As the third episode of "Last Samurai Standing" unfolds, we're introduced to the Kyohachi-ryu School, hailed as the cradle of swordsmanship. Its legend, once believed to have long faded, is revealed to still thrive in the form of eight silent successors who have immersed themselves in relentless training for a decade at the temple's sanctuary. The time has come for them to press on—but their journey is about to take a grim turn.
With only one heir to inherit the school's legacy, these comrades-in-arms, who have become family to each other, are forced to engage in a death match to claim the honor. The group includes the fiery red-robed Iroha, the jovial Jinroku, Ikka, Sansuke, Shikura, and Choshu—and surprisingly, even Shujiro.
As they learn of their fate, shock and disbelief wash over them. Iroha turns to Shujiro for guidance, but he is uncertain of his next move. However, as the episode progresses, we learn that Shujiro had fled the temple. In his absence, Ikkan stood up to their Master and turned his sword on him, setting them all free. They scattered from the mountain's embrace, but due to new rules, Iroha struggled without a sword by her side. She has harbored a deep-seated hatred for Shujiro ever since he abandoned them.
In the present, VIPs arrive at the new game station, where all remaining contestants are detailed on a map in the center of the table. They chuckle over the news of Shujiro's 15 soldier kills. With 192 competitors gone, they place bets on who they think will emerge victorious from this grueling ordeal—stacks of cash flying as they try to outdo each other in their chosen picks for who will clear the checkpoints first.
As Futaba and Shujiro continue their journey along the road, making their way to Suzuka Pass, they must remain vigilant, aware that the other contestants might be following closely behind. It is during this journey that Shujiro reminisces about his time in the mountains, where he earned the moniker "Manslayer" due to the numerous lives he took, both before and during the war.
When the duo encounters blood in the forest, two samurai emerge, ready to attack. Shujiro is back to his combat-ready self, but the odds are stacked against them with two against one. Desperate to gain an advantage, they decide to flee. However, their predicament is further complicated when Iroha appears in the forest, reprimanding Shujiro for abandoning his siblings. Despite his apologies, they soon find themselves surrounded.
A massive battle erupts in the forest, with archers ambushing them. But then an incredibly skilled marksman named Kamuykocha arrives, providing a much-needed helping hand. Recognizing that as long as Futaba is with them, Kamuykocha will not attack, he spares Iroha and Shujiro while effortlessly dispatching the other archers. Kamuykocha, one of the Ainu, the indigenous people of the North, proves to be a crucial ally in their fight for survival.
Iroha remains wary of Shujiro but agrees to join them for now, especially when he hands over a tag for her. Iroha reminds Shujiro that he cannot run from his past, but it is clear that this conflict is fueled by deep-seated resentment towards what transpired between them.
Meanwhile, Kawaji updates the officials on the situation, including how the shizoku are killing each other as they travel through the towns. He is convinced that a rebellion is brewing but Okubo is unsure given the manner in which the samurai are killing one another. Nonetheless, they continue to ponder the significance of it all.
At Seki-Juku, the checkpoint requiring 3 points, Iroha, Shujiro, and Futaba arrive and find themselves facing a group of soldiers who are also players in this game. They check their tags and allow them to pass while the lead soldier here introduces himself as Tsurubami. He also hands over red tags, worth three points, to replace the ones they have.
As they pass through, they finally arrive at Yokkaichi-Juku, where they spend the night. Kyojin is naturally present, eager to join their ranks. However, he's come to realize that only one winner can emerge from this competition, and the final round may be another deathmatch. For now, Shujiro agrees to join forces with him, and after a hearty handshake, Kyojin reveals his own agenda. He wants to uncover the secrets behind this Kodoku, and to do that, they need to conduct tests.
As the episode draws to a close, we catch a glimpse of a murderous older man on the lookout for a specific contestant. Is it Shujiro? Whoever it is, he effortlessly swipes through different soldiers as one of the men, Sansuke, watches from the treeline. He whispers "Gentosai" when he sees the guy at the campfire.
Meanwhile, Kawaji updates Okubo on the influx of guns into the city. It seems that 100 Snider Rifles have been brought over from Britain. The men behind this operation are Mitsui, Sumitomo, Yasuda, and Mitsubishi - the very same VIPs we've been seeing and the four zaibatsu that happen to be part of the Meiji government.
With 95 contestants remaining, will the VIPs be stopped before it's too late?
