It has been three years since Naraku's defeat. Kagome had finally finished high school and was now living with her friends in the Feudal Era. Every now and then there would be a cry for help and Inu Yasha and Miroku would aid the nearby towns and kill demons, and exorcise spirits. Sango stayed at home caring for her three children, precious gifts given to her by her husband. Her brother Kohaku, would travel back and forth with Kilala carrying on the role of demon slayer.
Everything seemed to be at peace now that the monster Naraku was vanquished and the shikon jewel was wished away. Now all that was on Kagome's mind was furthering her relationship with her half-breed friend, and the possibility of getting closer. Inu Yasha unfortunately never changed, he was still the same grumpy, offensive, bad mouthing hanyou. Even on those nights where it was just Kagome and Inu Yasha alone together, he never made his move. When Kagome dared make a move on him, he hid away in his tree, keeping to himself.
Kagome feared he was still in love with the long gone, Kikyou, the original priestess of the jewel shard., when talking to her friend Sango, all she could say was: "Give him time, I'm sure he'll come around."
As her friends insisted, she waited, but how long could Kagome wait? Throughout her wait, Kagome continued with her miko training, practicing the ways to use medicines and going to the villagers when they needed help. Kaede appreciated having the girl around, especially when she was getting on in her years as the head Miko. Having no such luck, Inu Yasha never courted Kagome as she hoped, much less show her any affection.
One day, in the middle of the spring season, Kaede received news that a water dragon demon was terrorizing the next village over and had asked Inu Yasha and Kagome for their help. They agreed quickly and Started their journey.