The Way of the Sword Summary
Musashi makes his way up Shanaoh Castle, the lair of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. He fights past enemies along the way. Eventually, he duels Yoshitsune and ends up winning.
After the battle, Dokyo claims her plan is still in motion and leaves with a revived Ganryu. Once everything settles, Okuni and Musashi part ways. He sets off to track down Dokyo and Ganryu, while Okuni takes up the duties of an Onimusha and spreads the culture of kabuki.
| Previous Quest |
|---|
| The Clash at Rendaino |
The Way of the Sword Walkthrough
Main Objective: Head for the top layer
Shanaoh Castle is divided into five layers, each filled with their own dangers. There are Spirit Mirrors along the way that act as checkpoints before a big fight, so keep that in mind.
[1] Ascend the First Layer
Use Oni Power to wall run your way up to the top.
Head for the Spirit Mirror and upgrade as the next part will be a boss fight!
- Defeat Daidara - Slavering Glutton
It seems that Yoshitsune won't let his minions die yet. Time to do them a favor.
Exit the area through the nearby elevator.
[2] Ascend the Second Layer
Go left up the stairs, then wall run until you reach the next area.
When you arrive, head to the bridge on the right. A group of Genma will appear, so take of them. Afterwards, head inside the house.
There will be a ladder for you to climb; next, go to the neighboring house.
Crawl through the small space. On your way out, there will be another bridge with some Genma.
Climb the ladder to advance.
Use the Spirit Mirror if you need any upgrades.
- Defeat Byakue - Hundred Defilements
Byakue will appear once again much to your annoyance. Be wary of Malice surrounding you as well. Defeat it, then absorb the Rift to proceed to the next room.
Exit the room to make it to the third layer.
[3] Ascend the Third Layer
Climb the stairs until you reach the next Spirit Mirror.
The next area has a couple of Genma, some of which are swimming in the Malice itself. You can pick them off using the Oni Bow. There's an open path on the left that you can use to avoid the Malice. Then there will be a ladder to climb to the next area.
- Defeat the Nue
[4] Ascend the Fourth Layer
After beating the Nue, take the stairs to the fourth layer.
Another Spirit Mirror will be available to you before the next fight.
- Defeat the Greater Nue
Take the elevator to the fifth and final layer once you've dealt with the Greater Nue.
[5] Ascend the Fifth Layer
The fifth layer isn't as troublesome as the previous layers save for some cannons that will fire at you. Your way will be blocked by some Genma and a Rift to boot.
Defeat the Genma and Dohatsu-ten - Heaven's Bane to seal the Rift for good.
Take the elevator and get a good look at Shanaoh Castle.
There will be one last Spirit Mirror before your fight with Yoshitsune. Upgrade as much as you can as this boss will test you.
Use the elevator then take the stairs towards the final battle!
[6] Defeat Minamoto no Yoshitsune
Finally, Musashi and Shizuka make their way to the top of the castle. Surprised that he made it this far, Yoshitsune bows mockingly at them as a sign of twisted gratitude for fulfilling his plans.
He explains to Musashi that, thanks to the Genma souls absorbed into his gauntlet and the human souls devoured by Ganryu, together with his Oni power, he is one step closer to becoming a godlike being.
However, there's only one obstacle standing in his way: Musashi Miyamoto. He professes that he lives and dies by the way of the sword and that a duel with the legendary Minamoto no Yoshitsune is too good a chance to pass up.
Ending
After a long and grueling battle, Musashi is the victor. Yoshitsune ceases to exist as he has taken himself out of the natural cycle.
Shizuka and Musashi finally part ways as Shizuka has a lot of work ahead of her. But before leaving, she tells him that even if they won't see each other again, she will always watch over him as he achieves his path to greatness.
As Musashi casually strolls out of the crumbling castle, he sees Dokyo and a revived Ganryu. Despite Yoshitsune's death, her plans will still be fulfilled.
Incidentally, Musashi absorbs all the souls that were released during the fight, healing his body.
Musashi and Okuni also say their goodbyes. Musashi tells her that he has to track down Ganryu and Dokyo. Okuni, now as an Onimusha, starts her journey as the new guardian of the temple. She then begins her kabuki dance.
In a post-credit scene, Okuni is fighting a Genma. Musashi, overhearing the battle, teams up with her as they make their way to a horde of them. Thus ends the story.
