"Kanade…?" Kikyo looked at the red power orb floating in the air, hesitation flickering in her eyes as she called out softly.
"It's me."
Kanade's voice came from within the bead.
The next moment, blazing flames burst forth from the red orb, engulfing it completely.
As the fire slowly faded, a figure began to take shape.
A beautiful woman emerged.
Her long crimson hair flowed down to her waist, swaying gently like fire in the wind. Her bright red eyes, matching her hair, shone vividly. She wore a shrine maiden's outfit, a purple hakama paired with a pale red robe, tied with delicate red cords. At the center of her forehead, the red power orb remained embedded, glowing faintly.
"It really worked…" Kikyo's eyes widened in astonishment.
She stepped forward and gently touched Kanade's arm.
"This body… it's formed from yōkai energy. It's not real flesh."
Kanade raised her hand, lightly touching her own cheek. The sensation was real.
A tremor ran through her fingers.
"…That's more than enough."
Her voice trembled slightly as tears gathered in her eyes.
"To have a body again… that's already a miracle."
Kasage stepped forward and took out the red oni fan that had once belonged to Kyōra, handing it to her.
"You should be able to use this now."
Kanade accepted it carefully. As she infused a trace of yōkai energy into the fan, flames flickered instantly across its surface.
"…Yes."
She held it close, her expression filled with gratitude.
Then she bowed deeply.
"Thank you… truly."
Her voice was solemn, filled with sincerity.
"You avenged everyone on this island… and gave me a second life. I will never forget this kindness."
Kasage looked at her calmly.
"Hōraijima belongs to me now," he said. "All you need to do is protect it."
Kanade straightened, her gaze firm.
"Please rest assured."
"As the shrine maiden of Hōraijima, I will protect this island with everything I have. I will not betray your trust."
Kasage nodded, satisfied.
"Good."
After a brief pause, he glanced at the others.
"Alright, everyone. Get some rest. We'll head back tomorrow."
He turned and walked toward the house.
"Kanade, there are still some intact houses in the village. Choose one to stay in. If you need anything, come find me."
As he spoke, he opened the door and entered, guiding Deva Path Kikyo along with him so she could rest as well.
They were currently staying in the central village of Hōraijima.
Most of the buildings had long since fallen into ruin, but a few remained standing. Using Wood Release, Kasage had reinforced two houses for temporary use. He and Kikyo stayed in one, while the half-yōkai children stayed in the other.
"I've rested long enough," Kanade said with a soft smile, shaking her head. Her gaze turned toward the island under the night sky.
"I want to see… what Hōraijima has become."
There was a quiet longing in her voice.
Kikyo nodded gently. "Then… take care."
With that, she followed Kasage inside.
Kanade remained alone on the terrace for a moment.
Then she leaped down.
Mid-air, her body transformed into a large bird of flames. With a powerful beat of its wings, it soared into the night sky, circling above the island.
Below her lay Hōraijima.
Once a place where humans, yōkai, and half-yōkai lived together in harmony…
Now it was silent.
Desolate.
Only a few remained.
A quiet sorrow filled her heart.
At that moment, tiny emerald lights began to rise from the forest.
Fireflies.
They gathered, forming a glowing stream that followed behind her like loyal spirits, circling the island together, their soft light illuminating the darkness.
The next morning
Asagi, Moegi, Green, Orange, Aster, and Blue stepped out of their house.
Immediately, they saw a familiar figure standing in the open space, gazing out toward the distant sea.
Hearing their footsteps, the figure turned.
The children froze.
"…Lady Kanade…?"
Their voices trembled.
Though her hair and eyes were now crimson, and the glowing orb on her forehead was unfamiliar, her face… her presence… was unmistakable.
"Asagi… Moegi… Green… Orange… Aster… Blue…"
Kanade looked at them, her eyes filled with warmth and affection.
"It's been a long time. You've all endured so much."
"Lady Kanade!"
In an instant, their emotions broke free.
Their eyes reddened as they rushed toward her, throwing themselves into her arms, crying uncontrollably.
All the fear, loneliness, and pain they had endured finally poured out.
"…I'm sorry."
Kanade held them tightly, her voice filled with guilt.
"I came too late."
She closed her eyes briefly.
"I couldn't stop the Four Shitō Gods… and you suffered because of it."
"It's not your fault!" Asagi looked up, wiping away tears. "If you hadn't sealed their power with your life, none of us would be here!"
"That's right!" the others echoed, nodding firmly.
Gratitude filled their eyes.
"…Thank you."
Kanade gently patted their heads, her own eyes shimmering with tears.
For years, she had been trapped within the Cauldron of Resonance, forced to watch as one child after another was sacrificed.
Countless times, she had questioned her choice.
But now…
Seeing them alive—
She finally found her answer.
"Lady Kanade," Green asked curiously after a moment, "weren't you… already gone?"
Kanade smiled softly.
"My soul remained within the Cauldron, guarding the sealed power of the Four Shitō Gods."
She glanced toward Kasage.
"It was Kasage who brought me out… and gave me this body using their power. That's why I can stand here with you again."
At that moment, Kasage's voice called out from a distance.
"Since everyone's here, let's get to work."
Kanade and the children turned.
Kasage and Kikyo were walking toward them.
Behind them, Deva Path Kikyo rode atop the blazing demonic horse, her presence calm and cold.
The children greeted them respectfully, though their eyes lingered curiously on the identical figure behind Kikyo.
They recognized her immediately—
The "imposter."
"Stop staring and move," Kasage said calmly, ignoring their curiosity.
"Yes!"
The group quickly got to work.
Together, they searched through the abandoned village, gathering anything still usable—pots, tools, utensils.
But after so many years, most items had decayed beyond use.
Before long, they gathered what little remained and piled it in an open area.
Kasage looked over the ruins, then spoke firmly.
"Everyone, step back. Stay in a safe place."
The Rinnegan appeared in his eyes.
At the same time, Deva Path Kikyo's eyes turned into the same pale purple.
She slowly raised her hand, pointing toward the ruined village.
Her voice rang out—calm, cold, and commanding.
"Shinra Tensei."