**SPOILERS** Latest Manga (on-topic, please..)

[Ketaru]

The problem with the way Miroku and Sango may be getting "their turns" now is that it's so late in the series, that anything that can change about their fighting now will come across as forced, or otherwhys sudden. It almost feels as if they've done nothing but stood on the sidelines for over half of the series. Take for instance the latest bout against Kanna. Was it really necessary for Sango, Miroku, and Kagome to just sit there and watch when they knew how the problem could be rectified (attacking Kanna)? It makes me wonder if they are, I dare say, growing dependent on InuYasha to solve all the problems. The only times Sango and Miroku act anymore is if InuYasha can't take action (such as now, when he has lost his power).

[luna-kaze]

Originally Posted by Mikadzuki Tatsu

I think part of the issue here is that a lot of us have been reading the manga as it's released in Japan, one chapter a week. A 20-chapter story arc may not seem that long if you're reading it all at once, but it does if you're reading it chapter by chapter. (I don't know whether or not you're a recent follower of the latest chapter releases.)

I guess some of us here just wish that Takahashi hadn't spent so much time focusing on Tessaiga and its many upgrades. Even though Inuyasha is the title character, he is only one of the protagonists. He is supposed to be sharing the spotlight with Kagome. (Takahashi's series always feature one male lead and one female lead, who share the spotlight about equally.)

But if this upcoming arc is Sango and Miroku's opportunity to level up, then I'm not going to complain.

I agree with that. This might sound a little crazy but honestly I don't find the Inuyasha manga to be too dragged out. When I look at the volumes it really doesn't seem like that much (dunno if that's because I don't read much manga and never really think about length) even if it feels like a single fight goes on forever. It takes a long time to tell the story, but the story itself isn't that long. And yes I've read pretty much the whole manga up to the most recent chapters.

I can understand that and feel the same way sometimes (though I guess technically the Kaze No Kizu and Bakuryuhaa (sp?) aren't really upgrades). I've always seen Inuyasha and Kagome as a team. She's always by his side in even the fiercest of battles which is something I've always loved about their relationship. And again, it seems to be the shounen way that whenever swords are involved or something like that, the lead tends to get more spotlight at times.

[luna-kaze]

Originally Posted by Ketaru

The problem with the way Miroku and Sango may be getting "their turns" now is that it's so late in the series, that anything that can change about their fighting now will come across as forced, or otherwhys sudden. It almost feels as if they've done nothing but stood on the sidelines for over half of the series. Take for instance the latest bout against Kanna. Was it really necessary for Sango, Miroku, and Kagome to just sit there and watch when they knew how the problem could be rectified (attacking Kanna)? It makes me wonder if they are, I dare say, growing dependent on InuYasha to solve all the problems. The only times Sango and Miroku act anymore is if InuYasha can't take action (such as now, when he has lost his power).

I wouldn't see it as forced, I'd see it as making sense. What better time to give the characters upgrades then the big build-up to the final battle? If she'd given them upgrades earlier in the story then she'd have to consistently do it for them as well as other characters throughout to keep everyone interesting for their fans, but then a lot of the manga would just be upgrades. So to me it kinda makes sense for Inuyasha to really be the only one and then in the second half of the magna give everyone else something to make them even more awsome while in the meantime letting them show off skills that they already had, but we didn't know about. Sango and Miroku do that quite frequently, and for me, that's enough.

Yeah, the standing around problem is one of RT's few faults in the manga, but it doesn't always happen. As I mentioned before, sometimes they find it best to step back and let Inuyasha fight because usually he does want to, and it'd sort of break his honour. Miroku, Sango, and Kagome all did their parts in the mirror arc for instance. Miroku made a barrier and I think used his sutras at one point, Sango through Hiraikotsu but it didn't work, and Kagome used her arrows. None of them wanted to hurt Kanna though since it'd feel wrong killing a little girl so it was a difficult situation. I've seen posts saying how it was dumb of them, but they've always been like that. With Bankotsu, Abi-Hime, and especially Kagura. Since her death they seem to be extra sensitive with Naraku's incarnations.

[Ketaru]

Originally Posted by luna-kaze

I wouldn't see it as forced, I'd see it as making sense. What better time to give the characters upgrades then the big build-up to the final battle? If she'd given them upgrades earlier in the story then she'd have to consistently do it for them as well as other characters throughout to keep everyone interesting for their fans, but then a lot of the manga would just be upgrades. So to me it kinda makes sense for Inuyasha to really be the only one and then in the second half of the magna give everyone else something to make them even more awsome while in the meantime letting them show off skills that they already had, but we didn't know about. Sango and Miroku do that quite frequently, and for me, that's enough.

Yeah, the standing around problem is one of RT's few faults in the manga, but it doesn't always happen. As I mentioned before, sometimes they find it best to step back and let Inuyasha fight because usually he does want to, and it'd sort of break his honour. Miroku, Sango, and Kagome all did their parts in the mirror arc for instance. Miroku made a barrier and I think used his sutras at one point, Sango through Hiraikotsu but it didn't work, and Kagome used her arrows. None of them wanted to hurt Kanna though since it'd feel wrong killing a little girl so it was a difficult situation. I've seen posts saying how it was dumb of them, but they've always been like that. With Bankotsu, Abi-Hime, and especially Kagura. Since her death they seem to be extra sensitive with Naraku's incarnations.

Reading your replies, I really have to say this. You can love a series. You can think it's high quality. But sometimes you just have to give criticism where criticism is due. And when it comes to the pacing of InuYasha, I definitely think it's due.

No, it really is a problem if 2 main characters are introduced in the series, then remain largely neglected for a majority of the series until the conclusion. At times, it almost feels like the series could've went on just fun if they were just as obscure as, say, Koga or Kanna (both of which actually seemed to have gotten lost in the shuffle from time to time until a chapter comes around and makes us say "Oh, I forgot all about him/her").

Let me give an example of what could've been. One of the big complaints about the series, mid-way, as the extensive focus on "sword upgrades". We now know Sango's Hiraikotsu is a lot of bones of different creatures compressed. Would it have been totally outside the realm of possibility to have made it so Hiraikotsu can gain some of the properties of creatures if she had perhaps used the bones of new enemies they defeated to perhaps alter it? Or Miroku's kazaana has always been a curse. But in the least, couldn't he have established a means by which he would no longer feel the detrimental effects of absorbing Naraku's saimyoushou?

Instead...we have long marathons of sword upgrades. It says a lot about the creativity put into this particular aspect of the series when the only solution Rumiko Takahashi could think of to bring about a conclusion was to make one character omnipotent. Even among most of us who are fans realize that the whole sword upgrade thing was ridiculously overdone. Perhaps it wouldn't have been if there were less sword upgrades and more everybody-else upgrades.

After thought: Wait a sec, hell. Even Koga and Sesshomaru got new weapons and Kikyo got new abilities as the series progressed. And they don't even show up half as much as Sango and Miroku do.

[luna-kaze]

Originally Posted by Ketaru

Reading your replies, I really have to say this. You can love a series. You can think it's high quality. But sometimes you just have to give criticism where criticism is due. And when it comes to the pacing of InuYasha, I definitely think it's due.

No, it really is a problem if 2 main characters are introduced in the series, then remain largely neglected for a majority of the series until the conclusion. At times, it almost feels like the series could've went on just fun if they were just as obscure as, say, Koga or Kanna (both of which actually seemed to have gotten lost in the shuffle from time to time until a chapter comes around and makes us say "Oh, I forgot all about him/her").

Let me give an example of what could've been. One of the big complaints about the series, mid-way, as the extensive focus on "sword upgrades". We now know Sango's Hiraikotsu is a lot of bones of different creatures compressed. Would it have been totally outside the realm of possibility to have made it so Hiraikotsu can gain some of the properties of creatures if she had perhaps used the bones of new enemies they defeated to perhaps alter it? Or Miroku's kazaana has always been a curse. But in the least, couldn't he have established a means by which he would no longer feel the detrimental effects of absorbing Naraku's saimyoushou?

Instead...we have long marathons of sword upgrades. It says a lot about the creativity put into this particular aspect of the series when the only solution Rumiko Takahashi could think of to bring about a conclusion was to make one character omnipotent. Even among most of us who are fans realize that the whole sword upgrade thing was ridiculously overdone. Perhaps it wouldn't have been if there were less sword upgrades and more everybody-else upgrades.

After thought: Wait a sec, hell. Even Koga and Sesshomaru got new weapons and Kikyo got new abilities as the series progressed. And they don't even show up half as much as Sango and Miroku do.

Excuse me, but just because I disagree with you does not mean I'm oblivious to the obvious things in Inuyasha that should be critisized. I think the pacing is fine, and if you don't then good for you, but please don't acccuse me of being some rabid fan who can't seem to accept a fault in her beloved manga. I'm perfectly aware, but I don't let faults get in the way of my enjoyment of something.

I'm starting to loose sight of what you even mean by neglected. Are you talking about what they do in battle, their upgrades, their characters or what? In battles Miroku and Sango have had plenty of moments to shine and even half of the Shichinintai arc to themselves. I don't know if you've read the manga, but for instance let me point out that unlike the anime using Kagome, it was Miroku who figured out Naraku's scheme of Sango and who Kohaku was as well as what he was planning to do with him, and he was the one to get rid of Hakudoushi and the fuyouheki. I've already said that RT doesn't always make the best use of them, but damn, so she makes mistakes. It isn't as big a deal as you're making it out to be. It wasn't even until rather late in the manga that she started to have them hang around a bit, wasn't just their introductions that they were really active in. Yes, plenty of people have realized she "neglects" them sometimes, but they don't see it as a major thing. A lot of it depends on what you mean by neglect.

She does only bring out Kanna once in a while, but again that's just how Takahashi has handled her, it's not like it would've made much difference if she were there the whole time anyway, being her quiet self. Heh..personally I think it adds to her mysteriousness whether intentional or not. Kouga only disappeared one time which while I agree was really odd and random, did make some people appreciate him a little more. After that though he showed up even more then he used to and was even given his own couple of arcs as well as being a member of the group.

That's a good point, but what if say, the items that need to be used for that were destroyed when the village was attacked? I suppose she could go to Totosai, but frequent visits may annoy Inuyasha and I don't even think she knows where he lives. Speaking of Totosai, he repaired the Hirkaikotsu for her when they fought..oh what was his name..it was Totosai's old student. Anyway, wouldn't that count as an upgrade of sorts?
Another good point, but to test it he'd have to keep sucking them up until he got it completely right which would probably greatly damage his health. Even if he succeeded I'm sure Naraku would think of something much worse to use. And let's face it, if Miroku could use his Kazanna with no worry..it would solve things way too quickly.

They were ridiculously overdone, and I've seen loads of people joke about it, but that isn't really what I'm getting at. It's as I say, if everybody worried more about upgrades then their own problems (which they have a lot of and I strongly doubt Naraku would allow them enough peace to do so anyway) then that's what a great deal of the series would be about. The only reason they have time now is because for one thing their characters have grown enough to deserve them (i.e. Sesshoumaru and Kouga) and for another Naraku's severely low on incarnations. For a long time they hardly had a moment's peace with the Shichinintai to Akago, to Hakudoushi, Entei, Abi-Hime, the Hijiri-sama incident, finding the last jewel shard, the rats, and Mouryoumaru. Despite Tessaiga having those ridiculous upgrades, it only interfered with the story that one time. If everyone had upgrades then it'd be more then that. Having them all taken care of at once would be too difficult if she was going to keep them interesting. I bet if she did an upgrade for Sango on the side while Inuyasha was worrying about Tessaiga, people would complain that hers wasn't given the potential it had. I don't care if they're not worrying about weapons so much if it's their own stories that are being focused on. I'm not denying it's not the best solution but for the most part it's worked out ok. I like the idea of them getting huge upgrades near the end that are important to their character as opposed to having lots of little upgrades that don't mean much.

Um, I've been mentioning those upgrades in practically every post. Notice how they all happened after the anime ending. Sesshoumaru would be an exception because he gained Tokajin, but he intentionally looked for power and needed to rival Tessiaga. Plus this upgrade had a lot more meaning to it and may I point out, happened only a few chapters ago. So what's so wrong with Sango and Miroku possibly getting upgrades a little later on? Kikyou is exactly like them, she never gained new abilities but she did show new ones we hadn't seen. I've never seen Miroku use that purification salt or escape using sutras. How about how he showed he could create barriers? There have been a couple times Sango's brought out new weapons as well. Like that poison and rope she used.

[Ketaru]

I'm starting to loose sight of what you even mean by neglected. Are you talking about what they do in battle, their upgrades, their characters or what? In battles Miroku and Sango have had plenty of moments to shine and even half of the Shichinintai arc to themselves. I don't know if you've read the manga, but for instance let me point out that unlike the anime using Kagome, it was Miroku who figured out Naraku's scheme of Sango and who Kohaku was as well as what he was planning to do with him, and he was the one to get rid of Hakudoushi and the fuyouheki. I've already said that RT doesn't always make the best use of them, but damn, so she makes mistakes. It isn't as big a deal as you're making it out to be. It wasn't even until rather late in the manga that she started to have them hang around a bit, wasn't just their introductions that they were really active in. Yes, plenty of people have realized she "neglects" them sometimes, but they don't see it as a major thing. A lot of it depends on what you mean by neglect.

No, they're blatantly neglected. Any chapters about them are only "Aw, how cute" chapters that simply focus on their relationships, which isn't obvious enough as it is apparently. The last chapter I remember about Miroku being a central figure while connecting to the main storyline as a whole was when his hole got cut by the mantis. What was that? Book 11? Book 12? I'd say a 37 volume gap since then is a pacing problem, especially when every other book since then was about sword upgrades. Haha, Miroku figured out Naraku's scheme? More like he stated more of the same of what we knew already. Him destroying Hakudoshi and the Fuyouheki was probably two frames each, for every 50 of Tetsusaiga's getting new abilities. Miroku and Sango are the same people they were far too long ago, unlike Inuyasha and Kagome, who have undergone some serious character growth. The latter may be the titular characters of the series, but the former are still main characters and InuYasha's development shouldn't come at the expense of theirs. I mean, others have noticed, they are becoming increasingly useless as the series progresses. That can only mean they have stagnated as everybody else in the series grew.

And don't start going into "It depends on what you think Neglect is." If everything were so relative, there would be no such things as flaws in the world. But a flaw by any other name is a flaw all the same. No, it is not such a big deal in the big picture. But hell if it wasn't a flaw in the series. It's interesting you brought up Kanna, because she is sparkling example of why it is a "big deal"...

She does only bring out Kanna once in a while, but again that's just how Takahashi has handled her, it's not like it would've made much difference if she were there the whole time anyway, being her quiet self. Heh..personally I think it adds to her mysteriousness whether intentional or not. Kouga only disappeared one time which while I agree was really odd and random, did make some people appreciate him a little more. After that though he showed up even more then he used to and was even given his own couple of arcs as well as being a member of the group.

Kanna's recent death was supposed to tug on the heart strings of the readers. That's why she was presented in such a sympathetic light in her very last few chapters. It's interesting that she has her own feelings, as it were. But we haven't even seen the slightest inkling of that throughout the entire series. We only saw her actions throughout the series. You can contrast this with Kagura, who actually experienced character development every time she made an important appearance. The story actually intensified her dire situation with every chapter, which is what made it all the more tragic when she died. Contrast that with Kanna, who was obviously supposed to generate a similar sort of feeling when she died. But you know, when you think about it, given all her inaffectiveness throughout the entire manga, it makes you think, "Hey, wait a sec. The pictures of her death look pretty and sad, but why should I give a damn what happens to her anyway? I was never given reason to up until now." That's an absolute prime example of why the pacing of the series has ultimately failed her character.

That's a good point, but what if say, the items that need to be used for that were destroyed when the village was attacked? I suppose she could go to Totosai, but frequent visits may annoy Inuyasha and I don't even think she knows where he lives. Speaking of Totosai, he repaired the Hirkaikotsu for her when they fought..oh what was his name..it was Totosai's old student. Anyway, wouldn't that count as an upgrade of sorts?
Another good point, but to test it he'd have to keep sucking them up until he got it completely right which would probably greatly damage his health. Even if he succeeded I'm sure Naraku would think of something much worse to use. And let's face it, if Miroku could use his Kazanna with no worry..it would solve things way too quickly.

And why don't we just throw everything about how InuYasha got a red, barrier breaking tetsusaiga out the window? I mean Naraku is now able to generate barriers that can override that. By the time the final battle comes, he'll probably have a way to stop Kongousouha too. You're right, giving Miroku and Sango new features wouldn't really solve anything in the series, but it would provide excellent opportunities to develop their characters further, much like how such opportunities were used when InuYashu got such chapters.

Um, I've been mentioning those upgrades in practically every post. Notice how they all happened after the anime ending. Sesshoumaru would be an exception because he gained Tokajin, but he intentionally looked for power and needed to rival Tessiaga. Plus this upgrade had a lot more meaning to it and may I point out, happened only a few chapters ago. So what's so wrong with Sango and Miroku possibly getting upgrades a little later on? Kikyou is exactly like them, she never gained new abilities but she did show new ones we hadn't seen. I've never seen Miroku use that purification salt or escape using sutras. How about how he showed he could create barriers? There have been a couple times Sango's brought out new weapons as well. Like that poison and rope she used.

I'm not only talking about "weapons" upgrades. You missed my point entirely, if that's what you saw it as. But let's use Kikyo as a good example. Her role in the series increased with every passing appearance, probably more so than any other of the secondary characters (Koga, Sesshomaru, Kagura, etc.)

In contrast, Miroku and Sango's roles have declined and they're becoming less and less important. Yes, Miroku has suddenly had a change in situation now that his kazaana will poison him. But you know what? The way it happened was utterly random because nothing prior to that moment was about Miroku in the slightest. It just felt like a plot device that felt like RT wanted it to happen, but didn't know how to make it happen without making it utterly random. Compared to most of the other important characters (InuYasha, Kagome, Sesshomaru, Kikyo, Kohaku, Kagura, I keep mentioning Kagura because I feel she was one of the best example of the pacing done perfectly), the two of them have almost fallen into Shippo-obscurity.

Miroku had a great side story a long time ago when the hole in his hand was cut, as I mentioned already. And Sango had her moments: once shortly after she joined the story where she was forced to choose between her brother and the group, and a second time when she came very close to killing Kohaku. But all of these things happened way too long ago and no such stories of those levels of importance to their character development has happened since. Little things have happened along the way to change their respective situations, but never again were put into the spotlight the way they were at those times.

The pacing with respect to some of the characters in the series can be a big deal. Sango used to be my favorite character. To me, when she was given the choice between her brother and her new group, and when she was featured in the story where she came close to killing Kohaku, those were some of the more intense parts of the series to me. But for a while now, it would seem she has fallen out of my interest, while my interest in Kikyo and Kagura's situations have only grown throughout the series (in Kagura's case, up until her death anyway). And that's only because of the pacing, Sango just hasn't been very interesting.

I'll conclude my reply with the fact Miroku and Sango have, allegedly, had little time to worry about their problems and how they are coping...

For a long time they hardly had a moment's peace with the Shichinintai to Akago, to Hakudoushi, Entei, Abi-Hime, the Hijiri-sama incident, finding the last jewel shard, the rats, and Mouryoumaru.

...yet Kagome had plenty of time to go back to the modern age to fruitlessly study pre-calculus and buff her bicycle. Maybe we should've had a few less of those and used that as an opportunity to work on the underdeveloped characters.

[Ice Chick]

When you talk about Miroku sucking in the Fuyoheki, he was doing it because he didn't want Kikyo to sacrifice Kohaku. That was what she was going to do, use Kohaku's shard to kill Naraku. And we all know that if Kohaku uses his shard to get rid of Naraku, chances are he'll die. I didn't see Miroku jumping in to suck in Naraku's Fuyoheki as random because he had a purpose behind it, even though he became critically injured by it. He was doing it so that Sango's brother wouldn't have to be sacrificed.

But in the other aspects of fighting "upgrades" and whatnot I do agree with you. I do believe that Sango and Miroku stand around too much, not really doing anything to help Inu Yasha in battle. We haven't really seen them continually develop more fighting wise, which is sorta disappointing. This is why I am currently enjoying this chapter, and I really do hope that they can get out of that trouble without the help of Kagome and Inu Yasha. It's been awhile we have had a Miroku/Sango chapter, so let's hope that this turns out satisfying with Sango getting Miroku and herself out in one peace. I really don't want them to be rescued honestly, because how are they going to develop battle-wise if they have to be rescued all the time?

By the way,has anyone else read the new chapter...damn it's intense. Miroku and Sango are trapped in a cage of bones, about to get eaten by the hungry father. At this point I know Sango suspects something is up with Miroku's wind tunnel because she even thought to herself that if he sucks in any more things he'll die.

[Mikadzuki Tatsu]

This last chapter was definitely intense. Thank you, Takahashi-sensei, for ending another chapter with a major cliffhanger.

The signs seem to be pointing toward Miroku and Sango being unable to get out of their dire situation completely on their own. Miroku's houriki isn't as effective as usual (probably due to his weakened state), and Sango would be an idiot to use Hiraikotsu right now. And I can't think of any other reason for bringing Inuyasha and Kagome into this mess, unless Takahashi plans to put them between a rock and a very hard place, too. (And even though Shippou said he'd be useful, we all know he isn't going to be. The kid is never useful except for comedy relief.)

Did I ever mention how stupid Inuyasha and Kagome are being right now? I know that both of them are very concerned about their comrades and don't want to wait for the sun to rise, but I wonder how much thought they put into their decision to rush to their comrades' aid.

Sango definitely suspects something is up with Miroku's Kazaana (and if she doesn't, then she sure is putting on a good show of pretending to suspect something). Now I can only wonder if she'll figure out exactly what is wrong with him - that it's not just the poison that's weakening him so much. And even if she doesn't figure out the specifics, I hope she does something about her fiance's dire state...or else she'll find herself single again very soon.

[Mikadzuki Tatsu]

Chapter 484

Well, now Sango definitely needs a weapon upgrade, since she just sacrificed Hiraikotsu in order to defeat the bone-sucker skeleton and save Miroku's life. (If Takahashi makes her go the rest of the series with just her sword and her poisons, I am going to be pissed.) Although this means another delay before the Final Confrontation©, it also means that Sango will get an upgrade she has long since deserved. After all, she and Inuyasha are the "physical fighters" of the group. It wouldn't make sense for one physical fighter to be more powerful than the other this close to the final battle. That would be very bad strategic planning on the part of the gamer.

(Kagome and Miroku - the religious figures the strength of whose attacks depends on the strength of their reiryoku and houshiki, respectively, are the spiritual fighters of the group - the healers of a video game party, if you will.)

I'm really glad Inuyasha remained human until literally the last minute. When Takahashi brought Inuyasha and Kagome onto the scene, I figured one of them - most likely Inuyasha - was going to end up defeating the bone-suckers and stealing all the glory, especially given the way the last chapter ended. I would have been upset if the spotlight was stolen from Miroku and Sango. True, Inuyasha did more or less deliver the final blow, but at that point, his was the only functioning weapon that could break things. Hirakotsu was melting from youdoku.

Another thing: I think Sango needs to sit down with Miroku and have a heart-to-heart talk about his condition. I doubt that would work, since Miroku is determined to keep his true condition a secret from his fiancée, but it's just a thought. Miroku's stubborness is annoying me; I wish he would stop bringing himself closer and closer to death.

[Ice Chick]

This was a really good chapter and my most anticipated chapter since the Sesshomaru chapters a few months ago. I really liked the fact that Sango took care of business despite it costing her best weapon. She really put her Hirakotsu and life on the line to protect Miroku, and it was nice seeing that it was the other way around because Miroku is always doing so for Sango. This really shows me how much she loves him, which was not like all of those comedic episodes where she gets jealous because he's flirting with other females.

Miroku can't hide his worsened condition now, even if he tried. Sango knows his situation now, and any further explanation from him to her will be taken care of next chapter. That should be interesting. And it will be interesting to see what happens to what is left of Sango's Hirakotsu.

[Ketaru]

Oh my God, Shippo did something!

[Brill]

Originally Posted by Ketaru

Oh my God, Shippo did something!

Yes. I too am in a state of shock. It only took 484 Chapters.

Well now that Sango's weapon is gone I guess all that is left for her to do is bear Miroku's child before he dies in the next chapter. Next chapter could be VERY interesting.

I wonder if Miroku/Sango and Inuyasha/Kagome will part ways at thie point? Could be an interesting move.

[Mikadzuki Tatsu]

Originally Posted by Ketaru

Oh my God, Shippo did something!

Wait a second... You're right, Shippou DID do something! This is a miracle! There's going to be a blizzard in the Sahara Desert!

Originally Posted by Brill

Well now that Sango's weapon is gone I guess all that is left for her to do is bear Miroku's child before he dies in the next chapter. Next chapter could be VERY interesting.

I'm assuming that Takahashi will either delve into another short arc which will result with Sango acquiring a new weapon, or Hiraikotsu is repairable. Maybe our heroes will pay Toutousai a visit and see if he can fix Hiraikotsu, or provide Sango with a better weapon, if Hiraikotsu is beyond repair.

I think it's a bit of a shame that Sango had to sacrifice Hiraikotsu. It was such a cool weapon, and she was obviously quite attached to it. (I wonder if one of her parents had forged it for her.) However, the fact that she was willing to sacrifice her best weapon, and was willing to sacrifice even herself, shows just how much she loves Miroku. (And it was about time that she did something to save his arse!) It was a shame Miroku was unconscious. He would have been very touched.

Originally Posted by Brill

I wonder if Miroku/Sango and Inuyasha/Kagome will part ways at thie point? Could be an interesting move.

Do you mean divide into two groups and go separate ways? That would be an interesting move. I only see one problem with that: What happens if one group encounters Naraku but the other group is nowhere around? I have a feeling that it's going to take all of the remaining anti-Naraku folks (including Sesshoumaru and Kohaku) to take that mutant down.

[Ice Chick]

Originally Posted by Mikadzuki Tatsu

Wait a second... You're right, Shippou DID do something! This is a miracle! There's going to be a blizzard in the Sahara Desert!

Lol, that was funny right there. Even Shippo has to get a chance to be the hero or do something once for his life.

Yea, I also doubt this group is going to go their separate ways after this turn of events. They are practically family, who else do they have to go to if the whole group isn't together? They've been through alot with each other so it is impossible for me to think that they are going to part ways.

[Ketaru]

Yea, I also doubt this group is going to go their separate ways after this turn of events. They are practically family, who else do they have to go to if the whole group isn't together?

I was actually thinking, it isn't completely outside the realm of possibility. I mean, unless she goes to Totosai as speculated, she is essentially without an effective weapon. And how much more can Miroku really take? He isn't really getting any better. And for how powerful Kikyo was, she wasn't able to really do more than buy him more time. (on a side note, this actually provides a pretty interesting possibility for Kagome to become stronger than Kikyo by being able to save Miroku)

But even if Kagome could, I still don't know about Miroku ever being a capable fighter anymore (I mean, even if Naraku's poisons were removed from his body so that he's in no more danger, it doesn't entail that it will fix the damage already done).