Saiyuki

The road west is marred by the potholes from the past - Sanzo's adoption by Buddhist monks, Hakkai's life in a Catholic orphanage, and Gojyo's troubled relationship with his brother. But was it these childhood burdens that made them into the only men who could undertake this incredible journey? Or was it their previous stint in paradise that forged their eternal bonds?

Free from the restrictions of heaven, Homura and his team of dissenters have indulged in a little fun at the expense of Sanzo and crew, and delivered an ultimatum: turn over the Maten Scripture by morning - or else. For now it is time for the War God to complete his plan: to replace the universe with a new Heaven and Earth. And sacrificing Son Goku is a price he'll gladly pay to do it!

In their former lives, 500 years before Genjyo Sanzo and his crew of misfits began their journey west, they were gods, but being godly didn't make them act any more divine. When Goku flies into a murderous rage after seeing his best friend die, Heaven's had enough and wants him dead! But Konzen Douji, Field Marshal Tenpou, and General Kenren are willing to do anything to protect Goku, even if it means turning all of Heaven against them.

Continuing their journey west and leaving a trail of dead Youkai in their wake, Genjyo Sanzo and company come upon a young woman who has quite a tale to tell. She recounts the story of her long lost lover, a Youkai who succumbed to the madness and for whom she waits faithfully to return. As the story continues, Gojyo has an epiphany that just might be a clue about the source of evil that has been unleashed on the land!

In the midst of battle with the cursed human, Rikudo impales Sanzo while he tries to protect Goku. In the melee, Goku's Youkai power limiter, the device that keeps his Youkai madness from taking over his soul, shatters, sending Goku into a violent rampage that yields for neither friend nor foe. It may take divine intervention to bring the ancient warrior back to his senses!

The mysterious fortune-teller Chin Yisou takes great pleasure in pushing Hakkai's psychological boundaries, and Hakkai is frightened to find his bloody past nipping at his heels. When Chin Yisou starts targeting Sanzo and the others, our heroes find themselves not only fighting against him... but against each other!

Three years before our story began an unlikely party formed. The story of how Sanzo, Goku, Gojyo, and Hakkai met is revealed at last - violence drew them close, but something far more powerful kept them together. Now with bonds forged in insecurity and despair, our party is trapped in an undergound youkai den with a malicious female demon. Her interest lies with Sanzo, but her strength lies with her poison... and her ability to make it linger.

A set of twins catches our heroes by surprise and trap Goku and Hakkai in their magical gourd. Sanzo and Gojyo set off on a journey to find the twins and free their friends, only to discover that the twins are working for a mysterious figure who is due for some punishment!

Feeling down in the dumps about losing the battle against "God," Goku attempts to raise everyone's spirits with a game of mahjong. They end up playing a whole day straight. Ready for another round the gang approaches "The God Castle," where they run into a bit of trouble with talking toys.

The legendary Sanzo group continues on the path to saving the world from the revival of Gyumaoh and his demons. As they travel, Goku, Gojyo, Hakkai and Sanzo use their tremendous powers to restore peace to Shangrila. However, there are many who wish for the victory of the dark side...

When they arrive at a new village, a demon called Suika approaches the Sanzo party. Because they don't sense any evil, they decide to stay the night. Suika sings for the group, which brings bitter memories to mind. Everyone except Goku fall into a semi-hypnotic state, then falls asleep. The next morning, Goku hears about 'a demon who extracts memories' and must return to save his friends.

Lirin meets two brothers who leave offerings at a shrine hoping to see their late mother. That night, their mother appears before them and tells the brothers to obtain Sanzo's scripture, which will bring her back to life. Meanwhile, having become separated from the others, Goku becomes lost in a forest and is helped by a girl.