Beside a cold, silent lake, the wind and snow had come and gone swiftly. The vast lake had already thawed, and Sesshomaru stood quietly on its shore.
Jaken stood at his side.
"Giving half the Western Country to the wolf tribe..."
Sesshomaru gazed at the clear lake, his golden eyes flickering slightly. Word of Tōga's proclamation had reached him as well.
He also knew of Demon Wolf Mingye's contribution to that battle.
Giving Demon Wolf Mingye half the territory was not unacceptable.
After all, even Sesshomaru had to acknowledge Mingye's strength. Without a suitable weapon in hand, he truly lacked the confidence to defeat him.
That was Sesshomaru's honest assessment. The strength Mingye had displayed in his earlier battle with his father had shocked him.
He was not confident he could withstand that Iaijutsu strike or the ultimate technique, Ice Dragon Blast.
With Tessaiga or Sōunga to aid him, Sesshomaru believed he could certainly defeat Mingye.
Unfortunately, Tōga refused to give him either divine weapon, no matter what.
Sesshomaru thought of the Evil Sword at Mingye's waist. He had heard it was a demon sword forged by Hairinbō, Tōtōsai's expelled apprentice, and possessed considerable power.
That had given Sesshomaru an idea. He could also gather yokai bodies and forge a demon sword-one that would further enhance his strength!
That was why he had ordered Mountain Ogre to collect the bodies of the formidable yokai he had slain along the way.
Of course, Sesshomaru's desire for Tōga's Tessaiga and Sōunga had not diminished in the slightest.
The power Tessaiga and Sōunga had displayed when Tōga slew the three great yokai that day had been overwhelming.
Sesshomaru understood that very few weapons in this world could compare to them.
For now, forging a demon sword was merely a way to improve his