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Stage 18 Boss: The Emperor
This is a weird one. Ryu is suspended on a moving platform, and rather than running around, the platform itself will move based on your analog stick inputs. By guarding and moving the analog stick, you can alter your height. It takes a bit of getting used to, but unfortunately, you don't have time to get the hang of it - the Emperor's going to start his glowing orb assault right away.
This is where your movements can get tricky. The Emperor attacks primarily by using energy orbs that circle around his body in various patterns. You'll need to both maneuver the platform you're on and do some well-timed jumping to avoid being hit by these energy blasts. He has three vulnerable points on his body marked by glowing orbs: His shoulders and his chest. To do this, you need to position the platforms right up close to these areas, then whack at them with whatever weapons you have equipped.
But what's the best way to do huge damage to the Emperor quickly? Your Ninpo magic! Ninpo might seem useless at first, but it is actually extremely effective here. You'll need to use a projectile attack such as the Art of the Inferno, since range can be an issue. If it hits, a Ninpo attack can do up to 20% damage. The trick is to get in a position to ensure that it will hit the Emperor's weak point when it launches. This is fairly easy to do with the shoulders, not quite so easy to do with the chest. Still, if you can pull them off well, Ninpo attacks will be very useful for this fight.
But alas, you still aren't done. The Emperor has another form - a monster made of a mass of skulls and flesh. This one actually isn't too tough. As the boss wades around in the lava surrounding the ground you're standing on, you can use weapons . If you manage to take out a large portion of the skulls adorning its body, you can aim for the exposed fleshy bits to do some extra damage. As he's running like this, he will start to send the skulls after you to attack as a horde. If you block them, you won't take damage, but with som many coming at you, you still might get hit on the side or back from one skull as you're blocking another. Towards the end of the assault, the main, horned skull will fly out after you. Run and roll out of its path as room as it gets near you, then continue to dash away until it ceases its chase and returns to the body.
When it climbs out of the lava and onto the main platform you're standing on, focus your energy on destroying the skulls that shield its body. After you've eliminated some, its bare flesh will be exposed. Attack its weak point for massive damage!
Keep it up and the Emperor will fall to Ryu's might, breaking Doku's curse upon him. We're almost there, but don't let your guard down yet - we've still got one more challenge left to face.
