"But Suiko's soul is inside the Shikon Jewel. Even if we use a clay vessel to resurrect her…"
Kagome hesitated, glancing subconsciously at Kikyo.
"…it would end up like you were back then,just an empty shell without a soul."
By this point, Kagetsu had already found a suitable spot to construct the kiln. He stopped and turned back toward the group.
"Since those demons were able to fuse human and demon souls to create imitation Shikon Jewels, then there must also be a way to extract a soul from the real one."
He paused.
Then slowly raised a hand to cover one eye.
He could clearly feel the subtle changes within his Sharingan,something was evolving.
After a brief silence, he lowered his hand.
"…I already have a rough idea."
"Really?" Kagome's eyes widened in surprise.
Kikyo also looked at him, a flicker of astonishment crossing her gaze. She hadn't expected him to arrive at a solution so quickly.
"Mm."
Kagetsu's gaze swept calmly across the group.
"If we can extract Suiko's soul from the Shikon Jewel and place it into a clay vessel…"
His voice grew heavier.
"…then the Shikon Jewel may cease to exist once it loses its core. And even if it doesn't,"
He narrowed his eyes slightly.
"As its creator, Suiko herself would certainly know how to destroy it."
The courtyard fell silent.
Inuyasha, Kagome, and the others stood frozen for a moment.
The hesitation they had felt about resurrecting Suiko… vanished almost instantly.
Because in the end,Their goal was the same.
Destroy Naraku. End the Shikon Jewel.
Kagetsu had already made his decision long ago.
Whether they agreed or not, Suiko would be resurrected.
To completely sever the chain of tragedy tied to the Shikon Jewel, its creator had to return.
As for relying on Kagome to make the "correct wish" and erase the Shikon Jewel,
He had no intention of gambling everything on that.
Even if the original outcome could still happen… what if it didn't?
And even if it did,The idea that the Shikon Jewel would obediently vanish just because of a wish felt… too convenient.
Too uncertain.
If there was another path,
He would take it.
As for extracting Suiko's soul, Kagetsu had already considered the possibilities.
One option was the forbidden technique,Dead Demon Consuming Seal.
A jutsu capable of forcibly extracting and sealing souls.
But the cost was far too great.
The user's own soul would be taken as well.
And in this world, there was no way to undo that sacrifice,no mask of the Shinigami, no way to release what had been sealed.
That path was a dead end.
Which left only one viable option.
The power of the Rinnegan.
The abilities of the Six Paths,especially the Human Path,were directly tied to the manipulation of souls.
If anything could forcibly extract Suiko's soul from the Shikon Jewel…
It would be that.
"Earth Release."
Without further hesitation, Kagetsu slammed his palm onto the ground.
Chakra surged outward.
The earth trembled,
Then rose.
The soil rapidly reshaped itself, hardening and forming structure after structure.
In mere moments, a sturdy kiln stood before them.
"Enju, take a look. Let me know if anything needs adjusting."
"R-right!"
Enju snapped out of her daze and hurried forward, examining the kiln carefully.
Kikyo followed close behind, her interest clearly piqued. This form of resurrection was something she understood all too well,and yet, she still found herself drawn to it.
"Inuyasha… what should we do?" Kagome asked, glancing at him.
Sango and Miroku also turned toward him, waiting.
Inuyasha looked from Suiko's remains… to the three figures inspecting the kiln.
His expression tightened slightly.
He wanted to chase Naraku.
But…
This mattered too.
Before he could answer,
"Let's stay a few days," Shippō suddenly said, pointing nearby.
"Look,Kirara seems to like Priestess Suiko."
Everyone turned.
Kirara was quietly resting beside Suiko's remains, gently rubbing her head against the petrified cheek, her eyes filled with a strange, nostalgic warmth.
"…Could she have known Suiko?" Miroku murmured thoughtfully.
"Sango," Kagome asked, "how long has Kirara been with you?"
Sango paused, thinking back.
"She's been in the village since I was born. She's protected the Demon Slayer Village for generations… far longer than any of us."
"…Then it's possible," Miroku said, realization dawning. "Suiko's remains were found in the mountains behind the village. Kirara may have seen her before."
"…Kirara?" Sango called softly.
"Inng~"
Kirara let out a gentle cry, her tail swaying.
Sango's eyes widened.
"…So it's true."
"Then it's settled!" Kagome said firmly. "We stay until Suiko's body is ready!"
"…Fine."
Inuyasha exhaled.
"We'll wait."
"Inuyasha, you stay here and protect Suiko's remains,and Enju," Kagome said quickly.
Then she grabbed Sango's hand.
"Sango, come on,we'll help too!"
Before long, with everyone working together, a specialized Demon Kiln for the resurrection ritual was completed.
"We still need medicinal herbs, spiritual reagents, clay, charcoal… and demon blood," Enju said as she checked through the requirements.
"Give me the list," Kikyo said, taking it immediately. "Kagetsu, come with me. Your clones will make this faster."
"No problem."
"I'll head to the nearby castle town for charcoal," Sango said, turning to Miroku.
"Come with me."
"Of course," Miroku replied instantly, clearly pleased.
"Kagome, you'll need to gather clay," Enju added. "Fine, clean clay from the riverbank."
"Got it!"
Kagome nodded, turning to Shippō.
"Coming?"
"I'm in!"
"…What about me?" Inuyasha frowned.
"You stay here," Kagome replied casually.
Kagetsu, however, shook his head.
"You should go with Kagome. The riverbank isn't necessarily safe."
At the same time, he formed a hand seal.
Poof!
A Shadow Clone appeared beside him.
"I'll leave this clone behind. That's enough to guard Enju."
"…Whoa." Kagome blinked. "There are two of you now."
Shippō reached out and poked the clone, eyes lighting up.
"It's solid! Not an illusion!"
"This is the Shadow Clone Jutsu," Kagetsu explained simply. "A physical duplicate. It's not as strong, but it's more than enough for this."
"We're heading out."
He turned to Kikyo, who was already prepared.
Without hesitation, he lifted her in his arms and vanished in a blur using the Body Flicker Technique.
"Let's go too!" Kagome called, waving as she ran off toward the river with Shippō.
Sango and Miroku departed on Kirara, heading toward the nearby castle town.
Inuyasha cast one last glance at Suiko's remains,
Then sprinted after Kagome.
Soon, the courtyard grew quiet.
Only Kagetsu's Shadow Clone and Enju remained,
Working steadily beside the kiln.