Disclaimer: All characters from the series Inuyasha that appear in this fanfic rightfully belong to Rumiko Takahashi. I do not own anything regarding their creation; I have Rumiko Takahashi to thank for that.
Author's Notes: This chapter is the reposted version since I believe that the site has finally fixed its email notifications and view counts.
Thank you all for waiting patiently for this chapter and I apologize for the delay. I had been conflicted over how the battle between Inuyasha, Kotori, and Ryukotsusei should be settled. Ultimately, I ended up with two different versions and had to take some time working out which one was the superior one to publish. I hope the result is worth the wait, and once again, I thank you for all the support and especially the reviews you have provided.
Just a quick warning that this chapter has not been beta-read. Unfortunately, bubu-chibi-chan is no longer able to continue being the beta-reader for this story due to her busy schedule. Thus, I would like to take a moment to give a big thank you to bubu-chibi-chan for all her hard work up till now. In terms of the story writing, this means that the fic will have to proceed without a beta-reader. This chapter has been uploaded in its "rawest form" so please bear with me if there are any mistakes or errors, especially in terms of the language.
RedHood001: As usual, thank you for your wonderful feedback. Yes, while this is a SessKik focused story, Inuyasha should also have his turn in the spotlight. It is now a great opportunity to explore his nature as a half-demon and half-human. I'm pleased to hear you're enjoying the lore and his moments of maturity.
Writing Inuyasha and Kotori teaming up to fight a formidable enemy like Ryukotsusei had always been part of my plan, even during the earlier points of the story. It's just that it had taken me quite a long time and chapters to get to this stage. Having Inuyasha fight smart is indeed interesting since we have always seen him use brute force to climb over most of his hurdles in the series, especially after acquiring Tessaiga. Here, he is going to need everything he has to escape peril and you'll see in this chapter how he handles his demonic self, a part of him that, as you've said, he rarely taps into.
lullabysorrow: Hello, I'm honored you've made a new account on this site because of my story. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to PM you so I've decided to write my response below to show my gratitude for your helpful feedback.
To begin, I want to welcome you on board the SessKik ship. I know it's a rare ship considering their lack of interactions. But I do feel that their personalities and ideologies would have been interesting concepts to explore and develop in the series. That's how this story's idea was first mapped out. To see it grow and subsequently reach out to readers who are now giving the ship a try makes me feel like a proud parent.
On the topic of parents, my personal belief is that Sesshomaru is a fatherly figure to Rin so I share your opinion of the ship in Yashahime. I do not find that part of your review to be a complaint as I believe that ship has serious problems that should be addressed. I do not know what the makers of Yashahime were thinking, but their version of Sesshomaru is completely skewed. The Sesshomaru that Rumiko Takahashi created is a proud and powerful warrior, who eventually became Rin's guardian. The extent of their relationship is meant to be that of a found family. Yet, Yashahime twists that. It becomes even more unsettling in hindsight when you consider how Sesshomaru has complete control over Rin from the beginning. As shown in the original series, if he tells her not to move, she won't move a muscle until he says otherwise. While I'm aware that such power is one that the original Sesshomaru won't abuse, I cannot say the same for the Sesshomaru that Yashahime has portrayed, considering how Rin turned out to be an utterly obedient wife who had to bear his children but then got no say on how to care for the children.
That is why, while I did make Sesshomaru hold physical dominance over Kikyo at the start of the fic for plot purposes, I made sure there wasn't any romantic attraction between the two at that point. In my opinion, romance isn't supposed to be built on dominance and control, but rather from the understanding that the two are equals and can respect each other as such. That is also the reason why the Kako-hen goes into detail about their encounters and each of their little interactions, while they are on equal footing. Their interactions, which I'm happy that you think are ample in the story, are meant to build their character — to show their strengths and to mend their weaknesses. That is how I believe a relationship between the characters in the show should work out. It should go both ways into developing and changing the individuals.
That is all the more reason why I think Rin and Sesshomaru won't work out as a couple. It's as you said, Sesshomaru doesn't need a lifelong partner who has a "pure smile and is a happy and innocent person". While Rin is important to get him to start realizing the value of protecting the weak, his next biggest step lies in comprehending that human as a species isn't inferior and that he isn't as flawless as he thinks he is. Thus, Kikyo, who can match wits and power with him, is a far more suitable choice than most in the show. At the same time, Sesshomaru, who lived as he pleased, can teach her to think and care more about herself as an individual instead of being acquiescent, which is the mindset she was stuck in during a big part of the series since she believes that the dead/outcast has no place in the world and that the future is in a straight line.
With all that rambling done (thank you for getting through all that), please let me get to your actual review. I want to say that I can understand your initial hesitation about reading this fanfic. In all honesty, I thought you wouldn't get far since you did mention you didn't like the idea of Kikyo being enslaved and treated like she is the property of Sesshomaru. So imagine my surprise when I saw your next two reviews and discovered that you've reached the end. It brought a smile to my face to know that you found enjoyment in reading this tale. Thank you for giving this story a try and I'm glad this fanfic hasn't disappointed.
I did find it interesting when you said you didn't like Sesshomaru at the beginning because he is like a villain in your eyes. In a sense, one could argue that he is, considering the deeds he has done to walk the path of conquest. The funny thing is, I did intend to amplify some of his negative traits at the start so that we can get to the "growing up" parts of the story. And once he is pulled onto the right track, that's when I can also add Kikyo's problems into the mix and have the two sort both out. I also did have a lot of fun writing his conquest since he did make it his objective in the series but, as you said, is something we see very little of… well, besides him trying to take Tessaiga, I guess. So it's good to hear that you found this take to be intriguing.
On Inuyasha and Kotori; yes, the idea was to create an OC who is a blend between Kikyo and Kagome. Your views on Kagome are very similar to mine. I too don't like how she often abused Inuyasha in the show. My biggest peeve with her to this day is when she used to sit command repeatedly on him while accusing him of lying about seeing Kikyo. Honestly, it is disappointing to see the girl, so late into the series, talk about trusting and having faith in Inuyasha while simultaneously using the command on him because she didn't believe his words. I got into writing this story thinking I need someone else who can bring out Inuyasha's different sides while still accomplishing the things that Kagome offered him in the show, like a place to belong. And so, Kotori is born (and she's no one's ex, that I can assure you). I'm overjoyed to know that you've grown to like the pairing and that their relationship makes sense.
Ah, the slow burn. Your love for it in the flashback sequences makes me delighted and proud of the effort I gave. I feel that it is the only way Sesshomaru and Kikyo's relationship can advance though. While the progress has been a lagging one, I prefer seeing them grow steadily and writing their blooming relationship in a way that is realistic. I don't intend on ending things with just a kiss and one romantic scene either. Believe me, there are many more romantic scenes, as well as trials and tribulations, to come that will take their chemistry and development to new levels.
I am flattered to know that you think this story deserves the attention of having someone draw it; I honestly would permit you to draw the story or a scene if you want (and the same goes for anyone who wishes to). In fact, I will be very grateful for your time and effort. But of course, no pressure.
I hope that my long message didn't bore you and that it finds you in good spirits. Thank you for all your support and feedback to One Thousand and One. May the story continue to bring you entertainment and distraction from tough times.
fabelliot: Ah, yes. Ryukotsusei is indeed stronger here than in canon, as he is able to injure not only Sesshomaru but also the Inu no Taisho in chapter 25. The change is done so that he becomes a more appropriate rival/enemy to the Inu family. In the series, he was beaten by Inuyasha's Bakuryuha. But in the last chapter, we see not only the Bakuryuha failing to throw the dragon's attack back at him, we also see how the Kongosoha bounced off his hard body. So Inuyasha will need something else to overcome his disadvantage. I can see your worry for him and Kotori. Whether they will succeed or not will be revealed in this chapter. I hope you'll enjoy and as usual, thank you for your support.
yami2703: Thank you for your support. Poor Inuyasha definitely bit more than he could chew. Fingers crossed that he and Kotori will manage to triumph over this hurdle.
Meltron: It's nice to meet you! I'm overjoyed to meet another Kikyo's fan! I hope that you'll be entertained enough by this story to stay on board of the SessKik ship and ride all the way with us.
…
…
…
Chapter 45- Obtaining Power! The Trial of Men!
"I walk the path of supreme conquest, and it is power that will reveal the way for me." -Sesshomaru on power
"Power is not defined by the lives one has trampled over, nor should it be measured by the number of victories in battle." -Kikyo on power
Inuyasha could feel it.
There was a terrible source of power calling out to him. Originating deep within the center of his body, the baleful vortex was trying to yank his consciousness into the darkness. The abyss was a fitting word to describe the interminable swarthy energy that sent a numbing sensation into his soul.
It was terrifying. But it swelled with the raw power he desperately craved.
The undiluted power was nothing new to him. He had known its existence for as long as he could remember. It had always been there, produced from the moment he was born. In all his life, he instinctively avoided it because seeking it would mean abandoning his sense of self. While many condemned his half-demon status, he had learned from his late mother and Kotori that he could continue living despite his duality. He had the freedom to exist as the hanyou Inuyasha and the right to feel belonged in the west. No one could take that away from him. He didn't need to change himself for the sake of approval. Thus, he had ignored the core that was his demonic side for many years, instinctively encouraging Tessaiga to fortify the distance by barricading him from it.
Alas, he could not dismiss the power anymore. Right now, he needed it more than ever. It was all or nothing. Abandoning caution, his soul reached out for the whirlpool of youki. 'Give it to me. I don't care what happens to me, but I need the power!'
The darkness consumed him. His pair of golden orbs closed, giving birth to eyes with sclera of deep red, teal silts for irises, and white pupils that glinted with bloodlust.
Combustion of youki spewed from his form. Feeling rejuvenated, the demon woke and rose to his feet, testing claws that were far longer and sharper than before. The agony he should be feeling from the numerous wounds littering his body was absent from his expression. In its place was a wicked grin, made even more diabolical by his elongated fangs.
All his senses were enhanced, and no longer was he encumbered by his mortal half. He felt more alive than ever.
A savage glint lit his eyes as he found his next prey. Both pairs of eyes on the dragon daiyoukai were as circular as plates as he gawked, unable to fathom how the hanyou's youki had amplified exponentially in such a short time.
He hid it well, but the demon could smell apprehension coming from him. He was right to be alarmed, for the aura he emanated was that of a full-fledged Inu youkai — brimming with might and filled with unexplored potential.
"Ryukotsusei." The demon's voice was rough like sand, vibrating from the depths of his throat but traveling with the ferocity to rattle the soul. "I'll enjoy tearing you limb from limb."
"Do not think your puny trick will save you! Know your place, you little half-man, and turn to ashes!" That successfully snapped Ryukotsusei out of his stupor. The masked face hissed and the dragon's snout opened to spit out a sphere of condensed youki.
The demon took to the sky in one bounding jump, easily clearing altitudes the equivalent of his opponent's height. While one might have moved to avoid being obliterated by the concentrated blast, he had moved because it would get him in a better position to attack.
His minacious grin never waned as he utilized gravity and dived toward the top of his prey's head, his claw in full swing. Ryukotsusei countered with his free limb. Their youki detonated, sending a gale of pressure that sliced through the air. The earth below them shook, trembling under their might.
So close to the site of the explosion, Kotori couldn't completely muffle a whimper as the horrifying storm of power lashed out at her face, cutting into her skin like invisible blades.
Had the demon been the hanyou, he would've responded to the weak sound, his heart screaming in fright. But he only felt adrenaline coursing through his body, his innate nature telling him to relish the battle. Pushing against the dragon's scaly claw, he twisted his body and flipped over the appendage before using it as a trampoline. He stretched out his other claw, intending to gouge out an eye.
Realizing the hostage in his hand was now a hindrance rather than entertainment, Ryukotsusei hurled the bird demoness at the demon. As expected, he didn't catch her, opting to swat her away with a swing of his arm. With Kotori having unwillingly done her job and obscured the demon's vision, Ryukotsusei utilized the opportunity to fire a blast of youki that exploded upon contact.
Coils of smoke were emitted from the silver-haired youkai as he fell. Crashing head first, he should have at least been slowed by a concussion. Yet, he climbed back onto his feet as if nothing had happened. Flexing his claw, the demon charged at his enemy once more, lacking all forms of grace and self-perseverance.
Meanwhile, Kotori was catapulted into the air. Blood flew in droplets that found the ground before her body did. The impetus of his strike sent her flying into the untransformed Tessaiga, which was left lodged in the soil from when its wielder had used it for support.
Whereas Inuyasha was able to neglect his wounds and fight bent on destruction — be it toward his enemies, his allies, or even his own — Kotori found herself straining to get up. In a supine position, every fiber of her abused and bleeding body cried out in protest. However, she knew she could disregard the prodigious pain with enough determination. What she could not ignore was how the berserk half-demon continued to pounce at Ryukotsusei, regardless of what the dragon daiyoukai threw at him.
Her heart pounded painfully against her battered ribcage. Thus far, Inuyasha stood on an equal footing with the daiyoukai due to his suicidal mindset. In fact, she could see that he was gaining ascendancy because his opponent was lumbered by shock, unable to fathom how the hanyou was getting up despite his countless injuries.
'Inuyasha-sama won't last, fighting without any care like this. He's only making the barest amount of effort to dodge. It's only a matter of time before he collapses.' The realization sent a sense of urgency into her. She dragged her body into a sitting position, wincing when she jolted her ribs. She forced her mind to think at quadruple its normal pace, her eyes darting around frantically in search of a possible solution as the two fighters relentlessly exchanged blows. It was clear that they would fight until only one remained.
Her sight gravitated to the jagged stripes on Inuyasha's cheeks. Their appearance told her how far he had tapped into his demonic powers. As a symbol of their lineage's potency, it was normal for these markings to appear on an Inu daiyoukai. A hanyou like Inuyasha, whose blood was diluted by his human half — and who hadn't been born with them — should not have manifested them under normal circumstances. They were an obvious sign that something drastic had changed in him.
Her gaze traveled downward as she noted the rosary around his neck. The last time he had been trapped in his mindless rampage, Kikyo had liberated him with the neckwear. The word of subjugation, Osuwari, was engraved into her mind when she was subjected to its violent slam alongside Inuyasha. Yet, she couldn't reenact the scene, for only the maker of the beads could trigger it.
It was despairing to accept that she didn't have any of Kikyo's gimmicks and didn't possess the power to physically stop the fight like Sesshomaru could. Her ears slouched. Was there anything that she could do?
A movement from her peripheral took her attention. She looked down, finding the source to be Tessaiga. Its entire length pulsated with urgency. As if sensing her gaze, the frequency of its motion increased until it was practically rattling. It did not speak to her or establish any telepathic link, but it had convinced her of one thing: it wanted her to use it.
She grabbed it by the hilt, mildly noting that it hadn't burned her as it did with Sesshomaru. On the occasions she had held it, it had been resting inside its scabbard or after Inuyasha had offered it to her to marvel at. This would be the first time she had it under its prompting.
Aware that Tessaiga had been helping Inuyasha repress his demonic side, she knew that getting it to him was paramount. The problem was that he wasn't going to simply take it in his frenzied state. It was up to her to make him come into contact with it. If her assumption proved correct, Tessaiga would do its job; the alternative was something she didn't linger on, lest it dampened her spirit.
She gave the sword of destruction a test swing. Locked in its dormant state, it was very similar in size and weight to her destroyed katana. She could swing it without much tribulation; the belief was a small consolation for the insane stun she would be pulling.
To step into the heated clash between the Inu and the Doragon would not be easy. It was risky enough when factoring in just how uncontrollable the former was. Add in the latter, and it was bound to be life-threatening. Nonetheless, standing around would mean a certain doom for Inuyasha. She refused to accept that; she had to intervene.
Gritting her teeth, the swordswoman climbed onto her feet despite the unsteadiness of her legs. Freeing the knot in her obi, she pulled the long fabric off her waist. Without anything to keep it in place, her empty scabbard dropped onto the ground. She paid it no heed as she fiddled with the sash until she had looped it around Tessaiga's hilt a few times. Grabbing onto one of the ends and holding on to the dull blade with her dominant hand, she pushed her boots into the dirt, amassed the bulk of her remaining youki into her legs, and rushed into the fray.
Dexterity was her area of expertise. In a heartbeat, she was within range. Both combatants detected her approach. Having learned from the wound in his eye to be wary of her, Ryukotsusei kept track of her movements. He swiped his tail at Inuyasha, pushing him back while he dealt with the demoness. Contrary to his expectations, Kotori did not close in for an attack. Instead, she pivoted her heels and charged straight for the staggering Inuyasha.
"Out of my way!" Sensing the attack, the demon balled his soles into the soil and flung his hand as if swatting away a fly.
Kotori dipped low. His arm caught nothing but air. Undeterred, he took advantage of her still crouched position and followed through with a second attack using his other limb. She rapidly moved her head to the side and her ear folded itself in the nick of time. The blow meant for her head whizzed by in a blur of sharp fingernails, trimming some of her feathers.
Disinclined to let him find an offensive rhythm, she brandished her obi in a way she had seen Sesshomaru manipulate his energy whip. Normally, she risked cutting him with the sword, given the close quarters. But since Tessaiga wasn't transformed, its steel remained blunt.
Before he could retract his arm, she flicked her wrist, weaving the sash around his hand. She smacked Tessaiga's hilt straight into his palm, then pulled on the end hard to bundle them together.
White light spilled from the sword. In that instant, Inuyasha's irises were painted with a tint of gold, giving him a flash of sanity before the scarlet haze could reclaim him. In that split second, his instinct as a warrior kicked in. He transformed the Tessaiga he held awkwardly in his hand and twisted its broad blade around just as Ryukotsusei's tail came in with a second swing.
The leader of the Doragon clan angled his attack with precision, coming at them from the side with the intensity of a hammer striking iron.
The red-eyed demon was shoved away before he skidded to a stop, with Tessaiga having erected a small kekkai that rebounded most of the force.
Kotori wasn't as fortunate. With only her arm serving as a shield, she found the bone-shattering impact hurled her many feet away. She came to a stop when she slammed into a half-destroyed tree, breaking the top parts of the trunk away from its roots. Her body crumbled onto the ground, with the damaged tree following her descent.
In his mindscape, barren of all light, Inuyasha found his thoughts returning as invisible hands pulled him out from the sea of darkness.
"Argh, no! What's this? Damn it, who's getting in my way?"
He had his answer when he felt the familiar vibrations in his right hand. Glancing over, he saw his trusted blade in his possession. How odd. He was quite certain that he wasn't holding the sword prior; after all, his demon side only ever required his claws.
"Huh? Tessaiga? Are you doing this? What're you up to?"
As predicted, the sword of destruction did not reply verbally. Instead, it pulsated with a vigor he hadn't felt since awakening the Meido Zangetsuha with Sesshomaru. Temperate energy rushed out from it, and a barrier formed to separate him from the powerful maelstrom.
"Tessaiga!" His frustration was articulated with a low growl. Vicious youki swirled around him and he felt his fangs and nails grow in response. While a sentient weapon, the sword hardly ever went against his wishes, unlike how its two counterparts often did with Sesshomaru. It peeved him to see the blade — an inheritance that held his father's spirit — that was supposed to be on his side, interfering with his endeavor to save Kotori. "Don't get in my way!"
The blade responded by transforming the backdrop, modifying it into the familiar landscape of nothingness that had been in his dream. As the vortex of demonic energy disappeared, so did the kekkai that was keeping it away. Inuyasha found himself face-to-face with the regal daiyoukai once more. Only this time, his brain was lucid so he instantly deciphered who the figure was.
It wasn't a challenging deduction, not when the Inu daiyoukai held many resemblances to himself and his half-brother. The sharp eyes and the long hair tied back into a high ponytail were of identical hues. The jagged purple-blue stripes decorating the side of his handsome face evoked the images of Sesshomaru's magenta markings. His attire was white, designed similarly to the current Lord of the West. But unlike the prideful daiyoukai, whose smooth pale complexion was most likely inherited from his mother, the figure instead had a slightly darker tone that was the same as Inuyasha's.
In short, the individual was like a blend between the Inu siblings. Thus, there could be no doubt. Standing before him in this strange pocket of space was the father he never got to meet.
"You're… You're my old man," he whispered, his voice flickering like a candle in the wind.
"Your yearning is strong, my son. Why do you desire power so much? Why do you seek the power that begets malice? You were but a mere step to annihilation. Were it not for this fragmented soul sensing your mad craving from within Tessaiga, you would've ceased to exist. Is this what you want?" With his arms folded in front of him, Touga looked neither amiable nor hostile as he gazed at his second son unblinkingly.
Inuyasha gulped, feeling exposed under his soul-piercing scrutiny. He maintained eye contact, reluctant to back away, and broadened his stance in aggression. "Does it matter? There's someone I need to save! I don't have the time to answer your questions. Get out of my way!"
"Need to save?" His father did not seem offended by his rudeness. On the contrary, there was the faintest hint of a smile on his features. It was replaced by a sober expression so fast that Inuyasha wondered if he was seeing things. "You are not like your brother. Under his tutelage, you are still able to understand the true purpose of acquiring strength. However, you are wrong to pursue the depravity lurking deep within you. No good can come from being who you're not."
The red-clad warrior pressed his jaws together, so tight that his teeth would have shattered had he been a human. "I know that. But it's all I've got right now. Don't you think I would be anywhere else if I had another way? Every second I waste here means I'm all that much closer to losing her!"
"You know nothing of how close you were to your ultimate failure." The Inu no Taisho's stern voice was a reminder of Sesshomaru's, yet lacked the usual condescendence typically found in the latter's voice. Instead, Inuyasha discerned sorrow. "When you permitted the demon to take hold, you were doing the opposite of what you sought to do. You weren't protecting her. You were harming her."
Those words burned concern into his heart. From what he could remember, he had last seen Kotori within Ryukotsusei's clutches. The hanyou had assumed that 'he' had gotten her free. As aggressive and untamed as his demonic side was, he had thought 'he' would be more invested in taking down a powerful dragon daiyoukai than hunting down an injured falcon youkai. Had he presumed wrong? "W-what do you mean? I… What did I do? Di-did I…?"
Apprehension left the train of thought unfinished, though his father comprehended his inner worry and said, "It is a blessing that my sons hold an interest in strong women. I believe she breathes… for now. However, she seems adamant about reviving your sanity. Determination alone cannot prevail. Your rampage will be her final peril."
"T-that stupid woman!" he blurted out, nearly dropping Tessaiga as panic transformed into hysteria. "I-I… What do I do then? Tell me, old man. How can I save her?"
"Calm yourself. Right now, Tessaiga has separated you from your demonic powers. You ought to return to yourself soon." As he spoke, his father looked at his face in a subtle way that prompted the hanyou to tilt Tessaiga's blade until he could see his reflection on its surface. Immediately, he realized what his father was talking about. While his fangs and claws had returned to their original sizes, the red in his sclera and the jagged lines on his cheeks were glaringly visible. He was in a state between transformations and any stimulus could trigger the return of his demonic bloodlust.
Conscious that the baleful power was doing more harm to Kotori than good, he was now reluctant to tap into it. "Alright. So I need to let Tessaiga do its work and stop trying to reach out for my demon self. I can do that."
The older daiyoukai nodded once in approval. "In the meantime, tell me about this woman you care for. Is she the one who imprinted you with the will to protect?"
Inuyasha flushed, his face turning as red as his robe, though whether from mortification or anger was debatable. "Are you kidding me? How's that have anything to do with this? I told you I don't have time. If I gotta wait, then I'll rather use this time to think of something that'll help!"
"This is the realm of your consciousness. Time flows faster here than it would outside," the former Lord of the West said with an air of tranquility surrounding him, as if that fact alone could resolve everything.
It only prompted his son to retort with a haughty snort, "Then I should be using that to think of something useful!"
"I'm sure you're aware power without a reason can lead to destruction. Answering why that woman is your zeal for power may grant you some insight."
Inuyasha pursed his lips. Looking at the older male, whose tenacity refused to rest until his request was indulged, he momentarily contemplated if he should say anything. It was an awkward topic, after all. Even if he wanted to, he wasn't sure how to describe his feelings clearly. Nonetheless, an attempt was compulsory, given that the Inu no Taisho held the key that would let him become more powerful.
Naturally, there was the option of not being candid. Explaining his own feelings to anyone was never easy, let alone to a parent that he, oddly enough, felt reluctant to disappoint. Briefly, he mulled over the risk of being found out and denied the power he desperately needed.
'Ack! Who cares! It's not like I'm afraid of him or anything!' His gallant nature suppressed his concern. Even if, by the slimmest chances, Touga wanted to ridicule his heartfelt reply, it wouldn't matter. His father was long dead. The figure standing before him was a simple fragment. The chance of Kotori overhearing was non-existent since the illusion was restricted to his mind.
"Yasha. Yaksha. Youkai that protects. So tell me, Inuyasha. Are you like your brother? Have you someone to protect?" He found his mind drifting to the question he had been asked the last time.
With fortitude surging within his heart, Inuyasha answered, "Well, I've chosen to protect. Isn't that what you wanted when you gave me my name? The only thing is that I'm not doing this for you. There's this woman I need to save. Kotori is her name. Kotori is the one who taught me how to smile. More than that, Kotori taught me how to believe in others. She's the reason I was able to live as myself, without the disdain of being an outcast. Life without her wouldn't be the same. I know that. I need her in my life. And to save her, I've decided I'll do anything. I'll even become a monster if it means protecting her. I thought that without So'unga manipulating me, I'll have more control over my inner demon. I… I was wrong. Now that you're telling me I'm putting her life at more risk, I… I-I don't know what else I can do… But I know I'll need to figure it out. I'll save her, no matter what happens to me!"
No scorn came. Rather, an unmistakable smile danced on the edge of Touga's lips as he uncrossed his arms and gestured at the blade in his son's hand. "Inuyasha – the one who protects. Look no further than what is in your hand. The power you seek is there. It has always been, waiting for the day you awaken it as yours."
Puzzled, Inuyasha glanced down. Surprise colored his face when he saw the surface of his transformed sword revealing the celestial heavens at night. However, he knew that the radiating glows were not stars. Being far darker and more daunting to gauze upon, they did not hold the gentle luminance that people often used as a guide at night. Instead, they were condensed with a power that could suck one's soul into the depths of the darkness.
The wielder of Tessaiga had witnessed this form before. It was the state for unleashing the unstoppable Meido Zangetsuha. The technique was infallible; even its creator, Shishinki, was not exempted from the fate of being dragged into hell once the Meido turned on him. Inuyasha was confident it could send Ryukotsusei into oblivion. The problem was that the widespread technique did not discriminate. Kotori could get caught in the attack just as easily as Ryukotsusei, especially since he hadn't learned how to control it. If she was nearby – or worse, still in the dragon's possession – then there was no guaranteeing her safety.
His fingers slackened and he nearly released his grip on his sword. "... I-I can't use it. It's too powerful for me to control. What difference is it from my demon self if I can't save her? Defeating Ryukotsusei just to save my own skin… that's not winning at all."
The Inu no Taisho shook his head, his ponytail swaying. "Make no mistake, Inuyasha. A technique is only as powerful as the wielder. How you wield the power is reflected by your heart. The Meido created by The Ogre of Death was different from Sesshomaru's. Yours will be different from theirs and mine, as it should be."
'Why the hell do the people around me love speaking in damn riddles?' While he couldn't distinguish the difference between Sesshomaru's and Shishinki's Meido once the former managed to craft a full circle, he was aware that his father wasn't talking about the technique's physical appearance.
That was when the image of Sesshomaru's back and his monotonous voice came to the surface of his mind. "Inuyasha, the technique belongs to you now. Do not imitate my strokes. You must wield it your own way."
'Right. Of course that bastard knew from the start. Don't copy him. Do things your own way so that the technique will become yours to wield, yours to adopt, and yours to control. Why couldn't he just have said that?' Inuyasha nearly felt like slapping himself at the late realization. Why hadn't the epiphany come earlier?
What he needed had always been there, lurking within Tessaiga. Yet, its full potential was locked, waiting for the day that Inuyasha's mentality caught up to his physical state. Anyone with muscles could've picked up a sword and used it to cut a log. Crafting the wood into something valuable would require skill and focus. A sword of destruction that exterminated everything before him was not what he needed. What he desired was a blade that could distinguish between friends and foes – one that could eliminate the latter for the sake of the former.
'And to do that, I need to believe in my own abilities. Tessaiga is my sword. I'm the one in control of it. I need to focus. I need to swing my sword with a heart. I need to believe I can do it. And there has to be a noble purpose or the power in Tessaiga will be there to harm instead of protect.'
Confidence returned at full velocity and dispersed all of the negative emotions stowing in his chest. He flashed his trademark smirk at the dog general and hoisted Tessaiga high in a triumphant poise. As the crimson faded away, his golden eyes returned with a brilliance as bright as the sun. "I know… I know what I gotta do. Watch me, old man. I'll defeat Ryukotsusei. I won't just be surpassing you in power, but in mind as well!"
Touga returned a gratifying smile that brimmed with pride. "Go on, my son. Never lose heart and you shall transcend places further than most could ever dream of. I have faith in you."
Taking his father's blessing with a swelling joy inside his chest, Inuyasha gave a final nod before his form disappeared as if he had never been there in the first place.
Touga stared at the spot his son had occupied seconds ago, unperturbed as his body began dissipating, starting from his boots. He was aware that his time was up. Having functioned as the final hope to pull Inuyasha back from completely losing himself, he had accomplished his task as a fragment. With his newfound strength and willpower, the hanyou would surmount all obstacles, without needing to rely on his bloodthirsty demon half. Hence, he didn't need to linger in the realm created by Tessaiga anymore.
With a smile that never waned, the segmented part of the Inu no Taisho disappeared from existence until all that remained was a resonating echo of his last words. "You can do it, my son. I'm proud of you and the path you have chosen."
The wielder of the sword of destruction opened his eyes and found himself in a half-kneeling position with the Tessaiga propped defensively in front of him, its hilt tied to his hand with a very familiar-looking obi. He tried to detach the fabric with his other hand but the movement sent a jolt of agony through him. His body felt like one enormous bruise, with pain and exhaustion dragging him down.
If he could, he would love nothing more than to fall flat on his back and spend some time recuperating from all the aches and fatigue. Tempting as it was, he could not afford to relax when the threat before him remained.
"What's the matter, little man? Where is your aggression? And that power? Have you finally given up?" The masked face of Ryukotsusei stared intensely at the hanyou, somewhat puzzled by how he had reverted to his original state. "I didn't think that killing the little bird is all it takes for you to lose all hope."
Inuyasha's pupils shrank. Wait. What did he say? Didn't his father tell him that Kotori was still alive? "What have you done to Kotori?!"
"She's lying somewhere underneath that tree. Crushed in mind and spirit. The fate a pest like her deserves. A fate that you shall share." Any wariness Ryukotsusei had felt toward the demon Inuyasha dispersed once he realized that the bloodthirsty berserker had indeed vanished. He lifted his tail and lazily jabbed the end in the direction he was referring to.
"You bastard!" the hanyou snarled.
The leader of the Doragon clan grinned like a madman, pleased by his reaction. "Heh, little man. Don't waste your breath barking when you ought to be begging me for a blissed release. I can grant it to you… and the little bird too, should her vitality prove tenacious like a cockroach. It would scarcely take much effort but a small burst of youki to scorch two pests."
The growl that Inuyasha emitted was inhumane. He bared his fangs and the tips of his silver hair raised from his accumulating youki. He felt the darkness stir within him and hastily forced himself to withdraw his rage. Letting anger dominate would be a catalyst to reawaken his demonic side. He had to be careful; he wasn't sure how fortified Tessaiga's suppression was at this point. 'Don't let him get to ya. Don't let him get to ya.'
Moreover, he had to remain composed if he had any hopes of mastering the Meido Zangetsuha. It wouldn't be easy, even after taking his father's guidance into consideration. Sesshomaru only made it look effortless; when in reality, even the smallest blunder would have caused massive collateral damage.
Piercing his own lip with his fang until it drew blood, Inuyasha breathed deeply and took in all the smells around him. Kotori's unique fragrance was noticeable, though he was aware that one's scent could linger for a bit after one's departure.
Youki, on the other hand, would be detected if one was nearby and was alive; there were exceptions, of course — such as an inanimate object being infused with one's demonic aura – but he didn't think they applied here.
Demonic energies permeated the battlefield; his and Ryukotsusei's were the most prominent, having discharged magnitudes during their violent exchange. Kotori's was very inconspicuous in comparison. It would have been overlooked if not for the fact that Inuyasha was very attuned to it.
'She's alive! Her youki is weakened but she's alive… But she's still in danger. If I can't beat Ryukotsusei, he'll have his way with her. One chance… One chance. That's all I've got. I can't mess it up. Kotori depends on me.' He steadied his heart until its frantic beatings slowed to match the tempo of his blade's humming. Ignoring the burning pain hammering on his body, he pushed himself to his full height and planted both feet firmly into the dirt.
Picking up his resolve, Tessaiga began pulsating, its steel dyed black, and its mass increased. 'Huh, Tessaiga has gotten heavier than usual? It's not my imagination or because of my bad leg… Is it responding to me? Tessaiga, if you are trying to help, then now is a great time to do so. I know you know what the wish deep inside my heart is… So help me make it happen!'
A mocking laughter came from both faces of the daiyoukai. "You are a foolish little man. To think you would choose to stand before me instead of groveling beneath me. You must want a painful death for yourself and the little bird. Fine, I—"
"Do you like listening to yourself talk that much? Is that why you grew an extra mouth?" Inuyasha snapped, cutting off his enemy with a snarl. He ripped apart the obi around his hand, allowing more freedom in how he could hold onto the sword of destruction.
"All that talk about getting me to give up. Let me tell you right here that it ain't happening. Of course, I'm standing my ground. I don't do giving up. Just hearing that ugly voice of yours makes me wanna plummet your face. And this place—" he paused to rub against the ground with the sole of his uninjured foot, "—is part of the Western Lands. It's my home. As a man, I'll stand tall to protect the land beneath my feet and the woman in my arms. Ryukotsusei, you're not welcome here!"
"Hehehehehehaha!" Ryukotsusei cackled, his snout tilted at a condescending angle. "What land do you speak of, little man? Is it this barrenness that I've incinerated? And what woman? Do you mean the little bird I had squashed?"
"You bastard burning this place down is one thing. Hurting Kotori though… I'll make you regret it! It'll be the last thing you ever do!" In the split moment he felt Tessaiga's distinctive pulse, the second son of Touga took it as a signal to swing the blade in a diagonal arc. Letting the sword guide his stroke but refusing to let it dictate anything, he watched as powerful energy surged forth from the blade. "Eat this, Ryukotsusei! This power is my will to protect! Meido Zangetsuha!"
This was his Meido Zangetsuha. The technique that had given even the great Touga and his perfect son, Sesshomaru, trouble was united with his Tessaiga under his willpower. The dimension around them rippled as the Meido took shape. It wasn't the malformed circle that his half-brother had created with the Tenseiga. Nor was it the chilling voids that had allowed Shishinki to swallow his enemies whole. Instead, countless slits opened, all curved like the crescent moon. While they reminded him of his Hijin Kessou, the semblance ended with the shape. The attack was the hue of the night skies and manifested with a magnitude that tore apart the fabric of space.
"This can't be! Aah! Aah! My body! He slashed my invincible, rock-hard body!" Disbelief and terror filled Ryukotsusei. His extremely durable body which had endured demon Inuyasha's fearless assaults was sliced through by the curved blades as effortlessly as a knife could cut through bread.
The thunderous clamor of large body parts crashing into the forest ground and the subsequent puffs of dust prompted Inuyasha to drag himself away from the chaos. With Ryukotsusei defeated, one objective sat firmly inside his head — find Kotori.
"Kotori!" Seeing the toppled tree Ryukotsusei referred to drove concern to grip itself tightly onto his throat, rendering his voice shaky as he shouted. It was a miserable display that would have warranted a scoff from himself under any other circumstances. His eyes were burning. His body was arching. His voice was hoarse. But right now, he couldn't care less about his dignity as he continued to call out for the one that occupied his every thought. "Kotori! Kotori! Say something!"
"I-I hear." His triangular ears flickered at her wheezed answer. With eyes that shone with renewed hope, he watched as the demoness clawed her way out from a small ditch — had Ryukotsusei unwittingly made that with one of his attacks? — beneath the fallen plant.
Kotori was disheveled, dyed in patches of red, and covered in many bruises and lacerations. One of her arms hung limply while her other hand was clutching onto her damaged ribs. She looked as pitiful as he felt. Yet, the realization did not stop the burst of joy that erupted from the hanyou's throat. He frantically reduced the distance between them, uncaring about the bloody trail he was painting behind him as he used his Tessaiga as a crutch.
"You're alive! You're alive!" he uttered again and again, as if the repetition was the reason that prevented her from dropping dead.
"Yes, it would take more to kill me… Though why I'm alive is also because of you, Inuyasha-sama. Thank you. You managed to defeat Ryukotsusei. Amazing!"
Under normal circumstances, his pride would have soared at her rare praise. Currently, it went in through one ear and out the other as he half-walked, half-crashed into her. He dropped his walking stick to wrap his arms around her, grateful when she was somehow maintaining their balance.
"You're alive. You're alive..." The same words continued to tremble out of his scratchy throat. Despite knowing that their threat had been slain — he had cut him into pieces after all — he couldn't stop the dread. The fear that he had been so close to losing her haunted him, bringing fresh waves of anxiety with each heartbeat. He embraced harder, just for the reassurance that she was tangible and that her warmth was real.
"Inuyasha-sama?" Kotori's voice was brimming with bemusement because the hanyou she knew had never been the type for contact, let alone a prolonged one that was so intimate.
"Don't move. Stay like this. I need to know that you're here, Kotori. That you're with me." His words were half-muffled as he buried his face into her shoulder and inhaled her scent. The part of him that contained his stubborn pride as a demon mentally grumbled that he was being far too sentimental. Worse, there was no new moon to blame for the strung-up emotions. Being overly emotional should only happen when he was trapped in his human form. He ignored the sense of shame, his body quivering not from pain, but from apprehension. "...I was afraid. I thought I was too late, that I was too weak. I thought I was going to lose you. I was terrified. I ended up turning myself into a demon because I thought I could help you… And you nearly ended up dead because of me!"
"...Inuyasha-sama." The pressure he was unconsciously adding to the embrace was beginning to put a strain on her terribly bruised body. However, Kotori disregarded all the aches, having comprehended the internal plight that Inuyasha was suffering from. Very seldom did the strong-headed hanyou sound so devastated. The last time had been when he was drowning in guilt, after hurting his comrades while under So'unga's influence. This time, she could feel the same self-loathing resurfacing. She wondered how many times he had mentally berated himself for her wounds.
Disinclined to see his spirits crumble, Kotori returned his embrace, her palm drawing circles on his back in an attempt to soothe him. "You are not at fault, Inuyasha-sama. You did what you thought would help. Your intention is pure, Inuyasha-sama. I do not blame you. I'm alive because of you. You performed splendidly. You suppressed your demon. You even mastered the Meido Zangetsuha — Truly a grander sight! So don't blame yourself. This is a victory you have earned. And I'm here. I'll be here for as long as you need my service."
He shook his head, his face brushing against the fabric of her kimono. The edges of her battered armor grazed him, generating a string that he dismissed. "Damn it, woman! I don't want any service from you. Just stay with me. I need you with me, Kotori. Haven't you realized that yet?"
The effect was as instantaneous and raucous as a thunderstrike. Understanding her mistake and recovering fast, she coaxed, "I… I'm here. I'll be with you, just as I have all this time."
"You better…" As a surge of relief hit him, he found the pain and exhaustion seeping deep into his bones. The last of his strength ebbed away, taking his vision with it. "...Damn, I'm getting tired."
"Inuyasha-sama? Inuyasha-sama!? Are you alright!?" The panic in her voice couldn't be masked as she felt him slump forward, forcing her to support his entire weight. She nearly collapsed with him, straining to pull them both up with her one good arm and her flimsy, weakened body.
"...No need to scream my ears off. I'm fine… I just… need a nap. Remember… you promised… Don't… don't go…" Slipping into oblivion before he could hear her affirmative reply, there was nothing he could do but simply place his faith in her — that she would be there when he opened his eyes again.
Kotori only let out a breath she didn't know she was holding after confirming Inuyasha's condition. Unlike her accelerated breathing, his were deep regular ones, an indication that he had merely fallen asleep. On that note, she deemed it fortuitous that he was knocked out cold. Unconsciousness would assist in lessening his agony while his demonic blood mended his battered body. Although she noted that it would be slower compared to Sesshomaru's healing process, considering that he was part human.
'Actually, would the approaching new moon tomorrow hinder Inuyasha-sama's healing?' The question came to her as she shifted his body until his arm was over her shoulder. A valid inquiry it might be, though not one that brooding over would make an impact. As long as Inuyasha was getting the perks of having demonic blood coursing through his veins at the moment, then she would have to settle with it. After all, Kotori was no healer; she could not speed up his recovery no matter how much she wished she could.
'For now, all I can do is give Inuyasha-sama a place to rest… He needs to rest… and so do I…' Mentally encouraging her tired body to move with the promise of respite, she painstakingly bent down to retrieve Tessaiga. The movement caused Inuyasha to nearly slide off her shoulder. Handicapped, she struggled to shift him back into place. Eventually, she managed through sheer obstinacy and then proceeded to carry her partner away from the remnants of Ryukotsusei.
She did not get too far. Dragging an unconscious individual wasn't easy, particularly when she was on the verge of collapsing. Her lungs burned with each breath she took. Each step was taken with trembling legs. Yet, her heart pounded stubbornly, pumping blood and letting her healing kick in.
With adequate distance so that the putrid stench and gore would not be obvious, she dropped herself by a half-broken tree and cradled Inuyasha close. Her legs were stretched out, acting as a pillow for the unconscious hanyou. A secured shelter would have been preferable to a trunk, but she barely had any strength left to walk, let alone take another's weight with her.
'This will have to do… I shouldn't wander far or I'll make finding us difficult for A-Un.' At the thought of her two-headed friend, she felt the wind shift and turned to the source of disruption. As if heeding her unspoken call, A-Un landed on the ground a few feet away with a soft thud, his claws digging into the battered soil. Upon seeing their state, the dragon youkai gave a soft whine of concern.
A small smile graced Kotori's lips. She kept her voice low despite her excitement. "A-Un, perfect timing! I'm overjoyed to see you. Don't worry. It's alright. We'll live. We've achieved our objective here. But as you can see, we'll need some time to rest before we can get going again. This battle… It wasn't an easy one… Can you keep watch?"
Both heads gave a gentle huff as the twin-headed dragon approached his wounded comrades. Quietly, as to not awaken Inuyasha, he coiled himself around the two, using his body as a makeshift barrier.
"Thank you," Kotori whispered. Nestled securely, she rubbed A's snout in an appreciative gesture before caressing her partner's silver bangs.
Permitting her tensed muscles to relax, the demoness gazed toward the heavens. Due to Ryukotsusei's rampage, the canopy of trees in their surroundings had been obliterated, leaving a clear view of the stars shining above them. Night had settled. Now that their fierce battle had ended, their surroundings had become serene and quiet.
The tranquility eased her and she allowed herself to close her eyes and breathed slowly, careful not to agitate her wounds. For now, sleep was their best course of action.
'We have achieved half of our mission… I wonder how Sesshomaru-sama and Kikyo-sama are doing. Are they successful in their endeavor..?' Scarcely was the musing formed before fatigue overwhelmed her and yanked her into a deep sleep.
Time was an ambiguous concept in the realm of the deceased. Neither Sesshomaru nor Kikyo could tell how many hours had passed since they had begun walking. The darkness was their constant company since the moment they had landed on the plain deserted soils of the Netherworld. Everywhere they looked, the landscape was a blackness that stretched without an end in sight. Two things stood out as exceptions.
The first was the large black orb suspended in the air. Acting as the sole landmark in the dimension, it looked like an eerier and larger portal that the Meido Zangetsuha could unleash, but with a sinister reddish outline around its circumference. Its function also appeared similar. Any form of light was being pulled in, rapidly disappearing into its dark center as if it had never existed in the first place.
Hence, it made the random lone path that they were walking on all the more peculiar. As the second exception, the trail was illuminated by a mysterious source of light that seemed to be coming from the road itself. Being their only means of guidance, the daiyoukai and the miko had chosen to follow it, lest they be stumbling in the darkness otherwise.
There was no sign of life and the atmosphere was stagnant, permeating the sense of death. It was an ominous phenomenon that would have made anyone else turn back, but the duo was unperturbed.
Sesshomaru, as it was in his nature, was fearless. His gait was purposeful, even when the path he was following was leading him into the unknowns. His companion moved adjacent to him, her steps in harmony and in sync. While Kikyo would inwardly admit to feeling unnerved deep down, she was more inclined to keep her word to the daiyoukai.
Henceforth, the miko would play an active role in changing fate — That was the resolve she kept reinforcing in her heart as she told Sesshomaru everything. The Shikon Jewel, the balance between Naobi and Magatsuhi, her past, her condition, her responsibilities, his role, the four kokuho, the Three Swords of the Honorable Ruler, the prophecy, their predicted future, and even the existence of the Ten no Saidan. She held nothing back and offered no cryptic messages or riddles.
Meanwhile, the daiyoukai kept quiet for the majority of the time as he listened. There were numerous instances when he wanted to interrupt her for more than a short remark or clarification. It was very tempting to berate the foolish and reckless woman who continuously entertained notions and did deeds that no sane man would try. Out of respect, he pushed the urge down, opting to hear her whole story while inwardly keeping a mental note of all the vital information.
The more he listened, the harder it was to contain his growing antagonism towards those awful gods who had given his miko nothing but ordeals. A deep fortitude flared inside him, burning bright with the desire to eradicate. One day, he vowed to himself, he would show those egotistical and fickle divine beings that they had chosen the wrong individuals to toy with. If he had been dismissive of the gods initially, he now sought to plunge his sword into every last one of them, if only to let them taste a slither of the agony they had inflicted on Kikyo. Knowing the woman, she would endure the injustice so long as it was for humanity's sake. However, the almighty Inu daiyoukai of the west thought differently. As one who prioritized his own desires, it had become a personal grudge the moment they had decided to meddle with the fate of the woman he had come to care for.
"Oh? Sesshomaru, you wish to slay the Gods? Heh, is the thought born from simple naivety, or from plain arrogance? How will you do that if you cannot even survive in the Netherworld?" The obnoxious voice from within So'unga manifested, terminating all his musings and driving a headache into his head as it cackled like a maniac. "Hehe, what a fool you are, Sesshomaru. Just like your father. You have no idea of the terror that awaits you. Look, he is here!"
The ominous warning from the evil spirit was unnecessary as Sesshomaru felt the oppressive presence. He involuntarily halted his step as a chilling feeling seeped into his body. A frown marred his handsome features at the uncomfortable sensation. It felt like his body was petrified while cold incorporeal hands brushed against the entirety of his body, leaving no parts unexplored and making him feel exposed.
His peripheral darted over to Kikyo, whose back was slightly bent forward as she gripped onto her right shoulder with a grimace. The souls of the deceased within her were growing restless, jolting around in an attempt to liberate themselves from her body. And they most likely would have, had the Tenseiga not prevented their escape by punctually erecting a barrier around the miko.
Kikyo could barely pay the shield any heed, nor could she take a moment to recover from the peril of losing the souls. Instead, her full attention was in the direction of the dark sphere.
"Sesshomaru, over there!" There was an unusual nervousness in her voice.
Following her gaze, Sesshomaru watched with internal alarms ringing as something colossal was taking form. The world around them seemed to twist, as if it was folding on itself to create a shape. Condensed energy swirled, acting as a whirlwind that swept around the area as a shadow rose from the ground. The blackness grew, large enough to loom above all in this realm, and was as deep as a bottomless swamp in might.
The shadow was pitch black from head to toe except for two hollow holes where the eyes were. A pair of small dots sat there, shining through with a luminous purple as they zoned in on the two living beings in the Netherworld with a soul-piercing look.
"Intruders of the land under my eternal sovereign. Your presence is undesired. You have brought flow to my perpetual stillness." Its voice, somehow equally muscular and feminine, resonated across the dimension and ricocheted into their ears with a numbing force.
Sensing its hostility, Sesshomaru moved in front of Kikyo and pulled out his Bakusaiga with furrowed brows.
The entity's void-like eyes glistened dangerously. "You are a conceited demon, to have dared draw a weapon before the law of this realm. You feeble soul, prepare to meet your doom. For your sins, I shall purge your essence from my world and let judgment descend!" Its eyes glowed red as it set its focus on the miko next. "And you, a fractured human, shall be abdicated from your mortal shell. Cast your soul free from the binding vessel and return to the cycle of life!"
The being made no action that could indicate any harm, yet its words alone changed everything. There was no time for Sesshomaru and Kikyo to react – let alone try to resist – before the world seemed to warp around them. With their bodies frozen in place as if turned into statues, they felt something claw itself into them, grasping tightly at their soul before wrenching, hard.
Demonic power, spiritual power, or the divine power of the sword of heaven – nothing mattered in the face of the absolute power that was the law of the Netherworld.
Agony penetrated into every fiber of their beings as all thoughts abandoned them.
Everything turned dark.
Everything became nothing.
Sesshomaru… knew no more.
And Kikyo… was no more.
More Author's Notes: Here's the conclusion to Inuyasha and Kotori's trial and as you can probably tell, we will be returning to Sesshomaru and Kikyo. It is also for the future few updates (starting from the one after the next) that I intend to "fix" a bit of the storyline that is Yashahime. I'll be frank: I'm not sure how many readers here actually liked the show but I personally loathe how it ruined so much of the original series for me. So I've planned for a somewhat unoriginal way to put my own spin on the tale and I do hope that you'll all be patient with me as I write this mini arc.
With that said, I suppose I better start running before you all chase me down for the cliffhanger in this chapter ;D
Stay safe and healthy everyone.
And until the next time for Chapter 46-New Beginning, Old Identity!