Onimusha: Warlords/Walkthrough

Yuki sends a letter to Samanosuke on the war and current events. She is concerned something is wrong in Inabayama Castle. Stories of monsters and disappearing servants have been spreading. Samanosuke and Kaede head to Inabayama Castle to investigate.

Once you gain control Kaede leaves to investigate the western path as you travel along the northern passage.

Northern passage
Head down to the next screen and through the following one until the cutscene activates. 2 ninja genma have an unconscious princess Yuki. Since this is the first encounter these enemies do not attack very aggressively and it is a good time to practice the combat controls. After about 10 strikes on either another cutscene will activate of them running away. When Samanosuke checks on Yuki she voices her relief he is there. The happy reunion is cut short by the appearance of the large genma Osric who easily knocks Samanosuke away and takes Yuki. Samanosuke blacks out and is visited by a clan of ogres who give him their powers. Now Samanosuke has the ability to absorb demonic souls and has been ordered to destroy all of the demons. An instructions scroll is gained that details how to use these new abilities.

Due to the battle where you came from is a dead end. Go back and go to the twinkling shrine. This is a Magic Mirror and will allow you to save your progress. After saving go through the gate right next to the Magic Mirror.

Bridge
Follow the path to the remains of a bloody battle on a bridge. Across the bridge is 4 soldier genma attacking some villagers defending their town. These demons are not very smart and should be easily defeated.

Go to the door and enter a storage area. The next door will lead to a villager urging you to hurry. Before you can 4 soldier genma break into the room. Defeat them and you will be able to join the villagers. The 3 villagers apologize and tell stories about monsters attacking the keep. Continue on to the forest road which is a shortcut to the keep.

Forest road
After talking to the villagers follow the path into the forest. Once you reach the entrance of a cave 2 ninja genma will attack from the sky. After defeating them search the plant on the right side of the cave entrance to find an Herb. Upon entering the cave there is a small cave in that created a hole in the ground. Once you go in the hole you can't backtrack so make sure you are ready before proceeding.