Jaken // Relations

As is customary of every member in Sesshoumaru's party, Jaken is completely adhered to his master. Whether it's a quest to destroy the evilest of youkai, or the hunt for a new left limb, Jaken is behind Sesshoumaru all the way. If he isn't boasting the greatness of Sesshoumaru, then he's chiding someone for overlooking the greatness of Sesshoumaru—or just being pummeled by Sesshoumaru. And while Jaken gives Sesshoumaru his complete devotion, he receives no praise in return for his loyalty.

Their relationship is simply give and take—Sesshoumaru gives the orders, and Jaken takes care of them. Jaken prefers to travel with Sesshoumaru, regardless of how dangerous the journey may be, though he's usually left behind to watch Rin (much to his dismay).

Jaken has virtually no interaction whatsoever with the mount. I recall him holding the mount's reigns once or twice, but otherwise, it (i.e. the mount) remains solely a method of transportation.

It's difficult to tell whether or not Jaken "likes" or "dislikes" Rin. His outlook is perpetually foul/grumpy, making it difficult to distinguish irritability from his "normal" disposition. Outside Sesshoumaru, Jaken is consistently displeased with everyone and everything, including Rin—though to what degree remains uncertain.

If I were a gambling man, I'd say Jaken tolerates Rin—in the beginning, especially—out of necessity (i.e. because of Sesshoumaru), though he seems to have grown accustomed to her presence in recent volumes. He's gone so far as to discuss important issues with her, even asking for her input under special circumstances (Volume 35, Chapter 343). And seeing how she's the only other talkative member of the party, Rin proves to be an excellent conversationalist.

Jaken never hesitates to protect Rin, though whether it's out of concern for her welfare or his own (i.e. once again, Sesshoumaru) is anyone's guess.

Of all the women to enter Sesshoumaru's life—which, at this point, is only "two"—Kagura is by far the most troublesome, from Jaken's perspective. In the beginning, Jaken views her as a "suspicious looking woman" (Volume 17, Chapter 163), and insults her whenever he feels she steps out of line with Sesshoumaru (which is always). He disapproves of her "flirtatious" behavior with his master, and questions her motives even when she has nothing left to lose.