Chapter Text
The Weight of New Blades
Chapter 1
The clash of swords rang through the clearing, sharp and rhythmic like thunder in a storm. Inuyasha gritted his teeth, bracing as Tessaiga met Bakusaiga in another blinding collision. Sparks scattered across the night air.
Kagome stood a few steps behind, bow drawn but not yet raised—ready to defend the one she valued if she had to. Miroku, Sango, Shippo, and Kirara watched from the sidelines—none of them surprised. The brothers’ clashes had long ago become something of a grim routine.
Sesshōmaru’s face was calm, his movements effortless and precise. He had appeared at their camp minutes ago, wordless as ever, declaring that he wished to “test” his brother’s progress.
A few feet away, Kagura stood still, crimson eyes fixed on the fight.
In her right hand, she held a sword—dull, worn, clearly scavenged. Not her fan. Not the weapon Naraku had forced upon her.
Since Naraku’s fall, Kagura had been trying to shed everything that reminded her of him. The fan, her wind, even her habits—each one a reminder of her servitude. The sword, though unfamiliar, was hers.
Her grip tightened as Inuyasha was flung backward, his body slamming into the dirt with a snarl. Sesshōmaru didn’t even blink. His power had only grown—refined, controlled, but still overwhelming.
She hadn’t meant to stare. But she couldn’t look away.
Inuyasha pushed himself up, spitting dirt. “Tch—like hell I’m done!”
He lunged again, reckless as ever, his blade singing as it clashed against his brother’s. For just a second, his eyes met Kagura’s.
He knew. He’d known ever since she showed up one morning, sword in hand, and without warning swung it at him. Kagome had been the one to understand first.
“She’s practicing,” she’d said gently back then. “Trying to start over.”
Inuyasha hadn’t said it aloud, but he’d respected that. Even gone easy on her once he realized her intent.
Now, mid-battle, his voice cut through the sound of steel.
“Kagura! Watch this!”
That was a mistake. Sesshōmaru’s gaze flicked sharply toward him—just long enough for irritation to show in the subtle tightening of his jaw. Then, with a single fluid motion, he unleashed another strike. Bakusaiga’s energy flared, and Inuyasha went flying through the trees, crashing hard into the ground.
Kagura winced—then smirked. “He really doesn’t learn.”
She couldn’t help but wonder how Inuyasha had ever managed to win against his brother before.
Kagome approached quietly, glancing between the fallen half-demon and the woman beside her. Her tone softened.
“It reminds you of old times, doesn’t it? …Are you okay?”
Kagura lowered her sword, letting it rest against her shoulder. “Hmph. Old times, new ones—it’s all the same when men start swinging blades.”
Kagome smiled faintly, but her eyes lingered on her. “Maybe. But you’re different now.”
Kagura’s lips curved into the barest hint of a grin. “Maybe.”
For the first time in a long while, she really knew why Inuyasha loved this women.