Shinobi no Ashikabi

by VFSNAKE

The Sekirei Plan is spiraling out of control. Minaka won't stop it. Takami can't fix it. Sekirei are being forcibly winged against their Will to be used as pawns in a game where they fight each other. In an act of desperation, Takami goes to the only two people that can change things, and possibly save her children from the plan consuming them. The senseis of the Discipline Squad.

4. Chapter 4

Chapter 4-The Wrath of Tsukiumi

Naruto awoke from his slumber to feel the rays of sunlight from the window blast him in the face, which in his slightly groggy mind was to wake up, and face the day. Looking out the window once opening his eyes, part of him wanted to flip off the sun, and yet held back the impulse since the sun was just doing its job. It wasn't the sun's fault that it had to shine light on the world, to help sustain life, and make everyone get up on this side of the planet to do whatever it is people did during the day

That and it would be just plain stupid.

Turning his eyes to his right, Naruto saw the slumbering naked form of Akitsu lying next to him, and a small smile on her face from being so close to her Ashikabi. The woman's hands had stayed above the waist from what he could tell from where they were now, but given the clinging nature of the woman, and her subconscious mind no doubt taking over while she slept...he had some doubts. Of course, he wasn't innocent either, as his right hand was wrapped around Akitsu's waist, it had automatically somehow during the night, began caressing her tone lower torso just above the hip area, and making the ice using Sekirei let out small cute moans of pleasure every few seconds with a tinge of pink on her face.

The woman's body was indeed that sensitive.

At the moment, Naruto wondered if he should awaken the woman, or just simply make a Shadow Clone to replace himself with her before getting dressed to head downstairs. The blonde had a distinct feeling that to speak to Miya and maybe get some Intel from Matsu about some things, and confirm his suspicions regarding the red haired Sekirei's current battle ready health.

As if someone had heard his thoughts, a little girl's scream (Kusano's by the sound of it) awoke him further, and Naruto instantly shot up while quickly ensuring Akitsu didn't collapse hard on the ground or the bed. Gently putting the ice user down, Naruto put the blanket over her, got dressed in his ANBU guard, minus the armored plating, and went down to the living area to investigate.

"Hey! Don't look away from you bra-AAH!" exclaimed one Kaoru Seo, who was hit by a large rock by Miya, and said landlady smiling her usual smile while holding another rock in her hand.

"Oops! My hand slipped," commented Miya before giggling and saw Seo slowly sit up from his position on the ground with a bloody forehead for his crude behavior.

"Some things never change," remarked Naruto when entering the living area and Seo's eyes widened when seeing him.

Contrary to the belief of others, the lazy bum, and piece of no good trash (Miya's words for him) that was Kaoru Seo was actually more perceptive then most really thought.

"Its you," replied Seo since he knew few had spiky blonde hair in Shinto Teito and there was only one blonde haired guy wearing a mask last night.

"You know Naruto-san, Seo?" asked Minato while Seo looked at him, then Miya, and finally Naruto with two out of three giving him a "keep him in the dark for now" kind of look.

"Yep! We're old buds from awhile back. Though Naruto didn't tell me he was staying here at Mason Izumo," answered Seo with a hearty fake laugh that Minato believed was genuine though the others in the room with the exception of Musubi and Kusano knew otherwise.

"Actually, I believe I did, but you were too busy mooching off other people, and drinking booze to remember," commented Naruto with Miya giggling while Seo grumbled about the lack of respect he got from people.

"What brings you down here anyway? Are you leaving with Akitsu so soon?" asked Minato with Naruto shaking his head no.

"Not yet. I was actually awakened by little Kusano here. Though given how Seo has that frightening 'I'm going to eat you' look on his face, its only natural," remarked Naruto with Miya giggling again while Seo looked upset.

"Hey! Just because I don't have a clean face and suit like some people doesn't mean tha-AAAH!" exclaimed Seo, but was hit in the face by yet another rock, and Miya looking absolutely innocent.

Despite having another rock in her hand ready to throw.

"Please do keep your voice down Seo. We have other people here that are still sleeping," said Miya with Seo grumbling while bleeding once more.

"Yeah. Yeah. Friendly voice. Got it," remarked Seo while glaring one last time at Naruto.

"Anyway, I just wanted to use your phone to call Jarvis to come pick me, and Akitsu up in a few hours," replied Naruto with Miya nodding.

"Of course. You did pay for the night and haven't broken a single rule. Unlike some of the people living here, who shall remain anonymous, and not be put down in an insulting manner...Seo and Minato," replied Miya with Minato sputtering something and Seo was grumbling again.

"Miya-sama, what do we do about the ghost situation? Poor Ku was so afraid when she came into our room," asked Musubi with Kusano shivering now and holding onto her Ashikabi.

"Oh don't worry. I doubt any ghost would want to come here and bother one of my poor tenants. Besides, if anything it was probably poor Ku's little imagination needing a good excuse to sneak into the room of her Ashikabi," replied Miya with a giggle with Kusano still shivering.

"Really? Because Uzume thought the ghost sounded familiar to her when Ku described it. I wonder why?" questioned Musubi with a finger on her chin in thought.

"Well Uzume has been known to let her imagination run away with her. I wouldn't worry about it," said Miya with a giggle though she glanced at camera with a look and sensed a certain red haired Sekirei shivering in fear.

"Well I just finished calling Jarvis. He'll bring the car around in a few hours so I'll be here until then with Akitsu. Now what's this I hear about a ghost? And who is Uzume?" asked Naruto with Miya explaining what happened last night with Kusano running to Minato after seeing some kind of ghost while Musubi told him Uzume was another tenant.

Though where she was at the moment was anyone's guess.

(With Uzume)

"Are you sure? The scrapped number was actually winged by someone? No I don't know how that happened? Of course I sound surprise! It shouldn't have happened at all! Hey don't blame her suddenly being winged on me. If anything blame your own Sekirei for this since its her job to gather correct Intel! Who is her Ashikabi? Uzumaki Naruto?! Yes. I know him. He was staying here for the night and paid in cash. Yes I'm sure of it! Akitsu walked in with him when I came down the stairs and listened in on the conversation he had with Miya. Yes he's still here and waiting for his ride. Akitsu? No. I think she's still sleeping. Take her out? Now?! Miya practically sees everything within her house and will know if I do anything. What do you mean its not your problem?! No! No! I'll...I'll do it. Or at least try to do it, but I can't guarantee I'll succeed, and...bastard!" exclaimed Uzume, as she just got of the phone with Izumi Higa's Secretary, and talking to her about how she failed to inform them of a scrapped number having the ability to be winged.

Not that Uzume knew that, as she didn't know how Akitsu was winged, or that Kakizaki's own Sekirei #22 Kochou had found out about the winging by hacking M.B.I. for any new information. Still, it was like the two expected her to know things from other Sekirei, or other Ashikabi walking around Shinto Teito that Kochou couldn't find using her powers. What was she? Some information cow they could milk for info when their usual source didn't produce results as fast as they would like? Assholes the world over!

Still, she didn't like doing this. Not only was Uzume being ordered by someone that was NOT her Ashikabi to deactivate another Sekirei, but she was breaking one of Miya's most sacred rules at Mason Izumo, and Miya was not someone you trifled with. Added to the fact that if Uzume heard correctly last night, Uzumaki Naruto was in fact Miya's sensei! Her teacher! Practically every single thing that made Asama Miya the most powerful and scariest of all 108 Sekirei was made possible because of him! Miya was scary enough as it is, but Uzumaki Naruto was an unknown, and more then likely worse in his vengeance if he discovered what was about to befall his recently winged Sekirei, and one that was said to be unwingable at that!

Alas, Uzume knew she had to do it. Not for Higa and certainly not for Kakizaki. But for her own Ashikabi currently in the hospital Higa owned, controlled, and was using to keep the poor woman on a leash.

With a sigh, Uzume walked toward Naruto's room silently, quietly, and slowly opened the door to see Akitsu was asleep. The woman's exposed naked back to Uzume, as she was holding the pillow with Naruto's scent on it like the object was him, and mumbling about being close to her Ashikabi. Uzume frowned further, the act of taking out a Sekirei like this made the girl want to vomit, and hated that she had to do this.

"What do you think you're doing?" asked Naruto, as he was behind Uzume, and made the girl jump into the air in fright while letting out a very girly shriek in the process.

Which in turn awoke Akitsu from her slumber.

"What? Huh? How did you...? When did you...?" asked Uzume while trying to catch her breath and looking at Naruto's blue eyes that held back the storm that would be unleashed if she wasn't extremely careful.

"Why were you spying on my Sekirei?" asked Naruto calmly again and Uzume looked like a kid caught stealing a cookie from the jar when the parent said no.

"Oh! Well uh...I heard that you had winged the so called 'scrapped number' and I wanted to see if the rumors were true. Practically every Sekirei and Ashikabi have begun talking about it so I wanted to see for myself," replied Uzume with a nervous laugh while Naruto didn't buy it for a second.

"You could have just waited until she awoke and talked to her," countered Naruto with Uzume blushing in nervous embarrassment.

"That's true. My bad! I guess my curiosity was too much to handle," replied Uzume with her nervous chuckle once again echoing through the hall.

"Ashikabi-sama, I'm sorry for sleeping in," said Akitsu, as she was fully dressed, and by the door with her head bowed.

"Its all right Akitsu-chan. No harm no foul," replied Naruto with a smile and made the woman blush.

"Hi! I'm Sekirei #10 Uzume. Nice to meet you!" exclaimed Uzume in a friendly tone.

"Ah...Sekirei #7 Akitsu," replied Akitsu with a slight bow before walking over to her Ashikabi and standing slightly behind him.

"Jarvis won't be here to pick us up for a few more hours Akitsu so enjoy the morning by eating and relaxing with the others downstairs," said Naruto with Akitsu looking at him for a second before nodding with the intent of doing what her Ashikabi commanded of her.

"I should probably go downstairs too. Musubi eats like all the food in the world is going to go bad soon and inhales it," remarked Uzume, as she meant to follow Akitsu, but a strong hand, and the presence behind it made the woman freeze up.

"I know what you were going to do Uzume-san. Don't think I'll buy that lame excuse you gave me. The only reason I don't rip your guts out is because of the rules of this house and because I know you are not doing this of your own freewill. I could easily sense you were conflicted in wanting to carry out your little assassination attempt on my Sekirei and that tells me two things. One, the person that gave you the order was NOT your Ashikabi.

Second, you were going to do this under your Ashikabi's very nose, with whoever he, or possibly she is being none the wiser," replied Naruto with Uzume going pale in the face and had to hold back shaking like a leaf.

"I-I don't know your talking about," said Uzume while Naruto said nothing for a moment before releasing his grip on her shoulder.

"Indeed. For the moment, I'll let this slide, but should there come a time where you need help freeing your Ashikabi from the grip of the tyrant that holds him, or her captive...let me know. I can help you," replied Naruto with Uzume taking a hesitant step forward away from him before stopping.

"You can't help me Naruto-san. No one can," whispered Uzume before she was gone and Naruto sighed.

"They can help you if you let them Uzume and only if you let them," Naruto whispered back before he setout to meet with Matsu in her secret room.

"I heard and saw everything Naruto-sensei. She was hesitant, but Uzume was going to try, and deactivate Akitsu in her sleep," stated Matsu gravely with Naruto nodding since he had expected her to be watching.

Being a female version of Jiraiya and all that.

"When you get a chance, find out who Uzume's Ashikabi is when you have a chance, and where I can find him or her. If she is being controlled by a third party, chances are they have her Ashikabi, and using that person as leverage against Uzume," ordered Naruto with Matsu nodding since using an Ashikabi to command a Sekirei that wasn't your own was just disgraceful and cruel.

"Of course sensei. What else do you need?" asked Matsu knowing he came in here for another reason.

"First, have you kept up any of your swordplay, or physical exercises? Second, what is this I hear about a ghost at Mason Izumo fitting your physical description, and perverted laughter?" questioned Naruto with a smirk now on his face and Matsu sporting a blush with a sheepish look on her face.

"Well...no I haven't been able to do that since being on the run from M.B.I. as you know sensei. As you can see, I'm kind of cramped in here for practicing, and going outside even for a little bit would attract M.B.I. here," answered Matsu sighing.

"And what makes you think they don't already know that you are here already Matsu? Or that they won't know once you have been winged by your Ashikabi?" questioned Naruto with Matsu going pale in the face and then smacking her head against a keyboard.

"Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! I am so stupid!" exclaimed Matsu with Naruto sweat dropping at the sight of his former students acting so...well stupid.

"In any case, I suggest you at least get back to doing your physical exercises, and regain some of your lost muscle. Not to be rude Matsu, but I can tell your arms, and your legs have a certain...flabbiness to them," replied Naruto since it was understandable that such a thing would happen, given no real exercise on Matsu's part, added to being cooped up here all the time, and eating Miya's wonderful cooking while doing little else had turned the muscle the red haired Sekirei once possessed into mostly flabby fat.

"Naruto-sensei! Why do you have to be so mean? Matsu-san wants to keep her figure, but its hard to move," whined Matsu with Naruto sighed knowing that is true.

"Have you been reacting to anyone?" asked Naruto with Matsu blushing and went to the screen to show her who she believed was her Ashikabi.

"Yep! And the best part is that he lives here right now. This means I don't have to worry about going out and being caught by M.B.I. at all! Soon, I will get a stronger reaction from him, and then I can sneak up on Minato-tan to do all sorts of experimentations on his body!" exclaimed Matsu before letting out a perverted laugh similar to Jiraiya's own when he did his "research" at the hot springs.

Right before Naruto punted the Toad Sannin into the women's section and watched from a safe distance while the man got beat up violently.

Good times.

"Provided Miya doesn't kill you before doing such 'experimentations' on him. Besides, I think you should make yourself known soon, or you'll freak out your Ashikabi. Not to mention you owe Kusano an apology too for scaring her last night," added Naruto with Matsu slumping in defeat while rain clouds appeared over her head.

"I'll do that later today sensei. I promise," replied Matsu with Naruto nodding.

"Good. I'm going to get something to eat and by that time Jarvis will be here to pick me up along with Akitsu," said Naruto before leaving the woman alone.

"Oh sensei, I may have promised to reveal myself, but I never said I wouldn't try to do it on my terms. All I have to do is get Musubi out of the way and Kusano is a little girl so she's no threat to me once I'm winged by him. Time to begin Operation: Experimentation on Minato," whispered Matsu with a perverted chuckle before preparing herself for the inevitable winging process.

As for Naruto himself, he entered the living area while smelling Miya's ever so delicious cooking, and saw Akitsu was still eating her breakfast at an extremely slow pace. No doubt to ensure that when Naruto came down to eat, she would have plenty left in order to have an excuse to stay by his side, and watch him eat. Smiling at the shy woman, he kissed her forehead, earning himself a giggle, and an "Oh my!" from Miya before he sat down next to the blushing Akitsu to begin eating.

"So Naruto-san, what do you do for living?" asked Minato curiously.

"I run Whirlpool Publishing," replied Naruto casually while Minato's eyes widened in shock.

"Whirlpool Publishing? As in possibly THE biggest publishing company in all of Shinto Teito, Japan, and the world for the many great books it publishes. In hardback, soft back, and electronic based means of reading literature?" asked Minato with Naruto nodding.

"Yep! People should read more. Helps expands their minds," answered Naruto happily with Minato gapping like a fish at him.

"No argument there. This is some good cooking," said Seo with a smile on his face.

"Sadly, some people are beyond hope. Also, you're here earlier then expected," remarked Naruto with Miya giggling at the shot aimed at Seo.

"I figured I'd come early and get some of Miya's cooking before we talked," answered Seo with Naruto nodding since they planned to talk later

"So how did you and Akitsu here meet? How did you even manage to wing her?" asked Uzume with Akitsu looking at her now with suspicious eyes before glancing at the blonde currently smirking.

"That's a secret my dear. Perhaps when you are willing to trade a secret of your own, I'll share it with you," answered Naruto before he went back to eating and ignoring the now pouting girl.

"I'm just glad Akitsu was able to help rescue Kusano here. Thank you very much for the help," said Minato, as he was grateful for Naruto's actions in sending Akitsu, and allowed Kusano to become his Sekirei.

"No problem. If you hit a snag at some point with this whole Sekirei Plan thing, give me a call, and I'll help you out anyway I can. But just so you know, its for emergency uses only, and not for every minor thing that can be solved on your own," said Naruto before handing him a card with his number on it.

"I understand. And again...thank you," replied Minato with Naruto smirking.

The rest of the morning was uneventful. Akitsu stayed by Naruto's side the entire time, Uzume got the impression the ice user knew of the secret attempt on her life, and was holding back any form of retaliation. Most likely because of Miya's rules along with the silent command from Naruto himself on the matter and that he would most likely handle this in his own way. By the time Jarvis arrived, Uzume couldn't be more happier, as the glare Akitsu sent her before leaving made cloth using Sekirei shiver, and saw Seo was following just in time to see the bum's twin dominatrix clothes wearing Sekirei visit to rip him a new one.

Fortunately, Naruto stopped it before such a thing got out of hand, and motioned them to get into the limo to talk privately. Hibiki and Hikari were hesitant at first, but Seo told them it was important, and to do what Naruto said.

"Nice! Its big and roomy," commented Seo, as he had been in a few limos, though they were rare, and only from past clients that no longer needed his help.

"That's the idea," replied Naruto with Akitsu beside him, her entire body sitting straight, and on alert while watching the two twin Sekirei in the car sitting beside Seo.

"Why are we even here? Unless you're offering our Ashikabi a good paying job we're not interested in anything else," replied Hikari since she had no intention of doing anything perverted for this guy.

"I'm not interested in either of you. I have a wife and she's much hotter then the two of you put together and even then she outclasses you for miles," countered Naruto while Hikari looked ready fry him while Hibiki frowned.

Akitsu silently readied her powers in one hand to form an ice shard in her hand to launch should it come to that.

"Enough you two. The guy here was the one we met last night. The one in the kitsune mask and the giant sword," said Seo with both his Sekirei looking shocked and slightly fearful of this guy beside Akitsu currently making the ice user dispel her power for the moment.

"Correct. Takehito spoke to me about you several times in passing so I know you can be trusted to some degree," replied Naruto with Seo's eyes widening in shock.

"Really? Nothing bad I hope," said Seo with a grin.

"Aside from calling you a lazy, no good bum, boozehound, moocher, and pervert? Nope! Nothing bad at all," replied Naruto with Seo and his Sekirei slumping at this news since all those things were true.

"That aside, what do you need from me?" asked Seo with Naruto's smile leaving him.

"Information on Izumi Higa. What has he been doing since I've been out of the country? Aside from rebuilding his family company and participating in the Sekirei Plan?" asked Naruto with Seo frowning for a moment.

"Officially? Izumi Higa has cleaned up his family's company. Spotless doesn't even come close to it describing. In fact, compared to the word, Higa makes spotless look like crap, and no one is willing to say anything bad about him. He participates in the Sekirei Plan, has given orders to his Sekirei to fight any, and all Sekirei they come across per the rules Minaka setup for the game," answered Seo casually while leaning back and wrapping his arm around his girls.

"And...unofficially?" asked Naruto with Seo's mood becoming darker.

"Unofficially, Higa is a ruthless bastard that's just as cutthroat as his Father was back in the day, only the difference is the son knows how to cover his tracks, and not leave a trail linking himself to anything illegal. His old man wasn't half as good in that department," replied Seo while moving for a cig, but saw Naruto shake his head, and made the man sigh.

"And his involvement in the Sekirei Plan? Is it true he's twisting the rules so he comes out of it unopposed in the long run?" asked Naruto with Seo nodding.

"Yeah. Every Ashikabi in the East is either under his employ through practical means of being paid secretly under the table or using others through blackmail. The blackmail is always in some shape or form that makes the Sekirei of the Ashikabi obey him knowing it ensures the actual Ashikabi is in good health everyday. Higa has his own Sekirei, quite a large amount too, but mostly through forced winging, and only sends them out when he doesn't want M.B.I. to get suspicious of his secret dealings with other Ashikabi. Also, I heard Higa doesn't treat them well unless they do something for him correctly, and even then he still tries to find a way to belittle them," answered Seo with Naruto frowning since it was clear Higa used Sekirei as manual labor and enforcers to carve his own little territory throughout Shinto Teito while using other Ashikabi to bolster his ranks.

"The brat is more like his Father then he knows. Just more refined and smarter too," said Naruto with Seo raising an eyebrow at him.

"You seem to know an awful lot about Izumi family," said Seo with Naruto smirking at him.

"Who do you think nearly destroyed the family and company all those years ago?" said Naruto rhetorically with Seo's eyes widening in shock before he felt himself sweating.

"Remind me never to upset you," remarked Seo nervously while Naruto smirked.

"I will should you need it. This is your stop," said Naruto with the limo stopping at the apartment Seo lived in.

"Thanks. Uh...how do you know where I live?" asked Seo with Naruto's smirk never leaving him.

"Its my business to know things," said Naruto while in truth, he had Jarvis find out where Seo lived, and simply go from there once they entered the limo.

"Fair enough. Though I do have a question...how are you able to move around with such a big ass sword?!" asked Seo with the door opening while Naruto let out a chuckle.

"Through lots and lots of exercise," replied Naruto with Seo giving the blonde a "I do not believe that for a second" look before getting out and the door shutting seconds later.

"I do not trust him Ashikabi-sama. Both his Sekirei are violent, ill tempered, and cannot controlled by him," said Akitsu from what she observed of the twins with Seo.

"True. But if you get a guy like that, who hears certain things that most don't on your side Akitsu, and you have a strong resource that could tip things in your favor when in an all out war with a powerful enemy," replied Naruto with Akitsu leaning against him.

"I am the only resource you need Ashikabi-sama," stated Akitsu possessively.

"You are not a resource Akitsu. You are a person. You are not a thing or a tool. You are my Sekirei," said Naruto while Akitsu stayed close to him the entire ride home.

When they got back to the house at the top of Whirlpool Publishing, Hinata was not there to greet them, as she was busy on important business at one of the clinics she ran, and would not be expect back until much later. Naruto understood. They spent their lives in this world balancing all their time together when they weren't working at their respective places of business. Whirlpool Publishing brought in revenue while Naruto made it known his company owned the clinics his wife ran, which brought in more good PR for him, and with M.B.I. providing the tech per their exclusive partnership...everyone was happy.

Well...except Izumi Pharmaceuticals anyway.

(Izumi Pharmaceuticals-At the Moment)

"You did what?" demanded Higa with Kakizaki looking a tad nervous.

"I ordered Uzume to deactivate Sekirei #7 Akitsu while she and Uzumaki Naruto were there. The girl was becoming a defiant of you and I thought that we could remove her along with Naruto-san's own entrance into the game before he became a threat to you," answered Kakizaki with Higa fuming.

"You idiot! I told you leave him alone until I was ready to face him on my terms. So what if Sekirei #10 was being a nuisance to us. The girl knows my company is the only place she can go to and is keeping her Ashikabi alive through the treatments she gets from my assigned doctors at my company's hospital. She is only being defiant to keep up a fake tough front. Any news on deactivations?" stated Higa with Kakizaki shaking his head no.

"No deactivations for both the former scrapped number and Sekirei #10. Meaning she did not carry out her mission or she did try yet failed to complete it while not getting caught," said Kakizaki with Higa scoffing.

"I have no doubt she tried, but most likely was caught, and Naruto spared her for now. If she tells him...," replied Higa while the trickle of sweat went down the side of his face.

"I'm confident she won't. Not with her Ashikabi's life hanging in the balance. If the lack of treatment doesn't kill the girl, your two most valuable Sekirei will, and we can easily spin it however we want," stated Kakizaki confidently.

"Don't underestimate Uzumaki Naruto! His company owns clinics that have M.B.I. level technology and they use it on the poor or the misfortunate that can't afford it anywhere else. All Sekirei #10 has to do is realize this, go to Naruto for help, and she will tell him just about anything he wants to know in exchange for getting her Ashikabi the needed medical treatment. The only reason she hasn't is because of her fear of anything M.B.I. related with the partnership the clinics have with them being part of it. All she has to do is realize there are alternatives to my hospital and we will lose a tool with information that could damage me if brought to light!" explained Higa with Kakizaki looking a bit uncomfortable from his screw up.

Something he rarely did.

"Should I call Sekirei #10 back to make sure she understands that the order is rescinded?" asked Kakizaki with Higa shaking his head.

"No. He's most likely returned to his comfy home at Whirlpool Publishing. Do NOT send anyone after him again without my approval Kakizaki. We nearly got caught poking a dangerous creature that we do not need to poke right now," commanded Higa seeing his secretary nodding in understanding.

(Shinto Teito-Three Weeks Later-City Rooftops)

Sekirei #9 Tsukiumi was not happy. Scratch that, she was pissed off, and angry at the feelings running through her heart. The warm feeling that did not sit well with her, as she knew what it meant, and despised the sensation where other Sekirei would relish it. It meant that she, Sekirei #9 Tsukiumi, the strongest of Sekirei was having a reaction to some lowly monkey for a human, and would mean defilement by such a creature's filthy hands was inexcusable! To have a reaction to an Ashikabi was an insult to her pride, her very belief that she was beyond being winged, that she didn't need to be winged, and was a Sekirei who could become the strongest without an Ashikabi.

'Whoever this foul monkey is shall pay by my hands and know only death through them!' thought Tsukiumi angrily while looking down at the people below from her position on the roof.

She had been having dreams about him roughly two weeks ago. His features were dark at first, like he was hidden by shadows, but then they began to shine, as if the sun was rising behind him, and revealed the monkey's vile face to her. Blonde hair, blue eyes, whisker marks on his face similar to birthmarks, or possibly tattoos of some kind. Further proof the vile creature she was hunting to with the intent to destroy was an ugly human that needed to be put down by her vengeful yet merciful hands.

What was even worse was there was another Sekirei beside him. A calm woman with an aloof, yet serious expression on her face, and was clearly a Sekirei from the way she dressed. Clearly this monkey had sunk his vile claws into one of her kin and now using his powers to ensnare her as well to violate her body whenever he wished.

Not going to happen!

Growling in anger, Tsukiumi leaped from one building to the next, and finding herself wondering where this vile monkey could hiding like the coward he was. He should be man enough to face the strongest Sekirei among all 108 of her kin, and take his beating prior to death with honor!

It was then she felt something else. Something bad. Something ominous with her instincts telling her that something bad was about to happen. Leaping away just in time, Tsukiumi quickly leaped away from an attack from a blonde haired, pigtailed Sekirei, wearing long black stockings, a black Chinese styled dress with one yellow vertical stripe in the middle of it, and was wielding a whip.

"Hold still unwinged Sekirei. My Master Mikogami-sama wishes you to be taken alive and brought back unharmed," commanded the whip wielding Sekirei while trying to whip Tsukiumi again into submission, but she leaped away again, and was preparing to launch water at her.

"How dare thee attack me in a surprise attack! Have you no honor? You don't even give proper identification!" exclaimed Tsukiumi angrily and the whip wielding Sekirei just smirked.

"Like I care about such things like honor. But if you must know, I'm Sekirei #38 Mitsuha, and I am Hayato Mikogami's Sekirei. He heard you were out and looking for an Ashikabi and it just so happens he is looking for another Sekirei to add to his collection," replied Mitsuha seeing Tsukiumi forming more water into a compressed ball.

"I am Tsukiumi! Sekirei #9! The strongest Sekirei that has ever lived and stay unwinged forever!" exclaimed a passionate Tsukiumi before launching the ball of water toward the whip wielder.

Mitsuha dodged it, trying to engage the single digit number in combat using mid range weapons combat against long range elemental combat, and trying to attack the other based on the speed of their abilities. Mitsuha had more speed, given all her attacks were weapon based, but Tsukiumi had speed, and could summon water while moving before she launched her water based attacks. Mitsuha couldn't use her whip while moving, as the power behind the whip attacks came from her hips, and flicking of the wrist at just the right moment.

"I can see why the single digit numbers are to be feared. Your power is incredible and have yet to be winged," stated Mitsuha, as she dodged more blasts of water, and nearly got hit by one blast that put a hole in the wall of the building behind her.

"As I said, I am the strongest, and I don't need an Ashikabi to be the strongest. I will not go to your filthy monkey for a Master and I will not be winged by any Ashikabi! 'Water Celebration!' exclaimed Tsukiumi, as she launched her attack, and the hit sent Mitsuha flying back.

"Damn! She hit me hard. Had it been a dead on attack I would have been done for. Still, I have an ace up my sleeve. Mitsuki! Now!" called out Mitsuha with Tsukiumi looking at her surprised and found herself wrapped in strings by another Sekirei that looked almost exactly like her opponent.

"What is this trickery?! Are you like the lightning twin strumpets I have heard about?" demanded Tsukiumi while trying to escape the M.B.I. produced strings wrapped around her body to prevent any kind of focus on using water or escaping in general.

"Don't be insulting. Mitsuha and I maybe twins, but we are far more competent then those two lightning twins, and their pathetic Ashikabi," remarked Mitsuki while seeing their prey caught in their trap.

"I will not surrender my freedom to your lowly monkey of a Master. I will kill him before he can wing and defile me!" protested Tsukiumi struggling harder now.

"How dare you insult our Master! Mikogami-sama is wealthy, powerful, and one of the most loving Master we could ever ask for!" exclaimed Mitsuha while limping over to their prey and looked ready to use her whip on Tsukiumi's face, but held back since her Master wanted this one undamaged.

(Elsewhere)

Naruto sighed, as he moved through the rooftops of the city, finding a sense of nostalgia of a time back in the Shinobi era where he did this in, and outside of Konoha. It didn't matter to him if he jumped on rooftops, telephone poles, or tree branches. It never got old in his mind and it was fun to because when you hurried to do something, it made you feel like a predator, hunting prey, and right now Naruto was hunting a specific kind of prey.

Sekirei #9 Tsukiumi.

He had been reacting to her for nearly for well over two weeks now in his dreams, his wife asking about it the moment she heard him mumble Tsukiumi's name for the third consecutive night in his sleep, and Naruto told her. The Hyuuga woman wasn't exactly happy about that, the description of her body didn't help either, but it was clear to the both of them that Naruto was reacting to yet another Sekirei, and that this one was not the friendly kind.

Apparently, this one wanted to kill him oddly enough.

Of course, they kept that bit away from Akitsu, as the devoted ice using Sekirei would not like hearing about a potential sister of sorts having desires to kill her Ashikabi, and might do so even after being winged. It might make Akitsu do something rash like hunt down the big boobed blonde with the power over water and cause a great deal of damage to the surrounding area.

Speaking of Akitsu's powers, the woman was progressing nicely since the training first started, and even Hinata spent time training the woman the past couple of days in the art of fighting viciously in hand to hand combat. Akitsu had been taught how to form ice into her hand, making it a living dagger by merging with the ice to stab someone with, a good practice for when she eventually used the Demonic Ice Mirrors that Haku could use, and form ice needles from the water around her. It was tricky to have the woman manipulate water to the point where it would turn into ice to make the element do her bidding, but that was the whole point of training, and focusing on the potential that was there.

Right now, Akitsu was currently at the moment, according to one of his dispelled Shadow Clone, sparring with Hinata, and was working up quite a sweat. Hinata looked like she hadn't broken one at all, which wasn't surprising since the woman had the second most highest level of energy reserves, and stamina in the known world. So his wife breaking a sweat wouldn't happen for quite some time, if at all during the day of nonstop training with Akitsu, and knew that his Sekirei was in good hands. She actually wanted to go with him on the rooftops to help him in on this important mission, but Naruto had insisted that she train, and prepare herself for the battles that would come in the future.

It took a kiss and some soothing honest words to get the ice using woman out of her funk from being denied going with him.

'It could be worse. At least I don't have to worry about Matsu having a reaction to me and acting perverted. She's Minato's problem now. Poor bastard has two smoking hot Sekirei, not counting Kusano with him, and he can't get laid thanks to Miya's rules. The poor poor bastard,' thought Naruto with a smirk on his face while wearing his kitsune ANBU mask and gear though he kept his sword sealed away in a scroll for now.

The last thing he wanted to do was make Tsukiumi think he was a Sekirei looking for a fight or an actual enemy for an Ashikabi. All she needed was an excuse to lash out at him with her water powers, which he assumed were her abilities on account of the dreams showing she could manipulate water just like the Second Hokage, if not on a whole other level, and temper aside could be a useful ally when fighting against other potential threats in this damn Sekirei Plan.

Expanding his senses once again, Naruto once more used Sage Mode to search through the vast number of people living in Shinto Teito, and to find his intended target. It was actually not as easy as one would think. Sure he could determine Sekirei from humans that might or might not be their Ashikabi. The amount of chakra a human has in their body these days was minimal at best, enough to keep them alive, and moving to get to the next day. That was to be expected. The problem was Sekirei in general. While only 108 in total, some had more power then others, regardless of their emergence, or they had yet to be winged. The waves of energy each Sekirei had while different on an individual level, was at times causing a cloud of their energy to form around all of Shinto Teito, and make finding one Sekirei you wanted to find in particular difficult.

Like now.

She was around here, but it seemed her power was being generated at high levels, or at levels considered high for a Sekirei. One of the many edges a single number had over those with doubt to triple digits. But at the same time, Naruto sensed two smaller yet near identical in level energies around her own, swirling around Tsukiumi, and several other Sekirei in the general area. Frowning for a second, Naruto decided to act decisively, and with a bit of impulsiveness by using his Sharingan Eyes to teleport himself to the location he wanted using the space/time teleporting ability that was Kamui, which Uchiha Obito had used during the Shinobi era, and appeared in what he sensed was the thickness of Tsukiumi's energy.

And within moments found himself standing on a roof staring at his target currently being restrained by two other Sekirei that had yet to see him.

Tsukiumi however, did see him with her eyes locking onto his own, and instantly became flush red from the sight of Naruto once he looked at her. Even with the mask on, it was clear she could sense who he was behind it, and the only reason her tsundere personality didn't come out in terms of anger at finally seeing him was ironically because of the shock she felt when seeing him manifest himself in such a way seemingly out of thin air.

"I see she's finally given up. Let's hurry and get her to Mikogami-sama," ordered Mitsuha with Mitsuki nodding before they both turned around and saw Naruto standing there.

"I was under the impression kidnapping was illegal regardless if it was human or Sekirei that were taken against their will," stated Naruto with his arms crossed.

"Who the Hell are you? How did you even get up here without us knowing?" demanded Mitsuki angrily while Mitsuha was readying her whip against him.

"My name is not important for you to know. As to how I got here like I just appeared out of thin air? Well...let's just say I'm not your average everyday human," answered Naruto with both twin looking Sekirei glaring at him.

"Mitsuha! I'll take our prize back to the Master. You deal with this masked idiot," said Mitsuki while her twin lookalike nodded in agreement.

"That would be unwise of you," remarked Naruto in a cold tone.

"Oh! And why is that human?" demanded Mitsuki while Mitsuha shot her whip out in a threatening manner.

"Because I will destroy you both...just like I did Yomi," answered Naruto with all three blondes looking at him in shock.

"That was you?" questioned Mitsuha angrily.

"He's bluffing! No human could take on a Sekirei in combat. It was the former scrapped number that did her in," countered Mitsuha with Naruto frowning behind his mask.

"Don't call her that," replied Naruto coldly while Mitsuha smirked.

"Or what human? You will hurt us? Ha! We'll call the broken failure whenever the Hell we want. Even if the scrapped number got winged, she'll always be a failure, and should have been put down by M.B.I. when they had a chance. They only reason they didn't is because she had some use in the Sekirei Plan in being cannon fodder!" exclaimed Mitsuki with Naruto's frown becoming a scowl.

"I'm only going to say this once to you. Release her...or die!" said Naruto before hitting them killer intent that made them freeze up at first in fear.

"I'm not about to back down from the likes of you!" exclaimed Mitsuha, as she readied her whip again to hit him hard, and make him realize they were not meant to be crossed.

Only for her whip to go right through Naruto like he wasn't even there and shocked the three blondes staring at him.

"Then you are even stupider then you look," remarked Naruto before he was gone from their sight and appeared to the side of a startled Mitsuki.

Mere seconds before hitting the blonde girl right in the face with his elbow and making the girl release her grip on the wires to allow Tsukiumi to get free. No sooner had that happened did Tsukiumi finally regain the sense of it all to act and launched a ball of condensed water at Mitsuha with the attack hitting the whip wielder dead on making her skid to the edge of the rooftop. She struggled to get up, but the damage fighting Tsukiumi earlier, the direct hit just now had weakened her considerably.

Mitsuha knew if she wasn't careful in the next few seconds while trying to get up off the ground, she would possibly be deactivated, and be retrieved by M.B.I. troops. Looking over at her twin of sorts, Mitsuki had tried to use her wires on the masked man, and found they went right through him like he was a ghost of some kind. Yet when it came for him to hit back, his blows were as solid as a brick, and the hits felt just as hard as when the masked man made physical contact.

Mitsuki snarled at Naruto, as each jab, punch, and kick was quick while hitting with deadly precision. She didn't know how he was able to do what he was doing, only that this guy could do it, and yet claim to be human. No human could do this! No human being could simply phase through her netting like an apparition and then hit you as if he was a solid object in a span of few seconds.

This wasn't normal!

"What the Hell are you?" demanded Mitsuki, as she abandoned using her wires, and tried to use some of UFC fighting moves she had seen on the big screen TV Mikogami had in his mansion with each attempt to hurt him failing miserably.

Mitsuki was even shocked that he caught one of her fists and held it painfully in his grasp with enough force to make her cry out in pain.

"If you must know the name of your destroyer, you may call me...The Kitsune Shinobi of Ashikabi," answered Naruto before kneeing her in the gut and throwing her away from him.

"What kind of stupid name is that?" demanded Mitsuha while trying to stay standing at this point while eyeing Tsukiumi looking between her and the masked man.

"I just told you silly girl...its the name of your destroyer," replied Naruto, as he took out a kunai faster then anyone could see, was in front of Mitsuha a second later, and stabbed her right in the stomach to the shock of the others.

"Mitsuha!" called out Mitsuki, as she saw her twin of sorts get stabbed, and then kicked off the roof to the next building below that was much smaller lower in height before she hit the roof with a loud "BOOOM!"

There was no doubt in anyone's mind that she was deactivated.

"You're going to be next if you don't leave now," replied Naruto while flicking the blood off the kunai and looking at a fearful Mitsuki with the girl quickly rushing off.

With the wire using Sekirei fleeing in fear of him, Naruto let out a sigh, and turned to stare at a red faced Tsukiumi. It was hard to tell why she was red in the face, whether from anger, or possibly from the embarrassment over the fact he came to her rescue was unknown. Maybe she was having a reaction to his presence like Sekirei were known to have when in near their chosen Ashikabi when it became time to emerge. Though the last one seemed farfetched since she didn't know what he looked like yet due to his ANBU kitsune mask.

"Its you, isn't it? You're the one from my dreams! The vile hairy monkey that dares to call himself by Ashikabi!" accused Tsukiumi with Naruto feeling a sweat drop forming in the back of his head.

"You do realize its not nice to make accusations, right?" asked Naruto with the woman's face getting redder and her eyes showing anger at basically accusing him of something without proof.

"Then I demand such proof! Remove thy mask vile monkey and show me what your true face looks like!" demanded Tsukiumi while the sweat drop on the back of Naruto's head grew.

"And if I say no?" questioned Naruto with Tsukiumi's face getting redder and angrier.

"Then I will make thee reveal himself through my power and wash your filthy body away to never have a chance a sullying mine! 'Water Celebration!'" answered Tsukiumi, as she launched her attack at Naruto, who dodged her attack easily, and did it several times after the first shot missed.

"We need to work on that temper of yours," commented Naruto while glancing back to see the attack leave craters in the ground below once gravity took control of the watery projectiles.

"Work on my temper? So you do intend to wing me! Train me to do thy bidding and heel to your every command?! Never!" exclaimed Tsukiumi, as she launched another wave of water, and was shocked when Naruto stretched out his hand to catch it.

"Enough! This pointless show of force from you is a waste of energy and expressing it like this through anger is beneath you!" called out Naruto before letting his chakra come out of his body, wrapping it around himself in a orb like fashion not unlike the Rasengan when formed in his palm, and used it to further prove that she was outclassed.

"How can you wield such power? You can't possibly be human!" protested Tsukiumi, as her attack was cancelled while Naruto just sighed, and reached up to remove his mask for her to see his face.

As expected, the shock of it was most surprising for Tsukiumi, and she took a step back out of fear of him. Not surprising really, given how the woman was facing someone that was human, but could do things no ordinary human could do, and could easily go toe to toe with a Sekirei.

"We don't have to fight Tsukiumi. I didn't come here to fight you. I came here to talk and reason with you," replied Naruto calmly, as he had deactivated his Sharingan Eyes before taking off his mask, knowing the sight of the eyes would startle her, and most likely make things worse.

"And yet you attacked me," countered Tsukiumi with Naruto shaking his head.

"I defended myself. You shot water at me first. Never once did I raise a hand against you in an offensive manner," Naruto shot back with the woman wanting to protest, but was unable to say a word because he was right, and looked away from him.

"Well isn't this a lovely surprise. Its been a while Naruto-sensei," remarked a smooth yet still oily female voice being spoken from behind Naruto.

"Yes it has Karasuba-san. I see you still haven't change in the slightest since we saw each other last. Still, as bloodthirsty as ever since the day I trained you," Naruto shot back with Karasuba smirk growing while Tsukiumi looked between them in shock.

'That is Sekirei #4 Karasuba: The Black Sekirei! Why does she call him sensei? Why do I fear for his safety, even though I sense his strength far surpasses hers?' thought Tsukiumi, as she watched the two, and wondered how Karasuba knew to come here.

"I have gotten stronger since the last time we were in the same room sensei. I've become the leader of the Discipline Squad. I am the strongest now," replied Karasuba with Naruto looking at her with unimpressed eyes before putting his kitsune mask back on.

"Only because those far stronger then yourself are either retired or dead through various circumstances. Miya may not be in the game, but she can still end your life. Just like me," commented Naruto casually, which made Karasuba's smile leave her, and draw her sword while walking toward him.

"My orders from Minaka are to stop you from winging any more Sekirei. While he was impressed you winged the scrapped number, she is also a single digit, and doesn't want you winging another," said Karasuba with Naruto looking from her to Tsukiumi and seeing the water user preparing to defend herself.

"Two single digit numbers being winged by me would make me stronger then most with multiple double to triple digit numbered Sekirei. Still, she is reacting to me, and I was under the impression Sekirei were encouraged to find their chosen Ashikabi. Does that mean Minaka is going against the rules of his own game?" commented Naruto with the Black Sekirei that was his student pausing in her threatening movements toward him in thought.

Before the slightly mentally unstable woman could even give a proper reply, her phone began to ring, and Naruto watched her put it to her ear. With his own enhanced hearing, it was clear Karasuba was talking to Minaka himself, and what he was telling her was not what she wanted to hear.

"You can't be serious?!" demanded Karasuba after hearing the command from Minaka.

"I'm quite serious Karasuba. Naruto made a very clear cut argument. If I have you go through with this order, it means the rules to the game will be nullified, and the game won't be fun anymore. Leave Naruto alone for now," replied Minaka over the phone and heard Karasuba growl.

"You assigned this to me under the impression I could test my skills against him after so many years since we last saw one another. A chance to see how far I've come since being his student!" exclaimed Karasuba into the phone.

"And you will. Eventually when they don't go against my rules. Until then, you will wait," commanded Minaka with Karasuba growling before she turned off the phone and put it away before glaring at Naruto.

"Orders rescinded?" asked Naruto in a slightly mocking tone.

"Yes. I can't fight you...yet!" remarked Karasuba before sheathing her blade and walking off.

"I'll be waiting," replied Naruto with Karasuba looking back and smirking at him again.

"Hopefully, we won't be waiting long," countered Karasuba before she leaped off the roof to leave the two alone.

When Naruto turned to look at Tsukiumi, he saw she was unsure of him, just as she was of Karasuba, and had her water at the ready to fire. Calmly walking toward her, Naruto put up his hands in a placating manner, and saw her take another step back.

"Calm down Tsukiumi," said Naruto with Tsukiumi narrowing her eyes at him when he got only a few feet from her.

"Calm down? I will not calm down! Nor will I listen to thee like am one of your Sekirei. I already know you winged another. I will not be some prize or part of a collection like those two blonde strumpets proudly stated they were. I am Sekirei #9 Tsukiumi! I am the strongest of all Sekirei both winged and unwinged. I will be forever free of a life where I am chained down by some vile lowly hairy monkey wanting to ravage my body for own personal amusement!" exclaimed Tsukiumi proudly before launching water at Naruto, which went right through him, and hit the air conditioning system behind him.

Unfortunately, for Naruto that is, the system was an older outdated model type of system that didn't do well under lots of water, and tended to explode when fried. The explosion was not entirely unexpected, but Naruto didn't have time to use Kamui to phase out of the dimension, and let the shrapnel pass through his body. Of course, if he had, the shrapnel would have hit Tsukiumi, and seriously injured her.

So Naruto had to bite the bullet and take a few pieces of sharp pointy metal to the back much to the shock of the Sekirei in front of him. It was clear from the look on her face that Tsukiumi fully expected him to phase out again and let the metal projectiles go right through his body into her. To no doubt act like a coward or as a vile monkey that she kept calling him since they first met on this rooftop.

"As I said, we need to work on that temper of yours," remarked Naruto while keeping the pain from his wounds out of his voice.

His words seemed to snap the water using Sekirei out of her thoughts, as she once again misunderstood him, and prepared to attack Naruto with her water once again, and was about to unleash it upon him. Before Tsukiumi could do that, the masked blonde vanished from her line of sight before knocking the violent Sekirei out with a chop to the neck, and picked her up bridal style.

Once more, Naruto let out a sigh, and wondered why now of all times he was being put through this crap. Did Kami seriously want him back in the game of life that badly to put him in the Sekirei Plan? Was this Jiraiya's doing? Was this his way of getting back at him for taking over the Icha Icha Paradise series and making sure Ero Sennin's legacy in the perverse was now his own. Naruto had decided that the old pervert would not be honored or remembered in the slightest for his perverse literature. A justified punishment for past betrayals to his Godson and Naruto would even go one step further in writing the series in his own way to keep on insulting the man. There would be smut, but that was balanced out with plot, intrigue, flash, flare, passion, and gripping drama that made almost anyone (children not allowed of course) to read it. Jiraiya's work was almost always pure smut designed for perverts and only perverts only so it targeted a large, but still a narrowed audience that the Toad Sannin refused to expand on. In fact, Naruto had gotten into an argument during the three year "training trip" with the man about it and Jiraiya told him that the book would be for perverts and perverts only long after he died. That Naruto would continue his work in that manner and would honor him by making sure the orange book was preserved in the perverted glory he envisioned it.

If Naruto was correct about the other side, Jiraiya must have just found out about what he had done during his time in the afterlife, and was taking it very personally. Hence why this perverted crap was happening to him now and the slowly growing flock of women were being drawn to him. First Akitsu with her submission nature and willingness to do whatever he desired no matter what. Now Tsukiumi was here in his arms and little birdie number two in his life while being drawn further into the Sekirei Plan.

He was so fortunate that his wife was so damn loving or understandable.

Otherwise...Naruto would have been in a world of shit.

(M.B.I.-At the Moment)

"Its not like you to call off Karasuba from an assignment like that. At least not without reason," remarked Takami while Minaka just smiled at her.

"Naruto-san brought up an interesting point when talking to her. Sekirei #9 was reacting to him. Our satellites around that area of the city caught their conversation and it was clear he could have winged her forcibly anytime he wanted if she wasn't. I wasn't about to break one of my own ruled Takami-chan. Besides, I only gave Karasuba the assignment because she was getting cagey, and needed to be out in the world," answered Minaka with Takami sighing.

"You know she'll find her bloodlust satisfied elsewhere," stated Takami with Minaka just smiling at her.

"So long as the fighting is done following the rules of the game, it doesn't bother me, and we can continue onward to our new Era of the Gods," replied Minaka with Takami once again sighing.

'I hate it when he goes on about that 'New era of the Gods!' crap' he keeps talking about,' thought Takami while looking over the recently winged Ashikabi and saw her son had recently winged Matsu not that long ago.

Takami growled angrily at the very idea of her son winging that red headed pervert for a woman and vowed to break Matsu if she tried anything on her son.

(Whirlpool Publishing-Uzumaki Estates-Later that Day)

"She actually tried to kill you?" questioned Hinata, as she was sitting down with Naruto, and Akitsu in the living area of the house.

The three of them had been sitting the couch area, Akitsu to his left, and Hinata to his right while both leaning against him. Naruto had changed from his ANBU clothing and mask for more casual clothing. Both women had been surprised he came back with big busty blonde Sekirei and put the woman in a bedroom across from Akitsu's own. After he changed clothes, Naruto sat down with Akitsu, and Hinata on either side of him with both demanding answers regarding Tsukiumi's sudden arrival. Hinata wanted to know why she was unconscious and Akitsu wanted to know why she was there in general.

"In her defense, I think I frightened Tsukiumi by appearing out of nowhere, and some of my abilities that no human should possess. Given the fact that I also deactivated another Sekirei of Mikogami's and admitted to doing the same with Yomi also might have had a hand in it," admitted Naruto with Hinata frowning at him.

"That and her tsundere personality," added Hinata with Naruto shrugging.

"Maybe a little. The point is, I handled it despite the interference from two Sekirei from Mikogami forces, followed by Karasuba making herself known before being called back by Minaka, and Tsukiumi's continued attempts to kill me to stop being winged. Though why she believes that humans or humans that become Ashikabi are horrible bothers me a bit," remarked Naruto with Hinata nodding.

"From the way you described Tsukiumi's ranting, she acted like Ashikabi enslave Sekirei, and then rape them anytime they want. Why would she think that?" asked Hinata with Naruto shaking his head in a "don't know" manner while deep in thought.

"That's not the only problem that's been bothering me. Do you remember when I told you about the attempt on Akitsu's life when I was at Mason Izumo after the whole business with Kusano from the night prior?" asked Naruto with Hinata nodding.

"I talked to Matsu shortly after it happened. She saw the whole thing via hidden cameras that show everything through the whole house straight to her hidden room. I told her to dig around the M.B.I. database regarding Uzume's Ashikabi, a one Hidaka Chiho to see if my hunch about why she tried to do something so foolish was correct. According to what Matsu found, Uzume's Ashikabi is currently a patient at a hospital to be treated for a rare, yet severe illness, and...and the hospital is owned by Izumi Pharmaceuticals," said Naruto with Hinata's eyes widening in shock.

"Her Ashikabi's life hangs in Higa's hands," replied Hinata with Naruto nodding.

"I'd bet that Higa goes through a middle man to speak to Uzume about doing his dirty work for him. Seo, an old friend of Takehito helped confirm my suspicions about Higa being a twofaced piece of crap just like his old man. The only difference is he hides it from the public because of his company taking a hit if he does while his old man didn't because his company was still successful and arrogantly believed it could handle M.B.I. as a new competitor. We all know where that got the Izumi family," said Naruto with Hinata scowling deeper in anger.

"So Higa is secretly holding this Chiho girl hostage via her treatments while Uzume does what he wants. The bastard!" said Hinata furiously with Naruto nodding in agreement.

"Its a cruel way to get around the ingrained process of a Sekirei obeying only the orders of their chosen Ashikabi. One of Sekirei's duties to their Ashikabi is to protect them from all harm and if it means following the orders of another to ensure it...they will," replied Naruto after figuring out how Higa got Uzume under his thumb so easily.

"We have to free her from his control. One of my clinics could easily treat the girl after finding out what her illness is and you could make sure she is relocated away from Higa's control," said Hinata with Naruto nodding in agreement, his eyes closed, and his mind was already in the process of thinking on how to do it.

"And we will when time permits us. Right now we have to focus on ourselves, Akitsu's training, and eventually winging Tsukiumi...provided she doesn't try to kill me again," said Naruto with Hinata sighing since she knew he was right before looking at Akitsu.

Only to find Akitsu was no longer by Naruto's side.

"Uh...where is Akitsu?" asked Hinata, as she didn't know the woman could be so stealthy, and at times surprised even her.

"Weird. I didn't even feel her leave. I must be more jumbled with my thoughts then I first thought," said Naruto with a frown on his face now.

"You don't think that she...?" questioned Hinata with Naruto's frown further.

"I think she did. I'll be right back," answered Naruto before he used Kamui to teleport to Tsukiumi's room.

(Tsukiumi's Room-Moments Earlier)

Akitsu stood silently in Tsukiumi's room. If anyone were to look in the room, they would think she was a statue, and paid her no mind. But in truth, Akitsu was here not to imitate a piece of granite, or simply look at the blonde busty Sekirei that slept in this room with a peaceful look on her face despite having been in a fight earlier with two Sekirei plus one blonde haired Ashikabi.

Akitsu's Ashikabi.

The ice using Sekirei knew there was always a chance another Sekirei would come along, reacting to her Ashikabi, that she might one day have to share him just like Hinata was doing with Akitsu herself, and his big loving heart. Akitsu had long made peace with that fact, as it was the way of the world until all Sekirei were winged in the Sekirei Plan, and the next stage could begin upon the Game Master's command.

What Akitsu could NOT make peace with in her mind, was the matter she heard come out of her Ashikabi's mouth about Tsukiumi being his next Sekirei from the reactions they both had to the other via their dreams. Naruto had apologized to Akitsu for not telling her about this from the beginning, as he didn't want her to think she was going to be replaced, and lower her self-esteem down to where it was before they met. Also, her Ashikabi was unsure if wanted to wing the busty blonde because of Akitsu, as he felt one Sekirei just like Hinata was enough in his life, and didn't really want another. However, as the days went by since the dreams between the two occurred, Naruto had told Akitsu that he had come to the realization that if he didn't become Tsukiumi's Ashikabi, then someone else would have, and forcibly wing her instead. This was proven by Mikogami sending two of his Sekirei to capture the busty woman to be part of his collection to further his numbers.

Akitsu understood his reasons and accepted her Ashikabi's apology. Not that he needed to apologize to her since in Akitsu's mind Naruto never made mistakes. She understood her Ashikabi had honor and wouldn't leave a Sekirei to serving a false Ashikabi that was not their destined one. What Akitsu didn't understand is why Naruto still wanted to be this particularly violent Sekirei's Ashikabi when she clearly tried to kill him? She was a threat to him. To his life. To his happiness with his wife Hinata and with his one true Sekirei that was her.

Sekirei #7 Akitsu.

As she walked silently, barefoot in the house of her Ashikabi, in this room Tsukiumi was sleeping in, Akitsu stopped at the foot of the bed of the water using Sekirei, and gave her face a once over. The woman's long blonde hair was all over the place on the bed, like it was the sun itself, and she was breathing normally without any form of fear on her face of being attacked. It was as if Tsukiumi had been living in this house for years, and knew that it couldn't be breached by any enemy. Like she had been Naruto's Sekirei all along and would wake up soon to take her rightful spot by his side that wasn't occupied by his wife.

It made Akitsu frown with a rare sense of anger within her usual emotionless form. The idea of this Sekirei, this violent water using woman being winged by her Ashikabi made Akitsu angry, and didn't want this anti-Ashikabi to be winged by Naruto. His life was in jeopardy so long as this woman was in his house, in this room, and Akitsu was not going to hesitate in removing this threat from her Ashikabi's presence. Of course Akitsu also knew she had to act fast before her Master did wing Tsukiumi, as one of the few things that were connected into each Sekirei on a genetic level was that they could not harm a fellow Sekirei if they shared the same Ashikabi, and had to try getting along with each other.

Akitsu had no intention of getting along with this violent Ashikabi hating Sekirei that was intent on killing her Ashikabi. The very same Ashikabi, who took her into his home when broken, who gave her clothing that she could choose of her own freewill, and then did the greatest thing of all...he gave her wings.

This Sekirei currently sleeping in this bed before Akitsu was not worthy in the ice users mind of being Naruto's Sekirei. She was a threat and all threats to Akitsu's Ashikabi were to be destroyed by her hands. It would be quick of course, silent without the feeling of pain, which Akitsu would give Tsukiumi, as she was reacting to Naruto, and deserved at least that much.

So silently, quietly, without hesitation, Akitsu leaned forward, like a shadowy angel of death, and gently put her right hand on Tsukiumi's neck before squeezing. She had to apply the pressure slowly, but firm with each passing second, using her ice powers to numb the skin around the blonde woman's neck, letting it spread down to her arms so the woman could not fight back with numb limbs, and when Tsukiumi did open her eyes for what would be the last time...all she would see was Akitsu's cold emotionless face before darkness took the water using Sekirei.

And that was what was happening seconds later with Tsukiumi's eyes opening, eyes wide now in surprise, and fear with the desperation on the blonde's face at wanting to escape Akitsu's clutches. She saw the cold visage on Akitsu's face, the silent anger beneath the surface of the ice user's eyes, and the belief what she was doing was right.

"And just what do you think you're doing Akitsu?" asked Naruto coldly with Akitsu's eyes widening now and she had to fight the urge to turn her head knowing his face was not a happy one.

"Ah...Master I...," answered Akitsu, but she couldn't answer, as she didn't know how, and it was clear that even if she did...her Ashikabi would not buy it.

"Remove your hand from Tsukiumi's neck this instant and take three steps away from her. Now!" commanded Naruto with Akitsu obeying his command immediately.

"Master I...," said Akitsu, but a look from him silenced her, and she quickly looked down knowing that this time no excuse or apology would be accepted.

"My apologies for Akitsu's behavior Tsukiumi. Given how things have been for her in the past, my Sekirei is very...protective of me," said Naruto to Tsukiumi, who looked at him, and then at Akitsu before looking up at him with slightly worried eyes.

"Why did she...?" asked Tsukiumi though her voice was hoarse and slightly scratchy.

"Why did Akitsu try to kill you?" said Naruto with Tsukiumi nodding.

"Yes," whispered Tsukiumi with Naruto sighing before turning to a submissive Akitsu.

"Akitsu, please go get my wife so she can help heal Tsukiumi's throat," commanded Naruto with Akitsu looking at him for a second, then at Tsukiumi, and again at Naruto once more.

"Yes Ashikabi-sama," replied Akitsu in a whispered tone and left.

"To answer your question, she did it because I told her, and my wife what you tried to do when we first met. You're lucky I'm not your average human with an average life my dear Tsukiumi, for it I was such a person, someone else would have been your Ashikabi, and they would not be so caring. Add to the fact I have high regenerative abilities, I was able to push the metal pieces of shrapnel I had from that old air conditioning system on top of the building we were on out of my body. I didn't tell my wife or Akitsu that because part of me suspected that the type of thing you just went through would happen. Apparently, I underestimated Akitsu's resolve to ensure no one would dare harm me, and how far she was willing to go," explained Naruto with Tsukiumi nodding before Hinata came into the room with Akitsu waiting outside the room.

It was clear to Naruto that the ice user felt she would be unwelcomed in the room given her recent hostile action.

"Hello Tsukiumi-san. I'm Uzumaki Hyuuga Hinata. I am Naruto-kun's wife," said Hinata, as she saw the busty blonde look at her curiously, and then at Naruto.

"Thy wife? Thou are wed?" asked Tsukiumi while Naruto smile gently and Hinata began using the Mystic Palm Jutsu on her throat to heal the growing bruise forming there.

"Yes we are. For many years, Hinata-chan and I have been happily married long before the Sekirei Plan was put into motion. As for how many Sekirei I have, Akitsu is the only one, and I'm sure you have heard of her former title," answered Naruto with Tsukiumi nodding.

"Yes. Word has indeed spread throughout the city of how the once broken Sekirei among us has been winged. Many are wondering how it even happened. Some have even started calling Akitsu the 'Redeemed Sekirei' on account to her getting a second chance at having an Ashikabi," answered Tsukiumi with Naruto liking the title a lot more then the previous one.

"Akitsu was very fortunate to meet my husband when she did. She caught the interest of another Ashikabi, who only wanted her for his collection, and would have used Akitsu until she was of no further use to him," added Hinata with Tsukiumi looking at Naruto with a sense of gratitude in preventing her from meeting such a life under the control of a false Ashikabi.

"I thank thee. I would have become someone else's Sekirei had you not come when you did. While I am the strongest Sekirei around, those twin blonde strumpets did not fight in honorable combat, and chose to fight dishonorably against me," replied Tsukiumi clearly when Hinata finished healing her throat.

"As I told another Ashikabi I helped out not that long ago, I believe a Sekirei should be winged by their chosen Ashikabi, and not be forced into a winging simply for numbers or power the Sekirei may wield," said Naruto with Tsukiumi blushing since she had been reacting to him earlier and that meant he was implying they finish what their dreams had started.

"You have honor and courage for a monkey. I must admit this is unexpected," replied Tsukiumi while Naruto and Hinata both had a sweat drop form on the back of their heads.

'Did she just insult me/him,' thought Naruto and Hinata at the same time.

"Well...I suppose thou wishes to wing me now?" asked Tsukiumi with Naruto looking at Hinata first, who nodded in understanding since this was meant to happen, and he gave his wife a smile while making a mental note to make it up to her later.

"I do and I will, but before we get to that part, you need to understand some things about myself, and my wife that few know about. For one, my wife along with myself are not your average humans, and haven't been for a very long time. We both can do things no human and even Sekirei can do with our abilities going far beyond anything you could even begin to fathom," explained Naruto with Tsukiumi nodding.

"I understand. Though I was surprised when thou was called 'sensei' by the Black Sekirei Karasuba herself," replied Tsukiumi sitting up while Naruto nodding since that was true.

"Not many people know that bit of information, in fact only a small handful of people know that Hinata-chan, and I were the original senseis to the first five Sekirei to protect them. We left M.B.I. during its infancy stage and even then it was very powerful because of our involvement making that happen. I don't know what is going to happen with this game that Minaka has started, as he kept everyone in the dark about it after making the announcement of its inception, and what final his endgame will be when things finally do come to a head. What I do know is that when you get winged by me, things will not be an easy ride, and you will train to become stronger for the battle that will come. You will get along with Akitsu, you will watch her back, and she will watch yours. Do you understand what I'm asking of you Tsukiumi? Do you understand what you are getting involved in by being winged by me?" explained Naruto with Tsukiumi looking like she had just been insulted.

"Of course I understand! I am the strongest after all. As your soon to be wife, it would be foolish of me to ignore the dangers coming our way, and I will fight such enemies to the end," replied Tsukiumi with Hinata's eyebrow violently twitching at the busty blonde's proclamation of being Naruto's future wife.

"Uh...Tsukiumi, I hate to break this to you, but...I'm already married to Hinata-chan here. Remember?" said Naruto with Tsukiumi blushing red in embarrassment.

"Of course I remember! I was just saying that between myself and Akitsu, in terms of our status as your Sekirei that I am thy proper wife. I accept that Hinata-sama is your wife by human terms of your species and my equal," replied Tsukiumi hotly like she knew what he was talking about while Naruto and Hinata now had another sweat drop forming.

'O-kay! This is going getting weird real soon and real fast,' thought Naruto while Hinata was looking a tad annoyed by the proclamation.

"I think you better wing her Naruto-kun. You still need to talk to Akitsu about what she tried to do to Tsukiumi," added Hinata with Naruto flinching knowing that wasn't going to be pleasant either.

"Ready Tsukiumi because its now or never," said Naruto before he leaned in close and kissed the woman right on the lips with the expected reaction of wings flaring behind Tsukiumi happening from the emergence.

'This feeling. The fear is washing away. I feel warm inside,' thought Tsukiumi, as she embraced the kiss, and the person that was giving it to her until at last...it ended.

"See? No need to get all temperamental over being winged when all it takes is a kiss," said Naruto with Tsukiumi blinking owlishly while gapping like a fish at him before gritting her teeth angrily.

"Temperamental? Temperamental?! I show you temperamental!" exclaimed Tsukiumi, as she took offense to that, and ironically enough was doing what she did when they first met.

Yes, she was trying to kill him with her water powers...again!

Or rather she would have if not for Hinata's Gentle Fist strikes that made her lose balance and flop on the bed in shock.

"Excuse me Tsukiumi-san, but trying to kill my husband is strictly forbidden here at the Uzumaki Estates," replied Hinata in a very Miya like fashion.

And the tenants of Mason Izumo wondered where Miya gets her attitude towards others.

"Thanks Hinata-chan. You are the best wife a man could ever ask for. Sorry Tsukiumi, but its kind of true. Now if you will excuse me, I have another Sekirei to attend to, and set things right with her," said Naruto before kissing his wife on the lips and left the two of them room in the room to get better acquainted.

"Ah...Ashikabi-sama," whispered Akitsu, as she was beside the door, her head down, and was unable to look at him the moment he came out of Tsukiumi's bedroom before quickly shutting the sliding door.

"Akitsu, we need to talk in private. Follow me," commanded Naruto, his playfulness he briefly had with his wife was gone, and was focusing on the woman following him.

"Ah...please Ashikabi-sama. Please...do not discard me for my actions. I will do anything you ask of me without question from this day forward," whispered Akitsu, as she feared what he was going to say, going to do to her, and was internally shivering in fear of what was about to happen.

Her words shocked Naruto deeply, as he stopped walking, and turned to look at her with that emotion on his face before standing right in front of the scared woman.

"Akitsu, do you honestly believe I would throw you out, or break the bond I have made since winging you? That I would say 'to Hell with you' or 'get out of my home' to you?" asked Naruto with Akitsu submissively nodding while keeping her eyes on the ground.

"I have done something horrible against you Ashikabi-sama. I am not worthy of being your Sekirei. I should have stayed broken to prevent the shame I have brought down upon you," replied Akitsu with tears forming in her eyes before Naruto grabbed her shoulders and held her close.

"Enough! Don't say that again Akitsu! Don't you ever say that about yourself again. I know why you did what you did and while part of me is disappointed in you, its doesn't mean I will cast you aside like yesterday's trash. We are connected now to whatever end may come our way. The same with Tsukiumi. She's a member of this family. You and she are like sisters now Akitsu. Remember what I said to you? That you won't be alone anymore while living under this house. I told you this when first coming here and I meant it. You have Hinata-chan, now Tsukiumi-chan, and myself to help you through good times and bad times," stated Naruto while looking Akitsu right in the eyes and she began crying even harder before hugging him again.

"Ashikabi-sama. My Ashikabi-sama," whispered Akitsu, as she embraced him, feeling he had forgiven her for past transgressions, and could start anew.

"That I am Akitsu-chan. But you have to share your time and affection from now on with Tsukiumi-chan. There will be no favoritism in this house between either of you. The only one that gets more time with me then either of you will be Hinata and you already know why that is," explained Naruto with Akitsu nodding in understanding.

In terms of hierarchy, Naruto was the Patriarch of this now bizarre family while Hinata was the Matriarch. When one wasn't around running things, the other was, and they shared power when together rather then fight the other for it. Akitsu and Tsukiumi were in a sense concubines of sorts, but with more freedom then most with such a title would get.

Akitsu had no problem with that so long as she could be with her Ashikabi.

"I will try not to fail you again Ashikabi-sama," said Akitsu with Naruto smiling at her and gave a woman a kiss on the forehead where the horrible seal marker had once been.

"You haven't failed me yet Akitsu. Only had you succeeded in ending Tsukiumi would you have failed me," replied Naruto while holding her closer and could tell she didn't want to be that close to failing him again.

"I wish to apologize to Tsukiumi-san when allowed," stated Akitsu with Naruto giving her another smile.

"Later, when things settle down. For now, let's go sit in the living area. I'll read you one of the stories you like so much," said Naruto with Akitsu's eyes widening within joy.

"Ah...can you read the one from the orange book? The one titled Icha Icha Paradise: Hot Spring Fun I saw on the higher shelves?" asked Akitsu with Naruto blushing since that particular book was more of the erotic level of things then the more recent ones that came out later on.

"Uh...maybe down the road. That particular book is uh...not meant to be read out loud for anyone to hear," answered Naruto with Akitsu looking confused.

"Why?" asked Akitsu with Naruto laughing nervously.

"Well...its uh...well its an adults only type of book and while you are an adult...let's just say it will keep you up at night," answered Naruto with Akitsu still looking confused, but accepted his answer, and trusted in his reasoning for not going with that.

Maybe she could read it herself in private to find out why he was hesitant to read it out loud in the first place.

(A/N: YAY! SUPER LONG CHAPTER DONE! Hope you all like this Spent a lot of time and energy on it. Until next time...PEACE!)