Kagome is the only hope to purify the miasma poisoning the body of Kikyo, her greatest rival for Inuyasha's affections.; Stewing over Kikyo's lack of gratitude, Kagome lashes out at Inuyasha in a jealous rage.; Kohaku takes a job as a servant in Princess Okugata's castle in order to watch over Akago. Later Abi and her demon birds attack the castle, seeking revenge for being used by Naraku.; Inuyasha and the others are lured into the fight by the sounds of battle. Kohaku saves Princess Okugata and Akago from the demon birds, then receives orders from Kanna to repossess Akago and slaughter the castle denizens.; Sango intercedes before Kohaku can kill Princess Okugata, forcing Kanna to do the job. Kagura escapes with Kohaku, but not before Kohaku's memories are restored.; When her demon birds have successfully drained the population of the castle, Abi breaks off the battle with Inuyasha and escapes. His memory restored, Kohaku vows vengeance against Naraku.; Naraku removes the barrier around the demon bird nest, hoping Inuyasha will attack it. Inuyasha and Kikyo compare notes about Naraku's actions, and he receives a dire warning from her.; Naraku appears at the demon bird nest, hoping to use the demon birds as fodder to open a pathway to the land of the dead.; Princess Abi's mother emerges and attempts to devour Naraku. But Naraku slaughters both her and Abi and uses their blood to open a portal to the afterlife.; Inuyasha and the others follow Naraku through the portal into the borderlands of the dead. Kagura offers to show Sesshomaru another way in.