- What to know
- When the final piece becomes available
- Exact location of the last piece for Depicting of the Tiger of Kai
- Item identity and narrative context
- Returning item to NPC in Futamata
- Combat preparation tips for retrieving the final piece
- Why the item is easy to miss
- Completing Depicting the Tiger of Kai
What to know
- The last piece appears after defeating Takeda Shingen in his Yokai form.
- Travel to Saigagake Rear Approach Shrine to retrieve it.
- The final item is found on a fallen character beyond an Aberration enemy.
- Returning all pieces to the ghost NPC completes the quest.
In Nioh 3, Depicting the Tiger of Kai is a myth-based side quest tied to the legacy of Takeda Shingen, historically known as the “Tiger of Kai.” The quest requires collecting three symbolic relics connected to his legend. The final piece is not immediately accessible and only appears after a specific story progression milestone.
Many players reach the end of the mission and struggle to locate the last item because it does not spawn until after defeating Shingen in his empowered Yokai form.
When the final piece becomes available
The final relic only spawns once you defeat Takeda Shingen during the main mission arc tied to Mikatagahara. If you search before clearing this boss encounter, the item will not appear.
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Defeat Taka Shingen (Yokai Form) | Mandatory |
| Unlock Rear Approach Shrine | Required |
| Progress Warring States Arc | Required |
Community discussions across forums and gameplay breakdowns confirm that the item is progression-locked. This prevents early completion.
Exact location of the last piece for Depicting of the Tiger of Kai
After defeating Takeda Shingen, fast-travel to the Saigagake Rear Approach Shrine. This shrine becomes your starting reference point.
From the shrine, move forward and take the path around the right-hand corner. Nearby, you will locate the first visible collectible associated with the quest.
However, the last piece is found on a fallen shrine lying further along the route. Many players initially miss it because an enemy blocks the path.
| Landmark | Direction from Shrine |
|---|---|
| First Relic Corner | Immediate right turn |
| Aberration Enemy | Ahead on path |
| Fallen Character (Final Piece) | Behind the Aberration |
Before retrieving the final relic, you may need to defeat an Aberration-type enemy guarding the area. This enemy can interrupt looting attempts if not cleared first.
Once defeated, search the shrine behind it to collect the final item required for the quest.
Item identity and narrative context
The last relic often referred to in community sources is the symbolic sake bottle or associated artifact tied to Takeda Shingen’s legend. Within the context of the quest, it represents the final proof of his identity and honor.
| Relic | How It Is Obtained |
|---|---|
| Demon of Mino’s Charm | Earned earlier in Futamata Castle |
| Shingen’s Fan | Acquired after boss defeat |
| Final Relic (Last Piece) | Looted from fallen character near Rear Approach Shrine |
Only after gathering all three can the quest be completed.
Returning item to NPC in Futamata
After collecting the final piece, return to the ghost NPC who originally initiated the quest. This character is located uphill near the original interaction point in the Futamata Road region.
Upon presenting all items, the quest concludes.
| Final Step | Location |
|---|---|
| Speak to Ghost NPC | Futamata Road |
| Submit Final Relic | Completes Depicting the Tiger of Kai |
Players report that the ghost’s dialogue changes once all relics are presented, confirming completion.
Combat preparation tips for retrieving the final piece
The Aberration guarding the final relic can be aggressive, especially if encountered with depleted Ki. Because the shrine is nearby, resting beforehand ensures full resources.
Takeda Shingen’s Yokai fight is also demanding. Efficient Ki management and Lightning or Purity builds are often recommended by community players when preparing for the main mission encounter that unlocks the relic spawn.
| Challenge | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Aberration Guard | Clear before looting |
| Post-Boss Area | Rest at shrine first |
| Item Visibility | Check ground carefully behind enemy |
Some players mistakenly assume the item is hidden inside a shrine object, but it is located directly on a fallen character model on the ground.
Why the item is easy to miss
The area layout blends debris and corpses together, making the relic visually subtle. Combined with the Aberration enemy drawing attention, many players clear the area and move forward without checking the ground behind it.
Because the item is progression-locked, returning after defeating Shingen is critical.
Completing Depicting the Tiger of Kai
To find the last piece for Depicting the Tiger of Kai in Nioh 3, defeat Takeda Shingen in his Yokai form, fast travel to the Saigagake Rear Approach Shrine, follow the path to the right, defeat the Aberration guarding the route, and loot the relic from the fallen character behind it.
Once collected, return to the ghost NPC on Futamata Road to complete the quest.
The key takeaway is that the final piece does not appear until after the boss defeat, and it is located directly on a body near the shrine path rather than inside a structure.
