[Matrixbeast]

It's okay to not like Tsuruhime, but you're trying to create excuses.
She's the youngest at 17. However, you're missing that she and Jiraiya are the only members to take being a Kakuranger seriously for the first 25 episodes. Seikai, Saizou, and yes, even Sasuke, are just being jackasses (Sasuke a little less so, but he did have his moments of just complete childishness) until the stakes get raised and they realize they have to start acting like adults, too.

She doesn't fit the role? You must not have watched the series, because she was the only member actually willing to put her big boy pants on and prioritize defeating Yokai instead of getting laid (Jiraiya was also serious, but he was too focused on his own problems, and he couldn't speak Japanese for, like, 5 episodes).
Tsuruhime was literally made for the role as leader, but you're using superficial reasons to make her seem unjustified ("She's too young!" "She's a she!" "She didn't bumble into traps!" "She's not Sasuke!").

You don't have to like Tsuruhime or Kakuranger. But you're trying to take minor and menial pieces and blow them up, as well as blatantly and clearly forgetting (Or intentionally) leaving out major details to justify your reasoning.

Tsuruhime was the perfect leader for the Kakurangers because until episode 20, she was the only fucking member who even wanted to be there.