Saimyōshō

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The Saimyōshō (最猛勝 "ultra-fierce fighting") are hell wasps in the manga and anime series InuYasha. They are employed in groups by Naraku to prevent Miroku from using his Kazāna (Wind Tunnel) against them, as they are poisonous. Naraku and his allies also use them for safe reconnaissance. Although they have no special demonic powers to speak of, they carry shards of the Shikon no Tama (Jewel of Four Souls) to Naraku and apparently can communicate information between him and his allies. For example, Kagura often holds thoughts of betraying Naraku and his orders, however she holds back from doing so when the Saimyōshō are near because they would inform Naraku of her traitorous deeds.

Early in the series, Naraku gives Sesshomaru a nest of them (spherical, about the size of one's fist) so he may fight InuYasha for the Tessaiga without Miroku's interference. Upon Miroku's first encounter with them, he sucks them into his Kazāna not knowing that they are poisonous, however he is able to survive because of Kagome's modern medicines. They are rather weak as yōkai come, and thus easily and numerously slain by InuYasha's group. Naraku also gave a nest to almost all the yōkais that he made fight with Inuyasha so that they wouldn't be sucked by Miroku's Kazaana.

The Saimyōshō have one theme song, "Jigoku Mushi, Saimyōshō" (「地獄虫　最猛勝」 "Hellish Insects, the Saimyōshō"), featured on InuYasha Ongaku Hen Ni.