"Sesshomaru-sama... why do Luffy and the others call you Ray?"
After returning to the mountains and setting up camp, Rin finally voiced the question that had been puzzling her.
Ray looked at the curious young girl before him and sighed inwardly.
He didn't want to deceive her, so he shared the same information he had told Inuyasha: he was a second personality currently in control.
Jaken listened quietly nearby, his expression thoughtful.
After some time, Ray concluded with these words.
"In fifteen days, the original Sesshomaru will return, and I will depart."
Rin didn't react strongly to the truth.
To her, whether it was Ray or Sesshomaru, they were both the same person she had first encountered—the silver-haired savior who had brought her back from the dead.
Jaken, however, felt differently.
As a vassal who had followed Sesshomaru for nearly a century, he had long sensed something amiss. But out of respect, he refrained from probing further.
"It feels like the same person, yet not quite the same," Jaken murmured to himself. He bowed deeply.
"May I continue to address you as Sesshomaru-sama?"
"You may."
Ray said no more.
He leaned against a tree and closed his eyes silently.
To Jaken, the one before him was the master he served, regardless of whose will was dominant.
To Rin, he was simply her Sesshomaru-sama.
Yet both felt a tinge of reluctance.
Because in half a month, this comparatively gentler presence would be gone.
…
Three days later.
Ray took Rin and Jaken for a walk near a human village at the foot of the mountain.
"Rin, go buy something you like."
When they left Kaede's Village, Sango and Miroku had given Rin some pocket money.
Ray had no objection.
In his view, even if Rin stayed with him, she shouldn't completely cut ties with human society.
Occasional interaction was crucial for her mental well-being.
This was also why he had introduced her to Luffy; spending time with someone so straightforward and joyful would undoubtedly speed up her psychological recovery.
Incidentally, it would leave the returning Sesshomaru with a more optimistic, positive Rin.
'Sometimes I feel as if I'm inadvertently healing him,' Ray mused, then shook his head.
He considered it small compensation for all the awkward situations he was currently putting Sesshomaru through.
"Jaken, accompany Rin to the village entrance."
"Yes, Sesshomaru-sama."
…
Twenty minutes later, Ray brought Rin to the mountain path leading into the village.
Just then, a figure appeared in their sight.
A woman with raven-black hair, dressed in the traditional white robe and red skirt of a priestess, carrying a longbow.
At the same time, Ray caught the distinct scent of grave soil and clay.
'Kikyo.'
Kikyo also noticed the "Sesshomaru" standing before her.
Even though it was their first meeting, she surmised this silver-haired demon was Inuyasha's elder brother.
She had to pass him to reach the village.
She approached slowly, her gaze cool and detached.
"A Great Demon like you—what business brings you to this small village?"
Ray glanced at the woman who was Inuyasha's most cherished memory—a beauty with an icy demeanor and sorrowful eyes.
He had always felt a sense of regret regarding her story—a tragic, beautiful tale of misfortune.
But he would not intervene.
The current Kikyo was a wandering spirit whose time had stopped.
She carried her own mission.
Ray did not respond to her directly.
Instead, he spoke to Rin.
"Go to the village and buy whatever you'd like to eat. I'll wait for you in the forest behind. Don't be afraid."
Rin obediently nodded and walked toward the village.
Kikyo observed this interaction and revealed a rare, captivating smile.
"You're quite different from how Inuyasha described you. Shall I take that little girl for a stroll?"
Ray paused, then nodded. "As you wish... Ah, then I'll trouble you with that."
"No problem."
...
Two hours later, as dusk fell, Kikyo returned to the forest, protecting Rin as she brought her back to Ray.
Ray nodded in gratitude.
He didn't even realize when he had started voluntarily expressing thanks.
Perhaps it was simply because this matter concerned Rin.
As he prepared to leave, Ray passed by Kikyo.
He stopped for a moment.
"You will face great hardship ahead."
"Hardship?" Kikyo's voice was calm, almost weary. "I've long grown accustomed to it."
"Hmm."
To Ray, the encounter was merely a brief passing moment.
In his eyes, Kikyo's future outcome represented the best possible destiny for her.
Though regrettable, it would be magnificent.
No intervention was necessary—this was best for her, for Kagome, and for Inuyasha.
[Soul splits, resentment rises, seal breaks, love and hate become distant. Meeting again is but a dream, yet the Kikyo flower remains fragrant.]
...
Over the next two days, Ray wandered through the Demon Realm with Rin and Jaken.
They admired mountains and waters, caught fish, and had barbecues.
Occasionally, they hunted wild beasts for Rin to trade for money.
From time to time, Ray would give Jaken a couple of "affectionate" punches, letting him feel his lord's warmth.
Now, they had arrived at a small stream near Kaede's Village.
Suddenly, Ray detected a familiar scent.
"Rin, Jaken, stay here and don't move."
Ray slowly approached the source.
Before long, the world seemed to freeze over.
Ice crystals formed on the grass as a female figure with pale blue long hair appeared.
"Sesshomaru," she said, her voice cool as the ice around her. "Long time no see."
"Tōran. Have you come to die?"
"Don't be hasty. I've come to deliver a challenge letter. The location is written here. My leader and I await your arrival, son of Inu Taisho."
After Tōran left, the frozen ground thawed.
Ray knew the Panther Cat Tribe had come for revenge.
Centuries ago, Inu Taisho had defeated their leader.
Fifty years ago, they returned for revenge, sparking a war where Sesshomaru fought alone because Inuyasha had been sealed by Kikyo.
That betrayal had fueled Sesshomaru's hatred for his brother for decades.
Now, they were back, aiming to use the Sacred Jewel fragments to resurrect their leader, Panther King.
This war was inevitable.
After all, he was now Sesshomaru.
...
Near the Dry Well in Kaede's Village.
Inuyasha and Kagome had just returned from the modern era.
Miroku and Sango were waiting by the well, looking anxious.
Just over ten minutes ago, a group of cat demons had invaded the village.
Their target was clearly Kagome and the Jewel fragments.
Fortunately, the Straw Hat Pirates—fresh from their hellish training—had held them off, allowing Miroku and Sango to rendezvous with the returning pair.
"Inuyasha, Kagome! There are cat yokai—"
Before Sango could finish, the atmosphere shifted violently.
Two powerful waves of demonic energy descended.
A burly man crackling with lightning and a young girl wreathed in flames landed before them.
The lightning-wielding man, Shuran (Autumn Tempest), grinned.
"We are the Panther Cat Tribe. Don't lump us in with ordinary cat yokai."
The fire-wielding girl, Karan (Summer Tempest), pointed a flaming finger.
"That girl in the skimpy outfit must be Kagome. Hand over the Sacred Jewel of Four Souls."
Inuyasha immediately drew Tessaiga, stepping in front of Kagome.
"Tch! If you dare lay a hand on Kagome, be prepare to be cut down!"
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