Searching for information about Inuyasha’s demonic transformation, Sesshomaru visits a demon tree.
Original Air Date: 19 Nov 2001, Streamed on: Hulu
Miroku is dealing with a serious medical condition known as “Naraku’s bees in your cursed void,” but he’s apparently well enough to cop a feel of Sango. [Life tip #1: Try to keep bees out of your cursed void! Life tip #2: Don’t be a creep.]
The demon tree, Bokuseno, reveals that Inuyasha’s demonic transformation is a defense mechanism, a dangerous one that threatens to devour his soul! Who gave the titular line to a tree?
Inuyasha and Kagome have a heart-to-heart while the intro music for a ’90s R&B music video plays.
The gang is on their way from a village, where at least one old man is very thankful for a piggyback ride, when Inuyasha smells smoke. The village is under attack by some bandits who have already slaughtered nearly all of the males.
A humanoid demon with a giant axe strolls up on a horse. He throws a village woman at Inuyasha, then barfs noxious gases and a small tornado at him. The tornado turns into an… acidic poison cocoon?
Miroku and Inuyasha are safe inside thanks to Miroku’s barrier, but Inuyasha’s injury has allowed the poison to enter his bloodstream.
The demon attempts to take Tetsusaiga, but it rejects him. Inuyasha wastes no time taunting him, which prompts him to finally reveal his name: Gatenmaru.
Gatenmaru gifts Tetsusaiga to a random grunt since he can’t wield it.
The piggyback-loving old man is revealed to still be alive.
Episode Score Card:
- Iron Reaver Soul Stealers: 0
- Wind Scars: 0
- Wind Tunnels: 1 (flashback to previous episode)
- Swarms of Naraku’s Bees: 1 (deep within Miroku’s cursed void; not shown)
- Jewel Shards Recovered: 0
Did you miss it?
Shippou’s joyful reaction to receiving the patch of molted snake skin was so childlike and pure. Can’t imagine why Inuyasha didn’t want to keep it for himself.