In a field within Musashi Province, a dark red light flashed.
A figure leapt out from a black rift and landed on the ground.
This was none other than So'unga, who had fled earlier.
The moment he arrived, So'unga behaved like a startled bird, carefully surveying his surroundings to confirm safety before sensing the status of his enslaved minions:
"The evil aura from the Leopard Cat Lord and Ryūkotsusei has vanished. Menōmaru's presence is faint. The remaining Shishinki and Kirinmaru probably won't last much longer either."
"I can't contact the Tree of Ages at all."
"Complete failure then..."
As he contemplated his failed plan, the human warrior Setsuna no Takemaru - whose body So'unga now controlled - wore an expression of lingering hatred:
"That otherworldly human... Damn it... I was so close."
Naraku, representing demonic nature, had already captured Kaguya. All that remained was to obtain the Purification Power from the deity statue at Kikyo Shrine and inject it into the Celestial Maiden's body, thereby fusing with Naraku and creating a new Shikon Jewel.
So'unga would then use this new Shikon Jewel to free the Tree of Ages from its immobile state, fully transforming it into a yokai to control it. This would allow him to replace one of the outsiders who had entered this world and escape to a safer alternate dimension, rather than waiting to die in this continuously weakening world.
"The plan was in its final stages, only to be ruined by that man at the last moment. Damn it!!"
At this point, all So'unga could do was curse silently.
That gathering of Great Yokai had represented the strongest forces he could currently muster.
Although most of the yokai were revived and controlled by its evil energy, their Demon Power and Demon Forms were relatively weak. However, with the experience of a Great Yokai, they were not inferior to some weaker Great Yokai.
But now, all their efforts had been lost in an instant, casting a shadow over So'unga's plans for the future.
Yet, shadow or not, it was impossible for So'unga to wait for death in this Abyss Warring States.
Having just devoured the Onmyou Agency's advance forces in the Underworld and uncovered the world's secrets, it knew exactly what to do next.
At this thought, So'unga's eyes flickered:
"There's no other choice now."
"Since the plan to seize all the resources of this abyssal world and escape to another world has failed, the only option left is to retreat."
With this in mind, So'unga opened the Underworld gate once more, traversing several small countries before stopping on a desolate, uninhabited mountain. It took out a black-red stone resembling molten lava and tossed it onto the ground.
The lava-like stone quickly merged into the earth upon impact, emitting a gurgling sound.
In an instant, the ground within a one-metre radius turned crimson, as if it were the molten core of a volcano.
At the centre of this lava-like surface, Naraku's face slowly emerged.
A moment later, Naraku's voice rang out:
"So'unga, isn't it a bit early for our meeting?"
"...There's been a slight complication."
So'unga's eyes flickered before it replied:
"Kikyo has allied with a group of visitors from another world. With our current forces, we're no match for them."
"Oh?" Naraku sounded genuinely surprised. "Even you can't handle them?"
So'unga didn't deny it, stating bluntly:
"From what I've gathered, because an earlier faction suffered losses here, the second wave they sent consists of elite fighters from various factions."
"Practically every one of them rivals a Great Yokai—some even are Great Yokai themselves."
"Those who aren't Great Yokai possess unique abilities, making them equally troublesome."
"Due to my probing, they've now fully united. With our current strength, we stand no chance."
"Probing?" Naraku chuckled darkly at the word, then sneered. "You've overplayed your hand, So'unga."
So'unga didn't argue, only coldly retorted:
"Kikyo has already joined their organisation. It's only a matter of time before she leaves for their world."
"Onigumo, you wouldn't want to die in this doomed world, forever separated from Kikyo, would you?"
At these threatening words, Naraku's face darkened, and he remained silent for a long while.
So'unga didn't mind the silence, patiently waiting for Naraku to give the answer it wanted.
Finally, Naraku seemed to take a deep breath and asked:
"What do you propose?"
"You have two visitors from another world in your possession, don't you?"
So'unga's eyes gleamed meaningfully as it replied:
"I assume you haven't devoured them yet, half-yokai Naraku."
"Not yet," Naraku said calmly. "So, your target is these two humans I hold."
"To be precise, it's about his mother's identity."
So'unga didn't beat around the bush, directly stating his plan: "Your devouring ability and my evil energy control can both manipulate, even replace someone, disguising as them, correct?"
Upon hearing this, Naraku's eyes flickered:
"So you did plant hidden measures within me, So'unga."
So'unga merely smiled without responding.
At this moment, Naraku gave So'unga a deep look before saying:
"So you intend for us to devour these two, assume their identities, and travel to that world?"
"Are you certain we can pass their scrutiny?"
"Heh, we each have our own methods, don't we?"
"After all..."
So'unga curled his lips in amusement:
"Just as you don't trust me, I don't trust you either, Naraku."
"Scatter and flee separately upon reaching the other world?" Naraku scoffed coldly: "It seems you suffered heavy losses from Kikyo's side."
So'unga remained silent, calmly observing Naraku.
"Then what's the method?"
"After devouring these two in my possession, you must have a way to reach that world. What's the method of crossing over?"
"Are you certain you want me to say it now?" So'unga asked with amusement.
Hearing this, Naraku paused: "You should know my location."
"Wait a moment."
Seeing this, So'unga stamped his foot, causing the lava beneath to contract and vanish. Then, he reopened the Underworld gate and leapt inside.
...
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Underworld.
In a mountain temple.
Naraku calmly watched as the Underworld gate opened before him, observing So'unga emerging from it. His lips gradually curved upwards:
"We meet again, So'unga!"