While Kagetsu was lost in thought, the two of them followed the Demon Slayer leader to a heavily guarded chamber within the village.
At the center of the room stood an altar. Upon it rested a wooden box, bound tightly with layers of sacred shimenawa ropes meant to suppress malevolent energy.
However,
Even Kagetsu, who had little knowledge of shrine rituals or spiritual wards, could tell at a glance that the measures were nearly useless.
A dense, oppressive evil aura seeped visibly from the box, like smoke leaking through cracks.
"This is where we store the Shikon Jewel shard," the Demon Slayer leader explained, gesturing toward the altar.
"Since the jewel shattered, many demons have obtained fragments. Their strength increased drastically, and attacks on nearby villages became frequent."
He continued gravely, "After slaying such demons, we retrieve the shards and place them here for safekeeping,to prevent them from falling into other demons' hands."
Kikyo stepped forward slowly, her gaze fixed on the box.
"The evil aura is too heavy," she said softly, frowning. "These shards have already been deeply tainted."
The Demon Slayers accompanying them stiffened immediately.
Hands moved subtly to sword hilts and spear shafts. Their eyes tracked Kikyo's every movement.
They did not know whether she truly intended to purify the shard,or steal it.
Kikyo paid them no mind.
She approached the altar calmly, lifted the lid, and removed the Shikon Jewel shard from within.
The moment it touched her palm, pure spiritual power radiated outward.
A brilliant white glow enveloped the shard.
The ink-black corruption clinging to it dissolved instantly, like frost vanishing beneath sunlight.
In mere seconds, the shard regained its original translucent pink brilliance,clear, pristine, almost innocent.
"It is done."
Kikyo's voice was calm, as if she had merely brushed dust from her sleeve.
She returned the purified shard to the box and stepped back to Kagetsu's side.
"As long as the shards are not handled by demons or humans with wicked hearts, they will not be tainted again."
Silence filled the chamber.
Then,
"Incredible…"
"She purified it instantly…"
"Such spiritual power…"
The Demon Slayers stared in awe, their earlier suspicion replaced by admiration.
The village leader stepped forward quickly, his expression solemn.
"Are you truly… the priestess Kikyo who guarded the Shikon Jewel fifty years ago?"
"Yes," Kikyo replied with a composed nod. "I am."
Standing beside her, Kagetsu silently observed.
She carried herself flawlessly,calm, dignified, untouchable. The bearing of a true shrine maiden who once stood at the center of an era.
He straightened slightly, naturally taking position at her side like a silent guardian.
With the massive Black Bear Demon waiting obediently outside under genjutsu control, Kikyo's presence became even more imposing,almost otherworldly.
"Lady Kikyo," the Demon Slayer leader said respectfully, bowing his head, "thank you for purifying the shard."
He turned immediately. "Prepare a banquet! We must properly welcome Lady Kikyo!"
"There is no need," Kikyo interrupted gently but firmly.
Neither she nor Kagetsu required food. And she had no desire to burden the village.
Instead, she said, "There is something I wish to ask. The origin of the Shikon Jewel."
Her eyes remained steady.
"Fifty years ago, I accepted your commission to purify and guard it. But I was never told how it came into being."
"Could you tell me its origin?"
The Demon Slayer leader hesitated briefly, then nodded.
"Very well. Please follow me."
He led them out of the chamber.
As they walked through the village, a small figure suddenly darted out in front of them.
It was a fluffy creature resembling a cross between a fox and a cat. Yellow fur streaked with black stripes covered its body, and two large, fluffy tails swayed behind it.
Kirara.
Kagetsu recognized her instantly,the loyal companion who followed Sango, once the familiar of the ancient priestess Tsuiko.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
If Kirara was here…
Was Myoga here as well?
Before Inuyasha's arrival at the Demon Slayer Village in the original timeline, Myoga had already visited to investigate the Shikon Jewel. He had even become acquainted with Sango.
Kagetsu subtly extended his perception, searching for a faint demonic aura.
Nothing.
But that meant little.
Myoga was a flea demon,tiny, elusive, and highly skilled at concealing himself. If he was clinging to Kirara, her aura would easily mask his own.
Without entering Sage Mode, detecting him would be difficult.
He had only encountered Myoga twice before and wasn't particularly familiar with him. But Kikyo,
Myoga had served Inuyasha for decades. He would have known Kikyo well fifty years ago.
The only question was whether the notoriously timid flea would dare approach her.
Just as Kagetsu and Kikyo were about to leave the village compound,
A familiar voice rang out from Kirara.
"Miss Kikyo! Miss Kikyo!"
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Kagetsu's mouth.
So the flea had been listening all along.
"Grandfather Myoga?" Kikyo said in mild surprise, turning toward Kirara.
"What are you doing here?"
With a small hop, a tiny flea leapt from Kirara's fur and landed neatly on Kikyo's shoulder.
"Miss Kikyo," Myoga said, bowing deeply. "I heard rumors of the Shikon Jewel and came to investigate. I never expected to encounter you here as well!"
"And this is…?" the Demon Slayer leader asked, staring at the flea in confusion. While Sango knew Myoga, her father did not.
"A friend," Kikyo explained calmly. "I did not expect to see him here either."
"My apologies for intruding," Myoga said, bowing again.
The village leader waved a hand dismissively. "It's fine. Since you are Lady Kikyo's acquaintance, you are welcome."
Myoga then turned toward Kagetsu.
"Kagetsu! I never thought to see you here,alongside Miss Kikyo, no less!"
"I'm surprised, myself," Kagetsu replied with a faint smile. "Kikyo is collecting Shikon Jewel shards. I'm responsible for her safety."
The group continued walking.
Soon, they arrived before a cave at the edge of the village.
It appeared utterly ordinary,dark, unremarkable, almost forgotten.
"The Shikon Jewel first appeared from within this cave," the Demon Slayer leader said, gazing at its entrance.
"We Demon Slayers craft weapons and armor from demon bones and hides. The unusable remains are discarded here."
He paused.
"This cave was once filled with demon corpses. We continue to throw excess remains inside."
"Here…?" Kikyo murmured softly.
She stared at the unassuming cave.
The Shikon Jewel,an object that had brought endless bloodshed, desire, and tragedy,
Was born… in such a mundane place?