Kagetsu held a struggling rabbit in one hand, his fingertips carefully regulating the flow of chakra as he guided it into the animal's body.
He was trying to replicate something far more profound,
The method by which the Sage of Six Paths had once distributed chakra to humanity.
"Is it really only possible with Six Paths power?" he muttered irritably.
With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the rabbit onto the ground.
The terrified animal immediately tried to bolt.
Thin wooden branches shot up from the earth, wrapping around its limbs and pinning it in place.
"I even gave you a chance," Kagetsu grumbled darkly. "If you're this useless, I might as well roast you for dinner."
His tone carried the frustration of yet another failed experiment.
"Another failure?"
Kikyo's calm voice drifted over from nearby.
She approached quietly, her gaze falling on the bound rabbit still struggling against its restraints.
"Yeah." Kagetsu exhaled. "When I infuse chakra into it, it becomes temporarily stronger. But that's all. It doesn't generate chakra on its own. Once what I gave it is exhausted, it reverts to normal."
No matter how carefully he controlled the input, the result was the same.
He glanced at Kikyo's bow and arrows. "Someone came asking for an exorcism?"
"Yes." She nodded. "You're coming with me this time."
Kagetsu blinked in surprise. "Oh? Is it something strong?"
Since they had settled at the shrine, villagers from the surrounding area had gradually begun seeking Kikyo out,either for demon extermination or medical help.
At first, he'd followed her out of curiosity.
Soon he realized most of the so-called "demons" were little more than minor youkai,rats, lizards, or toads twisted by demonic energy.
Every time, Kikyo would finish them with a single sacred arrow before he even had a chance to move.
Eventually, she stopped bothering to bring him along for trivial matters.
"I suspect this one is different," Kikyo said, raising her hand to summon her shikigami.
Kuro Maru appeared in a swirl of spiritual light.
"Several villages nearby have reported missing men. Those who entered the mountains haven't returned."
Kagetsu's expression shifted. He mounted behind Kikyo as Kuro Maru began galloping forward.
"Only the men?" he asked over the wind.
"Yes." Kikyo's voice carried steadily. "That's why I want you with me. If I go alone, the demon may not reveal itself."
Kagetsu's eyes brightened.
"A demon that only targets men…" He rubbed his hands together. "It couldn't be a fox spirit, could it?"
Kikyo glanced back at him, a faintly amused look in her eyes.
"Oh? Perhaps it is," she said coolly. "If we capture her, shall I let her stay and serve you as a maid?"
"W-What? No! I was just curious!" he stammered, waving his hands defensively.
"Oh?" Kikyo arched her brow. "So you did consider the maid part?"
"…."
Kagetsu immediately shut his mouth.
This was dangerous territory.
He wisely chose silence.
Kuro Maru moved swiftly. Before long, they reached a village nestled at the foot of the mountain.
To avoid frightening the villagers, they dismounted outside the entrance.
Kikyo recalled Kuro Maru, who transformed into a small wooden carving that she tucked into her sleeve.
The two entered on foot.
Kagetsu's gaze swept over the village.
The lack of men was obvious.
The fields were worked almost entirely by women. Strong young men were scarce,nearly nonexistent.
They quickly located the woman who had commissioned Kikyo.
Her husband, like many others, had gone into the mountains some time ago and never returned.
Normally, Kikyo would have arrived sooner. But since the demon hadn't attacked the village directly,only targeting men who entered the forest,the situation hadn't seemed urgent.
Two days after accepting the request, she had finally arrived, bringing Kagetsu with her.
When word spread that a miko and a wandering warrior had come to help, villagers with missing relatives gathered around them.
Hope filled their eyes.
"Lady Kikyo, it's this way!" one villager said, leading them to a narrow mountain path. "Everyone enters the mountains through here. Since then… none of the men have come back."
The trail was clearly well-worn.
Kikyo turned to the crowd.
"Please rest assured," she said gently, though her voice carried quiet authority. "If the missing men can be found, we will bring them back safely."
The villagers bowed deeply.
"We're counting on you! Please save them!"
Just as Kikyo and Kagetsu turned toward the forest,
"Oh! I heard the demon is a peerless beauty!" someone called out.
Kikyo paused mid-step.
She slowly tilted her head.
Then she glanced at Kagetsu.
"…What was that look for?" he protested immediately. "Do I look like the kind of man who loses his footing at the sight of a pretty face?"
"I seem to recall someone complaining that the demons we've encountered weren't 'cute girls with beast ears,'" Kikyo replied calmly. "Perhaps this time your wish will be granted?"
"That was a joke!"
"Mm."
"You definitely didn't believe that."
Kikyo said nothing further, but the faint curve of her lips suggested she was enjoying this far too much.
Side by side, they stepped into the forest.
If the demon truly lured men with beauty,
,then today, it might finally show itself.