"Kagetsu, I don't know what's been going on lately, but powerful demons have been disappearing for no apparent reason. It's letting all these weaklings run rampant without restraint."
Kikyo didn't even bother reaching for the bow on her back. A cold gleam flashed across the blade in her hand as she casually beheaded a lizard demon that had only recently transformed. Her brows knit slightly as she spoke.
"Wind Release: Wind Cutter Technique!"
Nearly invisible currents of wind chakra burst forth from Kagetsu, instantly forming several razor-sharp blades. They tore through the swarm of lesser demons ahead, reducing them to shredded pieces as a foul-smelling mist of blood spread through the air.
"They were probably taken by something," he said, shaking his head, disgust evident in his tone. "But these things are just revolting,always swarming in black masses the moment they appear."
"These lesser demons are only flooding the area because the stronger ones have vanished," Kikyo explained softly as she sheathed her sword and stepped to his side. "Given time, they'll devour each other. Their numbers will naturally decline."
The two of them were clearing out the demons near the shrine.
For reasons unknown, many powerful demons in the surrounding mountains had disappeared. In their absence, countless newly born, weak demons,unchecked and chaotic,had begun spreading everywhere.
Even the shrine at the forest's edge was no longer spared from their harassment.
Individually, they were pitifully weak. If a human could overcome their fear, even a wooden club would be enough to kill them. But their sheer numbers made them troublesome, forcing Kikyo and Kagetsu to regularly clear them out.
"Naraku, this is all of them."
Kagura tossed a heavily injured demon into the castle's basement, her voice flat and emotionless.
"These are all the nearby demons with any measurable strength."
"Ah,!"
The moment the demon hit the ground, a shrill scream echoed through the chamber,only to be swallowed by a grotesque, wet squelching sound. The scream quickly weakened… and then vanished entirely.
Kagura frowned, a flicker of undisguised disgust passing through her eyes.
In the dimly lit basement, countless demon bodies were fused together into a grotesque, writhing mass. It pulsed like a living organism, limbs twisting unnaturally. Bloodshot eyes of all sizes protruded from its surface, rolling aimlessly and radiating an indescribable horror.
The demon she had just thrown in had already been absorbed,its body forcibly assimilated into the wriggling heap.
"It's not enough."
Naraku's head slowly emerged from the center of the mass. His cold gaze fixed on Kagura at the entrance.
"The demonic power of these creatures is far too weak. It's nowhere near sufficient."
At the mention of this, a vicious hatred surged in his eyes.
"Kagetsu… I will make you pay for this."
Kagura watched him,this being that had nearly turned into a monster,and a dangerous glint flickered deep within her eyes before vanishing just as quickly.
She understood her situation all too well.
Naraku might be weakened, but her heart was still in his possession. As long as he held it, true defiance was impossible.
If not for the fact that he currently needed her and Kanna to hold off Inuyasha's pursuit, Kagura had no doubt that Naraku,desperate to restore his strength,would have already reabsorbed them without hesitation.
Not long ago, when Naraku had appeared before her reduced to nothing but a head, she had nearly struck him down on the spot.
Only Kanna's silent intervention had stopped her.
Otherwise… she might already have become nothing more than fuel for his recovery.
Worse still, Naraku had hidden both her heart and Kanna's in advance. The moment he sensed her intent to rebel, he crushed her heart without hesitation.
That suffocating pain… she would never forget it.
"There are no suitable targets left nearby," Kagura said, suppressing her thoughts and returning to her usual calm tone. "If we want stronger demons, we'll have to search farther away."
To prevent her escape, Naraku never allowed her to travel too far alone.
"No… there is one perfect target."
Naraku's lips curled into a sinister smile as his gaze locked onto her.
"A demon with power pure enough to make me even stronger."
Kagura froze.
A name instantly surfaced in her mind.
Her eyes widened as she stared at him in disbelief.
"You… don't tell me you mean Sesshomaru?!"
"Exactly."
Naraku sneered.
"Kagura, go lure Sesshomaru to this castle."
"I,"
Rage surged through Kagura instantly.
"Naraku, are you trying to get me killed? You bastard!"
"Kagura."
Naraku's voice turned ice-cold.
"Ah,!"
Agony struck her in the next instant.
Kagura clutched her chest and collapsed to the ground, her face draining of all color as cold sweat poured down her brow.
She glared at him with burning hatred, her voice trembling through clenched teeth.
"…I'll go."
"Hmph."
Naraku released his grip on her heart and spoke indifferently.
"Relax. I'm not sending you to your death. There's a human child named Rin who travels with Sesshomaru. She's currently separated from him. Go and capture her."
"Kohaku."
At Naraku's call, the boy standing silently in the corner stepped forward. Kneeling on one knee, his hollow eyes reflected no emotion.
"Lord Naraku."
"Go with Kagura and bring Rin back."
"Yes."
Kohaku's voice was quiet,empty, devoid of feeling.
"Tch. What use is this brat?" Kagura muttered, rising to her feet as she gripped her folding fan tightly, casting him an annoyed glance.
"Kagura," Naraku said coldly, "if you value your life, leave immediately. Unless you'd prefer to take someone directly from Sesshomaru himself."
"Got it."
She clicked her tongue impatiently, then turned sharply.
"Move it, kid."
As she walked out, the irritation in her eyes faded… replaced by a faint, dangerous anticipation.
She didn't understand how Naraku,reduced to this state,still dared provoke Sesshomaru.
But she was very much looking forward to it.
If Sesshomaru killed Naraku…
She would finally be free.
"Sesshomaru…"
After Kagura and Kohaku departed, a crazed light flickered in Naraku's eyes as he muttered to himself.
"Ugh,!"
The writhing mass convulsed violently. Moments later, a shriveled, lifeless demon corpse was spat out and slammed onto the ground.
Naraku glanced at it, a cold smile forming on his lips.
"So… the life-draining effect weakened after reconstructing my body…"
"Kagetsu… I should thank you."
"You've given me the means to cast off this curse."
"Lord Jaken, keep watch for me!"
Rin crouched in a melon field, carefully selecting ripe cantaloupes. She turned and whispered to Jaken, who stood nearby on lookout.
It was obvious,
The two were stealing melons.
Jaken let out a helpless sigh but still scanned the surroundings vigilantly.
"Whoosh,!"
A sudden gust of violent wind swept through, kicking up dust and forcing both of them to shut their eyes.
When the wind settled,
Kagura stood before them.
Holding her folding fan, she gazed calmly at Jaken and Rin.
"You…"
Jaken immediately raised his staff defensively, staring at her with caution as he subtly moved to shield Rin.
"That Sesshomaru really is careless," Kagura said with a faint smile, noticing his small movements. "Leaving his attendants alone like this."
She flicked her fan.
"Boom!"
A powerful blast of wind erupted, sending Jaken flying. He tumbled across the ground before finally coming to a stop.
By the time he staggered to his feet, still dizzy,
They were gone.
"Rin! Rin,!"
Jaken shouted frantically, panic overtaking him as he searched in every direction.
Then,
Kagura's voice drifted faintly through the air.
"Tell Sesshomaru… Rin is in Naraku's castle."
"If he wants her back,he can come himself."