If you saw this in the first hour after posting (it says 0 views, but I don't always trust it), then reread the chapter. A part got cut.

Chapter 26: Kanna

"You think I will just go along with this insane scheme, Sesshomaru?"

"Yes," he replied. "Inuyasha is not capable of keeping a level head under pressure. For now, this secret must be kept to keep him focused. He must fight at his full potential, and must be prepared to deal with any outcome. If we do things your way, he will let his guard down. Warriors are bred through battle."

The man growled. "There is no need for him to fight! I will take his place, and deal with these Shichinintai." The man's claws drew blood as they were clenched into fists. "I cannot do nothing! The Shikon no Tama must be stopped."

Sesshomaru raised a brow, "if you attack an ordinary human, we are finished." He let his gaze go to the window. They were at nearly the top floor of the building, and the view of the city was rather spectacular. Sometimes, with his superior vision, he could even catch a glimpse of crimson below. "Do you have someone to protect?"

They were not new words, but what was their purpose here? "My family," he answered.

Sesshomaru nodded, "You underestimate Inuyasha. He is too human, he believes in protecting anyone he can." The man walked over to see Sesshomaru's view, but he didn't speak. "Brash, naive, tempered, yet… alive. He is not alone."

The man couldn't help but smile, "Too much like his mother."

"He can change things. The people accept him. In these modern times, their first instinct is no longer fear."

"They are afraid. They just have hope and curiosity too." The man sighed, "This has gotten too big. If anything goes wrong, youkai will never be accepted."

"Indeed. But I have faith he can handle himself amongst ordinary humans." Sesshomaru moved to grab a file off his desk. "We must locate the shikon fragments and create a plan of attack. Onigumo is clever, using innocent humans as a shield. He never ventures outside, nor do we know what abilities the shikon shards have granted him thus far. We also do not even understand his sudden interest in Inuyasha, that is what concerns me most. But make no mistake, he will die." His eyes met his father's. "Onigumo is still a mere human, ignorant to our true power. Let him believe he is still in control of the situation. You must simply play dead a little longer."

The Inu no Taisho looked out towards the city, "The Crimson Vigilante, Inushinku. Impressive, son." Perhaps one day, they'd fully see him as a hero.

"Lord Sesshomaru," the wind witch greeted with a bow.

"Kagura," he replied plainly.

The message she had received from the youkai lord hadn't said much, it had just demanded a meeting. And one does not simply deny the son of the Inu no Taisho. At his continued silence, she tried, "did you call me here to discuss the lawsuit of Naraku Incorporated?"

He let out a noncommittal sound, "Ah yes, I suppose they are connected." He continued looking through some paperwork.

Kagura could feel her instincts flaring, it was best to run when Lord Sesshomaru was in a playful mood instead of straightforward. She swallowed, "Connected? I'm afraid I don't follow."

Finally, his eyes met hers, "Tell me of your sister, Kanna, I believe?"

She froze. Onigumo was supposed to have erased all traces of her sister's existence when they made their deal. Sesshomaru asking about her now, well, it wasn't random. "Yes, Kanna is my younger sister. But she was born frail, and without any ability to connect. She always seemed emotionless, at least to others. About a year ago, she passed on."

He took a sip of the wine she had only just noticed. "Unfortunate."

At the continued silence, she took a chance, "is that all my lord?"

"You may leave."

Kagura bowed to the inuyoukai and went to leave, until a voice stopped her. "Return my father's soul within 3 days, and I give you my word of honor that I will use Tenseiga, the sword of heaven, to restore her to life when this is over."

Kagura gasped. How did he know? Onigumo had found the two after they exhausted all medical resources, human or youkai. Using the power of a shikon shard, he was able to stabilize Kanna's fading life, at least while the shard remained. As a result, the two sisters lost their freedom to the dark human. If the shard were removed, if Onigumo learned that Kagura had betrayed him, then Kanna would die.

"I suggest you consider whose wrath you fear more."

The two sisters now posed a minor inconvenience to Sesshomaru, since he had to be careful not to let them be killed before he could get to Kanna with Tenseiga. The sword had a limited timeframe and range afterall. It was yet another reason his father had to remain 'dead'. He had made a vow and would keep it. For now, the two would be in serious danger if the ruse was discovered, but they'd made wonderful spies. Myoga, whilst useful, nearly triggered Onigumo's security when he ventured in for information the first time, he couldn't risk tipping him off with a second attempt.

Just a little longer, he repeated to himself. Even he realized keeping their father's awakening secret from Inuyasha was cruel, and he would pay for it later, but Inuyasha could not keep a secret. He would tell his friends, and then who would they tell? He could not risk giving away his new advantage, Onigumo thought them unable to act. No. It was not a stalemate. His father would hide and guard their shard, while Sesshomaru would steal Onigumo's, and Inuyasha would steal Onigumo's focus. Soon, very soon. He still had to be careful. Information on Kanna was not easy to retrieve, but Kikyo still got him started, and he did not trust her. He would not be so foolish to fall into a trap. No. Onigumo had no leverage to force Sesshomaru's hand anymore. He would be patient, he would find Onigumo's trap, and then he would die.

Ring. Ri-

"Sesshomaru." He heard coughing coming from the wolf on the line. "Kyokotsu is dead, but Mukotsu showed up and unleased poison bombs throughout the city. The mutt's chasing him, I don't know his status."

More worry to give his father, great. "Gather information, I will contact our medical personnel."

He hung up the line. Somehow nothing involving his brother was ever easy.

He dialed the number for Jinenji.

x

The group sat in their hideout after having viewed the news report on Mukotsu and Kyokotsu's attempt. They hadn't succeeded, but they got the public's attention.

"Any objections?" came the final question from their leader, Bankotsu.

"Sounds like fun," answered Jakotsu, licking his lips seductively at the thought of facing the crimson vigilante again.

All around, most gave nods of approval. All but one. "What's the point?" came the question from Renkostu. "If we're planning to go to such lengths, why not just demand even more money directly?"

Bankotsu gave him a disappointed glare, "come on Renkotsu, where's your fighting spirit? The money is just the bonus, the fight is the real prize."

Renkotsu wasn't sure that he agreed, but nonetheless, the vigilante had no chance so the money and fame would be as good as theirs. "Right, Bankotsu."

He looked at the remaining members of the band. "Perfect. Jakotsu, go get Suikotsu and fill him in. Renkotsu, make sure Ginkotsu is ready. And get into positions. We'll commence in three days.

AN: Did you see that coming? Well, there's still a bit to go, but we're approaching the endgame, so expect lots of surprises. Updates are probably going to get slower now as this is likely the last short chapter and I really want to make sure all the mysteries wrap up without too many plot holes. Another what-if story will also be coming out this week. Till next time!