So from what I understand, this attack is essentially broken into 2 parts: 7 hits from the whirl + 7 possible hits from the projectiles. In order to maximize damage, you want to stand within the enemies hitbox so the 7 projectiles hit.
My question is, do you also need to be right inside the hitbox for all 7 whirl hits to land as well? I noticed that if am just outside the hitbox but well within melee range, I only get about 5 total hits out 14, meaning some of the whirl hits are not landing in addition to the projectile hits.