"Rikuo really can transform into a youkai during the day too."
"It seems the special condition he mentioned before refers to moments when youkai energy is dense."
"Miroku, you can tell that just by looking?"
"I am a monk, after all."
Koga and Cu Chulainn hadn't left yet, but were resting nearby. Everyone sat on the ground eating and chatting together.
"Sorry, Master—I accepted that duel on my own."
"No, you held back for so long. I was being a bit unreasonable."
Koga had always respected those with strength, and Cu Chulainn had also helped him save his clansmen. He really had no reason to complain.
Unlike those heretical magi, Koga also acted on his impulses.
Since Cu Chulainn wanted to fight someone, he shouldn't stand in the way.
Even if the opponent was Kagome's Servant.
This had nothing to do with the Dragon Balls—Koga only had an idle fantasy about that thing anyway.
Under normal circumstances, a contest for such items should be filled with life-or-death struggles.
Unfortunately, the Masters in this iteration had relationships that were far too friendly, making it difficult for conflicts to erupt between Servants.
But eventually a victor would have to be decided. No matter how much they delayed, that confrontation would come sooner or later.
So Rikuo and Cu Chulainn's thinking was simple.
Fight now while there's nothing else going on—whoever wins calls the shots, and the loser is considered eliminated.
A fair and square duel. Even if they lost, there'd be no complaints.
Cu Chulainn rather liked this style of settling things.
"Still, after seeing my Noble Phantasm and still daring to challenge me... He can't be that simple."
Just thinking about the upcoming battle made Cu Chulainn's blood boil.
He had a feeling—the fight with Rikuo was definitely going to be thrilling.
...
"My lord, Naraku has vanished to who knows where. We can't detect any trace of his presence."
Muzan listened to his subordinates' reports, his pale complexion sinking into the shadows.
'He was so active before, yet suddenly disappeared without a trace.'
The hideout Naraku had been using was now completely empty. Muzan couldn't quite figure out what the other was thinking.
It seemed something had happened during the time he'd been frantically creating Demon Youkai.
"Never mind that for now. Go capture more youkai for me. With so many of them, there's bound to be one or two exceptional specimens."
Sitting in his chair, Muzan glanced at the demon before him and gave his orders.
"Yes!"
The massive figure retreated. Muzan then grabbed one of the nearby Demon Youkai and devoured it.
CRUNCH!
In mere moments, that demon's body had dissipated, everything it possessed becoming part of Muzan's flesh and blood.
"So this is the power of youkai. Hmph... Too bad the ones captured are still a bit too weak. If we could capture those powerful youkai, the results might be even better."
Feeling the power and constitution within him continuously strengthening, Muzan was in an excellent mood.
He'd fallen into a massive blind spot before. Why did he have to find weak humans to transform into demons?
Why not just drive powerful Demon Youkai to capture other youkai, then transform and devour them?
Wasn't that far better than those frail humans?
Youkai transformed into demons were inherently stronger. He had no need to focus on humans at all.
What's more, after youkai were transformed, Muzan gained tremendous benefits from actively devouring them.
Now he was far more powerful than before.
Having tasted these benefits, Muzan naturally wouldn't pass up the opportunity.
Capture more—even more youkai!
Whether transforming them into subordinates or devouring them, none could be missed.
"Just you wait... Naraku. Sooner or later, I will surpass you! No one can stand above me, Kibutsuji Muzan!"
Remembering that humiliating moment of begging, Muzan found it intolerable.
It was one of the most disgraceful moments of his entire existence.
Though he didn't know what Naraku was doing, he could only use this time to stir up more trouble.
Being chased around everywhere before had been utterly shameful. Having to return to Naraku's side in the end—that was true humiliation.
Because of that experience, Muzan had come to understand.
Only by strengthening himself would he have a chance to stand firm in this struggle. Without power, he had no voice whatsoever.
The weak could not survive in this war!
"The more I exist as a demon, the more I realize demons have limits... Demons are simply too weak compared to youkai..."
"I reject my demonhood!!"
"I will become a youkai!!"
Gradually improving his constitution, Muzan revealed a savage expression.
Not only had he found a way to overcome sunlight, he even had better development and prospects ahead.
Gazing out the window, Muzan's lips curled upward.
"It won't be long now..."
...
"Grandpa, what are you doing?"
Tugging at his pants leg, Moroha looked up at the Great Dog Demon and asked.
"Just observing the surroundings. Earlier, signs of battle came from very far away—probably Servants clashing."
"Really? I didn't sense anything."
Compared to the battle-hardened Great Dog Demon, Moroha was still a bit too inexperienced.
"But Grandpa, I don't think anyone could be a match for you."
Recalling that exaggerated [Wind Scar] she'd witnessed, Moroha spoke with a grin.
"Perhaps."
Not letting his guard down, the Great Dog Demon was still thinking about the opponent who had made Kirinmaru disappear.
Earlier, encountering his daughter-in-law and granddaughter had distracted him, but thinking about it now, things remained just as complicated.
"Speaking of which, aren't there way too few youkai around here? Before, Mom and I would encounter lots of youkai every stretch of the road. Did Grandpa scare them all away?"
Flipping up into a tree, Moroha surveyed the area curiously.
Even without releasing his youkai energy, just by appearance alone, any youkai in the Western Lands who'd lived long enough would recognize him. Being scared off was only natural.
After all, that was... the Great Dog Demon!
"No, the reason probably isn't that simple."
Crossing the clear stream, the Great Dog Demon caught an odd scent.
Some strange creature had lingered here.
'Mixed with the smell of youkai, but also carrying another bizarre aura.'
'This was unlike humans or youkai... Whatever it was passed through long ago.'
'I hope this lead is connected to Kirinmaru's disappearance...'
...
Exhale
"Just so we're clear—if I kill you, don't hold a grudge."
"Go ahead and do as you please."
"Oh, quite the confident one. Then I won't hold back—though that young lady will definitely cry."
Gripping his demonic spear, Cu Chulainn faced off against Rikuo, who held a broken blade reformed with youkai power.
"Even if you have that Noble Phantasm, it doesn't mean you've already won."
"Heh! Then show me where that confidence comes from!"
WHOOSH!!
"Eh?! You're using that right off the bat?!"
Not far away, Miroku and the others immediately saw that tense confrontation.
"He said using that move barely costs him anything. Looks like he wants to settle this in one blow."
"This is bad—if his heart gets pierced, Rikuo will die, won't he?"
Hearing Koga's words, Shippo cried out in alarm.
Rikuo wasn't a full youkai. If his heart was pierced, he would surely lose his life.
"Well, don't panic just yet. Does that look like the face of someone about to die?"
But Inuyasha's words made them all focus more closely.
They saw Rikuo with a smile on his face, sword resting casually on his shoulder, waiting for Cu Chulainn without a care in the world.
That composed attitude was truly astonishing.
Cu Chulainn let out a laugh, then thrust forward in an instant.
"Heh! Here I come!!"
"[Gae Bolg]!!"