"I wonder how the village chief is doing… It's already been half a month since he went to the Holy Island."
"Do you think he might've offended the saint somehow? What if we all end up suffering for it?"
The villagers' worried murmurs drifted clearly into Kagetsu's ears. He paused mid-step and turned his head.
Not far from the lakeshore, a few villagers squatted by the water, mending their fishing nets. Their voices were low, but their anxious expressions said everything.
Even from a distance, one phrase stood out,
Holy Island.
Kagetsu narrowed his eyes and looked across the lake. Amid the wide stretch of green rippling water, a small island could be seen in the distance, half-veiled in a thin layer of mist.
So that's it…
He immediately connected it to what he knew. That island had to be the place where Saint Hakushin's mummified body,the so-called Flesh-Body Buddha,had once been enshrined.
But by now… Naraku should have already taken it to Mount Hakurei.
"Kagetsu, what is it?" Kikyo noticed his reaction and followed his gaze toward the misty island. "Is there something unusual about that place?"
"I just heard something interesting." Kagetsu withdrew his gaze and turned toward Miroku. "Hey, monk. The villagers mentioned something strange happening on that island about half a month ago. Go ask around and find out what's going on."
"No problem."
Miroku agreed without hesitation. In one smooth motion, he straightened his posture, adjusted his robes, and picked up his staff. His entire demeanor shifted instantly into that of a dignified, virtuous monk as he strode toward the villagers.
Kagome watched him go and couldn't help muttering, "Honestly, Miroku's 'serious monk' act is way too convincing."
"Exactly!"
Inuyasha, Sango, and Shippo chimed in at the same time.
Not long after, Miroku returned, his expression composed but serious.
"There is indeed something going on."
He paused briefly before continuing in a measured tone.
"The island in the middle of the lake is called the Holy Island. According to the villagers, only the male members of the village chief's family are allowed to set foot on it. They are responsible for tending to Saint Hakushin."
"Saint Hakushin…?" Kagome repeated, surprised.
"Yes," Miroku nodded. "The same revered monk who established the temple on Mount Hakurei,the one we've heard about from villagers along the way."
He continued,
"According to legend, Saint Hakushin was a highly respected monk from a century ago. Before his death, he chose to undergo sokushinbutsu,to become a Buddha in his own body. His preserved remains are enshrined on that island."
"A Buddha… in his own body?" Inuyasha frowned, clearly puzzled.
Miroku glanced at him and explained patiently, "It means achieving Buddhahood through self-mummification. Certain monks with exceptional spiritual discipline begin fasting while still alive, allowing their bodies to naturally preserve before death. Such remains are revered as sacred."
"So… basically a dried-up monk," Inuyasha said bluntly.
Miroku's expression stiffened. He immediately pressed his palms together and shot Inuyasha a sharp look.
"Mind your words, or you may invite divine punishment."
Before they could argue further, Sango cut in.
"What exactly happened on the island?"
Miroku's face grew solemn.
"About half a month ago, strange lights were seen there. Worried about the saint's remains, the village chief went to investigate… but he never came back."
"Strange lights…" Kikyo murmured. "Could it be Naraku?"
"Whoever it is, we'll find out once we take a look," Kagetsu said decisively, already turning toward the lake.
He knew how this played out in the original timeline,Naraku had already taken Saint Hakushin's body. Inuyasha had even clashed with Bankotsu there.
Still… seeing it firsthand was another matter entirely.
"Wait," Kagome called out hesitantly, glancing at the wide expanse of water. "Don't we need a boat to get there?"
Kagetsu waved a hand dismissively. "Why bother? I'm here, aren't I? Just follow me."
Moments later, the group reached the water's edge and looked at him expectantly.
Without a word, Kagetsu formed a series of hand seals.
"Wood Release!"
At once, countless wooden strands burst forth from his palm. With a series of sharp cracking sounds, they twisted, expanded, and wove together at astonishing speed.
In the blink of an eye,
A sturdy wooden boat formed atop the water, rocking gently with the current.
"Done. Let's go."
Kagetsu clapped his hands, then casually scooped Kikyo into his arms before stepping lightly onto the boat.
Not to be outdone, Inuyasha snorted and picked up Kagome, leaping aboard as well.
Sango followed while holding Kirara, and Miroku climbed on with Shippo in his arms.
Kagome crouched down, running her fingers along the wooden planks, amazement written all over her face.
"Kagetsu, your Wood Release is seriously convenient. You can build houses… and now even boats?"
"Sharp observation." Kagetsu gave her a playful thumbs-up. "Wood Release isn't just for construction,it's also excellent for killing people quickly."
"…!"
Kagome froze, her smile stiffening instantly.
"Don't say things like that," Kikyo scolded, lightly smacking his chest.
"Relax, I'm joking." Kagetsu chuckled at Kagome's expression and didn't push it further.
Once everyone was settled, he picked up a pole and pushed the boat away from shore.
"Wait! Please, wait!"
A child's voice suddenly rang out from behind them.
Everyone turned.
A young boy was running toward them along the lakeshore, waving his arms frantically, his face filled with urgency.
Kagetsu stopped the boat and watched him approach.
If he remembered correctly… this boy should be the village chief's son.
The boy reached the edge of the water, bent over as he caught his breath, sweat dripping from his brow. Then he looked up at them with pleading eyes.
"Are… are you going to the Holy Island?"
"That's right," Kagetsu replied evenly. "What do you want, kid?"
"Please,take me with you!"
The desperation in his voice was unmistakable.
Kikyo stepped forward slightly, her tone gentle. "Why do you want to go?"
"My name is Shintaro," the boy said quickly. "My father is the village chief. He went to the island half a month ago… and he hasn't come back."
He clenched his fists.
"I'm worried about him. But the villagers are too afraid of divine punishment to go there… no one will help me."
After a brief hesitation, he added,
"I can guide you. The island is always covered in mist,it's dangerous if you don't know the way."
Kikyo glanced at Kagetsu. "Let him come."
"…Fine." Kagetsu nodded and extended the pole toward him. "Grab on tight."
"Thank you!"
Shintaro's face lit up. He quickly grabbed the pole.
With a flick of his wrist, Kagetsu pulled him up effortlessly and set him onto the boat.
"Thank you so much!" the boy said again, bowing slightly.
"No need to thank us!" Shippo grinned, patting his shoulder. "Of course you'd worry about your dad!"
Shintaro nodded, his eyes bright with gratitude.
Kagetsu pushed the boat further out, then tossed the pole aside.
"Everyone, hold on," he said, glancing back at them. "We're picking up speed."
They instinctively grabbed the sides of the boat, confusion on their faces.
The next moment,
A pale blue sphere of rapidly spinning chakra formed in Kagetsu's palm, humming softly.
"Rasengan!"
He slammed it into the water at the stern.
With a thunderous surge of force, the chakra erupted,
The bow lifted sharply, and the wooden boat shot forward like an arrow released from a bowstring, slicing across the lake at incredible speed and leaving a long trail of white spray in its wake.