Starninger slashes at Grandpa, but he manages to poof himself away before Starninger can finish him off.

At the dojomanse, the Ninningers are wrapping up training for day and getting ready for dinner when they are shocked by Grandpa stumbling in. They run to him as he falls to the floor.

“He… followed me to Japan…” Grandpa says before collapsing.

Father and Kasumi bring Grandpa into the room to rest. Takaharu thinks Kyuuemon attacked Grandpa and is ready to storm out, but Father says they must not use their ninja powers for revenge. Yakumo also doesn’t think Kyuuemon is behind this. Kasumi adds what Grandpa told them about the guy following him to Japan.

They decide to lure out the culprit. Father worries, but Kasumi says it’ll be okay. This is part of their training.

Next morning, Takaharu poses as Grandpa with the cart while Yakumo and Fuuka are also in disguise nearby.

A cowboy-dressed man with a sheriff’s badge approaches Takaharu and pretends to ask directions, but really just wants to shoot him. Takaharu uses Substitution Technique and he, Yakumo and Fuuka surround the man.

The Ninningers henshin and Takaharu introduces them as the grandchildren of the Last Ninja. Aha, the man says. He takes out the Starninger Shuriken and a hamburger and henshins himself!

The Ninningers remember him from before and realize this is also the guy who attacked Grandpa. Starninger confirms. Takaharu attacks even though Yakumo tells him to wait.

Yakumo tells Fuuka they have no choice but to help Takaharu out. But Starninger is able to counter all they throw at him. He then goes rock and roll and uses his guitar to shoot at the Ninningers to force them to dehenshin.

Starninger dehenshins. He puts his hat on and introduces himself as Kinji Takigawa. Though born in America, he is a real ninja and the #1 Youkai Hunter.

The Ninningers name some of the Youkai they’ve defeated as well, much to Kinji’s shock and horror.

Kinji regrets not coming to Japan sooner. But the Ninningers have no idea what to make of this guy.

Back at the dojomanse, Father gets a perfectly fine Grandpa to wake up by threatening to bring him to the hospital.

Kinji gets a Youkai alert on his burger and he poofs off. Takaharu, Yakumo and Fuuka wonder about this strange guy, though Fuuka sort of feels an affinity toward him. Suddenly, their Gamagama-jus also alert to a Youkai.

Kinji has found the Youkai Daidarabocchi rampaging at a construction site. After the Youkai has introduced himself, Kinji excitedly takes a selfie with him. But Daidarabocchi hates having his picture taken so he whacks Kinji over to the cowering citizens.

Takaharu-tachi arrive and see Kinji has beat them here.

The people ask Kinji if he is here to save them, but he says he’s only here to fulfill his own goals. He takes his burger out and henshins.

Takaharu, Yakumo and Fuuka also henshin and fight off the Hitokarages. But Kinji uses Wind Technique to grab the Hitokarages and send them crashing down on Daidarabocchi.

A mother is looking for her daughter who is cornered by two Hitokarages. Yakumo and Fuuka are tied up themselves, so Kinji decides to hop down and save the little girl. He protects here from Dairabocchi’s attack.

The little girl is crying and after dehenshining, Kinji tries cheering her up. The mother comes to take her daughter and thanks Kinji.

Fuuka sees why Kinji felt so familiar. He and Oniichan are exactly alike!

Takaharu jumps down to fight Daidarabocchi as Kasumi and Nagi arrive. Fuuka is half-right. They recount Grandpa’s explanation to them. When he was in America, he met Kinji in some wild west town. Kinji kept pestering him about becoming his pupil, but Grandpa said only those who can exceed his Nintality can do so. “If you want to be my pupil, you will have to defeat me.”

Grandpa hoped that would get Kinji to lay off, but instead he’s followed him here to Japan.

Just like Takaharu, Kinji is also a big fan of Grandpa.

Kinji henshins and they all fight the Hitokarages.

Kinji ends up facing Daidarabocchi and uses Cloning Technique and Wind Technique to outsmart him. Takaharu recognizes Kinji’s Ninpou are just like Grandpa’s.

Indeed, Kinji says, he just wanted to try them since Grandpa is his idol, after all. He uses Thunder Technique to fry Daidarabocchi.

Takaharu doesn’t want to lose to him so he jumps down and uses Cloning Technique as well. But Daidarabocchi just slaps him away. Kinji takes over and uses a Winning Rockstar Wind Technique Finisher.

But not before taking another selfie.

Kyuuemon embiggens Daidarabocchi. Kinji summons Rodeomaru and hops on. The Ninningers hop into ShurikenJin Paon.

Kinji initiates a Bison Change to form Bison King and together, they finish off Daidarabocchi.

The Ninningers watch as Kinji excitedly makes casts of the Youkai’s footprints. Takaharu says he doesn’t understand, but if Kinji is a fan of Grandpa’s, then he must be a good guy.

Suddenly, Grandpa sends wanted posters their way to talk to them. He tells Kinji that if he can defeat his grandchildren, then he will accept Kinji as his pupil.

And for his grandchildren, he wants them to defeat Starninger as their training. The one who wins this will come one step closer to becoming the Last Ninja.

Episode Thoughts

I thought this was a good introduction to Kinji. He’s a very fun and likeable guy, despite trying to kill Grandpa. Or not. We’re not even really sure. But aside from his actual purpose in even showing up, his personality is enough to allow you to wait for the story to develop a little more in the next few episodes.

The initial tension between the main team and Kinji is to be expected and I guess the wanting to kill Grandpa part helps justify the apprehension.

But what I’m most looking forward to is how, like in ToQger, an outsider adjusts to joining a team that already has a very strong bond. It is even more interesting here since the Ninningers are family, actual blood relatives. So I hope we get to see that unfold just like we got to see the ToQgers’ relationship with Akira unfold very well last year.

Kinji seems to be taking Grandpa’s challenge very seriously as he sneaks into Takaharu’s bedroom to stab him in his sleep. Fortunately, Takaharu manages to substitute himself up to the rafters. It’s too early for that, he tells Kinji.

They tussle and barge through the door outside, waking the others. They hurry out and Kinji re-introduces himself.

He says he is at their service and puts on an apron. “Breakfast is served!”

Over in the darkness, Gabi Raizou asks Kyuuemon to help him with his duel versus the red guy. If she does, he’ll help her resurrect their master.

Back at the dojomanse, the Ninningers are surprised to see the hearty American breakfast Kinji has prepared for them. Takaharu thinks this is yakiniku, but Kinji says it is steak.

Takaharu is ready to dig in, but Fuuka says he shouldn’t be eating it since the guy wants to kill them. Besides, Yakumo adds, he prefers an English breakfast. Father likes a traditional Japanese breakfast of eggs, fried fish and natto. Kasumi doesn’t like lots of calories in the morning. And Nagi prefers curry.

No no no, that’s not what they should be worried about, Fuuka says. “What are you trying to pull?” she asks Kinji. He says if he becomes Grandpa’s apprentice, it is only natural he will help serve the ladies and gentlemen. Nagi says it’s very interesting to have an assassin-turned-butler in the house.

Yakumo decides to use his magic wand to poof his steak and potatoes into an English breakfast.

“How in the world is the grandson of the Last Ninja using magic?! That’s practically blasphemy!”
“So says the Western rock and roll ninja.”
“What’re talkin’ about?! I’m real ninja!”

Across town, Kyuuemon is attaching a Sealing Shuriken to a tea kettle.

The Ninningers are watching Kinji doing their laundry. They are really not sure what to make of him. But Takaharu says he should be fun. Just listen to his funny way of talking.

Kinji says he learned to speak Japanese watching rakugo and period dramas. And of course, by reading Grandpa’s book. Kasumi is excited to read it. Takaharu thinks that’s hot.

But Yakumo says Kinji’s tricks won’t make them let their guard down that easy. Kinji insists he isn’t playing any tricks.

Also, it’s pronounced “easy,” not “eezee.”

“Sorry I don’t have an American accent,” Yakumo says. Kinji doesn’t care for British accents either. They argue over the correct pronunciation. But Kinji’s burger alerts him to a Youkai in progress. He runs off.

The Gamagama-jus are a couple of seconds behind, but the Ninningers hurry as well.

Kinji finds the Youkai who is grumbling to himself in a corner. He introduces himself as the obsolete kettle Youkai, Enraenra and that he should just leave him be.

A Gashadokuro suddenly appears and Enraenra walks away. Yakumo says he and Takaharu will take care of the big Youkai with Shinobimaru and Dragomaru.

But when Shinobimaru arrives, he suddenly turns and runs away. Takaharu goes after him.

Yakumo hops onto Dragomaru, but Kinji also hops into Rodeomaru. They clumsily fight the Gashadokuro together.

The others find Shinobimaru curled up nearby.

Takaharu tells him to speak up so he can help. But Fuuka reminds him that Shinobimaru can’t speak.

No prob, Kasumi says as she takes out her Karakuri Nin Translator. With it, you can understand machines or animals. And Otomo Nin of course. She fires it up and hears Shinobimaru ask them to leave him alone. Lately, Dragomaru-san and Paonmaru-san and even Rodeomaru-san have gotten all the spotlight. He feels like he isn’t needed anymore and is scared of being forgotten.

Takaharu calls him a dummy for even thinking he’d ever forget him. He shouldn’t be thinking of things like that.

“What a mean thing to say when these things seriously bother me!”

Shinobimaru disappears. Takaharu takes the Nin Translator and tries to call him back. Kasumi tells Fuuka and Nagi that this is Takaharu and Shinobimaru’s problem to deal with. Instead, they should continue looking for the Youkai.

Yakumo uses more magic to finish off the Gashadokuro, much to Kinji’s annoyance. He asks to allow him to take a picture with the Youkai before they unleash a finisher.

Yakumo tells Kinji to just stay out of their way if all he’s fighting for is his Youkai collection. Kinji asks Yakumo what he’s fighting for then. Yakumo says it is his duty being part of the Igasaki bloodline.

Kinji says he assumed Yakumo didn’t care about being a ninja since he uses magic all the time. Considering how he’s not even allowed to be a pupil while a direct descendant of the family is using magic? Blasphemy!

So what if it is? Yakumo asks. Kinji says he doesn’t appreciate being told, by those same people, that his way of doing things is wrong.

Enraenra is blowing steam around town and the people inhaling it suddenly fall to the ground. Kasumi, Nagi and Fuuka arrive and find the people are also sulking and negative nancys like Shinobimaru.

They spot Enraenra and henshin.

But Fuuka and Nagi get caught in the steam and are afflicted with the same negative attitudes. Nagi is afraid of being forgotten since Kinji has more personality while Fuuka thinks she will be forgotten because everyone always cares about her idiot brother.

Yakumo and Kinji arrive.

Kyuuemon watches from the behind a tree happy that she was able to isolate Takaharu from the others using Shinobimaru for Gabi Raizou.

Gabi Raizou, ready to duel, approaches Takaharu and tells him to henge.

Takaharu obliges and they battle.

Meanwhile, Yakumo and Kasumi unsuccessfully try to comfort Nagi and Fuuka who end up crying and running into a playground cave. Kinji says when people are feeling sad, they are more prone to be wary of kind words. That gives Yakumo and Kasumi an idea.

Kinji watches them dancing. Yakumo explains the myth of Ama no Iwato. Amaterasu Oomikami shut her heart and hid in a cave, but happy sounds outside drew her out. Kasumi adds that even when wary, people are drawn to sounds of laughter and excitement.

Yakumo waves his wand and a happy musical atmosphere appears. Kinji joins in the dancing. Enraenra too.

Nagi and Fuuka peek their heads out of the cave and Yakumo and Kasumi quickly pull them out.

Yakumo and Kasumi again try to lift their spirits. But they don’t appreciate their cousins belittling their problems. “You wouldn’t understand, Yakkun!”

But he does, Kasumi says. She says Yakumo has had no confidence in his ninja abilities lately. That’s why he constantly uses magic.

Ah! Nagi and Fuuka realize their problems aren’t as bad as Yakumo’s and this is no time to be depressed. Something poofs out of Nagi and Fuuka and they are back to their normal selves.

Enraenra is still dancing, but when the Ninningers see him, he attacks. Kinji helps with a Wind Technique. He apologizes to Yakumo for criticizing his use of magic. And to make it up to them, he’ll help fight the Youkai.

Across town, Takaharu and Gabi Raizou are still battling it out. Gabi Raizou is turned on by this awesome duel and is excited to defeat such a great opponent.

“Only that wretched Last Ninja and yourself have driven me to use my full power! You should be proud!”

Gabi Raizou sends wave after wave toward Takaharu and commends him for his strength, but he prepares his finisher. But Takaharu counters with a Ninja Flash. Huge explosion.

Takaharu drops his sword.

Yakumo and Kinji work together to counter Enraenra’s attacks. Enraenra comments on them showing off how well they work together. But that’s nonsense, they say. Nonetheless, they deliver a finisher together. And before Enraenra blows up, Kinji takes a selfie with Yakumo.

“When did we get a British-American alliance going?” Kasumi teases.

Enraenra embiggens and they summon their OtomoNin.

That’s when Shinobimaru arrives!

Shinobimaru and Rodeomaru take on Enraenra. Shinobimaru gets pushed back and Kinji tells Takaharu to step it up.

The others arrive and they gattai into ShurikenJin and Bison King.

Together, they quickly finish Enraenra off for good. But Takaharu suddenly collapses and dehenges. They see he is not good shape at all.

Episode Thoughts

Ooo! Takaharu collapsing and a quick fade to black without reminding kids to press the “d” button! Almost as dramatic as Shinnosuke dying! Hehe.

I thought this was an okay episode. Will be interesting to see what the effects of Takaharu’s duel with Gabi Raizou are. But still, the Red vs Villain duel/rivalry needs to be changed up a bit. I feel like it’s always the same thing. They need to shake it up. Maybe give the ladies a rival instead or put in some kind of twist at least.

Shinobimaru feeling depressed was amusing and plays off him (and now Rodeomaru) being more humanoid than most mecha.

The other part of the episode was the Nagi and Fuuka feeling depressed too, but it kinda felt too much like filler. And I assume this must have been the week they filmed the summer movie, which explains all the in-suit scenes. So it wasn’t as fun as it could’ve been.

I did like the scene between Kinji and Yakumo about magic. And the breakfast was definitely fun. But I still don’t really understand whether or not Kinji actually wants to murder them or just wants to beat them and become a student. It’s very odd, yet again, his likeability makes me brush off any questions I might have.

Overall an okay episode.

Gabi Raizou fondly remembers his awesome duel. It turns out he really did a number on Takaharu. After their big explosion, Takaharu dehenges and is unconscious as Gabi Raizou kicks him over the cliff.

Now that Gabi Raizou has defeated Akaninger, Kyuuemon humbly asks for him to take care of his part of the deal.

Father and Kasumi tuck Takaharu into bed. It’s a miracle Takaharu was able to fight with them in the OtomoNin, but he won’t be able to join them for the time being.

They get a message from Grandfather who tells them Gabi Raizo is coming. “Prepare yourselves.”

Grandpa is setting up shop when Kinji tosses shurikens at him, which he blocks with the table. Grandpa instead has Kinji take a seat and serves him some curry. Only to eat it himself. Kinji says he was getting bored waiting for Takaharu to heal and the others don’t seem to be in the mood to get killed. Anyway, he’s more interested in adding to his Youkai collection instead.

Grandpa says Kinji has one month to ketchup catch up to his grandchildren.

Kinji tries sneaking up on Kasumi, but she knows he’s there and asks him a question about Rodeomaru-san. He explains that he made Rodeomaru himself using Grandpa’s autobiography which includes a chapter on How to Build Your OtomoNin! Kasumi is excited. If she could see the schematics, she could find a way to combine ShurikenJin and Bison King. With Takaharu down, the rest of them must do what they can.

Kasumi picks up the book and a picture falls out of it, but Kinji takes it.

He heads into the woods to see Yakumo, Nagi and Fuuka training. They are resolved to be at their very best to face Gabi Raizou and to work hard in Takaharu’s absence.

Kinji understands.

Rampaging downtown is Gabi Raizou. Kyuuemon is very happy.

But the Ninningers arrive. They take care of the Hitokarage and surround Gabi Raizou. They henge.

Takaharu wakes up. He remembers being caught by Shinobimaru after getting kicked off the cliff. He heads out to the living room where Kinji is sitting, looking at the picture from earlier.

Kinji tucks the photo into his shirt.

Takharu asks why he isn’t ready to take his life this morning. But Kinji says Grandpa would never accept him as a pupil if he beat a weakened boy.

Takaharu helps himself to one of Kinji’s Yakiniku, saying he needs to become stronger to face Gabi Raizou. Kinji remembers everyone else’s resolve from earlier.

Takaharu asks where everyone else is and Kinji tells him.

The Ninningers are doing their best to try and hold off Gabi Raizou. He is impressed, but they are nothing like the red guy. He sends huge explosions their way.

Kinji catches up to Takaharu who is trying to hurry over to his sister and cousins. Kinji tells him he’ll just be in the way if he goes to them.

Takaharu insists he can fight. Kinji says if that’s so, then he will be his opponent. He explains how he was touched by seeing everyone work so hard to allow Takaharu to heal properly that he will not allow Takaharu to ruin that hard work.

“I don’t know what you’re going on about. But they’re waiting for me!”
“And how do you know that?”
“I dunno. They’re my sister and cousins. Maybe it’s ’cause we’re family?”

That triggers a memory for Kinji.

Takaharu says if Kinji wants to fight, then to follow and he can fight him and Gabi Raizou together. Takaharu runs off.

Gabi Raizou has forced the others to dehenge and is ready to send them to “hell” where their red friend is waiting. But that red friend surprises Gabi Raizou when he appears.

“Don’t write me off as dead!”

The cousins laugh at the striking resemblance between Takaharu and Grandpa.

Takaharu jumps down to join them. Kinji watches as the cousins affirm their belief in each other. Gabi Raizou happily welcomes another duel.

The Ninningers henge. The four take on the Hitokarage as Takaharu charges toward Gabi Raizou. But Kyuuemon pops up and fights Takaharu instead. She does not want him to get in the way. But Kinji decides to throw his hat in the ring. Literally.

He apologizes for misinterpreting the others’ dedication. He now realizes they were working hard to allow Takaharu to settle the score with Gabi Raizou.

Kinji henges and takes on Kyuuemon.

That leaves Takaharu and Gabi Raizou to battle once more. Yakumo tosses his Ichibantou over to allow Takaharu to use both. Gabi Raizou wants to know how he is so strong now.

Takaharu replies that this is the first time he’s felt the power of others. That burns the Shurikens on his butt and three of them combine into one brand new one. Takaharu attaches it to his Ichibantou.

Gabi Raizou unleashes his finisher, but Takaharu unleashes a brand new power that draws on all five of them.

That does it. Gabi Raizou commends Igasaki Takaharu on the fight. “You are as splendid as your name says.” As much as he hates to, Gabi Raizou would like him to have his mark.

But Kyuuemon interrupts and wants Gabi Raizou to be of some use to her one last time. He refuses as he wants to die on his own terms, but Kyuuemon embiggens him and adds two Gashadokuro to help.

Kyuuemon leaves and the Ninningers summon the OtomoNin. They quickly gattai into ShurikenJin and Bison King.

The Ninningers take care of the two Gashadokuro, but they become a sword for Gabi Raizou to use. He forces them to the ground.

Kasumi says they might be able to fight back if they combine ShurikenJin and Bison King. Yakumo suggests using the new Nin Shuriken. Takaharu sees it has “Combine” on it.

Takaharu attaches it and the two robots combine into King ShurikenJin with Kinji joining them in the cockpit.

They force the sword to return back to being two Gashadokuros. They deliver an unprecedented King Slash which takes care of all three of them.

Gabi Raizou thanks Takaharu for the honorable death and apologizes to his Master before blowing up.

Kinji is on a rooftop, looking at the photo from earlier again. Grandpa pops up. He tells Kinji that the grandkids won because of his help today. Kinji says he’s not sure, but this makes it harder for him to defeat them.

Kinji asks Grandpa directly why he is so resistant at allowing him to be his pupil. Grandpa explains that long ago, just once, he took on a pupil. But it didn’t work out, so he hasn’t taken another one since.

“And what is the name of this honorable pupil?”

“Izayoi Kyuuemon.”

Episode Thoughts

Oh! Twisty. So we’re getting one of those stories eh? Okay, let’s see where this will lead us.

This was a better episode than last. I liked seeing more about Kinji and his backstory. I assume the photo is of his family and that Youkai probably killed them. That’s a solid motivation for him to fight. The family theme is good so I hope we get to see him and the Ninningers connect over that in the future.

I am surprised Gabi Raizou was killed off so soon, but the duel couldn’t have been dragged out any longer. This isn’t Shinkenger after all.

But his demise as well as the revelation of Kyuuemon being Grandpa’s student adds more dimension to the villain side of the story. Plus, we have a clear first objective and that’s to resurrect the General. That’s much better than Kamen Rider Drive‘s idol villains who still don’t really have a purpose 33+ episodes in. (Hehe.)

I loved the badass henge with the four cousins vs. Gabi Raizou. But the henshins this season have overall been really cool, especially since they’ve minimized using the stock footage which they seem to have intentionally made for only when all five of them together. That’s a good thing! Insta-morphs are always best.

Grandpa’s secrecy again though feels like a forced plot device. Things would be so much easier if he just explained everything outright. But I guess there would be no story then. And I assume he’s doing it so the cousins can learn some valuable life lessons. I guess. Lol

Overall, good, exciting and effective episode.

Grandpa explains Kyuuemon was a very talented ninja long ago and considered letting her follow in his footsteps. But she began to fear her own power and in the end chose the wrong path. Kinji says he will not choose the wrong path.

Grandpa points out that Kinji is making friends with the grandkids he’s supposed to be fighting to become a pupil. He doesn’t want to take on a student who is so easily swayed.

Only one person can be the Last Ninja. And that isn’t something you can learn in school.

Meanwhile, Kyuuemon has just brought back to life Tsugomori Masakage. She introduces herself as the Master’s page and fills him in on what’s going on. Kyuuemon says they should be collecting lots of fear, but Masakage says there’s no rush, especially with the Master right here.

He waves his staff and Kibaoni appears in a large puddle on the floor.

Kibaoni wishes them well.

The elder cousins are hanging out at the dojomanse. A bored Takaharu wants something to make him hot. Fuuka and Nagi arrive home from school.

Nagi asks Yakumo to help him with his English homework, but Yakkun says homework is something he must do himself. Nagi asks Star-san who’s hiding in the walls. But a henshined Kinji says he will no longer be of service to them and should only be considered an assassin. He poofs away, leaving his gold apron.

Takaharu sees a flyer Fuuka and Nagi were given earlier in town for a Ninja Sports Fest. That’s hot! He wants them all to join.

They head over to the park for the start of the games. Representing the Igasaki Clan, Takaharu leads everyone in the pledge to participate fair and square.

Fuuka notes that they seem to be the only ones participating in the festival, but Kasumi points out that is not the case. They see the three other ninja clans hiding behind trees. But the Igasaki Clan does not hide. They cheer.

Meanwhile, one of the games officials enters the main tent. Oops. He’s a Jukkarage. And this Sports Festival is all the work of Masakage. Kyuuemon appears and says this is no time to be playing. But Masakage says a bit of playing is important in all strategies.

The first event is Tree Flag. Whoever grabs the flag from the top of the tree first, wins. Two members from each clan compete with Takaharu and Yakumo representing theirs.

As they run towards the tree, they see this is also an obstacle course. Yakumo challenges his Taka-nii. But as they swing through the trees, they suddenly get cut down. They quickly henge before they hit the ground.

It’s Kinji, but they slip away from him. Takaharu manages to win the event.

The second event is the Big Rolling Ball. Teams must roll a big ball through the tunnels while also avoiding a huge boulder from crushing them.

Takaharu decides to take the boulder on himself and he holds it back. But Kinji pops in again to take advantage of Takaharu being open. He ducks out of the way and Kinji manages to smash the boulder to bits.

They continue through the tunnels and they end up winning again.

Time for lunch. But Takaharu says he forgot the drinks. That’s okay, Nagi says. He’ll go buy some.

On the way, Nagi sees Star-san up a tree and says he should join them. Kinji says they’re his targets, it’d be strange for them to be hanging out.

Nagi asks why they sudden character change. Kinji’s already a strange ninja anyway.

That sends Kinji falling down to the ground. Nagi hurries over to help him up. He asks Nagi if he really is strange and Nagi says yes, super.

Kinji gets up, but he drops his photo again. Nagi picks it up and asks who they are.

They walk to the soda machine together as Kinji explains the photo is of him, his brother and father. His father and brother were Youkai hunters. Kinda like us? Nagi says.

Kinji asks Nagi if the others asked him to get them drinks. But Nagi says no, he just assumed they’d all want one. Kinji watches as Nagi buys drinks according to what he knows his cousins would want.

“And since you’re family, you know these things without saying so?”
“Nah, not really. I never really thought about it. It was same for you too, right Star-san?”

Kinji says no because a Youkai killed his father and brother when he was still young. “I’ve never known what it’s like to have a family.”

Nagi apologizes for bringing up a sad memory. But Kinji says it’s okay. His goal is to become a greater Youkai hunter than his father and brother. That’s why he wants to be the Last Ninja-sama’s student. So it’d be best for them not to get along.

Nagi says he understands, but maybe that is not possible.

Suddenly, they see two of the games officials walk by… and they turn into Jukkarage!

The third event, a Four-Legged Race, is about to begin. Nagi and Kinji come running to tell them the games officials are Kibaoni’s men.

Since the cat’s out of the bag, the men morph back into Jukkarage. Yakumo and Kasumi expected such a thing and set up a trap. But so did Masakage. All the ninja teams at the starting line get trapped in the kusudama ball, including Yakumo, Kasumi and Fuuka.

Masakage appears and introduces himself as the Master’s chief strategist. Takaharu and Nagi prepare to henge, but Masakage sends a blast their way. “No need to hurry to your deaths,” he says.

Masakage takes a pair of running shoes and turns them into Youkai Yamawarawara. He wants to race the Ninningers and set a new record. Masakage says the prize will be to free the ninjas.

They get back on the starting line and the Four-Legged Race begins. But Takaharu, Nagi and Kinji are having trouble getting in sync. Nagi sees Yamawarawara is cheating since the two Jukkarages he’s tied with are actually just dummies.

Nagi tells Takaharu to let him be in the middle. Nagi takes the lead and they start to work much better together. They manage to catch up to Yamawarawara, but Masakage continues to throw obstacles at them, including sending what appears to be Yakumo, Kasumi and Fuuka, henshined, to attack them.

The guys try avoiding them, but Takaharu says they have no choice but to strike them down. Nagi and Kinji say that’s dangerous and will hurt them, but Takaharu says he’ll apologize later.

Takaharu swings, but they end up only being illusions. They continue on the race and again catch up to Yamawarawara.

It’s a photo finish, but the guys win. Takaharu quickly goes to break the ninjas free.

Kinji says it’s a good thing they were illusions earlier, but it would’ve been a disaster if they weren’t. Yeah, Takaharu says, but no matter what, they always have to fight as hard as they can. Yakumo and Kasumi add that ninjas must not worry and even if they’re family, they don’t hold back.

Yamawarawara is ready to finish this so Yakumo, Kasumi and Fuuka henge.

Nagi tells Star-san to join them and be obliges.

They first fight off the Jukkarage before Takaharu and Kinji work together to take on Yamawarawara and finish him off.

Kyuuemon embiggens Yamawarawara and Takaharu and Kinji both hop onto their respective –marus.

Yamawarawara’s speed is too much for them, but the others arrive with their OtomoNin and they quickly combine to form King ShurikenJin. They make easy work of the Youkai.

Masakage is amused by the display of the Ninningers. But he suddenly turns and points his staff at Kyuuemon.

“What is the meaning of this?”
“You may have fooled Gabi, but not me. There is no page named Izayoi in our army. I will not ask your identity nor ultimate goal. But if you attempt anything, you’re dead.”

Back at the dojomanse, Kinji says Nagi helped him understand that they can fight even if they are close. So Kinji can help with his English homework now? Nope, Kinji says.

Grandpa pops in as a blowup doll and tells them Masakage won’t be as easy as Gabi Raizou. First, they must awaken the Sky OtomoNin and tame them. The one to tame them will be the most qualified to be the Last Ninja. In other words, the one whom he will entrust the Finishing Shuriken of the End to.

Episode Thoughts

A fun episode. I like that it was a pseudo-Nagi focus and that he was the one Kinji opened up to about his family. But I wish we did get a little more on Kinji’s backstory. It was almost done in passing and really was almost only used to get to the moral of the ninja story: “You can still spar with family members without holding back.”

That’s a fine lesson to have, but I guess I would’ve liked a little deeper look into Kinji’s motivations. Hopefully we get to that in the future.

Masakage has an amazing design. And I guess with Gabi Raizou’s demise and the revelation that Kyuuemon was Grandpa’s student, Masakage confronting her is the logical next step. Should be interesting to see how they unravel Kyuuemon’s true identity and origin.

New stock footage for the henge sequence!

And with all this Last Ninja stuff, I really hope it doesn’t end up being Takaharu. Isn’t it really cliché to just have the Red Ranger be the star? I hope they either throw a curveball and let Kasumi (or someone else) be the Last Ninja or the Last Ninja isn’t just one person and it’ll need to be the bond of them all that will take down the Big Bad at the end of the season. That’d be much better and would fit very nicely with the whole family theme.

Fuuka and Nagi arrive home from school. Takaharu offers them some delicious senbei, but instead, out of the tin pops Kinji ready to take their lives. He and Takaharu fight and make a mess of the living room.

Yakumo and Kasumi go about their business. But Fuuka will not stand for this insanity. She tells them they better clean up after themselves, but they continue going at each other, much to Fuuka’s frustration.

Kyuuemon asks Masakage to help gather more fear, but he is more concerned with finding ways to play with the Last Ninja’s grandchildren. Besides, if they take care of the Ninningers first, it will make their fear collection easier.

“Plus, it is 444 years too soon for you to be giving me orders.”

Masakage continues to intentionally mispronounce Kyuuemon’s name. He heads out and attaches a Sealing Shuriken to a payphone which becomes Youkai Yamabiko. Masakage tells him to find a way to prevent them from henshining.

Back at the dojomanse, Fuuka is scolding Takaharu and Kinji. She tells them no meals if they fight inside and trying to kill people in the dojomanse is strictly forbidden. Father says seeing Fuuka like this reminds him of mother.

The Gamagama-jus and hamburger alert them to a Youkai and they hurry out.

They come across the Jukkarage and they henge. The Jukkarage run in all directions so the Ninningers split up to follow.

Fuuka thinks she’s got her group taken care of, but Kinji saves her from one last Jukkarage. Fuuka’s instincts make her whack whoever’s behind her. And that’s Kinji.

She apologizes and he dehenshins. Kinji then apologizes for being a pain and for causing a rift between her and her brother. Fuuka says it’s okay, but Kinji thought siblings are supposed to get along.

Of course not, Fuuka says. She asks Kinji if he has any siblings. He says his brother died when he was a kid, but he does remember that he was a great Youkai hunter. That’s why he needs to be Grandpa’s student so he can follow in his brother’s footsteps.

Kinji again apologizes for causing so much trouble.

Meanwhile, Yamabiko calls Takaharu and pretends to be Fuuka and Grandpa to get him to gather all their Shurikens to free them from the Youkai.

Takaharu runs to Yakumo, Kasumi and Nagi and asks for their Shurikens. They hand them over and Takaharu goes running. He gets another call from “Fuuka” and says someone will come to get the Shurikens.

Yamabiko turns a Jukkarage into a man who meets with Takaharu. Takaharu hands the Shrikens over and the man leaves.

Kasumi, Yakumo and Nagi come running and realize Takaharu’s been played. They go after the man who has just handed the Shurikens over to Yamabiko.

Yamabiko calls Fuuka and pretends to be Takaharu who says he needs her Shuriken to fix the person he’s just hurt with Ninjutsu. Fuuka asks “Takaharu” to put the hurt person or a next of kin on the phone so they can apologize. Yamabiko tries to cover and says someone will come to pick-up the Shuriken, but Fuuka insists she will come herself. Yamabiko tries to get her to stay away, but Fuuka hears the plaza clock’s bell ringing and says she’ll be right there.

Kinji accompanies Fuuka.

Takaharu and the others arrive and he tells Yamabiko that he knows he’s been tricked somehow. Jukkarages pop out and Takaharu and Nagi both pull out their Shurik…

Oops. But it’s okay. The Ninningers pull out their Ichibantou and use their Ninjutsu to fight the Jukkarages instead.

Fuuka and Kinji arrive and henge after sorting out the misunderstanding. Yamabiko farts and they kick him down the stairs.

Fuuka tries using Pitfall Trap Technique to get Yamabiko, but she’s the one that falls in instead. Kasumi thinks Fuuka’s being a klutz, but Kinji signals Fuuka to come out now.

Fuuka jumps out from the ground behind Yamabiko and grabs the Shurikens. Her cousins compliment her clever plan as she hands them their Shurikens to henge.

The Ninningers face the Jukkarage again, but Yamabiko goes around pretending to be one of the cousins to try and trick the others. But Fuuka doesn’t fall for it because she knows Takaharu would never ask for her help.

Kasumi suggests they use codenames so they won’t get tricked by Yamabiko. They work together using their different attacks and the siblings deliver the finisher together. Star-san takes a selfie and Yamabiko explodes.

Fuuka thanks Kinji for saving her and says he now has permission to assassinate in the dojo between 8 and 6.

Kyuuemon embiggens Yamabiko and the Ninningers summon their OtomoNin. But Yamabiko uses some high frequency sound to interfere with them. Fuuka asks Wanmaru to let out an even higher frequency sound.

The Ninningers combine into Shurikenjin and Kinji does Bison King. They quickly finish off Yamabiko.

Later that night, Takaharu is alone in the living room training when Fuuka walks in, also ready to train. Takaharu says it’s a surprise to see her taking the time to train on her own. Fuuka says she knows she has to take care of him and to do that, she must become stronger than him.

“I see,” Takaharu says. “Let’s do our best then.”

Fuuka asks if she really can become stronger.
“Of course you can,” Takaharu replies. “You’re Grandpa’s grandkid too.”
“As well as your little sister.”

The siblings train together.

Episode Thoughts

A good episode. Again, I love when they do the family stories because there’s a lot of fresh material that can be done around that theme. It was great to see Kinji and Fuuka’s scene talking about family. I like that Kinji’s not necessarily telling everyone about his father and brother, but he’s not keeping it a secret either.

I especially enjoyed that last scene with Takaharu and Fuuka. For one thing, it’s awesome to see a serious Takaharu for once. But also it reinforces their sibling relationship.

Just a lot of great possibilities with the family dynamic. And I think Ninninger has been doing better and better fleshing that out.

The MOTW was okay and his powers were clever and amusing.

The fights were great this episode as well. But I’m definitely noticing how Nagi always gets the best fight choreography. Him being very agile and jumping all over the place fits with him being the youngest, but I don’t think they’ve really allowed that trait to come out in non-morphed scenes. Especially since we always see Yakumo tossing him around whenever they’re sparring and training.

But anyway, a very good episode

Kasumi is tutoring Nagi and Fuuka to help them catch up since they also have regular school to focus on. Kasumi notices Star-san behind the wall and asks him not to cause any trouble in the meantime. But Kinji says he also has a lot to worry about, remembering Grandpa’s one month deadline.

Anyway, Kinji won’t be able to target Kasumi-nee anyway. He gives it a shot, but even while studying, Kasumi manages to uses Ninjutsu to keep him at bay. They tell Kinji to go fight Takaharu and Yakumo instead.

Takaharu and Yakumo are out looking for the Sky OtomoNin. Kinji arrives, but sees they’re busy too, so he can’t challenge them today either.

Meanwhile, Masakage has summoned Youkai Futakuchi Onna to turn one of the OtomoNin into their ally. She is sure her negotiation skill will easily get the job done, but she also suggests that she can make the ninjas betray…

Masakage points his staff right at her face and says she has no right to express her own opinion to him. She apologizes and kneels. He tells her a lowly Youkai like her will be easily dispatched if she fails.

Kinji gets a Youkai alert and decides to hurry over. He tells Rodeomaru he can head back for now.

Rodeomaru speeds off, but Futakuchi Onna approaches him and tries to sweet talk him.

Kinji meets the others at the location the Youkai was detected at, but they find nothing.

Masakage mispronounces her name again, but Kyuuemon follows orders and summons a Gashadokuro with eyebrows. Kinji is excited to have another Youkai to add to his collection and he henges.

Kinji summons Rodeomaru, but he doesn’t arrive. The others henge and hop into ShurikenJin.

While the cousins fight off the Gashadokuro, Rodeomaru finally appears. But he is now accompanied by Futakuchi Onna who introduces herself as Rodeomaru’s attorney. She tells Kinji that Rodeomaru wants to enter negotiations as he is not happy with the working conditions and lack of compensation.

Rodeomaru has put his thumbprint on a contract allowing Futakuchi Onna to negotiate on his behalf. But Kinji doesn’t believe Rodeomaru would ever do such a thing.

Rodeomaru-san starts attacking ShurikenJin. They see Futakuchi Onna is trying to get Kinji to also sign a contract. Takaharu tells Kasumi and Yakumo to save Kinji while he goes fight off Rodeomaru with Shinobimaru. He tosses Nagi the UFOmaru and Paonmaru Shurikens so he and Fuuka can take care of the Gashadokuro.

Futakuchi Onna hands Kinji the contract to sign, but Kasumi and Yakumo arrive to stop him. They will act as his attorneys and negotiate for him since he is too easily persuaded.

Very well, Futakuchi Onna says. She zaps them into a conference room where they can negotiate. Kasumi uses a Beautiful Attorney Ninpou to dress the part.

Futakuchi Onna says there will be no fighting and only talking in this room. She is determined to win to prove herself to Masakage.

Kiniji asks Kasumi if they can actually win this. She has no. But they will not lose either.

Nagi and Fuuka use Cloning Technique to help them maneuver ShurikenJin Paon and ShurikenJin UFO better. But Rodeomaru is beating down Takaharu and Shinobimaru.

Kinji can’t take it anymore so he puts his thumbprint on the contract which puts him under Youkai control. He attacks Yakumo as Futakuchi Onna presents another contract for them to sign.

Nagi and Fuuka manage to take care of the Gashadokuro, but Rodeomaru flips Shinobimaru over and turns his attention to them. Rodeomaru forces ShurikenJin UFO to split apart.

Rodeomaru starts shooting at buildings all over the city and Masakage tells Juubei Kyuuemon to summon another Gashadokuro. Nagi, Fuuka and all the OtomoNin return to help fight.

Yakumo offers to give his thumbprint, but Kasumi says he should not. Does she have another plan? Nope. In fact, she gives up. Futakuchi Onna is just too good.

Kasumi winks to Yakumo and he plays along. They try buttering Futakuchi Onna up and she remembers how much Masakage disregards her. Kasumi says she should not stand for that, not as a Youkai or as a woman.

Futakuchi Onna should be able to spread her wings and fly to sky!

Futakuchi Onna is convinced. She will not kneel at Masakage’s feet no more. She takes the contracts and rips them in half.

When Kinji and Rodeomaru are back to normal, Kasumi reveals to Futakuchi Onna that she was only using Flattery no Jutsu. Kasumi henges and stabs Futakuchi Onna in the shoulder, releasing them from the conference room.

Kinji hops back onto Rodeomaru and they go Bison King to fight the Gashadokuro.

The Ninningers do a roll call before Kasumi leads everyone to take care of Futakuchi Onna.

After Kinji finishes off the Gashadokuro, Kyuuemon approaches him and asks for a chat. Kinji says he wants to ask her why she betrayed Last Ninja-sama. Kyuuemon says he was afraid of leaving the Finishing Shuriken of the End to her, a non-Igasaki. From her perspective, Grandpa betrayed her first.

So why doesn’t Kinji become her pupil instead. Together, they can take the Finishing Shuriken of the End themselves. How does she know he wants it? She tells him to think about it.

The cousins find Kinji who apologizes for causing trouble again. They say it’s okay.

They compliment Kasumi for being awesome. Nagi calls her the ‘secret boss’ of the dojomanse.

They head home as Kinji thinks about the offer.

Episode Thoughts

I think overall this was an okay episode. Best part was definitely Kasumi being awesome. But then again, her being awesome came at the expense of Futakuchi Onna.

I always hate when they make sympathetic MOTW. Futakuchi Onna was being brushed off because she’s a lowly woman and what does Kasumi do? Exploit that and kill her. Oops. Kasumi was great, but eek, not really a girl power/female empowerment episode. It was almost a little uncomfortable at the end lol

But I did like seeing that maybe Kinji still has more secrets we don’t know about. And seeing Nagi and Fuuka working ShurikenJin on their own was good too.

Should be interesting to see the Kyuuemon story play out.

The Ninningers have just taken care of Jukkarages, but no Youkai. They decide to head home in the meantime. But Fuuka tells Takaharu they should go shopping for a Father’s Day gift.

They split up with their cousins who head home instead. But Masakage has initiated a plan to have the Jukkarage follow the Ninningers to their secret base.

The Jukkarages tail the Ninningers, but they all have no problem sensing them and taking care of them.

Kyuuemon tells Masakage that it doesn’t look to be as easy as they thought. But Masakage says this was only the beginning. It’ll actually be someone else who leads them to the Ninninger base.

The cousins head home and tell Father about being followed. But it’s okay since being aware of their surroundings is basic ninja stuff. Father compliments them on becoming fine ninjas and being able to do what he couldn’t.

Father remembers the regrets he had when training. Fuuka sees him thinking, but he says it’s nothing. Anyway, he has to go to the supermarket as they’re having a big sale today. Kinji pops in as Father leaves.

On the way, Father drops his fountain pen which Masakage picks up and attaches a Sealing Shuriken to create Youkai Kasabake.

Kasabake makes it rain. And the Gamagamajus and cheeseburger detect it.

Father finishes his shopping and sees there is a basket of free umbrellas to borrow. He takes one and heads home, but the umbrella is actually Kasabake.

He runs into the kids who tell him about a Youkai being detected. He tells them to be careful as the hurry off. But Kinji sees the footprints abruptly stop here at the supermarket. They see the umbrella basket and realize…

The rain has stopped and Father folds the Kasabake umbrella up. He realizes he’s dropped his pen so he decides to head back before arriving home. Takaharu comes running up to him, grabs the umbrella and tosses it aside.

Kasabake is back in his original form. Fuuka tells her father to hurry home.

Kinji takes a selfie with Kasabake before he retreats.

Back at the dojomanse, Father apologizes for having no idea the umbrella was a Youkai. But the cousins say it’s okay. They just have to be on guard for now.

Later, Takaharu and Fuuka sit with their father who is really upset with himself. They say it’s okay that he didn’t know since he’s not a ninja.

Father tells them how he was called a ninja genius when he was younger. He also wanted to inherit the Last Ninja title, so he trained very hard. But when he was around Fuuka’s age, he lost his ability to perform Ninjutsu.

He shows them by trying a Tornado Technique. But all he can manage is a slight breeze. He also looked up to Grandpa as a great Last Ninja, but that doesn’t really help. So he gave up.

Fuuka asks if he regrets giving it up, but he doesn’t know. If he did inherit the Last Ninja title, then the kids wouldn’t have to go through all this trouble. Takaharu says he would’ve become a great ninja regardless. Plus, it would be hot to have three generations of hot ninjas.

Kinji is listening to the conversation from around the corner.

Anyway, Takaharu has an idea. Father can still become an awesome ninja.

Father heads back to the supermarket. And as he goes home, Kasabake and Jukkarages again follow.

This time, Father faces them and uses some Ninjutsu, courtesy of the kids. Kasabake is shocked Father can use Jinjutsu too.

Father whips his clothes off to reveal his own uniform. Kasabake follows him and thinks he’s got him cornered. But Kasabake gets stuck and Kinji uses Wind Technique to whisk Father home.

Kasabake thinks he’s finally found their secret base. But actually, this is just an illusion and they’re at the quarry.

Father excitedly gets into being Super Ninja. The cousins and Kinji join him and tell Kasabake there’s no use tailing them.

Takaharu and Fuuka tell Father they’ll take it from here. They all henge and roll call.

But Kasabake squirts ink bombs at them and attaches word bombs.

Father sees they are in trouble and hurries down to help them. He stands in front of Kasabake and tries to unleash a Tornado Technique. But again, it doesn’t work.

Takaharu takes the hit when Kasabake fires a shot at Father. Takaharu and Fuuka tell their father to stay back and run to safety as the cousins and Kinji absorb more attacks.

“Is my role just to be protected,” Father asks himself. He sees his children and niece and nephews fall to the ground. Takaharu again tells him to run.

But Father stops. “I am also a descendant of the Last Ninja!”

He turns, plants his feet and unleashes a huge Tornado Technique as Kasabake is floating in the air.

The cousins are surprised, but maybe not as much as Father is himself. He can now do Ninjutsu!

Kasabake returns as Father suggests they combine their powers. He unleashes another tornado and Takaharu hitches a ride to deliver a Ninja Flash finisher to finish off the Youkai’s first life.

Kyuuemon embiggens Kasabake and the Ninningers hop into ShurikenJin and Bison King.

Fuuka suggests they use UFOmaru and later combine into King ShurikenJin to unleash a King finisher.

Back at the dojomanse, Father tries to use the Tornado Technique again, but instead, it’s back to slight breezes. He wonders why. Kinji suggests it was because of his deep feelings for his family that helped.

Takaharu and Fuuka thank their father and give him his Father’s Day present, a brand new fountain pen. They joke that he better not drop it or it’ll turn into a Youkai again.

Father says he’s going shopping and Fuuka and Takaharu join him.

Episode Thoughts

I loved this episode! Father finally gets some good material and some actually good scenes between him and his kids. The last time we had a Father-son/daughter moment on the show, Fuuka was running away from him like he was some creepy old man. Not a good look at all.

Thankfully, this was a proper Father’s Day episode that helped develop Father’s character more as well as give more depth to Takaharu and Fuuka’s relationship with their dad.

I was hoping and hoping and hoping that Father really had Ninjutsu and it wasn’t Grandpa or something doing it for him. I was afraid they were going to pull the rug out from under him again even after he unleashed that tornado at the end. But I’m glad it really was him and it was used to highlight just how strong a love for your family really is. It’s a great lesson for the kiddies of course. But it can also make for great story, especially on this season.

Again, I hope they really delve into the family dynamics a lot more with all the characters. It’s a great theme and very fresh for Sentai. (Especially for me since I never saw Magiranger.)

Kasabake had a great design! A fountain pen, octopus, umbrella. Very creative. The monster designs for ToQger and now Ninninger have been on point.

So overall, one of my favorite episodes of Ninninger so far.

Fuuka comes into the living room, banging a pan to tell Kinji, Takaharu and Yakumo that it’s time to call it day for killing each other. Takaharu and Yakumo notice Kinji is a little off today. He thinks about Grandpa’s nearing deadline and tells everyone he’ll see them tomorrow.

As Yakumo undoes the spell he put on Uncle, Nagi sees Kinji’s book and photo on the floor.

He and Fuuka know the photo must mean a lot to Kinji after what happened to his father and brother. Nagi hurries to try and catch up to Kinji.

Nagi sees Kinji looking at the calendar and overhears him saying tomorrow is the deadline. Nagi heads back home and tells the others.

They wish they could do something to help.

Meanwhile, Kyuuemon visits Kinji and asks if he has an answer for her. But he has another question for her first. Does she know the true power of the Finishing Shuriken of the End?

Of course, she replies. It has the ability to end the world and create a new one. She also reminds Kinji that as a non-Igasaki, Grandpa would never give him neither the Last Ninja title nor the Finishing Shuriken of the End.

He asks her for one more day to make his decision and she obliges.

Next morning, Nagi and Takaharu are awake first and see they both are dressed and ready to duel Kinji, complete with invitations.

Kasumi and Fuuka are also dressed and have duel invitations, but try to hide them. Though worse at hiding their intention is Yakumo who is dressed and has his invitation popping out of his butt.

Over by the water, Masakage is telling Kyuuemon about finding a way to give rise to a Youkai without alerting the Ninningers’ froggy gadgets, especially as he has a new project.

Masakage creates a force field and attaches a Sealing Shuriken to a rubber boat to create Youkai Umibouzu. The Gamagama-jus don’t react and the Ninningers continue waiting for Kinji.

Masakage tells Umibouzu to create a lot of fear so the shiny ninja can appear. Umibouzu understands and creates some sort of clouded portal in the ocean. That alerts Kinji on his burger and he hurries over instead of heading to the dojomanse.

At the ocean, people are walking into the water toward the cloud portals Umibouzu uses to recreate the scariest moments and fears of people. But Kinji arrives and uses Wind Technique to snap the people out of it and get to safety.

Kinji takes a selfie with Umibouzu and henges.

They fight, but Umibouzu activates the memory mirage. Kinji sees a wolf-like Youkai and his father and brother. He heads into the mirages.

The Ninningers wonder where Kinji could be since he should already be at the dojomanse by now. Suddenly, Father comes in to tell them there’s a Youkai in town!

Kinji reaches his father and brother who run off after acknowledging him. He runs after them.

The Ninningers see Kinji in the mirage. And without a plan, Kasumi says they should just storm in. She asks Takaharu to go first.

Once inside, Takaharu sees boxes and tables of peppers. Kasumi now understands the mirage manifests one’s worst fears. She and the others use Power of Persuasion no Jutsu to help Takaharu overcome his fear.

Kasumi suggests Takaharu can eat pepper steak at least. It appears in front of him and he begins to eat. He likes it!

They continue forward and find Kinji.

Kinji’s father and brother appear again and tell him to stay here. They will protect him. But Kinji calls out to them not to go. He starts to run after them, but Takaharu stops him and tries to get him to understand this is just an illusion.

Suddenly, father and brother Reiji collapse in front of them. This is Kinji’s worst memory. They gave their lives to protect him. That painful memory has held him back and caused him to be easily swayed which makes him unfit to be Grandpa’s pupil.

The cousins say they must help him be more resolute then. Takaharu says once you go for the Last Ninja title, you never give up.

They all show Kinji their duel invitations. Kasumi says it’s true they are all fighting for the same Last Ninja title, but she knows that will only help raise each other up.

Takaharu says they should defeat this Youkai and then they can fight until they can’t any longer.

Kinji is grateful for their support.

They use Wind and Fire Technique together to get themselves out of the mirage and henge. They quickly take care of Umibouzu’s first life.

The Sealing Shuriken burns Takaharu’s butt as it becomes a Wave Shuriken. Kinji says their acceptance of him must have raised their Nintality.

As Umibouzu embiggens, the Ninningers hop into ShurikenJin and Takaharu uses the new Shuriken.

Out of the ocean comes a new OtomoNin, Surfermaru!

Kinji asks if he can borrow for a little bit. He hops on Surfermaru which can switch between a shark submarine and a surfer on a surfboard.

They all combine to form ShurikenJin Surfer. The cousins tell Takaharu to get off and let Kinji sit in the center for once. He leads them in a Surfer Riding Slash that finishes off Umibouzu.

Afterwards, Takaharu and Kinji duel on the beach. But Grandpa interrupts. He tells Kinji that the deadline ended yesterday and he must give up. Huh?! Apparently, Kinji was still on American time.

Grandpa gifts Surfermaru to him and tells him to return to the States to find his own path.

The cousins and Kin-chan bid farewell to each other. Kinji hops into Surfermaru and they speed off to the US.

The cousins ask Grandpa why he is so opposed to taking on a pupil. He admits to them that Kyuuemon used to be his pupil and that teaching her was a mistake. Since then, he’s never taken another one on.

Episode Thoughts

Finishing Shuriken of the End can end one world and create another? People will be fighting over it and only one can inherit it?! So Ninninger is going to turn into Gaim!?!?!

Actually, I wouldn’t mind that happening. Hehe. Gaim of course started out all goofy and light and basically only about dancing teens. And then everything went downhill from there. (For the characters I mean! lol) I would be shocked, but very happy if Ninninger throws that kind of curveball here.

I mean, the premises would be very similar, but it would be interesting to see it on a Sentai. I know many people commented on how Gen Urobuchi should do a Sentai season next. (Or, that the Queen, Ms. Yasuko Kobayashi already is Sentai’s Urobuchi, hehe)

The dynamics here would be very different, especially since they’ve really been playing up the family theme to great effect so far.

The cousins receive a postcard from Kinji who is vacationing in Hawaii. Takaharu kinda misses fighting with him while Nagi regrets not being able to return his book and photo.

Takaharu sees Kasumi looking through a gardening magazine. She says it’s probably Yakumo’s since England is famous for its gardens.

Suddenly, the Gamagama-jus ribbit.

Youkai Otoroshi has popped up. Right in front of Yakumo.

The Ninningers hurry over and find Yakumo already fighting the Youkai. They join in, but Yakumo calls over to them to wait. Too late though as Otoroshi shoots at Takaharu who falls under the Youkai’s control.

Otoroshi orders Takaharu to get rid of the Ninningers and he fights Nagi, Fuuka and Kasumi. Fuuka tries getting her brother to snap out of it, but he doesn’t. That is, until he just faints. Otoroshi realizes his power isn’t at full force yet so he decides to send another shot, this time at Fuuka.

Before Fuuka can finish them off, she collapses too.

Otoroshi leaves as Yakumo joins his cousins. He looks at Otoroshi and calls out “Carly.” Kasumi notices Yakumo is not himself.

Back at the dojomanse, the cousins go over what they know about the Youkai; the power to control can only last a short time and Otoroshi can only control one person at a time.

Kasumi comes up with a plan. First, a pawn will get hit by Otoroshi before Takaharu steps in to fight the pawn one-on-one. Kasumi is sure Takaharu won’t lose. The remaining three will then take care of Otoroshi.

Yakumo volunteers to be the pawn. The others wonder about his eagerness.

Otoroshi is wreaking havoc downtown as the Ninningers arrive. They begin their plan as Yakumo run towards Otoroshi only to get hit and fall under his control. Takaharu does his part to face off against Yakumo while the other three fight Otoroshi.

Yakumo knees Takaharu in the balls before going to help Otoroshi. Kasumi has a new plan. Once the time runs out on Yakumo, they all attack at once.

Yakumo falls to the ground and the cousins fire at Otoroshi. But Yakumo gets back up and blocks the shot. The Ninningers are shocked. Otoroshi is happy he can finally control people longer now.

Yakumo fights his cousins before making his exit. But Takaharu notices something off.

Masakage meets with Otoroshi and is pleased with his progress. He tells Yakumo he’s counting on him.

Back at the dojomanse, Takaharu says he felt like Yakumo wasn’t fighting for real earlier. Indeed, Kasumi adds. When Takaharu and Fuuka were being controlled, they were merciless. But Yakumo did not seem to be.

Fuuka and Nagi think maybe he’s pretending so Otoroshi won’t hit another one of them thanks to the limitation. But Kasumi thinks there’s something else. She looks at Yakumo’s gardening magazine.

Across town, Yakumo is giving Otoroshi a massage. He cuts his finger on something, but continues massaging. He sees his name marked on the Youkai.

Next day, the Ninningers go to confront Otoroshi with another plan. Takaharu comes out first and lures Yakumo out. They fight as the others watch from around the corner.

Away from Otoroshi, Takaharu directly asks Yakumo if he’s just putting on an act, but Yakumo doesn’t confirm nor deny. He says he will protect Carly… ”
I mean, Otoroshi-sama!”

That clues Kasumi in to the truth. She looks up at Otoroshi and uses a telescope to see Yakumo’s name on his body. She remembers seeing a lawn mower on the magazine cover. That’s it!

Kasumi runs out and stops Yakumo from slashing at Takaharu. She bluntly tells Yakumo that he’s not under control and that the Youkai was created from his lawn mower. Right?

Yakumo admits it.

“Carly,” aka ShibaShibaCarly is the lawn mower advertised on the magazine and one that Yakumo owns.

Yakumo runs and asks his neechan to stop. They all follow him.

Kasumi believes a Sealing Shuriken happened to hit his lawn mower earlier which explains how he got there so fast to first fight it. But the lawn mower must be very important in some other way.

Yakumo explains that the lawn mower was a gift from his Mommy for entering high school.

“The lawn mower is a sign of British pride!”
“But Yakkun isn’t even British.”

Yakumo apologizes for pretending to be under Otoroshi’s control just to find a way to save Carly. He is conflicted about what is more important now.

Yakumo runs out and decides to face Otoroshi head on. He henges and shoots at Otoroshi.

The others henge and take care of Jukkarages before Yakumo deflects Otoroshi’s shot onto himself. Yakumo then delivers the final blow to Otoroshi as he says goodbye to his lawn mower.

Otoroshi immediately embiggens and the Ninningers hop into Shurikenjin Drago. They have to switch to Shurikenjin UFO. But both times, Otoroshi jams the controls.

Nagi suggests they use Surfermaru. Too bad he and Kinji are…

WAIT! Takaharu actually forgot to give Kinji the Shuriken. He uses it and it immediately summons Surfermaru with Kinji inside.

Kinji has no idea what’s going on or why he’s back in Japan. Takaharu initiates Shurikenjin Surfer and Kinji joins them in the cockpit.

Yakumo asks Kinji if he knows how to separate a Youkai from an object. Kinji says to aim right at the Sealing Shuriken. Yakumo remembers feeling the Shuriken when massaging Otoroshi so they aim for it with a Surfer Slash. Carly is saved!

Yakumo happily mows the lawn then lets Takaharu have a go.

Kinji says goodbye so he can head back to his own country again. But the cousins stop him. They offer to ask Grandpa together to allow him to be a pupil.

Kinji is very grateful for their kindness.

Episode Thoughts

An amusing episode. So Yakumo is an easy, lawn mowing Harry Potter. Interesting character lol

But it was a solid filler episode. I wouldn’t say it was a good Yakumo focus since we really didn’t learn more about him other than being proud to be British, but I think we got that point already before.

Then there’s Kinji who ends up returning anyway (in a very convenient fashion of course lol) which makes the deadline and last week’s goodbye mean nothing. Oh well.

Still, it was an enjoyably amusing episode. Maybe not one I’d immediately go rewatch, but good enough.

The cousins beg their grandfather to take on Kinji as a student, but he repeats that he doesn’t want another Kyuuemon. Takaharu says Kinji isn’t like Kyuuemon at all.

Grandpa says how dare they argue with him. If they want to argue with the Last Ninja, they must surpass him, even a little, first. He poofs away.

Kasumi says they’ll just have to find some way to surpass Grandpa. But Yakumo questions if there’s even one aspect they’re close to surpassing him with.

Kinji has been listening to everything and he leaves to meet Kyuuemon. Kyuuemon is expecting him to join her, but instead Kinji henges and fights her. He says he was a fool for even considering to work with her. Even if he will not be taken in as a student, he will never work with the enemies of the Igasaki clan.

Kyuuemon says that’s disappointing. She says Kinji thinks too highly of the Last Ninja. She wasn’t the only one who betrayed the Last Ninja. One of the OtomoNin he himself created abandoned him as well, the Sky OtomoNin.

Kyuuemon returns to their dark lair where Masakage asks puddleKibaoni for help to bring a Youkai to life. But it isn’t just any Yokai. Youkai Nue is a Joukyuu Yokai, created with two Sealing Shurikens.

The Ninningers hurry downtown where Nue is rampaging. They henge and try attacking together. But Nue blocks all their attacks. He turns to Yakumo and Kasumi, destroys their Shurikens and forces them to dehenge.

Takaharu tries his hand, but Nue chops his Ichibantou in half and slams him into the wall, forcing him to dehenge as well.

Nue then moves on to Nagi to bend his sword and destroy his Nin Shuriken. Nue sends a blast toward Nagi, Fuuka and Kinji. Kasumi quickly summons Byunmaru to whisk them away for now.

The Ninningers look at the two broken Ichibantou and three Shurikens. They ask Kasumi if she can fix them, but she says this is more than she is capable of. Kinji suggests they ask engineer Saika Tetsunosuke to do the repairs.

Kinji explains that it was Saika Tetsunosuke who planned and built the OtomoNin with Grandpa. He’s the finest engineer around. Kinji had asked him to put Rodeomaru together.

Maybe he knows about the Sky OtomoNin too? The Sky OtomoNin is the one the Last Ninja failed to tame. Yakumo remembers when Grandpa asked them to find and tame it.

Fuuka wonders if that info is in the book, but Kinji says he just heard it somewhere.

The Ninningers decide to go find Tetsunosuke at Shishi Shrine. They wonder what kind of a person he could be, but Kinji says he only made his request by e-mail.

On the way up the mountain, they run into a strange, drunk old man. Takaharu asks if he can point them to Shishi Shrine. But the old man is standoffish. Except when he sees the two pretty ladies. He says he’ll tell them where the shrine is if the ladies pour a drink for him.

“Don’t say that!” Yakumo exclaims, this old man is being rude.

Nagi offers an onigiri instead and the old man points them past the ridge.

The Ninningers arrive and are greeted by a young boy who is sweeping the area. They ask for the engineer, but suddenly the old man from earlier appears.

“Drinking in the middle of the day again? Real mature.”

The old man tells the boy to go do busywork elsewhere while he deals with these guys.

The Ninningers say they would like to ask the engineer to repair their things. The things which the old man suddenly has in his hands! He runs off and they follow.

Kinji points to a sign taped onto Takaharu’s back telling him to Look up. As Takaharu looks up, the old man jumps down on top of him. He tumbles away, but Kasumi tries stopping him with Cloning Technique.

Yakumo tries to use his magic to freeze the old man in his place, but instead, he hits Kasumi. Oops.

The old man says Yakumo and Kasumi are smart, but they got beat because they didn’t study how he moved first. Takaharu gives it a shot, but the old man farts in his face. He says Takaharu is strong and talented, but that’s it.

The old man moves on to the other three. He trips up Kinji and tells him his basics are good, but he’s not used to fighting in a team. And that he’s too wishy-washy.

As for Nagi and Fuuka, they are clever and skilled, but they rely on their elders too much.

None of them are real ninjas. They rely too much on their Ichibantou and OtomoNin. He tosses the swords and Shurikens aside.

They wonder if he is also a ninja or if he’s Saika Tetsunosuke. But the old man says instead of trying to figure that out, they should deal with their guest.

Nue appears, complete with an introduction from Kibaoni. He embiggens on his own and brings two Gashadokuro with him.

With Takaharu and Nagi’s Ichibantou and Dumpmaru Shuriken still out of commission, the others must make do with what they have, which means no gattai.

The four henge and hop into their OtomoNin.

Takaharu and Nagi try to find their Ichibantou, but they are surprised when the young boy from earlier has them.

Good as new!

The old man asks why the kid would do such a thing. “It’s none of your business though, isn’t it?”

Nagi realizes who the boy really is.

He introduces himself as Saika Tetsunosuke the 22nd.

Takaharu and Nagi quickly henge and join the others into King ShurikenJin.

Takaharu wants them to do a roll call in the cockpit before starting.

They unleash an Unprecedented King Slash Strike at the two Gashadokuros and turn their attention to Nue.

But Nue forces them to separate and attacks each one of them. Takaharu and Kinki get tossed off Shinobimaru and Rodeomaru.

Back at the Shrine, Tetsunosuke says he’s done what he can. Now it’s up to the old man.

“Oh well, I have to repay them for the onigiri at least”

The old man turns into a ball of light and hops onto something at the top of a mountain. It’s a lion! Could this be the Sky OtomoNin?!

The Sky OtomoNin freezes Nue in his place and starts firing. But Nue manages to disappear. The Sky OtomoNin returns to where it came from.

The Ninningers follow it back to the Shrine and are surprised to see the old man appear.

He introduces himself as Shishio. He is what they call the Sky OtomoNin, the Lion Ha-Oh. And he is its spirit.

Shishio asks what they would do if they were able to tame him. Takaharu confidently answers that he would become the Last Ninja and protect the world from Kibaoni.

Takaharu asks him to join them, but Shishio remembers Grandpa saying the same exact things. Like he did before, he must refuse again. He poofs away.

Episode Thoughts

So I didn’t really know where this episode was going in the beginning. The crazy drunk creeper hitting on young girls and farting in people’s faces. Umm… okay.

But I think it did work well to pull the two “twists” with regards to Tetsunosuke and Shishio’s true identities. It’s always interesting when we have young people on the shows who are sometimes more skilled or smarter than the older and even main heroes. So I’m looking forward to seeing more of Tetsunosuke and hope it’s not just for this mini-arc.

With Shishio, it should be interesting to see where he goes from here and if he has to pop up every time they summon the Lion Ha-Oh.

But with regards to Shishio, it reminded me of how Grandpa’s story is basically just one blank slate and they continue to just add random revelations to fill out his backstory. Usually, I enjoy unraveling the pieces like that. Or peeling the layers off piece by piece. But with Grandpa and the whole Last Ninja’s stuff, it just feels so tacked on. I’m much more interested in almost everything else with this season. I don’t even care about who the Last Ninja will be (especially since it’ll likely be Takaharu anyway).

But thankfully there are other things that I can enjoy and love about this season.

Shishioh is drinking, remembering when Grandpa asked him to silently obey him as the Last Ninja. But Shishioh wants to rampage and says the Otomo Nin are not just pawns.

Shishioh asks Tetsunosuke why he fixed the Ninningers things and he says it’s his right.

The Ninningers arrive and Shishioh leaves. They ask Tetsunosuke about the Otomo Nin, but he says it was father who worked with the Last Ninja to create them.

He explains that his father and the Last Ninja also built Shishioh for the final battle against Kibaoni. But he gave Tetsunosuke 21 trouble because he didn’t get along with Grandpa. Shishioh must feel sorry for that and decided to watch over Tetsunosuke 22 until he becomes a full-fledged engineer.

Tetsunosuke says it’s no use trying to tame Shishioh. Takaharu asks why. Tetsunosuke asks him to take out his Ichibantou to find out.

Tetsunosuke grabs the Ichibantou just as an upgraded Nue arrives with Jukkarage.

The others hurry off. Takaharu asks for his Ichibantou back, but Tetsunosuke tosses shurikens at him. Takaharu manages to escape them.

Tetsunosuke says Takaharu’s strength and energy are more like wild instinct than a trained shinobi. An “animal instinct” perhaps. Takaharu admits that while he’s been at this ninja thing longer than the others, he’s not as smart as them.

Tetsunosuke asks Takaharu what he would do if he tamed Lion Ha-oh. Takaharu repeats that he would become the Last Ninja and defeat Kibaoni. Tetsunosuke says that’s exactly the answer Shishioh does not want to hear.

Tetsunosuke asks Takaharu what he can do for his comrades. Takaharu’s not sure. Tetsunosuke bops him on the head with the sword.

The others, meanwhile, face off against Nue and the Jukkarages. Shishioh watches.

Takaharu chases Tetsunosuke to a cliff overlooking where the others are fighting. Tetsunosuke stops Takaharu from going to help and tells him to calm down and first observe his comrades.

Takaharu sees Yakumo and Kasumi are being reckless, Kinji isn’t being a team player and Fuuka and Nagi aren’t acting flighty enough. Tetsunosuke reminds him that those were the same observations Shishioh had.

Takaharu sees it now. Yakumo and Kasumi are smart, Fuuka and Nagi are fast and Kinji is strong. That all allows Takaharu to freely rampage. And when they’re a team, they can rampage together and be stronger for it!

Tetsunosuke asks again, what can Takaharu do for his comrades? Takaharu says he can bring out the best in them, but they must work as a team. That includes Shishioh who will allow them all to be stronger if he can rampage as well.

If Shishioh can draw out their strengths, they can draw out his best too.

Tetsunosuke likes that answer. He tosses Takaharu his Ichibantou. And just in time too as Nue has just about pinned the others on their backs.

As the Ninningers work together, Tetsunosuke tells Shishioh that there is finally someone who can master using him. Tetsunosuke knows Shishioh has been waiting for someone to allow him to rampage. Well, he’s here.

Tetsunosuke pulls out his first creation. He says his job is to improve upon his predecessor’s masterpieces. So now it’s time Shishioh managed to do that.

Shishioh jumps into the gadget and Tetsunosuke tosses it to Takaharu.

Shishoh talks to Takaharu and asks what he would do if he could tame him. Takaharu says instead of taming him, they can rampage together.

Shishioh activates himself and Takaharu transcendentally powers up to Chozetsu. He is now able to throw Nue around. The others do what they can to help as well.

Takaharu finally unleashes a Transcendental Shooting Star Slash to finish off Nue’s first life.

Kyuuemon quickly embiggens Nue. Takaharu summons Lion Ha-Oh Castle which turns into Lion Ha-Oh, Shishioh’s true form.

Takaharu and Lion Ha-Oh easily take care of Nue.

The Ninningers head home. They realize Nue had two Shurikens in him which is why he was so strong.

Tetsunosuke is with Grandpa, telling him that both he and Lion Ha-Oh can rampage as much as they want. Now what to do with the kids? Grandpa says that’s a whole other problem.

But Tetsunosuke says it’s not like the Last Ninja to be so bothered by his failure with Iyazoi Kyuuemon. Isn’t there a saying that if you love your grandchildren, you’ll let them go? Grandpa points out the saying refers to one’s own child. But Tetsunosuke knows he gets the point.

Grandpa approaches his grandchildren and tells them that he acknowledges they’ve surpassed him, just a little. He now sees they have potential that he does not.

With that, he will now allow Kinji to be his student apprentice.

Meanwhile, Kyuuemon says she has to act now, even if it’s ahead of schedule.

Episode Thoughts

This was a solid episode. A good build-up to Chozetsu, including last week.

It was basically another episode though reaffirming that they need to work as a team. Or really, reminding Takaharu that they need to work as a team. We’ve already had several of the same episodes. But now I’m hoping that they’re driving home the point that it won’t be one, singular Last Ninja that will save the world, but them together as a team will. (I hope!)

My favorite part though was the unmorphed fight of the five against the Jukkarages. That was awesome! I always love seeing the actors themselves in fight scenes. And it was some great choreography.

Takaharu and Tetsunosuke were great fun as well.

Grandpa has officially welcomed Kinji as an apprentice student and he decides to be their teacher for today. He tells them the Ninpou they’ve used so far has been just the basics and that they’ll need to learn more advanced techniques now. But since Kinji is not up to their level yet, they must all review the basics.

While Kyuuemon has revived Lady Ariake no Kata, the Ninningers try helping Kinji along. But he says he will learn the basics on his own instead.

Kinji heads to the park. He sees a little boy is working hard at training as well (pitching, in his case) and that motivates him. But Kinji still has trouble.

The cousins follow him to the park. They know Kinji taught himself thunder and wind techniques, which are much more advanced, thus making it a little hard for him to try the simpler ones.

The Ninningers see two boys teasing the little pitcher, but he says it doesn’t bother him since his dream is to be a pro player some day. He tells Kinji they should both do their best.

A sealing shuriken has attached to a woman’s purse to create Youkai Baku who eats up people’s dreams.

Baku heads to the park where he attempts to eat the little boy’s dream of becoming a pro. Takaharu tries to block the attack, but instead both he and the boy’s dreams get eaten. For Takaharu, it is his dream of becoming Last Ninja.

Takaharu tosses his Ichibantou and dehenges, no longer interested in being a ninja. The little boy also tosses his glove, ball and cap, no longer interested in baseball.

Ariake no Kata introduces herself as Kibaoni Gengetsu’s wife before ordering Baku to gather more fear.

In the meantime, the Ninningers have brought Takaharu and the little boy back to the dojomanse. Takaharu is in just his boxers and tells everyone he’s looking for a new job.

Kinji tries to encourage the little boy who insists he doesn’t care about baseball anymore.

Takaharu says he’s found the perfect job in the paper: no experience needed for guys who are muscular and don’t think.

But Kinji is determined to stop the Youkai from taking people’s dreams. He won’t stand for it. The others follow him with Nagi and Fuuka dragging Takaharu along.

They find Baku and henge. Except Takharu who says he doesn’t have to henge to fight.

Baku decides to use Takaharu’s dream to give the Jukkarage some ninja powers. They fight and easily take care of the Jukkarages.

Kinji has an idea. Seeing as how Baku uses the eaten dreams to battle, they get the Youkai to challenge them to baseball instead. Kinji hopes they can retrieve the boy’s baseball dream this way too.

Baku takes them to a baseball stadium.

Takaharu is excited about baseball. Yakumo waves his wand and gives him a uniform.

They start the game and it is clear early on that anything goes as Baku uses Youkai tricks to score. The Ninningers decide to fight fire with fire and use Ninjutsu as well.

But at the top of the 9th, Kibaoni Army is up 5 to 2. Full count. Bases loaded. Kinji, who has been pitching all game, decides to have the boy, Kitabeppu, take the mound instead.

Kinji persuades Kitabeppu to just give it a try and maybe his dream will return. Kinji says people with dreams are the strongest. Kitabeppu heads to the mound and manages to strike out Baku.

It’s the Ninningers’ turn. Bottom of the 9th. Bases loaded once again.

Takaharu is at the plate and the others tell him to henge and finish this.

Takaharu manages to hit a grand slam and everyone is zapped back to reality. Takaharu and Kitabeppu start feeling a little better.

Takaharu goes Chozetsu and the Ninningers quickly finish off Baku. That returns the dreams to Takaharu and Kitabeppu.

Ariake no Kata can’t believe this absurdity. She orders Masakage to do something so he signals Kyuuemon to embiggen Baku.

The Ninningers hop into ShurikenJin and Bison King.

Baku uses his dream-eating beam to take all the Ninningers’ dreams this time. Kinji attacks Baku and the dreams fly out of him and into balls which land at Kitabeppu’s feet. He pitches the red ball back to the Ninningers and Takaharu snaps out of it to summon Lion Ha-Oh Castle.

Takaharu jumps into Lion Ha-Oh and manages to block the dream-eating beam and deflect it back to Baku. That allows him to use a Lion Transcendental Slash to finish Baku off.

Everyone is back to normal.

Kinji and Kitabeppu motivate each other to follow their dreams.

Takaharu says they fight for their dreams, but also fight to protect everyone else’s too.

Episode Thoughts

A solid episode. Maybe filler, but it was fun enough. The baseball game was fun. And it was interesting to see Kinji still not be as ready to be in a team as one might expect. It’s good to point out and remind us that he’s taught himself everything he knows. So he may be a good fighter, but rough around the edges and not classically trained.

Ariake no Kata gives off a typical “wife” villain vibe. I hope there’s more to her, but I won’t be holding my breath.

Overall solid episode which I enjoyed.

Everyone’s at home. Fuuka has just given her oniichan a haircut when Father comes in with a package from Tetsunosuke.

He greets them and asks how Lion Ha-Oh is doing. He hopes they can handle him well. For their summer gift, he’s created a new Combine Nin Shuriken for them. It must be to allow Lion Ha-Oh to combine with their other mecha.

They quickly try it out as they fight a Gashadokuro. But nothing happens.

Ariake no Kata is upset her plan did not work and grabs Kyuuemon’s gourd from her to use for her wrinkles. Masakage tells her just summoning Gashadokuro is plain reckless. But she says she needs to remain beautiful to prepare for Kibaoni’s arrival. She orders Kyuuemon to gather 10x more fear.

The Ninningers wonder why they failed to combine. Grandpa says it’s Yakumo and Kinji’s fault. They must learn how to control Lion Ha-Oh the way Takaharu has.

They head out to the forest to try it out. But neither Kinji nor Yakumo can Chouzetsu. Lion Ha-Oh refuses. He instead wants to play with Kasumi who bats him away.

Lion Ha-Oh decides to attach himself to Fuuka.

Yakumo tells Lion Ha-Oh to stop messing around. But Lion Ha-Oh says he’s still stronger than them even when messing around.

Yakumo and Kinji try grabbing Lion Ha-Oh from Fuuka. Nagi points out that Yakumo always calls Kinji “Star.”

Kyuuemon attaches a Sealing Shuriken to a railroad crossing to create Youkai Nurikabe.

Nurikabe goes around creating literal walls to box people in using the “walls” they must overcome in their lives like getting good grades or getting parents’ approval for marriage.

The Ninningers arrive and fight off the Jukkarages. Yakumo and Kinji take on Nurikabe.

Ariake no Kata reintroduces herself before Nurikabe traps Yakumo and Kinji in a railroad crossing. The Youkai then walls them in. And their wall to overcome? Takaharu.

Yakumo tries to use a Vine Technique to lift him up over the wall, but “Takaharu” protrudes out of the wall to block him. Kinji uses Fire Technique, but the fires just bounces off the walls.

The others are still fighting Ariake no Kata and the Jukkarages. Takaharu wants to go Chouzetsu, but Yakumo still has it.

Yakumo and Kinji try anything they can to get out of the wall, but it’s no use. Lion Ha-Oh chimes in and calls them boring. Yakumo tells him to go hang out with Takaharu if he wants.

Lion Ha-Oh says fine, they are fast thinkers, but are too stiff.

That clues them in. Yakumo uses Puddle Technique and Kinji uses Wind Technique to soften the walls. Instead of overcoming the wall, all they need to do is go through it.

In other words, when the mess around, they are stronger! Lion Ha-Oh is having fun now.

Ariake no Kata has no problem fighting the Ninningers, but suddenly, Yakumo and Kinji pop out of the ground.

Ariake no Kata decides to leave. Lion Ha-Oh tells Yakumo and Kinji to use him now, but Yakumo says Takaharu should use him. They can use Lion Ha-Oh when they’ve properly surpassed Takaharu.

Takaharu goes Chozetsu as Yakumo and Kinji henge.

Yakumo and Kinji tell Takaharu to use them to finish off Nurikabe.

Takaharu uses Yakumo and Kinji as human shurikens before sending a transcendental slash.

Nurikabe embiggens. Takaharu hops into Lion Ha-Oh with the others in ShurikenJin and Bison King. Takaharu uses the new Change Nin Shuriken again, but just like earlier, nothing happens.

Yakumo and Kinji decide to spin Lion Ha-Oh’s body and that initiates the combination.

The Ninningers have now combined into Ha-Oh ShurikenJin.

With their huge new power, they are able to finish off Nurikabe for good.

Yakumo and Kinji say they still have a long way to go to be able to control Lion Ha-Oh, but they will certainly catch up to Takaharu, no prob.

Nagi points out that Yakumo has finally called Kinji by his name. Kasumi says this is another step in the right direction for their British-American alliance.

“Let’s do our best Yakki!” Kinji says. The others think “Yakki” is a great nickname. Yakumo doesn’t think so.

Episode Thoughts

It was an alright episode. Yakumo and Kinji’s “trial” to get the combination to work didn’t really make sense. It wasn’t even really necessary since apparently all they had to do was spin Lion Ha-Oh around to get the combination to work.

It also didn’t really do anything for Yakumo and Kinji’s relationship since it’s not like they refuse to work together or anything. They merely argue over how to pronounce “easy.” So Grandpa’s “It’s your fault” at the beginning of the episode made no sense.

It would’ve been much better if this was an episode that helped set up the others also being able to use Lion Ha-Oh and go Chozetsu. But there’s apparently no requirements to be able to do so. Only that Takaharu is better than everyone.

Hmm… okay.

Anyway, Nurikabe’s design is fascinating. So random and weird, which is the best kind of design. Ariaka no Kata also has an interesting personality. It’s a little mix of Canderilla and Poisandra. I do like that Masakage and Kyuuemon have a common pain in the butt now, it appears.

So, okay episode. Nothing too special, but not horrible even with some nonsensical plot points.

Takaharu is on fire.

Not in the usual sense though as it is actually hot out. Fuuka tells her oniichan to calm down because his fire screaming is only making things worse. That gives Kasumi an idea. She uses Water and Gold Technique together in a Joukyuu Shuriken Ninpou mix.

Takaharu is transported to the North Pole. But actually, Kasumi just tested out some advanced Ninpou she’s been studying. She just needs to figure out the timing.

Nagi asks Kasumi to teach him when she’s got it down. But Kasumi says Nagi shouldn’t rely on others all the time and that he must challenge himself to grow.

Nagi tells Kasumi-chan that he’ll make her eat those words someday.

Across town, Ariake no Kata is lounging at the park trying to cool off while Jukkarage are scaring children for some fear collection. The Ninningers arrive and fight them off.

Kasumi uses Yakumo’s head to launch her toward Ariake no Kata to whom she uses a mirror to heat her up even more and try to catch her off guard.

Kasumi tells Ariake no Kata to retreat if she thinks it’s too hot since the UV rays are bad for old ladies. Ariake no Kata says she will scare Kasumi until her hair stands on end and leaves.

The guys marvel at Kasumi being so awesome. Fuuka asks Kasumi if there’s anything she’s afraid of.

Kasumi whispers to Fuuka that she is afraid of ghosts. Nagi hears and gets an idea.

He tells the guys about putting together a Ninja Test of Bravery in which they’ll scare Kasumi. The guys are definitely interested in knocking Kasumi down a peg. Except Yakumo who himself is afraid of Kasumi-chan.

Yakumo says he’s not afraid. He’s in.

They all head to an abandoned high school on the pretense that there have been reports of a ghost and they must investigate to see if it may actually be a Youkai. Nagi says they should split to cover more ground.

Kasumi and Fuuka stick together while the guys dress up in scary costumes. A Jukkarage overhears and reports back to Ariake no Kata.

First up is Yakumo as a dead warrior who scares Fuuka and Kasumi up the stairs.

The ladies try to hide in a library where they meet Nagi as a ghost.

They run out and down the hall, but are met by cloned Kinji as zombies.

They turn and run the other way where they completely run past Takaharu dressed as a big red pepper.

The guys reveal themselves to Fuuka outside. Kinji asks which ghost was the scariest and she says the lady ghost was the most realistic.

Huh? None of them were lady ghosts.

Fuuka says she’s sure she saw it. Right Kasumi?

Kasumi is not with them. They wonder if there really was a lady ghost. None of them are willing to go in to look except for Takaharu.

Takaharu’s been gone for a long time. Kinji and a reluctant Yakumo head in next.

After a while, Nagi and Fuuka head screams so they head inside. They find a frozen Kasumi as well as frozen Takaharu, Yakumo and Kinji.

Nagi blames himself for this since it was all his idea. He begs for forgiveness, but Fuuka sees the real ghost is here. Fuuka pushes Nagi out of the way, but she gets hit on the shoulder with ice.

The lady ghost introduces herself as Youkai Yukionna. Ariake no Kata created her from a kakigori cart and ordered to scare the Ninningers, particularly the pink one.

Nagi and Fuuka henshin and take their fight with Yukionna to the gym.

Yukionna forces Fuuka to dehenge and freezes her. Nagi tries attacking with fire, but Yukionna just swats it away. She mocks him for his young naivety. Nagi remembers Kasumi telling him to not rely on others so he can grow.

Nagi uses a Fire and Earth Ninpou mix for a Desert no Jutsu.

Yukionna struggles in the desert setting as Nagi teases her with some kakigori. But Nagi slips on the sand and Yukionna stuffs the kakigori into her mouth. They’re back in the gym.

Nagi is frustrated that it didn’t work. Kasumi says he at least tried, so that’s a small victory.

Kasumi?! She pops up and says she actually used Substitution Technique and thanks Nagi for helping with some Youkai Bait Technique. This was all part of Kasumi’s plan after hearing Ariake no Kata’s threat to make her hair stand on end.

Nagi and Kasumi use a Flame Technique double mix to unfreeze the others and they all head outside.

They henshin and take on Yukionna and the just arrived Jukkarages. Takaharu goes Chozetsu and together, the Ninningers deliver a Super Flame Technique attack before Nagi uses a Flame, Gold and Wood Technique mix for a BBQ attack.

Takaharu, Nagi and Kasumi then deliver a Summer Slash to take care of small Yukionna.

Ariake no Kata orders Kyuuemon to embiggen Yukionna and the Ninningers hop into Lion Ha-Oh, ShurikenJin Drago and Bison King.

Yukionna blows ice at them and freezes them. Nagi says they should just relax and let it happen.

They all get trapped inside a cute summer snowman. Yukionna happily laughs, but it turns out the Ninningers have combined into Ha-Oh ShurikenJin Snowman!

They roll forward and finish off Yukionna for good while breaking out of the snowman.

Ariake no Kata is upset at how incompetent Japanese Youkai are. That’s why she must summon some from Europe.

Back at home, Kasumi explains her entire plan to Nagi and apologizes for getting Fuuka caught in the middle. As for the three boys, they’re being punished appropriately.

Father asks Kasumi if she’s really afraid of ghosts. Actually, she loves them!

Meanwhile, three hooded figures arrive at the airport.

Episode Thoughts

This was a fun summer filler episode. I thought it would be a Nagi-focus, but it really was a Nagi and Kasumi-focus. And that’s great because it continues to develop their bonds with each other and establish their relationships as family.

I am enjoying Kasumi being the brains of the operation. And the fact that they try to contrast it with commenting in the past about her being a little flighty or unaware is great.

The Youkai of the Week was another nice design. I sure would be scared if I saw her randomly in an abandoned building. lol And Ariake no Kata has been fun so far. Last week I was reminded of Poisandra, but this week I was reminded a little of Madame Noire. I hope they continue to develop the Youkai and give them each distinct, full personalities before Kibaoni arrives.

The different costumes were great fun too, especially Takaharu’s absurd pepper costume. lol

It appears next week is another summer filler episode. I definitely welcome that I think because the overall plot has been a little weak and uninteresting, but I’m actually in no hurry for it to move forward. I just want to see more fun ninja action. (This is in complete contrast to how I feel Drive has been lacking story development.)

We’ll see how Ninninger continues to move forward though.

TYPE OF REVIEW : GOOD OL’ REVIEW
Moderately big spoilers. I suggest watching the movie first. =)

Ressha Sentai ToQger Returns: Super ToQ 7gou of Dreams is another beautiful chapter in the story of those awesome rainbow children.

We first meet the five ToQgers in 2025 where they are now adults and far removed from their Imagination-filled childhood. That is, until the Shadow Line unexpectedly shows up out of nowhere. A seemingly familiar enemy, Archduke Hei, appears, but the ToQgers are no longer able to henshin. They decide to run to safety, only to fall into a time vortex taking them all the way back to 2017.

It is the day before their elementary school graduation. The ToQgers have a feeling something important happens on this day and it isn’t until they watch their younger selves try to fight Archduke Hei that they realize what has happened. And the sight of seeing their younger selves disappear over the train tracks (really, entering the Resshas which they are no longer able to see) reminds them that they have indeed grown up.

As the story continues from there, we see the familiar themes that made the series so creatively successful. The film speaks to the young and the young at heart.

And in a sense, the film also speaks to the toku fandom, particularly of Super Sentai. When the big ToQgers regain their Imagination, they do it after reflecting on what it means to be adults. That it is never too late to remember a forgotten Imagination as long as one always remembers their childhood.

Remembering one’s past and looking back at your roots is probably one of the absolute best themes any child (and adult) could learn from a television show.

The idea of being scared to grow up, depicted through Tank Top Shadow’s wanting to protect Akira from becoming a human (thus, being able to grow old and die) is so delicately handled here in a perfect way. There is no need to be afraid to grow up and you should be able to make as many memories as you can.

Archduke Hei almost ends up as a mere plot device to the real goal of the film. That appears especially true as the end credits of the film begin just as the ToQgers enter their final battle against Hei. That battle isn’t the climax of the film. The climax is the ToQgers’ realization of that they have now remembered what they have lost or seemingly slip away. And that even as adults, their Imagination can be as strong as ever.

The poignant nostalgia in the overall story and in each of the little moments between the ToQgers highlight that ultimate lesson.

And those are themes that are in addition to the familiar and excellent focus on friendship and family that were at the heart of the series and for the ToQgers themselves.

This film is written by Aikawa Sho who has worked on such seasons as Boukenger, Gekiranger and Go-Onger. He is able to perfectly capture Kobayashi Yasuko’s vision for ToQger while crafting a pitch perfect film. Arakawa Fumie makes a successful directorial debut as she is able to bring to life exactly what made many love and enjoy ToQger and what allowed the story to be so emotionally affecting. (Plus, she gave a great shoutout to international fans.)

The film also reminds what a great cast was assembled for the series. Both the adults and the kids turned out effective, many times amazing performances that allowed the viewer to get so emotionally invested in these characters. That was true for the series and it is especially true here in this film as we get to see them all interact with one another.

Right’s two actors, Shison Jun and Mabuchi Homare, delivered especially great performances here. One of the best scenes in the film is of young Right being upset that his older self is so easily resigned to the idea that one naturally loses their Imagination as they grow older. That is the final catalyst to the ultimate realization of the big ToQgers.

Elsewhere, it was awesome to see Conductor as ToQ-7gou. And of course Wagon getting promoted to Conductor as well. (With Ticket still his non-puppet-self.) I think most fans of the series knew a purple ToQger was going to pop up sooner or later. (Last color of the rainbow!) My bet was always on either Conductor or Wagon (or Ticket) as the series made a point to establish how much of a family they all became. How can one forget that final scene of the ToQgers waving goodbye as the Resshas sped off down the tracks with Ticket yelling “Thank you!” back to them.

Also the small revelation that Akira had always been watching over them, even if they couldn’t see him anymore was just one of the many moments that sent me curling up in a ball crying my eyes out.

Seeing everyone, and I mean every single one of them, fighting side-by-side, the big ToQgers with the little ToQgers, was just a fanboy and fangirl’s dream come true. Those secenes were amazingly and perfectly executed.

And of course the excellent soundtrack was again put to good use.

One of the best qualities of Ressha Sentai ToQger is its realism and sincerity. There is no question that the series had a lot of heart. And that is true of this film. The friendship and bond that they all formed, as this film has shown, are unbreakable. Ressha Sentai ToQger Returns is realistic and relatable, regardless of age or culture. And it reminds us all that you can never be too old to have a strong Imagination.

Ariake no Kata introduces the foreign Youkai to Masakage and Kyuuemon: Dracula, Ookami Otoko and Franken. But they each have a request before getting to work. Franken wants to go sightseeing. Kyuuemon offers to take him around.

Meanwhile, Father wants to treat the kids to a day off from training. Especially Fuuka who has concentrated on training and schoolwork.

Father offers to take them to a ninja museum, which excites Takaharu and Kinji. But Fuuka says she doesn’t want to spend even her day off thinking about ninja stuff. She says they can all go ahead and she’ll just stay home to finish her homework.

Nagi tells Uncle that he won’t be able to get Fuuka excited about ninja things. He suggests Uncle mention an amusement park.

As soon as Uncle does, Fuuka excitedly jumps to her feet.

Next day, the family heads to the amusement park. Father wants to go to the haunted house while Takaharu wants to go on a roller coaster. Fuuka wants neither and pulls Kasumi along with her.

Nagi explains to Takaharu what Father is trying to do and hands Father a guidebook he’s marked up with things Fuuka might enjoy. Father thanks him and he runs over to Fuuka to show her one of the suggestions. She likes it! Father, Fuuka and Kasumi hurry over to the ride.

Nagi and the guys agree they should all help Father with his mission for the day. They hop around the park to see which rides have short lines and relay the info to Father and Fuuka. Nagi tells Takaharu and Kasumi to buy some ice cream for them.

But while the guys play paparazzi for Father and Fuuka on the merry-go-round, a Jukkarage watches.

Kyuuemon continues the aerial tour of the city for Franken before they have some sushi. After some shopping, the Jukkarage relays the intel to Kyuuemon and they head to the amusement park.

Father asks Fuuka what she wants to do next, but she says she’s a little bored now and hungry and would like to hang out with the others a little.

Father sees Nagi has left him a suggestion to take Fuuka out for yakiniku if she gets bored. Fuuka loves yakiniku.

Kyuuemon and Franken arrive at the park and Franken is angry that these mechanical things are scaring more people than him. He decides to stop the things mid-ride which scare people even more. Kyuuemon happily collects the fear.

The Ninningers, minus Fuuka, hurry over to save the people trapped on the rides. Fuuka calls them over for lunch, but with Franken continuing to stop rides, Takaharu just tells her they’ll be over soon.

Kinji recognizes the Youkai from his studies.

They decide not to allow this to ruin Father and Fuuka’s fun time. Takaharu tells Kasumi to keep them out of the loop while the guys take care of Franken.

Kasumi heads to the restaurant and tells Fuuka and Father that the guys are in line for the roller coaster and they can start without them.

Ariake no Kata is a little upset these Western Youkai are acting just like the incompetent Japanese Youkai. Kyuuemon suggests drawing out the Otomo Nin will help fire up Franken.

Kyuuemon summons a Gashadokuro and Kinji and Yakkie hop into Bison King Drago.

Kasumi tries to distract Father and Fuuka from the strange noises and booms coming from outside.

Franken can’t believe there are more machines taking away his scary spotlight. He decides to freeze Bison King Drago as well and Kinji and Yakumo are unable to do anything but absorb the Gashadokuro’s attacks.

Ariake no Kata wants Kyuuemon to give her the collected fear from today so she can get a facial, but Kyuuemon refuses. They argue.

The commotion is getting louder and both Father and Fuuka are becoming more suspicious. Kasumi tells Fuuka to just order whatever else she wants while she goes to check on the others at the roller coaster.

Franken continues knocking the guys around as Kasumi arrives. Takaharu says he’ll hop into Shinobimaru so they can finish this quick before Fuuka and Father realize what’s going on.

Takaharu summons Surfermaru and then uses Hurricane no Jutsu to take care of the Gashadokuro.

But Franken just freezes Shinobimaru too.

Takaharu jumps down and goes Chozetsu. Franken tries to freeze him too, but Takaharu manages to hold on. He yells over to Nagi who uses Water Technique to reflect the stop beam back to Franken.

Takaharu, Nagi and Kasumi work together to finish off Franken’s first life.

Ariake no Kata tells Kyuuemon to embiggen and the Ninningers hop into ShurikenJin which they can do thanks to Kasumi swiping Fuuka’s Nin Shuriken without her knowing.

They combine into Ha-Oh ShurikenJin and before finishing off Franken for good, do a roll call in the cockpit with Kasumi filling in for Fuuka.

Fuuka and Father head home where everyone else is lounging about in the living room.

Fuuka thanks her Father for the great, fun day they had today.

Father thanks Nagi for the help and Takaharu compliments him for his planning today.

Meanwhile, the remaining two Western Youkai vow to do better than Franken.

Episode Thoughts

This was another fun episode. I am enjoying these “filler” episodes maybe a lot more than the more plot-driven episodes. In this one, we have a nice main plot of Father wanting to spend time with Fuuka. It was a good episode, especially when in the past, we’ve seen Fuuka absolutely (and inexplicably) disgusted by her Father.

The cousins working together to allow the father and daughter to have a special day also help flesh out the great relationship they have (which we haven’t seen as much as I would’ve expected by now).

I really hope moving forward, Ninninger can do a little bit more on the relationship side of the story. Watching this episode after watching ToQger Returns a few hours before, the lack of development between the Ninningers’ relationships is very evident. I really expected and hoped that the family angle would allow for another season of strong bonds and relationships, but we haven’t really seen that much.

The few times we have seen a focus on their relationships have been the best the show has been. So I really hope that they can step it up in that sense moving forward.

Also, I hope the others get to go Chozetsu too.

Next week, Cross Gene’s Shin Wonho!

Fuuka is at the mall with her friends when a James Satou, a producer from Kyoei Movies scouts her and asks her to come audition for the lead role in a new movie. Her friends are excited for her because they are huge fans of the movie’s lead actor, Silver.

When she gets home to tell everyone, they seem to be shocked and surprised. Their doubtful reactions only motivate her to audition even more.

They wish her luck as she leaves. But Kasumi grows suspicious as she studies the audition poster. Seeing the movie is about Dracula, she remembers Kinji mentioning the three Western Youkai when they met Franken. She asks what the other two Youkai’s names are.

Satou is with Silver as they look over the hopefuls. Someone is flashing Dracula fangs as Silver is especially smitten with Fuuka.

Fuuka gets to the camp where the auditions will be held, determined to show the others how wrong they were.

But Fuuka is surprised when she sees Kasumi is there to audition as well.

They walk in and Fuuka recognizes Yakumo and Nagi… only, they are dressed as women.

Kasumi ushers her out only for them to run into Takaharu trying to get into the auditions and Kinji disguising as security.

They decide to come clean with Fuuka and explain that this whole audition might be related to the Dracula Western Youkai. Anyway, they’re here just in case and Fuuka can focus on the audition.

Silver appears and is very pleased to see “cute” Fuuka in person. He is convinced she can be his “white rose” and his leading lady.

Silver gets on his knee and kisses Fuuka’s hand.

Yakumo and Nagi are jealous. Silver leaves as the wheels begin turning in Kasumi’s head.

Meanwhile, Ariake no Kata tells Western Youkai Dracula to hurry up with the fear gathering. He sweet talks her before getting to work.

Fuuka has some of the lunch Kinji prepared for her and wonders if she really wants to be doing this. That’s when she hears a scream. Dracula has just bitten one of the women.

Fuuka and Kasumi hurry down to find a bunch of women unconscious and having nightmares. Even Yakumo and Nagi.

Silver can’t believe this is happening. He runs to get help and Kasumi follows him upstairs.

Kasumi loses him, but she walks toward an open door only to get bit by Dracula. Fuuka hurries upstairs and henshins when Dracula tries to attack her.

Dracula tosses her out the window and they fight in the woods. But Dracula manages to force Fuuka to dehenshin. He says he is excited to taste her too.

But he seems to stop himself from biting her neck which allows Takaharu and Kinji to jump in and help Fuuka.

They run after Dracula who heads back into the mansion. The first person they see is Silver.

Satou tells Silver that he tried to call for help, but the lines have been cut.

Anyway, Satou says they’ll have to cancel the audition. But Silver says it’s fine as long as he has Fuuka whom he will protect. Takaharu demands Silver show his true form and admit he is Dracula. Silver says he is indeed Dracula… in the movie.

Kinji explains to Fuuka that unlike the old blood-drinking Dracula, the modern one sucks up life energy, putting people to sleep and inducing nightmares to collect fear. So they’ll just have to defeat Dracula and everyone can wake up. But Kinji says they must reveal his identity first.

Fuuka remembers Dracula pulling back from sucking her earlier. Kinji asks if she ate the bentou he made for her. That gives him an idea.

While waiting, Fuuka asks Takaharu what he thinks about her becoming an actress. When the Youkai made Takaharu forget his dream of becoming Last Ninja, it made Fuuka think about her own dreams. When this audition came up, she wondered if becoming an actress was it.

Takaharu says she should do what she likes. Especially if she gets a WHOOOA feeling inside. And when she decides what that dream is, he will support her 100%.

She thanks her Oniichan just as Kinji comes in to tell them dinner is ready.

Fuuka and Takaharu sit at the dinner table with Silver and Satou as Kinji serves them a huge platter of gyoza. Takaharu and Fuuka dig in, but Silver is not interesting in foods with strong smells.

Fuuka insists and decides to feed him one. He eats it. And loves it!

He removes his fake vampire teeth and eats some more.

So if it isn’t Silver, then…

Silver feeds Satou a gyoza and he suddenly recoils before turning into Dracula. Turns out Kinji’s gyoza is made of garlic.

Fuuka, Takaharu and Kinji henge. Fuuka tells Silver to hide in his room.

As they fight, Silver marvels at “excellent” Fuuka. Just then, the coffin opens and out pops the real Satou all tied up.

Dracula says he has no business with the men. But Kinji uses Wind Technique to waft the smell of garlic gyoza toward him. That gives Takaharu time to go Chozetsu. And together, they finish off his first life and all the women wake up.

Kyuuemon embiggens Dracula and Takaharu hops into Lion Ha-Oh. But Dracula sucks up Lion Ha-Oh’s energy.

That’s when Yakumo, Kasumi and Nagi arrive to help and allow Takaharu to deliver a Big Shuriken Crush to finish off Dracula for good.

Silver is still smitten with Fuuka and says her cuteness shines even more when she fights. That’s why he proposes to turn the movie into Dracula vs Ninja: the Serenade of Love.

Fuuka thanks him, but she has to turn him down. The others say this is a great opportunity for her, but she says for now, she must focus on being a ninja.

Silver understands, but says if she ever does decide to become an actress, she can come to him and he’ll help her.

Episode Thoughts

Another fun summer episode! Even better that we again got some great character moments from everyone. There was some great brother-sister moments between Fuuka and Takaharu. Kasumi was her usual observant self. Kinji showed that he too can think on the fly. And Nagi and Yakumo secretly want to be pretty movie actresses. Lots of fun all around!

I’ve definitely been a fan of CROSS GENE and their music and also of Shin Wonho since first seeing him on KBS’s Big. He was pretty good here, definitely playing up that “movie star”/”idol” personality of Silver very well. I wouldn’t mind starting to ship Fuuka and Silver. Hee.

The three Western Youkai are turning out to be duds. I kinda expected they’d be a little more fearsome and badass, but they’ve turned out to be regular monsters of the week. Sorry Ariake no Kata. lol

Masakage welcomes Youkai Nekomata Mataneko. Much to Masakage and Ariake no Kata’s bewilderment, Mataneko cannot turn back time and the stopwatch on his chest is just a regular ol’ stopwatch. That was his “brother” who raised him and taught him all he knows.

While Kyuuemon is searching for something, Mataneko follows his brother’s scent to the dojomanse.

The Ninningers have just arrived home from a movie to see Grandpa has been waiting for them. He wants to have a Last Ninja progress report to see who’s closest to obtaining the title so far.

Grandpa has a list and reveals the rankings, leaving the top and bottom ones for last to keep the suspense.

At #5 is Katou “Cloud” Yakumo with 40 points. Grandpa explains that Kasumi always talks circles around him.

At #4 is Kinji Takigawa with 50 points. “What?!” Kinji protests that he was also working as a Youkai Hunter at the same time. But Grandpa says he only wants to take selfies with them.

At #3 is Nagi Momochi Kasumi with 70 points. Fuuka is surprised since Kasumi has always been the most clutch out of any of them. But Grandpa says it’s because he doesn’t like hanpen:

At #2 is Matsuo Nagi with 90 points. But Nagi doesn’t even think he’s done that much to deserve the rank. Grandpa says he’s done plenty at important times and the others can learn from him.

That leaves only the siblings. Fuuka knows Takaharu will surely get the #1 spot after defeating Gabi Raizou and going Chouzetsu.

But Grandpa reveals the #1 cousin and that is…

Igasaki Fuuka! With 100 points.

That means Takaharu is last with 0 points. Grandpa points out how all he does is yell “I’m on fire!!!” or “That’s hot!”

Grandpa explains that Fuuka is #1 because she’s so kawaii.

It’s a mix of shock and annoyance from the cousins, but it turns out something is very off with Grandpa. He’s Mataneko! And he’s secretly trying to get the Ninningers to turn on each other without them knowing anything’s up.

Takaharu pops up and says Grandpa just wants him to get back to basics. He’s now fired up to train even harder. The others agree.

Oops. Grandpaneko decides to switch things up with a quiz. Kasumi senses something is off.

Father comes in to help with the cushion points.

Nagi is excited because he loves and does very well on tests.

Yakumo is first to ask a question: How many times has he said “easy?” He thinks none of them will get it, but Nagi does: 48. Father gives Nagi another cushion.

Nagi goes next and decides to give them a silhouette quiz. Yakumo tries guessing, but he gets both shurikens wrong. Kasumi hears Grandpaneko’s “nya.”

Fuuka goes next and quizzes everyone on the intros of the Otomo Nin. Takaharu and Kinji each get one right.

Kasumi decides to go next and poofs out of the room before returning with the real Grandpa. She asks the others if they can tell which is the real one, but none of them know.

Kasumi tosses some catnip on the floor and Mataneko reveals himself by going after it.

The Ninningers chase Mataneko outside and henge.

Mataneko stumbles upon Kyuuemon’s mallet and taps a Chouzetsu’d Takaharu’s head only to make him embiggen. Mataneko decides to embiggen himself as well.

With Shinobimaru’s help, Takaharu takes care of Mataneko who says more catty lookalikes will pop up in the future.

Kyuuemon finally finds her mallet and heads home.

The Ninningers head home too for some watermelon. Nagi asks Grandpa what his real rankings would be. But he says they all still lack training are on the same level.

The Ninningers decide to go train.

But Grandpa says one of them is still at the starting line. Kinji comes out of the house, realizing the last Western Youkai is the same one that killed his family.

Episode Thoughts

So what was this episode though? The usual end of season recap being done earlier instead? Or are we getting another recap at Episode 44?

It was a very strange, out of place episode. There were some fun parts, like everyone’s reactions to their ranking or the “Easy” Yakumo recap. But the Nekomata joke and the incessant flashbacks were very odd.

The biggest thing to come out of this episode though was reinforcing that Kasumi is awesome and probably deserves the #1 ranking, if ever, the most.

This was definitely not the kind of episode I would ever expect this early. I wonder why they did it. I get it really is the halfway point of the season, but a recap? Hmm…

Anyway, hopefully next episode is back to normal.

Western Youkai Ookami Otoko is rampaging downtown when the Ninningers arrive. Kinji arrives a little late and the others allow him to take the Youkai that killed his father and brother himself.

Kinji takes on Ookami Otoko while the others take care of the Jukkarage. When it seems like Kinji’s done the job, Ookami Otoko just laughs at his guitar and mocks his family.

Takaharu calls over to Kinji not to act recklessly. Ookami Otoko initiates a bloody moon attack and forces Kinji to dehenge and collapse.

The others run to Kinji and Kasumi whisks them away on Byunmaru.

While unconscious, Kinji has a nightmare about that day Ookami Otoko killed his brother and father. He wakes up and remembers how he would rarely see his father and brother as they were always out hunting. The photo he keeps with him is the only time they all ever took a trip together.

Kinji gets up and thanks a sleeping Nagi and Fuuka who had been watching him. As he leaves, Grandpa appears and says how pathetic it is he lost to the Western Youkai. Kinji apologizes and says that will not happen again.

Kinji goes to leave, but Grandpa says he should walk the night alone. Kinji insists this is his fight since Ookami Otoko killed his family.

Grandpa asks if Kinji only wanted to become a pupil to enact revenge. Kinji denies that, but Grandpa says maybe he should only be a Youkai Hunter and not a shinobi. Until Kinji realizes that, he is banned.

Ariake no Kata complains at how useless the Western Youkai are. Ookami Otoko refuses to collect fear or finish off the shinobi until he takes care of all the Youkai hunters first.

The next morning, the Ninningers decide to go look for Kinji.

Kyuuemon is the first one to find him though. Kinji henges, but Kyuuemon just wants to talk. He says he is basically his elder since they both have the same mentor.

Back at the dojomanse, Grandpa says Kinji is banned because he does not allow pupils fighting for personal reasons. Takaharu says they should just let Kinji get his revenge, but Grandpa says ninja powers are not to be used for personal gain. Imagine what you would do if certain people got them angry.

Takaharu, Fuuka and Nagi see his point. But Grandpa says Kinji is dangerous right now as he is not in the right state of mind to deal with his powers. He is similar to Kyuuemon in the past.

Kyuuemon says Kinji is like Last Ninja in the past in how impatient he is. Kyuuemon tells him humans do not have the power to defeat Ookami Otoko, but he can help by giving him the same power as him.

Ookami Otoko appears nearby. Kinji pauses and Kyuuemon takes that to mean he accepts his offer. She uses the mallet to initiate a Youkai Fusion Technique to give Kinji some of her power.

Grandpa says allowing Kinji to fight for personal reasons will led him to be weak and indecisive which in turn leads to worry, fear and contempt. Grandpa regrets now taking Kinji on as a pupil.

Takaharu, Fuuka and Nagi disagree. Takaharu thinks Grandpa is saying all these things, but is really the most worried about Kinji. Grandpa tries denying it and poofs away.

Yakumo and Kasumi find Ookami Otoko and they henge. The others arrive as Kyuuemon is anxious to finish the Youkai power transfer.

Ookami Otoko does another blood moon attack, but the Ninningers are resolved to hold steady until Kinji arrives. Ookami Otoko laughs that Kinji isn’t here because he’s just weak and pitiful. But Takaharu stands up for Kinji and believes he will defeat Ookami Otoko.

The Ninningers believe they need Kinji to fight alongside them.

Kyuuemon says he and Kinji are the same and are fated to join forces as there is a darkness in their hearts. Kinji refuses the comparison and uses Thunder Technique to break free of the transfer.

Kinji no longer wants to be the naive fool and is finally opening his eyes. He runs off to help his friends just as Ookami Otoko is about finish them off.

Takaharu tells Kinji to go and prove Grandpa wrong, but Kinji says Grandpa wasn’t wrong. He admits that in addition to wanting revenge, he also wanted to obtain the Finishing Shuriken of the End to revive his father and brother. But now he sees that the real reason he should Grandpa’s pupil is to become a ninja that protects people.

Ookami Otoko again insults Kinji’s father and brother, but Kinji says he will now fight as a ninja who will protect the people of the world.

Kinji henges and they all try to fight Ookami Otoko who reminds them that human swords won’t do a thing to him.

In that case, Takaharu hands Kinji the Chozetsu Changer and he uphenges to Chozetsu.

Yakumo tosses Kinji his sword to use and now Ookami Otoko isn’t as invincible as he was earlier.

Kasumi suggests they lend him an extra hand so they help set up the finisher that Kinji uses to finish off Ookami Otoko’s first life.

Kyuuemon embiggens Ookami Otoko and the Ninningers hop into Ha-Oh ShurikenJin.

With one Appare Buster, Ookami Otoko is gone for good. Yeehaw!

Back home, Kinji tries to apologize to Grandpa for his true intentions. But Grandpa stops him and says his grandchildren hit him in a sensitive spot earlier. He has learned to start believing in his pupils a little more.

So starting tomorrow, Kinji will no longer be an apprentice, but a full-fledged student.

Meanwhile, Ariake no Kata cannot believe how pointless the Western Youkai were. Kyuuemon offers to take the lead.

Episode Thoughts

Well, this episode was definitely better than the recap last week of course.

It was a good Kinji focus I think. Him wanting the Finishing Shuriken of the End is a little random, especially since the father and brother plotline only appeared in that one hallucination episode. It would’ve been great to have a little more detail sprinkled in throughout the episodes that would lead you to be a little more suspicious of Kinji’s other intentions. It would’ve added a lot more to his character and brought about a lot of nice story and drama.

Still, this episode was good. The flashback scenes of Kinji and his father and brother were effective and used well.

It was especially nice to see Grandpa soften up a little and see another side of him other than him just popping in and out being stubbornly vague about everything.

I hope everyone gets a chance to go Chozetsu.

I have to agree with Ariake no Kata. The Western Youkai were pointless! lol Just normal monsters of the week. You’d think they’d at least give the Ninningers a little more trouble. But oh well. Hehe.

Anyway, this was a good, solid episode and nice little focus for Kinji. And some great action as well.

And yes, I guess Kyuuemon is now officially male.

Kyuuemon gives life to Ninja Hayabusa whom he wants to fight as an Izayoi Style Ninja to gather fear from children.

At the dojomanse, Takaharu feels good waking up early today and helps Kasumi and Fuuka sweep out front. Fuuka greets Hiroshi, a little boy that’s just moved into the neighborhood. But he isn’t too friendly to them because he thinks ninjas are lame.

Hiroshi gets onto the school bus and sticks his tongue out at Takaharu before leaving.

Hiroshi’s mom apologizes. He used to love ninjas, but stopped when other kids teased him for it. The mom realizes she forgot to give Hiroshi his lunch, so Takaharu and Kasumi offer to bring it to him.

But when they get to the school, they find some kind of strange barrier. They henge and try to break through, but their ninja techniques don’t work.

That’s when Hayabusa introduces himself and challenges them to break his ninpou.

The Ninningers meet up to figure out how to get into the school since it appears adults are blocked. Yakumo has an idea. He will turn them all into toys. Fuuka becomes a dog. Nagi is a dump truck. Kinji is a guitar. Kasumi is a doll. Takaharu is an Akaninger action figure. And Yakumo makes himself a dragon.

Since they’re not adults anymore, they are able to pass through the force field. They hop to the playground, but Kasumi warns them not to get too close to the kids.

Oops. Since they have to wait for the spell to wear off, they have now become the kids’ targets. They go crazy for the dog, dump truck, doll and guitar. But it is Hiroshi who takes Takaharu while Dragon Yakumo is left behind.

Hiroshi writes his name on Takaharu’s back and stuffs him into his backpack.

Fuuka, Nagi, Kasumi and Kinji are able to escape and make their way through the playground before they are back to their normal selves. That’s when they find the teachers are actually Jukkarage. They henge and fight them off.

But Hayabusa appears and summons Izayoi kitsune-looking Supparage!

Kasumi blocks an Izayoi fire technique from him and tells Nagi and Fuuka to evacuate the children.

They see the school bus and decide to pose as PE teachers to get the kids in without scaring them.

The bus drives safely out of the school.

Fuuka and Nagi rejoin Kasumi and Kinji and they take care of the Supparage. But Kasumi feels something is off. Indeed. Hayabusa explains that the real plan was to gather fear from the kids by getting them into a bus and scaring them. The bus driver is actually Supparage who begins to swerve the bus dangerously on the road. The force field was just to lure the Ninningers to the school.

On the bus, the spell has worn off Takaharu and he falls out of Hiroshi’s bag. Realizing what is going on, Takaharu knocks the Supparage out. But the brakes on the bus don’t work!

Kasumi asks Hayabusa how to stop the bus. Like he’d just come out and tell them.

Kasumi leaves it to Yakumo whose spell has just worn off. He casts a new truth spell that forces Hayabusa to explain a shuriken on the bus’ accelerator is controlling it.

Yakumo henges and hops into Dragomaru to catch the bus. He tells Takaharu to take the shuriken out and the bus immediately comes to a stop.

The kids see Hiroshi’s name on Takaharu’s back and they think that’s so cool.

But the shuriken attaches to Takaharu’s helmet, causing him to uncontrollably speed off this time. Yakumo follows and protects him from hurting himself.

The others have trouble dealing with Hayabusa. Kasumi hears something approaching. She leads Hayabusa into position just as Takaharu comes speeding at him from behind.

The shuriken becomes attached to Hayabusa and the Ninningers chase after him while doing a roll call.

Takaharu goes Chozetsu and together they manage to finish off Hayabusa’s first life.

Kyuuemon arrives and compliments on them becoming stronger since their last meeting. He just chuckles and says this is the beginning of the battle between the Igasaki style and Izayoi style of ninjutsu.

Kyuuemon embiggens Hayabusa and the Ninningers hop into Lion Ha-Oh and King ShurikenJin. Hayabusa is ready to die to complete his mission, just as a ninja does.

But the Ninningers easily finish Hayabusa off for good.

Hiroshi wants to become a ninja student, but Takaharu says only when he becomes the Last Ninja.

They head inside the dojomanse and Grandpa says Takaharu still has a long way to go to even consider taking on a student. This situation is very familiar to him. It is just like when he took Kyuuemon on as his own student.

He too was as innocent as Hiroshi. But now, he’s a villain stained with darkness. And because of his failure as a teacher, Kyuuemon is now challenging them. For that, he apologizes. But the Ninningers say it’s okay because they are definitely not going to lose against him.

Grandpa then drops the bomb that the source of the Izayoi style of shinobi power is the Igasaki style of nintality. To be more specific, it is the power he stole from Father.

Episode Thoughts

An interesting episode. It was a little all over the place. The whole Toy Story adventure was amusing at first, but felt more like filler at the end of it. Kyuuemon now summoning monster ninjas is kinda random. And I thought it was oddly funny that the kids stopped crying and stayed not even calm, but just stoic while Takaharu took the wheel of the bus.

But I guess the most interesting and more important part is Grandpa’s revelation that Kyuuemon stole Father’s nintality. I’ve been annoyed by Grandpa always keeping things secret until something happens that forces him to come clean. But I still enjoy that we’re learning more about Father and their family, especially when it relates to the overall plot. That is, Kyuuemon’s origin and how he turned to the dark side.

Everything else in the episode was typical Ninninger. But I hope that we get some big story and plot development in the coming episodes.