Chapter 399

The Invincible Blade is the 399th chapter of the InuYasha manga.

Synopsis

 * Tōtōsai tells Inuyasha to become stronger in order to master the Dragon-scaled Tessaiga.
 * Naraku learns about Inuyasha's struggle with the technique from Byakuya.

Summary

 * Byakuya notes that the dragon-scaled Tessaiga is impressive, managing to destroy Mizuchi even though it had absorbed Mōryōmaru's regenerative powers. Though, he adds, Inuyasha is not unscathed, and couldn't handle the venom of Mizuchi's aura. He wonders how their group would fare if another enemy appeared now that Inuyasha is indisposed. Sango raises her Hiraikotsu and asks Byakuya if he's looking for a fight. Kagome raises her bow, and Miroku prepares to open his Kazaana. Byakuya says his only job is to observe them, for now, and isn't looking to fight. The incarnation flies away on an origami bird and disappears. Inuyasha regains consciousness and wonders what is wrong with Tessaiga.
 * Inuyasha and group visit Tōtōsai. Kagome explains that the demon energy the blade absorbed is what hurt Inuyasha, and that's never happened before. Tōtōsai says there's nothing wrong with Tessaiga, and if there's a problem, it lies with Inuyasha. He explains that demon power is like poison, especially to a Hanyō. The swordsmith explains that Tessaiga was forged from Tōga's fang, and can store an almost indefinite amount of mystic energies. But Inuyasha, being a half-demon, does not possess the strength to handle all the power Tessaiga absorbs. He says "You've given Tessaiga an ability that you cannot control." Kagome asks why Tessaiga would suddenly attack Inuyasha, and Tōtōsai explains it wasn't sudden, looking at the burns on Inuyasha's hands. He notes that the reason Tessaiga was getting so hot is that it was warning Inuyasha that the technique was dangerous and that he couldn't handle it. Kagome is relieved that at least the sword didn't harm him on purpose.
 * In a river, Byakuya rides a boat and tells Naraku all about the dragon-scaled Tessaiga. Naraku amusedly wonders if Inuyasha will be able to find and kill Mōryōmaru with this power, or if he'll be killed by his own blade first.
 * Inuyasha asks Tōtōsai how he can master the dragon-scaled Tessaiga. He says "just get used to it," to which Inuyasha beats him over the head. Kagome says getting used to it is impossible, because using the technique burns his hands. Tōtōsai says he should choose his opponents who he uses the technique on carefully, and try to master it the old fashioned way, with no special trick. Inuyasha asks for a salve to help heal his burned hands, and Tōtōsai licks them, to which the group acts disgusted. The group bids Tōtōsai farewell, and the swordsmith thinks to himself that if Inuyasha can master the technique, he could probably defeat Naraku.

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * Inuyasha
 * Kagome Higurashi
 * Miroku
 * Sango
 * Shippō
 * Kirara
 * Byakuya
 * Naraku
 * Tōtōsai