Sesshoumaru // Relations

Jaken is the most abused member of Sesshoumaru's party, despite his unyielding devotion/dedication to Sesshoumaru and his cause. Jaken is frequently kicked, smacked, and/or "bumped" (i.e. the swollen bumps on Jaken's forehead) for either speaking out of line (i.e. saying something stupid), or being nosy. They very much have the "master and servant" relationship, with most of Jaken's hard work and/or groveling intentions left unnoticed. Sesshoumaru does, however, entrust Jaken with specific tasks, most of which Sesshoumaru finds too demeaning or time-consuming to accomplish himself (Volume 2, Chapter 12).

In Volume 16, Chapter 158, Jaken is sliced in half by Kaijinbou, who is wielding the Toukijin. Later, when Sesshoumaru happens upon Jaken's mangled body, he revives his retainer using the Tenseiga. Though Jaken is deeply touched, Sesshoumaru regards it as a passing matter.

The mount makes its first appearance in Volume 13 as a means of transportation for Sesshoumaru (i.e. the mount has the ability to fly). Transportation aside, Sesshoumaru and the mount do not interact. It could be somewhat of a "pet," since it is the only of Sesshoumaru's beasts to survive thus far (i.e. Sesshoumaru slays his own beast in Volume 7, Chapter 61). Perhaps they've been together since childhood, though that too is speculation.

Sesshoumaru is never violent towards the beast. Apparently, this treatment is reserved specifically for Jaken. *laughs*

In a sense, Rin is treated no differently than Jaken or the mount. Simply put, she is another body for Sesshoumaru to command, and he does so with single words/small phrases. They have spoken only on select occassions, once again using quick sentences and simple orders to communicate (comically, Sesshoumaru often regards her sweetness with silence marks). And of all their appearances in the manga, their physical contact has been very limited (i.e. they've touched only twice).

Rin's innocence and pixie-like antics are both humorous and ironic. Although hyper and dramatic (in some instances), Sesshoumaru continues to "care" for the human child. Humans (i.e. her own kind) mistreated/neglected her, and Sesshoumaru—who despises humans—has provided her a much happier, carefree life. He replaces her dirty kimono/yukata (this is assumed, though never proven), and allows her food and rest. His behavior towards her could be the result of instinct (i.e. father to pup, paternal instinct), much like the relationship between animals (i.e. the parent teaches their young to fend for themselves). Evidence of this is found in Volume 23, when Sesshoumaru tells the child, "Go find food for yourself, by yourself." Next panel, Rin is in a field picking melons with Jaken.

Since traveling with Sesshoumaru, Rin is spotless (i.e. very clean), and is no longer physically abused (there is never an instance when Sesshoumaru mistreats the child). In the beginning, Sesshoumaru denies his "care" for Rin (Volume 23, Chapter 219), though he always pursues her "kidnappers" until she is returned—safely—to the group.

It's fair to say Sesshoumaru "acknowledges" a sentimental feeling for Rin.

Like Rin, Sesshoumaru's relationship with Kagura is odd, vague, and undefined. In the beginning, Sesshoumaru shows little interest in Kagura's plight, rejecting her attempts to gain his favor. He refuses to accept the Shikon piece during their first "negotiation" (Volume 21, Chapter 203), and is after Naraku's life for the sole purpose of satisfying himself, and not "that woman" (Volume 17, Chapter 163).

Though Kagura behaves impertinently towards Sesshoumaru, he is rarely angered by her comments (i.e. does not engage in battle). In fact, when Sesshoumaru refuses the Shikon fragments in Volume 21, Kagura becomes angry and accuses him of acting cowardly. Sesshoumaru's facial expression is priceless, since he seems flabbergasted by her robust insult (which I found rather amusing).

Though he refuses to aid her quest for freedom, Sesshoumaru gives Kagura several pieces of advice, which she later takes into consideration (Volume 21, Chapter 204). Also important is Sesshoumaru's ironic trust of Kagura's information, despite her being a detachment of Naraku.

Ironically enough, Sesshoumaru saves Kagura's life (Volume 36, Chapter 350) after she is almost fatally injured by Goryoumaru's beams of light (though he saves her only after Rin and Jaken get involved). Sesshoumaru also covers for Kagura when Mouryoumaru senses it was her that gave Sesshoumaru the youki crystal, which is used to track Mouryoumaru's energy (Volume 37, Chapter 365).

In Volume 38, Kagura is fatally injured by Naraku's miasma, and flees to a field of flowers to live out the last of her life, alone. Sesshoumaru later appears, having followed her scent. Kagura apologizes, thinking Sesshoumaru came for Naraku, though is surprised to learn he already knew (i.e. he came for Kagura). Sesshoumaru attempts to save Kagura using the Tenseiga, though cannot (probably because she had no soul to begin with), and she dies smiling up at Sesshoumaru, happy that she did not die alone (i.e. got to see him one last time).

When Sesshoumaru's Tenseiga gains the "Meidou Zangetsu Ha" ability (due to Sesshoumaru's "compassion" for Kagura), he vows—more or less—to take revenge for Kagura's death. Many fans speculate that Kagura will be revived later in the series, though such a claim is just that—a speculation.