Episode 28 (Hanyō no Yashahime)

The Barrier of Mount Musubi is the twenty-eighth episode of Hanyō no Yashahime, and the fourth episode of the second season titled "The Second Act."

Synopsis

 * 1) The Half-Demon Princesses reach Mount Musubi, but Towa and Setsuna are lost in its barrier. Moroha is not, and she meets a girl named Rion.
 * 2) Setsuna learns from the Spirit of the Tree of Ages how her mother Rin has been sealed, and vows to free her.
 * 3) Towa and Setsuna free themselves from the barrier, and Rion gives them the Kyūyōkon Root.

Summary
Setsuna narrates that Towa Higurashi and her as between them hanyō twins 2 different worlds exist at the same time and human and demon, light and shadow, feudal era and present day, peacefulness and war, joy and sorrow, dreams and reality, one moment and eternity, and finally love and hate as it's a feudal fairy tail of Hanyō no Yashahime and they'll keep moving forward through the hurdles of destiny. In the Sacred Tree, Rin continues to sleep. Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha reached Mount Musubi. Setsuna tells Towa and Moroha that this is Mount Musubi as it's teeming with enormous amounts of demon energy. Moroha becomes confused and thinks to herself what is this as it's not just demon energy. In the center of Mount Musubi, Rion is sleeping and cries as she repeatedly says stop it. In a flashback, Rion watches Tōga and Kirinmaru from a tree. Tōga questions Kirinmaru that breaking his horn wasn't enough. Tōga slices Kirinmaru's arm as the Bakuseiken lands on the ground. Kirinmaru kneels in pain on the ground. Rion becomes horrified. Tōga places his Tessaiga back in its sheath and starts to walk away. Kirinmaru asks Tōga why won't he finish him. Tōga tells Kirinmaru that Rion is watching and wonders is she his child. Kirinmaru confirms this with Tōga. Tōga tells Kirinmaru to not bring a child to the battlefield before he leaves. Kirinmaru becomes angry as Rion is still horrified. Outside Mount Musubi, Sesshōmaru and Jaken arrive. Sesshōmaru tells Jaken that it appears Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha went to Mount Musubi. Jaken becomes confused and questions Sesshōmaru that Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha went to Mount Musubi. Sesshōmaru tells Jaken that as he recalls Mount Musubi is where. Jaken tells Sesshōmaru that Mount Musubi is the mountain where Rion is shut in a barrier. Sesshōmaru says Rion's name. Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha reached the entrance of Mount Musubi. Towa tells Setsuna and Moroha that this must be the entrance. Moroha becomes excited and tells Towa and Setsuna let's go as she walks forward. Setsuna tells Moroha that this no ordinary barrier. Moroha tells Setsuna that she knows as the barrier at Mount Musubi is made up of incredibly evil demon power. Towa asks Setsuna and Moroha think they can get past the barrier. Moroha tells Towa and Setsuna that this is just a hunch but the center of Mount Musubi is filled with sacred power. Setsuna tells Towa and Moroha that they have to go before she walks forward. Towa agrees with Setsuna as she follows her. When Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha pass through the entrance the barrier begins to activate and sucked them into a portal. Inside his ship, Kirinmaru is sitting in a chair without armor as he reminisces of battling Towa and Setsuna. Kirinmaru tells Tōga to take a look at the scar as Towa and Setsuna did this to him as he'd expect no less from those who have inherited his blood as he remembers fighting Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha. Kirinmaru tells Tōga that he hasn't suffered this many injuries since the time he fought him as it's been 600 years since then and of course nothing could compare with that humiliation. In a flashback, Kirinmaru he has returned with his slice right arm, left antler, and Rion. Kirinmaru places Rion down before he walks past Konton, Tōtetsu, Tōkotsu, and Kyūki. Inside the ship, Zero is sitting in the chair. Zero tells Kirinmaru that she's glad he made it back alive. Kirinmaru takes his right arm out of his mouth and asks Zero just who was Tōga before he tosses his right arm at her feet. Kirinmaru tells Zero that he's spanned the globe but not once has he ever been defeated as he walks forward. Zero stands up from the chair and picks up the right arm then walks forward tells Kirinmaru that it's true as she would never have thought there was one so powerful in this island. Rion walks into the room. Zero walks towards Rion and tells her 'there, there' as she must've been so scared as she rubs her head. Kirinmaru becomes angry as he breaks furniture. Kirinmaru angrily says today is a day he will never forget as every time he sees the horn the seething anger within him will be etched into his heart and this anger is not hatred toward Tōga but to reprimand his own inexperience as he was defeated tonight because he neglected his training before he drops his horn. The horn started to grow. Kirinmaru tells the horn from this day on each time he sees him he will recall the humiliation and train himself further. The horn grows into humanoid man. Kirinmaru asks the humanoid man is that clear. The humanoid man bows and tells Kirinmaru that he yearns for this day when he can discard this form. Zero asks Kirinmaru has he forgotten what Tōga said to him as he really should stop taking Rion out with him all the time as she hugs her. Kirinmaru tells Zero that he only wants to show Rion the vast world and have her see his battles as no matter how powerful the enemy is there is no problem at all if he keeps her protected. Zero tells Kirinmaru that tonight he was defeated and he may be the strongest but he's not invincible. Kirinmaru tells Zero that her words hurt his ears and if she has anything further to say then say it to Riku here. Riku introduces himself to Zero. Zero tells Riku that he can start by disposing of the arm for her as the bugs that seek demon energy are such a nuisance. Riku asks Zero where should he dispose of the arm. At the Bone-Eater's Well, Riku appears and throws the arm in it before he leaves. Inside the ship, the Dream Butterfly appears and flies towards Kirinmaru. Kirinmaru holds the Dream Butterfly and says he never imagined that he'd be betrayed by Riku a discarded portion of himself and he must get some sleep before he releases the Dream Butterfly. The Dream Butterfly flies above Kirinmaru's head and gives he dreams. Kirinmaru tells Rion he can see her in his dreams and wonders. The Dream Butterfly leaves Kirinmaru's ship. In a forest, Moroha looks around confused as she's alone and wonders where did Towa and Setsuna go and they're probably somewhere wasting their time again before she walks forward. Inside Mount Musubi, Rion continues to sleep as Moroha appeared. Moroha notices a tree. Moroha says that tree must be a demon spirit tree and walks forward. Moroha examines the tree and says she's guessing the roots become the Kyūyōkon Root. Moroha discovers Rion and says that she's really pretty almost like a spirit. Rion's eyes start to twitch. Moroha wonders if Rion's ears are real before she tries to touch them but realizes that she couldn't touch her. Moroha says Rion's not a spirit and wonders is she like a ghost. In darkness, Towa realizes that Setsuna and Moroha aren't with her and wonders were they blown away by the barrier. In darkness, Setsuna wonders where could Towa and Moroha have gone. Kirinmaru tells Towa and Setsuna to those who would enter Mount Musubi. Towa asks who's there. Setsuna says that voice sounds familiar. Kirinmaru tells Towa and Setsuna to answer the question of is there something they wish to protect. Setsuna questions Kirinmaru about something to protect. Towa tells Kirinmaru that other than Setsuna there's nothing she wants to protect. Kirinmaru tells Towa and Setsuna to answer this one other question of is there something they're willing to let go of and if they do not provide the correct answers then they will never be able to leave the barrier at Mount Musubi before transporting them to locations. Setsuna finds herself within the subspace of the Tree of Ages, looking at her mom. Setsuna is taken inside the Sacred Tree of Ages and wonders what is this place. Towa finds herself in an empty black-and-white version of the modern era and becomes confused. Inside Mount Musubi, Moroha watches Rion sleep before she notices the Dream Butterfly appears and starts to wonder. The Dream Butterfly lands on Rion. Moroha wonders could it be that Rion is having her dreams taken away as well. The Dream Butterfly disappears before Rion awakens. Moroha tells Rion 'good evening' and wonders should she say 'good morning' or 'whatever'. Rion sits up and Moroha thanks her for coming and introduces herself and wonders who she was. Moroha introduces herself to Rion and tells her it's nice to meet her. Rion asks Moroha was she the one who will take her away from Mount Musubi. Moroha questions Rion about taking her away and agrees then wonders if she really wants to leave shall they leave together. Rion tells Moroha that she possesses demon powers but also spirit powers as well. Moroha becomes confused. Rion tells Moroha without strong spirit powers she would not be able to penetrate the barrier here at Mount Musubi. Moroha asks Rion was that right and what about Towa and Setsuna who don't possess spirit powers. Rion asks Moroha did she come with others. Moroha confirms this with Rion and wonders does she know where Towa and Setsuna are. Rion pulls out a Kyūyōkon Root and asks Moroha does she mean these two. Rion uses the Kyūyōkon Root to show Moroha where Towa and Setsuna were. Moroha calls out to Towa and Setsuna. Rion tells Moroha that Towa and Setsuna are within Mount Musubi's barrier and left as they are those two may never be able to leave this place. Moroha becomes surprised and asks Rion can't she do something about it. Rion asks Moroha does she wish to go save Towa and Setsuna. Moroha tells Rion of course as Towa and Setsuna are her precious friends. In her illusion, Towa walks and looks around. Towa wonders if this is real as it's an illusion created by the barrier. Towa pulls out her Kikujūmonji and tries to activate her Energy Blade but couldn't. Towa realizes she can't use her demon power either. Inside the Sacred Tree of Ages, Setsuna looks at the slumbering Rin. Rion uses the Kyūyōkon Root to open up a portal. Moroha asks Rion if she enters the portal then it'll take her to where Towa and Setsuna are being kept. Rion tells Moroha yes in theory but the barrier may ask her to answer the things she wish to protect and the things she's willing to let go of. Moroha asks Rion what kind of a Zen riddle is that. Rion tells Moroha that inside the Kyūyōkon lies a corridor and it lets her pass through the rift between past and future as well as the border between this world and the next and she won't be able to use any of her demon powers so be careful. Moroha asks Rion what about spirit powers and can she use them. The portal pulls Moroha in. Rion tells Moroha to be careful. Moroha's body sleeps on the scale as her spirit leaves her.

As Moroha is travelling through the portal, she pulls out her bow and arrow then shoots a sacred arrow as she says she's counting on it. Moroha breaks through with her sacred arrow and enters the Border of the Afterlife. Moroha becomes annoyed and wonders why was she not stopping. Moroha notices Tōga's gigantic skeletal corpse and wonders what it is. Inuyasha senses something. Kagome asks Inuyasha what is it. Inuyasha tells Kagome that the Tessaiga as his father's fang is trying to tell him something. Kagome notices Moroha in the sky and alerts Inuyasha. As the spirit of Moroha continues to hover throughout the graveyard, her sacred arrows suddenly started to move. Moroha wonders what's going on and why are her sacred arrows getting restless all of a sudden. Moroha sees Inuyasha and Kagome and thinks to herself that he saw them in the photo Sōta showed her and wonders about her parents. In a flashback, Moroha is looking at the family photo album with Sōta and Towa in Kagome's old room. Moroha thinks to herself that it's her parents. Inuyasha and Kagome call out to Moroha. Moroha becomes emotional upon glimpsing Inuyasha and Kagome. Kagome becomes happy and asks Inuyasha was it Moroha. Inuyasha confirms this with Kagome and tells her that it look how big Moroha has grown. In her illusion, Towa continues to walk around. Towa thinks to herself that she should still be in the Feudal Era right now and the present has been recreated so faithfully and wonders did they look into her memories. Towa arrives at Saint Gabriel Academy. Towa thinks to herself that Saint Gabriel Academy is the school she attended as she had just transferred so she only has vague memories but the details. Osamu asks Towa that she still doesn't have an answer as the modern era is the place she must protect and it is also the place she must let go of. Towa realizes that the voice sounds like Osamu Kirin her homeroom teacher. Inside the Sacred Tree of Ages, Setsuna moves closer to Rin. The Spirit of the Tree of Ages tells Setsuna that it's been a while as she calls her 'Hanyō Princess'. Setsuna wonders about the Spirit of the Tree of Ages. The Spirit of the Tree of Ages tells Setsuna that she's in the rift between life, death, and space-time and wonders how did she get here then realizes that she's acquired the Yukari no Tachikiri as that would explain how she was able to get here. In a flashback, a pregnant Rin is caressing her stomach as she sings a lullaby. Setsuna continues to stare at Rin. In a flashback, in the Higurashi Apartment Moe is playing the piano as she is teaching Setsuna to play the violin. Moe tells Setsuna that's a wonderful phrase and wonders where did she learn it. Setsuna tells Moe that she doesn't know as it's more like her body seems to remember it. Setsuna wonders did she learn it from Rin. The Spirit of the Tree of Ages asks Setsuna how does it feel to meet her mother again. Setsuna becomes surprised and questions the Spirit of the Tree of Ages about Rin being her mother and wonders if she is why is she so young. The Spirit of the Tree of Ages explains to Setsuna it's her understanding that Rin was 18 when she was sealed in. Setsuna questions the Spirit of the Tree of Ages about sealed in. The Spirit of the Tree of Ages tells Setsuna that her mother Rin has not aged for 14 years. Setsuna asks the Spirit of the Tree of Ages is there a way to undo the seal. The Spirit of the Tree of Ages asks Setsuna does she wish to save Rin. Setsuna tells the Spirit of the Tree of Ages that her heart aches. The Spirit of the Tree of Ages asks Setsuna does she feel pity for Rin and does it make her feel a desire to protect her. Setsuna takes out her violin and plays it for Rin. Setsuna thinks to herself that a desire to protect and wonders is Rin the person she wishes to protect. In the illusion, Towa walks up the stairs to the Higurashi shrine. Towa thinks to herself that it's the Higurashi Shrine and the shrine grounds. Towa makes her way towards the Sacred Tree and thinks to herself that she's known this place since she was a child. A tear fall from Towa's eye. Towa notices the tear and says she's not sad and wonders why was she crying. Moroha appears and lands on the ground from the Sacred Tree in pain. Towa becomes confused and calls out to Moroha. Moroha stands up asks and Towa wasn't Setsuna with her. Towa tells Moroha that she looked all over but couldn't find Setsuna anywhere and if she dies this time they can't but was cut off as she could not finish her sentence. Moroha grabs Towa and tells her to pull herself together as this is an illusion and to watch and to not let the barrier play with her mind as she releases her. Moroha pulls out a bow and arrow then shoots a sacred arrow at the Sacred Tree before a portal opens up. The portal sucks in Towa and Moroha. Inside the Sacred Tree, Setsuna continues to play her violin for Rin. Towa and Moroha appear. Towa calls out to Setsuna. Moroha questions Towa and Setsuna that they're inside the Tree of Ages. Setsuna confirms this with Towa and Moroha. Towa and Moroha look at Rin. Towa says she's seen Rin before. Setsuna tells Towa that this is their mother Rin. Towa questions Setsuna about Rin being their mother. The Spirit of the Tree of Ages tells Towa and Moroha that the barrier at Mount Musubi sent them here. Setsuna stops playing the violin and puts it back in it's case. Moroha tells the Spirit of the Tree of Ages to tell her something that she saw Kagome and Inuyasha inside the barrier and wonders what was that place. The Spirit of the Tree of Ages tells Moroha it's the border of this world and the afterlife. Moroha questions the Spirit of the Tree of Age about the afterlife. Setsuna questions the Spirit of the Tree of Ages that she knows and tell her what must she do to save Rin. The Spirit of the Tree of Ages tells Setsuna that she can save Rin by using the Yukari no Tachikiri to sever the she shares with Zero. Setsuna picks up her Yukari no Tachikiri and questions it. Setsuna tells the Spirit of the Tree of Ages that she will save Rin. Kirinmaru tells Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha that it seems they have their answers. Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha prepare to fight. Setsuna questions Kirinmaru. Kirinmaru tells Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha very well than as he will allow them to enter Mount Musubi and to keep his daughter Rion company. Moroha questions Kirinmaru about Rion being his daughter, he mean the girl she met. Towa asks Setsuna and Moroha that Kirinmaru's daughter is at Mount Musubi. Setsuna asks Kirinmaru that he doesn't care if they acquire the Kyūyōkon Root. Kirinmaru tells Rion that she has visitors. Inside Mount Musubi, Towa and Setsuna appear. Rion tells Towa and Setsuna that it seems they've exited the barrier. Moroha wakes up and asks Towa and Setsuna that both of them are okay. Towa tells Setsuna and Moroha that it seems they were all having the same dream. Moroha questions Towa about a dream and wonders was that a dream. Rion tells Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha no as it was not a dream. Setsuna asks Rion who she was. Rion tells Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha that she is Kirinmaru's daughter and introduces herself. Moroha tells Rion that right and wonders is what they just heard really true. Rion tells Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha there was no lie or deception. Setsuna asks Rion that she's Kirinmaru's daughter. Rion offers the Kyūyōkon Root and tells Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha that it's right here and to take it. In the modern era, Osamu arrives at the Higurashi Shrine. Ms. Higurashi appears and greets Osamu and tells him if this is about Towa then see Sōta over at his apartment. Osamu tells Ms. Higurashi thank you, but no as he's actually here today simply to pay his respects at the shrine. Osamu pays his respects at the shrine. Grandpa Higurashi appears and greets Osamu. Osamu calls out to Grandpa Higurashi and asks him does he have any of the Sacred Jewel keychain amulets he used to sell here. Grandpa Higurashi questions Osamu about the Sacred Jewel and wonders did they have such a thing. Osamu tells Grandpa Higurashi that he must've heard wrong before he walks away. Osamu thinks to himself just as he thought as things are definitely starting to change and the Bone-Eater's Well that he came through before is no longer here either (but he didn't notice that it was hidden in the wellhouse). Osamu stands next to the Sacred Tree and thinks to himself there's no doubt about it as he seems to have become an anomaly in the modern era and wonders what should he do about it. Osamu places his hand on the Sacred Tree as a symbol glows for a moment. Osamu tells the Sacred Tree to tell him.

Trivia

 * The flashback shows Tōkotsu's full body before the red skeletons in "Jakotsumaru of the Red Bone Palace" but he is only seen from the back.
 * Tōtetsu is also present, but only part of his leg is seen onscreen, so this marks the first time all four members of the Shikyō have been seen together.
 * The scene of Sōta showing the photo album to Towa from the "The Gateway to the Past" was reconnected with Moroha having seen it earlier as well, so she would recognize her parents if she ever found them.
 * It's stated again that Rin was supposedly 18 and hasn't aged in 14 years; chronologically making her 32.
 * This marks the first actual appearance of Inuyasha and Kagome in the present timeline; albeit still trapped in the Demon Graveyard.
 * It is revealed that, like Riku, Kirin is an autonomous and sentient embodiment of Kirinmaru's own physical self, from the Beast King's right arm that was cut off by the Beast King Tōga of the West. As such, it was thrown into the Bone-Eater's Well and from there manifested as a human-looking man who was then absorbed into the modern era. His centuries-long presence, however, is gradually starting to cause rifts in the infinite space-time continuum.
 * It's been revealed that Kirinmaru's severed right arm was the first to be sent into the Bone-Eater's Well. Afterwards was the pure demon-spirit Saya within the autonomous demon spirit Sō'unga of, then ninth grade middle-schooler Kagome Higurashi, who had consistently traveled backward and forwards between the five century-long timelines since her fifteen birthday.
 * The scene in which Moroha encounters Rion is reminiscent of that of the original anime's premiere, in which fifteen-year-old Kagome Higurashi had discovered the deeply sleeping Inuyasha on the trunk of the ancient and infinitely powerful Sacred Tree of Ages.
 * It's been revealed that Towa had only attended Saint Gabriel Academy for a week prior to returning to the Feudal Era.
 * In the English dub when Inuyasha says his sword's name, he pronounces it as it was originally meant to be "Tessaiga". In the previous series the sword was called "Tetsusaiga" due to a translation mistake.

Errors

 * Tōga was erroneously carrying both Tessaiga and Tenseiga six centuries ago; further contradicting the knowledge of their origins (Tessaiga was created to protect Tōga's human wife, Izayoi, who was alive during the . And that Tenseiga was a cast-off of Tessaiga to maintain the unwanted and deathly powerful Meidō Zangetsuha attack/technique).
 * The Sacred Tree of Ages was stated to be one thousand years old and it was said that its spiritual and mystical wood was used to make the Bone-Eater's Well. Therefore, the Bone-Eater's well shouldn't have existed when Riku disposed of Kirinmaru's right arm and gave created Osamu Kirin.
 * As Kirinmaru receives the Dream Butterfly, there's missing a symbol on his right arm.
 * In the Demon Graveyard, the subtitles showed "my father's fang is trying to tell me something" which no longer holds true since Episode 44 of the original anime, in which Tōtōsai had used one of Inuyasha's fangs to fully make the repaired Tessaiga Inuyasha's alone.
 * Towa mentions that she had seen the young, pretty woman deeply sleeping within the Sacred Tree of Ages twice before in dreams alone (directly referring to "The Dream Gazing Trap" and "The Secret of the Rainbow Pearl"), but she seemed not come to the realization that she was indeed her biological mother back then.