Secret of the Possessed Princess

Recapping from last episode; Miroku is about to be devoured by the true demon while Inuyasha is kept busy by a fake. The transformed Lord (a.k.a demon-fake) is using a young maid as a shield so Inuyasha cannot use the tetsusaiga. The young hanyou resorts to using his claws, but that only makes the injured Lord crash through the ceiling luring Inuyasha after him.

Inside the castle the servants are told to protect the princess...that's when Sango and Kagome hear that the Princess is showing Miroku the demonhead burial mound underground. Sango senses trouble and goes running. The elderly exorcist joins her.

Underground, the demon tells Miroku that he will be the 100th priest (or priestess) she has devoured. After she devours him and his powers her resurrection will be complete. At the same time, Kagome and Shippo are scurrying through the castle treating and looking for survivors of the demon's attack. They come across what they think is the sleeping princess but find out that the girl is actually dead.

Back on the castle roof, Inuyasha continues his fight with the demon-lord until he notices the demon's appearance start to flicker. He begins to understand that this monster was actually a diversion.

Returning to the underground burial site, the demon-princess is aware someone has found the actual princess (hope your not getting confused). Suddenly, Sango comes charging down the stairs, but before she can do a thing, the jaki paralyzes her as well. The demon chuckles as she grabs Miroku for her next meal. Lucky for all, the old exorcist is not affected by the jaki! She runs up to the demon and throws her purifying ash at her. Miroku turns to the old woman and tells her to throw all of the ash on himself. With his powers, along with the ash, the Monk is able to dispose of the demonhead's body. The demon head, however, flies off echoing it's intention of revenge.

Back on the roof, Inuyasha feels the evil aura has intensified. He finishes off the fake demon knowing the real demon is now in the castle. At the same time Kagome and Shippo look upon the pretty dead princess. Eerily, the demonhead creeps up behind them. The head begins to absorb bright orbs that exit the princess' body. These are the powers from past priests and priestesses. Only one more is needed to make 100. Suddenly, it notices Kagome is carrying shikon shards. The demon knows shards are much more powerful, and goes after Kagome. The young girl and Shippo try to protect themselves, but are inevitably saved by Inuyasha. Miroku runs into the room stopping Inuyasha from his next attack. He wanted to ask the demon why it hadn't emerged from the mound until now. The demon answered that until this time if it had emerged, it would have been absorbed and ruled over by an immense evil. An immense evil called Naraku. The demon turns to flee saying that Naraku is not here now. When Inuyasha's Kaze no Kizu doesn't stop it, Miroku uses his kazaana (wind tunnel) to send the demon to oblivion. With the evil gone, the sky returns to normal.

The next morning after settling everything with the remaining inhabitants of the castle, Inuyasha and the others talk to the elderly exorcist. She happily says that if demons are resurfacing due to Naraku's disappearance, then she will be very busy. In other words...things will be profitable for her. Somehow they know this woman can take care of herself.

Inuyasha and the others say their final goodbyes to the old woman and venture forward. Miroku, Sango, and Kagome wonder if things will become more difficult with all of the demons coming out of hiding. Inuyasha isn't worried. However, the question still remains, "Where is Naraku?"

Kikyo's Lonely Journey

(NOTE: This episode reveals how Onigumo was burnt.)

Kikyo wonders what has become of Naraku. She has sent her shinidamachi (soul chasers) to search for the evil aura of Naraku, but there is no trace of him.

Rain begins to fall on the Inuyasha gang. Kagome asks if they can take a rest, but Inuyasha is bitterly against it. When Kagome finally admits that her behind is hurting from riding her bicycle, everyone agrees that it's time to get out of the rain. (Funny scene.)

Meanwhile, Kikyo has entered a town where the villagers beg her to take care of an evil monster terrorizing them. They tell her the beast is up in the mountain by the area covered in fog. She agrees to help. It isn't long before she arrives at a lake. A huge turtle-like demon emerges from underneath the water. Kikyo uses one of her purifying arrows, but it simply hits the turtle's shell and deflects. When Kikyo turns to walk away, the turtle-demon lunges at her. This allows Kikyo to use her arrow once again....this time it penetrates through the demons mouth and destroys the monster. Afterwards she knows this is not the monster she is looking for.

She walks further towards the fog. As she gets closer to a waterfall, an elderly man (Rasetsu), who is seen briefly in the village, pulls a knife on her. Kikyo observes that this man is diseased and is being kept alive by a shikon shard. At first the man asks for money, but when realizing she has none, he lets her go. When illness suddenly overtakes the man, Kikyo finds shelter and nurses him....that's when he tells of his sordid past. He also mentions how much she resembles a Priestess he encountered fifty years ago called Kikyo. It seems that in his younger days, this man was killing, stealing, burning and living as he pleased. He continued by telling how himself and an even greater evil person named Onigumo were after the Shikon Jewel. Onigumo asked Rasetsu to go alone and dispose of Kikyo using his skill with a bow and arrow.

The next morning Rasetsu sees Kikyo walking alone. Thinking this would be easy prey, he fired his arrow at her. Inuyasha appeared out of nowhere and destroyed the arrow. The young hanyou faces Rasetsu angrily and asks if he is after the Shikon Jewel? Rasetsu pulls his sword and takes a swing, but Inuyasha easily breaks it. A piece of deflected metal hits Rasetsu in the eye. Lucky for Rasetsu, Kikyo calls for Inuyasha.

An injured and furious Rasetsu returns to his camp only to find his men and Onigumo gone. He traces them to a brothel-type dojo. Feeling that Onigumo's plan was to take his men and dispose of him, Rasetsu, lights a bomb and throws it at Onigumo. The bomb causes a huge explosion, and the brothel goes up in flames. After sifting through the debris, Onigumo is found barely alive. Rasetsu told how he and his men took the burned body and threw it into the depths of Naraku.

Kikyo asked how he obtained the shard he has now. Rasetsu admitted that he got the shard from a dying youkai, however, it won't grant any wishes. It just keeps him from death and lures other demons who want it. Suddenly, a pink and purple demon with multiple eyes crashes through the ceiling. It grabs Kikyo and demands the shard. This demon was cut off from Naraku and wants the shard to return to his true form. With the use of Rasetsu's shard and Kikyo's purified arrow, the demon is destroyed.

Later that rainy evening, Rasetsu (the old man) gives Kikyo the shard but asks her for a favor. He feared going to hell and heard of a temple where one even as evil as himself could be saved. He traveled in search of that place, but knows he will not make it. He then took a knife, cut off some of his hair and asked Kikyo if she could bury it at the temple for him.

Before he dies, Rasetsu asks, "Woman....What is your name?" The Priestess replies, "Kikyo." A slight grin befalls his wrinkled face, "How ironic....", escaped his lips before death overcame him.

The scene switches to a small home sheltering Inuyasha and the others. Most of them are asleep, but Kagome is warming herself by the fire. When she begins to sneeze, Inuyasha gives her his warm red shirt. He gently checks if she has a fever, but she says that it's probably just someone talking about her. She begins to blush when he gets close...making him think she really does have a fever. Kagome rests her head on Inuyasha's shoulder while unbeknownst to them the others are secretly watching.

The next morning Kikyo asks some villagers about the temple. They remember a temple built by Hakushin Shounin where one would be cleansed of all their sins. They say it is located in Hakureizan and give her directions. Kikyo peers at the shard while viewing Hakureizan from a distance. "What is this strange feeling?" she wonders.

Three Spirits of the Monkey God

Inuyasha and the others are continuing their search for Naraku, when they notice a village whose crops have been completely messed up. Sango comments how unusual it is to see so many large holes. Moments later they are approached by desperate villagers. They call Inuyasha a "Dog God" and beg for his help in ridding their village of a monkey demon. The villagers believe that monkeys are afraid of dogs. Miroku (with Sango) offers to continue the search for Naraku while Inuyasha helps the village. Inuyasha grudgingly consents.

A short time later, Inuyasha, Kagome, and Shippo wander the forest looking for the monkey demon. When it appears, Inuyasha easily takes care of it....but wait! The huge looking creature simply deflates into three mischievous little monkey children. The little monkeys promise not to get in trouble again and present Inuyasha with (what they call) an enchanted rock. Inuyasha accepts it only to find that it was a trick. The rock becomes huge and Inuyasha is unable to get his hand free. When the little monkeys run off laughing, Kagome and Shippo give chase. Shippo knows that those three are the only ones that can remove the spell. The little fox races ahead catching up to the three little monkeys. The four engage in an amusing battle that is ended when Kagome offers snacks to everyone.

While filling themselves with snacks, the little monkeys explain their reason for destroying the villager's crops. They believe their "Monkey God" is somewhere buried in those fields. They believe this because each has had a vision in a dream. As they are talking, an angry Inuyasha arrives toting the huge rock. Kagome asks them to break the spell, but they say it's impossible.....they forgot how?!? The monkeys admit that in order to break the spell, they must find their God.

Kagome returns to the fields and enlists the villagers help. They search the mountain, river banks, Jinju Forest, and just about everywhere. All this time Inuyasha is carrying that huge rock and getting in one predicament after another (funny).

Miroku and Sango return just before the sun is about to set. (Another funny scene when Miroku offers to absorb the huge rock in his wind tunnel.)

It's now evening and Kagome sits with Inuyasha so he doesn't get lonely. Suddenly, she notices a village woman carrying a plate full of white radishes that emanates a strange aura. When the little monkeys recap their dreams, they realize their "Monkey God" must be somewhere in the crops. Kagome has the villagers show her a large radish rock that is glowing. The monkeys accuse the villagers of stealing the rock, but they say they found it. (They are unable to see it glowing.) When the little Monkeys recall what happened, they realize they were the ones who had lost it.

A short time later, Miroku pours holy water on the rock and out comes the ghostly figure of the Monkey God. He released Inuyasha and told the villagers that if they build a new temple and worship him, then he will protect the village.

Just before Kagome and the others depart, the friendly Monkey God told how he was anxious to get out of the radish. You see, he sensed a foul energy. He followed the energy until it disappeared, but he was still able to tell them that it was heading North-East to Wushitora. Knowing this must be Naraku, Inuyasha declared their destination.

Before they are out of site, the Monkeys play one last trick throwing acorns and telling Shippo and Inuyasha to kiss their a$$. Shippo waves goodbye knowing these little guys weren't so bad after all.

Nursing Battle of the Rival Lovers

There won't be any hunting for Naraku today...Kagome has come down with a cold and fever. Inuyasha is not happy. He grumbles and storms out of the cabin. Afterwards, Sango and Miroku advise Kagome to go back to her time as the medicine and doctors are better. Once Kagome returns home, her Grandfather calls the school telling them she has a cold. Everyone is surprised that Kagome is suffering from just a cold. Her friends discuss visiting her, and Hojo overhears them. He walks away pondering the idea that Kagome has a cold.

Meanwhile, in the Feudal Era, Lady Kaede and the villagers are battling an onslaught of demons. Inuyasha shows up to help just in time. He explains to the elderly woman that the demons have been coming out of the woodwork due to Naraku's disappearance. After finishing off Lady Kaede's demon, Inuyasha heads to a swamp where he encounters yet another snake-like demon. In fact, demons seem to attack him one after another. Inuyasha easily takes care of them all and catches two large fish in the process.

In the current Era, Kagome's friends have come to visit and a few minutes later so does Hojo. Kind Hojo brings Kagome many different things to help towards her recovery. Kagome's mother invites him in, and all the teens gather in Kagome's room. They discuss events that took place at school.

At the same time Inuyasha has returned to the cabin looking for Kagome. He has been out gathering tons of herbs and food. When Miroku and the others tell him Kagome had gone home, he travels through the well to check on her. Kagome leaves her room for a few minutes, and Sota informs her Inuyasha has come. She is surprised and flattered. (Of course, Inuyasha has trouble admitting he was concerned about her.) A few minutes later Kagome faces Hojo on the steps to her room (Inuyasha remained downstairs and isn't seen by the others.). He really feels helpless and wants to do anything to help her. He gets his chance, because once inside her room, Kagome discovers there is an achievement test tomorrow. Her friends thought she was aware, but she had no clue. Hojo and her friends come to the rescue teaching Kagome what she needs to know. When they leave, she continues studying. Inuyasha is concerned and doesn't feel she is well enough to attend school the next day. Kagome gets angry and tells him to leave.

Inuyasha knows that Kagome is determined to take her test so he returns to the Feudal Era to gather up everything needed to make a medicine. When he gets back, he uses Mrs. Higurashi's stove to make the strange concoction. Inuyasha enters Kagome's room and proudly hands her the medicine. Sota watches practically turning green as his sister drinks it.....he knows what it was made from. Kagome asked Inuyasha how he knew of this remedy, and he shyly replied from his mother. As Kagome nods off to sleep Inuyasha pats her gently....seems his mother use to do that as well. Once the ill girl is asleep, Inuyasha notices a photo album that Kagome had been looking at. He views the images of Kagome, her friends, and Hojo.

The next day, Kagome feels fully cured. Unfortunately, she wakes up late and laments how she won't make it in time to take the test. Inuyasha instructs her to get ready, then carries her on his back to school. She arrives in time.

The final scene shows Inuyasha sitting on the school roof while Kagome confidently takes her test.

Sota's Brave Confession of Love

A beautiful new day has dawned, and Kagome is feeling great. She not only tackled her cold but the aptitude test as well. Since Inuyasha has remained in present day with her, Kagome suggests that they do some shopping before returning to the Feudal Era.

Inuyasha, clad in a baseball cap, accompanies Kagome to a grocery store. He is in awe....gazing at all the food in one place. Once the shopping is complete, they head for home. Suddenly, Kagome stops, causing Inuyasha, who is loaded down with their purchases, to run into her. She notices Sota standing in front of a flower shop. Kagome grabs Inuyasha, and they duck behind some buildings. Both wonder what the little guy is up to. They notice how he hides when three elementary school girls pass the shop.

At dinner Sota hardly touches his food worrying his mother and grandfather. Once the boy leaves the table, Kagome informs them that Sota is love sick. A little later, Sota asks Inuyasha if they can have a "man to man" talk. It's hard for Sota to say anything at first, but then he begins asking the hanyou about love. He asks about the relationship between Inuyasha and his sister. Then he confesses that he likes a girl that sits next to him in school who's name is Hitomi. Inuyasha is at a loss for words when Sota blurts out that he wants to confess his feeling to Hitomi, but asks if he can practice with him. Kagome is stunned when she catches Sota telling Inuyasha, "I like you!" When she hears what is going on, Kagome offers her little brother some help.

The next morning Sota is all dressed up in a bow tie and suit. Kagome hands him some flowers and tells the youth to meet with Hitomi after class. As Sota is leaving, Inuyasha and Kagome cheer him on.

After school, Kagome and Inuyasha wait patiently for Sota to come home. He is late. When he does arrive, his sad appearance has everyone suspecting he was rejected. Tearfully, Sota admits that once Hitomi met him after school, he just couldn't get the words out. Inuyasha basically tells the boy to quit feeling sorry for himself and get stronger. Inuyasha takes the boy outside and tries to teach him the "Sankontessou." The training is a ploy to get Sota to believe he is stronger. A short time later everyone is cheering the boy on even his mom and grandfather. Everyone believes Sota will surely confess his feelings this time. Didn't happen....Sota came home too scared to do it.

Inuyasha gets impatient with Sota's wishy washy attitude and tosses him out of the house. The hanyou insists Sota "be a man" and confess his feelings or he won't let him back in the house. Of course, poor little Sota stares up at him thinking, "but this is MY house?" Just the same, the young boy meets Hitomi by a playground. Not far off, Inuyasha and Kagome are spying on the couple. After a little faltering Sota finally is able to utter, "I like you, Hitomi. Will you go out with me?" Hitomi blushes and says, "yes." Inuyasha and Kagome watch from the bushes feeling both relieved and happy for the couple. Suddenly, the youngsters embrace sparking surprise and nervousness from the spies in the bushes. My, my how fast they grow up.

It's a brand new day and time for Inuyasha and Kagome to return to the Feudal Era, but before they go, Sota tells Inuyasha, "Thank you!"