Ryu sighed in relief stepping out of the bathroom.

He was content on watching his girls-even Toyotama, spar with Miya. It was fast paced from the beginning and somehow Miya evaded all of their attacks, there wasn't a single smudge or blemish on her, and she was hardly winded and ready for more. That's not to say the combined assault was lacking, between keeping her attention on Tsukiumi who used her water projectiles from a short distance, in addition with Ahiko, Musubi, Kuruse, and Toyotama coming at her from all sides and angles.

Minato seemed to be in deep thought, watching the battle with a keen interest. Ryu, of course didn't disturb the young man's train of thought, it was only natural he figured at the very least to contemplate... He had done a lot of that, still was, but there felt like something was missing. His thoughts got darker and more sardonic, before he got too far ahead of himself he left his perch in the back, and not so surprisingly Kazehana happily took his spot leaning into Minato. Ryu could only shake his head at that in that moment, it would seem the inn was going to be lively even with him technically out.

Which brought him to where he was at this moment. Walking through the inn. Everything just happened right after the next, he never had time to gather his thoughts about it, and when he did have time something always popped up to negate his attention. He wasn't quick to snap, depending, but that is one thing that irked him. His focus being broken on the task he wanted finished. Yashima... He thought lowering his head as he stopped his stride, images of the short and sensitive Sekirei flashing through his mind. He wasn't sure where the thought had come from, but it brought pain, he tried to come to terms with her unfortunate passing. It was hard.

She was gone... Yashima had been there since close to the beginning. His third Sekirei...

"I have to move on..." He muttered to himself, voice tinging with bitterness. There wasn't anything he could do, even if she were here now in a terminated state. He had no idea how a Sekirei began to function at that level, he would be reseting her in a sense, termination meant anything below a level five. So, she'd be alive afterwards, but... He sighed once more, resuming his trek through the hall.

"There you are!" Matsu shouted as her door swung open, Ryu only had time to send her a bemused look before he was hauled into her room and the door swung shut. He looked at Matsu with mild annoyance, he told her about yanking him to the side-literally. She still had bad habits, one being a pervert-one thing that only seemed to increase over time, he grabbed her wrist moving it from the collar of his kimono. "Maatsu! You've almost went and ripped it again. That would make seven now! Seven!" Ryu glared lightly.

"Sorry!" Matsu held up her hands in surrender. She never tried to tear his kimonos... Well that was a lie four were on purpose, but she didn't see what the big deal was! However. she didn't want to tear this one, and she wasn't up to her usual perverted schemes. "I forget that even though I am a brain type Sekirei, I do have good strength. Nothing like Musubi." She was quick to add the last part, Musubi would be in a whole different league when it came to sheer brute strength, Matsu had good strength-nothing to scoff at but it wasn't anyone where near Musubi's or a hand to hand combat Sekirei.

"Ufff... Control yourself." Ryu said, smoothing out his collar which was wrinkled and bunched together. He was really lucky Matsu hadn't torn it, she could have if she wanted to. "I know this isn't one of your usual shenanigans, if that were the case I think you would be naked by now... I would be Half naked." Ryu considered at the last moment, Matsu didn't rush all of the time. Matsu giggled at the statement, grinning shamelessly and in no way denying the statement, she was known as the 'shameless one' for a reason. "That being said, what's up?" He decided to glance around at the many screens inside of the room, noting one had a map of the entire Teito layout

"Well, you remember what I was saying before about moving in with you?"

"Yes, and there was something else..."

"Anyways. I am still going to move in at your place, though I'm not sure what time or day. It could be a anywhere from a few days to a few months. I would like to be there now, but shutting down this much tech at once could be disastrous not to mention there's a chance it could cause damage..." She shivered as she recalled a scathing warning Miya gave her long ago. "Better not to chance the last one. But, I figured I'd let you know ahead of time in case I contact you to carry my things to your house."

"Why am I carrying your stuff?" Ryu asked narrowing his eyes. Matsu clearly just said she was more than strong enough to carry all of her stuff.

"Well, would you rather disconnect all of this, and then reconnect it later on when I get to your home and do all that other stuff?" Matsu asked. She was keeping it simple, as she knew well now that Ryu wasn't a tech maniac like she was... He knew the basics and a few things other than that, but nothing close to her level, which is why he let her handle all of the tech and things of that nature. And, she couldn't get the thought of Ryu tangled in all of her cords from her head, that would be quite the comical sight. "Besides looks at me! I'm not as buxom or busty as Uzume, Musubi, or Ahiko. You can't expect a little lady like me to be carrying such heavy things." Matsu made a face.

"Hmmmm, guess you make a point." Ryu nodded once, conceding. He wasn't going to disconnect or connect anything from or with Matsu's array of monitors, screens, etc. And, as Matsu stated it was going to be a timely process as the extra precaution not to cause any damage to the inn, otherwise Miya was going to be livid and Matsu was going to be in for a world of hurt, and if she hid behind him like he knew she would, he was going to be stuck in the middle. Ryu eyed Matsu, doing exactly what she told him. She was wearing her usual dress, and he didn't mind if she wore it every day. "So, now that we have that settled. Do you have any idea when you will be finished packing all of this?"

Matsu hummed softly. "I say a good two or three weeks." She directed her full attention onto him, noticing the light bags under his eyes. He hadn't gotten any sleep... She leaned forward, placing her weight onto the palms of her hands, which she set onto Ryu's knees. "Now tell me something." Matsu shook off her glasses, Ryu caught them before they hit the ground folding the ends in carefully before setting them aside giving her a look of disapproval. "Did you really think you were going to that and leave me before I woke up, and come back as if nothing happened?" Matsu asked softly, leaning forward until her lips were just centimeters from Ryu's, the heat around them palpable.

"I was expecting you to yank me aside." Ryu said a bit dryly giving her a pointed look. "Though you're not attacking me.."

Matsu considered this for a moment, losing herself in her thoughts. Finally, she smiled and leaned forward. "Nope."

"Really?"

"Yes!" Matsu said, sighing contently. She set a hand on his chest, pressing herself into him. "You're just going to have to wait until I'm done with all of this..." She smirked teasingly tapping his nose with each word as she spoke it. Ryu scoffed lightly at that, it wasn't like Matsu to ever control herself, she was called shameless for good reason. There was also the multiple times she tore his kimono, it was about seven now. Matsu and waiting didn't go together especially when it came to anything that had to do with this. He looked over critically, she didn't appear to be lying, if she were he would think she'd have that perverse giggle going.

"Okay..."

"I just wanted to let you know. A lot of crazy stuff is going to start happening, a little reminder you could call it." Matsu said.

"Thanks for the heads up." Ryu gave a grateful nod. Crazy didn't even begin to explain it, and like Matsu was implying he nor she knew what was going to happen next. The battle days ago was going to have serious consequences, surprisingly enough Minaka hadn't filled the city with more soldiers, helicopters, etc, rather he was on the news playing down the recent destruction of the bridge. And, he wasn't a wishful thinker, but there were many who were-including Sekirei... There is no doubt in time they'd try to escape. But, the only safe route out was destroyed, which would lead them to the other bridges and routes which were all closed off, conflict would only follow.

"Ryu."

His train of thought broken, thankfully, he turned to Matsu. "If there's anything you need or that I can do, just tell me." Matsu said. Her voice wasn't filled with humor or perverseness like normal, and she had a rather serious expression. It didn't look right for Matsu to be so serious, but given the circumstances and what was to come he could very much appreciate it.

"For now just focus on getting all of this down." Ryu gestured around the room.

"Got it!" Matsu gave a mock salute.

With no delay Ryu stood up and exited her secret room. There was no doubt she was going to be very busy over the next several days and even weeks depending of course. He made his way towards the back walking a bit slower than he usually would, there was something about Matsu's attitude that really caught his attention, it was hard to describe but she just seemed more full. She was ready. He appreciated that, setting the thought aside for now he turned ready to see the spar that was sure to be going on, but instead he got the complete opposite.

Musubi was panting and on her knees along with just about everyone else, Tsukiumi of course refused to do anything but stand up even if she could just barely. But, others like Kuruse didn't care one way or the other between their fast paced session and Miya's direct and painful hits to show them that they still needed improvement definitely took a toll. Minato looked on with a slightly blank, slightly shocked expression, perhaps due in part to Kazehana still keeping a hold of his arm. "How's it going?" Ryu asked.

"The same!" Toyotama exclaimed a bit peeved. She was content to keep Ryu's arm snugged with both of her's she really should have enjoyed the moment. But, there was no way she could turn down a good spar or a fight, it just wasn't in her to do so, plus she figured she could help them out since she had been sparring with Miya much longer and knew some of her moves. Though that made little difference Miya couldn't be touched-it was as if she were in front of Toyotama one second and the next she was dodging a strike from Musubi while delivering her own to Ahiko or Kuruse. Ahiko for her part remained stubborn and determined.

"There you have it." Kagari laughed softly, more than amused with some of their reactions. Toyotama's and Tsukiumi's had to be the funniest out of them all. He was more than surprised that Yume was still somehow alive, the Sekirei of Fate was content on just giving pointers as the spar went on... It was very odd and unnerving especially for him, he didn't know which means Takami didn't know either, and that was the unnerving part of the whole thing. Yume was supposed to be dead, completely vanishing for the world, everyone believed it-even Takami. Minaka... Kagari scowled slightly careful not to give off his mood. What else could he have been hiding or better yet is...? "Miya-san I'm going off to work!" He called to the purple haired miko giving a lazy wave covering his internal conflict well.

"Already?" Miya asked, tilting her head to one side.

"Yeah. I've been requested by two people-they're regulars so better to not keep them waiting." Kagari explained smoothly. He stood up giving another wave before excusing himself, taking his leave.

"See you later big man!" Kazehana waved goodbye sending him a rather coy smile. Kagari tensed once at the nickname getting what she was implying and hurried his stride face red..

She's as bad as Matsu with her teasing... Kagari thought sourly.

Tsukiumi still panting and recovering stared long and hard at the silver haired man. She was suspicious of him-he looked so familiar it wasn't even funny. But, every time she would look at him there was such a mystery, but that couldn't be because he looked just like him... Homura. She had asked him and he said no in a very blunt manner, but she just couldn't shake it. "Thee looks familiar... Too familiar." She muttered to herself.

"It'd be better to focus on Miya-san and not Kagari-san." Kuruse reprimanded Tsukiumi for her lack of focus on the current objective.

"That's enough for now everyone!" Miya announced smiling slightly as she strolled towards the steps, the Sekirei around her tensing themselves ready for combat. Miya could strike in a heartbeat and they weren't going to drop their guard. Miya set her bokken aside, and with this everyone seemed to ease more so than before. Oh my. She thought with a light giggle, had she been getting too rough? "You should all take a bath-Ahiko-san and Toyotama-san you two could go in after Minato's Sekirei are finished. Is that okay?"

"I don't really mind. There'd be too many heads in there anyways for my taste. " Toyotama shrugged lightly turning towards Ahiko. "What about you? Is that order okay with you?"

"That's fine." Ahiko found a seat on the ground. She wasn't expecting to walk in on a spar, but who was she to not jump in a test her skills? Especially against Miya, it was always a good time to learn and improve. "You guys were at this long before I was."

"I better wash up then." Kuruse admitted setting her trident on the side of the house wiping sweat from her sun kissed skin. Definitely needed to wash up.

"I'll wash your back!" Musubi volunteered with a bubbly tone.

Musubi and Kuruse headed back into the inn with the trident Sekirei politely declining the bubbly's girl offer to wash her back. Kuruse had been staying here and by now knew the rules, and followed them, Musubi performing such a thing while innocent wouldn't bode well for Kuruse or the other girls present. Not to mention she was independent and liked doing things on her own rather than relying on help. "I guess I should tag along, hmmm Ashikabi-kun?" Kazehana purred inching her lips closer to his neck as he looked on nervously. "Think about it, all of us girls in the same tub with you washing us-" Kazehana was cut short as Miya smacked her over the head with her wooden stick driving her face first into the floor board. Miya stood inches from Minato, bokken in hand glaring lightly at the two.

"Minato-san, if you don't mind I need a few things done." Miya smiled sweetly focusing on the young man. With a hasty nod Minato complied heading back into the inn to await his task as Tsukiumi strolled in after him. It was a surprise the blonde hadn't made a comment about Kazehana snuggling with Minato, but given the fact Miya was present and knocked the drunkard to the floor she was going to stay quiet on the matter for now. Besides seeing Kazehana getting what she deserved for such a comment was rather delightful. "Kazehana-san you are trying to entice Minato-san into doing illicit acts with you and his other Sekirei... You know that this is forbidden in Maison Izumo..."

"I know... My bad." Kazehana moaned nursing the bump on her head that didn't seem to stop growing or would anytime soon. "That's so cold though Miya-san, why so hard?"

"You know the rules better than anyone." This explanation was enough for Kazehana as she gathered herself and headed off for a bath. She would be careful she didn't say or do anything illicit while taking a bath... Miya didn't need to be busting down the door with a bokken in hand knocking their heads all over the place. With the cause of her ire-Kazehana-now gone she turned her focus onto Ryu, Ahiko, and Toyotama... Hari had went into the house sometime ago along with Uzume though the former went in much before. Yume walked over to Miya's side looking over Ryu and his two Sekirei before smiling softly.

"Will you stay for lunch?" Yume asked looking at the three of them.

"The more the merrier," Miya seconded looking to Ryu long and hard for a moment when he didn't respond.

I really don't want to... He kept this to himself of course. He always loved Miya's cooking, from the first day he moved into Maison Izumo to now her food had to be the best he'd ever tasted. But, he didn't really want to be around Yume at the moment, he had too many thoughts and too many emotions spurring through him, he just needed time. Time alone and to come to terms, as hard as the second was. He opened his mouth to respond, but a loud growl swiftly cut him off and small scowl crossed his face as two more sounded at the same time. "I guess I can." He said lamely as Toyotama and Ahiko were a bit red faced from the outburst.

"That's great." Miya smiled tilting her head to the side. "Cooking for everyone would be so much trouble, Ryu-san?"

"I'll help out." He said without hesitation, it's the least he could do after all. And, cooking for this many people was a hard task, even for Miya, "Toyotama and Ahiko?"

"Don't worry about us! We'll be with Uzume and Hari." Toyotama explained smoothly, wrapping an arm around Ahiko's neck, pulling her along.

"I'll supervise the girls." Yume said, politely excusing herself.

Koto bit back a sigh. He had been in Natsuo's more times than he could count, more times than he cared to be in there with that hollow man, but few times he was in Minaka's office. Surprisingly the walls weren't bleach white like his hair and entire outfit, there were several hundred monitors behind the massive desk showing a security feed. The desk was made of oak of course. The room itself was rather vast with huge windows off to the left and right letting the sun illuminate the entire room in its glory. It wasn't as bland as Natsuo's office, that was for certain. Minaka was obnoxious and over the top and it showed. Koto wasn't sure why he was called up with Karasuba who looked on with little interest. "Let's get on with this." Koto said bluntly, crossing his arms over his chest. "You said this is urgent so spit it out."

"I'm inclined to agree." Karasuba added with narrow eyes, "Do tell why you called us up here."

Minaka grinned despite their straightforward attitudes on the matter. They should be celebrating, after all they did just gain more members. Definitely a plus compared to just the five of them before, but Koto was straightforward and Karasuba was never one to buy into nonsense or entertain it. He folded his hands on top of his desk, leaning back for dramatic effect. "As you are aware... Number 95 Kuno has escaped as well as he Ashikabi Haruka..." He glanced between the two, noting Koto tensed the slightest bit with anger. "But, this is considered small news compared to the newest arrival. Number 08 Yume. Do you know what this will entail?"

Karasuba grinned sadistically hearing her rival's name. It had only been days since their last fight, and to be entirely honest she wanted to fight her again. Knowing Yume that'd be no easy task what with her millions of excuses and trying to reason with her, it would seem she was going to do something drastic. Like killing other Sekirei just for sport, She focused on Minaka, letting the thoughts drift somewhere to the back of her mind before she spoke. "What does it entail?" Her voice was mocking to an extent. "The only safe way out of Teito has been destroyed completely. However, there are still many routes they can take, but of course they are heavily guarded..." She paused for a moment. "The Ashikabi and Sekirei as a whole will get more daring, they will try to escape which will lead them to running into these heavily guarded routes. Conflict, naturally will come soon after. And, that's not to mention Yume who will and has had an impact."

"Even with the technology they can't hope to fend off a dozen brazen Sekirei..." Koto spoke up, narrowing his eyes as he delved into his thoughts. Sekirei were wishful thinkers at least a good majority of them, they only went on and on about their Ashikabi and how they'd do this and that for them, there was also Minaka's badgering and conditioning of many Sekirei to go along with the plan and to only love their Ashikabi and do anything for them... It wasn't odd since Sekirei naturally did that, but Minaka had been stirring the pot for ages riling them all up-the ones who took his words to heart. Now those same Sekirei would no doubt be one of the many to start trying to escape. "Their only safe route has been destroyed. This in turn is going to make them even more brazen and reckless, they'll attack the quickest and nearest safe routes being guarded... A portion of Teito could be wiped out in the middle of the chaos..." He frowned at the last words.

"Who cares? The whole point is to fight, so let the dumbasses fight and come to us."

Minaka's grin actually dropped replaced by a serious and contemplative expression. He could do just that, these Sekirei would lead themselves and their Ashikabi to their own doom, but Takami... She would never go with it or wanted to, there'd be too much damage and collateral damage, in addition to six more reports on the local news channels over hyping the whole thing of course. It'd be much more sound if I went with Karasuba's plan... It wasn't my first choice in all honesty but it does have its advantages... He sighed softly. Takami could be a real pain in the ass, "I agree with you, Karasuba-san... And, normally I would concede with this course of action, but that I can't do. We should be expecting a group of Sekirei and Ashikabi, if and when a battle does erupt there's going to be no escaping damage..."

"All the more reason." Karasuba shrugged with a light scoff. "They herd themselves up and we kill them. Simple."

"I see..." Koto nodded a few times. "You're mostly anticipating an attack from either Hayato of the south or Higa of the east." He got no verbal answer, just a nod of confirmation which was fine by him. It wasn't like Minaka to show such obvious concern, he was always pushing for more and more... Given the current situation and how it's going to have an influence on the future his concern was warranted... But it didn't mean it wasn't strange. Minaka was always trying to push the envelope, perhaps those beatings from Takami were actually having some effect.

"Naturally." Minaka nodded rather stiffly. "In the last six days Higa has winged six Sekirei and Hayato has winged ten... That only leaves the four percent that remain to be winged... I'm all for putting on a show and pushing the envelope each time, but this isn't one of those times. Higa as you know is my rival-well hardly, but you still get my point. Hayato has always been a thorn in our side, I won't let these two have their way by any means." Higa had to be the more conniving between the two of them, Hayato was just a brat with a sense of entitlement... There was Sanada too, but his three Sekirei were pathtic and childish and then there were those other three bloodthirsty ones which he had no control of, but Karasuba could easily dispose of all three of them without breaking a sweat. That just left Higa and Hayato... And there was always Ryu and Minato, but he didn't need to speak on that part.

Karasuba and Koto traded glances at that bit of news. It was no secret those two viewed the Sekirei as toys and slaves, but to wing that many in such a short time... There was twenty percent last time they checked, that number dwindled to less than half. "So it appears those two are getting out of control... Perhaps I could pay the stupid brat a visit first. I'd enjoy running my sword through Mutsu and the rest of his Sekirei before I take his head as my prize. Unless of course, you, Koto-kun would prefer the honors."

Koto seemed somewhere else, but shook the fuzz from his head turning his focus onto his mentor. "I'd like nothing more than to kill Mutsu... You can have the rest of his harem and that stupid mongrel..."

"Ahem." Minaka cleared his throat a bit nervously. Be it as it may he would never get used to these two talking about killing and stabbing so bluntly and as if it were normal. He felt a small jolt of fear as both of them glanced at him, eyes totally piercing and focused, Minaka swallowed softly grinning. "Before you two go off talking about killing, I'd prefer our focus to remain here at this moment." He was greeted with silence, and continued on. "I know how you both feel about humans-"

"Get. On. With. It." Koto grated out.

"Right," Minaka nodded. "I want you two and the whole squad to help the forces secure Teito like we never had before. I was a bit too lenient it appears with my rules and boundaries for the participants of this, such a shame really..." He shook his head in mock sadness. "Anyways, since the bridge attack security needs to be tightened, I've already arranged dozens of units along with Takami-san who has begun the procedure as we speak."

"Doesn't sound too hard." Koto shrugged. "And, if anyone gets in our way?"

"Yes what if some idiot does?" Karasuba seconded fingering the hilt of her sword.

"It's quite simple once it gets to that point." Minaka replied giving a lopsided grin. "You kill them without hesitation."

"Just what I wanted to hear!" Karasuba grinned in delight.

"We will be taking our leave then." Koto bowed slightly, standing up from his chair.

"Excellent and make sure to take Kai-san with you..." Minaka narrowed his eyes for a moment. "I've heard nothing but praise of him from Saki-san, but as the saying goes seeing is believing." He gave a wave." Bye now."