Chapter XI
The pursuing group of Sekirei began to make headway as the two targets were forced to turn so as not to get entangled in the village's outer forest.
One Sekirei got separated from the group and was about to rejoin the chase but received a foot to the face instead.
Musubi landed and, with a celebratory fist pump, said happily, "Yay! I separated one!"
Her opponent, a girl with long black hair tied in twin ponytails wearing a priestess outfit very similar to Musubi's own save for semi-detached sleeves and a train on her skirt, stood with a weak look and said, "Please, just go."
Completely ignoring her, Musubi got into a fighting stance and said, "No. 88 Musubi, I'm a fist type."
The girl frowned and said, "No. 40 Shi, weapon type." As she said that her sleeves shifted and two large triangular blades slid out attached to disc that acted as their holders. She then charged at Musubi, her arms effectively flopping around as she reached the fist fighter and swung with her blades in dual horizontal swings.
Musubi jumped back to dodge the swings before smiling and saying, "You're pretty fast, but not as fast as Miss Landlady."
Shi wasn't sure what she meant but continued her assault, running at Musubi, looking for all the world that she was simply stumbling around.
Musubi fell for this little ploy and tilted her head in confusion, but caught on right before Shi lashed out with a swing, managing to land a horizontal slash that made a gash in Musubi's top but left her otherwise unscathed. Musubi blinked in surprise and said, "Aww, I like this top, it's the one I met Naruto in." She looked at Shi with a serious expression, as serious as Musubi can be anyway, and charged at her, launching a flurry of punches that the slow moving blade fighter barely dodged before getting nailed in the chin by a kick, getting thrown back, skidding along the ground.
Shi kicked her feet back and flipped into a proper standing position just in time to dodge a dive bomb from the other shrine maiden Sekirei, her attack doing a fair bit of damage and kicking up a large amount of dust.
Shi stood unsurely of what was happening before Musubi burst from the dust cloud and straight towards Shi. This time, Shi brought her blades up in an X shape instead of dodging, causing Musubi's fist to slam into the flat side of the blades. Shi instantly realized how bad an idea this was when the attack sent her tumbling against the roof, hard. She stood back up and decided to go on the offensive, lashing out with a barrage of seemingly uncoordinated attacks. But then Musubi ducked an attack in an awkward way, allowing Shi to get in an attack.
However, before the strike landed, a green blur came in between the two, grabbing Musubi's fist and Shi's blade. What the two saw made them blink in confusion.
It was a muscular man with black hair in a bowl cut with very prominent, thick eyebrows wearing a green jumpsuit, orange striped leg warmers, an unzipped jonin flak jacket and a red Leaf headband around his waist like a belt. The man stood up straight and gave a nice guy pose, his legs straight with one hand on his hip and his other extended in a thumbs up with a large grin that glinted and said, "Hellllooo everybody, how's life goin'? I apologize for stoppin' your all-important battle but you're putting people in danger so I need to break it up before anyone gets hurt. I'm sure you can understand."
Shi took that moment to flee and Musubi had her fists balled near her chin and said, "Woooowww, you're so cool. Who're you?"
The man smiled and said, "Well little lady, I am the Leaf's Great Green Beast, Maito Gai." He then put a hand on his forehead in a dramatic gesture and said, "Please, save your praise. Your constant…diligence…" he trailed off as he noticed Musubi was nowhere to be seen. He gave a confident pose and said, "I see her flames of youth burn far too bright for my speeches to wait." He pointed to the horizon and shouted, "Go! Go to the setting sun and let your flames of youth burn like an inferno"
Several people on the ground looked up in confusion and said, "Hey, get down before you fall!"
Four last Sekirei remained in the chase. Himeko, Mutsu and two others.
One was a woman with long black hair held up in a white ribbon with narrow brown eyes wearing a black kimono with wide openings at the shoulders that reached to the waist where there was white and grey obi with a white ribbon leading to a long that exposed her legs on the sides finished off with short white gloves.
The other was a woman with short, unkempt black hair and bored looking black eyes who wore a black bra with shoulder-length black gloves and tight black pants with a brown belt just below her navel that held her nun chucks.
The woman with the long hair turned to Mutsu and said, "Remember, we're only allied until she's captured, then we fight to see whose Ashikabi gets her."
Mutsu nodded easily and said, "I'm fine with that."
Himeko sped up to fight but was interrupted by a staff with a blade that seemed to come from the mouth of a dragon. She turned as Toyotama dropped down to grab it. Himeko tilted her head and said sleepily, "Aww, looks like I'm out of the chase."
Toyotama got into a fighting stance and said, "No. 16 Toyotama, we've met before."
Himeko nodded and said in a drowsy tone, "I know. Either way I'm No. 15 Himeko."
Toyotama charged and made a horizontal stab that Himeko jumped to the side to dodge before making a spinning attack that the spear wielder jumped over. Toyotama landed behind her opponent and flipped her spear and stabbed backwards.
Himeko used the flat side of her shuriken to block the attack and bent forward from the force. She then adjusted her shuriken to catch Toyotama's spear and attempt to take it from her hands.
Instead Toyotama turned that move against her and threw her instead.
Himeko kipped up on her feet and landed gracefully before kicking off and charging towards Toyotama in a flanking pattern, her previously lazy and sleepy demeanor completely replaced by a dead serious expression. Once she got close to Toyotama she reeled back for an attack, Toyotama lashed out in anticipation but it was little more than a feint and Himeko spun around her and attempted to stab her from behind but Toyotama ducked and sent out a kick from her crouched position that hit Himeko in the jaw and sent her sailing through the air.
Before landing however, Himeko planted her shuriken in the ground and used it to swing herself around to a standing position, bringing the blade with her in a fluid motion as it swung behind her before she tossed it forward, the giant blade spinning through the air like a saw blade with Himeko charging low just behind it and to the side.
Toyotama saw this and thought, 'Damn, if I block the shuriken she'll get me. If I try to dodge it she still has enough time to correct and come after me. Guess I'll need to risk it.' She instantly dove to the side as the shuriken sailed past, Himeko directly behind who grabbed it and redirected it at the spear wielder.
Toyotama's eyes widened in shock as the giant weapon sailed at her with a speed and distance she couldn't dodge. She had only one choice, she threw her spear.
The two weapons collided and stopped dead, but Himeko continued her charge and attempted a punch to Toyotama's stomach.
She was having none of that. Toyotama stepped on Himeko's hand, slamming it into the ground hard, snapping it at the wrist. She then spun and kicked Himeko in the jaw, sending the girl tumbling. But she didn't get far as Toyotama still had her hand trapped, resulting in her arm twisting with a sickening crack. Toyotama stood panting and said, "It's only because my Ashikabi would hate me for it that I won't deactivate you, if you surrender and leave."
Himeko glared up at the other Sekirei and growled out, "H-how? I'm a higher number than you are."
Toyotama smirked and said, "Because the love of my Ashikabi gives me strength."
Himeko snarled and said, "Let me collect my shuriken and I'll leave."
Toyotama stepped away, allowing Himeko to stand and move over to her weapon, her left arm hanging limply and the palm facing outward. She grabbed her shuriken and sent the greenette one last glare before leaving.
Toyotama sighed and picked up her blade and smiled at her reflection and mumbled, "At least now I have an Ashikabi worth living for." She too then vacated the area.
Mutsu looked back and frowned that he was now the only one against Izumi's Sekirei. He would be able to beat them but having to do that and incapacitate the redhead would be annoying. He simply sped along.
He smirked however, when his two followers were interrupted.
The one with nun chucks by Yahan and the other by Sasuke.
Sasuke smirked as he unsheathed his sword and got into a battle ready stance.
His opponent narrowed her eyes and assumed a taijutsu stance. She said in an even tone, "No. 79 Yuko."
Sasuke nodded and said, "Sasuke Uchiha."
Yuko slightly raised an eyebrow and asked, "Not a Sekirei? This should be interesting."
Sasuke smirked and said, "I would hope." He made the first move, charging with his chokuto at the ready.
Yuko merely smirked as he approached and jumped over his first swing before coming back down and sending him a roundhouse that collided with his face.
He tumbled but managed to use his sword as a pivot point to stand up, just in time to see Yuko charging at him. He attempted to stab at her but she yet again leapt over it and slammed a foot into his back that caused him to fall forward.
Yuko looked back with a disappointed expression and asked tauntingly, "Is this really all the great Uchiha heir can do?"
Sasuke got to a crouch and looked back annoyed and wondered, 'What the hell is going on? Her number is so low I shouldn't be having any trouble,' he looked at his sword in annoyance and thought, 'guess I need a bit more practice.' He stood up and sheathed his sword and got into an intercepting fist stance, activating his immature Sharingan at the same time.
Yuko snickered and said, "Wow, lucky me. I get to face the famed Sharingan. I wonder if your skills will increase at all."
Sasuke smirked and said, "Guess you'll find out."
Without another word their battle renewed, both charging in unison. Yuko sent a backhanded punch and Sasuke blocked with a palm strike before sending out a punch that Yuko twirled around.
She attempted to chop his neck but he ducked forward and continued with a back-facing kick that she managed to catch but the force alone still lifted her off her feet and caused her slide.
Sasuke took the opportunity to spin around and charge in, sending a series of swift punches. Yuko managed to dodge or block most of them but the last one landed on her collar and winded her, allowing Sasuke to sweep out her legs and continue to spin his other leg around with an axe kick that slammed her into the hard surface of the roof with enough force to buckle it, and cause her to cough up several drops of blood.
Sasuke pulled back as she corrected herself into a standing position. With a smirk on his face he asked, "Have I improved?"
Yuko frowned as she spit out the blood in her mouth and wiped off the trail on her chin and said in annoyance, "A bit." She got ready and charged in at Sasuke, weaving side to side.
Unfortunately for her, Sasuke's Sharingan, despite its immaturity, still allowed him to perfectly track her movements. The moment she got close enough to attack, Sasuke ducked under her punch and sent a sweeping kick that Yuko jumped to avoid; which was exactly what Sasuke wanted. He grabbed her leg and slammed her back down hard enough to send debris out.
She stood up with a horizontal kick that Sasuke jumped back to avoid, then began going through hand signs.
"Not a chance!" she shouted as she closed in.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!" Sasuke called out, spitting out a large fireball, much larger than normal, that rushed towards Yuko.
Yuko gasped and jumped to the side, but was confronted by Sasuke who was already there. She didn't have time to defend as he gave a hard punch to the gut, then spun in a kick that sent her crashing.
She attempted to get up as Sasuke charged, a kunai in hand. Moments before it connected, a bandage covered hand clasped Sasuke's and stopped him. He looked and saw a light-skinned young woman with long, untamed black hair, red eyes, and an outfit consisting of a red, one-sleeved, mesh armor blouse, a wide material wrapped around that with a pattern resembling rose thorns; her outfit was finished with bandages on her hands and lower arms and her upper thighs. The woman calmly said, "That's enough Sasuke, this battle is over."
Sasuke grunted in annoyance but stowed his weapon.
The woman turned to Yuko and said, "Same for you, get going."
Yuko responded with little more than a groan and left.
Sasuke looked at the woman and asked, "You're the leader of Team Eight right?"
She nodded and said, "Yes, you seem to have a good memory. My name is Kurenai Yuhi."
The two paused when they heard a shriek of pain and ran over to investigate.
Yahan equipped her dagger and her opponent her nun chucks. Yahan then said, "No. 57 Yahan."
Her opponent said uninterested, "No. 94 Masami."
Yahan made the first move by circling around Masami and running forward.
Masami reacted by spinning and attempting to clothesline Yahan with her nun chucks, failing as the dark-skinned Sekirei easily ducked the swing and came back up with her blade ready.
Masami jumped back hopped to the side and brought her nun chucks wide to hit Yahan from behind.
Yahan smirked, grabbed the weapon, tugged and pulled the shirtless Sekirei in close, a smirk on her face.
Masami pulled back and then noticed a sharp pain in her abdomen. She looked down and saw blood falling from her stomach, Yahan had stabbed her in the abdomen. Masami shrieked before falling over, her Sekirei crest blinking before fading away.
Yahan shook the blood off of her dagger and stowed it as Kurenai and Sasuke approached. Sasuke looked over to Masami's body and asked nonchalantly, "Guess you won?"
Yahan nodded and said, "Yup, now I need to wait for MBI to collect her."
"Collect her?" Sasuke asked in confusion.
Yahan nodded and said, "Yes. MBI collects all of the defeated Sekirei, they don't say why but most assume it's to readjust them and send them back out."
Sasuke narrowed his eyes and said, "That's weird, I hope Naruto doesn't know about this, it'd drive him insane."
Yahan chuckled and said, "That it would."
"While this little exchange is endearing we need to get going," Kurenai said.
Sasuke nodded and Yahan said, "I'll catch up later."
The two ninja nodded and took off.
Mutsu neared his targets and unsheathed his sword, raising it above his head.
The Storm Sekirei attempted to strike him but was knocked away by a fast spin kick as he said calmly, "Not this time."
She careened through the air before slamming into a building, spraying smoke and rubble as she landed hard.
He glanced at her then resumed his attack on Rias. He gave a horizontal swing that she back stepped to dodge.
She charged a blast of fire then hurled it at Mutsu.
Mutsu easily sliced the fireball in half, sending it crashing down. He charge again with a downwards vertical, upwards left diagonal, then right horizontal.
Rias dodged each strike with some effort, but the last one made a gash in her shirt and gave her a slight graze along the top of her chest. She glared and aimed her hand at Mutsu but he kicked it away and kicked her in the stomach, slamming her into a wall.
She looked up with a glare as he approached.
He looked down emotionlessly and said, "Surrender, or I will need to hurt you further."
Weakly she taunted, "Go to hell."
Mutsu sighed and said, "Something told me you'd say that." He reared his blade back ready to strike, he then lunged forward.
Rias could only watch as his blade seemed to move in slow motion towards her; her incapacitated by the heat in her chest that had been growing since the chase began and even now was getting hotter and hotter.
Inches away from her, Mutsu's blade was sent off course as he was struck by a fist to the face that buried itself deep. He struggled for a moment to stand before the overwhelming force sent him crashing into a building across the road.
Rias was agape and looked from Mutsu's incapacitated form to the fist, then to the black clad arm, to the mop of blonde hair; she then noticed Naruto completely, including the expression of intermingled disgust and annoyance that she somehow knew was not aimed at Mutsu but another source but arose for her. This inexplicable knowledge combined with his appearance caused a blush to form on her cheeks and for her Sekirei crest to light up like a torch.
Naruto sighed and asked, "Are you alright?"
Rias' brain turned back in and she nodded.
Naruto nodded and said, "Right, I'll deal with him; try to stay back."
She nodded in agreement as Mutsu stood back up.
As he did, a man came over and shouted, "That's my roof! How am I supposed to fix this?"
Mutsu sent a sharp glare at the man.
He gulped and said, "N-never mind." He immediately turned and ran.
Mutsu looked back at Naruto and growled before leaping back to the other roof and readying his sword. Looking at Naruto he said, "If you leave now I won't kill you."
Naruto unsealed his katana and replied, "Che, not a chance."
Mutsu frowned and said, "Fighting me in a battle of swords is foolish."
Naruto smirked and said, "I've got a really good teacher."
Mutsu responded by charging at him in a blur.
Naruto managed to block the strike by putting his blade horizontal, causing the two swords to lock together. Naruto then flowed chakra into his muscles momentarily and pushed Mutsu back.
Mutsu's eyes widened and he thought, 'How can a genin be this strong?!' He corrected himself and used more of his own strength, overpowering Naruto again, knocking him back.
Naruto rolled away as a strike came down, slamming into the ground. Naruto kipped up and rushed in, sending out a vertical downward, diagonal upward and horizontal swings that Mutsu dodged or deflected effortlessly. Naruto attempted a jab but got kicked in the stomach instead.
Mutsu then spun into another kick while Naruto was still airborne, sending him hurtling back, slamming into a building across the street and tumbling down to the ground, causing the people to scatter and begin mumbling insults.
Mutsu jumped down and stopped as he heard some of the insults.
"The demon brat!"
"What's he doing now?"
"Who knows, that brat's just getting what's coming to it."
Mutsu narrowed his eyes and felt momentary pity for the blonde as he stood up, seemingly ignoring the constant insults.
Rias also heard the murmuring surrounding the blonde, and wondered why as the two renewed their fight.
Naruto charged at Mutsu, sending a series of swings.
Mutsu held his sword with one hand and deflected all of the attacks with little effort. After Naruto pulled back Mutsu charged in sending his own strikes, this time using full force.
Each attack knocked Naruto off balance and after the last of the barrage Mutsu sent a kick that Naruto ducked under.
Naruto spun as he did so and attempted to slice at Mutsu, but the single number effortlessly jumped back and then in while Naruto was still overextended.
Mutsu took the butt of his sword and slammed it into the back of Naruto's neck and then kneed him in the gut. He then spun with the kick, using his shin to kick Naruto away, bouncing limply against the ground.
Naruto stood up and spat out blood, then charged in again without missing a beat.
Mutsu merely sighed but stopped when he saw Naruto dump his sword and attack with something else, a Rasengan. The spinning ball of chakra collided with Mutsu's blade, grinding against it with sparks flying.
Mutsu grunted as the jutsu's force collided with his blade. At that moment a shadow clone burst into existence and tried to attack Mutsu.
The Sekirei pushed against Naruto, destabilizing the jutsu and killing the clone.
Naruto slammed against the ground and growled. 'Dammit, is this really how strong the single numbers are? Heh, guess I'm lucky to have Akitsu and Tsukiumi then. I think I may be out of my league,' he thought as his fatigue started to catch up to him.
Mutsu prepared his next attack as two people approached the scene of the battle.
Naruto looked back and saw two faces he instantly recognized. Hayato Mikogami and Higa Izumi. He growled and asked, "So, you guys are working together?"
Izumi chuckled and said, "Just for now. As soon as you're out of the way we'll see who really takes that Sekirei."
Naruto spat and stood up then said, "Great, well after I'm done with him I'll deal with you two."
Mikogami laughed and said, "Please! Your jonin sensei could barely beat Mutsu with the help of his two Sekirei, you don't stand a chance. Just give up and let me have that Sekirei."
Naruto responded, "Not a chance!"
Mutsu frowned and asked, "Why are you so determined to fight? She's not your Sekirei and you'll never beat me."
Naruto picked up his sword and said with a smirk, "Simple, it's her choice."
"Hah?" Mikogami said in confusion.
Right as he said that a crash was heard, and they watched as Mitsuha fell to the ground nearby, followed by Mitsuki slamming into a sign, falling onto the ground on top of Mitsuha. They were soon followed by Akitsu and Tsukiumi who jumped down to see the others, specifically Naruto covered in injuries.
"Naruto/Husband!" they shouted in unison and ran to his side.
Naruto nodded and said, "I'm alright, just a few small injuries."
Tsukiumi stood and growled, then shouted, "Tell me, who hath done this?!" Hearing a cough she turned to look at Mutsu. She pointed at him angrily and said, "Thee…thee…who art thou?"
There was a unanimous face-fault in response.
Mutsu coughed again and said, "No. 05 Mutsu."
Tsukiumi prepared an attack but stopped when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned and looked at Naruto, who shook his head. "Why?! Why wouldst thou not permit me to fight?"
"Because, this is my fight, not yours. Yours is…with…" he trailed off as he looked at her and Akitsu's opponents.
They took notice of him at the same time. Looking at him in confusion then shock they shouted, "You! You're that guy from before!"
Tsukiumi twitched an eyebrow and asked lowly, "Pray tell, how dost thee know these hussies?"
Naruto paled and began stuttering, feeling her anger through the bond clear as day.
"Hussies!?" the twins shouted in unison. Mitsuha spoke next, "That Ashikabi of yours transformed into a naked version of us!"
Naruto paled further as a tic mark appeared on Tsukiumi's forehead. He turned to her and said, "W-wait, I can explain!"
Tsukiumi growled but then calmed as she realized an emotion she hadn't expected, actual fear. She tilted her head in confusion and then went pale and thought, 'Oh no! I hath let my anger bring about fear in my husband! How couldst I do such a thing!?'
Naruto gulped and then noticed Mutsu approaching. He raised his sword behind Tsukiumi and nearly struck, but was stopped by a chakra blade, being held by Kakashi.
"Kakashi!" Naruto shouted.
Kakashi eye smiled and said, "Yo, nice to see you." Naruto nodded as Kakashi kicked Mutsu away.
"Explain what you meant!" Mikogami shouted.
Naruto turned to him and said, "Explain what?"
"What you meant about choice," he said annoyed, and obviously curious.
Naruto's smirk returned and he said, "It's Rias' choice who her Ashikabi is. It might be me, or it may in fact be one of the two of you, but it's her choice to make. Nobody has the right to force her to be winged by someone that isn't her Ashikabi, only she can decide that. And I'm fighting you guys because you don't care about her feelings, all you want is to increase your power base and collect more Sekirei, like they're just toys or tools! As long as I can still stand I'll do my best to make that harder for you!"
Rias could barely stand as she heard Naruto's words, her body felt like it would burst into flames at any moment and the mark on her back felt like an inferno trying to melt away her body.
Mutsu began to walk forward but noticed an odd sensation. It subsided immediately so he ignored it and continued walking.
"Mutsu, stop," Mikogami said in a low tone.
Mutsu turned back to his Ashikabi to see his lowered head and merely nodded and sheathed his sword and left with Mikogami.
Izumi scoffed and said, "Pathetic, you really think your little speech is going to affect me? What you say is correct, my Sekirei are practically worthless, their only worth is as enforcers of my orders."
Everyone present glared at him.
He then laughed and said, "What's with those looks? To me, everyone is a pawn, either a stepping stone to help me get what I want or an obstacle to be removed. I will even use Minaka's grand plan as a means to get what I want, and the Sekirei are simply the necessary tools to do it."
Naruto began to tremble and then shouted, "You sick bastard! You really think that everyone else in the world is just your worthless tool!? You make me sick!" Naruto didn't notice but his pupils had become slitted and his irises were flashing between red and blue.
Izumi simply huffed and said, "I have no reason to take such insults from the likes of you."
"There is also nothing you can do about it, attacking a Leaf shinobi is against the law," he paused and glanced at the crowd and then said, "regardless of popular opinion."
Izumi sighed and said, "Very well."
At that moment Toyotama jumped down from the roof, took a passing glance at Izumi and ran to Naruto's side.
Izumi looked at this and his eyes began to fill with rage before he turned and stomped off.
Kakashi sighed and said, "Why don't we get going? I think we're beginning to draw a crowd."
Naruto nodded and attempted to stand, only to stumble. Gritting his teeth he forced himself up, despite his Sekireis' objections. Kakashi watched him leave, stumbling as he walked away and sighed, then thought, 'I can't believe he managed to last that long against one of the first generation Discipline Squad.' He then mindlessly watched as Rias ran to catch up to them. He then shrugged and vanished in a puff of smoke.
As they were walking away, Naruto's group stopped when they heard someone call out to them.
Naruto turned and saw Rias approaching. He asked, "What's-" he didn't have time to respond as she pounced on him, something he realized had been happening quite frequently. He noticed that her lips had a distinct sweetness to them, having a unique spice to them with the overall sweet flavor that made him very content. He then watched as multiple large wings of black fire shot from Rias' back.
Of course his present Sekirei shared a reaction, surprise that he had just winged a new bird, with Tsukiumi wondering aloud with a furiously twitching eyebrow, "Just how many doth thou plan to take?"
Naruto then regained his senses as Rias pulled back and sighed, then shouted, "HOW MANY MORE!?" his Sekirei sighing as a result of sharing the same sentiment.
He then took notice of a figure nearby. He realized it was the unknown Sekirei from before and ran over, ignoring his injuries as Kurama was healing them.
"Hey!" he shouted.
She turned and stiffened as he approached then loosened when he neared and asked, "Yes, what do you need?"
Naruto nodded and said, "I just wanted to thank you."
"For?" she asked.
"For helping Rias, she wasn't necessarily my Sekirei at the time but you still helped a friend so I wanted to thank you," he said happily, flinching as Kurama sewed together a rib.
The Storm Sekirei nodded uncomfortably as she began to sweat and said, "I see. I saw what you did and heard what you said before, is all of that really true? Would you have really let Rias go if she truly was reacting to one of them?"
Naruto raised an eyebrow and shrugged saying, "Of course. I may not have liked it but it's her decision, it's not my place to stop her. She has the right to make that decision, no one else."
The Sekirei nodded and said with a smile, "I see that, you're very kind indeed. Now I must be going." Without another word she shifted the air below her feet and took off.
Naruto attempted to shout out, "Hey, who are you?!"
She turned back unsure and then called with a smile, "You already know."
Naruto tilted his head and then mumbled, "I hate riddles."
The group reunited with the rest of his present flock, staring with curiosity and accusation as he attempted to explain its newest member, as well as Sasuke, Yahan, Homura and Sakura.
After seeming to placate his Sekirei, Naruto and the rest returned home to the inn, with Miya naturally waiting at the front door, pretending to sweep. She immediately took notice of everyone's disheveled state, especially Naruto's considering his torn shirt, as well as Musubi's.
As they entered the inn Miya asked, "What happened to you Naruto?"
Naruto rubbed the back of his head and said with a chuckle, "Heheh, well…I kinda got into a battle."
Gracefully tilting her head slightly she asked, "With who?"
Naruto shrugged and said, "One of Mikogami's Sekirei named Mutsu."
Naruto barely noticed how Miya's eyes went wide and worried momentarily before returning to their normal state, right before she tapped him on the head with her broom hand and said, "That was very risky, Mutsu is one of the most powerful Sekirei in the game, what if you had gotten seriously hurt?"
Naruto sighed and said, "Sorry Miya. Anyway, why do you care so much? If something had happened you'd have one less tenant to worry about."
Miya sent him a stern look he hadn't seen before and said, "I'd like it if you'd not even joke about that anymore. Each of my tenants are like important to me, I don't wish to see any of them hurt, least of all you…since you have so many to Sekirei that is."
Naruto blinked in surprise at her earnest tone and adopted a frown and said, "I'm sorry Miya, I won't even joke about that I swear. Also," he paused and smiled, "thanks for worrying, even if it was more about my Sekirei than me."
Miya gave a smile that scrunched her eyes, a smile that caused the blonde to redden, and said, "Of course, my tenants are my family, so I care about them."
Naruto simply smiled and nodded.
Inside Mikogami's home he sat in a large seat with Mitsuha and Mitsuki nearby and asked, "How did you meet that ninja?"
Mitsuha shrugged and said, "It just kind of happened while he was playing with a bunch of kids. Why?"
Mikogami didn't respond for a moment as he looked at his plate of food and then said, "It's nothing, just rampant curiosity."
The twins looked at each other and shrugged in confusion before refocusing on Mikogami.
Izumi sat in his office, seething. He had just discovered that Naruto had in effect taken two of his Sekirei, he killed one and winged the other. He was quickly realizing Naruto was becoming a problem and that he may need to take extreme measures to deal with him. He walked out of his office and to his receptionist and said, "I want you to contact a friend of mine."
The woman turned and asked, "And who might that be sir?"
"Natsuo Ichinomi."
Atop his tower, Minaka looked at his many screens cackling. He had just witnessed the entire procession surrounding Rias and had enjoyed all of it, aside from Hiruzen's interference. He said to himself, "That little hiccup was worth the incredible amusement all of that gave me…even if it did cost me one of my monitors. Oh Naruto, I wonder, what other surprises will you have in store? And what will you do when the game progresses to its next stages?" As he spoke he held a small crystal in his hand. He then watched as many new Ashikabi were bonded to Sekirei. He couldn't suppress his cackle at the quick succession of wingings and said excitedly, "Isn't it glorious!? So many birds finding their wings at once! I wonder how these new emergences will affect the game and its current balance! Will they join one of the many premade sides, or will they simply form their own groups and oppose all of the main powers in an attempt to reach the top!? I can't wait to see how it all unfolds!"
Behind him Pein said, "I hope you won't cause anymore interference."
Minaka turned to look at Pein, whose appearance had changed drastically. His hair was no longer short and spiky, it was now long and straight with a different arrangement of facial piercings. He frowned and said in a pout, "You know, you don't need to watch over me at all times."
Pein responded, "But we do. Last time we left you to your own devices you cost us two sacrifices that had yet to reach their full potential and severely delayed the emergence of another. We refuse to let your whims interfere with out plans."
Minaka frowned childishly and said, "You're. No. Fun."
Pein didn't respond.
Today was going great for one Choji Akimichi. During his whole training period with Asuma sensei, Shikamaru spent the whole time playing some complex board game Choji had no interest in. Thanks to that he got to spend the entire time chowing down on potato chips, an act he enjoyed greatly. Once training ended Team Ten was told to head home, meaning that Choji would get to eat his mother's grilled cooking. At least that was his intention. His jovial walk stopped when he heard a scream. He looked towards the scream and then his home and back with confusion, but his decision was made he heard a female voice shout, "STOP!"
Choji grumbled and said, "Ahhh, I can't ignore that!" He immediately ran off to the direction of the voice.
Choji ran towards a park and saw a girl with short, light brown hair and grey eyes with a blue ribbon in her hair wearing a thigh length, tight white gown with black stockings and long black gloves being chased by a young man with short, wild brown hair and narrow black eyes wearing jeans and a green hoodie.
The girl tripped as the man neared and he said, "'Bout time you stopped running."
The girl slinked away and asked, "Why? Why are you doing this?"
He grinned and said, "I know about the plan and I'd much rather have cute girl like you." He proceeded to grab her arm and pull her in close attempting to kiss her, but she pushed her hands into his face to force him off but was having little success due to her weakened state.
Choji glared and charged in shouting, "Leave her alone!"
The hoodied man diverted his attention long enough to watch an oversized fist smash into his face, sending him tumbling.
The girl looked in surprise at the man as he attempted to stand and then looked at Choji, his face blatantly angry.
The man wiped his chin and asked, "Tch, what the hell do you want? You trying to wing her instead?"
Choji simply snarled and said, "I don't know what you're talking about but I know it's wrong to attack a girl."
The man froze in confusion and then laughed hysterically. "A girl? Sorry but she's not just some ordinary girl! And having her will give me a lot of power so I won't let some punk genin take her."
Choji glared and said, "I may just be a genin but I know right from wrong, which you don't seem to."
The man spat and said, "Look fatso, bug off and go play ninja somewhere else."
Choji's eyes dilated as he focused on what the other person said and shouted, "I'M NOT FAT!" He charged forward, making hand signs and shouted, "Partial Expansion Jutsu." He reared back his fist as it doubled in size.
Watching this coming the man said flatly, "Oh I am so fucked."
Choji's oversized fist slammed into the man, sending him hurtling back into the nearby fountain.
Choji panted and his fist shrunk and he said calmly, "That's what happens when you call me…that."
The girl walked over and tapped his shoulder.
He turned and saw her blushing face and couldn't suppress his own. He looked around uncomfortably and asked, "Uhm, are you alright?"
She nodded and said, "Yes, I just wanted to thank you for that."
Choji laughed and said, "Ehehehehhhh, sure. Do you…need anything else?"
A low gurgle signaled her answer as she mumbled, "I could use some food."
Choji gave a thumbs up and said, "I know a great place to get grilled meat!"
Her eyes lit up, but then dimmed as she said, "But I don't have any money."
Choji nodded and said, "It's alright, my parents own the grill, and they don't like to see anyone hungry."
She tilted her head and asked, "Are you sure? It doesn't feel right to just take without giving."
Choji laughed and said, "Don't worry about it…uh…"
The girl blushed heavily and said, "Ohhh, I'm sorry. I am No. 84 Yashima."
Choji asked, "What's with the number?"
Yashima frowned and said, "Well…I can't really tell you because it's a secret."
Choji nodded and said, "Alright then, so how about food?"
Yashima nodded and said, "Lead the way."
Choji and Yashima quickly arrived at the Akimichi Bar and Grill and Yashima simply sniffed the air and said, "It smells so good."
Choji nodded and said, "It is! My mom is the best cook in the world."
At that moment his mother walked into the doorway and said, "Welcome…home…Cho…ji…," her expression blanked as she took a good look at Yashima and she said weakly, "Wait here."
Choji watched in confusion as Yashima just tilted her head.
Choji's mother was then heard screaming, "CHOZA! OUR SON BROUGHT A GIRL HOME, A PRETTY ONE!"
Choji moaned and Yashima blushed heavily.
Both Choza and Choji's mother exited the house and looked at Yashima. Choza then placed his hands on his son's shoulders and asked, "How did this happen?"
Confused as to what to say, Choji said weakly, "I saw her being assaulted and saved her."
Choza grinned and asked, "And she wanted to pay you back?"
Choji tilted his head and said, "No, she's hungry, I'm hungry and we want to eat."
A dark cloud seem to fall over his parents as his father said weakly, "I…I see. Well then, consider this meal on the house!"
Both Yashima's and Choji's eyes lit up and they asked with unanimous excitement, "You mean it?!"
Choza and Choji's mother gained devious glints in their eyes and Choza said, "Of course! We never turn away the starving!"
Almost as soon as he finished the two were gone and already ordering. Choji's parents watched contently as the two ate happily.
It took quite some time for Choji and Yashima to finish but when they did the two were perfectly satisfied. Choji then accidently, and unfortunately, let out a loud belch. He closed his eyes expecting ridicule but instead heard laughter. He squinted an eye open and was shell-shocked that, instead of ridiculing his rude behavior, Yashima seemed amused by it and asked, "Aren't…aren't you repulsed by that?"
Wiping away a tear she shook her head and said, "No, not at all. I'm just trying to figure out where it all goes."
Choji laughed embarrassed and said, "Well…that's good."
She nodded and said, "Hey Choji, I wanted to thank you."
Tilting his head, the plump teen asked, "What for?"
"For saving me from that jerk, and for feeding me like that," she said happily.
Choji blushed and said, "D-don't mention it. Besides, my dad always taught me that if I see someone in trouble I should try to help. I usually get scared and run away before I can actually do any good though."
Yashima giggled and said, "Well that obviously didn't happen this time."
Choji grinned and said with renewing confidence, "Yeah…yeah! I guess it didn't."
Yashima nodded and stood up saying, "Thanks for the food, and I'm sorry to run off like this but I need to find my Ashikabi."
"Ashi-whatty?" Choji muttered.
Without answering the brunette left the restaurant.
Choji simply beamed afterwards, his thoughts the remainder of the day running somewhere along the lines of, 'I had lunch with a girl, and not just any girl, a really cute one!' This renewed energy allowed him to work quite well in the grill.
However, shortly after dark, Choji was overcome with a sense of foreboding. He couldn't place it but he felt like there was a hole in the pit of his stomach. He thought it was just hunger but quickly decided otherwise and simply took off out of the grill shouting, "Sorry mom! Sorry dad, something just came up!"
Choji's parents stood at the front with his mother cleaning a glass and wondering aloud, "What's gotten into him?"
Choza shrugged and said, "He's a boy, let him roam. He'll be back when he's hungry."
Choji's mother laughed and said, "I suppose you're right."
Choji ran through the streets, the pit in his stomach growing until he happened upon one of the Leaf's more forested park and his heart sank.
In the middle of the park, Yashima lay in a heap with a large hammer nearby and her clothes dirtied and torn. Next to her two figures, one of which held a sword in his hands, stood as the shorter of the two approached Yashima.
Choji felt an immediate rush of bravado and rage and he charged, going through several hand signs and shouting, "Expansion Jutsu!"
The two figures stopped and watched Choji transform into a giant ball before he began rolling at high speeds shouting, "Human Boulder!"
The taller figure grabbed the shorter and jumped off into the distance, leaving Choji to smash into a large tree nearby. He recovered quickly, however, and immediately ran to Yashima's side and lifted up her torso and said, "Yashima! Yashima, are you alright!?"
She slowly opened her eyes and looked around, her eyes eventually landing on the worried, and slightly bruised, face of Choji. His intense expression combined with her existing reaction caused her to simply act. She draped a hand over his shoulder and pulled him into a kiss, leaving the boy confused and many large blue wings sprouted from her back, lighting up the park.
Choji simply blinked in confusion and made a simply, "Huh?"
Smiling, Yashima said, "You're my Ashikabi, and I'm your Sekirei."
Choji blinked and asked, "Huh?"
Shikamaru Nara had just finished his daily training with Asuma sensei. It was, as per usual, a drag. He spent the whole time playing shogi while Choji ate and Ino seemed to simply disappear, not that he cared. And his day didn't seem to be improving. After this he needed to go home to his parents, where his mother would likely have chores for him to accomplish, those too were a drag. With a heavy sigh the teen said, "All I want to do is watch the clouds."
Unfortunately for the lazy teen, it seemed his day would not improve as when he walked by a side alleyway, a dagger came flying out, nearly impaling his head. But rather than freak out or something like that he simply murmured, "What a drag."
Looking down the alleyway Shikamaru saw a young woman with short black hair and dark grey eyes wearing a sleeveless, purple belly shirt with a turtle neck that accentuated her prominent bust, dagger holsters on her upper arms with the number 72 tattooed on her right shoulder in red along with bicep length, fingerless blue gloves and purple shorts with a blue skirt over them standing with an expression somewhere between frightened and exhausted. Narrowing his eyes he thought, 'Based on that accuracy she's skilled with kunai, and she wears an outfit made for swift movement. Not sure what the number is for but her dirty appearance combined with her expression means she's probably running. I'm not sure what from and I'm not sure I want to know. But life being the drag that it is I'm bound to find out anyway.' He sighed and asked, "Mind telling me why you threw this kunai at me?"
Her expression loosened and then became apologetic and she bowed deeply before collecting her kunai and saying, "I'm sorry, I'm just running from some people and reacted when I saw someone coming down the path."
Shikamaru looked at her blankly then said, "Just try to size up your target next time before hurling those things." He stopped when he felt a hand on his sleeve and sighed as he thought, 'This is such a drag.' He turned and asked, "What do you need?"
She looked at his upper arm and asked, "You're a ninja right?"
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow and said, "Just a genin but yes. Why do you want to know?"
Shifting in her spot she said, "Well…if you're a ninja you could help me. Look, I really don't want to fight these people but they won't stop chasing me. But if they see I'm in the custody of a shinobi they'll back off."
Shikamaru sighed and asked, "Why would I take you in to custody?"
"For…assaulting a Leaf shinobi, even if it was accidental?" she posited.
Shikamaru scratched his cheek and said, "If I were a chunin or higher I could but genin can't make arrests. So unfortunately I can't help you."
She frowned and said, "But they won't know you're not a chunin. Look, this is all I need then I can go looking for my Ashikabi and stay out of your hair for good."
The pineapple haired teen sighed heavily and said, "What a drag, fine I'll help you but just this once."
She smiled and said, "Thanks. I'm No. 72 Natsu."
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow and wondered, 'She identified herself with a number. And it was the same number she has tattooed on her shoulder. I'm really getting a feeling that this will permanently disrupt my cloud watching.' He sighed and said, "Well in that case I'll take you to the Hokage."
Natsu nodded and followed behind as he led her to the Hokage tower.
As they walked along, they heard a commotion behind them. They turned and saw two people running towards them, Hibiki and Hikari.
Natsu tensed and said, "They're the ones that were chasing me!"
Shikamaru looked from Natsu to the twins and sighed. He then grabbed Natsu's hand and said, "Come on." He took her and ran down an alley.
Hikari snarled and said, "Ya know I'm really getting tired of these Sekirei running off with humans like that."
Hibiki nodded and said, "That alley has only one exit, I'll chase after them you cut them off."
Hikari nodded and leapt up above the trees to reach the end of the alleyway before Shikamaru and Natsu with Hibiki chasing after them.
Shikamaru took Natsu down the alleyway, looking around and thought with a smirk, 'Perfect, those trees provide just enough shade.' Hikari then landed in front of them at the end of the alley with Hibiki running up behind them.
Hikari glared and said, "Alright kiddo hand over the girl and you can run on home."
Shikamaru grit his teeth and said, "Well, I'm a little too involved to just run, don't you think?"
Hikari snickered and said, "Fine, then we'll just fry you." She raised her hand as purple electricity started sparking.
Shikamaru glanced behind him to see the same thing with Hibiki. He narrowed his eyes and squeezed Natsu's hand.
The twins raised their hands and simultaneously shot lightning bolts at the duo.
Immediately Shikamaru and Natsu dove to the side, allowing the lightning to pass over them. Natsu then stood and, with a growl, pushed Shikamaru away and said, "Move, you're in the way!"
Shikamaru groaned as he slammed into the wall and fell unconscious.
Hibiki smirked and said, "Smart, getting that liability out of the way. Too bad it won't help."
Natsu raised a knife in her hand and said, "We'll see."
Hikari smirked and fired a lightning bolt.
Natsu leapt to the side, landing on one of the walls and tossed two of her knives.
Hikari jumped up above to daggers and threw an electrified punch at Natsu.
Natsu responded by leaping over to Hibiki's location, resulting in the pink clad twin punching at her as Hikari approached. Natsu spun under her punch which caused the twins to bump into each other.
They turned to chase Natsu but found they couldn't move, anything.
"Hey! What the hell, I can't move!" Hikari shouted in annoyance. She managed to force her head behind her and saw Shikamaru kneeling behind them his hand in the ne sign. Hikari leered and said, "What the hell, I thought you were knocked out!"
Shikamaru smirked and said, "I ran down this alleyway because of the intermittent shade provided by the trees. I also knew you two would chase us by having one of you chase us and the other would cut us off, since that would be the most efficient strategy to catch us. I could also tell that the purple one of you two is really impulsive. So, I had Natsu push me into the wall and pretend to go unconscious so you two would ignore me and attached my Shadow Possession to you, but let you move free until you came into contact with your sister and bound you both."
This time Hibiki shouted, "You little brat! How the hell'd you come up with all that!?"
Shikamaru smirked and said, "It's a drag but it was less guilt-filled than letting you capture her and do whatever it is you were planning on doing."
Everyone froze as slow clapping was heard, Natsu turned and everyone else looked forward to see Kakashi walking toward them. Shikamaru raised an eyebrow and the Lightning Twins paled. Natsu just watched in confusion as Kakashi walked by.
He sighed and put his hands in his pockets and said, "I thought I told you two about this."
Trembling, Hikari said, "S-sorry, Kakashi."
Kakashi said, "I'll deal with punishment later. But as for you, Shikamaru…"
Shikamaru began to sweat, expecting a reprimand.
"…good work."
Shikamaru's jutsu shattered and the twins fell over and he said, "W-wha?"
Kakashi eye-smiled and said, "Though this wasn't a mission or anything that could be put on the record your ability to think ahead and plan are superb for a genin. I'll make sure Asuma knows about this so he can help with those skills."
Shikamaru sweat-dropped and thought, 'Great, more work. What a drag.'
Kakashi looked at the twins and said, "Now, why don't you two come with me?"
They followed him with their heads slumped and their shoulders dropped.
Shikamaru sighed and stood up saying, "Well, that was annoying."
"Thank you!" Natsu said, wrapping him in a hug.
Shikamaru blushed due to unintentional contact she was giving and said, "H-hey, let go!"
Natsu backed off and said, "Thank you for helping me. Why did you do it? Weren't you scared, being only a genin and all?"
Shikamaru sighed and said, "My dad's always telling me to help a girl in trouble, so I helped because the guilt of not helping is too much of a drag. As for scared, being scared takes too much energy."
Natsu tilted her head and mumbled, "You weren't scared because it's too tiring?" Her lips twitched before she grabbed her sides and started laughing out loud.
Shikamaru sweat-dropped and asked, "What's so funny?"
Suppressing her laughter she responded, "I've never met someone who's too lazy to get scared."
Shikamaru grumbled and said, "Well, think you're okay now?"
She nodded and said, "Yes, thanks again. If you hadn't shown up I'm sure they would have captured me. It wouldn't have ended well."
Shikamaru shrugged and asked, "Mind telling me why exactly they were chasing you?"
Natsu frowned and said, "Unfortunately I can't, it's a secret."
He shrugged and said, "Fine by me. It'd probably be a drag to get involved anyway."
Natsu chuckled and said quietly, "You're an interesting one." Natsu frowned and then ran ahead of Shikamaru and said, "Shikamaru, I'm sorry."
"Sorry for-" his question remained unfinished as Natsu wrapped him in a kiss.
As the kiss continued a plume of large blue wings extended from her back, bathing the entire area in a bright light.
Natsu pulled away from Shikamaru, leaving the teen dumbstruck as he sighed and said, "What a drag."
Natsu could do little more than giggle happily.
Inside the Hyuga compound, Hinata was training with her father in the Gentle Fist style. Although to an outsider this training would look more like a beating as Hinata was ruthlessly and effortlessly pushed back by her father, getting knocked back and slammed into the floor.
To the side, a member of the branch family with long brown hair reaching his waist and was tied a few inches above the end in a ponytail; he had lavender, near pupiless eyes, he wore a white shirt with loose sleeves that closed on the right shoulder with a fastener that ran down the right side and matching pants with a dark apron. This was Neji Hyuga. He watched as the supposed heiress to the Hyuga clan trained with her father and was doing little more than getting beaten around like a punching bag. To know that that was the clan's future made him fume. Sighing he stood up and thought, 'There's nothing I can do. Fate favors the main family rather than the branch families.' As he walked off another Hyuga saw him leave and said, "Neji! Neji, where are you going!?"
Of course Neji was far gone by the time he shouted his question.
Deciding to take out his frustration with his poisoned fate on a training dummy, Neji activated his clan's visual jutsu. He made a half sign and said, "Byakugan!" The veins in his face popped and his eyes shifted as his jutsu activated. Honing in on the training dummy he began striking it multiple times, simply going through the motions as his thoughts drifted. First they drifted to Hinata, the weak and pathetic heir to the Hyuga clan, at least as he saw her. He couldn't understand how just because she was born into the main family that someone so obviously inferior to himself was chosen as heir, while he would need to watch from sidelines as she caused the Hyuga's downfall. Then they shifted to the source of that particular thorn, Hinata's father Hiashi. Hiashi was the current head of the Hyuga clan, as well as the reason that Hinata was the heir, since she was his firstborn child. This knowledge increased his fury, he continued striking the dummy with greater speed and force. His anger continued to rise as he drifted to one other thought, the entire reason he was not the heir. This reason was that Hiashi's brother, Neji's father, was born second, making him and Neji a branch member. Meaning it was yet again fate's intervention that made him a second class citizen in the Hyuga clan. One last thought filled his mind, how Hiashi had betrayed Neji's father, resulting in his death, and making Neji realize that fate had a firm grip on people's lives with little they could do. All of these thoughts swirled and boiled until finally he launched a high powered Gentle Fist strike that splintered the training dummy into many pieces.
Neji panted heavily as he recovered from his exertion but tensed when his Byakugan made him aware of another presence. He calmed himself and straightened his back and said calmly, "You can come out, I know you're there."
He turned to see a girl walk out from behind one of the nearby trees. She had long brown hair the was wild around her shoulders but tied with a white ribbon into two ponytails at the neck that extended to her waist with grey eyes wearing a red top with a white collar that holds it up leaving her back bare with a white cloth wrapped around her waist and red gloves and stockings with white trim. The last thing he noticed was a large white and red battleax across her back.
Neji simply narrowed his eyes and asked, "Why were you spying on me?"
She frowned and said, "Well, I was watching you train and could tell you were sad, so I thought maybe I could help."
Neji scoffed as he walked away and said, "Why would a commoner worry about a Hyuga not from the main branch? Besides, what you say won't change the plans fate has for me."
The girl frowned and said as he walked by, "Well…maybe if we just talked it would cheer you up. I'm No. 73 Namiji."
Neji merely ignored her and continued walking, Namiji followed.
Neji walked several feet and noticed Namiji's steps. Successfully ignoring it he turned a corner, Namiji still followed, resulting in an eyebrow twitch from the Hyuga.
This dance continued for several minutes, Namiji silently following Neji through every twist and turn, causing Neji to become more annoyed until he turned and asked, "Why are you following me?"
Not flinching at all she responded, "Because, I can tell you're sad and angry. And I think I can help, after all a Sekirei's role is to aid their Ashikabi, and I want to help you to not feel so sad."
Neji's eyes widened in surprise and he then shouted, "Why do you care!? I'm nothing more than a lowly branch member! The general populace only cares about the main branch, so why don't you go and bother them and leave me alone!? I need no help from anyone!"
Namiji simply stood quietly as his shouting quieted down and he turned to panting.
His panting soon began to become strained before he balled his fists, and tears began to fall down his cheeks.
Namiji slowly walked over to him and said, "Nobody can last on their own." She then placed her hands on his cheeks and kissed him on the lips, surprising the teen; he was even further surprised when large wings of light sprouted from her back in a brilliant display.
He simply looked at her dumbstruck and asked, "Why?"
She smiled and said, "Simple, you're my Ashikabi and I'm your Sekirei."
Neji for a brief moment felt a small pang of joy in his heart. However his emotions fell as his logical mind analyzed the situation and he said plainly, "Then it was fate's decision for this to happen, as it always is."
Neji then walked away with Namiji following close behind. As they walked Namiji thought, 'I will help you feel that happiness again, but this time it will be permanent.'
"Primary Lotus!" Rock Lee shouted as he drove a large log into the ground with enough force to shatter it into pieces.
Lee, a teenage boy with thick eyebrows, and round, black eyes with prominent lower lashes, sporting black hair in a bowel cut, wearing a green jumpsuit with orange leg warmers, bandages around his wrists stood from his attack and rewound the bandages on his wrists.
Gai walked over and gave him a thumbs up and said, "Great work Lee. You've learned that move well. However, there is something about that move you should know."
Lee nodded and said, "Yes, Gai sensei."
"That move causes massive damage to your opponent as well as great strain on your own body, so it is only to be used when a friend or someone important to you is in trouble, understand? You are to use it at no other time," Gai said, his usual energy replaced with a dead serious tone.
Lee nodded again and, with a salute, said, "I understand Gai sensei. I will only use the Primary Lotus to protect my friends."
Gai gave a nice guy pose and said, "I'm glad you take this so seriously Lee, you make me proud to be your teacher."
With his hands clasped together and anime tears streaming from his face, Lee said, "Oh Gai sensei."
"Lee,"Gai said with his own anime tears.
"Gai sensei."
"Lee."
"Gai sensei!"
"Lee! Let your flames of youth burn like the sun and guide you down the righteous path!"
At that moment the two green clad men put their hands on each other's shoulders in a heartwarming, and sickening, manner as a rocky shore materialized around them with a setting sun in the distance illuminating the ocean as waves crashed in front of them. This was the duo's infamous Sunset Genjutsu that is notorious for its lethality, inability to dispel and how even the mightiest of the tailed beasts has been subdued by its immense power.
After finishing their…ritual the two parted ways with Lee returning to his residence.
Along the way he became aware of a commotion and, his desire to protect taking over, he went to investigate.
Upon arrival he saw three people locked in battle, a two on one battle; an unfair fight that Lee was greatly opposed to.
All three combatants were Sekirei, though Lee was not aware of this. The first was a man in a long black cloak with shoulder length wild hair wielding a massive sword, the other was a spindly woman with black hair and a skimpy black dress wielding two daggers that could launch their blades attached to ninja wire.
The other combatant was a teen girl with short, wild light red hair and brown eyes wearing a tight fitting yellow jumpsuit with black sleeves and thigh length boots, she also had a red Sekirei crest printed on the left hip.
Lee saw the Sekirei with the sword approaching from behind and ran in shouting, "Leaf Whirlwind!" His entrance was delivering an aerial roundhouse kick that sent the man tumbling along the ground, leaving the knife wielder and redhead confused.
The man stood and wiped the blood from his chin and said, "You're going to regret that."
Lee got into an Iron Fist stance and said, "I doubt it."
The man smirked and said, "Let's see how confident you are when I chop you in half!" He rushed forward and made a horizontal slice that Lee jumped over to dodge. Lee came back down with an axe kick.
The large man brought up the broad side of his sword and blocked the kick then tossed Lee to the side, the boy flipping himself midair and skidding along the ground to recover. The man charged with a vertical slice and shouted, "Let's see you dodge this!"
Lee managed to spin out of the way as the sword crashed to the ground and delivered a series of powerful blows to the man's torso and head, knocking him backwards several feet.
The man stood with his head cocked back as he pulled it forward and asked with an insane grin, "That all?"
Lee grit his teeth and thought, 'I am sorry Gai sensei, but the only way I can see to defeat this enemy is to use that technique.' He rushed towards the larger man and dove into sliding kick that knocked the man into the air. As if teleporting Lee appeared behind him as the bandages on his arms wrapped the man like a mummy. The Lee crossed his arms over the man's torso and locked them together, aiming both himself and the swordless sword wielder at the ground as they began to spin and spin until they were an indistinct blur. Moments from the ground Lee shouted, "Primary Lotus!" and instantly released the man both from his grip and the bandages, sending him smashing into the ground kicking up dust and debris.
The other Sekirei saw this and shouted, "Satoshi!" She ran over to Lee, whose body was drained from the attack and delivered a spin kick, followed by a backhand ending in a foot smash that sent him tumbling right to the feet of the yellow clad Sekirei.
She knelt down and asked, "Why?"
Lee smirked and said, "It is my duty to help those in need."
The Sekirei's face began to heat up as did her neck. She smiled at Lee and said, "I am No. 86 Katsuragi."
Lee tried to ask what that meant but before he could Katsuragi claimed his lips, resulting in several wings of green light to emerge from her back.
"Shit, she's emerged," the knife wielding Sekirei complained in a curse. She smirked and raised a knife saying, "Well then, I'll just cut them both down."
Katsuragi stood up, her usual expressionless face changed to one of determination as her body emitted a faint light, followed by her kicking off from her position at high speeds and saying, "By the fist of my contract, my Ashikabi's foes will fall like flies. Iron Fist!" Her right fist reared back and was encased in chakra, she then shot it forward at the knife wielder who could only mutter, "Uh-oh," before Katsuragi's fist sent her crashing into a wall with her clothes tattered and her crest dissolving.
Katsuragi's face returned to normal as she went over to Lee's side.
He then asked, "What was that?"
Katsuragi sported a small smile as she said, "My norito, the proof that I am yours."
Lee stared in confusion for several seconds then asked lamely, "So…does that mean we're girlfriend and boyfriend?"
Donning a light blush she nodded in the affirmative.
Lee then began to cry anime tears as he pumped a fist and shouted, "I DID IT GAI SENSEI! I HAVE A GIRLFRIEND!"
Katsuragi simply giggled and thought, 'It seems I've received a very interesting Ashikabi.'
Lee continued to cheer as Katsuragi simply watched.
