To the reviewer known only as Reader: yes, I know that Takami and Minaka discovered the space ship and that she is practically the vice president of MBI… which is why I'm confused about you telling me those. So far, I have never once dispute their leadership within MBI, only inserting scenes of things that they are taking notice of due to the presence of Naruto. I only say that Miya lead Takehito into an unexplored part of the ship that people simply MISS and revealed something that changed many things (and to those who haven't figured it out yet, yes, it IS Takehito in the first chapter's first scene). As for Takami's knowledge about the Sekirei Plan, I believe she knows enough to keep a wary eye on it, but not enough to try and actively stop it. At least, that is the impression I gain from what was released. As for the quality of the second chapter, I'm sorry that you feel it dropped, but I'm taking it as a lesson to increase whatever I'm lacking. If it is drama, then I'm sorry to say that you can't always have a drama filled chapter. That would defeat the purpose of character development and what I like to call the 'clarification chapters' where I tell you the effects of certain events.

Disclaimer: I do not own the mangas as they belong to their respective creator. I do however lay claim to this plot line!!

XXXXXXXXXX

"It's all about connection."

"Huh? Ero-sannin, what are you on about now? What about connections?"

"Stupid gaki, I'm trying to teach you the way of success here!"

"Hey, if it's anything perverted, I don't want a part of it!"

"YOU IDIOT! I'm serious!"

"…Fine… what about it?"

"Do you know how spy networks work?"

"…Err… don't you just go and talk to certain people?"

"No. If it is that simple, then nothing can be kept a secret or be learned. You see Naruto, it is all about connections. Connections can get you places that you usually weren't able to access, and it can get you things that you can't get by yourself. Connections can open doors when everything else is closed off to you, and it can even break a hole in a room with no exit."

"…How does it break a hole in the wall?"

"Idiot! That is a metaphor! Anyway, as I was saying before you so rudely interrupt me, life is all about connections…"

XXXXXXXXXX

It is all about connections.

Connections open doors for you to other wise inaccessible places. It can get you information or object that are other wise not acquirable. It can save your lives or ruin it. It can make you rich or rob you broke. It can forever build you, or eternally break you. In a world where the resourceful gets by, connection is everything.

Or at least, that is what his mother has being pounding into Sahashi Minato's head ever since he started attending middle school.

"Minato-kun, when you make friends, be sure to be aware of who you make friends with. Whatever you do now, connections will be formed, and they can be either good or bad. Whoever you associates with, a connection between you will form, and depending on the nature of it, it can help you a great deal or it can harm you mercilessly. So keep in mind that while you go and make friends, always be aware of just who you're making friends with."

Well, that basically sums up what his mother has taught him about connections.

For example, Asama Miya, the landlady of Izumo Mansion is someone who you can depend on whole heartedly. She is competent and seemingly knows just what to do about everything despite her tendency to threaten people with that demonic mask.

A bad example… well, Kaoru Seo comes to mind, and Minato isn't quite sure if he should be thankful the man has yet to drag him into some brain-frying, life-threatening scheme, or be thankful that the man is well aware enough to keep them out of whatever it is that he is doing. The ronin isn't stupid; he knows that there is a reason why Seo couldn't hold his works, and it isn't because he is a scum as Miya so casually and lovingly calls him. However, all he knows is that it has something to do with the Sekirei Plan.

Now, how about an example of a connection that can destroy you?

'Mommy, I think I found one…' Minato thinks as he and Sekirei Number 09 hug each other tightly, not in a show of affection, but fear and sympathy as they face down a man whose presence equals that of a giant red fox with nine raging tails and red angry eyes. Actually, that is what he sees as he peers above the man's head.

Said man is only slightly taller than Seo, but Seo seems to have the better muscle. His wild blonde hair is long enough to shadow his eyes, but not enough to be pulled into small tails. His eyes though are currently glowing red and his lips twisted into a savage grin, showing a mouth full of teeth that looks rather sharp and are aimed solely at Tsukiumi.

Just how did this happen?

XXXXXXXXXX

Not too long ago…

It all started with a dream of the blonde woman who swore to kill him.

Then it goes to the little fiasco within Matsu's room.

Now here he is, walking with Kusano (who has a little pot of plant balanced on her head; how she does that Minato can only guess), on Operation: Kill or Be Kill?! The Big Love Heart Beats Sekirei Search Plan! Quite a mouthful, but coming from Matsu who doesn't seem to be… quite right in the head, it's a good enough name?

Either way, here he is, walking on the street with little Ku-chan as his body guard, searching for someone who can most likely tear him apart and most definitely has no prom about doing it. It isn't that he wants to doubt Ku-chan's ability, but rather he fears it won't be enough. Remembering what little information he can glint from Matsu without her trying to jump his pants, the single digits are unique in their own ways. Which then somehow makes him wonder why Matsu is a single digit, but then her ability with technologies is simply unreal.

Still, Minato is once more reminded that they are now in the Second Stage by the amount of MBI soldiers he sees on the street, meaning that if not careful, he can be attacked this very instance by another Ashikabi. It is inevitable that he needs to let his Sekireis fight eventually, but with only Musubi being a pure combat type, he rather not take his chance, let along pit Ku-chan against someone bigger and most likely stronger.

Anyway, beside all that… "Just where am I supposed to find her?" Minato asks nobody in particular as his shoulders slump in defeat. They have been at it for a couple of hours now, and is nowhere close to even seeing a glimpse of Tsukiumi. You would have thought that someone dressing in what she wears is easy to spot, but no! She is actually incredibly difficult to find. Hell, even with her picture on his phone and asking around now and then, no body even remotely see hair or hide of her. That outfit is difficult to forget, so when no one ever recalls seeing it… "Ku-chan, maybe we should just call it off?"

Kusano just gives him this look that eerily resembles those that his mother and sister gave him when they're disappointed. Seeing this, he holds up his hands and says, "Right, we'll just keep going. I'm sorry."

"…Onii-chan shouldn't give up so easy. It's not a good thing to give up." Kusano says in a show of innocent wisdom and then gives him a beaming smile, making her appear that much more adorable. It makes him smile, wondering just what he did to have someone like Kusano by his side.

Beep-beep! Ara? Who would call him at this moment?

"Hai?"

"Mina-tan… this isn't the time to be playing around…" Matsu's voice says from the other end of the phone, making a shiver travels up Minato's spine as he looks into the sky. Glaring at the satellite that he knows is watching him, he says, "You, stop spying on me!"

Oddly enough, Ku-chan is growling with a rather dark expression… or was that just his imagination?

"Well, if that is all that you requires, I'm hanging up." Minato says, slightly irritated as he ignores the pleas coming from his phone. He is just about to hang up as he promised when Matsu tells him to look up. Curiosity getting the better of him, he does just that, just in time to receive a face full of… fur? "What the?"

"Nya…"

A cat?

"Wah! Neko-chan!" Kusano squeal in delight as she gazes at the pure white cat that somehow landed on Minato's face. The ronin grabs hold of it and pulls it off, before holding it in a much more comfortable position and simply stare at it in confusion. Now what would a cat be doing here, let along dropping from the sky?

"M-MINA-TAN!! STEP TO THE RIGHT NOW!"

Eh?

Having no time to contemplate that strange instruction Minato follows it regardless and takes a step to the right… and successfully dodge a messy death as something yellow and orange smashes into the spot he was standing, cracking pavements as it lands. Yelping in alarm, the Ronin quickly gathers Kusano in one arm and the cat in another, he jumps back and takes in the appearance of the mysterious object. It turns out to be a man in an orange jumpsuit with black shoulder and black lines going down the leg. The man is blonde, and if he needs to compare his height, he would be slightly taller than Seo, but Seo will have the buffer muscle. There are three lines on the cheek as Minato sees, and he assumes that there are three identical lines on the other side as well. When the man turns to regard him, Minato is treated to a pair of blue eyes that is stunningly vivid, and really captivating. The Ronin will personally congratulate any girls that manage to grab this man's heart, but he will personally keep Yukari away from him if he can help it.

He spells trouble for some reason… Minato figures that it is the way he is glaring at the cat within his grasp? He is right on the money for that one.

"Hand it over…" The growl that escapes the man's lips startles Minato that he visibly jump as the mysterious person stands up straight, completely ignoring the damage he did to the pavement below him. There is a pressure on his shoulder, and the Ronin wonders why it is suddenly a little harder to breath. Kusano probably gets it harder because she is actually shaking and whimpering. The feline… let's leave the shaking mass of fur as just that for now. "Do not let me repeat myself. Hand that evil creature over so I may exorcize the devil that it is!"

"H-HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!!" A familiar voice shouts, and within seconds, Seo appears within Minato's vision just in time to lands a punch on the blonde man's face, making him stumbles in surprise. It is mentally noted that he did not wince or flinch as one would normally do when struck. "YOU IDIOT!! THAT IF MY MEAL TICKET YOU WERE TRYING TO SKIN!! Hey kid, good… oh? Minato? Wow, fancy seeing you here. What are you doing here?" Seo asks while he gently pries the terrified cat from Minato's grasp and holds it under his arm –and making sure that it is the arm away from the blonde Minato notices.

The Ronin just smiles sheepishly and scratches the back of his head. How do one Ashikabi tell another Ashikabi that he is out Sekirei hunting? Luckily, he is saved the trouble of answering by the blonde man. "Seo, come on, just a minute. All I need is one minute with that furred demon from hell and that is all! Just one short minute is all I'm asking you!"

Seo groans before turning around and decking the blonde once more in the same spot he did so before. Once more, Minato sees that he does not flinch or wince or even cuddle his cheek after ward. It's almost as if he is used to something of a far greater magnitude or Seo isn't punching hard enough. "I told you Naruto, this is my meal ticket. You already terrified it enough to probably traumatize it for life. Also… Oh, right, I never introduce you two." Seo says only to pauses mid sentence as he turns wide eyes to look at Minato. "Well kid, you're in luck today. This here is Uzumaki Naruto, and when you get in with him, you are guaranteed to have a friend for life. A very good friend who may I add will do just about anything for you as long as you ask… that includes fetching a cat for three straight days with me. And Naruto? This is Sahashi Minato, a good kid, but a little naïve if you ask me."

"Thanks Seo, but you're too kind." The blonde Naruto just grunts with an exasperated expression on his face. Minato wonders if he too thinks Seo is a scum like Miya, as it appears to be the common thing anyone who knows Seo share. Besides, he is a little annoyed at the naïve comment. "…You have three… and a fourth on the way."

"Huh? Excuse me?" Minato starts as he blinks at the blonde that is now looking at him with scrutinizing eyes. There is no warning, just the sudden inspection that leads the blonde making a circle around him before his blue eyes settle onto the curious and thus far ignored Kusano. A blonde eyebrow rises, and Minato suddenly feels the urge to defend his name from being called a pedophile… He can't help it. That expression reminds him of Miya when she took but one look at Ku-chan, and then turns this look upon him. "Err… I can explain?"

"Oh, it must be Matsu." Seo says with a grin, and Minato wonders how he knows. The man answers his unasked question with a thumb to his noise. "I have a good nose. Either way Naruto, he is a tenant at the Izumo House Naruto, and he's a really good guy, so don't do anything to him."

Having long since abandoned his accusing look, Naruto blinks before snorting in amusement. "…Hmph. Good luck to you kid." Naruto says, seemingly taking no notice of Seo's little piece of news before kneeling down in front of Kusano and asks, "Hey, who are you?"

"…I'm K-Kusano…" The small Sekirei blinks and then answers, shifting herself a little over a little so now that she is standing next to Minato with a hand holding onto his jean. The blonde girl hasn't forgotten the scariness that rivals the landlady's a moment before directed at the cat.

"Ku-chan is it? Is this guy here treating you well?"

"Of course! He's Ku-chan's onii-chan!" Kusano immediately replies with ferocity that startles Minato. Then again he shouldn't be surprised, because Kusano can pack quite the temper when she wants to. "Onii-chan is kind! Please don't say bad things about onii-chan!"

The blonde man just smiles before putting a hand on Kusano's head, ruffling her hair with a small chuckle at the whine produced by the Sekirei. His eyes have this warmth in them that is reserved for someone precious, and Minato cannot understand how someone who only just met can come to care for another immediately. That look hints at previous meeting that Kusano has no recollection of, making Minato slightly jealous, much to his surprise. "It's alright. I won't hurt your onii-chan. I promise."

"SEO!!!"

Huh? Where have he heard those voices before? Oh right, Hikari and Hibiki!

"Seo, we have to go, now!" Hikari says as she drops down in front of them with her twin sister, who gives Naruto a small bow before she joins her effort in pushing Seo away from the immediately area. It confuses Minato as to why they want to do that… Did they go and pick a fight with an unwinged Sekirei again?

"Seo, please, listen to us. We ran into a really bad woman!" Hibiki says in a much softer tone, but just as pleading as her sister's as the two double their efforts in making Seo leave. The man in return fires off questions about why they have to leave, but does not resist their effort. Much more curious about their behavior than Naruto's sudden show of affection and the possibilities behind it, Minato decides to follow, but not before making sure that Kusano is alright and guiding her with him. Naruto too decides to follow the trio in front of them, but Minato suspects it has more to do with the cat not escaping than anything else. Uzumaki Naruto just strikes him as someone who doesn't care about the Sekirei Plan; he being out of the circle is out of the question the moment he mentioned how many Sekireis Minato has.

Just how does he know anyway?

"You are one special kid…" Naruto suddenly says, bringing Minato's attention to him, the above mentioned question already forgotten as dark blue meets a lighter blue. The Ronin opens his mouth to response in a question only to be cut off as Naruto continues. "You have three Sekireis with a fourth one reacting to you and the previous three loves you dearly and willingly takes you as their Ashikabi. It is no mistake that their body reacting to you is a form of love so deep that it isn't breakable. Even if the crest disappears, they will always return to you when all this is said and done. It is truly amazing that someone like you can have these many Sekireis without ever forcefully winging one."

Somehow, Minato isn't sure if he should feel praised or angered by his comment of 'someone like you.' Instead, he just says, "Um… Naruto-san, I don't understand…"

"Oh, don't worry about it. Just treat them well; especially Musubi. Karasuba is really fond of her. You do not want her coming after you." Naruto says with a grin that puts Minato in an alarming state and at the same time oddly reminds him of a mischievous fox. He had met Karasuba, and his first impression of her is that you simply do not want to be near her. How Musubi can be close to someone like that is beyond him. Oh sure she show warmth to Sekirei Number 88, but Musubi is the only one she show any form of warmth too. He can tell, because the moment Musubi isn't looking, Minato received the glare of death from her. This however highlights the question of whether this person is the Ashikabi of that strange Sekirei. He seems to know a lot about the Sekirei Plans and how Sekireis operates.

"I won't treat them badly if that is what you're worrying about. I care for all of them very much." Minato says with confidence that he thought he doesn't have a few weeks ago. But now he can easily say that he is much more confident with himself. Maybe it's the side affect of being thrust into something that is beyond him or having the responsibility of three Sekireis thrust upon him. Whichever the case, it brings a smile onto his face. "I can safely say and with one hundred percent guarantee that I will take care of them the best way I can."

In later years, Minato will look back to this day and wonder if this is the point where he starts to be more active within the Sekirei Plan.

"I'll… hold you to that…"

"Onii-chan?" Kusano tugs on Minato's jeans a little, confused about the interaction that has just taken place. It has completely gone over her head it appears, and while Minato understands that Ku-chan is much more matured than kids her age, she is still a kid. "What are you two talking about?"

Minato smiles while ruffling Kusano's hair lovingly. The girl chirps happily, completely forgotten what she was asking as she leans into his touch. It really should come as a sort of unspoken rule to treat them well.

"HEY YOU, THE DAMN MONKEY OVER THERE!!! YOU'RE INTERFERING, SO GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!" An angry and definitely female voice shouts from above him, and having a feeling who it is and what is about to happen, Minato gently pushes Kusano into Naruto's arms before looking up. His suspicions is confirmed when in a blur of black and white, a blonde woman crashes into him, sending them both into a reunion with the cold, hard cement ground. It brings about the feeling of déjà vu. Off to the side, Minato observes Naruto withholding laughter and Kusano looking at the blonde with a guarded expression. Now to be completely sure…

Looking up, Minato treats himself to the beauty that is Sekirei Number 09, Tsukiumi as she grunts in pain and pushes herself up. Dressed in a designer black coat with white dress underneath that seemingly draws attention to her bosoms and a short, white skirt, black knee-high stockings with two brown strap/belts circling her thigh and holding up the stockings, Tsukiumi is indeed a sight to behold. She has a quality about her that makes her fierce and dangerous, but passes the thorns Minato can easily see the girl within. In a way, she is similar to Yukari, minus her playful nature and tones up her brutality.

When Tsukiumi stands up to her full height, she plants her hands on her hips and glare down at him with deep blue eyes. Her lips and brows are in a frown as she says, "You… monkey! Even though I TOLD you that you're inter-!" The Sekirei suddenly cuts herself off, a blush blowing up on her face and she once more drops onto her hands and knees. The Ronin have no doubts what is happening, seeing a reaction similar to this in Musubi when she reacted to him; although this is much more severe for some reason.

"Ah… I'm s-sorry?" Minato finds himself apologizing for reason even beyond him. Maybe it is his personality and old habits acting up once more. Besides, his mother always told him to apologize for things, even if it isn't his fault as to avoid troubles.

"You… bastard…" Tsukiumi growls, tossing the apology aside as if it is nothing more than a crumbled piece of used napkin, and in some way, Minato finds that it may as well be. Once more drawing up to her full height (almost his height the Ronin observes), the Sekirei now regards him with a blank expression. "You're my…"

Okay, this is the moment of truth. The name of the operation once more pops into Minato's mind, and so far, it seems rather fitting. Here is a Sekirei famous (or infamous depending on how you view it) for wanting to kill her Ashikabi for one reason or another. What he says in the next second can literally decides if he lives or dies…

If he is given the choice of retaking the Tokyo Uni. Entrance Exam over this, he will do so in a heart beat.

"Err… We… well I've… wanted to meet you." Minato says with a small stutter, carefully studying Tsukiumi's blank expression for any sign telling him if he should run or stay. So far, nothing indicates the former, but nothing says the latter either.

Silence dominates for five seconds, and then she starts to chuckles, and then the chuckle turns from neutral to hostile within the spam of another five seconds. Now it is clearly a sign for him to run, but he can't for some reason. He will tell you that it is the unholy aura that now surrounds the woman scaring him into inaction, but it's really the stares from Kusano, Seo, the Sekirei Twins, AND Naruto that is forcing him to stay. He is a man damn it! He will take it like a man!

"Me too…! I've wanted to meet you for a while now…" Tsukiumi says in a sultry voice that belies the growing grin upon her face. As the grin grows, Minato's mantra of 'I'll take it like a man' grows faster and faster and he visibly starts shaking. The Sekirei is really, really scary at this very moment. "We meet here under such circumstances, but it'll be a lie if I say that it is nice to see you because I'll tear you apart before you even have a chance to put your hands on me!" The last part is said with a fierce grin as water gathers and swirl around her. Minato actually lets out a whimper at this point as he slowly crab-walks backward out of the water raging around the Sekirei, which grows with each passing second. It is just like his dream… Right, time to abandon ship!

…Whatever happens to being a man?

Oh screw it, where's the nearest safe house?

…They do have safe houses… right?

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto watches with open amusement as Minato's every thought are displayed clearly on his face. The blonde man inwardly chuckles as he watches Tsukiumi terrifies the poor boy that isn't even in college and most likely a virgin. When Kusano tears out of his hold and quickly puts herself between him and the raging Water Sekirei while saying not to hurt her onii-chan, Naruto's amusement only grow. She has only made the situation worst.

"You… Don't tell me you… actually winged such a young girl!!" Tsukiumi shouts as she cringes at the idea of such criminal acts. Naruto would have too if he isn't aware of the fact that it is Kusano who winged herself by kissing Minato. How does he come about this information? Let's just say Miya is just like any other house wives: she loves to gossips when she can and leave it at that. "YOU! SUCH DIRTY, FILTHY BEAST! I'LL OBLITERATE YOU!!!"

"W-WAIT!! I CAN EXPLAIN!!" Minato shouts as he waves his arms frantically, trying to diffuse a bomb that is already set to go off. It obviously didn't work as Tsukiumi just charges up an attack and is near seconds from completion.

Not wanting the death of someone like Minato on his conscience, Naruto sends a look at Hikari and Hibiki, snapping them out of their bewildered stares and into action. The two quickly jumps in to interfere with the potential murder. Well, not really jumping in, but they did stopped it by restarting their fight not so long ago. Now that he thinks about it, why does Seo lets his Sekireis hunt for unwinged ones if he isn't going to wing them?

"Hah? I have to be involved?" The annoyed voice of Seo snaps Naruto out of his thoughts as he turns his attention to the Ashikabi (who still holds the demon known as the cat within his right arm). Seeing the looks sent form his Sekireis, Seo scratches his head with his free hand and gives Naruto a shrug. Not in the least bit hindered at the delay in turning over the cat, Naruto responds with a shrug of his own, giving Seo the green light. The man just smirks at this before somehow pulling Hikari and Hibiki close, the cat still clutched in his arms. Now that, that is skills and Naruto has to give him points for. Not many can do that. "Well, you might want to cover the kid's eyes."

Then he goes in for the kisses, and Naruto watches once more with fascination as wings of light appear behind first Hikari and Hibiki. Oh sure he may know more about the Sekireis than anyone else in this world, but this phenomenon still captivate him with its beauty. Remembering that the place is about to be damaged, he takes a step back as he watches the electricity building up around the twins. 'This will be good.' Naruto thinks to himself as he awaits the power of the Norito to be unleashed. He is truly curious on how well an unwinged single number can deal with the Norito. It will give him a better understanding of the single digits' power as he already have a pretty good grasps of those of the First Generation Disciplinary Squad.

"We're the pledged thunderclap. No disaster will hit our Ashikabi." Hikari and Hibiki simultaneously chant while grasping each other's hand, their free hand pointed at Tsukiumi with fingers spread and palm exposed. Naruto isn't disappointed as electricity builds up in the atmosphere, sucking up the light as purple lightning jumps from the skin of the twin Sekireis. With a cry of the name of the attack: Kaminari, devastation in the form of multiple thunders strike the ground in an ever expanding line, heading clearly for Tsukiumi who seemingly froze upon the awesome might of the destructive attack.

Then Minato moves, taking Naruto's attention as well as Seo's as he dives and pushes Tsukiumi down to the ground with him, putting his body above hers in a stupid attempt to shield her. The twin Sekireis grit their teeth and with much efforts divert the attack from hitting them, not wanting to harm Minato as they clearly know the consequences should they do so. Off to the side, Naruto turns an eye upon Kusano, checking her for any injuries that she may sustain from the massive attack. Satisfied with not finding any, the blonde turns his attention back to where the attack land, and can't help but let's out a whistle of appreciation. With several feet of cement, concrete and dirt vaporized by the lightning, the attack can truly kill people unfortunately enough to get caught up in it. It appears the twins' Norito amplifies their damage output.

Then it is really a good thing that the twins have managed to maneuver them into an open area that is deserted of people.

A small conversation engages by the duo sitting on the only piece of land that is intact, but Naruto is not interested in that. He will give them their privacy and instead turns to Seo, wanting to leave now that the situation seemingly has solved itself.

That is where he is wrong.

When Hikari and Hibiki opens their mouth and taunts Tsukiumi, the Water Sekirei retaliates with a small water attack that the twins easily dodge, but striking Seo in return. Surprised, the man looses his grip on the cat, which then happily bounds away, but not before giving them a taunting meow.

…The work that he has done for the past three days… gone just like that…

Just like that…

The fact that the cat has manage to evade him for three days despite his skill, HIM, Uzumaki Naruto, further pisses him off…

Ooh, someone will pay…

XXXXXXXXXX

Tsukiumi grunts in annoyance from her sitting position, and is about to pushes herself up when the other Ashikabi approaches her with anger clearly displayed upon his face. Eying the man, she is about to discard him from being a threat when he speaks. "Do you have any idea at all how much time I spend going after that cat?" The man asks with gritted teeth, hands clenched in fists as he towers over Tsukiumi, making her wonder if it is such a smart thing to disregard him as a threat. Ashikabi should always be a threat to her, especially her being unwinged and all that. But what can a human do to her?

"Three whole days… I spend three whole days chasing that damn cat…" Bending down, he grasps Tsukiumi's chin with an iron grip, surprising the Sekirei with the strength behind it. She tries to move, but oddly enough, she finds her strength fading with each second. What is happening? "Why did you do that? Huh?"

No good. She needs to get away from him. But she can't move!

Obviously the Ashikabi must have seen it too as his displeasure turns into malevolent intention and he smirks, bending down further and near whispers to her, "It's useless. My power as an Ashikabi is… unique you see. It is recognized by Takehito, and it is quite special."

She is vaguely aware of her intended Ashikabi fidgeting on the side and making voices that doesn't amount to anything. She is vaguely aware of the little Sekirei that came with her intended Ashikabi somewhere outside of the crater, looking at them with wide eyes, confusion clearly on her face. None of that matters to her. What matters is getting away from the man whose smirk grows as he says, "Well, guess what? As repayment, I'll wing you right here, right now. I'll make you my servant. How about it? Huh?"

No good. This can't be happening. This shouldn't be happening. This man is not her… not her…

Tsukiumi tenses as the man lowers his face to hers, and cold sweat starts to build up on her body as she trembles at the thought of being winged by the likes of him. She prays for something, anything to happen in order to interrupt this.

Her prayer is answered, but the result is not to her liking.

"Seo… move." A voice says from behind the man, and then a hand grabs hold of the Ashikabi named Seo by his shoulder before effortlessly tosses him away as if he is but a stuffed animal. Feeling her power return from the removal of the Ashikabi's touch, Tsukiumi starts to sigh in relief only for that breath to freeze in her throat.

Whatever she prayed for, it certainly is not switching a scum of a human for a blonde demon.

And a blonde demon she is facing, with wide eyes that glows red and a smile so wide and savage, the blonde that has been standing in the side line appears before her with clear intention of harm. What did she do to piss this one off?

"Do you have… any idea just how much time I spend trying to catch that cat…?" The blonde asks as he copies the action of Seo from before, grasping her chin in something that is more like titanium grip and continues, "Why, oh why did you do that? Why?"

'Oh, you have got to be kidding me!' Tsukiumi mentally screams as she slowly backs away from the man that makes Seo looks like a small fry. Oddly enough, the light behind him dims while the background disappears, being replaced by a towering, snaring red fox with nine swirling tails and the cruelest crimson eyes Tsukiumi has the misfortune of seeing. Yelping, the Sekirei jumps into her intended Ashikabi's arms, putting her arms around him while trying to make her as small as she can be against him. She doesn't even care about that fact that he is touching her, or her body is burning up when he puts his arms around her waist in an embrace. None of that matters. All that matters is getting away from the monstrosity that is in front of her.

If it is another time and it is happening to another person, Tsukiumi would wonder just why loosing the cat would ticks the blonde before her off to this extends and might even find it funny if not pitying the poor victim of his wrath. Too bad it isn't, so she could only trembles in what resembles despair and awaits judgment.

XXXXXXXXXX

Thus this is how Minato finds himself wondering if he has indeed found that one connection that can obliterates him. With a trembling Tsukiumi in his arms, he offers a disarming but clearly nervous smile to the raging disaster before him and asks, "Ano… Naruto-san… I'm sorry about the cat, but could you please calm down? You're scaring my Sekirei."

"Move aside kid, before I move you…"

Well that doesn't work, and Minato's brain goes into overdrive to come up with something to appease the blonde when another blonde appears in front of him. It is little Ku-chan, and she is standing in front of him as she stare down Naruto with either amazing amount of courage or desperation to save him from harm. Whichever the case, Kusano shouts out, "DON'T HURT MY ONII-CHAN!" and attacks as the potted plant within her grasps grows with amazing speed, groaning and moaning as it goes from a two-leaved sprout to a giant bean stalk that twists and winds around the area, effectively trapping Naruto within its snarl. "Mister promised that he won't hurt onii-chan!"

After that, the oppressive pressure disappears as the raving demon in front of them blinks and transform once more into the blonde that is simply Naruto. His now cerulean blue eyes stare into Kusano's green ones before he closes them with a sigh. Amazing really how Kusano can calm him like that. Of course, Minato's worries sprang back up when Ku-chan lets go of the potted plant (that can now holds itself in the air due to all the stalks that fill the street Minato muses) and walks up to Naruto. A particular stalk groans as it shifts itself to create a slope for Kusano to walks up so that she can stares into Naruto's eyes more easily. Despite his weak protest and warning for her to stop, the Sekirei continues to walk until she eventually is eye leveled with Naruto. What she says next will remain with Minato till the day he dies.

"Please don't hurt my onii-chan. Ku-chan loves him very much and will be sad if he is hurt. If you want to punish anyone, punish Ku-chan instead. Ku-chan didn't stop the fighting before mister's cat got away. Ku-chan is sorry."

It also raises the respect Naruto has for Kusano, though the others do not know that.

Minato stares in amazement at the girl that has offered herself to repent for something that isn't her fault. He lets go of Tsukiumi so that he may go to her. Before he can reach Kusano, Minato watches in horror as the stalks that restrict Naruto be sliced open by some invisible force, falling into pieces in large chunks as the blonde uses the remaining pieces as foot hold. The two blondes stare at each other for a moment before Naruto reaches out with a hand. Horrified at what he might do, Minato shouts for him to stop and starts to run towards Kusano.

Kusano too closes her eyes as she braces herself, shoving the awe she has over the fact that the man can slice her plants apart so easily with nothing but air away. She tenses as the hands near her, only to jumps as it lands on her head. Instead of pain, she feels oddly comfortable as the hand runs through her messy hair in gentle caresses. Daring to peeks open one eye, she watches as Naruto smiles softly at her and says, "I'm sorry for scaring you. I was anger, but I shouldn't be. I can always capture that cat again. I also promised I won't hurt your onii-chan, and I don't go back on my words." His words are rewarded with a beaming smile from the Green Sekirei, who then squeals in surprise and delight as Minato suddenly gathers her in his arms and pulls her away.

"Y-you, don't touch her!"

"Onii-chan, it's alright. Mister isn't angry anymore." Kusano says, patting Minato's arms in a reassuring way. Minato looks at Ku-chan for a moment before turning guarded eyes to Naruto. "It's really alright onii-chan. Mister is a good guy. He was just angry. But Ku-chan makes him not angry anymore!" Staring down at Kusano as the girl beams proudly, Minato wonders if the girl has a soothing effect other than making plants grow uncontrollably. Shoving that aside, Minato once more turns his attention to Naruto, who is… no where insight?

Looking around, he turns to Tsukiumi, only to yelps in panic as he sees Naruto standing in front of her. How he moves so fast, he isn't sure, and while he trusts Kusano's words, he rather not takes any risk. "N-Naruto-san, please don't hurt my Sekirei!"

Naruto just turns his head to him and looks him in the eyes, smiles, and then turns back to Tsukiumi and instantly pulls her to her feet. His speed amazes him, because Minato certainly did not see him bends down to do so. Still, the Ronin watches the man says something to Tsukiumi, whose wide eyes that were filled with horror turns to surprise before understanding. Her blue eyes then turn to meet his as the man pats her shoulder in a gentle gesture and simply walks away, leaving the area and vanishing around the corner.

Not sure exactly what was said to her, Minato can only worries about Tsukiumi as he walks towards her and asks, "Hey, are you alright? He didn't do anything to you did he? You're not hurt right?"

After several questions fired in rapid succession, Minato is about to stop so that she may answers when she smiles softly and says, "He was right… you're very kind…"

"Huh?"

"You protected me even though I was going to kill you. You tried to shield me from an attack that wouldn't kill me, but definitely would cook you alive… That is clear indication that you have guts." Tsukiumi says as she walks towards him and stops only four feet from him. Minato smiles nervously, wondering if she is going to attack again. His eyes focus on the arm that rises, only to blinks as it rest on the spot where her heart is. "Strange… my heart that was once full of detests is very calm and content… What is your name?"

Surprised by the sudden question, Minato answers quickly and truthfully, but with a stutter. "M-Minato. Sahashi Minato… desu."

"Minato…" The whisper that forms his name sends a shiver down his spine, and he wonders if it is because he is too reacting to Tsukiumi or it is something else. It is very enticing.

He should say something… "W-Well… I want… um, I wish to be good friends with you. I… don't know many things about you other than your name, but… In the dream… I met you in my dream, and for sure, that means that I can understand you." He says sincerely, offering nothing but the truth in his own clumsy way as he scratches the back of his head, but never once taking his eyes from Tsukiumi's own. The slight widening of her eyes make him somewhat proud of himself, but he quickly stump that down as he waits for her answer.

Once more, what happens next will determine his fate…

"What a strange man, but very kind." Tsukiumi whispers, loud enough for him to hear but nobody else. Her eyes soften as she gazes at him for a moment before looking up at the sky. A happy smile appears on her face as she says, "I'm probably… looking for someone like you all this time… Alright then!" Tsukiumi suddenly shouts and quickly makes eye contact once more, making Minato jumps as she stands up straight and plants one fist on her hips and then points the other hand at him. "I, Tsukiumi, Sekirei Number 09 the Water Sekirei accepts your proposal!"

…What?

So focused on this, Minato and Kusano never notice the disappearance of Seo and the twin Sekireis.

XXXXXXXXXX

"Do you have to throw me that hard?"

"Well… sorry. I really was ticked back there."

"Oh, I can understand. But really, if it weren't for Hikari and Hibiki, I would probably be a pretty stain on her wall!"

"Yeah, Naruto-san, must you be so brutal?"

"My sister is right Naruto-san. While Seo may be resilient, he isn't invulnerable."

"Alright, alright, I'm sorry. Don't need to gang up on me. Sheesh, I'll make it up to you, happy?"

"Oh yes, very much so. In fact, I know just how you're going to do that…"

"Does it involve Miya and food?"

"Oh my, you read my mind."

"…You do know that she won't be happy?"

"Of course I do. But with you there with me, she won't do anything!"

"…Fine."

XXXXXXXXXX

When Minato returns to a surprised and slightly worried Miya, he quickly tries to diffuse any misconception she may have jump to. She is known for doing so, and he has no intension of drawing her wrath. One demon a day is enough as it is (and Naruto certainly qualifies as a demon when angered). An incident almost breaks out when Tsukiumi announces herself as his wife, and Musubi and Kusano respond to it in jealousy (the former doing so in her own naïve, scattered brained way while the latter doing so clearly understanding what she is doing). The landlady quickly puts an end to it before any fighting occurs by using her infamous demonic visage to further drive home the point that she will not tolerates any and all forms of violence. He wisely keeps his tongue from informing her that what she does can be considered as an act of violence.

Seeing that it is about dinner time when they returned, Miya quickly usher them into the dinning room. Without any reason to not do so, Minato and his Sekireis travel into the Inn, meeting Matsu and Kagari, before departing once more for the dinning room. Tsukiumi has mistaken Kagari for someone else, but that is quickly solved as some misunderstanding due to striking resemblance.

However, when they enter the dinning room…

"Yo!" Seo calls out happily while sitting next to him, Naruto chews on a piece of fish quietly. Hikari and Hibiki are also enjoying a bowl of miso soup of their own. Seeing this, Minato face faults before picking himself up and turning to Miya for an explanation, his shaking finger moving from one person to the next. The questions of when, why, how continue to repeat within his mind and flooding out of his mouth. It is rather comical to see Minato imitates a fish out of the water perfectly while gurgling out words. "Kid, stop that. I deserve to be here today."

"Oh, of course you do, scum. If it isn't because of Naruto-san, I would toss you out immediately." Miya responds to that with sarcasm and her usual sweet tone as well as the demonic visage. Seo quickly agrees while Hikari and Hibiki launch into one of their apology rants as Minato starts to dub it. Naruto just sighs before popping a chopstick-full of rice into his mouth and chew. It amazes Minato how he is completely unaffected by Miya's Hannya mode. He wonders who would win if the two goes demon mode on each other.

"Miya, just think of it as doing me a favor; I'll repay you somehow. I do own Seo an apology." Naruto says after he swallows his mouthful, ignoring the indignant shout from Seo about almost killing him by tossing him to a wall. Minato notes that he sounds just as annoyed as Miya. It seems Seo's reputation really isn't all that good.

Just then, Minato recalls that Matsu is oddly fidgety when he met her in the hallway. Was it due to Seo or Naruto?

"Hey, Miya, I thought you have another tenant." Naruto questions, his face oddly resembling that of a fox as he squints his eyes at the landlady. Miya blinks and shakes her head in the affirmative, thus prompting Naruto asks the question, "Where is she? I'd met everyone in this Inn already, but I clearly notice that you're missing one person."

"Uzume is… unavailable at the moment." Miya says with a small smile that that seemingly hides something behind it. Minato isn't sure what, but whatever it is, it isn't his business to pry. "Would you…?"

"Yeah, I am already on it… More please." Naruto says to Miya's unfinished question before holding up his now empty bowl to her. The landlady just sighs, but she takes the bowl either way and fills it with more rice from the pot next to the table. Her willingness to do so for Naruto isn't lost on everyone, and Sahashi Minato wonders if he is missing something much larger than him here. "So, other than that, is there anything I can do for you while I'm here?"

"Oh! No, no, I couldn't possibly burden you with more." Miya says as she settles herself on the open space next to Naruto with grace. Motioning the others in, the landlady picks up her share of dinner and starts eating. Minato takes in the questioning look send by Naruto and the reassuring smile from Miya and files it away for future reference before he too settles down for dinner and a minor incident about who gets to sit next to him from his Sekireis.

Matsu comes in not too long later followed by Kagari, and soon the entire dining room is filled with chatter. There are several things that Minato takes in however that makes him very curious despite knowing that curiosity kills the cat.

First, Matsu is deliberately avoiding Naruto's gaze. It confirms his theory about her wanting to avoid Naruto for some reason that he can't fathom.

Second, Kagari is wincing every once in a while. Minato mentally questions if it is due to some lingering affect of his burn a while ago or something else.

Third, Miya and Naruto are having a conversation in a way that resembles a daughter talking to her father about her life. The closeness between the two is that of a father and daughter that shares just about anything between them, which baffles and intrigue Minato to no ends.

And finally, the one point that stands out against everything else, Uzume never shows up for dinner… He hopes that she is alright.

Of course, it also makes him wonder about the connections between everybody in the mystery that is Izumo Mansion.

XXXXXXXXXX

"WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?! WE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO YOU! SO WHY CAN'T YOU LEAVE US ALONE?!"

"…I'm sorry…"

"DAMN YOU!! GIVE ME BACK MY SEKIREI!! GIVE HER BACK!!"

"…I'm really sorry… please don't make this any harder than it already is…"

"Sorry? SORRY? SORRY DOESN'T BRING HER BACK YOU FREAKING MONSTER! AND WHAT DO YOU MEAN MAKING IT HARDER THAN IT ALREADY IS? THERE IS NO WAY A MONSTER LIKE YOU CAN –Thud- GAH! Y-you…"

"…I'm truly, deeply am sorry… Please sleep for a while."

XXXXXXXXXX

Something… stinks about this chapter. In fact, I encourage you to come out and say that it sucks. I don't know why, but I have a difficult time doing this one. I rewrite the thing at least three times, and even then, it still doesn't quite make what I deemed as satisfaction… but I truly cannot make it any better than what it already is. I sincerely apology for this, and hopefully the next one will come at a much faster pace and of higher quality.

Either way, a chapter that reveals something about the working of Sahashi Minato. I know that he is innocent and naïve at points, but I refuse to make him as idiotic as the manga portrays him. He is intelligent as Matsu later proves and he has an analytic mind as required to ace the test Matsu gave him (really, things like math and physic need a mind that can pick it apart and put it back together piece by piece, and I won't put it past the Tokyo Uni. Entrance exam to have plenty of that). So there is the reason why I make Minato the way he is. Don't like it? Too bad. This is one of those things that I won't change no matter what.

With that all said and done, I hope you still like this chapter despite my own misgiving over it. If it sucks, come out and tell me, and I will try to make it up with future chapters. Other wise, hope you enjoy it and do leave a review to tell me what you think.

APH signing off!

PS: Do you think I should move the rating to M? Or is the rating it has now alright with you? Just keep in mind that M gives me more freedom while T lets me challenge my own writing skill.