Stuck in End Game

[Tapsa]

I beat the dragon and came back for Kuro, but the castle was attacked and Kuro escaped from the castle. I tried to follow him to the door, but all routes to the Ashina reservoir seem to be blocked. I have found Demon of Hatred, but I read that it's an optional boss fight. I don't know where else I could go to progress the game. Is Demon of Hatred actually mandatory, not optional?

[Ashtrails]

remember when you've first entered the castle area?
that long stair with the general at the end and the old lady praying on the bridge before the idol?
go there, to where the idol is.
go through the gate past the idol and turn left.
there's an ashina general type enemy fighting a few ministry dudes. just run past them.
that should get you to the reservoir.

[Tapsa]

Yeah. I tried most routes to there, but all were blocked, except one, which I didn't notice, before watching a youtube video about it. There is no obvious way to get there, so for anyone else wondering, remember the pit you can fall into near Ashina castle idol? Drop into it and look around, there is a shortcut to Ashina reservoir.

[Widget]

I haven't gotten there yet but you can swim underwater to get there I think.

[Widget]

Ok I got to this part, it is mentioned you need to follow smoke signals on the roof and you get to the secret doors next to reservouior.

[Widget]

Originally posted by 🎮Neehra🎮:

Originally posted by Widget:

Ok I got to this part, it is mentioned you need to follow smoke signals on the roof and you get to the secret doors next to reservouior.

and

you open them and there is final boss fight. You get key to the door from Emma.

[Comrade]

yeah just watch a video and go from there