Wow! I was really glad when I saw the 509th chapter is uploaded! Thanks, Starks!^^

On said 7th page… did you find the spider frightening? Fortunately, I hadn't have a heart attack; it's because I'm not afraid of spiders… if they are on the screen/paper and not in the 20ms (or more) perimeter from me^^"

Anyway, just before Kagome thought about how to save Hitomiko with the bow (and not do what Naraku says), this very same idea came to me! So it has to be a way for her to save Hitomiko's soul!^^
Heh, and it was hilarious, when Kagome talked back to Naraku: "Get real, Naraku! Who would ever do what you say?!" xDD pffft… I won't say, but Sesshoumaru's picture came into mind… But I won't say it… xP

Anyway, thanks for the chapter! I really liked it!^^ And I hope this means your comp., is finally fixed now and you get the raws^^

  

(Quote)

Wow! Mine was the first comment!^^

khm… sorry^^" 

  

(Quote)

I could write the first comment but Arvael you stole it(kidding) Glad to write 3rd comment!(4th?) It's about 5 : 30 in Korea and Arvael you seems to be here ^o^ (Before I log in there was only 0~1 comment) Nice timing, huh? haha Great!(but I can't leave many comments now…)

Thanks to upload the chapter, Starks^^

  

(Quote)

Sorry (it's 10:45 AM here, BTW xD)

  

(Quote)

My comp has been fixed for a few days now… I only got the raw around 36 hours ago.
  

(Quote)

Lol, Naraku was monologuing and Kagome totally pointed it out. Awesomesauce.   

(Quote)

Thanks!   

(Quote)

Oh, Naraku…you have Kagome isolated with her friends unable to help.  Just call Byukuya, and together with the evil miko you can easily kill kagome.  After that go with this team (while all Inugang are in mourning for Kagome)…and take Kohaku's shard, Sess doesn't even have a weapon and Jaken isn't going to do much if you want you can even wait a little for one of Sess's many extended walks by himself.  Then after having the complete shard with noone to purify it, you can torture and kill your adversaries to your heart's content.   You will be unstoppable…truly immortal.  Poor Naraku, your love of sadistic pleasures and overly complicated plots will be your undoing.

I enjoyed this chapter but it is obvious what will happen in the next one…that little loophole took all the fun out of the dramatic question posed by Naraku.  Well she will purify the miko, and realize the bow's and her true spiritual power and now is ready to purify the shard…as soon as Inu exposes it with some sword attack (maybe combined with other allies attacks for dramatic effect)

  

(Quote)

I'm curious as to why chapter 510 is ominously named "Hell"… Is this an allusion to some Meidou Zangetsuha action?  

(Quote)

Or Naraku's name perhaps…? Hmmm… good question!

Anyway, I'm glad you could make it (I mean the chapter and everything^^)  

(Quote)

Jakensama: Is Naraku officially the Dr. Evil of Manga villains? "All I want is Miko with a friggin spider in her chest, is that to much to ask for"? Seriously, other then "Friend" does any manga villain relish over complicated  plots as much?
  

(Quote)

Y'know, this chapter reminded me of the movie Dogma, when Jason Lee says "I've seen too many Bond movies to know that you should never give away your whole evil plan." Naraku needs to go rent some movies and figure out where he slipped up here.  

(Quote)

Naraku is a mix of Yagami Light, Auric Goldfinger, and Dr. Evil…  

(Quote)

"Do you expect me to talk"? "No Inuyahsa, I expect you to die"!  

(Quote)

I loved this chapter.  And c'mon guys, the villain always gloats.  Although I loved it when Kagome just outright says, "you sure told me a lot". XD  Reminds me of the time when Inuyasha confronted him during his speech after he reabsorbed Muso, "That was a lot of talking for you, bet your mouth is tired"

Ahhh…oh well, I'd gloat too if I were a villain…  

  

(Quote)

Something strange happened when I submitted this comment before, and it didn't appear.   If it turns out I have double posted, my apologies.

I read this chapter a few days ago at another website, but I think I prefer Patches' translation. Glad to see things are returning to normal here.  Maybe those of us who beleive in such things should say a prayer for the continued well-being of Starks' laptop.   

If I had to guess, I'd say that the "Hell" chapter will be a bit like the one with Mayu, where Kagome used a combination of psychology and spiritual power to save the little girl's wayward spirit.  I think Kagome will learn to tap into the spiritual power of the bow during this arc, but ultimately her success will come from the fact that Naraku doesn't really comprehend the concepts of kindness or unselfishness, let alone their power.  Meaning, kagome will choose to do something he hasn't accounted for in his plan.

  

(Quote)

Starks: Couldn't the title "Hell" just be referring to if Kagome kills Miko rather than purifying her the poor Miko will spend eternity in hell?  Oh yeah, but then Inu could use the Medou to enter hell and bring the Miko out…Naraku I could you overlook such a detail!!!

Well not all villains gloat, but it is usually more fun when they do.  Also you got to feel for Naraku, he is all alone…yeah sure he has had his various incarnations…now only Byukuya…but these are just slaves to him.  He has no girlfriends…c'mon with all that power, why not  "Hello I am the almighty Naraku"

Astonished girl:  Really "the" Naraku…you are so bad,…just my type

Naraku: kukuku

  

(Quote)

Pfffft. xDD Jakensama, it would be your fault if I were to die from laughing!!! xDD  

(Quote)

@Starks:Thank you for providing downloads for computer n00bs like me.I know nothing of IRC and BitTorrent.I love reading my manga on PSP!The lack of rabid fangirls on this site is a definite plus. @Jaken-sama:Why does Naraku need a girlfriend when he has Byakuya,who was quite literally made for him?The One True Pair,indeed! @Haro:Awesomesauce is my new favorite word.  

(Quote)

Thanks for the chapter, Starks!

This seems to be a pretty decent Kagome mini-arc, if I do say so myself. Maybe after learning how to use the bow properly, she'll be able to take Naraku down? Gah, I hope so, Naraku seems to be working at everyone's last nerve now and days with the exception of RT herself. XP

Then again, since Naraku seems to know his way around this whole situation, how could he not realize that Kagome wasn't using the bow right? Why drag Kagome into a fight with another Miko when she can't even use it's spiritual power?

He'd better get a good pwning for this. XD
 

  

(Quote)

This chapter, I think will surprise a lot of people looking at the theories here. ^_~

 I'm not mad at Naraku for monologuing, I actually find it quite amusing. I just think the fact that villains monologue their intent oh so conveniently for the heroes in fiction as a whole to be hilarious though.

 Nintendali: Awesomesauce is one of my favorite words ever. XD

  

(Quote)

I actually love Naraku, he is one of my favorite manga villains. On the one hand he is one of the most despicable characters imaginable, but RT some how pulls the trick of making him (dare I say it) likable. While I root for the heroes, Naraku is as interesting and multidimensional as any character in the series. That said his love of ornate traps and telling all and sundry exactly what is on his mind at any given moment can get a little silly. Contrast him with "Friend" from 20th Century Boys. "Friend" rarely speaks and when he does it rarely has overt meaning. His face isn't even revealed until volume 14 nor is his real name, yet he exerts a huge presence over the story. And he loves ornate traps as much as Naraku's, only "Friends" are less creative and more childish.
  

(Quote)

DavidK: I like Naraku as well, for the reasons you pointed out. He is a despicable character, but he is somehow interesting. Plus, I have to admit, I find him amusing at times. It's the monkey pelt and the tentacles, I swear. I have trouble taking villains seriously.

 
As for him telling all, he's not near as bad with that as a lot of villains.  Hah.

  

(Quote)

Haro: When it comes down to it, Naraku has way to much personality not to like. When I first started the anime Naraku was the character that really drew me in. While he is no longer my favorite character, whenever he makes an appearance, you know something interesting will happen. I can't say the same thing about a number of villains.   

(Quote)

Freelance is officially the first website under 'Inuyasha manga'!!!

Anyway, my personal opinion on Ms. Takahashi naming Chapter 509 'Hell' is because there may be a slim chance that Naraku might just die in it. Remember, when both Kanna and Kagura died their chapters were called 'Wind' and 'Nothingness'.  

(Quote)

I hope this isn't the end. I am ready for the series to end, but not this suddenly. Hopefully RT will five us a long, unified arc that will tie up the loose ends and culminate in the final battle.    

(Quote)

From what I've seen, you guys are gonna love 510 for all the wrong reasons…  

(Quote)

For all the wrong reasons…….this sounds bad:(  

(Quote)

DavidK, let's just say that a lot of VERY OLD plot elements are brought back…
  

(Quote)

Starks: Isn't there another ten or so chapters left to go? I suppose I wouldn't mind how many remain just as long as Byakuya doesn't die…  

(Quote)

Shadow: Your estimate is wishful thinking at best…
  

(Quote)

Starks: I am intrigued. This could be interesting! Also, what's your over/under on how much longer RT will keep it going. I am thinking no more then 40 no less then 30. 40 seems like wishful thinking on my part, but I am sticking with it.

  

(Quote)

I'm gunning for the same range, but Rumiko is so damn unpredicatable.  

(Quote)

To true. I wouldn't be shocked to see 50 more chapters, nor would it surprise me if it's only 5!   

(Quote)

Starks: How old are these plot elements, are we talking like Midoriko/ancient history old, or are we talking old as in Kaede walking in out of nowhere?

  

(Quote)

I stopped taking Naraku seriously after he tried to absorb Sesshomaru.Naraku:"Kukuku,I want you inside me".That chapter had me laughing so hard for all the double meaning.  

(Quote)

I love villains that tell all. Afterall we wouldn't know near as much if they didn't.  Since having the heros figure it out for themselfs isn't nearly as fun. Also the story lacks anyone even close to Sherlock Holmes (unless you count Inu-papa but he is dead so it just isn't quite the same).

Hopefully the next chapter is up soon. RT's writting has took a turn for the better right after the last holiday, or perhaps she is getting a bit more intense to give us a very good ending. I have seen so many stories that have great starts but bad endings (haven't we all). 

Naraku, I haven't heard him called "hell" before. The only translation that I have come across is basement. 

  

(Quote)

Starks: I'm not quite sure what you mean? I read the rough translation and there's only one older element I feel was brought back (it's not explicitly stated either, it just happens), and it's something that it's about time she did. 

 I hope you get your raw soon. ^^
 

  

(Quote)

Sorrel: My feeling is the less said the better. Nothing beats the intensity of a series that leaves you hanging for a few arcs. And once things fall into place it feels like getting punched in the stomach. With IY at least things aren't always as they seem and it can take a few chapters for questions to be answered.  

(Quote)

I don't remember which Inuyasha site it was now, but there was a page called "Literal Translation Theater" there.  That page said Naraku's name could be translated as either "Abysmal Hell" or "Theater Basement."
I have to say that as villians go, Naraku is more complicated and interesting than most.  For me though I think part of his "charm" is that I always hear Paul Dobson's voice,  when I read his lines, because I started with the anime first.
It is the same with all the continuing characters — I hear the actor's voices from the anime in my head.  When a new character arrives it's strange, because they have no real voice.  

(Quote)

Tanuki,that website is Ear Tweak,and I agree with you on the voices.Paul Dobson sounds so perfectly evil,and I could listen to David Kaye talk all day.I really can't imagine what Byakuya would sound like.                        Theater basement XD  

(Quote)

Byakuya would just have to be played by Akira Ishida.   

(Quote)

Takahashi's life is the same shit different day.  We've seen all this shit before a thousand times.  Deffinitely not an exciting chapter.  Good news though!  I just saved a lot of money on my car insurance by switching to Geico!!!  Flippity boosh ba-doosh!  I guess it's not all bad news hahaha  

(Quote)

Well if you folks want 510 in chinese scanlation can be found here http://bbs.ikunlun.net/?action=show_topic&topic_id=123133&forum_id=29&class_id=0

No translation, but you can get an idea of why it is called hell. 

  

(Quote)

When reading Byakuya's lines,I have inadvertantly at times imagined David Spade,and once Sara Gilbert.I guess I think of him as very sarcastic!  

(Quote)

Halfbreedinu: there's way too much kanji there xDD

But at least I know now there's a basement somewhere xDD I can't wait to see the English translation, though^^

  

(Quote)

Haha, it's nice to know that I'm not the only one imagining Spade as the voice of Byakuya.  For some reason when reading this manga (despite seeing the subs and the dubs), Naraku always sounds like Dieter (Mike Myers) from the old Saturday Night Live "Sprockets" skits.  "Would you like to touch my monkey?"

As for this chapter, all I can think of to say has been said.  Kagome — damned if you do, and damned if you don't.  And seriously, Naraku…I love you and all, but you need to learn when it's best to keep your mouth shut.  You fail hard at being evil scum right now. XD

LOL @ joke page, too.

  

(Quote)

That chapter was worth the wait! i wonder how it is gna end up…

thanks!!

  

(Quote)

KuKuKu, I agree that so far this seems like familiar territory.  What I mean is it just goes on and on with another prolonged plot devise and nothing really exciting as of yet.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading chapter 510 but it just extends the ultimate end which I fear may never come at least not in way we would like to see it.  My dream would be to see Inuyasha end with all the loose ends tied up. It would be nice to know what ultimately happens to all the characters we have grown to love (including Sesshomaru – maybe he gets his mom a nice condo in Miami and moves near by or something). Hope springs eternal and I am waiting with baited breath for the next chapter scan hoping to be amazed and satisfied.  We shall see. 

Again love this site and adore your pod casts! keep it up!!!

  

(Quote)

I mean chapter 509, it's late!!  

(Quote)

hahaha… naraku failing at being evil scum.  that gives me a laugh, kagomekagome. 

i liked this chapter, although it would have been nice if someone OTHER than naraku had spoken a little more. 

anxiously awaiting 510.  i like arcs like this SO much more than the sword arcs.  they just seem like they drag on forever.  plus, it seems like kagome has been getting ignored an awful lot.  she's not my all-time favorite character or anything, but the poor girl really does deserve some more character development after all the time RT seems to have spent on other characters.

  

(Quote)

Kynareth, ITA. 

RT put Kagome pretty much on the back burner for quite a while. It is about time for a little more focus on her development and learning process. She isn't my all time favorite then again I do like her and think that she should get some story line in. I like this arc a great deal….I do admit I hope that Kagome comes thru it on her own. I think it would be pretty lame if RT used one of her companions for a cop-out. 

Kagome certainly has the power to do so, I am still unsure why RT hasn't had her use it much before this. (Yes, she has done things but mostly by accident or without control). Outside of the bow she has let Kagome be a hit and miss kind of character. That is a strange approach for someone that is supposed to be a main character. 

Kagome is the only main character in this story like that. Everyone else struggled, then attained, learned and then went to the next hurdle. RT seems to left a lot of Kagome's challenges as ones of self image mainly with Kikyou. In a story that is a struggle to stay alive and be part of the contributing party Kagome's problems have more often then not put me at odds with the character.  Yet I do like her, not because of what she has done but because of what I am hoping she will be able to do.

  

(Quote)

yeah, i've always wondered why RT says she has more power than kikyo (!), but in 509 chapters she has yet to show it.  i mean, i know that in manga the chapters are short and not really much gets accomplished in a single chapter, but it seems like EVERYONE ELSE has had way more development than her.  even some of the characters that don't seem really important to the over-all plot have seen more character development than kagome.  poor girl.  she really needs to be given the chance to prove that she's able to rely on her own strength, not just her ability to hold out until inuyasha gets there to save her.  i really hope she gets through this on her own and not with someone else's help.  having her wimp out and inuyasha come running to her aid is getting really, really old.  especially since she's really a capable character. 

i'm hoping too that this gives her a new-found spiritual power (or increased awareness and ability to use the spiritual power she already has), not just an upgrade of her bow.  i think that wouldn't be all that fair to her as a character, since her strength has always been in her purity of heart, not in a weapon.  just my humble opinion, of course.  maybe i'm thinking too much into it.  it is, after all, a fairy tale. 

  

(Quote)

MESSAGE  

(Quote)

MESSAGE  

(Quote)

MESSAGE  

(Quote)