This is a post disputing the blogs with the factual Inuyasha Japanese manga wrote by Rumiko Takahashi-sensei. Please read the main post of this blog before reading this. Both the blogs are simply the blog for this entry.
1) Volume 14: Chapter 129, Rin is introduced. She encounters an injured Sesshoumaru in a forest. In chapter 131, Rin is killed by Kouga’s wolves (page 42) not killed by Kouga as the blog claimed. Sesshoumaru gave the wolves an evil glare which sent them running. Sesshoumaru found her after he smelled her blood (page 43). He turned to walk away (page 45) but he remembered her sweet smile and turned back toward her (page 46). Page 47, he drew Tensegia to save Rin. Only then did Tensegia react by Sesshoumaru’s feelings with the sfx「ドクン」”heavy heart beat”. On pages 48 and 49, he thought「試(ため)してみるか、天(てん)生(せい)牙(が)の力(ちから)を！」“Let’s test the power of Tenseiga!” indicating the first time he used Tensaiga to bring a life back. Page 51, he appeared to be happy at the results and stated, 「ふつ、天(てん)生(せい)牙(が)…か。この刀(かたな)…使(つか)いようによつては、役(やく)にたつかもしれん」”Well, Tenseiga? This katana (sword) will be very helpful to use.” Both the manga and episode 35 of the animation supports, Sesshoumaru had saved her by his own choice going against the claimed in the blog. * Minor note: Unlike the blog had claimed, in the manga, Kouga did not developed romantic feelings towards Kagome until the second time, in chapter 134, when he returned from hunting down a boar after he had kidnapped her. He said she had a cute face (page 101) and wanted her to be his woman (page 102).
2) Volume 15: Chapter 141, Kagura is introduced to the reader on page 54.
3) Volume 17: Chapter 161 page 8, again Sesshoumaru used the Tenseiga of his own free will to revived Jaken. Chapter 163, Sesshoumaru and companions meet Kagura for the first time. When Sesshoumaru with Jaken and A-Un returned to Rin, he noticed a smell lurking in the trees. He attacked, then when he seen Kagura. On page 88, He stated 「女が…」“a woman.” Then he does not attack her again in the series. The reason will be in the next point. In the blog. “He only attacked Byakuya for smelling like Naraku (and that only happened with Byakuya and never happened with Kagura.) “ Both the manga and episode 45 of the animation does not support this claim. The support in refuting for the claim on Byakuya will be when he is introduced in the manga. Rin is by herself in the clearing picking flowers and sometimes she is left with A-un, therefore this claim is not supported. “He always leaves Jaken there to babysit her. At first Rin was so emotionally dependent on Sesshomaru that during his absence, she'd do nothing but wait for him curled up in a ball-and she took his instructions so literally that it's ridiculous.” The manga nor animation does not show her curled up in a ball or emotionally dependent. This manga is full of over exaggerated scenes, her standing still could be interpreted as one of those exaggerated scenes for a laugh. Could this scene not be a child playing a game? A game like だるまさんがころんだ, red light, green light for US, also seen with Jaken and Shippo at the end of the Final Act’s beginning theme song. The readers don’t know the background of that event, could it refer back to the game between them? Could she thought it was a snake or other youkai near her? Could she being scared decided to make a game of it? The blog made many derogatory statements about Rin which all are not supported by the manga. Rin is being a normal Japanese human girl. Another claim from the blog, “Rumiko introduced Kagura as a love interest for Sesshoumaru in order to try to deter the fandom from shipping Sesshoumaru with Rin.” Based off how close the volumes and chapters are, the fandom probably was not shipping Sesshoumaru with Rin at that time. At this time, Rin has been in 6 chapters so far. 3 chapters for volume 14, 2 chapters for volume 16 and this instance being the sixth. Volume 16 chapter 158, is when the readers learn that Rin had stayed with him. Chapter 159, she is only on two pages. Therefore, the story of the manga clearly shows Kagura had other purposes. If a person says someone is attractive that does not always mean being attracted to them.
4) Volume
21: Chapter 203, Kagura found Sesshoumaru with companions on a cliff. Jaken
informed Sesshoumaru she is Naraku’s detachment. Sesshoumaru placed his hand on
Toukijin’s handle preparing to fight, however she states she is not there to
fight. Furthermore, giving him the reason not to attack her the rest of the
series. She offered him two fragments of the shikon jewel to kill Naraku. He
turned down the shards. On page 91, He tells her flatly,自由(じゆう)になりたいなら、自分(じぶん)でそのかけらを使(つか)って奈落(ならく)を倒(たお)せばよかるう。」”If
you want to be free, use those fragments to defeat Naraku yourself. After she
insults him, he adds on page 92「おまえを助(たす)けてる義理(ぎり)はないと言(い)っているのだ。」”I
say I have no obligation to help you.”
Unfortunately, some of the meaning is lost in translation. By the words and
particles he used, stressed he was serious and a superior, indicating he is
looking down on her as she is an inferior being to him. The remaining part of his speech, on page 92,
he continued, 「ひとりでやるかくごがないのなら、裏切(うらぎ)りなど考(かんが)えんことだな。」”
If you are not prepared to do it yourself, do not have thoughts of treachery.”
She left after she insulted him because she wanted to be free and could not get
the help from Sesshoumaru. The manga does not support the blog, when the blog
claimed “she used to yell and scream and curse at him and he'd just stand
there, allowing it. Kagura was the one who expressed disdain towards
Sesshoumaru, not the other way around”
In the manga and animation, Kagura expressed disdain after Sesshoumaru
did. In addition, this meeting was the only time the readers seen her screaming
at him. In a funny note, Jaken asks after she leaves「あの女(おんな)…本気(ほんき)で殺生丸(せっしょうまる)さまを後(うし)ろ盾(たて)にしようと思(おも)うってたんですかな。」
I seriously think that woman wants to become Sesshoumaru's supporter.
5) Volume 23: Chapter 219. Rin is kidnapped by Kagura between page 7 and page 9. Page 8 is a picture of Sesshoumaru. Page 10, Naraku comes to Sesshoumaru, as one of the demon puppets, with a request to kill Inuyasha (page 10). Sesshoumaru sees though the plan and goes to Naraku instead shown on page 21 and page 22. The blog said “Sesshoumaru blamed Naraku and choked Kohaku but didn't say a word to Kagura.” While partially true, in the manga, he did not blame Kagura because he knew Naraku was behind this strategy. However, in chapter 223, page 86, when Sesshoumaru was choking Kohaku, he let him go and did not blame him either after he learned he was a being controlled by Naraku which was made clear on page 88 and 89. Page 89, Sesshoumaru said, 「奈落(ならく)のくだらん思惑(おもわく)にのりたくなかっただけだ。」”I did not want to fulfill Naraku’s expectations.” Him not wanting to kill Kohaku, mirrors what is said in Volume 19, chapter 187. He said 「自分(じぶん)が何者(なにもの)なのかもわからねやつなど, 殺(ころ)すかちもない。」’’ killing him has no value because he did not realize anything.” Chapter 186, supports this because he thinks Inuyasha not feel fear or pain on page 147. Taking that into consideration, strange the blog says “And don't tell me that Sesshoumaru wasn't mad because Kagura was under Naraku's orders-Kohaku was also brainwashed by Naraku as well and Sesshoumaru didn't hesitate to choke Kohaku.” Sesshoumaru indisputably answered this in chapter 223, after Kohaku took off and the animation followed the manga. Another claim the blog had was “Rin was hiding in fear of her” The manga supports she was hold captive against her will and not hiding in fear of Kagura. The blog contradicts itself by using this claim, “Sesshomaru leaves Kohaku to watch over Rin by himself” and like the other claim seen in point 3 this is not true. The manga is shown to have Rin and Kokaku alone two times, one being in this volume and volume 26. A reader could also count volume 47 when they were taken by the hellhound into the meidou. However, the claim does not fit any of those instances not even this time, Sesshoumaru does not know him until at the end of this instance.
6) Volume 30: Chapter 297. On page 155, Shippo was trying to persuade Sesshoumaru to use tenseiga. Page 156, Inuyasha intervened and told Shippo, Sesshoumaru will not save the otter youkai. Inuyasha claimed「殺生丸は人助けするようなお人好しじゃねえし、だいいち、その天生牙、殺生丸にゃ使えねえ代物だぜ」” Sesshoumaru is not good-natured enough to help someone out. And Tenseiga isn’t even something that would be of useful to him in the first place.” The manga stated 「そうだ、確か天生牙は慈しみの心がなければ使えぬと」“One without a caring heart should not be able to use tenseiga“. On page 157, as Sesshoumaru walked away the sword pulsated to help. * Note: As a reader of Inuyasha, a theory was when the swords pulsated their dad was behind it. However, according to manga volume 50 chapter 491 the readers learn Tenseiga was a cast off of Tensaiga. Does that imply then the Tenseiga was reacting to Inuyasha’s feelings or maybe Sesshomaru's feelings toward what was just said? Goes to show that making assumptions without all the facts is usually wrong.
7) Volume 32: Chapter 318. Page 174, Sesshoumaru and companions came across a gargantuan bird called Tekkei, which served as an entrance to the netherworld. Page 176, Kagura was standing on a slope a ways from Sesshoumaru, told him that the entrance way was closed. He jumped on the slope to engage in what she said to understand what is going on, instead of staying where he was and raising his voice. When he is interested in something he does jumped near the person friend or foe. In the blog, “he took it upon himself to go to her and not the other way around. When they were looking for the gateway to the path between this world and the next and Kagura was just standing there.” This was wrote like he jumped to her because of her but he jumped to talk about the entrance way and in addition, he was not looking for a gateway. He did not know what was going, the story of the manga and page 174 makes this clear. On page 177, Kagura filled him in. In Volume 33: Chapter 323, Sesshoumaru jumped closer to Inuyasha, looked at him then punched him for damaging the gravesite before returning back to Naraku. In Volume 41: Chapter 401, He jumped inches away from Byakuya just to attack him because he smelled like Naraku.
8) Volume 35 chapter 343. Page 78 Sesshoumaru with companions and Kagura is on the cliff. She told them about Naraku’s heart and planned to give them the fuyoheki. Page 79, Jaken thought, it was a trap. Page 81, when Sesshoumaru asked was she going to use him to kill Naraku, Kagura praised him. She laid down the crystal and left. Page 82, Jaken asked what does Sesshoumaru wants done as Sesshoumaru is walking away. Leaving a confused Jaken. Rin asks, 「持ってたほうがいいんじゃない？」”Shouldn’t we take it” Jaken says「そ、そうかあ？」”You think so?” Rin answers 「だって神楽って女、殺生丸さまをだまそうとしてる感じじゃなかったもん。きっと殺生丸さまのことが好きなんだよ。」After all that Kagura woman, I don’t think she is trying to deceive Sesshoumaru-sama. Surely she must loves Sesshoumaru don’t you think.” Jaken says, 「はあ？」”what” Rin answers 「ほら、すっごいほめてたし。」” Really, I think she was giving him great praise..” Jaken thinks. 単純(たんじゅん)なじゃな～このガキな。” Rather simple-minded, this kid..”|| (Culture Note: 「好き」Suki is like, favorite, love. Love is「愛する」aisuru, in love is 「恋しています。Koishiteimasu」 I like inuyasha, 「犬夜叉が好きです。Inuyasha ga suki desu」I really “big” like/love inu yasha. 「犬夜叉が大好きです。Inuyasha ga dai suki desu」 In Japan, they often do not use 「愛しています」 “I love you”, they consider the word love to be too strong. Husbands would probably only say that to their wives a few times. They use 好きだよ suki dayo or other variationshttp://www.howdoyousay.net/english-japanese/I_love_you/|| . Rin says suki nandayo which means don’t you think she likes/loves him and her reason is because she praised him. Rin and Jaken praises Sesshoumaru, could indicate she thinks that is being in love as well or does she know what being in love means. Rin is a cute little girl maybe does not know the meaning of being in love. The blog’s claim “Rin is canonically a SUPPORTER of Sesshoumaru/Kagura. She gets very happy about the possibility of the couple, and tells Jaken to trust Kagura more because of it, seemingly trying to get them closer together.” This event is the only instance this is brought up and does not support the blog.
a. On a side note, in chapter 343 the reader meets Shima, a girl that Miroku asked would she bare his child and she said yes to him two years ago. Page 91 first picture is the flashback of that time. In Miroku’s speech bubble we see him ask「私の子を産んでくれるか？」will you bare my child. On page 93, Shima makes a comment about Miroku being her fiancé. Miroku says 「あの、許嫁とは。。。？」humm, Fiance? In the middle of the page. On page 43 in the third picture, Shima dad’s talks about the wedding ceremony. Miroku is in shock and can only say. 「はあ？」huh?. The manga makes it clear when he asking someone to bear his child he is not proposing marriage just sexual intercourse. Therefore, in volume 15 chapter 147, page 158 with Miroku asking 11 year old Koharu will she bear his child in a flashback, the blog is correct in say “The situation was portrayed as being something that was perverted.” As the blog stated with the characters of Inuyasha, “they were shocked, disgusted and revolted by the fact” In the third speech bubble, the readers sees 「私の子を産んでくれるか？」will you bare my child. The same thing he said to Shima which in fact is not a marriage proposal. In fact he tells Sango, in volume 15 page 160 It is something he has always says when he meets a girl. The only Marriage proposal from Miroku is with Sango in Volume 30 chapter 292, which is Miroku style「その時は私とともに生きー私の子を産んでくれんか。」”After that time would you live with me and would you bare my child.” Notice what he says is similar but different he is stressing a point. This perverted shallowed question said to all the girls (beside the one to sango), should this be compare to the marriage proposal said with love and allowing the girl to examine her own heart at her own pace because they had enough time sound remotely close? Not even close to the same thing. More about the Drama CD in other entries.
9) Volume 36
chapter 350. (REMEMBER: not attacking
any pairing or anyone.) This is in detail, the blog left out most of what
happen. On page 33, Sesshoumaru senses Kagura in the river. On page 34, when
she comes into view, he said 「ほうっておけ。行くぞ。」“Leave
her. Let’s go. (said with force, a command)” On page 35, Instead, Rin goes to
save her (first picture), falls in (third picture) and Jaken follows moments
after (fifth picture). As the manga shows, them being swept away from the
water, (sixth picture). Sesshoumaru is standing there annoyed that they did not
listen (seventh picture). After he saved them, Sesshoumaru was shown to be
sitting on a rock, page 36 and page 37. The manga imply, he did not check her
wounds, held her, or tended to her. He left her laying face down on the ground,
not even covering her up. Rin and Jaken
just looked. According to the manga they
were not waiting until she woke up because they were still wet (page 36,
picture, 2 and 5, page 37 backs this claim), which means they were still recovering
from being in the river. In the manga (and animation), Jaken is supporting a
knot on the head from Sesshoumaru for not listening to him (third picture on
page 36). Page 38, after Kagura wakes up, Rin says「殺生丸さまが助けてくれたんだよ。」 “Sesshoumaru-sama
saved you” with
Jaken adding 「つぃいでにな」”While
saving us (unintentionally?)”
Implying Sesshoumaru was not trying to save her, the picture of Jaken when he
says that appears he is still angry at the knot Sesshoumaru gave him. After
Kagura wakes up, Sesshoumaru seeing that Jaken and Rin are ready to move. He
said 「行くぞ 邪見、りん」”Let’s go
Jaken, Rin”(again
with force, a command). The manga shows
he was going to walk away and leaving her.
On page 39, He even said to her 「きさまの身の上話になど興味はない」“I
have no interest in your story.”
(Kisama, is a very impolite and rude you, normally it is translated to
Son-of-Bitch, Bitch, Bastard and so on.) He was still leaving until she talked
about Naraku’s heart, page 39. She had listened to what he said, refer back to
point 4. She betrayed Naraku and showed she wanted to be free and she was
willing to do it. In chapter 351, he
tells her「ならば、これ以上きさまが動いても無駄だということだ。」“In
that case, any further action from you will be futile.”
He continues to say「今の話が本当ならば、きさまが心臓を狙っていることは、すでに奈落に知られている。」 “Now, if
this story is true, Naraku already knows you are going after his heart.”
Sesshoumaru still does not trust her, In addition, he used kisama here. Unlike
the blog claimed, this was not the same thing with Rin. The manga implied
Kagura would had stayed in the river if it was not for Rin. Sesshoumaru for his
actions and words, deem her unimportant to him. (REMEMBER: not attacking any pairing or anyone.) He was leaving her there and not wanting to listen to her until she spoken about where to find Naraku's heart.
10) Volume 37: Volume 365, He did cover the fact she give them the Fuyoheki shards when Moryoumaru asked how. He was trying to protect her. Given the situation anyone would, and any of the main cast would as well. Even Kagura covered and hides Inuyasha’s secret when he becomes human on the night of the full moon.
11) Volume 38:
Chapter 369. On page 11, this chapter
made a point that Inuyasha turned his back toward Kagura when he faced Hakudoushi.
In the same chapter. Page 16 Hakudoushi captures Kagura. She thinks about Inuyasha 斬らねえのか。ちっまったく、あまっちょろい 野郎だぜ. He will not kill? Shoot, really such a sweet guy.” After the
battle, Kagura encounters Naraku on page 40 chapter 370. Chapter 371, page 44,
the manga shows Sesshoumaru with his companions when he smells Naraku and goes
to pursue. Chapter 372, page 62, is when
Kagura is attacked by Naraku. In the manga after this encounter (page 64) to
when Sesshoumaru is shown next (chapter 374, page 102), all the sky pictures
when Kagura is focused on are void of Naraku, like page 94 of chapter 373,
indicating he left after fatally wounding her. Page 102 chapter 374 is when
Sesshoumaru is standing in front of Kagura in the meadow. First time the
readers see him since page 44. The manga does not support the claim from the
blog, ‘Sesshoumaru blew aside a chance to kill Naraku in order to get to Kagura
while she was dying (manga chapter 371, page 4).” As stated page 4 of chapter 371 (which is
page 44 of the volume) is when he smelt Naraku and Kagura was not dying at that
point. Therefore, the manga clearly shows Sesshoumaru did not blow any chances
to kill Naraku at this point. The manga does supports Sesshoumaru blowing a
chance to chase Naraku down to go save Rin in Volume 23 Chapter 222 page 64. He
also blow a chance to fight and defeat Jakutsu when Rin and Jaken fell off the
suspension bridge. In Chapter 374, Inuyasha is rushing to get to Kagura, he
thinks 「神楽、くたばるんじゃねえぞ！
(literally: don’t kick
the bucket instead of don’t
die」”
Kagura don’t die
on us.” In the
blog, referring to Sesshoumaru, “He
drew tenseiga to save her. Tenseiga didn't ask him to save her, but he tried
anyway and he stayed with her until the end” The Tensegia only has ask one time
to save someone at this point depending on how you interpet that scence but the rest has been his choice. In addition, in the
manga and anime, he only put his hand on the handle of the tenseiga still
stealth at his side, he did not draw Tenseiga. She could not had been saved by
Tenseiga her body was deteriorated beyond saving. In the manga and animation,
he just accepts she was going to die. He never ask tenseiga why? He came following Naraku’s miasma, tried to
save her but ended up to saying goodbye instead. According to the manga, her
death only took a few minutes, Inuyasha with companions made it when Kagura
become the wind at the last moments. Inuyasha asked did she suffer. Sesshoumaru
said she was smiling. She had a beautiful death and she is now free and she is
the wind. If she had to die this way is better than being in a battle still
enslaved. Taken everything into consideration as a reader and how the animation was altered, one can see why fans
ship Kagura and Sesshoumaru as a fanon pair. More on this in a later point.
NOTE: REMEMBER THE MANGA IS DIFFERENT FROM THE ANIMATION SERIES
12) Volume 39: chapter 386, Inuyasha visits Toutousai.
13) Volume 41: chapter 389. Toutousai appears which this is the first chapter of this volume. In chapter 401, Sesshoumaru attacks Byakuya, the only reason he need was because he smelled like Naraku. Sesshoumaru disliked Byakuya. Always attacked him on arrival and once when he left. He did not kill him because see point 5. Chapter 403 he attacks Byakuya because he got in the way. In the blog” He's never been shown to dislike any of Naraku's incarnations strictly for being Naraku's detachments.” The manga would disagree and he did not meet many of the incarnations. Chapter 405, page 136 after some fighting, Mouryoumaru mocked that Inuyasha was out of moves. Chapter 406 page 143. Miroko makes the observation and says Toukijin can’t cut through the shell. Page 145, Kagome shots an arrow where the shard is. Page 146, the arrow did not reach the shard but still helps Inuyasha know where the shard is. Page 147-149, Mouryoumaru starts talking about Kagura calling her useless and that her death was in vain. (Page 149)That they could not even fulfill her last wish. This angered Inuyasha (seen on page 149 and page 150), Sesshoumaru is also angry (questioned by Kagome on page 153.) Page 154, He logically hit where the arrow hit before trying to reach the shard. In chapter 407, He kept pushing the sword to break the shell. The manga had stated, ‘out of moves’ and ‘can’t break the shell’, could be interpreted as few options left for the group and that could had been his last option. The manga has shown how cunning he is and his ability to think ahead. . Chapter 407, Mouryomaru mocks「らしくないな、殺生丸, 剣をとおして伝わってくるぞ。きさまの気の乱れが」 How unusual, Sesshoumaru, to force through/to proceed in a logical manner to be handed down/introduce to the sword. Your energy/mind is disturbed.(or How unlike you, Sesshoumaru, to force your way through with the sword. You’re not thinking clearly.)” Mouryomaru can’t make this claim, this meeting is the second time they have meet. Plus don't villians say something to get under the hero's skin when they are about to be defeated? Kagome in this chapter stated that the tip of Toukijin has found the shard. If he was all worked up and irrational doing something rational even at the cost of breaking a sword was not unreasonable. He broke the sword in an attempt to break the shell to finish the battle and to punish Mouryomaru from insulting a fallen comrade. Ridiculous was the reply when Mouryoumaru ask did he feel sorrow (憐れんでいる) for Kagura. Ridiculous was Sesshoumaru's anwser. There are many interpretations on this, like he break his sword for Kagura, or did he think the sword would not break as he forced the shell opened and he did not intention mean to break it but open a hole to the shard or did he mean to break it to get to the shard? Only Rumiko sensei can say which interpretation is correct. However, with all the content and quotes him thinking he can force the shell open without breaking the sword is supported or him thinking he can force it open before it broke is also supported. The animation has this during the Kagura is wounded and dying, and has Sesshoumaru with his group when some time after her death and with the Inuyasha group and Jaken. Please read the entry time and entry canon.
a. About feeling disturbed, if a little girl commented suicide because of bullies and later the bullies said she was useless and she died in vain, how would you act? Some would say something and feeling angry. Then they would feel more when the person is someone they know. Especially since their advice could had cause that outcome and what happen will be on their conscience. If they watched it happen or someone dies in front of them. The event stays with anybody and does affect anybody even if they are strangers or friends/family or even an enemy. In addition, in this chapter, volume 51 chapter 504 and volume 52 chapter 517 all having Inuyasha making comments about having Sesshoumaru death on his conscience. So compared to real life this blog believes Inuyasha’s and Sesshoumaru’s actions are normal reactions. Example would be Daryl with Denisse in the walking dead. They were companions, friends and just because Daryl reacted and seek revenged does not mean he was in love with her or they could had been lovers if she lived. Denisse was a homosexual character and in love with her partner.
b. In the
blog, “He knew that he had no real way to fight without it, but risked his life
anyway” Really, he risked his life more in the battle when he obtained Bakusaiga and he
was fighting without an offensive sword. This blog comment, At the beginning he also did not have
an offensive sword, he is an excellent fighter with a sword. Also in the blog.” If Inuyasha hadn't intervened at the last
second, he probably wouldn't have gotten out alive. Even Moryoumaru had to
point it out.” This blog comment, Sesshoumaru was protect by Tenseiga and he broke free on his own
according. In addition, the claim about what Moryoumaru had said could not been
found. Sesshoumaru freed himself.
c. Reviewing points 10-13, if Sesshoumaru had romantic feelings for Kagura, then would Inuyasha have romantic feelings for her as well because his actions mirrors Sesshoumaru’s? The only thing different would be that Inuyasha would pull Kagura at the river instead of seeing her then try to walk away. Inuyasha would also break a sword if he thought that would help. Tensaiga was broken by Goshiki teeth by protecting others in volume 14 and the tensaiga almost broke in volume 40 when he was trying to strengthen the sword. However, Tensaiga and Tokijin are completely different because Tokijin has no sentimental value. Even Inuyasha had her death on his conscience. Inuyasha cared for Kagura, he also had more encounters with Kagura. Of course, he did not have any romantic feelings of Kagura. This implies neither did Sesshoumaru. Or Inuyasha and Kagura are also canon, would it be interesting for a fanfiction to have a triangle between these three characters? The fandom would allow it.
14) Volume 42: Chapter 409, page 18, readers learn Tenseiga called Toutousai. Some time has passed in the manga since volume 38, when Kagura dead. In this blog, the entry “He did not raise Rin-time line talks about two possibilities of the time length which is 9 days or 3 weeks and 3 days. Page 19, Toutousai says something has changed in Sesshoumaru’s heart. When Totosai asked was there something that comes to mind. Sesshoumaru thinks about Kagura’s death and what Moryoumaru said her death was in vain. With the time gap, the change happen with Moryoumaru words about her death. If it was his feelings for her or if it was her death would this not happen when she died, like the animation? This event would happen sooner if it was Kagura’s death. Page 21, Totosai said 「肝心なのは、天生牙がおまえのこころの変化を受けとめたってことだ。おそらくそれは…自分でわない誰かのために怒り, 悲しむ心」”The crucial thing is that Tenseiga has reacted to a change in your heart. It is likely on account of someone else rather yourself that your heart is angered and saddened. “ This does not mean love because Inuyasha and others had the some reactions, perhaps even the readers. This was just Sesshoumaru learning what others already knew. In chapter 410, Totosai makes the observation that Sesshoumaru has grown and not has naïve as he has been. Sesshoumaru says 「無駄死にかどうかは私がきめることだ。」 “Whether she died in vain it is for me to decide”. According to the blog, this moment is when “he vows over the sword to avenge her.” Which is not supported by the manga. If this is any indication of his love for her. Does that mean the same when Inuyasha makes a similar point to Kouga in volume 47, chapter 466 that Kouga’s feelings are not in vain when he cannot continue to fight Naraku. Meaning Inuyasha will take down Naraku. Does this mean Inuyasha is in love with Kouga? No. Also, this change did not all happen at once and for the meidou it was a four step process. Step One: Moryoumaru word’s about Kagura. Crescent shape Meidou. Step two: The crescent widen a little when he either had pity for Inuyasha or for Tensaiga. Step three: Rin’s second death. Almost completed meidou. Which the meidou showed He cared more for Rin and the reason it was not a complete meidou is because: Step four learning about Tenseiga, coming to an understanding and letting go of attachment on Tensaiga and mislead anger he had for years which affect him and Inuyasha, a complete meidou.
15) Volume 46: chapter 456. Sesshoumaru casts a meidou toward Byakuya, who is using snakes to poison Kohaku. When Byakuya asks if he was there to save Kohaku he says「気にくわん臭いがしたので斬りに来た。」 “I just came to kill the nauseating stench.” This is when Kohaku started to follow Sesshoumaru. Kohaku was only with him for a short period of time.
16) Volume 47: Chapter 467, page 163, Sesshoumaru goes into the meidou to save Rin and Kohaku. His mother says 「それも人間を救うために、ずいぶんと優しくなった。」Going to rescue humans, you really have become soft. ” Chapter 468, When she asks Jaken she already knows Sesshoumaru cares for Rin, since she seen him making sure Rin is okay (page 174). Page 176, He still kneeling down watching both Rin and Kohaku. What seems to be a few minutes because of Sesshoumaru’s Mother and Jaken conversation, page 177, Kohaku wakes up with Sesshoumaru still kneeling and hovering close to Rin, which is different from when Kagura was in the river. After some events, Rin stopped breathing.
17) Volume 48: Chapter 469, when the chapter was released in the magazine, on the cover page, the comment said 「愛くるしいその笑顔をきつと取り戻してめせる。」“I will definitely get back that sweet smiling face.” Page 9, Sesshoumaru tries to use Tenseiga, it fails. He gets angry and starts asking why and yelling at the sword in his head. Different from how he just accepted Kagura's death. Page 10, Sesshoumaru starts to be unselfish, starting to put her wellbeing first in his thoughts. Then Rin was taken. He is going to bring her back is his last thoughts of the chapter. Chapter 470. Cover page from the magazine, 「死なせはしない、必ずー」“I will not let you die.” When he cut the master of hell down, and got Rin back she did not wake up. He thinks she cannot be saved? Then he discards Tenseiga and holds Rin. His mother made this comment, and she also said he went there to strengthen the sword. Back to Sesshoumaru, he thinks “天生牙―こんな物のためにー りん… おまえを死なせてしまった。りんの命と引きかえにえるものなど、なにもない” “Tenseiga...all for this… Rin...I let you die. to obtain this is exchange for Rin's life... it means nothing! This implies how much he really cares for Rin and platonically loves her. Tenseiga starts glowing when the corpus starting come toward them. He knew they want to be saved. He picks up the discarded Tenseiga and purifies the countless corpses. He finally mastered tenseiga because of Rin. Volume 13 chapter 126 Totosai said「使いこなせばな。真に人を思い慈しむ心あらば、天生牙のひと振りで、百名の命を救うも可能。」 “If you master it. For someone with a heart that truly cherish others. Tenseiga has the ability to save even 100 lives with one swing. Or If you master it. If you really have a heart of compassion for others, Tenseiga has the ability to save even a hundred lives with one swing. “That is probably the change in Sesshoumaru’s heart. It showed how much he cherishes Rin. The meidou grew bigger and he mastered tenseiga ultimate technique. Unfortunately the blog down played this, sadly, just to make it favor Kagura better. The blog, “Sesshoumaru dropped his sword for Rin, but he BROKE his sword for Kagura, and breaking a sword is a much bigger deal than dropping a sword, wouldn't you agree? And tenseiga, which can read hearts, did not transform into a fighting weapon because of Rin.” Both his mother and himself said he discarded the sword which the end result is just the same as breaking a sword. However, he did not break the sword for Kagura, it would had happen if nothing was said about Kagura. Kagura was a step, and Rin’s was even a bigger step because tenseiga read Sesshoumaru’s heart and allow him to master tenseiga. The end of the Manga note says, Sesshoumaru's anger at losing someone precious to him awakens tenseiga." With thinking Kagura death was not in vain, the sword called Totosai for Sesshourmaru to learn the next step but with Rin, the Tenseiga awakens, he was able to master Tenseiga full power, and almost have a full meido. Rin is the change in Sesshoumaru. Rin is the one that is precious to him or this would had happen with Kagura or he would had acted like this with Kagura. But of course, most of the time he did not want to be in the company of Kagura. Chapter 471, Faced with the death of his irreplaceable Rin, Sesshoumaru is,,,," Rin is irreaplacable. His mother tells "it's something you had to learn. That when your heart wishes to save someone dear to you.. it must at the same time feel sadness and fear of losing them." He is just learning this on page 5 of chapter 471 after Kagura's death meaning he did not have strong feelings for Kagura. He accepted her death when he can't Rin's death. According to Jaken, Sesshoumaru's disposition prevents him from showing tears and he started to cry for Sesshoumaru meaning Sesshoumaru wanted to cry over Rin's death. He is happy when she is back to live. His mom says all this fuss over one human girl, he's become like his father in the strangest ways. That should be a nod toward it is not a father and daughter realtionship and how he touches her cheek is another nod if you read into Japanese customs. In Japan it is taboo to show physical affection in public, even family. Volume 48 and 47 speak volumes on how this event holds more value when weight against other events toward Sesshoumaru. From what his mother and Toutousai had said if someone he cared about died and could not do something about it would brought the meidou. It was not exclusive to one character. Rin taught Sesshoumaru to care for others when she tried to save Kagura. Subjectively, if Rin had died before Kagura, and with how this volume speaks, he would had received the Meidou the same day with Rin. From how he acted in this volume, the meidou would possibly been the same size as it is in this volume, depending on the situation
18) In volume 51 chapter 503, Sesshoumaru again discards tenseiga, but because of Naraku he took procession of the sword. After he purposely broke the Tenseiga to give Inuyasha the power of the meidou. He seemed happy after Inuyasha think what tenseiga broke. In chapter 504, he tugs out the shards in Inuyasha’s back and gives Inuyasha a weak punch to wake in him. Weak compare with Volume 33: Chapter 323 at the gravesite. This is when he comes to a full understanding of the past, since he has been slowly getting over his feelings. This allowed him to obtained Bakusaiga in Volume 52 518. Since this mirrors Kagura and the Meido does this mean he is in love with Inuyasha? Or Inuyasha with him? Three times Inuyasha says he is not going to let him to die, they are in point 12. They both have the same reaction in Volume 54 chapter 558 when Kagome calls him brother in law. They may not be in love with each other. However, they do love each other in their own way. There are so many times Sesshoumaru could had killed Inuyasha, he even ran his hand through him in volume chapter, that did not seem to accidental that he missed everything that would kill Inuyasha. Actions spoke louder than words and half the time he seems to be helping Inuyasha and reprimanded like any older sibling would. This is said because someone could come and say any pair are a canon pair and take things out of content when the manga does not support it. According to the blog the event of Sesshoumaru breaking his sword for Kagura was prove of his romantic feelings for Kagura. This would also have to prove romantic feelings for Inuyasha and obtaining Bakusaiga, and for Rin finally being able to perform the ultimate technique. From his actions and words sets one apart from the other two. The reader sees a new side of him, sees him having a change of heart. He was close to crying. Some fans even says he was out of character but he just grow as a character because of Rin.
19) Volume 55 chapter 543 sadly the blog mislead the readers again. Byakuya implied that Sesshoumaru threw the hiraikotsu at him, Byakuya made this comment 「おれを狙ったんならおかど違いだぜ殺生丸。その様子じゃ話を聞いてたんだろ。あとはおまえらで決着つけな。」”if that was aim at me, it was not me Sesshoumaru. You heard the conversation, I leave you guys to settle things.” In what this post has said about Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru knows Sango was being misled and forgave her. He is a forgiving guy throughout the series but not when it comes to his father’s swords.
20) Volume 56 chapter 558, with what Inuyasha said 人里に戻す訓練らしいぞ。どっちでも選べるように. “This is training so that she can return to human habitation, so that she can choose whichever she wants.” どっち here means “which one” (esp. of two alternations) でもmeans “but”,”or”, “still” or “also”. 選べるmeans “select” “choose” ように means “to do something in a way”. Ergo she still has to choose which one in the way to do something. Since she is a child, it is not the time for her to pick to stay there or go with Sesshoumaru. Japanese future tense is the same as present and it depends on how it is said and the content. The Japanese meaning did not come across well in translation. She has not decided unlike the blogs had claimed. In the blog entry entitled future lovers? Talks about Rin receiving gifts from Sesshoumaru like the kimono. There is a difference between; providing, gifts, and courting. It also discusses about how romantic love is not shallow as the blog made it out to be and jealousy is not a sign of how much you love someone. Please continue to read there.
