"A spiritual bow infused with spiritual power? How incredible!"
Kagome stared at the bow in her hands, her eyes shining with astonishment. She knew all too well the difference between Tessaiga when it held demonic power and when it did not. After listening to Kikyo's explanation, she finally understood just how precious this bow truly was.
"Kikyo… such an extraordinary bow… why didn't you keep it for yourself?" Kagome asked, puzzled by how easily Kikyo had given it to her. "You would definitely be able to—"
"This bow was meant for you."
Kikyo lowered her gaze to the spiritual bow in Kagome's arms, a faint, gentle smile touching her lips.
"Your spiritual power was likely sealed because of the Shikon Jewel."
"It has been unstable—sometimes strong, sometimes weak. With the spiritual power contained within this bow, you will be able to use it properly."
"And besides… you are my reincarnation. The power within this bow shares the same origin as yours. Your compatibility with it is extremely high."
"As for me…" Kikyo let out a soft chuckle, her tone calm and indifferent. "I have no need for it. To me, this bow is no different from an ordinary yokai-slaying bow."
Kagome listened in silence, warmth spreading through her chest. She nodded firmly, tightening her grip on the bow.
"Thank you, Kikyo…"
"There's no need to thank me."
Kikyo shook her head and turned her gaze toward the distant Mount Azusa, shrouded in mist.
"When you become a powerful priestess capable of standing on your own, you can bring your yokai-slaying bow to the Spirit Temple on Mount Azusa… and pass on your power."
"Yes! I will!" Kagome nodded with determination, her eyes filled with resolve.
If Kikyo hadn't once sent such a bow to the Spirit Temple, she wouldn't have received one like this today.
One day… when she became as strong as Kikyo, she would surely do the same.
As the two rode back on Blazing Hoof, Kagome suddenly raised her hand and pointed into the distance.
"Kikyo, look over there!"
On the horizon, a column of black smoke twisted upward into the sky.
Kikyo's expression immediately hardened. She tapped Blazing Hoof's neck.
"Blazing Hoof, go!"
The fiery steed neighed sharply, flames erupting from its hooves as it surged forward through the air toward the source of the smoke.
"There's yokai energy… a large amount. They're attacking a village."
As they drew closer, the presence of dark energy became undeniable.
Kagome's eyes widened as the burning village came into view.
"The yokai… they're attacking the village!"
"Faster," Kikyo urged quietly.
Blazing Hoof accelerated, diving toward the chaos below. The sounds of collapsing houses and desperate cries for help filled the air.
Bang!
Smoke burst into Kikyo's hand as a yokai-slaying bow materialized in her grip. In one smooth motion, she drew an arrow from Kagome's quiver. Spiritual energy flowed into her fingers as she pulled back the string.
Whoosh—
A radiant arrow streaked across the sky, wrapped in brilliant spiritual light. It struck the cluster of yokai below with perfect precision.
The purification power erupted.
In an instant, the yokai caught within its light were reduced to nothing but ash.
Almost at the same time, Kagome reacted. She nocked an arrow and drew her bow. The spiritual bow resonated with her power.
Her arrow pierced the air with a sharp cry.
It struck a yokai that was chasing fleeing villagers—and in a flash of light, it too vanished into ash.
"It's the Priestess-sama!"
The villagers looked up, recognizing Kikyo's red and white miko robes. Their voices rose in hope as they ran toward her.
The remaining yokai roared in fury, turning their attention toward the two women.
"Blazing Hoof, stop here!"
The flaming steed hovered above the village. From above, Kikyo and Kagome unleashed arrow after arrow, their attacks falling like streaks of light.
Each shot tore through the oppressive yokai energy.
Within moments… silence.
All the attacking yokai were gone.
Blazing Hoof descended into the open space at the center of the village. The villagers quickly surrounded them.
An elderly man stepped forward, trembling with emotion. When he saw Kikyo clearly, his eyes widened.
"It's Lady Kikyo! It really is Lady Kikyo!"
"Lady Kikyo?!"
The crowd erupted in excitement and gratitude.
"Thank you for saving our village!"
"Thank you, Lady Kikyo… and this young priestess as well!"
The old man turned to Kagome, hesitating briefly at her unfamiliar clothing, before bowing respectfully.
"This young priestess also helped defeat the yokai and saved us all."
Kagome touched her cheek, slightly embarrassed, glancing shyly at Kikyo.
She hadn't expected Kikyo to be this well-known.
Kikyo looked at the villagers, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. Since settling at the shrine with Uchiha Kasage, she had often purified yokai in nearby areas—but she hadn't expected to be recognized from so far away.
As if sensing her thoughts, the old man quickly explained,
"I once saw you from afar while you were purifying yokai in a nearby village, my lady!"
"I see…" Kikyo nodded softly, then her gaze shifted to the wounded and the burning homes.
Her tone became firm.
"We need to treat the injured immediately. Bring them to me."
"Yes! Thank you, Lady Kikyo!"
The villagers rushed to act.
Kikyo dismounted and turned to Kagome.
"Kagome, come help."
"O-okay!"
Kagome hurried after her, looking at the injured villagers with concern.
"But… we don't have medicine with us. Should we return to the shrine? I do have some first aid supplies from home…"
"No need."
Kikyo took out a scroll and gently placed it on the ground.
It was covered in dense black inscriptions, with a large character for "Medicine" at its center.
Under Kagome's curious gaze, Kikyo pressed her hand onto the markings.
Bang!
A cloud of smoke burst forth.
When it cleared, a wooden chest appeared.
Kagome's eyes widened.
"Is that the same technique Kasage used to store things in scrolls? You learned it too, Kikyo?"
"It may look similar," Kikyo replied calmly as she opened the chest, revealing herbs and bandages, "but this is a summoning scroll created by Uchiha Kasage. It allows me to call items directly from the shrine."
"Lady Kikyo! Please, save Yoshino!"
Two villagers rushed forward, carrying a young man covered in blood.
"Lay him here," Kikyo said immediately.
"Kagome, assist me."
"O-okay!"
Kagome knelt beside her, watching closely as Kikyo worked.
With calm precision, Kikyo cleaned the wound, applied herbal medicine, and wrapped it with practiced skill.
Kagome couldn't hide the admiration in her eyes.
As the sun began to set, golden light spread across the village.
The injured had been treated, and the chaos had settled.
The villagers gathered once more, bowing deeply to Kikyo and Kagome as they prepared to leave.
"Thank you… truly!"
Kikyo mounted Blazing Hoof and spoke gently,
"Those who are injured must rest well. If you need help, come to the shrine."
"We won't forget this! Thank you, Lady Kikyo! Thank you, Miss Kagome!"
Kagome waved at them with a smile.
Blazing Hoof neighed, flames igniting beneath its hooves as it lifted into the air.
Carrying them both, it soared toward the shrine…
into the golden light of the setting sun.