Part 65

Start by using your Bow and Arrows on enemies. Grab arrows from a nearby dead body.

After clearing the initial area, shoot the three bull's-eye targets above the wooden fence using First Person view to reveal Essence. Keep shooting until the Essence runs out if you need Blue, Red, or Yellow Essence.

Save your game before proceeding.

Prepare for a difficult battle against the Samurai Horsemen sub-bosses. On Very Hard Mode, there are 8 Horsemen total, and up to three can circle the arena at once.

After the sub-boss battle, a fire will die down, revealing a new Save Point. Jump over rubble to a dead body and find an Elixir.

Visit Muramasa's Statue to replenish stock.

Save your game at the Save Point and proceed through the doorway to the Central Bridge.

Boss Battle: Masakado - Part 1. This is a two-part battle. The first part is Masakado on horseback. No changes for Very Hard Mode in this part.

Boss Battle: Masakado - Part 2. Once Masakado falls off his horse, jump away and immediately use an On-Land Charge. Unleash a UT (Ultimate Technique) on him. If he blocks, follow up with a Dragon Roar combo ([] [] /\) to break his guard. Repeat this tactic, focusing on breaking his guard rather than a full UT. With perfect timing, this battle can be won in under 30 seconds.

After defeating Masakado, grab the Life of the Gods #3 prize. Exit the area and save at the next Save Point.

Area: Clan Leader's Residence. Objective: Find Kureha.

Enter the burning courtyard and clear out Samurais and Warlocks.

Enter the small alley on the left side of the house to find a chest with an item.

Head inside the house. Slice open burning walls to reveal more Samurais. Prioritize killing Warlocks while avoiding the inferno in the center of the room.

After eliminating enemies, find a hidden chest containing a Life of the Gods #4 item in a small hall at the back of the room (look for an open gap on the left).

Save your game at the Save Point.

Exit the burning house through the other end to the backyard.

Boss Battle: Doku. On Very Hard Mode, defeating Doku unlocks Master Ninja Mode. A strategy video is available for all difficulties.

Mission Complete.

Chapter 3: Skies of Vengeance begins.

Area: Ryu's Cabin. Grab the Elixir on the table and use the Save Point. Exit into the hallway.

Area: Living Quarters. Objective: Obtain the Counterattack.