Retsu reached out and lifted the immobilized Momiji and Botan, placing them onto Blackmaru's back to keep the defenseless girls from getting hurt. Then he turned to Tsubaki and said,
"Let's go. Take us to where the demon is sealed."
With both Retsu and Kikyo staring at her, Tsubaki knew she had no choice. Though unwilling, she muttered as she led the way,
"If you want to die, you just have to drag me down with you."
After dragging her feet for a while, the three of them finally reached the back of the mountain behind the temple. A lonely, two-story brick pagoda stood quietly before them.
"We're here. This is the Forbidden Tower—the Treasure Pagoda that seals the demon," Tsubaki said, her tone complicated as she looked up.
She lowered her gaze and pointed at the tightly shut wooden door.
"The entrance is protected by a barrier. It has to be undone before we can go in. And the demon itself is sealed inside a stronger sealing stone."
Then she glanced at Retsu, calculation flashing in her eyes.
"I know how to undo the seal, but my spiritual power is sealed. How about you remove my seal first, and I'll break the barrier?"
Retsu saw through her thoughts immediately and ignored her. He turned to Kikyo instead.
"Can you break this seal?"
"I'll take a look first."
Kikyo walked up the stone steps and pressed her hand against the wooden door. It didn't budge. A faint glow of spiritual light covered the tower, blocking entry.
She frowned and thought for a moment before turning back.
"This seal was reinforced by many people. It's very strong."
Then her tone relaxed.
"If I want to remove it properly, I'll need ritual tools and materials. I'd have to set up an altar. It'll take some time."
She turned toward Blackmaru, ready to leave.
"No need to go through all that trouble."
Retsu grabbed her wrist.
"That's a waste of time. Let's just break it."
"That works too." Kikyo nodded. "If we're releasing the demon anyway, this tower probably won't survive."
"Hmph! Anyone can talk big," Tsubaki sneered.
"This seal has been strengthened for over a hundred years by countless priests and shrine maidens. It's impossible to force it open! Even if you could, it'd take longer than doing it properly!"
"Do we need to back away?" Kikyo asked calmly.
"No."
Retsu shook his head.
"Stay here. It'll be quick."
He raised his head toward the door. His Sharingan flared scarlet, and the Mangekyō pattern in his left eye began spinning rapidly. Massive ocular power surged forth.
"Kamui."
Space around the pagoda rippled violently.
Centered on the wooden door, a black spatial vortex formed and began to rotate, devouring everything nearby. At the same time, the barrier flared with brilliant light, struggling to resist.
But in front of space distortion itself, the resistance was meaningless.
The light flickered a few times before vanishing completely as the door was shredded into dust.
"Done. Let's go in."
Retsu stopped his technique and walked forward.
Not only was the door gone, but spiral-shaped distortions were carved into the surrounding walls.
Kikyo followed him through the opening. Seeing Tsubaki still frozen in place, she called out,
"What are you standing there for? Come in."
Tsubaki snapped back to her senses and pointed at the shattered entrance, stammering,
"W-What was that just now?"
"Nothing. Just one of Retsu's little tricks," Kikyo replied with a smile.
Her gaze slid to Tsubaki's slender neck.
"If you don't hurry, he might twist your neck the same way."
"I-I'm coming!"
A chill ran down Tsubaki's spine. She rushed over and deliberately hid behind Kikyo, keeping her distance from Retsu.
Retsu glanced at Kikyo helplessly and saw the amusement in her eyes.
She was clearly getting back at Tsubaki for trying to escape earlier.
Inside the tower, the room was empty. Only a wooden hatch lay in the center of the floor, leading underground. The talismans pasted on it were already shattered.
"There's another seal here, but it was linked to the outer one," Tsubaki said, bending down.
"It should be broken now."
She pulled the hatch open easily.
Below was a stone staircase descending into darkness.
"The sealing stone is down there," Tsubaki explained as she went first.
"Let's go."
Retsu followed with Kikyo.
"Don't leave me behind when you release it," Tsubaki said nervously.
"We won't," Kikyo replied calmly.
They descended and passed through a short tunnel, entering a hidden chamber. As soon as they stepped in, torches on both sides ignited, lighting the room.
At the far end stood a black stone over two meters tall, radiating dense demonic energy. Thick sacred ropes were wrapped around it.
Retsu knew at once—this was the sealing stone.
Sure enough, Tsubaki said,
"That's it. Break the seal on it, and the demon will be released."
"What's the incantation?" Kikyo asked, brushing her fingers over the ropes.
Tsubaki shrank back slightly and obediently recited the spell.
"Can't we just cut it?" Retsu frowned, gripping his sword.
"Chanting is troublesome."
"Better not," Kikyo said seriously.
"If we force it, the demonic energy will explode. This chamber will collapse, and we could be buried alive.
With the spell, it's quick. No need to take that risk."
"Alright." Retsu nodded.
"Tell me when it's done. I'll get us out."
Kikyo stepped forward and clasped her hands. Her clear voice echoed through the chamber.
"Open."
The moment the final word fell, the sacred ropes snapped.
Crack!
Spiderweb-like fractures spread across the black stone. Thick demonic and cursed energy poured out, darkening the air.
"Retsu, let's go!" Kikyo called.
Already prepared, Retsu grabbed her wrist, seized Tsubaki by the collar, and activated Flying Thunder God.
"Move!"
Their figures vanished.
In the next instant, they reappeared outside the pagoda beside Blackmaru.
Tsubaki staggered and barely stood upright.
Looking at the familiar ground and the giant bear, she finally realized what had happened.
Instinctively, she edged farther away from Retsu and looked back toward the Treasure Pagoda.
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