"Tch..."
"You're really persistent."
The Shikon no Tama had taken ordinary human form, watching the Great Dog Demon ahead and speaking gravely.
"It seems your ability has some kind of weakness."
"That disappearing presence was definitely not my imagination."
Gripping So'unga, the Great Dog Demon had begun to form a theory.
Recalling the earlier scenes with [Meido Zangetsuha] and [Hell Dragon Wave], he was certain the Shikon no Tama had "died."
So the Shikon no Tama's current composure was definitely not as calm as it appeared.
If it truly was immortal, it wouldn't have shown any emotional wavering before.
"Tch..."
Having lost two more lives in such a short time, the Shikon no Tama felt it wasn't worth it.
'That's enough--you don't need to stall anymore.'
'It's done?'
'Yeah, better than expected. Inuyasha and the others can't do anything to him.'
Naraku's words lifted the Shikon no Tama's spirits.
'Sesshomaru lacks a blade, unable to fully utilize his youkai power. Even if he had one, dragon scales would counter it.'
'Inuyasha's Tessaiga is useless, and Kagome and Kikyo's attacks can't fully kill him.'
'The only potential threats are probably the Servants.'
Things seemed better than anticipated. The Shikon no Tama abandoned thoughts of further engagement with the Great Dog Demon.
'Not even complete and already such growth--somewhat regrettable.'
'Hmph, as long as he's not useless, that's fine.'
Splitting into countless flesh fragments, it departed.
"Hm?"
Watching the Shikon no Tama leave without a word, the Great Dog Demon furrowed his brow.
Just moments ago it had been determined to stall him at all costs, yet now it had completely changed tune.
"Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's location, perhaps?"
"There's certainly a fierce youkai power and malevolence there."
Looking in a certain direction, the Great Dog Demon sensed that might be where the Shikon no Tama's "protected target" was.
Without hesitation, he headed that way.
"Ah, they're gone."
"Well, mission accomplished."
"Not much residual youkai power to steal either."
Byakuya watched the departing Great Dog Demon and Shikon no Tama with resignation.
Essentially, Naraku had sent him to "steal" something to use against Inuyasha and the others, but the Great Dog Demon was too vigilant to leave any traces.
Kanna had accompanied him as combat support...
"Hey! Where'd the Shikon no Tama go?"
Koga's shout made Byakuya look down.
"Isn't it obvious where?"
"Anyone would know the most dangerous place right now."
Having no interest in chatting, Byakuya flew off with Kanna.
"Tch!"
"Master, seems like some serious fighters have gathered over there."
Unlike Koga's gritted teeth, Cu Chulainn was more focused on the cloud-shrouded mountain in the distance.
"Let's go!"
Breaking into a run, Koga realized Naraku and the Shikon no Tama were definitely plotting something.
Otherwise, they wouldn't have gone to such lengths to obstruct that great youkai here.
...
"OOOOH!!"
Blocking the incoming spikes, everyone looked somewhat pressed.
"Tch, I refuse to just take hits!"
"[Kongousouha]!!"
Unable to hold back, Inuyasha decided to clash directly.
WHOOSH WHOOSH!!
CLANG CLANG!
Spikes and adamant shards collided with piercing sounds.
"[Magic Dragon Wave]!!"
Moroha coordinated well, drawing her sword and slashing to destroy the remnants.
"Heh..."
Struck by adamant and dragon, Muzan remained composed.
This level of attack merely scratched his skin.
"Mm."
Rikuo and Akame stood back, observing the stalemate and thinking.
As Servants facing Caster, they hadn't expected to be this helpless.
One held a demon blade that targeted youkai, the other a blade that killed with a single wound.
Yet like bare-handed Sesshomaru, they'd become bystanders.
Two Sacred Arrows fired in succession, forcing Muzan to raise an arm to block.
"As expected..."
"Kikyo..."
"That Servant's resistance to spiritual power is still lacking. If you and I attack together..."
Seeing Kagome's gaze and hearing her following words, Kikyo understood her meaning.
"However, he won't give us such a big opening."
Though her and Kagome's spiritual power was strong, with the opponent on guard, complete elimination would be difficult.
"So we need someone who can critically wound him to create the opportunity for us."
Kikyo's gaze swept the field, finally settling on Sesshomaru.
Other than Moroha, Sesshomaru--who hadn't acted yet--probably had the best chance.
Even if those two sword-wielding Servants created an opening, if they couldn't wound Muzan, they'd just waste the opportunity.
Inuyasha was simply limited, making it hard for him to hurt Muzan...
Moroha's summoning of "Grandpa" was too obvious and would be guarded against.
The easiest and most reliable option was probably Sesshomaru.
Unfortunately, he currently lacked a blade capable of channeling his youkai power.
The Servants' blades wouldn't work, and Moroha's wasn't anything special...
The only usable blade that could unleash power was one.
Tessaiga.
Kagome clearly thought the same--among everyone here, the strongest offensive capability, excluding Akame and Rikuo's specialties, was Sesshomaru.
"Kikyo, please tell Inuyasha. I'll ask Sesshomaru."
Watching the departing figure, Kikyo lowered her bow and walked straight to Inuyasha's rear.
"Hah hoo!"
Jogging over to Sesshomaru, Kagome took a breath and was about to speak when she was cut off.
"If you have nothing meaningful to say, don't bother."
Walking past Kagome, Sesshomaru spoke with his usual indifference.
"Then I'm counting on you!"
Though they hadn't conversed, Kagome understood Sesshomaru's attitude.
When the time came, he would act.
"Let's help too."
"Though our attacks might be useless, we can at least draw his attention."
"Agreed."
Rikuo turned to look at Akame as he spoke. She nodded in agreement.
The people here individually couldn't threaten the current Muzan, but working together was different.
"Tch!"
"Fine!"
Just returning, Kagome saw Inuyasha's somewhat reluctant expression.
BOOM!!
"That was close."
Moroha jumped back from the front, mood soured.
"Mom, I can't take it anymore--I'm using it."
"It?"
"Use it."
Despite Kagome's puzzled expression, Kikyo readily approved.
"Ooh!"
"I'm gonna use Grandpa's power to smash him!!"
Surging youkai power erupted as the massive spirit image emerged from within her.
"Hmph, watch me drain it dry!"
Scales manifested. Muzan showed no fear--rather, he seemed eager.