Ep 17. Corrupted Ink of the Hell Painter

In Inuyasha season 1 episode 17, Corrupted Ink of the Hell Painter, the group comes across a village that is being terrorized by a monster known as the Hell Painter. The creature appears at night and uses its ink to paint pictures that come to life and attack the villagers. The group decides to investigate and discovers that the Hell Painter is actually a demon named Mukotsu who was banished to the Netherworld for his cruel experiments using poisonous plants.

Mukotsu reveals that he had made a deal with Naraku to be released from the Netherworld in exchange for causing chaos in the world above. He also reveals that he has been using the ink to summon creatures from the Netherworld to do his bidding. In order to stop Mukotsu and his monstrous ink creations, the group must confront him in his lair and destroy the source of his power.

Along the way, they encounter a group of monkeys who have been turned into demons by Mukotsu's ink. The monkeys are under the control of a female demon named Kyokotsu who is in love with Mukotsu and will stop at nothing to protect him. Inuyasha and the group are forced to fight Kyokotsu and her demon minions in order to reach Mukotsu and stop his evil plans.

During the battle, Kagome discovers that her arrows have no effect on the ink monsters and realizes that they are immune to anything that comes from the world above. She then decides to use a piece of sacred jewel shard to imbue her arrows with spiritual power, giving her the ability to take down the creatures. Once Inuyasha and Kagome reach the lair, they face off against Mukotsu in a final battle.

After a fierce fight, Inuyasha is able to destroy the source of Mukotsu's power and the ink monsters disappear. Mukotsu is left in a weakened state and is about to be dragged back to the Netherworld when Kyokotsu decides to sacrifice herself in his place. She tells Inuyasha that she loved Mukotsu and that he had promised to marry her if they succeeded in their mission. Inuyasha is moved by her sacrifice and leaves her body with a proper burial.

The episode ends with the group continuing on their journey. Kagome reflects on the fact that even demons like Kyokotsu are capable of love and sacrifice, and wonders what that says about their own goals and motivations. Inuyasha, Sango, and Miroku remind her that they are fighting for a greater cause and that their actions are always in service of protecting the innocent. They then set off into the horizon, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

Overall, Inuyasha season 1 episode 17 is a thrilling adventure that showcases the strength of the group's bonds as well as the depth of the demons they face. The episode is full of action and suspense, with many twists and turns that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. It also offers important themes about love, sacrifice, and the greater good, making it an episode that will stay with viewers long after it ends.