MBI tower or headquarters depending on what one used as classification was mammoth. It was the tallest building through all of Teito even making the skyscrapers and sprawling business buildings look like little plateaus in comparison. It was nearly impossible to say how many floors there were in total in the MBI tower, for every hall and corridor there were at least ten rooms followed by another twenty halls. Of course there was an elevator, but having to wait for it to climb level by level was a bit too much. There was small chatter but everyone was otherwise quiet simply taking in their new surroundings with awe and spectacle.
"So, what's the deal here?" Kaiha asked, looking at everyone with an anticipating yet blank expression. In all honesty she wasn't sure what was so important that they were here, Kai only said it was urgent and they'd find out once they arrived. "I'm really lacking with information. I mean the Black Sekirei and the Demon Commander..."
"Natsuo, care to explain?" Karasuba asked the glasses wearing man. He nodded slightly, a smile crossing his face signifying that he didn't mind. It was only right after all Karasuba and Koto both had frightening reputations.
"After some recent events we have come to a decision that more members are needed on the squad, I'm sure some of you at the very least are familiar with what I'm talking about or have heard the rumors..." He paused, looking at all of his visitors.
"Some pair escaped." Akiko replied, comfortable with saying that much. Some aspects of what she heard were just a bit too far out there-people always exaggerated it more than what it really was. Though the proof was in the pudding as the saying goes, for the bridge the battle took place on was completely destroyed. That was the main point everyone could agree on besides a pair escaped. "And three Ashikabi were there-one was fighting."
"I heard there was a serious fight." Kujou spoke up, her voice soft and melodious, "Supposedly three Sekirei were deactivated/terminated during the battle and..." She wasn't sure if it was smart to say, but it had to be said. "...Number 08 interfered and fought Karasuba." She turned towards Karasuba who had her back turned, as she was leading the way to the sparring hall.
"That's accurate." Natsuo said with a small nod. There were bits and pieces missing of course like Haruka demonstrating a rather unique ability and the Ashikabi being Ryu and Minato, the one detail that was noted though was that Yume did indeed interfere. It was rumored she was in the North-which was only fitting in a way. Moving on. "The reason you are here is to demonstrate and show off your abilities and skills."
"So, it's like recruitment?" Natsu questioned.
"I guess you could say that." Natsuo shrugged slightly, adjusting his glasses as he continued to speak. "Normally only Sekirei and Ashikabi associated with myself, Takami, or Minaka are allowed to be on the squad-Karasuba and Koto aside who were here long before I was. But, times are changing and we need to change with them. So that is why you are here." Natsuo turned towards Kai. "I must thank you for coming in a timely fashion."
"No need." Kai waved his hand, gently dismissing his thanks. "It sounded important and you asked if my girls could come, so I figured it was something serious." He had been surprised when he received the call from Natsuo, even more surprised he was asked to come in. He didn't exactly like the Sekirei plan there were so many unsavory types out there, and that was even the beginning of it. But, he was needed and wouldn't delay. "I'm glad I did come in. I knew things were getting pretty bad, but not to this extent..." He paused as they all stopped in front of a door, and Karasuba opened it swiftly.
"Welcome to the sparring hall!" Haihane waved her arms inside. "Don't worry about room or anything. This place is beyond huge, you can really cut loose in here isn't that right Beni-chan!?"
"I told you a thousand times not to call me that!" Benitsubasa fumed.
"Wow this place is huge!" Natsu's eyes were wide as she entered the sparring hall. Ignoring Benitsubasa who was now arguing with Haihane but it wasn't about calling her Beni-kun anymore. This was rather lively. "You weren't kidding!"
"Tell me about it." Akiko said in a soft tone taking in her surroundings. "I was expecting something big... But, this definitely took me by surprise."
The sparring hall was massive. That was being light about it. The entire hall itself was the sum of close to fifty rooms maybe more. Thick and durable mats took up the entirety of the floor all of them a dark tan in color. On both walls were racks for swords and other weapons, there were several swords on the racks as well, all clean but looking untouched for several years. Karasuba entered first and everyone followed, walking from one end to the next marveling at everything in sight.
"I haven't been here in a while." Natsuo said with an observant expression. He gazed around at the massive room, staring at the dark colored mats underneath him as well as the dim lights above. The first time he had come here was to watch Benitsubasa and Haihane show off their skills, it was an extremely impressive sight to say the least. Both of them were polar opposites but worked very well together, when they could get along and not get on the other's nerve. The second time had been when everyone gathered inside and had a small tournament for the fun of it.
It had been some time since then. The place almost seemed foreign to him. But, for the Sekirei gathered it was like a second home, even Kai seemed completely at home despite it being the first time he was in here. "It's always a shock seeing this room." Saki spoke up for the first time, her eyes constantly traced over each mat and detail of the room. She walked over to a wall and pressed her back against it allowing herself to slide down onto her buttocks, crossing one leg over the other.
"A shock?" Yahan questioned, looking at her comrade with a raised eyebrow. "This room is huge. It is more than just a shock." But, then again Saki had high contacts within MBI and was even in the good graces of Minaka, Saki knew where to take them and every staircase that sprawled and spiraled into a million more were easily navigated by her. Yahan folded her arms over her chest, inhaling slowly the scent of wood and pine entering her nostrils. "So, who's going up first?" She questioned, looking at everyone present.
"I will." Storm raised her hand, letting go of Kai's arm. "Do we use our weapons or?" She tilted her head slightly.
"That is a good question." Kaiha rested her hand on her hip. "It'll be a real downer if I can't!"
"Don't start complaining." Akiko sighed softly giving the messy haired Sekirei a dry but slightly amused expression. Yahan nodded her head in agreement. Neither wanting to hear Kaiha bellyache like she had a horrible habit of doing in moments like this.
"It'd be a good idea to use the wooden swords and staffs." Natsuo said, gathering three in his arms from the far left corner making his way back towards them. "You don't have to worry about serious injuries, nor do you have to hold back while fighting. But, this is more of a demonstration if anything." He handed one to Benitsubasa who happily took it for him and set it against the wall for someone else to use, since she was fist type she had no need for such things. Though it wasn't uncommon to hear about a Sekirei who had a couple specialties. Natsuo walked over to Kai giving him one, and Storm took the second one. "You agree as well, Karasuba-san and Koto-san?"
"I don't see why not."Koto shrugged. "We could use them. They're durable at the very least." They had managed to hold up this long even after his training sessions with Karasuba and friendly spars with Luna. While he didn't know the exact strength of everyone on Kai's side if the wooden swords could withstand a session with him and Karasuba, the former who held nothing back. More than certainly they should be able to withstand this. He turned his eyes onto Firestorm for a moment. "You're up first?" He questioned.
"Yup." She gave a nod. "Who will I be up against?"
"Me." Karasuba replied, striding towards the two of them. She stopped a few inches away from them. She already had a wooden sword grasped in her hand resting at her side. Brushing a few bangs from her face she continued speaking, "Don't hold back. Attack from any angle that you see fit." Karasuba told her with a small grin on her face. "Then it'll be Kai afterwards. Then Kaiha. Then Natsu. Then Akiko. Yahan. Kujou. And lastly Mei-Rin. Any objections?" She glanced around.
"Girls?" Kai looked to them for confirmation.
"Fine with me." Kaiha shrugged. "As long as I get a little exercise."
"I see no problem." Yahan nodded.
The rest settled on a simple nod.
"Storm."
"Ready!" The buxom woman said with fire, jumping back from Karasuba landing a few feet away. Kai moved back along with everyone else, though the room was giant it was better to stay at a distance considering the level of the fight that could be taking place, even with a wooden sword Karasuba was extremely deadly. Saki made her way over to Luna, surprising the girl by tapping her shoulder, everyone else kept their eyes peeled on the two woman staring off. Haihane walked between the two, raising one arm above her head.
"Go!" She shouted, swiping her hand through the air and leapt back. Storm slid into a tighter stance, keeping her eyes trained on Karasuba as the gray haired woman slid into a relaxed stance keeping the sword towards her knee and waist. Storm surged forward in the blink of an eye, swiping forward with a keen grace her body easily transitioning, Karasuba swung upward keeping the sword gripped in one hand as she blocked the swift attack.
Karasuba shifted her weight over, forcing Storm to the side and forward, she swiveled a second later lashing out with a vicious strike, but at the last second Storm turned and blocked the attack. Karasuba broke the stalemate, skidding back as she stabilized her footing pressed to dodge Storm's rapid barrage of thrusts and swings, she ducked and weaved through the elaborate strikes, but Storm was quick and sent a kick forward.
Karasuba parried the sweeping blow, turned and struck out, but the strike went through air as Storm dodged in the nik of time spinning around to face the Black Sekirei. Just in time too, Karasuba closed their gap and swung from the side twisting her body with a quick jerk, Storm reacted quickly and braced against the powerful strike as she blocked it the impact forcing her back a few feet. Rather than wait, Storm dashed to the side and forward, Karasuba darted after her lunging forward with a quick thrust that would surely catch Storm off guard. Storm swiveled on the balls of her feet, deflecting the first stab bringing her arm up and clasping the hilt with her other hand, with a quiet shout Storm swung forward, her blade colliding with Karasuba's in the center. "You've got some fight in you." Karasuba commented with a smirk, pushing forward.
"You're as skilled as the rumors make you out to be." Storm responded, pushing forward, being met with resistance from Karasuba who also pushed forward. The two fought for supremacy, their wooden blades vibrating and clattering against each other. Storm smiled slightly, shifting to the side and away breaking their stalemate, Karasuba staggered forward, and Storm pressed the advantage spinning rapidly and lashing out with both feet, but Karasuba ducked under the acrobatic attack at the last moment sliding away.
Haihane was amazed. "Look at her go!" She chorused, of course she was checking Storm out. One would have to be blind and stupid not to do it, and she did it with Luna more times than the former would care to mention. But, what caught her attention the most was Storm's speed and attack style, it was unpredictable and fast but there was a subtle grace to her movements that didn't come from just training. "I hope those wooden swords can hold up." She stated a bit weary as a loud crack resounded through the room and the two woman darted across the mats once again. Storm pressed forward, going for a downward slash, and Karasuba seemingly disappeared for a moment, Storm froze feeling the tip of Karasuba's sword touching the center of her back.
"I said don't hold back." Karasuba retracted her arms, giving Storm a dry look as the former turned to face her fully. They kept their swords at their sides, both breathing a bit heavy but nothing too laborious. "You're strong and skilled. I won't need to worry about you. We'll have to spar again sometime."
"I would like that very much." Storm gave a small bow. "As for me holding back. A woman has to have some secrets, right?"
Karasuba chuckled softly. "Guess I can't argue that." She turned to Koto. "You test the rest."
Koto nodded, turning his attention to Kai. "Let's begin."
Kai responded with a small nod, walking to the center of the room opposite of Koto. He shifted into a tight stance, keeping the sword gripped with both hands. Koto observed him carefully, his form was perfect he couldn't spot any flaws in it, he noticed there was a bit more weight being focused on his front foot, Koto slid into a stance shifting his leg back and turning his waist slightly. Judging from his stance... Koto was yanked from his train of thought, snapping his head to the right just avoiding Kai's advance, Kai retracted and snapped forward in rapid succession skewing his trajectory by a few inches each time.
Koto grunted, snapping his head under a swift stroke and retaliated with his own powerful thrust spotting a small opening in Kai's attack and seized it. Kai slid back going on the defensive and deflecting the thrust away with a quick flick of his wrist. Koto clasped his hilt and shifted forward arcing from the side. Kai shifted his footing, narrowly blocking the attack, letting the impact carry him back and away.
Saki had no doubts and Kai had surprising strength which Koto would find out soon. She winced hearing the reverberation of the wooden blades as they clashed, she turned her focus onto Luna who looked on without blinking. This was surprising since Luna while paying full attention usually would speak to those around her if given the chance, but as she watched Luna the buxom girl wasn't doing that. She was staring at Koto. "Oh my..." Saki's eyes widened and her lips parted. It made too much sense now. "Luna tell me you and Koto got together?"
"What?!" Luna blushed furiously at the statement, not looking directly at Saki.
"Don't play clueless with me!" Saki inched closer with a smile of mischief. "I know you. We had the same adjuster, and I know you've always had the hots for Koto."
"We did... But, don't tell anyone." Luna said quietly, giving Saki a serious look. Their attention as drawn back to the fight taking place in front of them. Koto and Kai continuously clashed, pushing their blades against the other's and jostling for the advantage. They finally broke away from each other, and sprang back, Kai almost turning into a blur as they dashed back and forth attacking and defending, it wasn't a very agile battle it was more speed based and countering. They both attacked with careful precision and aimed for counters, off balancing the other for a moment and tried to strike, only for it to be blocked. "This might just be me... But, Kai is very fast."
"Ah, don't worry I won't. I know you're more of a private person when it comes to stuff like that" Saki nodded in agreement, turning to the battle with great interest. "Kai is fast. His greatest strength is his speed, he may be the faster person in this entire thing." Saki said this bluntly giving Luna a it's obvious look when Luna looked at her with slight shock. Luna could admit Kai was fast, he was moving at speeds that even outpaced her own, but being the fastest period was seriously up for debate. There was Hannya of the North, Karasuba who could eviscerate her opponents, Kazehana the infamous Wind Sekirei who could literally teleport and fly, Koto who was no slouch when it came to speed, and there was Haihane as well.
"Thanks." Luna smiled a bit. Not choosing to comment on the second part. The fight continued, going into a stalemate-it was clear both Kai and Koto were holding back considerably, just testing each other. It was evident that Natsuo's statement held some strength, the next fights passed by eventfully. Haihane couldn't hide her excitement, and Benitsubasa couldn't deny she was impressed at least a little bit, Koto even admitted they were skilled-Kai did a good job training them.
"Whew..." Kaiha wiped sweat from her brow, taking a seat and resting against the wall. Everyone else was in a similar position, or standing, she was a bit winded. Her style was aggressive and direct, she focused every last ounce of her strength into each attack-whereas Akiko and Storm took it more easy. "That was pretty fun! So, we're on the squad now?"
"All of you showed skill and strength." Koto commented, bluntly so. Though many of them were holding back he got a good gauge on their peak-not counting their Norito. He was a bit skeptical of Natsuo's claim at first, but seeing this for himself he had more confidence.
"Consider yourselves on." Karasuba stated, turning away from them and heading for the door. "Just don't forget who the leader is..." She left the room giving a half hearted wave as she exited.
"Sweet!" Haihane exclaimed, making her presence known-of course. "Finally I can show somebody my anime collection!"
"Pipe down would you?" Benitsubasa demanded.
"What kind do you have? Do you have Death Note?" Natsu asked, slightly interested in the topic. She did enjoy anime-depending on which one it was and what it entailed.
"What about that Dokuro chan one?" Kujou asked. It wasn't long before almost everyone completely left the room following after Haihane who was talking nonstop-for once she had people who were interested in anime. Koto, Luna, and surprisingly Saki stayed back in the room, silent for several long minutes.
"Well!" Saki spoke up, rather chipper. "Koto-kun and Luna-kun..." She tried to look serious, but immediately broke into a cheery grin. Koto looked her with narrowed eyes, Saki always was one for mischief-it only made sense she was a spy. He wasn't sure why she was smiling like an idiot or ogling at them.
"Aren't you going to go with Kai?" Koto questioned, hiding annoyance with patience as he looked at her.
"I'll join him later." Saki replied. "Luna-kun has a lot of things to tell me!"
Koto scowled, hissing in aggravation he turned his focus onto Luna. The buxom girl wouldn't look him in the eye and continued to play with her fingers, well he knew what was spilled-what wasn't supposed to be spilled. But, Luna could always be a bit clumsy. "You told her!?" He questioned.
"What was I supposed to do!?" Luna snapped back, flustered. "She can read my mind!"
"You could lie for starters!" Koto snapped the suggestion back. This was not going to be turned around him, Luna couldn't keep her mouth shut. He opened his mouth halfway through a sentence when Saki's laugh interrupted him. He whirled on her glaring daggers. "Talk sense! Nobody can read minds, and what's so funny?"
"Oh! Sorry!" Saki noticed his ire was directed towards her. "I just couldn't help myself, you two are so cute! Even argue like a married couple!"
Okay, I'm leaving." Koto scowled leaving the room just as he said.
Saki watched him exit, waving her hand dismissively at him. "I don't care what grumpy says. I'm so happy for you!"
Luna smiled, a bit bashful. "Thanks."
"Now let's go watch some anime!" Saki wrapped an arm around the back of Luna's neck guiding her out of the room. "You have to tell me the details!" She pressed always one to know secrets-or learning about them. This was one she wasn't going to pass up.
Both girls giggled.
Morning the next day
Ryu never slept more soundly. He used to be a light sleeper before meeting Uzume only sleeping for a few hours at a given time, but her bad habit rubbed off on him well within a few weeks and he was waking up close to the afternoon instead of early morning-around 8AM. He wasn't able to kick the bad habit, honestly didn't want to kick it just yet. He groaned sleepily, stretching one arm above his head turning to look as someone stirred close to him. Toyotama kept her legs wrapped around one of his, he couldn't complain about that-she really was beautiful even when asleep. Carefully he turned, not wishing to disturb the green haired woman and searched his other side but found nobody present. Noise entered his ears a second later followed by a heavenly aroma. "Must be watching TV." He mused to himself, Hari was into quite a few shows and wouldn't miss them. It was odd Uzume wasn't pressed against his other side, but she was drunk yesterday. The food must have been Ahiko cooking-no way Uzume was going to make anything besides a bowl of cereal.
"Toyotama." Ryu whispered into her ear, watching her shiver against him. She buried her head closer to his chest, perhaps a sign she wanted to rest more and didn't feel like getting up at this moment. "Hello..." He slowly traced his fingers across her back, curling them around the sides of her ribs, and she jolted against him. Ryu slowed his tracing to a halt, watching Toyotama's eyes flutter open and a small scowl cross her face as she narrowed her eyes at him, he guessed she was either upset he woke her up, or he was teasing her and didn't finish. "Time to wake up."
"Mmmmhhh." She groaned, eyes hazy with sleep. "Let me sleep a bit longer." She closed her eyes trying to drift off, but to her surprise she couldn't drift back sleep. Huffing softly she laid one hand on Ryu's chest. Once she was awake she'd stay awake until she went to sleep, it was one reason why she didn't take naps during the day or ever for that matter. Curse Ryu and his magical hands making her body tingle! "Where are you going?" She questioned Ryu as he stepped out of bed completely nude heading for his closet.
"To eat." Ryu answered bluntly, the aroma was very heavenly and his stomach growled several times. A few times it growled a bit too loud and even hurt. "I'm starving, you get dressed too."
"Just wait a second." Toyotama jumped out of the bed, wrapping both arms around his waist. "You know I hate being teased."
"Oh?"
Toyotama scowled. Was he trying to be sarcastic!? "You're not eating anything or getting dressed until we finish!" She stated with a firm tone. No way was she going to let Ryu get away with it this time especially since he woke her up!
"Okay." Ryu turned, picking her up by the back of her thighs and moving towards the bed. "I can't argue with you."
About a half hour later Ryu exited the room clothed in only a pair of shorts and tank top. Toyotama stayed back to get dressed and cool down, her breaths were rapid and short and he guessed that she felt like she was going to explode. A smirk crossed his face, he couldn't deny that she was right and they needed to finish, but now maybe Toyotama would try to pace herself. He descended the stair set walking through the main hall that connected to the kitchen, not at all surprised to see Ahiko cooking and Uzume just hanging out. "Oh! Ryu-kun!" Ahiko whirled towards him, her apron billowing as she did, with a spatula in hand she continued. "It's almost done. I made us some bacon, eggs, and a few other things. Nothing too extravagant though."
"That's fine." Ryu took a seat across from Uzume. He looked over her carefully. "How are you feeling?"
"My head hurts." Uzume admitted, a small scowl on her face that said I'd rather not admit it. "Don't start rubbing it in!"
"I wasn't." Ryu stared at her blankly. "I do hope you learned your lesson."
"She's hardheaded..." Toyotama said, making her presence known rather loudly and took a seat next to Ryu. Uzume sent her a pouting look, but Toyotama paid it no heed. "She'll never learn."
Ryu chose not to make a comment on the matter. He could admit Toyotama had a point after being whacked over the head by Miya umpteen times for being illicit Uzume continued on doing the same thing. He thought it was some sort of game between the two of them, Uzume seeing how long she could last while Miya waited for her moment to burst the latter's bubble. From experience that wasn't the case and Uzume seemed to just walk around without a top just because she wanted to. On the flip side Uzume did improve and at least wore one of his t shirts if she wasn't wearing panties.
Ahiko laid out the food, and Hari came in just at the last second. "I hope you like it." Ahiko said to Ryu looking a bit bashful as she began to dig in.
"I do." Ryu said swallowing before he spoke. Ahiko turned her eyes onto the table, silently stuffing her mouth with food. Knowing her she was so flustered she didn't have any idea what to say. "So what's on the agenda?" He asked looking between his Sekirei present which was only four in total.
"I want to go to Miya-san's!" Hari answered rather cheerfully.
"Me too." Uzume added. "Kazehana is living there now I guess or something like that, she wanted me to come over."
Well, it was clear what Uzume and Hari wanted to do. But, a small part of Ryu was a bit rebellious on the matter. He just didn't want to go back to the inn, he had a feeling Yume would be there and the sight of her just made him clench his fist. The way she stared as if she knew him inside and out, it was infuriating. He turned his eyes onto Ahiko and Toyotama both shoveling down food. "And what about you two?"
"I'd like to go to the inn." Ahiko admitted, swallowing quickly and drinking some juice. She wanted to see Miya and Musubi more than anything, and she was certain it was lively there as always. "But we do need to get our own training done..." She shrugged slightly.
"You can do that there." Uzume suggested.
Ryu turned to Toyotama awaiting her response. She stopped eating staring into his eyes just as he stared into her's. Being honest she didn't want to go back to the inn she just wanted to stay here and enjoy her time with Ryu. The recent fight made her realize just how short time was, and more so she couldn't stand Miya's too strict rules. What was her deal anyway, how was kissing illicit or perverted? She didn't want to get smacked with that wooden stick again. Breaking from her train of thought she focused back on Ryu, resigning, and gave a small nod. Though she didn't want to go she didn't want to deal with Uzume's and Hari's whining. "Sure." She answered half heartily.
"Okay then." Ryu nodded, it seemed they were all in agreement. "We'll finish eating, wash up, and then head over to the inn."
"Kay!" His Sekirei chorused.
Washing up... He doubted there'd be any washing up being done if they joined him in the shower.
Minato was used to chaotic and hectic mornings by now. Musubi clinging to his arm which was pressed between her breasts, and Miya catching the whole scene was something one didn't want to wake up to. But, he had for several weeks now, he was adjusting to it. At times he found it humorous, but the recently winged Kazehana was landing him in a lot of trouble with Miya. Though nothing happened to him today, which he was thankful for he was greeted with another sight.
His Sekirei all in battle gear sparring with Miya.
It was decided by Miya and partly Yume that it'd be a good idea to up the training more than they had been. He didn't know a thing about fighting in general, he usually kept to himself and if the bullies did bully him which they did he'd simply ignore them and continue on with his business. That said he wasn't going to object against Miya's decision, and it wasn't bad if his girls were stronger and more prepared. As far as he knew this whole thing was only going to get worse and worse as time progressed.
He could barely hear the whooshs and shouts coming from his girls as they pressed their attacks on Miya. The miko told them specifically not to hold back especially those she had yet to spar with. She needed to gauge their strength and abilities and in order to do that effectively she'd need them to come at her with everything they had. Minato sat on the top step his eyes watching the multiple clashes, Miya correcting his Sekirei especially Tsukiumi who Miya repeatedly told you need to focus on your defense and not just offense, but his mind was elsewhere muddled in thoughts.
It hadn't been too long ago that he was just a second year ronin who had nothing going for him. He failed his entrance exam twice, had a modest but livable apartment and just couldn't catch a break even his sister and mother gave him a hard time. That all changed when Musubi dropped into his life-literally, ever since that day things had been moving in rapid motion almost too fast for him to comprehend. He had winged more Sekirei since then, the most recent being Kazehana and from what he gathered she was one of the strongest-at least from what he had gathered so far. The thing that changed his perception on all of this was the battle that took place on the bridge.
It seemed that no matter what they'd had to fight there was no avoiding it.
But he didn't want to fight.
"A penny for your thoughts, Ashikabi-kun?" Kazehana's voice startled him, he tensed feeling her breasts press into his side as she took a seat next to him grabbing his one arm in both of her's. She seemed to take notice of his flustered state, and smiled tightening her hold on his arm.
"Ah..." Minato hesitated. How could he put his thoughts into words that made any sense? He couldn't not now anyway. "Why aren't you out there training with the others?" He asked, hoping to steer the topic away from him.
"You don't need to worry too much about her." Kagari said. The silver haired man had been sitting on a lower step watching with mild interest. He was content to stay quiet, but he had to speak now. "Well, except for her overindulgence in sake. Miya's sake. She's one of the strongest Sekirei currently in the game aside from a few others." He shrugged as Minato gave him a weary look. "Very few will pose any challenge for her, but I have to agree with your standpoint it would be good to join them." He turned to Kazehana with a blank stare.
"Heheh." Kazehana giggled, releasing Minato's arm, and the fuzziness started to clear from his head. "Miya-san is just too strong. I doubt I'd even entertain her..." She chuckled softly. She had tremendous respect for Miya-the leader of the First Generation Discipline Squad. During that time Kazehana wouldn't even dare to cross Miya in any manner, she followed orders and just that. There was also the Assistant Leader who was if possible even more terrifying than Miya who made all the decisions for the squad itself-but she was said to have vanished long before the rumors of Yume vanishing in the same manner started. In any case she knew when she was outmatched.
"You don't take anything serious do you?" Kagari said with a hand on his forehead.
"Why so serious, Kagari?" Kazehana questioned with a humorous smile. "You should cheer for them, you know. Us Sekirei do a million times better when we have our Ashikabi behind us and supporting us."
Supporting... Minato mused mentally, clasping his hands together as he bit back a sigh. He wasn't sure how he could be supporting, he was still grasping all of this and while he was adjusted some things he just couldn't get used to. And, there was too much he didn't know. Could he support them simply by cheering for them? The battle on the bridge made it clear such things weren't always possible no matter how loud he cheered. He shook his head, that was completely different than this. "Come on girls!" He shouted at them with a smile. "Keep it up!"
"We will Minato-" Musubi started bubbly but whined loudly slamming onto the ground.
"Never take your eyes off your opponent." Miya chastised, swiveling an instant later and slicing through one of Tsukiumi's water projectiles. She dashed in cracking her boken against her ribs drawing a pained gasp from the blonde haired woman that dropped her to her knees, Kuruse dived in to take advantage but was floored but a second later a swift stroke from Miya. "Don't let yourselves get so distracted. Tsukiumi-san you need to focus on your defense, Kuruse-san you need to learn not to rely solely on your speed." The girls groaned in confirmation, slowly standing back up to their feet.
"You must stay focused, but relaxed." Yume added. "Always alert but relaxed that is the key."
"Yes Yume-sama-" Musubi whined again as she was dropped.
"Don't take your eyes off of your opponent." Miya repeated.
"Yes, Landlady." Musubi moaned, pushing herself back up.
Kagari shot Kazehana an incredulous look while Minato looked at her with a mix of confusion and expectancy. Obviously her little words of wisdom did more harm than good, especially with Musubi who was nursing a bump on her head. Kazehana laughed, waving her hand dismissively. "Okay, okay I guess I was wrong." She admitted, wrapping her arms back around Minato's one arm. "But, us Sekirei do love it when our Ashikabi is behind us all the way." She moved her lips towards Minato's ear, but Kagari thankfully saved the ronin from bursting a blood vessel.
"Shouldn't listen to a goofy drunk." Kagari sighed, raking a hand through his hair. He was about to continue, but the arrival of Ryu and his Sekirei halted him. Miya and the others continued their exhibition. Uzume without a second thought sprinted for Kazehana, Hari made her way to the stairs, Ahiko and Toyotama clung to both of Ryu's arms as he made his way towards the stairs, Ahiko looked towards the girls interest growing by the second. Ryu nudged her and she accepted it cheerfully diving right into the mix.
"Ryu-san?" Minato asked, looking at him with surprise. "What are you doing here?"
Ryu sat down a few feet from him, Toyotama refusing to let go of his arm every step of the way. "My girls wanted to come." He replied, smiling slightly. "There's no arguing with them."
"I know the feeling." Minato nodded.