The Great Shinobi Owl confrontation, Sanctuary Gate, Fountainhead Palace exploration, and the Divine Dragon divine realm climax.
Upon collecting the Mortal Blade, Lotus of the Palace, and Shelter Stone, return to Ashina Castle. Foreign Shinobi forces have invaded, disabling all castle idols. Navigate back up to the castle rooftop where Genichiro was fought.
Reunite with Great Shinobi Owl. He presents the game's major narrative choice:
Strategy: Owl uses your own shinobi mechanics (shurikens, anti-heal smoke bombs, firecrackers). Dodge forward and right through his anti-heal orb to strike his back while he recovers. When he executes a high front-flip downward strike, step aside at the last second and counter with Ichimonji: Double.
Travel to the Wedding Cave Shrine in Ashina Depths. Enter the bridal palanquin to be transported across the clouds to Fountainhead Palace's entrance.
Phase 1: Deflect her 5-slash sweeping flurry and Mikiri counter thrusts.
Phase 2 (Plunge Shortcut): As Phase 1 ends, instantly grapple to the highest tree branch on the right. Target her central body during shadow illusions and deliver a Plunging Deathblow to skip Phase 2 entirely!
Phase 3: Exposes her centipede head. Use Shinobi Firecrackers or Suzaku's Lotus Umbrella to block terror/fire attacks and finish her posture bar.
Navigate through Mibu Manor, dodging the aging gaze of Okami Nobles. Retrieve Gourd Seed #9 inside a red chest in the noble hall.
Climb to the top of the Great Sakura Tree to defeat Okami Leader Shizu, stopping lightning strikes across the lake so you can swim safely.
Feed the Great Colored Carp Truly Precious Bait at the feeder station to fulfill the Pot Noble questline and receive Lapis Lazuli upgrade material.
Pray at the Sanctuary shrine past the Palace Grounds to enter the Divine Realm.
Phase 1: Clear the coughing wooden monks with wide slash flurries.
Phase 2: Grapple onto the glowing trees when lightning strikes. Catch the lightning mid-air, lock onto the Dragon's head, and release before landing. Repeat 4-5 times to bring down the deity and collect the Divine Dragon's Tears.