Great Shinobi - Owl

## Description

**Great Shinobi - Owl** (大忍び　梟) is met again atop the Ashina Castle roof, attempting to convince Kuro to join him. Kuro refuses, understanding that he too has been seduced by the Dragon's Heritage. When Wolf confronts his foster father, Owl will inform him that he faked his own death and now seeks the power of the Divine Heir's blood, ordering his son to respect the Iron Code and abandon his master. If Wolf refuses, he expresses a deep remorse and, after pretending to appear defeated, draws his sword on Wolf as he has his back turned.

## Location

* Castle Tower Lookout: appears only after the first invasion of the Central Forces arrives at Ashina Castle.

## Behaviour and Tactics

### Phase 1

* **Dashing Talon**: rushes head on then slashes up to three time before using *Firecracker Retreat.* If not he tends to follows up with *Owl's Flight*.
* **Healing Denial Bomb**: steps forth then tosses a slow dropping toxic bomb, preventing the usage of Healing Gourd and other healing items. This attack is often preceded by a slash attack.
* **Dominate**: when near a posture-broken Wolf, he attempts to step on him. If connected, he steps on top of Wolf and plunges the sword into his neck. (Note:This attack does not have a Perilous Indicator)
* **Exploding Cut**: when being attacked relentlessly from Wolf, he quickly counters with an elbow strike and a slash, before tossing a cloud of black gunpowder in front then slashes, resulting in a powerful exploding cut which able to deals chip damage if not deflected successfully.
* **Firecracker Retreat**: he jumps back and throw a cloud of delayed exploding firecracker powder.
* **Great Talon**: throws two shuriken then jumps forward in a somersault with a strong, dropping smash upon landing. He may forgo the shuriken completely when Wolf is healing nearby.
* **Mikiri Counter**: when being attacked with a thrust attack, Shadowrush/Shadowfall or Loaded Spear, he steps on the weapon, leaps behind Wolf and cuts his back, then plunges the sword deep in his chest.
* **Overwhelming Slice**: throws a shuriken then immediately follows up with a powerful guard-breaking slice.
* **Owl's Flight**: jump kicks off Wolf as a stepping stone, leaps backwards high into the air and throws five shuriken in an arc concurrently.
* **Sideway Chase**: runs from the right side and does an upward cut, either followed by another two slices or the usage of a *Healing Denial Bomb.*
* **Smoke And Mirror**: Immedietly upon landing the first deathblow, Owl's health bar will disappear and he will get down all fours, begging for mercy. This is a trick; when approached or attacked, Owl swiftly leaps off and throws a smoke bomb. He can not be damaged while feigning surrender and he only uses this move once in a playthrough.
* **Talons**: cuts twice, before spinning around cutting two more times.

### Phase 2

* **Owl's Flight - Poison**: jump kicks off Wolf as a stepping stone, leaps backwards high into the air and throws a couple of toxic bombs which leave long lasting poisonous trails on the floor concurrently. He tends to follow up with *Overwhelming Slice.*
* **Recover**: raises his sword then becomes engulfed in a bright aura and restores Posture.
* **Smoke Bomb**: drops a smoke bomb, obscuring Wolf's vision and lock-on of him. He follows up with either *Deny Healing Bomb* or *Sideway Chase*.

Before engaging the Great Shinobi in battle, ready an Antidote Powder in case the Owl's poison attacks build up in Phase 2. Because most of the Owl's attacks can heavily damage Posture, having a Gokan's Spiritfall, Gokan's Sugar or Persimmon ready helps. Owl is also susceptible to Shinobi Firecracker, but beware that he can also perform that attack. The firecracker is especially useful to create a window to use the Healing Gourd. Since his posture will replenish quickly if his Vitality isn't harmed, mixing the Flame Vent (especially its upgraded modes, which can charge their attacks) and Oil can both damage his health massively and prevent Posture regeneration if they inflict Burn on the boss. The Loaded Axe can easily fill up his Posture meter, but it's only safe to use after Owl performs a heavy attack.

**Do not attempt any thrusting attack or using the Loaded Spear in front of Owl** or unless he's recovering from his heavier attacks, this is because he can easily perform a Mikiri Counter on these attacks and follow up with powerful finishers that would often kill Sekiro.

Because his attacks are so singular, a general tactic to whittle away his health is to strafe around him from a safe distance until an opening presents itself for attack, usually by baiting his somersault attack or his healing bomb, which allow for openings to damage his vitality. For the jumping somersault attack, dodge to the side or in front, and as soon as Owl lands he can be attacked 1-2 times before he blocks and resumes attacking, requiring a block. When he charges forward to kick, dodge backwards to avoid it, then rush in for a couple quick hits.

If at any point your posture breaks, stay on the ground until he is about to step on you, and roll towards his left or right. This lets you get around 2-3 hits if done properly.

If Owl tries to counter with the *Exploding cut* move, deflect the first two hits, and dash backwards or to the right of his final slash to avoid all damage, after this attack, he is open to about 1-2 hits, so make sure to capitalize on this.

When Owl pauses to throw a small green orb into the air, it's best to run away as being caught in its area of effect will prevent healing for a short period of time, but it's also possible to punish this move by unlocking and dashing behind him, who'll now be completely defenseless until he turns around to face the player, allowing for a free strike. Beware of where you're dashing as you can accidentally dash the wrong way and get heal blocked instead.

Beware of his poisonous jump attack in Phase 2, and that the area where the poison bombs fall should be avoided for a short while as to not be inflicted with Poison build-up, if needed, bring Contact Medicine to this battle, allowing you to fight him without worrying about the poison on the ground. He also often uses this attack when his Posture meter is halfway full to perform his *Recovery* move, so it's advised to have Shurikens ready to interrupt him from a safe distance.

When he drops a smoke bomb to obscure his next move, it is best to stand still and hold the block button while trying to re-establish lock-on as quick as possible rather than running away as he usually follows it up with a running slash.

Gallery
Atop Ashina CastleEnjoying the ViewHumbling HimselfBegging KuroAttackingDisappointed OwlFace-OffClose-UpDeny Healing BombGrabHumbledConcept Art

Videos
Sekiro Boss Guide - The Great Shinobi Owl