Just as Uchiha Kasage was deep in thought, the two followed the Yokai Slayer leader into a heavily guarded room.
At the center stood an altar. Upon it rested a box tightly wrapped in numerous sacred ropes, clearly meant to suppress the evil aura of the Shikon Jewel shard tainted by yokai. However, even Kasage—who knew little about such matters—could immediately tell something was wrong. The dense, malevolent aura was practically overflowing from the box.
"This is where we store the Shikon Jewel shards," the leader explained, gesturing toward the altar. "Since the jewel was shattered, many yokai have gained immense power from its fragments and have begun attacking nearby villages."
"After we defeat those yokai, we place the shards here and guard them carefully, so no other yokai can steal their power."
Kikyo frowned slightly as she observed the box.
"Such a strong evil aura… these shards are already corrupted."
Ignoring the tense Yokai Slayers surrounding her, she stepped forward calmly and reached into the box.
The moment her fingers touched the shard, a faint white light radiated from her sacred spiritual power.
The once pitch-black shard instantly returned to its original pale pink, pure and translucent—its corruption melting away like snow under sunlight.
"There," Kikyo said quietly, placing the purified shard back into the box as if it were the simplest task in the world. She then returned to Kasage's side.
"As long as these shards are not touched by yokai—or humans with wicked hearts—they will not be tainted again."
The surrounding Yokai Slayers were stunned.
"Incredible…"
"She purified it instantly…"
"What overwhelming spiritual power…"
Their whispers carried awe and disbelief.
The leader stepped forward respectfully.
"Are you… truly the priestess Kikyo who purified the Shikon Jewel fifty years ago?"
Kikyo nodded calmly.
"Yes. I am Kikyo."
Kasage, standing beside her, felt a surge of emotion.
She carried herself with such quiet authority—it was almost overwhelming.
Without thinking, he straightened his posture and stood firmly at her side like a guard.
Together with the Black Bear Yokai waiting silently outside, Kikyo's presence became even more mysterious and imposing.
"My Lady, thank you for purifying the shard," the leader said with deep respect. "Prepare a feast! We must properly—"
"There is no need," Kikyo interrupted gently, yet firmly.
Her voice was calm, but decisive.
"We do not wish to trouble you."
She paused for a moment, then continued:
"There is something I would like to ask. I was entrusted with purifying and guarding the Shikon Jewel, yet I was never told of its origin. Could you tell me where it came from?"
The leader hesitated briefly, then nodded.
"…Very well. Please, follow me."
---
As they walked through the village, a small creature suddenly darted in front of them.
It looked like a mix between a fox and a cat—yellow fur with black stripes, fluffy, and with two bushy tails swaying behind it.
Kasage immediately recognized it.
Kirara.
Seeing her, a thought crossed his mind.
*Could Myoga be here too…?*
In the original story, Myoga had arrived earlier to investigate the Shikon Jewel and had become acquainted with Sango.
Kasage tried to sense his aura—but found nothing.
*…Hidden well,* he thought.
Myoga was tiny, skilled at concealment, and likely masked by Kirara's aura. Without entering Sage Mode, detecting him would be difficult.
Still, Kasage glanced at Kikyo.
Myoga had known her fifty years ago.
*If he's here… will he dare to show himself?*
---
Just as they were about to leave the village—
"Lady Kikyo! Lady Kikyo!"
A voice suddenly came from Kirara.
Kasage smiled faintly.
*So he couldn't hold back after all…*
Kikyo turned in surprise.
"Myoga?"
A tiny flea yokai leapt from Kirara onto her shoulder.
"Lady Kikyo!" Myoga said eagerly. "I've been following rumors about the Shikon Jewel and ended up here. I never expected to find you as well!"
"And who is this?" the leader asked, puzzled.
"A friend," Kikyo replied calmly. "I didn't expect to see him here either."
"My apologies for the interruption," Myoga said, bowing politely.
"No need," the leader replied, waving his hand.
Myoga then turned to Kasage.
"Kasage! I didn't expect to see you here… and with Lady Kikyo, no less!"
Kasage smiled lightly.
"Neither did I. I'm currently accompanying Lady Kikyo as she gathers the Shikon shards… and ensuring her safety."
Kikyo glanced at him briefly.
There was a subtle softness in her gaze.
"…He has been reliable," she added quietly.
Kasage blinked slightly, then looked away.
"…Of course," he said, trying to sound composed.
---
The group continued walking until they reached a cave.
"This," the leader said, looking at it, "is where the Shikon Jewel was born."
Kikyo stared at the cave in silence.
The leader continued:
"The weapons and armor we Yokai Slayers use are made from yokai bones and hides. The unusable remains… we discard them here."
He paused.
"This cave already contained countless yokai remains long before we began using it."
Kikyo's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…I see."
The air felt heavier here.
Even Kasage could sense it—something lingering, something ancient.
"This place…" Kikyo murmured softly.
She had never imagined that the Shikon Jewel—an object that caused endless conflict and suffering—
"…was born in such an unremarkable place."
Kasage looked at the cave, then at Kikyo.
Something about her expression had changed.
Not fear.
Not surprise.
But something deeper.
"…Kikyo," he said quietly, his voice more serious than usual, "this place… it doesn't feel right."
Kikyo didn't look at him immediately.
"…I know," she replied softly.
Then, after a brief pause—
"Stay close, Kasage."
Her voice was calm.
But this time—
There was a faint edge of concern.
And Kasage understood.
Whatever had been born here…
…was far from ordinary.