NG2 2-1

Ninja Gaiden II: Act 2, Stage 1
A another short stage, but with lots of enemies and item drops. The entire stage can be completed as fast as possible quite easily, since you never need to stop moving.

Strategy
any%: Pick up a second Shadow Clone, and optionally Art of the Fire Wheel. While the stage can be completed without stopping, it is recommended to kill the first Bird with Fireball or Shuriken, since doing a proper boost off of the bird is frame-perfect.

low%/pacifist: Take as little damage as possible, depending on your confidence at handling the boss at the end of 2-2 with low health.