A/N: Still don't own any of the copyrighted material

-9:00 A.M. - (Before Urahara's and Minaka's Conversation)

Landing at the edge of the city limits with his passenger, the newly christened Ashikabi let out his senses for any immediate threats. He was a curious about a few of the clashing energies. Knowing that it wasn't Orihime involved he wrote it off as participants of the plan doing battle. Besides he had more important things to focus on, or an important someone to be more precise.

"Why did we land outside of the city? It's going to take forever to get home." The newly emerged female complained. "We should have just went back to Chiho Chan's apartment, it's a lot closer."

"Her house is probably being watched after you disappeared from there Uzume. Plus this way I won't just appear randomly out of thin air with no explanation." He was sure that his little disappearing act had at least drawn the attention of MBI, and maybe that Higa bastard as well. He needed a place to lay low so he could start his plan though.

"Hey where do you live? We need a place to discuss how we're going to retrieve Inoue from MBI." Questioned the visored.

"What the hell! you're planning a direct assault on Shinto Tower!" Squeaked his buxom companion.

"No not a direct assault, I was planning to sneak in give me some credit." He replied waving a hand dismissively. He had no doubt in his stealth abilities. After losing the ability to be sensed by anyone he was pretty decent at infiltration, extraction though needed some work. Yoruichi, true to her methods, was quite thorough when drilling him in the ways of the Onmitsukidō. 'I really should thank the Were-Cat someday. Her training has definitely paid dividends.'

"Let me guess your some kind of super ninja now." Dead panned an unbelieving veil user. She had no doubt he was strong. After all he had carried her on his back and seemed to move even faster than before, but being able to sneak through MBI's security was a bit much.

"Something like that" he shrugged. "I'm nowhere near the level of my sensei, she is the very definition of cat burglar." He chuckled at his own pun before continuing "Can you help me or not. I'll understand if you want to walk away from this, but that is not an option for me."

"I can help, not like you're leaving me much of a choice. After all we're together forever right?" she needed to clarify that last part. She knew that he knew what an Ashikabi was, but she needed to make sure he knew the meaning behind being an Ashikabi. Looking at the slightly unsure look on his face left her with a clenching pain in her chest.

"You chose me to be your Sekirei. Don't you want to be with me?" Her voice trembled slightly. The idea of her destined one not returning her feelings ached to her very core.

'Ashikabi are like a soul mate to the Sekirei. That's what Geta-Boshi said I guess I didn't comprehend the true meaning behind it.' Looking at the beautiful women before him he had to admit he got caught up in the heat of the moment. 'I may not be in love with her, but I can feel her in my heart. I will try my best to make sure she is happy.' Reaffirming his silent vow he had to get rid of the fear he could feel flowing through their bond.

"Yes I want you to be my Sekirei and yes we will always be together, I promise Uzume." He reassured pulling her into a hug. In all his wildest dreams he would never have had seen his first relationship starting this way. Feeling her latch around his waist tightly as if he would disappear, the love flowing into him drove home the depth of the bond they had created. As much as he wanted to enjoy his moment with her he had to get back on track. Gently releasing her after an affectionate kiss on the forehead he asked.

"Can we go home now?"

She could feel the beginnings of love stirring deep inside of him and she was overjoyed. Unrequited love for her kind was as bad as death. With her fear washed away she could get back to her new favorite hobby, teasing her new mate.

"In a hurry to consummate the relationship already are you? Such a naughty boy, Ichigo." She smiled walking up to him and giving a quick peck on the lips. 'I wonder how red he can actually get.' Putting a finger to her chin in thought she quickly cataloged her cos-play outfits. She knew she had to put that question to the test.

"Will you knock it off? This is serious I need a place to start planning." He replied slightly agitated. He didn't mind the affection. He actually liked this playful side to her, even though it was incredibly distracting. There was a time and place for everything though and this definitely was not one of them.

"Fine, I live in the north side of town at Maison Izumo Inn. The land lady shouldn't mind if you move in. It's going to take about an hour to get there from here, so we should start moving." The brunet stated before looking at him in confusion, as he kneeled down for her to get on his back.

"An hour is going to take too long. Just hold on tight and point me in the right direction." The transcendent directed.

"You don't have to carry me. I'm pretty fast you know."

"I know, but this will be faster." He replied knowingly

Not wanting to argue with the orange haired man she complied. She let out a squeak when the world blurred around her. Definitely underestimating the speeds they would be traveling at, she readjusted her grip to prevent falling off the human rocket. Keeping her mouth next to his ear she whispered instructions over the roar of the wind. When they were nearing the Inn she pointed to a two story traditional Japanese looking home that had a decent size yard. Dropping out of shunpo in the cover of the back yard the pair straightened themselves up after their high speed travel. Looking at her watch she was impressed the whole trip took less than eight minutes.

"Wow, when you said faster I didn't think you were that damn fast." She exclaimed fixing her side ponytail that had come undone.

He didn't reply just motioning for her to lead the way into the house. Out of habit he did a quick scan of the house. The results were shocking to him, there were three high level energies and one of those was a hell of a lot larger than any other Sekirei's he's felt. 'Hmm this could get interesting.'

"Miya I'm home" Uzume called out as she walked through the door. On queue a very attractive woman walked into the back hallway. She was a slender yet shapely woman with fair-skin and brown eyes. She had waist-length purple hair with shorter bangs in a hime-style. She wore the traditional attire of a miko that consists out of a purple hakama, a white haori with a sash-like belt, wooden sandals and a white ribbon to partially hold her hair in place.

"Staying out all night Uzume isn't like you. I hope you weren't causing trouble." The slightly older looking miko inquired with her eyes closed and a disturbingly serene smile.

"N-no Miya definitely not causing trouble! Someone needed help so I helped them. Sorry for not calling and letting you know." The nervous brunette replied. She silently cursed herself for being so rattled by Miya in front of her Ashikabi. 'It's not my fault! She is so damn scary.'

"It's okay as long as you're not in trouble, and who might this be, a boyfriend perhaps? I am Asama Miya owner of this residence." The land lady questioned as she eyed the orange haired stranger in front of her. She couldn't put her finger on it, but everything about his presence felt off. He could be seen visually, but being near him felt like being next to a void. 'He doesn't give off any energy. That shouldn't be possible, I'm going to have to keep an eye on him. As long as he isn't a danger to the residence I won't kill him.'

"Well kind of he also helped the same person last night and he's new in town and needs a place to stay so I brought him here and…" The brown eyed girl rambled before being cut off by Ichigo.

"My name is Kurosaki Ichigo and I'm her Ashikabi. I was wondering if I could rent a room here. I have a friend that was kidnaped by MBI, so I need a place to stay until I can get her back." Ichigo calmly stated. He always preferred the blunt approach to things instead of tip-toeing around like Kisuke.

"Ichigo you're not supposed to tell normal people about Sekirei and Ashikabi. It's part of the rules of the game." Uzume warned gripping his forearm. She was trying to keep Miya's identity as number 1 a secret.

"It's not like I knew that and she is far from normal from what I can tell." He replied evenly

"Oh, and what do you mean by far from normal Kurosaki-San? I am sorry to hear about your friend though, but I don't know if we can help you." Miya stated regarding the man with a critical eye. Her suspicions of him had definitely peeked, not many knew of her identity. For this stranger to have correctly guessed she wasn't human meant that someone had given him prior knowledge. 'If he is working for MBI he won't leave here alive.'

"I can feel your power even though you are actively trying to suppress it. Before you ask I don't work for MBI and yes I am far from normal myself." The former human replied stuffing his hands in his pockets.

He had seen the deadly glint in her eye after his comment and the slight shift in her stance readying to attack at the wrong answer. Sighing he continued "I'm just trying to find someone special to me. If you can help me out by letting me rent a room great, if not I'll be on my way."

Taking the silence as his answer he turned to leave after giving his Sekirei a kiss on the cheek. He was contemplating his next move. He was disappointed, with her level of power he knew that the purple haired woman could have given him some decent information. He stopped when an unfamiliar hand gripped his wrist. Turning his head he was caught in the serious gaze of the land lady.

"You can stay as long as you don't bring trouble to my home and eventually I want you to come clean with me about what you are. I can't put my finger on it but your presence is very disturbing." With her statement made she let go of his wrist. Initially she was inclined to just let him walk out the door and wipe her hands of him. It was the look in Uzume's eyes though that gave her pause, it was sadness. For everything she did to help Matsu escape MBI Miya wouldn't turn her back on her. Even if it meant taking in a person that she couldn't completely trust.

"Thank you I really appreciate it, as for bringing trouble to your home it won't happen." 'Hopefully' he added as an afterthought.

"Rent is 50,000 Yen per month and I don't except payment from MBI cards. The only rules are no fighting and absolutely no illicit acts. There are two other Sekirei living here with Uzume and myself." She decided mentioning Matsu wouldn't be a big deal, if he could feel her then there was no way that he missed the others in the home.

For her part Uzume was shocked that Miya would be so forward with information about the red headed Sekirei. The tension in the air was also making her really uncomfortable. Fidgeting with the hem of her shirt she stole a glance at her Ashikabi, seeing him completely relaxed made her question his sanity. 'How can he be so calm, the look in Miya's eyes is enough to make me want to piss myself.'

"Sounds good and I don't have a MBI card. Can I ask you about Hiroto Minaka I have some unfinished business with him and unfortunately I don't know how to contact him."

Slightly bristling at the man's blunt attitude she sent him a stern glare. "I'm pretty sure I just said not to bring trouble here and going out of your way to provoke him will do just that." In all honesty she hated the man for his actions concerning the Sekirei and her late husband, but to help a stranger provoke him wasn't in her plans.

"I just want to discuss the whereabouts of my friend and if it turns into trouble I won't come back." He reassured holding up his hands defensively. He was sure he could win a fight against her, but with her level of power he was sure the damage would be enormous. "I'm not here to cause you trouble or harm, I just need to know how to find him."

Inwardly scoffing at the idea of him being able to harm her, she relented and offered some assistance. "Uzume can you take him to go see Matsu, I'm sure she can be of assistance." Turning on her heal she headed for the back yard to practice, needing to burn off some energy after her conversation with the mysterious man.

"Come on Ichigo, Matsu can help you." Uzume stated grabbing his hand and pulling him after her.

With one last glance behind him he complied following after his girl. He knew he wasn't trusted by the older woman and he really couldn't say that he blamed her. As first impressions went he had to admit that one was shit. 'I can earn her trust later. Right now I need to concentrate.' He was confused when Uzume knocked on a random wall, but quickly realized the third essence was coming from behind the faux wall.

Sitting in her hidden room Matsu was completely fascinated with conversation going on downstairs, as she monitored its progress through her security cameras. She had to admit that Uzume picked a rather attractive man to be her mate 'I wonder if she will let me experiment with him'. When he popped up as unreadable in her scanners though she became skeptical of the newbie. Her jaw nearly hit the floor when Miya announced her presence at Izumo Inn and nearly fainted when her assistance was offered up so freely. She squeaked when there was a knock at her door, getting ready to take flight at a moment's notice.

Walking in the hidden room Ichigo found himself rather impressed with the set up. Not only was she hidden from prying eyes, but from the looks of all the computer consoles she kept watch over everything in the city. Bringing his gaze to the occupant of the hidden room his earlier assumption was further confirmed 'Yep another beautiful female' the female in question had long red hair with side plaits she was wearing a white dress with detached sleeves that resembled a cheongsam and glasses. He also noticed that she was rather well developed like the other sekirei he had met.

"You must be Matsu, did you hear our conversation from downstairs?" he questioned. Receiving a nod in confirmation he continued "Good, do you think you can help me?"

"Probably, but I'm still unclear of what you want. Do you want me to open up a communication link with Minaka-San, because that I refuse to do?" she replied pushing her glasses up on her nose. She was on the run and there was no way she would expose her location for a stranger, even for Uzume's sake. Staring at the pair she noted what an odd couple they made 'Uzume is usually so care free and he seems to radiate no non-sense and death!'

Waving off her assumption he returned, "That's not what I want, I need to know his exact location. Going through every floor of Shinto Tower would be problematic and I prefer to ask my questions face to face."

Against her best efforts Uzume shivered at his last statement. An image of the last time she seen him question someone streaked her mind. 'Could he really be planning to do that? It would stop the plan though and that bastard deserves to be punished.' She smiled, the confidence of Ichigo was intoxicating to be near. Waving her hand to break the gaze of her longtime friend she asked.

"Is that something you can do Matsu it would be really helpful."

"I can try, if he is logged into a computer I can give the floor he is on. How are you planning to get in? MBI's security is top-notch. I can offer support by disabling their cameras and satellites for a short period of time." The red head offered, since it wouldn't compromise her she would help. Plus if he wanted to go on a suicide mission she would do everything to make sure her friends' destined one was safe.

"That won't be necessary, a location will be more than enough." The orange hair answered with a smile. He was extremely grateful for her assistance 'Looks like Uzume has some great friends. Even though Miya was cold I'm sure it was only out of concern for her.' He was reminded of his own network of misfits and the lengths they would go to insure each other's safety.

"Okay let me see what I can do." The tech wizard replied skeptically. She was unsure of this man, but he had confidence and more importantly Uzume had confidence in him. Moving her hands over her keyboard at lightning speeds she found her target. "He is logged into his personal computer on the top floor. Getting to him is going to be incredibly difficult Kurosaki-San."

Smiling to himself he knew his plan 'Time to go air borne. The speeds and heights I'll be going at should make it impossible to be seen by regular people.' Catching the expectant looks on his co-conspirators faces he answered them.

"That won't be an issue, I have my own methods of getting in. Him being on the top floor is actually an advantage to me. Thank you for the help Matsu, I really appreciate it."

Giving her a small smile he turned to leave, only to have the brunet start following his lead.

"What are you doing?" he couldn't help the confusion leaking into his words.

"It's obvious isn't it? I'm going to help you, remember if you die I die and I can't let that happen." She easily returned, there was no way he was doing this alone.

"You have helped me more than enough and I promise to be careful. Besides I'm only going to talk to him." The visored returned trying his best to use a reassuring voice.

"Uh-huh I know how you just 'talk' to people Ichigo." The buxom woman retorted using air quotes with her fingers to emphasize her disbelief.

"Fair enough, but I want you and Matsu to try and track me. I need to know how well their satellites can find me. I am assuming you're piggy backing off their network for your own surveillance." The young man stated leveling his new acquaintance with a stern gaze.

"Yes I am. I personally look forward to the challenge, no one has ever been able to escape my watchful eye." The red head answered back challengingly. This would be a great test of her skills.

"But that's no…" Uzume began to protest but was cut off.

"I know you want to help, but please listen to me on this one." He interjected giving her his best scowl to dissuade any more protests.

"O-okay just please be safe."

"I will be hopefully this won't take too long."

Giving her a quick hug and kiss on the forehead he left. Walking through the halls he contemplated the closeness of himself and Uzume. 'Being around her just feels incredibly natural, almost like I've known her my whole life.' So caught up in thought he was unaware when he almost collided with Miya, who was coming through the backdoor just as he was going out.

"Shit sorry Asama-San, I wasn't paying attention." The transcendent quickly apologized for almost trampling the woman in front of him.

"It's okay Kurosaki-San, did you find the answers you were looking for." Her curiosity was getting the best of her.

"Yeah, I got to go, thanks for everything." He hurriedly replied

"No problem I'll see you when you get back then." The most powerful Sekirei stated as she watched him leave. She walked back outside out of curiosity, which was well founded when her new tenant jumped straight in the air and disappeared. She was going to need answers there was no doubt about that and Uzume was the closest source.

Back in the hidden room Matsu nearly keeled over when her target disappeared. She began a frantic search for him following his most likely path to Shinto Tower, only to be completely blanked. Turning to her friend who also wore an expression of shock.

"What the hell was that Uzume!? What is he? Who is he? How can he do that?" the red head fired off in rapid succession waving her arms frantically.

"That's what I would also like to know."

Both turning their heads mechanically to the door, they were meet with a very cold gaze from Miya, instantly making them back away.

Soaring through the air over the capital the spikey haired teen felt the thrill of complete freedom. When he was younger he dreamed of flying through the air like a bird, the wind ruffling his orange locks swayed him to close his eyes in a brief moment of serenity. He knew he was being rash and impulsive with his actions. The nagging in his gut told him to get answers as soon as possible, so he refused to wait and plan any further. Keeping at a high altitude meant that he had to watch for MBI helicopters that buzzed the skies. He knew they could be evaded, but being spotted would throw a wrench in his plans.

Resting his sights on his target he pumped more reiatsu through his legs quickening his pace. Landing in an alcove that was out of immediate sightlines from the doors under the clock, he calmed himself and relaxed. Charging in blind was always a horrible idea, so he let out his sense like a radar. Leaking a minuscule amount of reiatsu he received a mental picture of the floor he was on, as his essence traced all around the area. The results showing only one person on the floor he crept towards the door to get a visual confirmation. The man he spotted instantly made his blood boil, no doubt this man was his target. Everything about him matched the profile Kisuke had put together for him, the white ridiculous hair style, exclusively white clothes, and if the animated way he was waving his hands at the computer was an indication the eccentric behavior as well.

Smirking when he seen the doors propped open to allow the fresh air to circulate through the office, he slipped in like a shadow. Planning on just grabbing him and dangling him over the edge of the building was his choice to extract information, secretly he wanted to do it after watching some old mobster movies. Softly padding along the floor of the impeccably designed office was when a disturbingly familiar voice reverberated in his ears. 'I knew Geta-Boshi wouldn't sit still for long' he smirked even if he could be very elusive at times, to his close friends Kisuke was sometimes painfully predictable. With the Sekirei Plan surfacing there was no doubt the inquisitive fan wielder would get involved. He silently scoffed at the man's boldness when he shrugged off the subtle warnings Urahara issued. Once the conversation moved in Inoue's direction he decided to make his presence known.

"Such a scary statement and why would her safety have such an effect on my own." He was never a man to respond to idle threats.

"Because if she is unharmed I won't gut you and hang you from the clock tower." The angered Ashikabi replied, this man's arrogance wore at his already frayed nerves. Apart of him was howling with delight at the fear shining through his prey's eyes. His original plan went out the window and he decided to go with his time tested methods.

"Bakudo 9, Geki" the former shinigami chanted locking his target in place from escaping before advancing on him. "This is going to be very unpleasant and you're going to tell me everything I want to know." He started as he picked up a letter opener from the desk.

Recognizing the beginning of his student's interrogation strategy from stories, Kisuke was impressed with the terrifying visage the young man presented. 'Hell I might even shit myself if I was on the other side of that!' He had to stop this though much to his disappointment, he never seen Ichigo personally interrogate, but the stories from Yoruichi made him sound like a natural.

"Ichigo-Kun I don't think the torture will be necessary, I'm quite sure he will answer of his own accord. Am I right Minaka-San?" the hatted man sing-songed hiding behind his fan. Inside his heart swelled with pride at the speed that his former pupil acquired information and neutralized his objective.

"Y-yes there is no need to do anything drastic." The fearful man pleaded 'Maybe I underestimated him too much.' He couldn't believe the years of work put in making this fortress for it to fall in less than a day. "What can I do for you Kurosaki-San?"

Punching him in the mouth for feigning ignorance, he tried to burn a hole through the man's soul with his stare. The punched sated some of his anger so he repeated the treatment to the man's solar plexus, sending the recipient into a coughing fit.

"I'm not in the mood for games and Geta-Boshi has already informed you of my objective. So quit fucking with me and bring Orihime in here now!" to emphasize his point he slammed the eccentric presidents head on the desk. Roughly placing a phone to the captive's ear his hand loomed over the buttons waiting for directions.

"Call someone to bring her up here!"

Inwardly he winced at the man's demands. 'He's going to kill me when I say that she isn't here anymore, it will be worse if he finds out about the message!' Never in his life had he been treated like this, even growing up he had been able to talk his way out of any situation. At this moment he realized how serious the other genius was being when he mentioned unfortunately drawing Ichigo's attention.

"I-I can't she's not here anymore." The super genius groaned out already feeling the swelling settling in along his bleeding lips.

"My my that is very bad news for you Minaka-San, you seem to have lost an important trump card." The shop keep stated in a flat voice with clear pity laced in. In his opinion if this man was going to make it through this, Minaka needed to come up with something before Ichigo killed him.

"How the fuck did you…" He was cut off from his questioning when his phone vibrated in his pocket.

"I'm in the middle of something Uzume what is it?" The enraged teen barked out.

"Jeez don't bite my head off, I just wanted to tell you Matsu found a message sent out to every Ashikabi by MBI. The message describes a beautiful Sekirei with a unique healing ability. It also lists her name and number as number 90 Orihime! Ichigo that bastard has just made her the target of every Ashikabi in the city! A healing ability in this game will be incredibly valuable, everyone will gun for her now! What are you going to do with Minaka?"

"I'll show you point your camera towards the clock tower." His voice was stable, but the slight shake in his hand gave away his internal rage.

"Who was that Ichigo-Kun? The attractive young lady you were with yesterday?" he knew the look on the young man's face, he had lost his cool.

"Yes, and she informed me of a very troubling message being sent around." His usually warm chocolate eyes where now ice cold, the man in his spell was enjoying the rest of his short life.

"Oh and what would that be?" Urahara inquired absently fanning himself.

"This dumb bastard made Orihime the target of every Ashikabi by revealing her healing abilities!" to further prove his rage he kicked the man in the stomach with enough force to send him careening into a wall.

That one statement instantly pissed off the usually cheerful shop owner. He would never admit it but he regarded the group of teens as his very own kids. Someone making his little girl a target was highly unacceptable. Giving Ichigo the green light to kill was never high on his priorities list, but this man no matter how interesting deserved his fate.

"Throw him off the roof Ichigo and then get your ass in gear to find Orihime-Chan."

"My pleasure." Was the young man's response as he dragged the bloody man by his foot to the terrace, before dropping him he asked, "Any last words you piece of shit?"

Thinking was hard for Minaka at this point, that impact with the wall left him woozy. He wasn't known as brilliant for nothing though.

"If I die before the plan ends all the Sekirei will self-terminate! It was a fail-safe to guarantee I see the end of the game!" The usually energetic man lied smoothly. "I can also tell you what part of the city she is in."

"You're lying about the Sekirei terminating aren't you?" the scowling teen demanded.

"Maybe I am, but do you really want to risk it. Give me your phone number and I will text you the information after you leave."

Throwing the man back onto the ground he gave him the number and a final warning.

"You have sixty seconds after I leave to send the message. If I don't receive it falling to your death will be the least of your worries." Not waiting for a reply he jumped off the roof to begin his search.

Limping back into his office the beaten man was surprised to see Urahara still on the link.

"That was very quick thinking Minaka-San, but if Orihime-Chan is forcefully winged I will rip out your heart. I would rather lose her than have her face a life of servitude. By the way you have forty seconds left don't waste it." With his piece said Kisuke cut the connection, he had to find a way to break the bond between Sekirei and Ashikabi in case the worst happened.

-Izumo Inn-

After waking up and looking for his housemates, Kagari was surprised to find all three of them in Matsu's room staring at the computer screen. Even further peeking his curiosity was that no one turned to greet him as he entered. Compelled to find the source of their transfixion he peered over Uzume's and Miya's shoulders to get a look. His mouth nearly fell through the floor at the sight of an Orange haired man dangling Hiroto Minaka off of Shinto Tower, even more surprising were the bruises and blood that decorated the usually untouchable man's face.

"W-What the fuck is going on!"

A/N: Hell yeah hit the century mark in Favs and follows you guys kick ass, now if I could get the reviews up there I would have a hat trick. I know shameless plea is shameless lol. Anyway hope you enjoyed the chapter.