Three weeks later: August

"Kagome," I call out, as I enter the dojo. Naoko has paused the lesson upon feeling my approach, face impassive, watching the miko turn to me. "The miko has arrived. She will be introduced to you after your lessons. As well, InuYasha and your friends have been spotted at the border, heading this way. They will likely arrive this evening."

Kagome squeals quietly, in an attempt to not to hurt our ears, before running up and wrapping her arms around my waist. "Thank you! I'll come find you after I'm done with Naoko and Morina." She beams at me before letting go and jogging back to Naoko and her dropped bokken.

"Hn." I grunt, smirking at Naoko's slightly shocked face. I step back to lean against the wall of the dojo, content to watch her run through basic katas with Naoko's occasional corrections. She has been learning quickly, both with the sword and the lessons from Morina. Perhaps I should have her also add daily practice with her bow as well, to maintain and sharpen her skills.

Straightening, I nod to Naoko, deciding that is a good course of action. I walk over to where Morina is leant on the wall, eyeing her charge as Kagome trains. "This One believes it would not be remiss to also include archery in her lessons. Though she is proficient, skills must be used to be maintained, and she could develop further."

"Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama. I will begin today, when Naoko is finished and alternate days to allow her use of her limbs after training." the kitsune says with a cheeky grin.

Arching a bow, I grunt an affirmative, and turn to return to my study.

Upon entering, I find Akiro and Jaken waiting. Raising a brow in silent question, I stride to my desk, and sit.

"My Lord, we await Kioshi." Akiro answers placidly, just as the door to the study slides open to an empty hallway before sliding shut again. "And, here he is."

A shadow in the corner of the room begins to shift, bulging slightly from the wall, before a dark form steps from it. Midnight blue eyes peer back from dark skin, long black hair braided from a high tail.

"Kioshi, what news do you bring?" I ask the shadow youkai once he has fully formed his flesh body.

"Since my Lady purified the youkai that attacked her and her guard, I only had their blood to use. Unfortunately, it did not belong to any of the Western court, which leaves me with very little to work with. I have organised my shades and spies to keep their senses open for anything suspicious, but without more, I can not do much more until something else happens." Kioshi reports, head bowed.

I growl under my breath, my beast pacing unhappily. "Very well. Anything else to report?"

"No, sir. All spies report no unusual activity from any of the other houses. Some occasional skirmishes at the borders from unaffiliated youkai, but nothing we need worry about."

"Hn. Very well. Return if anything arises. Dismissed, Kioshi. Jaken, call Sumi and have guest rooms prepared for Kagome's friends. As well, inform her I wish to see her this afternoon and formally introduce her to Kagome." Jaken squawks an affirmative before scurrying off.

Akiro watches, amused before turning back to me. "So. Your brother in the shiro. You must be thrilled." His eyes twinkle, a wicked smirk adorned on his face.

"Hn." I reply, pressing my fingers to my temples. "Kagome misses her friends, so they are visiting. The days will be long, I am sure." I grumble, much to Akiro's amusement.

"Cheer up, old friend. It's worth it for her to smile as she does." he says as he stands.

"Indeed."

4/5/21 a/n: yay! old groups arriving, some story stuff getting pushed along, and kags learning her skillz