News of Aiko’s awakening spread faster than she could have imagined. Whispers of the nine-tailed fox’s return slithered through the shadows, reaching the ears of those who had long awaited its power. Some revered it. Others feared it. Among them was the Onibane—a shadow organization that had spent centuries trying to claim the Kyūbi’s strength for themselves.

Led by the ruthless sorceress Lady Hisako, the Onibane would stop at nothing to capture Aiko. Already, their spies moved within the towns and villages, searching for any trace of the girl with golden eyes. And soon, they would find her.

Unaware of how close danger lurked, Aiko continued her journey, Ryou at her side and Mei trailing close behind. The rogue priestess had become an enigma to her—neither enemy nor friend, always watching, always withholding. Aiko didn’t know whether to trust her, but Ryou did. And that, more than anything, left an uneasy feeling curling in her stomach.

Their path led them to ancient shrines, forgotten ruins, and the whispers of those who still remembered the old ways. With each battle fought and each secret uncovered, Aiko’s power grew—but so did the weight of it. Every flicker of foxfire, every pulse of energy reminded her of the fine line between strength and destruction.

Could she wield the Kyūbi’s power without succumbing to its darker temptations? Could she truly outrun the fate that seemed determined to find her? And what would she do when she finally discovered the truth about her past—the truth that could change everything?

One thing was certain. The world would never be the same again.