BOOM!!
Golden wind pressure struck; Toga naturally extended both hands to block in front.
SIZZLE!!
Feeling that impact with his hands, Toga felt gratified.
'The Wind Scar has this level of control; better than expected.'
For this son he had only seen once, Toga invested considerably more emotion.
The difficulty of a half-demon's survival, the lack of a father's protective presence, and the harsh environment where his mother suffered criticism—these were undoubtedly what Inuyasha would encounter.
If anyone was to blame, it could only be his irresponsibility as a father. After saving the mother and child, he died from severe injuries.
Answering Kirinmaru's summon this time also contained that sliver of desire to see both sons again.
For Sesshomaru, he worried that the other party couldn't comprehend Compassion.
For Inuyasha, he worried that the other party couldn't safely Survive.
Even though he left corresponding things for each of them, accidents were inevitable.
But now, Sesshomaru was gradually becoming Complete, and Inuyasha also put his mind at ease.
Being able to unleash such a powerful Wind Scar proved the other party had sufficient self-protection ability.
"!"
When the Wind Scar dissipated, Inuyasha was stunned.
That father's hands full of scars and disheveled figure came into view.
"Wh-Why didn't you dodge or block with a sword?"
His mouth repeatedly opened and closed, then Inuyasha asked in a deep voice.
The killing power of the [Wind Scar] was unquestionable. Being able to destroy hundreds of youkai in one strike showed its tremendous destructive power.
Recalling back then, if Sesshomaru hadn't had Tenseiga protecting and teleporting him, he would have perished too.
Taking it head-on without any defense, even Toga couldn't possibly be unscathed. Yet knowing this, Toga still didn't guard... Or rather, he took this strike dead-on.
This wasn't Toga wanting to show off his strength or being indifferent...
But rather—
"These years, you and Izayoi have suffered a lot... I'm sorry..."
There were a thousand words he wanted to say, but in the end, even the invincible-under-heaven him could only utter the most powerless two words.
The pain and resentment the child accumulated—he as a father hadn't fulfilled his responsibilities.
No matter how much Inuyasha resented him, that would be correct. This was something Toga absolutely didn't want to dodge; he should rightfully bear that attack. That was what he should accept.
"..."
His hands holding Tessaiga were trembling, his pupils shaking. Inuyasha looked at the other party's apologetic expression and couldn't describe his feelings at this moment.
He had clearly once thought about what kind of great youkai his father was...
Clearly his mother had suffered so many cold stares and criticism because of his father and him back then...
He had clearly already felt it didn't matter whether this father existed or not; after all, it was all in the past...
But now looking at the other party's bitter and apologetic face with closed eyes, Inuyasha's emotions were very complicated.
That responsible yet gentle heart... Those words full of apology... That calmness in bearing everything...
His own... Father... Really was a genuine Great Youkai worthy of the name!
"Inuyasha-sama!! Please stop!! The Old Master, the Old Master definitely isn't—"
"I know."
Myoga was jumping anxiously on his shoulder, trying to explain something. He shouted loudly with effort, but was interrupted by Inuyasha's slightly hoarse response.
"Hah..."
In Myoga's dazed gaze, Inuyasha slowly sheathed Tessaiga, then took a deep breath.
"The bitterness I buried in childhood and Mother's pain have been vented completely. Now I'm not some little brat anymore; I won't dwell on how I lived in the past. Now, regardless of what intentions you, Old Man, have for participating, I will definitely stop your Summoner."
Adjusting his mood, Inuyasha then spoke seriously.
"!"
Looking at Inuyasha's serious expression, Toga could feel the other party's sincere words.
Moreover, from his words, he probably knew the information about the Ritual.
Just that he hadn't become a Summoner... This point made Toga relieved quite a bit.
Adding the previous Sesshomaru, at least they as father and sons wouldn't become enemies.
"Heave-ho!"
Myoga immediately jumped toward Toga's body, quickly crawling from his arm to reach the shoulder.
"Old Master, Old Master!! Inuyasha-sama's that... The human girl he likes is the Summoner of the ritual... She is a good girl, so..."
But hearing Myoga's explanation, Toga was momentarily stunned.
Since Myoga opened his mouth to evaluate the other party like this, she must be a very outstanding girl.
"Heh..."
Roughly understanding Inuyasha's situation, Toga was also very happy.
Although liking humans was somewhat similar to him, seeing his son like this could also be considered settling one of his worries.
"Myoga, don't worry... Compared to my own wish, I'm more willing to help Inuyasha and the others succeed. Just... I want to meet her, the girl who moved Inuyasha's heart."
With a bit of anticipation, Toga spoke to Myoga.
His own son already had a sweetheart; what more could he, Toga, say?
In this war, no matter what, Toga couldn't possibly cross swords with that girl.
If necessary, he would even go protect the other party.
Although this was somewhat unfair to Kirinmaru, when facing a family member who might become his daughter-in-law, he, Toga, would still side with her.
Just that if Kirinmaru used Command Spells, it might be slightly troublesome...
"Hey! Grandpa Myoga!! Don't go saying random things for me!!!"
Face flushed red, Inuyasha also heard the two's conversation and couldn't help jumping about.
"Myoga, what's that girl's name?"
"Higurashi Kagome... She's a very impressive Miko."
"Is that so?"
...
"What's going on? Inuyasha clearly isn't here, yet you still haven't taken them down? Very disappointing... Kagura, Kanna!"
Naraku looked at Kagura and Kanna below, his tone playful as he spoke.
"Naraku!!"
Without waiting for Kagura and Kanna to react first, Miroku had already thrown out talismans.
SIZZLE!!
A deep purple barrier appeared; the talismans were blocked just at the outside.
"Is he Naraku?"
Rikuo looked up at the figure standing in the low air and said in a low voice. Giving a very off-putting feeling.
'Completely different from youkai like Hagoromo Gitsune and Tsuchigumo... Rather, that pretentious expression and attitude... Similar to Seimei.'
Finally understanding where that disgust came from, Rikuo knew the reason.
This guy... was the same as Seimei who killed his own mother and subordinates!
Both were distorted people who shouldn't exist in this world!
"Mn?"
Noticing strange youkai power surging, Naraku's gaze shifted downward.
He witnessed the moment that human transformed into a youkai...
The bewitching appearance was completely different from the weak posture before.
The other party held a blade, bypassed the others, and pointed at himself.
Those stern eyes watching—
"Naraku... right?"
"In the name of the Third Head of the Nura Clan..."
"I will cut you down with this blade!"