Episode 140 - Eternal Feelings! Halbread of the Heavens and Earth
As the sacred Furai Temple is sucked into a demonic vortex, Hoshioni barters Kagome’s life for possession of the Kenkon Naginata (the Halberd of Heaven and Earth). The Younin has been possessed by Kaijinbo’s evil weapon and will stop at nothing to keep the blade. Recognizing Hoshioni’s demonic threat, Inuyasha, Sango and Miroku attack with their remaining resources but are violently repelled by the powerful demon. When force fails, Akitoki pleads with the Younin for Kagome’s return, but is ignored. The boy only succeeds in enraging the Younin, stirring memories of betrayal at the hands of his human partner, Sukione. As Hoshioni prepares to unleash the destructive power of the complete naginata at Akitoki, he is thwarted by a huge swell of energy emanating from Kagome. As Kagome and Hoshioni separate in mid-air, the void in the sky shrinks and closes. Now afloat inside a globe of spirit energy, Kagome is possessed, taking on the Miko Sukione’s form and presence. Speaking thru her host, Sukione tries to reason with Hoshioni. We learn that once they were a couple: a human and Younin who fought evil yokai with their combined powers. Because they needed more power, Hoshioni commissioned the naginata from Kaijinbo. A regrettable decision which cost Hoshioni his relationship with Sukione and Sukione her life! Kaijinbo’s weapon drove Hoshioni mad with it’s evil, tapping into his yokai spirit, bringing forth the demonic side to his personality. Sukione sacrificed her life to seal Hoshioni and destroy the naginata by separating it, sealing half at Hakureizan and the other half at Mt. Fuji (near the Hojo clan). But Sukione’s death released Hoshioni from the sealing spell. Angered by her betrayal, Hoshioni searched to find and reunite the weapon. Sukione’s spirit presses him to surrender the evil weapon and destroy it before it’s too late. But Hoshioni refuses, slashing through Sukione’s barrier, breaking the spell and sending Kagome plunging helplessly earthward! Inuyasha catches Kagome and brings her safely to the ground. Holding Kagome, he tries frantically to revive her and, slowly, Kagome’s eyes open. Kagome attempts to negotiate with the Younin one last time, but Hoshioni’s reason has been stolen by the strong energy of the naginata. Hoshioni charges Kagome, poised to run her through with the naginata, but Inuyasha blocks him with Tetsusaiga, which has suddenly regained its power. While Akitoki tries to fight Hoshioni, Inuyasha and Kagome unite forces. Observing his two young opponents, Hoshioni sees himself and Sukione in Inuyasha and Kagome. Hoshioni strikes, but is defeated by a their joint attack -- Inuyasha’s Bakuryuuha and Kagome’s arrows. Dying, Hoshioni regains his sanity as Sukione returns to guide him to the spirit world. On the ground, the battle is over and an exhausted Kagome collapses. Inuyasha rushes to her, taking her in his arms as Akitoki watches, disappointed. He hasn’t got a chance with Kagome. Later, Inuyasha is depressed about the nature of human/demon relations. Although he doesn’t come out and say it, he’s afraid of his feelings towards Kagome, consumed by doubt and afraid of rejection because of what he is. The threat of Akitoki’s (human) rivalry and Hoshioni/Sukione’s painfully familiar story gnaws agonizingly at Inuyasha. Guessing the problem, Miroku, Sango and Shippo reassure him, pointing out Kagome has always been there for him, no matter what. Embarrassed, Kagome over-reacts and a lively round of arguments lift’s the mood! Akitoki sadly watches from a distance, and then quietly departs. On the lonesome road home, Akitoki encounters a lovely young lady of good family bearing a strong resemblance to Kagome, traveling with her chaperone. Akitoki turns on his charm, earning the young lady’s immediate interest. Meanwhile, back in modern Tokyo, Hojo sips a drink at “WacDonald’s”, pining over his family’s genealogy scroll. Eri, Ayumi and Yuka pop up, teasing Hojo about winning “his” Kagome. During the banter, Hojo’s soft drink spills onto the ancient scroll, blurring the ink and erasing the name of “Hojo Kagome” forever!
