Sneak up to the building behind him (through the left just like you did at the start of the game) and get a critical on him from behind for a free -1 health blip. After that it's just a matter of fighting him. Use physical defense/attack items. There's really no secret. If you're not sure you can deflect a red sign attack just dodge it instead. Use firecrackers to distract him and get a couple free hits in.Deflect thrust attacks or Mikiri counter them. Double Jump on sweep spear attacks.eg: the game tells you about its rock-paper-scissors blocking system: block a stab, jump a swing, and dodge a grab. The tutorial and tip system will beat this into your head.
Then the game immediately introduces a miniboss with a near-instagib long-range lunging grab that can only be countered by jumping; WTF From?
That's not how the system works.
There is horizontal and vertical attacks (Grabs included). You can block everything except the unblockable attacks (When the red kanji appears). You can parry everything except horizontal unblockable attacks. To dodge vertical attacks you must use a side step, to dodge horizontal ones you must jump. And grabs attacks must be dodged with a jump or a side step depending of the type too. This is what that inmortal fella will teach to you.
Blablabla ... please show me how to dodge pike/spear users.
The only thing I did not kill yet is the general with the Spear.
I honestly don't know what to do ... when he attacks there are like 3 consecutive red signs which pop on the screen. I don't see shit.
In 10 fights I managed to pull off a Mikiri once. GG.
Also you can use the NPC back in the temple to train deflections against spears.