A Devil's Flock

by Kerlongsj Evert Orlejov

Request fic for whitetigerwolf. Minato Sahashi was taken in by Serafall Leviathan as a young boy. After a decade, he went back into the human realm to fulfill a dream. Little did he know that he would be dragged into a game of Aliens and Ashikabi's. Well, at least, he could turn this Flock of him into a Peerage. For him, this could be the chance to prove himself as a young Devil.

4. A Devil deals with new problems

Hello everyone.

It's been a while. At least longer between when I wrote this chapter and when I published this.

The picture that is drawn out that you see at the beginning of this fic is done by MarloMora. An artist that has worked on previous of my pictures. I would say that you check him out.

This is the anniversary chapter of this fic. Hard to believe that nearly a year has passed between when I wrote this and now.

Or at least, that was our plan. Because the fifth chapter was written out before the anniversary, the requester and I decided to publish this chapter before it and let this serve as some sort of warmup.

I doubt that any of you guys would mind.

38 reviews now, 278 favorites, and 327 followers. I'm past the 300 followers. In this fic, in just a year's time. I thank you all for the support.

I started on this chapter early. My schedule just seemed to work out like that. So that is why this chapter was written nearly three months before I would upload this chapter.

I came down with COVID after Graspop so I decided to write it out during my forced hikikomori days.

We're going to have a ton to write out in this one.

And most likely, we'll also have a chapter in November.

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Now for the guest reviews

Guest on chapter 3 on the 17th of May. Yes, Takami will have a surprise next time.

Guest on chapter 3 on the 5th of June. The other twelve won't all be Sekirei. I'll keep a secret from them.

E on chapter 2 on the 13th of June. The power scale has been upped a bit on Miya and the other ones. Thank you again for the reviews. The age of the Maou has been kept in mind but we take the looks of them in mind.

As for the other comment, yes, the chapter is huge. That makes it easier to write a lot of content in.

Guest on chapter 3 on the 26th of July. There are going to be a few surprises on the way but you'll read them later.

Guest on chapter 3 on the 26th of August. I'm not spoiling anything but I'm glad that someone read my fic of BNW.

Thank you for all the support.

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Started on 25/06/2022

Ended on 11/07/2022

Published on 23/09/2022

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Minato found himself waking up in a comfortable mess. On his shoulders slept Kazehana and Akitsu. Meanwhile, Yume and Musubi had taken up his stomach to sleep on. While it certainly was good to have such fine examples of female beauty in a man's bed, it did weigh down on his back.

Plus, the need to take a piss also became extremely needed.

This time, there was no time to be a gentleman. Pulling his limbs back, the four women in his bed stirred.

"Darling." Kazehana could look sexy any time of the day.

"Sorry ladies but nature is calling." Racing down the stairs, Minato found the toilet luckily unoccupied. The water came rushing out of his bladder as he felt his mind-melting. He could barely hold back moaning.

When that was done, Minato zipped his pants up and went out. Before him, stood Homura. The silver-haired man smirked at him.

"It looks like the Devil was on your heels." Minato rolled his eyes when he heard the pun.

"We do have to piss as well. You'd be surprised how human we are. Then again, you're an alien and you're looking like a human to me."

The Sekirei had a fizzling feeling in his body as he settled a glare on the Devil.

"How do you know that I'm a Sekirei?"

"Not even denying it? I can smell that on you. I thought Uzume-chan might have told you. When I came in this house, I smelled four different things." Minato said with a grin.

"Stone and sword. Fresh clothes. Frizzled wires. Smoldering embers." Homura found the way how he described the original four members of the Inn to be very accurate.

"Humans don't smell like that unless they have a [Sacred Gear]. So it was all too easy to figure out. And."

"Minato, can you come back upstairs?" The [King] heard his [Queen] talk. Minato walked back to his room.

The Devil had always honed himself on his sharp instincts so feeling Homura wrap his hand around Minato's wrist took him off guard. It appeared that training would be in order.

"I know you have reincarnated them. But what does that mean?" Grabbing the hand of Homura, Minato used a technique that he got from Ajuka.

"I'll treat them as an Ashikabi as long the situation allows that. Which will be most of the time, hopefully." Keeping the arm of Homura up, Minato sent a subtle glare to him.

"But when I speak as [King], I will demand obedience from them. A [King] who lets his servants run over them isn't worthy of being called a [King]."

Homura pulled his arm back from it.

"So you expect them to govern over them? Like a tyrant over his subjects." Minato smelt the embers in the hand.

"One of the rules in this house is no violence. Neither of us wants to take Miya up on that." Minato didn't know why he was the one who had to be the responsible one. Yet, here he was.

"You're right about that."

"Authority without responsibility is tyranny. And autonomy without accountability is anarchy. Something that I learned during my years as Devil. I get why you fear the treatment of your fellow Sekirei. But rest assured, I'll treat them well. And now, I really have to get upstairs. I take that a few of them are hungry for kisses."

With that said, Minato ran back upstairs. Homura looked at the guy.

"I don't think you'll have to worry about how he treats his Sekirei." Only now, Homura heard Miya around him.

"And you think he'll treat them as they should be treated?" The Flame Sekirei asked the Pillar.

"I have been around his own master. The way she treated Minato will be the way how he treats his own Peerage. The only question will be who else he wings."

Minato had barely entered the room before he got tackled by the four women.

Kazehana went first as she grabbed his face.

Her kiss was made of possessive love. She could feel her power running through her veins as she enjoyed the feeling of Minato on her body. As soon as she was done, she had a luminescent blush over her face. She looked absolutely adorable.

Before he could say anything else, Musubi was next. Her kiss wasn't like Kazehana. Full of love and devotion were hers. She moaned in the kiss as she felt an arm around her. Minato thanked Serafall in his mind as her rough treatment managed to deal with his [Rook].

Next was Akitsu who had the same softness. Minato compared the kiss to the freshly fallen snow that one felt when that person went outside.

Yume was next. She was a mixture of Kazehana and Musubi. She loved the feeling of Minato around her.

When she let him go, Minato had the same smile on his face.

"Well, I'm sorry that I dashed out but I really had to piss." Minato was honest and they could understand that.

"Oh, I have to go as well." Musubi raced down. Yume shook her head when she watched the girl she viewed as her little sister go downstairs.

"I'll go after her. I'll see you three at breakfast." Kazehana couldn't help but smile at the antics of her Flock Mates.

"What are you going to do today, darling?"

The Wind Flower asked her Ashikabi.

"I have school today. When I'm back, we are going to see Ajuka-sama. Sona-sama informed me last night that I don't need you to learn the magical circle."

Akitsu raised an eyebrow and gave voice to the question that plagued their minds.

"Oh? How come, Ashikabi-sama?"

"You are part of my Peerage. Even I had forgotten that as long that is true, you can travel with me through magical circles. We really need to get looked at. Your body needs to adjust to the Evil Piece in you, which made it possible for me to wing you, Yume-san is back from the dead and Ajuka-sama is dying to figure out what the Ashikabi gene is."

Minato explained to them and they took that explanation as reasonable.

"That is if nothing happens today. Because I got a funny feeling." Minato had long learned to listen to his instincts. It had saved his life more than once.

"Not funny, haha?" Kazehana asked as she had a gut feeling she knew what her Ashikabi was talking about.

"No, Kazehana. The other kind of funny." His grave tone made it clear what she knew of him.

"You want any of us to come with you?" Akitsu asked, in concern. Minato shook his head.

"Nah, I rather want you to be safe. We don't know what would happen if you end up in a fight. If I am in over my head, I'll give you a ring. So go easy on the liquor, Kazehana."

His [Queen] sighed when she heard him talk. She knew that he was right though.

'I hope that he does keep his promise. I see no issue in him sharing a bed. But I will be his first.' Akitsu was a sharp woman and she knew exactly what her senior wanted.

"I'll go to see the other two. I'll tell them you'll come later." Minato would know to thank her later.

Pressing a kiss on her forehead, Minato smiled at Kazehana.

"Jealous?"

"Not really. I hope that you can keep your promise though. I want to be your first time."

This time, the kiss was on her lips.

"And I'll keep that promise. And if I find Sekirei, I'll wait until you see them."

Kazehana returned the forehead kiss.

"If you can help it. Mistakes happen and not all of us are as patient as I or the other girls have been. We'll see how it goes."

She wanted to have more fun with her Ashikabi but knew that they had to get downstairs before Miya grew suspicious.

Inside, the table had been set. Minato saw that Homura had taken his answer as good enough so he just nodded to the Ashikabi.

There was a missing member though.

"Where is Uzume-chan?"

"She is still asleep. I take she had a rough night." Miya announced and Minato hoped that he could help her with whatever it was that she needed.

"Give her my regards," Minato said as he continued to eat.

He had to be fast.

"You need to go somewhere, Minato?" The Ashikabi nodded.

"I need to go to Todai. I'll be home late." As soon as he was done, he kissed his wives goodbye and walked out. Looking up to the sky, they would have a great day.

Scene skip

Minaka knew that the time between the time he could summon Minato and his mother coming back to kick his ass was short.

But it wouldn't fit in his great plan if he would just call the Ashikabi.

Oh, that would be too easy. No, in the grand scheme of his Sekirei Plan, he would need to come up with another plan.

This was the perfect time to send in his Discipline Squad. Unfortunately, he was rather limited in his choice of Sekirei.

Karasuba was out given the fact of what Minato did. If she figured out that her eternal rival had returned to the land of the living, she would drag Minato in here but not intact. So that was out.

Benitsubasa wasn't an option either. Natsuo might have been a loyal dog to MBI but he wasn't exactly as great material as Ashikabi. The Red Sekirei had failed to attract her supposed Ashikabi and had been extra prickly.

So the only logical option was Haihane. If the only option was a lazy and easily distracted, it meant something was wrong.

Just like Benitsubasa, she hadn't managed to get winged to Natsuo. The Blue Sekirei had long accepted her future Ashikabi's sexuality. Although, like many Sekirei, she could get winged to someone else.

Minaka had summoned Haihane into his office a few minutes ago and she had now walked in.

"You called for me, Game Master?"

"Yes. I have an assignment for you. And just for you." Haihane yawned as she didn't like that idea.

"Can I just stay indoors?"

Minaka's smile scared the shit out of her.

"That is impossible. It is not a fighting assignment. I want you to spy on someone. Minato Sahashi."

The picture of the Ashikabi didn't impress her at all.

"You want me to spy on this dropout loser idiot? Can't someone else do that?" Minaka knew as no other that first impressions could be deceiving.

"This dropout loser has managed to get into Todai on his first try. And in a few days' time, he managed to wing Number 3, Kazehana, Number 88, Musubi, Number 7, Akitsu, and Number 8, Yume."

The mouth of Haihane had made contact with the ground.

"Wasn't Number 7 Scrapped and wasn't Number 8, I don't know? Dead?"

Minaka smiled as it would have roused her interest.

"Yes. So can you be a dear and spy a bit on him? And if it is possible, drag him to MBI? I would love to have a discussion with him."

Haihane began to look up to her boss.

"I take you don't have a location for me."

"Try Todai. He has class today and from what I have seen on CCTV, he is going alone."

Crossing her arms, Haihane looked at him.

Neither she nor the Game Master noticed the small blush on her face.

"I don't know whether to call him brave or insane."

The CEO of MBI shared that sentiment.

"Maybe but I see you as the best option. Go and get him here." The Sekirei left and Minaka sat back in his chair.

He hoped that Takami would forgive him for being his son to his company.

But it didn't add up now that Minaka had time to think.

From what his former lover told him, Minato was a spineless, shy and helpless boy. Yet, he managed to wing Kazehana, Musubi, Yume, and Akitsu in the span of a few days.

And from what he had seen, Minato was shy, yes, that part must have come from somewhere but he had confidence and resilience rarely seen.

His ex-wife wasn't one to tell lies but what if what she had seen, wasn't the truth? Even so, how did Minato manage to bring back Yume and Akitsu?

There was more to Minato Sahashi than he had thought. And either it could prove to be a wonderful boon to his Game or a liability.

And if he proved to be the latter, would there be a way to shut that problem down?

Only time would tell. But he felt that this Game of the Gods opened so much more.

Scene skip

Rooftops were an excellent way to spy on someone. Minato was all too easy to spot

Haihane felt more than just a picture. There was an attraction to him as Ashikabi. If he managed to wing Three Single Numbers, he'd proven himself as powerful Ashikabi.

So when she got closer, she felt warmth coming through. And it got stronger when she felt Minato coming into view.

Shaking her head, she knew better than just to wing herself on him. She wanted to see him.

And there would be no distractions as she had left her phone behind. She watched how Minato was in class.

Frankly, she felt warm and fuzzy when she watched him.

As he sat outside, his eyes settled on hers. Haihane had her mouth fallen open as he gave her a thumbs-up.

Did he see her from so far? If he did, he must have also recognized her and not seen her as a threat.

She would be sitting there and watching over him.

Scene skip

At MBI, Benitsubasa was pissed off beyond all belief. How long would it take to get a simple human being? The Red Sekirei had long ignored what Haihane's original mission was.

Watch over Minato Sahashi and see if he could be brought into MBI.

But in her mind, she wanted to get Minato in so they could get back into seducing Natsuo. It had been nearly impossible to get the guy to look at them.

Of course, Natsuo was gay.

But he was also an Ashikabi. And he was just her type.

When she got a call from Minaka, she lit up like a Christmas Tree.

"Alright, Red. You can go look for Haihane and Minato Sahashi but remember." The sounds of destruction made it all too clear what the Red Sekirei really thought of his orders.

"I don't know why I bother. It would help if my employees would listen to me."

Minaka sighed as he knew that this couldn't go all that well.

Scene skip

Minato walked home after school was done. Even with an entire Game of sexy alien babes going on, the university remained open. For how long would this be hidden?

It had taken eons for humanity to write off the Super Natural World as nothing more than legends. And with magic, it remained hidden.

Only a select few humans knew of the existence of Angels, Devils, and Fallen Angels.

That wasn't now his concern. His eyes settled on the silver-haired girl. By wearing bandages over her body, she did look cute.

Minato had long seen her but as she didn't make a hostile appearance or a hostile move, he left her be.

Taking a walk, the place was quiet as he heard the noise of the city settle in the background. Minato continued to walk through as he wanted to go back home to his Flock. Then a sharp noise came through and he stopped right in time to see a violent pink flash land on the floor.

The street cracked as Minato's eyes settled on the destruction of the street.

Haihane, who had settled on a rooftop, cursed inwardly the vilest terms she could think of. She had figured that she could come down on a street and ask Minato if he was interested in coming with her.

Like civilized beings do. Instead, Benitsubasa came through and her actions were nothing more but violent.

"Minato Sahashi." The Ashikabi remained quiet. It was enough to confirm it for Benitsubasa.

"Surrender. The Game Master demands it." Minato glared back at her.

"No." He simply answered. Standing up, she cracked her knuckles.

"Ah, good." Minato looked her over.

The idea that most Sekirei were stacked babes fell out the window as he saw Benitsubasa.

The Sekirei got the first strike as she aimed her fist right at Minato. She had expected to knock him out just like that.

What she didn't expect was Minato grabbing her fist in his hand.

"Now, that was attempted assault. From here on, it's fair game."

Grabbing the skull of Benitsubasa, he smashed her to the ground.

Pain was all that she registered in her body. She saw how Minato hovered over her.

"Leave me alone. Do that and I'll leave you be."

"Never." Minato should have seen the fist coming that catapulted him in the air. Letting gravity do its work, Minato landed on the ground as he saw the woman coming back.

"Oh, very well then." The leg was blocked by his leg as he withstood the blow. Benitsubasa didn't believe this.

This guy managed to block two blows and tank a hit without looking broken.

"You're not human?"

"Neither are you." Minato simply said back as he let the woman try another tactic.

A roundabout kick was avoided by ducking. In a crouched position, Minato grabbed her waist. The crushing caused all the wind to be taken out by Benitsubasa.

Haihane watched the fight and her mouth dropped open.

This Minato Sahashi proved to be full of surprises.

She had gotten closer to watching the fight but she didn't even think of helping out. She wanted to see how this would go.

Benitsubasa tried to use her elbows to stop Minato from crushing her ribs but to no avail. Minato ran her into a wall. When she was knocked in one, he grabbed her throat.

The backhand was brutal and she could hear a whistle going off in her head. She felt another punch coming through her face. Minato let her throat go and his twin fist gave a savage blow.

When they had struck her face, he aimed for two lower ones.

A savage blow right on the face caused her to be dizzy.

But because Minato was so focused on his offensive, he didn't realize that she had kicked him away. His back landed on the wall opposite to hers.

Despite the blow, Minato was in very much better shape than Benitsubasa.

When he got back, the Sekirei remained on the floor. Minato's [Evil] Piece had protected him from most damage.

Benitsubasa didn't have that luxury. Her eyes turned around and they found Haihane.

"Haihane, about fucking time! What the hell are you doing?! Help me!" The other Sekirei raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms.

"Help you? Fat chance." The Red Sekirei looked appalled by the behavior of her supposed squad mate.

"You have to help me! I can't defeat this guy!"

The Sekirei shrugged on that remark.

"That's on you. I was just about to ask this guy to come with me. You are the one who started this fight."

She looked shocked by that. Minato's eyes went from Benitsubasa to Haihane.

"You do believe that I am not inclined to go with you? Not after what your friend has done here." Benitsubasa scoffed at that remark.

"She isn't my friend. She is my squadmate." Haihane had written Benitsubasa off as a tsundere. But what Minato said didn't worry her.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to beat the shit out of your squadmate. After I am done, you can leave with her."

Haihane wasn't sure if she wanted to leave. She had made a better expression on Minato compared to Benitsubasa.

"Oh, you have got to be kidding me."

The Sekirei veered up and she began to get closer to Minato. She didn't move an inch from her spot as she used her fists on Minato.

He was able to fight back but this time, his fists were blocked.

Due to the fight, the Red Sekirei didn't feel something warm in her heart. Unlike the soft fizzling, like with Natsuo, she felt even more.

She felt like she was right next to a bonfire.

When she had his arm in a lock, Benitsubasa lost her footing and she fell down in front of him. Due to his own standing, Minato went right with her.

Their lips brushed and her eyes shot open. Her wings came right behind her.

"Palm of my pledge crush the stones torturing my Ashikabi!" Minato had his mouth dropped open as he watched how the Sekirei was now knelt before him.

She had been blushing and muttering.

"I. no. I can't. No, I will not. Am I really? No, no, no, Natsuo! I wanted Natsuo. Not this one. Natsuo, please forgive. No, I can't. no, this is."

Haihane had found the show nothing more than amusing and she had found it the most entertaining thing she had ever seen.

"Well, it looks like Minaka can now forget about his Discipline Squad. I have seen who you really are. And I don't think I'll be leaving you now." Minato's eyes settled on hers.

"Even if you wanted to leave, I am not letting you. I want answers. And I doubt that this one here." Pointing his finger at Benitsubasa, "will give me any."

Haihane smirked as she looked at Benitsubasa.

Minato was right. There would be no answers from the girl.

"Well, I am coming with you. Oh and for the record, I'm Haihane. That washboard on the ground is Benitsubasa. Pleased to meet you, Ashikabi-sama."

"Ashikabi?" Minato asked in disbelief. Before he could protest, Haihane moved.

Grabbing his shirt, Haihane pressed her lips on Minato's. Unlike with the brief touch of Benitsubasa, this time, it was a full locked-on kiss.

"Wire claws of my pledge tear apart the guards imprisoning my Ashikabi!"

When the Sekirei let go, Minato was a bit dumbfounded by the fact that Haihane had just winged herself on Minato despite the fact that he wasn't ready for that.

"Haihane, are you out of your mind? You just winged yourself on this hapless loser/nerd/ugly boy." Minato just turned to Benitsubasa.

"Jeez, thanks for the vote of confidence." Minato shot back while Haihane shrugged.

"You are in Todai, you got a few Sekirei as well, you're strong. And you're not homosexual. So I take you over my previous prospect."

The [King] could feel a migraine hitting his forehead.

"You know what. You can come with me. I do think I'll have to explain this to my other Sekirei." Benitsubasa stood up as she glared at him.

"Wait a damned second here! You're not a human."

The Devil turned back and he smiled at her.

"You're right. I'm not." Minato opened his wings behind him.

"I'm a Devil. But we will have that talk later."

Scene skip

Minaka took off his glasses and cleaned them. When his eyes settled on the screen, he saw that he lost again two to Minato Sahashi.

His son really proved to give him so many issues. And most likely, Haihane must have forgotten to tell Minato that Minaka wanted to see him.

Which put the Game Master in a real tight spot. He could send Karasuba although the Black Sekirei was a difficult piece to move on the board and even if she got close, the rest of the Flock knew her. Plus, his son was no fool.

As soon he got close, it would end badly.

Miya was another option although he doubted that the Pillar would even entertain him. She would cut him down and she wouldn't get Minato to go to MBI.

The last option was to send the boy's mother. While that could be done as she was his employee, he doubted that he would get away scot-free. At least, his former lover wouldn't kill him but it would get close enough.

And the idea of hacking into Minato's phone proved to be impossible. For some reason, he kept getting blocked. Whoever wrote the firewall of that device was out of this world.

Were there geniuses out there who put his and that of Matsu to shame?

At least for now, he could put his genius to mind.

Haihane, too amused by what happened, and Benitsubasa, too stunned, forget about telling Minato Minaka wants to see him...forcing Minaka to have to decide whether to send Karasuba, communicate through Miya, or send Takami since, for some strange reason (his phone being made by devils) Minaka can't hack into Minato's phone to contact him directly, despite MBI's advanced technology...none of the options actually appealing to Minaka for various reasons.

Scene skip

Minato came back home with his two latest additions. He beeped Kazehana ahead that he got two others who clearly didn't understand any sort of patience.

Benitsubasa had bugged him the entire time about telling him what he meant by being a Devil.

Minato had shut her up good when he gave her a threatening glare.

When he got back home, the door slid open and in the hallway, his entire Flock stood waiting for him.

Clearly, the four ladies weren't exactly pleased with his past transgressions.

Uzume stood back. Taking out Pocky, she didn't want to miss this spectacle.

Kazehana was appointed to be the spokesperson for her sister-wives.

She had her arms crossed and gave a light glare to him.

Yume was a bit softer towards Minato as she looked the two girls over. Meanwhile, Musubi was glowering. Akitsu had a slight downwards look.

"Care to explain yourself, Minato?"

The Ashikabi had his hands up.

"An accident. And a forced one."

Pointing a thumb at Benitsubasa, Minato decided to make her suffer as well.

"She attacked me, I kicked her butt and she came close to me where we kissed. That was enough to get winged." The eyes of Kazehana slid over to Haihane.

"And you?"

"Well, given my prospect of Ashikabi that I had, he's a better choice. And well, there was a genuine reaction to him. Same as for the washboard by the way."

The spluttering and muttering of Benitsubasa were enough to give herself away but she turned to Haihane.

Before she could destroy the Inn, a demonic presence found its way into their living room.

"Now, this is very interesting. Am I correct in assuming you two are members of the Discipline Squad?"

Haihane looked at Miya and she could feel shivers going down her spine.

"Former members. Now, our Ashikabi said that he is also a Devil. He refused to give any explanation when we got here. So can someone tell us what he meant with that?"

"Yes. I do think I should explain that yes. And you can follow me. We'll tell the entire story there. Miya, can we borrow your living room?"

The landlady nodded to Minato but before she let him pass, Miya stood in his way.

"I see no problem in explaining to your Flock what is going on. But after this, you are going to make an appointment with MBI about this. Those two were part of their dogs and I do not want any problems at my doorstep. Is that understood?"

Minato nodded to her once.

"Loud and clear. Will do." In the room, Minato took his seat at the table as Kazehana and Yume gathered next to him. Akitsu and Musubi took a seat to his right.

Benitsubasa and Haihane on his left side. His eyes circled on them.

But they didn't miss Uzume who didn't want to miss this spectacle.

Oh, Minato really began to like her.

"Now, this is going be a story that will sound insane. But before you say anything, about a few weeks ago, I didn't think aliens existed. So keep that in your head. I'd like it if you have questions, you either wait." He sent a meaningful glare to Benitsubasa.

"Or you'll be civil about it," Haihane admitted. She began to like her Ashikabi more and more.

One explanation later.

"Holy shit." The two newest members said in unison as they heard the story of Minato.

"Yeah, that was also my reaction. Hard to believe that exists right?" Kazehana said as she watched her two latest Flock Members.

"And you have reincarnated those four into your Peerage?" Minato nodded to Benitsubasa's question.

"Indeed. Kazehana is my [Queen], Yume-san and Musubi-chan are my [Rooks] and Akitsu-san is my [Bishop]."

"And you intend to reincarnate us as Peerage members as well?" Haihane didn't really care about too many things.

But when she heard about this. This whole story, it sounded like it came out of fantasy.

"Only if you so desire. Even besides that, I'll have to figure out what Piece I'll give you. And unfortunately, you two will have to exercise patience."

Minato announced.

"What? Why?!" Benitsubasa shouted, appalled by the reaction of Minato.

"Because. I brought Yume-san back from the dead and I made it possible to wing Akitsu-san. Sona-sama reminded me that I don't need to teach my Sekirei the Magical Circle. I can take them with me. And we are already running a bit late for my appointment with Ajuka-sama."

As if on cue, Miya walked into the room.

"Before you leave, Minato. You made a promise."

"Right. Does either of you have the phone number of the CEO? I don't want to bother mum with this."

That took a few of the women for a loop.

"Your mother?" Haihane asked.

"In case you forgot, Takami Sahashi is my mother. While I haven't seen my mother in ten years, I much rather deal with Minaka. I can't really face her given the lies that I sold her. That's why."

It was like a lightbulb went off at Haihane's head.

"Oh, right. That was something that Minaka asked me to do. But I forgot." Minato shuddered when he heard her talk like that.

"Oh, I hope that'll be all." Minato took out the phone and rang Minaka's personal number.

"Hello, hello. Minaka Hiroto speaking. Genius, CEO of MBI and the Game Master of the Sekirei Plan."

"You can add certified whack job to that list." Nearly everyone in the room either snickered or giggled at Minato's dry remark.

The pause gave Minato the perfect time to introduce himself.

"My name is Minato Sahashi. I heard that you wanted to see me, Minaka Hiroto."

"Ah, Minato-kun. My newest source of uncertainty in this grand plan."

Minato already felt tired talking to this guy.

"Cut the crap. Minaka, you want to see me given the miracles that I performed." The Four Devils knew that Minato made that pun on purpose.

"Yes, indeed. Sahashi-kun, can you come to see me pronto at MBI Headquarters?"

Minato eyed the watch on his left wrist.

"Eh, no. I have a few appointments and I'll have my evenings filled. And I'm not going to that tower. Can't you find a place somewhere around your tower? It ain't healthy to be locked up in that place."

The sputtering that he heard from Minaka was something he took as okay.

"Great. You got my number. I'll see you on Saturday." Closing the call, everyone looked at him as the [King] had grown a second head.

"What? I dealt with lunatics before. The best way is to lay down ground rules and force them to play along. Now, you four, hop in the circle. We are already late." Minato turned to Miya who had a gentle smile.

"Miya, can I ask you to watch over Haihane and Benitsubasa? I doubt that I'll be home on time. If at all."

The landlady nodded to him.

"I'll see that they are settled. Have a nice trip."

Kazehana clung to Minato while his left hand touched Akitsu. Despite her face, she was scared about this trip.

Musubi was glomping Yume as they felt the energy.

"Thank you."

And just like that, the circle closed and the Devil had left with his Peerage.

"What have we thrown ourselves in?" Benitsubasa muttered in the room.

Uzume didn't share her sentiment. She looked at where Minato stood.

'You might be a Devil but I think you might just be a saving Angel.'

Scene skip

Kazehana had no real clue what to expect from an office of a Maou like Ajuka Beelzebub. Yet, she came to find that whatever this facility was, it eerily reminded her of MBI.

And judging from the reactions of her Flock Mates, they shared that sentiment. Minato was either blissfully unaware or just ignored it.

"Ah, Minato-sama. Good to see you again."

An older Devil sat down, in front of a computer. Musubi thought that the man saw Minato as a Messiah. Did she know that the system that Minato converted into was now used by nearly every Devil in society?

"Likewise, Stephen. I apologize for my tardiness." The man, who had light skin and black hair that stretched on his back, tied up in a ponytail, laughed it away.

"Do not worry, my boy. Ajuka-sama was caught up in his experiments again. If you were on time, you'd have spent two hours here." Kazehana wondered if most Devils spoke so brazenly over their masters.

Then again, the Wind Flower didn't detect any sort of disrespect towards his master.

"Is he free now?"

The eyes of Stephen went over the four ladies. Long used to beauty, he found that Minato certainly picked up weird pieces.

"Of course, you know the way. Good luck." Minato raised an eyebrow as he wanted to know what Stephen was talking about.

"Grayfia-sama and Serafall-sama informed him about your." He was looking for the right word "situation. He was really looking forward to you visiting him."

Minato shuddered as he knew what that meant.

"Thank you for the warning, Stephen." He walked through the gates with his Sekirei following him. They wondered what that could mean.

The Devil in the seat continued to look at Minato.

'You're not even in a month in the human realm and you already took four Aliens. You certainly have your habits picked up from your master.'

Minato didn't say a word when they passed through the gates as he guided Kazehana, Musubi, Yume, and Akitsu through the halls.

The place was quiet as you expected from an office.

Eventually, a giant door was where he halted. Turning back to his Flock, his eyes turned serious.

"Allow me to remind you four. Behind this door, is Ajuka Beelzebub-sama. One of the Four Maou's. Leader of the Devils. Kazehana already met my own Master. This man is on the same level as Serafall-sama. I expect all of you to be on your best behavior. Weirdness, Ajuka-sama tolerates, disrespect, he does not. Am I understood?"

The four Ladies nodded.

Minato knocked on the door and it opened. It looked like a normal desk but Kazehana guessed this was just the front. That the real laboratory was downstairs and there was enough equipment to link them up to watch over them.

"Ah, Minato-kun. Glad you could finally make the visit."

A young man that appeared to be very attractive and intelligent sat behind a desk.

His green hair was combed back and light blue eyes shined at Minato. He appeared to be a few years older than the young man but Kazehana knew that this man was most likely hundreds of years older.

"A pleasure to be here again, Ajuka-sama." The Ultimate Class Devil stood up and ruffled Minato's hair like he was an unruly school boy.

"You don't have to be so tense. I know you after all." His eyes had an uncommon shine as he watched the group around him.

"So these lovely ladies are your Sekirei? All of them?"

Kazehana grinned and decided she wanted to see her Ashikabi squirm.

"Oh, no. Minato-kun here decided to wing two Sekirei just a few hours ago." Ajuka's eyes went from her to Minato.

"I did wing them a few hours ago but I have not reincarnated them yet. That'll take some time. I am here for all of my Sekirei because the Evil Piece system has done something to them."

"We cannot discuss this standing. There are seats around." Minato sat down with his Sekirei who now understood that this was an occasion where he was not Ashikabi but a [King] over his subjects.

Minato explained what the Evil Pieces did on his Sekirei when he reincarnated them.

"So let me see if I miss anything here. Kazehana-san felt her full power unlocked, out of Musubi-san, Yume-san came and you managed to undo the issue on Akitsu-san. Is that correct?" Minato nodded when he was done.

"That does leave me with another question. I hope that maybe you ladies can answer this." Minato nodded to them as Ajuka asked them something that haunted him for years.

"Minato-kun was reincarnated. Now, usually, the Evil Piece overwrites human biology but it is incapable of doing that to other magical beings. There are plenty of hybrids due to this. But that is beside the point. What exactly is an Ashikabi?"

"Ajuka-sama, permission to speak?" Kazehana asked. Ajuka's eyes settled on the Wind Flower.

He liked Kazehana immediately and shared the sentiment of Grayfia. She would be very good for Minato.

"Ashikabi are humans with unique genes that give them the possibility of winging a Sekirei. From what has been believed, Ashikabi are descendants of aliens that were on earth millennia ago." Ajuka never heard of that but he didn't take that news as surprising.

The Great War caused that anything on the human side was something of an afterthought.

"It is what made it possible for Ashikabi to wing us. We are most likely not the only Sekirei out there. But I doubt that we should worry about them. What we have in Shinto Teito is a bigger concern."

Ajuka nodded to Kazehana.

"If it is alien, that would explain why we had never seen anything like it. It drove us mad as we had never figured out what Minato-kun was. Thank you, Kazehana-san."

"Oh, Ajuka-sama! I have a question." Musubi raised her hand. Minato wanted to bury his head in his hands but Ajuka laughed it off.

"Go right ahead, Musubi-san."

"You said that Evil Pieces overwrites DNA. Did the same happen to us? I can still use my powers. Just like Akitsu-san and Kazehana-san." Ajuka shook his head.

"No, most likely, you four and the rest of Sekirei that Minato-kun will reincarnate, will be most likely hybrids. Half Sekirei, half Devil. I do have a few small tests for you given what happened." Summoning what appeared to be a small computer, Ajuka took out a needle.

"I will need to take a look at all of you. As you were his first, Kazehana-san," Showing her arm, Ajuka calmly inserted a needle right into her skin.

It didn't hurt as much as Kazehana would have guessed.

The Maou began to look over the DNA of Kazehana.

"Ah, I see. As I suspected. The Evil Piece unlocked a huge amount of power in you. Is something that would have caused this to happen to you?" Kazehana didn't know if she had to be honest but when she felt a warm hand on her shoulder, Minato nodded to her.

"You can tell him. Don't worry."

The Wind Flower took a deep breath.

"Sekirei unlock their full potential when they are winged. Especially to an Ashikabi that they genuinely react to."

Ajuka's eyes flickered up to Kazehana.

"And what exactly is driving your power? For us, Devils, having power is what drives us. We all have something like that." Kazehana's jaw tightened

"Love. Sekirei are beings that run on love. Our power is getting shaped by how stronger we get." Ajuka raised an eyebrow at that.

"Well, if you combine the strong feelings of love and the strong feelings of power as Devil, I think your Peerage is going to be one that'll be debated for centuries. Minato-kun, am I correct in understanding that the Pieces you used as [Queen], [Rook], and [Bishop]."

Minato scratched his cheek.

"Yes but."

"But what?"

The Ashikabi took a deep breath

"Ajuka-sama, is Kazehana done? Because Musubi-chan and Yume-san. Well, they took the same [Rook] Piece in. I still have a [Rook] Piece." Ajuka rarely heard something so surprising.

"Oh? Really now. That is unheard of." After taking out the needle and giving a bandage to Kazehana, his attention went to the two.

"There must have been a reason for that." The reactions of the two made him doubt what happened to them.

"I know it is not an easy topic but I do have to know what happened to you two, to prevent something else, from happening."

Yume voiced the story.

"In very short terms. I died by saving Musubi's life. I gave up my core to save hers. And Minato-san brought me back."

Minato elaborated.

"I called Sona-sama. From what she saw, the Core of Yume reacted violently to the Piece. It got copied by the Core. So they have the same Evil Piece."

Ajuka smirked. That Sona would be his successor one day.

"Oh, that explains a lot. You two, I like to see you two hooked up on this." The two nodded and their needles went in.

Both had good pain resistance.

"Ah, yes. I see you here. As Minato and Sona guessed, Yume-san, you have the Piece copied from Musubi-san." Ajuka said.

"Is that concerning?" Yume asked, forgetting her manners for a second.

Ajuka shook his head.

"No. Evil Pieces can bring back a dying being. Frankly, that is not what happened. You lived in Musubi. The Piece gave you another body. Plus, it mutated on the spot." Ajuka scratched his cheek.

"From what I see, neither of you got any major issues. I do advise you to stay together for a bit. We don't know what the future holds but I doubt that it'll be nefarious. It is the first time that aliens were made into Devils but your biology is close enough to ours so it should work out."

Yume got curious.

"What do you mean with that, Ajuka-sama?"

The Maou stifled a laugh.

"Despite what some say, many Super Natural Beings are very similar. You could say that humanity is the default setting and all Beings evolved from them. Given the fact that you are nearly identical to humans, it shouldn't prove an issue."

After he was done with the [Rooks], his attention turned to Akitsu.

"So what was your story?"

Akitsu gave him a cold stare and just said one word.

"Scrapped."

"Scrapped?" Ajuka repeated as he looked at Minato for advice.

"Akitsu-san was a Scrapped Number. Incapable of being winged. When I reincarnated her, I made it possible for her to become Winged." Ajuka was surprised to see that matter.

"Let us take a look at you."

As soon his eyes shined over the information, he was pleasantly surprised to see what the Evil Pieces did for those Sekirei.

"Ah, yes. It turns out that the Evil Piece has caused you to restore your body. You're safe now and I think this is enough." Turning to the four ladies, his words had to be taken as gospel.

"The Evil Piece inside you can prove to be a huge boon. Minato-kun can most certainly teach you how to unlock its full potential. You will be an extremely unique case but a case that I would love to see grow. Now, Minato-kun, can I talk to you in private for a few minutes?"

Wondering what the Maou wanted from him, Minato nodded. Getting asked that from Ajuka would be the same as being ordered by Serafall.

"Of course." The eyes of Ajuka turned to the door. It had opened and Stephen had come on the request.

"You called me, Beelzebub-sama?"

"Yes, Stephen. Could you take the ladies inside the hall and make sure they'll stay there? I need a few minutes with Minato-kun." When the women were out the door, Ajuka let his cheerful demeanor go. He hadn't shared the news with Serafall or Sirzechs.

Or with anyone at all.

He knew that when they found out what the Sekirei Plan contained, they would want to pull Minato out.

And unlike their younger sisters, Minato didn't have the backing of his parents.

Ajuka knew Minato well enough. If they told him to move, he would have obeyed them.

It was something that both Grayfia and he were working on. Like many others, they had a soft spot for the Pawn. In fact, Ajuka found him to be one of the greatest geniuses that he ever had the pleasure of working with.

Yet, Minato lacked the often cold and callous way that was so often seen in geniuses.

Ajuka could pass for a psychologist if he ever wanted to. Minato had been a shy, reclusive, and often scared kid when he was taken in.

The decade that he lived with Serafall had done wonders for his confidence. Shyness would always be a part of his psyche but a spine and the actions to back them up had turned him into a delightful young man.

Yet, the orders of Serafall were absolute. And Ajuka knew that wasn't an option. Minato had to see this plan through.

"What I am going to tell you, is confidential. You can't share this with anyone." Minato looked into the eyes of Ajuka.

"Not even Serafall-sama?"

"Especially Serafall. Minato, I have done some digging on MBI. I take you might be aware that Minaka Hiroto used the vastly superior technology of the Sekirei to build his conglomerate company that funds the Sekirei Plan. I have no clue what exactly he wants to do. Or even what the so-called prize is that is made up."

Minato could feel his mouth drop open.

One of the greatest geniuses and he couldn't crack it.

"I believe that Minaka is what humans would call 'old school'. He knows that some things are best left in your head. And that is what he did. He didn't write down anywhere or told anyone about the Stages of the Sekirei Plan. Right now, the first stage will be concluded when 90% of all Sekirei are winged."

Minato nodded to Ajuka as he was well on his way to getting a few other Sekirei as well.

"I don't know what exactly he has in mind but I can make a guess. He wants to change Shinto Teito into a battlefield." Minato felt the earth open beneath him and his head was tolling.

"If he does that, he'll turn the city into a bloodbath. I have seen the Sekirei fight. They're good."

Ajuka nodded to him.

"In the rules of the Sekirei Plan, it is not allowed to use Sekirei to fight human beings. Although I doubt that some would comply with those rules."

Minato's mouth became as dry as the Nevada Desert.

"This can't happen. We have to stop him." Ajuka sighed as he looked at the [Pawn].

A sense of righteousness and justice was implanted in him from the day he was born. Nothing would get it out of his body.

"Unfortunately, that is where the problems lie. As you are aware, we can't just get in without a good reason. You studying there is one thing. We marching in to check on you isn't an issue either. But destroying MBI, that would cause the Fallen Angels and Angels to take a good look around."

Minato knew where Ajuka was going.

"The Great War."

"Things have been tense for centuries. It doesn't take much to tip the balance. With Kyoto and Kuoh around, it might cause even bigger disasters. And while the most sensible matter would be to call you home until this blows over, I doubt this will be a good option."

Minato let Ajuka speak.

"Minato-kun, in the decade that I followed you, you are the best example of a young man that I can think of. While it is the safest route to get you out of that mess, you being there is already throwing a wrench into Minaka's plans. You can stop him."

Minato felt his face lit up and look at a man that he saw as his master.

"You really think so, Ajuka-sama?"

"We can't back you up with manpower, Minato-kun. But we can back you up with information. This is a war. One that is now beginning. Find your allies in the city. Even if they are not the ones you'd pick for a Rating Game, you will need those who are willing to fight next to you. Look past their flaws and look at their potential."

Ajuka had seen a War in his life and he knew how to prepare the young ones.

Minato was perfect for a War of his own.

Those who truly wanted to be in war, have never truly been in one.

Minato wouldn't want to go to war but he could sure as hell give them one.

"Thank you, Ajuka-sama."

The Maou gave him a light smile.

"You're welcome, Minato. Now, if you need something?"

"I'll give you a call. Promised. Thank you for the help. Is there something else?"

Ajuka shook his head.

"Nothing else, my boy. Now, don't keep those ladies waiting." When Minato let himself out, Ajuka overlooked the beautiful, artificial lake behind him.

Rebuild from the memories of the Black Continent, the lake was named after it.

Lake Tanganyika, whatever the meaning was, it had been lost in time.

Minato had enough common sense to call the Maou when he needed their help. His pride wasn't as bad as many young Devils.

Ajuka chalked it up to him being a human being and servant.

He just hoped that it would be enough to see it through.

Scene skip

The evening had been going well if Miya was to guess.

Karasuba clearly hadn't been able to corrupt the two of the Discipline Squad as she had done before. They lacked the sheer brutality, nihilism, and bloodlust that the Black Sekirei carried.

Uzume and Kagari both had helped ease the two in.

It was a simple note that Haihane was tons more agreeable compared to Benitsubasa who was often chomping on the food and then ran off.

Homura went right after her to prevent any damage from being done.

Miya could feel the disturbance in her Inn. The shout of Minato was reassuring.

"We're back!"

In the living room, where they left, Minato and his four Sekirei had gathered again.

"Welcome back," Miya came walking out of the kitchen.

Watching over the five, Minato looked happy and relieved from the visit.

"So how did it go?" Miya asked and the smile of the [King] told her enough.

"We're all in the clear. They are safe and Ajuka-sama doubts there'll be any complications." Now, he said that word, he wanted to ask something to Miya.

"Miya-san, I have been meaning to ask. Do you allow modifications to a room?" Miya raised an eyebrow when she heard those words.

"It hangs on what those modifications would be. I'll hear you out at the least."

"Can I buy a bed?" Minato requested and Miya raised an eyebrow at his request.

"That wouldn't be an issue although you have to tell me why though." Minato looked at the four women behind him. Haihane had walked back into the room. She would wait until her Ashikabi was done talking.

"I feel my back is killing me. A mattress and springs would do wonders for me. Especially given the fact that I'll have multiple Sekirei." Miya sighed as she heard his reasoning.

"Oh, very well. As long you'll keep in mind my rules about it. Only reincarnated Sekirei have the right to share your bed."

That deflated Haihane to a degree he hadn't seen before.

"What? Are you telling me that I can't have his bed after he just left?" Miya's head craned in an eerily slow way to the Sekirei.

The Hannya mask appeared behind her.

"Those are the rules. If you had waited before you winged yourself, you wouldn't be in this predicament." Haihane's focus shifted to her Ashikabi.

"Well, in that case, reincarnate me. It was never even a question for me."

"No." Minato shot her hopes down immediately.

"What? Why not?"

Minato talked like a [King] instead of Ashikabi.

"Even if you are resolved to take an Evil Piece, I need time to figure out what sort of Evil Piece I am going to give you. That and the fact that I have already four Peerage Members who I am in need of training in several things. Magic, fighting, spells, other things. I do not have the time now to take you in if I don't know. Those words are final."

Grabbing him by his shirt, the Sekirei was a bit surprised and shocked to see Haihane talking like that.

"What do you know? What gives you the right?"

Grabbing her wrist, Minato exercises pressure on Haihane. She let him go and she was forced to kneel.

"You should have paid attention to my story. Ashikabi is a partner. [King] is master. This is a matter of Devils. If you want to join my Peerage, I welcome you. But it will be on MY terms. Which will be after I am done with teaching the basics to the four behind you and until I figured out what Piece is best for you."

Haihane veered up. The glare made it all too clear that she hadn't figured it out.

"As [King], I demand obedience from you. Am I understood that'll be my decision in this? You and your friend winged yourselves on me. I do not see a problem with that but you'll have to wait until I am done."

"How long will I have to wait?"

Minato knew that the answer was not the one she would like but he had deserved some comeuppance.

"At least, a week. I'll need four evenings for the Evil Pieces here, plus the Magic I'll have to teach them. Plus, school. Speaking of which." Turning to his Peerage, Minato scratched his cheek.

"To avoid similar incidents, Kazehana, would you be so kind to walk me from and back to school?"

The Wind Flower lightened up from that request while her sister's wives were downcast from that.

"Of course, darling." Looking back at the three, she came up with a sympathetic plan.

Head Wife she would be, the kind she would be as well.

"Do you mind if I ask the others if they would be interested?"

Minato followed her line of thought.

"I doubt you'll have to ask though. I don't mind if you girls do that but you have to take turns. Two of you will be unbelievable enough."

Although Minato wouldn't care about the looks he'd get. He wanted to be safe.

"Now, this is all lovely but it's late. It's long past everyone's bedtime." Miya shut down any more talks of that and she thought it'd be best that everyone would get some sleep.

"You're right about that, Miya. Although I ask, where is Benitsubasa?"

The door slid open and Minato could hear the shout from Homura.

"Miya, is that idiot of an Ashikabi back? He can take over." Minato raced downstairs to see Homura standing with a package that appeared to be Benitsubasa.

It looked like she was lightly cooked. His eyes circled at Homura who put his hands up.

"She wanted to destroy private property. I had to contain her." Minato looked very exhausted.

"Thank you, Homura. I owe you one. Now, Miya-san had just announced we need some sleep and I'm going to teach her and Haihane some common sense tomorrow."

Just like the Ashikabi, Homura felt exhausted.

Yawning, he stretched out and walked to his room. Minato shook his head.

He really picked up the weird ones. Scooping up Benitsubasa, Minato walked back to the room that he had also rented where he would put his Sekirei that couldn't share his bed.

Haihane had followed him with the rest of his Flock.

"This will be your room until I figured out what Piece I give you." Haihane could feel a shiver going down her spine.

Kissing her on the lips, she got into a little bit of a better mood as Minato left her.

She just hoped it'd be enough.

Turning to Benitsubasa, she laid down right next to her.

'Like I would ever leave you alone, washboard.' She was tired and the warmth of another body would be enough to hopefully give her some sleep.

Scene skip

"This feels weird."

"It's like there is less of Minato-sama."

"Not a bad experience."

"It's warm though."

Minato had summoned a bed already for him and his Devils to sleep in.

Magic was such a convenient thing to have. He loved to have that magic that helped him.

"I really need some support. And with this, it's easier to work things through." If he could, Minato would pray that he didn't up with 15 Peerage members before he left the Inn.

Because fifteen women in his bed would be too much of a good thing.

They had resumed their usual positions though.

"It'll take some time to get used to. Although it'll be weird if you'll get the others in bed. After all, not all of us are what you call gifted."

Minato rolled his eyes.

"If you believe me that shallow, I doubt you would have ever fallen for me."

Kazehana smiled at him as she heard him talk.

"Well, we think that you have done well on them. Despite them being a bit weird. We can worry about them later. Right now, I think we all need some sleep. Good night."

Minato couldn't move one bit in his bed as his limbs were restrained. Yet, he closed his eyes and let Morpheus claim him.

The next few days were going to be exhausting enough.

Scene skip. A few days later.

"Very good, Akitsu. Keep your focus. You are adapting very well to this." The slight praise was enough to cause Akitsu to bloom open. The slightest hint of a smile befitted her face as Minato watched over her.

The [Bishop] Piece did wonders on her. From all four, she picked up magic the best.

That wasn't to say that the Pieces were lost on the others either.

But their reincarnation proved to come with difficulties.

Kazehana proved to have most of them.

While his first Sekirei and Peerage Member did wonderful on the abstract capabilities of infusing elemental magic with her Wind Talent, she proved to be lacking on other fronts. Not to a degree that it bothered him but enough that it bothered her.

While offensive magic wasn't an issue, she did have problems with the Magical Circle, small healing spells, or basically anything that didn't involve violence.

She had tried to copy from Akitsu by reading a book but found that it proved to be not as effective.

The snuggles she got from Minato to cheer up made her feel a bit better. Especially if he told her that it was by doing.

He thanked the Maou down below that Yume had taken away to her Piece as a fish does to water. Small basic spells, extreme strength, toughness, and a way to fight made Minato think she would be better suited as [Queen] or [Bishop].

Yet, he was content with how she took the [Rook] Piece and she proved to be a huge help to Musubi. His second servant really had problems with the magical bits. [Rooks] always took longer to learn about the way to fight like that.

Her personality as a huge klutz and easily distracted didn't help. Minato thanked that Yume was able to step in. Given the experience, she had with Musubi and as fledging Devil herself, Yume could teach Musubi.

What the [Rooks] did get through was using their amount of extra power. Yume was impressed by how their force became even wilder as they matched with Minato.

He had set up a rigorous schedule for the Sekirei.

There was an evening for strength training, [Rooks], magical training [Bishops], and speed training [Knights].

Even without a [Knight], he still kept up with the schedule. Kazehana as [Queen] had to go all three evenings with the training. While it was a lovely idea at first, Minato became rough on his training.

All too often he had to carry Kazehana back home after they went for a run. He was merciless in the fact that he didn't mind carrying her back, even after she puked her dinner out.

Even without a night of training, Minato still expected his Sekirei to work on the magic bits where they didn't need him for.

Miya had rarely seen someone which such a good work ethic.

Of course, the Sekirei could enjoy rewards with him.

He didn't forget about his other Sekirei though. Haihane and Benitsubasa had seen what it meant to be a Devil.

They also informed him about his ability with Sekirei.

Benitsubasa was a Power Type like Musubi and Haihane fought with claws. Her gauntlets with claws proved to be formidable weapons. Minato did enjoy the fights of her though. He had trained with Haihane personally to see how she would fight and react.

Unlike Musubi who was a fledging warrior, the two knew how to fight.

He liked Haihane more though given her calmer nature and friendlier attitude towards him.

Because he had already fought Benitsubasa, he let Musubi have ten minutes of fun with her. The red head learned the difference between a Sekirei and a Devil.

While they did show as competent warriors, Minato found that they weren't up to the standards of [Rook] or [Knight].

Hence why his decision came down to a simple one as to which Piece he would choose for them.

After a week of training, fighting, and teaching, Minato asked the two to meet him outside.

"I have seen you two fight. I have fought you two. And you surprise me in a pleasant manner." The two beamed with pride as they heard the words of praise.

"Now, you two can be reincarnated into my Peerage. Do you both accept?"

"Yes!" Benitsubasa had grown feelings of affection for her Ashikabi.

"Sure." Haihane clearly had been happy that the work paid off.

Minato uncrossed his arms and put his hands on their heads.

"I have seen you two fight and I have come to find what would be the best fitting Piece for you." Kazehana began to grow used to her role as [Queen] and brought him his box with Evil Pieces.

Taking out two pieces, Benitsubasa shot up when she saw them.

"Why are you giving us [Pawn] Pieces?! Have we not proven ourselves?"

Minato calmly shook his head.

"No, you have proven yourselves more than enough. But I cannot come up with other Pieces. [Bishop] wouldn't fit you, and while one of you, uses weapons, Haihane, you lack the high speed and agility of a [Knight], I have come to find that [Pawn] is the best choice for you."

"Musubi got a [Rook] Piece! I should get one as well!"

Minato shook his head.

"Musubi-chan doesn't have your high defense and there is more to her that shows. Hence why I reincarnated her as [Rook]. Benitsubasa, it's not the place of the servant to question the orders of their master. I am sorry, Benitsubasa, but this involves more than your personal feelings and they are to be damned. It will be a [Pawn] Piece how I reincarnate you or not at all."

The pinkette kept her mouth shut.

"Minato, if I may ask." His eyes softened at Haihane.

"What Piece was used to reincarnate you as Devil?"

"The same that I offer you now. Do you both accept? If so, I will ask you to kneel." Both followed his order. Taking out a [Pawn] Piece, Minato placed it on the chest of Benitsubasa.

"In the name of the Maou Serafall Leviathan, I, Minato Sahashi, will take Benitsubasa as my [Pawn]." Immediately, after placing it on her, Minato pressed a kiss on her lips.

Her wings came out and it showed the Sekirei wings to be mixed with the bat of a Devil. She looked happy and warm by it. Grabbing the face of Minato, she felt her heart fulfilled and her mind settled.

"Palm of my pledge crush the stones torturing my Ashikabi!" Taking a few deep breaths, she felt fulfilled by Minato.

"Welcome to our group, Benitsubasa. Now, you can take it easy." Standing up, he looked at Haihane would look to be absolutely giddy by this prospect.

"You accept Haihane?"

"Oh, hell yes." Minato placed the [Pawn] Piece on Haihane's chest.

"In the name of the Maou Serafall Leviathan, I, Minato Sahashi, will take Haihane as my [Pawn]."

Just like with her squadmate, Haihane felt a power in her body. Grabbing Minato by his shirt, she kissed him.

"Wire claws of my pledge tear apart the guards imprisoning my Ashikabi!" Her ghastly wings came out, mixed with that of a Devil.

She looked happy and fulfilled by her choice.

"Does this mean we can now sleep in your bed?"

The rest of the Flock couldn't keep their laughter contained and Minato had a chuckle.

"If you're so inclined yes. Although I am afraid that is not for now. I got an appointment with your former boss."

The jovial mood was gone, replaced with a certain feeling of dread.

Minato had managed to find a high-class bar where plenty of MBI gathered for a drink.

The compromise was that Minato had to come alone. Minato had seen no problem with that but the rest couldn't be said about his Flock.

He had called Ajuka on what he should tell Minaka. Given everything that he had done, Ajuka had proposed the truth.

It would be the best way how he should tell the Game Idiot about this and what sort of backing Minato had. It might even stop him from going too far although that was wishful thinking on most of their part.

"Come back home alive, stud." Kazehana had put away the chess pieces and stood before him.

She looked like a Spartan woman telling her man to come with his shield or on it.

"I intend to." Unlike the Spartans, he did break the scene by kissing her on the lips. Just as he did with the rest of his Flock.

Then he walked out. Checking his clock, he knew perfectly where to go.

The winds would never fade in this. He was old enough to enter a bar. Minato just walked through the city as he felt that he was going into a trap.

But he knew well enough that he could fight his way out of it.

The bar wasn't a sleazy, low-end place. In fact, it looked to be something where the price range was way too high for a high school kid.

When Minato entered the bar, it reminded him of a gentleman's club.

The chairs and tables had a feeling of antique. The woodwork was done in an excellent way and around, hung paintings that spoke from earlier in humanity. Several standing and hanging lamps were around the place.

The only thing out of place was the fireplace. Not that Minato found an issue with that.

"Ah, there he is. Our guest of honor." Minato had honored minaka's wish to come alone yet the scientist hadn't returned the favor.

The scientist was wearing the same color as his hair. The white suit was wrapped completely around him. The shirt underneath was the same, with white gloves and a white robe. If Minato didn't know that this lunatic was the guy responsible for a blood game, he would guess this guy was trying to be a bad take at the pope.

Next to him stood a woman who had the foulest look at him. While Minato had learned to take Miya seriously as a threat, (she had moved up to the same level as Venelana), this woman couldn't measure up in raw power, she more than made up for it by her sheer bloodlust and thirst for battle.

She wasn't like Sairaorg who trained his body to the extreme. No, unlike that bruiser, this woman was out for the pure slaughter of beings.

Minato's eyes didn't leave her for one bit. A black and white top, with belts on her waist, the miniskirt, and the stockings underneath were in the same color.

The grey haori hung over her shoulders and was worn like a mantle although it hung loosely. On her hip, hung a nodachi.

Her long grey hair was tied up in a ponytail, with one strand extending up and then downwards. Her grey eyes burned into Minato who just kept his eyes up at her.

"Before we talk, do I have your word, you'll keep your?" he was looking for a word from this lady that didn't seem offensive.

"Woman on a leash?"

A scoff escaped her mouth. It would be the first noise out of her.

"Big words from the fucktoy of a drunkard."

Neither had heard or seen Minato move but he had gotten up and grabbed this lady by her shirt and pulled it down to the table.

"This fucktoy is about to rip your damned throat out in five minutes if you don't learn to behave immediately. I have been on my shares of Stray Hunts. Rabid dogs get put down."

Karasuba wanted to break the arm of this weakling but found that her attempts were made worthless.

This boy proved to be stronger than she would have guessed.

"Now, now. We are here to talk. Minato-kun, I give you my word that Karasuba will not harm you. But in return, you must return me that same favor" Letting Karasuba go, Minato sat in his chair.

"Keep your dogs on a shorter leash if you don't want me to kill them." Sitting back, Minato put an arm on his chair.

"You wanted to see me, Game Master? Now here I am."

Minaka watched over the young man. Despite being in the presence of Karasuba, he didn't whimper, gulp or made any moves that the bloodlust of the dog of MBI would often invoke on others.

He treated her like an insect that he could crush at his own leisure.

Minato looked around the place.

"Did you hire off this entire building or what?"

Minaka gave a bouldering laugh. Hand to his gut, the head was thrown back, he continued to laugh. Karasuba watched the maniac laugh as she witnessed that Minato had a small chuckle.

"You're sharp indeed, Minato-kun. Yes, I thought it would be best that you wanted privacy in this place." His eyes shot up to the bloodhound behind him.

"So why did you bring bodyguards with you? Who the hell even is this?"

Karasuba smiled at him. He had seen sharks with smiles that were kinder.

"My name is Karasuba. I'm Sekirei Number Four. You certainly made a name in our little company, Minato Sahashi." Minato decided to ignore her and focus on Minaka.

"Now, what do you want from me, Minaka Hiroto?"

The Game Master took up the glass that contained the alcohol.

"I was just wondering. You brought back Number Eight, Yume, back to life and you made it possible to wing Number Seven, Akitsu. If I wasn't sure, I'd say that you are a miracle worker." Minato's eyes flattened when he heard that line.

"I'm not. I'm a Devil."

"A Devil? From the Christian Mythology?" Minaka's jovial nature drained from him as he looked at Minato who looked relieved.

"Ah, you're aware of that. Good, that saves me some time. About all you read about mythologies and folklore that exists, it is all true. I won't go into details on all of it. I'll just tell you about the Devil Side."

Openings his wings behind him, Minaka and Karasuba couldn't believe that sight.

"Are those real? You expect me to believe that hocus pocus?"

"I didn't think aliens existed until a month ago." Minato simply shot back at Minaka.

"Touché. Now, Minato-kun, how did you become a Devil? I was under the impression that you were just a human being."

Minato sat back with his hands behind his head.

The Game Master wouldn't be, requesting a talk. Minato could make it very clear what he really was and what he could do.

"I will tell you all you want to know. And even more."

"Oh, any reason why you are so open with sharing that information?"

The eyes of Minato flattened as he looked at Minaka.

"Even if you came with the information, who would believe you? You spread those words that I am about to share and you signed your own death warrant. And even if you did know all of what I share, there will be nothing you can do with that information."

When the words and gravity sank in, Minaka leaned in closer.

"Oh, any reason why you think that you can talk to one of the most powerful men on the planet like that?"

Minato wasn't impressed with him.

"You're a guy with a costume and a God Complex, maybe some high intelligence and some money and power to back it up. I can list ten beings off the top of my head that can flatten your city and walk away from it. Beings of which even Miya Asama has acknowledged their power. One of those beings is the one holding my leash. She is very protective of her possessions."

That name had caused Karasuba to be interested and Minaka to shudder.

"Okay, continue."

"I'm not going to tell you the entire story of the mythology. I doubt you would be interested. You're wondering. Why does the son of your head scientist say that he is a Devil? Well, that is because that son got reincarnated by a Maou." Minato revealed.

"A Maou? A Devil Lord?" Minaka asked.

"In her case, Devil Lady. My master and [King]. Serafall Leviathan-sama. Ten years ago, Serafall-sama reincarnated me as a servant."

Minaka opened his hands in front of him.

"How did she do that?"

Minato leaned in closer.

"Devils got an obsession with the game of Chess. A couple of centuries ago, a genius managed to infuse Chess Pieces with Devil Power. They were giving every High-Class Devil the possibility to reincarnate other beings into their Peerage. They do that as a way to bolster their numbers given the low reproduction rate of Devils. It was a way how they could be taken in. Serafall-sama did so because she felt responsible. Evil Pieces, as those Chess Pieces, are named, can bring back the recently deceased from the dead. That is what I did with Yume-san."

Karasuba pipped in when she heard that name.

"How?"

"I took Musubi-chan in as my Peerage Member. Because of the [Rook] Piece, I brought Yume-san back to life. As for Akitsu-san, Evil Pieces often have a benevolent effect on those who have a [Sacred Gear]. They restore the body so to speak. Most likely, that is what happened with Akitsu-san."

Minaka felt his head, spinning. Something that hadn't happened since he came inside Takami, nearly two decades ago.

"[Sacred Gears]? What are those, Minato-kun?"

"Powerful abilities that the Guy up there created for humanity. While they were designed to be a means to protect themselves, they are now sought after by several Super Natural Creatures. They can take many forms. But often, without proper ways to use those, they wreak havoc on one's body." Minato answered and Minaka could feel his head going crazy.

"But that is neither here nor there. By reincarnating Akitsu-san as my [Bishop], I made it possible to be winged. She chose me as her Ashikabi."

Minaka smirked when he heard that.

"Now, Minato-kun. I have seen who you all Winged. In order of winged, Number Three, Kazehana. Number Eighty-Eight Musubi, Number Eight Yume, Number Seven Akitsu, Number One Hundred and Five, Benitsubasa, and Number One Hundred and Four, Haihane. If I am correct, a Chess set consists of 16 Pieces. Where I to assume you took the role as [King], that leaves you with 15 Pieces. I am sure you can provide me with the Pieces that your Sekirei have taken?"

Minato saw no reason to hide that bit.

"[Queen], [Rook], [Rook], [Bishop], [Pawn], [Pawn]. The more powerful the being is, the more Pieces it might require to reincarnate. I still have one [Bishop], two [Knights], one [Rook] and six [Pawn] Pieces left." Minaka didn't ask as it looked that Minato didn't want to reveal how he still had another [Rook] left."

Then Minaka got more practical.

"Do you intend to reincarnate your other Sekirei as well? To have your Flock, be your Peerage?" Minato shook his head.

"Being taken in my Peerage will only be done on their wishes. And who is to say that I'll only have Sekirei in my Peerage? You can't say that for sure." Minato answered truthfully. In fact, when he got back into the human realm, he had never guessed that he would reincarnate women like Kazehana, Musubi, or Akitsu.

But he wasn't one to complain about that.

Minato knew that his Sekirei could prove themselves. But just because he was an Ashikabi and a damned powerful at that, didn't mean he would relegate himself to just Sekirei.

There had been one person in the back of his head that he thought of asking to be part of his Peerage for years.

"I see. What is the difference between an Ashikabi and a [King]?"

Minato would have a feeling he would say it a lot.

"Ashikabi is partner and lover. [King] is master. I promised my Sekirei that I would treat them as Sekirei as long circumstances allow me so. But as [King], I will demand obedience. And becoming a Devil has more than just getting a power boost." Minato knew what it all contained.

"Any more questions, Game Master?"

"Just one. Do you intend to play the Sekirei Game? By the rules that are intended for this grand Game?"

"I don't think I'm going to run away from this Game given the fact my Peerage is in this. But beware, Game Master, there are things not written down. So believe me if I tell you that if you make rules that I don't think are up for my morale code, you might find that I don't break rules but I sure as hell bend them. Keep that in mind." Minaka could feel the honesty of his words.

"And if you intend to do harm to my Sekirei from your company, there'll be hell to pay." Minaka gulped as he guessed that shutting down Minato's Sekirei from afar wasn't a threat he could carry out without getting repercussions that could be most severe.

"Those are all my questions. I don't see a reason to hold you up, Minato-kun."

The Devil/Ashikabi wanted to leave but when he heard Karasuba talk, she kept him in his seat.

"I have one more question. Did you fuck any of your Sekirei yet?"

While she had no real love for Natsuo, he did scratch a need when she needed that.

"No. We haven't gotten there yet. And we live in the Izumo Inn."

Karasuba already knew what that meant.

"Oh, so the fucking nun doesn't even allow you to be near your Sekirei or even look at them." The sneering voice didn't stop Minato from looking back at her.

"Miya has been kind enough to let us sleep in the same room. Sexual intercourse isn't allowed in her house and I can live with that. And there are steps you take before." Coming in closer, Karasuba glared at Minato.

"So you're a little boy who can't man up to take charge of the women that he has under him? Too scared they'll be unimpressed by what you're packing." Minato's eyes got closer to her.

"As I said, steps you take. I doubt that fucking them would be an issue but I want to do right by them. But that is something I doubt a whore like you would ever understand. If that is all, I want to get some fresh air." With that Minato left the bar.

Minaka had never seen anyone, not even Takami, shutting Karasuba up like that. Minato had just royally pissed her off and make one big enemy out of her.

Yet, the Ashikabi could just as easily handle himself in a fight.

Minaka now had figured out what sort of man Minato was and it explained all the stuff that made Minato do all the incredible stuff.

But now, he was left with a very serious problem.

He couldn't just tell Takami that her son wasn't a human being anymore.

And Minaka forgot to ask Minato how he had fooled his mother for so long.

Meanwhile, the Ashikabi was walking home, furious.

The meeting with Minaka was what he expected it to be but the meeting with Karasuba seriously pissed him off. That woman really would give him a lot of trouble.

Oh, throughout his life, he met many arrogant jackasses who thought themselves above everyone else. And he had often wished that he could smash their faces in.

He had taken valuable lessons from Seekvaira.

Karasuba was a whole different kettle of fish, however. She mixed arrogance with a love for blood and a hatred for humanity. And because she had never met a Devil, she counted Minato among them.

Minato would never allow Karasuba to set one foot toward his Sekirei. As soon she did, he would murder her.

Scene skip

"Welcome home." Kazehana had heard the door open and had slid away into the hallway as she saw her Ashikabi come home.

The kiss didn't have the same fire that Minato usually carried.

"Something wrong, darling?" Minato's eyes remained uncharacteristically serious.

Wrapping his arms around her frame, Minato could smell the clean, loving scent of Kazehana compared to the blood and smoke that radiated from Karasuba.

"Just don't say anything. Don't do anything. I just want you here now." Minato said as he grabbed her closer to him.

"If you do not tell me what went wrong, I can't help you, Minato." The Ashikabi didn't want to say anything else.

A few deep breaths were all the noise he made for a few tense seconds.

"Don't call the others. Please." He felt how Kazehana wanted to call the rest. They couldn't see him.

Not like this.

"What. Went. Wrong?" Kazehana knew there was a time and place for everything.

Right, she was not the dutiful [Queen] standing right next to her [King]. She was a Sekirei, worried sick for her Ashikabi.

"I met Minaka. But that asshole decided to bring someone along for the ride."

"Your mother?"

Kazehana had no real love for her mother-in-law and dreaded that her Ashikabi would come face to face to Takami.

"Worse. I think the name Karasuba might ring a bell."

Before Kazehana could answer, dreadful energy went through the air. This wasn't a Hannya Mask. No, this was pure, unbridled fury.

It just reeked from Miya who was gripping the broom tightly to the point of cracking.

"Did you meet Karasuba?" Miya asked, in a quiet and low voice.

"Yes, and I can say it filled me with absolute disgust. I have now learned that whatever comes out of that snake's mouth, I can now foresee it as a lie. I also threatened to rip her throat out."

Miya's eyes settled on Minato's face.

"Do you intend to carry out that threat?"

"It would be my duty and pleasure to send that woman to the realm of the dead." Miya sighed as she heard that.

"I do believe you should talk with Musubi-san and Yume-san about it. The reason why Yume died has been tied to Karasuba. There might be something to that."

Minato's eyes followed to the garden. Musubi and Yume were having a pair fight with Haihane and Benitsubasa. From what he saw, it looked like they had a lot of fun.

"Yes, I should. But not right now." Minato found that he had been an adult for long enough.

Right now, he wanted some loving attention.

Without a hint of shame, he grabbed Kazehana on her waist. In the living room, he found Akitsu.

For some reason, she had gotten really well along with Homura. Leaving the two Sekirei, Minato went to his room. Locking the door and sealing it with magic, still with one hand, he grabbed Kazehana and placed her on the bed.

Minato went right after her and he buried his head within her large tits as he grabbed her closer. Kazehana went over his hair as she felt how Minato just grabbed her closer while he hugged her.

Due to her outfit, Minato could really enjoy her wonderful body. She wasn't naked but she certainly didn't leave too much for the imagination. His head was buried in her wonderful breasts as his arms snaked around her waist and kept pressing her closer to him.

Kazehana enjoyed the feeling that she could enjoy and spoil her Ashikabi.

"Do you want to vent about it?"

She asked as she felt his body relax as Minato continued to bury his head.

Kazehana couldn't help but let a giggle escape as she felt his hair tickle her breasts.

"Minato, I need to know why you felt this need."

"I'm sorry," He mumbled softly.

"It's just that. I don't handle people that well. Like her." Kazehana didn't have to ask.

"Oh, why not? Big sis is here. Put your troubles on me, love." His head left a place that some could call a realm of Gods.

His eyes were a bit more relaxed.

"I have been around a lot of people in my life, Kazehana-san. Nearly all of them have a love for a good fight. Hell, I don't mind getting myself in a good scrap once in a while."

'More now with the others around.' Kazehana thought.

"But I don't do well with handling people like her. You know her, don't you?"

A woman, that he wanted to call divine and laid herself on him, nodded.

"We were squad mates, a lifetime ago. When I feel ready to tell you, Minato, I will tell you the story. But this is not about me. It's about what you experienced."

Minato shuddered when he thought about it.

"She just reeks of blood. A woman like her has a heart as dark as the night. A dog, who is better put down." Kazehana sat up.

Grabbing his face, she fully kissed the Ashikabi on his lips. She didn't let go of him and Minato relaxed as he was thrown back on the bed as Kazehana dominated his mouth.

Letting himself go limp, Minato continued to let Kazehana have her way with him.

She didn't stop assaulting his body and Minato could feel his body heat going up.

When she let go, she sat up and showed her beautiful body to him.

"So you are just saying that you have bad experiences and wanted to make Big sister make you feel better?

"Nope. I just wanted you around me. I feel dirty being around her. You make me feel clean again." Kazehana laughed as she heard that line.

"And how do you intend to repay your [Queen] for this?" Minato grinned as he shamelessly grabbed the breasts of Kazehana who softly moaned.

"Minato-kun, you bully." She said as she landed on top of him. Minato didn't let go of the breasts though as he continued to massage them through her clothing.

"I was thinking of some snuggling but I feel that you are in the mood for something way friskier." A glance at the door made Kazehana fear for Miya that would burst in.

"I sealed that door with magic. No one is getting in or out without my permission."

The coy look betrayed how she felt about the situation.

"Ara, am I your prisoner, Minato-kun?" Minato gave her another squeeze on those breasts.

"I'd say that you are my guest but that would be wrong."

His hands sneaked underneath her dress and he could feel her breasts without anything in between. The softness was spilling out of his fingers and he could feel his own arousal grow.

Luckily, Minato had learned to think with two heads.

He shot a look to Kazehana who picked up from that.

"You intend to fuck here?" She asked as they were sitting in the seated position.

Pressing a kiss on her lips, she loved the taste of Minato. When he let go, his eyes showed enough clarity.

"I don't want to break rules on Miya, even if we can. She said no illicit sexual relationship in her house. And while I do like the idea of burying myself in your heat, I'd say that we wait on that just a bit. What we can do however is go to the second post and clear that."

Kazehana's hands slipped down to his trousers.

"Why go there if we have already visited that? Third base sounds so much more fun." Minato had a hard time saying no.

So he didn't.

"Let's see if we still have the time for that when we are done."

Minato pulled out her breasts from her robe as Kazehana's hands went and took off his shirt. His body had shown the years of training.

A familiar pool of heat filled down below her body as Minato continued his ministrations. His hands lifted the fun bags as he admired them.

Meanwhile, Kazehana's hands didn't sit still either. They had been lying on the bed while she felt his muscles. They tensed under the slightest touch but found that they were rock hard.

If she was honest, which she usually always was, she loved the sight of Minato. He was attractive and had proven himself enough in her eyes.

The spoils of winning her heart were her body and she was more than happy to offer that to him. Minato didn't use his tongue on her tits but he was feeling how she was tensing up from the feeling. Her nipples were getting harder as she felt Minato riling her up.

Rolling over, Minato had better access to her tits as she was drilling his hands into his shoulders.

There was a choice where she wanted his tongue. Either on her tits or on her mouth. Given the fact that his thumbs were now pressing into her nipples, she found that his tongue could be used for her mouth.

She laid back and a tongue kiss was all that she wanted. Her body began to pool in the heat that was emitted. And she could feel his arousal pressing on her.

Sitting up, Minato groaned as she moved her hips and rolled them over.

"Ara, Minato-kun. What do I feel pressing up my ass?"

Sitting back, she watched how his dick strained against his trousers.

"Should we do something about that?"

With his second head now active, Minato knew that he wanted to have this part. And well, there was the fact that now, his own lust was getting out of control.

Days of training and sleeping in the same bad as his Sekirei had given him a serious need of release.

One that had been bottled up and that needed release immediately.

"I would like that because I doubt that I'll be walking anywhere with that." Minato watched how Kazehana fumbled with his trousers.

In fact, she could feel her heart pounding in her throat. Despite her usual confident nature, she knew that she was just as inexperienced as her Ashikabi. After some tugging, Minato pushed her hands aside.

"If you damage that, we'd be further from home. Let me." Minato unzipped his trouser and pushed down his underwear.

Kazehana could feel her mouth dry up and water at the same time.

Minato was packing enough heat, that was clear when she watched Minato. He really looked like he was about to burst a vessel.

The Wind Flower stilled as she looked over the part of Minato that looked like it didn't belong to Minato.

Minato could hear the audible gulp.

"Something wrong?" This time, it was his turn to tease Kazehana.

When he didn't hear anything from her, she looked over the fact of what Minato was.

"Well, it's not what I expected it to be. Were you always this big?"

Minato scratched his cheek. It was clear that this took Kazehana by surprise.

"It's a bit big, yes." He turned sympathetic towards her problems.

"Kazehana, if you don't want to, you can stop." She looked at Minato who had turned completely serious about it.

"I'm not going to force you. Grayfia-sama warned you about that for me but I am not going to force you to do things you aren't ready for." Kazehana had a half heart that said she was disappointed but another half knew that Minato was just looking out for her.

Shaking her head, she refused to fall along.

"No, it's just. I didn't expect you to be like this. But I am not going to hold back." She began to stroke him up and down.

When she heard a sharp hiss, she realized what was going on.

"Gently, please. That is my dick you are holding." She nodded to Minato and eased up her grip as she began to stroke him up and down. Minato relaxed as he used his elbows to prop himself up and she just enjoyed the feeling of him.

"Well, I think that I am getting acquainted with him. It's clear that you like it." Minato nodded as she worked him up.

Minato just watched how her soft and warm hands had worked around his dick as Kazehana liked the feeling of Minato beneath her.

He took a few breaths as Kazehana continued to work him over. Minato had to lay back and could barely speak as Kazehana began to speed up the process. She kept the same gentle touch but felt it was great to see how her Ashikabi became so desperate under her touch.

If she were to be cruel, she would build it off but she felt that of what he had done for her, Minato deserved a treat.

And while she felt that he deserved more, Kazehana doubted if she would stop with her hand. Her mouth and tits would have to wait before they saw their proper use.

"Ka, Kazehana." He said between gritted teeth.

"Just a bit more love, hold on." Pressing a kiss on his lips, and slipping her tongue in, caused Minato to lose all sense.

She could feel weeks of release dripping over them but it was just the precum. He had to catch his breath as she watched over him.

Looking back, Kazehana wanted to see him release all over her hands.

She wanted to bring her Ashikabi to cum.

Kazehana wanted to see that she was the one who made Minato cum.

"Come on, do it. Cum for me."

"Kazehana!" He shouted her name as his hot sperm shot out of his dick. She continued to stroke him, causing him to ride out the orgasm for all it was worth.

Sperm kept gushing out of his dick.

Minato had to catch his breath as she watched how much he came over her hand.

"I'm impressed. Was it that long ago?" Minato simply nodded as she licked her hand clean.

His sperm had the same taste as his saliva.

He checked the clock on his bedside. They had twenty minutes before dinner and his other Sekirei would be wondering where he was.

He looked at Kazehana who was beaming with pride.

"I take you like it." A grateful sigh escaped his lips and a relieved grin found a way on his face.

"It was incredible, thank you. Now, I'd love to give you something in return but I am afraid that we have to get ready for dinner."

Using tissues, he whipped off his remaining release. Minato looked ashamed of his short timing.

"I'm sorry, Kazehana but we need to get ready for dinner." Shaking her head, the [Queen] kissed her husband on his forehead.

"Don't be. This was to lift your spirits. Something that I most likely have achieved. My turn will come next time."

Minato nodded to her.

"That is a promise." They kissed again as they watched the sunset. Their hearts were beating as one as they just enjoyed each other.

Dinner was a lively affair.

Minato refused to share the details to prevent Kazehana's hard work from being a waste. He enjoyed his time though with all the Sekirei involved.

Uzume was also among them and she smiled as she figured that something might have gone between her big sister and Minato.

When all retired, Minato had made the place so that Haihane and Benitsubasa could join in.

Uzume was about to fall asleep in her room. But it was written that she wouldn't get any sleep.

Taking out her phone, her smile vanished.

"Hello." She said in a curt tone.

"Number Ten. You have work. Proceed to the sent-through location. Eliminate the target." That was all that was said. Looking at it, she could feel tears coming down her face.

How much longer did she have to carry this out? When would it be safe for her and her loved one? Her Ashikabi.

How much more did Uzume have to taint her soul? She had no choice. She had orders to follow.

Scene skip

Despite being buried by six women in his bed, Minato didn't have a blissful sleep. In his mind, he was walking through a beautiful forest. It was overgrown and lush.

"What the?" Minato softly wondered what this all meant. Was he dreaming? Was he awake?

Taking out his arm, Minato tried if he could try a simple summoning spell. But he quickly learned that was impossible.

"I'm dreaming. That much is clear."

His head turned to hear a voice.

"Onii-chan!" It had been years since he had been called that.

Who was there?

"Hello! Can you hear me?"

Again, a voice shouted from the void.

"Onii-chan! Come here! I'm scared!" Minato closed his eyes as he tried to hone his ears. He heard the voice again.

"Onii-chan!" There was a desperate edge to her voice. So he ran right at it.

Darkness had been kept at bay by the trees and it felt like this place was alive. He felt his heart-tugging and giving him a direction.

Then he found a girl, in the middle of the forest. She was wearing a simple one-piece as a dress. Green eyes looked at him.

She was terrified.

Kneeling down at her, the girl turned away in fright.

"Hey, it's okay. I'm not going to hurt you." He spoke softly to her. Still, Kusano didn't look at him.

"Ssh, it's okay. You're safe." Minato simply said as he touched her again. He hoped that it was enough to calm her down.

"I'm not going to hurt you."

The girl looked at him again and Minato could feel his heart melting when he watched those green eyes.

"Who? Who are you?" Minato ruffled her hair.

"I'm Minato. Minato Sahashi. And who are you?"

"Kusano." She just answered as Minato kept her closer.

"Kusano, huh? That's a nice name. Now, what are you doing here, Kusano?" The girl began to ease up.

"I got called. I am dreaming. It's what Takami-neechan says that happens when I feel my Ashikabi." Minato's eyes bulged out of his skull.

That was the first time he heard that a Sekirei could call an Ashikabi. Plus, if Kusano was talking about Takami, that must be his mother.

"Takami-neechan is really smart when she figured that out. So by dreaming, you invaded my dreams, did you not?"

She nodded happily to which Minato shot a wry grin. Just a child. That was all that Kusano was.

"So are you my Ashikabi?" Kusano asked.

"Looks like it. Sit tight. And I'll come to get you." The world around him went down. For Minato, it felt like he was playing one of those Games. Between missions, they would get torn down and built up again.

Minato could feel his head waking up.

He was still where he fell asleep. With all his Sekirei taking a piece of his body as they slept. A blanket became unnecessary as he felt the heat from his Sekirei weighing down on him.

Turning his head, his eyes saw the clock. It was nearly three am. Whatever it was, it could wait. His head wasn't clear and he could see that they would save Kusano later.

Scene skip

Takami was glad she had the entire day off to take Kusano out to the park. Her son had been in the city for a month.

That boy just loved to give her trouble. Although it could be placed in her own shoes. Within a week, Minato had winged six Sekirei, two of which should be going to the Discipline Squad. And from what her fruitcake of an employer told her, Minato had a few secrets that he most likely would share with her himself.

Whatever that meant.

Seeing how Kusano was so happy in the park, made her smile.

The Green Girl was meant to be on the outside and play in the fields. She loved the park. All the life that hung around here.

"Kusano, time's up. Let's go back to the lab." Taking the small girl by the hand, they had been quiet. For some reason, she hadn't known for sure if Minato knew Takami-neechan.

But before they could get back, they were stopped by a threat.

A scythe was aimed right at them and Takami could feel her motherly heart speaking as she ducked away.

The weapon hit the target it had not intended. Blood came rushing down from her head. Next to the Sekirei stood a young man. Dressed up in all-white clothing, Takami wondered if most jackasses that she knew, were familiar with that color.

White shirt and trousers that were costing more than her monthly wage. His hair, brown, hung over his eyes.

The guy got closer to Kusano with all intentions clear.

The poor girl could no longer hold back her fright. The attempt of Takami to calm her down was all in vain. Her power went out of control.

It caused the entire park to overgrow.

Scene skip

Minato had a funny feeling in the back of his head. It had been gnawing at him ever since he woke up.

And it wouldn't go away.

His head had been replaying that dream.

"Is something wrong, Minato? You have been jumpy this entire morning." Yume could feel that her Ashikabi wasn't all there. His body had been buzzing with energy.

"I'm sorry. I just. I can't feel like something is going on. I can't shake it."

The Sekirei of Fate just sighed as she heard him.

"Well, try to take it easy. If you are not concentrated, maybe we should take a break from our training."

It was the turn of the [Rooks] and Kazehana. Minato had given his latest additions a week off before he would include them in training.

Normally, a heavy workout would have caused him to make him forget about his issues but now, they kept playing in his head.

But a relaxing bath had proven to be completely a luxury but it was one that Minato couldn't afford.

"Minato, you have to see this!" Man, Benitsubasa didn't have vocal cords. She had vocal cables. Racing upstairs, the television had been playing and Minato had his mouth dropping open.

"MBI has requested everyone to stay away. An evacuation order has been in place. There has been no other statement made by the company."

As luck would have it, the other members of his Flock had been gathered there as well.

"This is either done by a magician who messed up a growth spell or a Sekirei. Does anyone know what Sekirei might have caused that?"

Haihane nodded.

"Sekirei Number 108. Kusano. She's one of the youngest Sekirei. Her powers are that of grass and plants." Minato felt his throat dry up.

"Kusano. That's her name?"

The Sekirei nodded at his shocking question.

"You know her?"

"No, but now I know what has been eating me. Last night, I had a dream about her. Looks like you girls can contact your Ashikabi in a dream. Fun thing that I'd like to have known."

It was rare to see Kazehana and Yume that sheepish from their actions. Minato took a deep breath.

"No use crying over spilled milk. It's clear now though. That girl needs help and she is most likely reacting to me."

Kazehana had expected as much but she didn't foresee this next question.

"Kazehana, any reason why she decided to overgrow that forest?"

The Wind Flower took a deep breath.

"Most likely, due to her being a child, she has no good control over her powers. Just like I told Ajuka-sama. We, Sekirei, run on emotions. Most likely, she got a good fright. She caused that." Minato had a few moments needed to collect himself.

"We are going to save her, right, Minato?"

The Ashikabi nodded.

"Would be the perfect time to test out mettle. I doubt we'll be the only ones on the scene."

Minato already was sure that they had some fights to test out.

Using a symbol, he held six lightbulbs in his hand.

"Minato, what are those?" Benitsubasa wondered as he handed her one.

"Those are communicators. Ever seen them in movies? With this, we can talk to each other." Looking at his Flock, Minato began to think.

"We have no clue on how the forest will be. I'll explain en route." Opening his wings, Minato took off. His Sekirei had forgotten that their Ashikabi could fly as well.

Quickly, they followed as Minato explained his plans.

"There is no telling how that place looks on the inside. We are with seven. I want to make a few groups. Yume-san, take Musubi-chan and scout around the forest. Do you see any Sekirei or Ashikabi who want to enter the forest? You scare them off. I want to make sure of that. Only kill when you have no other way. I don't want to make too many foes this evening."

"Alright." Yume was on board.

"Will do." Musubi sure sounded excited.

"Haihane, you and Benitsubasa are going inside the forest with me. We'll take opposite directions. Same orders as the [Rooks]. Keep your bloodlust in check."

"Sure," Haihane answered.

"Oh, come on! I want to fight!" Benitsubasa complained.

"You have your orders. I demand obedience." Minato's voice was calm, cool, and just a bit pressing. It was enough to shut up the fight happy [Pawn]

"Minato, what am I and Akitsu-chan to do?" Kazehana couldn't help but tease her Ashikabi. Especially after what they did a few hours ago.

She had gotten so much closer to her [King] than any of her sister-wives.

"You and Akitsu-san are on me. You'll help me in fighting the Sekirei. You got your orders. Does any see a reason to complain?"

When silence was all he heard, Minato knew this was going to work.

The forest was impossible to miss and the five landed in the middle of it.

Musubi and Yume took off as they saluted Minato. The [King] nodded to Benitsubasa and Haihane as they took off.

Minato spearheaded as he ran in the forest.

He had always been seen as an idiot for taking up parkour as a hobby but now, it paid off.

"Minato, wait."

"We can't keep up like this."

Kazehana and Akitsu were stuck on the ground as they ran after their Ashikabi.

In the trees, he kept still for a few seconds.

Minato would touch one of them and it was like he listened to them.

"Minato, what is going on?" Kazehana had never thought that her lessons in physical education would pay off as the Wind Flower looked better than Akitsu who felt like she was going to throw up.

"Be quiet. I'm feeling." It appeared that this entire forest felt with Kusano. And Minato could feel for her.

He used his energy to feel for the young Sekirei.

Kusano was here. She was scared out of her mind but the forest kept her calm.

"This way." Minato slid down from the trees.

"How are you so sure?" Akitsu asked as Minato joined them.

"Kusano can control the plants. I am not sure how but I have used a spell that makes me find her energy."

Then he felt a sudden spike.

"Sorry girls but we gotta go fast!"

He could feel that something was wrong.

As soon he turned, he found to see that Kusano was being dragged along by a woman. She was carrying her scythe.

Minato could see that she had brown hair and the gown had been black.

"Come on. My master is waiting for you!"

"No!"

"Let her go!"

The two women turned to see Minato standing with Kazehana and Akitsu catching up.

"Who are you? My master has demanded this girl. Let me through." The Sekirei glared at them.

Minato's eyes landed on Kusano.

"Onii-chan!" When Minato saw the young Sekirei, his eyes softened up a bit.

"I'm this girl's Ashikabi! You're going to release her." Twirling her scythe around, the girl turned to see them.

"Oh, an Ashikabi. Looks like your Onii-chan is a pervert. With those two." Minato's eyes narrowed. Both Akitsu and Kazehana glowered when they heard those words.

Minato raised his hands, stopping his Sekirei.

"No. I got questions for her. We don't know how strong the Evil Pieces were on you. You two might accidentally kill her. Try to get to Kusano and calm her down. I'm going after this bitch myself." Cracking his knuckles, Minato's eyes settled on her.

"Can I have the name of the person who I am going to beat within an inch of her life?"

The Sekirei snickered when she heard those words.

"Oh, you poor bastard. You think you can win from me." When she saw how serious Minato was, the eyes went on her.

"Fine. I'll humor you. I'm Yomi, Sekirei Number 43."

"Pleased to meet you, Yomi. I'm Minato Sahashi." Breathing in, he watched how Yomi raised her scythe. Minato just looked at her as she jumped in the air.

A savage swipe was all she did as Minato stood back as it passed him. The earth rumbled as it was embedded in the ground.

"Oh, look out. Someone is going to get hurt by that."

The Sekirei glared at him.

"Oh, you'll pay for that." Her swipes caused the wind to move. Minato raised his hands and he remained in the same place.

"What? This should have knocked you off your feet?"

Minato glared at her as she didn't know what he was.

"Try harder. But if you're done. My turn." Minato jumped up to her. Yomi barely had time to react as Minato landed on her scythe. Before she could react, Minato punched her. Dazed, Yomi felt another hit coming through.

Meanwhile, Kazehana and Akitsu had slipped to Kusano. In an unspoken agreement, Kazehana had lifted the younger girl up to her lap while Akitsu stood to watch.

"Onii-chan is going to get hurt! The mean lady hurt Takami-neechan." Kazehana knew immediately who she meant.

"Oh, don't worry. Minato is a strong Ashikabi. He'll handle her." Kusano looked at the other lady. Akitsu just smiled at her. Her eyes remained on the fight though.

"She's right. Minato is strong."

The confidence made Kusano easier and more relaxed. She looked at the fight as Minato avoided or tanked the hits. Despite the fact that he felt his clothes were torn, he didn't look embarrassed. His shirt went and both Akitsu and Kazehana didn't know if they had to thank Yomi for that.

After using his hands, Minato landed a roundabout kick on Yomi's face.

"Hey, you two. Are you Onii-chan's Sekirei?" Kazehana nodded as she turned Kusano around. Feisty little thing, Kusano. She would cause the Inn to live up a lot more.

"Yes, we are. Minato winged four other Sekirei." Kusano began to count on her little fingers.

"So that means that Kusano has one Onii-chan and six Onee-chans!" Her optimism and energy were infectious.

Ruffling her hair, they continued to watch the show.

Yomi got haggard while Minato grabbed the scythe and threw it away. Smacking her against the tree, Minato lifted her up by the scruff of her neck.

Getting in her face, Yomi felt very frightful as she watched Minato, getting in her face.

"Now, we are done with this. You only got one shot of getting out of this alive. Do you have a Master? Who is he?"

Yomi felt that fighting back was better than selling out her Ashikabi.

"Like I'll answer that." Minato turned to Kusano.

The [King] didn't want her to see what he was going to do to this poor girl.

"Girls, I want her ears and eyes closed off." The Sekirei knew better than to disobey Minato when he ordered them. Kazehana took care of the ears while Akitsu prevented the eyes from seeing the show.

When Minato was sure he could preserve Kusano's innocence, he grabbed her left index finger of Yomi and bent it backward. An awful crack was all that was heard as pain rushed through her brain.

Before the blood-curling scream could hit the forest, Minato had sealed her mouth shut with his hand.

"Now, you got nine more. If you tell me who your master is and where he is, I'll heal your little finger and I'll let you live. How does that sound now?" Yomi could hardly believe this scrawny-looking guy could be so cruel.

Minato had learned a lot through his life as Devil. While he was nowhere near the ones who really got into questioning, Minato did learn a few tricks.

And while Yomi might appear to be a fighter, she had no clue about what a real fighter could do. Akitsu felt a chill running down her spine while Kazehana had estimated that Minato would do something like that.

Yet, a reminder of the fact that her Ashikabi could turn into a stone-cold killing machine, wouldn't be outdone.

Tears were in Yomi's eyes. She had never been prepared for this kind of treatment.

"Mikogami! Mikogami Hayato! He's my Ashikabi!" Minato took her middle finger and slowly pressed on it.

"Where is he?"

"South side of this forest! I know where he is! Please, no more!" Using a simple spell, Minato patched up her finger. Shoving her forward, his eyes were set on her back.

"Fantastic. Now, walk to your master." Without even saying a word, the two Sekirei hopped down. Kazehana carried Kusano in her arms who saw how her Ashikabi was walking.

"Wait!" Turning to the little girl, Kusano moved and wriggled in the arms of Kazehana. Putting her on the ground, the girl ran up to Minato. Kneeling down to her, Kusano looked up at him.

"Hey, can you become Kuu's Ashikabi? Become Kuu's onii-chan?"

"If you are reacting to me, then I am willing to become your Ashikabi," Minato answered. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pressed her lips on Minato's. It was tame from what he expected but it was just a child's kiss.

When she let go, she said the words that Minato found fitting for her Norito. "Life of my Pledge, Shine on my Ashikabi!"

Minato smiled at her as he ruffled her hair.

Yomi glowered when she saw her action getting failed.

"Welcome to my family, Kusano." He looked back to Yomi. She hadn't run away.

"Good. You're still here! Now walk."

In his head, Minato also called the four others back to him. Together in a group, they marched out of the forest.

Yume and Musubi were immediately enamored by the cuteness that Kusano spread. Haihane reacted a little miffed but found that when she looked at Kusano, she found her endearing.

The only one who was furious was Benitsubasa but she had found that going against her [King] would be wise if not every other of the Flock would murder her for looking at Kusano in the wrong way.

The comment that Kusano had the same chest size as her, courtesy of Kazehana, had only fueled her fire. Minato had assigned her to walk in the front next to Yomi. Both vented as Minato could feel the exhaustion, hitting Kusano.

Shifting her to his shoulders as he had seen done to young Devil children so many times, was the right call.

He remembered the young siblings a few years ago. One was an older boy who had red hair and azure eyes, who carried his young brother, a kid with white and red hair in the middle as he slept in the back.

For some reason, Minato had felt sad when he saw them pass by. It was no secret how their father treated them and the rest of their family.

That didn't matter to Kusano who was rocking on his back. Eventually, they ended up where an expensive car was parked. Minato saw the young Ashikabi, surrounded by a few beautiful girls.

Of course, they were. But their beauty was lost on Minato as he watched his Sekirei.

'Am I that in love with them that I can't see the beauty of others?'

Next to the child, dressed up in white. He was a few years younger than Minato and his outfit appeared to be all white and gold.

Next to him stood a male Sekirei.

The hair had some sort of silver color and his grey eyes narrowed at the sight of Kazehana. Carrying a sword to his waist, Minato shifted Kusano in case he would need to get her out of harm's way. Black pants and shirts were worn. The front was open though. Minato doubted the belt would have a practical use.

The scarf was orange and wrapped around his neck and shoulders.

The rest were women. One reminded Minato of a Yamato Nadeshiko. She would be if she wasn't wearing a large blade that had two sides to it. Her kimono was long and purple and from what he could see, black hair had been tied up in a white ribbon. Her eyes were also purple and they had a sympathetic look to Yomi who scoffed at the reaction.

Two other Sekirei looked like twins. They had short and curvaceous builds with long, blonde hair, tied up in twin tails. Their dress looked to be Chinese style.

Their dresses were dark and had a yellow stripe on it. Minato wondered how that worked with them.

The last person was wearing the same clothes as her Ashikabi. The grey hair hung over her body and the violet eyes looked at Minato and his Flock.

The white dress had long, flowing sleeves but it left enough open for her breasts to hang out.

Minato counted that they had four Sekirei although the male had to be a Singe Number if he guessed from this power.

"Benitsubasa, I want you and Haihane to run away with Kusano if things turn sour. The rest of you stay here." He hadn't removed the earpieces.

The boy spoke up and Minato looked at him. If he was this fast and he had already winged five Sekirei, he was quite a powerful Ashikabi. He didn't take him to be so young though.

Before he could say something, the boy spoke first.

"Yomi, what is this? I told you to get me the Green Girl! Who is this?!" Minato turned to Kazehana and tossed the still sleeping Kusano to her. Before the other Sekirei could move, Minato had moved in and pressed a finger to Yomi's neck.

"Introduce me to your Ashikabi. Tell me who I am." The Sekirei nodded as the rest watched the Ashikabi move.

"I'm sorry, Hayato-sama. It appears that this Ashikabi got there first. Plus, the Green Girl reacted to him. She has been winged by him."

The Ashikabi began to stamp with his foot as he began to curse.

"What? That is not fair! It was first come, first serve! It was said in the text!"

Minato was a bit amazed at how the boy reacted. Was this kid serious? Then his eyes settled on the Yuki-Ona behind Minato.

"What?! Did you wing the Scrapped Number as well? That is impossible. Why did you do that? She was unique."

Minato found his words again.

"Just because she is unique, doesn't mean that it's good to stay like that. I helped her out. And now, you can choose." Minato looked him over.

He wasn't a bad kid per se. He was quite a powerful Ashikabi if Minato were to guess. He had over five Sekirei this early in the game. Still, if he managed to do this, he could find a way to work him.

Taking him down would be the fastest way but there was no telling what the cost would be for his Sekirei.

"What do you know of it?! Who are you?!"

"Minato Sahashi. I'm the Ashikabi of the Sekirei behind me. I encountered your Sekirei when I went after Kusano. I couldn't have her fall in the wrong hands. You know, she's reacting to me."

Hayato crossed his arms as he glared at Minato.

"What is that supposed to mean? I went after them because she is strong."

"Kid, this ain't some Pokémon game. Those Sekirei are living beings. You're essentially married to them by their customs." Kazehana remembered something that she better would tell her Ashikabi now.

Although, it wouldn't make Yomi's situation any better.

'Love, Kuu-chan told me that they hurt Takami as well when they went after her.' Minato was two seconds away from snapping Yomi's neck.

It wouldn't be right for his mother to pass. Not before she learned of him and what he became. He would need to look for her later.

"I heard you hurt someone when you went after Kusano. What happened to that person?"

"She got taken away! I don't know. Some woman in white and all dressed up. White hair and some lab coat. Some old hag. What's it to you?" Minato sucked in air through his teeth.

"Kid." The Ashikabi as he felt fury going through him.

"I have a name. Hayato! Hayato Mikogami!"

The patience of Minato was wearing thinner now.

The words of Ajuka were the only thing that kept him from going overboard.

"Find your allies in the city. Even if they are not the ones you'd pick for a Rating Game, you will need those who are willing to fight next to you. Look past their flaws and look at their potential."

"Hayato, then! That hag was my mother. And I'm holding your Sekirei here in my hands. I can break her neck if you continue. Now, you're going to shut the fuck up and listen to what I have to say!"

Minato took a few deep breaths to calm himself. When he felt his blood no longer rushing, he looked at Hayato.

The child clearly took to the game. But he looked at it like that. As a game. Not as something dangerous. Not a blood sport that could cost others.

He had seen too many Devil children turn sour from pressure on them. And this kid showed signs of that.

"Listen here, Hayato! Why did you tell your Sekirei to attack my mother?"

Instead of shouting and cursing, Hayato looked at Minato in an ashamed matter.

"I wanted to have the Green Girl. But the scientist protected him. Yomi just followed my orders. Please, don't kill her."

'Oh, so he can show sympathy. And well, this girl.' Minato could understand her. She had the same nature as Akitsu and Musubi. A bit too pleasing to him and they forgot how to act properly.

"Is my mother dead?"

"Not when I saw her last. She was safely taken away." Minato relaxed a bit when he heard those words.

"Listen here, Hayato. You can't just rush up to your Sekirei and just wing them. Your own self. It's what causes Sekirei to like you or not."

Hayato crossed his arms as he heard Minato talk.

"Who are you to lecture me? You have seven Sekirei here as well. What makes you any different?"

Minato threw Yomi asides and he was glad to see that Hayato ran up to her and wrapped his arms around her.

'Well, he does take care of them. I suppose he'll reprimand her later but for now, he is just happy to have her back. I take there is a certain fondness he has for them.' Minato didn't miss how the male looked at him as well.

Grateful was something that came to mind.

"Thank you for giving her back."

"She isn't a thing. She is a being. One that you need to take care of." Hayato glared at him but when he got a glare back, he relented.

Kneeling down to him, Minato knew that he was either extremely trusting or extremely stupid but from what he got, the other Sekirei didn't attack him.

"Listen here, Hayato. They're not just things you can collect. They are beings. They are alive. They're someone you should take care of."

"Then what am I supposed to do? I can't sit on my butt all day and do nothing!"

The complaints just kept piling up.

"I am not saying you should do that either. I'm just saying that you should look at this in a different light. Would you like it if you were bound to a person who you don't love? Or even like?"

That gave him pause to think. They were at the same height. Hayato felt embarrassed but for some other reason. Fuzzy and warm. Now he talked to Minato.

He decided to listen to the older Ashikabi.

"I see that you're thinking about that. It ain't a pretty picture, is it? An Ashikabi who already winged five Sekirei is a pretty powerful one. But let the Sekirei come to you. Or find them."

There was still defiance in Hayato's eyes as he heard Minato talk.

"Why? I think that I want them, I can get them." Minato shook his head.

"Sekirei can find you if you're the right person for them. It's how I found my Sekirei."

The Ashikabi of the South made a sigh as he looked back at Minato.

"And even so? Why would it do me well?"

Putting a heavy hand on the shoulder, Hayato gulped when he felt the pressure. Minato was still having a calm smile but there was a change in his energy.

"If you look at this from a Game perspective. This ain't a free for all. This is what I'd see as a Coop game. The best way you might live through this is by working with allies. I don't think you'd like to lose your Sekirei."

Looking at Yomi, she was terrified of Minato. Hayato nodded to him.

Losing his Sekirei would be a horrible thing. He had grown to be very fond of them.

Those girls made that empty house be alive.

The inner child inside of him was no longer crying with them around.

"Okay, you win. If you say so. I'll work with you." Minato ruffled his hair when he grinned at Hayato.

"That's a good answer." Feeling the fatigue hitting him, Minato found it was way too late for either of them to be awake.

"Now, scuffle. It's late enough." After a grumble, the Ashikabi of the South got in the car.

Kazehana saw him leave. The male Sekirei looked at Minato's [Queen] and shook his head.

As soon the motor roared to life and left the group. The Ashikabi looked at the Wind Flower who shook her head.

She would tell her Ashikabi the story that he was entitled to but now, wasn't the time to talk.

"I think we better get this little one home." Kazehana yawned and the other Sekirei felt the fatigue hitting them.

Even as Devils who thrived in the night, they felt their natural biology. Plus, the [Rooks] and [Queen] had their training day.

Yet, for Minato, his warm bed wouldn't be something he could get just yet.

"I'm afraid that I can't join you just yet." The Sekirei looked at Minato who opened his wings.

Turning to his Peerage, Minato looked at the woman that he loved so much.

"Get Kusano home and do not leave her alone. Tell Miya to make an exception."

"What do you intend to do, Minato?" Kazehana asked the question burning in everyone's mind.

"I'm going to see my mother. I owe her that much." The Sekirei heard his voice and tone. He wouldn't take another answer.

The Ashikabi had been replaced by their [King]. None of them thought to stand against him.

"But it wouldn't be polite to let you leave like that." All of them got kisses and they could feel the warmth seeping into their bodies.

They opened their wings and flew back to the Inn while Minato flew to MBI. The tower in the middle of the city was unmissable.

A few simple spells turned him invisible and with another one, he knew where to find his mother. She was lying on a sick bay. Minato flew upwards and found the place where his mother, the one who had given him life, lay in a bed.

Sedated and full of medications.

Memories had consumed him and he had always remembered her with brown hair. An undefeatable force. And yet, when he had tried to remember her, as a child, it became impossible.

His [King] had taken care of him as a young boy and had raised him as her own.

Minato would never hold that against Serafall but it felt him with guilt. Touching the window, Minato made it disappear.

He got in and walked over to her.

The strong male that was an undefeatable Ashikabi and [King] made way for a young boy that felt his heart breaking. He knelt down on the bed and Minato felt tears filling his eyes.

"Mom, what have you done?" He placed his hands on her left as he felt that she was asleep.

Standing up, he touched her forehead. Despite the advanced medical procedures, they couldn't remove scars.

But Minato wouldn't let his mother walk away with a scar. Touching her forehead, he infused it with his energy.

When he felt that it was enough, he touched her forehead. Kissing it, he smiled at her.

"I hope that one day, I can tell you what I am. I do hope that you can forgive me for what I have done. Good night, mum."

Going through the same door as he left, Minato looked back at his mother. After he restored the window, the Devil flew back to his Flock.

Just a few minutes later, Takami Sahashi woke from it.

Her open eye looked around the place.

MBI, of course. Those pieces that the fucknut that she let come in her had most likely called in security and got her in.

Yet, she had expected to sleep. Her mind tried to give up on Kusano. She loved that girl with a fiery passion.

Most likely, the fruit cake had used her for some sick game. Yet, that wasn't the biggest thing that she worried about.

She touched her own head and could feel that it no longer hurt. Had MBI been that good already? Takami would have been the first one to know about that.

Yet, it didn't hurt as much as it did before.

Going against everything she had ever been taught, Takami undid the bandages. A mirror stood and she could see it.

The wounds had been healed. There wasn't even a scar remaining. She hadn't heard or seen anyone entering and nothing of her alarms bleared.

Yet, she could feel something else. A warm presence. Smelling her hands, there was a distinct scent on them.

Takami couldn't place where she had felt that before. She flopped back onto her bed.

She had been too tired to really care about it now.

The scientist was exhausted, beaten, and dazed from her medication. She would sleep and see later who was the lucky fellow who had winged Kusano.

Scene skip

When Minato and his Flock had left the Inn, Miya had guessed it would be a quiet evening. Matsu finally felt safe enough to crawl out of the hole that she was hiding in.

"Is the Spawn of Satan finally removed from this house?" Miya didn't even look up to see Matsu in the house.

The Sekirei of Wisdom was like many others, a beauty.

Her long orange hair hung in braids and like her eyes, it was in the color orange. She and Kazehana had a similar choice in clothes as her dress resembled a cheongsam. Her body was well filed out and she had great legs.

Her eyes shined at Miya who smiled back at her.

"Minato Sahashi and his Flock isn't here. Do not worry, I doubt they'll be home for the evening."

"Don't call the handsome Devil that, Matsu. He makes this place live a bit. Besides, he has already figured you out." Uzume walked in and took a seat.

The place felt quiet without the Ashikabi. In her heart, she knew she made the right choice with Chiho but now, she felt a bit unsafe.

Was it wrong of a Sekirei to second guess her choice in an Ashikabi?

"I think they'll be helping out that little one, Kusano. Who is to say that Minato didn't wing her?"

Miya watched how Matsu giggled. The knife was raised in a threatening matter to the Sekirei of Wisdom.

"Matsu, please refrain from using vulgar language in this house."

The Sekirei felt sweat dripping down her back as she watched the knife.

"Yes, Miya. I know! I won't do it again!"

She had seen what Kazehana had done with Minato. She wouldn't sell out that woman.

Whenever Minato walked by, she could feel her body heating up.

"Ah, well. He is not here and I don't think he'll be home soon!" Matsu should have learned that goading to Murphy wasn't a good idea.

The doorbell rang and Miya looked at her food.

"Uzume, can you open the door?" The brunette walked out of the room and grumbled something about the stud picking bad timing.

She hadn't expected to see the two faces before her. But they weren't the most pleasant ones.

"Well, look we have here." A surprised voice answered Uzume's face.

"If it ain't Sekirei Number 10." A snark was shot in her direction. Uzume took a few seconds to see who had crawled up in front of her face.

"Hikari and Hibiki. Didn't expect to see you skanks ever again. What are you doing here?"

The Sekirei of Thunder and Lightning had been a set of twins. They had a slender and tall build. Long black hair that was tied up in a ponytail. They had been wearing casual clothes that showed one difference.

Hikari had been gifted while Hibiki had a slow growth so to speak.

Hikari was wearing a black shirt with white lines at the top that showed her generous girth and a few miniskirts. Meanwhile, Hibiki was wearing a similar outfit although hers was a summer dress.

"We are here because Seo said to meet us here. Plus, we have been told we could get something to eat here as well." Uzume remembered that most likely Miya had cooked for the others.

In that way, not as much food would have to go to waste if those two joined the table.

"Well, you're in luck. We have an abundance of food. Just give me a second. Miya, we got guests! Hungry ones! Birdie ones!"

"Friendly ones?" Miya shouted back.

"You can make a point of that," Uzume said with a grin and the two glowered at her.

"Let them in." Uzume moved her hand and she nodded at the two.

"Follow me, you two. But keep thoughts to yourselves. We all want to eat in peace."

As soon as they had entered the door, Uzume wondered how much longer the peaceful days would continue.

She hoped that Miya would let the two stay for a bit.

Scene skip

Minato flew through the sky as he heard something from Kazehana.

"Love, I hope you don't mind but we stopped by a fast-food restaurant. We have all been starving from this mission and we needed to recharge. Plus, I doubt that Miya would allow us to eat now." Minato couldn't argue with their logic.

"Where are you at now?"

"McRonalds. The one, about five clicks south from the Inn."

Minato could feel his own need for food to grow.

He hadn't eaten since noon, and that was more than twelve hours ago.

"You leaving soon?"

"No, we have just started at the fourth go. Kusano is still as sound asleep as a kitten. Want to join in?"

Feeling his own stomach rumble, Minato wanted nothing more but to join in the feast of eating cheap food. Plus, a few thousand yen for all the poor saps who worked there.

"Give me ten minutes. I can go for a few burgers as well."

The place had been deserted but it had been going in full swing. The poor employees could barely hold on to the amount of food that the Sekirei had been packing away.

They were the only residents and yet, it felt for the employees that rush hour was easy compared to now. Minato watched the struggling workers, this late at night, working hard.

The front worker, a guy who had been down on his luck in life, just looked at him.

"Are those women friends of yours?" Minato nodded and he opened his wallet.

Fat stacks of yen fell on the plate of the poor guy.

He could barely believe what he got paid.

"Divide this between you and the remaining staff members. And no one needs to know about this." There were only five workers.

Minato had just paid them their week shift in triplicate.

"If you can stay a bit, we can sure stay open." Minato turned around to the office.

"Can I order as well?"

With a glee, that could only come from a really good tip, Minato got himself quite a few meals as well and made his way to the table.

Musubi, Benitsubasa, Yume and Akitsu made their way back for another round. On the place, he found Haihane already sleeping against the wall while Kazehana was nursing Kusano.

He could barely believe how beautiful she looked as Kazehana took care of the little one. In a decade or two, he would have his own children with her.

Maybe a girl with his hair color and her eyes.

Or a boy with her hair but his face. The ideas were shaken off and chalked up to late-night fatigue and an empty stomach.

"Welcome back, my [King]. How do you feel?" Minato could barely wait to start ingesting the food. He sat down next to Kusano and Kazehana as he began chomping down.

"Mum is fine although I really need to see her awake. And for some reason, I got a funny feeling in the back of my head. Something tells me that the Inn might be having some surprises."

Kazehana picked a fry from his plate.

"Do not worry. If they were nasty, Miya would have shut down." Minato continued to eat while the rest of the Flock came through and they started to eat. The hunger went away while they chatted in a quiet tone.

They wouldn't wake up the small girl. When Minato checked the clock, it had been nearly three in the morning.

The night had flown by while they were seated in the place.

"Eh, Kazehana. What is our best course of action? We stick around here for a few more hours or we go back to the Inn."

Her smile made his heart skimp as he felt afraid.

"We can make it late in the night and later, walk our way back home." Minato dreaded the choice he made as he felt that Miya wouldn't be happy with that.

Luckily, Yume had foreseen that.

"Do not worry, Minato. I sent a text to Miya. She had informed us that we would welcome in breakfast."

Minato saw how Akitsu nursed Benitsubasa who felt sick from too much eating. Musubi had fallen asleep on Yume's lap while Haihane hadn't woken up.

"Can we sit here for a few hours?"

"If you keep ordering yes. At six, you gotta scurry." Minato hadn't guessed that pulling an all-nighter wasn't something he would do.

What were those idiots saying about doing this in college? This sucked. And as a male, he had to stay awake. He would know that as soon he got into the Inn, he would find his comfortable bed and sleep for the entire day.

They waited until that time came around and the group moved their tired bodies. Minato couldn't support them all and the sun had begun to set through the city.

Fatigue hit them all and all longed for that soft and warm bed.

They stumbled their way home while half of the group carried the other. As soon as the Inn came into view, Miya watched how the group came home.

Looking over, she saw that Minato carried a young girl on his back. Putting her broom away, she walked up to them.

"Is that little one, Kusano?" Minato nodded and yawned as he felt his fatigue really hitting him.

"Yes. Now, Miya, I hope you don't mind we are going to sleep until supper. We'll wake up ourselves."

Miya nodded to him. She could imagine them being tired.

"I take you all can need some sleep. Have a good rest. We'll talk later."

She watched Minato and his Sekirei walk into the house, hoping not to disturb the others.

The Pillar had taken Hikari and Hibiki in. Their first plan was to wait until that mooch of a Seo finally came around.

The lazy bum was Takehito's best friend but that didn't mean she had to like him. The twins were another story though.

They had taken up an empty room. Matsu and Uzume had both taken a bit of a liking to the two and they had chatted the entire evening until they fell asleep.

Too late to return to their place, Miya had offered them a place to sleep and they had gratefully accepted.

In the room, Hikari woke up as she felt a spark lit in her body. The booze, fatigue, and not enough hours of sleep, caused her to wake up but she felt the embrace that her sister had on her.

Did Seo pass by? She doubted that as it was too early for him to pass by. Punctuality wasn't in his nature.

Unlike her own nature, Hikari fell back asleep on her pillow, deciding that it was way too early to wake up now.

In another bed, Uzume didn't have a quiet night. No, the Veiled Sekirei could feel a part of her missing when Minato had walked out.

She had seen Minato walk into the Inn two weeks ago and he had managed to turn the tables for quite a few people.

She thanked the Gods that the shitbag who held her leash didn't ask her to go after Kusano.

Uzume had seen how Minato had done the impossible and she began to wonder.

She remembered the conversation that she had with Chiho when she was allowed to visit her.

Scene skip

Peeling an apple, Uzume cherished the moments she could spoil her Ashikabi. Handing her a slice, Chiho gently ate that one.

"Anything going on at the Inn, Uzume-chan?" Chiho asked as they watched the weather outside. It was a beautiful day but neither wanted to go outside.

"Not much no. We got a few new attendants at the Inn." Uzume knew the entire hospital was wired taped. She couldn't talk too much about Minato.

Not to give those shitbags any more ammunition than they already had.

"Oh, a handsome young boy? Is my cute Uzume thinking of cheating on poor me?" Uzume rolled her eyes as she took a slice in her mouth.

Sliding up to Chiho, she watched and gratefully took it as she ate it. The kiss was a normal thing that followed up.

"He's handsome yes but both of us are taken by others." She didn't want to tell Chiho too much about Minato yet.

But she wanted to know something though.

"Neh, Chiho. I have a question. What would you give up to be rid of your disease?" Uzume's voice had become serious.

"What do I have left to give? My freedom is all that I have. I have nothing, Uzume. I have no family, no house, and no money. You are the reason why I can have this." Uzume didn't want her sweet Ashikabi to find out what she had given up.

"But if you could give up your freedom? If you could be cured. Would you?" Chiho's breath halted in her mouth. She began to think about that question.

"I don't know. It's a bit too abstract." Chiho answered.

"But would you? Let's say that you could." Uzume pressed on.

"Uzume-chan, why do you ask these questions?" Uzume just waved it away.

"Just a hypothesis." She didn't want to get her hopes up.

Scene skip

Well, Chiho didn't protest it. But Uzume knew that Minato wouldn't be pleased if she told Chiho about the fact he was a Devil.

Plus, he might help her.

Her mind wondered about it. Would he give up such a valuable piece to a sick and dying girl like Chiho?

From what she had seen, Minato was a kind, considerate, virtuous, and strong young man. He didn't allow anyone to crap on his servants. But he could back up his words.

But would he take that? Would he take Chiho in? She had no clue if he would. She did want to know that though.

Uzume had seen how he treated her. The idea that the Knight in Saving Armor was there to help them out.

But this Knight had a price that he wanted to pay. Tears filled her eyes as Uzume thought about it.

If Minato was back awake, she would ask him.

Uzume doubted that Minato would leave a damsel in distress like that.

But her resolve was steeled. She would take with Minato about this as soon she saw him.

---

I think this is enough for our chapter. We have seen a lot in this chapter and I really enjoyed writing this chapter.

I know it's quite a bit that we had here.

From the meeting with Minaka to the winging of Benitsubasa and Haihane. We also had Ajuka take a look at Minato and his Sekirei.

We also had our first sort of lemon in this fic. I just felt right on writing that.

So yeah, you can say that I crammed a lot in this chapter. But it was fun to write.

The next chapter will pick up on pieces that we had here in this one.

Which will be published next week Friday.

But for now, I'm going to save this chapter and have it for later on what else we have.

Saluut.