"Alright, it's dry now."
Retsu dispersed the chakra in his hands, ending his job as a "human hair dryer," and said, "Eat quickly. After that, get some rest."
"Hold this for me. I'll tie my hair."
Kikyo handed him a ribbon, quickly combed through her long hair, took it back from him, and neatly tied it into a loose ponytail that fell all the way to her waist.
Watching her transform from a valiant female warrior back into a gentle shrine maiden, Retsu couldn't help but smile.
They soon finished dinner. After tidying up, they were about to cultivate for a while before resting when Kikyo's expression suddenly changed.
She looked up at Retsu, her face serious.
"There's something wrong with the Shikon Jewel."
As she spoke, her gaze darted toward a corner of the room.
There stood a small shrine surrounded by sacred rope. On it lay two Shikon Jewel shards—one obtained from the Togenkyo incident, the other taken from a demon she had purified for villagers.
In the dim room, both shards were emitting a faint glow. Inside them, a pitch-black cursed energy was quietly taking shape.
Retsu followed her gaze and frowned.
"What's going on?"
Kikyo strode over and picked up the two shards. Spiritual power surged from her palm, sweeping through them and instantly purifying the curse.
She placed them back, reactivated the barrier on the sacred rope, then turned around.
"Someone used the Shikon Jewel to cast a curse."
After a pause, she added thoughtfully,
"The target is probably Kagome. This must be Naraku's doing."
Retsu recalled the story and immediately understood.
This was likely the black priestess Tsubaki—invited by Naraku—using Kagome's blood to place a curse. A former rival who had once been defeated by Kikyo in a single move.
"I'm going to check it out," Kikyo said, slinging her bow over her back and preparing to leave.
"I'm coming with you." Retsu stood up at once.
"No need. I'll go alone."
She shook her head.
"This curse feels familiar. It should be someone I know. There won't be any danger."
"…Alright."
After thinking it over, Retsu nodded. With Kikyo's strength, there was little that could threaten her.
"Take the wooden kunai I gave you. If you're in danger, crush it. I'll come immediately."
"Mm. You rest first. I'll be back soon. Don't wait up."
After saying that, Kikyo pushed open the door, leapt onto Blackmaru's back, and rode into the night.
The massive bear shikigami turned into a streak of black shadow and vanished into the darkness.
Meanwhile, Miroku and Sango, following the trail of cursed energy, had already found Tsubaki's location—but were blocked by a powerful barrier.
"Whoosh!"
Blackmaru burst out of the forest and landed steadily on a huge rock by the cliff.
"A barrier…"
Kikyo frowned as she gazed at the spherical barrier enclosing the area. The dense cursed aura was clearly leaking from within.
"This aura… I fought her before."
Feeling the familiar malice, her eyes turned cold. She patted Blackmaru's head.
"Let's go, Blackmaru."
With that, Blackmaru leapt off the cliff. Demon energy gathered around his massive paws, slowing his descent. He landed smoothly and dashed forward again.
"Monk, can you break this barrier?" Sango asked, turning to Miroku.
Without wasting words, Miroku began chanting a dispelling sutra.
The next second, he opened his eyes sharply.
"Kirara, go!"
"Roar!"
Kirara roared and charged straight at the barrier.
Bang!
The sutra had no effect. Kirara slammed into the barrier and was violently repelled. She flipped in midair and barely stabilized herself.
"I hate to admit it, but I can't break this barrier," Miroku said helplessly.
"Monk, look over there!"
Suddenly, Sango spotted a figure emerging from the darkness and approaching rapidly.
"That is… Miss Kikyo?" Miroku exclaimed.
"Kirara, hurry! Miss Kikyo can probably break it!" Sango said excitedly.
By then, Kikyo had reached the barrier and was observing it. She also noticed the two approaching from the air.
When they landed beside her, she asked directly,
"Since you're here, Kagome has been cursed, right?"
"Yes, Miss Kikyo," Miroku replied quickly.
"Earlier today, Kagome was bitten by something near the Bone-Eater's Well. She suddenly collapsed at night.
Kaede guessed that a black priestess sent a shikigami to attack her and placed a curse. We followed the evil aura here."
"A black priestess using curses…"
Kikyo murmured, sensing the energy inside. Recognition flashed in her eyes.
"Is it you… Tsubaki?"
"Tsubaki? You know her?" Sango asked in shock.
Kikyo nodded but didn't elaborate.
She turned Blackmaru back into his wooden figurine and put him away, then walked straight toward the barrier.
"Let's see what she's up to."
"Wait! Miss Kikyo, be careful! This barrier is very strong—"
Before Miroku could finish, he froze in shock.
The moment Kikyo touched the barrier, it automatically opened an entrance just wide enough for one person—like it recognized her as its master.
"Sango, Monk, hurry!"
Without wasting time, Sango jumped down and ran toward the opening.
Miroku snapped out of it and followed.
Kirara shrank in a burst of flame and leapt onto Sango's shoulder.
The two humans and one demon passed through the barrier effortlessly behind Kikyo.
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