HI3: I Don't Want to Be a Valkyrie

"Is this the Demon Slayer Village?"

Yae followed close behind Kikyō, gazing at the village before them. It was undoubtedly much larger than Maple Village and seemed far more heavily guarded—a stark contrast to the relatively peaceful Maple Village.

Armed villagers lined the perimeter, observing their approach warily.

Though called the Demon Slayer Village, most residents were ordinary people. However, since an influential demon slayer family had lived here for generations, the name stuck.

"Sakura, your ears... Oh, never mind..." Kikyō turned to look at Yae, who now sported a little fox on her head instead of wearing her hood.

The small fox lay sprawled atop Yae's head, snoozing contentedly. Higokumaru had been unusually lethargic all day, barely stirring from sleep.

"Let's go in!" Kikyō led the way, carrying her bow and arrow, with Yae following closely behind.

"Okay," Yae replied, walking just behind Kikyō. She couldn't help but notice how Kikyō's long black hair swayed gracefully with each step, reaching almost to her waist...

Despite looking identical to Kagome, Yae mused, Kikyō seems like a sacred goddess—aloof and untouchable. It makes me want to break that perfect image.

Kagome, on the other hand... To put it kindly, she's cute and spirited; unkindly, let's just say she can be quite scatterbrained!

"Monsters incoming!"

"Hold it right there! Don't get any closer unless you want trouble!"

Seeing Yae Sakura and Kikyo approach, the armed demon slayers guarding the village entrance immediately raised their weapons.

"I'm Kikyo, a shrine maiden from Maple Village," she said, stepping forward to show she meant no harm. "I've come at your tribe leader's request."

"A shrine maiden named Kikyo? Is that the legendary one?"

"The girl with her... isn't that the Demon Maiden? It really looks like them."

"No doubt about it. Just as in the legends, Shrine Maiden Kikyo has pure, holy power. Seeing her is like seeing a god."

"Lady Kikyō, and this other lady, we're sorry for our rudeness! Please excuse us! But our clan leader has been waiting for you. Come with me."

The demon slayer quickly lowered his weapon and bowed to Kikyō in apology.

"It's fine..." Kikyō didn't seem bothered, her face as calm as ever.

"Kikyō-chan is amazing! No matter where she goes, people trust her at first sight."

Kikyō was indeed remarkable. Even when she became a ghost, others could see the holy aura around her and trusted her completely.

It was a unique charisma that no one else could copy.

For example, in the movie version, monks were desperately trying to protect their treasure from monsters. When they saw Kikyō passing by as a ghost, they immediately handed over the treasure to her.

That's how powerful Kikyō was—people would trust her just by looking at her once.

"That's good!"

"Lady Kikyō, please wait here. The patriarch will be with you shortly."

The demon slayer led Kikyō and Yae Sakura into a guest room.

"Thank you."

In this era, don't expect the people of Tōei to have chairs. They all sit on the floor.

On the ground was a large rug made from some animal's fur. A half-meter-high long table stood on top of it, completely empty.

The demon slayer entered with Kikyō and Yae Sakura, then sat down directly next to the table.

Yae watched as Kikyō knelt beside her. After hesitating for a moment...

To be honest, Yae didn't like kneeling. Wouldn't sitting on a chair be better? Doesn't your legs go numb if you sit like this too long? But... after a brief hesitation, she decided to do as Kikyō did and knelt properly by her side.

"Ladies, please enjoy some tea!" The demon slayer handed cups of tea to Kikyō and Yae Sakura.

"Thank you!"

-

After waiting for about five minutes, footsteps approached. A middle-aged man dressed in strange attire entered, but... Yae Sakura noticed his weapons—they looked very peculiar.

They seemed filled with an eerie energy. If she guessed correctly, they were made from monster bones.

This reminded her of someone: the demon slayer, Sango. However, it was still early; Sango wouldn't be born for another thirty years.

"Miko Kikyō, I'm glad you're finally here!" The Demon Slayer walked in and got straight to the point.

At that moment, Kikyō also stood up, looking at the Demon Slayer before her.

Seeing this, Yae Sakura... followed suit and stood as well.

"I won't go into details; Miko Kikyō should already understand the situation.

More and more monsters are learning about the Shikon no Tama. Recently, our village's demon slayers have been fighting almost daily against creatures drawn by the jewel's presence. It's becoming increasingly difficult.

If things continue like this, the jewel will eventually fall into the hands of monsters. If the Shikon no Tama is captured by evil beings, the consequences would be unimaginably dire.

We know our strength alone can't protect the jewel, so... we can only entrust this task to you, with your powerful spiritual abilities."

"I understand," Kikyō replied grimly.

If the Shikon no Tama truly has the legendary power it's said to possess, falling into the hands of wicked monsters could lead to catastrophic results, she thought.

"That's why I'm begging you!"

-

The demon slayer had already explained everything to Kikyō the day before, so this time he was ready to hand over the Shikon no Tama.

If possible, he would have preferred to deliver it directly to her doorstep, but... transporting such a dangerous item was far too risky.

Instead, they needed Kikyō to come get it herself.

The Shikon no Tama was like a hot potato—difficult to handle. Even in the short time since taking charge of it, many lives had been sacrificed trying to protect it. If they didn't find someone else to take responsibility soon, the entire village of demon slayers might be wiped out.

And there was no better candidate than Kikyō, who by now was famous throughout Musashi Province and even beyond its borders.

The leader of the Demon Slayers—Sango and Shippo's grandfather from Inuyasha—led them to a room guarded by over a dozen heavily armed slayers. The room was also protected by powerful barriers.

The leader had the guards open the barrier and door, then entered with Yae Sakura and Kikyo. The Shikon no Tama was enshrined right in the middle of this room.

Yae Sakura wasn't supposed to go inside, but after Kikyo promised to look after her, the Demon Slayer leader felt reassured.