In the modern world, beneath the great sacred tree of Higurashi Shrine, two figures appeared out of thin air.
Kikyo looked around quietly, her eyes slowly widening as they landed on the distant skyline of towering buildings.
"…So this is Kagome's world."
"That's right." Kagetsu nodded with a faint smile. He gently took her hand and led her toward the main shrine building. "Let's find Kagome first. Even though I said I'd bring you over, she probably didn't expect it to be this soon. After that, I'll take you around properly."
"Mm." Kikyo nodded softly. Curiosity and quiet anticipation flickered in her gaze as she followed him, her steps unconsciously lightening.
At that moment, Kagome was in the living room, carefully explaining the Summoning Technique plaques to her mother.
Inuyasha, sitting nearby, suddenly twitched his nose.
"…They're here."
Kagome froze. "Really?"
Before she could react further, she grabbed Inuyasha's wrist and rushed toward the door. "Mom! Please keep those safe!"
"Wait, Kagome,are they guests?" her mother called out with a warm smile.
But Kagome was already gone.
She glanced down at the three plaques in her hands, then carefully placed them into a storage cabinet. Turning to Sota, she reminded him gently, "These are very important. Don't touch them, okay?"
"Got it!" Sota nodded seriously.
Kagome's grandfather lowered his newspaper with interest. "Seems like Kagome's friends have arrived."
"I wonder…" Kagome's mother smiled softly, eyes full of curiosity. "Are they… unusual friends like Inuyasha?"
At that moment,
The sliding door opened.
"Kagome's back!" a bright voice rang out.
Kagome stepped inside with Inuyasha, then moved aside.
Two figures stood behind her.
"These are friends I met in the Sengoku period!" she announced proudly.
She pointed first. "This is Kagetsu."
Then she gestured toward the woman beside him. "And this is Kikyo."
Turning back, she introduced her family in order. "Kagetsu, Kikyo,this is my mom, my grandfather, and my younger brother Sota."
Kagetsu gave a polite nod. "Pardon the intrusion."
Kikyo also bowed slightly. "Sorry for the disturbance."
For a brief moment, the entire room fell silent.
Then,
"Waaah,she looks exactly like Big Sister!" Sota shouted immediately.
Kagome's mother blinked rapidly, stunned. "Ah,please, please sit down!"
As she hurried them into the living room, her gaze kept drifting between Kagome and Kikyo's faces, growing more astonished with every glance.
It was uncanny.
Once everyone was seated, Kagome's grandfather cleared his throat, his attention landing on Kikyo's shrine maiden attire.
"Miss Kikyo… are you a miko?"
"I am." Kikyo nodded calmly, sitting upright with composed grace.
"I see…" He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Our Higurashi Shrine has preserved various arts and artifacts across generations. Perhaps we could,"
"Grandpa!" Kagome cut in sharply, shooting him a warning glare.
"Ah,right, right." He immediately retreated into his chair, coughing awkwardly.
Kikyo tilted her head slightly, noticing the exchange.
She couldn't sense any spiritual power from Kagome's grandfather.
Nor did Kagome herself seem to possess any notable inherited abilities in the Sengoku era.
Kagetsu, noticing her confusion, gently squeezed her hand under the table and shook his head slightly, signaling her not to overthink it.
Some things didn't need explaining.
Kagome's mother, however, seemed entirely unfazed. Her attention had already settled warmly on Kikyo.
"You really do look so much like Kagome," she said gently. "For a moment, I thought I had another daughter I'd lost."
Kikyo froze slightly.
"…!"
A faint blush touched her pale cheeks. She didn't know how to respond to that.
Fortunately, Kagome's mother didn't press further. Instead, she shifted her gaze with a playful smile.
"By the way… are you two a couple?"
"W-We're not!" Kikyo immediately waved her hands, her face turning a shade redder than usual. Her usual calm demeanor shattered instantly into rare flustered embarrassment.
"Ohhh, I see~" Kagome's mother smiled knowingly.
From the side, she then glanced at Sota.
"Sota, how are things with your little girlfriend? The one named Hitomi, right?"
"MOM!!" Sota's face instantly turned bright red. "Don't say that!!"
Kagome's mother laughed softly, covering her mouth. "Alright, alright."
As the conversation continued, the atmosphere gradually relaxed.
Kagome's mother soon began chatting warmly with Kikyo, asking about life in the Sengoku period with genuine interest.
Kikyo, though unused to such familial warmth, answered each question seriously.
There was a quiet gentleness in her expression now,something softer than her usual distant composure.
Warmth she had long since forgotten slowly settled in her heart.