Spirit of Mount Azusa

was the guardian of Mount Azusa and the sacred longbow. It is neither a demon nor a human, but a spiritual being or god, such as Sarugami. It made its first appearance in chapter 456 in the manga and episode 7 of the Final Act.

Mount Azusa arc
With Kikyō dying of miasma, she tells Kagome that the only way to save her is to get the sacred longbow of Mount Azusa, but only if she truly wishes to save her. When Inuyasha and the group arrive at the mountain, only Kagome is able to get in through the barrier there. The spirit then transforms into Kikyō and takes Kagome to the mausoleum. There it gives Kagome the bow and tells her she is trapped in Naraku's spider webs; it then tells her she can leave. The spirit lures Kagome to the side of the mountain with an illusion of Inuyasha. Kagome falls of the edge but is able hold on to a vine. The spirit then creates an illusion of Kikyō and forces Kagome to face her fears about Inuyasha and Kikyō's relationship and her own insecurities. All the while the spirit itself hovers near Kagome and tempts her to let go of the bow. When Kagome is able to conquer her fears, the spirit stops the illusion and tells Kagome she could lift the bow now and that she is free of Naraku's spider webs. The spirit tells Kagome to go and save Kikyō with the bow. The spirit lets Kagome fall off the cliff knowing Inuyasha will save her.

Powers and Abilities

 * Shape-shifting: The spirit was able to transform itself into any demon, god and human. By reading the confronting person's heart, it changes its appearance to their emotions, mainly someone they know.
 * Emotion sensing: The spirit can read the heart of anyone and know their feelings and emotions.
 * Barrier creation: The spirit had put up a barrier around the mountain that protected it. When someone tries to pass through they feel as if they are going no where and they never get any closer. Sometimes they are brought right back to the bottom of the mountain. The spirit can also choose who to let in without having to take the whole barrier down.
 * Illusions: The spirit is able to create illusions.
 * Flight: The spirit can fly or float midair much like many other characters shown.

梓山之精灵