In the dim inner chamber, Naraku sat at the head of the room with his knees bent, while Kohaku bowed respectfully and reported what he had learned.
"Oh, so that was how it happened," Naraku said softly, looking down at Kohaku, who knelt before him on one knee.
"Yes, Lord Naraku," Kohaku answered numbly, his black eyes utterly lifeless.
"Well done, Kohaku," Naraku praised him softly. "Spend more time with that little girl."
"Yes, Lord Naraku." Having received his orders, Kohaku quietly withdrew.
A girl she happened to rescue from a village attacked by the Wolf Demon Tribe... Naraku's lips curled. That was what Kohaku had learned from Rin. He certainly did not believe Yan Luo was such a kindhearted demon. That little girl had to hold a secret he knew nothing about.
"Saimyosho," Naraku summoned. The insects of hell fluttered their wings, circling him. "Follow them, but do not let them discover you."
Several poisonous insects buzzed and flew out through the wooden window.
"Rin..." Naraku murmured, the Shikon Jewel glowing with an eerie black light between his fingers.
Kohaku left the hall and glanced back at that gloomy corner, unconsciously tightening his grip on his short sickle.
That little girl Lady Yan Luo had brought here, the little girl who shared stolen pears with him, the little girl who smiled at him so happily and innocently-he did not want to hurt her. She was the only person in this lonely castle who had shown him kindness.
It had only been a few days, but during those days, Kohaku, who had lost his memories, had found a rare respite from the weight on his heart. Even that woman's face-Sango's-had stopped appearing in his mind. He did not know why, but whenever he thought of her, uncontrollable pain and sorrow