"Kikyo... her body really is failing, isn't it?"
"Eroded by miasma, unable to replenish souls quickly, and having overexerted--that clay body will eventually collapse."
"Damn it! Kikyo's soul collectors searched everywhere nearby but found no suitable spirits."
"Looks like someone deliberately cleared them out, specifically targeting what Lady Kikyo needs."
Rin, Kohaku, Kagome, and Jaken listened to Miroku and Inuyasha's conversation behind them, expressions varied.
"Master Jaken, can't we help somehow?"
"What nonsense! If there was a way, I'd have suggested it already."
Seeing Rin tugging at his arm, Jaken immediately opened his mouth to answer.
"Kikyo..."
Murmuring softly, Kagome looked at the Command Spells on her right hand, lost in thought.
'If I can't hold on, let that child choose.'
'Whether to return to her own era, or continue helping you and Inuyasha.'
'The contract incantation--you should know it too.'
Recalling Kikyo's bitter expression when they first met, Kagome could roughly understand her feelings.
Kikyo, who faced everything with composure, showed wavering only with Moroha.
The last time Kikyo's heart had stirred was during her "grudge" with Inuyasha.
Imaginable how "conflicted" and "unwilling" she must feel inside.
Moroha's existence had undoubtedly affected Kikyo.
The more time they spent together, the more she'd think this should have been her and Inuyasha's future.
Too bad everything was ruined by that scheme.
To say Kikyo had no regrets would be impossible.
Yet watching Moroha's healthy, cheerful appearance, Kikyo couldn't generate any ill feelings.
Hate?
Resentment?
As long as she looked at Moroha's face, those things hidden deep down would settle.
Before, Kikyo had always prioritized "eliminating the Shikon no Tama and Naraku"--that was her "driving force."
She'd even once believed she had no more "selfish" thoughts.
But since meeting Moroha, unknowingly she'd developed other desires.
Wanting to watch this child grow up, even if just for one day...
To care for her, teach her...
In Kohaku's words, Kikyo's "care" and attention toward Moroha even exceeded that for Inuyasha.
"Mm..."
Kikyo sat on the grassy slope. Moroha crouched beside her, wearing a sad expression.
"If possible, I hope you'd just go back."
"Though your era still has risks, the future Inuyasha and Kagome can definitely protect you."
"Here, there are too many variables..."
Kikyo knew she couldn't hide it from Moroha, speaking softly.
That was a "mother's" worry for her daughter.
Once you died near the Shikon no Tama, your soul would be completely devoured and assimilated--no chance for reincarnation.
Even Servants couldn't exit safely nearby.
The upcoming battles would occur in such dangerous conditions.
Just look at Muzan's fate--this was no joke.
"I won't go back now!"
"I finally got to meet my parents in this era..."
"Asking me to abandon my young Dad and Mom--I can't do it."
"Even if I die, I want to be with my parents."
Gripping the grass on the ground tightly, Moroha spoke stubbornly.
"I spent over ten years 'alone.' Finally, through the Dragon Balls, I found my family again. How could I leave like this?"
"Even if you're not the mother who gave birth to me, to me there's no difference."
"You and her--both of you are my most, most, MOST beloved Moms!!"
That last sentence was almost shouted--loud enough for everyone to hear.
Though they hadn't known each other long, and she'd only recognized Kagome during the earlier battle, Moroha could feel both their care and warmth.
'It's wonderful that you got to meet Dad!'
Vaguely recalling something Moroha had once said, Kikyo reached out to gently stroke her head. Her usually calm face showed a smile others had never seen.
"It may be difficult for you."
"But try to overcome it."
Withdrawing her hand, she instead passed over the bow beside her, speaking.
The Azusa Spirit Bow.
This was the bow she'd retrieved from Mount Azusa and had used ever since. Originally meant for Kagome.
But now she'd changed her mind...
Even if just a little, she wanted to leave this child something of herself.
Yes--her existence had meaning. Even if life's journey was full of suffering, the end would not be emptiness.
"So heavy..."
Taking the longbow nearly as tall as herself, Moroha could feel the spiritual power imbued within.
So warm...
"I'll teach you everything I can..."
"How much you learn depends on you."
"Okay!"
Though she didn't know how long this broken body could last, she could only do her best.
...
"There?"
Kirinmaru and the Great Dog Demon arrived at a plain, looking ahead.
The deserted land was already shrouded in dark clouds, the sky's layer even twisted together.
They'd sensed the Shikon no Tama's exaggerated presence from afar. Though it appeared only briefly, they'd memorized the location.
"This ominous energy--even the residue far exceeds So'unga."
The Great Dog Demon furrowed his brow, looking at the creature in the other dimension and speaking gravely.
Possessing both such massive malevolence and youkai power--in his entire life, few beings could compare.
"Hmph, so this is the Shikon no Tama's trump card?"
"Seems it was prepared to fight us from the start."
Arms crossed while waiting, Kirinmaru sneered.
The sight before them was indeed impressive, but he truly didn't believe anything could stop him and the Great Dog Demon combined.
No matter how the Shikon no Tama transformed, could it really surpass him and the Great Dog Demon?
"At this rate, less than two days."
"We can't just wait obediently for it."
"It doesn't have that kind of face or ability!"
Hearing the Great Dog Demon's words, Kirinmaru answered proudly.
Great youkai dismissing the Shikon no Tama was already "consensus" in the youkai world.
"[Meido Zangetsuha]!!"
Holding Tessaiga, the Great Dog Demon attempted to open the Meido before them.
"Hmph!"
Without hesitation, Kirinmaru charged in. He and the Great Dog Demon proceeded side by side.
In the endless Meido, they couldn't directly see the Shikon no Tama's form.
"Now then, it should be around here..."
Channeling his youkai power, Kirinmaru began locking onto the Shikon no Tama's location.
"Heh..."
Suddenly, he sneered, then flew toward a certain direction.
"Found it!"