Yoroi Shinden Samurai Trooper Episode 17 Shocks Fans with Shion’s Sacrifice and Ryusei’s Return

Summer anime Yoroi Shinden Samurai Trooper delivered a devastating turning point in its second cour with Episode 17, titled “Senkou” (Flash), which aired on August 4, 2026. Viewers were left emotionally wrecked as the episode brought both a triumphant return and a heartbreaking loss.

Ryusei’s True Colors Revealed

The Ten Braves, having found meaning in battle, were shown smiling at the children they saved—especially Kamano-suke, whose warm moment had fans cooing, “Kamano-suke is such a good guy after all!” Yet the episode quickly shifted focus to Ryusei, who had been serving as a vanguard for the Tenkai Realm and turning his blade against his former Samurai Trooper comrades. In Episode 17, he finally revealed his true intentions to Shion.

It turned out that Ryusei had been acting under orders from Sagume to investigate Inmei, the sinister figure who had been manipulating events from the shadows. Ryusei was never truly a traitor; he was a spy working to expose Inmei’s evil deeds. He secretly met with Shion to share this information, revealing that Shion had only pretended to follow Inmei to counter the threat. Fans breathed a collective sigh of relief: “I knew Ryusei-san was still Ryusei-san!” “I believed in you, Ryusei-nii!”

At the end of the previous episode, Ryusei had stabbed Inmei from behind to prevent him from abusing the Haotei. But Inmei, ever cunning, had already manipulated Gaimei to frame Ryusei as a traitor. Viewers gasped: “He’s one step ahead…” “Everyone is too naive!” “Ryusei was set up… but please don’t disappear again!”

Despite the betrayal, Ryusei and the Samurai Troopers fought back fiercely against Inmei, who had transformed into a spirit beast. A highlight was the combined attack by Ryusei and Shion—both wearers of the “Flash Armor”—which thrilled fans: “The double attack of the Flash users is so hot!” “Ryusei and Shion’s combo attack! So cool!”

Shion’s Heartbreaking Sacrifice

But a new worry emerged. As Ramaga keenly observed, “He’s planning to die.” Once again, Ryusei was ready to sacrifice himself to end the battle. This time, however, Shion refused to let that happen. He snatched the magatama that was being contested and used his own life force to suppress its power, taking a devastating blow from Inmei and collapsing. Unable to move, Shion entrusted his Flash Armor to Ryusei, urging him to fight for the small happiness of everyone—quoting Ryusei’s own words.

With Shion’s encouragement, Ryusei re-equipped the Flash Armor and returned to the fight as a Samurai Trooper. Fans erupted in joy: “Ryusei is a Trooper again!” “I never thought I’d see Ryusei’s armor again! Thank you… Welcome back, Ryusei!” The five Troopers combined their powers to summon the Haotei, overwhelming Inmei with sheer force and defeating him.

Yet as the battle ended, Shion’s condition worsened. Staring at the backs of his five comrades, he recalled their time together—fighting, laughing, infiltrating the Yōkai Realm. His long history with Ryusei flashed before his eyes: training together as new-generation Samurai Troopers, parting ways, training under Retsu no Ryo, sharing dreams, and witnessing Ryusei’s disappearance in the first cour.

“Please don’t die…” “Wait, no, that’s not what I wanted…” “Don’t tell me he’s leaving us here…” Viewers sensed the ominous atmosphere. Shion murmured, “I hope this pain becomes a step that changes tomorrow… Leave the rest to you, Samurai Troopers…”

Lying in a pool of blood, Shion said he would “rest a little.” Fans panicked: “No, please don’t!” “This can’t be happening!” “Don’t joke around…” X posts flooded in. Then the moment came. Shion closed his eyes with a smile, leaving the Samurai Troopers speechless. Ryusei, tears streaming, said, “You idiot, making everyone cry… Still putting on a bad act… Get up! Why won’t you say anything? Please…” But Shion did not respond.

“No, Shion-san, this can’t be real…” “I can’t bear that Ryusei came back but Shion isn’t here…” “Why?! This is too much…” The tragic ending left viewers in disbelief. “You two always miss each other…” “I might not recover for a while.” “I can’t stop crying… How am I supposed to watch next week?”

Broadcast Information

TOKYO MX: Every Tuesday 23:30
Kansai TV: Every Tuesday 25:19
BS11: Every Wednesday 24:00

Advance streaming (unlimited):
From July 8, 2026 (Wed) every Wednesday 0:00 – d Anime Store, U-NEXT, Anime Hōdai

Streaming (unlimited):
From July 11, 2026 (Sat) every Saturday 0:00 – ABEMA, FOD Premium, J:COM STREAM, TELASA, DMM TV, Bandai Channel, Prime Video, milplus, Lemino

Pay-per-view streaming:
From July 11, 2026 (Sat) every Saturday 0:00 – J:COM STREAM, TELASA, Bandai Channel, Video Market, Prime Video, music.jp, milplus, HAPPY! Dōga, Movie Full, Nico Nico Channel

Free catch-up streaming:
From July 11, 2026 (Sat) every Saturday 0:00 – TVer, Kantele Dōga, ABEMA
From July 11, 2026 (Sat) every Saturday 0:30 – Nico Nico Live

Staff

Cast

(C) SUNRISE