Bankotsu
Character Description:
As the leader of the Shichinintai (Band of Seven), Bankotsu is referred to as "big brother" (o-aniki) by the other 6 assassins. He retrieves his giant blade Banryu from a castle whose previous lord participated in a plot to put an end to the Shichinintai because they were too strong and stirred great fear among the rogue military leaders. The blade which requires 3 men to carry is wielded by Bankotsu single-handedly, and InuYasha is no match for him in one on one melee combat without his Tessaiga.
Bankotsu also has a close relationship with his comrade, Jakotsu. Prior to Jakotsu's death, they share a sweet moment in which Bankotsu is brought to tears due to Jakotsu's trust and loyalty to him. The young leader then hugs his comrade saying, "You're the only one I can really rely on." This relationship is also part of the cause in his anger towards Renkotsu when he discovers it was due to Renkotsu's scheming that Jakotsu was killed.
By defeating Renkotsu who challenged him, Bankotsu obtains all of the 7 Shikon Shards given to the Shichinintai by Naraku, in addition to the 2 shards he took from Kagome and imbedded in his weapon. A total of 9 shards was in his possession and his strength increased immensely. Altogether, Bankotsu slew 1,000 yokai including 9 inside Mount Hakurei, and killed 1,000 military soldiers with his blade Banryu. Banryu, in turn, transforms and is able to release powerful demonic energy. However, this proves to be his downfall as InuYasha takes the opportunity and unleashes the Bakuryuha, crushing Bankotsu and shattering Banryu. (This attack and the more power-obsessed Bankotsu is only in the anime, in the manga InuYasha defeated Bankotsu by pure luck.)
When Naraku emerges from his transformation into a full-fledged demon, he turns the entire Mount Hakurei to be a part of him, takes up Bankotsu's body and weapon, and removes all 9 shards, leaving only one shard unaccounted for to complete the whole jewel.
