After leaving the volcanic region, the three of them followed the mountain road southeast for two days.
The air gradually became more humid, and the vegetation along the road changed from charred, withered trees into lush forests.
They occasionally saw mountain streams flowing through cracks in the rocks. The clear sound of water was especially pleasant in the silent mountain woods.
Inuyasha walked at the front, the Red Fang Blade hanging at his waist, its blade giving off a dark red sheen beneath the sunlight.
On the first day he wore the sword, he had still found it somewhat unfamiliar.
It was a full foot longer and considerably heavier than his old short blade, yet strangely, it felt far more natural to wield.
As if...
This blade had always belonged to him.
"Inuyasha, slow down."
Sakura's voice came from behind him.
Inuyasha stopped and glanced back.
Sakura helped Saku down from a large boulder. Saku's stamina was not as good as theirs, and after walking mountain paths for most of the day, her little face had already turned somewhat pale.
"Let's rest for a while."
Sakura found a flat rock beside the mountain path and helped Saku sit down.
Saku hugged her doll and leaned against her sister, breathing softly.
"Big Sister, I'm fine."
"I know you're fine, but you still need to rest."
Sakura took out a waterskin from her bundle and handed it to Saku.
Saku accepted it, took a small sip, then handed it back.
Inuyasha sat nearby, unfastened the Red Fang Blade from his waist, and laid it across his knees.
He looked down at the blade, his fingers lightly brushing along its spine.
The crimson patterns on the blade flickered faintly with his heartbeat, as if responding to him.
"Still looking at it?"
Sakura's voice