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Uchiha Lie did not hesitate for even a second. With calm precision, he placed the contaminated shard of the Shikon Jewel back into the bamboo tube. He carefully infused it with Chakra, sealing it once more so the dark aura would not leak out again. Only after confirming that the evil presence was suppressed did he return the tube to his ninja tool pouch.
"This is a shard of the Shikon Jewel after it has been contaminated," he explained quietly.
"I can only seal it temporarily. I have no way to purify it completely. As far as I know, there is only one Priestess alive right now who can cleanse this corruption."
The name he did not say aloud lingered in the air — Kagome Higurashi, the reincarnation of Kikyo, the Priestess who had once guarded the complete jewel fifty years ago.
Natsume was still pale. The dark aura that had leaked from the shard earlier had shaken her deeply. Even as a member of the Leopard Cat Tribe, accustomed to bloodshed and demonic energy, the malicious intent within the shard had been overwhelming.
"This thing… it's terrifying," she muttered as she slowly lowered herself back into her chair.
Only when the last trace of the evil aura vanished did her breathing return to normal.
"That is exactly why I cannot give it to you," Uchiha Lie said firmly.
He looked at her with a seriousness that left no room for argument.
"Your plan to use this shard to resurrect the Leopard Cat Lord is reckless. If you force a resurrection with corrupted shards, the being that returns will not be the Lord you once knew. It will be a monster born from hatred and evil energy — something that knows only slaughter."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"And when that happens, your Leopard Cat Tribe will be the first victims."
Natsume clenched her fists.
Her impulsive nature often led her to act before thinking, but she was not foolish. She understood what was at stake.
"I… I'll find a way to convince the Big Sister Leader," she said after a long pause, nodding with determination.
She would not gamble her entire tribe's future on blind hope.
Seeing her resolve, Uchiha Lie's expression softened slightly.
"Don't look so tense, kitty," he said, reaching out to gently pat her head.
This time, she didn't dodge.
Instead, she allowed him to ruffle her hair.
"Even if you fail to convince her, it doesn't matter," he added casually. "If the resurrected Leopard Cat Lord turns into a monster, just use the Summoning Technique to call me."
A faint smirk curved his lips.
"I'll cut it down again."
Natsume's eyes instantly lit up.
"Mhm! It's a promise!"
Her previous gloom vanished as if it had never existed. That was her nature — fiery and bright.
She had challenged Uchiha Lie several times in the past, still unable to accept her earlier defeat. Each time, however, she had been utterly crushed without resistance.
Now, she had absolute confidence in his strength.
If he said he could kill the resurrected Lord, then he could.
She stood up, straightened her posture, and said solemnly, "I'll do my best to persuade Big Sister Leader. If she insists on resurrection… I'll call you."
Uchiha Lie nodded.
"Travel safely. Call me anytime."
"Alright! I'm leaving!"
She waved cheerfully and walked toward the door.
Just before stepping out, she paused and glanced back mischievously.
"Oh right! When I summon you in the future, don't forget to bring fresh fish!"
He couldn't help but laugh.
"Don't worry. I'll bring plenty."
As she reached for the door again, Uchiha Lie suddenly remembered something important.
"Wait. There's one more thing."
Natsume stopped and turned around, puzzled.
"If you go through with resurrection using the shards, there's a high chance you'll run into a girl named Kagome Higurashi."
His tone became serious again.
"If that happens, you must not harm her."
Natsume blinked.
"Oh? Who is she to you?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with gossip.
"Curious cat."
He pressed his hand onto her head and spun it lightly, making her wobble in dizziness.
"She isn't someone special to me. She's the reincarnation of Kikyo, the former Priestess who died fifty years ago. Kagome is the Priestess of this era, guarding what remains of the Shikon Jewel."
He paused.
"She's also collecting the shards."
Natsume steadied herself and frowned thoughtfully.
"Kikyo's reincarnation…? Do I look suicidal enough to provoke someone like that?"
"She hasn't fully awakened her power yet," Uchiha Lie admitted.
"But she is the only one capable of purifying the jewel."
His gaze sharpened.
"Protect her if you encounter her. No matter what happens, don't let her die."
This time, Natsume nodded seriously.
"Understood."
The teasing mood was gone.
"Alright! I'm really going now!"
Without hesitation, she dashed out, her red figure quickly disappearing into the forest path.
Uchiha Lie watched her leave and shook his head with a faint smile.
Humans were sentimental creatures.
They worried about partings because their lifespans were short.
Demons were different.
They lived for centuries.
Meeting and separating were simply parts of their endless journey.
If fate allowed, they would meet again.
No need for sadness.
After a moment, Uchiha Lie turned back inside.
"I've stayed here long enough."
He methodically packed everything — bedding, daily supplies, fur cushions, even cooking utensils — into his Kamui Dimension.
In this era, resources were scarce. Even simple tools were difficult to obtain.
Without Kamui's space-time storage, he would have needed an enormous storage scroll just to carry basic necessities.
Once everything was stored, he stepped outside.
As he walked away from the small wooden house, he manipulated the surrounding earth and wood.
Rumble—!
The structure collapsed instantly.
Rolling soil buried it completely, restoring the forest to its untouched state.
If left standing, it would only attract demons and become a nest.
Better to erase it entirely.
---
Evening soon descended.
The forest grew dark as Uchiha Lie sat beside a small campfire.
The flames crackled gently.
Just as he prepared to rest—
RUMBLE—!
A deafening explosion tore through the night.
He snapped his head up.
From a distant hill, a brilliant flash of light burst into the sky.
The air trembled.
He could clearly sense multiple minor demons being annihilated in an instant.
The demonic aura scattered violently.
A fierce battle was unfolding.
Uchiha Lie's eyes gleamed.
"Hm. Something interesting."
His lips curved slightly.
"Maybe I can pick up something useful."
In the next second, his figure dissolved into a black shadow and shot toward the explosion site at terrifying speed.
The forest wind howled as he moved.
Somewhere ahead, chaos was unfolding.
And Uchiha Lie was about to step directly into it.