Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – Where to Find a ‘Tough Man’ or ‘Strong Samruai’

The surgeon needs some help, but will you provide it?

by Kyle Hanson

As you make your way through Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, you’ll come across some rather colorful characters. Many of these NPCs ask something of you, such as to bring them rice. A simple enough request, but there are some that are far darker. This is the case with the odd man you meet in the Abandoned Dungeon. Said to be a surgeon’s assistant, the man hands you a note requesting that you send them a “tough man” or “strong samurai”, then leaves the rest to you. Is this a good idea? That’s a great question, but before you even decide that you need to know where to find a tough man or strong samurai in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

Where to Find a Tough Man or Strong Samurai

There are likely multiple answers to this question, but the nature of Sekiro’s save system makes it hard to say. There are two confirmed candidates for the “tough man or strong samurai” request, both of which are encountered pretty early in the game if you know where to look.

The first is the large, depressed monk who sits by a tree to the right of the very first Sculptor’s Idol in Senpou Temple. The Crying Monk simply sits under a tree waiting for you to help him remember some things. This quest has multiple different conclusions, one of which is for you to lure him to the Abandoned Dungeon for the surgeon’s mysterious work. Just walk to him after receiving the surgeon’s letter and the option should be there to send him on his way.

Alternatively, and the one I chose to take part in for my game, there is a strong samurai who stands above the hole where you encounter the Lone Shadow Longswordsman boss. This tough man seems like a good person, not attacking you or requesting much at all. If you want to get whatever the surgeon is offering though, you’ll have to send him to the abandoned dungeon and likely to his doom.

What I received for doing this dark deed was a Lump of Fat Wax, which is an item used to upgrade my Prosthetic arm. Didn’t feel worth it to me, but perhaps it will be for you. There is more to his quest if you continue to explore the game, just like the crying monk, but sending him to the surgeon will cut this off, so choose wisely. Either way that’s where to find a tough man or strong samurai in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. If you locate any other potential victims for the surgeon be sure to share them in the comments below.