Episode 17 (Hanyō no Yashahime)

Trap of the Two Perils is the seventeenth episode of Hanyō no Yashahime.

Synopsis
Moroha, Towa and Setsuna set off to slay Tōtetsu, but the man-eating demon's fellow peril, Konton manages to trap them inside an endless valley leading to the gateway of death. As they try to find some way out of this, Riku decides whether he should use this opportunity to snatch the red, gold and silver Rainbow Pearls from them.

Summary
At Sunset, Jyūbei and Riku are together at Shikabaneya. Jyūbei returns the Green Rainbow Pearl that Riku allowed him to borrow from him. Riku asks Jyūbei was he done with the Green Rainbow Pearl. Jyūbei tells Riku 'yes' as that the Green Rainbow Pearl has gotten him more bounties and it allowed him to make big profits. Riku asks Jyūbei is that so and it's good to hear. With the Green Pearl returned to him, Riku thinks to himself that he suppose he should start making his move. At night, Riku arrives at Konton's cave and makes a visit to Konton. Konton is currently setting up another spell that requires complex drawing on the ground. Riku appears and walks towards Konton. Konton notices Riku and tells him to not step on the spell. Riku avoids the spell and apologizes to Konton. Riku tells Konton that he sure seem to be taking his time. Konton asks Riku what did he say. Riku tells Konton that the Hanyō Princesses keep defeating him and he’s barely lifted a finger and wonders was he fine with that. Konton tells Riku that this might be beyond his comprehension but he was preparing a field right now. Riku questions about the field. Konton tells Riku that an eight field escape trap as it's based on Fang magic but he can’t decide on the keystone as it's an affixed focal point for power. Konton asks Riku does he want to be the keystone. Riku denies Konton's offer as he’s not strong enough for the task and it'd best if he fulfilled the role himself. Konton tells Riku that he needs to be controlling the field. Riku suggests to Konton that he gets Tōtetsu. Konton questions Riku about Tōtetsu as he calls him 'a glutton'. Riku tells Konton that of Kirinmaru's Four Perils that he and Tōtetsu are the only ones remaining and wonders why not work together once in a while. Konton tells Riku that he doesn't know where Tōtetsu is or what he's doing. Riku tells Konton to leave the matter to him as he’ll look for Tōtetsu to him and bring him here. Konton tells Riku that if he wants to bring someone here then bring the Hanyō Princesses as the field is useless unless someone lures them in. Riku tells Konton 'all right' as he’ll think of a plan for that too. Konton tells Riku that he's being quite generous. Riku tells Konton that Kirinmaru’s wishes is for the Rainbow Pearls to be stolen from the Hanyō Princesses and hopes he hasn't forgotten about that. Konton tells Riku that he assured him that he hasn't. Konton says that Tōtetsu as the keystone. Towa and Setsuna are together in search for Mount Musubi with Kirara. Towa asks an old farmer that this isn't Mount Musubi as she's heard over at the village that this is the place. The old farmer tells Towa that this is Mount Omusubi. Towa questions the farmer about Omusubi. The old farmer tells Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha that look at Mount Omusubi. Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha look at Mount Omusubi to see. The old farmer tells Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha that doesn't Mount Omusubi look tasty. Towa asks the old farmer where's Mount Musubi. The old farmer tells Towa that he's never of a mountain with that name before he leaves. Towa is left disappointed after hearing this given information from the old farmer. Setsuna is sitting and relaxing with Kirara. Setsuna tells Towa that was such a big misunderstanding. Towa tells Setsuna that she's acting like it's not her problem and if they don’t catch the Dream Butterfly then they can't get her sleep back. Setsuna tells Towa that she has no issues with that and they should start heading back before she walks away. Towa still wonders of the whereabouts of the Dream Butterfly. At night on Kirinmaru's Ship, Kirinmaru and Zero are currently sitting next to each other. Zero asks Kirinmaru that the two of the Four Perils have been defeated and he still won't do anything. Kirinmaru looks up from his book at Zero. Zero tells Kirinmaru that he was supposed to kill Sesshōmaru’s daughters for her. Kirinmaru asks Zero was he. Zero tells Kirinmaru that yes he was. Kirinmaru tells Zero that Riku seems to be on the move. Zero questions Kirinmaru that he’s leaving things to Riku. Kirinmaru tells Zero that Riku is his most trusted retainer and it will be fine. Zero tells Kirinmaru that it's such an indolent person before she gets up and walks off. Kirinmaru sees Zero walking away and carries on reading a book. At Shikabaneya, Moroha is currently cleaning while Jyūbei is writing. Takechiyo tells Moroha that's still some dust. Moroha becomes annoyed and tells Takechiyo to shut up. Moroha is frustrated with cleaning and asks Jyūbei does he have any proper bounty hunting jobs for her. Jyūbei tells Moroha that clearly there aren’t any. Takechiyo tells Moroha to get her hands moving or else she won't even make enough money for today's meal. Moroha tells Jyūbei that she can't believe he's using her like this as she's the kind who can make him loads of money. Takechiyo tells Moroha that he still thinks she was just lucky. Moroha tells Takechiyo to shut up as she calls him 'a little racoon dog'. Takechiyo tells Moroha that whatever as she's just a shihanyō. Riku walks in and says hello there and wonders if Jyūbei, Takechiyo, and Moroha are celebrating. Jyūbei asks Riku what business does he have today. Riku tells Jyūbei that the thing is then notices Moroha. Riku greets Moroha respectfully. Moroha questions Riku about herself. Riku asks Moroha how was the slaying of the Four Perils going and if he remembers correctly he left quite the hefty sum. Moroha tells Riku that it were up to her then she would’ve gone to slay them herself and get the bounty and then bam her debts would be paid then she would breath easy but she has no idea where they ran off to as she hits Takechiyo with the rag she was cleaning with. Riku tells Moroha that thought that might be the case so heard a rumor regarding Tōtetsu. Moroha tells Riku that Tōtetsu the one who goes around eating monks. Riku tells Moroha that's the one as he heard that someone saw Tōtetsu. Moroha walks up to Riku and tells him if he knows where Tōtetsu is then leave the rest to her. Riku asks Moroha where are Towa and Setsuna. Moroha tells Riku that Towa and Setsuna are probably in the village. Moroha tells Takechiyo to let's go. Takechiyo gets the rag off of his face. Takechiyo questions why does he have to go. Jyūbei commands Takechiyo to help Riku and Moroha out. Takechiyo complies with Jyūbei.

Towa and Setsuna are by a tree. Towa is sitting down and petting Kirara and Setsuna is standing and playing her violin. Towa tells Setsuna that the Tree of Ages hasn't come out since then and she's the one who told them to slay Kirinmaru but she wonders if she gave up or maybe since they're defeating Kirinmaru's underlings anyway or she's just watching over them and instead of Kirinmaru she would much rather. Towa admires the music that Setsuna plays. Shortly after, Riku and Moroha, flying on Takechiyo’s back, arrive. Moroha tells Towa and Setsuna there they are and calls out to them. Towa gets up and wonders about Takechiyo and what's going on then notices Riku with Takechiyo and Moroha. Moroha tells Towa and Setsuna that they know where Tōtetsu is and and calls on them to go and slay him together. Towa questions Moroha how did she find out. Riku tells Towa that some pirate friends of his gave him the information. Moroha tells Towa and Setsuna to come on and let's go. Takechiyo lands on the ground. Towa and Kirara stand up near Riku, Towa, and Moroha. Towa asks Moroha was she fine with that. Moroha asks Towa what does she mean. Towa tells Moroha that they’re getting closer to slaying Kirinmaru which is what the Tree of Ages wants them to do. Moroha tells Towa that as long as she can make money she’s fine with it. Towa tells Moroha that instead of Kirinmaru she wants to find the Dream Butterfly first. Riku tells Towa that's right as she was looking for the Dream Butterfly and this is also a rumor he heard from his pirate friends that Kirinmaru and the Dream Butterfly are somehow connected. Towa is thrilled to hear that information and asks Riku really. Riku says it's only a rumor. Towa asks Riku where is Kirinmaru. Riku tells Towa that he actually still doesn't know but if they keep defeating his underlings he thinks Kirinmaru will come out on his own. Towa says she sees and wonders what are they waiting for. Moroha becomes excited and big bounty here she comes. Towa calls out to Setsuna. Setsuna continues playing her violin peacefully and shortly joins Riku, Takechiyo, Towa, and Moroha. On their way to find Tōtetsu, riding on Takechiyo’s back, Riku tells Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha that Tōtetsu should be east near the river as he heard that's where he was last. Moroha tells Takechiyo to hurry up. Takechiyo tells Moroha that he's never had to carry so many people before. Towa asks Riku why does he know about Kirinmaru. Riku tells Towa that it seems like Kirinmaru has something he wants. Towa questions Riku about a Rainbow Pearl. Riku tells Towa that it's something much more valuable. Moroha asks Riku what kind of treasure it is. Riku smiles at Moroha and tells her that let's just say it'll be more fun kept if it's a surprise. When Riku, Takechiyo, Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha finds a temple where a virtuous monk lives, they see people running out of the temple out of fear. Towa wonders what's going on. Moroha says a virtuous monk lives in the temple there. Setsuna wonders has Tōtetsu decided to show himself. Towa wonders is Tōtetsu here to eat the monk. Moroha tells Takechiyo to hurry. Inside the temple, Tōtetsu grabs a monk and holds him hostage. Tōtetsu tells the monk that he's going to eat him and here he goes. Tōtetsu tries to eat the monk but stops. Tōtetsu tells the monk that he doesn’t look tasty at all but he’s going to eat him and tries to eat him but couldn't. The monks yells for someone to help him. Tōtetsu wonders how long does he has to do this for as he doesn't even want to eat the gross-looking monk. Towa and Setsuna confronts Tōtetsu with their weapons out. Towa tells Tōtetsu to stop it and let the monk go. Tōtetsu tells Towa and Setsuna that they finally showed up as he calls them poisonous hanyōs and must be really dumb. Towa and Setsuna prepare to fight. Towa asks Tōtetsu what. Tōtetsu asks Towa and Setsuna why does he have to let go of the monk. Towa tells Tōtetsu that because the monk's a hostage and if he doesn't let him go. Setsuna tells Tōtetsu that she and Towa will cut everything without mercy. Towa tells Setsuna about the monk. Setsuna tells Towa that if the monk gets dragged in then luck was simply not on his side. The monk becomes surprised. Tōtetsu tells Towa and Setsuna to come and get him then. Setsuna tells Tōtetsu to steel himself. Towa tells Setsuna about the monk then notices Moroha behind Tōtetsu and the monk. Moroha sneaks up behind Tōtetsu, signaling Towa to stay quiet. The monk continues to fear for his life. Towa sees Moroha and nods. Tōtetsu notices Towa’s facial expression and caught on that Moroha was behind him. Moroha jumps out and draws her Kurikaramaru to attack Tōtetsu but he uses the monk as a shield, preventing Moroha from attacking. Tōtetsu kicks Moroha away. Towa calls out to Moroha. Tōtetsu sucks in air and shortly after blows Towa, Setsuna, and the Monk away with a strong blow of gust. Takechiyo flies and sits on top of the temple roof and wonders what's going on. Riku continues to spectate the situation on top of Takechiyo’s back. Towa and Setsuna gets up while the monk lays on the ground. Tōtetsu comes out of the temple and charges at Towa and Setsuna. Towa attempts to inflict damage on Tōtetsu with her Energy Blade. Tōtetsu makes an escape on his black smoke cloud as he flies off. Moroha tells Tōtetsu to to get back here. Moroha tells Takechiyo to not just stand there and to let's go. Takechiyo lands near Moroha and tells her that she's working him too hard then flies off. Moroha tells Towa and Setsuna to jump on. Towa and Setsuna to jump on Takechiyo. Takechiyo tells everyone to hang on tight. The monk gets up and wonders was he saved. Tōtetsu tells Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha to catch him if they can as he flies off. Riku, Takechiyo, Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha follows right behind Tōtetsu.

Moroha tells Tōtetsu to come back here. Tōtetsu leads Riku, Takechiyo, Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha into a place surrounded by large rocky mountains everywhere. Tōtetsu jumps off of his black smoke cloud and runs into the rocky mountains. Moroha calls out to Takechiyo. Takechiyo untransforms as he, Riku, Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha land on the ground. Beyond the environment of rocky mountains is a barrier as Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha goes through it and vanish. Takechiyo is caught by surprise and tells Riku that Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha disappeared. However Riku chuckles due to this being Konton’s trap for Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha. Towa and Setsuna find themselves in a dream-like place with a large single tree in the distance. Moroha finds herself within the rocky mountains, trying to keep her balance before she falls. Takechiyo wonders what's going on. Riku tells Takechiyo that Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha have entered the field. Takechiyo asks Riku what's that. Riku tells Takechiyo that he doesn't even he doesn’t know how this is going to turn out. Takechiyo is shocked. Riku tells Takechiyo that the Rainbow Pearl will lead the way he supposes. Towa and Setsuna plan on going towards the tree. Towa tells Setsuna that she thought they were in a ravine but it's pretty wide. Setsuna asks Towa where's Tōtetsu. Towa wonders about Moroha as well. Towa tells Setsuna to for them to try going to the tree. Moroha tells Tōtetsu to get back here as she finds him within the rocky mountains she’s in as she runs after him. Tōtetsu looks at Moroha. Moroha tells Tōtetsu that he's being a sore loser before she uses her Crimson Dragon Wave on him. Tōtetsu turns out to be an illusion, making Moroha surprised. Moroha wonders was that an illusion that she just cut. Moroha realizes that she's lost and calls out for Towa and Setsuna, but they cannot hear her. Towa tells Setsuna that something's wrong and they don't seem to be getting any closer. Setsuna tells Towa that and Moroha and Tōtetsu are nowhere to be found. Towa repeatedly calls out for Moroha. Setsuna suggests to Towa that they keep on walking a little further as she walks forward. Setsuna cuts the grass with her Kanemitsu no Tomoe for a moment before she continues to walk. Moroha currently climbs the mountain but continuously sees no end to it and wonders how deep does the ravine go as it can't be this deep before she continues to climb. At a temple, Konton is currently using his Fang magic. Konton says through the gate of opening trapped in the gate of surprise and now Towa and Setsuna are at the gate of rest. Towa and Setsuna stopped walking. Setsuna tells Towa that this is strange. Towa confirms this with Setsuna as they're not getting closer at all and wonders if they should head back. Towa looks behind her and asks Setsuna did they walk this far. Setsuna tells Towa that may have been captured in some kind of spell. Towa questions Setsuna about a spell. Setsuna tells Towa that it's not just Tōtetsu they're after. Towa tells Setsuna that Konton was someone who used strange spells. Setsuna tells Towa to cut her with her Kikujūmonji. Towa becomes surprised. Setsuna tells Towa that she said to cut her. Towa asks Setsuna why would she do that as there's no way she can. Setsuna tells Towa that she sees. Setsuna takes out her wakizashi. Towa becomes surprised when Setsuna stabs herself in the leg with her wakizashi. Towa calls out to Setsuna in worry. Setsuna looks around and she thought she would wake up if this was an illusion spell but she guesses things aren’t so simple. Towa becomes upset and tells Setsuna why did she do that. Setsuna tells Towa that she's too soft. Towa becomes surprised. Setsuna confronts Towa that it's not necessarily her fault that she lacks training but earlier when they were fighting Tōtetsu that he read her facial expression and figured out that Moroha was behind him as she puts her wakizashi back it's sheath. Towa tries to tell Setsuna something. Setsuna tells Towa to not underestimate the feudal era. Towa becomes a bit saddened. Setsuna asks Towa what next and if this is not an illusion then what is this spell. Towa tells Setsuna to wait here as she runs off. Setsuna asks Towa what is it and are they splitting up. Towa tells Setsuna that she's going to use her as a guide and to not move. Konton continues to use his Fang magic, spinning the wheel he is using to control the field. Towa starts to notice something. Moroha grows tired from climbing the rocky mountains, laying down out of exhaustion. Shortly after, the rocky mountains extends out of nowhere. Moroha sits up and wonders what is going on before the mountain starts to extend more. Demons come flying out from behind the mountains. Moroha uses her Kurikaramaru to fight them off, however upon impact, the demon that was slain disperses into rocks. Towa finds herself in a jam as she walked off on her own. Towa suddenly notices the tree in front of her and says the tree was supposed to be behind her. Towa repeatedly calls out for Setsuna. Konton chuckles as he continues using his magic spells and says from the gate of surprise to the gate of death. Towa tells herself to wait and calm down and uses her nose to sniff out Setsuna’s blood to find her. Towa says she smells Setsuna's blood. Towa repeatedly calls out to Setsuna. Setsuna hears Towa calling out for her and Setsuna turns around seeing Towa run towards her from behind, leaving her confused. Setsuna asks Towa why was she behind her since she hasn’t moved at all. Towa tells Setsuna that Konton’s spell twists the space around them and it’s make them go in circles. A cloud of fog passes through in front of Towa, causing her to disappear. Setsuna becomes surprised that Towa disappeared. Towa tells Setsuna that it's a Mobius Strip. Towa reappear in another direction as she runs towards Setsuna. Setsuna notices that Towa and questions her about the Mobius Strip. Towa tells Setsuna that if they can't physically escape the trap then they just have to sever the circle itself before she disappears. Setsuna asks Towa if she wants her to cut something she can but wonders where. Towa appears and tells Setsuna that she doesn't know if they can see it but there is a nexus of the spell somewhere then disappears. Setsuna tells Towa that they can see if it’s a rift of demon energy. Towa appears and asks Setsuna what does she mean before she disappears. Setsuna explains to Towa that she's heard that their clan can sniff out where rifts of demon energies clash and they can cut through that. Towa questions about sniffing out demon energies. Setsuna tells Towa that she'll try it before she attempts to sniff out the rift of the clash of demon energies. The energies of Konton’s spell/magic begin to collide with each other and Konton attempts to reclaim control over it. Towa and Setsuna catches the scent of Konton and the girls work together and collide their blades together in the sky. Konton’s field begins to break out. Towa and Setsuna see a silhouette of Konton in the air. Setsuna realizes that Konton's close. Towa agrees with Setsuna. They both attack Konton's silhouette together as Towa’s Azure Dragon Wave attack and Setsuna’s Cyclone Burst attack breaks through the doors of where Konton was hiding himself and controlling the spells. Towa and Setsuna face Konton. Konton looks at Towa and Setsuna and tells them how dare they as it's 'distasteful'.

Trivia

 * The Wind Scar is referenced.
 * Riku is confirmed to be a vassal of Kirinmaru. He appears to be close to his master, as the Lord of the Eastern Lands remembers his name. Zero refers to him as an indolent person.
 * Zero is the one who wants Towa, Setsuna and Moroha dead. Kirinmaru appears to have no interest, even though it was prophesied he would fall at their hands.
 * This is Zero's official debut in the present, and Kirinmaru's second appearance since Episode 7.
 * Setsuna finally tells Towa that her greatest weakness is being too softhearted and naive due to living in the modern era. Though as a tradeoff, it's made Towa more logical, cool headed and willing to restrain others from unnecessary killing; thus bringing a similar dynamic that their half-uncle Inuyasha and aunt-in-law Kagome had.
 * Setsuna tells Towa that their clan, being half dog-demon, is capable of discovering demonic energies from a distance with their unusually sharpened sense of smell.
 * Jyūbei returns the green Rainbow Pearl he had been wearing around his neck in a necklace to Riku.

Episodi 17 (Hanyo no Yashahime) Episodio 17 (Hanyo no Yashahime)