Thump!
The arrow cut cleanly through the air, leaving a faint afterimage before striking the center of the target with perfect precision. The fletching trembled slightly under the sunlight, emitting a soft, crisp hum.
"Well?" Uchiha Kasage lowered his bow and lifted his chin with a smug grin. "Not bad, right?"
Beside him, Kikyo watched calmly.
Perhaps because Kasage had previously taught her swordsmanship, she had suddenly decided to teach him archery today—clearly wanting to experience what it felt like to be the teacher for once.
Unfortunately for her…
There was something called the *Uchiha throwing technique*.
With the enhanced perception of the Sharingan, even projectiles like kunai and shuriken could be manipulated mid-flight through collisions, creating unpredictable trajectories with virtually no blind spots—even striking targets from behind.
Although this was Kasage's first time using a bow, his control and instincts carried over seamlessly. After only a few attempts, he had already grasped the fundamentals—and now hitting the bullseye was effortless.
"Yes," Kikyo said softly, a faint smile touching her lips. "Kasage is very capable."
Her praise was sincere, without reservation.
Kasage's grin widened immediately.
"It's all thanks to Kikyo-sensei's excellent teaching," he replied smoothly. "Your student just has a bit of talent."
"You really know how to talk."
Kikyo rolled her eyes lightly, though the warmth in her expression didn't fade.
Taking a step closer, Kasage tilted his head slightly.
"So… what reward does Kikyo-sensei give a student who learns this well?"
Kikyo glanced at him.
Then, rising slightly onto her toes—
She pressed a light kiss to his cheek.
"How about that?"
"…Not enough."
Kasage immediately spread his arms, clearly aiming for more.
But Kikyo had already anticipated it.
With a swift step, she slipped out of reach, a playful glint flashing in her eyes.
"I'm heading to Kaede Village to deliver this bow to Kagome," she said, turning away. She lifted the newly crafted longbow and slung it over her shoulder.
"If any villagers come to the shrine, I'll leave things to you."
"No problem," Kasage replied without hesitation, though a hint of disappointment lingered. "Leave it to me."
Kikyo moved gracefully, leaping onto Kuromaru's back.
Kasage watched her, his tone softening slightly.
"Be careful. If anything happens… call me."
"…Alright."
She gave a small wave.
Kuromaru launched forward, racing down the stone steps of the shrine and quickly disappearing beyond the forest path.
Kasage stood there for a moment, watching until her figure vanished completely.
Then he turned, walking toward the large tree in the courtyard. Sitting beneath it, he closed his eyes and began quietly cultivating his sage power.
Ever since receiving Kagome's amethyst pendant, Kikyo had been thinking about a proper return gift.
After much thought, she chose to craft a demon-slaying bow by hand.
Now that it was complete—and tested—she could finally deliver it herself.
---
Meanwhile…
Kikyo rode swiftly through the forest atop Kuromaru.
Suddenly—
Her expression darkened.
The spiritual power within her body surged instantly.
Without hesitation, she drew the bow from her back, pulled the string taut—
*TWANG!*
A sacred arrow shot forward.
*BOOM!*
It struck a distant tree trunk with absolute precision. The moment it pierced through, spiritual energy erupted violently, tearing the tree apart along with the surrounding earth and stones.
Dust filled the air.
From within the smoke—
A figure stepped out.
Landing lightly before her.
"Naraku."
Kikyo's gaze turned cold, devoid of surprise.
"You dare show yourself before me?"
Naraku looked at her, faint intrigue in his expression.
"You noticed me already… Kikyo, your senses remain as sharp as ever."
"Your foul aura is like a blazing fire in the dark," she replied coldly. "Impossible to miss."
Her eyes swept over him.
This form—
The same as the one she had seen before.
"And yet," she continued, voice edged with mockery, "you appear in person. Are you not afraid… I'll kill you?"
Naraku's lips curved faintly.
"You're welcome to try."
Before his words fully settled—
His figure blurred.
*Whoosh!*
He transformed into a streak of darkness, rushing toward her with terrifying speed.
Kikyo reacted instantly.
The bowstring tightened—
*TWANG!*
A brilliant arrow shot forward.
Just before impact—
A mass of writhing yokai limbs burst from Naraku's body, surging forward like a tide.
The arrow purified them instantly—
—but its speed slowed.
That single moment—
was enough.
Naraku slipped past it.
In an instant, he was before her, hand reaching for her throat.
A triumphant smile appeared on his face.
But—
Kikyo's eyes flickered.
Not with panic—
But with calculation.
Instead of reaching for another arrow—
Her hand moved to her waist.
*Clang!*
Steel rang sharply.
A short katana flashed into her grip.
At the same time, Kuromaru lowered his body instinctively, avoiding Naraku's grasp.
A flash of cold light streaked through the air—
The two passed each other in an instant.
Silence.
Kikyo lowered her arm slowly, then sheathed the blade with a clean, ringing sound.
She turned slightly.
"Surprised, Naraku?"
Behind her—
A thin line appeared across Naraku's body, running diagonally from shoulder to waist.
Then—
*Splurt!*
Blood erupted.
His body split cleanly in two, collapsing heavily to the ground.
But—
It didn't last.
Dark miasma surged violently. Countless grotesque limbs twisted and coiled, dragging the two halves back together, stitching them into one.
Within moments—
He stood whole again.
As if nothing had happened.
Kikyo remained still, watching coldly, making no move to attack during his regeneration.
When Naraku finally turned back toward her—
His expression had changed.
There was caution now.
Wariness.
His eyes locked onto her hand, still resting calmly on the sword hilt.
"…I didn't expect that."
Kikyo raised an eyebrow slightly, her voice calm—yet edged with quiet confidence.
"Looks like…"
A faint, knowing smile touched her lips.
"I've already won."