Finding Takeru wounded from his fight with Yomotsugari, Jii is shocked when Genta and the vassals arrive, demanding answers relating to Kaoru. With Jii not answering, Mako realizes that Takeru is a kagemusha as Kaoru enters and assumes her position as the true head of the Shiba House. Her retainer Tanba explains the full story behind Takeru being a lord and the eighteenth head of the Shiba House, while Kaoru is given the items belonging to Shinken Red, as she does not wish to hide anymore. The vassals refuse to serve anyone but Takeru, as he arrives and apologizes to them for all the suffering he caused and tells them to follow Kaoru before he takes his leave. The next day, Kaoru leads the Shinkengers against the Gedoushu and the four are barely able to cope with fighting on without Takeru. Genta finds Takeru who tells him that he has nothing left in his life before he walks away while Genta is not looking. As Genta calls Jii about his new attitude, Takeru makes his way to his father's grave where Juzo finds him. As he never cared who Takeru was, Juzo demands that they fight. Takeru accepts without hesitation.