You can actually bypass the enemies before Seven Spears:
From the idol run straight, grapple up above the arch then jump right onto the wall then do a jump aiming to the right of the temple and you can grapple to a tree then you can grapple again to just behind him.
I decided to try again last night, did a couple of other mini-bosses without much fuss although the enemies in the gun fort are super annoying. Got Ashina to about 1/4 health in his second form but he really is one tough git.
From the idol run straight, grapple up above the arch then jump right onto the wall then do a jump aiming to the right of the temple and you can grapple to a tree then you can grapple again to just behind him.
I decided to try again last night, did a couple of other mini-bosses without much fuss although the enemies in the gun fort are super annoying. Got Ashina to about 1/4 health in his second form but he really is one tough git.