Episode 149 - A Single Arrow Calling Up Trouble
The encounter with Abi-Hime and her vampire birds raises a disturbing question among Inuyasha’s team; why is Naraku using Abi-Hime to collect blood? The only reason could be the blood is somehow connected to his effort to reach the other world and capture the final lost jewel shard. While they contemplate Naraku’s motives, Abi-Hime’s flock consumes helpless villages across the land leaving few survivors. In more pleasant surroundings, Rin and Jaken receive a visit from Kagura. Bitter from her subjugation by Naraku and Hakudoshi, Kagura is looking for a champion capable of destroying both demons: Sessho-maru! But her potential defender is elsewhere and his minion, Jaken, is hostile towards the wind sorceress. Left to fend for herself, Kagura reconsiders her position and the importance of the 2nd “split” baby. Naraku has placed great importance on protecting the small demon and it may be that the demonic baby is the key to destroying Naraku! Elsewhere, at a stately castle, the noblewoman gives birth to a stillborn baby. Her heartbreak is just the start of more tragedy as Kanna arrives with the second demonic child. After murdering the woman’s attendants, Kanna places the noblewoman under her spell, replacing the deceased child with Naraku’s offspring. A new day finds Inuyasha and the other’s following Abi-Hime’s trail of destruction. No one has a clue where they might locate Naraku’s avian accomplice and frustration runs high. Kagome spots a small, struggling group of villagers on the road ahead. The team stops to help, and their good deed is rewarded with information that may prove useful. The villagers are headed to the town of the Saint; a holy person they believe will protect them from the birds. The villagers describe the Saint as mysterious - cloaked to hide form and face, mute - speaking only through two young female assistants, and rumored to possess great spiritual power. Although it sounds like wishful thinking, the team knows that where people gather; Abi-Hime’s birds will certainly follow and attack. The team’s prediction about the bird attack is realized as they near the Saint’s town. Hakudoushi and Kagura smugly observe Abi-Hime’s birds swoop down to attack innocent refugees. Inuyasha and the gang arrive in time to defend the helpless people. Hakudoshi and Kagura join the flock’s assault in an effort to delay the team’s arrival. While they protect the survivors in the mountains, Abi-Hime and a second flock attack the town. Disgusted by Hakudoshi’s treachery, Inuyasha attacks but is easily repelled by Hakudoshi’s barrier. Nearby, a cloaked figure observes the fight - the mysterious Saint. Inuyasha powers up Tetsusaiga, but even the red Tetsusaiga cannot penetrate Hakudoshi’s barrier. Unseen by all, the Saint draws a bow and fires a powerful spirit arrow piercing the demonic membrane, blowing it apart and leaving Hakudoshi vulnerable. Seizing the chance, Inuyasha blasts the brat to bits. Kagura swoops in and scoops up what remains of the vile child - his head - that continues barking orders at her! With Hakudoshi removed, Inuyasha destroys Entei with a Bakuryuuha blast. Entei is vanquished, Hakudoshi is out of commission but the team now confronts a mystery. Was it the Saint who fired the arrow that severely damaged Hakudoshi?
