Ryu heaved a sigh, ending his phone call with Miya on a pleasant note. One would consider anyway. She seemed a bit pushy during the conversation she of course asked him how was the walk home and if he was okay, but one too many times did she mention Matsu's desire to marry him. And, then there was the threat if his child was born out of wedlock. This in return raised the question when was he going to marry Matsu, and how long would Miya be waiting until he took her hand in marriage, she of course didn't put it as bluntly as he was thinking it, Miya was very subtle especially when it came to stuff like this. But, he knew what she was getting at.
However, she was very traditional. This in turn would mean he would have to marry her, it was bad enough they had fun time just once not being married, was this why Miya was being a bit more hesitant? He shook the thought away, Miya was always reserved, though this could have something to do with it, but he wasn't ready for that yet. He had enough on his plate currently, he had to turn his training up a notch for starters, he needed to speak with Toyotama about their newest house guest, and this wasn't factoring into account that there was a chance his new home could be attacked. Higa wouldn't hesitate to launch an attack f he could benefit from it.
Marriage was the last thing on his mind in all honesty. He wouldn't be undergoing it anytime soon if he could help it.
He had more urgent and important things to take care of.
He found Toyotama in her room, her gaze pointedly focused out the window. He knew she could hear him open the door, she heard his footsteps when he was a few feet away from her room so she was more than prepared, however she just kept her focus away from him. Ryu pinched the bridge of his nose, she was definitely mad at him for his choice, she only did this when she was mad. "Toyotama."
She turned to him, eyes narrowed and filled with anger. "What do you want?"
"I'm coming here to check up on you." Ryu said as if it were obvious, sighing once more when she turned away and crossed her arms under her breasts. He was more than thankful that Ahiko was handling Hari, was she faring any better than he was right now? Probably now, Hari was probably worse than Toyotama at this point. He set that aside for the moment, striding towards Toyotama and taking a seat next to her, she returned this gesture with a cold expression and a tilt of her head. "I want to make sure we're on the same page."
"I thought we were."
Ryu frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"You're letting Karei live here!" Toyotama snapped at him, whirling on him with her teeth clenched, her fists pressing into her bed. "I don't trust her. Who is to say she won't betray us? Who is to say you won't try to wing her? I don't have a problem with sharing you, but I will not deal with three perverts Ryu! I just won't! I deal with Uzume and Matsu, that is my limit!" Toyotama shook her head, groaning in agitation, finding no more energy to stay sitting up she threw herself down putting her arms out to her sides. "I don't know what you're thinking anymore, honestly..."
"I very well couldn't let her live her on the streets." Ryu said keeping his tone leveled and even. He knew one of the reasons this bothered Toyotama was because the possibility that he'd wing Karei-but that wasn't going to happen since Karei was Chiho's Sekirei. And, after the recent events he didn't wish to wing anymore Sekirei anytime soon, that pain and hole in his heart had yet to go away completely. Toyotama was possessive, he had to remind himself of this, very loving but possessive. Ryu scowled at her as she sent him a 'really' look. "She's not staying here long, Toyotama. She's Chiho's Sekirei, and I'm sure she has no intentions of seducing me with shameless advances."
"Oh really?" Toyotama raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, because only you and Matsu make shameless advances onto me." Ryu said bluntly. He hoped this was enough to pacify Toyotama, he wouldn't by any means even come into contact with Karei in that sense. He may have been a bit more understanding that Toyotama cared for him to be, but he was loyal to a fault and loved his Sekirei equally. "Come on..." He groaned, raking his bangs back. Toyotama wasn't happy with his answer judging from the look she was giving him. "What do I have to do so we can put this behind us?" He was willing to do anything at this point, he didn't want Toyotama upset and fuming around the house, it wouldn't bode well for the others, and it wouldn't bode well for Karei who would just feel out of place. He wanted them to work together, to stay together, not let things like this spread a gap between them. That was the last thing he wanted.
Not when there was a storm brewing just over the horizon.
Toyotama pursed her lips keeping her eyes narrowed as she observed her Ashikabi. Her wonderful, sexy, and at times infuriating Ashikabi. His eyes were heavy and worn from a lack of sleep and deep thoughts, but they were almost pleading with her. Ryu was proud, he wouldn't verbally plead with her, but she could see it inside of his eyes. He was simply doing what he thought was best and the right thing to do, he was chivalrous there was no way he'd leave any woman on the curbside in the dead of night. She felt herself deflate along with her bubbling anger, he brought up great points; Karei wouldn't be staying very long and she was already winged by Chiho-she knew of the girl through Ryu and Uzume. "Come here and kiss me." Toyotama patted her breast keeping her arms out to the sides in an inviting gesture. "I'll put this behind us." She assured.
"Really?" Ryu asked, this time he raised his eyebrow questioningly.
"Just come here and kiss me."
Koto hadn't bothered getting changed out of current attire, nor did he bother to follow Takami as the two Sekirei were hauled off somewhere. He couldn't care less about that whole thing, Oriha should have learned to leave well enough along and shut her fat mouth, Benitsubasa did this for her permanently. He entered Kakizaki's office flanked by Luna and headed by Karasuba, Kai and his Sekirei followed close behind and shut the door. Minaka was already present standing in front of Natsuo's desk while the brown haired man sat with a calm smile on his face adjusting his glasses. From here everyone took a seat on the floor or in a chair, Kai settled to lean his back against the wall while Saki sat cross legged on the ground resting her chin in both hands.
"Natsuo-sama!" Benitsubasa exclaimed in delight, pulling her chair right next to his desk. "Did you see me win?"
"I seen it all, Beni-kun." Natsuo replied with a small smile. "You did wonderful."
Koto looked at Luna who gave him a narrowed eye look telling him to keep his thoughts to himself. He was almost ready to vomit watching Benitsubasa fawn over Natsuo and babble to which Natsuo nodded and responded to when he had to. It was sickening seeing her do this, and then the mouthy girl thought just because of her relationship with Natsuo she had special privileges. Like disobeying him. However he wasn't going to get an earful from Luna about being 'insensitive', he pulled his gaze onto Karasuba who mirrored his expression. She was quite disgusted herself. "What was so important we had to rush all the way up here?" Karasuba questioned turning her glare onto Minaka who sat poised and calm, but that stupid grin was on his face.
I hope it's important. Haihane thought with a roll of her eyes. What he considers important at times is just asinine. She was still very interested nonetheless to what Minaka had to say and by extension Natsuo, more than likely he would be breaking a portion of the news while Minaka broke the other. There were few things she could deem important enough to speed all they way up here and not record her anime or put one in to start watching in the lounge. And, to no surprise the only thing she found important enough was anime or some idiots trying to be brash. "Oh, Beni, stop wasting your time." Haihane figured she could have a little bit of fun.
"Why don't you just shut up claws!"
"Awww, look at you!" Haihane cooed. "You're screeching like a hyena again. That's so hot."
"I'm going to give you a black eye!"
"Don't be so coy, Beni-chan!"
"Cut that chan bit!"
Natsu looked around the room at those gathered and the two bantering females just a few feet away from her. Saki just shrugged at the scene before them as if it was just another day, Akiko also just shrugged a small smile crossing her face as she seemed to be thoroughly amused with the bantering, Yahan didn't say anything at a loss for words at what she was witnessing at the moment, Storm and Kai just held looks that screamed 'don't ask me' they were both content to simply watch this unfold. "Shouldn't we do something?" Natsu whispered to no one in particular.
"They do this a lot." Luna whispered back. Natsu was thankful somebody answered her rather than getting looks. "It's better not to get them between and let them get it out unless..."
"Both of you. Shut. Up!" Koto snapped, voice cracking through the air like a whip, and like clockwork both Benitsubasa and Haihane shut their mouths and stayed silent. He had more than enough of their banter, he could normally tolerate it since it was quite humorous most of the time given what they were arguing over, but at this moment in time he had no intentions of indulging in their folly. Minaka and quite content to just watch the events pass. Koto couldn't help but feel anger brewing inside of him, he was no a side service to be called on like some errand boy. "Minaka-san, let's get on with this." Koto stated, sinking back into his chair and folding his arms over his chest. Luna and Natsu exchanged looks, unless Koto told them to shut up first.
"No need to rush, Koto-san." Minaka responded. "We need to wait for Takami-san to arrive, but while we are waiting..."
"Are you wasting my time?" Karasuba asked with a threatening growl. "I can think of at least one Sekirei I'd like to go out and run my sword straight through at this moment."
"Quite charming, but your slaying will have to wait." Minaka said all too calmly for the threat Karasuba let hand in the air, he leveled her with a gaze of his own. "Nothing of the sort." Minaka answered without any hesitation. He needed to wait for Takami to arrive before saying this because he wanted everyone to hear, including her. He was content to not inform of things pertaining to the Sekirei Plan, he couldn't help but think she was in some shape or form going against him will, which couldn't be since that could result in her death. She was far too valuable to die, perhaps she'd just play along with it, which he could care less if she were, as long as she obeys orders. This particular piece of news was something everyone needed to hear, and since Takami was the head researcher of MBI so she was more than obliged to know this. "You will be happy once you hear it."
"I'd like to hear it now..." Karasuba frowned. What was so important they had to wait for Takami?! Karasuba had tolerated all she could of that overbearing woman who didn't know her place or boundaries. If this was anything. remotely anything that had to do with battle then it was better Takami wasn't present at all; she'd try making adjustments to the plan of action. And, in Karasuba's eyes Takami wasn't fit to do such a thing, she should just keep her mouth shut and tend to the research department. However, she wasn't going to argue with Minaka or press for answers, she would get the answers she wanted or there'd be many heads put on stakes.
"Kara-sama, it must be important." Luna spoke up with a passive expression. She was normally one to lighten these situations. "Usually Minaka-san is screaming about this sort of thing for all to hear, if he's quiet on the matter..." Luna figured she didn't need to say anymore as Karasuba nodded in agreement, and Minaka let out a loud laugh. This in turn got her a glare from Koto, as if she was the one laughing so loud and obnoxious it was grating his nerves.
"Kai-san! I didn't see you back there! Please come and sit up close." Minaka gestured towards the brown haired male with a wave of his hand, curling his fingers slightly. He intently watched Kai lean from against the wall and stride towards him taking a seat just a few inches from Koto, Minaka took note there was no wasted movement had he not known any better he would say Kai was a shadow, he barely made a sound and he almost glided across the floor. "Saki-san has told me nothing but great things about you. I see it wasn't a bunch of hot air." Minaka stated.
"You're one to talk about hot hair..." Koto muttered, earning a few snickers and chuckles from those around him.
Kai was a bit bemused. Saki had always told him Minaka was a bit of a nut. Off his rocker. He never took rumors or such things to heart, but Saki would never lie to him, but then if Minaka was as nuts as she made him out to be then there was no doubt he was going to be in for it. He flicked his eyes to the side, staring into Benitsubasa's curious orbs as they honed in on him. So that was his cousin's hotheaded Sekirei. He focused his attention back onto Minaka, giving a slight bow. "I am most flattered." He said, raising his head once more. "I only did what my duty entailed."
Minaka grinned. "You were right, Natsuo-san."
The man in question simply nodded and adjusted his glasses. He was content on staying quiet for the moment.
"Well, I am pleased that you are a member of this squad. It's not easy passing Koto-san's and Karasuba-san's qualifications." Minaka stated, weariness entering his tone as he folded his hands in front of him. Koto and Karasuba were both in charge of the squad, while Karasuba was no doubt the leader, Koto handled everything from missions to meetings, to handing out assignments to Benitsubasa and Haihane. This was troubling, because while he didn't need to question where their loyalty lied, Karasuba was Ryu's Sekirei and by all means he was an enemy of MBI period, and Koto wasn't winged by Natsuo-that wouldn't happen if hell froze over. This meant controlling them was difficult. This also meant they were in charge of recruiting and their ways were brutal and merciless by all means. "I look forward to seeing you in action and your potential." Minaka said, widening his grin.
"Thank you, sir." Kai replied softly. Where was Takami?
"Sorry I'm late." Takami announced her presence as the door opened, revealing the white-gray haired woman with her lab coat slung over her left shoulder and a cigarette still burning in her mouth. She looked at everyone gathered all at once, and shut the door quickly striding towards the window and flicking her lit cigarette out of the window. Nobody in the room liked cigarette smoke, and seeing as they did have new recruits it'd be better if she compromised and simply flicked the butt out, besides she had two packs. She found a chair open at Minaka's side and took a seat in it not even sparing the man a glance as she crossed one leg over the other.
"You weren't trying to feel them up were you?" Haihane asked with a light laugh.
"Shut up." Karasuba growled at her comrade, silencing Haihane within an instant. She may have viewed the weaker Sekirei as simple game and targets, but there were just things you didn't say or do. That was one. "Now that everyone that needs to be present is here, what do you say we get on with this. I have to sharpen and clean my sword." She pulled the conversation back on course before Benitsubasa could make a retort at Haihane.
"Thank you all for being so patient!" Minaka shouted ecstatically, throwing his arms above his head in a grandiose gesture. "I have marvelous news! Concerning the squad and the Sekirei Plan.
"Is this guy for real?" Kaiha asked, for once she wasn't smirking and looked confused. Every Sekirei knew of the whacky and cooky Minaka, but it had been ages since she had been face to face with him and his craziness. "Somebody please answer me, because I am lost." She looked to her comrades one by one waiting and hoping one of them would answer her.
"I think he really is." Storm replied, confused herself as she stared at the white clad man in bemusement. "But, then again I'm having a hard time asserting this answer totally."
"I'm afraid so." Kujou said softly, leaning towards that Minaka was 'for real' as Kaiha put it.
"One thing you should know." Haihane craned her head back with a small grin, struggling to keep her laugh in. "When he throws his arms over his head, shouts, and grins like a moron he is all business." As she told them this, she noted they were all giving her confused and questioning stares, she couldn't blame them they just simply couldn't believe it. Honestly she couldn't believe it either upon her first meeting with Minaka, it was no secret both Karasuba and Koto had a short tolerance and fuse when it came to him. She found Minaka hilarious personally.
"You're kidding?" Yahan asked, speaking for the first time since arriving.
"Nope!" Haihane answered with a smile.
"Well, this guy is nuts..." Yahan muttered.
"What was your first clue?" Kaiha asked.
"When he told Kai to come by him." Akiko spoke up. "Only people I've heard speak that way to Kai are us of course." Anyone else telling Kai to come by them usually meant there was about to be a fight or there was some sort of ploy at play to force him into some shady service. Teito was a dangerous place and the local gangs and Yakuza as of late were running a muck and vying for control of their territories. Now, when she, Storm, or his other Sekirei said come here it could be only three things and Kai welcomed them.
"Okay, as I was saying." Minaka brought his fist to his mouth, clearing his throat gently. He really needed to stop yelling so much. His expression turned serious and he looked at everyone in turn, eyes settling on Takami for a moment before he continued. "As you've seen... Teito is slowly succumbing a state of disorder and chaos, Higa of the east is brash and is trying to make his claim. There are Sekirei and Ashikabi pairs that are eager to try their hand at escaping." It seemed Ryu's and Minato's literal suicide mission inspired other participants to be so bold. They were foolish enough to try the impossible. "There is Hayato of the south who has garnered more Sekirei within the last few days, and lastly there is Sanada who remains the controller of the west sector..." Minaka pursed his lips into a thin line, it was one thing for these people to be separate, but f they got together-if Sekirei and Ashikabi pairs got together out of a need for security it wouldn't bode well in the long run of things.
Karasuba scoffed. "We'll just eliminate the fools."
"I wish it were that simple." Minaka said with a dark tone. He rarely ever got cautious like he was now, but he was apt at seeing things many, many stages ahead from where they were currently. They could kill one or two pairs, but there would be twelve more pairs to deal with, and another ten behind that twelve. It was like dominoes except there would be no end, not all of the pieces would be knocked down, and the pieces that were left behind would remain firm and strong. There was also the chance Higa would force pairs into his service, and as the days progressed it wasn't a chance this would happen. It was happening. "You are all aware about the weapons ban I lifted since the beginning of this."
Everyone nodded.
"It has been over 200 or so years since that law was in effect. Japan itself is undergoing a great deal of change." It was because of the Sekirei Plan of course, but it was also because MBI locking its reign over not just Teito but the entire landmass itself, the emperor was still bold enough to resist. That would be changing in the near future. Many old ideals and to many completely dead ideals were starting to surface again. There were lawless ronin becoming more and more pesky, the local gangs, Triads, and Yakuza were always at war, and there was the chance of a foreign military invading. It wouldn't have been the first time it happened. "We will need to keep a close eye on all sectors and every Sekirei and Ashikabi that is not aligned with us. We can't trust anyone, nor will we trust anyone."
"So, you want us to spy?" Haihane asked, more than amused at the prospect of trying to hide with her obnoxious claws. "That's why Saki-san does what she does..."
Minaka shook his head. He couldn't ask them to do spy work even if he wanted them to, Karasuba would scoff at the very notion, Koto would just walk away, and he was certain everyone else including Natsuo felt along the same lines. "Of course not." Minaka leaned back into his seat. "However, your patrols will be more frequent from here on out and I'd like you to assert the borders and barricades so no Sekirei or Ashikabi wishes to even escape, and if they do make any attempt I want you to make an example out of them so nobody ever gets the idea to try something so foolish again." There was also the fighting rink where Koto seemed to want to focus on entirely, he had done some digging around and it seemed the place was reaching an all time high with violence, and there were even reports of 'a mysterious place' on the local news channel. "I also want you to confront these lawless ronin, Triads, Yakuza and the local gangs, if they think it is time to start trying to stake their claim on this city I believe it's time they witness what happens to those so bold and flippant."
"You want us to make an example out of these morons?" Kaiha questioned, a small smirk crossing her face. "That's easy. Will do boss man."
"You want us to kill any Sekirei and Ashikabi that dare to escape." Karasuba stated with a cold expression. The entire room went silent and nobody dared to make a sound or a move. Takami looked aghast just hearing this, Kai looked partially shocked, this was the norm for everyone gathered in the room even Benitsubasa and Natsuo looked particularly weary and against such a thing. Even if Benitsubasa did attack her fair share of Ashikabi, she never killed them.
"Yes." Minaka replied.
"That's madness!" Takami snapped, interjecting herself before things could take a turn for the complete worse. Minaka wasn't the one to implement the rules of this whole thing, it was she who did it. Minaka would prefer them all to be running around at each other's neck trying to kill each other and fighting tooth and nail, the only thing they were mutual on was the stages in which the whole thing progressed, and even then Minaka was more in favor of everyone going at it. She couldn't allow this to happen, it was bad enough the Sekirei were fighting tooth and nail and being forcibly winged in a lot of cases, she wanted to avoid death at any and all costs. A sekirei could be restored back to life if they weren't a level five termination which meant death and nothing short of it. It was something she accounted for when this first began, a fail safe. "There will be fights raging in the streets day and night! The people who still take residence where will be caught in the crossfire, hell fire will rain down on MBI for the casualties! I am not in agreement with this, you've said many stupid things Minaka, but this is by far the stupidest, I will not allow this to take place!"
"Takami-kun..." Minaka sent a narrowed eye glare her way. "Are you saying that you're objecting this?"
"I am." Takami replied. "No question."
The room was tense... To be fair it was tense before, but now it was just poisonous and nothing short of it. Takami and Minaka rarely ever argued. He would shout and be obnoxious, and she'd punch him or throw her clipboard at him. He aggravated her when he got in those moods, but they never disagreed... Especially not as solid as this, they were on polar opposites of the spectrum. Karasuba clenched her jaw, narrowing her eyes in on Takami. This was the exact reason why she wanted to get this underway before she showed up. Again, sticking her nose in business that had nothing to do with her. "I'm very sorry to hear that Takami-kun you've always been one to support me regardless of what it may be, but you will follow my orders without question or objection." Minaka beat Karasuba to it, and with a firmness he rarely showed he spoke to Takami daring her to object again. "Do I make myself clear?"
"You stupid bastard..." Takami hissed, glaring daggers at Minaka. If looks could kill...
"I'm happy you could overlook your own indulgences and agree with this." Minaka said, an infuriating smirk crossing his face.
"Is this over with?" Takami wanted to get out of here before she did something she would seriously regret. Like breaking Minaka's turkey neck in seven places all at once. She needed to get some air, smoke a cigarette and just get the hell out of this room before she lost it.
"Yes, for you." Minaka said. Without another word Takami rose from her seat and exited the room, closing the door rather harshly making a few people jump in surprise. He turned his gaze back onto the squad, and only the squad since they were the only ones who remained. Karasuba and Koto looked indifferent to what had just happened while everyone else seemed to be in a state of shock from the sudden outburst. Benitsubasa couldn't care less, she was just happy to be by Natsuo. "Koto-san... I believe you've had your mind focused on something for quite some time. Am I wrong?"
"No." Koto replied, fairly interested in what he had to say. He had been itching to get back in the fighting rink and discover just who that man was and if he could cross blades with him to see just how powerful he was.
"I see." Minaka nodded in understanding. "Take as long as you wish to figure this out, but remember you have a duty before that."
"I don't need a reminder." Koto said. Slowly a smirk began to cross his face, he had been waiting a long time for this. "And, as for these Sekirei..."
"If they persist. Kill them." Minaka replied coldly.
"Can do." Karasuba grinned. "Can do." She fingered the hilt of her sword. How many must I cut down before you come out and play with me... Yume?
"Is death necessary?" Luna questioned. Storm nodded her head soon after, wondering the same thing.
"I leave that to your own judgement."
"I understand." Luna nodded. "Is this meeting over?"
"Cut and clean." Minaka retorted.
Yume parried Miya's bokken and struck out with a quick cross, Miya quickly evaded the blow entirely sliding a few feet away. Yume was the only person who could really push her besides Ryu and Karasuba, Ryu wasn't present, and she never wanted to see Karasuba. "You've still got your strength." Miya commented as she settled herself into a poised but loose stance.
"You're still like before." Yume replied, leaping forward and leading with a quick punch. Miya weaved around the blow, raising her bokken within an instant blocking Yume's punch. "Even though you've retired and don't even plan on participating in this you haven't lost your step." Yume praised her older sister, folding herself in and dashing back, slamming one foot into the ground and propelling herself forward again.
"Nor have you." Miya complimented dodging and ducking Yume's speedy and precise barrage of punches. Miya stepped sharply to the side, narrowing her eyes as the wind gusted passed her, she whirled around striking Yume's fist with her bokken, letting the impact carry her back across the ground. "You are quite determined."
"Of course!" Yume smiled, taking a stance. "I have to stay strong for my Ashikabi! I have to prevent as many level five terminations as I can!"
"Ashikabi?" Miya tilted her head. "My, isn't it too early to even consider him as such?"
"Perhaps it is." Yume admitted. "But, I felt hot near him... Not as bad as other Sekirei I would say since he wasn't looking at me weird." It was Yume's turn to tilt her head. "You have an Ashikabi as well, I can feel your warmth."
"I do." Miya said softly, but couldn't brace against the pang of heart that rippled through her.
"Miya-san..." Yume's eyes filled with empathy. "You've never..."
Miya shook her head quickly. She wasn't sure where that hurt had come from, but she was more than certain she had moved on so long ago. Even if they hadn't been as close physically for obvious reasons, she has moved on. "I have moved on... But, sometimes it still hurts." Miya whispered, turning her eyes onto the ground at her feet. "I don't think the pain will ever go away entirely... But..."
"Takehito-san wouldn't want you to be miserable." Yume said gently.
I know, but I can't help it... Miya thought not voicing her thoughts out loud. "He wouldn't and I do my best to honor that." Miya lowered her bokken, turning towards the commotion in her inn. "I think it's time we head back inside."
"They are getting rather rowdy." Yume agreed with a nod. "I just hope he doesn't fall like..."
"Don't even say it." Miya said firmly, keeping her tone level and not biting. The thought had been on her mind for a while now, but she wouldn't dare entertain it. "He won't fall... Not like she did."
"You're right..." Yume nodded in agreement. She was a bit weary still, but she wasn't going to push the subject with Miya. This was taboo. "He has your love to anchor him as well as all of his Sekirei's love."
My love... Miya smiled softly. My love. She put on her best scary face as she headed towards the room where the chaos was originating from. "Minato-san... You know illicit activities are prohibited."
"M-Miya-san I can explain!"
"And, Kazehana... I thought you would know better."
There was a chorus of screams that boomed from Maison Izumo as Miya did what she did best. Dish out discipline and maintain order.