"He must have captured a large number of ordinary people and yokai to create these fake Shikon Jewels."
After Uchiha Kasage dealt with Gyu-oh, Kikyo spoke in a heavy, somber voice.
"There are definitely more than just these two. Not only must we rescue the captured people, but we also need to recover all the fake Shikon Jewels. If they fall into the hands of other yokai, the consequences will be disastrous."
"To create something like that, they would need a large number of humans," Miroku said thoughtfully. "We should look for villages nearby where many people have gone missing."
Inuyasha sniffed the air carefully, his ears twitching.
"If we follow this guy's scent, we should be able to find their hideout."
Kagome quickly added, "I can also search for the Shikon Jewel's aura nearby!"
"No need."
Uchiha Kasage spoke calmly.
By then, he had already entered Sage Mode. His perception spread outward like a vast, invisible net, locking onto every presence in the area.
"Follow me. I've already found them."
Kikyo didn't hesitate.
She immediately summoned Kuro Maru and mounted it in one smooth motion, reaching back to pull Enju up behind her.
"We must move quickly," she said firmly. "That half-yokai and the snake yokai were likely the leaders. If the others realize they're dead, they may flee."
Kasage wasted no time. His figure blurred as he shot forward.
Kuro Maru followed closely.
"Inuyasha, let's go!"
Before he could respond, Kagome jumped onto his back, gripping his shoulders.
"Oi—!"
"Move already!"
Sango, Miroku, and Shippō sped past them on Kirara.
"Don't fall behind!" Sango called out.
"Yeah, yeah!" Inuyasha muttered, quickly leaping forward with Kagome on his back.
---
As they moved—
"Lady Kikyo…" Enju spoke softly from behind her, curiosity evident in her voice.
"Did you already suspect something was wrong with that man?"
Her question immediately caught everyone's attention.
Kagome leaned forward slightly. Sango and Miroku glanced over. Even Inuyasha listened quietly.
Kikyo's gaze remained forward, calm but focused.
"At first, no," she said. "It was only after I noticed Kasage's expression change that I paid closer attention."
She paused briefly, then continued:
"If you observe carefully, the signs were obvious."
"First… he was too calm."
Everyone listened intently.
"He appeared frightened while being chased. But the moment Inuyasha saved him, he regained composure far too quickly. That is not how an ordinary human behaves after escaping death."
"…Now that you mention it…" Miroku nodded slowly. "That's true."
"And," he added, "when Miss Kagome gave him water, he didn't drink it immediately. Instead, he admired the bottle itself. That's not the reaction of someone who just survived."
"Exactly." Kikyo nodded faintly.
Inuyasha crossed his arms.
"And he knew too much," he said. "When he saw that fake Shikon Jewel, he wasn't surprised at all. He immediately identified it and even knew others were trying to imitate it."
"That's not knowledge some random human would have."
Sango frowned, her grip tightening slightly.
"With that many flaws… we still almost fell for it."
Her voice carried a hint of anger—memories of past deception lingering.
---
"We're here."
Uchiha Kasage suddenly stopped.
He pointed ahead.
"It's inside that cave."
Everyone followed his gaze.
A dark cavern was hidden beneath a cliff. Not far from it stood an unexpected structure—a courtyard building.
"Besides the yokai, the captured humans are inside," Kasage added. "There are also many yokai in the surrounding area."
Inuyasha immediately drew Tessaiga, his eyes blazing.
"Then let's take them out!"
Without waiting, he charged straight into the cave.
"Inuyasha—wait!" Kagome called, quickly following with her bow in hand.
Sango, Miroku, Shippō, and Kirara rushed in right behind them.
---
Kikyo stepped forward—
But Kasage gently stopped her.
"The yokai inside aren't strong," he said calmly. "Inuyasha and the others can handle them."
He looked toward the cave entrance, his expression steady.
"We'll guard the outside. If any try to escape, we cut them down."
Kikyo studied him for a moment… then nodded.
"…Understood."
She remained beside him.
---
A brief silence passed.
Then Kasage turned to Enju.
"If I asked you to resurrect someone using a clay body… what would you need?"
Enju blinked, slightly surprised.
"A kiln to fire the body… special herbs… and the remains and grave soil of the person."
She hesitated, then added softly:
"And… the soul must still exist. It cannot have already reincarnated."
Kasage's gaze sharpened slightly.
"If the soul isn't present yet… can the body be prepared first?"
Enju froze for a moment.
"…It… should be possible," she said uncertainly. "Lady Kikyo's body was created before her soul returned… so in theory, yes."
Kasage nodded once.
"Good. I'll need your help later."
"O-Okay!" Enju agreed quickly, though confusion flickered in her eyes.
---
Kikyo, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke.
"…Kasage."
Her voice was calm—but there was a faint tension beneath it.
"Who do you intend to resurrect?"
Kasage reached into his pouch and took out the fake Shikon Jewel.
He held it up between them.
"The creator of the Shikon Jewel… the ancient priestess, Suiko."
Kikyo's eyes widened slightly.
"…Midoriko?"
Her gaze fell to the jewel—and understanding struck.
"…You intend to extract her soul from the Shikon Jewel…?"
Kasage met her eyes.
"Exactly."
His voice remained steady, but carried quiet conviction.
"This imitation gave me the idea. If a replica can be created using human and yokai souls…"
He closed his hand around the jewel.
"…then removing Midoriko's soul from the original may cause the real Shikon Jewel to cease to exist entirely."
A faint ripple passed through Kikyo's expression.
It was a possibility she had never considered.
"…Can something like that truly be done?" she asked softly.
Kasage shook his head slightly.
"We won't know until we try."
He looked toward the cave.
"First, we gather more of these fake jewels. With enough attempts… we may find a way."
Kikyo inhaled quietly.
Then—
She tightened her grip on her bow.
"…Alright."
Her voice was firm now.
"Let's begin."