Takao Hayato

Takao Hayato
Biographical information
Born	30 May 1620 Edo, Honshu, Japan
Political information
Affiliations	Japanese Assassins (1632 - unknown)
Real-world information
Appears in	Assassin's Creed: Renegade Assassin's Creed: Resurgence

Takao Hayato (高尾隼人, born 1620) was a Master Assassin of the Japanese Brotherhood of Assassins during the Edo period. Hayato was the son of the English Master Templar Lonan Kavanagh and Japanese noble Takao Mariko, as well as the grandson of the Master Assassins Arthur Kavanagh and Aleria Kavanagh. He is also an ancestor of Jin Chen through the maternal line.

Trained by his guardian and mentor Hashimoto Kenshin, Hayato became the Japanese Brotherhood's last active Assassin and directly opposed the Japanese Rite of the Templar Order, severely weakening their presence and restoring the Assassin Brotherhood's own presence in Japan. Hayato also came into conflict with the Preservers of Humanity and encountered the Armor of Ares.

Biography

Early life

"I will not allow my bloodline to be tarnished by the likes of him! You are no longer my child! Get off of my property, shōfu!"

―Takao Haruto discovering Mariko's pregnancy, 1619 (Translated from Japanese)

Hayato shortly after his birth in 1620

Hayato was born nine months after his father, Lonan, departed Japan in search for the final piece of the Armor of Ares. Upon the discovery that his mother, Mariko, was pregnant with Lonan's illegitimate child, Hayato's maternal grandfather Haruto promptly disowned her and kicked her out of their home in a rage.

Mariko left Osaka and settled in Edo where she would give birth to Hayato in May 1620. Without her father's wealth, Mariko was forced to become a mercenary to provide for her and Hayato as he grew up. While it wasn't much to live off of, Hayato was raised comfortable enough where he had a roof over his head and a hot meal every day.

Growing up, Hayato regularly inquired on the whereabouts of his father and also wished to know what he was like. Mariko would always satisfy his questions, telling him that Lonan was an important man on important business but was certain he would have stayed in Japan if he'd known of Hayato's existence.

Losing his mother

In 1627, Mariko would contract a deadly illness and require medical attention. While Hayato, at the merge age of 7, attempted to care for his mother the first few days, he saw that her symptoms began to grow worse and needed to take her to a doctor. Hayato travelled around Edo and begged for any doctor to help his mother, but no one would aid him. He would then encounter a group of men that said they could help her, leading him to a "doctor" in a nearby alley way. However, they were merely opportunists attempting to rob Hayato.

Hayato tried to fight them off and keep his money, but due to his age and small stature Hayato was badly beaten by this group of males. He was nonetheless rescued by an old man missing the lower end of his arm. Handily beating the men up, despite only having one arm, the man prepared to leave before he was stopped by Hayato who begged him to help his mother. Initially reluctant, the man eventually agreed to help and Hayato promptly led him to his small home in the poorer area of Edo.

The man eventually revealed his name as Hashimoto Kenshin and tended to Mariko, ultimately deciding it was best to treat her at his estate. Bringing Hayato with him, Hayato would witness Kenshin and some other doctors tend to her illness over the next few days, however she unfortunately was unable to be saved and passed. Hayato was devastated at the loss of his only family.

Taking pity on the boy, Kenshin offered Hayato sanctuary at his estate as well as to take care of him in his mother's stead. With no other options, Hayato accepted Kenshin's offer.

Raised by Kenshin

Kenshin: "Who was your father, boy?"

Hayato: "An Englishman named Lonan. I never knew him, my mother always told me he left Japan before I was born."

Kenshin: "...Lonan?..."

—Kenshin learning of Hayato's parentage, 1627

Hayato adapting to his new life in 1627

From that day forth, Hayato became Kenshin's ward. One day, Kenshin grew curious to know who Hayato's father was and subsequently inquired to know. Hayato shared what he knew, that his father was an Englishman named Lonan but didn't know much else. Hayato was nonetheless confused at Kenshin's response that came after, Kenshin simply repeated his father's name and then stayed silent before abruptly leaving the room. Hayato was left utterly dumbfounded as he was unaware of Kenshin's past history with Lonan, and their eventual falling out.

Hayato would spend his first few weeks at the Hashimoto estate exploring his new home, noticing that it was ruined in what must have been some grand battle. The mysterious nature of the estate's tattered nature, Kenshin's hidden sadness and his missing arm made Hayato curious to know the story of what happened. This would lead him to one day ask Kenshin how he lost his arm, however, he was met with silence and a scowl that frightened him.

While he appreciated Kenshin's hospitatility, their relationship was cold and the two barely talked - mainly from Kenshin's adversity to it. As well as this, Hayato noticed Kenshin tended to avoid him. Sensing his sadness with the sixth sense he was born with, Hayato was determined to make Kenshin smile at least once.

After some months, Hayato's presene and youthful innocence melted Kenshin's icy exterior and the man was able to find comfort in raising the boy. Their relationship gradually began to improve over the next few years and Hayato would eventually come to see Kenshin as a father figure and vice versa.

A new hope

Hayato: "We have to rebuild the Brotherhood. We cannot let the Templars take over Japan."

Kenshin: "No."

Hayato: "Why?"

Kenshin: "The Templars have already taken over Japan, boy. Besides, what is a child and a one-armed man to do against the entire Templar Order?"

Hayato: "I don't know... but we must try!"

—Hayato and Kenshin, 1631

Hayato wielding Kenshin's katana, 1631

In 1631, while Hayato was exploring the estate, which had since been repaired since its destruction in 1619, he came upon an entrance to a hidden room. With the aid of his Eagle Vision, he is able to access this hidden room. Entering inside, he comes across several discarded and abandoned Assassin tools - such as Kenshin's old Hidden Blades, his old robes, and his katana.

Kenshin comes upon Hayato in the room filled with his former Assassin equipment, angered, he demands Hayato get out. Complying, he exits the room as Kenshin slams the door shut telling him to never go back in there. Despite this, Hayato's curiosity gets the better of him and he repeatedly inquires to know what all of the equipment was, if it belonged to him, and why he didn't want Hayato to see. After several days of insistant questioning, Kenshin finally relents and tells him everything.

He tells Hayato of his former past as an Assassin, what they were and what they did, of the Templars and their destruction of the Assassin Brotherhood. Hayato then learns the truth about his father, finding out that he was once and Assassin. Kenshin, still believing Ito Ichiro's lies, told Hayato that Lonan betrayed the Brotherhood and killed both Kenshin's father and Hayato's grandfather, Arthur, before fleeing to the Templars. Hayato deduces that Kenshin lost his arm when the Templars attacked in 1619, which Kenshin confirms.

Following this, Hayato shares his belief that he and Kenshin should rebuild the Brotherhood and stop the Templars from gaining control of Japan. Kenshin refuses, stating that an "old man and a child" stand no chance against the entire Order. Hayato asks Kenshin to train him then which he refuses, Hayato insists but Kenshin angrily declines stating that he has lost too many people he cared about to the war and refuses to lose him too. Ending the discussion, Kenshin leaves.

Despite their disagreement, Hayato holds true to his convictions and truly believes that the Templars should not have so much power. Hayato pesters Kenshin for almost year before Kenshin finally agrees to train him, internally believing that the training would be too much for Hayato and that he would eventually give up. Firstly, Kenshin asks if this is what Hayato truly wants and he affirms this.

Assassin training

"It was obvious Kenshin only agreed to train me in hopes of beating the determination out of me. The training was the most demanding thing I had experienced in my life up to that point, and at times, I wanted to give up. But I couldn't - I needed to push forward. The Templars need to be stopped, and if Kenshin can't do it. I will."

―Hayato recalling his training

Hayato in 1635

Hayato received gruelling training from Kenshin that lasted for three years, learning an Assassin's skills, the Creed and more. The training was excruciating and at times he wished to give up, but ultimately held out, knowing this is what he wanted. In June 1635, Hayato accompanied Kenshin to Edo in order to gather supplies for the estate. While there, Hayato was tasked to watch the horse and carriage while Kenshin bought supplies from the stores in the market. During this time, Hayato spotted a European man with a group of important looking individuals. Spotting their Templar insignias on their rings, this was the moment Hayato realised that the European man was none other than his father, Lonan.

Hayato briefly considers confronting the group of Templars, but instead elects to utilise his newly acquired skills to eavesdrop on their conversation. Abandoning the horse and carriage, he follows Lonan and the other Templars which consisted of the Grand Master Shimazu Tadatsune, Miyamoto Mushashi, Hayashi Hyōzaemon, and Kinoshita Nobuyoshi. Hayato overhears the Templars discussion the recovery of a "final piece" - Ares' chestplate - but Lonan was intercepted en route back to Japan and it was seized by the Preservers. Despite this, they were not a threat as the Templars still owned the Sword and Shield. Hayato recalls the lessons he had been taught by Kenshin, realising that the Templars had found the final piece of the armor.

Following hearing this, Hayato returns to Kenshin who is waiting for him at the carriage. He is reprimanded for leaving it unattended but Hayato informs him that he saw Lonan, who had arrived back in Japan. As well as this, he shares that the Templars located the final piece of the Armor of Ares but the Preservers managed to seize it from him. Hayato expressed his eagerness to recover any of the pieces for the Assassins and halt the Templars and Preservers plans. While Kenshin praises him for recovering the necessary intel, he refuses to let him purse the Armor as he was not ready and is "only a boy with three years training, going up against two dangerous groups". Hayato is visibly deflated by this but Kenshin lifts his mood, stating that once they return to the estate - he believes Hayato is ready to receive his Hidden Blades.

Two years later, Hayato trains further and is finally inducted. into the Brotherhood, following his reciting of the Assassin's Creed. After Hayato's induction, he is given his Templar targets which include his father. Kenshin asks if he will remain convicted in assassinating his father, Hayato remains determined in eliminating their presence in Japan.

Shimabara Rebellion

Attempts at prevention

Later that year, Hayato learns of rumours of a revolt soon to take place on Shimabara Peninsula and Amakusa. The daimyō Matsukura Katsuie has caused unrest among the people with overtaxation and famine, Hayato believes this to be the work of the Templars and travels to Shimabara to investigate. By December, Hayato successfully learns that the Templar, Hayashi Hyōzaemon, is the local daikan and surmises that he has been manipulating Katsuie into committing his cruel acts.

Tracking the Templar down, Hayato non-lethally dispatches its guards and infiltrates Hyashi's dwelling. Coming upon Hayashi's sleeping person, he internally wrestles with himself on if he has what it takes to take a life. Hayato decides that it may be possible to avoid a civil war if he merely threatens Hayashi into getting Katsuie to treat his people better. Going with this plan, Hayato wakes Hayashi up by smothering his hand against his mouth and hovering his Hidden Blade over the sound of his neck. He threatens to kill him if he makes a sound. Hayashi complies in being quiet and immediately asks how it is he is here, mentioning that the Assassins' were destroyed 17 yeard prior.

Ignoring the question, Hayato asks if the Templars are behind the threat of civil war. Hayashi reluctantly answers, revealing that the Templars plan to instigate a rebellion and depose the Tokugawa shogunate, placing a Templar puppet in control of Japan. He adds that Templars on both the Shimabara government and looming rebellion are working to make this war a reality. Hayato questions why their main priorty isn't the Armor of Ares but Hayashi claims that if the Templars are unable to recover the Armor, control of Japan is their fallback plan.

Still reluctant to kill Hayashi, Hayato lightly penetrates Hayashi's skin with his Hidden Blade and demands he convince the other Templars to call off the war. He would also make the empty threat that Hayashi would die if he failed to do so. Following this, Hayato left and returned to Honshu naively believing that this would prevent the outbreak of a civil war. However, he would learn some weeks later that Hayashi was nonetheless assassinated by the rebels and rebellion had spread across the Amakusa islands.

Hayato is subsequently reprimanded by Kenshin for his lack of will to kill, stating that he did not train all these years to hesitate to take a life. Hayato apologises, believing that their was a better way but Kenshin continues to curse out his student, reminding Hayato that it was he who pestered him for an entire year to be trained as an Assassin. Hayato remains silent knowing that Kenshin is right, still angered, Kenshin demands Hayato fix this. Despite his remorse for his failure, Hayato questions if the rebellion is truly a bad thing - Shimabara and the Amakusa islands belong to the people and he believes they should take it back.

Despite this, Kenshin informs Hayato that while it would be ideal but if the rebellion leads to the overthrowing of the Tokugawa shogunate, Japan will be ripe for the Templars to take. Hayato acknowledges this and swears to right his wrongs.

Siege at Hara Castle

Sōiken: "By killing me, you've condemned these people to the blades of the Tokugawa. I could have led them to the freedom you Assassins desperately seek."

Hayato: "You started this conflict, you and your brothers! You drove them to this point, overtaxxed them, famine! Their deaths are on your hands!"

―Hayato enraged at Sōiken's attempts to gaslight him, 1638

By February 1638, Hayato learns of the presence of three Templars, Miyamoto Musashi, Hosokawa Tadatoshi, and Itakura Shigemasa, are present there for the Siege of Hara Castle. Hayato subsequently travels to the Hizen Province and arrives there on 14 February, making his way to the battlefield.

Utilising his skills in stealth, Hayato infiltrates Hara Castle and while remaining neutral in the conflict, temporarily allies with the rebels in order to assassinate his targets. Hayato briefly encounters two of the rebellion's leaders - Amakusa Shirō and Mori Sōiken and helps defend against the Tokugawa as they attack, led by Itakura. Hayato successfully manages to assassinate Itakura with an arrow, before dying Hayato learns that the Templars intend for the Tokugawa forces to suffer a defeat at the hands of the rebels, to showcase their incompetence at rulership. As well as this, a Templar is also among the rebels and is pulling the strings to make the siege go into the favour of the rebels.

Hayato spends the next three months of the siege both searching for ways to root out the Templar within the rebel forces, as well as search for an opening to assassinate Miyamoto and Hosokawa. Despite this, the Tokugawa forces are making headway on the siege thanks to Hayato killing Itsakura. Hayato wrestles with his desire to aid the rebels, fighting for their rights but his awareness of the Templar plot that lurks beneath compels him to sabotage the rebellion.

By 12 April, troops under the command of the Kuroda clan of Hizen stormed the fortress, capturing the outer defences in the process. In the chaos, Hayato searches for the Templar within the rebel forces. Hayato aids Sōiken in holding back the advancing forces while the rebels retreat, however, Hayato notices a Templar insignia exposed on his necklace. Immediately, he strikes at Sōiken's neck but he manages to defend himself and fearfully realises Hayato is an Assassin. Sōiken flees and Hayato chases him back into the castle, giving way for the Tokugawa troops to advance.

Hayato corners Sōiken in a secluded area and the two briefly duel, but he successfully manages to assassinate Sōiken. Sōiken tells Hayato he has condemned the rebel forces, and that Sōiken could have led them to claim the freedom that the Assassins so desperately seek. Despite his attempts to guilt Hayato, he reminds him that the Templars orchestrated this conflict and the deaths of the peasants are on the Templar's hands.

Following Sōiken's death, he is forced to flee the castle knowing that the Tokugawa will subsequently crush the rebellion and foil the Templar's plans. Despite this, he cannot help but feel he guilty knowing he contributed to the rebellion's failure and to the deaths of the rebels who were simply tired of being mistreated. However, he steels himself and remembers this was at the fault of the Templars.

Following Hayato's return to Kakureta, he informs Kenshin of his success. Kenshin congratulates him on this but relays bad news, informing Hayato that he has learned that the Shimazu Tadatsune has passed away and Lonan has ascended to the rank of Grand Master.

Searching for the Chestplate of Ares

Skirmish in Dejima

Three years after the Shimabara Rebellion and the Tokugawa shogunate's implemation of the Sakoku policy, Hayato is actively searching for Ares' chestpiece. After learning that Lonan had made the search for the Chestpiece the highest priority from a Portugese Templar a year prior, Hayato put his eradication of the Templars on the backburner in order to retrieve the Chestpiece from the Preservers and keep it out of the Templars hands. Deciding to kill two birds with one stone, Hayato actively hunted Mukai Shōgen Tadakatsu - a high ranking Templar on his list, and someone likely to have information on the Templars' progress.

Recovering information of another Templar meeting in Edo on 26 April 1641, Hayato promptly travels there and found the location of their meeting. In attendance were Mukai and Hosokawa, accompanied by a guard of samurai. Hayato tails them and learns that the Templars have been growing suspicious of the Assassins' resurgence following the recent deaths of a multitude of Templars in the prior few years. During this discussion, the two Templars meet with Kinoshita Nobuyoshi and the three discuss the Templars' progress on acquiring the Chestplate.

Mukai informs Nobuyoshi and Hosokawa of a lead he had found during his travels, an important shipment is set to be sent to China from Dejima within a week's time. Having retrieved the shipment records, he learned that it is to be acquired by Sun Chuanting upon its arrival. Nobuyoshi questions how certain Mukai is that this is the Chestplate and he confesses that he doesn't and that it is a hunch.

This is when Nobuyoshi then revealed his awareness of Hayato's presence, telling him to show himself. Forced out of hiding, Hayato shows himself and Nobuyoshi expresses his surprise that there were any Assassins left, impressed at their persistence. Hayato remains silent, plotting out a plan in his head of how to go about this situation. The younger Templar orders Mokou and Hosokawa to flee and prepares to deal with Hayato. However, Hayato decides to assassinate Mokou and Hosokawa first - leaving Nobuyoshi for another time.

Tagging the two older Templars with his Eagle Vision, he subsequently detonates a smoke grenade and scales his way to the top of a rooftop - avoiding combat with Nobuyoshi and heading after Mokou and Hosokawa. He chases them to a port and assassinates the both and then escapes. Following this, Hayato books passage and travels to Dejima in order to investigate the important shipment.

Hayato arrives in Nagasaki a week later and heads to Dejima, using his Eagle Vision he locates a target of interest and tails them to where the shipment is alleged to be. As he does this, he overhears his target discussing the shipment with a subordinate and confirms that it is indeed the Chestplate of Ares. Realising that this target is a member of the Preservers, Hayato also learns that the Chestplate has been sent to Sun Chuangting, to aid in the defence against the ongoing rebellion in China - and as an act of good faith in convincing Sun to join the Preservers.

Blending within the crowd, Hayato watches as the Preserver arrives to oversee the shipment. As he prepares to intercept the shipment, Hayato sees Nobuyoshi with samurai guards through the crowd who is here for the same reason. However, with the area too populated Hayato is unable to confront both Nobuyoshi and intercept the shipment. Instead, he hangs back and watches things play out.

Moving in closer, he overhears Nobuyoshi using his authority to force the Preserver to hand over the Chestplate, however, both are aware of the other's true nature. The negotiations draw out and Hayato seizes the opportunity to sneak his way onto the ship and attempt to steal the Chestplate back. However, when Nobuyoshi forces his way on to the ship Hayato is discovered. The Assassin, Templar and Preserver then proceed to enter a stand-off with Nobuyoshi demanding he hand it over. Following Hayato's refusal, Nobuyoshi attacks Hayato and the two engage in a duel. Hayato easily dispatches Nobuyosh's guards but the Templar is too skilled to be easily defeated.

Their duel results in Hayato and Nobuyoshi getting knocked overboard and falling onto the docks below. In the chaos, the Preserver takes advantage of the situation and immediately orders the ship to depart to Shanxi. Hayato and Nobuyoshi are too distracted and when its too late, realise the ship has departed. During their duel, Nobuyoshi looks into Hayato's eyes and finds a sense of familiarity in them. However, their duel is promptly stopped by the authorities who arrive in defence of Nobuyoshi, revealing he is a daimyo.

Planning to arrest him, Hayato fights his way out and utilises his Hidden Rope Dart to launch himself on to a rooftop. Leading a roof top, Hayato makes his way to the edge of a roof and prepares to perform a Leap of Faith to escape - however, he is shot in the shoulder and falls into a cart of hay below.

Captured

Hayato imprisoned, 1641

Hayato wakes up in a cell in Kodenma-chō, his shoulder bandaged up from the gunshot. Examining his room, he then sees that Nobuyoshi had arrived to speak with him. Remaining silent initially, Nobuyoshi surmises that Hayato is probably confused on why he's alive after having committed such a serious offence. He proceeds to explain to him that he has used his status as daimyo to delay his execution.

Hayato inquires why and Nobuyoshi confesses that he was curious, telling him he looked familiar. Now more so that his face has been revealed, he asks Hayato his name. When he reveals his name, Nobuyoshi is visibly surprised leading him to ask who his mother is. Apprehensive, Hayato asks why he wishes to know and Nobuyoshi, answers revealing that he knew Mariko in his youth. Nobuyoshi explains that he lived with her and her father but was thrown out when it was discovered she was pregnant with a European's child. Hayato realises that Nobuyoshi did indeed know his mother but decides to keep it to himself for now.

Nobuyoshi then tells Hayato that he searched for her over a decade prior, only to find out that she had died and her son, Hayato, had gone missing. He again asks if Hayato is this child but the Assassin remains coy. Despite this, he silence is telling and Nobuyoshi deduces that Hayato is indeed Mariko and Lonan's son, his demeanour changes from hostile to joy. Hayato is surprised at this as he watched Nobuyoshi quietly celebrate that Mariko's child survived and that a piece of her lives on through him. However, he then realises that they are both on opposite sides of the conflict which leads Nobuyoshi to ask where he received his Assassin training.

Hayato refuses to answer, merely stating that he will escape and continue to foil the Templars' plans. Saddened to hear this, Nobuyoshi expresses his belief that the Assassins' "faulty Creed" has already corrupted him, but believes that he can "still be saved". With that, Nobuyoshi leaves, telling Hayato that he will be back at some point. Hayato spends the rest of the night looking for ways to escape or planning ways to escape on his own, to no avail.

The next day, Hayato is met by Nobuyoshi once again. Immediately, he asks what happened to the Chestplate and Nobuyoshi irritatedly blames him for its loss - confessing that Lonan has travelled to China in order to seek it. Moving on, Nobuyoshi once again tries to convince Hayato to abandon his goal of joining the Assassins, expressing that it pained him to be at odds with Mariko's child. This leads to Hayato asking what his relationship was to his mother, Nobuyoshi then reveals that Lonan saved him when he was a child and he was then placed in the care of Mariko and Hayato's grandfather. He explains that she looked out for him and that he came to care for her, seeing her as a sister.

Nobuyoshi also reveals that the reason why Hayato was forced to grow up in poverty was due to Hayato's grandfather banishing her from their estate. The Templar takes the opportunity to push his ideals on to Hayato through his past and the death of his mother, stating that in a world controlled by the Templar Order there would be no poverty, no suffering, and that all would be equal. Despite this, Hayato deems the cost too great - disagreeing with robbing humanity of what makes them unique, as well as recalling the deaths of various innocents in the rebellion due to the Templars' influence. Annoyed at this, Nobuyoshi's demeanour shifts and he states that he has a chance to leave if he sides with them.

However, Hayato expresses he'd rather die for a cause he believed in. Angered, Nobuyoshi tells him that it can be arranged before once again leaving.

Escape

Nobuyoshi spends the next month attempting to convince Hayato to join the Templars, but when he sees that the Assassin remains convicted in his beliefs. He begrudgingly decides that he cannot save Hayato and calls for his execution. However, Hayato took the time he had to memorise the guard routes and the layout of where he is being held. Despite this, a woman disguised as one of the guards comes to his aid and knocks out the guard stationed at Hayato's cell. Freeing him, she reveals introduces herself as Hattori Himari, Hayato recognises her name and she reveals that she is the daughter of Hattori Masanari - an Assassin.

Handing him his tools and equipment in a sack, Hayato promptly equips his Hidden Blades and places the sack on his back. As the two stealthily make their escape, Hayato asks how it is Himari found him and she states that it was Kenshin who sent her to rescue him. Thanking her, he shares his belief that he was the only Assassin left and she confirms that he is. Revealing that while she received some training from her father, she did not have the heart to commit to the Brotherhood. Hayato questions why it is she would even risk her life to rescue him and Himari expresses her belief that the Assassins need to be brought back, to challenge the Templars, and Hayato is the only one that can do that.

The two eventually make their escape without having raised a single alarm or alerted any guard. Boarding secret passage, they travel back to Honshu before parting ways but not before Himari wishes him luck, telling him "Asashin no shōri (Victory to the Assassins)" .

Aiding a rebellion

Hayato returns to Kakureta and reunites with Kenshin. Kenshin expresses his happiness and relief that Hayato is alive and escaped relatively unharmed, Hayato proceeds to thank his mentor for sending help when he needed it and figuring out where he was before asking him how he did so. Kenshin simply states that he still maintains the connections the Brotherhood had when it was still active. Following this, Hayato informs Kenshin that he located the Chestplate and that it had been sent to China with Lonan in pursuit. Noting this, Kenshin immediately makes arrangements to have Hayato travel to China through his connections with the Tokugawa shogunate.

A few days later, he boards a merchant ship and travels to Shanxi, arriving some time later. Upon his arrival, Hayato makes contact with the Chinese Brotherhood and meets with the Chinese Mentor in order to inform them of his mission. Upon realising their motivations have aligned as well as learning of Sun's status as a Preserver, the Mentor of the Brotherhood agrees to aid Hayato in retrieving the Chestpiece. Hayato would also learn that the Assassins are currently supporting the current rebellion led by Li Zicheng, in order to oversee the transition of power and allow new rulers to take over where the Ming dynasty had failed. As well as this, he is made aware of the fact that the Chinese Rite are currently backing the war as well, in order to take control of China through the void of power left in the wake of the rebellion.

After a few months pass, it is now 1642 and Hayato has spent most of his time in China attempting to locate the whereabouts of Sun. Eventually, Hayato discovers that Li has attacked the city of Nanyang in order to take control of it and Sun is currently there in an attempt to defend the city. Arriving at the west side of the city, Hayato meets with Xú Jing who had been there for a year already in attempts to take the city. He asks how their progress is going but Jing, unhappily, states that progress is slow. She then introduces him to Li Zicheng himself who appreciates his aid, despite his Japanese heritage. Rubbed the wrong way by this comment, Hayato intends to confront him but is stopped by Jing.

She apologises for Li's behaviour, stating that everyone is on edge and eager to reclaim the city. Hayato acknowledges the strategic benefits for conquering Nanyang, but expresses his disapproval of the Assassins siding with an army that is likely hurting innocents in the crossfire. Jing agrees with Hayato's disapproval, however she reminds him of how bad things were in China before the uprising, reminding him that this entire siege was for the good of the people.

First confrontation with Sun

A few more months pass and Li's rebellion has made significant progress in claiming Nanyang, however Hayato has made little progress in reaching Sun. Preparing to make their final push to claim the city, Hayato, Jing, and the other Assassins would aid Li and his men in the final assault. Meanwhile, Hayato prepared himself to finally assassinate Sun and retrieve the Chestplate.

On the eve of the last push, Hayato and Jing have a discussion. She comments on how, despite having been together for a few months she barely had any time to ask him questions about his personal life. Aloofly, he permits her to ask now as it is a better time than any, Jing inquires what its like to be the last Assassin and if he ever loses faith in his mission to restore the Brotherhood. Hayato answers her question, confessing that it is difficult and tiring having the weight of Japan rest on his shoulders but if he wouldn't take the responsibility then who would. He adds that he has such faith in the Assassins goals and means for the future, he wishes to see it through - or at the very least, play his part in achieving the Assassins' goal.

Jing agrees with him, noting that while humanity isn't perfect - nothing is, and that is what makes life a beautiful thing. And while her actions will be forgotten to history, she is proud that she would have contributed to humanity's advancement. Hayato acknowledges this, sharing these same feelings. Despite this though, he asks her if she truly believes the Assassins can educate humanity into bringing peace amongst themselves. Jing deliberates for a moment before sharing that she believes so, using Hayato and herself as reference she says that if they have the capacity to work to better and enlighten themselves, so does everyone else.

Jing's simple analogy has a profound effect on Hayato. Now more than ever, Hayato's devotion to the Assassins has never been stronger. The next day, Lin's rebellion begin their attack on Nanyang and Hayato aids them while also searching for Sun among the chaos.

Hayato fights his way through the Ming soldiers with Jing following close behind, wishing to support him. Locating Sun wearing the Chestplate and leading his men, Hayato engages Sun and after a brief fight, Jing stabs him in the back. Sun miraculously and rapidly heals from his wound before backhanding Jing and launching her into the wall of a building. Hayato attacks Sun but is quickly grabbed by the throat, Sun states that he isn't surprised the Assassins would come for the Armor before swearing to destroy the rebellion and purging the Assassins and Templars from the planet.

Sun prepars to kill Hayato but he sees that Li and his men are overwhelming his own and the city had been lost. Throwing Hayato into an unwitting rebel, he calls for his men to retreat before falling back. As Hayato regains his bearings, he goes to find Jing as the rebels celebrate their claiming of Nanyang. Waking her up, Jing is unharmed but is suffering a concussion from hitting the wall. With that, he takes her to be treated now that the battle is over.

Working with Lonan

In the latter half of 1643, Hayato has spent the past year taking part in various battles across Henan in hopes of retrieving the Chestplate, to no avail. During this time, he expected to cross paths with his father and to his pleasure, he has not done so yet. Deciding to take matters in his own hands, Hayato heads to infiltrate Beijing in the hopes of finding Sun. Jing bids him farewell and good luck, desiring to go with him and help him find the Chestpiece but Hayato tells her that the Assassins need her there, and that they are close to toppling the Ming Empire.

Arriving in Beijing by November, Hayato spends the next few days within the city searching for leads on Sun. He eventually learns of a barrack that Sun frequents through eavesdropping on a variety of military patrols in the city. At nightfall, Hayato infiltrates this military barrack before triggering his Eagle Vision to search for Sun but to no avail. Improvising, Hayato decides to sneak his way into the captain's tent in the hopes of locating any information on Sun's current movements or whereabouts.

Upon entering the tent, Hayato is immediately caught off guard by Lonan who pins him against a wooden pillar at gunpoint as Hayato activates his Hidden Blade. Lonan greets his son in a confident manner whereas Hayato meets his greeting with contempt. The Assassin manages to slip out of the Templar's grasp and kick him away, the two enter a brief stand-off with Hayato fully prepared to engage with his father. However, Lonan reminds him that they are deep within an area infested with soldiers that will kill them on sight, and that it would be wiser to not fight. Activating his Eagle Vision, he sees that Lonan is not a threat at this current time and retracts his Hidden Blade.

Lonan, correctly deduces that the both of them are there for the same reason - locating Sun. Hayato non-verbally confirms this and Lonan proposes they work together to find it. Hayato proceeds to bring up the issue of what happens when they find it, knowing that the outcome will not be positive. Pausing, Lonan shrugs and states that they will handle that issue when they get to it. While reluctant to work with a Templar, Hayato was nonetheless curious about his father and to maybe hear his side of events - why he betrayed the Assassins. It is this curiosity that leads to the Assassin agreeing to work with his father.

The two search around the tent, looking for any information that will lead them to Sun. Eventually Lonan finds information that tells the pair that Sun had passed through the barracks a few days prior. However, he also learns that Sun is currently headed to lend aid to the Ming forces in Tongguan, Shaanxi. The day after, the pair depart on horseback and make their way to Shaanxi.

While resting for the night, Hayato and Lonan are settled around a campfire. Sat on a log by the campfire, the two sit in an awkward silence for a few moments before Lonan ultimately breaks the ice. He expresses his condolences at Mariko's death, confessing she was the only woman he'd ever loved, Hayato is silent but acknowledges his words. Lonan speaks up more and assures Hayato that if he knew Mariko had been pregnant he would have stayed, and maybe even left the Templars altogether - confessing his devotion to those he cared for sat higher than his devotion to either the Assassins or Templars.

Hayato snaps back, questioning if that was true then why did he murder Arthur and Rose Kavanagh, his grandfather and aunt. Sighing, Lonan admits that he isn't surprised Kenshin still believes that story. Lonan reminds Hayato that he spared Kenshin 20 years prior before he divulges the truth of what really happened to Arthur and regrettably informing his son that he killed his sister in self defence, and that it still haunts him to this day. Hayato uses his Eagle Vision to see whether Lonan is telling the truth or not and as he scans the Templar's aura, he sees that he is telling the truth.

Lonan then asks how Kenshin is doing, Hayato bluntly says "still missing an arm" reminding Lonan of how they parted ways. Lonan shares his regrets, explaining that he did not wish to kill him but Kenshin refused to back down. He then snickers, finding it ironic that he had warned his old friend to not rebuild the Brotherhood and then indoctrinates Lonan's own son. Hayato corrects Lonan in defence of Kenshin, telling him that it was what he himself wanted as much as Kenshin fought against it, sharing his belief that the Templars needed to be stopped.

Lonan argues that the Templars wanted the same goal, peace, but theirs was simply more attainable. However, Hayato fights against it believing that the removal of human autonomy and individuality is too great a cost. Lonan argues that the Assassin notion of peace is a childish and naive dream, reminding his son that humanity was created to be subservient and it was practically human nature to be controlled - calling back to the current events of China, the rebels' fight to depose the Ming Empre and set in place a new ruler. As well as this he critiques that the Assassins, who entertain anarchy, are supporting the transition of power to a more suitable leader.

Hayato counters Lonan's statements that he, as a former Assassin, should know that it was never about anarchy and that the Assassins' support governments that emphasizes individual liberty and choice as main principles, not the abolition of order and government in its entirety. The Assassins support the people and their right to be treated better, not Li himself. This leads Lonan to round back to the Templar goal, questioning how their goals differ from the current uprising. Angered, Hayato tells him he knows exactly how it differs but he just chooses to be obtuse. With that, the two spend the remainder of the night in cold silence before heading to bed.

Assassinating Sun Chuanting

5 days later, the pair arrived in Shaanxi and tracked Sun to the battlefield in Tongguan. The pair scoured the battlefield, fighting against Ming soldiers and searching for Sun throughout the many faces in the battle. During the battle, he sees Jing who is engaging and taking out multiple opponents before she is suddenly injured by a slice in the back.

Hayato rushes to her aid, telling Lonan to find Sun. He quickly dispatches her attackers and helps her up, while still in pain she makes a joke that she expected to see him there. However, Hayato jokes that he came there to see her and asks if she is alright - she confirms she is okay, but she's hurt. She tells him that she was going to eliminate the Ming's artillery but is uncertain if she'll be able to. Hayato tells her to take it easy and that he will take care of it, hijacking an enemy rider, Hayato kicks the Ming soldier off his horse and uses it to ride toward the artillerymen.

Leaping off of the horse, Hayato kills a group of artillerymen and then destroys their field gun before stealing a dead soldier's firearm and shooting at a powder keg next to another field gun, blowing it up and setting off a chain reaction which in turn destroys more field guns. What is left of the artillerymen causes a rout with many of the Ming soldiers beginning to retreat.

Amidst the chaos, mounting the horse he had stole, Hayato searches for Lonan who he can see engaged in combat with Sun. He gets a better look at Sun and notices he is not wearing the Chestplate. The Assassin charges toward the two and once close enough, he leaps off of the horse and assassinates a surprised Sun - who has now been abandoned by his men. In the moments before his death, Hayato inquires where the Chestplate is, and Sun, with nothing left to lose confesses that he wasn't confident in repelling the rebellion but knew that the Chestplate could not fall into the hands of the Assassins or Templars. Ultimately he refuses to tell them and dies.

Frustrated, Lonan tells Hayato that he will look into it and notify Hayato of his progress before departing. Moments later, Jing arrives and asks who that man was, Hayato confesses that he was his father and also a Templar. Jing is shocked by this, asking why he would work with him, Hayato confesses he doesn't actually know and chalks it up to misplaced sentiment and desperation. She expresses her hope that he is making the right choice, Hayato then notifies Jing that he is essentially back to square one now. Despite this, Jing tries to reassure him that despite that - the death of Sun was a crucial victory.

Fall of the Ming empire

5 months later, Hayato seeks out Lonan in Beijing after receiving word from his father that he had found promising information on the Chestpiece. At this point, the Ming empire was stretched thin both defending against attacks from the Manchu in the North and against the rebels - the empire was in its final days.

Meeting with Lonan, he informs Hayato that he has learned that the Chestplate is currently within the possession of the Chongzhen Emperor Zhu Youjan. As well as this, he makes Hayato aware of an upcoming negotation between Li, Zhu and his ministers. With his status as Grand Master, he has secured both Hayato and himself a place within these talks. There, they will attempt to acquire the Chestplate however Hayato orders Lonan to not kill Zhu with the possibility of Zhu surrendering and ending further bloodshed being important. Reluctantly, Lonan complies with his son's wishes but expresses his lack of faith in their ability to negotiate a peaceful surrender as it is human nature.

On April 23, the pair are present during the negotations between Li and Zhu - Jing is also present, within the company of Li. Unfortunately, despite the attempts of Hayato and Jing to bring about a peaceful transfer of power - Zhu refuses to surrender. As the negotations fall through and the two groups part ways, Lonan reprimands Hayato and frustratedly tells him he should have let him kill Zhu and be done with it - bringing about an end to this civil war sooner. Li informs the three that in a day's time, he will begin an attack on Beijing's walls.

The next day, Hayato and Lonan are present during the attack on Beijing but actively do not take part - choosing to focus on recovering the Chestplate. Hayato and Lonan infiltrate the royal palace and search for Zhu. Horrified, the pair followed a blood trail found at the bodies of Consort Yuan and Princess Zhaoren, reaching its end they find Zhu preparing to kill his daughter, Princess Changpin but Lonan shoots at the Emperor's hand - blowing it off. However, he drops his sword on Changpin's left arm severing it, Hayato utilises the opportunity to assassinate the Emperor.

Tearfully, Zhu uses his dying words and expresses he was afraid for his family and did not want them to bear a terrible fate, believing what he did to be a mercy. Angered, Lonan asks what he did with the Chestplate and Zhu promises to tell them if they show his daughter mercy by killing her. Lonan agrees and Hayato asks him why he hid it, Zhu knew that his empire would fall and believed the Chestplate was best hidden away from the eventual hands of the Assassins and Templars - inadvertently revealing himself to be a Preserver. Zhu then reveals that he hid it, buried on a small hill beneath a pagoda tree in what would be the modern day Jingshan Park. Zhu then passes and Hayato gives him his final rights - feeling deep remorse over what Zhu had resorted to and sympathising with the man.

Changpin passed out during the entire ordeal and Lonan prepared to kill her, honoring Zhu's wish as a father. However, Hayato stops him and tells him there must be a better way, that enough unnecesarry blood had been spilled. Lonan rhetorically asks what they should do, laying out their limited options. Suddenly the two hear something within the distance and Lonan orders for whoever it is to come out, a young eunuch then emerges, having witnessed the entire thing. Formulating an idea from this, Hayato summons the eunuch over and orders him to treat Zhu and help her escape, the eunuch agrees, taking the princess and leaving.

Acquiring the Chestplate and shattered alliance

Hayato and Lonan travel to the location they were told by Zhu, arriving under the pagoda tree mentioned. Hayato begins to dig under the tree, as he does so he takes the opportunity to ask why he believes in the Templar cause so much. Sighing, Lonan confesses that his views had always aligned with the Templars since childhood but wasn't aware of it. He further adds that while he believes the Assassins' goal to be noble, it simply isn't sustainable as he has said time and time again calling himself foolish and optimistic for believing otherwise.

Lonan also states that his belief comes from his lack of faith in humanity, their repeated wars and other forms of atrocities was a noticeable pattern. As well as this, the Templar goal is the most realistic and attainable. Hayato shares his disagreement and Lonan knows this but the both would rather not engage in another debate that will go nowhere. Finally, Hayato recovers the Chestplate and Lonan mentions they are at a standstill.

The Templar admits that during their time together, he has grown to admire and respect his son knowing that his death would be a waste. However, Hayato states his refusal to join the Templar cause. Lonan knows that Hayato is too proud to join the Templars and proposes that he should simply give up his cause and that they could avoid any bloodshed. However, Hayato regretfully tells him that this won't happen and that he won't give up. A visibly upset Lonan sighs and comments at their impass, stating he wished it wouldn't have come to this.

Lonan draws his sword and Hayato follows suit, drawing his katana and wakizashi. The two then engaged in a brief duel but it ends with Hayato unleashing a kick to Lonan's abdomen and not having the heart to kill his father - he tackles Lonan to the ground and punches him until he's unconscious. With that, he leaves the area and makes his return to the base of the Chinese Assassins.

Upon returning, he notifies the Mentor on his success and receives thanks from the Assassin leader for aiding the Assassins in overthrowing the Ming empire. Hayato cannot help but express his sympathy for the royal family, explaining that Zhu had resorted to killing his family in order to prevent them from having a worse fate. The Mentor acknowledges Hayato's feelings, telling him that the choices they make are never easy and to feel what he feels makes him human. However, he reminds him that for many years the people of China had suffered drought, famine, plagues, and war due to the poor leadership of the Ming, and it was time for reformation.

Hayato acknowledges this and then asks what the Chinese Brotherhood will do now that the Emperor is dead. The Mentor reveals that the Assassins will work to eliminate the Templar influence within the Shun ranks, as well as eliminate the threat of Zhang Xianzhong - self-proclaimed emperor of the Xi dynasty - who the Templars are also backing. Hayato wishes them luck and begins making preperations to return to Japan.

Ending the Templars

Weakening the Templar ranks

In May 1644, Hayato prepares to board another merchant ship back to Japan but not before saying his goodbyes to Jing, who had grown close to in their time together. She expresses her sadness to see him go but acknowledges his greater mission of restoring the Brotherhood in Japan, nonetheless she thanks him for his aid and shares that she treasured the time that they had. Hayato shares that he had enjoyed being among more Assassins, expressing that it is a lonely path back in Japan - as well as this, he was happy to have met Jing and call her friend.

Before departing, Hayato and Jing embrace one another before he steps on the ship with Jing wishing him luck. Returning to Japan some days later with the Chestplate, Hayato makes his way back to Kakureta excited to see Kenshin once again after 3 years. However, upon arriving to the Hashimoto estate he finds it in ruins and no sign of Kenshin.

Hayato rushes to the estate to search for Kenshin, calling out to him and rummaging through all the rubble. Eventually, he finds Kenshin's body seeing he had been there for a few days. Tearfully, he cradles Kenshin's body and apologises to him for not being there with him when the estate was attacked. Recovering his body, Hayato proceeds to bury his body in front of the ruined estate and swears to him he will honor his memory, eliminating the Templars and restoring the Assassins. As well as this, he speaks to Kenshin's grave, admitting that he always saw him as a father and that he hopes he made him proud. As well as this, he wished that he had something more profound to him before departing to China.

Hayato spent the next year weakening the Templar presence across Japan through assassinating many high ranking members withing the Order. Eventually drawing the attention of the Templars who in-turn focus their efforts on eliminating Hayato, putting the reclaimation of the Chestplate on the backburner. Through assassinating a Templar agent, he acquires information revealing the location of Miyamoto Mushashi in Higo Province. As well as this, he learns that Miyamoto has fallen gravely ill and his active duties as a Templar have ceased, as well as this he has retired to Reigandō cave.

By June 1645, Hayato travels to the cave and finds Miyamoto there, alone, and he is unsurprised at the Assassin's arrival. Remarking that he had been "clearing up shop" this past year and expected he was soon on the list. However, he is unfearful of death knowing that he is going to die soon regardless. Hayato remains silent and approaches the Templar, Miyamoto mentions the attack on the Hashimoto estate and Kenshin's death, correctly guessing that his killing spree is the result of that. Finally speaking up, he asks where Lonan and Nobuyoshi are, promising to grant him peace if he answers.

With nothing left to lose and having come to accept that the Templars are finished in Japan, he reveals that Lonan and Nobuyoshi are holed up within the Templar base, a fort on the outskirts of Heian-kyō. However, he tells the Assassin that he will not get to them there as the fort is too heavily guarded and armed. Hayato tells him not to worry before plunging his Hidden Blade into Miyamoto's neck, granting him a quick death. Following this, Hayato recovers Miyamoto's incriminating documents revealing the Templars' various schemes and attempts to depose the Tokugawa shogunate.

Confrontation with Lonan

In January 1646, Hayato spent the entirety of his efforts searching for ways to infiltrate the fort. Eventually, the Assassin manages to formulate a plan to infiltrate the fort with the aid of the Tokugawa shogunate's military.

Using his connections with Kenshin to grant himself an audience with the shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu. There, he hands over the incriminating documents he had recovered from Miyamoto. Hayato manages to stoke the shogun's rage who wishes to punish Nobuyoshi and execute him for his treachery. A few days pass and the Tokugawa military arrive at the entrance of the fort, immediately they attack. Hidden from the sidelines, Hayato watches as they initiate their assault and uses the chaos as a distraction to infiltrate inside.

Freerunning over the fort's walls, Hayato navigates through the assault but not before assassinating an officer who threatens to reveal his presence among the soldiers. Making his way to the castle inside, he enters and begins searching for the Templars and the remaining pieces of the Armor of Ares. He finds Lonan waiting for him who tells him to give up his fool's errand, however, Hayato reminds him that the Tokugawa are breaking down his doors right now and the Templars are practically finished in Japan. He then asks Lonan where Nobuyoshi and the Sword and Shield are.

Lonan reveals Hayato that they had been aware of his killing spree the past year, Nobuyoshi left with the Sword and Shield months prior knowing that he would someday reach them. Lonan states that he opted to remain at the fort expressing his desire to talk Hayato out of his fool's crusade - and if that failed, at least he would provide an efficient distraction. Hayato reminds him of Kenshin's murder, stating that the chance for a peaceful solution was long gone.

The father and son then draw their swords and engage in a duel, this time however he notices Lonan's fighting is much more aggressive despite his old age. Hayato feels himself struggling to defend and counter against his father's onslaught, now realising that Lonan was going easy on him back in China. During their duel, Lonan tells Hayato that Kenshin's death was not by his order and Nobuyoshi had made a grave error, ordering it while he was gone. Still enraged, Hayato expresses his anger by telling him that he is still going out of his way to defend Nobuyoshi.

This leads Lonan to tell him that the future of the Templars rests on the younger man's shoulders, Hayato quickly reminds him that that dream is dead. Despite this, Lonan states that the Templar ideals will never die and that no matter what he does, they will be restored once again. Countering this, Hayato states that the Assassins will remain to oppose them. Lonan once again argues for the Templar's cause, telling him that in a world controlled by them that they will create a utopia, ending war, famine, inequality, prejudices and more.

Hayato argues that the cost is too great and that a forced peace is not true peace. Lonan counters that he is declaring semantics, and that if humanity is given the freedom that the Assassins desire so much - they will become violent, give into their most primal instincts and erupt the world in chaos. Hayato then tells Lonan that this is why humanity must be educated and guided toward this peace, not forced into it against their will as it will build resentment and he refers to the people of China revolting against the Ming. Hayato points out Lonan's lack of faith in humanity's ability to improve upon themselves, but he then refers to the two of them - who are aware of their innate flaws as humans, and work to overcome them arguing that everyone deserves that chance to better themselves.

In that moment, Lonan successfully disarms Hayato and moves in to kill him. However, Hayato manages to evade the attack, countering Lonan's sword with his Hidden Blades and subsequently stabbing him in a vital artery within his abdomen. Falling to one knee, Lonan remarks his impression at his son's resilliance and determination remarking how he reminded him of himself as a young man. Lonan, in this moment, laments on how the Assassin-Templar conflict had essentially torn apart his family, robbing him of a normal life. However, as it was the only life he had ever known, he couldn't complain. In his final moments, Lonan reminds him that despite his oncoming success the Templars will never be stopped, collapsing dead.

In a moment of regret, Hayato remarks how he too wished things could have been different before departing.

Final stand in Bungo

Hayato would spend another year searching for any kind of leads and turning up with nothing, realising Nobuyoshi had effectively hidden himself. In September, he was contacted by an old ally, Hattori Himari, who has become a well-informed spy with a vast array of connections across Japan. She had asked him to meet her in Bungo, Kyūshū. Working for the Tokugawa shogunate, her and her contacts across Japan have been searching for Nobuyoshi for several months.

After arriving in Bungo, he meets with Himari at a tavern where she informs him that her spies have finally located Nobuyoshi. When she contacted him prior, he had been seen around the area and as recently as today, her spies pinned his location to a Shinto shrine, Yasuhara. He asks her why she was helping him and Himari remarks on how his rampage against the Templars didn't go unnoticed for those "in the know", and noticing how much he had eradicated their presence, she wanted to help him. As well as that, she also reminds him that 6 years prior she had told him that she believed the Templars needed to be stopped.

Following this conversation, Hayato thanks her and makes his way to Yasuhara with the Chestplate on his person. Upon arriving, he sees no signs of Nobuyoshi, however, using his Eagle Vision Hayato noticed that the shrine had mechanations that granted access to a hidden entrance. Activating these, Hayato unlocks the hidden entrance beneath the shrine. Travelling down it, he soon realises that he is inside an Precursor Temple. Because of this, he begins to grow increasignly suspicious as he ventures through it.

Eventually, he finds Nobuyoshi with the Sword and Shield, who appears to be waiting for him in a crypt. Hayato deduces that this was a trap to which Nobuyoshi confirms, stating that he had not just simply been in hiding this past year. The last Templar reveals that he had recovered documents during Hayato's continued killing spree for the prior 3 years, detailing that to truly harnass the combined power of the Armor of Ares he would need assistance from one of the many Isu shrines located across the world. Hayato quickly realises that Nobuyoshi intentionally made his presence known in order to gain access to the Chestplate. Nobuyoshi confirms this promptly attacking him with an energy blast from Ares' Sword.

Hayato manages to barely defend himself against the blast through blocking it with the Chestplate, but the force of the blast knocks him back and causes him to drop it. Recovering from the attack, he sees Nobuyoshi doing the same realising that using both the Sword and Shield in tangent with one another severely effects the Templar. As the both see the Chestplate in the distance, the Assassin and Templar rush towards it but Nobuyoshi successfully recovers it by attacking Hayato with the combined strength of the Sword and Shield. Hayato is knocked into a pillar, but also sees that the Armor is taking its toll on Nobuyoshi.

The Assassin quickly devises a plan to weaken Nobuyoshi through forcing him to extenstively use the powers of the Armor. Nobuyoshi declares that he will create a world ruled by the Templars once he has dealt with Hayato. Utilising his stealth, Hayato forces Nobuyoshi to senselessly attack him. After repeatedly evading his attacks and hiding throughout the crypt, Hayato successfully manages to wear out Nobuyoshi. The Assassin subsequently seizes the opportunity to finish off Nobuyoshi,

Before dying, Nobuyoshi remorsefully wishes that he could have honored Lonan and Mariko, taking their son under his wing and ushering in a New World together. He expresses his desire to have become Hayato's brother. Despite this, Hayato argues that Lonan had been more of a father to Nobuyoshi than he was to him, and that his mother would have never agreed with the Templar ideals if she knew about them. Choking on his blood, defeatedly, Nobuyoshi states that they will never know.

Now dead, Hayato gathers the three pieces of the Armor of Ares and exits the shrine - sealing it off.

Concealing the Armor of Ares

Five months later, Hayato returns to the Hashimoto estate which is in the same state he had left it in four years prior. Carrying a large rucksack, he visits Kenshin's unmarked grave and he informs his mentor that he had succeeded despite all odds, despite Kenshin's objections - he had defeated the Templars. However, he remarks that he feels nothing but emptiness and even though he has accomplished something great, he has never felt so alone. While he had stopped the Templars from controlling Japan and the world, the cost was too great, having lost so many people and witnessed so much death along the way.

He ponders that being an Assassin asks for a life of heart ache and pain in pursuit of the greater good, he then remarks that no worthwhile goal was ever easy. Hayato tells Kenshin's burial that he had spent the last few months routing out the Templars and now he was left with the Armor of Ares, unsure of what to do with it. Noting that the Preservers presence was still a threat, he explains that he decided to hide them away from the world - too dangerous for the hands of man. Hayato proceeds to bury the Shield in Kenshin's burial, and the rucksack he is carrying is revealed to be holding the pieces of the Armor of Ares.

Hayato states that he will now focus on rebuilding the Assassins' presence in Japan, hoping to make them stronger than before in order to defend the common folk and oversee humanity's continued progress from a distance.

The Assassin then travels to Edo and Heian-kyō and buries the Shield and Sword in honor of Mariko and Lonan.

Later life

Hayato would eventually restore the Japanese Brotherhood with the Assassins remaining dominant in Japan for the next two centuries. At some point, Hayato would marry a noble woman and sire a daughter, Mei, who would go on to become an Assassin like himself.

Hayato serving as Mentor in 1685

By 1685, Hayato had become Mentor. In January of that year, while teaching a class, he is met by his daughter, who he informs of his plan to assassinate the Emperor Go-Sai, a Preserver who has grown too ambitious, plotting to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate by way of a coup. Mei confirms that she and her husband will carry out the task herself. However, before leaving, she mentions that Hayato has led the Assassins for over 40 years and ponders if he will ever step down from the life of an Assassin.

Hayato tells his daughter that the work will never be done, and as long as he breathes, he will continue to fight in order to ensure the freewill of man. As well as to educate man to know wisdom, to bring about a world free from pain and suffering. Hayato then expresses that one day, he will hope to pass on his knowledge to her so she will carry out what he started many years prior. Deliberating, Mei tells her father that she hopes to one day make him proud.

Legacy

Like his father and grandfather, Hayato's actions impacted the Assassin-Templar war in the 17th century which would have a lasting effect well into the 21st century. Eradicating the Templars' influence in Japan directly undid the work of his father, and Hayato was able to restore the Assassin Brotherhood following its destruction by the Templars in 1619. Following his actions, the Templar Order in Japan did not fully recover until 1868, allowing the Assassins to remain dominant for over two centuries.

Hayato ended up achieving what his grandfather set out to accomplish in 1587, through successfully acquiring all the pieces of the Armor of Ares and keeping them out of both the Templar and Preserver hands. Hiding the three pieces in what would be modern day Tokyo and Kyoto, as well as the remains of the Hashimoto estate would successfully omit both groups from recovering these pieces for the next four centuries.

As well as this, Hayato's presence in the Shimabara Rebellion and assassination of Mori Sōiken led to its failure and the Tokugawa shogunate's continued rule over Japan. During Hayato's time in China, he also contributed heavily to the Ming dynasty's fall through aiding the Chinese Brotherhood and the Shun rebels in overthrowing them.

By the 21st century, Hayato's katana was recovered by Abstergo Industries and displayed in their Beijing facility. It was eventually recovered by his descendant Jin Chen in 2022.

In that same year, Hayato's genetic memories were relived by Chen in order to locate the Armor of Ares' final resting place. Following this, Jin was able to recover the three armor pieces hidden by Hayato four centuries prior, keeping it out of Templar and Preserver hands.

Personality and characteristics

Hayato was a determined and headstrong child which bordered on stubbornness. Hayato exhibited these traits as a child, when he repeatedly requested to be trained by Hashimoto Kenshin for almost a year before the latter eventually gave in and began to train him. Many have commented on Hayato's determined nature, mistakenly referring to it as 'spite', 'stubbornness', or 'wilfullness' - despite this though, Hayato never let the comments of any one person defer him from achieving his goals. It was this very reason that allowed Hayato to achieve his goals despite impossible odds - such as crippling the Templar presence in Japan and restoring the Assassin Brotherhood.

As well as this, Hayato was incredibly stoic and reserved when faced with individuals he knew little of or outright did not like. However, when in the company of those he trusted and cared for - Hayato was capable of expressing a warm and open demeanour, specifically with the likes of his mother and Kenshin.

From a young age, Hayato had a strong sense of his own perceived notion of right or wrong. Having learned about the Templar Order and their destruction of the Assassin Brotherhood in Japan at the mere age of 11, Hayato immediately expressed his desire to become an Assassin in order to stop them from acquiring the Armor of Ares and achieving their goal of a New World Order. Hayato held firm the belief that the Templar's motivations were evil and immoral well into his adulthood. However, as he matured he saw the world in shades of grey - knowing that the Templars were not all evil and the Assassins were not all good.

Hayato was also an optimistic and hopeful individual, well aware of humanity's faults but also capable of seeing the good they have accomplished and their inherent good qualities as well. It was this ideology that allowed Hayato to remain true to the Assassins' ideology of and methods of achieving peace. He believed that a person's individualism was beautiful and aligned his belief with the Assassins' struggle to protect the freewill of man. However, Hayato's optimism is frequently mistaken for naivete despite Hayato understanding that the Assassins' achievment of peace would not be an easy goal.

Equipment and skills

Hayato was born with the extra-sensory ability known as Eagle Vision, however his was more advanced than both his father and grandfather's which allowed him to tag targets and sense the emotions of others via a colored aura. In his youth, Hayato had a rudimentary ability to freerun from his days spent climbing trees and parts of the Hashimoto estate for fun.

Trained by the last remaining Assassin of the Japanese Brotherhood, Hashimoto Kenshin, Hayato's natural talents and Kenshin's effective teaching moulded Hayato into a deadly and highly skilled Assassin. Hayato was adept in stealth, swordsmanship, archery, marksmanship, eavesdropping and more. He was capable of wielding katanas, wakizashi, Hidden Blades, a Hidden Rope Dart, shurikens, poison darts, caltrops, bows, and firearms. Hayato was ambidextrous, like his father, and thus capable of dual-wielding a variety of weapons, however, he mainly wielded his katana in his weapon hand and his wakizashi in his off hand.

Hayato was also a peak-bodied Assassin and had been conditioned during his training to withstand a great deal of punishment. In addition, in combat, Hayato was perceived as lightening fast by his opponents and fought with a fierce and almost feral aggression, able to dispatch enemies quickly. Like his father and grandfather, Hayato was extremely adept in taking on multiple opponents but excelled in stealth, similarly to his grandmother, capable of infiltrating a variety of locations, assassinate his target and escape without being noticed.

Trivia

• Hayato is a masculine Japanese name derived from the Japanese words 隼 (haya) meaning "falcon" and 人 (to) meaning "person" - Hayato's name keeps up the tradition with Assassin's Creed protagonists being named after avians. Hayato's surname, Takao, means "tall, high, expensive".
• Hayato stood at 5'10" and weighed 149lbs.
• Through his father, Hayato is one quarter Irish and one quarter English and half Japanese through his mother.
• Hayato had both an Assassin and Templar lineage. The Assassins through his paternal grandparents and paternal great-grandparents. The Templars through his father and maternal grandfather.