"Don't think you've won just because of this!"
The power of Kikyo, her past incarnation, bathed Kagome's entire body in a gentle glow.
That spiritual power then flowed from Kagome into Hojo Akitoshi's blade.
Under the force of that power, the strand of hair linking Yura of the Hair's humanoid apparition to her true body, the comb-
Was finally severed by the Muramasa Blade!
With that strand severed, Yura of the Hair could no longer maintain her human form, weighed down as she was by burly men.
Deprived of her supply of demonic power, the female demon gradually began to crumble and fade.
Even then, she did not forget to leave behind a resentful curse, vowing that she would return.
"Is it over?"
Already at the end of her strength, Kagome saw that tonight's ordeal seemed to be over. The moment her taut nerves relaxed, weakness washed over her entire body.
With a soft whimper, she began to slide limply down Hojo Akitoshi's body.
"Well done, young lady. Kagome, was it? You've certainly impressed me."
Hojo Akitoshi reached out at just the right moment to catch her around the waist, smiling as he praised the dazed Kagome.
"Oh, not really..."
Her face flushed, Kagome wanted to offer a few more modest words, but exhaustion made her eyelids droop.
She simply could not fight off sleep, and before she could exchange another few words with Hojo Akitoshi-
Her eyes closed, and Kagome fell straight into a deep sleep.
"Ugly girl!"
"Kagome!"
Once Kagome had fallen asleep in Hojo Akitoshi's arms, Inuyasha and Kaede came over together.
Seeing the young girl's peacefully sleeping face, the demon and the old woman set their worries aside.
"Honorable Lord Hojo Akitoshi, thank you very much for lending us your aid."
"The villagers of Kaede's Village survived tonight entirely thanks to your valor and that of the Hojo Army!"
"Please leave the remaining matters to us. We would not dare trouble the distinguished members of the Hojo Army any further."
Unlike the unconcerned Inuyasha, Kaede respectfully knelt on the ground once more.
She performed a proper prostration, her etiquette beyond reproach.
"Think nothing of it. Protecting the people under our rule is the duty of the Hojo."
"Besides, your granddaughter also played a crucial role in subduing this demon."
Hearing Kaede's faultlessly polite words, with their hidden barb, Hojo Akitoshi smiled faintly.
What, now that you've used the Hojo Army, you think a few pleasantries will settle everything?
Nothing in this world comes that easily!
"Yes. To live in the benevolent and righteous world Lord Hojo Akitoshi has established-"
"Is truly an honor for all of us. And for this old woman's granddaughter to have been of assistance to you-"
"Is an even greater honor for me and the entire village. However, my granddaughter Kagome is merely an unaccomplished apprentice priestess."
"If you were to entrust her with a great responsibility because of this momentary flash of brilliance, I fear she would disappoint you."
"Failing to meet your expectations would be a minor matter, but if she were to tarnish the prestige of your great undertaking-"
"Even a hundred deaths could not atone for my guilt!"
She knocked her forehead against the ground three times. She had sensed that Hojo Akitoshi's words hinted at plans for Kagome.
Kaede was determined not to let that happen, no matter what.
"Old woman, what are you doing?"
Standing nearby, Inuyasha had understood none of their exchange and spoke impatiently.
To him, listening to Hojo Akitoshi and Kaede speak in riddles was like listening to utter gibberish.
He gave it little thought and had no intention of pondering their motives. Inuyasha simply wanted to ensure that their future search for the Shikon Jewel went smoothly.
He reached out, intending to take Kagome back from Hojo Akitoshi's arms.
"Lowly half-demon, what do you think you're doing? You dare reach toward Lord Hojo Akitoshi with those filthy hands?"
Having dealt with the Hojo Army's assorted affairs after the fighting had temporarily subsided, Akechi Mitsuhide arrived just in time to shout at him.
An intelligent man, Akechi Mitsuhide knew very well how to provide cover.
He had only needed to hear their exchange from a distance to understand his lord's intentions, being Hojo Akitoshi's trusted confidant.
Inuyasha had conveniently offered a decent excuse, and Akechi Mitsuhide intended to use it to interrupt Kaede's refusal.
"You bastard!"
Born a half-demon, he had endured hostility from humans and demons alike since childhood.
How could Inuyasha possibly swallow Akechi Mitsuhide's insult without a word?
He immediately forgot all about Kagome. His temper flaring, Inuyasha bared his claws.
He was ready to fight that pretty boy Akechi Mitsuhide.
"Matchlock Corps, ready."
But Akechi Mitsuhide was no fool. He had witnessed Yura of the Hair's abilities.
He had also seen Inuyasha's bloody close-quarters battle with Yura of the Hair. Unless his head had been caught in a door-
This renowned general, who had left such a significant mark on history, would never draw a sword and trade blows with Inuyasha.
He raised a hand, and the Matchlock Ashigaru behind him immediately lifted their guns, their dark muzzles pointing forward.
"You bastard!"
Seeing Akechi Mitsuhide show such utter disregard for fair combat, Inuyasha, who had witnessed the power of matchlocks-
Knew he lacked an immortal body like Yura of the Hair's. With enough sense to recognize the danger, the dog-eared half-demon hesitated to advance.
The situation abruptly settled into a tense standoff.
"Mitsuhide, have the ashigaru lower their guns. Inuyasha contributed a great deal just now, too."
At that critical moment, Hojo Akitoshi lifted Kagome into a bridal carry and stopped them.
"It's getting late. After all the commotion tonight, everyone needs a good rest."
"Whatever else there is to discuss can wait until tomorrow."
He appeared to be smoothing things over and asking everyone's opinion, but anyone with sense could hear that his words brooked no argument.
On the surface, he was restraining his retainers, but the firmness beneath it left Kaede afraid to make a move.
"Yes."
Akechi Mitsuhide bowed his head and signaled for the ashigaru behind him to obey.
"Everything shall be as Lord Hojo Akitoshi commands."
Knowing there was no room to change the situation for now, Kaede lowered her aged head.
Wasn't it obvious?
The Hojo Army was already prepared to use force. She hardly believed that her own old bones, together with-
That disobedient dog.
Could stand against the Hojo Army. Not to mention that so many villagers from Kaede's Village were still in their hands as hostages!
With no better option, Kaede could only watch with conflicted eyes as Hojo Akitoshi carried Kagome into the Hojo Army's camp.
"That ugly girl..."
Likewise threatened by the Hojo Army's matchlocks, Inuyasha muttered resentfully.
"Inuyasha, carry the villagers back."
Kaede kept her head lowered, her thoughts unreadable, then called to Inuyasha in frustration.
She would have the lone demon do the heavy lifting and get the villagers home first.
"Huh?"
Blinking, Inuyasha looked at the villagers from Kaede's Village who had been dumped outside the camp and were still unconscious.
"You're not serious, are you?"
"If I'm not serious, do you expect an old woman like me to carry them?"
"Do I look as though I could lift them?"
In a foul mood, Kaede snapped back. Then she turned and walked away without looking back.
She left Inuyasha standing there alone, the corner of his eye twitching.
Meanwhile, Hojo Akitoshi returned to camp with Kagome and had only just settled the girl inside his tent.
Akechi Mitsuhide appeared before him without delay.
"My lord, our army lost twenty-eight warriors in this battle. Thirty-six were wounded and disabled. We have yet to record the remaining lightly wounded."
"Mm."
Upon hearing this, Hojo Akitoshi found a folding stool and sat down.
"Were all those casualties inflicted at the very end?"
"Yes."
Akechi Mitsuhide nodded and sat down as well.
"They were all harmed by that demon in the final moments."
"That was my responsibility."
Hojo Akitoshi took all the blame upon himself without hesitation. He did not shy away from the matter.
"Mitsuhide, you saw it too."
"She wasn't even a demon famous enough for everyone to know her name, yet she could inflict such harm on us."
"And even at the end, we never truly killed her."
"With a hidden threat like this lurking beside the Hojo's great undertaking-"
"I truly cannot eat or sleep in peace!"
Before you continue