I have said before that I believe that Rumiko Takahashi changed her plans for Kikyo partway through writing Inuyasha, and had to 'bend' the story to make those changes fit (Inuyasha particularly suffers from that as a character), and there are a number of reasons for why I feel that way, but the most interesting one to me are the shinidamachu.
Kikyo falls off a cliff and disappears shortly after being resurrected by Urasue. When we see her again, the gang are investigating a soul-stealing creature.
The soul-stealing is without question seen as a horrible act. The story mixes shinto and buddhist traditions and I'm not sure which one is more relevant here, but regardless, destroying a soul means ending the person. [The guy mentions heaven which I'd assume falls more into the shinto category, but they are hiring a buddhist monk to help them sooooo... who knows.] Whether they're supposed to reincarnate or go to heaven, their essence will no longer exist. You could argue that it's worse than murder — robbing people of their eternity. Either way, everyone is rightfully horrified by it.
As for Kikyo, she directly says that the body needs to be 'nourished' by souls. I point that out because I've seen people say that they headcanon that she doesn't fully consume the soul, and while I sympathize with that if you like Kikyo, I do want to say that like... what would that look like? In a system based on reincarnations, does it prolunge the souls's cycles? In a system that doesn't have them, is their essence... depleted? It's just not a satisfactory answer to me — and I think Rumiko was well-aware that a lot of her readers wouldn't buy it.
Because as we keep going further into the story, she quietly drops that plot point and never comes back to it. I remember this flabbergasting me when I first watched the show. The soul-consuming was so shocking, so horrible to me, that I constantly expected them to come back to it, and then they just... didn't? For a while, I genuinely thought that I was missing a huge cultural element where it was Fine to eat souls because it made so little sense to me that Miroku, Kagome, Sango, hell, even Inuyasha would be chill with Kikyo in the latter parts of the manga in these circumstances. After talking to other people about it, I don't believe that was the case.
My personal take is that it was very deliberate on Rumiko's part. She was trying to make Kikyo sympathetic; reminding the reader that she has to consume countless souls to just move around would not help achieving that. I think she didn't even want to try and introduce a solution/retcon it, because then the reader might go "ooooh right, she did that, that was fucked up wasn't it?". Like, if you say "oh she no longer needs to consume souls she found another way", she still did it do at least dozens of souls, right? So she kinda just... looked the other way and never brought it up again — exactly like she did with the fact that Kikyo tried to kill Kagome.
Something Inuyasha never finds out about either — even though it clearly should be a huge deal to him.
In the same way, I think Rumiko knew that him finding out about that would break the story. Inuyasha can't overlook Kikyo hurting Kagome, and it would destroy his bond with her. Since it's not the story Rumiko wanted to tell, best to just... sweep it under the rug, and never bring up a huge pivotal point for Kagome's character in hopes people forget about it.
Here's a sweet Inukag moment following that to cleanse your palate:
Back to the Shinidamachu, whose name is literally translated to 'Soul Collectors' in the show and at least one translation, they stick around in both manga and show — I think even more so in the show, as they become a big part of Kikyo's visual identity — but their role changes quite a bit.
This is from chapter 309; although they play an important part in guiding Kagome to Kikyo, they're only visible in two panels, and they serve as messengers/Kikyo's helpers. They're definitely featured in more chapters, but I just wanted to show they stay around up until pretty late in the manga too.
The total lack of resolution on this storyline was genuinely story-breaking for me — incomprehensible to the point of loss of immersion. It also makes it impossible for me to think that Kikyo had a redemption arc: how could she, when the wrongs she's comitted are never actually adressed?
And yet, if you wanted Kikyo to stick around without being perceived as a straight-up villain, this might have been the only road Rumiko could take.
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
✓ Live Streaming✓ Interactive Chat✓ Private Shows✓ HD Quality✓ Free Actions
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
Below is my chapter by chapter review of Volume 14 of the Inuyasha manga, shared here largely because of how I went overboard and wrote too much to fit the goodreads character limit.
Reviews for chapters 129-136 were written around 2/2025 with chapters 137-138 written 8/2025, so the last couple of chapter reviews might be a little incongruent with the rest.
Overall rating: 3.8/5
Chapter 129: The True Master
Inuyasha officially gets his sword power-up here and it's a little convenient and thrown in there, but the use of "my other senses have weakened so this particular sense is currently heightened" (in this case his sense of smell) is fair. Not my favorite, but I'll allow it. Especially since the Wind Scar was introduced previously, but man, I really neglected it and need to reread to track it (and Inuyasha's fighting abilities) progression.
What really works in this chapter is how Inuyasha's discovery of the Wind Scar reflects his character.
"I will give you credit for sniffing out the 'Wind Scar.' And despite being blinded by venom and in great pain. But Inuyasha...you didn't swing Tessaiga all the way through, did you? No matter how much you hate him...Sesshomaru is still your elder brother. You couldn't make yourself cold-hearted enough to kill your own brother, could you?!"
Inuyasha's "human" heart–something Kagome was quick to notice in the beginning is clocked by Totosai here. It is a part of him Miroku and Sango discovered early on from his behavior towards them and around them as well. You could say it's the heart of his character.
His reaction to being called out for not wanting to kill Sesshomaru is also telling: "Feh! You don't know me, do you, old fool?! I couldn't give it a full swing because my body was paralyzed by venom!" This is clearly not true and Shippo's observation of how "he doesn't seem very paralyzed now, does he?" further disproves Inuyasha's words. In essence, don't listen to what Inuyasha says but look at what he does. He is very much action over words. Though I think he notably makes an effort to be a better communicator with Kagome. He has a special type of denial regarding his character and his motivations since he wants to appear tough and like a full demon.
Speaking of full demons vs half demons, I love the simple note of how Sesshomaru could easily detect the Wind Scar because as he is a full demon, he has a better nose. It is interesting how proud Sesshomaru is of skills he simply has due to chance. And how he thinks he's so much better than Inuyasha when Inuyasha is the one who has it harder and has to therefore work harder to accomplish what he does. The fact that he pretty much always ends up winning to some degree against Sesshomaru, whose abilities come more naturally, could be seen as evidence that he is actually the stronger of the two. That's a little Mulan (1998) "The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all" for you.
What exactly does Sesshomaru have to be so proud about? Clearly, he's in need of some ~character development~ and here we have a hint of its arrival. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's father was one wise demon. Sesshomaru's blade, Tenseiga, "can heal and save people" so "don't you need a kind heart to wield that blade too?"
"You'd think it would reject Sesshomaru. But instead it protected him from Tessaiga's force. And that, more than anything else...is a sign that Tenseiga has chosen Sesshomaru as its wielder. Whether Tenseiga is to flourish oir wane...is up to Sesshomaru's heart"
And thus a gravely injured Sesshomaru is happened upon by a young human girl who tries to save him.
4/5 chapter for fun lore drop and thematic exploration, acquisition of skills, and reflection of character.
Chapter 130: Wolves
"Does he call this 'honed'? It doesn't look very different from before, does it...?" Can't say exactly why, but this sticks out to me. Whether it's because it is a nod of sorts to the general bluntness/contrived nature of Tessaiga/Inuyasha's power-up or because it could allude to things yet to come (or both!) is unclear for now.
Regardless, we're back to the main goal. A lot has been happening and the group has kind of gotten away from tracking down Shikon Jewel shards, but Kagome senses the presence of one and sets them on their way. But before they can find out much, it's back to Sesshomaru, who is really not doing well.
Though he initially presented a pretty scary, demon-featured version of himself to the little girl and called her a "brat," there's a Sesshomaru level of kindness to his interactions with her as she tries to care for him. He's being polite and saying "no thank you" and even expresses curiosity about her. We are endeared to this girl, Rin, through her actions and her sympathetic backstory. She's a little like Kagome in how she is not afraid of the demon Sesshomaru and remains kind in the face of her circumstances–circumstances that show us more awfulness by humans, those that killed her family and those that mistreat her now.
"What happened to your face? All right then, don't tell me." Grinnn. What's there to be so happy about? All I did was ask about her...
I think it becomes quite clear rather quickly how Rin and Sesshomaru could benefit each other.
Enter Koga in a bit of brutal introduction. He demonstrates a ruthlessness that is reminiscent of Sesshomaru and then lets loose his wolves on Rin's village. Sesshomaru can finally move and is ready to go home, not thinking of Rin, but then he catches "the scent of blood."
Not a truly noteworthy chapter, but it has good groundwork for Sesshomaru and Rin and the connection between Inuyasha's group finding the aftermath of a wolf attack and the wolves at the end is satisfying. Another 4/5.
Chapter 131: The Maiden's Life
"The scent of blood–and wolves. From there...where the little human girl always goes home...was her village attacked?" Sesshomaru expresses emotion upon finding Rin! There is a sadness and an anger clear on his face.
"Lord Sesshomaru, did you have some use for this human...?" "No..." No, Sesshomaru doesn't have a "use" for Rin, but he is affected by her death. A shift has occurred within him.
"Perhaps I should test Tenseiga's power!" In a very Inuyasha move, Sesshomaru finds a use for Rin and thus a reason to save her–she can be a test for the power of his sword. It's all an excuse. The way Tenseiga operates is fascinating–"I can see them...these messengers from the world beyond," a physical manifestation or enemy come to take away a soul, and Rin gives the reader an excuse to see how it works as well.
"'L...Lord Sesshomaru? Did you save that maiden with the Tenseiga..?!' He did. But...that is so unlike my Lord..." It is indeed.
"Hmph. The Tenseiga...this blade...if I use it well...may come in handy after all. My dear Inuyasha–you simply didn't have the heart to kill your brother–you will regret that!" But Sesshomaru is not completely changed. Or even so significantly changed...yet. He recognizes Tenseiga may be useful after all but surely plots to use it like a weapon. It's noteworthy that he recognizes Inuyasha held back and that if he hadn't, Sesshomaru would be dead. He knows his brother and now he also knows his brother's power. But "Didn't have the heart to kill your brother" he says while saving a human girl's life. A human girl who he unnecessarily clutched to him, partly as if needing to confirm her heart was beating again by having it "b-bmp..." against him. The shift in Sesshomaru is accompanied by a new path–one that will include both Tenseiga and Rin–as well as the change occurring within.
The chapter ends with Inuyasha and co coming across Rin's village and the man-eating wolves, who they fight off and kill. This brings Koga to them. "You...killed my children..." Koga, who values his wolves–his pack–but not human lives. Or the life of the demon who stole from him.
Another solid 4/5 chapter. Lots of focus on Sesshomaru development and the unveiling of Tenseiga.
Chapter 132: Koga
Before we get into the more personal, Kagome-centric conflict between Koga and Inuyasha, there's the beginning of their relationship/rivalry.
"So you're the leader of this pack of man-eaters, eh?"
"You did this! You murdered my darlings! I'll never forgive you!"
"Your pets made the ground run red with human blood! How many have you killed?!"
"I was just letting them feed, you insolent puppy."
Not only does Koga have Shikon Jewel shards, something Inuyasha doesn't actually know until midway into their fight when Kagome tells him, but Koga's wolves are going around killing human villages. That's what Inuyasha is upset about when they first meet. He's really gone from pretending he doesn't care about humans to actively defending them. Koga again demonstrates his loyalty to his pack and his more Sesshomaru-style demon point of view, with humans being just another animal of sorts (and here food for his wolves) and then gets a jab at Inuyasha by calling him an "insolent puppy." Suddenly the conflict is more personal as this gets to the more easily offended Inuyasha.
"I am Koga, master of the Wolf Demon Clan!"
"They may take human form, but their true nature is that of their beasts–wild and violent"
A special shoutout to how Rumiko Takahashi conveys information naturally through her respective characters. Previously, Miroku observed how the wolves only went after humans and now we get Sango telling the group, and the reader, about wolf demons.
Kagome being the human jewel detector of the group, yells to Inuyasha about the shards in Koga's wrist and legs, which gets Koga's attention. Inuyasha and Koga continue to fight and throw slightly immature insults at each other, making Miroku note that they are a "stubborn, impulsive pair." There are demon qualities in Koga that overlap with Sesshomaru, but really he is in many ways similar to Inuyasha. Especially the Inuyasha Kagome met in chapter one. He's also a wolf demon while Inuyasha is half dog demon, making him a somewhat wilder, more fully demon Inuyasha. Where's the line drawn between wolf and dog?
Speaking of Sesshomaru and similarities, Inuyasha sees Koga as the perfect chance to test Tessaiga's Wind Scar, but Koga senses the danger and runs off.
"'If he ran away because he instinctively sensed the danger...' 'Then he's no ordinary demon'" Interesting. Also more use of character when providing explanations as Miroku and Sango demonstrate that they are on the same wavelength and complete each other's thoughts.
"In any case, we can't let the leader of a pack of man-eating wolves hold onto three Shikon shards."
"I know that! That bluffing coward...calling me a puppy"
Koga pointing to Inuyasha's dog-like behaviors adds some fun humor and is also amusingly what Inuyasha fixates on. He's often telling the others that they need to focus on the shards or Naraku, but when it comes to his pride and true motivators, it's clear his priorities are elsewhere. And those priorities are really going to shine soon, with Koga ending the chapter by declaring his intentions to capture Kagome and make her work for him to detect jewel shards.
4/5 again!
Chapter 133: Hostage
"Say Inuyasha, isn't it just the same as always? So don't get so worked up about it, okay? You know, I think you're really great, Inuyasha. So strong and...and..."
"What are you going on about now?"
"You know how kind she is. She's probably trying to console you because you were hurt by being called an 'insolent puppy.'"
As the group chases after Koga, Kagome shows how she quickly recognized the rivalry forming between Koga and Inuyasha and how Koga's comments are getting to Inuyasha. Girl is putting in the work. They come across an ambush of wolves and Inuyasha notes "at this rate Kagome will be in danger," true to character for his main priorities. He's self-conscious and values Kagome's safety above all.
Putting the pieces together as he does, Miroku realizes that "Koga's plan was to kidnap Lady Kagome from the start" using the wolves as a lure and distraction. This is also a bit amusing considering Miroku enacted a similar plan to steal the large Shikon Jewel fragment Kagome used to carry. It also points back to Kikyo's claim a few chapters back–that Kagome having the fragment put her in danger. That claim is proving to both be true and not. It drew the attention of Miroku, but now even without it, Kagome is still in danger because of who she is–even without the jewel, Kagome has skills revolving around it that draws the interest of others and makes her a valuable player. Kikyo's claim was a bit of an excuse to take the fragment, but I think she also assumed Kagome doesn't really have any value in herself. She may possess the skills of a powerful Miko, but Kikyo sees that as a mere effect of Kagome being her reincarnation and not really anything Kagome can utilize in a meaningful way. Although more of the true shell herself, she probably views Kagome as a shell simply holding onto her own soul and talents. But Kagome is more than the Shikon Jewel and more than a reincarnation.
Koga takes Kagome the lair of the Wolf Demon Tribe/Clan. On the way, they run into Birds of Paradise and then Koga explains how the birds' leader possesses jewel shards, which has enabled them to attack and devour many wolf demons. Thus Koga wants Kagome to locate where in the leader's body the shards are so that Koga can take the shards, gaining more for himself and eliminating the threat to his people. Kagome agrees, hoping to find Inuyasha in the process and because she doesn't really have a choice if she wishes to keep her and Shippo safe for the moment.
Once again, Koga resembles the Inuyasha from the beginning of the story, using Kagome as a jewel detector and protecting her for that means (in Inuyasha's case, that was at least his claim). He's loud, impulsive, violent, and seemingly self-assured. Unlike Inuyasha, he is a leader of a large group of demons.
This chapter feels more transitional/like set-up, but it is well done regardless. Maybe more of a 3.5/5. I'd prefer a little less focus on action and an elaboration on character.
Chapter 134: The Wolves' Cave
To start, we flash back to the moment Koga took Inuyasha. A small note is the difference in the depiction of Koga carrying Kagome. In the previous chapter, she looked more angry and we could only see the back of Koga's head. This time, from Inuyasha's perspective, Kagome looks more afraid and Koga is flashing Inuyasha a grin. Is that all totally on purpose by Rumiko Takahashi? Probably, but regardless, it factors into the storytelling.
Sango ran into the Birds of Paradise in her attempt to follow Koga and Kagome and then it's back to Kagome, who is focused on somehow escaping. Despite how she might have been somewhat endeared to the cause of the Wolf Tribe, she is not so swayed as to prioritize helping them.
"Kagome...that's your name, isn't it? Now that I look at you...you have quite a pretty face, you know that? All right, I've decided! You'll be my woman!"
The similarities and differences between Koga and Inuyasha continue to stand out. Inuyasha stubbornly refused to use Kagome's name for a while after they met, but here, Koga is quick to put it into play and turn on the flattery. It's like he wants to bring them closer. But he's also quick to stake a claim on her without any regard for her feelings on the matter.
"You mean you're not going to eat her after you're finished with her?" "She's just a human girl, isn't she?"
"Fools–this girl can see Shikon shards! She's ten times the worth of any demon wench!"
"Then...you mean...we'll be able to gather all the Shikon shards?!"
"Mm. And then our pack will be invincible!"
Again, like Inuyasha, Koga's goal is acquiring the Shikon Jewel shards and using them to become stronger. Kagome is a jewel detector; however, with Inuyasha, he claimed she was an inconvenience he was stuck with while Koga boasts of her usefulness. Inuyasha would (and still does) downplay Kagome's attractiveness while Koga revels in it like it's an added bonus. I'm also bookmarking the idea of Kagome being better/more useful than a demon woman.
"So that's it. I trust you understand."
"Hey–don't touch me, you wolf! Oh...I'm sorry but...I'm already seeing someone else, so..."
Kagome's reaction to Koga stands out as well. He tries to be grab her and she pushes him away to the point of slapping him. And like with the Thunder Brothers, Kagome uses the "Inuyasha and I are a couple" card, only it's kind of more true this time. This will all become more relevant as the Inuyasha-Koga rivalry escalates.
"'Don't tell me it's...that insolent puppy?!'
'His name is Inuyasha! Quit calling him an 'insolent puppy'!!' Though I might have said I was seeing him, but...we haven't even kissed"
"Heh. How interesting. So, then, if this puppy Inuyasha were to be removed from this world, there'd be nothing standing between us? Because you know...the next time we meet, I'm going to kill him"
Kagome is facing a dangerous demon, but she defends Inuyasha anyway. And Koga is delighted that now he not only has to kill Inuyasha for killing his wolves but to free Kagome to be his. Because of course that's how that would work. This way of thinking is humorous, but the death of a love equating freeing a person to get into a relationship with someone else is ringing some bells.
Inuyasha, Sango, and Miroku continue their search for Kagome (and Shippo) and Koga takes Kagome on his raid, leaving Kagome thinking: "Inuyasha...please hurry!" There's no doubt in her mind that he's coming to get her.
4/5 chapter for some interesting character work within the incoming action.
Chapter 135: Harpies
"Yes...my brother and I have been wanting your Shikon shards...those embedded in your body."
"Heh. It just means we're all thinking the same thing..."
A short and sweet chapter with a lot of action but still moments of note.
"This is horrible...it's a blood bath..!" Seeing the Birds of Paradise attack the Wolf Demons tugs at Kagome's heart. As does Koga going to face the leader alone and the other members of the Wolf Demon tribe acting to protect her.
"All of you–protect Kagome!"
"You're going in alone?!"
"Who else?! I'm the only one who can bring him down!!"
That being said, when they call Kagome family because of her being "Koga's woman," she is very expressive when she counters: "Hey! I'll decide whose mate I am, thank you very much!" and clearly overjoyed when Inuyasha arrives. The two embrace and Inuyasha thinks: "He won't get away with this! Putting Kagome in such danger!"
In addition to being responsible for killing his wolves, Koga now sees Inuyasha as in the way and Inuyasha sees Koga as insulting him personally, but more importantly, being a threat to Kagome.
Feels a bit like another transition chapter but props for how the speed of the battle is portrayed accurately and the little bit of character work within the action. Maybe 3.5/5
Chapter 136: The Three-Way Battle
Inuyasha’s arrival means a fight between him and Koga, with the Birds of Paradise in the middle and Inuyasha very much zeroed in on Koga to the extreme. But Kagome, I think, having seen the Birds of Paradise first hand, has now fully been endeared to the cause of the Wolf Demons. At the very least, she doesn’t want anyone to die (except for the vicious Birds of Paradise) and tries to call after Inuyasha to stop his charged attack on Koga.
“Don’t move from there! I’ve come to kill you!”
“Inuyasha…!”
“If we don’t do something about that harpy flock…”
Miroku and his wind tunnel step up to the plate for the first time in a while and disproves the Wolf Demon claim of “We have no use for mortals here…” (which Kagome was already disproving) The tangling of the Wolf Demons with Inuyasha and Kagome bring more to the demon vs. humans conversation.
The humor in this chapter is pretty great with a fun Shippo moment and finally, the true escalation of Inuyasha vs. Koga. Damn these boys are so set on killing each other when there are very much other options, especially when they are already in the middle of a battle against a group of dangerous demons.
“I don’t care if these bird-things live or die! All I care about is killing you–here and now!”
But Inuyasha is only going to want to kill Koga even more after Koga expresses his desire to have Kagome, something Kagome is–again–quick to shoot down. Though Inuyasha hears Koga and sees red because he can’t have someone, especially someone like Koga, claiming Kagome as their own.
“Kagome is my woman now”
“Wha…?!”
“Th–that’s a lie! He just decided that by himself!”
“You think that’s funny, do you…?!”
Kagome, for her part, is adamant about not belonging to Koga and having a say in her own love life, but she does start to feel some effect from hearing Koga praise her and openly express his desire.
“No. I’m in love with Kagome. You got a problem eh?”
“You, you bastard…”
“She’s able to see the Shikon Jewel. She is brave. And she is loving. And I will see that you never endanger her again!”
“That’s my line!”
This is like a classic Inuyasha chapter with action, humor, interesting demons, and good character. It also begins to force Inuyasha to face the music regarding Kagome. At least a 4/5.
Chapter 137: The Stronger Man
I think at least another 4/5 with humor, an interesting fight, and expressions of Inuyasha’s feelings.
The three way battle, with part of it being the very personal fight between Inuyasha and Koga, is very fun and adds something different compared to the other, more repetitive fights.
“You think you can make Kagome your woman–?! You’ll die for that!”
In addition to being protective, Inuyasha is very territorial about Kagome. And dramatic. It’s some good humor while also emphasizing his care.
“You must know Kagome would be happier with me than with a weak pup like you!”
“You think you’re stronger than me? Don’t make me laugh!”
“Will you two stop fighting–?! I’m not hurt, so it doesn’t–“
“That’s not the point! He and I have something to settle now!”
It is interesting to note that Inuyasha’s interpretation of what would make Kagome happier is being with the “strongest” option in the very literal, physical strength sense. This also shows how he undervalues himself and attaches his self-worth to his fighting abilities. Kagome tries to stop the nonsense and focus on the big picture of what actually matters, which adds more humor, but the boys are being boys. And while protecting Kagome is always the main goal, Inuyasha has taken Koga’s claims and actions very personally and is trying to defend himself, Kagome, and basically the two of them as couple.
“‘You bastard! ‘Kagome this’…’Kagome that’…Don’t act so familiar!’ As if you know her–!”
This line is really great because Koga really doesn’t know Kagome and it shows how much Inuyasha values that he does know her. It calls back to their beginnings and how they built their relationship up over time. There is also a certain pride in knowing Kagome and being the person closest to her.
“Koga!”
“Don’t come near me!”
“But you’re wounded!”
“The harpy’s going to swoop back for another attack! His target is me alone!”
Koga demonstrates some of his leadership abilities and his willingness to put himself in danger for others. He’s got some redeeming qualities, which Kagome has started to recognize in addition to appreciating how freely he expresses his admiration of her.
“Just shut up and watch, you scrawny little wolf! I’m going to show you some real strength!…Now..with that interfering bird out of the way…Koga and I can get back to settling our problem!”
Inuyasha is given a nice opportunity to practice his Wind Scar skills. I wonder how far does he really want to go? Would he actually kill Koga given the chance? Their whole conflict started because he took issue with Koga’s wolves killing innocents, but of course Inuyasha takes no issue with killing demons. The act of saving Koga in this moment is not just a chance to practice but also a chance to show off his strength, which he believes has been called into question, and a declaration of Koga being for Inuyasha to kill. He has again made this very personal. Still, I wonder if this is also Inuyasha using some excuses as he’s not one to just let people die.
“‘What are you talking about? Can’t you see he’s hurt?!’ She’s hugging him!”
The final blow comes here. After Inuyasha viewing his actions as saving and then defending Kagome, she shows care for Koga. It is in her very characteristic way. If Inuyasha really did want to kill Koga, then Kagome is the one who never really wants anyone to die. But this can also be seen by Inuyasha as a stab to the heart after he did all *that* to defend Kagome and the both of them. I don’t think he’s ever seen Kagome this way over someone like Koga before either, so he is understandably shocked. The jealousy kicks in.
Chapter 138: Why She Let Him Go
You could say this chapter is in some ways immensely satisfying while also being very frustrating. It is primarily a display of Kagome and Inuyasha’s respective emotional intelligence and (im)maturity. It is also in some sense Inuyasha getting a taste of his own medicine, experiencing something similar to what Kagome goes through with Kikyo. They both have this tendency to skip over the other’s actual multitude of reasons for acting the way they do towards Koga/Kikyo and assume the behavior is a reflection of love/affection.
Of course Inuyasha’s way of dealing with these uncomfortable feelings of jealousy is to kill the source.
As Koga is dragged away after being saved from a fight with Inuyasha by Kagome, it is clear this rivalry will continue.
“Why did you let him go?”
“W-well…he was hurt…and anyway, they’re not really all bad”
“‘They’re not really all bad’? Didn’t they kidnap you?! Weren’t you afraid for your life?!”
“W-well yeah…but he did protect me…and he’s different from most demons…”
Sure, Kagome might have been partially endeared to Koga by his words of praise for her, but he care for him (again) seems very in character for her. But for Inuyasha, this is an odd change of pace. Usually, when Kagome is taken by a demon, she has no reservations about Inuyasha fighting and defeating them. You can understand his confusion. They honestly both have some validity to their perspectives.
“Hmm…has there been a change in affections here?”
“Well, I imagine it’s difficult to hate someone who keeps declaiming his love for you.”
Usually Miroku and Sango bring a nice balance to the Inuyasha and Kagome shenanigans with their more mature and grounded perspective and attitude, but here we get them again jumping to conclusions. As they did with Inuyasha being okay with Kikyo having taken the Shikon Jewel shard, they assume Kagome’s feelings and behaviors stem solely from affection for the party involved. Their commentary does not exactly help the situation.
Even Sango’s advice to “smooth Inuyasha’s ruffled fur” goes badly–despite it displaying Kagome’s ability to be quite mature, perhaps Inuyasha was best left alone for a while. Instead, Kagome and Inuyasha’s continued conversation escalates things even more.
“He was quite worried about you, Kagome.” And that is surely part of it. Inuyasha was worried about Kagome and now feels like his feelings and efforts have been rejected. Now he stews over Koga, thinking specifically of his claim that “Kagome is [his] mate.” It is very clear what he is upset about and that this is primarily a case of jealousy.
A bit of a side note, Inuyasha’s expressions in this chapter are fantastic.
“Inuyasha, I’m sorry I worried you so much and I’m really grateful to you for rescuing me…”
“Feh! Maybe you’d have been happier if I hadn’t butted in! Think of all the pretty words you missed out on!”
As Kagome and Inuyasha talk, it becomes clear that part of Inuyasha’s jealousy traces back to the whole “stronger man” thing–knowing Kagome was taken by Koga’s words about her, he feels inadequate. It is true that he expresses his affection for Kagome very differently. If he uses “pretty words” they are much clumsier.
“You mean what Koga said about being in love with me? That’s all you’re hung up about?!”
“What do you mean ‘That’s all’?! And I’m not hung up about it!”
Once Kagome learns that Inuyasha is fixating on Koga and Kagome rather than how worried he was about her, she is a little exasperated. And here is a really clear example of the reversal of the previous Kagome and Kikyo situation. When Inuyasha saved Kagome from Kikyo, she jumped to love and asking about his feelings for Kikyo and Inuyasha felt she was missing the point. Here, Inuyasha is focusing on potential feelings between Kagome and Koga and she feels like he’s missing the point. The jealousy gets to both of them and leaves them flabbergasted that the other is focusing on a potential rival in love when it’s clear to them that there isn’t really anything to worry about in that regard.
This is also a classic case of Inuyasha’s words vs actions with his actions showing he is very clearly hung up on that. Because of course, unlike Kagome being a bit more honest and mature about her feelings (and in this case trying to smooth things over), Inuyasha is all about that deny deny deny.
“Let me tell you right now…I don’t have any feelings for Koga, okay?” “Who asked you anything about your feelings anyway?!”
Hilariously, after saying “This is making me sick! This conversation’s over!” Inuyasha proceeds to ask “What really happened between you and Koga?” Such a parallel to the Kikyo situation with everyone doubting nothing romantic happened between Inuyasha and Kikyo whenever he returns from seeing her.
The insulation infuriates Kagome. And again, Inuyasha (and Kagome’s) expressions are golden. I love how his heart speeds up and he gets kind of scared of Kagome as she expresses her anger.
But here is where the situation becomes not so funny. Sure, Kagome says Inuyasha is “being an idiot,” which is true, but his “then do us both a favor and leave!!” is harsh and makes me want to smack my forehead. Oh, Inuyasha. It is clear he still has some emotional growth to do. Kagome too, but not to the same degree.
“This [fight] feels ominous to me…”
“Really? It feels stupid to me.”
Another 4-5/5 chapter for humor, actual grappling with events that just happened, conversations between characters, and attention to character and growth.
Jakotsu and Renkotsu's suspicions and Renkotsu's betrayal
Today I wanna talk about Renkotsu and Jakotsu’s suspicions about Bankotsu and Naraku, focusing on the two different conclusions they draw.
First, Jakotsu.
Episode 104: The Stealthy Poison User, Mukotsu!
Jakotsu: But, Renkotsu, there still seems to be many things we haven’t been told.
Renkotsu: Hmm?
Jakotsu: Take for instance this “Naraku” person who revived the seven of us. Who is he, exactly?
Renkotsu: Hmm… Naraku…
Jakotsu: Brother, have you ever met him?
Renkotsu: No, only Big Brother has met Naraku. Naraku handed him the shards of the Sacred Jewel, including ones for us.
Renkotsu: Naraku told him that if we got rid of all who sought Naraku, the shards would become ours.
Jakotsu: What an agreement. Two of the Band of Seven are already dead.
Jakotsu is the first member of the Band of Seven to bring up that Naraku’s behaviour is odd and this deal doesn’t sound real, with Renkotsu only questioning it after this conversation.
This is speculation on my part, but I get the sense that Bankotsu wasn’t acting like himself after being resurrected. The Band of Seven were all split up without a clear plan and Bankotsu stalked off in isolation rather than sticking together as a group.
I don’t think this lack of communication was present in their original days as the Band of Seven, especially since Bankotsu is a pretty honest person. He isn’t particularly interested in lying, even to opponents, and gladly tells Inuyasha how he met Naraku and such.
He’s not very secretive, yet there is stuff he isn’t telling the other members. I think Jakotsu is the first one who picks up on this shift in behaviour.
The thing that initially makes him suspicious enough to ask Renkotsu for more details is Mukotsu’s death, namely because they weren’t told about Sesshomaru, an opponent so strong he kills Mukotsu completely unphased by his attacks, who is also actively seeking Naraku.
Jakotsu asks Renkotsu about Naraku to see if there’s information that Renkotsu has that he doesn’t, but Renkotsu doesn’t know any more than he does.
I think this interaction made Jakotsu realize their second life is temporary. It isn’t until reuniting with Bankotsu, however, that it’s revealed to us (and Jakotsu) that Bankotsu also knows this.
Jakotsu is the first to bring up that Kyoukotsu and Mukotsu are gone. He and Renkotsu both seem to expect that Bankotsu will be upset by this. This makes sense with what we know about Bankotsu; he cares deeply about his friends, even going through the effort of re-burying and pouring out a drink to honor Kyoukotsu and Mukotsu.
This line from Bankotsu is important because it’s also what sparks Renkotsu’s betrayal.
Prior to this, Renkotsu didn’t have any plans on betraying Bankotsu. He didn’t have a reason to want to. At first, he didn’t even consider using Kagome’s shards. Was he going to give them to Bankotsu after all?
I’ll direct you to imahira’s essays about Renkotsu’s character, because they point out that Renkotsu, in the flashbacks, actually seems to be a dedicated and loyal follower.
THIS line is what inevitably leads to his change.
Not only is Bankotsu not upset about their comrades’ surprise deaths, he’s being casual. He doesn’t care. If they’d never died, plenty suggests he would’ve been. But, the Bankotsu we meet is already dead, and he’s accepted that they’re all going to return to the grave at some point.
Renkotsu at this point still hasn’t completely turned his back on Bankotsu, though. There are two more interactions that solidify his betrayal.
Renkotsu: Big Brother?
Bankotsu: Hmm?
Renkotsu: Are you not worried about Naraku?
Bankotsu: What about him?
Renkotsu: Why do you think he brought us back from the dead?
Bankotsu: To help him get rid of his enemies, such as the ones named “Inuyasha” and “Koga”, that’s why.
Renkotsu: Big brother, you’re the only one of the Band of Seven whose met Naraku. Do you think you could tell us a bit more about what he’s actually like?
Bankotsu: Listen, Renkotsu. We’ve been resurrected and can wreak havoc just like the good old days. Isn’t that good enough for you?
Renkotsu: E.. Yes.
Renkotsu: (Thinking) Big Brother is determined not to tell me anything more than he already has. Why?
Bankotsu completely brushes him off here when he has valid concerns.
(This scene has an added hilarity from the fact that about 30 seconds later, Bankotsu asks Jakotsu if he thinks Naraku can be trusted. Which was in the manga, unlike Renkotsu’s concerns.)
However, Jakotsu by this point has kind of figured everything out. Their second life is temporary, and Bankotsu doesn’t want to tell them that.
Thankfully, because he’s Jakotsu, he’s not very bothered by this. No one does ride-or-die like an already dead mercenary.
Why he won’t say that is entirely up to speculation, as canon doesn’t provide us with much of an idea, and Bankotsu’s behaviour is inconsistent at best around Naraku.
If the scene were anime-exclusive, I’d wonder if he was testing Jakotsu’s trust in him since he could tell Renkotsu’s trust was obviously slipping, but its presence in the manga makes me think that Bankotsu is, more or less, winging this.
The extent of his plan upon resurrection was to get Banryu back, get revenge, take out some of Naraku’s enemies and probably to “upgrade” his halberd. But I don’t think he’s decided what he’s going to do about Naraku if they manage to survive.
Because if Naraku’s enemies are this strong and can’t defeat him, and there’s so many of them, the Band of Seven have another untrustworthy employer who is probably gonna turn on them if they outlive their purpose.
If Jakotsu had given Bankotsu some input like, “He’s definitely gonna double cross us,” then Bankotsu might’ve moved to the “let’s have a team strategy where we discuss how we’d take out Naraku” stage of the plan, but if he didn’t trust Naraku already, it’s a question as to why that wasn’t already in progress.
It’s “we’ll burn that bridge when we get to it.” If they survive long enough for it to be a problem, they’ll deal with it then.
But enough of analyzing Bankotsu’s thought process, because I don’t entirely understand it.
The moment that Renkotsu officially decides to betray Bankotsu is this one.
Bankotsu: I knew all along, that you took Shikon jewel shards from that girl “Kagome” and hid them from me. If you prefer, I could cut them out of your neck.
He was growing wary of Bankotsu due to the disregard Bankotsu was showing their situation, but until Banryu was pointed at his face and Bankotsu threatened his life over the jewel shards, he hadn’t officially decided anything.
Before this, Renkotsu was hesitating handing over the jewel shards as a precaution. Bankotsu’s seemingly total apathy for their lives made him feel like he need back-up.
I feel like Bankotsu didn’t just pick up on Renkotsu’s hesitation, though, and may have even noticed Renkotsu trying to cover it up by killing Kagome before she could expose him. That would’ve turned it from “negligence” to “treachery hints” pretty clearly.
Aside from that, I think Bankotsu is still on edge from being betrayed by the clan lords they served in life, so smaller offences seem bigger than they are. If he acted like this in life, surely things would’ve crumbled much earlier.
This moment is what prompts Renkotsu to start working against Bankotsu. He doesn’t and refuses to accept that their second lives are temporary. To him, it’s a second chance and he’s keeping it.
Interestingly, when he’s fighting Koga in order to get Koga’s shards, he doesn’t say anything that specifically implies he intends to keep the shards for himself. Just that he’s going after Koga for the shards.
Renkotsu actually hesitates to use Ginkotsu’s shard when it’s handed to him and walks for awhile, injured, without using it.
He even debates if he should just carry it around, but believes that Bankotsu will just take it from him if he does. The thought of losing specifically Ginkotsu’s shard to Bankotsu offends him personally due to his close friendship with Ginkotsu, and he declares in his inner monologue that Bankotsu won’t get it from him.
This is not how he reacts to Jakotsu’s shard when it’s in his possession, nor Kagome’s shards he had to hand over previously. Whatever the reason may be— growing distrust in and resentment of Bankotsu, personal attachment, or simply perceived entitlement from being the person who “remodelled” Ginkotsu, he does not want to give this one up.
It’s only after this consideration, and lying there near death for what we can assume is at least several minutes, that Renkotsu decides to use Ginkotsu’s jewel shard after all.
Renkotsu does seem to pretty heavily mourn Ginkotsu’s second death, not just for Ginkotsu, but for what it represents. Now that he’s actively betraying Bankotsu, his own time is running out.
He has a noticeable shift in demeanour after betraying Bankotsu. He starts acting more unpredictable— erratic, even.
Renkotsu plans things relatively thoroughly and is generally very level-headed. His plan with the incense and graveyard dirt in the temple show that he’s very capable of making a plan and executing it.
His reactions during his fight with Koga are pretty calm, even after Koga injures him. He’s frustrated it’s not going his way, but he manages to keep his cool.
The river of flames, however? He does not keep his cool very well.
Renkotsu is completely, utterly desperate, and it shows.
Renkotsu kind of has to double-down on betraying Bankotsu after losing Ginkotsu, because it means he’s all alone in the world, can trust no one, and Bankotsu will probably kill him for doing what he had to in order to save himself.
Doesn’t justify killing your friend, but it’s a solid motivation. Renkotsu values his life and wants to keep it, being unable to accept that he already lost it 15 years ago and can’t actually get it back.
Renkotsu thinks what Bankotsu is doing is the exact same thing as him: putting your own life first, valuing power, etc. He feels like Bankotsu used them and their deaths as a means to get power and feels that he’s justified.
Now, maybe if they were both slightly different people, Renkotsu could’ve explained that Ginkotsu specifically willed his jewel shard to go to Renkotsu in the explosion because he wanted to save Renkotsu, he wanted Renkotsu to have it, and they should both respect his wishes.
Renkotsu wouldn’t be brave enough to explain that to Bankotsu, and I can’t say with certainty how Bankotsu would react to that, either. But in another world, they could’ve worked it out. And Renkotsu could’ve not orchestrated Jakotsu’s second death.
So I'm watching the episode where InuYasha turns into a full demon for the 1st time and it got me thinking.
For all the times Inuyasha turned full demon he never ONCE went after Kagome. That is unless there's an outside malevolent influence or force trying to control Inu in his demon form, but even then Inuyasha fights against that outside influence while still in his demon form.
But when it's just InuYasha himself in his demon form without any outside evil to influence him, he's never attacked Kagome, or even the rest of his friends for that matter. Sure, Demon InuYasha's been weary of Kagome and the gang (especially during the 1st transformation) but he's never actually turned his claws against them and tried to attack them. And I have a theory that maybe its because Inu's demon recognizes Kagome and the others as people who are special to him. He doesn't fully recognize them, per se, but his instincts know on some base level that he cares about these people, ESPECIALLY Kagome.
Perhaps Demon InuYasha understands that these people are apart of his pack, and that Kagome in particular is someone who he cares a great deal for. *cough*his intended mate*cough*
Anyway, it was just something I noticed while rewatching this episode. Correct me though if I'm wrong.
Why there's actually NO love triangle in Inuyasha (looking at the story from an eastern perspective)
So, this is going to be one of my long posts - bear with me!
I see a lot of debate about Kikyo vs Kagome, and I wanted to share some thoughts on the love triangle aspect of Inuaysha. Although I am white British (originally American), I was raised with an Indian religion – and despite leaving it about 20 years ago, it never fully leaves your system. And I really think you really need to look at Inuyasha from an eastern perspective to understand the Kikyo / Kagome thing.
So, let’s first look at why I personally had such a problem with Kikyo in the beginning – and then we’ll look at why we have to see her in a different way.
I have two problems with Kikyo. The first is that she was a high priestess of the village, known to be so powerful that she was entrusted to purify the shikon jewel, and so forth. She dealt with demons on a daily basis. She knew better than most that they often took on dual forms and they were deceitful. And yet the instant ‘Inuyasha’ attacked her, she didn’t so much as blink at it. She accepted his betrayal without hesitation – which tells me she never truly trusted or loved him.
Exhibit B – her proposal to use the crystal on him, to make him fully human. Essentially, this would have eradicated the world of one more demon – she was slaying him under the guise of love. It was a means to de-claw him, which to me is symbolic of stripping away all his passion and strength - everything that makes him him. He would have been tamed and weakened and in her hands. It’s pretty realistic, because a lot of women fall for the ‘bad boy’ and then work hard to domesticate him until he is unrecognisable. I just don’t like it.
So, to my mind, Kikyo didn’t really love him. She didn’t accept him for what / who he was. He was fatherless, his mother died when he was young, and he had to look after himself in a cruel world of bullies and bigots. He naively fell for the first suggestion of kindness because it was the first he ever had of it – but it wasn’t sincere.
She sealed him to the Tree of Ages and the world moved on, while he remained frozen in an older time. I see this as metaphor for Inuyasha being emotionally and mentally stuck, unable to move forward from his trauma. This is why (apart from just being a demon) he doesn’t age. Kaede is an old woman and he’s still the young naïve reckless kid in desperate need of love and acceptance, unable to grow.
But Kikyo never grew either. She died and sealed away the crystal in her grave, freezing the whole moment in time. She still had lessons to learn – they both did. And this is what leads us to Kagome. She is drawn back to Inuyasha because they have unfinished business from a previous lifetime.
When Kikyo is first resurrected, her soul is removed from Kagome’s body and returned to its former body, Kikyo. But this is not how it should be – that soul is ready to move forward. It’s had time to learn lessons. In fact, an interesting question would be: what was that soul doing for nearly 500 years? Because it had to have gone through other incarnations between the feudal period and modern Tokyo. In that time, Inuyasha remained stuck in one moment, unable to grow, while his lover’s soul reincarnated again and again and learned the lessons it needed to learn in order to go back and resolve this matter.
So Kagome drags her soul back into her modern body – but leaves one crucial piece behind in Kikyo’s resurrected body: her hatred / anger. Kikyo is then a walking body of rage. Symbolically, we are seeing the soul (now in Kagome) leaving the past in the past and wishing to move forward, without the anger it held onto for so long. The anger then gradually becomes purified, we could say, through the infusion of other dead souls mixed in to keep Kikyo’s body alive a while longer. She gains the experience of other souls, to heal that anger so that it no longer lingers in the world.
However, as long as Kikyo is present, Inuyasha cannot move forward. It isn't so much about her as an individual - because we have to remember she's already there as Kagome. Kikyo's presence is a symbol of the guilt and anger Inuyasha needs to let go of. He is still emotionally stuck to the tree.
Kagome has had other incarnations to teach her the wisdom of letting go of those emotions. Her special innate skill seems to be healing – as Kikyo, she was a healer, but now she is even more so. The very birds flock to her. She is also a seer. She sees not just the shikon shards but into people’s hearts. She can read the emotions in their faces. She sees their vulnerability, and their worth, underneath all their bravado and anger. Her kindness touches people. She might struggle with algebra, but she has innate wisdom from lifetimes of experience. She is an old soul. In many ways, although Inuyasha is 200 years old, she is at least 500 and therefore older, despite appearing younger. This works in a way that ‘Twilight’ never did, because of the reincarnation angle.
Kagome is patient – she’s been patient for 500 years, after all – and continues to be there, waiting for Inuyasha to let go of the past, symbolised by the phantom of Kikyo.
This is not really a love triangle – Kikyo and Kagome are the same person. Kagome learns to realise this. At one point, she finds herself in Kikyo's memories of the day she was killed, and Kagome even yells at Kikyo something to the effect of, 'That's not him! He would never do that! Why can't you see it!?' This is her remembering her own past life and reflecting on how blind she once was. But not anymore - she has learned, and she is a seer.
Kikyo is not a threat. She is a figment of the past, and both Inuyasha and Kagome need to let that past go. This is symbolised when Kagome is tested and held over the cliff by a fake Kikyo, and Kagome has to let go of her hand and declares that she doesn’t need to worry about her – she is enough in herself.
Inuyasha finally comes to see that it’s time to move forward. This is him overcoming trauma, pain and anger. He doesn't simply move on with Kagome once Kikyo dies for good - this is him releasing himself from the past and moving forward with the same lover, but in her older, wiser form. This is the moment that the anger dies. All that matters about Kikyo lives on as Kagome. He isn't choosing one over the other, because there is only one woman.
By the end, when Inuyasha has faced his demons (Naraku and more), he is a whole person and finally able to embrace true love. Kagome, as well, in all these incarnations has learned to accept and love for real. She doesn’t want to de-claw him anymore. She never wants him to go full human, but also doesn’t want him to go full demon – because it is vital that we find balance between our animal and civilized sides. It’s a Buddhist notion, this treading the middle path. Inuyasha is the ‘perfect man’ (I mean that as the western magical term), in the sense that he is equal parts beast and human / instinct and intellect. Neither aspect overwhelms the other – and Kagome is the one who teaches him how to walk this path and be whole.
Kagome gives Inuyasha the acceptance he needs to love himself and therefore love her and see love in others. At the end, when he declares to the demons in the crystal that he was born to meet her and she was born to meet him, he doesn’t just mean as Kagome – he means first as Kikyo and now as Kagome. Their karma is entangled. They have been on this path for 50 years (for him) / 500 years (for her). They share a thread of fate. However, it wasn’t their time, 50 years ago. Neither of them was in the right mental place for it to work, yet. And so it was all put on pause, allowing her time to grow, learn, and come back and teach him what she learned along the way, through all those lifetimes of experience, so that they could both grow together and finally be together.
I even like to think that now he might begin to age, because he is no longer emotionally stuck to that tree.
When Kagome’s mother so quickly accepts that it’s time for Kagome to leave forever, this is such an eastern viewpoint, as well. Growing up on the location of a shrine, she clearly understands that this is not really her daughter – this is an old soul who incarnated as her daughter in this particular lifetime, and it is now her time to go back and do what she was born to do. She doesn’t belong to her mother. She was on loan, so to speak.
The ending reminded me so much of a novel I’ve read a few times called 'Mipam' by a Tibetan lama named Lama Yongden. It’s quite an interesting story, again about a romantic couple and their fate throughout incarnations.
So Kikyo is bothersome – but it’s because she is the immature form of Kagome before the benefit of 500 years’ worth of lives / experience. As a soul, she learned love along the way, to the point of becoming someone who can love nearly anyone and anything. Kagome forgives so much – including Sesshomaru and Kouga, who are rather abominable, if you think about their beginnings in the story. I see Kagome as a bodhisattva (another Buddhist concept), choosing to incarnate even when she no longer has to, in order to pass on her wisdom to others and teach everyone the path of love. And in true bodhisattva fashion, she isn’t really aware of it during this lifetime – she is humility.
So there you have it – a love triangle…but between two people! Inuyasha never chose one woman over the other, because they are the same - you can’t have Kagome without Kikyo. Kikyo struggles with it because she knows that part of herself will be gone forever (the anger). Kagome struggles with it because anger is hard to release, and yet she just wants it gone already! But they are not distinct characters, if seen from an eastern philosophical perspective - which we have to do, because the foundation of the story is that Kagome is Kikyo’s reincarnation.
That perspective is essential to understanding what’s happening, who they both are, and the ending / the path everyone takes. Inuyasha has that revelation by the end and accepts that she will return to him because they have been on this path for so long, and been separated before – by death, no less – and she still came back to him.
And when Kagome dies, I can only imagine he will wait for her to return to him in some other form, or he will die too and join her somewhere - because they were not simply born for each other as Inuyasha and Kagome but as their two souls underneath those physical forms.
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
✓ Live Streaming✓ Interactive Chat✓ Private Shows✓ HD Quality✓ Free Actions
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
Hello, do you truly agree that Kagome and Inuyasha's relationship's toxic? I truly do.
The last one of these types of asks thankfully!
And no, I don't agree with that at all.
A toxic relationship is when both of them don't grow and get stuck, making the other one worse and uncomfortable. Inuyasha and Kagome never feel like this when they are together and they actually become better versions of themselves since both of them grew.
So I will keep it short since I already talked how much they grew in another ask:
Inuyasha and Kagome's relationship is healthy, they are both young and learned from their mistakes but at some point, it was flawed by jealousness because of Koga and Kikyo.
Kikyo: Thanks for Inuyasha not communicating with Kagome how he really felt about Kikyo and going the first time to see her to talk without telling Kagome.
Koga: Inuyasha is protective because Koga literally kidnapped her once and told everyone she was his against her will.
And if you tell me about the many sits she says to him in the anime, I will just say that Sunrise did way more than in the manga for comedic effect.
"Jealousy" is an important theme in Rumiko Takahashi's love story. 💕My random analysis:
Rumiko Takahashi once said in an interview - "Jealousy and self-willingness are the most attractive characteristics of women" and she even admitted she is easy to get jealous.
So almost every protagonists (both male and female) show different level of jealousy when it comes to their love interest.
😬 If you really hate this kind of emotion, you should skip her works directly because basically it's her philosophy of characters building 😬
And Indeed there is psychological proof about that:
https://www.onlinepsychologydegree.info/psychology-of-jealousy/
Type 1 - Crazy jealousy for comedic effect
The kiss of death from Shampoo (Ranma 1/2)
The electric shocks from Lum (Urusei Yatsura)
Between Inuyasha & Koga (Inuyasha )
Type 2 - Jealousy as a confirmation of their feelings
Ranma first feels fear of losing Akane (Ranma 1/2)
Kagome further confirms how much she love Inuyasha and she still wants to stay with Inuyasha (Inuyasha)
Nanoka confirms her feelings towards Mao.
Tho I can't imagine how Mao will express his jealousy, probably he won't??
Type 3 - Jealously ruins their heart
Naraku (Inuyasha) is the best example.
"Jealousy is really all that holds this demon together. "
Shiranui jealousy towards Mao (Mao)
Almost all characters in her works show their jealous emotion 🫣
And luckily all Rumic couples can overcome this so I'm looking forward to the relationship development between Mao and Nanoka!
I was reading how souls in Japanese mythology can be in multiple places a time, that not all of a soul is reincarnated and there are non essential life energy bits. I hear what revenant Kikyo uses for sustenance are the spiritual energy of the recently deceased, so to Japanese audience its clear Kikyo isn't destroying anyone's afterlife. Have you ever heard that, I wanna know true it is?
I don't have any info on this, but it's worth looking up! Maybe I'll do a deep dive on my next library visit :3
also this ask is ancient, but since there's been some kikyo and reincarnation talk on my dash today, I thought I'd send this out there to see if anyone else has thoughts/info/knowledge to help out!
