Exposed Face of Truth

Inuyasha arrives at a cave a safe distance away from trouble and roughly unloads Koga. Kagome urged him to be more careful since Koga was wounded. Even though Inuyasha boasted as if he didn't care, Kagome knew that a small bond had developed between dog and wolf demon.

Meanwhile, Suikotsu is fighting his alter ego and losing....he is unable to brutally kill the small children. Jakotsu gets the word that Sesshomaru is heading their way and tells him to leave the brats for now. Once they are gone, Kikyo walks up. She asks the children if the dead villagers was the work of Suikotsu? They tell her it was and that his kind face had returned, but he was not the same. The Priestess tells the children to leave the village for they may be in peril. Then she rides off on horseback towards the mountain.

Within the barrier of Mt. Hakurei, Sesshomaru, Suikotsu, and Jakotsu prepare to face one another. The barrier doesn't seem to effect Sesshomaru as much as they had hoped. It does, however, slow him down some resulting in a slight arm injury.

At the same time inside Mt. Hakurei's twisting caves, Sango and Miroku have gotten themselves lost. They see a ghostly figure who motions for them to follow him. Unbeknownst to them, that figure is Kohaku.

Returning to the confrontation on the ledge of Mt. Hakurei, Jakotsu thinks he has the upper hand but he is sadly mistaken. Sesshomaru averts the attack from Jakotsu's lengthy sword and flings his tensaiga piercing Suikotsu's chest. At the same time, the dog demon reaches inside Jakotsu's body with his long finger-like claws. One is left to believe that both members of the Band of Seven have been killed.....not so. For a brief moment Rin is able to run, but Suikotsu was not dead. He again grabs Rin and this time he is ready to kill. Just a Rin is about to meet her doom, a purified arrow strikes Suikotsu in the neck where the shikon shards are located. With Sesshomaru watching, Kikyo approaches the fallen Suikotsu. The stricken man weakly looks at her saying the black aura had blocked him from coming out. "Did her arrow purify his shard?" the Priestess wonders.

Suikotsu asks Kikyo to please remove his shard. "You have chosen death?" the Priestess asks. The injured man tells of his sad past and how he came to be a merciless killer. Basically, in an act of self-defense, he killed a man, which unleashed his dual personality. An evil personality that he could not control. When Bankotsu saw him murdering over and over again, he was asked to join the Band of Seven. Now purified, he is not proud of his past. He begs her to take his shard and put his soul to rest. Just as Kikyo is about to grant his wish, Jakotsu's sword strikes Suikotsu and sends the shard right into the girly-man's hand. Jakotsu smirks and flees as Suikotsu's flesh dissolves leaving just his bones. Finally safe, Rin thanks Kikyo for saving her, and then leaves with Sesshomaru.

Back in the caves, the incognito Kohaku is leading Miroku and Sango to an exit. He just doesn't want to fight them. Unfortunately, Kanna appears and tells him not to let them escape. The boy knows he must obey. A short time later, when Miroku and Sango approach the exit, they sees the luminescent cape left behind. It is gear that demon hunters use in night attacks, and Sango now knows that it was Kohaku they were following.

In another cave, Kagome watches over the still unconscious Koga. His friends are there as well. Inuyasha is outside floating in some cool, crisp water. Shippo watches him and wonders what the hanyou could be thinking. Truth is...the weather and scenery depicts a nice day, but looks can be deceiving.

What will happen to Miroku and Sango? Find out on the next exciting episode!

Inuyasha: Vanished Into a River of Flames

Renkotsu prepares his weapons and recalls the events that occurred leading to Ginkotsu's death. He had inserted his former partner's shard into his wounds healing himself. Now he is determined to get Koga's shards if it's the last thing he does, and he's been told where the wolf demon is hiding.

Elsewhere, in a secluded cave, Kagome, Shippo, Hakkaku and Ginta are overjoyed to see Koga awaken. He is still recovering, but that doesn't stop him from complaining about the dog smell all over him. In walks Inuyasha soaking wet. He tells Kagome that he was washing off the wolf stink. After some wolf and dog bantering, Inuyasha tells Kagome they must leave to check on Miroku and Sango. He turns to see one of Naraku's poison bees spying on them and goes after it.

With Inuyasha gone, Renkotsu begins his attack. Using gunpowder and oil, the Band of Seven member turns the river to flames. Kagome grabs her bow and arrows telling Koga he is still too injured to fight. She aims, but Renkotsu sends a ball of fire directly at her. Inuyasha returns in time to deflect the attack with his fire proof garment. He takes it off and covers Kagome so she is protected. She says he should keep it, because Renkotsu is using two shikon shards. Inuyasha won't hear of it and leaves to battle.

Renkotsu has brought with him quite an arsenal of weapons. The massive amount of fire power sends both Inuyasha and an assisting Kirara crashing into the mountains. Renkotsu then turns his attention to outside the cave where Kagome stands. He fires his make-shift cannon and gazes at the damage it has done. He wonders if it has killed those inside and goes to survey the damage. He smirks when it appears that Koga and the others are dead. However, just as Renkotsu goes for the shards, Koga plants a powerful uppercut on the Band of Seven member and sends him flying backward. His cannon landing by Koga's feet. It seems they were saved when Kagome flipped Inuyasha's flame proof shirt over them. Unfortunately, Renkotsu still has sticks of dynamite on him. The threatening man lights the explosives sending shivers down everyone's spine. Kagome warns, "If you set those off in here, you TOO will die!!" Renkotsu is not worried for the shards will keep him alive! He lights the explosives, but again his attack is thwarted when Inuyasha arrives just in time. For a split second wolf and dog demon work together against the evil man. To save the others Inuyasha grips Renkotsu and dives from the ledge plummeting downward just as the explosives go off. Kagome is mortified!

A short time later, Kagome, Koga and the others search the banks of the river to see if he had floated downstream. Koga uncompassionate says, "maybe he was blown to bits?" Kagome begins to sob. She blames herself for keeping the hanyou's protective clothing. Koga replied with, "It's not your fault...he forced it on you." And with that comment, something slugs him in the back of the head. It's Inuyasha!! He tells them how Renkotsu ditched the explosives before they went off. Of course, that leaves the door open for more wolf and dog bantering. As they are doing so, a tearful Kagome runs into Inuyasha's arms. Koga lets it go for now but the two continue with their name calling making it difficult for Kagome to continue crying.

The scene changes to outside the foggy Mt. Hakurei where Miroku and Sango are wondering how the Band of Seven are connected to Naraku. And why is the Great Priest aiding him by putting up this barrier? The two decide to climb up to the summit and investigate more.

Meanwhile, Renkotsu walks the banks of the river lamenting over his inability to gain Koga's shards. He knows that if Bankotsu finds out that he is using Ginkotsu's shard, he will be toast. Suddenly, one of Naraku's poisonous bees pass and hover above a figure up ahead. Uh oh! It's Bankotsu. Lucky for Renkotsu, Bankotsu doesn't seem to know about the shard even though the bees have told of Ginkotsu's death. The younger man tells of Suikotsu death and the two walk off together.

Back on Mt. Hakurei, Miroku and Sango have reached a ledge. There is a another cave up ahead if they can only make it across. Sango uses her boomerang and rope, and much to Miroku's delight, the two are able to make it. The two sense an evil presence, but travel inside hoping to find that elusive Naraku. Not far off, Kanna appears showing a very bored Kagura that the Monk and the demon hunter are getting close. Kagura smirks, "This should be interesting. My first chance to have some fun in a while." She stands exposing thousands of terrifying demons behind her.

What will happen to Miroku and Sango? How long can Renkotsu deceive Bankotsu? Watch the next exciting episode to find out.

Into The Depths of Mt. Hakurei

Miroku and Sango penetrate the cavern, but what awaits them is not pretty! Thousands of demons attack and because they include Naraku's poisonous bees, Miroku cannot use his wind tunnel. Kagura shows herself and also attacks. When Kagura separates the two by destroying a path, Sango instructs Miroku to keep going and tosses her boomerang at the wind goddess. Unfortunately, Sango spots Kohaku and is sidetracked as Kagura sends the boomerang right back at her. The impact knocks the young demon hunter unconscious. Miroku jumps over the damaged path and cradles Sango in his arms. "Brings tears to my eyes," Kagura quips just before sending thousands of demons to finish off the two humans. In a gesture of love and last resort, Miroku uses his wind tunnel knowing full well that it could kill him.

Outside the mountain's barrier Kagome worries about her friends. Inuyasha insists on going in and demands that Koga watch over Kagome. The young hanyou believes that since he is only half demon, the barrier cannot purify all of him. He ventures inside growing weaker the closer he gets to the mountain.

Returning to the cavern, Miroku is trying to move forward while carrying a still unconscious Sango. He is struggling for the poison within him is taking effect. However, he gathers his strength and looks the demons in the eye and threatens, "Anyone who doesn't value their life come at me. I'll be happy to feed you to my wind tunnel!!" Not wanting to get sucked into Miroku's void, Kagura just watches amazed at his resilience. She utters to herself quietly, "Hate to break it to you Monk....Naraku's NOT up there." Miroku must use his air void once again. Afterwards, he turns to keep going, but it's no use....he apologizes and collapses.

Not too far off, a very cold Jakotsu is wandering down the road. A group of villagers on horseback approach. Poor men, their timing is deadly. Jakotsu slays them all and finds new clothing among their goods. Bankotsu appears a few minutes later. He is tearfully surprised when Jakotsu hands over the shard that had once belonged to Suikotsu. "You are the only one I can trust!" He says happily.

Meanwhile, Inuyasha is getting weaker. He gets to a point where he is barely able to move when a familiar voice is heard. Oh NO! It's Renkotsu! Seems he had been following the hanyou. To avoid the cannon fire, Inuyasha jumps and lands in the strong barrier. He screams in agony!!! When the smoke clears, Inuyasha's appearance is reminiscent of a full moon. All his demonic powers have disappeared.

At about the same time, Sango awakens to find Miroku passed out on top of her (*Snickers* not exactly the right time or place...right Sango?). She recalls what had happened and realizes Miroku used his wind tunnel. She tearfully begs him to wake up. Miroku awakens and there is a very touching scene between the two. Miroku asks her to go on without him but she cries, "If you can't come with me, then let me die with you!!!" As Sango is embracing him, Miroku discovers that he is feeling better by the minute. Not only that, but the demons that hover before them are unable to get through to them. The fact is, they are on sacred ground....holy enough to purify the poison Miroku had sucked in as well as keep the demons out. The two move forward knowing something important lies ahead.

Just outside, Inuyasha is dodging Renkotsu's attacks. Just when it looks like the cannon's explosion may take his life, the young hanyou finds an entrance into the mountain. Renkotsu surveys the area of his cannon attack. He sees the crevice leading into the mountain just as Jakotsu walks up. Imagine the apprehension Renkotsu feels when he learns that Jakotsu has given Bankotsu Suikotsu's shard. ("kotsu...kotsu...kotsu....geez, everyone keeping up.") The cunning Renkotsu gets an idea and tells Jakotsu there is a surprise waiting for him inside the cave.

Moments later the scene changes to Inuyasha racing through the cave. He stops abruptly when the blade of Jakotsu's long sword just misses him. The Band of Seven member drools at the sight of the hanyou's human form. "I've been waiting to do you for a long time," Jakotsu says licking his lips.

Beyond the barrier a nervous Kagome waits....while inside, Inuyasha must face the girly-man of the Band of Seven.....er...Band of Three now? Can Inuyasha survive without his demonic powers? Don't miss the next exciting episode.

A Malicious Saint

Inuyasha is involved in the fight of his life while elsewhere, Miroku and Sango have made their way to the mountain temple. Is this the heart of the holy ground? They come to the mummified form of Hakushin Shounin. Imagine the shock to discover that the mummy is alive! Miroku asks how he, who was once a virtuous priest, could be helping Naraku? Hakushin answered that he knew of Naraku's nature and does not care....

The scene changes to Kagome and the others worried as Inuyasha is late. Next...the episode takes you inside the cave where Jakotsu is attempting to cut Inuyasha to bits. Unfortunately, he is succeeding, because even the Robe of the Fire Rat (Inuyasha's clothing) has lost its demon powers.

Back at the temple, Miroku and Sango listen as Hakushin tells of his past. When he was alive, he saved people without hesitation. Back then there was a terrible famine that dragged on for many years. Many people became stricken with infectious diseases. Villagers begged him to save them. One day, he TOO became stricken with disease. To ease the villager's fears, he vowed to become a living Buddha and save the people forevermore. Once buried, he became overcome by the will to live. He succumbed to death with many regrets. His remains became a living Buddha, but his soul was left behind in the darkness. Years passed...then one day Naraku appeared before him. The evil demon filled Hakushin's heart with hate.

Returning to Inuyasha, we find the young hanyou is almost out of strength. Renkotsu is watching and silently wishing Inuyasha would injure Jakotsu. He gets his wish when Inuyasha tricks Jakotsu and hits him with a blow that just misses the shard in his neck. Sadly, no damage was done, and Jakotsu retaliates with a elbow to the stomach. Inuyasha collapses and Jakotsu pulls him up by the hair telling him to beg.

At the Holy Temple, Sango and Miroku try various methods to break through Hakushin's strong barrier. It's only when Miroku enlists the help of his powerful wind tunnel that the barrier begins to weaken and then collapse. Those watching from outside the mountain notice the weakening of the sacred powers. (Kikyo sees something escape the mountain.) Demons now roam where they couldn't before, and that includes Naraku's poisonous bees. Miroku must close his wind tunnel because of them.

In the cave, Jakotsu is about to finish Inuyasha off when a barrage of demons attack. Jakotsu fights them off. As luck would have it, Inuyasha regains his demonic powers just before the Band of Seven girly-man returns to kill him. "Miroku...Sango," the young hanyou thinks, "I came to rescue you, but you rescued me instead." The two opponents resume a more evenly matched duel. Unfortunately, it ends with Inuyasha completely wrapped up in Jakotsu's bladed sword.

Will our hero be cut to bits? Find out in the next exciting episode!!

Jakotsu's Requiem

The battle with Jakotsu continues, but he underestimated Inuyasha's restored demon powers. A powerful Kaze no Kizu brings down the girly-man. Inuyasha refuses the mans pleading to finish the job and goes after Naraku's scent. Minutes later Renkotsu approaches his dying comrade. He's asks for forgiveness and pulls the shikon shard from Jakotsu's neck. Renkotsu walks away and only Jakotsu's bones and clothing are left visible.

In a foggy area not far from the mountain, Kikyo sees Hakushin surrounded by his barrier. They seem to understand one another. She begs him to bring down the barrier so she may lay him to rest. He doesn't quite believe it is possible for a dead priestess to do that.

Back in the cave, Inuyasha is fighting the many demons. At the same time, Kagome hands off Shippo to Koga.....she can't wait any longer and heads for the mountain.

Renkotsu exits the mountain to find Bankotsu sitting on a rock. Just as Renkotsu is devising a plan to defeat Bankotsu, the latter reaches up and pulls the shards from Renkotsu's throat. One of Naraku's bees has alerted Bankotsu to the death of Jankotsu by bringing his hairpin. When Renkotsu's insists they are the same, Bankotsu returns his shards saying they will fight one on one equally. Renkotsu is no match for Bankotsu, and he is soon reduced to dust.

In the distance Kikyo has convinced Hakushin to disperse his barrier. She asks why he is so sad, and he admits his sadness is over his own weakness. She holds him and says it is alright for him to go. The living Buddha's spirits fly to the heavens. Seeing this, Kikyo pulls out the hair from Kansuke. It too becomes spirit orbs and flies off to the heavens...purified.

With the barrier dissolved, thousands of demons are escaping Mt. Hakurei. Kagome almost meets her maker, but Koga comes from out of nowhere to save her. "If something were to happen to you that mutt would never let it go," he says.

Inuyasha races through the caves hoping to meet face to face with Naraku. Just ahead of him the ground crumbles with explosive force. It's Bankotsu, and he's ready to fight Inuyasha to the death.

Can Inuyasha finally put an end to the Band of Seven? Keep watching!!!