Sakura Cinders of the East is a captivating DLC subquest in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, offering a unique and challenging experience. Players must assist a researcher in contacting the powerful demon Konohana Sakuya near Mt. Atago, unlocking rewards like Magic Balm x5 and her recruitment.

Overview of Sakura Cinders of the East
Sakura Cinders of the East is a compelling DLC subquest in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, designed to provide players with a unique and immersive experience. This subquest introduces a mysterious narrative involving a researcher in Bethel, who tasks the protagonist with establishing contact with a powerful demon named Konohana Sakuya near Mt. Atago.
The subquest is tailored for players seeking a challenging yet rewarding adventure, with a recommended level of 47. It combines engaging storytelling with strategic combat, making it a standout addition to the game. Upon completion, players are rewarded with Magic Balm x5, a valuable resource for healing, and the opportunity to recruit Konohana Sakuya as a playable demon.
This DLC subquest is a must-play for fans of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, offering a rich narrative, challenging encounters, and significant rewards. It enhances the overall gameplay experience by expanding the player’s roster and providing deeper insight into the game’s lore. The subquest is praised for its balanced difficulty and strategic depth, making it a memorable addition to the game.
Accessing the DLC
To access Sakura Cinders of the East, purchase the DLC from the in-game store. Once acquired, head to the Tokyo Diet Building in Daat: Minato and speak to the Head Researcher to initiate the subquest.
Purchasing the DLC
To begin your journey in Sakura Cinders of the East, you must first purchase the DLC. This can be done through the in-game store or your platform’s store, such as the Nintendo eShop or PlayStation Store. Ensure your account has sufficient funds and storage space before proceeding with the purchase.
Once the transaction is complete, the DLC will automatically integrate into your game. Note that some platforms may require a brief download period. After purchasing, make sure your game is updated to the latest version to ensure compatibility with the new content.

With the DLC installed, you can access the subquest by traveling to the Tokyo Diet Building in the Daat: Minato area of Bethel. Locate the Head Researcher in the eastern section of the building and engage in conversation to initiate the Sakura Cinders of the East subquest. This step is essential to unlock the adventure and its rewards, including the opportunity to recruit Konohana Sakuya.
Purchasing the DLC is a straightforward process, but it is crucial to ensure your game environment is properly set up. This will allow you to seamlessly access the new content and dive into the challenges and story that Sakura Cinders of the East has to offer.
Starting the Subquest
After purchasing the DLC, the Sakura Cinders of the East subquest becomes accessible in the game. To initiate it, travel to the Tokyo Diet Building located in the Daat: Minato area of Bethel. Inside the building, head to the eastern section and speak with the Head Researcher, who will brief you on a mysterious matter involving communication with a deity.
This conversation marks the official start of the subquest. The researcher will task you with investigating a powerful demon that has appeared near Mt. Atago. Once the subquest begins, you will receive a quest marker guiding you to the designated location. Ensure your team is prepared for the challenges ahead, as the subquest is designed for players around level 47.
Starting the subquest is straightforward, but it is essential to be well-prepared. Stock up on essential items, review your team composition, and ensure your demons are adequately leveled. The journey to Mt. Atago and the encounter with Konohana Sakuya will test your skills, making proper preparation crucial for success.
With the subquest underway, you will embark on a thrilling adventure that combines engaging narrative elements with challenging gameplay. The rewards, including the opportunity to recruit Konohana Sakuya, make this subquest a worthwhile experience for any player.
Walkthrough of the Subquest
The subquest begins with navigating to Mt. Atago, where players must complete specific objectives to progress. The journey culminates in a final confrontation with Konohana Sakuya, requiring strategic combat and exploitation of her weaknesses. Prepare thoroughly, as the challenges are tailored for players around level 47.
Navigating to Mt. Atago
After initiating the subquest by speaking to the Head Researcher in the Tokyo Diet Building, players must navigate to Mt. Atago, located in the Daat: Minato area. This region is known for its unique atmosphere and challenging terrain, setting the stage for an epic encounter. To reach Mt. Atago, follow the map markers provided upon starting the subquest. The journey will guide you through a series of pathways and landmarks, eventually leading to the base of the mountain.
Once at Mt. Atago, explore the area carefully, as the environment is filled with enemies and hidden secrets. The subquest is designed for players around level 47, so ensure your team is well-prepared with appropriate gear and skills. Use this opportunity to stock up on essential items like Magic Balm and Chakra Drops to aid in the upcoming challenges. The trek to Mt. Atago is just the beginning of a thrilling adventure that will test your strategic prowess and team composition.
As you ascend, keep an eye out for any clues or NPCs that may provide additional context or tips. The path to Mt. Atago is straightforward, but the real challenge lies in the battles ahead. With careful planning and a well-rounded team, you’ll be ready to face whatever lies at the summit.

Completing Objectives
Completing the objectives in Sakura Cinders of the East involves a series of key steps that advance the subquest’s narrative and challenges. Once you’ve reached Mt. Atago, your primary goal is to initiate contact with the demon Konohana Sakuya. This process is straightforward but requires careful preparation and strategic thinking.
Upon arriving at the designated location, interact with the environment or NPCs as prompted to trigger the encounter. The subquest will guide you through a sequence of events, including dialogue exchanges and combat scenarios. Each objective must be completed in order to progress, ensuring a smooth flow toward the final confrontation.

Throughout the process, keep your team well-prepared by exploiting elemental weaknesses and utilizing support skills. Make sure to stock up on essential items like Magic Balm and Chakra Drops to handle the increasing difficulty. Completing these objectives not only brings you closer to defeating Konohana Sakuya but also unlocks valuable rewards and enhances your team’s capabilities for future challenges.
Stay vigilant, as the subquest’s objectives are designed to test your strategic prowess and team composition. With careful planning and execution, you’ll successfully navigate the challenges and set the stage for the final showdown with Konohana Sakuya.
Final Confrontation with Konohana Sakuya

The final confrontation with Konohana Sakuya is the climax of the Sakura Cinders of the East subquest, presenting a challenging yet rewarding battle. This powerful demon is encountered near Mt. Atago, and defeating her requires a well-prepared team and strategic planning.
Konohana Sakuya possesses formidable magical abilities and high defense, making her a tough opponent. To succeed, exploit her weakness to Electric-based attacks, as they deal significant damage. Additionally, utilize debuffs like Tarunda or Sukunda to reduce her attack and defense stats, creating openings for your team to strike effectively.
Ensure your team is balanced, with a mix of attackers, healers, and support demons. Buffs like Tarukaja and Rakukaja can enhance your team’s offensive and defensive capabilities, while items like Magic Balm are crucial for healing during the intense battle. Stay alert to her attack patterns and adapt your strategy as needed.
Defeating Konohana Sakuya not only completes the subquest but also allows you to recruit her, adding a powerful ally to your roster. This final confrontation is a testament to your team’s strength and strategy, making it a memorable highlight of the Sakura Cinders of the East experience.
Battle with Konohana Sakuya
The battle with Konohana Sakuya is a challenging encounter requiring strategic planning. Exploit her weakness to Electric attacks and use debuffs like Tarunda or Sukunda to weaken her. A balanced team with healers and supports is essential to withstand her powerful magical abilities and high defense.
Understanding the Boss
Konohana Sakuya is a formidable boss in the Sakura Cinders of the East subquest, designed for players around level 47. She possesses high defense and powerful magical attacks, making her a challenging opponent. Sakuya excels in dealing massive damage through elemental attacks and area-of-effect moves, which can quickly overwhelm an unprepared team. Her abilities require players to stay vigilant and adapt their strategies mid-battle. Understanding her attack patterns and weaknesses is crucial for success. Sakuya is particularly vulnerable to Electric-based attacks, which deal super effective damage. Additionally, she is susceptible to debuffs that lower her offensive and defensive capabilities. Players should focus on exploiting these weaknesses while maintaining a balanced team composition. Her high defense means that physical attacks may be less effective, emphasizing the need for magical damage and strategic buffing/debuffing. Proper preparation and a well-rounded team are essential to overcoming this powerful demon and unlocking the subquest’s rewards.
Exploiting Weaknesses
Konohana Sakuya’s primary weakness lies in her vulnerability to Electric-based attacks, which deal super effective damage. To exploit this, ensure your team includes demons skilled in moves like Zio or Thunder Reign. Additionally, strategic use of debuffs can significantly weaken her. Applying Tarunda to reduce her attack power and Sukunda to lower her defense will make her more manageable. These debuffs stack, further diminishing her effectiveness in battle.
Buffing your team is equally crucial. Skills like Tarukaja and Rakukaja enhance your demons’ attack and defense, respectively, allowing them to withstand Sakuya’s powerful attacks. A balanced team composition, including healers and support demons, is essential to sustain through her high-damage moves. By focusing on Electric attacks and strategic debuffs, you can effectively counter Sakuya’s strengths and secure victory. Proper exploitation of her weaknesses ensures a smoother battle and increases your chances of successfully recruiting her to your team.

Rewards for Completing the Subquest

Completing the subquest rewards players with Magic Balm x5, a valuable resource for healing, and unlocks the ability to recruit Konohana Sakuya, a powerful demon with unique abilities, enhancing your team’s strength for future challenges.
Magic Balm x5
The Magic Balm x5 is one of the most valuable rewards for completing the Sakura Cinders of the East subquest. This essential item restores a significant amount of HP and MP, making it a crucial resource for challenging battles later in the game. Players receive five units of Magic Balm upon defeating Konohana Sakuya, ensuring they are well-prepared for future encounters. The Magic Balm is particularly useful in difficult fights where healing is scarce, providing a reliable way to recover during intense moments. Its ability to replenish both health and mana makes it a versatile tool for any team composition. Earning the Magic Balm x5 is a key incentive for undertaking the subquest, as it directly enhances your ability to tackle the game’s demanding content. This reward is automatically added to your inventory after completing the subquest, ensuring immediate access to its benefits. The Magic Balm x5 is a testament to the subquest’s value, offering both immediate and long-term advantages for players.
Recruiting Konohana Sakuya

One of the most rewarding aspects of completing the Sakura Cinders of the East subquest is the opportunity to recruit the powerful demon Konohana Sakuya. Known for her devastating magical attacks and ability to dominate the battlefield, Sakuya becomes a formidable ally for future challenges. To recruit her, players must first defeat her in battle during the subquest. Once she is sufficiently weakened, a negotiation dialogue will begin, allowing you to persuade her to join your team. Successfully navigating this conversation requires careful selection of the right responses, ensuring her willingness to ally with you. With her recruitment, Sakuya brings immense magical prowess and unique abilities to your roster, making her a valuable asset for tackling the game’s most difficult encounters. Her addition to your team significantly enhances your strategic options, providing a powerful edge in battles to come. Recruiting Konohana Sakuya is a key incentive for completing the subquest, as her strength and versatility make her an indispensable ally in your journey through Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance.

Preparing Your Team
Build a balanced team with attackers, healers, and support demons. Focus on Electric-based attacks and debuffs like Tarunda to exploit Konohana Sakuya’s weaknesses. Equip items like Chakra Drop and Magic Balm, and ensure your team is leveled up and strategically prepared for the challenge.
Recommended Level, Team Composition, Essential Items, and Skills
For the Sakura Cinders of the East subquest, it is recommended that players are at least level 47 to tackle the challenges effectively. A well-rounded team composition is crucial, featuring a mix of attackers, healers, and support demons. Prioritize demons with Electric-based attacks, such as Zio or Thunder Reign, as Konohana Sakuya is weak to Electricity. Additionally, include demons with debuff skills like Tarunda or Sukunda to weaken her defenses, and buff skills like Tarukaja or Rakukaja to enhance your team’s performance.
Essential items include Magic Balm x5, which is rewarded upon completion and provides significant healing support. Stock up on Chakra Drop to boost your demons’ stats temporarily. Ensure your team has a balance of physical and magical attackers to adapt to Konohana Sakuya’s moves. Finally, equip your demons with skills that provide elemental resistance to withstand her powerful attacks. Proper preparation and strategic team composition will significantly increase your chances of success in this challenging subquest.
