Like A Dragon: Ishin brings us closer than ever to the simplicity of daily life in feudal Japan, from farming to adopting adorable pets. As you walk Sakamoto Ryoma's path, cutting down countless enemies along the way, there will be times that offer a brief reprieve from all the bloodshed.
As you wander from Fushimi to Rakugai, you'll come across one of six possible pets stationed at set locations. These three cats and three dogs each have a distinct substory, personality, and set of three names you can choose from upon adoption. In order to adopt a pet, you will have to completely max out your Bond meter by checking in on them periodically.
6 Hungry Cat
Name Choices:
- Tuna
- Gourmand
- Tummy
The Hungry Cat is often the most difficult pet to befriend as it comes with a picky personality that won't accept just any old scraps for a meal. Your first encounter will require you to feed it a fish, but soon this hungry black cat will demand only Sea Bream and the rarest fish in Ishin: the Bluefin Tuna.
Once you've bought some Top-Grade Bait and reeled in your Bluefin Tuna, you'll have this adorable little feline literally eating out of the palm of your hands. You'll likely pass by this cat several times as it is lounging between two long buildings West of the Scarecrow Chateau in Rakugai, directly across from the bridge to Mukurogai.
5 Barking Dog
Name Choices:
- Barky
- Nightmare
- Wander
The Barking Dog is easily the most overtly placed pet, as this little dog will continuously bark at you whenever you pass by. The dog can be located in the Eastern area of Rakunai adjacent to Teramichi; turn South down the last alley before the northern bridge on Shijo Street.
While it serves as a great indicator of the dog's location, several of the townsfolk have grown tired of the nonstop noise and are considering putting the dog down to silence it; how awful. Instead, pay this dog a few visits and come with some bones for it to chew on. Once you adopt him, this barking boy will reward you with some rare crafting materials from time to time.
4 Filthy Cat
Name Choices:
- Cupper
- Snowball
- Clumsy
The Filthy Cat will likely be the first pet you come across, given its proximity to the Teradaya Inn. Hug the pier in Fushimi and head West to South Yashikimachi where you will find this dirty cat perched precariously on the end of a jetty.
This cute, clumsy little furball will repeatedly fall into the Uji River, then hop up to the jetty drenched in filth, awaiting Ryoma's merciful return. Each time you approach the cat, you'll discover it is covered in dirt once more and will need a bath. After a few cleaning sessions, the white-fur feline will take residence inside Ryoma's villa – right outside the bathroom.
3 Patient Dog
Name Choices:
- Loyal
- Joker
- Bean
The Patient Dog truly is one of the most precious beings in all of Ishin and should be protected at all costs. At the Northwest end of Fushimi in Yashikimachi, you'll find this loyal pup quietly sitting at the top of some stairs.
After several attempts to get the dog to leave the spot, Ryoma discovers the sad story behind these innocent eyes. Once you further your Bond and advance this heartwarming substory, Ryoma will learn that The Patient Dog is waiting for its owner. Instead, you can offer to give this dog the home it deserves.
2 Lucky Cat
Name Choices:
- Lucky
- Whitebait
- Mochi
The Lucky Cat has perhaps the most mysterious substory associated with it, as you have to donate increasing sums of money to the cat in return for some good luck. Head all the way to the Northwest of Rakunai to the shrine on Karasuma Street to find this cute calico cat chilling in the corner.
Once you've completed the donations and discovered the unsavory truth behind where your donations are going, you'll be able to free the cat from its duties and domesticate it. This is one substory that feels too short, as the curious case of the Lucky Cat feels worthy of an entire series of substories.
1 Injured Dog
Name Choices:
- Champ
- Tofu
- Happy
If you're recruiting each pet on your way to completing every achievement in Ishin, be warned that this substory and Bond are particularly upsetting and deal with animal abuse. Upon your travels through Mukurogai, you'll come across a dog in the northern central area.
After you nurse the dog back to health a few times, you will eventually catch the dog abusers in the act and confront them. After rescuing this poor hurt dog, you can choose from some super sweet names for your new best friend. Few things rival the feeling of watching this happy pup do a flip while enjoying his new home in your Villa.