Will The Era Inherit Shishio? Kenshin's Most Critical Moment!

Has Shishio won the battle already? Kenshin is slow to get up after being bitten by Shishio. The rurouni and Shishio exchange words of their philosophy. Of course, Kenshin states that he's fighting for those who wish to build their lives and pursue whatever they want, while Shishio explains that he must bring down the Meiji Government in order to prevent Japan from becoming a western colony. The battle resumes after much talk. Shishio creates a wall of fire around him and when Kenshin least expects it, grabs him by the neck. Slicing his glove, Shishio creates a big explosion that knocks out Kenshin.

Saitou and Shishio clash in midair. Gunpowder was soaked on Shishio's glove, allowing him to execute his Guren Kaina technique. Sano becomes enraged as he sees Kenshin out cold on the ground, but busting out from behind closed doors comes Saitou. Saitou charges out with his Gatotsu and gets a direct hit at the forehead of Shishio. Even so, Shishio reveals that he has an iron bandanna equipped. After he was shot in the head by the Meiji Government, Shishio has decided never to make the same mistake again, thus, Saitou's chance to kill Shishio in one hit failed. Usui had wounded Saitou's legs, causing him to have a weaker thrust and charge than normal. However, Saitou's "mere" injuries won't stop him from battling with Shishio. Fighting for his own sense of justice, Aku, Soku, Zan, Saitou and Shishio clash. Saitou uses every stance of his Gatotsu, even the zero stance, but he is defeated very easily by Shishio.

The Defeat of Sanosuke With two of the most powerful men back in the Bakumatsu, Kenshin and Saitou, defeated Sano curses Shishio out loud. Shishio turns his attention to the former gangster, surprised he's still present. Shishio does offer Sano to leave, but of course, he refuses the offer. Sano throws a punch, but his fist is caught by Shishio, who crushes it shortly after. When Sano rebounds, he gets a punch in at Shishio's left cheek with his Futae no Kiwami, shattering the bones in his fist. No damage is done. With one punch to the face, Shishio knocks Sano out with Kenshin and Saitou.

Can Aoshi, the last hope, defeat Shishio? An evil laughter is emitted from Shishio, who celebrates his victory over Kenshin, Saitou, and Sano. Hoji joins in the celebration as well, heavily praising Shishio. Before he gets too happy, onto the fields walks the only remaining opponent for Shishio, Shinomori Aoshi. Shishio forgot all about his temporary partner who is now revived with a new personality. It all comes down to this fight, perhaps. With Kenshin out cold, showing barely any signs of life, Saitou lying in his own blood, and Sano smashed into a wall, there is little hope for the side of good to prevail victorious.