Episode 20 –
spoiler
Saizou has Hibachi trapped and Jinbei attacks the Insect-man to save her, but he turns into Hibachi. So, which is the real Hibachi? It turns out that Saizou is a master of illusion and was hoping that Jinbei would kill Hibachi so he would he wouldn’t have to get his hands dirty. Hibachi decides to show off to Jinbei and take care of Saizou herself. She is getting new strength just from Jinbei watching her fight.
Saizou seems to recognize Hibachi now, however, he can’t quite place her. But Hibachi knows exactly who Saizou is – the Iga ninja that stole a secret scroll of forbidden techniques and killed his master over 100 years ago. Remembering his past, Saizou’s shell cracks open to reveal his true form. He tells Hibachi that he will use those forbidden techniques to kill her now. More illusions and Hibachi almost succumbs, but she sees through them. However, she’s finding it impossible to hit Saizou with anything she has.
But now Jinbei gets caught up in an illusion as well, and attacks Hibachi again. Not only does Hibachi need to find a way to defeat Saizou, but she also needs to find a way to wake Jinbei up. Luckily, Jinbei runs into a tree and wakes himself up. But he immediately gets caught up in another of Saizou’s illusions. Once he’s out of the way, Hibachi gets thrown in to another illusion.
Meanwhile, Koikawa, Tenma, and Oooka arrive at the castle and break in, but no Insect-men attack them. The Snow Group is still heading to the secret well. Sanada observes the fighting and I know he’s just itching to get in on the action. Hibachi is caught by Saizou and realizes that he’s using the sound from his wings to cast his illusions, but that knowledge can’t help her right now. With Hibachi facing death and Jinbei still caught in an illusion, there doesn’t seem to be any hope.
Jinbei finally breaks out of his illusion and that gives Hibachi the strength to break her bonds. Jinbei joins her and uses his Fuji Hammer against Saizou. Hibachi helps Jinbei with one of her own techniques and Saizou is defeated! So much for the leader of the Ten Crucifix Insects. But is he dead? It doesn’t look like it as something oozes away.
The ooze falls into the tunnel and takes over a member of the Snow Group – not good. Plus he overhears why Kuroageha is there and realizes who she is. Again, not good.