Hanyo of Snow

Ch59 50 Year Truth

(Y/N POV - Campsite - Evening)

I sat next to Kagome and Yura as Miroku handed Takechiyo a stick of dango, the tanuki cub cheerfully accepting it as he climbed the tree. Sitting next to Shippō snacking on a bag of atsu-age as the two looked down on us.

"Now, you all have been more than patient enough with me." Miroku said, sitting down infront of us and leaned the shakujō on her shoulder. "Very well, I'll share what I know."

It had been quite a while since we finally caught Miroku...and Yura dropping her rather roughly from that tree.

A small form of payback for what she did.

Had to get her shakujō and some provisions before we booked it out of town, people were starting to investigate what exactly happened and why a stable and chicken coop had essentially vanished from the face of the Earth.

Deciding with Miroku to talk in a safer location.

So we had set up a campsite for the night after Inuko and Yura to scout/secure the area.

Had been surprised for Yura to find Takechiyo near our campsite, the cub having asked Hachi to at least stay around us to the night with Miroku.

Partly I think it was for our food, but also I think he and Shippō seem to be hitting it off as friends now.

Kagome seems to finding their interactions adorable.

At least Shippō has another friend around his age, physically at least. Tanuki yokai while they do age a bit slower than humans couldn't compare to most kitsune in that regard at least.

"When the Shikon no Tama shattered one of the shards landed at a village I had stopped by, praying for the victims of a recent yokai attack.

Once I realized what I had, I knew that this was the best chance of finding the yokai who cursed my family and destroy them.

" Miroku sighed out. "The yokai's name is Naraku, are any of you familiar with that name? "

Swore I saw Kagome shudder at the name and I don't blame her.

The yokai's name was a play of the Sanskrit word Naraka, where the Buddhists and Hindu believed in the afterlife the sinners will suffer for the crimes in with the denizens of one of 28 hells depending on the nature and severity of their sins.

A temporary torment for who knows how long before the soul returns to the samsara.

A yokai confident to name themselves after that and possess the knowledge to curse anyone with the Kazaana is not someone I would be keen to face alone.

Especially now since according to Miroku they were after the jewel shards as well...

And is it just me or does Yura look a little paler...could she know something?

"Never heard of them." Inuko said gruffly.

"Y/N, Yura do you know about them?" Kagome asked, getting me to shake my head.

"That name is unfamiliar, not surprised if they were as elusive as Miroku claims." I said, figuring that their name was probably erased from the human side of history by our era...

Wait a minute...elusive yokai, and a curse.

"Yura-" "Master, listen to what the monk has to say." Yura said, cutting me off as her words from the night of Kikyo's revival echoed through my mind.

If what she said was true...this could be very, very bad...

(Miroku POV)

They knew something, Y/N and Yura seemed to have tensed up when she spoke.

Even Inuko who seemed the least interested in what I had to say, her ears now stood straight up and forward moved towards me. Only Kagome seemed to be confused looking at Y/N and Yura.

Suppose I definitely made the right choice for the first time in a long time.

(Kagome POV)

"Naraku is a malicious yokai who kills or devours anyone in their path before hiding out for years at a time.

But tracking any sightings of them is difficult or dubious at times, considering I don't know what their true appearance is.

" Miroku sighed out as I noticed the air around us seemed to get heavier.

Since Yura cut off Y/N just moments ago the tension in the air has grown so much that I'm sure that it needed Benigasumi to cut through it.

Whatever they were thinking of had each and everyone on edge and I had no clue.

A few suspicions, ones that filled me with dread to consider...

"So this Naraku is a shapeshifter, how do you know who they are?" I asked, getting Miroku to sigh.

"More or less can recognize their handiwork, they have a penchant to ruining the lives of everything and everyone in their wake for the simple fact they can.

Seen a an example or two in my search for the jewel shards.

..at least that I can recognize. The results can be subtle when they want.

" She said, getting me to shudder at what this Naraku could have done.

"Most of what I know can be traced back to my grandfather Miyatsu. "

"You're the granddaughter of that lecher." Yura said incredulously as the tension seemed to draw back a little bit, her giving Miroku a bland look. "That explains so much."

"I take it he was a that bad?" I said, getting Y/N to sigh.

"Quite, second only to being known as rather renowned monk. He was considered the strongest in terms of horkiri for his time but died young, I just didn't know how." Y/N said, shaking his head. "Your shakujō, it was made in Enryaku-ji for your grandfather."

"Correct, you're well informed Y/N." Miroku said before sighing and looking at her right hand. "Everything I've learned and inherited has been passed down from him. The conflict with Naraku began roughly around 50 years ago with their first encounter that went on to span several years."

...50 years ago...oh no...

"Each and every time Naraku would take on a different borrowed form from one of their victims, they and Miyatsu fought many battles with Naraku only being able to flee each time." Miroku continued, and I saw Inuko's mouth starting to turn into a silent snarl.

The tension start to grow even stronger as I finally realized what they were thinking...

"After years Naraku finally managed to defeat my grandfather.

..by admittedly taking to form of beautiful woman and trying seducing him.

By the time my grandfather realized the deception, Naraku pierce his hand and sutras inflicting him with the Kazaana before disappearing from his live for good.

" Miroku said, scanning over all four of us with an inquisitive gaze.

"Naraku had remained elusive for years before the Shikon Jewel reappeared.

..so when did you four last encounter them. "

She figured it out as well...

Naraku and the yokai from the other day were one and the same.

"Just tell me one thing, Naraku killed the one guarding the Shikon Jewel 50 years ago..." Inuko growled out, her tone sounding like a borderline snarl...

"How did you know...wait you're the inugami hanyo from the story-" "Just tell me, damn it!" Miroku was surprised and cut off as Inuko stood up and snarled at her.

Naraku was the one who killed Kikyō and deceived both her and Inuko...

Naraku had nearly succeeded in claiming the Shikon Jewel 50 years ago and now was claiming its shards.

And it now seemed to have developed some sort of twisted interest in Y/N too, both him and Yura looking like they shared my dread...

"...Yes, Naraku admitted to Miyatsu during one of their final battles and he investigated further.

I believe he was the only person to figure out what happened, killing the miko guarding the Shikon no Tama and binding an inugami eternal sleep while trying to claim it.

" Miroku said, with Inuko standing up and stomping off to a nearby tree.

Striking it and breaking it in half as she let off a loud, frustrated growl!

Inuko...

(Inuko POV)

Damn it all!

I finally have a name to who did it, Naraku!

Next time we encounter them, I'm going to make sure they end up where they named themselves after in the most brutal way possible!

Rip them and their soul apart until all that is left for the afterlife is a million fragments that not even the kami will be able to piece together!

Make them suffer for what they did to us!

For setting us against each other and robbing us of a life we could've had!

Even if it's the last thing, I swear-

"Inuko?"

I let out a growl before taking a deep breath to calm myself. Turning to see both Y/N and Kagome looking at me in concern. I could even see the kit running down the tree to join them.

"I'm fine now." I sighed out, shaking my head. "Needed to get it out of my system."

"We understand and if you wish to talk about it were hear to listen. Though we all know one thing, there will be a time when Naraku will reappear again." Y/N sighed out while Kagome grinned.

"They've been observing us for weeks now and we'll find them after the shards as well . And after everything they've we'll find and destroy them." Kagome said with a smirk, before looking a little embarrassed. "I think I enjoyed saying that a little too much..."

I smirked at that and held back a chuckle.

These two...everyday they seemed to remind me more and more of myself and Kikyō...

"No need to be ashamed girl, going to need that ferocity to destroy Naraku. " Yura said with a smirk, futher embarrassing Kagome before looking at me with a frown. "Although with what I know going to be as tricky as killing your bitch of a sister."

"Great, just great. Knew that it wasn't going to be easy..." I said shaking my head before growling. "One way or another I just want to see them dead!"

"I believe we all do." Kagome said as Miroku walked up to us with a smile.

"As much as it fills my heart with joy to hear you all talk about killing Naraku, I do believe Yura has some more information to share." Miroku said before facing me. "Do you need a minute?"

"Yeah, I'll be there in a second." I admitted, getting her to nod as she walked off.

Managed to get most of my frustrations out, but my blood feels like it could start boiling over at any moment again.

Want to learn as much as I could with a cooler head.

Right before planning exactly how I wish to kill them in the most brutal way possible.

Yura just nodded as she and Kagome followed after the monk, the latter giving me a reassuring smile.

"Y/N." I said, getting him to pause as he went to follow him. "Perhaps I might be able to talk later, might not."

"If you do decided, I'd always be happy to listen Inuko." Y/N said with a smile as he turned around, thankfully hiding my face as I sighed.

Until I notified Shippō tugging my pants, getting my attention before he clambered onto my shoulder and began to riffle through his bag of atsu-age.

"Naraku...is like Manten for you?" Shippō asked, getting me to nod with a chuckle.

Figured he would make that comparison.

"Only much, much worse kit if the monk and hairy bitch is right. Kikyō was one of the most important people in my life." I said, getting him to nod before he pulled out a piece of atsu-age.

"So was my dad, he was the only one...now I have so many more too." Shippō said, I smiled as I ruffled his hair.

"That we do kit, though I'm tempted to throw Miroku into a tree and leave her there is she tries anything again. We'll make sure Naraku can't get to them too." I said, with Shippō handing me the atsu-age. "Thanks kit."

He beamed at my words as I took a breath to calm myself, looking back at the others.

Yeah, I suppose I can make that work.

Next time I encounter Naraku, I'll kill them for Kikyō and to make sure Y/N or Kagome won't fall to them to...

(Y/N POV - A minute later)

"Are you not going to ask for more gummies?" I asked Takechiyo, the tanuki cub having climbed down the tree and settled on my right shoulder.

"Too full, besides it's comfortable. Other one smells partially like snakes and something else." Takechiyo said, getting me to nod.

Makes sense I suppose.

"Shippō does like to perch there from time to time." I said, before noticing Takechiyo looking like he wanted to ask something. "You can take a pack in the morning when you go, but that is it okay?"

"Thank you!" Takechiyo cheered out as Kagome chuckled at the sight.

"Never seen him react like this before, but then again I usually interact with him when I summon Hachi." Miroku said, looking at me curiously.

"Considering how he and the kit get along, you might have to get used to it." Inuko said, getting her attention as she walked over to us with Shippō on her shoulder. He waved at Takechiyo as she sat down next to Kagome.

"You okay Inuko?" Kagome asked, getting her to nod.

"Much better, now Miroku you were asking us about Naraku?" Inuko inquired with a raised brow, getting her to nod. "Honestly only Y/N and Yura met them."

"And even then they were interacting through a kugutsu and wearing a full body cloak.

What I do know is that Naraku has been watching us for since after the jewel shattered and their main body needed to recover.

" I said as Miroku listened intently. "That was three days ago.

..admittedly there is a lot to fill you in on. "

"Got plenty of time, but didn't know about the kugutsu making it harder to them down. Still if their injuries are that bad they probably are very far away now." Miroku said while shaking her head. "I take it you've had a few encounters."

"We didn't know, but apparently they unleashed a hive of Samiyōshō to keep Yura and Inuko away from us once dealing with a raij? and unleashed the Ne no Kubi to test Y/N while they observed." Kagome said with a frown.

Miroku just sighed at that.

"Sounds like something they would do with my grandfather, what I knew is they developed an interest in him as he was the greatest threat to them in Honshū." She said.

"Unfortunately from what we saw, this might be a different kind of interest in master. Making sure he was the 'perfect specimen' in their words." Yura said, getting me to shudder.

If their intent was to devour me once I seemed to qualify it would be a simple enough, if not I fearto imagine what they could want...

Probably best I don't, otherwise I would just be scaring myself more...

"Then I have no clue." Miroku said, messaging her temples. "But you do know something?"

"Was the last time you heard of Naraku was from 15 years ago?" Yura asked, Miroku nodding as she sighed. "Then it seems that my knowledge lines up with the monk, except for one thing. Their true form is either a borrowed appearance or a mishmash of parts...Naraku is a composite yokai."

...Tsukiyomi damn it.

This was bad.

"Shit." Miroku said quietly as we both paled, looking to see Inuko, Kagome, and the kit and cub looking confused.

Right, they probably didn't know.

"Have you all heard of a kodoku before?" I asked, getting Kagome to wince and Takechiyo to hide behind my shoulder.

"What's that?" Shippō asked, looking between us.

"A nasty spell of curse where poisonous animals, insects, or spirits are gathered in a pot and they all kill each other except for one.

The last one will become an animal with the combined poison of the rest that obey's the caster will, but it can just as easily turn against them.

" Kagome said, getting Shippō to shudder as she looked at me.

"It works the same with yokai, doesn't it? "

Granted the use of Kodoku have been used quite a bit in stories and other forms of media for centuries, Kagome has the basic idea down for it. In reality from them, the spell is a little different for yokai in some depictions.

"Either the caster is a yokai usually looking forward to absorbing the victor or the be absorbed and the one in control. And the urn in this case is a large enclosed space with a miasma. The yokai are fused into the victor to form the kodoku gaining their collective power." I said.

"To create a composite yokai involves a kodoku but has a very different composition.

A single human making a deal with hundreds of weaker yokai, selling their body and soul to be absorbed or devoured into a composite yokai.

An amalgamation of the yokai capable of shapeshifting or absorbing other yokai.

" Yura said, deathly serious as Kagome looked at her in horror.

"You mean to tell me that Naraku was a human!" Inuko growled out, only for me and Miroku to shake our heads.

"No, the mind of the composite yokai is a collective consciousness of all the yokai absorbed or a few strong wills controlling it. The human's will and soul are suppressed or in some cases entirely lost. Unable to move on." She sighed out.

"I've only heard of one case of a human will gaining control of was from before the days of the Yaoyoi on Kyushu, the resulting yokai made a path of destruction to the mainland before being put down. All other details lost to time." I said.

Any mention of composite yokai before the Kojiki's composition are forgotten about and are barely a footnote in human history except for mentions of the rare one or two that managed to leave the archipelago.

Even afterwards the mentions of such were rare, as the records of known composite yokai formations drawing smaller since the birth of Japan's recorded history,

Minus a brief spike during the Sengoku Jidai, afterwards the numbers dropped down again.

Honestly at the least it seems like from both Yura's and Miroku's description they weren't among the strongest type of composite yokai.

Losing the ability to shape shift and instead becoming a gigantic mishmash of yokai bodies in a vague yokai form like a kyūbi, dragon, or oni. With enough power to rival most daiyokai.

Supposedly a composite yokai can only evolve into a daiyokai if they can absorb a kami according to myth.

No instance of that has been recorded...I pray to Amaterasu that it was only a myth.

"So is there any more than Naraku here?" Takechiyo asked, poking his head from my shoulder.

"50 years ago I only know there was one other than Naraku before disappearing or being killed, plenty of rumors. Afterwards Naraku has been the only one on Honshū for decades." Yura said, as Miroku sighed.

"And dealing with Naraku has gotten trickier, composite yokai are notoriously hard to kill.

Their strength varies, but all are very hard to kill.

They can heal or piece themselves back together from most wounds, a single component in some circumstances can escape and reform.

" Miroku said, only getting Inuko to scoff.

"Sounds like that overgrown weed, only much harder to put down." She said, before looking at me, Kagome, and Yura. "Not going to be easy, but when has it ever been for us."

Me and Kagome smiled at that while Yura sighed and shook her head.

"Admittedly it's going to be as difficult as trying to put down Sesshōmaru, we only got lucky then." She said. "We need to learn more information. Plus we need to gather more shards before they can grow even stronger."

"That was already our intention, after we head back home briefly." Kagome said as she tried to hide a shudder.

Our priority now besides reclaiming the shards before anyone else can gain knowledge of the Bone Eater's Well, is to make sure for the for our sake Naraku never learns about it.

Reassembling the Shikon no Tama would be bad enough, deciding to take it and themselves into the middle of Tokyo would be a catastrophe...

"I'll talk with Myōga about it, after what they did to Kikyō I'm sure he could find some people to listen for anything." Inuko growled out, her ears straightened as Shippō patted her back.

"Me and Hachi can help out too Lady Miroku." Takechiyo said, getting her to smile.

"Having so many ears to the ground will make locating Naraku easier than I would have done alone." Miroku said, shaking her head and smiling. "Suppose I finally did make the right choice."

"You could have done so without making us chase you or ambushing us." Kagome said, giving Miroku a flat look before sighing. "So you wanted to join us before this?"

I saw Yura's hand flex as her and Inuko gave Miroku a hard look, the monk raising a hand in surrender.

Definitely making sure she didn't try anything like earlier.

"Had considered it, but now especially so.

Needed to make sure you all were people I could trust and capable of putting my life in your hands.

Each of you holding some kind of grudge against Naraku certainly helps.

" Miroku said, getting Inuko to grunt in response.

"Cause of the Kazaana I normally dislike getting deeply involved in the lives of others. "

"And I can see why, especially with the curse worsening over time. At the very least we can help you with dealing with Naraku so that it you won't have to worry about it any more." I said honestly, getting Miroku to tilt her head.

"So you are worried about me?" She asked, moving a little closer.

"Of course, no one deserves to be cursed like that. Especially with the Kazaana. Maybe there is something to help limit the effects of the curse of just a tiny bit, will have to double check." I said, noticing Takechiyo jumping off my shoulder as Miroku smiled.

"I see." She said with a smile, that sent shivers down my spine. "If the worst does come and we can't destroy Naraku, Y/N can I make a simple request."

...Something tells me I'm not going to like her response.

"Honestly I hope that it will never come to pass Miroku, but what is it?" I asked.

"Just one small thing." Miroku said, and in the blink of an eye she was directly infront of me. Clasping my hands together with her own. "Can I bear your child?"

...Eh?

Eh!

Before I could say or push her away, a red faced Kagome smacked Miroku in the face. Knocking her to the ground before Yura's hairs wrapped around her.

"Hands off!" She shouted as Miroku was dragged into a tree as I regained my bearings.

I took a breath to calm myself as Inuko growled at her, sighing as Kagome drew close to me.

Probably should have expected Miroku to ask that...or rather anything else just straight up that bluntly.

"Warned you about trying anything monk." Yura growled out as Miroku seemed unbothered by the whole thing.

"If I can't defeat Naraku in time, I've accepted my fate will be to die.

But if that is not possible, I need to ensure my bloodline continues on to ensure their destruction.

Even if it meant giving up the pursuit like my father and grandfather.

" Miroku sighed out. "A last resort...and admittedly I would dislike the idea bring a child into this world only for them to suffer from the Kazaana too. "

Her request was for an absolute last resort...

At least that reason was much better than what Hiten initially wanted from that whole mess...

"It will never come to that Miroku, after everything Naraku has done we're going to hunt them down after everything they've done." Kagome said with a huff as I smiled at her.

"Agreed." I said before looking up at Miroku. "And with all of us here you won't have to rely on it nearly as much."

No doubt we could do anything to stop her from actively choosing to us the Kazaan if Miroku sets her mind to it, but could limit the need to use it. Each time chips away at the remaining years of her life, anything that can damage it draining months of that lifespan.

Despite what she did to me and Kagome earlier or her latest stunt, none of us wanted the end result of the Kazaana to claim her.

"Just try and pull anything like that again, and we'll see if lopping off that hand will break that curse or not." Inuko growled out, resting her hand on Tessaiga's hilt.

Miroku merely raised her hands and smiled.

"Message received." She said with a smile. Before she was dropped into a heap onto the ground. "Ow."

I gave Yura a sideways glance to see her smirking at the downed monk.

She was enjoying this way too much...seems like Kagome was too.

Probably best I suggest against anything like this next time...doubt this will do much to discourage Miroku...

"Looks like now is as good as time as any to set up camp for the night." I sighed out upon seeing the setting sun as Miroku picked herself up from the ground. "You okay?"

"Been through worse." She said, dusting off her robes before smiling. "I suppose we can use that chance to tell me where you and Kagome are from aside from being caught up. The items I observed including those fantastical metal carrages...I haven't seen anything like that in Honshū."

"Especially those gummies or that other food Shippō talked about." Takechiyo said, his eyes shining in excitement.

Kagome and I shared a look before we both sighed.

Considering that Miroku is going to be joining us forward she'll have to find out eventually...but with what we knew of Naraku now can't risk it this far from Kaede's village.

"We can do better and show you in a few days." Kagome said, Miroku holding a hand and nodding.

"Say no more I get it, though I'm eager to hear everything." Miroku said, with Shippō suppressed a chuckle behind her back.

He was probably picturing her reaction to our era.

Kagome just nodded as Takechiyo climbed up Miroku and the five of us start to set up camp.

(Kagome POV - Campsite - Nighttime)

I quietly took a picture of a sleeping Takechiyo and Shippō, putting away my phone as both snored right on top of each other in a pile. It was quite an adorable sight.

The campsite was quite empty right now, just me and the two of them.

Inuko and Yura were keeping a look out, both insisting for tonight. For Inuko I think it might've been partly for her to get some space alone after learning about Naraku...

Miroku had also disappeared a few minutes ago, didn't bother to ask and I don't really care at this point.Still a little mad at what she pulled earlier.

As for Y/N, he had been sitting underneath the same tree we all talked under for a while now. Working on something in a notebook, constantly erasing and reworking something under a book light

I wonder what he was sketching now?

Getting up I walked up towards Y/N to see him working on an image of someone with a cloak, shading it in as he nodded seemingly satisfied with the results. Looking around the page I saw more of a sketch of him and Yura there two.

"So you've been working on what happened after Kikyō fell." I said, the picture reminding me of how the two of them describing what happened.

Even if the image was just of a kugutsu...I felt a bit of unease looking at it.

"Yeah, knowing that even as an extension unnerves me to think I caught the attention of composite yokai." He said, shaking his head as he closed the notebook. "Could never really catch the feeling of dread in that moment in words or on paper until now."

"Well you certainly succeeded." I said, sitting next to him as he nodded. "Are you afraid of facing Naraku again?"

"Dread is more likely, seems like things have gotten even more uncertain for us hunting the shards down." Y/N sighed out as I nodded."Can't dwell on it too much. Fear is only as deep as the mind allows."

"True, best to remember it when we finally do find them." I said, partially to myself as well. Letting out a sigh as I leaned back into him and looked at the sky. "I can't wait to get back home."

"Me neither, it's been a trying few days." Y/N sighed out as I nodded.

Considering I had a chunk of my soul ripped out, faced Mukade Jōrō's granddaughter, and now the headache from Miroku I can't wait for a few days back home.

Just some time to decompress before heading back here. Definitely going to need it to start hunting down Naraku.

"Consider what you two told me, I don't doubt it."

Miroku's voice broke me from my thoughts and we both turned to see she was right behind us...and...

Oh Amaterasu she looked so different...

With the robes, face, and hair done into a ponytail she had a more androgynous appearance. Throwing her voice to sound male you coluldn't tell Miroku was actually a woman.

But now...

She was wearing a violet jinbei...a short jinbei with the top portion seemed to be partially hanging off of her shoulders on one side. Exposing part of her chest bindings.

Combined with her hair being let down and yawning, the comparison between her monk attire and now was like night and day.

It didn't help matters she seemed to be radiating an aura of allure I hadn't seen since Hiten...could help but notice minus hight she only seemed to be a bit smaller than me in-

Nope!

Not going to think about it!

Shaking my head, I find my resistance not to stare wavering as she drew closer.

"Sorry to disturb, just wanted to seek you and Kagome out real quick before turning in for the night." Miroku said, adjusting the shoulder of her jinbei that still seemed to hang off her.

I can't tell if she was being deliberate about it or not.

"It's fine, just next time please give us a heads up." Y/N said, by the looks of it trying very hard to maintain his composure. "Going to bed early?"

"Tend to be an early riser." Miroku said, her expression turning serious. "Just wanted to know, which one of you two recognized my shikigami?"

"He did, I probably would have thought that it would been a regular lizard." I said, getting her to nod.

Had been wondering how a Buddhist monk could summon a shikigami, but Y/N had said the methods did originate from multiple sources from the mainland such as Buddhism and Taoist magic. Miroku did confirm she learned the method from her father.

How he learned it she had said that it was better not to know...

Considering how Miroku has acted since we met here, I had a few guesses.

"Figured with how potent your reiryoku is that it would have been you Kagome, yet now I'm curious on how you did it Y/N?" Miroku said, giving him an inquisitive glance as he shrugged.

"Honestly I'm not sure, looking at it was just wrong. I couldn't recognize it as a lizard. I do have an ancestor from an onmyoji family, but no one had any reiryoku or ability to use it." Y/N sighed out, as we both nodded.

"Probably, you said the shards drew it out. Alongside the Midori Pearl drawing that curse out." Miroku said with a shudder.

She did look a little fearful when we mentioned the origin of the pearls and having the attention of having probably the strongest yokai alive on Y/N and Inuko. We only really informed her of what has happened the past few days and what we knew of Naraku observing us for now.

Still she did mention a sensing his curse, but we hadn't asked how much more Miroku knew.

"You're wondering if I can break his curse." Miroku said, breaking me out of my thought again. "It's written clearly on your face, and if it was a few days ago I probably could've done so."

"Really?" Y/N asked, the both of us surprised.

"As I said earlier, the curse was a weaker one but still affected your family line.

Dealt with a few such in my wanderings, usually a reminder on the ancestors for the caster as a last act of spite.

Usually if they are not fully activated, they'd go dormant.

Even when broken they would have left an imprint on someone's soul.

" Miroku said as Y/N nodded. "Unfortunately even with the scales, I can't quite sense from what kind of yokai it started.

Not sure if it has to due with what awakened the curse or it's effectiveness and remaining yoki has almost completely worn away. "

"It's alright, I think I might have a few guesses." Y/N said with a sigh. "So you think that it would have eroded away eventually?"

"Yes, but even if it was broken the effects would have passed on.

" Miroku said, looking between him and me with a smile.

"Any kids you both have in the next few years would have it but dormant and breakable, luckily by then the curse would have run its course.

Any children or grandchildren born after then would lack it. "

Both me and Y/N looked at her and each other before I looked away red faced.

Way too soon to be thinking about that!

At least from the sounds of it a few more years and we won't have to-

Nope, still way too soon!

And Miroku was smirking at the both of us!

"Ah, you two are still in the early stages of your relationship." Shesaid with a smile as I gave her a glare. "I suppose I over stepped."

"You did." I said, trying to keep my annoyance in check. "Still thank you for telling us about this, we've been wondering about this for a while now."

"No problem, it's part of my duties as a hoshi to inform and dispel such curses when they are." Miroku said, before shaking her head. "I should be taking my leave now, good night you two."

"Good night Miroku." Y/N said cordially as she began to walk back to the camp. Sighing as she was quite a bit away. "Traveling with her is going to take some getting used too."

"I couldn't tell if she showed up to us like that deliberately or not except." I said, couldn't even get a good read on Miroku throughout our talk with her minus the teasing before noticing something. "And she took your book light."

When exactly she had been able to do so was beyond me...kind of hard to keep my attention off of her...I'm blaming her and Yura for this...

"It's fine, I'll ask for it back in the morning. Didn't need it anymore anyway." Y/N said, getting me to nod as he stared up at the sky. "You just want to stay here a little bit longer?"

"Not really that tired right now." I said, moving closer to him and leaning my head against his shoulder as we looked at the night sky.

Wasn't really feeling that tired right now...and I wanted to be absolutely certain Miroku was asleep before trying to go to bed anyway.

I swear she tries anything else tonight me and Yura will have her strung up in a tree and just leave her behind in the morning.

It's been a long day and I'm sure we will have quite a few more until we arrive home. But until then and just for quite a while more I just wanted to enjoy some quiet time with Y/N.

(Miroku POV)

I see, so flipping this tiny lever on the side activates the crystal at the end. A light about as big as a lit candle, but putting most lanterns to shame. The outer body has the smoothness of metal yet feels weaker like the grips on those iron carriages.

The more I learn about where I see things of where Y/N and Kagome come from.

Yet rightfully so they don't seem to fully trust me, did set up a test for them apparently about two days after a servant of Kirinmaru had too. Plus giving into my urges a little bit.

Even now I can feel Yura's gaze on me as I sat nearby my belongings...the hairs she had suspended around me I suppose were a warning.

Again it probably was a good idea not to push them anymore if I can help it...especially since finding them in the hot springs was the best stroke of luck I've had in my life.

A cursed yuki-onna hanyo, the daughter of Tōga, an actual reincarnation of Kikyō in my life time, what I believe to be a tsukumogami judging by the comb in Y/N's kimono, and a kitsune kit. Definitely the most unique group I've ever seen this side of Kyōto.

Such a shame he was taken, but I suppose he and Kagome have been around each other for quite a long time.

Aside from his appearance he was kind, knowledgeable, did feel he had have some muscles in the chances I got, and his interactions with both Takechiyo and Shippō showed that he was good with kids.

Reminded me of that woman, Koyuki I met years ago. Even after years of traveling Honshū she was perhaps one of the kindest humans I ever met. A rarity in these days.

Despite all the trouble I caused them, he was going to look for ways to probably limit the Kazaana. I'm not certain he would be more successful than Mushin, but he does at least know a bit more than either of us did.

With Naraku using Saimyōshō for who knows how many years now, I've never tried sucking up any yokai with such a potent poison before. At least in great numbers.

With the Kazaana being created and based on the taotie, it seems their displeasure for poison bleed through into the curse. Not looking forward to see the backlash it will have on my body.

Still with them I could actually stand a chance to live long enough to kill Naraku or even locate them.

With a sigh I placed Y/N's strange lantern on the ground and stretched before going to sleep.

Better to observe the group to figure out how to acclimate to them better. That and despite those two being in a relationship and Yura's desire, she and Kagome seem to get along rather well...maybe I'm overthinking things but I'll keep my eye on things and take it slow.

Otherwise just need to actually start to form bonds with them.

For years I've mainly been alone aside from the occasional relationship on the road.

Mushin barely leaves his temple over the past few years, I just summon Hachi every now and then, and I suppose I've been slowly forming a bond with Takechiyo over these past few months.

This is the first time in years I've been around others constantly without summoning...and I suppose part of me is hoping to make things work.

(Y/N POV - An hour and a half latter)

I sat next to the edge of campfire, smiling as Kagome looked to be sound asleep with a serene expression on her face.

Turning back to the fire I threw another stick into it, just sitting there.

Kagome fell asleep a few minutes ago and seems like Miroku had fallen asleep earlier to our relief. Going to take a while to get used to her around us now.

"You didn't have to wait around for me." Inuko said, getting me to turn to see her approaching the campfire. "If that is the only reason you haven't joined them asleep yet?"

Was half expecting that she wanted to talk about something earlier by her reaction,

"Trying to keep the thoughts of Naraku out of my mind too." I said truthfully, Inuko growling as she nodded.

"Same, although I just want to kill them in a way to make them suffer...though I'm not sure that would work will it?" She grumbled out as I shrugged.

"Honestly I'm don't know, given how hard it is to kill them.

Anything else we'll just have to figure out when we find Naraku.

The one other thing I know that might help is that they can't fool you with Kikyō's form again.

" I said, and Inuko's ears seemed to pick up.

"A composite yokai can trick anyone with a human form except for one thing, they can't mask their scent. "

"That's good to know at least." She sighed out while shaking her head. "I'm starting to think the location Kaede dreaded near the village could have been Naraku's kodoku."

"Probably, we'll find out once we get back." I sighed out, getting her to nod.

Kind of been wondering that since learning Naraku was a composite yokai, Kaede wanting to check that area out...it was possible that both her and Kikyō probably knew Naraku's original self.

Maybe she had a similar thought when she learned how both Inuko and Kikyō were tricked that day 50 years ago.

"At least I can probably pick up their scent there, it will be easier to track them down afterwards." Inuko said with a sigh before looking at me with a determined expression. "Y/N can you promise me something."

"Sure, what is it?" I asked, wondering what she wanted.

"When we finally do find Naraku, I need you to back me up." She said with a snarl. "I want nothing more than send them to the deepest pits of Yomi...but if they could trick the both of us..."

"You think Naraku would expect you to rush in?" I said with a frown.

They did know enough about both her and Kikyō to play them against one another on any insecurities and doubts they had for one another despite how much they loved each other.

Factor in how they've been observing us since the Shikon Jewel shattered and Inuko has remained unchanged in the past 50 years, any confrontation with Naraku will be far from straightforward.

Their attempts to kill Inuko and stop Kikyō's resurrection were proof of that.

"First chance I get to cut them down, I'll take it." Inuko said, her tone leaving no room for compromise as she sighed. "Honestly I would prefer to have you by my side when that happens, to make sure everything goes well or-"

"Help bail you out of trouble. You got me and everyone else for support on this." I said with a smile. "We always got each other's back, that's not going to change anytime soon."

Inuko started at me for a moment before smiling and shaking her head.

"Suppose that is true." She said with a sad smile.

"Aside from the girls reminding me more of Kikyō in temperament each day, you're starting to reminded me of her too.

At least with your bleeding heart and being able to stay clearheaded.

You've seen how stubborn she can be, but I was usually the first for my temper to flare.

..more than a few times Kikyō had to help me out. "

"I take it you don't want to talk about it?" I asked, seeing her face flush as she got up.

"Already did more than enough for tonight." Inuko said as she started to walked away. "Good night Y/N...and thanks."

"Night Inuko." I said, her giving me a quick nod before bolt away into the night.

She'll probably be patrolling with Yura for a bit before going to sleep, might as well head to bed myself.

Gathering mist into my palm, it began to waver as I took a deep breath.

It's been a long day.

The first of many once we actively start to hunt Naraku alongside the shards starting tomorrow.

(Chapter 59 end)