The "Ace Archer" missions in Onimusha: Way of the Sword task players with using Musashi's bow skills to hunt down elusive flying creatures known as Kubi Akari. These secondary missions, found in both the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo-jo Castle areas, require players to find and eliminate five targets within each zone. While the in-game map provides notebook icons indicating general locations, hitting the targets often necessitates precise positioning, as they frequently appear outside explorable areas.
Ace Archer: Kyoto Imperial Palace
To initiate the "Ace Archer: Kyoto Imperial Palace" quest, players must speak with a man north of the Gojo Street - West Spirit Mirror. He will request assistance in dealing with flying creatures within the Imperial Palace. The mission requires defeating five Kubi Akari.
Kubi Akari Locations in Kyoto Imperial Palace
The first Kubi Akari patrols a corridor on the western side of the map. From the Palace Entrance Spirit Mirror, proceed north, then to the northwest corner, and look north to find the path. The creature may require waiting for it to appear.
To find the second Kubi Akari, head east and crawl under stone structures. After emerging, clear the area of two genma and a chest, then go southeast towards the corner of a house. The target can be seen flying inside a building and shot through a window.
On the northwest side of the same area, a ramp leads to an elevated platform. Climbing this and looking south will reveal the third Kubi Akari.
For the fourth Kubi Akari, return to the main path leading north, before reaching the Oikeniwa Pond Garden Spirit Mirror. Use a ramp on the west side to access a rock-covered roof. Looking through an archway formed by a rock formation will reveal the target.
The fifth and final Kubi Akari is located after the Oikeniwa Pond Garden Spirit Mirror, near the boss arena. After clearing the area of enemies, look south over a building with surrounding trees. The Kubi Akari hovers above this structure, though it may be obscured by trees.
Ace Archer: Nijo-jo Castle
The "Ace Archer: Nijo-jo Castle" mission also tasks players with hunting five Kubi Akari. This quest is initiated by the same man found near the Gojo Street - West Spirit Mirror, who asks for help dealing with flying monsters in Nijo-jo Castle.
Kubi Akari Locations in Nijo-jo Castle
Starting from the Nijo-jo Castle Entrance Spirit Mirror, the first Kubi Akari is visible flying over buildings and trees in front of the bridge. If not immediately visible, waiting for it to emerge from behind the trees is advised.
The second Kubi Akari's notebook icon appears over the bridge where the first was spotted, but the target itself is located under the bridge. To get a clear shot, move off the bridge, turn right, and from the right side of the street between stalls, aim southeast towards the bridge.
To find the third Kubi Akari, head north towards the area near the bridge. Climb the ladder on the right side of the street and look west over the buildings across the way.
Locating the fourth Kubi Akari involves continuing north and climbing a ramp to reach a roof. Stay on the corner of this roof and look north to see the target flying near another genma.
The fifth Kubi Akari can be found by traveling to the Nue Pond Spirit Mirror on the north side of the map. From there, head south towards a gate. A ladder next to the gate leads to a platform from which the Kubi Akari can be seen between walls and shot.
