While Sesshoumaru accepts Rin into his group without comment, Jaken is not so silent. He tends to be far more vocal in general and he cannot understand why his master would allow a human to follow them, let alone make him, his loyal Retainer, take care of her. For her part, Rin occasionally seems annoyed by Jaken, but she cares about him like a big brother.

When Sesshoumaru first revived Rin, Jaken had two questions. The first was why his lord would revive a lowly human. The second was whether or not Sesshoumaru knew that the sword would not kill Jaken when he sliced him with it a few days before. While he seems to forget the second question over time, the first he never really understands. He shares his master’s hatred of humans and he does not see how his master can hate humans but still allow a child in his presence. Sesshoumaru ignores his questions and makes him take care of the child anyway.

At first, Jaken resents being a nanny, especially to a human, and he is very vocal about his feelings. Jaken has a sense of honor which allows him to do anything for Sesshoumaru, but aiding a human seems far beneath him. He does so reluctantly, but only because his lord requires it of him. Rin makes no comment on Jaken’s complaining, but seems, like her guardian, to ignore it.

Over time, he begins to warm to the young girl. Because of her presence, he is able to share his vast knowledge of Sesshoumaru’s activities over the past centuries. He also tries to explain his master’s thoughts and opinions, but if he does this with less accuracy, Sesshoumaru rarely bothers to correct him. When he does correct him, he usually uses a quick blow to the head. Having someone around who knows less than he does seems to appeal to his ego, but Rin sometimes losses interest in his long winded exposition, and leaves him talking to himself.

At first Jaken is resentful about guarding her, but over time defending her becomes more natural. She is a small child, so even the small demons which Jaken can easily defeat are a threat to Rin. Again, having someone to protect seems to stroke his ego, and Rin generally expresses gratitude when he saves her (as opposed to when he wants to tell her a long winded history story). Gratitude is something which Sesshoumaru never offers, so having someone admire him for his strength must be very gratifying for the small demon.

Rin rarely comments on his treatment of her, but it generally appears that she ignores him when he begins to complain. Over time he becomes like a big brother to her—sometimes mean, annoying, and resentful about the new addition to the “family”, but generally a source of protection and information. Rin, being the innocent child that she is, cannot help but feel affection for him, even if he is rude to her. When he is in danger, she gets very concerned and does whatever she can to help him. Her affection for him seems to be working on him and soon he will protect her out of more than obligation and pride, although he will probably always pick on her, like an older brother.

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