There might be something on the legendary island that could keep one young forever, so Tsubaki naturally wanted to give it a try. "Brother Sebastian, I'm going too!"
Sebastian's brow furrowed slightly at Tsubaki's proposal to journey to the island, but just then, Kikyō slowly approached from a distance. Her fair face gradually emerged from the thick, lingering fog.
Her long, jet-black hair fluttered gently in the breeze, and her delicate, flawless features had completely shed the immaturity and panic she once carried when she first met Sebastian.
Holding an exquisitely crafted wooden box made of sandalwood and platycodon, she sat down beside Sebastian. Calmly, she met Tsubaki's provocative gaze, and the moment their eyes collided, an invisible spark of tension ignited between them.
"Hmph!" The two exchanged sharp glances before each clung stubbornly to one of Sebastian's arms, turning their heads away and deliberately ignoring each other.
Last month, they had completed the exact same number of monster-subjugation commissions, earning the title of "Big Sister" shared between them. As the new month began, they launched another round of competition. Hearing that Tsubaki planned to go to the island, Kikyō naturally refused to let such an opportunity slip away.
Moreover, as Sebastian's first disciple in name, Kikyō would never allow this task to fail. The group Sebastian personally founded had never suffered an entrustment failure, so she resolved to set out as well, to assist the two monks.
"All right, go if you really want to," Sebastian said, shaking his head helplessly at the two who practically reeked of gunpowder.
Initially, he had little interest in the island. But since Kikyō and Tsubaki were determined to go, and knowing that the so-called Four War Gods were formidable opponents, he naturally wouldn't let them face such risks alone. After a brief moment of thought, Sebastian decided to personally lead them to the island and handle the matter himself.
In truth, Hōrai Island had long been one of his goals. Rumors claimed it housed pure-blooded monsters known as the Four War Gods, beings of extraordinary strength. The island also contained numerous magical artifacts and items of immense value, worthy of collection and use.
"Thank you, Master! You're the best!"
"Thank you, Brother Sebastian!"
Seeing Sebastian agree, Kikyō and Tsubaki, who had been glaring at each other just moments ago, immediately exchanged radiant smiles. Almost in unison, they cast smug looks at one another.
Despite their constant rivalry over the years, their relationship was actually quite close. Their competition had pushed them to understand each other deeply. While they often sparred and competed, they also frequently went out together on missions.
This relentless rivalry had made them familiar with each other's combat styles, enabling seamless coordination and remarkable teamwork. Unknowingly, their bond had grown incredibly strong. Their usual quarrels were never malicious but more playful banter.
Sebastian was well aware of this. Their rivalry strengthened their cooperation and made them cherish one another even more.
"Prepare yourselves. We'll depart in three days," Sebastian said with a wry smile, noting the sly gleam in their eyes. He never imagined that the usually innocent Kikyō would team up with Tsubaki to "trick" him.
Still, seeing the harmony between them, he nodded quietly in approval. In the original fate, they were destined to be mortal enemies. Now, they had become close companions who truly valued each other.
In front of the Battle Laboratory, Inuyasha sat on the ground, looking thoroughly bored. Across from him, the two monks waited.
Whenever the three had free time, they gathered nearby to bask in the sun and chat casually. Although Sebastian had assigned them as guards, he never truly needed protection; the Battle Laboratory itself was an impregnable fortress.
Hearing that the two, just returned from outside, would soon be leaving again, Inuyasha felt a pang of loneliness.
During his time in G.D.I., he often felt like he might go mad from boredom. Unlike the demon exorcists, Inuyasha was a half-demon by nature and couldn't accept commissions. His only duty was guarding. Only when they returned could he chat with old friends, eat meat, and relax.
He longed to see the world again, but Sebastian's orders kept him on guard. Still, under Sebastian's command, Inuyasha had experienced kindness from others for the first time.
The residents paid no mind to his half-demon status. Whenever they passed his residence, they greeted him warmly, sometimes even bringing food. To them, Inuyasha was a friend, and that was enough to earn him respect. Though often bored, he didn't reject life here.
"That's right. Sensei told us to rest for a few days before heading out again. Before we leave, we asked him for permission for you to move freely within G.D.I.," Miroku said softly, gently rubbing his black rosary. He looked at the lonely Inuyasha with an encouraging smile.
"Sensei agreed," he added. They knew they had no right to criticize Inuyasha's choices. Sebastian's mercy, sparing his life, already meant a great deal. Compared to the monsters sealed beneath their feet, Inuyasha could at least move freely within the estate.
Over the years, the three had become inseparable friends. As companions, they discussed the matter carefully before proposing to Sebastian that Inuyasha remain in the city as a patrol officer responsible for maintaining order. Sebastian approved, and the two came to share the joyful news with Inuyasha.
"Free movement… within the city? Miroku, are you kidding me?" Inuyasha, lying atop a statue and basking in the sun, suddenly sat upright and stared at Miroku in disbelief. His loneliness vanished instantly, replaced by shock and excitement.
"Th-this… is this real?" He rubbed his hands eagerly and turned toward Miyatsu. "Is what that perverted monk said actually true?"
"It is," Miyatsu nodded and laughed, amused by Inuyasha's reaction.
When they were together, the three spoke freely, without restraint. The two exorcists often called Inuyasha a half-demon outright, and he never minded.