Princess Abi spoke to her mother of the problems she has been plagued with since Naraku's appearance. Her mother mentioned a castle that has a connection to Naraku, and suggested that her daughter attack it.

Kohaku and Kanna were staying at said castle with Akago to guard and protect it.

But unknown to anyone, with each passing day, Kohaku was slowly beginning the process of finally recovering his memories.

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Gohan and the others stopped by this village a few days later to find information of Princess Abi's whereabouts.

"Birds that suck human blood. Do you know anything about them?" asked Trunks

The villager nodded "There's been a huge uproar about them. I've heard all kinds of rumors lately."

"Have they been seen in the area?" asked Gohan

"Not that I'm aware of. Besides, we're so close to the castle. There's no way demons would come here."

Gohan, Trunks and Miroku eyed the castle suspiciously.

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"I don't think this is the place either." Inuyasha muttered

Kagome sighed "We're doing all we can. I mean, we don't even know where the birds nest is."

"I guess we have no choice but to find lodgings in this village tonight." Miroku said as he was stopped from entering a tavern by Sango.

Koga nodded "I don't usually say this, but he's right. I've got a bad feeling about this."

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Kagura and Hakudoshi noticed Abi flying in the direction of the castle, and Hakudoshi ordered Kagura to go after them.

Abi noticed the Saimyosho, and had her birds devour them before she continued on her way.

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As they stayed in the inn, Sango couldn't help but think of Kohaku.

Gohan came outside and noticed Abi and her birds flying past "They're heading for the castle. Koga, let's go!"

Koga nodded and took off, with Gohan following soon after.

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The birds made quick work of the castle guards, and would've devoured several of the villagers, but Kohaku protected the villagers and killed.

That was when Naraku used the jewel shard to order Kohaku to protect the infant, and he made his way to the castle.

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With the Shiroga, Koga used the Wolf Hurricane to slaughter at least 200 bird demons, before Abi made her presence known when she shielded herself from the blast with the trident given to her by Naraku "Oh, wolf pup. Not you again."

"Abi, you'll stoop to just about anything, won't you?" Koga spat

Abi looked at him curiously "I thought you two were Naraku's enemies. Why are you protecting this castle?"

Gohan's glare hardened "What the **** are you going on about? Are you saying that this is where Naraku is hiding?"

"That's what I'm here to find out. So far, though, the only resistance I've seen has come from the humans."

"What the **** is going on?" Koga snarled "I thought you and Naraku had some kind of deal."

"Are you kidding? He's the one who came to me for help."

"I don't care if you've severed your ties with Naraku or not. You'll still die by my hand." he charged at her, but was cut by the miasma produced by Abi's forked trident.

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As the castle was set ablaze by Abi's birds, Kohaku guided the lady of the castle and the infant to safety.

When one of the castle soldiers mentioned that he had skills similar to that of a demon slayer, he started seeing memories flash through his mind.

Once Kanna informed him that the castle had fallen, Naraku used the jewel shard to manipulate Kohaku into taking the infant.

He was forced to kill the servants of the castle and the soldiers.

"Kohaku!" at that moment, Sango arrived.

Having left Koga to battle Abi, Gohan showed up at the same time as Sango.

Gohan looked at him "Kohaku… Did you..?"

The lady of the castle attempted to flee, but was killed when Kanna sucked out her soul with her mirror, and then took the mirror.

Sango looked at him sadly "Kohaku… You did it again, didn't you?"

Kohaku looked at her in confusion 'Again?'

He saw images flash through his mind, of when he was forced to attack his friends and family, and he started trembling.

Before anything could happen, Kagura intervened, took Kohaku and retreated.

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Kohaku and Kagura fled on her giant feather.

Kohaku looked back at the burning castle 'Now I remember… I killed my father and everyone else with my own two hands.' He then slipped off of the giant feather, much to the surprise of Kagura, forcing her to go down and get him.

As he fell, he finally remembered everything as tears sprang to his eyes 'I remember everything now… I killed my father and the rest of the demon slayers with my own two hands… I even tried to kill my sister Sango. I should've died that night, but then he came. Naraku.'

He nearly fell to the ground before Kagura caught him "Geez, what do you think you're doing? Trying to kill yourself?"

Kohaku said nothing 'I don't care if I do die. Naraku… I'll kill him, even if it costs us both our lives.'

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Koga and the others arrived "Gohan! Sango!"

They found the corpses "The birds didn't do this."

"Kohaku did it." Sango choked out "He killed them all…"

"Sango, Gohan, where is Kohaku?" asked Kagome "Did he leave again?"

Sango nodded "He's gone, but I couldn't go after him."

Gohan decided to change the subject "Koga, did you kill Abi?"

Koga's eyes filled with rage and he shook his head "She got away again."

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As the group exited the castle, they ran into a group of survivors.

Then the old man started calling out, trying to find Kohaku.

"You guys know Kohaku?" asked Gohan

The old man nodded "He was working here with us. We were saved by the boy. He's the reason we're still alive. It was amazing. He ordered us to stay inside while he fought off the bird demons. He looked like he was such a unique young lad."

One of the men nodded "Good thing he was, or we'd be dead."

Gohan smiled "Good."

"Young man, you know Kohaku, I take it?" asked the old man "What happened to the boy, anyway? Is he alright?"

"He's alright. I saw him escape."

Miroku and Kagome comforted a crying Sango.

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"Sango, Gohan, can you guys describe exactly what you saw?" asked Miroku "Kohaku was there, so that must mean that Naraku is connected in some way to the castle."

Gohan nodded "I left Koga to deal with Abi and found Kohaku around the same time Sango did. He was about to kill a woman holding an infant. My guess is that it was Naraku's infant."

"So that was the connection between Naraku and the castle." Trunks mused "But why?"

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Kagura made an important discovery about Akago: that he was the heart of both Naraku and Hakudoshi.

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"What now, guys?" asked Trunks "It's obvious that Abi's turned on Naraku, so there's no guarantee the nest will lead us to him even if we find it."

Koga snorted "Of course he will. Naraku is after the human blood Abi is collecting. From what you guys tell me, he's planning to use human blood to cross into the border to get the last sacred jewel shard. Besides, even if it doesn't lead to him, I'm still going after Abi's head. Thanks to the jewel shards and Ryu scales in my arms and legs, now I've got the power to do it."

Gohan nodded "Still, we have no way to figure out how he'll do it."

"Hey guys." said Shippo "Are we just gonna leave Sango alone?"

They looked over to see Sango staring into the sky.

"Sango's been down for so long now." Kagome muttered "She must be worried about Kohaku."

Sango was lost in her thoughts 'What will I do if Kohaku's committed even more crimes by the next time I see him? Can I save Kohaku?'

Miroku came and sat down next to her "So Sango, mind if I sit with you?" He received no response "I really don't want to see you suffering on your own. Tell me, is there anything I can do to help comfort you?"

"Just stay here." Sango muttered quietly "Sit beside me."

Miroku nodded and put an arm around her shoulder.

"Wow." Shippo muttered "He casually puts his arm around her shoulders."

"Shoulders?" Inuyasha and Koga asked simultaneously "So he's not stroking her butt?"

"Guys, come on." Kagome scolded "Miroku might be a pervert, but even he knows there's a time and place."

Gohan looked at her "That may be the case, but it didn't stop him when he was getting his Wind Tunnel stitched. Or at least 3 times at mount Hakurei, that we know of. Or during the crisis with Sounga."

"And don't worry Sango." said Miroku "I won't stroke your bottom."

"Good. Hands off for now."

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As he gazed at the mountain, Naraku removed the barrier protecting Abi and Tekkei from being discovered, and smirked to himself.

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As Kagome and the others slept and Gohan meditated, Inuyasha and Koga picked up the scent.

Inuyasha then noticed two strange lights headed straight for them, in the form of Kocho and Asuka "Kikyo's Shikigami."

They landed in front of Inuyasha "Lady Kikyo awaits. She waits for you." And with that, they left as soon as they had appeared.

Inuyasha wanted to follow them, but hesitated.

"Go mutt." said Koga "But in exchange, Abi's mine to kill."

Inuyasha said nothing. He just took off.

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Inuyasha followed the Shikigamis into the forest, and entered a clearing once he found soul collectors.

And there she was.

Kikyo, resting in a tree, obtaining more souls, where she slowly turned to face him "Inuyasha…"

Inuyasha emerged from the bushes "How are you feeling, Kikyo? Are you alright now?"

"I'm sure you heard what happened. Naraku's miasma was consuming my body, until it was purified by Kagome."

"I heard. Kikyo… She looks like she's still in pain… She's not completely healed yet.'

"Inuyasha, you must have noticed this yourself. The barrier around the nest has vanished."

Inuyasha's eyes widened "I get it. No wonder I could smell those bird demons."

"Inuyasha, what do you think Naraku's trying to accomplish?"

Inuyasha was taken aback by her question "He's trying to get to the border between this world and the afterlife in order to get the last sacred jewel shard."

"So that's why he used the birds to gather human blood. If that's the case, the path to the netherworld will soon open, and Naraku will get the jewel shard. Inuyasha, you and your friends intend to go to the border between this world and the next."

"Of course we're going there. We're not gonna let someone like Naraku get his hands on the last sacred jewel shard."

"Listen Inuyasha… Do not take Kagome with you."

"Why shouldn't we take her?"

"Naraku removed the barrier around the nest for a reason. To lure you and all your friends into his trap. Naraku is after Kagome's eyes."

"You mean her power to see the jewel shards."

"I'm almost certain that Naraku wants to lure you to the border between the two worlds, and then use Kagome to get the last shard."

That was when Kocho and Asuka appeared with Kikyo's bow and arrow.

"What are you doing?"

"I will deal with Naraku. My spiritual powers haven't weakened."

"Don't be ridiculous! Naraku will kill you for certain." He gripped her shoulders "You know better than that. Naraku wants you dead. That hasn't changed. Listen Kikyo, I messed up big time. When you were attacked at Mount Hakurei, I wasn't able to protect you. I refuse to give Naraku a second chance to take your life. I never want to go through that again. Kikyo, I'm begging you. Please, just stay here and wait here for me. Please Kikyo!"

Kikyo stayed silent for a moment "The arrows." She took one of her arrows from Asuka, and handed it to Inuyasha "Take this with you. Please, give this arrow to Kagome. Only Kagome herself can determine whether or not she'll be able to use it."

"I will."

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"Miroku, look at the sky. Doesn't it seem strange to you?" asked Sango

Miroku nodded "Keep watching."

At that moment, several demons flew past them.

"Naraku's demons." Gohan mused "And they're heading somewhere with a purpose."

At that moment, Inuyasha returned and handed Kagome the arrow "I went to see Kikyo last night. She told me to give this to you."

Kagome examined the arrow "This is Kikyo's."

"It's been rubbed with dirt from Onigumo's cave. She said it should work on Naraku." he told her.

"Thank you."

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Overlooking a cliff, Sesshomaru watched as the demons flew past.

"Are those Naraku's demons, lord Sesshomaru?" asked Jaken

Sesshomaru nodded slightly 'It's very faint, but I smell it, mixed in with the scent of the bird demons. I smell Naraku's evil aura. Let's go."

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Gohan and the others raced towards the nest "Naraku removed the barrier around the nest?"

Koga nodded "And now, it reeks with the smell of birds. It's time to avenge my father and brother."

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Naraku confronted Abi and Tekkei.

"Why Naraku, I never thought you'd come looking for a fight." Abi mocked "Have you come to pay me back for destroying your castle?"

Naraku smirked "Princess Abi, I understand that your birds sucked out every last drop of human blood at the castle."

"They certainly did, and now my mother has been completely cured."

"Is that so?"

"Naraku, my mother is intrigued. She says she wants to meet you."

At that moment, the mountain split apart, revealing Tekkei.

Naraku smirked "It is finally opening. The path to the border between this world and the next."

Then the battle between Naraku, and Tekkei and Abi began.

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"Are you sure about that?" asked Sango "Naraku's already at the bird demon's nest?"

Koga nodded "I'm positive. It's definitely his stench. He removed the barrier around the nest and didn't send any of his lapdogs, like Hakudoshi and Kagura. He went himself. I'm going. Gohan, you coming?"

Gohan nodded "Let's go." they sped off.

Then Myoga showed up "Inuyasha, is it true that Naraku is at Princess Abi's nest?"

Inuyasha nodded "I'm positive."

Myoga paled at this "This is not good. Tekkei will be there. Tekkei belongs to a group of birds that live in hell. In other words, she's a demon connected to the netherworld. Tekkei is a brutally fierce demon, so you must be extremely careful around her. Remember, you have been warned. And with that, I'm out." he attempted to run, but Inuyasha caught him, not intending to let him leave.

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Gohan and Koga sped towards the nest, and dodged a blast of fire sent towards them by Abi, who smirked arrogantly "Son Gohan, wolf pup. Come to die as well?"

"What happened to Naraku?" Koga snarled

Abi smirked "Sorry you missed him. He's already dead."

Koga's eyes filled with Crimson rage as he drew the Shiroga and charged "Dead or not, I'm sending you to join him in hell! Wolf Hurricane!" with the power of the Shiroga, Koga swiftly decapitated Tekkei and her body collapsed, crushing the mountain in the process.

Enraged, Abi rushed to attack, but Koga turned the Shiroga into its claw form as the Goraishi, and pierced her chest, causing blood to spew out as her body evaporated, but not before she landed a serious wound to Koga's shoulder with Naraku's trident.

Exhausted from the massive burst of power he unleashed and the wound to his shoulder, Koga fell to his knees "Father, Roge, you have been avenged."

Kagome and the others arrived "Gohan! Koga! Are you ok?"

Gohan nodded "Koga did all the work. He's hurt and exhausted, but he should be fine."

Suddenly, he was struck through the chest from behind by a tentacle, as Naraku emerged from the body of Tekkei "I'm grateful Koga. You saved me from having to do the dirty work."

At that moment, a river of blood flowed from the body of Tekkei.

"This blood will connect to the border between this world and the next."

Then Gohan noticed Naraku floating along the river in his barrier.

Naraku smirked at them "Why are you just standing there? This river of blood won't last. And the pathway will close behind me."

Without having to be asked, everyone took off.

Gohan turned to his brother "Trunks, stay here and look after Koga. The rest of us will go after Naraku."

Trunks nodded "I'll keep an eye on him. Go."

"Thanks." then Gohan took off.

"You mustn't go master Inuyasha!" Myoga pleaded "Even if you are able to get to the border on this current, how do you intend to come back?"

Gohan shrugged "We'll figure something out. Besides, that just means that Naraku will have the same problem."

They continued down the current, and through a portal at the end.

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Sesshomaru and the others soon arrived, and found the headless body of Tekkei.

Trunks soon came towards them with an injured Koga "Lord Sesshomaru, I'm afraid you're too late."

"He's right, Sesshomaru." Kagura appeared before them "The entryway has already opened and close again."

Sesshomaru appeared before her in a burst of speed "The entryway? The entryway to where exactly?"

"To the path that leads to the border between this world and the next. Naraku, Kenshrio and Inuyasha have already gone through. But, I do know of another path. It's dangerous though. Even you might not be able to cross that path alive."

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Soon enough, Gohan and the others entered through the portal and arrived at the border.

Gohan and Kagome quickly hitched a ride on a skeleton bird before they hit the ground.

"Gohan, Inuyasha, isn't this place…?" Kagome trailed off

Gohan nodded and redirected the bird towards the skeleton of Inuyasha's father "Alright Kagome, Inuyasha. Remember, this isn't the time to be sight seeing. Naraku got here first."

Kagome's eyes widened "Gohan, Inuyasha, I can sense the sacred jewel shard!"

Inuyasha didn't respond, as the now powerless black pearl began reacting in his right eye, and lost memories of his childhood began flashing through his mind.

"Inuyasha, don't make me say the word!" Gohan shouted

Inuyasha snapped out of it "Weird. What was that?"

They approached the corpse of Inuyasha's father, when they were suddenly blinded by a bright light.

When it dissipated, spears of adamant began firing at them.

"Are these spears of adamant?" asked Gohan

Myoga nodded, before they stopped firing.

"Inuyasha." said Kagome "The sacred jewel shard is inside your father."

Inuyasha's eyes widened as they descended towards the skeleton.

"You there. Are you of the dead?" a voice questioned, as the adamant shifted to reveal a skull in the center "You are grave robbers after the sacred jewel shard!"

"What the hell are you supposed to be?" Inuyasha barked "And why are you making a nest in the belly of someone's father?"

"Father, you say?" the skull moved towards them "Are you saying you're the son of the great dog demon?"

"Master Inuyasha!" Myoga shouted "I think I know who this skull of crystal really is! Hosenki! Aren't you master Hosenki? It's me, Myoga! Don't you recognize me?"

Gohan raised an eyebrow "You mean this is Hosenki? The demon who made Inuyasha's black pearl?"

"So, it's you Myoga." Hosenki muttered "Then this young lad must be Inuyasha."

Myoga nodded "Master Inuyasha is not your enemy!"

"I recall that long ago, I made the black pearl at your father's request. However Inuyasha, you passed through the black pearl once to come to this world. Having fulfilled its purpose, the black pearl lost its power, and returned to its place in your right eye."

Inuyasha's eyes narrowed "So you did it. You were the one who made me have those visions!"

"Visions? Those were probably thoughts still left in the black pearl."

"What do you mean?"

"Didn't the visions you had tell you to leave this place? It goes without saying. Entering the land of the dead again is not allowed, no matter who you are."

This was when Kagome spoke up "Could you tell me, Hosenki, why you brought the sacred jewel shard here?"

"So you have it after all?" asked Gohan "Please, could you give to us?"

"I cannot." Hosenki stated flatly "That is because it was the sacred jewel shards desire to come to the land of the dead. I am the demon who controls jewels, and I have the power to hear their desires. When I existed in the land of the living, and my life was nearing its end, a sacred jewel shard came into my possession, and the shard spoke to me, and said that the sacred jewel must never be allowed to become whole again. Most of the sacred jewel shards are in the possessions of evil men, and are thus tainted. And if it were to become mixed with those, my shard would also become tainted. And that is precisely why I must keep it here, in this demon grave beyond the reach of the hands of evil. It was the sacred jewel shard's desire to come with me here."

"Master Inuyasha, it would be wise to back away from this place." Myoga warned "Leave the shard with Hosenki."

"Are you half asleep, or just stupid?" Inuyasha barked "Naraku got here before us, and he's still here. He's hiding somewhere, waiting for his chance to get the sacred jewel shard."

"No one will take the shard from me!" Hosenki growled, his body surrounded by a sinister dark glow.

The sky began to glow dark.

"I shall not go easy on you either!" Hosenki snarled, his body transforming, with his upper body being made of made of adamant, and he shot his arm at Inuyasha and Gohan, who dodged and attacked, but their swords did nothing.

The attacks were relentless, and they could do no damage.

Kagome noticed that the jewel shard Hosenki had was becoming defiled "Gohan, Inuyasha, be careful! Hosenki's jewel shard has suddenly turned black!"

Gohan eyes narrowed as he felt something "I sense Naraku. His tainted jewel shards must be influencing Hosenki. Master Hosenki, you have to let go of the jewel shard. Naraku's shards are tainting your shard, and they're corrupting your soul. Give it up while you still can!"

"Don't make me laugh." Hosenki growled "I'm not so weak as to lose my soul to a minor irritant as this. I will not give it up to anyone."

Kagome noticed the jewel shard becoming darker.

Gohan and Inuyasha simultaneously attacked with the Wind Scar and the Dragon Cyclone.

As they did, Inuyasha experience more visions.

Hosenki appeared, unharmed, and sent more adamant spears at them.

The two attempted to get close, cutting away all the adamant spears they could.

Kagome tried to purify the shard, but her arrow didn't reach it.

Gohan noticed something 'He's covering the spot hit by Kagome's arrow. Kagome, aim for that same spot again! Trust me!"

Kagome nodded and aimed a second arrow.

The minuted it hit, Gohan unleashed a Dragon Current, breaking open the adamant "Good. Now we can get the shard."

"You imbecile!" Hosenki growled, then struck both Gohan and Inuyasha with his adamant, sending Gohan to fall into the depths below "You and I. All of us were nothing but puppets, manipulated by the black jewel."

"Gohan… GOHAN!" Kagome screamed in despair, to no avail.

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"In this Realm of Fire is a gateway that connects to the other side." explained Kagura, and led Sesshomaru's group inside the cave.

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Kagome searched around the graveyard, but found no sign of Gohan.

Sensing an evil aura, Kagome and the others looked, and Naraku emerged from the portal with a smirk "I saw the whole thing."

"You are the one who possesses the black jewel." Hosenki growled

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Kagura lead Jaken and Sesshomaru to the gate to the border.

As they approached, Sesshomaru noticed that Tenseiga was disturbed.

"Do wish to pass?" A voice questioned

Sesshomaru motioned for Jaken to be quiet and nodded "Yes. We wish to pass."

"Then you shall pass." the voice stated as Gozu and Meizu came to life once more, and prepared to attack.

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At the bottom of the graveyard, Gohan slowly opened his eyes "Damnit… Naraku, I'm never gonna give in! Not until I know that evil scum like you are burning in the pits of Hell!"

Naraku chuckled darkly "Poor Hosenki… It seems you are quite weakened."

Angered, Hosenki's adamant spears advance on Naraku, breaking through the barrier.

"I see." Naraku mused "I understand that you were a great demon when you were alive. I'm quite impressed, and surprised you still have the power to fight me off."

Naraku then pierced Hosenki with his tentacle, attempting to take the jewel shard, as it turned completely black, and it's impurity spread throughout Hosenki's body.

Naraku chuckled "It would seem that you have helped me out immensely. The sacred jewel shard was hidden deep in the armor of adamant and protected demonic powers. As corrupt as I am, it was even beyond my reach."

Kagome glared at him "So the only reason you could get it is because we shattered Hosenki's body?"

"You broke open Hosenki's armor, and Hosenki in turn wounded Gohan and Inuyasha. The sacred jewel shard reacted to all that hatred, and became even more tainted."

"In other words, you had this whole thing planned in advance." Inuyasha snarled

"My plan worked perfectly. The sacred jewel shard wants to become whole."

Naraku was about to take it from Hosenki, when his tentacled was destroyed by a massive blast of demonic energy.

Gohan rose up from the mist "Naraku, you really thought you could kill me that easily? As long as I have the fire of Ryu burning in my heart, and people I have to protect, I will never die."

Naraku smirked "So, you're still alive Son Gohan. Although from the looks of it, you took quite the beating from Hosenki."

Gohan didn't respond. Instead, he tried to use the Dragon Flash to break through Naraku's barrier, followed by the Dragon Shadow. But like the Dragon Magma with Hakudoshi, it failed.

Noticing something out of the corner of his eye, Gohan tried the Dragon Cyclone, followed by the Dragon Tornado, with a quick follow up by the Dragon Typhoon.

But as soon as he finished the attack, he was pierced through the chest from behind by Hosenki.

Naraku smirked as Inuyasha desperately tried to break through his barrier, to no avail "Son Gohan, Inuyasha, your time has finally come."

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"Only the dead can pass through this gate." Gozu stated

"Those who wish to pass shall first die by our hands." Meizu stated

As they attacked, Sesshomaru sent them crashing to the ground, allowing him to reach the gate.

As they got up once again, Sesshomaru drew Tenseiga, opening the door, and pacifying Gozu and Meizu "You may pass. He who wields the sword of the netherworld. Your sword cuts down those who do not belong in this world. It is as if we ourselves have been cut."

"So you will not engage in a needless fight. Very admirable." Sesshomaru muttered as he resheathed the Tenseiga, and he and Jaken passed through the gate.

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Naraku chuckled darkly "Son Gohan, your basic, double, and triple elemental attacks, even your Yin and Yang attacks. Inuyasha, your Wind Scar, the barrier-breaking Red Tessaiga, and ever your Backlash Wave are all useless against me. There is nothing else you can use. You both have nothing left to destroy me. Your precious Tessaiga and Ryuuga are both useless."

Gohan smirked weakly "Keep on telling yourself that. This fight isn't over until I'm dead."

Despite their attempts to stop him, Naraku reached into Hosenki's body and picked up the jewel shard "Finally, I have it in my grasp. The last shard of the sacred jewel."

Hosenki retreated into the Inutaisho's body, slamming Gohan and Inuyasha into opposite sides of the wall.

Naraku took out a hive of Saimyosho, rendering Miroku's Wind Tunnel useless "Choose for yourself monk. Will it be a quick death from sucking in the poisonous Saimyosho, or would you prefer to stay in this graveyard and live for all eternity? The river of blood that you and I crossed has already ceased to flow. You cannot return to the world of men from which you came."

Their conversation was quickly interrupted.

"Dragon Strike!"

Naraku's barrier was hit by a blast of demonic energy.

Sesshomaru then appeared before them.

Naraku watched him 'How did he get here? Sesshomaru, did you rush over here to save your kid brother? Such a kind sibling coming to the rescue."

Sesshomaru ignored him, flew over to Inuyasha and punched him in the face "How dare you, a half-demon, defile father's final resting place?"

He then ditched Jaken and took to the air to engage Naraku, with an injured Gohan struggling to follow.

"Young one." Hosenki looked at Inuyasha "Do you still have the strength to fight? Unless something is done, the impure shard will be assimilated into the impure sacred jewel. Slay me before that happens. You must slay me in order to break through Naraku's barrier."

"Master Hosenki!" Myoga shouted from Kagome's shoulder "Does that mean you'll pass on your demonic powers to Inuyasha's Tessaiga?"

"What about you, though?" asked Inuyasha "What will happen if I cut you down?"

"Do you have the luxury to be worrying about others?" Hosenki retorted "Besides, if are not worthy of possessing the shard, you will be unable to slay me. Instead, you will pay with your life, here and now. Do you have the resolve to do it?"

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"Sesshomaru, Son Gohan, do you both wish to destroy me that badly?" Naraku taunted "In that case, your wish shall be granted." And he emerged from his barrier, and his tentacles lunged at Sesshomaru and Gohan, who easily sliced them to bits, but they unleashed a cloud of miasma, which was repeatedly purified by Kagome… until she ran out of arrows, and she couldn't use Kikyo's arrow, since it was rejecting her.

'What would Kikyo do?' Inuyasha jumped in front of them "Back up out of the way you guys. I'll get rid of the miasma." he used the Wind Scar to dissipate the miasma, and slammed into Naraku's barrier, until Hosenki's spears of adamant shot through the barrier.

The Tessaiga started glowing, revealing a new form.

"Things would've ended differently if you had been motivated by greed, desiring only to strengthen your sword." explained Hosenki "That shower of adamant splinters would've taken your life. Inuyasha, preserve your spirit of a half-demon, and inherit my power: the Adamant Barrage."

Gohan noticed this and smirked "Well, he finally lapped me."

"Well, not for long. I just unlocked a new ability for you: the Platinum scale cannon. It's equal in power to the adamant barrage. Use it to slaughter Naraku."

"I will. Thank you, master Ryu. Inuyasha! Let's combine our attacks!"

Inuyasha nodded.

Both unleashed their attacks simultaneously:

"Adamant Barrage/ Platinum Scale Cannon!" the combined onslaught of adamant and platinum pierced Naraku's body.

"Lord Sesshomaru, now's your chance!" Gohan shouted

Sesshomaru nodded "I see you no longer have the strength to put up a barrier. It looks like that arrogance of yours will turn out to be your downfall. And now I shall deliver the finishing blow. Dragon Strike!" the power of the Dragon Strike shredded Naraku's body, as he attempted to escape.

Sensing something, Kagome drew Kikyo's arrow and aimed it at the jewel shard among the pieces of his flesh, before he disappeared with the arrow, leaving the jewel shard behind.

"Damn… He got away…" Gohan got out before he collapsed, but Sesshomaru caught him as he lost consciousness.

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Kagura returned to Kohaku and Hakudoshi, the latter regenerating inside of a barrier.

Suddenly, Naraku's pieces and Kikyo's arrow appear within Hakudoshi's barrier.

The arrow pierced Hakudoshi's chest, as Naraku gloated over the fact that he was still alive, much to the fury of Kagura and Kohaku.

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"Hosenki, I'm going to take this sacred jewel shard." said Inuyasha

"Do as you please." replied Hosenki "Inuyasha, I was unable to protect the sacred jewel shard. I didn't think anything evil would come this far in its pursuit. I was not able to put an end to the fighting over the sacred jewel shard."

"It won't end yet. Not until the sacred jewel is gone for good. I have no idea how to rid the world of the Shikon jewel. The only thing I can do is fight evil demons like Naraku who seek it. So until Naraku's dead, until there's no one left who seeks the jewel, we'll keep fighting them."

"Instead of protecting the shard, instead of running away, you choose to fight. Then return to your world. If you linger, the gate will close."

Inuyasha and the others then followed after Sesshomaru, who carried an injured and unconscious Gohan on his back.

Sesshomaru looked at Gohan 'Let him rest. He earned it. Still though, Naraku is still alive, but his barrier has been destroyed and his body was torn to shreds. Where is it? Where is Naraku's heart?'

Inuyasha was thinking the same thing.