Boom,!
The Wood Clone hoisted the massive Savage Dragon, its length nearly matching Yuzuki's height, and swung it in a wide arc.
The blade howled through the air.
A green, snake-like demon didn't even have time to react before the greatsword slammed into its body.
Bang!
It was sent flying like a broken ragdoll, crashing violently into a nearby boulder before collapsing to the ground, completely unconscious.
The Wood Clone rested the blade on his shoulder and turned to Yuzuki, who was staring at him with shining, admiring eyes.
"Go on," he said with a faint smile. "Fire a few arrows. Get used to dealing with demons."
"Yes, Lord Kagetsu!"
Yuzuki immediately straightened, gripping her longbow with excitement as she jogged forward.
Stopping a short distance away, she took a deep breath.
Despite the grotesque demon before her, there was no fear in her eyes,only focus.
She drew the bowstring steadily.
Swoosh,!
The arrow arced cleanly through the air,
,and struck true.
It embedded itself directly into the snake demon's head.
The demon's body twitched faintly.
It wasn't a particularly strong creature to begin with, and it was already unconscious. Still, due to Yuzuki's limited strength,and the lack of spiritual power infused into the arrow,the shot only pierced shallowly.
Even so…
For a first real combat attempt, calmly drawing, aiming, and hitting the target,
That alone was impressive.
If not for the fact that these were demon-slaying arrows crafted by Kikyo, they likely wouldn't have pierced its hide at all.
"Well done. A clean hit," the Wood Clone praised without hesitation.
"Thank you!"
Yuzuki beamed, her face lighting up with joy. Encouraged, she quickly nocked another arrow,
Then another,
And another,
Until her earlier nervousness completely faded, replaced by growing confidence.
Watching her steady improvement, the Wood Clone stepped forward.
He raised Savage Dragon,
Slash!
With a single decisive strike, the blade cleaved through the demon's neck.
The head separated cleanly, blood spraying outward.
He stepped aside just in time to avoid the foul-smelling splatter.
"…First one."
He glanced back at Yuzuki.
"Go retrieve your arrows. Then use these."
He handed her a stack of spiritual talismans.
"Purify the remains."
"Yes!"
Yuzuki nodded quickly.
Though this was her first time handling a demon corpse in real combat, her movements were careful and precise.
She pulled out the arrows one by one, then began the purification process exactly as she had been taught.
The Wood Clone watched quietly.
In truth, this "training" had another purpose.
On Kagetsu's main body's side, as they approached Mount Hakurei, demons had become increasingly scarce.
But Savage Dragon needed kills,just ten more,to evolve into a true demonic blade.
So this task fell to the Wood Clone.
Hunting.
Feeding the blade.
Once Yuzuki finished, the Wood Clone flicked his wrist.
Chakra surged,
The blood staining Savage Dragon was instantly shaken off.
He rested the blade on his shoulder again.
"Let's move. Find the next one."
Yuzuki hurried to follow, but her gaze lingered on the weapon.
Finally, she gathered her courage.
"Lord Kagetsu… I…"
She hesitated for a moment before blurting out,
"Can you teach me how to use that sword?"
The Wood Clone paused.
He turned, noticing the earnest, almost glowing look in her eyes.
Without a word,
Thud!
He planted Savage Dragon into the ground beside her.
The towering blade stood nearly as tall as she was, its polished surface reflecting her small figure.
"This?" he said lightly. "It's called Savage Dragon. A trophy I took from an enemy."
Instead of fear, Yuzuki reached out, gently touching the cold steel.
"Savage Dragon…" she whispered, eyes shining. "What a powerful name…"
The Wood Clone raised a brow, amused.
A young girl, fascinated by a weapon like this?
He almost laughed imagining her swinging it,but restrained himself, patting her head instead.
"You've got good taste."
Then he added,
"But you're not even as tall as it yet. Come back when you can lift it."
"…I will!"
Yuzuki clenched her fists, her expression filled with determination.
"I'll definitely be able to lift it!"
"This thing takes three grown men just to move it," he said bluntly. "You might want to prepare yourself mentally."
"I,I can still do it!"
She bit her lip, refusing to back down.
Seeing her resolve, the Wood Clone's expression softened slightly.
"If you train properly under Kikyo… and learn to use spiritual power, you might manage it."
After all,in this world, strength wasn't limited to physical ability alone.
Sango could wield the massive Hiraikotsu.
Miroku was no weakling either.
Even Kikyo's strength far exceeded that of ordinary humans.
Perhaps…
This girl really could reach that level one day.
Still, he added firmly,
"But for now, focus on your bow. That's your foundation."
"I understand!"
Yuzuki nodded obediently, though she cast one last longing glance at Savage Dragon before following him onward.
Meanwhile…
The main group rested briefly by the roadside.
"Kikyo."
Kagetsu stepped forward, holding out a pair of delicate white bracers.
"These are for you."
The bracers were finely crafted,soft leather with elegant patterns along the edges. Inside, intricate black incantations were inscribed.
At the center:
One bore the character for "bow."
The other,"arrow."
Kikyo accepted them, studying the markings.
"…What are these for?"
"I made them for you," Kagetsu replied casually, raising his own arm.
Only then did she notice,he wore a similar bracer, though his was black.
"Let me."
He gently took her wrist.
Carefully, he fitted the bracers onto her arms.
The contrast was striking,
Her pale skin, like white jade, paired with the pristine bracers and dark inscriptions,
Elegant.
Mysterious.
Perfect.
Kagetsu nodded, satisfied.
"Simple to use. Do you remember the Summoning Technique I taught you?"
Kikyo gave a small nod.
He raised his hand slightly, fingers curling.
"These are modified summoning formulas. Not for creatures,"
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"but for weapons."
Bang!
A puff of white smoke burst from his palm.
As it cleared,
The massive Savage Dragon was already in his grasp.