Why Did Naraku Absorb the Infant (Hakudoshi/The Infant/Onigumo’s Heart)? A Deep Dive into the Demon’s Intentions

The Spider Demon’s Reasoning

Naraku, the spider demon antagonist of *Inuyasha*, is a master manipulator, a creature of calculated cruelty who uses and discards others as readily as he weaves illusions. His schemes are intricate, his motives often shrouded in shadow, making him a compelling and terrifying villain. Among his many actions, one stands out as particularly significant and raises intriguing questions: Why did Naraku absorb the Infant, also known as Hakudoshi or, more profoundly, Onigumo’s Heart? This seemingly simple act is laden with meaning, revealing much about Naraku’s inner turmoil, his relentless pursuit of power, and his desperate attempts to control his own fragmented existence. Understanding this decision is crucial to grasping the core of Naraku’s character and the driving forces behind his malevolent actions. We will explore the various reasons behind his decision, delving into the depths of his complex psychology.

The Shadowy Origins of the Infant and Hakudoshi

Before we can dissect Naraku’s motivations, we must first understand the origins and nature of the being known as the Infant. The Infant wasn’t simply a random demon minion; he was a direct manifestation of Naraku’s attempt to sever and suppress his human heart – specifically, the lingering desires and emotions of Onigumo, the crippled bandit who formed the foundation of Naraku’s being. Driven by a burning lust for Kikyo, Onigumo willingly offered his body to the countless demons that swarmed around him, resulting in the birth of Naraku, a powerful half-demon forever haunted by his human origins.

Naraku, constantly battling the influence of Onigumo’s heart, sought to rid himself of this perceived weakness. In a desperate act, he separated his human heart, giving rise to the malevolent, emotionless entity known as the Infant. This creature possessed immense malice and the unsettling ability to read minds, making him a valuable asset for Naraku in his schemes.

Later, the Infant developed a physical form, growing into Hakudoshi, a seemingly innocent yet utterly ruthless child demon. Hakudoshi inherited the Infant’s powers and intellect, becoming a cold, calculating strategist who faithfully obeyed Naraku’s commands. He served as Naraku’s eyes and ears, gathering information, manipulating events, and even engaging in combat. He was a key component of Naraku’s elaborate plans to acquire the Shikon Jewel and eliminate his enemies. He even went so far as to feign death to trick Inuyasha and his allies, displaying his cunning and dedication to his master’s goals. The fact that he was able to manipulate even Kagome so easily speaks to his deceptive nature.

Regaining a Crumbling Grip: Controlling Demonic Nature and Weakness

Naraku’s existence is a constant struggle against the forces that threaten to tear him apart. His human heart, a constant reminder of his past as Onigumo, represents a vulnerability he desperately tries to eliminate. While the Infant originated from Onigumo’s heart, it was a distorted and corrupted version, a twisted reflection of the original human emotions. Absorbing the Infant, therefore, could be seen as an attempt by Naraku to reassert control over the remaining vestiges of Onigumo’s influence.

He likely reasoned that by reclaiming this separated part of himself, he could better manage the persistent whispers of human emotion that plagued him. The ability to read minds, a power inherent in the Infant, was a double-edged sword. While useful for gathering intelligence and manipulating enemies, it also meant that the Infant possessed knowledge of Naraku’s deepest fears and insecurities.

Furthermore, the Infant’s very existence served as a constant reminder of Naraku’s past and his perceived weakness. Every time he looked upon the Infant, he was confronted with the manifestation of Onigumo’s desires, particularly the obsessive longing for Kikyo. Naraku’s complex relationship with Kikyo is a central theme of the series, and the fact that his human heart continued to yearn for her, even after becoming a powerful demon, was a source of immense frustration. By absorbing the Infant, Naraku might have hoped to extinguish this lingering flame, to finally sever the ties that bound him to his human past. It was an effort to excise this festering wound of longing.

Power Acquisition and Preemptive Elimination: A Threat Removed, Strength Gained

Naraku’s ultimate ambition is to achieve absolute power, and he is willing to do anything to achieve that goal. Absorbing the Infant and Hakudoshi offered him a direct and significant power boost. The Infant’s inherent demonic energy, combined with Hakudoshi’s strategic intellect and manipulation skills, would undoubtedly enhance Naraku’s abilities, making him an even more formidable opponent.

Beyond the immediate increase in power, absorbing the Infant was also a strategic move to eliminate a potential threat. As Hakudoshi grew in power and independence, he began to display signs of ambition, hinting at a desire to surpass Naraku himself. Naraku, ever vigilant for signs of betrayal, recognized the danger posed by Hakudoshi’s growing autonomy. Hakudoshi’s ambitions, while subtle, were evident in his actions and demeanor.

He understood that Hakudoshi, with his intelligence and cunning, could eventually turn against him, potentially undermining his plans and even challenging his authority. Therefore, absorbing Hakudoshi, and reclaiming the Infant, was a preemptive strike, a calculated move to prevent a future rebellion or power struggle. This aligns with Naraku’s past behavior, as evidenced by his treatment of other incarnations like Kagura and Goshinki, who were ultimately eliminated once they outlived their usefulness or posed a threat to his dominance. Naraku consistently prioritizes his own survival and power above all else.

Experimentation and Expendability: A Cruel Cycle of Use and Discard

Naraku’s very existence is rooted in an experiment gone horribly wrong. Born from the fusion of a human and countless demons, he is a creature of constant experimentation and self-modification. Absorbing the Infant can be viewed as another step in this ongoing process, a desperate attempt to understand his own fragmented nature and further enhance his power.

He might have seen the Infant as a test subject, a tool to be used and discarded in his quest for ultimate strength. He was willing to sacrifice the Infant for potential gains, regardless of the consequences. This perspective aligns with Naraku’s overall treatment of his incarnations, who are consistently viewed as disposable tools, not as beings worthy of respect or loyalty. He sees them as extensions of himself, instruments to be wielded and then discarded when they have served their purpose. His manipulative treatment of other characters throughout the series reinforces this idea, highlighting his cold and calculating nature. He uses people and demons alike, playing them against each other to further his own agenda.

Acknowledging the Counterarguments: The Nuances of Naraku’s Actions

It is important to acknowledge that Naraku’s actions are often driven by a complex interplay of motives, making it difficult to pinpoint a single, definitive reason for his choices. While the reasons outlined above offer a compelling explanation for his decision to absorb the Infant, there are alternative interpretations and potential counterarguments to consider.

For instance, it is possible that Naraku underestimated the potential consequences of absorbing the Infant, such as the increased instability and internal conflict that he experienced afterward. The Shikon Jewel shard embedded within his body also played a significant role in shaping his actions, amplifying his desires and fueling his relentless pursuit of power. Furthermore, some theories suggest that Naraku’s actions were influenced by a deeper, more subconscious desire to reclaim a part of his lost humanity, even if it meant sacrificing his own creations.

Conclusion: Unraveling the Demon’s Intricacies

In conclusion, Naraku’s decision to absorb the Infant was a multifaceted act driven by a combination of factors. He sought to regain control over his demonic nature and suppress the lingering influence of Onigumo’s heart. He aimed to increase his power and eliminate a potential threat in the form of Hakudoshi’s growing independence. And he viewed the Infant as a disposable tool, a means to an end in his relentless quest for absolute power.

This event is significant in the context of Naraku’s overall character arc, highlighting his inner turmoil, his manipulative tendencies, and his unwavering commitment to his own selfish desires. It speaks to the fragmented and contradictory nature of his existence. Ultimately, Naraku remains one of anime’s most compelling villains, a creature driven by a complex web of motivations that continue to fascinate and intrigue viewers to this day. Was Naraku truly aware of the consequences of his actions, or was he simply a pawn in a larger game dictated by the Shikon Jewel? The answer, perhaps, lies in the shadows that shroud the heart of the spider demon. The question of how much control he truly had remains open for debate.