"What is it, Kikyo?"
Standing amidst the crowd, Kagetsu noticed the subtle shift in her expression. He tore his gaze away from the lively procession ahead and leaned in, his voice low.
"It's nothing." Kikyo shook her head slightly and leaned closer to his ear, her breath warm against his skin. "It's just… the barrier around Naraku's castle has suddenly disappeared. If I couldn't still sense the Shikon Jewel's aura from him, I would've thought he was dead."
Today, Kikyo wasn't dressed in her usual miko robes. Instead, she wore a light pink kimono that softened her already delicate features.
Blending in with the villagers, the two stood before the shrine, quietly observing the River God festival unfolding before them.
In this world, gods were real.
Though most were not particularly powerful,and often replaced by stronger demons,it was these gods, along with human spiritual practitioners, who upheld humanity's fragile existence in a land overrun by yokai.
Because of that, festivals honoring the gods were always grand occasions.
In an age with little entertainment, such events drew crowds from far and wide. To others, Kagetsu and Kikyo were simply travelers who had come to enjoy the festivities.
"One of his incarnations just died. Who knows what he's planning now," Kagetsu said casually, unconcerned. "If anything happens, Kagura will probably show up again."
"Mm." Kikyo nodded, her fingers slipping naturally into his hand as she turned her attention back to the ceremony.
She had seen rituals like this before,but never like this.
In the past, she had always been too busy fighting demons to stop and watch. This time, however, she could simply stand and observe at ease.
As for Kagetsu, it was his first time witnessing such a ritual, and he found it surprisingly fascinating.
In a world where gods and demons truly existed, the River God festival was far more vivid than anything he had imagined.
Priests and shrine maidens first set up an altar by the river, erecting a barrier before performing purification rites in unison.
Kagetsu could sense the spiritual power within them. Individually, they were not particularly strong,but together, their combined exorcism created a noticeable effect.
Regardless of the River God's actual strength, this ritual alone would be enough to keep lesser demons away from the surrounding villages for quite some time.
"Can you dance that?"
Kagetsu's gaze lingered on the shrine maidens performing the sacred kagura dance, bells chiming softly in their hands. He leaned in again, his tone teasing.
"…I can."
Kikyo's cheeks flushed faintly as she instantly understood what he meant. She shot him a playful glare before quickly turning her face away.
"When we get back… do you want me to dance it for you?"
Kagetsu's smile deepened as he noticed the slight redness at the tip of her ear.
"…Yes."
After a brief pause, Kikyo answered in a quiet voice,her ears turning even redder.
Kagetsu felt a flicker of anticipation stir in his chest, though he kept his expression composed and returned his attention to the ceremony.
Even after the purification rites ended and the mikoshi began its procession, no particularly powerful figures appeared.
"Their strength isn't anything special," Kagetsu murmured. "Why didn't they invite you?"
"These are shrine officials from major temples in the cities," Kikyo explained patiently. "Most come from noble families and specialize in large-scale rituals like this. A shrine maiden from a small village like mine wouldn't be invited."
"I see."
Kagetsu understood immediately.
For ceremonies tied to authority and governance, lineage mattered more than strength.
Of course… Kikyo herself had long since surpassed the need to care about such things.
In this world, rituals were not just symbolic,they were real.
The gods responded.
Even without activating his Sharingan, Kagetsu could clearly perceive a faint spiritual presence.
Seated within the mikoshi was a small figure,a childlike River God.
Its features were delicate, its gender ambiguous, adorned in ornate robes. Faint, scale-like patterns shimmered near its ears.
It was unmistakably a demon that had ascended to godhood through faith.
As Kagetsu observed it, the River God suddenly turned,and looked straight at him.
Its eyes widened slightly in surprise.
Kikyo noticed as well. A gentle smile appeared on her lips as she inclined her head in greeting.
The River God hurriedly returned the gesture before the mikoshi was carried further along by its bearers.
"…Was that a demon?" Kagetsu asked, watching it disappear.
"Yes,and no," Kikyo replied softly. "It's more accurate to say that after a benevolent demon died, its purified naobi spirit became a god by absorbing the faith from human worship."
She paused, her gaze following the procession.
"To be enshrined like that… it must have protected this land in life."
Their curiosity satisfied, the two continued watching.
After the procession ended, the formal offerings began.
The local lord and nobles stepped forward first, presenting generous tributes,grain, sake, and fresh river fish. Then came the villagers, lining up one by one to offer coins and prayers.
Kikyo gently tugged Kagetsu along with her.
They stepped forward together and dropped two copper coins into the offering box.
After the offerings, priests chanted prayers, while monks recited sutras.
Kagetsu quickly lost interest.
"Let's go look around."
Pulling Kikyo along, he led her away from the ceremony.
Festivals like this always attracted merchants and performers from afar. Stalls lined the area, selling all kinds of goods. There were acrobats, monkey shows, even puppet performances.
The puppetry wasn't nearly as refined as that of the Sand Village in his world,but it was still entertaining enough to hold his attention for a while.
The two wandered until dusk, eventually returning to the shrine with a bag full of purchases.
"Yo. You're finally back. I've been waiting."
Kagura's voice drifted toward them the moment they stepped inside.
Neither of them looked surprised.
They had already sensed her presence within the shrine's barrier,that was why they had cut their outing short.
Kagetsu turned his head.
Kagura was seated on a swing beneath a tree, gently swaying, her kimono fluttering lightly as she watched them.
"Kagura," he greeted calmly. "What is Naraku up to now?"
"I already sensed his barrier disappearing," Kikyo added as she walked closer. "Has something happened?"
"Since Muso's death, something's been off about him," Kagura said, standing up. Her pink eyes rested quietly on the two of them.
"Today… he simply vanished. I don't know where he went."
She paused, then continued:
"Before disappearing, he ordered Kanna to release the seal on a demon named… Kamihime."