While Tsubaki and Han faced off in battle, the curse on Kagome briefly weakened. Kagome's consciousness gradually regained control of her body, but the curse still left her terribly weak. She forced herself to apologize to Inuyasha, only for him to brusquely dismiss it. Relief and sorrow crossed her face before Inuyasha took her onto his back and raced toward the source of the evil aura.
When Inuyasha and Kagome arrived, they saw Han destroy Tsubaki's Demon Beast. Although Inuyasha was startled by Sesshomaru and the others' presence, the curse on Kagome mattered most. The scene told him everything he needed to know. His feet had barely touched the ground before he entrusted Kagome to Miroku and Sango, drew Tessaiga, and prepared to join the fight against the Black Miko.
"Inuyasha! Stop!" Han hurriedly shouted when she saw him.
"What?!" Inuyasha held up the transformed Tessaiga, utterly bewildered. What was wrong with him helping?
"This is a matter for Kiyomori Temple," Han said earnestly, turning to look at Inuyasha.
"Seriously..." Inuyasha curled his lip in displeasure, but said nothing more. He simply sat down beside Kagome with his legs spread wide.
"Tsubaki, have you had enough?" the girl asked gravely, looking at Tsubaki, who was watching her in silence.
"No!" Tsubaki replied, pressing her lips together. She had also noticed the Shikon Jewel purifying itself. She had never expected Kagome to retain the ability to purify the Four Souls under these circumstances, and it had truly startled her. But this was as far as she would get. Kagome had only managed to cling to life and struggle back to consciousness because Tsubaki was occupied with fighting. Once she focused on the curse, Kagome could do nothing but wait for death.
Tsubaki tightened her grip on the Shikon Jewel. The bright