The List on the bulletin describing what is needed doesnt always match up to what they take
For example the bulletin board said the old woman in Zehn village was looking for a walking stick, but when I got there she wouldn't take it, so I started offering her other quest items and to my surprise she took the medal (badge) and gave me a whatsit. I have never been able to find Adept in Hotoru, don't know where he's hiding, but I have the glass sword he's wants
I guess the quest isn't functioning the way its suppose to, or maybe it resets itself, so if someone get's there first and gives the correct item, you have to wait until it resets. I'm not sure I'm guessing.