Mission 3--Limestone Cavern

The timing of the ninjas' attack and retreat made it evident that the purpose of the surprise ninja attack was to keep you from reaching Lord Gohda. The crystal residue found on the clothing of the ninjas indicated that they had come from the limestone caverns. The rumor within the realm was that the sword of the deceased Lord Mei-Oh, the Shichishito, lies at the heart of the caverns and is attracting evil powers to it. You must go to the limestone caverns to find the Shichishito sword.

Find the Shichishito Sword!

Objectives: Watch out for pitfalls. Use the grappling hook wisely. Look up when lost.

You begin in a small alcove. Immediately turn around and search the box to gain a ninja rebirth. Turn back around and approach the edge of the alcove. Spot the guard maintaining his post in the tower. You can perform a running double jump onto this tower. Do so when the guard faces away from you. Perform a stealth kill. Immediately crouch and peer to the left. Two more guards patrol below. Wait until the nearest faces away. Drop down and approach him. Terminate him with a stealth kill. Finish off the other guard, then maneuver down the corridor to the far left.

Some items are closer than you think--turn around immediately to discover a ninja rebirth in this box.

Follow the tracks around the corner. Snag the smoke bomb on the ground to the left. Hop up onto the hill on the right. Follow the tunnel slowly. Listen to the conversation in the next room. When it concludes, the two guards walk away from each other. Drop down onto the track and stealth-kill the guard on the right. Maneuver back around to the left and eliminate the other guard. If either guard spots you, return to the previous corridor and wait for them to end their pursuit.

Drop down and continue down the next corridor. Move quietly as you approach its end; a guard patrols the far tunnel. Wait until this guard moves away and eliminate him with a stealth kill. At this intersection, go to the right. Ascend slowly up the ramp until you see a guard's head. Wait until the guard faces to the right, then use the grappling hook to traverse the pitfall and land behind the guard. Land quietly, then terminate the guard with a stealth kill.

Maneuver down the tunnel until you reach a ledge. There's a guard patrolling below. Wait until he faces away, then drop down. Hide behind the columns if necessary, then eliminate the guard with a stealth kill. You've reached a crossroads.