▪	RELEASED BY:		VIZ MEDIA
		▪	AUTHOR / ART:		RUMIKO TAKAHASHI
		▪	FORMAT:		WESTERN / B&W
		▪	PAGES:		200
		▪	RATING:		T+
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		04/08/2008
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		05/28/2008
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		HOLLY ELLINGWOOD

It is a pivotal volume in the fantasy epic. The fate of the final jewel shard is revealed…maybe. There is a telling battle with Naraku and more twists and turns to the plot occur as the aftermath changes the direction of the story somewhat. First in the underworld Inuyasha must gain a new power with his Tetsusaiga that will allow him to break Naraku’s impenetrable shield. While the fight with Sesshomaru continues, the dark miasma that will kill Inuyasha’s friends threatens them all and Inuyasha must choose between the last shard and powering his Tetsusaiga or saving his comrades and Kagome.  With Kikyo’s arrow, Kagome makes a move of her own and the actions will set into motion a new goal for Naraku. Although they may seem to have defeated him, he is ever lucky in his devious plots to secure an escape. Wounded though he may be, the attack of Kagome’s by way of Kikyo’s arrow has him determined now to finish Kikyo once and for all.

As long as the jewel shards exist, the battle for it will never cease. This realization comes with conflict, especially for Sango, whose brother is kept alive solely by the power of the jewel shard implanted by Naraku. As for Kohaku, he plays a very dangerous subterfuge, continuing to do Naraku’s bidding and pretending he has not regained his memories, even keeping that secret from Sango lest Naraku find out. When Kagura approaches him to advance her own plans to destroy Naraku, Kohaku chooses to keep to his own path to destroy the demon that has ruined all their lives. However, Naraku’s latest plan to draw Kikyo out has Kohaku being forced to unleash monstrous rats, demonic things, upon helpless villagers. It does indeed draw out the priestess, but it also brings running Inuyasha and his friends, forcing a confrontation between brother and sister! Sango is horrified that Kohaku would do such a thing yet he must remain silent against her accusations lest Naraku guess Kohaku’s state and true motives. Must Kohaku sacrifice the love of his sister in order to gain revenge?

As suspenseful as ever, many crucial things happen this volume and the interrelationships between all the characters is a well choreographed feat in storytelling. Filled with fantasy adventure, it is an epic tale that involves the reader emotionally with its imagination and exceptional story.

IN SUMMARY:
The battle for the last shard of the Shikon Jewel happens in this volume!