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.

9. Chapter 9

Chapter 9-The Sekirei Escape Plan Part 2

Naruto was once more at Maison Izumo, his seat at the end of the table across from Miya in the living area, as he was looking over the plan Matsu had come up with after Minato visited Seo to get the lazy bum's help. Minato had actually been smart to call Miya and have her threaten Seo with no food should he ever visit in the future. Why? The mooch actually tried to extort some money from Shigi for his services in this matter and Minato felt Seo needed to be...reminded of some things.

Like not to extort money where you shouldn't or when the one you are trying to extort from happens to be friends with a tenant living at Maison Izumo.

"So this is where you two plan to make your run for it," surmised Naruto while looking over the other areas where M.B.I. guards, patrols, and other barriers had been created to stop Ashikabi from escaping with their Sekirei.

"Yes. According to Seo, this is the one bridge that is not being guarded the most at the moment. We can move at the dead of night, Seo will have his Sekirei cause a distraction on his end here, and Kusano will be here using her ability to use plants to cause some chaos here," said Matsu while Naruto frowned slightly at the plan.

"And who will be watching Kusano's back while she does this? How will she get back to Maison Izumo once she is done?" asked Naruto with Matsu and the others in the room, his Sekirei included in this meeting having a surprised look on their faces, and so did the other Ashikabi Haruka Shigi who was also in the room.

"Well...we were hoping with all the chaos caused by Seo and Kusano's plants, she would get away, and simply head back here," replied Matsu sheepishly, but it left when Naruto gave her a disappointed, and angry look that made her nervous.

"And what is to stop say a M.B.I. soldier, a Sekirei or Sekireis under the command of another Ashikabi, or even the Discipline Squad from attacking Kusano during the chaos? What is to stop one, two, or all three of them from deactivating her because she didn't have anyone to watch her back? To provide a means of successfully extracting her from the area she was causing chaos in and getting the girl back here safely? Tell me Matsu!" questioned Naruto angrily, as he saw Matsu sweating now, and it was clear she didn't have any kind of answer.

"What does sensei suggest?" asked Miya in the hopes of defusing Naruto's anger, which she noticed made everyone with the exception of his own Sekirei very nervous, and when looking at his reasons why she couldn't blame him.

"Kusano will not be part of this mission like you planned. The risk is way too high of her being deactivated by possible threats you haven't seen yet," replied Naruto firmly.

"But I want to help big brother help his friend," protested Kusano while Naruto turned to look at the girl, but made sure when he did, it was with a kind, and gentle smile that made sure she knew he wasn't angry at her.

"I know you want to help Kusano and I commend you for that. However, while you are a Sekirei, you are still a child I won't allow you to be put in danger," said Naruto kindly, yet firmly, and knew the girl was saddened to hear she couldn't help her big brother.

"But without Kusano attacking with her plants, we have to readjust the plan," said Matsu in a form of protest.

"Then we have to readjust the plan! Just because Kusano won't be outside of Maison Izumo doesn't mean she can't use her powers to help you. How far can she manipulate plants from here?" Naruto questioned with Kusano trying to focus her power and soon a large tree suddenly popped up in the park in the West.

Something Matsu found out by accessing a satellite hovering in space and focusing on the city before telling the others about it.

"Impressive," stated Tsukiumi since she never expected it from a child.

"Here is the revised plan. The night we start this operation, I will make sure small plants are placed in pots that will be at key points throughout the city. Matsu will show Kusano where they are located on the computer in her room and will make the plants grow from there. That way, she can provide support, and stay here where its safe from any potential harm during the chaos that will follow," stated Naruto with Kusano looking happy again that she could once more help her big brother and Ashikabi during this mission.

But Naruto had another reason for it.

The child was young. Younger then he had been when heading out into the Shinobi world and while this was no longer the era of Shinobi...Kusano was still just a child. A pure and innocent child that didn't know the horrors of the world that lay in the dark corners of it. All of which would show the child no mercy and bring about untold suffering that would destroy the innocence within Kusano.

Naruto wasn't about to let the girl's mind be scarred by combat or possibly see the people in this city die from this mission depending on how chaotic things got. Such a thing was a possibility and Naruto knew that a child seeing such violence would be forever changed by it.

Naruto wasn't about to have Kusano's innocent mind be destroyed during this operation or anytime in the near future.

"That works. What will you be doing Naruto-sensei?" asked Matsu, as she told them what they were doing during the operation, but had yet to hear Naruto's side of things.

"Simple. I'll be with my Sekirei and acting as support from the shadows. While the chaos around the city is occurring, I wouldn't put it past Minaka to anticipate someone making a run for it on the very bridge Shigi along with his Sekirei will have to cross. While troops are dealing with the everything else, I'm willing to bet the Discipline Squad will be in waiting here, and ready to pounce in a surprise attack. If they do, there is a chance they will succeed just from the act of the surprise alone, and if not...one of the Sekirei on our side will be...deactivated," replied Naruto grimly while sensing the mood in the room going down.

"But there are only three members of the Discipline Squad, right? So...with all of us working together, we can hold them off!" said Minato confidently while Naruto just smirked.

So naive. So idealistic.

Why couldn't the world be more like this kid and less like Sasuke's power hungry ways.

"It sounds strong in theory, but you are dealing with two Sekirei, who were know doubt chosen specifically for this task, and there is also their current leader. The one who is in a league all of her own when compared to them," said Naruto with Kazehana frowning and Miya was scowling now.

"Ah...the Black Sekirei," said Akitsu with the others shivering at the prospect of facing her.

"Karasuba-sama isn't all that bad you guys," said Musubi while wishing to defend the woman she admired.

'Poor misguided girl. Admiring the person who wouldn't hesitate to run you through if given the right motivation,' thought Naruto sadly.

"In any case, to challenge someone like her would be foolish for anyone of you. She is a single number like the three of us and Matsu. The best way to prevent her from getting to all of you when out there is to have her face one of us or Naruto-sensei," said Kazehana with Naruto himself nodding.

"I still can't believe you trained the first five Sekirei so many years ago Naruto-san," said Minato with Naruto letting out a chuckle.

"And why is that Minato-san?" asked Naruto curiously yet with humor in his voice.

Well...uh...because uh...you're...well...," stuttered Minato while looking sheepish at the moment.

"Know I don't. Because I'm what?" said Naruto with his smile increasing.

"Its just hard to believe you trained them when given the fact you're well...human!" stated Minato while Naruto just let out a small chuckle of amusement.

"There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Minato, then are dreamt up or believed in your philosophy," said Naruto to semi quote Shakespeare's Hamlet.

"I don't get it," said Shigi with Naruto still looking amused.

"It means never judge a book by its cover. It might surprise you," replied Naruto before he looked at the map again.

"Do you really think we have a chance?" asked Shigi with Naruto nodding.

"Its all about the timing of each attack before we get to the bridge. It must be done in just the right away at precisely the right time. If we don't, things could go bad for all of us, and we stand to lose a lot if not everything in this," said Naruto firmly like a commander.

"You can count on me Naruto-sensei," said Kazehana knowing she wouldn't fail him in this mission of love.

"Yes! As thy one true wife among your Sekirei here, it is my sworn duty to make sure victory is yours, and yours alone!" declared Tsukiumi while leaping to her feet and did a standard tsundere pose.

Some of the people in the room sweat dropped at her declaration.

"Ah...I won't fail you either Ashikabi-sama," said Akitsu while moving closer to him and grabbing his arm.

"I know you won't Akitsu. Or you Kazehana. And yes I have faith in you too Tsukiumi. However, I don't want you to let your single digit status to go to your head," said Naruto with the others nodding.

"What about me? I feel like I should help you guys out. After what you did for me and Chiho...," said Uzume, as she saw Naruto shake his head, and smile at her.

"Your duty is to your Ashikabi. She's recovering and needs to be watched over by you for a few more weeks before being brought here. Hinata-chan just left this morning to go to the European Medical Conference and left instructions for the continued treatment Chiho will need. Plus, if you get involved now, it will draw M.B.I. in your direction, and from what my wife told me earlier today, your Ashikabi doesn't need this kind of stress while she is recovering," said Naruto with Uzume looking away since that was true.

"Don't worry Uzume. We can take the heat from this. You just sit back and watch over your Ashikabi," said Kazehana in an assuring tone.

"All right. But if you guys get in trouble, I'm coming to help one way or another," said Uzume with Naruto smiling.

"Okay, but only if we really need it," said Naruto with his tone saying his word was final on the matter.

"The operation will begin tomorrow night so until then...LET'S PARTY!" declared Matsu excitedly while somehow setting off mini fireworks off behind her.

Minato looked sheepish and surprised at his Sekirei's suggestion while Shigi was shocked when hearing it.

Poor Kuno fainted in surprise at the sudden act of hearing the fireworks.

As for Naruto, he left the living area to walk to the veranda leading into the backyard, and was looking up at the sky in thought. Behind him was Akitsu, as she saw he was worried about something, and wondered what was troubling him.

"Ashikabi-sama?" asked Akitsu with Naruto turning to look at her concerned face.

"I'm just worried for the future Akitsu," answered Naruto while seeing the woman was still unsure why he was worried.

"Ah...why?" asked Akitsu with Naruto holding her close while hearing the sounds of the party inside starting to erupt within.

They would join it later.

"Because whatever move I make in helping those inside, Minaka will now have a reason to implement something else into the game, and the people will follow him for it. Sadly, I know every move Minaka can, and will make once this mission is over. I literally know what will come next from him and what the aftermath of our success or failure will be as a result of this mission. What is worse for that matter is...I even know I would have done everything he did if I were in his position. It makes me feel...dirty inside," replied Naruto before feeling Akitsu hold onto him tighter.

"Ah...you are not like him Ashikabi-sama," declared Akitsu while holding him tighter with each passing moment.

"And how do you figure that Akitsu?" asked Naruto with the woman looking him right in the eyes with all the love in them practically overflowing.

"Ah...because the Professor wouldn't have wanted to fix me. He would have laughed and left me broken for his amusement for the Sekirei Plan. You wouldn't. You didn't. You are better then the Professor ever could ever hope to be...my Ashikabi-sama," replied Akitsu, as she snuggled her head close to his neck, and kissed him there several times.

"I did what was right. Not for what I found amusing," said Naruto while thinking back to all the times people used others in some shape or form for their own amusement.

The face of a certain pale skinned snake Sannin along with a certain war hawk bent on making people into his emotionless drones while he ruled over them came to mind.

"And that will always make you better then those like the Professor," replied Akitsu while she felt his being aching through the bond from a past she could only begin to fathom.

'Hinata-chan would have said the same thing to me if she were here,' thought Naruto while looking up at the sky and wished his wife was here with him.

"Naruto-kun! Akitsu-chan! Come back in and party with us!" exclaimed Kazehana with Naruto giving Akitsu a smile and motioned for his head to follow him.

"Come on Akitsu-chan. Someone has to make sure Kazehana doesn't get too drunk. We wouldn't want her to break one of Miya's rules while intoxicated, right?" said Naruto, as he saw Akitsu's lip twitch, and knew the woman beside him was tempted to let her fellow "sister" get in trouble with Miya.

(Maison Izumo-The Next Day)

Naruto found himself awakening in the room he rented out to Miya (helping or not and party or not he still had to pay rent for the room), his mind thinking back to the previous night. Shigi had actually asked Minato to join him in escaping the city and live a life with their Sekirei outside the rules Minaka setup to control them. Naruto could see and sort of understand why the boy made the offer to Takami's son since the two were practically in similar boats in life regarding their school life, their previous landlord's policy regarding female roommates being forbidden, and even appearances being strangely similar.

The only difference was their chosen Sekirei with Shigi having one shy and ultimately frail thing like Tsukiumi claimed her to be when compared to other Sekirei. Meanwhile Minato had more Sekirei with several of them being stunners in the looks department.

Strange how similar people can be different in certain ways.

Feeling on top on his chest, Naruto looked down, and saw Kazehana was the one on top of him while only wearing light purple panties. Tsukiumi was to his right, wearing her light blue, and long conservative night gown. Akitsu was to his right and was...well she was completely naked. Sweat dropping at this interesting turn of events, Naruto held back from sighing, and letting out a laugh while knowing what people from Konoha would think of this situation.

Kakashi would have killed the Tsuchikage to be in this position right now.

Yuhi Kurenai would be scowling at him, calling Naruto a pervert, womanizer, and should be castrated for being unfaithful to Hinata. Sakura would have call him a baka, a pervert, and used the super strength training learned from Tsunade to slug him right to the moon. Shikamaru would have called him troublesome, but that was nothing new to Naruto, and wondered how the lazy Nara would have handled the bondage twins that could let loose lighting from their hands.

They would have fried his cloud watching and woman afraid ass.

Making a quick Shadow Clone, he swapped it with himself, and Naruto was now getting dressed before walking out of the room to see what was going on within the rest of the Inn that was Maison Izumo. So far, he sensed Uzume was in her room fast asleep, and just about everyone else was out of it too.

Except Miya. She was up practicing with her sword.

"Training hard I see," remarked Naruto with Miya turning to look at him and smiled at her former sensei.

"Of course! I maybe a simple widow for a landlady, but that is no excuse for me to stop my training," replied Miya with Naruto smirking.

"Of course. How have your tenants been since I was here last?" asked Naruto with Miya's smile being more genuine.

"They are interesting and very energetic to say the least. Though Matsu's antics have been constantly making me remind her of my cardinal rules about Maison Izumo," answered Miya with Naruto smirking at her.

"Well she is a pervert and the fact her Ashikabi is under the same roof doesn't help either. Sooner or later, she is going to risk breaking your rules to be with Minato, and create a carefully planned means to do it right under your nose," said Naruto with Miya's eyes now narrowing at the idea.

"And does my old sensei by chance have a plan in mind to prevent that?" asked Miya with Naruto shrugging while looking away from her.

"Well...maybe! But you uh...might not like it," replied Naruto with Miya getting the feeling she wouldn't like his idea.

"And why is that?" questioned Miya in her sweet voice that would have thrown up red flags to even the laziest male in the Nara Clan.

"Because it involves breaking the rule when you are here," said Naruto with Miya's right eyebrow twitching.

"I see. You do realize Naruto-sensei that the only time I truly leave Maison Izumo is when I visit my husband's grave," said Miya with Naruto nodding.

"I know. But its either that or Matsu breaks one of your rules anyway. Unless you want her and Minato to find a love hotel to get their freak on," countered Naruto with Miya knowing what would happen while what happened outside of Maison Izumo was none of her business...she would prefer Matsu didn't do anything immoral.

Not to mention keep Minato as innocent and pure as possible.

"I see. Well, as you know of my policy regarding illicit relations, and given Matsu's level of perversity when it comes to being with her Ashikabi, I think we need to prevent her from breaking one of my rules. For her sake and health," replied Miya with Naruto letting out a laugh.

"I figured as much Miya. I'll set something up for Matsu so she can move around the city so she can have some...privacy with her Ashikabi," replied Naruto since the best way to keep Matsu from breaking one of the sacred rules of Maison Izumo was to not have her in Maison Izumo when doing what would normally earn the Sekirei the wrath of Miya.

"Thank you Naruto-sensei. I'm sure Matsu will be happy to know you prevented me from slicing her up into little tiny pieces before feeding the remains to the hungry dog my next door neighbor owns," said Miya before walking into the house with her usual landlady smile on her face.

"I think Hinata-chan taught Miya a little too well," remarked Naruto to himself before he went inside to help around the Inn.

The rest of the day went by fast and with everything seemingly being normal for the large group of people at Maison Izumo. Matsu was being Matsu, which meant she was being a perverted peeper with her sights aimed on Minato. Shigi was able to relax while doing some chores for Miya with a nervous Kuno helping. Kusano was drawing and humming a tune to herself while Minato sat beside her studying for the exams. He was planning to take the prep courses, but Naruto felt they were a waste of time on the boy since his parents were both geniuses, and as such should have inherited something from the two in terms of brains. Of course Naruto didn't tell Minato about his Father being a genius and psycho all in one since the boy didn't need that on his conscious or going to his Mother over it to confirming the truth. So he had Matsu prepare a test of her own, which was in truth a super hard test that made the current Shinto Teito University entrance exams look like a joke, and as it turned out...the gaki actually aced it!

Who would have thought such a shy and nervous kid had such brain based potential?!

The problem Minato was having at the moment was his fear of failure, getting nervous, and ultimately letting such things control his brain. It was similar to Hinata when she was younger, as she was unsure of herself, and hesitated at times when doing something in front of her. The Chuunin Exam Preliminaries when she fought Neji was an example in Naruto's mind of that, but like Hinata's nervousness, Minato could have his treated, and Naruto spent the entire day ensuring that taking a test to get into any University would be a breeze.

Considering he scared the nervousness out of Minato with his own creature of doom that resembled a giant fox's head, it surprisingly wasn't all that difficult to make the boy snap out of his funk when under pressure.

As for the other residents and temporary guests of Maison Izumo, it was seen outside in the backyard that Musubi was sparring with Miya, and getting pretty good. Though they were training lightly today since the Fist Type Sekirei would need her energy for the fight that was to come later on during the evening. Uzume had gone to see her Ashikabi and watch over her per Naruto's suggestion since it was in the cloth user's best interest to ensure Chiho was safe when this happened. Yashima was nervous at first, but Naruto had assured her that the reason she fought so horribly with her last Ashikabi when in battles with other Sekirei was due to the man who was her former Ashikabi had been a complete asshole. She also needed confidence in herself and to follow her instincts when using the giant hammer on her shoulder when giving it a swing.

As for Naruto's own Sekirei, he sensed Kazehana was on the roof drinking sake simply because she could, and Miya's rule about her drinking it inside. Tsukiumi was "asked" by Miya to use her power over water to handle the garden and while the tsundere did object at first...Miya's Hanya Mask brought about instant submission.

It was Miya's house after all.

As for Akitsu, she was beside, or behind him wherever he went in the house, watching everything around him like a hawk, and making sure nothing happened to his person despite knowing he could take care of himself. It was understandable in Naruto's mind, as the former "scrapped number", given her past history before being fixed by him, was still being cautious of her Ashikabi's allies in this mission. There was also the fact that one "Guardian of Unwinged Sekirei was living here at Maison Izumo and it didn't ease the ice user's worries about her Master being attacked. Homura was one among the ever slowly declining in number of unwinged Sekirei still left in the game and had yet to find an Ashikabi. Therefore the man owed his allegiance to no one in this group and even his current station of living here with Miya was to no doubt have a place where Takami could reach the fire user when needed. While Homura did technically work for M.B.I. in protecting unwinged Sekirei until they could be winged by their Ashikabi, Naruto knew the man wasn't going to go full Benedict Arnold on him, or the others for that matter. Homura knew full well the ramifications of such a betrayal and what it would entail when facing Naruto or Miya herself should the fire using Sekirei return to Maison Izumo.

It still made Akitsu cautious. After the incident with Tsukiumi prior to the tsundere being winged by her Ashikabi, the ice user did not wish for Naruto be hurt by any of the other Sekirei here. Naruto knew that Akitsu had never truly gotten over the fact that someone had tried to hurt him and she had not been there to prevent it from happening.

Akitsu was going to make sure that didn't happen a second time even if this Inn was the safest place outside of her Ashikabi's own home.

As to Homura's whereabouts, it was clear the Guardian of Unwinged Sekirei was staying out of the way of this mission, but Naruto suspected he was also going to inform Takami about it, and see how things progress from there. Like Akitsu, he knew that the unwinged flame using Sekirei was more loyal to Takami, and to a slightly barely lesser extent Miya. Until the man found his Ashikabi, which Naruto believed was indeed Minato since the flame user was acting like he was reacting when in the presence of the boy, the Sekirei was a liability if brought into the full scope of the mission. Who was to say that Homura could not be commanded by Takami or even Minaka himself to spill about the details if questioned about it?

With that said, Naruto decided to keep Homura out of the loop, or at least out of the main points of the plan.

"Everyone ready?" asked Naruto with the group before him nodding.

"Ready!" exclaimed Musubi excitedly.

"As am I," said Yashima though it was clear that she was a tad nervous.

"Ah...me too Ashikabi-sama," replied Akitsu while standing beside him.

"I'm ready when you are Naruto-kun," replied Kazehana with a wink while Tsukiumi shot her a glare before taking on one of the tsundere poses she loved to make.

"Thy true wife among us is ready as well my husband," declared Tsukiumi while Naruto bit back a sigh and decided not to make a remarked about that.

"Shigi. Kuno. Are you two ready? Its now or never," questioned Naruto with the two nodding.

"We're ready," replied Shigi while Kuno was trying not to noticeably shake in front of the others.

"Let's do this," replied Naruto before taking out his cell and calling Seo.

"Its time?" asked Seo after picking up.

"Its time. Wait exactly 10 minutes then have the bondage twins start with the lightning and the fireworks. Remember, maximum property damage on your end," replied Naruto while imaging Seo smirking.

"Trust me. With Hibaki and Hikari fully powered...causing maximum property damage is what they do best," replied Seo before he screamed in pain at being hit by lightning.

"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?" demanded Hikari before shocking him again.

"It was a compliment! Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow! If you keep this up, my cell is going to...," said Seo before the connection was ended and Naruto sighed since he knew what happened at that moment.

Hikari's temper, plus lightning, plus Seo's cell phone equaled the latter of the three being destroyed while Seo was no doubt on the ground being a smoking lump.

Typical. Seo was a Nara in all but blood it seemed.

Knowing they had only 10 minutes to get into position, the group quickly hurried from Maison Izumo to the bridge, and using the cover of darkness to avoid any M.B.I. troops on the streets. When they couldn't go through an alley, Kazehana used her ability to manipulate the wind to make them go to the rooftops, and make everyone's weight seem light as a feather. Naruto knew he could get to the bridge easily enough, but didn't want Shigi to know just how skilled, or powerful he really was unless it was really necessary.

Not to mention Kuno was scared enough as it was and the sight of him doing something beyond the ability of normal humans would make her faint.

And of course there was Musubi, who sadly couldn't keep a secret to save her life.

"The bridge should be a few more blocks down from here. Minato. Shigi. You and your Sekirei will head to the bridge from here once the explosions start where Seo is with his Sekirei. I'll call Matsu and have her prepare Kusano on her end with the plants I was able to have put in place all over Shinto Teito. My Sekirei and I will stick to the shadows from a position nearby to watch things play out from here. Should things get bad, we'll step in, and help you guys out," said Naruto in a commanding tone before he called Matsu on his cell phone.

"Operator," replied Matsu while Naruto sweat dropped.

"Matsu this isn't the Matrix. Please try to stay focused," remarked Naruto while hearing his former student let out a chuckle.

"Sorry Naruto-sensei. I couldn't refuse," said Matsu and Naruto could only let out a sigh at her antics.

"Is Kusano with you?" asked Naruto while already knowing the answer to the question, but decided to say it anyway.

"She's right here beside me. I have the coordinates you provided me with for each plant on my computer and hacked quite a few satellites that aren't M.B.I. controlled. All Kusano has to do is focus on one spot and use her powers to make them grow into tall trees," said Matsu knowing Kusano's power was incredible for one so young.

"Right. Just have her focus on one plant at a time. Don't do them all at once or Kusano will burn herself out," replied Naruto since making the plants grow all at once would tire the tiny Sekirei out quickly.

"Right! Shall we begin?" said Matsu knowing Naruto had the final say.

An explosion could be spotted where Naruto was located and the sight of lightning being shot into the sky was also seen following it.

"Proceed. Seo had started things on his end with Operation Rakiri. Time for you to begin Operation Senju," commanded Naruto in a serious tone.

"I will. Let Operation Senju commence!" exclaimed Matsu excitedly and again Naruto could only sweat drop at her antics.

'And I thought Maito Gai and Rock Lee were weird for preaching 'Spring Time of Youth' to everyone within earshot,' thought Naruto before feeling the ground shake and saw tall trees sprouting throughout the city.

Turning his attention back to the bridge, Naruto along with his three Sekirei went to the closest, and tallest building rooftop to observe the escape attempt. Shigi, Minato, and their Sekirei were almost at the halfway point of the bridge. Once they got to halfway, Minato would stop, and Shigi would keep going with Kuno out of the city to lead a life away from Minaka's control.

If that were possible. Minaka wasn't one to let a Sekirei go, but given how weak, and frail she was in fighting...even the genius psycho running M.B.I. could let one of them fly out of the confined cage of the city. Takami would probably have to convince him if push came to shove on the issue and if she failed...then Naruto would have to make his own presence known.

Should Takami fail when it came to Minaka...Naruto would succeed in making sure the point got across to leave the pair alone. Though Naruto suspected the man would simply have the two become watched using hand picked agents of M.B.I. plus the most advanced tracking technology the company had to ensure the escaped bird didn't start bringing too much attention to herself or to her Ashikabi.

"Trouble," whispered Akitsu, as she saw the group on the bridge getting ambushed by two out of three members of the Discipline Squad.

"Where is Karasuba? The wind tells me she is near and I can smell the blood coming off of her sheathed sword" asked Kazehana with Naruto looking from the bridge to his left.

"Over there. Karasuba is near the start of the bridge where the group first crossed. She's watching things play out like we are and will intervene when it is deemed necessary like we are right now," answered Naruto before turning his attention to the fight on the bridge and saw Musubi fighting the pink haired flat chest Sekirei that reminded him of Sakura during their Genin days together.

The only difference here was that this pink haired flat chest girl on this particular bridge knew how to fight.

Fortunately, for Minato anyway, Musubi knew how to fight as well, and training with Miya had helped the girl immensely. The two were fighting it out in pure Taijutsu with the two being evenly matched despite what Matsu had told him about the girl being in the triple digits. Though further hacking into M.B.I. showed that these two members of the Discipline Squad had been specifically enhanced more then the others to make them capable of fighting double digit Sekirei. Benitsubasa, from what Naruto could remember had a great deal of dislike for women with big boobs, which was a vast majority of the female Sekirei populace.

As for Yashima, she was currently fighting the one with metal clawed gauntlets on her hands, and bandages wrapped around her body. Her name was Haihane and this Sekirei easily reminded him of the Demon Brothers with their clawed gauntlets. The white leg wrappings reminded him of Ino since she did the same thing growing up. Not to mention Haihane also had the same lean muscle the platinum blonde did by the time Ino was in her mid-teens right before the Fourth Shinobi War.

"Should we help them now Ashikabi-sama?" asked Akitsu while seeing the fight with sharp analytical eyes.

"No not yet Akitsu. Shigi is almost across the bridge with Kuno. With any luck, this fight with the Discipline Squad will work to their advantage," answered Naruto while watching the fight carefully before seeing Benitsubasa get angry at being bested by Musubi and only just now realized that her intended targets were getting away.

"Enough of this! 'Extreme Earthquake!'" exclaimed Benitsubasa before she brought her fist down on the bridge and caused a massive amount of destruction that threatened the lives of those around her.

"Shit! I didn't think she would risk her own partner in this fight with that move. This girl reminds me of Sakura more and more with each passing second. Akitsu! Find Minato and make sure he is all right. With all that debris, there is a good chance he might be injured. Kazehana and Tsukiumi, you are with me while keeping an eye out for Yashima. Also, be on the look out for the Sekirei with claws, and watch out for Karasuba should she decide to enter the fray once seeing us," commanded Naruto with the three women nodding and leaping with him off the roof to the bridge.

His Sekirei nodded at the order, the smoke from the debris now dying down, and they saw the aftermath of Benitsubasa's attack. Musubi was knocked back, her form on the ground, her clothing almost completely destroyed, and struggling to get up. Minato was on the ground, bleeding, from a gash from a wound on top of his head, and was no doubt sporting quite a few bruises around parts of his body. Yashima had been knocked to the side of the bridge, the massive hammer she wielded just out of reach of her grasp, and was unconscious from the looks of it. Haihane escaped the attack though she was a little wobbly in terms of standing on her own two feet, which meant to Naruto that she took a bit of punishment from the attack, and would be sore tomorrow. Fortunately, amazingly enough, the attack that caused all of this had come up short in stopping Shigi, and Kuno from escaping with the hole made on the bridge having formed behind the running pair.

As for the pink haired bitch that caused the attack, she was panting heavily, and looking around at what she had done. A smile soon crept up on her face seeing Musubi was down on the ground, her Ashikabi on the ground injured, and the one with the hammer was now down for the count. However, Benitsubasa's smile turned into a frown when she saw the newcomers enter the fray, and clearly taking sides her enemies. The pink haired Sekirei's ire grew when she noticed one of them was the Ashikabi that Karasuba had taken a clear interest in, and called "sensei" on multiple occasions.

And if that weren't enough, the man had not one, not two, but three big breasted Sekireis with him! It was unfair! How come all these Sekirei around her have huge knockers the size of watermelons while she has these tiny tits?! Not only that, but these three Sekirei were single digit numbered while Benitsubasa herself was a triple digit Sekirei, who had to be adjusted to fight on par with the double digit Sekirei.

It was infuriating!

"Hey! What the Hell do you think you're doing here?" demanded Benitsubasa, as she saw Naruto walking toward Yashima, and check for a pulse.

"That's none of your business girl. I suggest you leave now. Your mission to stop those two from escaping is a failure," replied Naruto before pointing where Shigi and Kuno were not mere dots to their eyes.

"Not if I chase after them!" exclaimed Benitsubasa before leaping into the air to use the bridge support structure above her to run after the fleeing pair.

Only for Naruto to match her in terms of jumping and trajectory point, much to her shock of course before he sent the pink haired Sekirei back downward via spin kick. She went down hard, leaving multiple holes on the ground after bouncing hard each time after the impact, and shocking the Hell out of the girl. Behind Naruto when he landed with ease, Haihane was shocked that a mere human could do that, and wondered if this guy was really human at all. Information on some of the top level Sekirei like the First Generation Discipline Squad and Second Generation were either destroyed or heavily encrypted in the M.B.I. database with only THE top people in the company having access to such info. All Haihane really knew was this guy was not normal by any standards and that Karasuba called him sensei, which meant this guy had taught the Black Sekirei at some point, and yet Haihane knew he wasn't a Sekirei himself.

So who really was this guy?

"Akitsu, how is Minato?" asked Naruto while keeping his eyes on Benitsubasa.

"He is alive Ashikabi-sama. But I think he might have a concussion from the attack by her," answered Akitsu while Naruto had begun cracking his neck left and right.

"I thought as much. Get him and Musubi over to Yashima. Make sure nothing happens to them," commanded Naruto with Akitsu nodding before picking up Minato and Musubi before walking toward Yashima.

"Hey! You have no business coming here and interfering with our mission!" exclaimed Benitsubasa after getting to her feet and looking pissed off.

"And you went against the rules in injuring an Ashikabi when such an act is forbidden when participating in the Sekirei Plan," said Naruto with the pink haired Sekirei scoffing.

"Please! This isn't a match between two Sekirei fighting in the Sekirei Plan so the rule does not apply here. We might be participants in it, but not right now. This is strictly business that falls under the jurisdiction of the Discipline Squad," replied Benitsubasa with Naruto's eyes narrowing.

"Really? So that means I won't be feeling bad after I'm done kicking your ass all over this bridge," said Naruto while seeing Benitsubasa grinning at him.

"I don't know how you were able to kick me like that, but I think its because you simply got lucky. Or maybe you're some rogue experiment M.B.I. made sometime ago and are looking to stick it to the company," replied Benitsubasa with Naruto smirking at her now.

"Wrong on both counts bitch," stated Naruto with the pink haired Sekirei looking angry at him for being called a bitch.

"What did you say?!" challenged Benitsubasa angrily while clenching her fists tightly.

"You heard me. What are you going to do about it? Whine and bitch like the tiny tit girl you are?" taunted Naruto with the pink haired Sakura look alike looking peeved by this.

"I'll show you!" exclaimed Benitsubasa before she rushed forward with anger on her face and tried to fight Naruto in Taijutsu.

"Not bad. You have speed, agility, and strength behind your attacks. But you're lacking something crucial. Something that would make you stronger," remarked Naruto, as he easily blocked, or countered each attack thrown at him by the Sekirei.

"Shut up! I don't want to hear anything you have to say about me!" stated Benitsubasa while launching a roundhouse kick at his head, but was caught by Naruto, and used it to pull her in close before hitting the girl with a punch to the torso.

It knocked the air right out of Benitsubasa's lungs.

"I don't expect you to listen to my words, but I think my fists, and feet can do that for me in this case. Try to listen to what I'm saying before you black out from the beating I'm going to give you," replied Naruto before he began landing punch after punch, kick after kick to Benitsubasa's body, and knocking the arrogant girl down a peg.

One final palm thrust to the Sekirei's face sent the girl flying back across the bridge and knocking the girl unconscious.

Not that far away, Haihane was scared beyond anything she ever felt before in terms of fear, and stepped away from Naruto while keeping an eye on his Sekirei. She knew fighting either of those three single digit Sekirei he brought with him was pointless, but this guy was clearly in a whole other league!

"I see you are just as ruthless as I remember you to be Naruto-sensei," came the voice of Karasuba, as she leaped down from her position on top of the bridge, her sadistic smile showing, and sword drawn for battle.

"And your heart is still as empty as I remember it being Karasuba. Why Musubi loves and respects you so much I will never understand. For some reason, she believes you actually care about her. But we both know better. Don't we," said Naruto in an accusing tone with Karasuba letting out a chuckle of amusement.

"Perhaps I'm that good a charmer Naruto-sensei," Karasuba offered while Naruto shook his head.

"Or perhaps your audience is too naive to see just how twisted your heart has become after all these years," countered Naruto with the woman's smile leaving her for a second and he saw there was anger on that face.

"That was your damn fault sensei!" replied Karasuba in a bitter tone.

"What? How is it my fault you became a twisted, bitter, bloodthirsty bitch?!" demanded Naruto while Karasuba's anger rose further on her face.

"Because you rejected me sensei! I was reacting to you and you rejected me!" exclaimed Karasuba before charging at a stunned Naruto with sword in hand.

Only for a wall of ice to appear in-between the two by Akitsu to protect him from the blade seeking to spill his blood.

"You were...reacting to me?" questioned Naruto before the wall of ice shattered from the blade wielded by Karasuba.

"I was! You were so in love with your pretty wife that the rejection happened almost as fast as the sensation of the reaction to you," replied Karasuba before she lashed out at him with her sword and he leaped back to avoid it.

"Why didn't you tell me from the start? Why didn't you approach me like Kazehana did? I wouldn't have hurt you intentionally. I would have been kind about it. Gentle. You would have been rejected, but not so viciously like you claim to have been," asked Naruto with the Black Sekirei trying to slash at him with her sword.

"Husband!" called Tsukiumi worriedly while preparing to form a ball of compressed water to fire at Karasuba.

"Stay with Minato and his Sekirei! The same for you too Kazehana. Akitsu," commanded Naruto with his Sekirei watching and obeying.

"I did tell you. I sent you an e-mail saying we needed to talk and you never came to see me!" replied Karasuba with Naruto frowning before he charged forward, got in her guard, and knocked the sword in the woman's hands away.

By this point, Haihane moved to strike, but a blast of wind from Kazehana sent the metal clawed using Sekirei flying back. At the same time, Tsukiumi was readying her water for a possible attack by Haihane while Akitsu was keeping a sharp eye on Benitsubasa in the event the still downed pink haired Sekirei could somehow fight again.

"I never got an e-mail from you saying we needed to meet. If I had, I would have gone to the designated location, and we would have talked. Do you really think I was so shallow as to ignore one of my five students like that?" Naruto shot back while looking her right in the eyes.

"I know I sent you that e-mail. It went right to you! So you tell me sensei, what exactly could have possibly prevented you from getting that message to meet?" demanded Karasuba, as she went on the attack using hand to hand fighting techniques, and saw Naruto was trying to focus on the various scenarios that could have happened to make things spiral out of control.

"I can think of a few people who would prevent such an important e-mail from reaching me. Or rather...one person above all others," said Naruto with Karasuba looking at him with angry yet curious eyes.

"Are you suggesting, no are you actually saying that Minaka prevented the e-mail from reaching you?" questioned Karasuba with Naruto not backing down while the two were deadlocked.

"Is it really so surprising? The man is using you and your species as part of a twisted sick game meant for his own personal amusement. What is one little e-mail that could send one of my own students into a slowly psychotic break and frenzy that can be aimed at all the other Sekirei around her," answered Naruto with the Black Sekirei in front of him narrowing her eyes.

"But why? Why would Minaka do that to me?" demanded Karasuba while trying to push Naruto back.

"Why does Minaka do anything the way he does? The man finds amusement in other people's suffering. I don't! I've suffered enough in my life and I do what I can to prevent it with others. I would have turned you down. That I won't deny Karasuba, but I would have done so in a gentle, and understanding way like I did with Kazehana back then. I swear to you on my life that you would not have felt such rejection so harshly back when things were first starting. You know that much about me when it comes to being one of my students," said Naruto before kicking her away.

For a moment, Karasuba looked at him with intense angry eyes, her mind processing every single word he just said, and what she knew about him. Naruto wasn't the kind of person to simply say "screw you" unless the person actually deserved it. Sure she was kept out of the full training regiments unlike Miya, but that was because he no doubt sensed the wicked darkness, and bloodlust in her from defending the island that was essentially their home away from home on this planet. IF Minaka had done what Naruto was saying, it would explain why the e-mail never reached her sensei, and was done to ensure the bloodlust she felt in battle was enhanced by what she believed was rejection from Naruto.

"I'm going to investigate this myself on my end. You might be my sensei and you might be right about Minaka being a crazy asshole capable of this...but I still can't trust you just yet," replied Karasuba while Naruto nodding in understanding before he picked up her sword and threw it to the woman.

"Investigate to your hearts content Karasuba. I won't try to stop you. Call Minaka out on what I know he's done if you want. Hell, get Takami involved in this. If anyone can help you discover the truth, its her," replied Naruto while seeing Karasuba sheathe her blade and walk away from him.

"Haihane! Get Benitsubasa and let's go. We're leaving," commanded Karasuba without looking back though her tone implied she would punish either Sekirei should they even think of disobeying.

"That was...interesting," replied Kazehana while watching the Discipline Squad leaving them alone while Naruto did the same.

"Indeed. Clearly Minaka wanted to manipulate Karasuba from the start. He must have seen in her what I did and used it to his own ends," replied Naruto before walking over to Minato and his downed Sekirei.

"I'm going to be sore tomorrow, aren't I?" remarked Minato with a nervous laugh while he winced in pain.

"Nothing that a few days rest and some strong headache medicine can't cure," commented Naruto with a smile on his face.

"How are Musubi and Yashima? Are they all right?" asked Minato while seeing the two Sekirei were down for the count.

"A bit banged up, but a few days rest will help them get back on their feet. Though I would recommend you take them to one of my wife's clinics or a hospital run by M.B.I. to ensure they have a clean bill of health," answered Naruto while picking the boy up and motioned for two of his Sekirei to do the same for Minato's.

"Won't we be considered marked men by M.B.I. for this?" asked Minato with concern for his Sekirei evident in his tone of voice.

"No. The head guy at the company won't be that upset. If anything, we both gave him the perfect excuse to setup stronger patrols and keep the Sekirei here in Shinto Teito. He'll call this attack on the bridge an act of terrorism and get the public to support his control over the city," answered Naruto with Minato raising an eyebrow.

"How do you know that Naruto-san?" asked Minato while Naruto himself sighed.

"Because it's what I would do in his place if I were a sadistic psycho genius on a power trip," said Naruto knowing if he did become like Minaka, it would be a move he would make, and implement in the next stage of the Sekirei Plan.

"Its a good thing you're not like him, right Naruto-san" commented Minato with Naruto stopping and looking at the boy before he smiled.

"Yeah. Yeah I guess it is a good thing I'm not like Minaka. Come on. Let's get out of here before M.B.I. decides to send troops after us," said Naruto before he along with the others with him left the bridge for safer waters.

(Maison Izumo-Sometime Later)

"So they made it across. I'm glad," said Miya happily while Naruto sat across from her in the living area while sipping some tea.

"Yes. Though what concerns me is the truth behind Karasuba's spiral into the insanity that grips her mind. I had no idea she was reacting to me back when the First Generation Discipline Squad was still around," replied Naruto with Miya nodding though it was clear she still disliked Karasuba.

"Perhaps, but something tells me she would have fallen to it regardless if you decreased the pain of the rejection process," stated Miya with Naruto nodding.

"Maybe, but I still think her personality wouldn't have been this bad if I had been the one to handle things," replied Naruto with Miya not saying anything on the matter.

"What do you think Karasuba will find in her own investigation?" asked Kazehana while Naruto sighing.

"I don't know Kazehana. What I do know is I didn't get an e-mail that day or any kind of message from Karasuba to see her," said Naruto with this matter troubling him deeply.

"In any case, I'm just glad things worked out in the end with Shigi escaping Shinto Teito with Kuno. Those two needed to escape from here in order to grow in their own way," said Miya with a smile on her face again.

"Agreed. This game was ready to chew them up and spit them out," remarked Naruto with a sigh soon following and he rubbed his eyes tiredly.

"You look tired Naruto-sensei. Please stay here for the one more night at Maison Izumo. As for the rent, consider this night on the house," offered Miya with Naruto nodding with a grateful smile.

"I accept the offer. Thanks Miya," replied Naruto, as he got up and his Sekirei nodding to the landlady for the offer before following him.

"You didn't tell him how Minaka knew to send the Discipline Squad to the bridge at just the right time," remarked Homura with Miya sighing before giving him a smile.

"If I did that, he would have been most upset not only with me, but with you too Homura, and we both know I couldn't guarantee your safety here," said Miya sweetly while she knew that Homura told Takami about her son's involvement and how the woman in a moment of paternal panic had decided to tell Minaka about the plan for the escape.

"Y-Yeah. Well...at least something came out of it," remarked Homura nervously while finding his body was acting up again.

"Indeed. Now go back to your room and contact Takami to tell her that Minato is safe along with all his Sekirei," commanded Miya with her Hanya mask coming out and scaring the flame using Sekirei.

"R-Right! Of course Miya," said Homura before he left the room.

'Karasuba. Its hard to imagine that you were reacting to Naruto-sensei. Kazehana I could understand, but you? I wonder if the harsh rejection you faced, plus the loss of Yume later on broke your mind, and twisted the remains into what you are now,' thought Miya before her eyes hardened and knew now was not the time to think about getting soft on her position regarding Karasuba.

(With Naruto)

"So Karasuba was reacting to you back then like Kazehana was?" said Hinata through Naruto's phone while he was looking out the window and his Sekirei were now standing behind him.

"Apparently that's what happened. She also took the fact I didn't show up as a sign of rejection and no doubt made her start to fall deeper into insanity. The incident with Yume giving her life all those years ago just helped things along," answered Naruto with Hinata on the other line thinking for a moment.

"The incident with Yume...you don't think...you don't think that Minaka let that happen to give Karasuba another push in that direction, do you?" asked Hinata with Naruto now thinking it over for a moment.

"No. If he did, Minaka wouldn't have asked us for help from the start in finding the group that first took the two Sekirei before deploying Yume and Karasuba. The man wanted to keep Sekirei away from the outside world and is not going to jeopardize that simply to push Karasuba over the edge. There were other ways to make that happen and we know for a fact Higa's Father was the one that hired the mercenary outfit. Not even Minaka could hide his involvement in the incident. If Minaka was involved at all," replied Naruto with Hinata sighing with relief on her end since she really didn't want to have that on her conscious.

Helping Minaka in the beginning had been a necessity at the time and she didn't want the blood of innocent people on her hands for helping him further on an unknowing level.

"That's good," commented Hinata at last.

"How is the medical conference? Anything worth mentioning?" asked Naruto knowing his wife was looking for future things to use for her clinics.

"No. Not much. New medical technology from M.B.I. is being shown off. Nothing new there. How about you? Don't forget you have the Annual Whirlpool Publishing Party to attend for another successful year of Icha Icha Paradise," said Hinata with Naruto face palming since he did forget about that fact.

"Oh yeah. I did forget. But what's the point in going if you're not there?" asked Naruto while sensing Hinata was narrowing her eyes at him through her cell phone.

"Don't you dare try to weasel out of it simply because I'm not there Naruto-kun. You know perfectly well one of your Sekirei can go in my place with you to the party," said Hinata while Naruto sighing knowing she was right.

"I know they can, but I prefer to go with you. You are my wife after all," said Naruto and sensed her eyes stopped narrowing.

"I know, but so are they," countered Hinata while Naruto sighing and they both knew why he was reluctant to take one of his Sekirei to the party over his wife.

"I know they are and I love them too, but...," said Naruto before finding himself being unable to finish the sentence.

"I know Naruto-kun. I know. But I think we both know you not going with any escort at all will raise more eyebrows then you not going at all," said Hinata with Naruto sighing at her words and knew full well she was indeed correct.

"I love you so damn much Hinata-chan," said Naruto while sensing that Hinata was now smiling lovingly behind her cell phone.

"And I love you too Naruto-kun. Goodnight," replied Hinata before she hung up and Naruto sighed again.

"Goodnight Hinata-chan," said Naruto sadly while wishing his wife was here with him and not overseas.

Even now, there was that feeling of guilt in the fact he was possibly being unfaithful to her, and yet...Naruto knew Hinata was telling the truth about being okay with it. Sure under the old Shinobi system, Naruto would have qualified to be part of the CRA that was the Clan Restoration Act, which meant multiple wives to keep the bloodline alive, and a chance to rebuild the clan faster. But back then, Naruto knew any such act would have been an empty relationship since the women in his life (except Hinata) would just want to be with him simply for his clan status. They wouldn't give a damn about his life or the children they sired so long as they got to live the good life. Then, many years later into the future, these women would try to take control of the clan through their offspring, and take what Naruto had away from him yet again.

But now...now Hinata had basically approved of his intimate relationship with his three Sekirei behind him. These three were bonded to him on a deep level filled with love and kindness he had not felt since first being with Hinata. These three alien women were not the type to mess with his feelings of the heart and would rather kill themselves then to try betraying his trust. Naruto could only imagine Hinata was fine with him being with these three Sekirei because like her, they wouldn't betray him. They loved him for him and not for his wealth or status.

"Husband?" asked Tsukiumi curiously before Naruto turned to look at her with a smile.

"I'm all right Tsukiumi. Come on. Time for bed," replied Naruto with the girls nodding.

"Incidentally, what was this I heard about a company party?" asked Kazehana while her Ashikabi sighed again.

He was doing that a lot lately.

"Oh that? It's Whirlpool Publishing's company party we throw every year for the success we've had in selling our newest Icha Icha Paradise book. The party is coming up in less then a week and with Hinata overseas, I can't take her with me, and thus will have to attend it by myself," replied Naruto with his Sekirei looking at him with a new sense of desire.

"Why not take one of us?" asked Kazehana knowing he could do that.

"And what does thou mean by that?! If my husband is going to take anyone, it is going to be me! I am his one true wife here among us," replied Tsukiumi while feeling the need to be territorial at the moment.

"Ah...I would gladly go with Ashikabi-sama to this party," offered Akitsu while bowing her head submissively to him much to Tsukiumi's ire.

"You will not! As the one true wife here I will not allow the concubine to perform the duty of the wife," protested Tsukiumi with Naruto sighing and pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Actually Tsukiumi, if anyone among you is going to this company party...it's going to be Kazehana," said Naruto much to Tsukiumi's shock and Akitsu's sadness.

Kazehana was spinning around in a whirlwind while saying it was the power of love.

"What?! Why?! I demand to know the reason for this travesty!" demanded Tsukiumi with her hair waving about angrily while finding herself being stepped over for the concubine spinning around near her.

"Ah...did I do something wrong to displease Ashikabi-sama?" asked Akitsu sadly, as she could only assume his choice was related to something she herself had done, and chosen Kazehana over her for it.

"I was going to explain Tsukiumi and no Akitsu, you didn't do anything wrong to make me choose Kazehana over either of you. I'm choosing Kazehana for this because she is for the lack of a better choice of words...more socially competent," replied Naruto with Tsukiumi looking surprised and Akitsu looking more depressed.

"Husband...surely you jest?! How can you choose the drunkard over me?!" demanded Tsukiumi with Naruto sighing.

"Let me explain. First, I'm choosing Kazehana over you Tsukiumi because she won't call the people around her during this large social event 'monkeys' every few minutes. People will be there that will want to talk to you and I can't have you insulting or frowning at them the entire time. What if one of them says something that displeases you Tsukiumi? I can't have you getting angry and then trying to drown the said person with your water attacks. Your temper over even smallest matters is still a problem when trying to keep it in check," said Naruto with Tsukiumi looking upset, but she soon slumped her head in defeat.

"And me...Ashikabi-sama?" asked Akitsu while hoping to correct whatever problem he had with her so she could correct it.

"You my dear Akitsu-chan are not well adept yet in interacting with others. You have much to learn about things just like Tsukiumi does. Not to mention, I have a feeling you wouldn't want to talk to anyone outside of myself while there, and that could make things awkward for people trying to have a conversation with you," explained Naruto knowing it was true and Akitsu nodding in agreement since she didn't want to be around anyone except her Ashikabi.

"That and the ice strumpet would no doubt forget to wear panties while there," remarked Tsukiumi with Naruto letting out a chuckle while Akitsu blushed.

"Ah...maybe," replied Akitsu while Naruto simply walked over to his ice using Sekirei and kissed her on the forehead.

"Another reason for choosing Kazehana. If anyone ever saw you without panties and as my escort...it would make me look bad in the eyes of the people at the party. You don't want people to talk badly about me, right Akitsu-chan?" said Naruto with Akitsu shaking her head no very fast since she didn't want anyone talking badly about him at all.

"As if I would let them speak badly about my husband! I would blast them into oblivious with my Water Celebration attack!" declared Tsukiumi passionately while getting into one of her tsundere poses.

"Again, one of the reasons I can't take you Tsukiumi. That temper of yours is still not under control," remarked Naruto with Tsukiumi looking away from him while her face was red with embarrassment.

"Yes well...given thy reasons for your decision for not choosing myself and Akitsu, one can only assume Kazehana here has the qualities needed to attend this party. Correct?" said Tsukiumi in an almost challenging tone.

"Yes. Kazehana does have the necessary social skills needed to properly interact with people around her. She will be polite, funny, and won't say anything that could possibly be insulting. Its nothing against you or Akitsu personally, but when it comes to such a formal party with key people throughout Shinto Teito attending...I can't have either of you attend the event," explained Naruto with two out of his three Sekirei now looking depressed by this.

"I understand husband," replied Tsukiumi in defeat.

"Ah...I understand Ashikabi-sama," replied Akitsu while storm clouds with snow falling on her head appeared.

"However, just because you won't be going to this party doesn't mean you can't go next time with me. You just have to learn and prepare for when the next one comes along in a year from now. Think of this as you would be training to master your powers and learn more about being sociable so you're ready for the next party," explained Naruto with the two Sekirei nodding before they gave the other a challenging look.

'I will be with my husband/Ashikabi-sama at the next party,' thought both Tsukiumi and Akitsu at the same time knowing only one of them could possibly attend the next party unless told otherwise by him.

"Come on you three. Time for bed," Naruto commanded in a gentle tone before stripping off his clothing while his Sekirei blushed at the sight of his body like they did every time this happened.

Without saying anything, Naruto's three Sekirei disrobed, and changed into their chosen sleepwear (or lack of it) before snuggling up to him for the night.

Naruto knew they would need it next few weeks and that things would be very interesting to say the least following this mission.

Interesting indeed.

(A/N: YAY! I updated. Hope you liked. Bet you didn't see the revelation with Karasuba once reacting to Naruto at one point in time, did you? Yes, I thought it would be a very interesting twist to throw your way. How that unknown rejection sent her deeper into the madness she is known for now, plus Yume dying, and an unloving gay Ashikabi made her a bloodthirsty psychopath. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE OF ALL FAITHS EVERYWHERE! Until next time...PEACE!)