Chapter 36: Where Can I Recruit an Orochimaru?

Passing through the black pearl provided by Inuyasha’s eye and the vortex activated by Sesshomaru’s hand, Hojo Akitoki and Kagome successfully boarded a creature resembling a skeletal pterodactyl. Hojo Akitoki then instinctively piloted the beast, heading toward the source of an overwhelming presence that had become apparent since they entered the vortex: a gargantuan, skull-shaped mountain wearing samurai armor, as massive as Mount Fuji.

"Is this really okay?" Kagome asked, her voice tinged with worry as she sat behind Hojo Akitoki, her arms wrapped around his waist. She recalled the warnings from Akechi Mitsuhide and the many other samurai before they entered the vortex. Kagome felt that Hojo Akitoki had already done enough; there was truly no need for him to risk his life accompanying her.

"It’s fine. I want to see this through to the end as well," he replied, soothing her concerns. Although he reassured her, Hojo Akitoki, who knew the truth of everything, understood that while the journey seemed perilous, the risks were entirely manageable. Besides, having come this far, if he didn't witness the legacy of the late Great Dog General, the trip would feel incomplete.

"Didn't I already make arrangements for Akechi Mitsuhide and the others?" Hojo Akitoki said with a smile, leaning over to pat the girl’s head.

"I see," Kagome replied, her heart settling as she felt a strange, inexplicable sense of reliance on him. If Hojo Akitoki said it was fine, then it must be. Putting aside thoughts of what was happening outside the vortex, Kagome braced herself and focused on the space they had entered—the gap between life and death.

"By the way, Kagome, have you noticed anything here? Perhaps some light of unknown origin?" Hojo Akitoki asked suddenly while maneuvering the skeletal pterodactyl.

"Light?" Kagome’s eyes widened, and she began to scan their surroundings intently, determined not to miss a single detail. Even when they reached the remains of the Great Dog General and found nothing unusual, she continued to search diligently.

"I'm sorry, I don't see anything," she said, blushing as she took Hojo Akitoki’s outstretched hand, embarrassed that she hadn't found the anomaly he had mentioned. She felt too ashamed to even look at him.

"It’s all right," he said with a gentle shake of his head, not bothered in the least. It appeared the final shard of the Shikon Jewel had not yet arrived. He looked around and tapped on the white bones nearby. *Clink, clink, clink.* The sound of metal striking metal rang out, revealing the former glory of the Great Dog General, the powerhouse who once dominated the demon realms of Japan.

"And Inuyasha?" Kagome asked, her eyes darting around as she followed Hojo Akitoki, not forgetting the main purpose of their journey. As she asked about Inuyasha, Hojo Akitoki seized the moment she wasn't paying attention to discreetly pocket some fragments broken off from the Great Dog General’s remains.

"He should be fine," Hojo Akitoki replied, adhering to the principle that a thief never leaves empty-handed, all while "grazing" the remains as inconspicuously as possible. After all, did anyone really think he came here just to sightsee? He knew that if the hag Urasue could use Kikyo’s ashes to create a doll and use it as an anchor to pull her soul from Kagome’s body—even though her end was miserable and she was killed by her own creation—her methods and techniques were still highly attractive to him. In other words, if the "control software" were up to par, could the Great Dog General not be resurrected into the mortal world in the same way?

"Where would I find a researcher like Orochimaru?" Thinking of something amusing, the words slipped out before he could stop them.

"Orochimaru?" Kagome asked, turning back to him with curiosity. Was this another great historical figure? If he were of use to Lord Akitoki... Kagome made a secret resolution to return to the modern world as soon as their current business was finished. She would search through every history book in Japan if she had to, just to find this "Orochimaru." If it could help Lord Akitoki, she would do anything!

"Ah, I just happened to hear about him from a wandering peddler. They said he was extremely clever and very pragmatic," Hojo Akitoki quickly fabricated an excuse to cover his slip of the tongue. To prevent further questioning, he pointed toward the exit, where light was beginning to shine. As expected, Kagome’s attention was diverted. She hurried forward, dashed through the exit, and arrived at the core of the Great Dog General’s remains.

"Inuyasha!" As she entered the space, which resembled a colossal cavern, she saw Inuyasha confronting Sesshomaru. Or rather, it was a one-sided confrontation, as he was being completely ignored. To Hojo Akitoki’s eyes, Sesshomaru was standing on a platform, staring blankly at a sword embedded in the ground, the cold, noble prince appearing to have no interest in Inuyasha at all.

"How is it going?" Hojo Akitoki asked with feigned concern, walking over to Inuyasha, who was baring his teeth as if he had suffered another setback.

"Why are you guys here?" Inuyasha had noticed their arrival long ago; though moved, his words remained sharp.

"Inuyasha, what are you saying! Aren't we companions? How could we let you come to such a dangerous place alone?" Kagome spoke like a standard protagonist from a shonen manga. Despite having been furious with him only a short time ago, there was no trace of resentment left in her, only profound concern.

"Tch, what can you do even if you are here?" Inuyasha turned his head away, his stubbornness as unyielding as ever.

"Alright, let's not discuss this now," Hojo Akitoki said, interrupting the exchange between the boy and the dog, and turned his gaze toward the silent Sesshomaru. "Is that sword the treasure your father left for you?" he asked, pointing to the rusted, tattered katana on the platform.

"Who wants that old man’s sword? I don't care about it at all!" Inuyasha turned his head away again, so violently it was a wonder he didn't snap his own neck. He stood there, chin held high, looking endearingly foolish.

Perhaps the arrival of Hojo Akitoki and his group had triggered a reaction from the statue-like Sesshomaru. He looked at Hojo Akitoki and Kagome—whom he found somewhat impressive—before casting a look of utter disdain at Inuyasha.

"This sword is the Tessaiga, the legendary blade wielded by my father, the Great Dog General. It is a powerful demonic sword capable of slaying thousands of demons with a single swing. Moreover, it is a sword that a half-demon as immature as you could never understand." As if explaining it for the benefit of Hojo Akitoki and Kagome, Sesshomaru reached out and slowly grasped the rusted blade.

"Lord Akitoki, we can't let him have that sword!" Kagome exclaimed, terrified. Sesshomaru was already formidable without the blade; if he successfully obtained it, what would happen? She instinctively ran behind Hojo Akitoki and wrapped her arms around his waist again, contemplating firing a Sacred Arrow at Sesshomaru the moment they synchronized.

As Inuyasha’s eye twitched uncontrollably, Hojo Akitoki replied calmly, "Let’s just watch for now. Since this is something the Great Dog General specifically left for Inuyasha, there must be some sort of contingency in place, right? Human feudal lords always set traps in their tombs, and I imagine a hegemon among demons like the Great Dog General would have something similar in his resting place."

"Is... is that so?" Kagome blinked, finding Hojo Akitoki’s logic sound, but she refused to let go of his waist. Even as Inuyasha grew red in the face and tried to pull her away, Kagome wouldn't budge.