Three days later.
The three of them walked out of the mountains, and a medium-sized town appeared before their eyes.
The town was built along a river. A broad current cut through its center, dividing it into east and west halves.
Three stone bridges spanned the river, bustling with people coming and going.
On the streets along both banks, shops stood shoulder to shoulder, tavern banners fluttered, and hawkers' cries rose one after another.
"We finally found a proper town."
Inuyasha stood on the hillside, one hand shading his brow as he looked toward the town.
"Looks way bigger than Kiryu City."
"Kiryu City was just a border town. This should be... Yagyu City."
Sakura took a map from her clothes and looked it over.
"It was marked on the map Aunt Liuli gave us. Yagyu City is the biggest town in this area, with several thousand households."
"So many people..."
Saku hugged her doll, her golden eyes filled with curiosity.
"Sister, are we staying here tonight?"
"Mm."
Sakura nodded and put the map away.
"We'll find an inn first, buy some rations and medicine, then set out again tomorrow."
"And clothes."
Inuyasha lowered his head and looked at the dark-blue kimono he was wearing.
There were still dried bloodstains on it, one cuff had a tear, and the hem had been worn fuzzy.
"That one of yours really should be changed."
Sakura glanced at him, the corner of her mouth curving slightly.
"But you look good in anything."
Inuyasha's ears shot upright, and his face turned bright red.
"Wh-what nonsense are you saying!"
"I'm stating a fact."
Sakura smiled, then turned and headed down the mountain.
Inuyasha stood where he was, the tips of his ears red, and did not move for a long while.
Saku walked past him,