Chapter XXI: In the Middle of the Night
Naruto flipped backwards and slid to a stop. He glanced up at his opponent as he tried to steady his breathing. Minato was walking towards him, that same intense glare set in his red eyes. Naruto was genuinely surprised by the older boy. He'd managed to either dodge, block, or counter every attack he threw at him. He'd severely underestimated his opponent and he was now paying dearly for it.
"I'm through playing games Naruto. This is the end," Minato said as he drew his katana from its sheath. Naruto scoffed at his words and rose to his full height. Minato lunged at the blonde who side stepped the sharpened metal. Minato continued to lash out and Naruto found himself pressed to dodge his fluent strikes. Minato went for another lunge when an alarm went off in Naruto's head. He jumped up suddenly and slammed both of his feet into the older boy's chest, pushing them both backwards and out the path of a rouge shockwave. Naruto glanced over to see Miya and Karasuba engaging in a deadly dance across the rooftop. They'd been too focused on one another to even notice they'd almost killed both Ashikabi.
Naruto heard shuffling and looked to see Minato rising to his feet. Naruto quickly jumped up and his hands began to glow with chakra as he withdrew his firearms from their holsters. Minato heard a faint click and found himself staring down the barrels of the blonde's twin revolvers. "Try this on for size!" Naruto exclaimed as he began to fire off.
Minato quickly rolled to the side and burst into a sprint as Naruto targeted him. He ran in a wide arc around the blonde in an effort to dodge the hail of bullets. 'I don't understand…how has he not reloaded by now? Those should only hold-" It was then that Minato noticed the blue aura encompassing the blonde's hands. 'So that's how they work…'
His eyes only narrowed in annoyance as he brought his sword in front of him and rushed the blonde, twirling his blade in flourishing motions. Naruto eyes widened as he watched his shots be deflected away as if they were mere flies. Naruto saw the strike coming for his head, but when he went to dodge, he realized too late that it was only a feint. Minato drove his sword into the blonde's heart and a smirk crossed his features as he watched the life drain from his eyes. It quickly disappeared when Naruto burst into a cloud of smoke.
"Megami-chan!" he heard a voice yell. He spun around to see Naruto sprinting directly towards him at an alarming speed. At the sounds of her Ashikabi's call, Miya glance over to see him running towards Minato who held his blade at the ready. She immediately understood his intentions. Miya deflected another strike from Karasuba and created an opening. She raised her hand as it began to emit a purple light and directed it in Minato's direction. An ethereal sword shot out of her palm and raced towards the unsuspecting Ashikabi.
Minato saw something approaching him rapidly in his peripherals and brought his sword up in time to deflect a blade made of indigo light. He was too distracted by the strange blade to see Naruto's foot impact the side of his head. Minato was sent stumbling to the ground as Naruto caught the sword Miya had sent to him. It made the perfect distraction to catch the older boy off-guard.
Minato spit out the blood that was pooling in his mouth and shot a glare at the younger Ashikabi. "You're the only one with sharp toys ya know!" Naruto grinned as he twirled the ethereal blade in his hands before settling into the icepick-grip stance. Minato used his own sword to steady himself as pushed himself to his feet. He shook off his nausea and stared at the blonde who was still wearing that baleful shit-eating grin. "Let's Dance!" Naruto smirked.
"Flower Banquet!"
Uzume hardened her veils and shielded herself but the hurricane wind proved too strong and pushed her back. She recovered quickly and dashed forward. Any attempts to ensnare her opponent were made vain by the strong air currents surrounding the Wind Sekirei. So she opted to engage in close-quarters instead. Uzume braced herself against the whipping winds and lashed out with a roundhouse. Kazehana slipped under the wild kick and put some space between them.
Uzume knew that the only way to beat her was to get in close and she knew Kazehana was aware of this as well. She could use her veils to combat Kazehana's gust but that would only succeed in locking them in a stalemate. Kazehana wasn't adept in hand-to-hand combat like she was, tending to rely more on her prowess to manipulate airstreams. Unfortunately for Uzume the Wind Sekirei seemed persistent in staying outside of her reach. The Veil Sekirei growled in frustration as she unleashed a torrent of the black cloths only to watch them be repelled by a wind barrier erected by Kazehana.
Uzume formed a spear around her fist and ran forward. She stabbed at Kazehana who turned her body at the last moment to avoid the textile lance. Uzume threw her fist at her head but it was easily caught. "I'm not impressed Uzume," Kazehana said. Her response came in the form of a head-butt that sent her stumbling backwards. Kazehana felt a small trickle of blood run down her nose and looked at the Veil Sekirei in shock. "Well that was…unorthodox…" she said wiping the blood away.
"Something I picked up from my Ashikabi," Uzume smirked.
"Well let me show you something I learned from mine," Kazehana said. The air pressure around her began to condense as wind began to coalesce around her hand. The air began to whip violently around her fingers and settled into the shape of a blade. The wind sword elongated to almost a meter and Kazehana held it at the ready. Uzume smirked as she readied her spear. She lunged for Kazehana's heart who sidestepped and sliced clean through the hardened fabric. Uzume's eye's widened before she was sent tumbling backwards by a frontal kick. She slid to a stop and held her jaw.
'Her winds cut straight through my veils…I'll have to rethink this…' she thought. She reached down to her boots and withdrew two small knives. If she remembered correctly, Kushina called them kunai. She twirled them in her hands as she watched her advancing opponent. That wind sword cut through her veils like a hot knife through butter but she was hoping it wouldn't do the same to her knives.
Uzume flared her veils around in hopes of distracting Kazehana as she rushed in. Kazehana found herself pressed to dodge the rapid slashes of the Veil Sekirei. It didn't help that that damnable black cloth of her was flailing about wildly and obscuring her vision. The dark veils blended in with the night sky, further adding to Uzume's cover. Kazehana hissed as she felt the small blades tear into her tender skin. Most of them weren't too deep, but it was still annoying nonetheless. The Wind Sekirei's eyes narrowed in annoyance and she unleashed a powerful gale that pushed back the brunette. "As much as I love our spending time together, I must put an end to this! I have to get back to my Ashikabi," she said.
Uzume smirked as she stored her kunai. "You know…I was just thinking the same thing!" the two engaged in a staring contest as energy began to surge around them.
"Wind of my pledge…"
"By the veil of my contract…"
"Blow away the dark clouds that befall my Ashikabi!"
"My Ashikabi's nightmares will be dispelled!"
"Flower Whirlwind!"
"Veilstrom!"
Hikari rolled out of the incoming wave's path before shooting to her feet and dashing toward her opponent. In her hand he held a dagger that was embedded with electricity. The lightning sparked wildly as it formed a shroud around the small knife, significantly increasing its range. She evaded every ball of water Tsukiumi threw her way and went to decapitate the blonde. Water quickly surged around Tsukiumi's arm to form a shield. She knocked away Hikari's attack and the water on her arm took on the shape of a sword. She rushed the off-balance Hikari who just barely avoided the aquatic saber. She saw the wide slash aimed at her midsection and brought her own weapon up with a flourish to deflect it away. In the half-second that her guard was down, Hikari delivered devastating right hook to the blonde Sekirei's cheek.
Tsukiumi was lifted off her feet and sent reeling backwards off the roof. She continued to sail through the air and crashed into the side of a building. The Water Sekirei quickly regained her bearings as the sound of chirping birds filled the air. Tsukiumi's eyes widened at the sight of Hikari charging at her with a fist encased in lightning. She pried herself loose and jumped away just in time to avoid the strike aimed at her heart.
The Water Sekirei landed on an adjacent rooftop and turned to glower at her opponent. "I shall smite thee where thee stand thou sully whore!" Tsukiumi barked.
A growl escaped the Lightning Sekirei as the sparks dispersed from her hand and she clung to the wall where the blonde impacted. "Believe you me bitch, I'm just getting started!"
Not far off in the distance, Hibiki and Homura were locked in a gruesome stalemate. They were running in circles as they threw onslaught after onslaught of lightning bolts and fireballs at one another. Hibiki suddenly flipped away after a ball of scorching flames nearly took her head off. She just managed to escape but the bottom of her cloak was singed considerably. Homura erected a wall of fire and shoved it forward. Finding no way to defend against it, Hibiki jumped and latched herself onto the side of the water tower and used it as a springboard to vault over the flaming barrier. She launched bolt of lightning as she rolled out of her landing and ran at the Fire Sekirei.
Homura surrounded himself with another fire barrier but he hadn't expected his opponent to jump through it and slam into him with a full-body tackle. The two Sekirei rolled unceremoniously across the ground and came to a stop with Hibiki straddling Homura. She landed two powerful punches to his jaw before he thrust his palm up, catching her in the chin. Hibiki staggered but managed to steady herself. She knew it was only a matter of time before the male overpowered her. She grabbed his loose arm and pinned him to the ground as lightning began to arc wildly across her body. Hibiki didn't let up as she watched Homura convulse wildly beneath her. She was moments away from frying him when something crashed into her.
Hibiki groaned as she tried to sit up when she realized that that something that hit her was actually a someone, someone with golden tresses. There was only one blonde in the world that she allowed to touch her and she couldn't feel his presence anywhere in the immediate area. Hibiki thrust her feet forward and sent the still disoriented Tsukiumi spiraling into the groggy Homura. Hikari landed next to her sister and helped her to her feet. "Sorry about that," she said sheepishly. Hibiki shook it off and looked to see a shaky Homura rising to his feet. Tsukiumi was right beside him and both sported displeased looks.
"Tsukiumi…we're going to do it," he said calmly. The blonde's eyes widened as she glanced at her rival. "Are you sure? I mean we've nev-"
"I'm positive," he affirmed.
Tsukiumi sighed and waited for him to start.
Homura's palms ignited as he glared at the lightning twins. "We're through playing your childish games. You two and your Ashikabi are insignificant in every way to us and we'll prove it to you now," The small fire in his hands expanded rapidly and set the entire area ablaze. Hibiki and Hikari found themselves taking steps back to avoid being burned by the scorching flames. Just as they neared the edge of the building, Tsukiumi doused the area in water, causing a thick blanket of steam to set in.
"Hiding won't save you ya know!" Hikari shouted into the watery haze. 'Great…I'm starting to sound like Naruto,' she chastised herself. "Hikari…" Hibiki found something odd about the mist. Given that it was steam, it was understandable for it to be hot. But there was something unnatural about the amount of heat that permeated the air. Sweat began to roll off her skin and soon it became uncomfortable to breath. "Aneki…" Hibiki began calmly as she stood back-to-back with her sister. "I don't think that was the point…" She said.
Hikari began to catch on as her breathing became labored. Out of nowhere, Hikari was stuck across the face but when she turned to face her assailant they'd already retreated back into the mist. "Hibiki be careful! They're-" A pain groan from her sister signified that she was well aware. "We have to do something!" Hibiki grunted. Hikari went to speak again when a whip of water wrapped around her waist and snatched her off her feet. "Aneki!" Hibiki called after her sister, only to dodge a fireball moments later. Hibiki scowled as the sweltering orbs flew at her from all directions.
The steam was getting hotter by the second and she found getting increasingly harder to breathe. There were sounds of fighting nearby which she could only assume Hikari had located Tsukiumi somewhere deep within the fog. Another fireball came soaring through the watery haze, catching her by surprise. Hibiki rolled to the side but wasn't quick enough and it struck her flailing cloak. Hibiki bounced to her feet and quickly discarded the burning garment. 'Damn it we'll be boiled alive at this rate it we don't doing something' she thought as the steam began to irritate her skin. 'Tsukiumi must be the one controlling all the water while Homura is keeping it superheated. If only we-' her train of thought came to a halt as realization hit her. "Water…"
"Hikari!" she called out to her sister.
Hikari's reply came out as a grunt seconds later. "What"
"Remember my anti-litigation technique?"
"You're using abstruse words again Hibiki!" Hikari yelled back. The younger ducked under a streak of fire and ran in the general direction of her sister's voice. "The one I use to keep you and Koibito from fighting!" she clarified, sidestepping another blast of fire.
"I don't think now's the time for that!" Hikari shot back.
"Just trust me!" Hibiki shouted. Hearing her twin's submissive sigh, Hibiki closed her eyes and began to gather energy. She felt a foreign presence approaching from behind and her eyes snapped open. "Now!" In a violent outburst, electricity erupted around her. Using the water in the mist as a conductor, bolts of lightning began racing wildly in all directions. She could feel Hikari power intertwining with hers and the effects were amplified. The mist dissipated in seconds, revealing the convulsing forms of the Discipline Squad.
"There you are!" Hibiki barked as she whirled around and deliver a crushing roundhouse to the Fire Sekirei's head. Homura stumble back as he tried to keep his footing, but failed miserably and slumped to the ground. He was breathing raggedly, trying to shake off the effects of that last attack. A side long glance to the down Tsukiumi revealed she was faring no better. He never expected their own attack to be used against him and it was a mistake on their part, one that just might prove fatal.
A loud sparking noise accompanied by the sound of chirping birds reached his ears and he looked up to see Hibiki stalking towards him, sparks dancing eagerly in her palm and a glare set upon her lithe features. "Insignificant?" she scoffed. "I'm going to put you down just like my Koibito is going to do to your invertebrate Ashikabi!" Hibiki spat as she rushed the downed Sekirei. A sudden explosion racked the area again. This one was much stronger than the last caused the building itself to shake. Hikari stumbled a bit but regained her footing and glanced in the direction where a smoke cloud was rising into the sky. "Naruto!" she screamed as she took off in the direction of her Ashikabi's last known location. Hibiki went to follow after her sister when she heard the Fire Sekirei go into a violent coughing fit.
Homura struggled to stabilize his breathing and noticed a shadow standing above him. He wearily glanced up and everything went black. Hibiki scoffed as she placed her fingers on the seal at the base of his neck. "By the thunderstorm of my pact, my Ashikabi's perils will be destroyed," She muttered silently, causing the symbol to glow brightly before evaporating. She released Homura and his body slumped to the ground. Hikari did the same to the motionless Water Sekirei before leaping off the rooftop in search of her Ashikabi.
Uzume spat out a glob of blood that was pooling in her mouth as she readied her next attack. She began to gather her veils when a blast went off that seemed to make the whole city shake. Both Uzume and Kazehana stumbled and turned to see a plume of smoking ascending into the night sky.
"Minato-kun!"
"Naruto-kun!" they said in unison.
They shot each other unsteady glances and came to the silent conclusion that the safety of their Ashikabi was more important than a trivial duel. Both nodded before jumping away in search of their loved one.
Naruto lashed out with a roundhouse that missed its mark before continuing his assault. Using the phantom blade Miya had given him, he'd been able to keep Minato hard-pressed to block with the rapid slashes of his reverse grip technique. But no matter how fast he attacked, the older boy always managed to counter him, only allowing a few stray slashes to slip through his guard. Naruto kept at his blitz attack when an explosion racked the building, causing him to stumble. Not willing to waste his chance, Minato brought his sword down hard. Naruto just managed to bring his own blade up to block. Minato's attack struck with more strength than Naruto would've thought him to possess and the blade of light began to crack. Naruto smirked as he shoved Minato's sword aside before slamming his own into the ground and flipping away. Minato had no time to react as the ethereal blade ruptured and he was sent skidding backwards. He hissed in pain as his arms were singed slightly by the blast, but nothing to serious. He turned to glare at his opponent just in time to see the blonde replacing his hood.
Naruto's features were once again masked by the dark mantle and his piercing oceanic orbs were now burning an intense, fiery red. That last encountered had shown Naruto exactly what he needed to know. He didn't want to believe that his close friend had really turned himself over to MBI like that. He wanted nothing more than to believe that there was some ulterior motives behind his actions and that he'd be able to save him from himself. But he could tell that the older boy was genuinely trying to kill him now. He had to stop holding back and trying to protect him. Maybe there was some truth behind his theories as to Minato's actions, but now wasn't the time to ponder them. If he didn't act now he'd be killed and there was no way in hell he was going to let that happen. "I hoped it wouldn't have come to this Minato, but if you're serious about getting in my way then you leave me have no choice…" he said as he withdrew his firearms once more.
Minato only scowled at the younger Ashikabi. He opened his mouth to speak when he felt his whole body cringe. He grasped his chest just over his heart and slumped to the ground breathing heavily. 'Tsukiumi…Homura…I can't sense them anymore…this can't be…" Naruto watched on in confusion at the older Ashikabi. He was trembling and the blonde could've sworn he saw tears falling from his eyes.
Naruto suddenly began sprinting at the older boy, who held his sword at the ready. He went for a high slash, but Naruto slid under it and shoved his foot into the older boy's solar plexus. Minato was painfully launched backwards into the air and Naruto vanished. Minato's flight time was cut short when something slammed into his backside and he was sent hurtling forward. He skipped across the ground a few yards away and slid to a stop. He gritted his teeth as he tried to push himself up but all strength left his arms when he felt stinging sensations raining down on his back. The tell-tale sound of gunfire was the only indication he got as to what was happening. Naruto watched as Minato struggled to stand again and figure he'd only be incapacitated momentarily. The sound of clashing metal brought his gaze toward the duelling blade Sekirei.
Karasuba swung her sword about fluidly as she tried to slip through Miya's guard. She went for a lunge when she sensed something approaching her. Her lapse in concentration caused her attack to be easily parried and Miya brought her blade around to extort the opening in the ashen-haired woman's defenses. Karasuba bit back a curse as she was left with a split second decision. No matter which route she took, both promised pain. Figuring Miya's strike to be the more lethal of the two, she flourished her sword just in time to deflect the strike aimed at her head. There was a resounding clang as the two blades struck and Karasuba felt something repeatedly digging into her side. She turned to face her second opponent only to see a foot slam into her face and she was painfully sent away.
Miya's eyes widened in surprise as Naruto appeared before her. "Koi-" she was cut off when grabbed her by the waist and pulled her body flush against his, capturing her lips in his own once more. He kept it brief this time and Miya could only see his intense red eyes hidden beneath his black mantle. "No more holding back Megami, this ends now," he said sternly. Miya nodded grimly at his words. Naruto had made clear that he want to minimize destruction to the city as to keep innocent bystanders out of danger. It was why he didn't want her using her powers. Clashing against the equally destructive Karasuba's dark energy would surely reduce more than half the city to rubble. But if he was telling her not to hold back then the situation must've been dire. "I understand Koibito."
Karasuba glared at the duo with a maddening gaze in her eyes. "Seems you got faster you little shit…I'll make you regret that!" She spat. Naruto and Miya glowered at her when they heard subtle footsteps approaching from behind. Both turn to see Minato slowly approaching. He'd discarded his suit jacket and shouldered his sword as his eyes hid behind his dark hair. "Uzumaki…I'll kill you," he said calmly. Naruto and Miya stood back to back, facing their respective opponents as they intertwined fingers. "Do it," Naruto spoke serenely. Miya nodded as she began to emit a violet light. "Phantom Break: Infinity!" In an instant, the couple was surrounded by a myriad of amethyst light blades. Karasuba's features remained placid as she rushed the barrier of swordss that harbored the couple. Resolve set upon Miya's features as she released her Ashikabi and grabbed one of the wraith swords to meet her rival in combat once more.
Minato kept his somber pace and Naruto rolled his shoulders before reaching out and seizing two of the specter sabers out of the air. He twirled them in his hands a few times before both settled into an icepick grip. Minato raised his head and bore into Naruto's burning eyes with his own piercing blood red gaze. Naruto took note of how his eyes had changed again. Where the three tomoe that had circumscribed his pupils once sat was now an intricate motif of black and red that seemed to dance in his iris. The older boy's gaze was more sinister than before but the blonde was unperturbed. Deciding to take the initiative, Naruto hurled one of his blades before grabbing another and sprinting forward. Minato knocked aside the ethereal weapon and kept his footing after the resounding explosion and brought sword forward with immense speed to block Naruto's strike. The two began exchanging blows at a more expeditious rate than compared to their previous altercations. While the two Ashikabi began a savage cavort, two others engaged in a carcinogenic waltz of their own.
Miya's light-embedded katana clashed once more with Karasuba's dark matter-laced nodachi. Miya lunged forward with her wraith sword, nearly catching her opponent's shoulder. Karasuba pushed away readied her blade again. A flock of the phantom blades began to orbit Miya and she seized one with her free hand. With no warning, she shot forward in a burst of speed. Karasuba deflected her first two strikes but the ethereal weapons hovering about the lavender-haired Sekirei assaulted her relentlessly. Karasuba only just managed to survive Miya's onslaught by constantly flourishing her blade. She was able to avert most of the strikes but had sustained quite a few cuts and lacerations in the process. The Black Sekirei exploded in anger and atramentous energy began to coalesce around her. "It's time for me to finish you off once and for all!" she roared as she channelled her power into her sword.
"This is the pledge of my blade, exterminate the sworn enemy of my Ashikabi!"
Miya stood unfazed by the Black Sekirei's declaration. "Blade of my pact, abolish the terrors that haunt my Ashikabi…" She began as violet light began to entrench her katana. The violaceous energy surged around the blade and settled into a shell, giving the lithe sword the appearance of a zweihänder-type blade. Karasuba scowled at this new development as brought her sword back as she charged her opponent, with Miya mimicking her actions.
"Dimension Blade!"
"Phantom Break: Calamity!"
Naruto deflected another attempt at his throat snatched and another light sword out of the air when a bright light blinded him, followed shortly after by a massive explosion that knocked him off his feet. Both Ashikabi were tossed back by the violent aftershock and nearly found themselves thrown off the building. Naruto could hear the girders that made up the building's infrastructure groan and knew that it wouldn't be able to withstand another blast like that. After the light dissipated, Naruto was able to make out the exhausted forms of Miya and Karasuba. They were both down on a knee and breathing ruggedly as they glared at one another. Naruto was at his Sekirei's side in mere seconds. "Megami-chan…are you alright?" he asked as he helped her to her feet. "I'm fine Koibito…just a little tired that's all," the lavender-haired woman panted. Naruto couldn't help but smile at knowing she was unharmed. But his mirth instantly faded as he sensed danger approaching.
"Get down!" he exclaimed as he tackled Miya to the ground, just in time to avoid a wave of black flames that flew at them. Naruto felt a burning sensation on his back accompanied by a burning stench. His eyes widened and the blonde was quick to unstrap his sword and discard his jacket and undershirt over the side of the building. Naruto breathed heavily as he watched the garments immersed in black flames float down into the sleeping city below. Naruto spun sharply to see Minato standing there with the same dark fire dancing across his sword. The older Ashikabi looked on disgust as his now shirtless opponent, but was intrigued by the strange tattoo that formed at his navel..
Naruto's eyes narrowed as they bled from blue to red. He snatched his kodachi from the ground, causing Miya's eyes to go wide. "Naruto you're not ready yet!" she protested. Naruto closed his eyes in concentration as he held his sword in front of him. "I have no other choice…" Naruto replied as he began slowly to pull the blade from its sheathe. Golden sparks danced wildly around the sword as more of the blade was revealed. Naruto's eyes snapped open as he tossed the scabbard aside and wielded the lightning-entrenched blade. Naruto's hand began to glow with chakra and the sparks embedded in his sword went haywire. "You should've killed me when you had the chance ya know!" he spat as he dashed at Minato. The older Ashikabi snorted as the flames cascading across his sword grew. "You won't escape this time!" he barked as he ran forward to meet the blond.
Miya stared with bated breath she watched her Ashikabi charge forward. His sword was like a tesla coil, haphazardly throwing around bolts of xanthous lightning as the sound of chirping birds filled the air. As Naruto channeled more and more chakra into his screeching sword, he resolved in his mind what he had to do. 'I'm really sorry about this old friend…' When they came within striking distance of one another, both Ashikabi lashed out with their blade and unleashed all their stored up energy at once.
"Raikiri!"
"Kagutsuchi no Tsurugi!"
Hallowed lightning met atramentous fire in a violent clash. The two young Ashikabi scowled as they bore into each other's fierce red eyes. The struggle was brief as the adverse elements began to fluctuate wildly and their respective tamers lost control. The two technique detonated in an explosion that was like no other. The building began to collapse in on itself as both Ashikabi were sent hurtling in opposite directions. Naruto was sailing over the city when a black cloth caught him in a gentle embrace. It took him a moment to regain a sense of his surroundings and he found himself landing in the center of a park, just in front of a fountain. "T-Thanks…Tenshi-hime…" He gasped. "I'm just glad you're safe Naruto-kun," Uzume smiled as she supported her battered Ashikabi. She found herself staving off a nose-bleed at his shirtless condition. "Koibito!" Naruto turned to see Hibiki and Hikari land a few yards away and rush to his position. "Are you okay Koibito? Where are you hurt?" Hibiki queried as she looked him over. "I'm fine Oto-hime…" Naruto let out a pained chuckle as Hibiki coddled him. Hikari glanced around and the sparking form of Naruto's kodachi lying a few feet away caught her attention and her eyes widened.
"Did you do something stupid again!?" she exclaimed. Naruto went to speak when he felt a familiar presence approaching.
"Yes, he did," Miya said landing before the group. She recovered her Ashikabi's sword and replaced it back within its scabbard. "What were you thinking Naruto?" Miya asked sternly. Naruto slid out of Uzume's grasp and stood straight as he turned toward Miya. "I did what I thought was right at the time. It was either him…or me…" He said staring directly into her eyes. Miya was surprised by his forwardness with her and could only manage to break his gaze as she handed his sword. Naruto took his blade and turned at the sound of wind whipping to see Kazehana landing on the other side of the fountain, supporting a battered Minato. The blonde's eyes narrowed when Karasuba landed beside them moments later.
"Wait…where are Homura and Tsukiumi?" Naruto queried.
"Taken care of," Hibiki said.
"Permanently," Hikari affirmed.
The blonde grinned in approval at his Sekirei. While he was glad that there we two less enemies to worry about, he wasn't thrilled about them being former friends. He hated to admit it, but that last attack had left him drained and he was in no condition to continue fighting. He wasn't sure about his Sekirei but he didn't want to become a liability to them. Judging by the weary expression on Minato's face, he assumed that the older boy was in the same boat as him. "Sorry kiddos, playtime's over for now. We'll have to do this again sometime ya know," Naruto said.
"But Naruto we-"
"No buts young lady! You can play with your friends later. Now it time to go home and put you to bed!" Naruto grinned as he shook a finger at Hikari. The Lightning Sekirei turned red in embarrassment at his saccharine tone and grumbled incoherently about annoying blondes.
"Oh and do be careful with those flames of your Minato. Wouldn't want you to burn yourself ya know. Till next time!" Naruto spoke in that same ingratiating tone he used with Hikari as his body melted into the shadows. Hibiki and Hikari followed their Ashikabi's suit disappeared in a bolt of lightning. Uzume smirked at Kazehana, silently challenging her to a rematch as she evaporated in a swirl of dark veils. Miya and Karasuba met eyes one last time, silently promise to finish their duel in the next bout, before she turned and phased out of existence.
When Kazehana could no longer feel their presence, she let out a sigh of relief. "It looks like-" she stopped when she felt her Ashikabi shaking in her arms. She glanced at him to see his shadowing his face. She did however notice droplets falling to ground. "Tsukiumi…Homura…"
Minato glowered at the spot Naruto and his Sekirei occupied moments before. Pain suddenly pulsed throughout his body and he felt a searing pain in his eyes. Kazehana felt her Ashikabi go limp beside her and caught him before hit the ground. "Minato-kun! You shouldn't push yourself…you've done enough," She cooed. Minato closed his bleeding eyes allowed himself to settle into the Wind Sekirei's warm embrace. 'Enjoy it while you can Uzumaki…for next time we meet…I'll drive my sword through your beating heart!' was Minato's last thought before succumbing to fatigue.
"Minato-kun!" the Wind Sekirei exclaimed as she caught the unconscious man before he hit the ground. She quickly positioned him on her back before taking to the skies. Karasuba heard whirring off in the distance and turned to see a MBI helicopter hovering above a building. She immediate recognized the men sliding down a rope as part of the recovery team. "So they managed to take out two members…" she said to no one in particular. But she considered Homura and Tsukiumi to be weak, just like the others, and was not impressed. "Your Ashikabi may have gotten stronger, but it won't matter. You'll all die soon enough…Miya!" Karasuba grinned before she jumped off, disappearing into the night.