Ghost of Tsushima: Who Norio Is (& What Happened To His Brother)

Norio is one of the main NPCs featured in Ghost of Tsushima, and while the warrior monk is kind and friendly, his story takes a dark turn. When Jin Sakai first meets Norio, he explains how his brother was killed by Mongols at the beginning of the invasion. But as Norio’s story progresses, things get darker quickly.

When the Mongols first invaded the island of Tsushima, following the Japanese defeat at Battle of Komoda, Norio, his brother, and the other warrior monks step up to take on the Mongols. The group is eventually captured at Akashima, and though Lord Shimura and Jin later free the captives, Norio fears his brother and the others are already dead, as they’re nowhere to be found. Norio vows to not let his death be in vain by continuing to push back against the Mongols.

Norio assists Jin in a variety of missions following his rescue, including defending both Akashima Village and the Kushi Temple from Mongol invaders. Norio is also there to help when Jin re-takes Castle Shimura and frees his uncle.

What Happened To Norio’s Brother In Ghost of Tsushima?

It may seem as though Norio’s story ends after the Battle of Shimura, or at the very least, it appears as though he’ll continue fighting the Mongols until his last breath like he believes his brother would’ve done. Norio constantly speaks highly of his brother and laments over how much he wishes he was alive and well. However, there’s a plot twist in Ghost of Tsushima’s story after Jin and Norio successfully protect Cedar Temple.

Inside the temple, Norio is shocked to find his brother alive, despite being brutally tortured and missing all of his limbs. Enjo said he held on so long just so he could see his brother one last time. In the process, however, Enjo admits he gave important information to the Mongols. Enjo begs his brother to kill him, insisting he cannot live in such a condition. Norio, who’s overjoyed to see his brother alive, tries to convince him that he doesn’t need to die. But Enjo insists. Norio tells Jin to give him a moment, and afterwards, it’s implied that Norio killed his brother in an act of mercy. Norio’s story was already heartbreaking enough when players thought his brother was killed by Mongols, but knowing Norio had to be the one to end his brother’s life is even more painful.

Norio eventually avenges his brother’s death by going after the general, Kharchu. Though he asks for Jin’s help, he eventually invades the Mongol camp by himself, and is ultimately successful. Norio later helps Jin while he confronts the Mongols at Port Izumi. Given the circumstances surrounding the death of his brother, Norio may have the saddest story in Ghost of Tsushima.

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