Season
overview:
From episode 44 onward Yasunao Aoki replaced Masashi Ikeda as the series director. Like Ikeda, Aoki's background includes a lot of high profile work for Sunrise, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz and Get Backers - Dakkanya. His earliest work was as an inbetweener on Lupin III - The Castle of Cagliostro.
Episode 57: すべては桃源郷の夜に（前編）
Subete wa Tougenkyou no Yoru ni Zenben (Fateful Night in Togenkyo Part 1)
Kagome heads home to take a test and Sango must leave to have her boomerang repaired because it was damaged by the dog demon she just battled. While they are away the others come across a stream with peaches floating in it. The peaches have human faces though and tell Inuyasha, Shippo and Miroku that they were captives of the Peach Man. They travel up the mountain to investigate and find a box where the Peach Man has shunken his human hostages so that he can use them to feed his peach tree that grants him immortality. Inuyasha and the others become trapped in the magical box. Inuyasha escapes. Soon thereafter Kagome arrives but also finds herself trapped in the box leaving the shards for the Peach Man to find. He places them into his body. The shards make his skin rock hard, and when Inuyasha escapes the box he is crushed beneath the Peach Man's massive weight. Normally this would not be a problem, but this is the night of the new moon and Inuyasha has reverted to his human form.
Miroku punches his shoulders like an old man in an effort to relieve katakori, or stiff shoulders. The Nanzando Dictionary of Medicine identifies katakori as "subjectively, an extremely uncomfortable feeling, accompanied by dull, heavy pain in the muscles of the neck and shoulders". The action of relieving this pain is sometimes referred to as uchikata (uchi = to hit; kata = shoulders).
Ninmenka, the Tree of Human Faced Fruit is based off of Jinmenju/Ninmenju (人面樹) a human-faced fruit tree that appears in both Japanese and Chinese mythology.
Togenkyo (トゲンキオ) simply means "paradise." For fans of Rumiko Takahashi, the term appears in the second Ranma 1/2 film from 1992.
Tokajin refers to himself as a sage (仙人/sennin). The term refers to the Japanese term for Chinese sages and practitioners of Taoist ways, who have gained immortality and supernatural powers through the manipulation of ki, or natural energy through their body by becoming ascetics and living on mountains, where ki is said to gather at the most and to start flowing from into the world. Hence, this is also why Tokajin lives in the mountains.
The Fruit of Longevity is an actual fruit known as Siraitia grosvenorii, also known as monk fruit, monkfruit or luohan guo, is a herbaceous perennial vine of the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae. It is native to southern China. Luóhàn (羅漢) is a shortened form of āluóhàn (阿羅漢), which is an old transliteration of the Indian Sanskrit word. In early Buddhist traditions, a monk who becomes enlightened is called an arhat who attains the "fruition of arhatship. This was rendered in Chinese as luóhàn guǒ (羅漢果/arhat fruit) which later became the Chinese and western commercial designation for this type of sweet fruit.
Episode 58: すべては桃源郷の夜に（後編）
Subete wa Tougenkyou no Yoru ni Kouhen (Fateful Night in Togenkyo Part 2)
The Peach Man ties Inuyasha up when he notices Kagome's empty bottle used for storing Shikon shards. He demands to know where she is, but up until this point the Peach Man himself did not realize she was there. He goes to look for her leaving Inuyasha alone and bound. When he returns carrying her school uniform Inuyasha fears the worst. A tiny Miroku and Shippo escape and manage to free Inuyasha who goes in search of Kagome. He finds her bathing and being prepared to be fed to the Peach Man's tree. They all try to escape but find the Peach Man's former master who tells them that one day the Peach Man found a Shikon shard and feed it to his tree. The tree came to life and demanded to be fed humans. Out of nowhere the Peach Man emerges and a battle ensues. Kagome is able to knock the Shikon shard out of the Peach Man and both he and Inuyasha go tumbling down the cliff side. The Peach Man's tree winds up eating him and transforming into a giant monster. Now with the sun rising Inuyasha reverts to his half-demon form and destroys the creature.
Sango’s absence is due to the fact that this story appears much earlier in the series in the original manga than it does in the anime. In the manga this storyline appears directly after Kikyo and Inuyasha reunited in episode 23. In fact, at the end of the battle with Tokajin the scene shifts and Sango makes her very first appearance in the manga. This was likely adjusted because this is a standalone story that could be removed to get to Sango’s debut earlier in the anime.
Kagome gathers a shard from Tokajin, increasing her count to three.
Episode 59: 美少女姉妹の弟子入り志願
Bishoujo Shimai no Deshiiri Shigan (The Beautiful Sister Apprentices)
Sango is working to repair her damaged boomerang when two girls Serina and Suzuna discover her and beg her to take them on as apprentices. They tell her that demons are a constant problem at their village, so Sango takes some time to show them a few techniques. Later the girls return and break into a storehouse that contains demon's bones used to make the exterminator's weapons. They are confronted by Sango and they tell her that their village has actually been destoryed, but they want to continue their village's traditon of being theives. The demons remains begin to attract other demons who overwhelm Sango and the girls until the rest of the gang arrives, after having worried when Sango was late returning to them. Ultimately Sango tells the girls not to worry about upholding traditions, only to live for themselves and be strong.
This is the first anime original story in the series.
When the sisters first arrive and throw stones at Sango, Kirara transforms and growls at them. The sound effect used here is the stock “jaguar growl” sound effect that has been used in films for decades.
The fish shaped item that holds the pot over Sango’s cookfire is called a jizai kagi (自在鈎). It’s a tool that exists for this exact purpose and was often crafted into the shape of a fish.
The backpacks that Serina and Suzuna carry are called shoiko (背負子). It’s a carrying rack made of wood, straw and fabric.
Episode 60: 黒巫女 五十年の呪い
Kuromiko Gojuunen no Noroi (The 50 Year Old Curse of the Dark Priestess)
Naraku has Kagura fetch Tsubaki, an elderly dark miko/priestess. He tells her he will give her his large Shikon shard in exchange for her help in killing Kagome. Tsubaki becomes young again and accepts Naraku's offer. Kagome, meanwhile, is falling farther and farther behind at school due to her many absences. When she returns to the past she feels something bite her on the foot, but sees nothing. When Kaede hears the story she belives it might have been the familiar of someone. Kaede's theory proves correct, as it was the snake pet of Tsubaki that bit Kagome. Tsubaki uses Kagome's blood that her snake drew along with Naraku's Shikon shard to place a curse on Kagome. Suddenly Kagome's Shikon shards turn black and then are absorbed into her body. Miroku and Sango go in search of the cause of this when Kagome, under Tsubaki's control begins to try to kill Inuyasha just as Kikyo had 50 years prior. Kikyo is also drawn to the site Miroku and Sango are investigating because of a familiar presense she senses there.
Tsubaki is shown cursing a man in his sleep at her alter. She is engaging in the practice of onmyodo (陰陽道) to curse the man. This art would later become a prevalent theme in Rumiko Takahashi’s series MAO.
“This is…shikigami.” – You can read all about shikigami in our cultural note from MAO.
Kagome is shown to have three shards of the Shikon Jewel at this point.
Episode 61: 現れた桔梗と式神使い
Arawareta Kikyo Shikigami Tsukai (Kikyo and the Dark Priestess)
Kikyo goes through the barrier that Miroku and Sango cannot enter to investigate what is going on. There she destroys one of Naraku's puppets and finds Tsubaki, who she remembers is an old nemesis of hers that once tried to steal the Shikon Jewel when it was under her protection. Tsubaki is distracted by Kikyo's presense allowing Kagome to temporarily regain her senses. She is able to detect the Shikon shard that Tsubaki is using and Inuyasha rushes her there. Tsubaki relates the story of how she tried to take the Shikon Jewel many decades ago but Kikyo reversed her snake causing it to return to her and scar her face. From then on Tsubaki made a deal with a demon so that she would forever keep her youthful appearance. Kagome and Inuyasha arrive and Kikyo allows Tsubaki to go out and confront them, but promises to kill her should she harm Inuyasha. Outside Tsubaki summons a giant weasel-like demon from her eye. Tsubaki warns Inuyasha if he tries to use Tessaiga against her she will use her curse to kill Kagome.
Kamidana (神棚/god/spirit-shelf) are miniature household altars provided to enshrine a Shinto kami. They are most commonly found in Japan, the home of kami worship.
On the kamidana, Tsubaki has a number of items. A Shinto mirror (神鏡/Shinkyou) is a sacred mirror in Shinto. Some mirrors are enshrined in the main hall of a shrine as a sacred object of the divine spirit, or are placed in front of the deity in a hall of worship. Mirrors in ancient Japan represented truth because they merely reflected what was shown, and were a source of much mystique and reverence. The different accessories usually include two small saucers, a lidded bowl, two mizuire (vase-like lidded sake jars), two vases, and two candle holders. Excepting the candle holders, these are usually of white ceramic. The candle holders are usually of black metal. There is also often two Chinese style ceramic vases and/or a kagami (a disk of polished metal, held in a wooden stand). The pyramid of bells that are seen on the table is called a "kagura suzu" (神楽鈴). The device is three-tiers of bells with six on the bottom, four in the middle and two on the top. These are used as musical instruments during Shinto rituals by shrine maidens (巫女/miko). The kagura suzu is actually based on the fruit blossoms of the ogatama tree. An ōnusa (大幣) or simply nusa (幣) or Taima (大幣) is a wooden wand traditionally used in Shinto purification rituals. Ōnusa are decorated with a number of shide (paper streamers). When the shide are attached to a hexagonal or octagonal staff, the wand is also known as a haraegushi (祓串).
Episode 62: 底知れぬ椿の呪縛
Sokoshirene Tsubaki no Jubaku (Tsubaki's Unrelenting Evil Spell)
Inuyasha struggles to fight off the weasel demon that Tsubaki has unleashed while Kagome falls unconcious once again due to the curse Tsubaki has placed on her. She dreams of being back home but everything seems like it would be if she had never travelled back in time. She sees faces that remind her of her friends from the past, and while at school her archery teacher has a strange resembalance to Kikyo. Finally Kagome remembers and awakens in the past as Inuyasha continues to fight the demon. He kills the creature and then turns his attention to Tsubaki and her snake familar. He kills the snake, but the curse is still not broken. Tsubaki sends a flock of demons streaming from her eye, and the others have their hands full as the snake grows it's head back and attacks Kagome. Before it does though, Kagome is able to reverse it and send it back on Tsubaki just as Kikyo had done so long ago. Kagome's curse is broken and the Shikon shards purify themselves, but Tsubaki is able to grab her large shard and flee.
Onmyoji, shikigami, and curses are all concepts Rumiko Takahashi would later revisit in her series, MAO.
Episode 63: 行く手を阻む紅白巫女
Ikute mo Habamu Kouhaku Miko (The Red and White Priestesses)
Tsubaki returns to the village where she trained to be a miko and convinces two young girls named Botan and Momiji that she is being chased by a group of demons. The girls believe her and offer their assistance. When Inuyasha and the others arrive, the girls attack using small paper dolls that pose no problem for the group. Unfortunately they manage to get a strand of hair from Inuyasha and Kagome and the girls use that to create two creatures with the abilities of Kagome and Inuyasha. The girls cast a spell to keep Inuyasha at bay while the creatures battle the others. Soon Inuyasha escapes and is able to knock the girls unconcious using Tessaiga. Shippo, Miroku and Kirara stay behind to tell Botan and Momiji what is really going on while Sango, Inuyasha, and Kagome pursue Tsubaki who has fled once again. Tsubaki comes upon a tower with a giant ogre sealed inside and Kagura tells her to use the Shikon shard to set the beast free.
The shrine where Botan and Momiji are training and the paperwork that Tsubaki presents both bear the Yin and Yang symbol, which is strongly tied to the practice of onmyodo.
Kamidana (神棚/god/spirit-shelf) are miniature household altars provided to enshrine a Shinto kami. They are most commonly found in Japan, the home of kami worship.
On the kamidana, Tsubaki has a number of items. A Shinto mirror (神鏡/Shinkyou) is a sacred mirror in Shinto. Some mirrors are enshrined in the main hall of a shrine as a sacred object of the divine spirit, or are placed in front of the deity in a hall of worship. Mirrors in ancient Japan represented truth because they merely reflected what was shown, and were a source of much mystique and reverence. The different accessories usually include two small saucers, a lidded bowl, two mizuire (vase-like lidded sake jars), two vases, and two candle holders. Excepting the candle holders, these are usually of white ceramic. The candle holders are usually of black metal. There is also often two Chinese style ceramic vases and/or a kagami (a disk of polished metal, held in a wooden stand). The pyramid of bells that are seen on the table is called a "kagura suzu" (神楽鈴). The device is three-tiers of bells with six on the bottom, four in the middle and two on the top. These are used as musical instruments during Shinto rituals by shrine maidens (巫女/miko). The kagura suzu is actually based on the fruit blossoms of the ogatama tree. An ōnusa (大幣) or simply nusa (幣) or Taima (大幣) is a wooden wand traditionally used in Shinto purification rituals. Ōnusa are decorated with a number of shide (paper streamers). When the shide are attached to a hexagonal or octagonal staff, the wand is also known as a haraegushi (祓串).
Shimenawa (標縄/enclosing rope) are lengths of laid rice straw or hemp rope used for ritual purification in the Shinto religion.
Shimenawa vary in diameter from a few centimetres to several metres, and are often seen festooned with shide—traditional paper streamers. A space bound by shimenawa typically indicates a sacred or ritually pure space, such as that of a Shinto shrine. Shimenawa are believed to act as a ward against evil spirits, and are often set up at a ground-breaking ceremony before construction begins on a new building. They are often found at Shinto shrines, torii gates, and sacred landmarks.
Shimenawa are decorated differently depending on the intended blessing and meaning.
Daidai: a kind of bitter orange used to decorate shimenawa. This combination is seen to bring good fortune and prosperity.
Gohei or shide: folded white paper which stands for lightning, a symbol of fertility.
Pine twigs: using pine twigs to decorate shimenawa has a meaning of healthy growth for the next generation, as well as longevity of the elderly.[8]
There are many references to "Super Sentai" in this episode. Momiji and Botan consistently move in sync with one another, calling to mind various sentai poses. Using shikigami to create giant monsterous replicas of Inuyasha and Kagome is also a sentai and tokusatsu staple.
Episode 64: 多宝塔の巨大な鬼
Tahoutou no Kyodai na Oni (The Giant Ogre of the Forbidden Tower)
Shippo and Miroku convince the girls that Tsubaki has become evil, and they agree to help the others deal with her. The proceed to the tower where the others went ahead of them. Inuyasha and Kagome cause Kagura to retreat, while Tsubaki frees the oni inside the tower. Instead of allowing it to fight them, she absorbs it into her eye and transforms into an oni herself. Inuyasha uses the Bakuryuha to force her to change back, and when she does one of Naraku's wasps flies out of her eye and steals the Shikon shard he had given her. Tsubaki changes back into an old woman and then dissolves into dust as Kikyo watches from afar.
Pagodas in Japan are called tō (塔/pagoda), sometimes buttō (仏塔/Buddhist pagoda) or tōba (塔婆/pagoda) and historically derive from the Chinese pagoda, itself an interpretation of the Indian stupa.
A pentagram can briefly be seen drawn on some of the paper that makes up the remnants of Tsubaki’s Shinigami. The mystical symbol of the central five-pointed star referred to in the West as a pentagram, is known in Japan as the Seiman, the Seal of Abe no Seimei, or the Seimei Kikyō (晴明紋/晴明桔梗); this pentacle was originally the personal seal of Abe-no-Seimei, a legendary figure in the history of Onmyodo, later becoming the symbol for the Onmyoryo, the government ministry department for the practice of Onmyodo, or the Bureau of Taoist Geomancy and for Onmyodo itself, given its association with the Chinese Five Elements.
Episode 65: さらば青春の日々
Saraba Seishun no Hibi (Farewell Days of My Youth!)
The group is staying at a village overnight after slaying a giant centipede demon. Myoga arrives and seems to be on the run from someone. Soon strange things start to happen. Sango comes into Miroku's room and then starts to chase him around before suddenly falling asleep. Everyone assumes she was possessed by the centipede demon until Miroku soon falls under the same fate and begins chasing everyone around. Soon another centipede demon springs from the ground and Inuyasha quickly kills it but then he too becomes possessed. Strangely he offers to make out with Shippo when Kagome forces him back to normal with a well-timed "sit!". As it turns out, Makoto a female flea demon and self-proclaimed fiancee to Myoga has been possessing various people as she pursues the tiny creature. Myoga manages to escape before the wedding can be arranged though.
“What bad manners!” Kagome tells Inuyasha that he’ll turn into a cow if he lies down right after eating. This is an old Japanese saying “食べた後すぐ寝ると牛になる” (Tabetaato sugu neru to ushi ni naru). This saying is told to children to encourage them to practice good manners.
After Inuyasha swats Myoga away, he almost lands in a candle. A traditional light source in the Sengoku Era consisted of burning a cotton or pith wick in a bowl of oil. Rapeseed or sardine oil was frequently used as candles made of wax were too expensive for most peasants of the day.
The lingering child spirits of houses that Miroku refers to are zashiki warashi.
When Sango attacks Miroku at night, they are both seen wearing sleepwear robes that are different from their usual travelling attire. A jinbei (甚平) (alternately jinbē (甚兵衛) or hippari (ひっぱり)) is a traditional set of Japanese clothing worn by men, women and children during summer as loungewear. Jinbei are usually worn as a form of nightwear or house clothes, and are considered very informal clothing.
Wedding clothes- And white kimono is a traditional wedding robe, called Shiromuku (白無垢). "Shiro" means white and "muku" means pure. The head covering for women is called a wataboshi (綿帽子).
Shoga is portrayed by Miyoko Aso in the original Japanese. Aso-san is best known to fans of Rumiko Takahashi’s works as Cologne from Ranma ½.
Episode 66: 奈落の結界 神楽の決心
Naraku no Kekkai Kagura no Kesshin (Naraku's Barrier - Kagura's Decision)
Koga picks up Naraku's scent and Inuyasha does so as well. They realize if they can smell him his barrier that he keeps up to hide the location of his castle must be weakening. Koga dashes off to finish Naraku, but Inuyasha has to stay behind because he will soon transform into a human due to the phase of the moon. Kagura watches on Kanna's mirror as Koga approaches, and assuming Naraku is away she decides to fight him herself. She manages to trap him in a tornado of skeletons which slash and hack the Shikon shards out of his legs. Ginta and Hagaku have to ask for help to save Koga, and are shocked to see Inuyasha has turned into a human. The gang agrees to help out and when they arrive Kagura quickly flees, leaving a badly injured Koga behind. She tracks down Sesshomaru and tells him that she will give him the Shikon shards she has taken from Koga in exchange for his killing Naraku. Meanwhile Naraku watches from Kanna's mirror as Kagura betrays him.
Kagewaki’s castle is littered with corpses. This shows that Naraku previously ended to continue hiding out in the open as Hitomi Kagewaki, but when his form was revealed he had to erect a barrier to hide the castle, thus killing all the vassals that still remained and were loyal to Naraku, who they still thought was Kagewaki.
Kagura uses her "shikabane mai" (屍舞) technique which translates as "corpse dance".
Kagura uses her attack "Fujin no mai" (風刃の舞). This translates as "Dance of the Wind Blade".
Her other attack is "Ryuja no mai" (竜蛇の舞/Dragon Snake Dance/Dance of the Dragon).
When Kagura speaks to Sesshomaru she does not use any sort of honorific with him. He is just "Sesshomaru".
Episode 67: 吹き荒れる裏切りの風
Fukiareru Uragiri no Kaze (The Howling Wind of Betrayal)
Sesshomaru says he has no interest in Shikon shards which upsets Kagura. The gang manages to catch back up to Kagura, but with Inuyasha still in his human form they try to make sure that she does not discover when he transforms. Koga takes the battle to her, but when a huge group of demons arrives, Kagura assumes that Naraku has sent them to kill her for her betrayal. This allows Koga to get in one good punch, but without his Shikon shards he is not powerful enough to handle Kagura. Just as he is about to meet his end Inuyasha steps in to save the day, and Kagura catches a glimpse of him in his human form. Inuyasha unleashes the Wind Scar, but before it can hit Kagura the demons sent by Naraku fly down and act as a shield for her sacreficing their own lives to save her. She quickly retreats and Koga retrieves his shards and runs off as well. Kagura heads back to Naraku's castle assuming he did not learn of her betrayal after all, and she is lured down into the basement by Kanna. Unfortunately for her Naraku is there and has undergone a transformation of his own. He has split apart into the various demons that make up his body which leaves Kagura horrified. He tells her if she does anything like that again he will kill her, and so Kagura decides not to tell him about Inuyasha's transformation.
Kagura learns that both Inuyasha and Naraku are half demons in this episode.
Episode 68: 七宝へ怒りの挑戦状
Shippo e Ikari no Chosenjou (Shippo Gets an Angry Challenge)
Shippo is shocked when he recieves a letter challenging him to a battle from someone named Soten. Shippo starts to think that Soten may be connected to the Thunder Brothers that killed his father. Koryu is the dragon servant of Soten and seems to be keeping a close eye on Shippo and the others. He tries to drop a boulder on them, and manages to capture Shippo in the commotion. Shippo is taken to Soten's castle where he is locked in a cage. Much to Shippo's shock Soten is also a young demon about his age. Koryu tries to prevent the others from entering the castle, but his simplistic traps prove ineffective. Inside Shippo and Soten duel over Shippo's crayons. Kagome interrupts the battle and exclaims how cute Soten is. But to everyone's shock Soten is a little girl and Shippo no longer has any will to continue the battle. He gives her his crayons and then leaves.
Episode 69: 顔のない男の恐怖
Kao no nai Otoko no Kyoufu (Terror of the Faceless Man)
Back home Kagome has another killer math test which gets her down a little, so she goes out with her friends where they talk about her love life. Kagome takes it easy for a few days while the others await her return. Meanwhile Naraku and Kanna are standing on the edge of cliff. He releases something from his arm and the thing goes rolling down the cliffside before coming to rest near a group of bandits. Soon a faceless man emerges from the blob of muscle and tissue. He kills the bandits and rips their faces off. Soon Inuyasha and the others are led to the area when they detect Naraku's scent. Kneeling by a creek the faceless creature tries on the faces of the bandits he killed when a priest named Muso comes upon him and tries to destory him. Muso meets his fate at the hands of the demon, and has his face stolen as well. The demon places the face on and seems pleased at by his choice. He steals a suit of armor and then starts to rampage and ransack a nearby village before having a flash of memory regarding Musashi's Domain- the area in which Kaede's Village lies. Soon Inuyasha encounters the man and they do battle, but nothing seems to hurt him at all. The man says he does not remember anything and has taken the name Muso after the priest he killed. His body heals at an amazing rate and he is able to shape his body anyway he sees fit. Soon Kagome arrives and Muso mistakes her for Kikyo.
Episode 70: よみがえった鬼蜘蛛の記憶
Yomigaetta Onigumo no Kioku (Onigumo's Memory Restored)
Inuyasha uses the Wind Scar on Muso and rips him to pieces. Kikyo soon comes upon the apprentice of Muso the priest who was killed by Muso the demon. He tells her the demon had a spider-mark on it's back and Kikyo decides to investigate. Naraku sees this in Kanna's mirror and releases Kagura who he has been holding chained in the area beneath the castle since her betrayal. He tells her to go find Inuyasha and tell him Muso is headed towards Kaede's village. Slowly Muso has put himself back together, and Inuyasha is worried about Kagome being there when Muso seems indestructable. Muso makes his way to the cave where Onigumo once lived and was cared for by Kikyo, and Kaede and Kagome go to investigate it, while Inuyasha and the others go in search of Naraku. Kagura catches up with them and does as Naraku asked her, she tells them where Muso is. Inside the cave Muso remembers who he really is... Onigumo. He sees Kagome as he emerges from the cave and demands to know why Kagome looks so much like Kikyo. Inuyasha arrives just in time and severs Muso's arm. Soon Muso's body reshapes itself into a scorpion like creature and impales Inuyasha. Meanwhile Naraku goes to check up on Kikyo when suddenly his arm begins to react strangely.
An animation cut of Kikyo looking up followed by a close-up of her eye is used in this episode and re-used in episode 70. Thanks to Shrine Maiden for pointing this out, and you can see the example at this link.
Episode 71: 三つ巴の死闘の果て
Mitsudomoe no Shitou no Hate (Three-sided Battle to the Death)
Inuyasha uses the Wind Scar over and over hoping to bring Muso down, but no matter what he continues to regenerate himself. Miroku points out that the spider mark on Muso's back is where the regeneration seems to center itself, so Inuyasha tries to destroy that portion of his body. Before he can Naraku's wasps carry it away as the other chunks of Muso's body fly after it trying to reattach themselves. Muso manages to restore himself again but Naraku arrives and attempts to reabsorb him. Muso refuses and then Inuyasha arrives. While Naraku and Inuyasha battle Muso escapes, but Kagura pursues him when he suddenly decides to turn around and heads back towards Naraku. Muso stabs Naraku in the chest with his dagger-like arm, but this only makes it easier for Naraku to reabsorb him. He quickly does and Miroku asks if this means Naraku is a half-demon just like Inuyasha. Naraku admits that he is, and like Inuyasha there is a certain time in which his powers weaken, but unlike Inuyasha Naraku gets to decide when that time is. Naraku's powers have increased, as well as his mystical barriers, which now seem impenetrable to Inuyasha and his Tessaiga.
Episode 72: 刀々斎の珍妙な試練破られた風の傷
Totosai no Kimyouna Shiren (Totosai's Rigid Training)
Because Naraku's barriers seem to have grown much stronger, Inuyasha pays a visit to Totosai hoping to find a way to break them. Totosai does not seem interested, and there Inuyasha meets a cat demon named Bunza who is also training to break magical barriers. It turns out that Bunza's home has been troubled by a mantis demon who has placed a barrier around their village. Inuyasha and Bunza travel to the village and destroy the demon and free the village.
Episode 73: 紫織母子とアイツの気持ち
Shiori Ayako to Aitsu no Kimochi (Shiori's Family and Inuyasha's Feelings)
Inuyasha is still obsessed with learning how to break Naraku's barriers, when Myoga arrives and tells him about a group of demon bats who have created an impeneterable barrier. If Inuyasha is able to slay the demon guarding the barrier, it's blood will be absorbed by Tessaiga and give it the ability to break even the most powerful shields. The situation is complicated when Inuyasha arrives ready to slay some bats. As it turns out Shiori is the half-demon grandchild of Taigokumaru who has forced her mother to turn his grandchild over to him. He promises to stop attacking the village if she does so, and seeing no other way to save her fellow villagers lives Shiori's mother does as Taigokumaru asks. Unfortunately Taigokumaru does not live up to his part of the bargain and continues to attack, while keeping Shiori to power the barrier around the demon bat's cave. Even if Inuyasha could penetrate the barrier he would have to kill an innocent child to power up his sword. Soon Taigokumaru sets out carrying Shiori to destory her village. He uses Shiori to power a shield around him keeping any harm from befalling him.
This episode is the first appearance of Shiori (紫織) who's name comprises the kanji for "violet" (the color of her eyes) and "a woven item".
Also debuting in this episode is Shiori's mother. She is unnamed in the manga but in the anime her name is given as "Shizu" (紫津). This means "violet haven" and is the same first kanji as in her daughter's name.
Taigokumaru debuts in this episode as well. Taigokumaru's name is written 大獄丸. This means "large", "prison" and "-maru" is a common masculine name suffix. His name is a reference to the fact that he plans to imprison his granddaughter Shiori.
Shiori's late husband, Tsukuyomaru (月夜丸), writes his name with the kanji for "moon" "night" and "-maru" which is a common suffix in male names.
Scott McNeil plays both Tsukuyomaru and Taigokumaru. In Japanese these roles are played by different actors, Takuma Suzuki and Ryuji Sakachi respectively.
Shiori, her mother, and the villagers are all wearing white robes to denote a sacred ceremony involved in the handing over of Shiori to Taigokumaru. Shiori's mother can also be seen holding a sprig of sakaki (榊). The sakaki branches are often used in Shinto ceremonies and are also used to make the handles for tamagushi (玉串) which are sacred Shinto "wands" that have zig-zag paper streamers hanging from them.
Episode 74: 結界破る赤い鉄砕牙
Kekkaiyaburu Akai Tessaiga (The Red Tessaiga Breaks the Barrier!)
The villagers cannot stand against the powerful bats, and Inuyasha is powerless due to the shield that Shiori is generating against her will. Tsukyumaru, Shiori's father and Taigokumaru's son was a peaceful demon and loved the village and never wanted to see it harmed, and so Shiori's mother does not understand why Taigokumaru wishes to see it destoryed along with everyone living there. Taigokumaru tells them that because his son fell in love with a human he no longer wished to carryout his job of protecting the barrier, and so he had to kill him. Now Shiori will do the job her father refused. Taigokumaru fires a blast at Inuyasha who reverses it into the Bakuryuha, but Shiori's barrier prevents it from doing any harm. After hearing that her grandfather killed her father, Shiori's rage forces Taigokumaru outside of the protective barrier. Inuyasha sees his chance and kills the giant bat. Now Shiori and her mother are reunited and the village is saved. Inuyasha refuses to kill the little girl mearly to power up Tessaiga, but Shiori offers his the red orb she carried to generate the shield. It's power should be the same as if Inuyasha had bathed Tessaiga in her blood as he had planned. Suddenly Taigokumaru's spirit emerges from the ball and tries to kill Shiori and her mother, but the spirit of Tsukyumaru protects them both from harm. Sure enough the orb powers up Tessaiga making it's blade glow red, and now it is powerful enough to break almost any barrier.
Episode 75: 豹猫四天王の陰謀
Hyouneko Shitennou no Inbou (The Plot of the Panther Devas)
A group of cat demons come in search of Kagome, who they have heard is guarding the Shikon shards. Kagome though is back in the modern times and Inuyasha decides to come and get her since she is taking so long in returning. Hatchimon, Miroku's tanuki friend, warns the others that the cat demons are a dangerous bunch, and when Kagome and Inuyasha return, the cats kidnap her and take her to their village. Meanwhile the leader of the cats challenges Sesshomaru to come to their village as well to settle an old score. Sesshomaru meets up with Ryokan who also wants to come along, but Sesshomaru threatens him if he does. Inuyasha is hot on the trail of the cats who took Kagome when Koga meets up with him. Koga's speed allows him to outpace Inuyasha and get to Kagome first, but the cats disappear inside a magical barrier. Inuyasha unsheathes Tessaiga ready to try out it's new barrier cutting abilities.
Episode 76: 標的（ターゲット）は殺生丸と犬夜叉!
Hyouteki wa Sesshomaru to Inuyasha! (Target: Sesshomaru and Inuyasha)
Everyone is able to pass though the barrier thanks to Inuyasha's new barrier breaking skills. When they arrive at the village they seem outnumbered and are thrown off by a gas the cat's have released. That is until Sesshomaru arrives and saves the day. The cats retreat when they see him, and Myoga arrives to explain how Sesshomaru became involved in this. Fifty years ago Inuyasha's father and Sesshomaru fought against the cat demons. Royakan was involved as well. They were able to beat the cats, thus the reason why they are looking for revenge now. Koga goes off looking for Kagome, as does Inuyasha, while Sango and Miroku go off in another direction searching for her. Koga gets into a fight with one of the cat demons after meeting up with Royakan. Sesshomaru too is battling against the another cat demon. Inuyasha and Jaken meet up each and continue to look together for Sesshomaru and Kagome. Meanwhile Miroku and Sango are captured and tossed into the cell with Kagome.
Episode 77: 豹猫族とふたつの牙の剣
Hyounekozoku to Futatsu no Kiba no Ken (The Panther Tribe and the Two Swords of the Fang)
Shippo and Myoga search in vain for their lost comrades. Sesshomaru continues his battle against the cats, and another one joins into to help their sibling. They are surprised that losing an arm since their last battle has not caused Sesshomaru to lose a step. Jaken and Inuyasha are distracted by the illusions created by the cat demons, so Jaken uses the Staff of Heads to dispel the images. With that taken care of he and Inuyasha venture into the castle where the cats of trying to revive their falled leader. All the captives are intended to be used as sacrefices for the revived leader, but everyone seems to be having trouble gaining entrance into the castle because of the powerful barrier. Inuyasha arrives and shatters it using the red blade of Tessaiga. The leader of the cat demons kills three of his own in order to gain enough power to return fully to life. Sesshomaru's sword Tenseiga begins to glow and he uses it's healing powers to pulls the dead souls out of the cat demon. Inuyasha is now able to slay it with Tessaiga, and after seeing this the other cats flee.
Episode 78: 珊瑚目指してオンリーユー
Sango Mezashite Only You (Only You, Sango)
One day the group is out travelling when the come across a man who seems to know Sango. He begs her to help slay a demon bear that is plaguing their castle. Soon the lord of the castle, Takeda Kuranosuke, arrives and tells Sango that six years ago she helped exterminate another demon and he was so impressed that he fell in love with her. He asks he to marry him, and Kagome sees this as a chance to make Miroku admit that he has feelings for Sango. Unfortunately Miroku does not seem to care if Sango decides to marry or not. Miroku refuses to make a move, and actully believes that Sango may be happier to stay with Takeda and give up her battle against Naraku. This upsets her and she gives it her all against the bear demon. Unfortunately only one of Miroku's sutras will bring down the creature, so they two have to work together. They reconcile and all leave the castle together, when Miroku once again tries to put the moves on Sango.
Episode 79: 邪見の鉄砕牙ブン取り作戦
Jaken no Tessaiga Bun Dori Sakusen (Jaken's Plan to Steal the Tessaiga)
A question from Rin prompts Jaken to question his worth to Sesshomaru. He decides to prove himself by stealing Tessaiga from Inuyasha. First he sends a demon to create a mist and steal the weapons under the cover of fog. The demon steals everyone's weapons except Tessaiga. Jaken then tries a second plan, and disguises himself as a smith who offers to sharpen the everyone's weapons. Everyone is obliged to let him do it, but by the time he sits there sharpening every weapon other than Tessaiga he gets too worn out and falls asleep. His third plan is more successful. He creates a hot spring and gases the group while they bathe. He wraps Tessaiga in Inuyasha's kimono so that he can carry it without the demon repelling barrier affecting him. Sango manages to head him off, and he gives the blade to Rin and tells her to take it to Sesshomaru. She does, but then drops it when she sees Jaken is in trouble and needs help. Jaken is upset about losing Tessaiga, when suddenly Kagura flies down and steal Rin away.
When asked about how Jaken and Sesshomaru meet when answering questions about the series, Takahashi cites this episode (which has no manga equivalent).
Episode 80: 殺生丸とさらわれたりん
Sesshomaru to Sarawareta Rin (Sesshomaru and the Abducted Rin)
Inuyasha picks up Naraku's scent in the area and proceeds to follow it. Jaken rushes to Sesshomaru's side to tell him Rin was abducted. One of Naraku's puppets appears and tells him that if he does not wish to see Rin harmed he will do as he says and kill Inuyasha. Sesshomaru simply ignores him, and passes through Naraku's barrier in pursuit of the villian. Inuyasha follows Naraku's scent while the others go in search of a Shikon fragment Kagome has detected that they believe must belong to Kohaku. Kohaku has been charged with watching over Rin. Sango arrives and Kohaku is shocked because her face is the only thing Naraku was unable to erase from his mind. Inuyasha is able to cut through Naraku's barrier and he orders Kagura to go take care of him, but she secretly wants to allow Inuyasha to come in in hopes he will kill Naraku and set her free.
Episode 81: 断ち切れる奈落の行方
Tachikireru Naraku no yukue (Vanishing Point: Naraku Disappears)
Sesshomaru and Naraku face off at Naraku's castle. Naraku senses Inuyasha's arrival and decides to conclude the fight with Sesshomaru, engulfing him in demonic tentacles. Jaken watches helplessly as his master is cocooned and the monster prepares to ingest Sesshomaru's demon power. Before Naraku can do so, Inuyasha explodes into the courtyard, eager to fight. Inuyasha opens with Wind Scar, which Naraku attempts to repel. Naraku wasn't expected Inuyasha, nor is he pleased when the Tessaiga breaks through his barrier defense. Inuyasha battles on, but is quickly ensnared in the same tentacles wrapping Sesshomaru. Naraku can't resist taunting Inuyasha about his lack of power, which is all it takes to ignite another wave of rage. Inuyasha breaks free of Naraku's trap, blasting him point blank with another Wind Scar attack. The strike weakens Naraku's grasp on Sesshomaru enough to allow him to burst through and escape. Joining forces, the brothers mount a ferocious battle and seriously wound Naraku. However, their old sibling rivalry returns over which of them gets to kill the demon. Their squabble allows Naraku enough time to get away. Sesshomaru starts to power up into his demon-dog form, when Naraku's disembodied voice reminds him about the danger Rin faces with her present captor, Kohaku. Watching Naraku spiral off in a swirl of miasma, Inuyasha asks Sesshomaru about Rin's abduction and the connection with Kohaku. He's met with stony silence as Sesshomaru departs to rescue Rin. Jaken is left behind to answer Inuyasha's questions after a little persuasion. Back at the house where Kohaku is holding Rin captive, Kagome and the team combat a nightmarish assortment of demons. While the demonic horde distracts the good guys, Kohaku escapes with Rin. Attempts to follow the children are cut off by renewed demon attacks until Inuyasha arrives to beat back the evil swarm. Inuyasha picks up Kagome and tells the others they're going ahead to find Kohaku. Inuyasha must find Kohaku first -- if Sesshomaru beats them to Kohaku, Inuyasha knows he'll kill the boy for taking Rin. Further ahead in the forest, Kohaku leads Rin through the woods and into a clearing. Rin wonders why her new friend is acting odd. The situation worsens when he draws his scythe and moves to strike her down. Rin runs away in panic, but is snared by Kohaku's scythe chain. Kohaku moves in for the kill and Rin faints from fear. Sesshomaru arrives in time to catch Kohaku poised for the death strike. But before he lands the blow to Rin, Kohaku's attention turns to Sesshomaru and he attacks with the scythe. A blur of red appears, blocking the strike; Inuyasha has arrived. Sesshomaru ignores Inuyasha's request to leave the boy alone, grabs Kohaku by the throat, and prepares to kill him. Kagome, with Rin cradled protectively in her arms, begs Sesshomaru to show mercy; that Rin has just fainted and is unhurt. Kohaku dangles, blank-eyed and limp in Sesshomaru's grasp and then -- Sesshomaru releases him and the boy falls heavily to the ground. Sesshomaru rationalizes Naraku wanted him to kill Kohaku and he wasn't going to fall into another trap, so he let the boy live. Kagome thanks Sesshomaru for his gesture as Rin regains consciousness. Overjoyed, the little girl springs from Kagome's arms and scampers happily to Sesshomaru. Kagome and Inuyasha watch dumbfounded as Rin skips after merrily after the stoic demon. During the commotion, Kagura escapes with Kohaku on her flying feather. When Sango, Miroku and Shippo arrive, Inuyasha and Kagome fill them in on events. Sango is sad, but relieved that Kohaku survived his encounter with Sesshomaru. Inuyasha is left wondering where the badly injured Naraku might be hiding, now that his castle has been discovered and it's barrier broken. Back at Naraku's deserted castle; the wandering Kikyo stands in the battle-scared courtyard and wonders the same thing.
Episode 82: 現代と戦国のはざま
Gendai to Sengoku no Hazuma (Gap Between the Ages)
Inuyasha, Miroku and Sango stand in the ruins of Naraku's castle, wondering if the demon will return; now that his barrier has been breached. While Inuyasha and the others brood, back in contemporary Tokyo, Kagome sits in school with problems of her own: the teacher just announced a test in a couple of days and Kagome hasn't studied. After school, Kagome scrambles to get a copy of the study notes from her friends but meets with one frustration after another. Kagome is left to cram for the test, note less, all on her own. On the other side of the well, Inuyasha is irritable because Kagome hasn't returned. Miroku intervenes, convincing Inuyasha since they can't find Naraku anyway; the team ought to use the time for rest. Later that evening, Sango sits alone beneath the stars, wondering about Kohaku's whereabouts. Miroku joins her, initially for moral support -- which quickly turns into immoral advances. The sound of Sango's slap to Miroku rings through the night and into Kaede's home, where it seems to be the last straw for the impatient Inuyasha. Back at the Higurashi Shrine, Kagome storms through the house, determined to catch up her studies in time for the exam. Her brother, Sota, chases after her -- he's got news -- Kagome has company! Kagome walks into the living room and finds Inuyasha waiting to take her back to the past. Kagome angrily informs Inuyasha she's staying put in the present and taking her exam! Inuyasha seems quite content to wait at the Higurashi's until Kagome's ready to go back with him. Cautious of her half-demon houseguest, Kagome orders Inuyasha to stay at home while she's at school. Unfortunately, Kagome's so distracted she leaves home without her lunch. Kagome's Mom asks Inuyasha if he'd take it to her at school. How could he refuse? The route to Kagome's school is pretty exciting for Inuyasha: he freaks out the local folks, busts a fleeing felon and saves a child from a burning building. He finally makes it to Kagome's school and perching on the ledge outside Kagome's classroom. Who knows what made her look up when she did, but Kagome is definitely not happy to see Inuyasha. To avoid his discovery, she hollers a "sit" command, earning Inuyasha a quick trip down to the schoolyard and Kagome, detention. Later, they hook up and Inuyasha completes his errand from Mom and delivers Kagome's lunch -- a bit worse for wear. Kagome resumes her cram session with renewed frustration. Exhausted, Kagome returns home to an excited family: Inuyasha's exploits made the TV news! As the evening wears on, Kagome's fragile concentration wears out. Inuyasha's fidgeting is major a distraction to her. Hoping Sota can keep him busy, Kagome asks her brother to keep Inuyasha company, so Sota drags him off for a bath. The bath idea ends badly, as Kagome is interrupted by Inuyasha and Sota bursting into her room covered by little more than soap bubbles. Food doesn't work well either. Mrs. Higurashi's curry dish is too spicy for Inuyasha who once again, flees to the refuge of Kagome's room. The excitement finally dies down, and we find Inuyasha sitting on Kagome's bed, staring at her intensely as she desperately tries to study. Although he's quiet, Inuyasha is still a distraction, and Kagome suggests he try to get some sleep. Inuyasha sternly warns her they're going back to the past the next day, test or no test. Kagome resumes her work; it's too quiet. When she turns around again, she sees that Inuyasha has fallen soundly asleep, curled up on her bed. The next day at school, a sleepy Kagome stumbles through her exam. Later, returning to the past, a perky Inuyasha and a bleary, scholastically defeated Kagome greet their companions.
Episode 83: 女妖狼族と月虹の約束
Onna you Ookamizoku to Tsuki Niji no Yakusoku (The Female Wolf Demon and the Lunar Rainbow Promise)
Sunset, and high on a cliff, a dignified wolf surveys the valley below. A sudden whirlwind materializes and young, fur-clad girl springs out of the maelstrom, kneeling in respect behind the creature. The shot pans back to reveal a line of wolves sitting at attention. The lead wolf signs and the entire group, including the girl, leap into action. Later that evening, we find Koga sparring with a group of strange wolves that have been chasing him. He yells at the wolves to ask them why they're after him, and is answered by the girl from the cliff. Although the girl seems to know Koga, he hasn't a clue who she might be. Hakkaku and Ginta arrive and recognize her as Ayame, granddaughter of the elder wolf of the northern mountains. Suddenly, it dawns on Koga who she is. Ayame tells him he's been ordered to assume leadership for all the wolf tribes and she's been sent to bring him home -- as her husband. Koga is clearly not interested in either proposition; besides he's already "engaged" to Kagome, and says so. Koga flees, leaving a puzzled and heart-broken Ayame behind. Daytime finds Inuyasha and the team still trying to locate Naraku. They're stumped, but decide if they keep looking for the Shikon jewel shards, Naraku's bound to surface. In another part of the woods, Ayame recalls how she and Koga met: we flash back to a younger Koga carrying the child Ayame on his back. Little Ayame took Koga's joking promise to marry her when she was older, seriously. Now that Ayame's grandfather needs to unite the wolf tribes using Koga's strength and the Shikon jewels in his possession, Koga's cavalier promise has become serious business. Koga, meanwhile, has arrived at the ruins of Naraku's castle. He finds the evidence that Inuyasha has been there and fought with Naraku. Koga figures if he can locate Inuyasha, he can get answers and a clue to Naraku's whereabouts and he takes off running. Down in the basement of the ruined castle, something slithers in the darkness, and it's getting bigger... Later, Ayame and her pack have trailed Koga to the castle, where they just miss him! The thing from explodes through the ground and attacks Ayame and her wolves. The creature is a gigantic hairball with huge lips and razor-sharp teeth. Ayame and the pack barely escape, running for their lives. Eventually Ayame catches up with slowpokes Hakkaku and Ginta. They're still running after Koga, unaware there is monster on their heels. The hairball catches up with the trio, but Ayame is able to repel it long enough for Hakkaku and Ginta to tell her a little about Naraku and the monster's origins. Further up the road, Inuyasha senses Koga's approach. On arrival, the first thing Koga does is pay his respects to Kagome. Koga and Inuyasha then engage in their ritual bickering over Koga's unwanted attention to Kagome. The formalities concluded, they get down to the business of discussing Naraku. Suddenly, everyone senses an evil presence. Hakkaku and Ginta sprint from the forest followed closely by the giant hairball. The hair creature wants the Shikon jewels, but Inuyasha isn't backing down. Grabbing a lock of the creature's hair, Inuyasha swings it around and then slams in back and forth before finally flinging it off a cliff. Koga, in the meantime, rescues Kagome from the danger and carries her off to a safe place. Unfortunately it isn't that safe -- Ayame is waiting for him, and ambushes Koga with a whirling leaf attack. She's furious to see Koga with Kagome. Kagome is furious with Koga about telling Ayame that she's his finance when she isn't. Koga is furious with Ayame for butting in between he and Kagome. Ayame reminds Koga of his promise to marry her. In a truly sweet flashback, we see how Koga rescued little Ayame from the Birds of Paradise. To ease the child's fears, Koga chats with her and promises to wed her when she grows up. Koga genuinely can't remember any of what happened but the dejected expression on Ayame's face gives the weight of truth to her story. Kagome believes Ayame and, sympathetic to her anguish, scolds Koga for hurting Ayame's feelings by breaking such a sensitive vow.
Episode 84: 超速の花嫁候補
Chousoku no Hanayome Kouho (Koga's Bride to Be)
Inuyasha, Miroku, Sango & Shippo pursue the abducted Kagome. Inuyasha fears for her safety while she's with Koga, especially since one of Naraku's monsters is in the vicinity. Kagome, however, is safe for the moment, and getting acquainted with Ayame. As Koga sits alone and pouts, Ayame tells Kagome why she's after Koga to marry her. Her story is about trouble infecting all the wolf tribes. An evil force has spread down from the Northern Mountains where she lives, causing tribal discord. Ayame's elder dispatched her with orders to bring back Koga as her husband. Using Koga's strength, his possession of Shikon jewel shards and the credibility of a marital tie, the elder hopes Koga will restore the wolves' unity. Eavesdropping, Koga angrily blurts out he doesn't want to lead the tribes nor does he want to get married: he wants to kill Naraku. He tells Ayame to go home; she has free will and she doesn't have to obey every order from her elder. The conversation is cut short by the arrival of the big, hairy monster. Koga attacks, defending both Kagome and Ayame. Tentacles of demon hair whip out, grabbing Koga, and Ayame rushes to his aid, also getting snared by the dreaded locks. Kagome fires an arrow at Ayame's bonds, managing to free her as Koga continues to struggle within his hirsute restraints. Inuyasha arrives in time to save Kagome and Ayame from another shaggy attack. Ayame watches Kagome and Inuyasha together and its clear to her why Kagome isn't interested in Koga -- Kagome is with Inuyasha! Inuyasha and the entangled Koga proceed to argue over which of them is fit to protect Kagome, how come Inuyasha let the monster get away earlier, and that Koga doesn't want to be rescued! As the debate rages, the creature drags Koga closer to its toothy jaws. The monster is hungry for the Shikon jewel shards with a side of Koga. Kagome realizing the situation, orders Inuyasha to rescue Koga despite their mutual protests. Inuyasha advances on the creature, but the hairball captures too, suspending him in its tenacious tresses. Sango, Miroku and Shippo arrive, greeted by the following scene: Koga, Ayame and Inuyasha shackled by tentacles of hair and Kagome, unharmed but perplexed. The creature tells the captive Inuyasha that he needs the jewels inside Koga to become whole in order to find and destroy Naraku. The hairball is angry at Naraku for abandoning him in his present condition. Unimpressed by the hairball's whining Inuyasha breaks his bonds and frees Koga. Koga liberates Ayame and advances on the hairball, intent on mayhem. Cooler heads prevail when Miroku suggests they interrogate the creature regarding Naraku's whereabouts, rather than destroy it. However, when questioned, the creature can only provide vague answers. Koga decides it's time for it to go - permanently - hurling a blow at its massive mouth only to get caught again. Once more, Ayame rushes in to help and both wolf demons are swallowed by the creature. The monster's joy consuming the jewels is short lived when a mighty kick from Koga pulverizes the hairball from the inside, raining bits of monster down upon all. Hakkaku and Ginta arrive just time for Koga to say his farewell to Kagome, enraging both Ayame and Inuyasha. Koga promises he'll be back to make Kagome his bride, which makes her irate, too. She angrily reminds Koga about his proposal to Ayame, and how that comes first. Kouga has a flashback, attempting to remember how he might have proposed to Ayame. As Koga's memory returns, he recalls rescuing young Ayame from the Birds of Paradise, their conversation about making her his bride, etc., but tries to lie about not remembering the event. But Koga can't fib, and admits to Ayame he does remember -- a little. Ayame tells Koga she understands about having to find Naraku and she'll go home, leaving Koga to his task. Ayame warns him she'll return: she's not giving up on him or his proposal. Koga leaves too, resuming the hunt for Naraku. Later that evening, a solitary Koga reveals he remembers everything about Ayame and his promise, and hopes she'll forget him -- his mission is to destroy Naraku, which may mean his death. Elsewhere, Ayame vows she'll never forget Koga, or his promise. Under the same moon, Kagome and Inuyasha relax, discussing the events of the day. Kagome believes that if all of them, including Koga, work together, they'll succeed in destroying Naraku. Inuyasha misunderstands the statement to mean that Kagome relies more on Koga than him, and Kagome accuses him of being jealous. As Inuyasha stammers a rebuttal, Miroku and the others show up just in time to encourage Inuyasha to respond to the jealousy accusation. Embarrassed, Inuyasha calls an abrupt halt to the discussion
Episode 85: 邪気が満ちる鬼の首城
Jyaki ga michiru oni no kubishiro (The Evil Within Demon's Head Castle)
The team is on the road again when they sense a demonic presence and Inuyasha charges off to investigate. Nearby a little old lady clashes with a demon weasel. The weasel has the old lady down for the count when Inuyasha intervenes, cutting down the demon with his Iron Reaver Soul Stealer attack. Confused, the woman mistakes Inuyasha for the demon she fought and pelts him with the magic powder she was flinging at the demon weasel. Miroku arrives just in time to restrain Inuyasha from smacking her while she continues peppering Inuyasha with the "demon dust". Later, after the excitement dies down, the gang and the old lady sit and chat. She reveals she's a retired exorcist and tells the gang she's come out of retirement since lately, the demon-busting business has been excellent. She's heard rumors of a great demon possessing a nearby town and that the citizens are eager to be rid of it. The exorcist is on her way there and the old gal invites the team to join her on the journey. If they come with her, they can make some quick yen eradicating demons. Inuyasha attempts to take the high road, staying true to the Shikon jewel hunt and search for Naraku, but he's no match for Miroku who smells a profit. He's eager to exploit the situation for all it's worth, so it's off to the city of ghosts to find the demon. The scene switches to nighttime, inside a palatial home. A noble-looking man transforms into a monster and brutally murders an innocent housemaid ... The next day, the exorcist and her team meet with a city official about the demon problem. In an aside to Inuyasha, Kagome admits she's feeling really uncomfortable because she senses evil all around them. Inuyasha feels it too, as do Miroku, Sango, Shippo and Kirara. The old lady states she doesn't sense a thing. As the meeting continues, a litter bearing a corpse passes by the group. The official admits it is another victim of the demon and a casualty of the headman's household. That evening as the exorcist exercises, Inuyasha and the rest begin to regret coming along. The evil presence in the town is very oppressive to them; they want to get rid of the ghost and leave until the headman's daughter appears. She's a beauty and Miroku is suddenly eager to exploit that situation for all it's worth. Before Miroku has a chance to make his move, the palace is attacked by a gigantic demon head. The team springs into for action, confronting the creature in battle. After Inuyasha's Wind Scar attack fails to destroy the creature, Miroku determines it's an apparition, and vaporizes it with a supercharged sutra. Although they may have annihilated the apparition, the city's chief is still under the influence of evil. Miroku, Inuyasha and the exorcist go to investigate. They observe the chief in his room and confirm he's got a demon problem. Back in the visitors quarters the old exorcist tests her demon dust on the ethnically supernatural folks. Shippo and Kirara react to the power; sneezing and Inuyasha makes the old woman chase him, unintentionally helping with her daily workout. A messenger from the Princess interrupts the fun. The Princess has requested Miroku to come and rid her father of his possession. Kagome and Sango wonder why just Miroku, but Miroku's okay with the solo invitation. With a flourish and a packet of demon dust from the exorcist, Miroku leaves to meet the Princess. The Princess leads Miroku into an eerie underground chamber where they stop at the edge of a pit. When Miroku shines his lamp into the hole, he sees it is filled with skeletal remains. The Princess tells him that the bones are those of Miko and Priests who have tried to destroy the demon and failed. Back at the rooms, the gang is makes their own discovery -- that the headman has turned into a demon and has gone on a murderous rampage. Back at the pit, Miroku finds himself paralyzed, discovering too late that the Princess is the true demon. She informs him his friends won't be coming to his rescue because they're busy fighting the headman/demon back at the palace.
Episode 86: 依り代の姫の秘密
Iridai no hime no himitsu (Secret of the Possessed Princess)
Miroku is down in the cave when the woman turned out to be a demon. He was paralyzed for awhile, and Inuyasha was busy fighting the manor lord that had transformed into a demon and was holding a woman captive. Inuyasha went to the to the room to fight him, while Kagome and Sango tended to the wounded. Sango suddenly realized Miroku might be in trouble so she and the old lady headed out after him. When they got down to the cave Sango was paralyzed but the old lady threw her dirt on the demon causing Miroku to get loose. He did a quick ward with his hand and sparks started hitting the demon woman. Suddenly her head was torn off and it flew away to go after Kagome who was watching over a princess.Inuyasha realizes the demon he was fighting was an illusion when it started staticing so he went down to fight the head. The head sucked up the soul of the princess and burst through the roof. Inuyasha used the Tessaiga, which slowed down the head and Miroku finished it off with the wind tunnel.
