Episode 169

Kagura's Wind is the second episode of InuYasha: The Final Act.

Summary
Kagura rides her feather, fleeing Naraku.

In the Village of the Demon Hunters, Sango brings Kohaku to the grave of the villagers.

Inuyasha, Miroku, Myōga, Shippō, and Kagome visit Midoriko's Cave, and see what appears to be a chrysalis within the hole in her chest. Miroku tries to approach for a closer look, but is stopped by a barrier. Inuyasha notes they should keep an eye on the cave; he detects a scent.

Kōga seeks Goraishi - Lightning Claws - the strongest weapon of the wolf demon tribe.

Miroku, Kagome, Myōga and Shippō discuss Inuyasha's eagerness to guard the cave alone.

Within the statue, the chrysalis opens and a soul collector hatches. Inuyasha follows it, realizing it was Kikyō's scent he detected earlier. When he finds her, he asks why she wants Midoriko's soul. Kikyō reveals that Kagome was unable to completely purify the miasma that Naraku used against her. Kikyō absorbs the soul of the long-dead priestess, and collapses. Inuyasha rushes to her, and sees the wound on her shoulder heal.

A glow surrounds the stone body of Midoriko.

Kagome suddenly looks up as Kohaku's jewel shard begins to glow. Kohaku rushes out of the hut, following some soul collectors, as the others hurry to follow him. They are blocked by a barrier and cannot follow Kohaku.

Kikyō, apparently healed, gathers her bow and arrow. She explains to Inuyasha (with Kohaku listening in) that the only way to defeat Naraku is to purify the Shikon Jewel as he is absorbing it into his body - which will obliterate the soul of Onigumo. Kohaku races after Kikyō; Inuyasha tries to follow, but is blocked by a barrier.

Under the directions of the Infant, Mōryōmaru absorbs the demon Meiōjū to possess his shell - the ultimate armor.

Kōga battles a guardian demon to acquire the Goraishi. He has an opportunity to take the claws, but chooses instead to save his flunkies. When he proudly tells the guardian that no weapon is worth the lives of his men, and attacks, he finds himself already wielding the claws. The spirits of the wolf demon tribe tell Kōga that the claws are his, but they can protect him from that which controls the Shikon Jewel Shards only once.

Naraku appears in front of Kagura and informs her that Hakudōshi is dead. Naraku tells Kagura he will free her. He returns her heart to her chest, then stabs her and fills her with miasma, and sends her off to enjoy her "freedom".

Sesshōmaru is leading his companions through a valley when Jaken notices that the demonic aura from the crystal he carries is weakening - indicating the nearby presense of the Fuyōheki, and by extension, Naraku's Heart. Rin points out a nearby cave, and Sesshōmaru knocks down the cliff to open the cave. (Overdoing things seems to run in the family...) Mōryōmaru appears, and the two toss threats at each other. They begin to do battle, and Tōkijin seems not to even scratch Mōryōmaru's new armored shell. Mōryōmaru mocks Sesshōmaru as he first absorbs Sesshōmaru's demonic energy then turns it back on Sesshōmaru. Sesshōmaru attacks again, and cracks appear on Tōkijin. Mōryōmaru gets a hold of Sesshōmaru.

Kagura staggers through a nearby field of flowers, her strength fast fading.

A breeze carries Kagura's scent to Sesshōmaru. Mōryōmaru gloats over Kagura's death, saying she died in vain to obtain "freedom". In a fury, Sesshōmaru unleashes an attack with Tōkijin that cracks Mōryōmaru's armor, but also breaks the sword; Mōryōmaru retreats. Sesshōmaru tosses aside his broken blade and seeks out the dying Kagura. He takes hold of Tenseiga, but realizes even its power cannot save Kagura. She fades away into the wind, content to have seen Sesshōmaru one last time.