First off we have to talk about version differences. I only know about one, but it's a pretty big deal and that is the extra ¥2,500 the US version starts with. This allowed me to change the route that Bani used a bit and allowed for more Monk sacrifices which makes the game much easier and quicker.

There is a bit of time to save in this run, but I also think there is a potential route change. I think getting a Monk from Daibutsu in Stage 4 and immediately sacrificing it and then buying a Servant and turning that into a Ninja at the start of Stage 5 is a much better play. Obviously the issue with this route is you play until midway through Stage 4 and then have to reset if you don't get a Monk.

Played on bgb 1.5.7

Edit: Just realized that my timing rules were off, because I stupidly never read the timing rules. My time should be closer to an 18:35.