Equip Ako's White Haori then stand still.

When you are helping Michelle save her comrades, keep pushing the ball as far as possible.
You will see a light in the water.

Complete the game under the normal difficulty setting.

Complete the game with an Onimusha rank. Alternately, play the game with a memory card
with a saved game from Onimusha Blade Warriors.

Intentionally lose the game two times under the normal difficulty setting.

Complete Issen/Oni training.

Ako's Red Haori is required this trick. When you get to the port town of Sakai and the
demons come out to play, equip Ako's Red Haori. Start killing demons with Issen or Block
Issen. Clearing each area of demons should give at least three quarters of a full soul
bar. The port area is most lucrative (one full bar every time because of the fish demons).
The Issen is not necessary, but it is most effective. You can upgrade all of you present
weapons to full with this trick, since one level 2 weapon/equip requires about ten bars to
level up to maximum.

Any of the three Dark Realms can be easily bypassed. This requires some skill, Ako's
Purple Vest, all weapons for the character, and all weapons been completely enhanced.
Whether or not the gauntlet is completely enhanced is irrelevant. Before entering the Dark
Realm, equip either Chigo (for Samanosuke) or Hyosai (for Jacques). The enemies that
attack will appear in multiple waves. Just wait for all enemies to appear, then execute
one magic attack. Absorb all the souls that appear. Ako's Purple Vest should allow you to
do this as many times as necessary. However, if you are fighting large demons, you may
need to get up close with either the Tenso (for Samanosuke) or the Enja (for Jacques).
Note: A crucial part of this strategy is absorbing the souls. If you feel that you need
Ako's Blue Vest as well, make sure to switch back and forth as appropriate. Also, it is
much easier to go straight for the bottom part of the Dark Realm that you are in, as the
tougher enemies are down there first. By doing this, you can use your magic efficiently on
the tougher enemies and not have to worry about the weaker ones.