Inuyasha himself has the honor of making the first fart reference of the chapter, by calling Toutousai an old one who should be ignored, because they don't need him. This is going to be the best chapter EVER. Toutousai claps his fist into the palm of his other hand, like he just remembered something. He then reaches over and grabs Tessaiga from Inuyasha's hip, demanding he give it back. He says Inuyasha isn't able to use it, so it's going to be smashed instead of remain in his hands. Seems a bit of an overreaction, but Inuyasha responds appropriately by putting a few lumps on Toutousai's head for threatening to take and break his shit. Somehow, Kagome is telling INUYASHA to calm down, while Inuyasha tells Toutousai in an almost stunningly docile way. Anyone else think she's lecturing the wrong dude?
As Toutousai rides away at breakneck speed on his mutant cow, he warns Inuyasha that he'll pay for the damage to his skull. Inuyasha and Kagome watch him, sweatdropping the whole time. Miroku calls Toutousai a rather simple guy, while Sango wonders aloud if he was strong or weak. Toutousai seems to have forgotten about his grudge while he continues to ride off, now thinking that it's a shame Inuyasha will be killed by Sesshoumaru. If Sango's still curious, she might note that his MEMORY is pretty weak, but his ass is clearly made of steel to be able to ride around on that cow all day.
Toutousai notes that Inuyasha wasn't able to see the source of Tessaiga's explosive power, the cutting wind, and as such, he won't be able to harness it. I don't know a single person that has been able to SEE the source of that exploding power, since their eyes are placed firmly in front of it, and it's generally invisible but for its representation in cartoons. But sure, yeah, hold Inuyasha to an unrealistic biological standard. I'm sure he's not dealing with enough insecurity as it is or anything...
Back where he had left them, Kagome is asking Inuyasha if he's sure he doesn't want to follow after Tessaiga's creator. For what purpose, just to chat some more? Inuyasha isn't the least bit curious about her motivations, convinced they don't need an irresponsible old fart around. Inuyasha is two for two in mentioning Toutousai in connection to farts. Toutousai himself is on his way back to congratulate him, again at breakneck speed. Or does it have to do with the frightened look on his face? Inuyasha and company stare at the approaching old fart, Kagome confused about his return.
Sesshoumaru threatens to murder Toutousai as well as Inuyasha and his whole crew. Toutousai hides behind Inuyasha's shoulder, asking what he plans to do about Sesshoumaru's antagonism. Inuyasha scoffs, and asks Toutousai if he really doesn't want to make a sword for Sesshoumaru. Toutousai confirms that he's just not down with that, and Inuyasha tries to get Sesshoumaru to acknowledge this non-consent as well. I mean, sure, Sesshoumaru is LOOKING at them, but I don't think he gives a shit what Toutousai wants to do versus what he doesn't.
Inuyasha must have noticed this too, because he draws Tessaiga, citing that he's sick to death of Sesshoumaru always moping after this sword too. He's prepared to settle the matter nice and quick-like. Sesshoumaru agrees that this will all end today as he speeds toward Inuyasha, swiping at him smoothly. Inuyasha jumps backward from the blow, but leans in to swing Tessaiga sideways at his brother.
Sesshoumaru grabs hold of the sword's hilt with the scaly arm and a flash emits from the contact point.
Sango seems to be pretty impressed by it, though, haltingly identifying it as a dragon's arm. When Kagome makes a questioning noise at her, Sango explains that it's a bit more durable than a regular old youkai's arm. Good to know that youkai comes in normal and dragon flavors. Inuyasha scoffs and points out what I have already; that one shot from Tessaiga has really damaged it anyway. Sesshoumaru smiles and says that this arm is enough for his purposes. Besides, as he charges forward again, Sesshoumaru points out that Inuyasha doesn't seem to know about the Cutting Wind.
And what would Mr. Elegant possibly know about it, huh? Is that what Sesshoumaru is so constantly busy with? Running off to hide his shame? Looks like the same thought might have crossed Inuyasha's mind as he stares in alarm, sweatdropping at his brother. Toutousai's jaw drops and he lets out a cry of utter disbelief. Kagome leans away from his outburst, looking mildly surprised.
Sesshoumaru strikes at Tessaiga with the dragon claw, pushing Inuyasha backwards again. He keeps swiping back and forth, claiming that he doesn't need to be cautious when Tessaiga is being wielded by someone with such meager abilities. Inuyasha grunts with every blow. Sango expresses some amazement that Sesshoumaru is fending Tessaiga and Inuyasha off with just the one arm, and Miroku agrees that that guy has some pretty hardcore strength going for him.
Sesshoumaru jabs two extended claws straight for Inuyasha's chest.
Sesshoumaru turns his head to glare at Toutousai out of his periphery, silent at first. He says that OF COURSE he can read it without any trouble, when he should have just said what he wanted to:
Toutousai is clearly made nervous by the confirmation of the extent of Sesshoumaru's knowledge. Kagome asks him what exactly this "cutting wind" thing is, which, come on, Kagome. I know the assumption of every lonely weirdo is that pretty girls don't fart, but the lonely weirdo you hang out with daily has a super sharp nose, so you're not hiding the truth from HIM.
Toutousai explains that it's the technique that brings out Tessaiga's full explosive power, a secret principle, so to speak. Apparently not much of a secret, if Sesshoumaru had NO TROUBLE figuring it out. Kagome gapes in her worry as Toutousai sweat about how one cannot be taught the technique, so that means that Inuyasha is SoL here.
So, what did I think of this chapter overall? With so many mentions of Tessaiga's explosive technique, I'm feeling less a sense of anticipation at seeing it as much as I am impatience. Part of this may be because we've already seen it twice now - the first time when Sesshoumaru used it in his prior appearance, and once when Inuyasha accidentally released it back when they went to rescue Miroku. This isn't exactly new, and while it would be good to know how the thing works, there's something anti-climactic about having it spoken of in such vague terms.
Speaking of vague terms, it seems like they should have worked to build some suspense in the chapter. Toutousai said that the technique can't be taught. Either someone can "read" it or they can't, so this should have created tension around whether or not Inuyasha could even come to understand how it can be read by himself. The way Myouga's dialogue seems to point out that he's not sure it wasn't a fluke kind of indicates an attempt to counteract an assumption that he's capable by virtue of the fact that he did it before. It's not out of the question that Inuyasha HAPPENED to cut the right place at the right time when he did it before, like someone shooting a three-pointer in basketball without really trying. It's not technically a bad way to get your audience to doubt the ability of your hero.
And yet I still find myself a bit dissatisfied with the chapter. Maybe I'm just anxious because the action is so concentrated between two characters right now, which IS a little bit of a bother for me. I'm not a fan of characters having to stand around, especially when there's so many of them that have to be on the sidelines. It could also be that this is where I can see where everyone gets the idea that Inuyasha is stupid and repetitive in his moves, because this arc has so far not spoken to his capabilities as a strategist. To be fair, Sesshoumaru isn't offering him much room here to do anything but block his attacks, but it's still a little frustrating.
Maybe I'm just burnt out on the fart jokes already. *shrug*
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