In Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, sending a character to Doujun in the Abandoned Dungeon is one of the game's darker questlines. Players can choose to lure either Jinzaemon Kumano or Kotaro to fulfill Doujun's request for a tough samurai or strong soldier. Understanding the consequences of this choice helps players weigh valuable rewards against tragic character fates.
The Initial Phase of Doujun's Experiment
Once you direct either NPC to the Abandoned Dungeon, they will travel to Doujun's surgical area near the Underground Waterway idol. Speaking with Doujun afterward reveals that he has taken the subject into his prison cell to undergo gruesome Red Lump experiments. You will receive a reward of Academic's Red Lumps from Doujun as compensation for bringing him a suitable subject.
Eavesdropping on the cell allows you to hear the victim suffering through the agonizing procedures. The NPC's original questline immediately ends, cutting off any alternative endings or rewards associated with their personal stories. Doujun will ask you to retrieve the Eyes of a Carp from Mibu Village to complete the procedure.
Transforming into Red-Eyed Enemies
After delivering the Carp Eyes to Doujun and resting at a Sculptor's Idol, the experiment reaches its tragic climax. Returning to the area behind the prison cell reveals that both Doujun and his subject have succumbed to the unnatural experiments. They transform into aggressive, red-eyed foes that attack Sekiro on sight near the water passage.
These turned NPCs gain increased posture, high aggressive speed, and red eyes that make them weak to Fire prosthetic tools. Defeating the lured subject grants unique drop items like Jinzaemon's Jinzaemon's Red Lump or Kotaro's Taro Crying Red Lump depending on who was sent. Doujun also drops an Academic's Red Lump upon his final defeat.
Weighing the Rewards Against the Narrative Cost
Sending an NPC to the dungeon is a dark decision that severely impacts their narrative arcs. Kotaro can otherwise be sent to Anayama the Peddler to unlock superior merchant inventory or sent to the Hall of Illusions for a peaceful ending. Jinzaemon's alternate questline leads to receiving a powerful unique baby pink item from O'Rin of the Water.
While the Red Lump items offer temporary hyper-armor during combat, many players consider the lore outcome too grim for standard play. However, completing this side quest is necessary if you wish to see all story outcomes and collect every unique item in a single playthrough. Carefully deciding which path fits your playstyle ensures you get the maximum benefit from your chosen journey.
