A year later.
The valley was shrouded in morning mist. The leaves of the cherry trees had begun to yellow, and a few drifted down silently in the night wind, landing on the wooden floor beneath the eaves, wet with dew.
Kikyo stood at the courtyard gate, a longbow strapped to her back, with a quiver and that charm hanging at her waist.
She wore a brand-new white shrine maiden's outfit.
The fabric was thicker than her previous one, suitable for traveling.
Chiyo stood before her, his white hair tied behind his head. A few loose strands swayed by his cheek in the morning breeze.
"Are you really leaving?"
"Mm."
Kikyo's voice was calm.
Compared to a year ago, there was more gentleness and maturity on her face. She had originally planned to leave after growing close to Chiyo.
Who would have thought that, after tasting it for the first time, she would find herself reluctant to part with it.
That was why she had stayed here for a year.
Chiyo looked at her and fell silent for a moment.
"Did you bring the charm?"
"I did."
"There's enough Spiritual Power in it to last a year."
"I know."
"If you run into danger..."
"Grip it tightly, and you'll come."
Kikyo interrupted him, the corner of her mouth curving slightly.
"You've said that many times."
Chiyo said nothing more.
Kikyo reached out, took his hand, squeezed it once, then released it.
"Don't see me off."
She turned and walked toward the exit of the valley.
After three steps, she stopped without looking back.
"Chiyo."
"Mm."
Her voice was so soft that the wind nearly carried it away.
"I believe everything you say."
"You said you would take care of everything. I believe you."
She took another step.
Her figure grew