"Kikyo-sama, things seem quite peaceful lately. We don't see chaotic youkai or panicked people on the roads. There's no sign of Naraku causing trouble."
Kohaku handed the water he'd drawn to Moroha, then looked at Kikyo, who was absorbing souls of the dead.
"His presence has almost vanished. He must be hiding like that time at Mount Hakurei. Something must have happened to Naraku—otherwise he wouldn't be this quiet."
Resting, Kikyo watched Moroha gulping down water, her gaze soft as she spoke gently.
"But with that lord around, defeating Naraku should be easy!"
Hearing this, Kohaku turned to look at the figure standing on the high peak, surveying the surroundings with joy.
The Great Dog Demon...
A legend renowned even among great youkai...
Having witnessed that exaggerated display of power, Kohaku felt no one could surpass him.
"..."
To this, Kikyo fell silent.
As someone called by the ritual, she understood the Great Dog Demon's position clearly.
Though he leaned toward their side, the other overlord serving as Master would not approve.
Kirinmaru...
According to information from the Great Dog Demon, that was the Beast King of the East.
Quite the troublesome great youkai had arrived.
To say something unpleasant but true—eventually, they Masters would face the Great Dog Demon's attack.
Command Spells.
That was Kirinmaru's trump card for controlling the Great Dog Demon.
Though one might not suffice, two or three could prove effective at crucial moments.
A simple order to "seize the Dragon Ball" would be enough to trigger conflict and battle.
The Great Dog Demon's power was no longer something any single person could withstand.
Just his [Wind Scar] alone was enough to make the Shikon no Tama recoil—that force was far beyond what Inuyasha could display.
She only didn't know why Kirinmaru had disappeared, or how long until he would appear.
Sigh
With a soft sigh, Kikyo found herself no longer worried about Naraku.
Even without her, thanks to this ritual, there were now many variables—eventually someone capable would eliminate Naraku.
What troubled Kikyo now was actually Moroha.
Though her daughter had the ability, her personality was too carefree and straightforward—she couldn't handle someone as cunning as Naraku.
With Kikyo present, it was fine. But if she weren't around, the girl would easily be manipulated.
So worrying...
Before she knew it, her obsession for remaining in this world had begun to shift.
Her spirit was wavering.
Hearing those childish calls one after another, she couldn't remain unmoved.
She never thought she'd envy Kagome like this...
'Just wait a little longer... at least let me witness the ritual's conclusion.'
If possible, she wanted to watch this child grow into adulthood.
But sadly, she would never see that day.
"That strange aura has been disappearing in large numbers recently too."
"Sesshomaru's scent also lingers... is he responsible?"
"Mm."
Faintly catching the residual scent, the Great Dog Demon knew who had been cleaning up this area.
If it was Sesshomaru's doing, he had nothing to worry about.
He was quite confident in that child's work.
After all, becoming an independent great youkai and surpassing his living self was only one step away.
"I just wonder if he has anyone now..."
The only thing that concerned the Great Dog Demon might be Sesshomaru's emotional life. Though judging from the change in his mentality, there should be someone—a person or youkai—who had changed Sesshomaru's heart. But he wasn't sure if it was that kind of relationship.
Inuyasha had already had two partners and even produced an adorable daughter.
Sesshomaru should step up his game too, right?
...
SQUELCH!
"Eek!"
WHOOSH!!
CRACK!!
They'd lost count of how many Demon Youkai had attacked at night. Akame and Kagura had grown accustomed to their ambushes.
"Seems like they're deliberately targeting us. Though none compare to Hakudoshi or Moryomaru back then."
Kagura watched the dissipating corpse, curious about their opponent's intent.
Demon Youkai of this level couldn't harm them at all.
Never mind making Sesshomaru act—Kagura and Akame could take them out one by one.
"Ugh, I've got a bad feeling about this..."
Jaken's forehead broke out in cold sweat, his voice uneasy.
"Jaken-sama, you're overthinking. Everyone's here—it's safe."
Walking beside him, Rin reached out to pat his head comfortingly.
"Fool, that's not what I mean. It's just watching these modified youkai gives me the creeps."
Shaking off Rin's hand, Jaken immediately retorted.
He wasn't some inexperienced fool—when had he ever worried about his own safety?
Besides, with Sesshomaru-sama right here, what did he have to worry about?
What made Jaken uneasy was the enemy's power to transform youkai...
Judging from the youkai Akame and Kagura had killed, their behavior was clearly abnormal.
"I see. So he's a pawn Naraku discarded? Trying to buy time for yourself?"
Sesshomaru seemed to sense something and spoke coldly.
These past few days, the reason Naraku had made no moves was likely because he'd been injured in that attack and was regenerating. To prevent people from coming after him, he'd deliberately pushed his Servant out as a shield.
As long as Naraku himself lay low and his Servant caused chaos outside, it would naturally draw attention.
Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, Kikyo, Koga—anyone who learned of Muzan's existence and abilities would inevitably go after him.
The Shikon no Tama fragment Naraku gave Muzan hadn't been tampered with.
He actually wanted Muzan to become stronger, to make a bigger commotion.
That way, Inuyasha and the others wouldn't have the energy to focus on him.
And Muzan's power was perfect for drawing aggro...
...
"Monk? Have you heard about the recent disturbances?"
"Ah, apparently someone's been capturing youkai."
"Most likely that so-called Servant."
"This is frustrating—why hasn't Inuyasha brought Kagome back yet?"
"Rikuo too, saying he wanted to check out Kyoto... at such an important time."
Miroku, Sango, and Shippo sat around the campfire, quite concerned about the recent rumors.
"We can only wait for them to return. Going with just us would be too dangerous."
Miroku looked at the Wind Tunnel on his hand and spoke gravely. Ever since Rikuo had come, things had been easier for him.
He'd barely needed to use the Wind Tunnel, so his deadline wasn't as pressing now.
"Who knows when they'll be back..."
...
"Um, Rion-san, you're here again today?"
"Ha ha, sorry—I know I've been visiting too often, but I'm really curious."
Receiving this stranger who'd been visiting frequently, Kagome had grown used to it.
"As I thought—you're a youkai, aren't you? You hide it well, but you can't fool me!"
Inuyasha stood beside Kagome, staring at the man and speaking bluntly.
"Eh?"
"As expected of the Great Dog Demon's son—quite the keen nose."
Compared to Kagome's stunned expression, Rion simply admitted it.
"I am the right arm that was severed from Kirinmaru, the Beast King of the East—yes, the great youkai who rivals your father—transformed into human form."
"Wha—?"
When Inuyasha heard his background, he was struck speechless.
A great youkai on equal footing with his old man?
"Without further ado—Miss Kagome, could you please tell me about the Dragon Balls?"