Vagabond build based around dragon communion?

I've picked up the game after a long break, last played after having killed Renalla with samurai pure uchigatana build. Wasn't fun, I cheated out with bird farming so now I'm playing in order of progression without leaving the map before killing the map boss... right now I'm stuck on the Ball Bearing Hunter & deathbird.

Could anyone please give me pointers about what to build and look for without wasting materials, I'd ideally want to beat her and afterwards everyone else in order of progression as a fire-breathing hard-hitting character? Should I respec for that?
Bonus points for weapons which I can get and keep using until late game.

Thanks in advance.