Answer 3: Sakiko

Reward: Gold Seal, 300 Virtue

*After completing, find a building you can enter, go inside, then exit and return to Sakiko's location (she'll always be in the same spot). Doing this will make her next substory available.

Location: Next to Hanako shop in South Yashikimachi

Return to where Sakiko is located and speak to her again to start her next substory. Answer her questions in the following order:

Answer 1: Red, white and green
Answer 2: Amazake
Answer 3: Sumire

Reward: Tear of the Dragon, 350 Virtue

*After completing, find a building you can enter, go inside, then exit and return to Sakiko's location (she'll always be in the same spot). Doing this will make her last substory available.

Location: Next to Hanako shop in South Yashikimachi

Approach Sakiko and talk to her one last time. Answer her questions in the following order:

Answer 1: A scarecrow
Answer 2: Pickled daikon
Answer 3: A tuna

Reward: Golden Medicine Case

Location: Right outside of Ebisu Pawn Fushimi

Approach the crowd to trigger a cutscene. You'll end up having to fight off a couple of thugs.

Reward: Exquisite Cogwheel, 300 Virtue

Location: Southern end of Shinmachi, between the two fishing spots

Approach the lone fisherman standing under the tree to trigger a short cutscene, then talk to him after. Give him any fish you don't need, he only needs 1 to complete the substory. Doing so will establish a bond with him.

Reward: 150 Virtue

Location: Central Kuramachi, inside an unmarked building north of the Teradaya Inn

Approach the entrance to the building to initiate a cutscene with the boy. He'll ask for you to give him any random item, so choose something that you don't want (I gave him a worm). Doing so will establish a bond with him and complete the substory.

Reward: 150 Virtue

Location: South Yashikimachi, south of Hanako shop

Approach the elderly man on the ground. He'll need you to cut 20 wood for him. After that, you will establish a bond with him.

Reward: 2,000 Mon, 150 Virtue, unlocks wood cutting mini game

Location: Outside of Harima bathhouse in Yashikimachi

Approach the bathhouse and choose to go inside. Enjoy the events that follow.

Reward: Crystal, 300 Virtue

Location: North of the jizo statue in Yashikimachi

Approach the men standing in line to trigger a short cutscene, then head to the back of the line and choose to wait. The vendor will sell out for the day, so you'll have to come back later. Enter a building to start the line again, (I just ran back to Teradaya Inn, since it's not too far) return to the vendor and get back in line a second time. As luck would have it, you'll have to return again, but it'll be the last time, so get back in line to finally complete this substory.

Reward: 300 Virtue

Location: Just south of Komaki Dojo, near the backside of the building

Speak to the woman waiting on the dock next to Komaki Dojo. She wants to buy some perfume in Mukurogai, but she's debating if it'll be worth the potential risks. You'll offer to go there instead, so she'll give you 3 ryo to cover the cost. Head to Mukurogai - you'll find the merchant in the southeast corner of the 2nd floor. *Fair warning: If you have anymore business in Mukurugai, do that first before talking to the merchant.
*You can initiate this substory at the start of chapter 3, however you may have to progress the main story a bit for the ferryman to appear at the same dock.

Reward: 300 Virtue

Location: Next to the jizo statue south of Komaki Dojo

Speak to the lost courier to give him directions. After he runs off, you'll eventually find him in the same spot again. Give him directions a second time. Return to his location after a while and he'll give you a package to deliver, which will establish a bond and complete the substory.

*You don't need to deliver the parcel to complete the substory, but completing deliveries will increase the bond gauge.

Reward: 150 Virtue

Location: East Umekojicho

Look at the mother and son in the middle of an argument. Approach the mother and she'll ask you to speak to her son. Agree to her request and she'll take you in the house, where you'll have to choose from a few dialog options. I don't think specific answers matter too much, just avoid the aggressive ones. These are the responses I chose:

Answer 1: What are your passions in life?
Answer 2: Make a personal connection
Answer 3: Appeal to his conscience

Reward: Iron Gauntlets, Rainbow Shard, 350 Virtue
*If you went the aggressive route, you'll get a single silver scrap instead.

Location: In an alley in the south end of North Umekojicho

Listen to the two men speaking about a group that is targeting foreigners. When Creek walks away on his own, follow him to Sannocho (near the entrance to Mukurogai) where he'll be approached by the extremists. After dealing with them, make your way to Mukurogai, where you'll find Creek again on the east end of the second floor (near the stairs) and partake in one last fight.
*You may have to progress the main story to gain access to Mukurogai (via ferry will be available first, so you'll have to find the ferryman in Fushimi).

Reward: 350 Virtue

Location: At the jizo statue in Sannocho
*If you're having trouble getting this substory to trigger, I had to run towards East Umekojicho from Sannocho. Maybe because there are quite a few substories in this area?

Approach the dancing crowd and fight off some more ruffians.

Reward: Vermilion Fabric, 300 Virtue

Location: East of the jizo statue in Sannocho

Approach the sword enthusiast to trigger a cutscene. Afterwards, you will establish a bond and this substory will be complete.

Reward: 150 Virtue

Location:In front of Nichibuza dance school

Head towards the school entrance and a cutscene will automatically trigger. Follow the short series of events to complete.

Reward: 250 Virtue, unlocks buyo dancing minigame

Location: Karasuma Street, just north of Watami izakaya

A man will run up to you and ask if you've seen a particular con artist that dresses as the god, Ebisu. Speak to the elderly woman on West Shijo Street, standing in front of Kamatora, to gather more info. After speaking with her, head to the west end of Teramachi (in the corner of the alley) to catch the conman with another elderly victim. Fight him off to complete this substory.

Reward: 300 Virtue

Location: Watami on West Shijo Street

To start this substory, you'll have to speak to Shikokuya Okami at the central end of Teramachi, where it meets the northern end of Sannocho. She'll ask you to entertain a guest, agree to her request, then meet them at the izakaya, Watami. You'll end up having to sing and dance for him, then he'll ask some general art questions after each of the minigames.

Answer 1: It was bold and virile
Answer 2: It's bold, yet elegant

Reward: Ancient Amulet, 350 Virtue

Location: Northern side of Kawaramachi, by the dance school

A boy will run into you by the dance school. After a brief cutscene, approach the kids to continue the scene, then speak to the girl. Go after the boy to deliver a message (there will now be a substory icon at the temple on your map, at the northwest end of Karasuma Street). When you find the boy, he won't understand the message, so you'll have to clear up the meaning behind it.

Answer 1: Thank you for your friendship
Answer 2: You're important to her

Head back to where you met them and see how everything turns out. If you're having trouble catching the palanquin, they're heading toward Shijo Bridge, so try cutting them off on the main road).

Reward: Rainbow Fabric, 300 Virtue

Location: Northeast corner of Kawaramachi

Speak to the man standing in the corner of the alleyway. He'll need help translating multiple letters, so you'll have to leave and come back a couple times.

Answer 1-1: It's been a while
Answer 1-2: I
Answer 1-3: She means "you"

Answer 2-1: She means "is that every day?"
Answer 2-2: Her heart aches
Answer 2-3: Meet soon

Answer 3-1: Stumble and fall
Answer 3-2: Cowardly men
Answer 3-3: Tell her how you feel

Reward: Fine Silk Fabric, Platinum Chunk, Phoenix Feather, 350 Virtue

Location: West end of Shinmeicho

Approach the group of men, only to find out that someone stole this man's snack. You'll have to interview them individually to determine who the two culprits are.

Answer: Higashihara and Minamino

Reward: Godslayer's Talisman, 300 Virtue

Location: West end of Shinmeicho

Approach the dancing crowd once again, where you'll end up fighting some guards this time.

Reward: Tranquil Towel, 350 Virtue

Location: West end of Teramachi

Approach the elderly man standing outside of a school. He'll explain that he's a teacher, but can't read a globe. He'll ask for your help teaching his students geography (accepting his request will take you straight to class). The students will take turns asking you questions and you'll respond in this order:

Answer 1: Japan
Answer 2: The Great Qing
Answer 3: Country 4

Reward: European Fabric, 300 Virtue

Location: Teramachi, by the river east of the Gambling Den

Approach the elderly woman on the ground. Choose to take her home and you'll establish a bond.

Reward: 150 Virtue

Location: Western side of Mukurogai, by the arms dealer

A cutscene will automatically trigger once you get close to the arms dealer. Fight off the thugs to complete.

Reward: 250 Virtue

Location: Top middle part of the first floor

You'll meet a guy selling his brawler services, when an unexpected guest arrives. Fight the brawler to complete.
*You'll have to finish the substory, Ee Ja Nai for Justice, for this to become available

Reward: 300 Virtue

Location: Around the corner from the northern gate

Speak to the man on the ground and offer him some food. Any food item will do, so pick whatever you want. Afterwards, you'll establish a bond and this substory will be complete.

Reward: 150 Virtue

Location: A little north of the brothel, Yamabuki

Walking towards the north end of Gion, down the alley, you'll get waved down by a barker. Agree to take a look and you'll leave with him. Answer his question however you like, it won't change the outcome. Next, choose the first option (not to give him money) - now you'll have to get yourself out of this awkward situation.

Reward: 3 Ryo, 300 Virtue

Location: Yashikimachi, just south of the dojo from the start of the game

Interact with the dog on the ground and offer it some food. Another bond with a furry friend is formed.

Reward: 150 Virtue

Location: At the edge of the dock, just southeast of the palanquin

Simply look at the cat and enjoy :3

Reward: 150

Location: Southern end of West Umekojicho

Approach the little hut that's near the well and interact with it. You'll be asked to bring 10 tomatoes, which can only be obtained through farming (and they take forever to grow). When you finally have the precious tomatoes, hand them over to the merchant to close the deal and establish a bond.

Reward: 2 Ryo, 150 Virtue

Location: East Umekojicho, between the two buildings

Give the hungry kitty a fish and it will bond with you.

Reward: 150 Virtue

Location: Umekojicho, slightly east of the chicken racing building

Approach the couple arguing to trigger a cutscene, then observe the scene after. You'll end up in a fight with some tougher opponents, but it's manageable - have some healing items with you, just in case. After the fight, it'll be complete.

Reward: 3 Ryo, 300 Virtue

Substories will be locked until you head to Fushimi and run into a familiar face. The palanquins are also disabled at the start of the chapter, so you can't miss this important event. After taking care of that, substories and the palanquin rides will be available again.

Location: On Teramachi's eastern shore

Speak to the man standing alone and choose "why not?". If you have a homemade meal on you, then great! If not, you'll have to make something to bring back. It can only be something from the cooking minigame, so keep that in mind. When it comes time to choose which dish to eat, pick anything you want - I just went with something I had too much of. This'll wrap things up and begin a bond.

Reward: 150 Virtue

Location: Next to the palanquin

There's a woman standing right next to the palanquin - approaching her will trigger a cutscene automatically. She'll fill you in on her situation and, long story short, she's looking for vegetables. She'll only need one, so give her something you have plenty of to complete her request. Doing so will also establish a bond.

Reward: Vitality Pill, 150 Virtue

Location: Next to Ebisu Pawn in Teramachi

Walking down this alley will automatically trigger a cutscene with a barking dog. Give him a bone, if you have one, or you can buy one from the pawn shop nearby. This will complete the substory and form a bond with the stray dog.

Reward: 150 Virtue

Location: North end of Karasuma Street

In the alley going towards the temple, you'll see a man with a cat. Go ahead and speak to them, then speak to the cat again. Choose to give it some money to complete and establish a bond.

Reward: 150 Virtue

Location: In front of Kurogane Smithing

*Note: You will need to complete The Spitfire Town Protector first.

Meet up with your new acquaintance and agree to help them out - this'll start a slightly lengthy build-up to the substory. After that, you'll return to the entrance of the blacksmith, giving you a chance to stock up on any items or upgrade your gear, as needed. When you're ready to go, talk to the debt collector again to continue the substory, which will put you in another long cutscene and tough fight. Finish the final cutscene and your job will be done.

Reward: 3 Ryo, 300 Virtue

Location: In front of Kurogane Smithing

*Note: You will need to complete The Spitfire Debt Collector first.

Meet up with Yae again in the same spot as last time. She'll be talking to someone asking to find her sister. You'll have to deal with the same scumbags as before, except they're much greater in number, so take your time to prepare. When you're ready to leave, speak to Yae again. You'll have two fights in a row, both with groups of 5 or more. After the second fight, the mission will be complete.

Reward: 3 Ryo, 350 Virtue

Location: Right next to the northern gate

Speak to the man standing to the side of the gate. He just wants some trash, so give him something you don't want to complete and bond with him.

Reward: 150 Virtue

Location: East of the gate

Interact with the dog laying on the ground and give it a healing item - a bond will be formed.

Reward: 150 Virtue

Location: Next to southeast shrine gate

*Note: For this substory to become available, you'll first have to meet Akari, who is at the Rakunai shrine, and get to at least rank 4 of Haruka's trust.

Approach the gate to find a diary on the ground - get closer to examine it and take a peek. You'll have to leave the area and come back here a few more times to answer some prompts:

Answer 1: All love is precious
Answer 2: Try getting to know him
Answer 3: Better to be simple and direct

Return to the spot one last time to witness a closing cutscene.

Reward: 350 Virtue

Location: Near brothel, in front of Asahi

Head towards the brothel and a cutscene will trigger with a man standing outside of the ryotei. He'll ask you for a homecooked meal from your kitchen. Give him whatever dish you have cooked to complete his substory.

Reward: 150 Virtue

Location: Standing next to a tree in the southern end

Speak to the woman in pink and hear her out. Give her a cucumber to fulfill her request.

Reward: Vitality Pill, 150 Virtue

Location: Head to Shinsengumi HQ from the west path

Going up the stairs from the western path, a brief cutscene will automatically trigger. Head back down to the home you had passed just before to continue the cutscene and fight off the joshi. At this point, this is where the substory will officially begin. You'll have to look for a cherry blossom tree, which can actually be found on your farm. Head back home and Ryoma will automatically notice the tree - go take a closer look and another scene will trigger. Meet with the couple again to let them know you found a tree and you'll all head back to your farm.

*This substory got me right in the feels....I'm not crying, you're crying!

Reward: Double Worship Talisman, 350 Virtue

Location: East of the palanquin

*Note: You must complete Hope Blossoms Again first.

Approach the group of children to trigger a cutscene and agree to play with them. You'll have to answer a couple questions to really get into your role, so choose what you think is best for the situation. Things take a turn real quick and you'll end up having to fight someone off.

Reward: 350 Virtue

Location: Close to the eastern exit

Approach the mother and son, standing off to the side. Speak to the boy and give him any vegetable you could spare - he only needs 1. Doing so will complete his request and establish a bond.

Reward: 150 Virtue

Location: On path to Kiyomizudera

*You will gain access during the tail end of Chapter 4, after the events at the Teradaya Inn.

Talk to the man lying on the ground, you can't miss him. This one is pretty simple, you just have to give him a healing item. Establishes a bond.

Reward: Dead Branch, 150 Virtue

Location: In front of Teradaya Inn, near the fishing area

*This is the final substory in the Black Panther line, so you must complete the others first.

You'll see Takeda outside of Teradaya Inn, chatting up two women. Approach them to begin the final race. Successfully deliver another 12 letters to witness the closing cutscene.

Reward: Great Serpent Skin, 400 Virtue


Location: Restaurant just north of Umai Udon

*This substory begins your search for the memoirs, which will have an impact on two other substories in the game. These memoirs will appear as glowing items on the floor, same as the prize tickets.

Approach the izakaya right next to Umai Udon to be greeted by a familiar face. Agree to have a drink with him. Eventually, you'll end up in Rakugai, where you'll have to defend your new friend from danger. After the fight, this substory will complete and you'll now be able to find memoirs around Kyo.

Reward: Writings of an Amateur Historian Memoir, 300 Virtue

*For a detailed walkthrough of finding all the memoirs, please refer to my other guide :)
https://cs2bus.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2937569585

Location: Shijo Bridge

Head towards Shijo Bridge and a cutscene will automatically trigger. A courier will ask you to get out of the way - the choice here doesn't matter, so pick whichever one you like. Agree to help deliver the letters and you'll go through a timed delivery sequence, where you'll have to complete 6 deliveries in less than 1 min 40 secs. After that, you'll return to the courier and finish the mission.

Reward: Gold Seal, 300 Virtue


Location: Shijo Bridge

Head to Shijo Bridge and another cutscene will trigger. You'll meet with Kiyokawa again, until you're approached by a competing courier group. You'll have no choice but to race them on the spot, having to deliver 10 parcels before your opponent. This delivery sequence will not be timed.

Reward: 320 Virtue


Location: Next to Sushi Zanmai

Listen to the conversation between the two couriers. You'll get dragged into another delivery race, where you'll have to deliver 12 letters before your opponent. He's a lot faster than the previous one, so it pays off to increase your sprinting to at least level 3.

Reward: 340 Virtue


Location: At the intersection of Shinmeicho and South Teramachi Street

*If you don't see this substory yet, try progressing through the main story until after you've met Yamazaki.

Approach the man on the ground and give him something to eat - anything will do. Bond with the Hungry Sumo Wrestler.

Reward: 150 Virtue

Location: At the bridge, Sannocho

After completing The Panthers' Leading Man, head to your second home. Approach the door to the house to trigger a cutscene and start the substory. The courier will be in Rakugai to actually do the quest. Head to the bridge in Sannocho and talk to the couriers to begin the race. You'll have to deliver another 12 letters, but this time the area to cover is much bigger, so plan and pace yourself accordingly. The closing cutscene is a bit long, but you'll be given your next (and final) task against the couriers.

*I was able to barely beat him on the first try at sprinting level 3, so I'd suggest at least level 4 to have some space between you.

Reward: 360 Virtue


Location: Eastern corner of South Umekojicho, past the Fushimi gate

*If you don't see this substory yet, try progressing through the main story until after you've met Yamazaki.

Speak to the suspicious man and, after an embarrassing cutscene, give him a healing item. This'll wrap up the substory and establish a bond with the Battered Defender.

Reward: 150 Virtue

Location: Gate west of Otake Tea Parlor

*This substory will become available after your first Shinsengumi mission.

Approach the gate just past the tea parlor, going towards the shrine, to trigger a cutscene. Speak to the man sitting on the bench to hear him out. After, you'll want to head over to Kamo River, in the northeast end of Teramachi.

Answer: Have faith in Suzu

Go to the shrine west of Shinsengumi HQ, where you'll fight off a group of swordsmen and witness the closing cutscene.

Reward: Gion Hood, 400 Virtue


Location: By the shrine

*Must first complete Substory 60, It's What's on the Inside

Approach the boy telling someone he saw a bear, then talk to him after. You'll end up fighting the beast, so prepare yourself accordingly - unsurprisingly, it does a lot of damage.

Reward: Inviting Hat, 350 Virtue

Location: Inside your home

Cook at least 10 meals (they don't have to be different ones). Once you've done that, the substory will start when you enter your home. If you cooked your 10th meal in chapter 5 or later, the substory will start as soon as the last dish is made. A man will show up at your house, asking if you could cook for his lord. Agree to his request and you'll then have to make the dish, thoroughly grilled fish. You should have at least two "Great" results to receive the rewards listed. The following cutscene will complete this substory.

Reward: Dragon Whisker, 350 Virtue

Location: Northwest corner of Yashikimachi, south of the dojo

Approach the three men to trigger a cutscene. Agree to train Tom and you'll go to the nearby dojo, where he'll demonstrate his skills (this is an easy fight). Leave the area and return to the dojo two more times for more training, but after the third session, it'll be a while until you see Tom again. After some time has passed, head down to South Fushimi Ichibangai (near the fish market) to trigger a final cutscene and closing fight.

Reward: 400 Virtue
*Completion of this substory will also unlock an Epic Support Trooper Card. Go back to Shinsengumi HQ and speak to Tom.

Location: Umekojicho, south of the Shady Bar

Approach the elderly man standing by some palanquin bearers. Agree to act as a bodyguard and this will turn into an escort mission, where you'll have to defend the palanquin from waves of enemies. Once you've reached the end, you'll end up in another fight. Finish him off to end the mission.

*Tip: It helps to run ahead to lure out the enemies, as none will spawn behind you or the target. Also, try to keep the fighting away from the palanquin - it takes damage easily.

Reward: Crimson Bead, 350 Virtue


Location: Sannocho, in front of the Gambling Den

Approach the group of men harassing a gambler and choose to do something about it. After the cutscene, leave the area and come back (there should be an icon on the map when it's ready). Speak to the guy standing outside of the Gambling Den, then meet with him in Mukurogai - he'll be near the north gate. Fight off the bandits and witness the closing cutscene.

Reward: 350 Virtue

Location: Top middle part of the first floor

*Must first complete Substory 30, Brawler for Hire

Speak to the brawler and agree to fight him. Defeat him to end this substory.

Reward: 350 Virtue

Location: Kuramachi, behind Teradaya Inn

Requirements: Complete Substory 71, Diplomacy in Darkness

Approach the spot on the map to trigger a cutscene. Head to the southeast corner of Mukurogai to track down the man with the package. Prepare for a fight, then choose "No, I have to return this" when prompted. Return to the spot behind Teradaya Inn and hand over the package.

Reward: Great Serpent Skin, 300 Virtue


Location: South Fushimi Ichibangai, near the boat to Ryoma's Villa

*You'll need to approach the docks during the day.

Approach the two men standing by the dock to hear them talking about the foreign ships. Leave and return to the area to see there's now a group of people making a commotion near the water. After the scene, ask around the crowd for advice - there are a few people you can talk to, but the person with the remedy is a little off to the side (not on the dock). Only one of the answers is correct, but you won't be penalized for choosing the other ones, and can choose the correct answer right after.

Answer: Give him umeboshi

Reward: Precise Machinery, 350 Virtue


Requirements: Found at least 73% of Satow's memoirs
*If this substory still isn't appearing for you, try discussing all of the memoirs with Satow.

Location: Usual spot, next to Umai Udon in Fushimi

Go to Satow's usual spot to see that he's not there. Head to Mukurogai to confront some bad guys and bring your friend back.

Reward: 350 Virtue

Location: Eastern side near the river

*This substory has to be accepted during the day, but can't be completed until nighttime.

Approach the two men chatting to eavesdrop on their conversation. Return to the spot at night to see if the rumor is true.

Reward: Nishikigoi Amulet, 350 Virtue

Location: Northwest of Scarecrow Chateau

*Will become available after progressing the story until Inoue asks you to investigate someone familiar.

Head to the spot on the map to trigger a cutscene and engage in a fight. Then, go back to the barracks, where you'll see the vendor just outside the entrance. Approach the two men to start the second part of this substory and begin the interview.

Answer 1: It's my duty, nothing more.
Answer 2: "Go home and be family men" OR "Better have a will ready"
Answer 3: "Someone I get along with" OR "Someone sharp as they are skilled"
Answer 4: "It's a place for true warriors" OR "It's a path for true strength"
Answer 5: Maintain your innocence

Reward: Eye of the Dragon, 300 Virtue

Location: Top middle area of the first floor

*Must first complete Substory 31, Brawler Incarnate.

Go to the brawler's usual spot to receive his final challenge.

Reward: Berserker Charm, 400 Virtue

*If you've gathered all 25 of the memoirs up to this point, congratulations! You now have access to the last substory in the game :)


Requirements: Found 96.154% of Satow's memoirs, completed Substory 71

Location: Bridge closest to Umai Udon in Fushimi

After collecting all memoirs and discussing them with Satow, head to the bridge near Umai Udon for your final encounter with Satow. You'll eventually end up in Gion - when you're done, head back to Satow's usual spot in Fushimi.

Reward: Kiwami Hammer, A Letter from the Right Honorable Sir E. Satow

This isn't a substory, but I added it for those wanting to fight Amon.

Requirements: Complete all substories and battle dungeons

Location: Shinsengumi HQ

Reward: Enchanted Sword