Kurama walked into the dojo with a pleasant smile. He wore a long gray coat that designated him as part of Yomi's army. "Is everyone ready to go?"

"About time!" Chu crossed his arms. "Any more of this and I'll die of hunger!"

"Yeah!" Rinku agreed. "Can we stop for some real food on the way?"

"I'd also like a hot shower!" Suzuki demanded. "I haven't had one in months!"

"Please let him shower, so he can stop whining about it," Shishiwakamaru snapped.

"Not all of us are okay with marinating in our filth, Shishi," Suzuki countered.

"It would be nice to refresh a bit before we leave," Toya said.

"Just a couple hours is all we be needing, so we can have some peace and quiet for once." Jin patted his stomach as it rumbled. "I feel so empty, I'm as light as a feather blowing in the wind."

"Yeah, a bath and a meal sound pretty good," Sayomi muttered as she caught a whiff of herself. As if triggered by Jin's stomach, hers rumbled hungrily. "We don't have to leave right now, do we?"

"There's no rush," Kurama said. "The sun just reached the horizon, so we have time."

"If that's the case, could we get a couple more hours of rest, too?" Rinku asked with a yawn. "It's been forever since I had any real sleep."

"We don't have that much time, I'm afraid. I can guarantee a doorway to the Demon Plane, but it won't be within the Gandara border." Kurama turned to Genkai. "A couple hours to freshen up and eat breakfast is the most we can spare. Besides, we don't want to alert the Underworld with so many powerful demons in the Human World."

"Just don't take forever in the shower," Genkai warned. "That hot water doesn't last forever, you know. If you're quick enough, you might be able to leave sooner."

Sayomi smirked as she calmly followed after the boys to the main temple. While they raced to the bathroom, she made her way to Yukina's room. When she knocked on the door, the ice apparition greeted her with a warm smile. "Good morning, Ms. Sayomi. Are you about to leave?"

"Almost. We're gonna clean up a bit and eat a good meal before we head out." Sayomi smiled apologetically. "I was wondering if I could use your bathroom? The guys are crowding the main one."

"Of course." Yukina slid the door open wider so Sayomi could enter. "There's already some fresh towels inside. I'll start on breakfast so you can come to the dining hall when you're ready."

"Thanks, Yukina." Sayomi sighed with relief. "I won't be too long."

Sayomi watched the ice maiden leave the room before she started to fill the large tub with hot water. Then she stripped out of her clothes and started to wash her hair in the neighboring shower. "When we get to Gandara…" She shook her head slowly. "No. When we get to the Demon Plane, I need to be careful and watch what I say at all times. Yomi's hearing is ridiculous, so I can't slip up."

Her eyes narrowed when she stopped lathering to stare at her nails. "I also need to stay calm. I can't give off anything suspicious in my breathing or heartrate. Kurama warned me…" She clenched her fist. "Even though he's blind, he has very good eyes. I need to stay calm and speak carefully, but honestly."

Sayomi reached for the herbal bodywash and a washcloth to scrub herself. "That shouldn't be too bad. It's basically the same thing I did with Mukuro and the old man. I didn't bow to them, so why should I be timid around him? Sure, he's stronger than me, but I'm practically welcome in all three territories now. I might know things his people don't. Besides, if I stay with Kurama as planned, then I shouldn't have to worry."

When she finished, she used the shower to rinse off all of the soap. Then she turned off the water for the tub and stepped in. It was filled enough so she could stand and soak her body in the hot water.

She reached for the jewel around her neck and couldn't help missing Hiei. "I wonder when I'll get to see him again..." She missed his harsh words as much as his heated touch. She wanted to spar with him so he could see how much she improved. "I hope I can go back to Alaric soon."

She grinned. "It's kinda funny. I used to want to get away from that creepy place. Now I want to go back because it's where he is. Plus, Mukuro doesn't seem as bad as everyone makes her out to be."

She let go of the jewel and leaned back against the edge of the tub. "And I'm also wondering how Yusuke's doing in Tourin. Hopefully they're treating him better than me since he's basically their king's son. After all, the old man is on his last legs..."

Sayomi stared down into the water as her thoughts drifted back to the encroaching war. "Once the old man dies, Yomi and Mukuro will fight for control. Although, if Yusuke succeeds the throne, could he tip the scale somehow? Or maybe..."

Her eyes wandered up to the ceiling as she said, "I wonder if Yusuke has a plan... Kurama's planning for multiple possibilities, but it all comes down to what Yusuke does, right? He's unpredictable, so there's really no telling how everything will turn out.

"If Yusuke joins Mukuro, they could gang up on Yomi, but then what? And what if Yusuke doesn't take either side and decides to fight them both?" She frowned. "What if he sides with Yomi? Would he be able to do something from that angle? But then what about Hiei and Mukuro? I know Hiei and Kurama wouldn't fight Yusuke to the death, but..."

She closed her eyes and submerged herself in the tub. She stayed under for a few seconds then came back up and shook her head. "No point worrying about what ifs. I just need to prepare for the worst and hope for the best."

When Sayomi finished her bath, she drained the tub, got dressed, and walked into the main hall. She smiled at Genkai, Kurama, and Toya who were seated around a large table. "So you got to the bathroom first?"

Toya smiled. "It does help that I can control ice. Jin should be finishing up soon."

"What about everyone else?" Sayomi asked.

"They should be joining us shortly after," Toya answered.

Sayomi smirked as she took her seat on a floor cushion in front of an empty plate. Her stomach growled when she caught a whiff of cooked food and looked up at the doorway.

The chef walked in with two large platters of food and a small smile. "Breakfast is ready, everyone." Yukina set the platters down at the center of the table, then went back to retrieve another large platter from the kitchen.

Sayomi took in the smell and sight of the rolled egg omelets and pancakes before her eyes wandered to the rice balls. Then she stared at the ice maiden and grinned. "You already made all of this?"

Yukina sat down next to Sayomi and said, "I steamed the rice while I worked on the eggs and pancakes. I just finished filling the rice balls. It was the best I could do on short notice, but I hope you enjoy it."

"I'm sure it's great," Sayomi reassured.

"Ah, the food's ready!" Jin grinned as he walked in and saw the table. He settled next to Toya and reached for some omelets and rice balls. "It's about time we got to eat some actual food!"

Toya smiled at the ice maiden and said, "Thank you for the food. It looks delicious."

"Oh, it's no problem," Yukina said. "I just hope I made enough for everyone."

"If they don't finish their bath in time, then it's not your fault if they don't eat." Sayomi made a plate with a couple pancakes, two omelets, and a couple rice balls.

Kurama made his plate with a grateful smile. "We'll make sure everyone eats something before we leave. It's not wise to travel long distances on an empty stomach."

Genkai sipped her tea before making her plate. "I think the ones we really need to worry about are Jin and Chu. Everyone else has a more reasonable appetite."

"Wow!" Rinku beamed when he walked in with Chu. "Is all of that food for us?"

"There's not any meat, but it's a lot better than leaves!" Chu took a seat and dived into the food. "I just might be able to knock a few heads along the way."

"Just don't eat everything, Chu!" Rinku scolded him as he tried to get his food through the large combat junkie. "Suzuki and Shishi still need to eat, too!"

"Well they better hurry," Chu said through a mouthful. "Food's gonna get cold before long."

"So what should we expect when we get to Yomi's?" Toya asked.

Kurama swallowed his food before he answered, "You all feel strong enough to pass his screening, so there shouldn't be anything to worry about. If things go as planned, then it will all depend on Yusuke."

"Which means we have no real plan until the old man dies and Yusuke takes over," Sayomi clarified. "Last time I was there, Raizen said he wouldn't make it through the year and that deadline is almost up."

"And knowing that idiot, he might end up destroying all three worlds or saving them. Let's cross our fingers," Genkai said half-heartedly.

Sayomi stared down at her nearly empty plate. It all comes down to Yusuke... He's not familiar with how the Demon Plane works, and he doesn't exactly do well with authority figures to begin with. She thought of his attitude towards Koenma and the Underworld's Special Defense Force.

Although, he does seem to get along better with some demons than most humans. She looked around the room, noting all the apparitions who came to see him. Please don't screw this up too bad, Yusuke.

By the time Suzuki and Shishiwakamaru walked into the room, there was just enough food left for a plate each. Suzuki stared at the table in shock and groaned. "Are you kidding me?! Who ate all the food?"

"If you hadn't wasted so much time, then there might've been more leftovers," the swordsman snapped.

"It's not my fault I was so dirty, Shishi!" Suzuki slumped into his seat and filled his plate. "Besides, you can eat less in your smaller form, can't you? Do that so I can have seconds."

"I'm not giving up my half for the likes of you," the pretty boy argued as he reached for his food.

Sayomi took in the scene of careless banter and smiled. These guys aren't too bad. I can see why Yusuke got along with them. If Kurama's plan works, we just might be able to win, no matter what Yusuke does.

"Sayomi," Kurama called over the commotion. When he had her attention, he said, "When we get there, you'll need to keep your allegiance with the other territories a secret."

"Why?" Sayomi asked with an arched brow.

"Should things go south, we'll be able to communicate in secret. It could be a useful advantage against Yomi. I told him you'll be recon, but he doesn't need to know everything," Kurama elaborated.

"Got it." Sayomi nodded. "I'll be careful."

Once everyone finished breakfast, Kurama led the demons through a portal prepared by the new SDF captain. Sayomi recognized the blue-haired soldier and nodded her thanks as she walked through. He doesn't seem as stiff as the guy with the mustache... At least he doesn't see us off with empty death threats.

After everyone made it to the Demon Plane, they made their way to Gandara. It took about half the day and they didn't run into any trouble, to Chu's disappointment. When they made it to the border, the king and an old imp-like demon were there to meet them.

Yomi was a tall man with four horns sticking out from his head. Sayomi didn't catch the fifth horn on the back of his head until he turned to lead the way through the large city. He had six pointed ears, making his hearing that much more sensitive. Sayomi was thankful he kept his eyes closed. His clothing looked clean and expensive, but comfortable enough to fight in.

"Kurama," he greeted with a smile. "Are these the fighters you mentioned? I see one of them is a woman."

Sayomi's eyes narrowed a bit. "Is that a problem?"

"Not at all," the king answered easily. "I'm actually curious about your contribution to this unit."

"Yomi," Kurama greeted with a polite nod. "Her name is Sayomi. As a shadow demon, she is a very resourceful ally, both as a fighter and a healer."

"I hope so," Yomi said. Then he turned to his vassal and said, "Youda, when we get back, have rooms prepared for our guests. We can expect them to stay a while."

"Yes, Lord Yomi." Youda nodded obediently. "I'll take care of it as soon as I record everyone's power. We wouldn't want to waste space on weaklings."

When they made it to Yomi's base, Youda asked them to line up against a wall. He held out a device and pointed it at each fighter. As he went down the line, his surprise grew into awe. "I-I can't believe it. All seven... Their TPs are over 100,000! That's just incredible!" He turned to Kurama. "What dire magic did you use?!"

Kurama smiled and said, "Good food and exercise. That's all."

"'Good'?! Those herbs?! Blech!" Chu gagged.

"'All'?! We nearly died!" Suzuki yelled.

Sayomi sighed and shook her head. Crybabies...

"You never disappoint, Kurama." Yomi smiled. "You'll be the general in charge of this new unit."

"Huh?" Sayomi glanced behind the blind king to a red-finned demon dressed in armor. He stepped forward and argued, "No, Lord Yomi! They're loyal to Kurama, not to us! Not to you!"

"General Shachi..." Yomi said firmly.

"Ulp!" Shachi closed his mouth and waited nervously.

Yomi turned to the general and creased his eyebrows into a stern glare. "Have you achieved anything like this in 500 years?" Then he turned to leave, dismissing everyone from the room.

Sayomi followed Kurama through the facility. Though the halls were quiet and dark, she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. If I notice it, then I'm sure Kurama does too. I just need to stay close to him and follow his lead.

She closed her eyes and focused on her other senses. She could tell her footsteps from Kurama's and she recognized his floral scent. When she caught a whiff of fish, she knew who was watching them.

When Kurama stopped walking, she stopped with him and opened her eyes. Without hesitation, the red-head said, "All right, Shachi... come on out."

Sayomi's eyes narrowed when she recognized the red general. He stepped out from behind a pillar, wielding a three-pronged trident and a thirst for blood.

"You risk punishment," Kurama warned.

Shachi grinned confidently and said, "I have ways to dispose of evidence."

"Yomi has indeed learned patience," Kurama said. "No doubt you've sent many prospective rivals to oblivion during your tenure... and Yomi has simply bided his time, waiting for the one who would dispatch you in turn."

"Like that'll happen!" Shachi sneered. He pulled a device from his pocket and spoke into it. "Kara! It's goin' down! When I give the signal, kill him!"

Sayomi recalled the parasite demon that possessed Kurama's human brother. She slipped her hand behind her back to reach for her weapon.

"No can do, Shachi," Kara replied through the speaker. "I've reconsidered my position. But enjoy the fight, toodles."

"Whatta you mean?!" Shachi yelled into the device. "Kara! Hello? Hello?!"

Sayomi relaxed as Kurama said, "Hostages are a lot of bother... That's why Yomi prefers threats. They're more efficient."

Shachi threw the device away and lunged towards Kurama with his trident. "Die, Demon Fox!"

Before Sayomi could react, Kurama transformed into the silver-haired bandit and cut through the general with his Rose Whip. Shachi fell to the floor in bloody pieces while Kurama stayed in one piece and muttered, "Never show your hand early." Then he glanced down at her. "And always keep an ace up your sleeve."

Sayomi stared up at the fox until she heard a loud clatter on the floor. When she looked down, she recognized the device Youda used to measure their power. Her eyes widened when she read the number and saw the large spike in the graph. From 1902 to 152,000?! The rest of us only ranged around 120,000...

After Kurama returned to his human form, he turned away and continued walking. "Let's be off, Sayomi."

She followed after the red-head, ignoring the mess on the floor. As they walked down the halls, Kurama returned to his usual friendly demeanor. "I suppose this makes me Yomi's official second-in-command."

"You saw this coming from the start," Sayomi commented.

"Shachi's type is fairly predictable when it comes to a position of power. He's been targeting me from the very beginning," Kurama explained. "Is it safe to assume that Yusuke and Hiei have attained the same status at this point?"

Sayomi's gaze wandered to the floor. The metal felt cold and smooth, causing her to miss the sands and forests outside. "Yusuke's probably stronger than Hokushin by now, but soon he'll be the strongest. As for Hiei, he's most likely level with you and Yusuke."

"That's good news." Kurama smiled and turned to the demoness. "I hope you don't mind staying for a bit longer. I don't believe it's the best time to travel alone."

"Yeah," Sayomi agreed.

Kurama led her to a door that she assumed was her room. Though he looked calm on the surface, she could see his eyes were clouded with thoughts of both the past and future. "This is where I leave you for the night. You needn't worry about anymore assassination attempts. Surely you could handle them yourself."

"Especially if that Shachi guy was supposed to be the strongest." Sayomi looked around the simple room. The tatami mat and overall minimal design reminded her of Genkai's temple. "I'll be fine, but thanks for the heads up."

Kurama smiled and left her to rest. "You can relax now. The worst is over."

Once he was gone, Sayomi spread herself across the bed and sighed. "I hope you're right, Kurama."