Why Did Naraku Absorb the Infant? A Deep Dive into *Inuyasha*’s Master Manipulator

Unveiling the Essence of the Infant

*Inuyasha*, the epic tale of demons, feudal Japan, and the shards of the Shikon Jewel, is populated by memorable characters, each with their own complex motivations. At the heart of this saga lies Naraku, the series’ primary antagonist – a master manipulator whose schemes and dark machinations drive much of the plot. Among Naraku’s many twisted actions, his decision to absorb the Infant, a key element of his own being, stands out as a pivotal moment, shaping his power, ambitions, and the very course of the narrative. This article delves into the core of that question: why did Naraku absorb the Infant?

The absorption of the Infant is not merely a plot point; it’s a profound demonstration of Naraku’s strategic brilliance, his ruthless ambition, and his understanding of power dynamics. To fully appreciate this decision, we must first understand the significance of the Infant and the intricate web of motives that drove Naraku to consume it.

The Infant’s Abilities

The Infant, also known as Akago in the original Japanese, is a being born from Naraku’s own corrupted flesh and malice. This entity represents a pure embodiment of Naraku’s darker aspects: his cunning, his capacity for cruelty, and his insatiable hunger for power. While seemingly fragile in appearance, the Infant possesses a wealth of abilities and a profound significance that made it both a valuable asset and a potential threat to Naraku.

The Infant, as a creation of Naraku, carries a direct link to the demon’s very essence. It represents the purest concentration of Naraku’s malice, his capacity to inflict suffering, and his ability to manipulate others. But beyond this, the Infant possessed extraordinary abilities that were crucial for Naraku’s ambitions.

Foremost among these was the Infant’s power to amplify the abilities of others. The Infant could, through a subtle form of manipulation, enhance the power of those it came into contact with. This wasn’t just a simple power boost; it was a strategic advantage, a way to make allies and minions more formidable. This power to amplify was a tool Naraku could use to influence others to his will, ensuring loyalty and a powerful fighting force. It allowed Naraku to not only control his own powers but also to strategically leverage the abilities of others, making his control more comprehensive and his influence more widespread.

Moreover, the Infant was a master of manipulation. This wasn’t just about influencing people through words or actions, although it could certainly do that. The Infant had an inherent ability to play upon emotions, exploiting vulnerabilities, and driving those around it to act in ways that would benefit Naraku. It could sow discord, create doubt, and instigate conflicts. The Infant was essentially a psychological weapon, capable of turning allies against each other and turning foes into tools of Naraku’s design. This form of control was instrumental to his success, allowing him to control many and making the pursuit of the Shikon Jewel even easier.

Another noteworthy aspect of the Infant’s abilities was the creation of powerful barriers. These barriers, nearly impenetrable to most, served as a crucial line of defense for Naraku. These barriers protected him from the attacks of Inuyasha, Kagome, and their allies, providing him with valuable time to execute his plans. This defensive capability was essential for survival in a world where power was everything and confrontation inevitable. The Infant’s barrier served as a crucial component in Naraku’s strategies, allowing him to survive numerous skirmishes and buy him time to execute his plans.

It’s also worth considering whether the Infant had other latent abilities. Naraku’s nature is constantly evolving, and the Infant, as a reflection of his potential, may have held even more secrets. These abilities, unseen and untapped, further elevated the value of the Infant in Naraku’s mind, reinforcing his belief that absorbing the Infant was the best path.

The Strategic Mind of Naraku: Motivations Behind Absorption

Naraku, the calculating and ambitious demon, didn’t act impulsively. His decision to absorb the Infant was a carefully calculated move driven by a confluence of strategic motivations.

Consolidation of Power

The foremost among these was the consolidation of power. Naraku, from his very creation, was driven by a desire for power. The Infant, a concentrated source of formidable abilities, presented a clear path to enhance his strength. By absorbing the Infant, Naraku directly increased his power and capabilities. He saw the Infant’s potential to amplify his own abilities, making him stronger, more resistant to attacks, and more capable of manipulating the events around him. This power boost gave Naraku an advantage in battles, allowing him to defeat enemies like Inuyasha. It also enhanced his ability to create his miasma, his poisonous cloud that was often used in his battles.

Preventing Betrayal

The Infant was a potential liability. It was a part of Naraku’s essence, but not completely controlled by him. The Infant’s ability to manipulate others and its own independent nature created the risk that the Infant could betray Naraku or work against his desires. The prospect of losing control of such a potent power source was something Naraku simply couldn’t allow. Naraku, in his quest for dominance, could not afford to have an entity of equal strength and power acting against him. The act of absorption, therefore, was a necessary measure to maintain his control and prevent a potential threat.

Achieving Ultimate Goals

Beyond personal power, the Infant served a crucial role in Naraku’s overarching goals. His ultimate objective was complex, but centered on gaining control of the Shikon Jewel, eradicating Inuyasha and Kagome, and perhaps even achieving a form of immortality or ultimate perfection. The Infant provided the catalyst needed to accelerate his plans. The Infant’s abilities helped Naraku make strategic decisions and advance his goals more effectively. In essence, the Infant wasn’t just a power boost, it was a tool, a weapon, and a strategic asset that would advance him closer to his desires.

Evolution of a Demon

Absorbing the Infant was a key element in Naraku’s demonic evolution. His form changed throughout the series, and the absorption played a significant role in this transformation. The act of absorbing the Infant was more than just a tactical move; it was a symbolic moment in his development, cementing his place as a powerful villain.

The Fallout: Consequences of the Absorption

The absorption of the Infant had profound consequences, reshaping Naraku himself and altering the course of the series’ plot.

Increased Power

The primary and most obvious consequence was the boost in Naraku’s power. Naraku’s already formidable capabilities became even more potent. His miasma became more deadly, his barriers more impenetrable, and his control over his minions became even stronger. He gained the strategic advantage he needed to overcome his enemies. The enhanced strength gave Naraku greater resilience and offensive capabilities.

Inner Turmoil

Beyond immediate power gains, the absorption of the Infant added further layers of complexity to Naraku’s persona. He was no longer just a cunning manipulator; he was now also host to the Infant’s twisted consciousness and raw power. This internal struggle, this inherent duality, became a defining characteristic of Naraku and influenced his actions throughout the series. It made him a more nuanced and compelling character, deepening the intrigue surrounding his motives and intentions.

Plot Development

The repercussions of Naraku’s actions reverberated throughout the narrative. The absorption intensified conflicts, as Naraku became more formidable, Inuyasha and his allies faced a greater challenge in defeating him. The stakes became even higher as Naraku’s goals seemed closer to realization. The absorption fueled the plot, driving the characters towards each other, and increasing the tension. The power balance shifted dramatically, making it more difficult for Inuyasha and his companions to win and creating a more compelling story for the audience.

The Lingering Influence of the Infant

Even after being absorbed, the Infant’s influence did not vanish. It remained an integral part of Naraku’s power, shaping his actions and strategies. The Infant’s essence frequently manifested within Naraku, influencing his decisions. This internal conflict between Naraku’s and the Infant’s wills, created moments of inner turmoil, where Naraku was forced to confront his own darkness. This demonstrated the enduring impact of the Infant, even after being consumed.

In various instances, the Infant’s powers were subtly used. For example, the Infant’s ability to manipulate and control helped Naraku to use his minions to their full potential, ensuring their devotion and loyalty.

Conclusion: The Inevitable Absorption

In conclusion, Naraku’s decision to absorb the Infant was a crucial turning point in *Inuyasha*. It wasn’t a random act, but a strategic maneuver driven by a deep understanding of power and control. The Infant, with its unique abilities to enhance power, manipulate others, and create barriers, represented both a valuable asset and a potential threat. Naraku recognized this and, through the act of absorption, eliminated the risk, consolidated his power, and accelerated his goals. The act fueled Naraku’s ambition and transformed him into a more powerful foe for Inuyasha and his companions.

The impact of this decision resounds through the *Inuyasha* story. It not only enhanced his own abilities but also fundamentally shifted the course of the narrative. As a testament to Naraku’s masterful control, the absorption of the Infant stands as a key example of how one villain can change the entire landscape of a story. This act highlights the importance of Naraku’s strategic mind and helps to show how the power dynamics that make *Inuyasha* a classic anime series.