"Cheap tricks."
Kagetsu cast a dismissive glance at the demon, now completely still within the flames, his voice laced with disdain. Turning to Kikyo, he asked, "That man's hair… Are you really going to take it to Mount Hakurei?"
Kikyo walked over to Kansuke's body and knelt, picking up the shard of the Shikon Jewel and the strand of white hair from the ground.
She studied the shard in her hand, its faint glow flickering softly.
"A life ends like a flame being snuffed out," she said calmly. "No matter how steeped in sin his past was, I gave my word. I intend to honor it."
"Since Naraku's involved, that place may not be the sacred ground he believed it to be," Kagetsu reminded her.
He knew the truth of Mount Hakurei ,if things followed their course, Kansuke's wish would likely go unfulfilled.
"I'll try," Kikyo replied, lifting her gaze to meet him. "If it truly cannot be done… then so be it."
Kagetsu said nothing further. They were heading to Mount Hakurei anyway, this changed little.
Opening the Kamui dimension, he took the lock of white hair from her and stored it away. Then he looked up through the canopy at the dimming sky.
"Looks like rain. Let's find somewhere to rest first."
"Mm."
Kikyo cast one last glance at Kansuke's body before turning away. After a moment, she spoke softly:
"Lay him to rest."
Kagetsu didn't reply, but behind him, the earth began to shift with a quiet rustling sound.
Moments later, the soil churned, drawing Kansuke's body down into the ground. Leaves and dirt settled over him, returning him to the earth.
"Mount Hakurei cleanse sins?"
The villager they had stopped frowned in thought. Then his eyes lit up.
"I think I've heard of it… something like the Saint Hakushin…"
"That's right! The Saint Hakushin!" another villager chimed in immediately. "I heard he built a temple on Mount Hakurei. They say if you pray sincerely, even the gravest sins can be washed away!"
"Could you tell us where Mount Hakurei is?" Kikyo asked at once.
"Go through the forest ahead," the villager replied, pointing toward the dense woodland beyond the village. "At the far end, there's a canyon. From there, you can see the outline of Mount Hakurei."
"But it's still a long journey from there," he added. "You'll have to cross several mountain ridges before you reach it."
"Thank you."
Kikyo bowed slightly in gratitude.
After parting with the villagers, the two of them left the village and headed toward the forest.
Kagetsu stared at the endless stretch of trees ahead and let out a long sigh.
"That damn Naraku really knows how to run. We just got out of one forest, and now we're heading straight into another."
Then suddenly, his eyes lit up.
"Wait,I've got an idea!"
He grinned. "Let's have Natsuarashi fly us over."
Without delay, he bit his fingertip, smeared blood across his palm, and rapidly formed hand seals before slamming his hand to the ground.
"Summoning Technique!"
Poof!
A burst of smoke erupted, and Natsuarashi appeared, her fiery red hair swaying as she landed lightly. She raised a hand in greeting, glancing around in confusion.
"Kagetsu ? Kikyo? Isn't this usually when there's a fight? Why don't I see any enemies?"
"No fighting this time," Kagetsu said, shaking his head. "Natsuarashi, can you fly?"
"Of course I can!" she replied proudly, lifting her chin. "Where do you want to go?"
"Good. Take us across this forest."
"…Across this forest?"
Natsuarashi turned and looked at the vast woodland stretching endlessly into the distance. A bead of cold sweat formed on her forehead as she waved her hands frantically.
"No way! That's too,"
Before she could finish, Kagetsu misunderstood her hesitation.
Thinking she simply didn't want to be used as transportation, he calmly opened the Kamui dimension and pulled out a scroll. Unsealing it, he revealed a small package that gave off a distinct, enticing fragrance.
"This is?"
Natsuarashi's nose twitched. Her eyes instantly lit up, locking onto the package.
"Silver vine?!"
"That's right,specially prepared for you."
Kagetsu gave the package a teasing shake. "Fly us across, and in addition to the fish I promised you before, this is yours."
He added casually, "I've also got your favorite,udon."
A fierce internal struggle flashed across Natsuarashi's face. After a moment, she clenched her teeth.
"…Fine! Deal! But I want a taste first!"
She immediately reached out to snatch the silver vine.
"Nope."
Kagetsu raised his hand, holding it out of reach.
"No advance payments."
"Tch. Stingy."
Natsuarashi clicked her tongue, her eyes darting as she reconsidered.
"Fine, then give it to me first. I'll take it back, store it properly, and then you summon me again. That works, right?"
Kagetsu hesitated briefly,something about her behavior felt off,but ultimately nodded.
He took out the grilled fish and udon from his storage scroll and handed them over along with the silver vine.
"Don't eat anything yet," he warned. "Especially not the silver vine."
"Don't worry! I totally won't!"
Natsuarashi hugged the items to her chest, patting it confidently.
In the next instant,
Poof!
She dismissed herself, vanishing along with the goods.
"…That was a little suspicious," Kikyo observed quietly.
"Eh, it's fine," Kagetsu said with a shrug. "If she takes the goods and skips out, I'll just drag her back and beat her senseless."
After a short wait, he formed hand seals again and summoned her once more.
Poof!
Natsuarashi reappeared in front of them.
"You got your payment. Let's go," Kagetsu said.
"No problem!"
As her voice fell, demonic energy surged around her. Her form expanded rapidly,
In an instant, a massive leopard cat stood before them, its sleek crimson fur gleaming like fire.
She turned her large golden eyes toward them.
"Hop on. Hold tight."
Kagetsu scooped Kikyo into his arms and leapt onto her back, landing securely.
"Alright,move out."
"Hang on!"
With a low growl, flames ignited beneath Natsuarashi's paws. Her powerful body launched skyward, cutting through the air as she sped over the forest.
Below them, the sea of trees rushed past.
Kagetsu let out a breath of relief. Finally,no trudging through endless woods.
After some time, the distant outline of a canyon began to appear at the far end of the forest.
"We're almost there! Keep it up!" he called.
But just as the words left his mouth,
Natsuarashi's speed faltered.
Then slowed.
Then dropped.
Her massive body began to descend uncontrollably toward the forest below.
"Natsuarashi?"
Kagetsu frowned, instantly alert. He activated his chakra senses, scanning the surroundings for enemies,but found none.
Instead, he realized,
Her demonic energy was nearly depleted.
"I… I'm out of energy…" Natsuarashi's weak voice came through.
As she spoke, her massive form rapidly shrank, reverting to her humanoid state.
With nothing left to support them,
The three of them plummeted.
Kagetsu reacted instantly.
He pulled Kikyo tightly into his arms while grabbing Natsuarashi with his other hand. His Mangekyō Sharingan flared to life.
"Susanoo!"