So I’m gonna start highlighting reasons why this fight is my favorite in the series at this point. Might be a long one depending on how this goes so fair warning 😜 I’ll start off by highlighting an obvious reason

The Animation

Looks like they put extra budget into this episode because that animation is pretty freaking amazing 😍It’s like coloring pages of a manga and bringing it back to life. You can really see the pain of the punches too. It just feels so raw. For some reason I can even picture Bankotsu throwing in a lil ORA ORA ORA ORA! for good measure XD But man that looks gorgeous. That’s what helped this fight stand out compared to the others. Now let’s get into the fight itself. 

The Fight’s Environment & Strategy

Another aspect I really loved about this is the conditions of the fight. There’s a higher risk this time around. The environment is enclosed so there’s less cover and it’s only them. It’s purely one on one. Despite that their friends helped them get to where they are now, it’s really all up to them to determine the outcome of the battle. Bankotsu doesn’t have his friends attacking from the side and Inuyasha doesn’t have his friends telling him what to do nor does he have Kagome telling him where the sacred jewel shards are. I also love that most of the fight is without their weapons. Just attacking and countering. Nothing flashy. Just a battle of their fists and their wits. It’s also really nice to see Inuyasha using his wits to determine where the jewel shards are and his battle strategy. 

I really love that Inuyasha’s able to come up with his own battle strategies on his own. Take some attacks, learn from your enemy, make him think he has the upperhand, and counter when the moment is right. Such a breath of fresh air compared to his Wind Scar spamming and then acting so shocked when it doesn’t guarantee a victory each time. It’s like he’s evolved and paid attention and not having to completely rely on his friends for everything. I was afraid that he would be too dependent on them to be able to succeed on his own but I was glad to be proven wrong with this battle. Our little hanyou has grown up :’) 

The Mentality of the Battle

In addition to the physical battle, there seems to be a mental battle going on as well. Almost philosophical in a way in terms that it is trying to make you think. These two acknowledge that they are both worthy foes. Granted that Inuyasha’s comment had some sarcasm to it, it still doesn’t change the fact that he knows the stakes are high and learning of Bankotsu’s long history with his band of brothers that it is no easy feat. Inuyasha isn’t the type to easily commend his foes so it still had some truth to it. Then there’s Bankotsu who brought up the point how everyone is hungry with greed for living. He doesn’t intend to go back to being dead and is pointing out that the actions of Inuyasha, Kikyo, and his friends do everything they can in order to survive. The need to survive, just with different methods. These two have their reasons for fighting and going on - whether it’s to avenge fallen comrades  or for revenge - they intend to settle it here. Both are carrying this burden of weight that they are desperate to get rid of and they are  the obstacles in each other’s goal.

So yes to sum it all up - this was me the entire time 

I'M DONE I'M DONE