Kuroki is a challenging yet rewarding boss in Sifu, requiring patience and precision. This guide will walk you through her attack patterns, strategies for handling her, and tips to help you win the fight.

Phase 1: Patience and Precision

The key to defeating Kuroki in the first phase is patience. Here’s how to approach this stage:

1. Prepare for the Fight: Before entering the boss battle, you’ll face two enemies—one with a bat and the other with a sword. Defeat them both, and take the sword with you into the boss battle. This sword will be very useful for blocking and dealing additional damage during the fight.
2. Fight Strategy: Kuroki has three types of attacks:
   • Chest-Height Swing: When Kuroki begins her attack sequence, watch for the first swing. If it’s at chest height, stay close to her, block, and then follow up with a few attacks. This is the best time to deal damage.
   • Low Swing: If her first swing is low, it’s much harder to land hits. In this case, keep your distance and wait for the next opportunity.
   • Dodge and Attack: Always keep your distance after landing a few hits. Kuroki’s attacks have long reach, so it’s essential to dodge away once you’ve dealt some damage.
3. Handling Her Rushing Attack: Kuroki may rush at you—this can be intimidating, but you can either:
   • Run away by holding R2.
   • Spam the Block button to parry her attacks, which reduces damage taken and can stagger her.
4. Keep an Eye on the Arena: The battle takes place in a circular arena. Be cautious of the rocks in the middle, as they can trap you if you’re not paying attention. Keep the camera moving to avoid being cornered.
5. Why the Sword Helps: The sword is especially helpful in this fight because:
   • Blocking with the Sword: You’ll take less physical damage compared to blocking with your arms.
   • Extra Damage and Stagger: The sword’s attacks do more damage and stagger Kuroki more effectively.
6. Focus on Dodging and Attacking: Kuroki’s main attack pattern involves her jumping in the air toward you after a chest-high swing. Once she’s in the air, dodge and follow up with more attacks. Be patient and take your time.

Phase 2: Facing Kuroki’s Twin Sister

In Phase 2, Kuroki’s twin sister replaces her, introducing new attack patterns and behaviors.

1. New Attack Patterns:
   • Rushing Attack with Air Kick: When her twin rushes at you, avoid her melee combo, and watch out for her follow-up—an aerial kick. This kick causes significant damage and can stagger you.
   • Knife Throw: After her melee attacks, she’ll throw knives at you. You can dodge or catch them (though catching them is risky as you’ll take damage if you miss). It’s generally safer to dodge them.
2. Timing and Blocking:
   • Rushing Melee Combo: When her twin runs at you, she’ll perform a series of melee attacks. You can parry these with the Block button, but remember she follows up with the aerial kick and knives. Always avoid that kick, as it can deal significant damage.
   • Knife Throws: Once the knives are thrown, either dodge or catch them. If you miss, you’ll take damage, so be cautious.
3. Focus and Dodging: Make good use of your Focus meter. It can be used to interrupt her attacks and give you more time to dodge or land damage. Try to use Focus as often as possible to speed up the fight.
4. Avoid Getting Staggered: Kuroki’s twin sister’s aerial kick is tough to avoid, and getting hit can lead to you being staggered, leaving you vulnerable. Keep your distance and use the dodge button effectively to stay safe.

General Tips:

• Patience Is Key: The fight against Kuroki and her twin requires patience. It’s not about rushing in to attack, but waiting for the right moments and making sure you avoid their deadliest moves.
• Blocking and Parrying: While blocking with the sword, you’ll mitigate more damage and stagger your enemies more effectively. Parrying also plays a crucial role in dealing with their attacks, especially when it comes to their rush and aerial kicks.
• Use Your Environment: The circular arena can work in your favor if you use it properly, but be wary of getting cornered by the rocks. Keep moving and stay aware of your surroundings.
• Learn Attack Patterns: Familiarize yourself with both Kuroki’s and her twin’s attack sequences. Once you recognize the signs, you’ll know when to block, dodge, or strike.

Conclusion:

The battle against Kuroki (and her twin sister) might take a bit of time, but it’s manageable with patience and strategy. By focusing on dodging, blocking, and exploiting openings after her attacks, you’ll be able to wear her down and move on to the next challenge in Sifu. Keep practicing, and you’ll soon master this fight!