WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Episode 13 of Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon, "THE DELICIOUS FEUDAL MONKS" now streaming on Crunchyroll, Funimation, Animelab and Hulu.
It's been quite a while since we've seen any of the main characters from Inuyasha appear on Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon. The focus has been resolutely on Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha -- a focus some fans have enjoyed, whereas others have been decidedly critical. Episode 13 of Yashahime, "The Delicious Feudal Monks," makes up for this sustained absence in a big way, reintroducing a certain lecherous monk.
Yes, this week sees the return of Miroku, as well as Sango to a lesser extent. But before we get to that, there are some other things to cover. This episode of Yashahime covers quite a lot of ground in a way that more recent ones have not.
First off, there is the introduction of another member of the Four Perils. His name is Totetsu, a giant demon who loves nothing so much as devouring monks and holy men. He also has a rainbow pearl and uses it to seek out monks pure of heart enough to give him the delicious flavor he craves. Unlike Konton, the artistic aesthete, Totetsu is basically vicious and seems to revel in slaughter. What's more, he turns out to be a powerful combatant.
The bulk of Episode 13 of Yashahime revolves around Hisui, Setsuna and Towa being sent to protect Hisui's Father -- Miroku. Hisui doesn't have much respect for his father, who has retreated into the mountains for 1,000 days of training. Hisui sees this as running away from battle -- he and his uncle risk their lives every day fighting demons, while his father hangs out alone in the woods.
The truth is rather different, however. Miroku is hoping to gain divine power from his 1,000 days of training. He has lost his ability to perform the Wind Tunnel attack, and he cryptically mentions how after coming face to face with a powerful demon, he realized his current abilities simply weren't up to snuff. So, he is living in the mountains, training. Until, of course, he is interrupted by the demon slayers -- and then by Totetsu.
During the fight with Totetsu, he uses an air-sucking ability similar to the Wind Tunnel. Towa, Setsuna, Hisui and Totetsu just can't seem to get past his defenses, and Hisui finally loses his patience. In an attempt to use a poison attack, it winds up backfiring, and he collapses. After this, it's up to one of the Half-Demon sisters to save the day. Towa, as usual? No, for once it's Setsuna!
Here, we get an interesting reveal. She demands Miroku remove the seal he placed on her, which he promptly does. As it turns out, this seal is designed to keep her demonic power locked up, as Setsuna turns into a full demon, complete with fangs and devilish purple stripes. She has inherited a poison power, as she later reveals to Towa, and she uses this to chase off Totetsu. Afterward, Miroku recasts the seal, and she returns to normal.
This is an interesting new power for Setsuna. She mentions how the demonic power is incredibly difficult to control, which is why she goes around with the caveat of the seal at all times. She is less powerful, but less in danger of lashing out and doing damage to herself and others. This intentional repression is very fitting for the reserved Setsuna's character -- and it might have something to do with her lost memories. At the start of the episode, she doesn't remember Miroku, but then he comes back to her later on. It might be that this is no coincidence.
This episode of Yashahime concludes with Hisui having a bit more respect for his old man, and supporting him in his final 200 days of training. He also pays a quick visit to another familiar face, his mother Sango. Sango seems to be leading the quiet life, operating more as a wife and mother than the tough as nails demon hunter she used to be. Still, Totetsu mentioned how he wanted to devour someone as pure of heart as "Sanzo." Towa thinks this is a reference to Journey to the West -- but maybe Totetsu just has a name slightly mixed up? We shall see.
And as for Moroha? Well, this should come as no surprise at this point, but Moroha doesn't get much to do. She goes to the wrong monastery to protect the wrong monks and completely misses the whole battle. Better luck next time, Moroha.
