Kikyo crouched, her fingertips brushing lightly over the lingering demonic aura on the ground. Her brows drew together as she slowly shook her head.
"No… he got away."
"As expected." Inuyasha didn't look surprised. He simply frowned, his voice lowering slightly.
"Oh, right!" Kagome suddenly recalled something, her eyes widening. "When Muso disappeared just now, I think I heard him calling your name, Kikyo! Does he know you?"
"Know me…?" Kikyo looked momentarily taken aback. Her gaze drifted into the distance as she murmured thoughtfully.
"In that case," Miroku said, glancing between Kikyo and Kagome as realization dawned on him, "the reason he was so fixated on Lady Kagome is because she looks exactly like Lady Kikyo!"
"I see." Kikyo rose to her feet, understanding flickering across her face. "No wonder I encountered Naraku on my way to Kaede's village. This incarnation of his must be tied to Onigumo."
"Kikyo, you saw Naraku? Where is he?" Inuyasha stepped forward abruptly, urgency sharp in his voice.
"Yes. He appeared suddenly on the road to Kaede's village and attacked me." Kikyo nodded calmly. "I didn't understand his actions at the time, but after seeing this incarnation, I believe I do now."
"He attacked you?!" Inuyasha's expression tightened instantly. He strode over, eyes scanning her for injuries.
"I'm fine." Kikyo shook her head, unconcerned. "I struck him once, and he retreated. He's likely hiding somewhere, recovering."
"Struck him once?" Everyone stared at her in shock.
Only then did Kagome notice that, unlike before, Kikyo now carried a sheathed katana at her waist.
"Kikyo… when did you learn to use a sword?" Inuyasha asked, clearly surprised.
"I learned from Kagetsu when I had time to spare," Kikyo replied evenly, as though it were nothing worth mentioning. "It proved useful, so I kept at it."
Seeing how casually she said it, Kagome felt a faint pang of embarrassment.
Kikyo was already so strong, yet she still pushed herself to learn more. Meanwhile, Kagome couldn't help but feel she relied too much on Inuyasha. Even though she had trained in archery, she rarely practiced unless forced to in battle.
Still… she couldn't deny that Kikyo wielding a sword must look incredibly cool.
"Lady Kikyo," Miroku interrupted, drawing Kagome from her thoughts, "you mentioned that this incarnation of Naraku is connected to Onigumo. What exactly do you mean?"
Kikyo spoke calmly, her voice steady:
"Naraku was born from Onigumo's greed and malice. Though he became Naraku, Onigumo's obsession and desires have always influenced him,his fixation on the Shikon Jewel, and… his attachment to me."
Her gaze lowered slightly.
"As long as Onigumo's heart remains within him, Naraku cannot harm me. Nor can he ever be truly free. He will always be bound by that obsession."
Miroku nodded, understanding immediately.
"So Naraku separated that obsession and created this incarnation,Muso. That explains why Muso showed such interest in both Lady Kagome and Lady Kikyo just now."
He paused briefly before continuing,
"And his attack on you earlier was a test,to see whether he would still be affected after casting off Onigumo's heart."
"Yes."
"In other words," Kagome added, realizing striking, "Muso is basically something Naraku threw away. He's trying to use us to get rid of him!"
Inuyasha folded his arms, scowling. "That bastard… he's using us."
"Whether we're being used or not," Sango said with a quiet sigh, "we still have to deal with Muso."
"Tch… damn it." Inuyasha clicked his tongue, clearly irritated despite knowing she was right.
"Inuyasha,!"
At that moment, Kaede's voice called out from a distance.
Everyone turned to see her hurrying over from the village.
"Kaede!" Kagome waved.
"What happened here?" Kaede asked as she approached, concern etched on her face. She had clearly sensed the disturbance from the battle.
Then she caught sight of Kikyo and froze in surprise.
"Sister Kikyo! When did you arrive?"
"Kaede." Kikyo inclined her head, her tone softening. "I came to deliver something to Kagome and happened upon Inuyasha fighting one of Naraku's incarnations. I stepped in to help."
"Naraku's incarnation?" Kaede's expression darkened at once.
"He escaped," Kikyo said simply, her gaze drifting toward the forest beyond the village. "But I believe I know where he's headed."
Kaede followed her line of sight. Her face changed abruptly.
"Sister Kikyo… you mean… that cave?"
"Yes. The place where Naraku was born,the cave where I once sheltered Onigumo."
As soon as she finished speaking, Kikyo turned slightly, her eyes settling on a nearby tree.
"Isn't that right… Kagura?"
"Kagura?!" Everyone stiffened, instantly on guard.
A figure in a pink-purple kimono stepped out from behind the tree. It was indeed Kagura.
She unfolded her fan, holding it before her as she spoke coolly, "That's right. Muso is currently in that cave,the one,where you took in Onigumo."
"Kagura, what are you doing here?" Inuyasha's hand went to Tessaiga, his gaze sharp with suspicion.
"I'm not here to fight," Kagura replied calmly, though her grip on the fan tightened slightly. "I'm simply carrying out Naraku's orders,keeping track of Muso."
She paused, then glanced at Kikyo.
"Be careful. Muso isn't like me."
"I understand. Thank you." Kikyo gave a slight nod, catching the meaning behind her words. Kagura couldn't speak openly,Naraku might be watching.
"Farewell."
A gust of wind rose suddenly, swirling around Kagura. When it died down, she was gone.
"Kagura already learned Inuyasha's secret before… Naraku might know by now," Miroku said, his expression troubled as he looked toward where she had vanished.
"Secret? What secret?" Kikyo asked, confused.
"It happened during the New Moon," Kagome said, leaning close and lowering her voice. "When we caught up with Kagura, she saw Inuyasha lose his demon powers while he was trying to save Koga."
"I see." Kikyo smiled faintly. "There's no need to worry. She likely won't tell Naraku."
"Why not?" Shippō poked his head out from behind Kagome's shoulder, curious. "Isn't she one of Naraku's incarnations?"
Kikyo looked at him, a trace of warmth softening her gaze. She reached out and gently ruffled his hair.
"Her relationship with Naraku is… complicated. She doesn't serve him willingly."
She lifted her eyes to the sky, her voice quiet but certain.
"After all, she is the wind's messenger."
A faint breeze stirred through the trees.
"How could the wind ever accept being bound… and lose its freedom?"