Chapter 5-Brewing Clouds
The next few weeks went by surprisingly easy for Naruto and Hinata considering how the newest addition to the family had a tsundere personality based Sekirei with the ability to manipulate water was greatly possessive of him. Add to the fact the possessive water user was competing with an equally competitive ice using Sekirei made this situation nothing short of impressive to say the least. The only real rocky situation Naruto had to deal with was the tension that appeared when Akitsu came to apologize to Tsukiumi for the whole kill you in your sleep thing. Tsukiumi had tense when Akitsu came to see her, the water she could command out of thin air had manifested itself like a streamer dancing around the busty blonde's form, and would have lashed out had Naruto not commanded that she stand down.
Not one to disobey her new husband before the ice using trollop, Tsukiumi released her control over the water, and was asked to hear what Akitsu had to say. Huffing slightly, the big breasted blonde crossed her arms under the large bosom she possessed, and had waited for the strumpet to speak. On the sidelines, Naruto watched Akitsu apologize to Tsukiumi, even if he knew it was slightly reluctant, given how the ice user paused to look at him for a brief second, and then speak to the busy blonde. Tsukiumi frowned through the entire apology Akitsu made, their shared Ashikabi could tell she meant it, but the busty blonde was still airing on the side of caution, and decided to judge for herself on whether or not the apology warranted being accepted.
Ultimately, Tsukiumi had accepted the apology, if only to appease her husband, and let this whole near death situation become water under the bridge. Still, Tsukiumi vowed to make this slow witted concubine know that she was the strongest of Sekirei, and was not about to lose Naruto's affection to her. The water user had every intention of showing that between the two of them, she alone was the one true Sekirei worthy of being called his wife, and share the title of wife with Hinata.
Hence why Tsukiumi was currently latched onto her husband's arm with the limb now being wedged deep into her breasts while they walked toward Mason Izumo with Akitsu doing the same on his other limb despite the chains around her bust. Naruto sighed, as he thanked Kami for the umpteenth time for having such a loving, and understanding wife currently living with him. After speaking to Tsukiumi to heal, using Medical Ninjutsu to make the woman sleep, Hinata went to find Naruto, and saw him reading to Akitsu on the couch until the ice woman fell asleep. After putting her to bed, Naruto went with Hinata to their room, and put any doubt his sexy wife may have had about him by ravaging her well into the morning.
Naruto had Jarvis call the clinic Hinata was scheduled to work that day inform everyone there that she would be late coming in for personal reasons.
"Husband, why must we go see this Ashikabi? If anything, we should fight his Sekirei to further our advancement in the game," asked Tsukiumi with Naruto sighing again though for a different reason.
"Tsukiumi, we've been over this. Minato doesn't want to be apart of the Sekirei Plan and wants to keep his Sekirei out of it. They will fight, but only when necessary, and when there is no other avenue before them. Besides, I went out of my way to ensure Kusano was winged by him, and want to see how she is doing," answered Naruto with Tsukiumi frowning at his response.
"It seems wrong. A Sekirei's duty is to fight to the end until there is only one Sekirei left," countered Tsukiumi with Naruto frowning at her.
"No. A Sekirei's duty is to follow their Ashikabi to whatever end regardless of the path he walks. Minato has chosen a path where his Sekirei fight only when necessary. A morally good path if there ever was one. Besides, I have additional business with another Sekirei at Mason Izumo, and the longer we wait the more things will spiral out of control for her," Naruto shot back with Tsukiumi blushing red at being chided slightly by him while Akitsu kept her usual stoic face.
Though inwardly she was smiling at seeing her fellow sister getting knocked down a peg.
"Yes. I recall thee talking about that earlier this morning before we left. I find the use of the sacred bond between Ashikabi and Sekirei being used in such a perverse way to be appalling. We should go find this Izumi Higa and demand he stop it at once!" exclaimed Tsukiumi passionately at the end.
"While I admire your belief in going for the direct approach to fix this problem by openly confronting Izumi Higa will solve the problem, we cannot follow that method simply due to the fact it will not work without proof. Making a public spectacle of ourselves would only make things worse for us and we would be considered lunatics. Add to the fact the Sekirei Plan is suppose to be a secret and exposing your powers to the media would cause M.B.I. to step in," Naruto reminded Tsukiumi with the busty blonde pouting once more.
Akitsu inwardly smirked for a half second before going back to being stoic.
"Hello again sensei. I see you've added another Sekirei to your group. I hope Hinata-chan hasn't kicked you out. I don't have a room prepared this time," said Miya, as she giggled at her sensei, and the blonde man had a small pouting frown of sorts on his face.
"Laugh it up Miya. Just remember I gave Takehito this house on the condition that I own half of it. Meaning I'm half owner since you now own his half. I could easily divide the house in half in an invisible line and my side would not have your 'illicit relations being forbidden rule' attached to it. I bet Matsu would love that," countered Naruto with a smirk with Miya now looking horrified knowing Matsu would not only exploit it, but make sure the loving, yet scary landlady heard all the raunchy action that took place, and make sure to rub it in later on.
It would be Hell on Earth for the prudish landlady.
"Do you have to be so mean Naruto-sensei? What would Takehito think?" questioned Miya with a huff and pout.
"I think he would find it hysterical," replied Naruto with a foxy smile while Miya was pouting further.
"Very well. Perhaps you would like to introduce me to your newest member?" asked Miya hoping for a change in the subject.
"This is Tsukiumi. Tsukiumi this is Asama Miya. The landlady of Mason Izumo and was my student among the first five," replied Naruto with Tsukiumi stepping forward struck a tsundere pose.
"I am pleased to meet you Miya-san. I am Sekirei #9 Tsukiumi and Naruto's one true wife among his Sekirei!" proclaimed Tsukiumi with Naruto feeling a small sweat drop form and Akitsu's face form into a small yet noticeable frown with the intent to throw a volley of pointy ice shards lingering beneath the surface.
"His wife? So soon? I had no idea he and Hinata-chan had separated!" said Miya in shock astonishment though there was a hint of amusement in her eyes.
"We didn't Miya. Hinata-chan is still my wife and I love her very much. Tsukiumi is just saying in terms of being my Sekirei that she is my wife under those terms," answered Naruto with Akitsu looking at him with a sad look on her face.
"What about me Ashikabi-sama? Am I not your wife?" questioned Akitsu with Tsukiumi looking angry.
"No thou are not his wife! You are a concubine and nothing more!" protested Tsukiumi with Akitsu glaring at her and then refocus on Naruto.
"You are both my wives just like Hinata-chan. The only difference is how you three all became married to me. It doesn't mean either you are on unequal footing in terms of my affection so do not fight over this," replied Naruto with Akitsu smiled a little and rubbed her head against his neck.
Much to Tsukiumi's displeasure.
"Stop rubbing against him you trollop! I am the real wife to our shared Ashikabi. Among the two of us, I am the strongest, and I demand you cease your harlot like display this instant!" demanded Tsukiumi angrily with her blonde hair moving like it was possessed and glaring at Akitsu.
"Ah...bit me," replied Akitsu simply with Tsukiumi's jaw dropping in shock and Naruto raised an eyebrow in surprise at the response.
'I guess this should have been expected. Neither one is going to give ground even if I say they are equal in terms of affection,' thought Naruto with Tsukiumi forming water around her body.
"Then I shall make thee stop with my power!" exclaimed Tsukiumi while Akitsu stayed where she was and defied the blonde haired woman.
"Enough! Violence at Mason Izumo is strictly forbidden!" declared Miya, as she smacked Tsukiumi on the back of the head with a broom, causing a lump to form on the back of the blonde's head, and a giant Hanya mask manifested itself behind the landlady.
"Ah...fast," whispered Akitsu with Naruto nodding.
"Remember Akitsu. Follow the rules of Mason Izumo and you don't get a bruise," replied Naruto with Akitsu nodding in agreement.
"Well...when in Rome do as the Romans do. So I shall respect thee laws of your home while here," replied Tsukiumi with her fear of the woman showing despite her attempt to be calm.
"Excellent. Now come inside and I'll make all of your some tea," said Miya with the group walking in and saw Minato sitting with Musubi and Kusano.
"Hello Naruto! I'm surprised to see you here," said Minato while his two Sekirei were looking at the trio walking in.
Or rather they were looking at Tsukiumi with curious eyes.
"Naruto-sama! You got another Sekirei!" exclaimed Musubi happily at last, moving from her position beside Minato, and getting in Tsukiumi's face.
"Indeed. I am Sekirei #9 Tsukiumi! The strongest of all Sekirei and Naruto-sama's wife!" proclaimed Tsukiumi with Musubi looking confused while Naruto fought back the urge to face palm.
"Strongest of all Sekirei? But...I thought Miya-sama was the strongest," replied Musubi with a finger on her lip while Tsukiumi looking upset by that even if it was true.
"Nonsense! While I have no doubt my husband's former student is indeed formidable in combat, I have yet to be defeated in battle," said Tsukiumi with Naruto face palming this time and Miya giggling.
"Perhaps Tsukiumi would like to test her skills against me?" asked Miya while Tsukiumi looked at her for a second and then back at Naruto.
"Oh by all means Tsukiumi. I insist you agree to this. It would be a good way to measure your potential and how hard Hinata-chan need to train you in the manipulation of water," said Naruto with Tsukiumi already being told that Hinata would be her instructor when it came to controlling water in different ways.
"Very well. I except thy challenge Miya-sama!" proclaimed Tsukiumi with Miya giggling once more.
"Very well. Let's go out back where we can test out your skills. You keep studying for your exams Minato," replied Miya with a smile on her face.
"Sure Miya," said Minato since he needed to study.
"Naruto-sama, since you trained Miya-sama to become so strong, would you train me to become just as good?" asked Musubi eagerly while Akitsu frowned at this girl trying to get stronger through her Ashikabi.
"Maybe one day Musubi. I have no doubt Miya is doing a wonderful job sparring with you and is a good teacher in her own right. I'll speak to her about that possibility once you reach the level that you're ready to handle it," answered Naruto with Akitsu's frown lifting slightly though it didn't fully leave her face.
"Thank you Naruto-sama. Miya is a good teacher. I get stronger everyday we spar. I look forward to the day where I can spar with you," replied Musubi happily with Naruto just letting a smirk appear on his face.
"I look forward to that day too. Though something tells me that won't be for awhile," said Naruto while sending a calm like feeling toward Akitsu to make the frown leave while they sat down on the veranda with Kusano leaving Minato to watch the spar about to take place.
"I'm going to get stronger to protect my big brother too!" exclaimed Kusano since she did not want to be left out of this.
"That's a wonderful goal to have Kusano-chan. How are your powers developing? asked Naruto with Kusano thinking for a bit before showing with a plant growing in front of her feet.
"Kusano's powers seem to have stabilized once she got winged by Minato-tan," answered Matsu with Naruto nodding in agreement.
"I can tell. When I have time, I'll come over, and help Kusano here to further learn how to control her powers," replied Naruto with Kusano puffing out her cheeks.
"Ku-chan already can control her powers!" protested Kusano with Naruto smirking at the tiny child trying to act intimidating in front of him.
"I know, but you are a growing little girl, and your powers grow with you. Without the needed training to maintain your control, you could hurt someone accidently, whether its me, or your big brother for an Ashikabi. You don't want that, do you?" explained Naruto with Kusano shaking her head no very fast.
"I don't want to hurt big brother," said Kusano with her eyes nearly watering.
"Calm down Kusano. You won't right now because you are in control your powers. I was just stating the possibility of what I said might happen without constant training. Like your sister Musubi here does when sparring with Miya. She learns to control her power and when to strike thanks to her training. Akitsu-chan is doing the same with her skills and Tsukiumi will too later on today...once her bruises heal," replied Naruto to Kusano and the child Sekirei calmed down in understanding before they turned to face the two combatants.
Only to see Tsukiumi was on the ground with multiple lumps on top of the other like a tower on her blonde head, some minor bruising, and slightly torn up clothing. As for Miya herself...not a scratch on her or a hair out of place.
It was like she never moved from her spot since the fight started.
"Wow! Miya is so strong!" exclaimed Musubi excitedly while seeing the fight from the observers perspective for a change.
"Of course! She is my student after all," said Naruto with pride in his voice while Akitsu tugged on his shirt to gain his attention.
"Ah...I'm your student too," replied Akitsu with Naruto smiling at her and kissing the girl on her forehead.
"Of course and you are making remarkable progress in your own right," said Naruto with Akitsu smiling happily at being in her Ashikabi's good graces.
"I do believe I win Tsukiumi-san," said Miya, as she walked toward Tsukiumi, and gave the woman a cheery smile while the busty blonde struggled to stand.
"Looks like Tsukiumi isn't the strongest after all," commented Musubi while the woman sent her a glare, but stopped when Naruto shook his head to say, and do nothing since the naive Sekirei was correct.
That and Miya would no doubt clobber her again.
"Not at the moment, but she will get there with the right teacher, and the proper training of course ," replied Naruto while Tsukiumi felt a sense of pride knowing her Ashikabi had faith in her being the strongest Sekirei around.
"Not if I become the strongest first!" proclaimed Musubi with her fist shooting into the air and Kusano imitating her.
"Noisy much?" asked Uzume, as she came out of her room after sleeping in, and heard the sound of fighting out back while assuming it was Miya training Musubi again.
Only to see Naruto sitting on the veranda.
"Someone has to wake your lazy butt up," replied Naruto with Uzume pouted.
"Hey! I'll have you know I am not lazy. I just...don't like to do manual labor," countered Uzume with Naruto giving her a skeptical look.
"I'm sure. Miya, could you clear the living area? I need to talk to Uzume alone in private for a moment," said Naruto with everyone looking at him in surprise.
"Oh! Any reason why sensei?" asked Miya curiously while Naruto giving her a look no one could identify.
"Its rather personal for Uzume and it involves someone from my past that she has had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting," replied Naruto with Miya nodding since she knew that look he was giving her very well.
"Very well. Musubi, please help Tsukiumi walk into the house so I can treat her wounds elsewhere. Minato, I need you to study in your room, Matsu will go to hers, and everyone else will be confined to the kitchen until further notice," commanded Miya with everyone obeying.
"So you know," said Uzume once everyone, but Naruto had left, and they both sat down across from the other.
"It wasn't hard to figure out. Matsu is very good at finding the information I need on who your Ashikabi was and a secondary source confirmed what I already knew about Izumi Higa using other Ashikabi to command their Sekirei for his own purposes. I know your Ashikabi has an illness, very rare, and yet very lethal if left untreated. I know how he had someone approach you sometime ago during one of your Ashikabi's necessary treatment sessions and explained how he could cover the cost in exchange for your cooperation. How the treatments would be free so long as you obeyed the commands given by him or one of his subordinates handing you his orders," added Naruto with Uzume nodding since it was all true.
"He goes through a middle man. His assigned secretary. His name is Kakizaki. The man is also an Ashikabi too though Higa still gives him command of his own winged Sekirei from time to time. Higa does this when Kakizaki is required to enforce Higa's power on those that have...resisted his authority in the East," answered Uzume knowing there was no point in lying to this man.
"I take it he has some of his Sekirei standing by with orders to terminate her should you turn down an assignment?" questioned Naruto with Uzume nodding.
"Yes. Several of them watch over my Ashikabi Chiho and they can move around easily since Higa owns the hospital so no one questions their appearance. If I say no to any of the assignments given, Kakizaki reminds me of my Ashikabi's condition, and that if I still refuse to obey Higa's commands they will ensure to end Chiho's life faster then the illness that plagues her," answered Uzume with Naruto listening to everything she was telling him.
"So do what Higa says or Chiho dies. And since he owns the hospital, the man can use his influence to makeup anything he wants, and no one will be the wiser," remarked Naruto with Uzume nodding.
"I know you want to help me Naruto-san. I know that's why you are here, but there is no way you can help me free Chiho, and expect her to live long enough to get treated. I can't go to M.B.I. because I helped Matsu escape from the labs and any hospital they sponsor would put me in a worse situation then even Higa," explained Uzume with Naruto seeing her point since Minaka and M.B.I. having Chiho was worse then Higa.
At least Higa had some sense of sanity. Minaka did not.
"What about one of my wife's clinics? If I could get Chiho out of the hospital Higa own and into one of her clinics?" asked Naruto with Uzume looking at him in surprise.
"But those places are for the poor and unfortunate," protested Uzume with Naruto just smirking at her.
"You and your Ashikabi aren't considered unfortunate at this point?" asked Naruto with Uzume looking a tad sheepish.
"Good point," mumbled Uzume with Naruto shaking his head in amusement.
"My wife's clinics are all over Shinto Teito, one actually not that far from Mason Izumo, and they use M.B.I. technology to heal those that can't afford it at other hospitals. I can assure you that my wife and only those she trusts will treat your Ashikabi using what is needed to heal her," offered Naruto with Uzume frowning.
"That may solve things for me at first, but what about Higa's Sekirei? What if he sends some of his 'hired help' to come after you, your wife, or your Sekirei? What if they come here?" asked Uzume with Naruto smirking.
"Then they're clearly too stupid to think using their brains knowing that coming for me at my house or you while living here is suicidal," answered Naruto with Uzume smirking now.
"So when do we storm the hospital?" asked Uzume eagerly with Naruto shaking his head.
"You are going to stay here. It gives you plausible deniability. When I attack the hospital, Higa's Sekirei will contact him, he'll want a description of the attacker. Once he pieces things together on the identity of the attacker and that I'm doing it, he'll then call your cell to accuse you of conspiring with me to steal Chiho. You can deny it saying you've been at Mason Izumo the whole time and that he can use Kochou currently under his command to check your cell phone's GPS signal. Naturally, Higa won't apologize since the man's ego will not let him, and he will still be suspicious of you. Not that he could do anything since any retaliation would put him under scrutiny from . personnel. for his actions and there is the fact I can also make his life difficult with a few phone calls of my own to get the police to snoop around his company," explained Naruto knowing his tactics would hurt Higa and saw Uzume frowning since she really wanted to save her Ashikabi from the man's iron fisted control.
"Will either of your Sekirei be joining you?" asked Uzume with Naruto nodding.
"Yes. Both of them will be joining me. I will have them handle Higa's Sekirei watching over Chiho while I save the girl myself. Do you know who is assigned to watch her?" asked Naruto with Uzume nodding.
"Sekirei #16 Toyotama and Sekirei #18 Ichiya. Toyotama uses a staff weapon and Ichiya is into hand to hand combat. They guard Chiho the most when Higa doesn't need them to be his bodyguards," answered Uzume with anger in her voice.
"Are they guarding her today and throughout the rest of the week?" asked Naruto with Uzume nodding.
"As far as I know. They normally are there when I visit. In fact, I was going to visit her later today. I'm also going there to get my next...assignment from Kakizaki," answered Uzume with Naruto frowning.
"Sadly, I can't free Chiho today. Too many things to do at my company, but I will also be training Akitsu later, and there is still Tsukiumi's training too," said Naruto with Uzume nodding though it was still disheartening.
"When?" asked Uzume with Naruto shaking his head.
"Its best you not know. The less proof Higa has in suspecting your own hand in Chiho's rescue the better. When he calls you demanding an explanation for Chiho missing from the hospital, I need you to be as surprised as humanly possible, and the best way to do that is to not know when it happens. Only know that it will happen. Just endure things for a little while longer," replied Naruto with Uzume nodding.
"So business with them as usual. Got it!" confirmed Uzume with Naruto smirking.
"Good to know. Its best I head home now with my girls so we can continue their training in manipulating their powers. Akitsu! Tsukiumi! We're leaving!" Naruto called out with his Sekirei beside him in a flash when heading for the front door.
"Leaving so soon?" asked Miya with Naruto nodding.
"Things to do and little time to do them," replied Naruto with a smile before he walked out with his two Sekirei beside him with each arm between their breasts.
"Bye Naruto-sama! Remember I want to spar with you one day!" exclaimed Musubi with Naruto letting out a chuckle.
"You have to best Miya first before getting to me Musubi. Remember, I'm much tougher then Miya, and much stronger. Get to her level first!" Naruto called back with Musubi having a fire in her eyes.
Fortunately for everyone, Minato was in his room studying, and tuned out their small conversation.
"I do not like the idea of that shrine maiden strumpet getting stronger. She will one day fight us and use what thou teaches against us," remarked Tsukiumi with Akitsu nodding in a rare show of agreement.
"Don't worry. It won't come down to that. I won't let it. The game will never make it to that stage," replied Naruto while walking with the two back to Whirlpool Publishing.
And were being watched.
"That's him? That's the guy Karasuba wants to fight more then Sekirei #1? He does not look like much," remarked a pink haired girl wearing a kimono-like shirt with one sleeve missing, and the pink hair was in a side ponytail style with two daisy clips.
Her name? Benitsubasa: The Red Sekirei. She was Sekirei #104
"I wouldn't be so sure about that. According to our Intel, he's winged the former 'scrapped number', and the supposed Ashikabi hater Sekirei #9 Tsukiumi. There is also the fact that Karasuba called him 'sensei' at one point during her rambling when she came back," said a slightly deeper yet still femme voice belonging to Benitsubasa's partner.
Who was she? She was Haihane: The Blue Sekirei. She was Sekirei #105.
What did they have in common? They were both part of the Third Generation Discipline Squad under Karasuba's command.
"Please! As if those big boobed bimbos with him are a match for us. We are members of the Discipline Squad. Chosen by Karasuba herself," replied Benitsubasa causally.
"And the fact Karasuba called him sensei?" questioned Haihane with the pink haired woman frowning.
"Irrelevant," answered Benitsubasa while the two moved to get closer when the trio they were watching went around a corner.
Only to find the three weren't there.
"O-kay! You saw that too right? One minute they are here and the next they're...gone!" asked Haihane with Benitsubasa looking around in confusion at where the three could have gone.
"Where did they go? No human or Sekirei could move that fast! Our Intel on his Sekirei said nothing about moving at high speed or teleportation!" exclaimed Benitsubasa with a hint of anger in her voice.
"It doesn't matter. The next phase of the Sekirei Plan is going to start. I need to get to my post on the bridge checkpoints to prevent any Sekirei and their Ashikabi from escaping," commented Haihane before she left and Benitsubasa left out a growl at being made a fool by this guy.
'Just you wait blonde. Once I trash you and your Sekirei, I'm going to show Karasuba just how strong I am,' thought Benitsubasa before leaving for her own post.
(Four Days Later)
"Very good Akitsu! You've successfully made the Demonic Ice Mirrors," replied Naruto with pride in seeing his ice using Sekirei make the ice materialize just like Haku did all those years ago before merging with the ice.
Akitsu had thrown herself vigorously into training when Naruto had told her along with Tsukiumi of his plan to take Uzume's Ashikabi out of the hospital so she could be treated at one of his wife's clinics near Mason Izumo. Naruto of course knew why she was doing it, as the battle ahead would put her against a Sekirei, possibly more then just one, and would need to be at peak condition to take down the enemy. Higa was a vile creature in Akitsu's eyes, as he twisted a sacred bond she had been given when once denied, and used it against a Sekirei by holding their Ashikabi hostage in some manner. In her mind, this man needed to be broken, as she had been broken, and be left with nothing except a shattered mind.
Hence why she wanted to master the move that Naruto had told her about. A move that he confessed to her someone else had used on him once. An enemy and friend all in one. It was strange to hear that from her Ashikabi, but was honored that he would have her learn this move, and honor this old friend. She had forged the dome of ice with incredible concentration and began the tricky part of merging with it like Naruto said Haku did when they fought. Her speed would have to increase when making the mirrors, not to mention she would have to use her own judgment when fighting on the right time to use this move, and react accordingly should the Sekirei she was fighting try to stop the move from full manifesting. Naruto had told her this move was to be used last or as a trump card when all other moves failed while making sure she had energy to use it. Also, he informed her that the move had a blind spot where she couldn't see anything behind, or beside her even when moving to another mirror.
She would try to figure out how to fix that at a later time when permitted. Right now, she wanted to bath in her Ashikabi's praise, and smile knowing the move was completed.
Now it just needed to be honed and perfected.
'Vile ice strumpet. I am his real wife between the two of us and yet he looks at her. I'll show that trollop what it means to steal his attention away from me!' thought Tsukiumi, as she began practicing her moves using the inside pool area, and was right beside the area where Akitsu was practicing with Naruto.
The large pool area itself was mostly surrounded in a glass like house to let the sunlight generate warmth for the pool. It was a pretty big pool for outdoor swimming, not as big as the indoor one, but given the way he wanted Tsukiumi to train, Naruto felt that it was best if she practiced in there, and help keep the mess to a minimum. With his very busty blonde for a Sekirei, Naruto wanted her do simple things first in terms of control, and move from there since using lots of water in any shape required complete control when commanding it. Whether a single ball of water or a massive tidal wave, he had wanted Tsukiumi to be able to wield it like a true Master, and would watch her practice while giving pointers to her with Hinata handling the rest.
'I will not have her outdo me in front of my Ashikabi-sama,' thought Akitsu, as she saw the way Tsukiumi looked at her when Naruto praised the use of the Demonic Ice Mirrors being created.
It was time to show her Ashikabi-sama why she, Sekirei #7 Akitsu was the only one for him, and didn't need Tsukiumi for the needed mission.
As for Naruto, he soon frowned when Akitsu moved from mirror to mirror, using a lot of energy in the process from his sensory skills could tell him, and wondered if Haku had the same problem. It was possible. When all Shinobi use a Jutsu, they start off weak, and take time to build up their ability to use them so this was most likely no different. It was like building up muscles. You needed to train hard everyday to constantly use them to their full potential. Akitsu using this move Haku had master in such a short time while alive had clearly mastered it, but didn't have time to fully compensate for using so much chakra to maintain, and use it the way it was used while in Wave.
Now Akitsu was heavily taxing herself.
"That's enough Akitsu. You're going to burn yourself out soon," commanded Naruto with Akitsu hearing his words, but still kept trying to move from mirror to mirror, and was now starting to feel weak.
'What does that crazy ice trollop doing? Does she not hear my husband's command? Does she want to die?!' thought Tsukiumi, as she had been moving multiple streams of water around, putting them through acrobatic patterns in the air, and even getting ready to form a massive water based dragon when seeing Akitsu pushing herself.
"Akitsu! Stop now!" commanded Naruto firmly with Akitsu obeying and ending the move before falling to her knees completely drained.
"Ashikabi-sama I...I just wanted...," whispered Akitsu, as she felt him upon her instantly, and felt his energy pour into her from a passionate kiss to the lips that caused her wings to emerge.
"Listen to me Akitsu. Until you have further control of this move, I want it to be used as a last resort when fighting, and only when your body can handle the drain it puts on your core. If I hadn't kissed you to transfer my energy, I fear deactivation was imminent, and I would have lost you," replied Naruto with Akitsu's eyes go wide in shock and horror that she almost overtaxed herself to the point of causing her own deactivation.
"I'm sorry Ashikabi-sama. I won't do that again," said Akitsu, as she held him tightly to her body while believing herself to be a complete screw up, and again unworthy of being his Sekirei.
"I don't mind you pushing yourself Akitsu-chan. I've done that to myself all the time and so has Hinata. But there is a limit to how far you and Sekirei overall can push themselves before it becomes a threat to your own health. You've been training all day with me and used this move last, which depleted almost all of the energy in your core to the point of nearly being deactivated. Be careful when you get to that point Akitsu. It leaves you in an extremely vulnerable position and I do not want you to be that way with a target on your back," said Naruto with Akitsu holding him tighter.
"Yes Ashikabi-sama," replied Akitsu before he helped her up before they turned to see Tsukiumi glaring at the ice user while water whipped around her violently.
"Trying to steal my husband away from me?! To make me look like I am weak when compared to thee? I won't stand for it! 'Water Dragon!'" exclaimed Tsukiumi launched her attack at Akitsu, as it smashed through the glass toward them, and the ice user raised her hand to stop it (pun intended) cold.
Sure enough, the massive water dragon was turning into a massive ice dragon with a now shocked Tsukiumi jumping out of the way, and quickly relinquishing her hold on all the water around her.
"That enough! Tsukiumi, you can go inside with Akitsu, as both of you need to take a bath, and get some food in your bellies. I need to stay here and fix the mess that was just made," commanded Naruto with the two Sekirei in front of him nodding though it was clear Tsukiumi looked embarrassed that she caused so much work for him.
"Ah...will you join us later Ashikabi-sama?" asked Akitsu hopefully with Naruto making a small army of Shadow Clones to fix the glass housing area.
It was amazing none of it got on Akitsu or Tsukiumi.
"Maybe later. Don't stay in the bath to the point where you come out like a prune just so you can bathe with me," answered Naruto, as he had talked to his wife about this, and how his two Sekirei had been showing their desires to be in more...intimate positions with him.
(Flashback-Several Nights Ago)
"I'm sure you noticed Akitsu and Tsukiumi have become very...clingy around me in the recent weeks following Tsukiumi being winged," commented Naruto with Hinata nodding while they sat on their own veranda their house, drinking tea at night, and looking at the garden they had setup around the Uzumaki Estates.
At the moment, Akitsu and Tsukiumi were asleep, each clinging to a Shadow Clone he made for them to keep from awakening in the middle of the night since they were both getting restless in their own rooms.
"I have noticed. Not surprising though. Sekirei are known for doing that when bonding with an Ashikabi. They only reason Akitsu hasn't done anything until now was because she was content in being your only Sekirei and didn't have another one competing for your affection," replied Hinata while Naruto flinched.
"I'm sorry that you have to put up with all of this. While I love Akitsu and Tsukiumi, I also feel to an extent, a very small part of me, selfishly wishes I hadn't winged either of them, and this whole thing wouldn't hurt you like I know it is deep in your heart," stated Naruto with Hinata looking at him with a sad smile.
"I'll admit it hurts to see you with those two. Even though we've been married for years now, I still feel like I did back in Konoha, having to deal with other women, and being afraid of competing with them. A part of me always wondered if I was pretty enough? Was my hair the way you liked it? Would you notice me over the other women in the village like Sakura, Ino, or even Tenten?" answered Hinata with Naruto frowning at the mention of their female comrades from Konoha.
"They were and always will be nothing when compared to you. I consider myself the luckiest bastard on the planet for being loved by such a kind, loving, and understanding woman. I only wish I had learned of your affection for me sooner instead of wasting my time on Sakura from the beginning of the Academy," replied Naruto with Hinata smiling at him.
"I may not have been able to get your love in the beginning, but the end was well worth the wait," stated Hinata, as she grabbed his hand, and squeezed it with him returning the gesture.
"That still doesn't solve our problem with Akitsu and Tsukiumi. With the two of them now in direct competition for my affection...they will want to be uh...close to me in an intimate manner," replied Naruto with Hinata smiling further.
"Then let them be that close," stated Hinata with Naruto looking at her like she just said the Juubi would return to bring about destruction to the world.
"I'm sorry Hinata-chan, but could you repeat that again? I think I misheard you. Did you just say to let them get that close?" asked Naruto in disbelief with Hinata nodding.
"Why so surprised Naruto-kun? We both know more about Sekirei biology then anyone else outside of M.B.I. and what will happen to a Sekirei soon after being winged. If we deny Akitsu or Tsukiumi their much needed affection, it will build up within them to the point where...well let's just say Jiraiya would very much wish to be in your situation," said Hinata with Naruto sighing at his situation since he felt it was like cheating or being unfaithful to his wife.
"I don't want to betray you. This feels like I'm betraying you," replied Naruto with Hinata smiling slightly while giving his hand another squeeze.
"I understand, but your heart has to be big enough for those two, and I know if you try hard enough that there can be a proper amount of space in their for them," said Hinata with Naruto leaning and kissed her.
"You spoil me Hinata-hime," whispered Naruto into her.
"Then make it up to me my loving husband. That is...if you can?" challenged Hinata with Naruto grinning and his eyes held lust and mischief in both of them.
"Oh I'll do more then that my daring wife. I think its high time I spoiled you!" whispered Naruto huskily and pounced on her with the moonlight shining down on them while they went at it with a passion.
(End Flashback)
"Husband, you are not...angry with me, are you?" asked Tsukiumi, as she knew he was basically scolding her by saying to go into the house to bathe, and to share it with the ice strumpet knowing it bothered her a great deal.
"No Tsukiumi. Just...I wish you would keep that tsundere nature of yours in check and your temper under control. I know you dislike me sharing you with Akitsu, but that is just the way it is, and I'm telling you again that I will not play favorites with either of you. When I give one attention, I will give the other an equal amount, and the only thing I ask in return is that you trust the other to watch your back in a fight. Is that understood?" said Naruto with Akitsu and Tsukiumi nodding at the same time.
"Yes my Ashikabi-sama/Husband," replied Akitsu and Tsukiumi at the same time though they did shoot the other a brief glance.
Naruto watched them go into the house, seeing the two of them trying to keep a healthy distance from the other, and yet stay close enough to prove they were willing to tolerate the other's presence. Sighing again, Naruto began to oversee the repair job his clones were going to do, and hoped they could get it fixed before Hinata came home. The water would need to be drained and some maintenance robots would have to come out to help handle the glass at the bottom of it.
(Bathing Area-Sometime Later)
"Tell me Akitsu-san, why does thee not accept that I am Naruto-sama's true wife?" asked Tsukiumi, as she was now naked, and her back being scrubbed by Akitsu.
"Ah...because we are equals and in this together with our Ashikabi," replied Akitsu, as she was cleaning her Sekirei sister's back, and while Tsukiumi sighed knowing it was true.
"I suppose that is a reasonable answer. However, between the two of us, I wish to enforce the fact that I am the strongest," replied Tsukiumi firmly.
"It is not up to you or I. Ashikabi-sama decides that," Akitsu replied back firmly while the water using Sekirei was silent for a moment.
"Tis true. Our shared husband should decide which one between us is the strongest of his Sekirei. Though he does seem to be hesitant in embracing such an idea. I wonder why?" said Tsukiumi with Akitsu pausing in her own thoughts to decipher their Ashikabi's own.
"Ah...past experience perhaps?" answered Akitsu with Tsukiumi frowning.
"Possibly. I have seen him without his shirt during one of his own training regiments he does to keep himself in shape. There is a scar on his chest where the heart is located. It is faint, but the keen eye can see the mark," replied Tsukiumi with Akitsu nodding.
"Ah...yes. The mark is faint, but the memory of how he got it is still powerful. I can see it in Ashikabi-sama's eyes when he is looking at it," said Akitsu having seen him on more then one occasion touch the mark and flinch slightly with eyes glazing over with a trip into the past.
"A betrayal perhaps? Yes. That would help explain why the scar effects him so," added Tsukiumi with Akitsu pausing in her scrubbing to frown with her mind going dark at what she wanted to do to the fool that hurt her Ashikabi.
"I will not allow anyone to betray Ashikabi-sama," replied Akitsu with Tsukiumi nodding in agreement.
"Nor will I!" exclaimed Tsukiumi passionately before looking back at Akitsu with the ice user giving a nod of respect and understanding.
They had finally reached a middle ground.
"We must work together. For Ashikabi-sama," replied Akitsu knowing the only way the two of them would get their Ashikabi's full approval was to stop their infighting.
For now anyway.
"Agreed. Our husband is depending on us to deliver justice in the name of the sacred bond between a Sekirei and their Ashikabi. We shall not fail him!" exclaimed Tsukiumi before switching roles and began washing Akitsu's back.
Unknown to the two, Naruto was behind the door, and smiled knowing they had made a huge leap forward in terms of getting stronger. They would need it for the fight to come and those that would follow it.
(Hayato Estates)
"Mikogami-sama is not happy," said Sekirei #65 Taki, as she watched her Master sitting in his stupidly large sofa meant for the exceedingly super wealthy, and Mutsu sitting beside him.
"What was your first clue? The fact that the Master is scowling or the fact he is not in the mood for cuddling with us?" questioned Mitsuki, as she got a glare from Taki, and then went about her duties.
"I want him dead Mutsu. I don't care if he was your former sensei. I want you to find him and terminate Uzumaki Naruto. I want his head put right on this coffee table before the end of the week," ordered Mikogami with Mutsu not liking that order one bit.
"Look Mikogami, I know you lost a few Sekirei to my old sensei, but we both know that in this game you were expected to take losses just like everyone else. Not to mention how badly my old sensei can kick my ass without even trying. The only people I know, who have a remote shot of making him sweat is his wife, and Sekirei #1 Miya. You don't want to provoke a guy like that," replied Mutsu with Mikogami glaring at him.
"Then I'll send everyone after him! Every Sekirei in the South will march on his home with you leading the charge and attack without mercy!" exclaimed Mikogami in a fit of anger like a child being denied his favorite toy by his parents for reasons that were in his mind unfair.
"Bad idea. Even if you could storm Whirlpool Publishing and attack the Uzumaki Estates at the time, you still have to deal with the man himself. Not to mention you still have to fight his wife, who I can assure you can also kick my ass regardless of my Norito being active, and if what the rumors I have heard are in fact true, he now has two single digit Sekirei under his command," replied Mutsu with Mikogami's glare increasing.
"I have a larger quantity of Sekirei and I can easily make all of you become empowered to bring about your Norito. At the very least, you can take him down a peg, and show him what it means to cross me!" whined Mikogami with Mutsu feeling a sudden headache now hitting him.
"I didn't want to bring this up, but...you know the Ashikabi of the East is Izumi Higa, right? The recently made President of Izumi Pharmaceuticals?" asked Mutsu with the boy nodding while still looking upset.
"Yes I know of him. What about the man?" questioned Mikogami with Mutsu looking away for a second.
"There is a story behind his Father and what he tried to do quite a few years back before the Sekirei Plan took off and M.B.I. was still in its infancy that is connected to Naruto-sensei," answered Mutsu with looking intrigue despite also being angry.
"I'm listening," replied Mikogami while the other Sekirei in the room he had winged were also listening too.
"Okay. You see, back then M.B.I. was just starting out, baby steps, and all of that stuff. Izumi Pharmaceuticals was still one of the top companies in all of Shinto Teito. Higa's Father, one Izumi Goro was the President at the time, and was known for many things during his time running the company. He was wealthy, prideful, a somewhat glutton from his slowly manifesting beer gut, a widower, and following that last one a womanizer with a perversity matched only by his own madness that came with the belief he could have any woman no matter what. As I said, that part came after his wife died in an accident when Higa was still a child, and slowly grew up around his old man's womanizing ways. Goro had plenty of Mistresses during that time or he was paying for their company while Higa watched from the sidelines," explained Mutsu with Mikogami looking impatient.
"So he like the female flesh. Big deal! How does this connect to Uzumaki Naruto and you fear of him should you attack his home?" demanded Mikogami with Mutsu sighing while rubbing the bridge of his nose.
"I'm getting to that. When the boy was in his mid to late teens, his Father threw one of his usual Izumi Pharmaceutical Convention type parties to wine, and dine the people in it so they would invest in his company. Naruto-sensei couldn't make it to the party because he was starting up Whirlpool Publishing and was needed at the office to handle things there so his wife went instead. When Goro saw her, I don't know if he knew she was happily married, but I do know that he hit on Hinata-sensei for a good part of the night, and was rejected each time he made an advance. Something he eventually got sick and tired of happening since no woman had ever turned down his advances regardless if they were married. In Goro's mind, his wealth, and power of his company gave him the right to have any woman at any price," explained Mutsu with Mikogami nodding.
"So he couldn't keep it in his pants. So what?" asked Mikogami while not seeing the full picture.
"Well if you must know since you're being impatient. The man tried to drug Hinata-sensei with a sedative one of his waiters put in her drink and laced it with an aphrodisiac so she would be sedated, yet far too aroused to say no to his advancements. When Goro believed he had waited long enough, the man made his move on Hinata yet again, hoping to lure her away from the party, and then have his way with sensei in order to blackmail Naruto-sensei into surrendering his new company to him for little to nothing. Well, to the man's surprise, the drugs didn't work, and Hinata-sensei once more thwarted his advances. Not one to be denied anything, Goro tried to take advantage of her outside the main party area away from the eyes of the public, and tried to force himself on Hinata-sensei," replied Mutsu with everyone listening carefully.
"So what happened? You said Izumi Goro tried to force himself on the woman so he must have failed," said Mikogami with Mutsu nodding.
"Yeah. He did. Goro failed because Hinata had beaten the man bloody and left soon after she knocked him out. The next day, Naruto came to visit the Izumi family home, which was not unlike this house, and had its own private little army of security personnel. All well trained, very professional, and some even had military experience under their belt too," replied Mutsu with Mikogami's eyes widening in shock.
"What happened?" asked Mikogami with Mutsu sighing and looked tired.
"First, Naruto tried to be diplomatic at first in wanting to talk to Goro civilly. Goro on the other hand told him to leave using the intercom at the gate of the large mansion he lived in. Naruto-sensei warned him, but Goro ignored it, and told his private army to remove him off the property. After that...things turned nasty," answered Mutsu with Mikogami looking a tad nervous.
"How bad?" asked Mikogami with Mutsu having a haunted look on his face.
"Very bad. I was actually in the area at the time after I left the Discipline Squad and saw my former sensei unleash his fury upon Goro's private security force. He crushed most of them from hand to hand combat alone, threw kunai at others when they drew guns, and later on...he drew his sword," whispered Mutsu since he recalled that weapon very well from training and shuttered in fear.
"His sword? Like yours?" questioned Mikogami with Mutsu shaking his head no.
"No. Not like mine or like the other four swords used by the First Generation Discipline Squad. It was a massive zanbato class weapon and he moved around with it like the damn thing weighed less then paper. When he got closer to the house, he swung that massive blade around easily, leaving behind a path of death, and destruction in his wake that still haunts me even now! When sensei got to the house, he kicked down the door, and walked inside destroying just about everything that offended him. I didn't dare go into the house, but I could hear the screams of agony, the sound of things breaking, and finally Naruto-sensei bringing out an unconscious boy while the home was starting to burn inside with the bodies of whoever else was in there," explained Mutsu with Mikogami going green in the face and so did the Sekirei around him.
"W-W-Why didn't the police arrest him?!" demanded Mikogami while making a mental checklist of all the police official he had in his pocket.
"They couldn't. There was no proof sensei was there. All evidence that he was had been removed by sensei before leaving and I couldn't exactly come forward because it would reveal the Sekirei Plan. Not only that, but M.B.I. was backing this due to what happened with two stolen Sekirei, and how Izumi Pharmaceuticals secretly hired the military outfit that cost M.B.I. one of its more prominent Sekirei that was part of the Second Generation Discipline Squad. They made sure any possible evidence Naruto didn't collect to cover up his involvement was taken care of before the police got involved in the matter. Higa of course told everyone what he saw, but everyone assumed his imagination was running wild from the traumatic horror the boy had seen, and made sure he got psychiatric help for his 'apparent delusions' suffered from the event. After seeing the people he knew had been brutally slain at the hands of a 'demonic entity' that Higa kept saying was Uzumaki Naruto, the police investigated sensei, but failed to turn up anything, and his alibi during the slaughter has him on camera at a bank taking out a loan with a time stamp on the recording. This proved to everyone handling the investigation that Higa was lying about Naruto-sensei being responsible for his Father's gruesome death and caused a floodgate to open regarding the various scandals that surrounded the Izumi family along with the company for years," explained Mutsu with Mikogami looking terrified right now.
"And you say that Uzumaki Naruto did all that alone? Without his wife's help?" asked Mikogami with Mutsu shaking his head no.
"Hardly! While Naruto practically destroyed the Izumi family with the exception of Higa himself, Hinata-sensei went after the company, and exposed the less then ethical business practices Goro used. There were investigations, hearings, people demanding justice for the crimes done to people hurt by Izumi Goro, and the company was basically crippled for years to come. Naruto-sensei destroyed the Izumi family and Hinata-sensei destroyed the Izumi's company so Higa would be left with almost nothing," answered Mutsu with Mikogami looking horrified.
"That's...horrible!" exclaimed Mikogami with Mutsu glancing at him with a lazy look on his face.
"I'm just telling you what I saw Mikogami. You don't want pick a fight with those two for any reason. I maybe one of the first five, but those two trained all of the first five, and can mop the floor with me without breaking a sweat. Besides, sending out all of your Sekirei after them at once goes against the rules Minaka setup, and make you a target for M.B.I. with the Discipline Squad," explained Mutsu with Mikogami gritting his teeth while he was processing this information.
"Fine! If we can't attack him outside of the rules, then we can attack his Sekirei within the rules, and follow the game accordingly," stated Mikogami with Mutsu nodding knowing that not even Naruto could go against the rules.
"It won't be easy," remarked Mutsu with Mikogami scowling further.
"I don't care Mutsu! The Sekirei Plan is a game and I don't intend to lose simply because your old teacher is standing in my way!" exclaimed Mikogami while Mutsu sighed since he didn't really like how his Master acted like this.
It usually spelled trouble.
(Later that Night-Elsewhere)
A woman wearing a very short purple Chinese dress which showed off her cleavage and belly button was sitting down at a construction site, drinking sake from a very large bottle in her hands, and sighed while listening to the wind blowing around her. She loved the feel of the wind blowing on her face, always did since the power to use the element had manifested itself, and taught by her sensei on how to use it. It had been so many years ago since she left the Discipline Squad that first defended Kamakura Island from an invading army intent on claiming the spoils there.
Her name? Sekirei #3 Kazehana. She was an unwinged yet powerful Sekirei, one of the few single digit numbers left that had yet to be winged, and at the moment...her heart felt empty inside. Why? Because the man she loved and had wanted to be with during her time with the Discipline Squad was with another woman. She had confessed her feelings to him and hoped he would feel the same way despite being with the other woman. That they could have something together regardless of the situation.
Sadly, the man she wanted had rejected her feelings. Not harshly mind you, as that was not his style, and explained why they could not be together. It had hurt of course, hence why Kazehana left the Discipline Squad, and went on a nation wide sake tasting tour.
The man she was interested in? Her own sensei Uzumaki Naruto. Her teacher in all things regarding the sword and the wind. By this point however, Kazehana had abandoned her need to use a sword, and focused on her natural ability to connect with the wind. The incredibly busty woman could just imagine Naruto-sensei frowning at her disregard for one aspect of her training for the other. But that was how Kazehana felt regarding the issue and would stick to it regardless of how it might weaken her if she were to fight someone in the use of weapons.
'Sensei, I wish you didn't reject me. I know your heart belongs to your wife, but...even after all these years I find my heart still belongs to you. I don't know if I was reacting to you back then, but I do know that the feelings I have did not waiver, and they have only grown. I want to see you again after all this time, but...I'm afraid of your rejection. Are the rumors true though? That you are winging Sekirei? That you are in the game? The winds say yes, but...even I have been caught off guard by their changes, and the way they choose to blow,' thought Kazehana sadly, as she drank some sake, and looked up at the night sky.
The winds were blowing again and they were telling her that danger was coming though for who they would not say.
(A/N: YAY! A good chapter to get things progressing to the next part, which involving fighting, and some more humor this time. Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Until next time...PEACE!)