"I'll take you guys out for a stroll!" After stepping out of her house, Kagome immediately volunteered, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You can experience modern city life!"
"Then we'll trouble you." Uchiha Kasage didn't refuse, nodding with a faint smile.
With Kagome acting as their guide, it would save them a lot of unnecessary trouble.
He glanced down at his and Kikyo's clothing and added, "But before we go, we should buy something to change into. Our current outfits are… a bit too eye-catching."
Kagome followed his gaze and couldn't help but laugh.
"That's true! Walking around in miko robes and samurai clothes will definitely draw a crowd!"
Kasage was dressed in a deep blue samurai outfit, a katana hanging at his waist.
Kikyo wore her usual red-and-white miko attire.
In the modern world, the two of them stood out far too much.
The group quickly headed to a clothing store.
Kasage had originally planned to exchange Sengoku gold for modern currency with Kagome's help, but to his surprise, Kagome's mother had already prepared everything—quietly slipping some money into Kagome's hand and reminding her to treat her guests well.
Kasage didn't refuse.
He understood clearly—although she hadn't said it outright, Kagome's mother had always worried about her daughter living in the yokai-filled Sengoku period.
This money, along with the supplies Kagome brought back each time, was one of the few ways she could support her.
---
Before long, the four of them stepped out in modern clothing.
Kasage wore a simple casual outfit—black pants paired with a white hoodie. It softened his sharp, samurai-like aura, giving him a more relaxed, youthful appearance.
Kikyo wore a white dress that hugged her waist and fell just past her knees, revealing her slender, pale calves. Over it, she had a loose purple jacket.
The once cold and distant miko now looked like a graceful city girl.
Kasage's eyes brightened slightly.
"Does it look good?" Kikyo asked softly, gently tugging at the hem of her jacket. Though still a bit unfamiliar with the style, a quiet anticipation shone in her eyes as she looked at him.
"It looks wonderful." Kasage answered without hesitation, his gaze warm.
"It really does!" Kagome chimed in, walking over in her own outfit—a light yellow dress with a pale purple cardigan. "Kikyo, modern clothes suit you perfectly!"
"You look beautiful as well, Kagome." Kikyo replied with a gentle smile.
With their similar features and matching styles, they looked almost like sisters standing side by side.
Kasage immediately guessed—Kikyo's outfit had clearly been chosen by Kagome.
Nearby, Inuyasha stared at the two of them, completely stunned.
"Let's go!" Kagome grabbed his wrist, a proud smile on her lips as she noticed his reaction. "We're going shopping!"
Kasage and Kikyo exchanged a small smile.
He reached out his hand, and Kikyo placed hers into his without hesitation. Their fingers intertwined naturally as they followed behind Kagome, blending into the lively streets.
For the rest of the day, Kagome guided them through the wonders of modern life.
Kikyo saw towering buildings and endless streams of cars.
She tasted unfamiliar foods—hamburgers, ice cream, takoyaki—each one bringing a subtle look of curiosity and surprise to her eyes.
Finally, Kagome dragged everyone to an amusement park, insisting they try the roller coaster.
Unfortunately—
Only Kagome screamed with excitement the entire ride.
For Inuyasha, as a half-yokai, such ups and downs meant nothing. He remained completely expressionless, even letting out a bored yawn.
Kasage, who was used to leaping through forests using chakra, was equally unfazed.
As for Kikyo—
She sat calmly, her long hair fluttering in the wind, her expression serene from start to finish.
Kasage wasn't surprised.
This was someone who could stand at the edge of a cliff, calmly firing arrows at swarms of yokai without a flicker of fear.
Compared to that, a roller coaster was nothing.
After getting off, Kagome looked at their indifferent faces and sighed dramatically.
"You guys are way too calm! What a waste of tickets!"
After that, she completely lost interest in trying any other rides.
"Thank you very much for your hospitality. We'll be heading back now."
That evening, beneath the Time Tree at Higurashi Shrine, Kasage and Kikyo stood together, bidding farewell.
After a warm dinner, they planned to return to the Sengoku period.
"Make sure you come visit again!" Kagome's mother said with a gentle smile, though her eyes carried a hint of reluctance.
"Yes, you're always welcome," Kagome's grandfather added sincerely. "And thank you for taking care of Kagome over there."
"It is we who should be thanking you," Kikyo replied, bowing slightly. Her voice was soft but earnest. "Kagome is an incredible girl… truly remarkable."
Kagome scratched her cheek awkwardly, smiling in embarrassment.
"We're leaving now, Kagome. Inuyasha." Kasage nodded to them.
"Goodbye, Brother Kasage! Sister Kikyo!" Sota waved energetically, clearly reluctant to see them go.
Kikyo smiled gently. "Goodbye, Sota."
Kasage said nothing more. He pulled Kikyo into a firm embrace, then pressed his free hand against the trunk of the Time Tree.
In the next instant—
The Flying Thunder God Technique activated.
Their figures vanished without a trace.
"Th-They disappeared?!" Kagome's mother, grandfather, and Sota all stared in shock.
"They've just gone back," Kagome explained with a small smile, long used to such sights.
"Th-This is incredible…" Her mother stepped closer to the Time Tree, gently touching its bark, wonder filling her eyes.
---
"Kagome, I'm heading back too. Are you coming?" Inuyasha asked as he walked toward the Bone Eater's Well.
"I have to stay here for a few days," Kagome sighed, shaking her head. "Yuka and Eri came by this morning. The school is preparing for a cultural festival, and they need my help."
"Cultural festival?" Inuyasha stopped immediately, his expression turning serious. "Is that some kind of yokai? Do you need my help?"
"Huh? No, it's not a yokai!" 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 dragged him toward the Bone Eater's Well.