Why Did Naraku Absorb the Infant (Hakudoshi/Goshinki)? A Look at His Motives and Consequences

Introduction

Naraku, the spider demon, stands as the enduring antagonist of *Inuyasha*, a character whose actions and motivations are as complex as the web he weaves around the lives of Inuyasha, Kagome, and their companions. More than a simple villain, Naraku is a twisted product of human desire and demonic power, a being constantly evolving and adapting to achieve his dark goals. Amongst his many machinations, one decision stands out for its potential implications and the questions it raises: why did Naraku absorb the Infant, also known as Hakudoshi and the mind-reading Goshinki? This action, seemingly a simple power grab, reveals much about Naraku’s inner workings and the delicate balance between control and chaos within his demonic being. This article will delve into the potential reasons behind Naraku’s choice, examining the strategic, emotional, and ultimately, perhaps, desperate factors that led to the absorption, along with the ripple effects this event had on the overall narrative of *Inuyasha*. We’ll explore how this decision impacted his power, his personality, and the ultimate fate of those who opposed him in the *Inuyasha* series.

Understanding the Infant Hakudoshi Goshinki

Before we can understand why Naraku absorbed the Infant, we must first understand the Infant himself. The Infant, comprised of Hakudoshi and previously Goshinki, was not a mere demon under Naraku’s command, but a direct extension of his own being. This makes the decision to absorb him all the more perplexing.

Creation and Abilities

The Infant’s origin lies deep within the convoluted nature of Naraku’s existence. Born from a combination of the human bandit Onigumo’s soul and a multitude of demons, Naraku possessed the unique ability to create detachments of himself, each with their own specific purposes and abilities. The Infant was one such detachment, and possessed a unique skillset of its own. Goshinki, the mind-reading incarnation, demonstrated Naraku’s ability to quickly assess the weaknesses of his enemies, later proving useful with other incarnations, most notably Hakudoshi. The most notable ability of the Infant was its uncanny ability to separate good from evil, as well as the immortality that Hakudoshi presented. This division of pure intention and malice offered Naraku a unique perspective and strategic advantage. Beyond that, Hakudoshi could control demons and manipulate corpses, giving him a terrifying level of control over the battlefield. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the Infant possessed a cunning intelligence and a knack for manipulation, able to play upon the fears and desires of others to further Naraku’s aims.

Independence and Perceived Betrayal

Unlike other incarnations who remained subservient to Naraku’s will, the Infant, particularly in his Hakudoshi form, displayed a notable degree of independence. This manifested in instances where Hakudoshi appeared to act against Naraku’s direct orders, pursuing his own agenda and making decisions that seemed to contradict Naraku’s overall goals. Were these actions truly betrayals, or were they simply a different approach to achieving the same ends? This ambiguity adds another layer of complexity to Naraku’s decision to absorb the Infant. From Hakudoshi’s perspective, he may have believed that his independent actions ultimately served Naraku’s purpose. However, Naraku, ever wary and paranoid, might have perceived these actions as a threat to his control. The perception of betrayal, whether real or imagined, could have been a significant factor in Naraku’s decision.

Naraku’s Control (or Lack Thereof)

The extent of Naraku’s control over his incarnations, especially the Infant, is a subject of debate amongst *Inuyasha* fans. While Naraku outwardly projected an image of absolute control, the reality may have been more nuanced. Instances where the Infant acted autonomously suggest that Naraku’s grip on him was not as firm as he liked to believe. The Infant’s capacity for independent thought and action could have been seen as a dangerous liability by Naraku, leading him to ultimately decide that absorption was the only way to regain complete control. Was Naraku’s control over the Infant always weaker than it appeared? Did the Infant’s inherent nature make him resistant to Naraku’s will? These questions are crucial to understanding Naraku’s ultimate choice.

Potential Reasons for Absorption

The question remains: why did Naraku, the central *Inuyasha* antagonist, choose to absorb the Infant, a powerful and unique extension of himself? Several potential reasons exist, each with its own merits and implications.

Regaining Power and Abilities

One of the most straightforward explanations is that Naraku absorbed the Infant to directly enhance his own power. The Infant possessed several unique abilities, and absorbing him would allow Naraku to reclaim and utilize those abilities directly. The mind-reading capabilities of Goshinki in particular would have been an asset to Naraku’s manipulative strategies. The Infant also had immortality. Consuming him would have given Naraku the potential for immense strength enhancement and reclaiming abilities.

Eliminating a Threat or Liability

Perhaps the most compelling reason is that Naraku perceived the Infant as a growing threat to his power and control. As mentioned earlier, the Infant displayed a disconcerting level of independence. This independence, coupled with the Infant’s cunning intelligence, could have led Naraku to fear a potential rebellion. Moreover, Naraku may have seen the Infant as inefficient or unpredictable in achieving his goals. The Infant’s methods, while effective, may have been too chaotic or risky for Naraku’s liking. Another consideration is the information the Infant possessed. Having been a part of Naraku, the Infant likely knew a great deal about Naraku’s weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and long-term plans. Naraku, ever paranoid and secretive, may have decided that absorbing the Infant was the only way to ensure that this information remained secure. Naraku, known for eliminating anything or anyone that poses a threat to his control, had no problems killing off any of his incarnations to get rid of them.

Strategic Advantage

Absorbing the Infant could have provided Naraku with a strategic advantage in his ongoing conflict with Inuyasha and his group. By consolidating his power and eliminating a potential source of instability, Naraku could streamline his command structure and operate more efficiently. Furthermore, the act of absorbing the Infant could have served as a form of misdirection, leading Inuyasha and his allies to misjudge Naraku’s true intentions and capabilities. They might have assumed that Naraku was simply eliminating a troublesome subordinate, when in reality, he was consolidating his power for a greater purpose.

Emotional Reasons (Speculative)

While Naraku often presents himself as a purely rational and calculating being, the influence of his human heart, Onigumo, cannot be ignored. It’s possible that Onigumo felt a pang of jealousy towards the Infant’s independence, resenting the fact that a part of himself could operate so freely and autonomously. This jealousy, coupled with Onigumo’s desire for complete control, could have motivated Naraku to absorb the Infant. Alternatively, the absorption could have represented a further rejection of Naraku’s humanity. The Infant, in a way, embodied a form of twisted innocence. Absorbing him could have been Naraku’s way of further suppressing and eradicating his human side, solidifying his identity as a purely demonic being.

Compulsion

The final reason is that it was Naraku’s compulsion. To claim all parts of himself to become perfect.

Desperation

The final reason is that it was out of desperation. Naraku was trying to get rid of Inuyasha.

Consequences of the Absorption

Regardless of the specific reasons behind Naraku’s decision, the absorption of the Infant had significant consequences, both for Naraku himself and for the overall narrative of *Inuyasha*.

Impact on Naraku’s Power and Abilities

Did the absorption make Naraku stronger? More strategic? Or perhaps, more vulnerable? The answer is complex. While the absorption likely increased Naraku’s overall power level, it may have also come at a cost. By absorbing the Infant, Naraku may have also absorbed some of the Infant’s weaknesses or vulnerabilities. Did it alter his ability to create incarnations in the future? It’s possible that the absorption affected Naraku’s internal structure in a way that made it more difficult for him to create new detachments of himself.

Changes in Naraku’s Personality and Behavior

The absorption of the Infant could have amplified certain aspects of Naraku’s personality. Did it make him even more cruel, cunning, and manipulative? Or did it have a more subtle effect, altering his thought processes and decision-making abilities in ways that were not immediately apparent? Furthermore, the absorption could have affected Naraku’s overall strategy and goals. Did it lead him to pursue new objectives? Or did it simply reinforce his existing desires and motivations?

Effect on the Story’s Progression

The absorption of the Infant had a direct impact on the progression of the *Inuyasha* story. How did it affect Inuyasha and his group’s strategies? Did it force them to adapt their tactics and approaches? Did it lead to any significant turning points in the plot? Ultimately, did the absorption contribute to Naraku’s downfall? Did it create unforeseen weaknesses that Inuyasha and his allies were able to exploit? The answers to these questions are crucial to understanding the significance of this pivotal event in the *Inuyasha* narrative.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision of Naraku, the iconic *Inuyasha* villain, to absorb the Infant (Hakudoshi/Goshinki) was a complex one, driven by a confluence of strategic, emotional, and perhaps even desperate factors. While the desire to regain power and eliminate a potential threat undoubtedly played a significant role, the influence of Onigumo’s human heart and Naraku’s own twisted motivations cannot be ignored. The consequences of this decision were far-reaching, affecting Naraku’s power, personality, and ultimately, his fate. The absorption of the Infant serves as a reminder of the complexity of Naraku’s character and the tragic nature of his existence. He was not simply a one-dimensional villain, but a multifaceted being driven by conflicting desires and forced to make difficult choices in his relentless pursuit of power. The story of Naraku and his incarnations continues to captivate fans of *Inuyasha*, solidifying his place as one of anime’s most compelling antagonists.