The next morning, just as dawn was beginning to break.
The three children were already standing outside the castle's main gate.
The morning wind blew in from the mountains, carrying a trace of chill that snapped their hems loudly.
Inuyasha carried a small bundle on his back, packed with a few changes of clothes and the bag of Dragon Scale Powder Chiyo had given him.
At Sakura's waist hung the short sword that had been broken in half, and in her hand she carried a cloth pouch filled with rations.
Saku hugged her doll and stood between her brother and sister, her eyes reflecting the morning sun rising at the edge of the sky.
"Let's go."
Sakura was the first to step forward.
The three children followed the mountain road east, their figures gradually vanishing into the morning mist.
At the top of the castle's highest tower, Chiyo stood by the window and watched the three children's backs grow farther and farther away.
Abihime stood behind him, holding a cup of hot tea.
"You're really not sending anyone to follow them?"
"I did."
"Who? You said yesterday I'd know today. Can you tell me now?"
Chiyo did not answer. He pointed ahead.
Abihime followed his gaze.
On a distant ridge, a white figure was following the three children at an unhurried pace.
The distance was so great that an ordinary person could never have seen him.
Long white hair, cold eyes, a handsome profile.
"Sesshomaru?"
Abihime froze for a moment, then turned to look at Chiyo.
"You had him go?"
"Mm."
"And he was willing?"
Chiyo lifted his teacup and took a sip.
"More or less."
"Sesshomaru is just cold on the outside and warm on the inside. It's good that he's with them."
The three children walked for an