←→ — Move
←← / →→ — Sprint (1.65× speed)
↑ — Jump / mash in air for infinite air jumps
↓ — Crouch (dodge high attacks)
Space — Attack (ground / air / sprint dash slash)
↓+Space — Kunai throw (if ammo) / low sweep (if 0 kunai)
Shift — Dodge roll
Z — Block / Just Guard / deflect projectiles
Z→X (within 15 frames) — Demon Slash (25 souls)
Z hold 20f → X — Kisen dash slash (10 souls)
Stand still + ZX hold 25f → release — Iai charge
Weapon select on start/victory screens only · element auto-cycles every 3 kills · blade auto-upgrades when souls allow
Counter — press Space during enemy ! red flash
Just Guard — press Z just before enemy strike (golden ring)
Clash — your attack frame overlaps enemy strike frame → no damage either side
Projectile deflect — Z block or slash hit frame reflects arrows, rocks, soul orbs
Counter vs Parry vs Clash — counter=windup / parry=strike window / clash=both attacking