"Boom—!"
A deafening roar erupted.
An immense repulsive force burst from Deva Path Kikyo's palm, sweeping across the ruined village like an invisible giant hand.
The decayed wooden houses twisted and collapsed instantly. Broken beams, straw, and rubble were all pushed away in a violent surge, gathering toward the shoreline. Layer by layer, the debris piled up into a small mountain.
Since most of the houses were made of wood and straw—useful as fuel—Kasage deliberately gathered them instead of blasting them into the sea.
"Waaah—that's amazing!"
The six half-demon children stared wide-eyed, their faces full of shock and excitement.
Kasage smiled faintly.
Shinra Tensei really is efficient for demolition, he thought.
Almost every resident of Konoha would agree.
"Wood Release: Linked Pillar House Technique!"
With the area cleared, Kasage formed hand seals and slammed his palm onto the ground.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The earth trembled violently.
Trees burst from the soil, growing rapidly as branches intertwined and shaped themselves into structures. Before long, elegant two-story wooden houses rose neatly across the village.
In just moments—
A brand-new village stood where ruins once lay.
The scent of fresh wood filled the air.
Even though there were fewer than ten people, Kasage built plenty of houses to avoid rebuilding later.
"Wow! Amazing!"
The children ran around excitedly. Moegi even stood on tiptoe to admire the houses.
"This one's so pretty!"
Kikyo watched quietly, her eyes widening in surprise.
She knew Kasage could use Wood Release—
But this level of speed and scale still shocked her.
Kanade, seeing this for the first time, was equally stunned.
If she weren't maintaining her composure as a priestess, she might have reacted just like the children.
"Phew…"
Kasage exhaled deeply.
Building an entire village had consumed a lot of chakra.
"All done. Go pick whichever house you like."
The children cheered and rushed off, chattering happily.
Kanade smiled and followed them.
These children were now her greatest concern.
"Let's go take a look too."
Kasage took Kikyo's hand and led her into the village.
Behind them, Blazing Hoof carried Deva Path Kikyo, following quietly.
They walked along a planned path until they reached a larger building at the back.
It stood taller than the rest and had a wide, flat training ground behind it.
"Is this our house?" Kikyo asked softly.
"That's right."
They entered.
The interior was empty—just a structure formed by Wood Release.
They walked through and began placing simple furnishings.
Back at the Shrine
"Yuzuki, have you been alright here alone?"
In the courtyard of Kikyo's shrine, Yuzuki sat on a swing.
Hearing the familiar voice, she turned in surprise.
"Kikyo! Lord Kasage!"
She ran forward and hugged Kikyo tightly.
Soon, she began chattering about everything that had happened.
But then—
She froze.
Her eyes widened in shock.
"T-two Lady Kikyos?!"
Behind Kasage stood another Kikyo—identical in appearance.
"This is a replica created using my blood," Kikyo explained gently.
"She's now Kasage's Deva Path puppet. You can call her 'Deva.'"
"Deva?" Yuzuki tilted her head. "That's a strange name…"
Kikyo also frowned slightly.
"…It does sound odd for a girl."
She turned to Kasage.
"She should have a proper name."
Kasage paused, thinking.
Naming wasn't his strong suit.
His gaze shifted between Kikyo and the puppet.
Then suddenly—
He smiled.
"How about… Deva Akane?"
"You can call her Akane for short."
---
"Deva… Akane…"
Kikyo repeated softly.
A satisfied expression appeared on her face.
"…That sounds nice."
Kasage blinked slightly—he hadn't expected her to agree so easily.
"Well, then it's settled."
"But why that name?" Kikyo asked, noticing his amused expression.
Kasage suppressed a smile.
"It just feels like it suits her… especially since she looks like you."
"…Really?"
Kikyo glanced at him suspiciously, but didn't press further.
She turned to the puppet.
"From now on, your name is Deva Akane."
The girl nodded slowly.
She still couldn't speak—only respond with simple movements.
Over the past few days, Kikyo had grown used to her presence.
Knowing the puppet lacked full intelligence, she couldn't help but feel sympathy.
She treated her like a younger sister.
"Come on," Kikyo said gently, taking her hand. "I'll show you your room."
Yuzuki followed curiously as they entered the shrine.
Watching them leave, Kasage murmured to himself:
"Deva Akane…"
"…Yeah, that works."