"Let me show you around!" Kagome said the moment they stepped out of her house, eyes shining with excitement. "I'll give you a proper taste of modern city life!"
"Then we'll take you up on that," Kagetsu replied with a small smile, nodding in agreement. Having Kagome as their guide would certainly make things easier.
He glanced down at his and Kikyo's clothing and added, "But first, we should get something more suitable to wear. We stand out far too much like this."
Following his gaze, Kagome couldn't help but laugh. "You're right! A shrine maiden and a samurai walking around town would definitely turn heads!"
Kagetsu was dressed in a deep blue kimono-style outfit, a katana resting at his hip, while Kikyo wore her familiar red-and-white shrine maiden robes,both completely out of place in the modern world.
Without delay, the group headed to a clothing store.
Kagetsu had originally planned to ask Kagome to help exchange some Sengoku-era gold for modern currency, but to his surprise, her mother had already thought ahead. Before they left, she had quietly slipped Kagome some money, telling her to treat their guests properly.
Kagetsu accepted the gesture without protest, understanding its meaning. Though Kagome's mother hadn't said it outright, she was always worried about her daughter living in the dangerous, demon-ridden past. This money,and the supplies Kagome brought back each time,were among the few ways she could support her.
Not long after, the four of them stepped out of the store in new outfits.
Kagetsu had changed into a simple set of modern clothes. Black pants and a white hoodie gave him a tall, clean-cut look, softening the sharp presence he carried as a swordsman and lending him a more youthful air.
Kikyo, meanwhile, wore a white, waist-fitted dress that fell just past her knees, revealing her slender calves. Over it, she had on a loose purple jacket. The transformation was striking,her aloof, sacred aura as a shrine maiden now blended seamlessly with the elegance of a modern young woman.
Kagetsu's eyes lit up.
"Does it look good?" Kikyo asked, lightly tugging at the hem of her jacket. Though she wasn't used to such clothing, there was a quiet anticipation in her gaze.
"It suits you perfectly," Kagetsu answered without hesitation, his voice gentle.
"It really does!" Kagome added with a bright smile. She herself wore a pale yellow dress with a light purple cardigan. "Kikyo, you look amazing in modern clothes!"
"You're very beautiful as well, Kagome," Kikyo replied with a soft smile.
The two of them stood side by side, dressed in similar styles with different colors. With their nearly identical faces, they looked like sisters.
Kagetsu didn't need to ask,he could tell at a glance that Kikyo's outfit had been chosen by Kagome.
Off to the side, Inuyasha stared blankly at the two girls, clearly stunned by their appearance.
"Come on, let's go!" Kagome said, walking over and grabbing his wrist. Seeing his dazed expression, she smirked proudly. "We're going shopping!"
Kagetsu and Kikyo exchanged a glance and smiled. He reached out his hand, and she placed hers in his without hesitation. Fingers intertwined, they followed Kagome into the bustling streets.
For the rest of the day, Kagome showed them the wonders of modern life.
Kikyo took in the towering buildings and the endless streams of cars. She sampled all kinds of unfamiliar foods,burgers, ice cream, takoyaki,each one a new experience.
Eventually, Kagome dragged everyone to an amusement park, insisting they ride the roller coaster.
Unfortunately for her, she was the only one who truly enjoyed it.
As a half-demon, Inuyasha found the ups and downs trivial. He sat through the entire ride without changing expression,and even yawned.
Kagetsu, who was used to leaping through forests with chakra, remained just as unfazed.
Even Kikyo sat calmly, her hair fluttering in the wind, her expression serene.
Kagetsu wasn't surprised. She was someone who could stand on a cliff's edge, calmly firing arrows into hordes of demons. Compared to that, a roller coaster was nothing.
After they got off, Kagome looked at the three of them and couldn't help but complain, "You guys are way too calm! That was a total waste of money!"
With her enthusiasm dampened, she quickly lost interest in trying anything else.
"Thank you for your hospitality. We'll be heading back now."
That evening, beneath the Sacred Tree at the Higurashi Shrine, Kagetsu and Kikyo stood before Kagome's family, saying their goodbyes.
After a warm dinner, it was time to return to the Sengoku era.
"Make sure you visit again!" Kagome's mother said gently, her eyes filled with reluctance.
"You're always welcome here," her grandfather added with a nod. "And thank you for taking care of Kagome."
"We should be the ones thanking you," Kikyo said, bowing slightly. "Kagome is an extraordinary girl."
Kagome scratched her cheek, embarrassed.
"We're off, Kagome. Inuyasha," Kagetsu said, giving them a final nod.
"Bye, Big Brother Lie! Big Sister Kikyo!" Sota waved energetically, clearly reluctant to see them go.
Kikyo smiled softly. "Goodbye, Sota."
Kagetsu said nothing more. Pulling Kikyo into his arms, he placed a hand against the trunk of the Sacred Tree and activated the Flying Thunder God Technique.
In an instant, the two of them vanished.
"They… disappeared?!" Kagome's mother, grandfather, and Sota all stared in shock.
"They went back," Kagome explained with a smile, already used to it.
"…That's incredible…" Her mother stepped closer to the tree, gently touching its bark, wonder filling her eyes.
"I should head back too. Are you coming?" Inuyasha asked as he walked toward the Bone-Eater's Well.
"I can't,not yet," Kagome sighed, shaking her head. "Yuka, Eri, and the others came to see me this morning. The school's having a cultural festival, and I need to help prepare. I'll have to stay a few days."
"A cultural festival?" Inuyasha frowned. "Is that some kind of demon? Do you need my help?"
"…It's not a demon!" Kagome laughed awkwardly, unsure how to explain. She quickly turned to her mother. "Mom, I'll go see Inuyasha off!"
Before he could react, she grabbed his wrist and hurried him toward the Bone-Eater's Well.