Miyamoto Musashi's quest in Onimusha: Way of the Sword, titled "Careful What You Wish For," begins in Eastern Kyoto following a training session with Takamura. His investigation into genma activity leads him to the Yasui Konpiragu Shrine, where locals share tales of altered fates through prayer. This guide details the steps to complete the quest and uncover the shrine's mysteries.
Investigating the Yasui Konpiragu Shrine
The initial phase of the quest involves visiting the Yasui Konpiragu Shrine and gathering information from NPCs. Musashi should first head northeast in Eastern Kyoto to speak with the Calm Woman. Following this interaction, two clues must be obtained within the shrine area. The first is acquired by speaking with the Cheerful Old-Timer, and the second by interacting with two dolls located on the shrine's east side. This investigation directs Musashi to Yorimasa's monument and then to the Hachidai Rikison Shrine, situated within the Yasui Konpiragu Shrine. There, conversations with the Stout Pillars reveal that three of them have been stolen.
Recovering the Stout Pillars
The next objective is to locate and retrieve the three stolen statues. Departing from the Yasui Konpiragu Shrine, Musashi should proceed to the building situated east of the shrine, between the other two structures. The first statue can be found atop a bamboo platform on the area's east side.
After defeating the genma present, follow the northeast corridor, which leads behind the large building. A ladder here allows access to a higher area where the Seventh Stout Pillar is located.
Returning to the initial battle area, more enemies will emerge from a southern building. After engaging these foes, use the makeshift entrance created by the fallen genma to access their point of origin. Inside, head north to a small room containing a ladder. Before ascending, collect one millet from a corpse near the entrance.
Ascend the ladder and proceed into the attic. Defeat the genma guarding the vases, then crawl beneath the adjacent structure. Outside, the First Stout Pillar is visible. Upon dropping to retrieve it, a group of genma will appear; defeat them all to secure the second statue.
With two statues recovered, Musashi must break a locker and exit the building. Head southwest towards the location of the final Stout Pillar. As you approach, an optional event may trigger where you must defend a villager from two genma. While not directly tied to the main quest, these events offer rewards such as materials for upgrading gear.
Inside the building, a northern path leads to a small room with a corpse holding a soul squeezer. The primary objective, however, lies to the south. Collect a lesser defense talisman from a corpse on the ground and open the white door to proceed.
After confronting enemies in the next room, exit through the door on the left. This leads outside to an area with several vases. The Third Stout Pillar is hidden within the vase near a tree.
Defeating Rasho-Gan
Upon retrieving all three statues, return to the Hachidai Rikison Shrine. The Stout Pillars will request the purification of the Yasui Konpiragu Shrine, but first, Musashi must absorb a dark mass. This triggers a cutscene culminating in a boss battle against Rasho-Gan.
Rasho-Gan possesses two life bars and the fight progresses through three distinct stages, though the core mechanics remain consistent. The first stage serves as an introduction to the boss's attack patterns. The key action here is to use the bow to break the tether connecting Rasho-Gan to the pillar behind them.
The second phase commences after depleting the boss's initial life bar. The third phase begins when Rasho-Gan enters an empowered state, indicated by their sword glowing red.
Throughout the encounter, Rasho-Gan employs a rotation of attacks including sword swings, a charge move involving a large overhead sword, projectile attacks, and a grapple. Two special moves warrant particular attention. The first occurs when the boss raises multiple arms to form a sphere above their head. This sphere will pursue Musashi but moves slowly, allowing players to destroy it with an arrow before it impacts.
The second notable attack involves Rasho-Gan using a tether to lift and throw an entire building. Players have a brief window to shoot the tether, causing the building to fall back onto the boss. Missing this opportunity will result in taking damage.
In the empowered state, Rasho-Gan adds a jump attack to their repertoire. While parrying this can be challenging, it is not essential for victory.
Defeating Rasho-Gan concludes the "Careful What You Wish For" quest, rewarding players with two hempen cloth, one power stone, and one oni stone. This victory also unlocks Musashi's first Oni Power, Oni Strength, enabling the destruction of malice barriers.