NG2 6-2

Ninja Gaiden II: Act 6, Stage 2
6-2 is a very short and easy stage consisting almost entirely of Damage Boosts. In any%, the goal is to not accidentally replace your Art of the Fire Wheel and reach the end of the stage with at least 48 ninpo.

Ninjutsu Choice
While Art of the Fire Wheel is the selected ninjutsu described in this walkthrough, it is possible to quickly defeat the boss of this stage using Windmill Shuriken or Fireball. Both of these ninjutsu can be acquired at the very end of the stage, and have some advantages and disadvantages depending on your situation or preference.

Fireball
Pros Cons
 * Spare ninpo can be easily discarded in boss room
 * Suitable if you have low (less than 8) HP going into 6-2 because...
 * Stage can be easily crossed with Invincible Fire Wheel
 * Time can be lost in the stage because Invincible Fire Wheel has to be used twice
 * The boss cannot be hit until it touches the ground

Windmill Shuriken
Pros Cons
 * Spare ninpo can be easily discarded in boss room (costs 2 more ninpo per shot)
 * Suitable if you have low (less than 8) HP going into 6-2 because...
 * Stage can be easily crossed with Invincible Fire Wheel
 * Time lost in the stage because Invincible Fire Wheel has to be used twice
 * Shadow Clone positioning to hit the boss can be difficult
 * The boss cannot be hit until it almost touches the ground

Art of the Fire Wheel
Pros Cons
 * Stage can be crossed more quickly
 * Boss can be hit the moment it becomes vulnerable
 * You can jump-cancel the last shot to kill the boss slightly quicker
 * The strategy for crossing the stage is more complex since Invincible Fire Wheel is not an option
 * You can lose up to 7 HP crossing the stage
 * Shadow Clone positioning to hit the boss can be difficult
 * Discarding spare ninpo can be challenging

Select a strategy that works best for you. Please refer to the video for a demonstration of clearing the stage with Art of the Fire Wheel. Note that the first Orange Ninpo drop is required, and also note the locations of Invincible Fire Wheel, the 2 Shadow Clones, and the Windmill Shuriken and Fireball at the end of the stage.

any%
As soon as the two dogs become dark red (the fourth color-change), they are vulnerable. The correct boss to hit is the one that spawns on the right side. Line up your Shadow Clones on the ground (if using Art of the Fire Wheel) or against the wall (all other strategies) and spam ninjutsu on the right dog when it is vulnerable.

low%/pacifist
TODO