Somehow, Xu Zhiqiu had sweet-talked Naraku into handing over Kagura's heart.
Kagura stared blankly at the heart Xu Zhiqiu held out to her. She opened her mouth but could not get a single word out.
"What, don't believe it's yours? Shall I give it a squeeze?" Xu Zhiqiu made as if to do just that.
"Don't." Kagura stepped forward and took the heart. The living heart beat steadily in her hand. She returned it to her body, and the empty space inside her was finally filled. She felt wonderfully whole.
With her heart back, Kagura studied Xu Zhiqiu. "How did you get it from Naraku? Does he really listen to you that much?"
Thinking of that prideful fellow who refused to admit his feelings, Xu Zhiqiu's lips twitched. "It took a lot of talking to persuade him."
With someone that stubbornly prideful, all she could do was act cute for all she was worth, kiss him, and soothe him. In the end, under her relentless pestering, he had given in.
Kagura could picture the scene. She patted Xu Zhiqiu's shoulder and said with a deeply thoughtful expression, "Being with him really must be hard on you. Would you consider leaving with me?"
Xu Zhiqiu gave it serious thought. "Not yet. Once we've collected the whole Shikon Jewel, I'll go have fun with you."
"Oh, all right." The Shikon Jewel Xu Zhiqiu had mentioned was indeed a problem. Kagura could not leave anytime soon either, so she could only stay with them and help collect the Shikon Jewel Shards.
"Hey, big sis, Kagura, what are you two whispering about? Come play mahjong. Kanna and Kohaku are terrible at it. There's no challenge at all."
Hakudoshi turned toward Xu Zhiqiu and Kagura, who stood farther inside, as he spoke. When he turned