"He must have captured a large number of humans and demons to create these imitation Shikon Jewels."
After Kagetsu dealt with Gyūō, Kikyo spoke in a heavy tone.
"There won't be just one or two of these. We need to rescue the captives,and gather every fake Shikon Jewel. If even one falls into the hands of other demons, it could become a serious threat."
"To create something like this, he'd need a large number of victims," Miroku said thoughtfully. "If we search nearby villages, we should find signs of disappearances."
"We can track him by scent," Inuyasha added, lowering his head to sniff the lingering traces in the air. "That should lead us straight to their hideout."
"We can also follow the aura of the Shikon Jewel shards!" Kagome said quickly.
"No need."
Kagetsu had already entered Sage Mode while they spoke. His perception spread outward in an instant, locking onto a distant concentration of demonic presence.
"Follow me. I've already found them."
Kikyo didn't hesitate. She immediately summoned Kuromaru, vaulting onto its back in one fluid motion. Reaching out, she pulled Enju up behind her.
"We need to move quickly," she said to the others. "Those two were likely the leaders. Once the others realize they're dead, they'll scatter."
Without another word, Kagetsu took off first.
Kuromaru followed close behind, carrying Kikyo and Enju.
"Inuyasha, hurry!"
Before he could respond, Kagome leapt onto his back, patting his shoulder impatiently.
"Move!"
"Hey,!" Inuyasha shot her an annoyed look but didn't argue. With a snort, he took off after them.
"Don't fall behind!"
Sango, Miroku, and Shippō climbed onto Kirara, who bounded forward in a burst of speed, overtaking Inuyasha in seconds.
"I said I'm coming!" Inuyasha grumbled, quickening his pace.
"Lady Kikyo," Enju spoke softly as they traveled, her wine-red eyes filled with curiosity. "Did you realize that man was suspicious from the start?"
Her question immediately caught everyone's attention.
Kagome leaned forward. Sango and Miroku glanced over, and even Inuyasha perked up, listening in.
Kikyo shook her head slightly.
"Not at first. It was Kagetsu's reaction that made me pay closer attention."
She paused before continuing calmly.
"If you observe carefully, the inconsistencies become obvious."
"First,he was far too calm."
"Even though he panicked while being chased, he regained his composure almost immediately after being 'rescued.' That's not how an ordinary person reacts after escaping death."
"…Now that you mention it," Miroku said, eyes narrowing slightly, "there was something off. When Miss Kagome gave him water, he didn't even drink it right away. Instead, he took the time to admire the bottle."
"That's definitely not normal," Sango added with a frown.
"And he knew too much," Inuyasha cut in.
"When he saw the fake Shikon Jewel, he didn't look surprised at all. He immediately identified it,and even knew demons were trying to replicate the real one."
He snorted.
"That's not something some random guy being chased by weak demons should know."
"We let someone like that get so close…" Sango muttered, her expression darkening. Memories of past deception clearly lingered.
"We're here."
Kagetsu came to an abrupt stop, pointing ahead.
"It's inside that cave."
Following his gaze, the group spotted a dark cavern hidden beneath a cliff face. Not far from the entrance stood a small courtyard structure,clearly used by whoever occupied the place.
"There are quite a few demons nearby," he added. "And the captives should be inside."
"Then let's go!"
Inuyasha drew Tessaiga with a sharp clang, already charging forward.
"I'm taking them out!"
"Inuyasha, wait!" Kagome called, grabbing her bow and rushing after him.
Sango, Miroku, and Shippō followed immediately, Kirara leaping forward into the cave in a flash.
Kikyo took a step to follow,
But Kagetsu stopped her.
"The demons inside aren't particularly strong," he said calmly. "Inuyasha and the others can handle them."
He glanced toward the surroundings.
"We'll guard the entrance. No one gets out,and we deal with anything lurking outside."
"…Understood."
Kikyo nodded. She had sensed it as well,the demonic aura inside the cave wasn't overwhelming.
With that, the two of them remained outside, holding the perimeter.
"Enju."
Kagetsu suddenly spoke.
"If I wanted you to use your clay soldiers to resurrect someone… what would you need?"
Enju blinked, surprised by the sudden question.
"You'd need a kiln to fire the clay body, special medicinal herbs… and the remains of the deceased, along with soil from their grave."
She hesitated briefly before adding,
"Most importantly… their soul must still exist. If it has already been reincarnated, resurrection isn't possible."
"…I see."
Kagetsu's gaze deepened slightly.
"What if the soul isn't present yet? Could the body be prepared first,and the soul added later?"
"This…"
Enju frowned, clearly uncertain.
"It… should be possible?"
She glanced at Kikyo instinctively.
"Lady Kikyo's body was formed before her soul returned. So in theory… it could work."
"Good."
Kagetsu nodded decisively.
"I'll need your help to resurrect someone."
"O-okay!" Enju agreed quickly, though confusion lingered in her eyes.
Kikyo, who had been silent until now, finally spoke.
"…Kagetsu. Who are you planning to resurrect?"
In response, Kagetsu took out the imitation Shikon Jewel and held it up.
"The one who created the Shikon Jewel…"
He met Kikyo's gaze.
"The ancient priestess,Suiko."
"…What?"
Kikyo's eyes widened. Her gaze dropped to the jewel in his hand as realization dawned.
"You mean… to extract Suiko's soul from the Shikon Jewel?"
"Exactly."
Kagetsu nodded.
"This imitation gave me the idea."
"If a fake can be created by combining human and demon souls… then removing Suiko's soul from the real Shikon Jewel…"
He narrowed his eyes slightly.
"…might cause it to cease existing entirely."
A flicker of realization passed through Kikyo's eyes.
She had never considered such a possibility.
"…Is that even feasible?" she asked quietly.
Kagetsu gave a small shrug.
"We won't know unless we try."
He lightly tossed the imitation jewel in his hand.
"First, we collect all the fake Shikon Jewels here. With enough samples, we might be able to find a method."
Kikyo took a slow breath,
Then nodded firmly.
"…Alright."
She tightened her grip on her bow, her gaze sharpening.
"Let's begin."