Episode 7 (Hanyō no Yashahime)

Meeting through an Apple is the seventh episode of Hanyō no Yashahime.

Synopsis

 * 1) Despite Towa integrating well into the demon slayers, Setsuna still leaves her behind on their next mission. Towa strikes off alone, encounters the pirate Riku, and is captured by the deputy shogun's men.
 * 2) Moroha and Setsuna learn of Towa's capture, and set out to rescue her. They are stopped by Fubuki, one of Kyūki's underlings.
 * 3) In a joint effort, the half-demon princesses defeat Fubuki, and chase after the fleeing Yotsume.

Summary
At Sunset, Towa is sitting on top of a tree as she sensed a demon nearby before it appeared from the forest. Towa jumped from the tree and takes out her Kikujūmonji and activates her Energy Blade to slice one of it limbs off. The demon tries to attack Towa but Kohaku wraps his kusarigama chain around one of its limbs. Kohaku tells Towa nice work. Kohaku tells Nanasuke and Rokuta to be careful of the demon's poison. Nanasuke and Rokuta appeared from the sky. Rokuta tells Kohaku 'yeah'. Nanasuke tells Kohaku to leave it to him and Rokuta. Nanasuke uses his Crescent Moon Staff and Rokuta uses his Spiked Ball Staff to hit the demon. Kohaku tells Hisui and Setsuna to bring the demon down. Hisui and Setsuna ride on Kirara. Setsuna uses her Cyclone Burst on the demon, blowing it into the sky. Hisui uses his Hiraikotsu on the demon to slice it in half, killing it. Nanasuke and Rokuta are impressed as they say 'amazing'. Kohaku says Hisui and Setsuna are getting better at working together. Hisui and Setsuna become confused. Kohaku tells Towa that she's getting better at sensing demon energy. Towa tells Kohaku that yeah but just barely she thinks.

At night, Kyūki, in her demon form, flies toward Kirinmaru's Ship and lands on it as she transforms into her human form. Inside, Kirinmaru is sitting in a chair. Kyūki kneels before Kirinmaru as she calls out to him. Kirinmaru looks at Kyūki. Kyūki tells Kirinmaru that is she as she says her name and informs him that Tōkotsu has been defeated by 'Beniyasha' and Sesshōmaru's daughters. Kirinmaru questions Kyūki about Sesshōmaru's daughters. Kyūki warns Kirinmaru that unless they take action she fears Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha will bring him disaster. Kirinmaru asks Kyūki who was Tōkotsu again. Kyūki tells Kirinmaru that Tōkotsu was one of the Four Perils under his command and the one to whom bestowed the Red Rainbow Pearl. Kirinmaru tells Kyūki that's right and if Tōkotsu served under him then he must have been quite the warrior and Sesshōmaru's daughters and must hand it to them as he picks one of the grapes from the table and eats it. Kyūki tells Kirinmaru that if he would allow her then she can take care of the matter. Kirinmaru spits out the grape and tells Kyūki that it's not to his taste. Kyūki tells Kirinmaru that she understood as she shall start with Sesshōmaru's daughters.

In Kaede's hut, Kaede is sitting by the fire when Towa and Setsuna arrive. Kaede tells Towa and Setsuna 'welcome back'. Towa exhaustedly tells Kaede that she's back. Towa takes her shoes off at the entrance as Setsuna puts her Kanemitsu no Tomoe away. Towa notices Setsuna's violin and calls out to Setsuna, who was taking off her boots. Towa asks Setsuna can she play her violin as she holds it up. Setsuna tells Towa that's fine. Setsuna plays her violin while Towa lays down as she listens. Towa tells Setsuna that Moe would play her violin for her whenever she came home after a fight and starts to sleep. In Towa's dream, Towa and Setsuna are in the modern era and are eating at a fast food restaurant with many bags of items. Towa questions Setsuna that they sure bought a lot of stuff. Setsuna asks Towa was she sure it's okay to buy so much. Towa tells Setsuna to not worry about it as it'll be her treat for today. Setsuna tells Towa 'thank you'. Towa remembered something and gives Setsuna a large stuffed cat and cuddles it. Towa tells Setsuna to cuddle the large stuffed cat as well. Towa and Setsuna cuddle the large stuffed cat together. Moe appears as she plays the violin. Towa looks at Setsuna sleeping and thinks to herself thank goodness as she can finally fall asleep before she closes her eyes. While asleep, Towa repeatedly says that she's so glad.

In the morning, Setsuna departs with Kohaku, the other demon slayers, and Kirara. Hisui asks Setsuna that they're not taking Towa with them. Setsuna tells Hisui 'no'. Later once Towa awakens, she becomes upset that Setsuna went to slay demons without her. Kaede drinks tea as she tells Towa that she was sleeping so peacefully. Towa packs some food into her bag. Towa tells Kaede that it's unbelievable and wonders how can Setsuna leave her behind as it's like she thinks she's in the way or something but she guess she'll have to prove that she can be reliable. Kaede asks Towa was she heading out. Towa tells Kaede that she's off to find Mount Musubi's Dream Butterfly as after all that's why she came to the feudal era and she's heading out. Towa takes her bag and heads out of Kaede's hut. Kaede continues to drink her tea. Towa says the east is that way and walks in that direction.

Riku lays in a tree as he eats grapes but spits them out after realizing that they taste disgusting. Towa looks at a map as she says that she guess it's pointless to use a modern map. Riku notices Towa walking by. Towa realizes that there's not a single thing Moroha brought that's actually useful. Riku tells Towa that she seems troubled by something and he calls her a samurai. Towa looks up at a tree and notices Riku. Riku jumps in front of Towa, who backs away in surprise. Riku asks Towa is something the matter. Towa becomes on guard of Riku as she has her hand on her Kikujūmonji. Riku tells Towa that he's no one suspicious as he promises her. Towa picks her map as she tells Riku 'okay' and to not bother her then walks away. Riku follows Towa as he tells her that he can't do that as he's also lost as well. Towa questions Riku about also being lost and to not loop her in with him. Riku asks Towa hasn't she lost her way. Towa tells Riku that she hasn't lost her way as she's looking for the Dream Butterfly. Riku tells Towa that he doubts butterflies are common at this time of year. Towa tells Riku that she's heard there are some at Mount Musubi. Riku asks Towa what's that as he thought she was a samurai but she's a princess and he's terribly sorry for his mistake. Towa ignores Riku as she continues to walk forward. Riku continues to follow Towa as he tells her to wait and calls her 'his princess'. Towa and Riku stop walking. Riku tells Towa that he's having trouble finding his way back to his ship. Towa question Riku about his ship and wonders does it mean that the ocean is nearby. Riku tells Towa that's the one thing he's sure of. Towa becomes disappointed as she thought she was heading to the mountains but ended up closer to the sea. Towa starts to smell and tells Riku that he's right as she smells water from a direction. Riku tells Towa 'thank you' and grabs her hand then tells her 'let's go' before they quickly head in a direction. Towa becomes surprised with Riku. A group of soldiers lead by 'Sokyo' are searching through the forest. Towa leads Riku to a river as they become confused. Towa wonders if this is the ocean and nervously tells Riku that she guesses it's a bit too small to be an ocean. Riku tells Towa that if he follows the river then it'll lead him to the ocean and thanks her as she's been a great help.

Towa stretches as she says the weather feels nice and feels perfect for a picnic and takes off her backpack then pulls out items. Riku shows his ability in manipulating water, using his blue earring. Riku drinks some of the water. Towa is immensely impressed and asks Riku if that's some kind of magic trick. Riku tells Towa says that anyone can do it with a little bit of concentration. and he's sure she can too and calls her 'princess' as he stops his water manipulation. Towa asks Riku that he thinks so and wonders if he would care to join her. Riku walks over to Towa and tells her that not to be rude and calls her 'princess' as he's not a 'mister' as he introduces himself and wonders what's hers. Riku sits down next to Towa on the blanket. Towa tells Riku that she's not a princess as she introduces herself and questions him about his name and remembers it before she drinks from a water bottle. Riku tells Towa to just remember him as the pirate. Towa becomes surprised that Riku's a pirate. Riku tells Towa to rest assure as he doesn't take from women, children, or the poor. Towa becomes relieved. Riku looks at the food and tells Towa that those are all fascinating things and wonders if they're all edible. Towa tells Riku to help himself as she takes some pocky. Riku accepts an apple as he takes a bite and remarks it’s wonderful and delicious flavor as he's never had something so delicious. Towa confirms it with Riku as she thinks that apples tastes the best as selective breeding has come a long way and things taste much better now as she eats some pocky. Riku tells Towa that this is an apple and it's unbelievable as a taste like this would surely banish someone from paradise and takes another bite. Towa tells Riku that she'll take the apple core once he's done as she can't have it take a root and mess up the course of history. Riku tells Towa that he ate whole apple, core and all then thanks her for the hospitality and as one abandoned by his master it's more than he deserves and she's fed him a forbidden fruit. Towa questions Riku about the apple being a forbidden fruit.

Riku notices Towa's Kikujūmonji and asks Towa could it be the sword. Towa tells Riku that the Kikujūmonji was a fake as it broke pretty easily and showed him it being broken. Riku tells Towa that he should think so as the real Kikujūmonji resides with Ogigayatsu Hiiragi Danjo the Deputy Shogun of Kanto as it was best bestowed from the shogun. Towa questions Riku about Ogigayatsu Hiiragi being the shogun and Deputy Shogun of Kanto. Riku tells Towa that he must repay her kindness for the apple. Riku stands up he and flicked his earring as a man on a boat appears. Riku tells Towa that if fate allows it then they shall meet again and until then farewell before gets on the boat as he and the man sail away. Towa calls out to Riku then notices that he left his sword wrapped in purple cloth behind then picks it up and tells him to wait as he forgot it. Riku tells Towa that he would like to present that to her as a gift and to accept it. Towa wonders what the item was before she opens it up. Riku smirks as he thinks to himself that he hopes Towa likes it. Towa holds a sword as she questions it and wonders if it's real. Towa opens up the sword as she examines it as it's amazing and wonders if it's the real Kikujūmonji. Riku thinks to himself that he recently stole the sword from Ogigayatsu Hiiragi as it's the genuine Kikujūmonji. Towa sees Riku leaves as she wonders who he was. A male voice tells Towa 'you there'. Towa turns around and looks to see that she was a group of retainers. The group of retainers tells Towa that they are retainers of Ogigayatsu Hiiragi. Towa becomes surprised. The group of retainers tells Towa that she's the one who stole the real Kikujūmonji a few days ago. Towa tries to say 'no'. The group of retainers surround Towa as they point their weapons at her and tell her that they're her into custody. Towa tells the group of retainers to wait as she didn't steal the real Kikujūmonji. 'Sokyu' appears on a horse and tells Towa that they've captured her as he calls her 'hanyō princess' as the clothes she wears are without a doubt from the other world. Towa thinks to herself about Sokyu being an apparition. One of the retainers picks up Towa's bag and tells 'Sokyu' that they also found tea ceremony utensils. 'Sokyu' tells one of the retainers to bring all of them back to the estate. One of the retainers complies. The group of retainers ties Towa up and take her items.

At night in a castle, Towa sits in a room as with a blanket on her. Ogigayatsu Hiiragi and 'Sokyu' enter the room and sit down. Ogigayatsu Hiiragi asks Towa was she the one they call "Hanyō Princess". Towa looks at Ogigayatsu Hiiragi. Ogigayatsu Hiiragi introduces himself to Towa. Towa introduces herself to Ogigayatsu Hiiragi but she wasn't a 'Hanyō Princess' as the blanket falls off her. Ogigayatsu Hiiragi says so Towa say and calls out to 'Sokyu'. 'Sokyu' tells Ogigayatsu Hiiragi to let him explain. 'Sokyu' tells Towa that he has here a book that she was carrying and holds it up. Towa becomes surprised and thinks to herself that Moroha an idiot and wonders why'd she have to bring the book back with her. Towa tells Ogigayatsu Hiiragi that he should take her advice and let her go as things won't be so hot when her friends get here. 'Sokyu' laughs and tells Towa it's such nonsense and there's something he would like for her to see. 'Sokyu' signals for one of the retainers to bring the item in. At that moment, a subordinate of the shogunate adviser brings in a box and places it down before he leaves. Towa becomes surprised and questions is that a bike seat. Ogigayatsu Hiiragi that she recognizes what it is. 'Sokyu' confirms this with Ogigayatsu Hiiragi as it seems Towa knows something. Towa asks Ogigayatsu Hiiragi and 'Sokyu' what's a bike seat doing here. 'Sokyu' tells Towa that there used to be rumors in the Musashi Province of a priestess who came through the Bone-Eater's Well from a place called 'Tokyo'. Towa becomes surprised about 'Tokyo', the Bone-Eater's Well, and priestess. 'Sokyo' tells Towa that the bike seat was the saddle she used to ride her mysterious iron wagon as she and a hanyō named Inuyasha traveled the land slaying demons and what he's about to share is a tale that he heard over a decade ago.

In Kaede's hut, Setsuna questions Kaede that Towa went to find Mount Musubi's Dream Butterfly. Kaede tells Setsuna that Towa mentioned wanting to prove that she wasn't nuisance. Setsuna says that and here she thought Towa was being happily tamed but of course this happens once the collar comes off before she starts to leave. Kaede asks Setsuna was she heading to Mount Musubi as well. Setsuna stops and tells Kaede 'no' as she's going to search for the dog that strayed from the pack before she leaves. Outside, Moroha was riding on top of a transformed Takechiyo. Moroha says that this time it's Kyūki, one of the Four Perils, and the requests to slay big name demons keep coming in and wonders who keeps requesting them. Moroha tells Takechiyo that she knows he know something. Takechiyo tells Moroha that it's better that she doesn't know as Jyūbei said the requests are from someone he can't say 'no' to. Moroha tells Takechiyo that she sees. Takechiyo tells Moroha that Jyūbei has graciously given her advance payment as she needs to stop complaining and carry out her job. Moroha annoyingly tells Takechiyo that she knows. At a river, Setsuna stands near it. Setsuna says Towa was definitely here but Mount Musubi is the other way. Moroha calls out to Setsuna. Setsuna looks in the sky to see Takechiyo and Moroha coming towards her. Moroha tells Setsuna that she has another demon slaying job from Jyūbei. Setsuna tells Moroha that she sees.

When Takechiyo lands on the ground, Moroha gets off of him. Moroha asks Setsuna that she's not with Towa today. Setsuna tells Moroha that looks like Towa got lost somewhere as she's been trying to reach her but she hasn't responded as she holds up a walkie-talkie. Moroha tells Setsuna that Towa is hopeless as usual. Takechiyo says that's strange as according to Jyūbei is that Towa is the most reliable out of the 'Hanyō Princesses'. Moroha asks Takechiyo what does he mean as Towa's the most useless one. Takechiyo says he even has proof as Towa's close to where Kyūki is located. Moroha asks Takechiyo that he's kidding. Takechiyo holds up his conch shell and says Towa's gained an audience with Ogigayatsu Hiiragi Danjo, the Deputy Shogun of Kanto and she's probably accepting a gift as her reward by now. Setsuna says she has a bad feeling about this before she leaves. Moroha tells Setsuna to wait a second. Moroha gets back on Takechiyo and flies after Setsuna. Moroha asks Takechiyo that if it's the Deputy Shogun's estate and wonders can he take her and Setsuna. Takechiyo tells Moroha 'fine' but ths time make sure to get Kyūki's head. Setsuna hops on Takechiyo as they fly away. In a cave, Kyūki sees on her crystal ball that Setsuna and Moroha are flying on Takechiyo. Kyūki says so the 'Hanyō Princesses' have come and with the Gold, Silver, and Red Rainbow Pearls will gather and in one fell swoop she will have 4 Rainbow Pearls then holds up her Purple Rainbow Pearl. Kyūki says if she succeeds she'll possess more demon energy than Kirinmaru then commands Fubuki to steal Rainbow Pearls from Setsuna and Moroha. An image of Fubuki appears on Kyūki's crystal ball. Kyūki says not to worry as she can simply leave the Silver Rainbow Pearl to Yotsume.

In the castle, 'Sokyu' tells Towa the demon was Root Head which spread its roots underground and absorbed nutrients from humans. The Silver Rainbow Pearl started to glow in Towa's left eye. In the sky, Setsuna and Moroha start to sense something nearby. Setsuna says it's here. Takechiyo, Setsuna, and Moroha notice up ahead a lot of fog before it transformed into a giant polar bear. The giant polar bear puppet shot blasts of snow and ice out of its mouth at Takechiyo, Setsuna, and Moroha. Takechiyo dodged the attack. Moroha says the giant polar bear puppet was waiting for them. Setsuna wonders if that's Kyūki. Takechiyo says that's one of Kyūki's underlings an apparition named Fubuki. Moroha says that she's heard of it as it's an ice and snow demon beast that nests in the North. Setsuna says ice and snow then calls out to Moroha as she sees her pull out her Beni. Moroha opens her Beni up and starts to apply some. Moroha asks Setsuna that should she do it. Setsuna tells Moroha to not use her Beni as she can take Fubuki puppet with her Kanemitsu no Tomoe. Setsuna uses her Scourge of Swallows on the Fubuki puppet, leaving a hole in its stomach. The Fubuki puppet recovers and blasts snow and ice out of its mouth on Takechiyo, Setsuna, and Moroha. Setsuna and Moroha dodged the Fubuki's attack but Takechiyo was instantly frozen in a block of ice, untransforming him. Setsuna asks Moroha does the Fubuki puppet not have a real body. Moroha tells Setsuna that's not it as the giant form is like fog as its main body is hiding somewhere and wonders where could it be.

In the castle, Towa thinks to herself that Setsuna and Moroha are close by. 'Sokyu' tells Towa that Root Head said 'I'll eat you whole, Shikon Jewel'. Towa thinks to herself that apparitions sure do talk a lot. Towa starts to sense and notices that there's one more but it's small as she's senses another apparition then sees Fubuki near the ceiling. Towa thinks to herself that Setsuna and the others must be fighting Fubuki and she must focus as she has to save Setsuna. The Silver Rainbow Pearl in Towa's left eye starts to glow again. Towa, still tied up, tries to attack Fubuki with her Demonic Energy Projection but Fubuki dodges. Setsuna becomes aware of where Fubuki is. Setsuna tells Moroha that she heard Towa's breath. Moroha asks Setsuna really. Setsuna tells Moroha that Towa's at the village over there and Fubuki's main body is there too. Moroha tells Setsuna that she sees as that's how it is and if so. Moroha jumps onto a tree and senses Fubuki in the castle. Moroha tells Setsuna that she's found Fubuki's main body then uses her sacred arrow on Fubuki's puppet and went towards Fubuki's main body. Towa tries to uses her Demonic Energy Projection again on Fubuki, who tries to attack her, but it dodges. Moroha's Sacred Arrow kills Fubuki. Towa thinks to herself that they did it. Fubuki's puppet body is destroyed. Moroha tells Setsuna that she hates to admit it but she thinks what Jyūbei said might be true. Setsuna asks Moroha about what. Moroha tells Setsuna that Towa might be the most reliable out of the three of them. Setsuna tells Moroha that Towa causes them the most trouble too.

Afterwards, Moroha and Setsuna storm the castle to rescue Towa. Ogigayatsu Hiiragi tells Towa that if she would regale him and 'Sokyu' with her tale and wonders if she knows what will happen to the Shogunate and the fate of their clan. Towa calls out to Ogigayatsu Hiiragi. Ogigayatsu Hiiragi asks Towa what is it. Towa tells Ogigayatsu Hiiragi to run. Ogigayatsu Hiiragi becomes confused. The subordinates of the calls out to intruders and wonders who they are as they are defeated. Towa tells Ogigayatsu Hiiragi that he'll get hurt if he stays here. The door burst open with one of the defeated subordinates. Ogigayatsu Hiiragi and 'Sokyu' stand up. 'Sokyu' wonders what was happening. One of the intruders tells the subordinate to shut up before she defeats him as they're so weak. Setsuna and Moroha appear in the room. Moroha tells Towa to come on as they're going home and to quit loafing around here. Setsuna tells Towa that she's such a handful before she cuts the rope off her hands with her Kanemitsu no Tomoe. Towa stands up and tells Setsuna and Moroha 'thank you'. 'Sokyu' asks who are they. Moroha questions 'Sokyu' on who they are. Moroha smells 'Sokyu' and tells him that she knew she smelled something strange in the air and it was him as she calls him 'Yotsume'. 'Sokyu' becomes serious. Moroha takes out her Kurikaramaru and tells Yotsume that since he's here as she might as well take him out too before goes to attack him. Setsuna tells Moroha that she's attacking too soon. Moroha slices off Yotsume's hat, revealing his extra two eyes. Ogigayatsu Hiiragi questions Yotsume being an apparition. Moroha becomes surprised. Yotsume tells Moroha that she's open before he tries to attack her. Setsuna went to attack Yotsume, who transformed into his owl form and fled. Moroha tells Yotsume that he's a sore loser before she tries to attack him. Towa tells Moroha to wait as Yotsume seems to know things and they should nab him and make him talk. Moroha tells Towa that they do have to chase after Yotsume. Setsuna and Moroha chase after Yotsume. Towa walks over to the bike seat and grabs it. Towa calls out to Ogigayatsu Hiiragi. Ogigayatsu Hiiragi steps out from hiding. Towa tells Ogigayatsu Hiiragi that she'll be taking the bike seat and walks away. Ogigayatsu Hiiragi questions who are Towa, Sestuna, and Moroha. Towa tells Ogigayatsu Hiiragi that's right. Ogigayatsu Hiiragi becomes surprised. Towa tells Ogigayatsu Hiiragi that she'll be taking the book back too and 'see you around'.

Trivia

 * The episode serves as a prologue for the premiere.
 * The title refers to Towa and Riku's very first encounter.
 * Towa's natural ability to detect demonic energy nearby begins to develop.
 * The names of Kohaku's acolytes are revealed.
 * A fast food restaurant is featured representing in Towa's dream.
 * The music that Setsuna played on her violin is the song that Asagi sang in the 4th and final film.
 * Kirinmaru makes his official debut, though his face has yet to be revealed as he has donned his dragon-shaped mask.