Enen no Shouboutai (Fire Force) [Season 3 Episode 20]

Fire Force Season 3 Episode 20: When Training Meets Treachery

Let’s cut to the chase—Fire Force Season 3 Episode 20 is the kind of episode that makes you lean forward, eyes glued to the screen, and yell at your TV (or phone, no judgment). After Shinra and Arthur’s brutal training with Benimaru—think “getting your butt kicked until you’re stronger” levels of intense—they’re finally back at Company 8. But instead of a hero’s welcome, they walk into chaos: Captain Oubi’s been arrested by military cops who’re totally in the White-Clad’s pocket. And if that wasn’t enough, Raffles III is over here teaming up with the cult like it’s no big deal.

First off, the animation? Chef’s kiss. David Productions didn’t hold back. The fight scenes are smooth, the fire effects look like they could burn through your screen, and even the quiet moments—like Shinra’s determined face when he sees Oubi in cuffs—have this raw energy. Fans on MyAnimeList are losing it over the detail, especially in Benimaru’s training flashbacks. One user said, “The way they animated Shinra’s Adolla Burst during the training montage? I rewatched that part three times.” Same, friend. Same.

But let’s talk about the plot twist that made everyone gasp: Raffles III allying with the White-Clad. Like, who saw that coming? The episode drops this bombshell in a scene where he’s all smug, announcing the empire’s “new partnership” like it’s a business deal. Fans are split—some think it’s a genius move to raise the stakes, others are mad because Raffles used to seem like a decent guy. One comment summed it up: “Raffles turning on us? I trusted him! Now I just want Shinra to punch him in the face.” Relatable.

Shinra and Arthur’s growth is another highlight. After training with Benimaru, they’re not just stronger—they’re smarter. Shinra’s Adolla Burst is more controlled, and Arthur’s Excalibur moves are actually… good now (sorry, past Arthur). Their banter is still there—Arthur calling himself “the King of Knights” every five minutes—but it feels earned now. When they rush to help Oubi, you can tell they’ve got each other’s backs. A fan wrote, “Shinra and Arthur’s dynamic is my favorite part. They bicker, but when it counts, they’re unstoppable.”

The tension is through the roof, too. Every scene feels like it’s building to something big. When Oubi is taken away, you can feel the anger in Company 8—Maki’s fists clenched, Iris looking ready to cry, Shinra’s fire flaring up. And when Burns is summoned to the cathedral? You just know he’s about to have a showdown with Raffles. Fans are speculating about what happens next: “Burns is gonna go rogue, right? There’s no way he’s okay with this alliance.”

If there’s one thing to nitpick, it’s that some parts feel a little rushed. The training montage is awesome, but I wish we saw more of Benimaru’s tough love—like, how exactly did he push Shinra to master his Burst? But honestly, that’s a small complaint. The episode packs so much into 24 minutes that you barely notice.

Overall, Episode 20 is a game-changer. It sets up the final arc perfectly, with the White-Clad now having the empire’s backing and Company 8 more determined than ever. Fans are already hyped for the next episode: “I need to see Shinra rescue Oubi and kick White-Clad butt. Like, now.”

If you’re a Fire Force fan, this episode is a must-watch. It’s got action, drama, and that classic Fire Force flair that makes you fall in love with the series all over again. And if you’re new? Well, you might want to binge the first two seasons first—but trust me, it’s worth it.

Final thought: David Productions is killing it with Season 3. The animation, the story, the character development—everything’s on point. I can’t wait to see how it all ends.

— A very hyped Fire Force fan

P.S. Shinra’s new move? Fire. (Pun totally intended.)