If you know the actual history of Hojo Tokiyuki, then you can probably guess that The Elusive Samurai will end on a downer. While Yusei Matsui’s series may take some historical fiction liberties here and there, it never does something that would go against the true story of Tokiyuki. However, that doesn’t mean that The Elusive Samurai is running low on high moments for the Elusive Warriors. In fact, in the 20th volume, our boy nabs himself another possible future wife!

But first, readers must deal with the aftermath of Akiie’s death and Tokiyuki’s retreat. One thing that surprised me is that even when a battle does not end in your favor, you still may be rewarded for your bravery and tenacity to fight. Emperor Go-Daigo offers name upgrades, rank changes, and a gift here and there to Tokiyuki’s allies, and while the gifts are sparse, they are still high in value. Perhaps the biggest reward goes to Tokiyuki who not only is given free rein to do what he pleases, but is offered a rare glimpse of Go-Daigo’s face.

It’s at this moment when we see what Emperor Go-Daigo really is like. Despite him originally allying himself with Takauji, his mannerisms may remind readers of a certain deity that used to travel with Tokiyuki. His eyes are kind, and his spirit is one that wishes to bring a better world to Japan. But after Tokiyuki’s reward, it’s clear that Go-Daigo is close to death.

Perhaps this is why Tokiyuki wastes no time diving back into battle, even with his soldiers taking a big loss from his previous battle. But this next one has a familiar face at the forefront: Miwa, Sasaki Doyo’s daughter. Filled with divine power (and some other gross things), Miwa is a force to be reckoned with. In fact, her powers are so mighty that Shizuka decides to offer herself as a sacrifice to make sure Tokiyuki comes out on top.

Knowing how The Elusive Samurai rolls, Shizuka’s sacrifice just won’t do for Tokiyuki. He wants all of his friends alive and well, which makes the fleeing master go all in on his battle with Miwa. Of course, he doesn’t want to kill Miwa either, leaving him to do something super drastic and wild. His suggestion takes the wind out of everyone’s sails, to the point where his army finds a way to come out on top while also keeping Shizuka human.

At this point, one has to wonder just how many brides-to-be Tokiyuki has at this point. The Elusive Samurai may be a historical fiction action comedy, but a harem too? Outside of the main hero of Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun, there’s probably no other protagonist in manga that deserves all the girls like Tokiyuki does. I rarely give a pass for polygamy, but considering how kind and thoughtful of a guy Tokiyuki is, he probably does earn one.

However, a return to Shinano sets the stage for the next battle to occur with Tokiyuki. And this time, he may finally get to have his final battle with a certain bug-eyed villain. Will Tokiyuki finally have the strength to take him down, or will those creepy eyes be the final thing our hero will see before taking his last breath? Whatever is in store for The Elusive Samurai, Volume Twenty does a damn good job with setting readers up for another epic and memorable battle. Yes, there are some downers here (and the series will surely end on one), but Tokiyuki gets a few wins that will make it hard for even a god-like warrior to fully take him down.

Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.