"Where are you off to?"

Karasuba didn't turn when she heard the brusque tone. She already knew it was Koto, and she already knew, that he knew, where she was heading off to. That's why he questioned her in the manner that he did.

It was no secret he had no love loss with Ryu, and the fact she was his Sekirei was somewhat of a double edged blade. On one hand she'd do her duties, but on the other, she wouldn't let any single person, Sekirei or human, to kill Ryu. He was her lifeline pure and simple, if he died, she'd be terminated or deactivated. She didn't want neither of those things.

With a piercing gaze and cold expression she rounded on Koto. "You'd do well to remember your place. Don't think I won't kick the fucking shit out you."

Koto arched an eyebrow at her demeanor, more than her response. Normally, she'd be completely cool and just wave her hand as she sauntered off, doing whatever it was she was going to do. Karasuba didn't do that this time-she rounded on him, daring him to even flinch, and then blatantly threatened him. It's not that she wouldn't do either of those things, she did, but with this given situation...

"You'll do well to remember where your loyalty is." Koto wasn't going to avoid her by any chance. He wasn't a child anymore.

Karasuba's eyes narrowed. "What are you implying?"

Koto snorted, a small smirk crossing his face. Perhaps something was going on with Ryu, and it was effecting Karasuba. It wasn't uncommon that a Sekirei and Ashikabi felt what the other was feeling, and the deeper and more powerful the bond, the stronger and more potent was that transference from Ashikabi to Sekirei.

What could be going on with that man, he wasn't even going to begin to guess-Ryu was just too unpredictable and a loose cannon. He nearly started a war in the South and it was only through his years of experience that he was able to press down on his urge to storm the mansion. If he had been more impulsive, more emotional, just a fraction off-he would have caused the entire city of Teiito, and everyone save for Miya and Karasuba to be swept up in the destruction.

"Don't tell Ryu secrets or how MBI, or the Squad works internally. I know that man wants to kill me, and he will avenge his Sekirei. That's going to bring him on a head on collision with us, and I don't need him knowing how we do things." Koto supplied, tucking his thoughts away for the moment.

Karasuba chuckled, turning her focus towards a window. "I made things clear to him a long time ago. Your wariness is understandable, but it is misplaced."

Koto stepped towards the window, eyes taking in the sight that was Teito. Even now, new buildings were being built, and there were people moving about getting ready for the day. Some of those people could be moving out of Teito, actually, but he just let that thought dissipate. They posed him no concern at all, and weren't his focus. It was the city itself-Teito.

"He is a loose cannon."

Karasuba smirked, taking out her phone and going to speed dial. "I know, and I'm going to give him that...Extra push that he needs right now."

Koto didn't think as he advanced on Karasuba, standing in front of her. His glare was harsh and stony. He didn't want or need Ryu getting an extra push, especially from Karasuba. Ryu was pushing himself just fine as it was, he didn't need Karasuba adding to that. There is a reason the two were bonded, and it was more than just the destiny crap Minaka spouted...They both had dark sides.

Ryu and Karasuba were like two peas in a pod-she had practically been glowing when she came back from her weeks long escapade with Ryu. For the first time in his life, he seen Karasuba smile with such serenity-with so much content, that she seemed to be at peace. Perhaps she had been at peace, perhaps Ryu had that sort of effect on her...But, they weren't together now.

They wouldn't be together, and that meant Karasuba herself would be a loose cannon, more than she already is. Her giving Ryu that extra push may make the man the number one enemy of MBI-he wouldn't be neck and neck with Minato, but Ryu would be the enemy.

Karasuba would perform her duties. She'd be the leader of the Squad, and he'd be the commander, like always. It was Ryu that was the problem. Koto really had no idea what that man would do now, let alone if Karasuba gave him that extra push. He liked to map things out beforehand, and then anticipate and improvise any changes that will come in due time, but he didn't know where to start with Ryu.

"Is that really necessary?"

"Reality is starting to set in for him, and if you don't want him storming this tower and laying waste to everything...If you don't want him running his blade through Luna's heart for taking two of his Sekirei away from him, and running his blade through Haihane for taking his other Sekirei...You will stop persisting, Koto."

Koto clenched his teeth, not budging from Karasuba's path.

"Perhaps I really need to kick the shit out of you." Karasuba snarled, jamming her sheath into his shoulder and shoving him aside. "You're pissing me off."

Koto didn't take the threat or statement to heart. He was persisting with his point, and Karasuba wasn't a patient woman to start with. "Fair enough, but don't get sidetracked. We've got business to attend to. There won't be time for little moments like this."

Karasuba only laughed, waving her hand aimlessly.

Yes, things were going to get intense, and she needed to make sure that Ryu got the push he needed. Miya wouldn't and couldn't do anything for him at this point in time, if anything, she may just make him more irate.

She put the phone to her ear as she entered the elevator, a smile stretching across her face.

"I wonder what Karasuba could possibly want...Oh well, I have my swords, so I should be okay." Ryu said out loud surveying the park with a critical eye. It was empty. Completely empty for that matter, save for the snow that was starting to fall. He wasn't exactly sure why Karasuba decided to text him so suddenly nor want to see him today.

It couldn't be to say hi Karasuba always had an objective when she moved. She always did, and the last time they were together...Well, they didn't spend too much time talking. There had been lust and passion, and anger as well. She made it clear where her loyalty was, though she wouldn't kill him, and he made it clear where he stood on the particular issue.

He idly swatted at snow, reclining back against the tree he was using to support his bodyweight. Maybe it was for another encounter between them that involved nothing less than grappling each other for domination. Or, she could do something completely off the wall, or have the thought in mind, like chopping off his goods. He was almost certain she wouldn't do this, but one could never be too sure with the Black Sekirei.

Karasuba had the moniker and reputation that she did, for a reason.

Well, if that was the event, he would be high tailing it before she could even open her mouth to say a word to him. Her intent would be clear from ten miles away, and he wasn't oblivious. But, then again she wouldn't do that. It'd likely kill him, and more importantly, she showed that she had respect for his goods and never stepped out of line.

He stretched an arm over his head sighing.

He'd wait it's the least he could do. He hadn't seen her for, it was for far too long. And he wanted to see Karasuba too, he wanted to speak to her and get her opinion on what he was going through. He stretched again, hoping it worked out the kinks in his back and brushed away this restlessness but a hand gripped his wrist, halting his movements.

"You really came." Karasuba wore a pleasant smile.

"Why wouldn't I come?" Ryu asked, pulling his hand free before turning to face her. She wore the same outfit she had when he clashed and met her, her sword was snug on her left hip.

"I'm a killer. I'm bloodthirsty...I like to kill." She shrugged. "Miya despises me. I'm the leader of the Discipline Squad. I can go on."

"Whatever..." Ryu grunted, in no mood to hear this long dribble especially from Karasuba herself. How many times had he heard Miya, Matsu, Uzume, even Toyotama warn him about Karasuba and her reputation? It had been too many times to count, and he never really listened to those warnings to start with.

Pushing the idle thoughts away he focused on her. "You said you wanted to speak with me one on one. Here I am."

"You're not as light as you were before, Ryu." Karasuba said with a small smile. "How strange..."

"Who gives a fuck?" He muttered looking away to hide the scowl that spread from one end of his face to another. "Anyways. What's on your mind? I don't have time to be wasting with pointless shit."

Karasuba took a steady breath as she reached her hand out clasping Ryu's giving it a small squeeze. Normally she didn't bother to hold his hand unless they were in a heated moment and he was pushing her over the edge and she cried out to the heavens. But, she took his hand in her own. To her relief Ryu stayed silent as he kept pace with her. "Ease back, Ryu."

It was a relatively nice day, it was snowing, the park was as empty as it was this time of year. There was no rustle of leaves in the wind, no chatter of critters, no song of birds. It was all but silent. The scene nothing short of death and morbid. The heat wasn't suffocating like it had been for most of the year and there was a cool, harsh breeze that constantly swept around keeping the air frigid.

If Karasuba had to say herself it was a splendid day to be out and about with Ryu. This park she was familiar with. It had been a hot spot for fights and not so savory Ashikabi forcing Sekirei to emerge-Higa and Hayato for the most part, not that she cared about those wretched monkeys. It was also a place where Sekirei liked to go to try and escape her, only for them to be run through.

Ryu observed his surroundings with a keen eye. He was in a clearing which had to be miles from where he was waiting for Karasuba before, there was a frozen lake several meters to the side of him void of any life. He turned his focus onto the woman of his thoughts standing a few feet away from him with a relaxed expression on her face.

"Nice place isn't it?" She questioned, moving her hand to the hilt on her sword.

"I thought you wanted to talk?" Ryu questioned taking note of her hand placement. He figured that they would be sparring it was at least a possibility, he never knew with Karasuba but fighting was always a given.

"We will, but first let's ease some of the tension we're both feeling. Show me how much you've improved." She grinned slightly, slowly drawing her sword from its sheath, whipping it to the side with one flick of her wrist.

The first time they clashed it was completely uneven he had skill and talent, his sword wasn't clouded, but she held the clear edge and it showed when she plunged her sword into his torso. She thought he would die right there, but she was proved wrong once again.

Ryu kept his hand hovering over the hilt of his sword, his eyes locked with Karasuba's. Gray eyes clashed with black eyes. Karasuba inhaled deeply, enjoying the tension between them, enjoying the chilling feeling her Ashikabi's black eyes gave her. Only they existed and the gap of land between them. The lake, the Sekirei Plan, Teito, and all their troubles and burdens were nonexistent.

Ryu attacked first.

Karasuba had the move scouted from its trajectory and swayed her head back, the tip of Ryu's blade skimming so close it could have cut strands of her hair. She retaliated with two steps, four slashes coming from the left and right. Ryu promptly dodged the first two, evading the third, and lunged to the side-skewing passed the fourth.

He sprung back at her this time with a stab.

Again, Karasuba dodged it with a simple sway of her body.

"You've gotten faster and stronger." She said pushing down on him with both arms, he blocked her attack and pushed back, but didn't respond verbally. Ryu broke their momentary stalemate, skidding back across the ground while driving one foot behind him, and he finally purchased. Before his Sekirei could set her stance, and before he could suck in a breath-he was already beaming towards her.

Karasuba grinned her blood rushing with excitement. That murderous glint in his eyes. That intensity. That ferocity. She loved it. She swung forward pushing off her back leg, but Ryu jumped up and over the attack, arcing his body downward as he free fell from dozens of feet.

"He reads my movements better as well..." Karasuba noted with appreciation, spinning on the ball of her foot, and pressed down in the same motion-the simple action catapulted her headlong towards her Ashikabi.

Ryu had little time to react, he was free falling using the fall to increase his speed and power. On instinct he grip the hilt of his blade with both hands as opposed to one, and brought it over his head before swinging downward just as she was inches from him.

A loud clang reverberated through the area flaking up snow and shredding tree bark.

Karasuba strained as they collided, landing on both feet and sliding across the ground.

Ryu wasn't as graceful in his landing and sucked his knees towards his chest, turning on his axis, and planted his feet into the ground driven back by the momentum of his fall.

Karasuba slowly turned towards him, glancing around at their slightly torn up surroundings.

"Tch..." Ryu grunted, watching the right sleeve of his haori fall to the ground, a good size cut spreading on his arm. He didn't wince or grimace as he felt blood seeping out from the wound, instant and completely tangible. He grabbed his sleeve off the frigid ground, fingers breaking into snow. He pressed it to the wound before tying it harshly to staunch the flow.

"Not bad for a warm up my darling Ashikabi. I feel looser already." Karasuba hummed. He was always fast and swift even in their first encounter she noticed that instantly, but he was leaps and bounds ahead of that pathetic little monkey he had been-he recently went toe to toe with Koto, and managed to hold his own, even if he was wounded.

He could read into her movements much better. Of course she wasn't going all out, and neither was he-both progressively increasing their intensity and ferocity as their sparring turned into a full blown fight to the death, for any spectators that happened to be around. You've grown stronger... Much stronger. That fills me with relief and makes me happy." She smiled softly, swiping her sword to the side.

"It'd be terrible if I was deactivated or terminated because you fell in battle...But, then again-we've already come to terms that it will be us who takes the other's life in the very end."

Her eyes widened briefly as she felt her hair come loose from the band she always kept it in, and fall over her shoulders, ears, and face like one giant curtain. She turned to the side watching the band fall into four pieces.

Four slashes Ryu had dished out, and though she evaded them, she couldn't escape their total trajectory.

"I'm feeling pretty good myself. I have no intention of dying or being defeated. I will protect my Sekirei, and to do that, I must be powerful beyond comprehension."

"I like how you put that, Ryu." Karasuba's smile widened.

"How about we kick it up a notch?"

Both of them disappeared. The only sign that they had ever been present was the dissipating ripples of snow.

There was no shouts, no screams just silence that was deafened by the clang of steel, blade on blade. They raced across the ground at dizzying speeds. Ryu kept up his offensive barrage arms not even visible, his blade just flashing and glinting. Karasuba remained on the move, knowing that if she was lax for even a second she'd get cut across the face or worse. She dodged and parried, deflecting anything that came too close to her form.

Tiring of remaining on the defensive, no matter how slight, Karasuba pushed ahead into a sprint-clearing passed Ryu, turning on her heel and launching herself at Ryu.

She felt tremendous force push back, it almost surprised her how much force was behind the attack but she was prepared for it, and finished her step, driving Ryu back with a series of rapid, short steps, and her swing followed through. She couldn't help but watch with satisfaction as he slid back.

His spine smashed into the trunk of a tree, but he felt no pain or even the shockwaves running down his spine. He beamed back towards her, eyes blazing and he swung just as Karasuba retracted her blade and rose it, prepared to block or counter.

She's still as swift and strong like before... Ryu noted. No, she's even stronger...

He poured more energy into his arms, harshly driving her back with strong, brisk steps, smirking as her hand clutched her hilt much tighter than before. This time she was forced to break their stalemate, sliding back and away.

"That's better!" She grinned, clasping the hilt with both hands and pointing her sword forward. "Much better! Come at me!"

She didn't wait for him to attack. Instead shot forward, her speed easily tripling what it was before, the snow that had been around was kicked up in a tornado of force. Ryu blocked on instinct gritting his teeth as he felt his bones jar from the attack. He continued go madly dash back and forth, up and down, side to side, through the air, through the tress, and even across the icy pond.

Their blades clashed again, and this time they relentlessly pushed against the other, neither willing to give the other an inch and both having no intention of slowing down. Rather then break the stalemate, Karasuba shifted her blade until it was pointing down, using the small amount of momentum she gathered, and Karasuba stabbed.

"HAAA!"

Ryu dodged swiftly turning to the left, countering with his own swing which Karasuba promptly parried; this continued neither gaining an edge in the battle. Their blades carved and arced through the space between them meeting with resounding clangs. Even more ferocious, but silent, was their clash of wills-each strike, each step, each move-they put their all behind it.

This is what she could only dream of. A man who had resolve and strength who held onto his convictions and beliefs regardless of what life threw at him. A man to compete with her, that didn't back down from her in fear, but welcomed the challenge, welcomed her ominous aura and challenged her. That came at her with no ounce of fear. A rival but also a lover, a passionate lover who filled her with warmth, made her body radiate with heat.

That made her body writhe from his strong hands and forcing her to cry out in euphoria.

"You never cease to surprise me darling. I... Guess it's not so bad being your Sekirei...You're not a weak monkey."

Ryu laid on his back, he could feel the familiar burning in his lungs as he fought for breath. The cold snow providing little relief as his body heat sheered right through it with ease. He had long discarded his now tattered kimono and haori and was topless still high on adrenaline. Still high from the battle with Karasuba.

She sat next to him, struggling to catch her breath just a bit. But, she kept her focus on him. Watching him pant, watching the sweat running down his densely muscled body, watching how every muscle on him contracted and relaxed with each breath, his abdomen sucking in every few breaths. It made her lick her bottom lip.

He of course didn't notice, or didn't care to point out her obvious arousal of his form. He fought so earnestly it only made sense he'd be on his back in a mound of snow.

"You're amazing..." Ryu took a few breaths, swallowing. "Really amazing."

"As are you." Karasuba laughed softly, he seemed so put out that he lost, but he was elated that she was such a strong woman. So skilled and ferocious.

He wanted to win he wanted to be standing over her in triumph while she was on her back panting like him in a mound of snow, her sword just a few inches from her instead of right next to her. She needed this, needed someone to test and someone to push her, for so long she felt empty. Hollow, but now she felt whole and complete.

She always felt this way being in Ryu's presence.

"Seems Miya hasn't been lax in her training, even though she no longer is a part of this farce. I guess I shouldn't go to Maison Izumo and stir her up."

"She'd probably just glare at you and say something about violence." Ryu sighed softly. The snow matted against his hair and back, wholly wanted to consume him in its cold embrace, even if his body heat forced it to concede to melting. He didn't care, he didn't care if his hakama were wet they'd dry eventually it was just water.

It was very welcomed he had been a sweating and panting mess, still was panting like a dog in heat but wasn't sweating nearly as much as before thanks to the snow and harsh breeze.

"That was a great fight! You surprised me more than once." Karasuba shuddered as a wave of heat rushed through her. How did he do it? How could he make her so hot? How and why didn't he back down from her but met her head on blow for blow, block for block? "I feel so much better now my darling."

"I can't disagree with that. I'm feeling pretty damn good. You've gotten stronger than the last time we fought." He admitted with a small smile. Several times he surprised her when he'd dodge or evade her attack and spring back for a counter. The first time he surprised her was when he cut her hair tie and let that long gray hair fall to her calves.

But, she surprised him with how easily she evaded some of his attacks. How swiftly she'd move from one angle to the next-how her sword was literally a part of her very being and not just an instrument that she wielded. Karasuba was her sword, and the sword was Karasuba. They were as one as the skin on them was part of their bodies.

She was truly amazing.

"I guess I have you to thank for that. After all, if I never winged you, I wouldn't be anywhere close to the level I am at now." Karasuba conceded.

Ryu took a shuddering breath, slowly lifting himself out of the mound of snow, sheathing his sword, and took a seat just a few inches away from Karasuba. Neither spoke and neither looked at the other. They kept their focus on the gray sky above, or the frozen pond just a few meters away from them. They merely rode the high that came from their battle, and being so close to each other after so long.

It wasn't until another harsh breeze swept passed them, that Karasuba decided to break the silence.

"What's troubling you, Ryu?"

He didn't meet her gaze, nor did he make any gesture to let Karasuba know that he indeed, did hear her. He merely stared at the frozen pond, mind processing the fact it was frozen, and that all around was just death. Winter was a time of death, in his opinion. The irony of this wasn't lost on him, and so with a few breaths to clear his mind, he began to speak.

"Miya lied to me."

"About?"

Ryu inhaled sharply, eyes glinting. "Uzume..."

Karasuba steeped in a breath-feeling unbearably hot. It wasn't because she was so close to Ryu at this moment, it was because just for a second, his rage just flared with no end in sight. "What about Uzume?"

"Miya said that Uzume isn't staying there, and Kazehana felt the need to back her up by saying that both Uzume and Karei are at her place, wherever that is. But, I know Uzume is with Miya at this moment, and must have begged her not to tell the truth. Miya said something about hoping I don't get violent..."

Karasuba snorted softly, raking her long bangs back. "Kazehana is a drunken whore. She was Minaka's whore way back when, and now she's settled for that little meek Minato, Takami's son. There is some irony there, but she is still a whore. The fact Miya said don't get violent is proof enough, that, Uzume is at Maison Izumo, but that's not the only thing that is bothering you..."

Ryu shook his head, nostrils starting to flare. "She's been working for Higa. So has Karei and Hari."

Karasuba felt a pang of sadness-whether it was her own emotion, or it came from Ryu, meant little. The fact it was there was more than enough. This troubled Ryu, to a great extent. "You hate betrayal..."

"I do...I want to hurt Uzume. I want to hurt Karei and Hari. I want to hurt Kazehana, and I want to hurt Miya...They all lied to me!"

Karasuba clenched her Ashikabi's shoulders with both of her hands, positioning herself in front of him so she was on his knees and staring into his eyes. "The real problem is the fact Uzume chose someone over you. As Sekirei and Ashikabi you two are bonded, nothing is more important than that, and I can concede to that point of the relationship between Sekirei and Ashikabi. Miya knows better than any Sekirei what the bond means and what it signifies. She wouldn't go along with Uzume...Unless..."

"Uzume begged and pleaded with her." Ryu finished bitterly.

"Yes. Miya would certainly house her in Maison Izumo and wouldn't let even her own Ashikabi near her."

Karasuba could feel something blistering within her-hot and scorching like lava, without any control like a sun's solar flare. Ryu really did want to inflict pain on the people he mentioned, and if he had his way, he definitely would. "Did Uzume choose Chiho over you?"

"It is starting to look that way..." Ryu trailed off. "I don't know what I should do. All I can feel is rage and fury...My blood boils...Whenever I think about it."

Karasuba moved closer, until she could straddle Ryu and wrap her arms around his neck-though she didn't either of those things, she was close enough to do so. The whole time she kept her eyes focused on his own, she didn't blink, she didn't flinch, not even when his eyes began to glint. "I have a bit of news for you. It pertains to MBI and everything that is going to happen, and is happening, at large."

Ryu managed to calm down, if only slightly. "What?"

Karasuba smiled in something akin to bliss. "Natsuo stepped down from his position in the Discipline Squad. Takami has brought in five men, who brought a few thousand men each. I think her goal is to maintain control and not let things slip further. As you know, Minaka is basically controlling Japan-and he's given us, the Discipline Squad full reign. That means we can kill or arrest anyone that is bringing disorder to the city, in addition to keeping the competitors in the Sekirei Plan in check. We will be patrolling all of Teito. Every alleyway, every street, every block, and that includes the North."

Ryu considered her words. Though in the North things were quiet. In other parts of Teito it was growing seedy and dark. Crime was rampant as were murders. Ronin were terrorizing people, the local gangs, Yakuza, Triad, and other syndicates were squabbling among themselves for territory, that wasn't even theirs to start with. More citizens left Teito by the hour, but more people flocked to Teito-and they weren't kind or savory by any means.

"So...Takami is trying to make a power play and insert one of these men into Natsuo's former position in order for things to swing in her favor. Minaka is content to watch it happen and play out, while also giving all of you in the squad the license to kill."

Karasuba nodded, inching closer to his lips. "Indeed. It seems Natsuo, Takami, and Minaka discussed this in private and came to an agreement. The problem with this is that Takami will continue to try and meddle in the Squad's affairs. Koto, and several others, aren't too pleased with this. It's Koto for the most part, as like myself, we both see where Takami is going with this move. I can't care less at this moment since I-the Squad, no longer have to hold back."

While they did have reins to do as they wanted within the parameters of the Sekirei Plan, that didn't include Teito at large, or the people in Teito. Ryu knew this well, because when he first encountered the squad, he hadn't been a part of the Sekirei Plan, but since he got involved...They made an exception. It was up to their discretion. That wouldn't be the case now. If there was anyone doing unsavory things or worse-Sekirei and Ashikabi, Triad, Yakuza, any simpleton that wanted to cause trouble, the Squad would kill them.

He doubted they'd waste their time arresting these fools, unless there was something to gain.

"Looks like things will get interesting from here on out." Ryu responded after a full five minutes of silence.

"Yes, and that leads me to you."

Ryu arched an eyebrow.

"I know you're feeling rage and fury at this betrayal. Unleash it. Don't hesitate and don't hold back. Wreak havoc wherever you may go and make sure everyone in Teito comes to fear you. Fears the mere uttering of your name. If you insist, kill Hari. Run your blade through her. If you want to choke the life out of her, Karei, Uzume, and Kazehana-by all means do it. "

Silence.

"You are MBI's number one enemy next to Minato, Higa, and Hayato...It is likely we will meet on the battlefield. However, I want you to know that I will never hate you, begrudge you, or hold ill will towards you. Let's wreak havoc together."

Ryu found himself smirking, before he grinned, and then he began to laugh. It was smooth at first, before it almost became hysterical. For a moment, he felt light, in his laughter, and fell on his back. "Miya would never say something like this to me...Toyotama would, though she wouldn't use the same words as you."

Karasuba took this time to straddle him by the waist, resting her hands on his chest. "They call me the Black Sekirei for a reason. There's only one thing left for us to do."

"If the world burns, we'll burn together." Ryu finished.

Karasuba laughed this time, trailing his body with kisses until she was satiated. "One more thing. There's a few Sekirei that still have to be winged."

"You want me to wing them?"

Karasuba nodded, drawing circles on his torso. "Yes, and they're better off in your hands, even if they are not reacting to you. Though, I'm sure they will once you're within range of them. I want you to wing Number 19, Ikki. Number 27, Nina. Lastly, Number 25, Maya. Chances are the other unwinged Sekirei will flock to Minato, and the last two will become a part of the Squad, as they will be indebted to us for saving them from Higa."

"And things can move onto the third round like you so badly desire."

Karasuba grinned. "Exactly."

Ryu didn't want to wing any more Sekirei than he did, but the more he winged, the stronger he became, and the stronger his Sekirei became. The pain that came with losing a Sekirei was unbearable, but he vowed he'd never allow that to happen again. He wouldn't...

With a nod, he made his decision. "Fair enough, I'll wing them. It's better than them being winged by the haughty little shit Hayato or that prick Higa, it definitely beats them being run through by your blade. Care to send me their last locations?"

"The three I mentioned are in the North, so it should be easy pickings for you. There a couple more in the North as well, but chances are they'll be winged by Minato. It seems the North has become a safe haven for the unwinged Sekirei."

"So, what do we do now?"

Karasuba laughed, stretching her arms high above her head. "Make my body burn. This may be the last time we get to do this."