Last week’s episode of Yoroi Shinden Samurai Troopers ended with a devastating turn. Oda Ryuusei, believed to have betrayed the team, was actually working undercover within the Tendoukai to counter Inmei’s scheme to exploit the Ha Emperor. When Inmei went berserk, Ryuusei was ready to stop him with his own life—but Ishida Shion took his place, returning the Flash Armor to Ryuusei and dying in his stead. Fans had hoped for a miraculous recovery, but Episode 18 quickly dashes those hopes.
The new episode opens with Shion’s funeral. All the Samurai Troopers and DST members stand in silence, unable to find words. Ryuusei, who lost his best friend and carries the weight of causing that death, remains apart from the group, staring downward. Viewers were immediately struck by the finality: “So there’s really no hope for Shion?” and “Unlike Ryuusei or the young lord, they didn’t leave any room for a comeback.”
Memories and a Hidden Resolve
Each Samurai Trooper reflects on their time with Shion—their first meeting, the rigorous training, and the moment he was entrusted with the Flash Armor. Amid the grief, Kai visits Nasty Yagyu to discuss the future. The team is still reeling from Shion’s loss, and Ryuusei himself is uncertain about his next step. But Nasty reveals what Shion had confided in her before his final mission.
Shion knew he wasn’t the “chosen one.” His attribute was the universal “Cosmos” rather than “Light.” While versatile, it couldn’t fully fulfill the role of a single element. That’s why Ryuusei, with his Light attribute, had to be the fifth Samurai Trooper—and Shion was willing to give his life to ensure that.
Meanwhile, Ryuusei receives a visit from Sanada Ryo, the original Samurai Trooper. Ryo tells him that his current feelings are the answer he’s been seeking. Viewers were moved by Ryo’s gentle guidance: “His words are so warm.” and “Ryo always pushes everyone forward. Thank you for being there.”
Encouraged, Ryuusei decides to rejoin the Samurai Troopers. The four younger members accept him, and he officially returns to the fold. Fans noted how much everyone has grown since the first training camp: “They’ve all become so strong.” and “Welcome back!”
Then, the original five Samurai Troopers appear to support the new generation. Their appearance brought a wave of nostalgia. Viewers spotted familiar details—like the students’ uniforms in a virtual space and the camaraderie among the original five. “Isa-kun’s uniform look is slowly getting to me.” and “Sasuke’s maid outfit was adorable—I’m rewatching that scene.” The reunion also sparked joy: “The original five are back!” and “They’re still so close.”
As the Samurai Troopers prepare to storm the Tendoukai, a moment from an earlier training session comes into focus. When Sasuke asked Kai who he fights for, Kai answered, “For the fans, I guess.” The true meaning of those words becomes clear when we flash back to Shion’s visit to Nasty’s place.
Shion had said: “I really like them. Kai, who grew up tough and faced the pain of becoming human; Kaito, who took on the role of leader despite being a lone wolf; Yamato, who hides his sorrow to make others smile; Musashi, who reaches out before anyone else even though he’s the most scared. And Ryuusei, who always believed in them. I’m sure they’ll save this world.” Then, with a smile, he added: “Because I’m a fan of the Samurai Troopers.”
The revelation hit viewers hard. “He really watched over all of them.” and “I’m crying so much.” Fans connected the dots: “So that’s why Kai said ‘for the fans.’” and “It was Shion all along. I can’t stop crying.”
Armed with Shion’s resolve, the Samurai Troopers head into the final battle. Will they succeed? The next episode airs on August 18 (Tuesday).
Product Info
The third Blu-ray BOX (
Broadcast & Streaming Info
Broadcast:
TOKYO MX: Tuesdays at 23:30
Kansai TV: Tuesdays at 25:19
BS11: Wednesdays at 24:00
Advance streaming: From July 8, 2026, every Wednesday at 0:00 on dAnime Store, U-NEXT, Anime Houdai.
Regular streaming: From July 11, 2026, every Saturday at 0:00 on ABEMA, FOD Premium, J:COM STREAM, TELASA, DMM TV, Bandai Channel, Prime Video, milplus, Lemino, and more.
Catch-up streaming: TVer, Kantele Dogga, ABEMA, and Niconico Live (from July 11 at 0:30).
Staff
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Original Work | Hajime Yatate |
| Director | Youichi Fujita |
| Series Composition & Script | Shougo Mutou |
| Main Character Design | Yuuhei Murota |
| Villain Character Design | Tsukasa Kotobuki |
| Yoroi Gear Design (Original) | Hideo Okamoto |
| Animation Yoroi Gear Design | Takuya Suzuki |
| Chief Animation Directors | Junko Yamanaka, Tomoko Tanaka |
| Main Animator | Hiroyuki Nishimura |
| Screen Design | Akira Saitou |
| Art Director | Osamu Tayama |
| Color Design | Miho Tanaka |
| CG Directors | Masaomi Suzuki, Takumi Itamura |
| Photography Director | Rumi Ishikuro |
| Editor | Kumiko Sakamoto |
| Sound Director | Ryo Tanaka |
| Music | Shuuji Katayama (Team-MAX) |
| OP Theme (2nd Cour) | Dannie May “BAD Idenko” |
| ED Theme (2nd Cour) | Karanowa “Bakemono” |
| Animation Production | Sunrise |
| Production | “Yoroi Shinden Samurai Troopers” Production Committee |
Cast
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Kai | Youa Ishibashi |
| Kaito Uesugi | Junya Enoki |
| Musashi Hojo | Ayumu Murase |
| Yamato Hojo | Shunsuke Takeuchi |
| Shion Ishida | Kentarou Kumagai |
| Ryuusei Oda | Toshiki Masuda |
| Mirei Aragaki | Lynn |
| Nasty Yagyu | Saka Kinoshita |
| Jun Yamano | Hiro Shimono |
| Ryo Sanada | Takeshi Kusao |
| Touma Hashiba | Hirofumi Nojima |
| Seiji Date | Ryuutarou Okiayu |
| Shin Mouri | Nozomu Sasaki |
| Reikou Shuu | Tomohiro Nishimura |
| Rashin Ga | Katsuyuki Konishi |
| Sasuke | Takuya Satou |
| Saizou | Kousuke Toriumi |
| Kamanosuke | Hiroshi Shimozaki |
| Seikai Nyuudou | Tomokazu Sugita |
| Isa Nyuudou | Kouhei Amasaki |
| Nezu | Kenichi Suzumura |
| Anayama | Chiharu Sawaki |
| Unno | Ryouta Takeuchi |
| Kakei | Daichi Endou |
| Mochizuki | Toshiki Kumagai |
| Yashimanosagume | Maaya Sakamoto |
| Inmei | Takehito Koyasu |
| Gomei | Tomoaki Maeno |
| Shimei | Aya Endou |
| Gaimei | Hiroshi Shirokuma |
(C) SUNRISE
