Sebastian looked at the girl standing before him, his gaze lingering as he fell into brief contemplation. "Aren't you going back to the north?"
"I want to stay… to temper myself and grow stronger." Ayame's voice was steady, filled with resolve. "And besides… I can never repay the kindness Sir has shown me."
She knew very well how Kyōra, Tsubaki, and the others had advanced by leaps and bounds under Sebastian's guidance. Their strength had transformed completely. She longed for that same growth, no, more than that. She wanted, at the very least, to hold a place in Sebastian's heart equal to theirs.
Hearing her words, Sebastian let out a faint smile. Although Ayame had remained within the territory for so long due to misunderstandings, her honesty and straightforward nature made it clear to him that she was no malicious creature.
Moreover, when Ryūra had displayed overwhelming power earlier, Ayame had still rushed forward without hesitation. That alone was enough to earn Sebastian's respect. Teaching her, in comparison, was a trivial matter.
"Alright… very well."
"Thank you, Sir Sebastian!" Hearing his swift agreement, Ayame's face lit up with joy. A bright, almost disbelieving smile spread across her lips, though she still seemed slightly flustered, as if unsure how to properly express her gratitude.
A few days later…
Sebastian had altered Hōrai Island. The once-isolated land was now brimming with valuable resources, all of which could be utilized under his command. Recognizing its immense potential, Sebastian chose to fully convert the island into his own domain.
Previously, the living conditions there had been harsh. Primitive shelters, scarce supplies, and an unforgiving environment. But after his intervention, everything changed. The entire island was reborn, reshaped into a thriving high-tech city that stood in stark contrast to its former state. Sebastian even established a portal linking Hōrai Island with the other ara, ensuring seamless travel between locations. From that moment on, Hōrai Island officially became part of G.D.I.'s expanding territory.
While Sebastian was occupied with restructuring Hōrai Island, a major crisis erupted within the Human area. Several demon factions launched a large-scale assault, their objective crystal clear: the Shikon Jewel hidden within the Demon Slayer Village.
To safeguard this dangerous yet invaluable treasure, the village had no choice but to call upon every available Demon Slayer. A desperate war broke out, pitting them against an overwhelming tide of monsters.
"Patriarch, the eastern line is about to collapse!"
"Understood. I'll handle it." Holding a wooden box filled with powerful seals and enchantments, the village patriarch slowly adjusted his glasses and turned to the others gathered in the room.
"What are your thoughts on our current situation?"
"If we fail to find a solution… annihilation is inevitable."
Inside the room, aside from the patriarch, three other figures remained in tense silence. Among them was Kikyō's former master, along with her disciple.
After a moment of thought, the elder woman spoke: "With our current strength, continuing this fight head-on will only lead to destruction. It may be wiser to entrust the Shikon Jewel to G.D.I. With his power, safeguarding it should not be difficult."
"No! Absolutely not!" Before she could finish, a gaunt old man on the opposite side immediately objected. "Everyone here knows how dangerous the Shikon Jewel is; it corrupts the mind and amplifies darkness. If it falls into the hands of someone with ill intent, it could give birth to an unparalleled calamity… a demon that could plunge the entire world into chaos!"
The room fell silent. After a long pause, the patriarch let out a heavy sigh. "If Sebastian's intentions are impure… then the world itself would be doomed. But if you claim his intentions are not righteous… then what does that make the rest of us?"
The old witch shook her head, her expression solemn. "What Sebastian has done over the years is evident to all. Humanity's rapid progress, its stability, its prosperity, none of it would have been possible without him."
Her words left no room for rebuttal. Even those who wished to argue found themselves unable to do so.
"Should we… request aid from G.D.I.?" At the patriarch's suggestion, everyone slowly nodded.
In the past, when G.D.I. stood as a rival force, many of them had spoken ill of Sebastian. And yet, they could not deny his strength… nor the countless lives he had protected, providing them with safety and prosperity. Such actions filled them with quiet shame. But now, at the brink of destruction, pride was meaningless. If they hesitated any longer, the Demon Slayer Village would be erased entirely.
"Then it's decided… We'll send someone." Seeing all eyes turn toward him, the patriarch finally made his decision, "Otherwise… we'll be swallowed by the monster horde sooner or later."
The room fell silent once more.
"…Wait. I recall there is a girl in the village who is betrothed to Master Miroku. Send someone to escort her safely and have her travel to G.D.I."
Miroku was a well-known figure among demon slayers. When news spread that he had joined Sebastian's faction, many had been shocked. Now, perhaps, that connection could be their only lifeline.
Within G.D.I.'s territory, the sky had taken on a dim, blood-tinged hue, as if the sun itself were fading, leaving behind a crimson scar across the heavens.
"…Why are you here again?" Inuyasha lay sprawled on the ground, staring suspiciously at the figure before him. It was Sesshomaru.
"I'm looking for Izumo. I require his assistance." Sesshomaru spoke calmly, revealing his intent without hesitation. "As things stand… I cannot defeat Sebastian."
"You're finally admitting it, huh…"
"So I intend to have Izumo forge me a weapon, something powerful enough to close the gap."
Inuyasha shook his head. "No weapon will make a difference. You know better than anyone… the gap between him and us is insurmountable."
"…And what if I have this?" At that moment, Sesshomaru produced a small box. Inside, several beads shimmered with an eerie purple glow, radiating an unsettling aura.
Inuyasha's eyes widened instantly, shock flashing across his face. He recognized it immediately. The Shikon Jewel… the very object he had once chased day and night. But why was it now in Sesshomaru's possession?
"How did you get that?!"