I have been busy on many other fronts, which is why the last two chapters took me a while to convert into this AI. We are nearing the end of this fic and the original one. It was a nice trip down memory lane.
I have been working hard on the last chapter, especially with all the stuff on it—the most extensive chapter to date. I have fiction that is the size of that.
I had a week off from work as my dad left on holiday. These are close things, but they are what they are.
Thank you all for the support last month, and I am glad that you liked it.
The original fic has been ended in the beginning of this week. It's been quite a journey on my end but well, it's been a ride to work on that.
Please check that out as there are two more before this fic caught up with the other one.
Also, PM's are out for one reason or another. Don't ask me about it.
Started on 24/09/2023
Ended on 29/09/2023
Checked on 07/09/2024
I was a young man full of hopes and dreams.
But now it seems to me that all is lost, and nothing gained.
Opening song: Figure09 from Linking Park.
Ichika had his headset on, the voice of Chester Bennington blasting in his ears, drowning out everything else. It was the only way he could find some peace.
The girls had been trying to get his attention for a while, but it was nearly impossible. He'd threatened to spill the beans about their fantasies, spreading them all over the school.
That would shatter their pristine image and bring them a mountain of trouble. Not that Ichika cared much about that.
He leaned his head back against the train seat, feeling the rhythm of the music steady his thoughts. He had volunteered to take photos during the trip to Kyoto. It was the perfect excuse to avoid spending time with the girls—and to stay clear of Chifuyu.
Honestly, he still couldn't believe the school had allowed another trip after the colossal disaster the last one turned out to be. But here they were.
Kanzashi sat quietly beside him, the only one among the girls who didn't annoy or try to kill him. She was lost in her world, watching anime on her phone, and Ichika appreciated the silence between them. Neither of them felt the need to talk, and that was fine.
He glanced up through the train window, watching the sky roll by. All he hoped for was an ordinary trip, one without any surprises or unnecessary chaos. Just once, he wished he wouldn't have to worry about anything.
Scene skip
Kosaki Onodera was a woman on a mission. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get Nagisa—no, Ichika—out of her head. Even if Ichika had lied to her, she was certain he had good reasons.
Miya Asama had told her to leave Ichika alone. She'd tried. She really had. But her heart wouldn't stop singing, and she longed to be near him.
Kosaki wanted to be a part of his life.
Her mother had given her the address Ichika had left behind—the place he said he lived. With that, Kosaki made her way to the Izumo Inn.
She knocked on the door three times before a handsome man opened it.
Takehito, the man at the door, had no idea what a high school girl was doing standing in front of his home. His teaching days were long behind him.
"Can I help you?" he asked, his voice calm but curious.
"Is this where Ichika Orimura lived during his stay in Shinto Teito?" Kosaki asked, her eyes filled with quiet determination.
The mention of Ichika's name immediately put Takehito on alert. There weren't many people who would casually drop that name.
"Who are you?" he asked, keeping his voice steady.
"My name is Kosaki Onodera. Ichika worked at my mother's shop for a while. I believe your wife came by to inform us that he would no longer be working with us. I was also told that it would be safer if Ichika didn't contact me."
Takehito sighed, feeling a slight pull at his heartstrings as he looked at the young woman.
"That's indeed for the best," he replied softly.
Kosaki's expression remained firm. "That's for me to decide. I came here to ask if there's any way—any way at all—that I can get in contact with Ichika. I know he had to return to ISA because of something here, and I assume he and Minato Sahashi are friends."
Takehito blinked, surprised at her insight. This young woman was sharper than her innocent brown eyes suggested.
"You're correct," he said cautiously.
"Is Minato still in contact with Ichika?" she asked, her gaze never wavering. Takehito paused, weighing his words. He knew this girl wouldn't leave without a solid answer.
"Yes," he admitted. "Minato still has Ichika's contact details. But, as my wife told you, it's too dangerous for you to be in touch with Ichika."
Kosaki looked up at him, her resolve unwavering.
"Does Minato Sahashi live here?" she pressed.
Takehito leaned against the doorframe, shaking his head. "No, Minato moved out. As you might already know, he won the Sekirei Plan. One of the main reasons Ichika moved out was because Minato had children on the way. With Ichika around and their friendship, it would've painted a huge target on Minato and his wives. Is that all you wanted to know?"
Kosaki hesitated but then asked the question that had been on her mind since she arrived.
"Where did Minato move to?"
Scene skip
It had taken considerable effort for Kosaki to get Takehito to give up Minato's contact details, but she finally had his address. Her plan was simple: she would ask Minato to act as a messenger and let Ichika decide. If Ichika thought it was too dangerous, she would respect his decision. But if Minato could be the middleman, it would be a way for her to stay in touch with Ichika.
She sent her mother a quick text, letting her know that she wouldn't need lunch. Her thoughts were preoccupied with Ichika. Despite the short time they had spent together, she had grown fond of him. There was something about him that spoke to her—a warm, kind soul that he kept hidden beneath the surface.
The outskirts of the city were quiet, with no public transport, so Kosaki had to walk a long way to find the house. It was a gated home, and she didn't doubt the place was equipped with top-notch security.
She rang the doorbell and waited.
A woman's voice came through the intercom. "Yes?"
"Is this where Minato Sahashi lives?" Kosaki asked, hoping she could convince the woman on the other end.
"Who wants to know?" The suspicion in the woman's voice didn't surprise Kosaki. If even half of what Takehito had said was true, they had every right to be cautious.
"My name is Kosaki Onodera. I was a classmate and colleague of Ichika Orimura. I got your address from Takehito Asama. I want to speak with Minato."
There was a pause, the silence heavy for a few moments before the voice returned. "Give him two minutes. He'll be out shortly."
From her spot outside the gate, Kosaki saw Minato approaching the entrance.
"You know," Minato said as he reached the gate, "I didn't believe Matsu when she said someone named Kosaki would come by. But I guess she was right."
Kosaki smiled slightly. "Mr. Sahashi, you're friends with Ichika, right?"
Minato halted for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he studied her. "You worked with Ichika," he stated as if piecing it all together. "I suppose you'd like his phone number?"
Kosaki's face lit up, her excitement causing her to stammer. "How did you—"
"No woman goes through this much trouble for nothing," Minato interrupted with a wry smile. "Miya already told you it was safer if Ichika didn't contact you. And she's not wrong."
A fire ignited in Kosaki's eyes, surprising Minato. He hadn't expected this kind of resolve from her.
"That's for me to decide," Kosaki replied firmly. "If you're in contact with Ichika, could you do me a favor?"
Minato nodded, gesturing for her to continue.
"Could you contact Ichika and ask him if he's okay with me having his phone number? I want to be in contact with him. I care about him."
Minato thought it over. Ichika already had enough trouble with women, but Kosaki seemed different from the others at Infinite Stratos Academy. The sincerity in her eyes spoke volumes.
"I see. I'll send him an email and ask if he wants to chat with you. But are you sure? I mean, the guy lied to you."
Kosaki shrugged. "I've heard that from plenty of people already, but I don't care."
'Girl, you have no idea,' Minato thought.
"But I forgive him for that. So please, could you ask him?" Kosaki's sincerity hit him harder than he expected.
Minato nodded, thinking it over. Ichika could use a decent girl in his life before he ended up swearing off women altogether.
"I'll shoot him an email, but you'll need to be patient. In his last one, he mentioned he was going on a school trip and would be busy. Check back in a week or so."
Kosaki, having found the long walk tiresome, quickly offered her phone number. "Just text me back. You have a beautiful home, but it's not exactly a pleasant trip out here. So, if you could…"
Minato gulped, already dreading explaining to his Sekirei why he now had a high school girl's phone number.
"Fine, you win. I'll let you know." He gave her a friendly nod. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to help out inside."
Kosaki bowed deeply. "I'm so sorry if I interrupted you."
Her genuine apology made Minato laugh. "Don't worry about it. I'm just taking care of my wives. I have six Sekirei and one Ashikabi, and some of them are expecting, so things get pretty busy around here."
Kosaki blushed furiously, her face turning red as she stammered her goodbye and hurried away. Minato shook his head in amusement, watching her leave.
As he walked back into the house, he found all of his women waiting for him, watching him expectantly.
"That was Ichika's former colleague," Minato explained. "She came asking for his contact details."
Kazehana, arms crossed beneath her ample chest, glanced down at her growing belly and then back at Minato. All of them were showing signs of pregnancy, and Minato adored them even more for it.
"You're going to do it, right?" Kazehana asked.
Minato paused, then nodded. "It's his choice. Just like you made yours. I think he sent me an email recently. How about we reply to that?"
The women all gathered around him. It pained them that they couldn't see their little brother, but Ichika had promised to be there when the babies were born.
Minato opened the computer, and they all leaned in as he began reading the first few lines of Ichika's message.
Hi Minato.
I hope you are okay in Shinto Teito. I hope that some can forgive me for the broken promises that I made.
"He is making something up for that broken promise," Kazehana added while Minato decided that he would reply later. He had removed an extra file to add Kazehana's lines.
I can tell you, though, that for some people, we are dancing monkeys, especially after what Tabane had put us through.
"I think that she needs another threat. It would teach her to back off from Ichika." Matsu knew that he would pay her back with lots of kisses.
While things are better but not great, I have come back home.
I am unsure if I can put myself through this school.
I can say that they leave me alone most of the time. It was quiet for most time. Was as I have to underline that.
"They didn't start again, did they? Why would those worthless wenches learn that our little brother is too good for them?"
Tsukiumi's language might have been vulgar, but she made good points.
A couple of days ago, I had to get my machine checked out. A woman there, Hikaruno Kagaribi, offered to look up my machine and free sex. I could only take up the first one as she refused to get my second one done.
My sister would kill her. I haven't asked her yet if she knew Kagaribi. But, well, that wasn't important.
"He has changed. I didn't believe that he would grow this callous." Minato found that Ichika didn't need to know that opinion of him.
What was important was the World Purge. A sort of system that needed your virtual self to repair it.
If you want to call that sci-fi big brother, you are the one married to seven aliens. Not me.
Chiho laughed a bit about that.
"And you also got an Ashikabi girl pregnant. I really should remind him about that." The tone made it clear that she was joking around. She was in the minority, so she let that slide.
Houki, Rin, Cecilia, Charlotte, Laura, and Airis had to repair that system. Unfortunately, someone messed them up (I like to add that you should Tabane a ring to back off), and it fell to me to be the hero in shining armor to save them.
Matsu smirked as she had an extra incentive while Musubi crossed her arms.
"Ichika is not exactly a knight. He is closer to a samurai." Several laughs broke the serious vibe and chuckles, and Minato pressed a peck on her cheek.
"I don't think you are really wrong, Musubi."
They never have the right to call you a pervert (although I think I will call you a stud for the great event of knocking up seven women), as their fantasies were something that I wish I could put behind me. If you really want me to, big brother, I can write them out here for you, but aside from Houki's (marriage and I take over her family's dojo), I wasn't equal in one of them.
"You should thank him for that compliment." Kagari stretched a bit from those words when Minato had been given them while Kusano was waving at Minato.
"Why did Houki think of a dojo?"
"She grew up in one when she was a little girl. Her father is hoping that she will be his heiress. You get no guesses why, Ku." Minato had hoped that her violent tendencies would have been reigned in.
One couldn't know peace without violence, but the ones familiar with the latter would enjoy the former.
Either servant, master, or house husband. You name it Minato, and I was it. I'll let your Sekirei guess it.
"I do not need the intricate fantasies of those trollops. Anyone disagree?"
"No!" The chorus echoed over Tsukiumi's sentiment.
The show wasn't all that bad, though. When this was over, Chifuyu moved me to her room. I have been sleeping there.
I know that I burned quite a few bridges, but with my sister and me, we are slowly coming closer. With the stunt I pulled, she no longer treats me like, excuse my foul language, a fucking idiot, weak-ass little brother.
Minato did signal to Kazehana to close the ears of the Green Girl while a somber mood ran over him. The Sekirei couldn't blame him for those word choices, as Ichika had often been seen like one.
Their training paid off, and reading about Chifuyu made them wonder.
Aside from that, she has done me a few things. First, I can say that somewhere, I am looking forward to the trip to Kyoto despite my guts telling me that trouble will pop up there and it'll be on like Donkey Kong.
"They really think they deserve that?"
"Don't ask for logic, Kagari. It's never there." Minato did not like this one bit.
I will say this, though, Minato.
I miss you.
I miss your advice, warmth, and the person I could contact with issues.
I miss your Sekirei, the energy of Musubi, the gentleness of Kazehana, the warmth of Kagari, the choice words of Tsukiumi, the tips from Matsu, the teasing from Uzume, the talking with Chiho, the playing with Kusano.
The words touched all Sekirei, and even Minato couldn't feel wrong from hearing those lines.
I miss them all.
I miss Miya and the house. I miss my school.
I miss Kosaki and my job. I missed my chance at a simpler life.
"Well, he'll be getting her information back soon, so I think he'll say yes to that."
Ultimately, I realized that I would not have an everyday life.
"Being normal is overrated, and besides, I don't have a normal life." All Sekirei knew that he was speaking the truth.
I hope you're doing well with the Sekirei, and I will see you in March.
I'll keep you posted on the rest of it.
"He's going to get in trouble in Kyoto, right, hun?" Kazehana was sure about that news while Minato looked at the Wind Flower.
"You all have been training him, so I think he'll be fine. No matter what they would throw at him, he can handle that."
Your brother.
Ichika Orimura.
Minato had the replies of the Sekirei in a Word file, and he began to write back.
It wouldn't be for long. They would enjoy their time, and the winter would have been harsh.
Scene skip
Even though Ichika was in Kyoto, Japan's former capital and one of the most beautiful cities in the world, he couldn't enjoy himself. His thoughts kept drifting back to his time with Minato.
This was a city meant to be explored with friends and lovers—neither of which Ichika had.
In an attempt to take in the beauty of the city, Ichika had left his headphones behind at the hotel as he wandered through the streets. He couldn't deny the charm of Kyoto; there was a quiet, inner peace to be found in its surroundings. Yet, that peace did little to ease his mind as he continued walking. His thoughts always seemed to check back in with the ISA.
'I'm out on my own. So far from home. And I wish you were here.'
Missing Minato certainly didn't help. The Sekirei was always lingering somewhere in the back of his mind, but Minato stayed at the forefront.
This trip had already gotten off to a strange start. Tatenashi had somehow shipped herself to Kyoto in a box for reasons that made no sense to him. Thankfully, Kanzashi had been there to help him deal with it.
He was grateful to have at least one girl in the ISA he could talk to. Kanzashi wasn't interested in him romantically, and for that, Ichika was thankful. No, friend wasn't quite the right word to describe her. She was more of an acquaintance—someone who kept her distance, which suited Ichika just fine.
The constant energy of the girls around him annoyed him, but Ichika had learned to brush it off. The girls, of course, were always asking him to take pictures. Honne and her friends had bought masks and posed playfully by the temples, and Ichika didn't mind snapping pictures while they fooled around. He even hoped the "bride" of the group would treat her future groom well, though the thought amused him more than anything.
For now, he kept walking, soaking in the city's peaceful atmosphere. There was beauty everywhere, and that made the trip somewhat worthwhile.
One place, in particular, stood out—a shrine famous for matchmaking and love. It was there that Rin clasped her hands together, praying silently to the gods. Under Kuno's spell, she had revealed her true feelings to Ichika. Despite her confession, Ichika had rejected her without hesitation. He wanted nothing to do with her or any of the other girls.
Still, Rin could only hope and pray that one day, he would come around. She believed that if something—anything—could change Ichika's opinion of her, he might see that she wasn't as horrible as he seemed to think.
'Please, fix my relationship with him, even if it's just a little.'
Lost in her prayer, Rin didn't realize she wasn't alone. Ichika had spotted the signs near the shrine and instinctively turned away. Something told him it was best to avoid getting involved.
Meanwhile, Maya and Chifuyu walked through the wooden structures of the shrine, the quiet surroundings broken only by the sound of their footsteps. Maya noticed that Chifuyu was unusually quiet.
"Orimura-sensei, is something bothering you?" Maya asked, her voice tentative.
Chifuyu didn't turn around but kept walking. "It's just… Orimura has returned to school. He's changed a lot."
Maya didn't pry for more details. She wasn't interested in knowing the specifics. From what she had observed, Ichika had become even more closed off and angrier than before.
'It's not my business. I'll let her handle this.' Maya thought as they continued their walk in silence.
Scene skip
Ichika turned his head to see Djibril and Airis trying on traditional Japanese clothes. As much as he loathed the two of them—especially Airis' spoiled behavior—he had to admit, they looked good in the outfits.
The princess was busy ordering several pieces as Ichika continued to walk, letting his legs carry him around. There was something about this place that kept him calm, allowing him to enjoy the sights.
The Knight found himself standing by the river, lost in thought.
'With everything that's happened in Shinto Teito, it's been insane. But before that, there was Madoka…'
The supposed little sister he had seen just before going to Miya's house. She hadn't come to threaten him, though her presence lingered in his mind.
'I was safer there. But staying would've brought danger to Minato and his women.'
Despite being so close to her, Ichika had never asked Matsu to look into his past. There were some fragmented memories from when he was four, but everything before that was too hazy to recall.
Chifuyu had never told him where they indeed came from, and he had always taken her word as gospel. But over the last year, Chifuyu had done nothing but lie to him, and doubt had begun to creep into his mind.
One thing, however, remained true: "Never forget who's been with you the longest."
Just then, a familiar slim arm wrapped around his shoulders, and he turned to grin at Minato.
'That's one thing you never lied about.'
Ichika continued wandering through the bamboo forest, his mind spinning with everything he'd seen and experienced. The beauty of the forest was overwhelming, and for a brief moment, he enjoyed the serenity and peace.
Before he could immerse himself further, he felt a presence nearby. His head turned sharply to spot a stunning blonde woman. Her long hair flowed down her back, and her red eyes, though seemingly friendly, held a mysterious edge.
Her dress was stylishly cut, revealing just enough, and she wore a scarf that could double as a sweater.
The woman raised her hands, a smile on her lips, as she approached him. Ichika stayed alert, his gaze steady on her.
"Apologies, I didn't mean to startle you," she said, her voice smooth and disarming.
"You've already done that," Ichika replied coolly. "Can I help you?"
Her smile widened slightly, sending a chill down his spine. His right hand inched toward his sword, ready for anything.
"I noticed you have a camera," she said, pointing to it. "Would you like me to take a picture of you? This spot is perfect for it."
Ichika wasn't entirely sure about her, but she didn't seem hostile. Besides, she seemed genuinely interested in helping. He figured that if anything went wrong, he could handle it.
"If you insist, fine," he said, handing her the camera. He leaned against the bridge, arms crossed, and gave a calm smile as she snapped the picture.
When she handed the camera back, Ichika checked the photo. It had come out surprisingly well. He nodded in appreciation.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome, Orimura Ichika," she replied, turning to leave.
Before she could walk away, Ichika grabbed her wrist, his eyes sharp and flat. He searched her face for any clue as to her true intentions.
"How do you know my name?" he asked, his voice cold.
The woman chuckled softly, amused by his reaction. "The whole world knows your name."
With that, she gently pulled her wrist free, and Ichika let her go. He would have to keep in mind that his name was something that would always follow him.
'I miss being Nagisa Korida.'
From afar, Houki watched Ichika, keeping her distance. She had noticed how he tried his hardest to avoid all the girls during the trip, and so far, he had done a good job of it. Even when they approached him, he would turn away.
Houki, the shrine maiden, felt a pang of sadness as she recalled everything that had happened between them.
'I understand you don't want to see the others, which is fine by me. But why are you avoiding me, Ichika? Can't you see that Minato's motives are worse than mine? Things can't go on like this.'
He didn't want to be near her, and that realization hurt more than she expected. She turned on her heels, walking away to hide the tears that were now streaming down her face.
Scene skip
By evening, the group had gathered at Kiyomizu's terrace. Maya shared interesting facts with the students while Ichika reflected on his day. Though he mainly had been alone, that was just how he preferred it. The girls had left him be for the most part, and even when they got close, he just kept his distance.
"Kiyomizu's terrace sits on a 13-meter-high mountain slope, supported by 139 pillars known as 'hell posts'!" Maya announced enthusiastically.
'I've been in hell. It's called the ISA.' Ichika thought as he gazed out over the scenery, thankful he wasn't afraid of heights.
"It's beautiful!" Charlotte exclaimed, her awe mirrored by several other girls as they took in the breathtaking view. Despite the modern age, Kyoto remained one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
'Maybe this is the one good thing that came from returning.'
Maya's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Everyone, we'll meet at the monorail stop at the scheduled time!"
Ichika, camera in hand, found a scene too perfect to pass up. He spotted Chifuyu standing alone, looking more relaxed than he had seen her in a while. Despite everything she had done, there was something about seeing her like this that intrigued him.
As he raised his camera to take the shot, Chifuyu turned and caught him in the act.
"It's not polite to take a photo of a woman without asking first," she scolded, though her tone was less severe than usual.
Ichika rolled his eyes. "Get over it."
Chifuyu sighed but didn't push the issue. "Make sure to give me a copy later." She walked away, leaving Ichika to shake his head in disbelief.
Before long, a group of girls swarmed around him, eyeing the camera in his hands.
"Hey, Ichika, you've been to a lot of cool places!" one of them said eagerly.
"Yeah, I want to see too!"
"Not fair, let me look!"
"Me too! Me too!" they chorused, struggling to grab the camera.
Ichika barely had time to react before his grip slipped, and the camera fell, crashing down from the terrace.
"Just great! Leave me alone! I'll go get it!" he snapped, his frustration showing as he made his way to the ground level.
It took some time to locate the camera, but when he finally did, it was intact.
"Sturdy stuff," he muttered with a slight chuckle, relieved. But that relief was short-lived as he sensed a presence. He looked up to see Madoka standing on the cliff's edge, holding a locket that she had just snapped shut.
The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the landscape, and Ichika had no doubt this would lead to a fight.
Miya's katana at his side had never felt more reassuring.
"Ichika Orimura," Madoka greeted, her voice calm but edged with menace.
"That's the name, don't wear it out. Hello, Madoka. It's been a while," Ichika replied, his tone casual but alert.
Madoka chuckled softly. "It has indeed. We heard you returned to the ISA. And your recent exploits in Shinto Teito haven't gone unnoticed."
Ichika wasn't about to take any chances with Phantom Task. "Byakushiki." His unit gleamed bright white, enveloping him in its protective power.
Madoka, not wanting to be outdone, summoned her unit. "Kuroshiki."
Ichika eyed the black butterfly-like design of her unit—it resembled Silent Zephyrs but clearly upgraded.
"That's an impressive unit. Let me guess, Tabane made that one?" His words struck a nerve, though Madoka's eyes were hidden behind her mask.
"How did you—"
"She's been fucking with me for a while. Couldn't you just kill her?" Ichika suggested, half-serious.
Madoka found herself, for once, in agreement with him. "That was… prohibited. She did create my unit, after all."
Ichika sighed, the thought of Tabane stirring anger in him. He would kill her one day without hesitation. She was a threat not only to him but to Minato and his Sekirei. Ichika owed Minato an honor debt, and he would see it repaid.
"So, what's your problem with me? I don't think I've done anything to you," Ichika asked, his tone calm but laced with tension.
Madoka paused. He had a point. Their fights had always been detailed, never personal.
"You're right. But to become who I'm meant to be, I have to kill you." She smiled, though it lacked any warmth.
"I can say that I've tried," Ichika muttered as he launched himself at her, their weapons clashing fiercely. She hadn't expected him to be so fast, so strong.
"You've heard of my exploits, right? Do you know what I've done in Shinto Teito?" Ichika asked, pressing his advantage.
Madoka gritted her teeth, feeling the immense power behind his strikes. He had grown much more vigorous since they last fought.
"I know you defeated the Black Sekirei," she spat.
"Then you should know this is a fight you can't win." Ichika's blade pushed her back, leaving her struggling to keep up.
"I will never stop. I will become who I need to be. And I will kill Chifuyu Orimura."
Her words struck something deep within Ichika. Chifuyu had lied to him for so long, and now, more than ever, he needed answers, even if he had to beat them out of her.
"Get in line," Ichika growled, refusing to let her escape. They flew through the darkening sky, their weapons clashing again and again as the sun set, casting the final rays of light over the horizon.
This fight was about more than just survival—it was about getting answers.
Madoka had hoped to finish him quickly, but Ichika was outmatching her at every turn. Even though Byakushiki had only one weapon, Ichika's skill with it was more than enough to keep her on the defensive.
[M, what are you doing? It would be best if you had dispatched Ichika Orimura by now.] A voice buzzed in her ear, frustrating her further.
[Our intel was outdated. He's stronger than we anticipated. I can't shake him.] Madoka gritted her teeth as Ichika pressed the attack, his strikes relentless.
[Good thing I foresaw that. Keep him busy. There's a bomb on the train.]
Madoka's heart sank. She had wanted to be the one to kill Chifuyu, but if she couldn't even defeat Ichika, what hope did she have?
Scene skip
The girls had returned to the train, but before they could finish counting, they realized something was wrong—Ichika, Houki, and Cecilia were missing.
"Where is Orimura?" Chifuyu asked sharply, her eyes scanning the wagon. Her instincts screamed that danger was closing in, a feeling she couldn't shake.
"Houki and Cecilia are missing too," one of the students added, concern quickly spreading among the group. Just as they were piecing it together, the train doors abruptly shut. The train left the station at a speed faster than average, unsettling everyone onboard.
That only confirmed Chifuyu's worst suspicion.
"Phantom Task," she muttered, cursing herself for not anticipating this sooner. Ichika wasn't here. The train was hijacked. The atmosphere in the train shifted to one of rising fear and panic.
She had to act fast. "Sarashiki, look this up."
Kanzashi already had her laptop out, expecting Chifuyu's command. She started to type furiously, but before she could even get to work, a pop-up screen appeared.
"Big sis," Tatenashi's voice came through the screen. She was flying through the air, fully suited in her IS. Her face was tense.
"Kanzashi, get Orimura-sensei on the line. There's a bomb on the train! It'll go off in ten minutes!"
Kanzashi's face paled. "What? A bomb?!"
"Terrible news. We have a bomb on board!" she shouted, relaying the message to the others.
Chifuyu clenched her fists, her mind racing. Just when she thought the situation couldn't get any worse, it did.
"Get the doors open!" she ordered.
"I can't," Kanzashi replied, her fingers flying across the keyboard. "The whole train's been hacked. I'll need to reset the systems before I can do anything."
The tension mounted as seconds ticked by, every moment feeling more desperate.
Nearby, Djibril was trying to calm Airis, who was visibly shaken. The princess had never experienced anything like this before, and the news of a bomb only heightened her fear. "It's going to be okay," Djibril said, though her own voice wavered as she tried to reassure her.
Panic spread through the train car as the students looked at each other, unsure of what to do next. Chifuyu's mind raced for a solution. She needed to find a way to stop the bomb and secure the train, and fast.
Scene skip
Houki had been searching for Ichika, knowing that time was running out. Her heart raced as she scoured the area.
"Houki." Cecilia's breathless voice caught her attention, and Houki turned to see the blonde looking just as flustered.
"What are you doing here?" Houki asked, her eyes narrowing slightly, but she realized quickly that having an extra set of eyes wouldn't hurt—especially if Cecilia was also looking for Ichika.
"I'm searching for Ichika too, but I haven't been able to find him," Cecilia replied. Her instincts suddenly kicked in, and before she could say more, Houki yanked her to the side.
From the corner of her eye, Houki saw bullets whizzing past. She had just barely managed to pull Cecilia out of harm's way.
"Bloody hell!" Cecilia gasped, on the verge of losing her composure, but before she could say more, an unhinged voice cut through the chaos.
"Damn, I missed!" The voice was harsh, almost maniacal.
Houki and Cecilia turned to face the source. It was Autumn, equipped with a new unit, a malicious grin on her face.
"You," Houki muttered, her eyes narrowing with recognition.
"My name is Autumn. Don't forget it!" she snapped, clearly ready for a fight.
In situations like this, where their lives were at stake, any rules were thrown out the window.
"Akatsubaki!" Houki called, summoning her unit.
"Blue Tears!" Cecilia shouted, summoning her own.
Autumn may have been more experienced, but Houki and Cecilia had the advantage of numbers. They were ready to show just how much they had learned from their battles against Phantom Task.
Without hesitation, the two girls began dodging the barrage of laser bullets fired in their direction.
"Eat this! And this! I've got plenty left for you two brats!" Autumn cackled, unleashing a relentless volley of attacks.
Houki's mind raced as she analyzed the fight. She knew they couldn't keep this up forever.
"Cecilia, we can't stay here! We need to head back to the monorail!" Houki called out, her voice urgent.
"Roger that!" Cecilia responded immediately, understanding the gravity of the situation.
The two girls worked in tandem, utilizing their individual strengths. Houki acted as a decoy, drawing Autumn's fire and making herself an easy target while Cecilia lined up her shots. One of Cecilia's sniper rounds missed the deranged Autumn by mere inches, but the impact was devastating—the building behind her took a severe hit.
"Houki-san!" Cecilia shouted, worry in her voice.
Houki didn't need to hear it to know they had to move fast. Both girls shot off like rockets, dodging Autumn's relentless attacks as best they could.
They needed to be on the offensive. When Autumn unleashed another energy blast from her unit's abdomen, Houki skillfully dodged it, letting the shot slip by before launching her own counterattack.
With a burst of speed, Houki closed the gap and slammed Autumn into the ground, her twin swords digging into the earth to pin the Phantom Task agent down. Autumn, trapped, had no means of escape.
"Now, Cecilia!" Houki shouted.
Cecilia had been waiting for this moment. She lined up the perfect shot and fired, her sniper round striking true. The resulting explosion was massive, engulfing Autumn in a cloud of smoke and debris.
For a brief moment, the two girls felt the satisfaction of victory.
"No time to celebrate!" Houki said, her voice sharp and urgent. "We need to get to the monorail!"
Without wasting another second, the two rocketed off toward the monorail, knowing that their fight wasn't over yet.
Scene skip
Overlooking the city, Squall Meusel admired the chaos unfolding below. She had hoped for a more decisive outcome, but the situation was turning out differently than expected. The weakling, Ichika, had learned a lot during his time in Shinto Teito.
He was effortlessly pushing Madoka back, not even breaking a sweat. His training and experience were paying off, and it was clear to Squall that Ichika had grown far stronger than before.
"I should have known better," Squall muttered to herself. Her attention was drawn away as a voice behind her interrupted.
"Don't you know it's rude to eavesdrop on a lady?" Tatenashi, arms crossed, stood calmly, her sharp gaze fixed on Squall.
Squall turned with a smirk, unfazed. "You're sharp. But it seems you've found yourself outclassed."
Tatenashi's expression remained cocky, her confidence unwavering. "Do you mean yourself or Ichika Orimura? That boy is showing off his progress. Better than you," she shot back.
The sting of her previous defeat by the Sekirei still lingered in Tatenashi's mind, but she wasn't about to let it show.
"Oh, I think he's not the only one who's grown," Tatenashi continued, her tone laced with determination. "But let me ask you: how much do you really know, Squall Meusel?"
"I won't let you do as you please, Phantom Task," she declared, taking a step forward.
Squall giggled, clearly entertained by Tatenashi's bravado. Despite their setbacks, Phantom Task wasn't about to be stopped.
"Congratulations on finding me here," Squall said, still smirking. "But I guess you're a little late." From behind Squall, a golden tail-like appendage appeared, striking toward Tatenashi with lightning speed.
The attack was sudden, and Tatenashi had no time to react. The tail coiled around her, trapping her in a tight grip.
"You know the monorail your academy is riding on?" Squall's voice oozed with malice. "We've planted a bomb there. It's set with a fixed timer. I'll enjoy watching you try to prevent a tragedy."
Tatenashi struggled against the golden tail, her muscles straining against the hold. "Thank you for informing me," she grunted. "That means I'll just have to change my schedule."
Squall's smirk widened. "What makes you think you'll even be able to move?"
The golden claws dug into Tatenashi's unit, and Squall prepared for a deadly strike. "Goodbye," she whispered.
In a flash, Tatenashi's body exploded into particles of water, her unit shutting down momentarily. The water enveloped her, swirling in a protective dance, revealing that Tatenashi had evaded the worst of the attack.
When the dust settled, the real Tatenashi stood, her unit still activated, looking unharmed. Her bravado had not been for show.
"Miss Phantom Task," Tatenashi said, her voice steady, "I'm afraid this will have to wait for another time."
Without waiting for a response, Tatenashi shot into the air like a rocket, her escape swift and determined.
Squall's smirk faded, but she wasn't about to let her prey get away so easily. "Oh, don't be so cold," she muttered as she leaped after Tatenashi, her unit transforming. It gleamed in gold, with a massive tail whipping behind her.
Tatenashi dodged as heavy fire rained down on her, each shot from Squall's unit aimed with deadly precision. The air crackled with energy as Tatenashi twisted and turned, avoiding the relentless onslaught.
Squall wasn't giving up easily, but Tatenashi had no intention of letting her catch up. This fight wasn't over, but for now, she had to reach the monorail.
Scene skip
Kanzashi sat on the train, eyes glued to the data in front of her. The bomb was still somewhere onboard, but before she could find it, she had to override the train's mainframe and unlock the doors.
"Let me go out, Instructor," Laura requested, her voice steady as she prepared herself for action.
Charlotte stood up as well. "Me too. They'll need help," she added, determination in her eyes. Rin was already on her feet, eager to join them.
But Chifuyu crossed her arms and shook her head. "You need to stay here. I can't have you fighting. Besides, you can't even leave the train now!"
Before Chifuyu could finish, Kanzashi interrupted, her fingers flying across the keyboard. "Let them go. I haven't found the bomb yet, but I've managed to unlock the automatic doors. They can go outside and start searching for it."
Chifuyu considered for a moment then looked over at the three girls. There wasn't much else they could do from inside the train.
"You heard her. Don't let me down. Deploy your units and stop the train!" she ordered.
Laura, Charlotte, and Rin wasted no time, immediately rushing out of the compartment, their faces set with determination. Kanzashi, meanwhile, remained laser-focused on her task. The timer was ticking down fast, but she didn't let the pressure get to her.
'I'll find this bomb,' she thought, her fingers continuing to work swiftly. 'I swear it.'
Scene skip
For the first time in a while, Ichika was enjoying himself in a fight. No matter what Madoka did, he seemed able to read her moves effortlessly, as if he had unlocked a deeper understanding of her fighting style. The two clashed repeatedly, but Ichika held the upper hand, and Madoka knew it.
Madoka gritted her teeth in frustration. 'His fighting is nothing like I expected. He's much stronger than I would have ever foreseen. It's like he's a different person.'
Ichika kept advancing, his focus sharp, cutting through her defenses with ease. His mind, however, was still distracted by a voice that cut through the battle.
[Orimura, there's a bomb on this train. Sarashiki hasn't found it yet. We only have five minutes!] Chifuyu's voice came urgently through the comm.
Ichika's response was cold, almost indifferent. "What do you want me to do about that? I'm in the middle of a fight here with the Kuroshiki Unit. I can't do anything from here. You have others to deal with that. I'll keep this unit occupied. How does that sound?"
Chifuyu hadn't expected such a callous reply. There was an edge to his voice that chilled her. It was as if he didn't care—about her or anyone aboard the train.
'How much did I mess up to make you like this?' she thought, watching as Ichika effortlessly handled himself against Madoka.
His movements were fluid, precise, and confident. It was clear he had no problem fighting this Black Knight. As she observed the fight, a more profound realization crept in. 'It's you behind that mask, isn't it, Madoka?'
Madoka, meanwhile, was beginning to understand just how much Ichika had evolved. She remembered that he was no longer an inexperienced fighter.
Before she could react, a voice rang out across the battlefield.
"M!"
Ichika's head turned just in time to see Squall approaching. His instincts flared, and he dropped back into a defensive stance as Squall joined the fray.
"Ichika!" Another voice cut through the chaos—Tatenashi had arrived, appearing behind him.
"There's a bomb on that train! We need to hurry!" she shouted.
Ichika's gaze remained locked on his foes. His response was blunt and unwavering. "Go to the train and help them!"
"Are you crazy? You can't take them on alone!" Tatenashi yelled, trying to reason with him. But Ichika didn't even look back at her.
"You're wrong," he replied coldly. "You'll just be in my way. You're talking to the guy who defeated Karasuba."
Before Tatenashi could respond, Ichika launched himself at Madoka, forcing her to retreat. But even as he pressed the attack, a golden flash caught his attention—Squall's Golden Snake unit had arrived.
"Ichika Orimura, you're showing off," Squall taunted, her voice dripping with menace.
Ichika didn't bother replying. His speed increased, quickly closing the gap between them. Madoka hesitated, unable to fire at him without risking hitting Squall. Ichika seized the moment, his blade Yukihira connecting with Squall's unit, delivering a devastating blow.
Squall's eyes widened in shock as Ichika's mechanical arm sliced through her defenses effortlessly. Pain surged through her as the blow landed.
"Fuck, monster!" she spat, her voice shaking.
Ichika's expression didn't change. His face was a mask of stone, betraying no emotion. He kicked Squall back, his movements methodical, almost surgical.
Turning his attention to Madoka, Ichika blocked her next attack with Yukihira, deflecting the energy rifle she had aimed at him. In one fluid motion, he drew his second sword, his body moving with deadly precision.
Squall, recovering from the blow, watched him with a new realization. 'He's changed.' She could feel it in every strike, every calculated movement. 'He wouldn't have cared if my arm was metal or flesh. He'd cut it off either way.'
Ichika's power was undeniable now—honed from experience, sharpened by battle. As he stood before them, something about him shifted. Energy surged around him, not the usual Reiraku Byakuya. This was something else. It was as if a ghostly presence had washed over him.
"M, do you see that?" Squall whispered to Madoka, her voice edged with uncertainty. Both of them watched as Ichika began to transform. Behind him, the spectral image of Miya Asama appeared, her form as imposing as ever.
Madoka's heart raced. She had heard stories about Ichika's encounter with Miya, but seeing the influence firsthand was something else entirely. 'This can't be happening…'
"You really shouldn't have come here," Ichika said, his voice low and deadly.
The presence of Miya loomed over him like a goddess of war, her simple katana at the ready. Ichika, now fully transformed, wielded his twin swords with a newfound power. The energy around him crackled with intensity.
Madoka gritted her teeth, realizing too late that the stories had been confirmed. She had underestimated him. This was not the same Ichika she had fought before.
"You really shouldn't have come here!" Ichika's voice echoed with power, his body radiating the same fierce energy as Miya's. This would be the fight he had been hoping for.
Scene skip. Requested flashback
Squall Meusel had just gotten the news through from her latest sources.
"Something wrong? We are still doing our attack on Kyoto." Madoka was now standing next to her.
"Ichika is back in the school. It appears that the trip is underway." The signature smirk found a way on her face.
"Perfect. That means he'll be most vulnerable. I will be able to kill him." Popping up the drink that she had stolen from Autumn, she was about to enjoy this treat.
Squall turned to her as if she had seen a ghost.
"You believe that M? Ichika Orimura has defeated Karasuba? Sekirei Number Four. The Black Sekirei and the MBI Hound. She was the final opponent that Minato Sahashi faced, and Ichika managed to do something that required several Sekirei."
Madoka spat out the drink when she heard that name.
"Karasuba? You told me that there are two beings in this world I should never challenge. Sekirei Number One Miya and Number Four Karasuba. You tell me now that Ichika beat that Black Sekirei."
That news was horrifyingly shocking to hear.
"He is getting much stronger than I had thought. It could be interesting for me."
Squall scoffed when she thought about that.
If Madoka didn't manage to get him down, she would find it to be nearly impossible to kill Ichika. He would never been able to be taken down.
Scene skip, back to the present.
Ichika smirked as he surveyed his opponents. He could practically smell their fear. This was going to be far too easy.
[Orimura! All the girls have returned to the monorail! They've located the bomb and are working on disarming it] came Chifuyu's voice over the comm.
Ichika sighed in frustration. "How is that supposed to help me? Don't send them back up—they'll get in my way!" With a quick crack of his neck, he launched himself at Madoka with terrifying speed.
For the first time in a long time, Madoka felt a deep sense of dread. Ichika had become a monster. The gap between them had widened so much, even though she had been training relentlessly. But it wasn't enough. She wasn't enough.
Back on the train, Cecilia had successfully located the bomb, and thanks to Tatenashi's quick thinking, she managed to open the small compartment where it was hidden. They couldn't disarm it, but they could throw it out. Laura's AIC would handle containing the explosion.
Not that Ichika was even aware of what was happening on the train. He was completely locked into the fight. His focus was razor-sharp, but more than that, he could feel Miya's presence guiding his hands, her wisdom and experience flowing through him as his swords clashed with Madoka's.
Squall, however, wasn't about to let things continue in Ichika's favor. Her golden snake unit coiled itself around him, attempting to squeeze the life out of him. Ichika, without hesitation, drove his katana deep into the tail of the serpent. Squall winced in pain but managed to throw him off, though not without effort.
"M, we need to retreat," Squall barked, her voice tense. "In this state, we can never defeat him."
Madoka wanted to protest, but she knew better. Ichika had grown far more substantial than she could have ever predicted. She clenched her fists, her pride wounded. "I won't lose next time. Remember that."
Before Ichika could react, Squall and Madoka took off, fleeing the battlefield at full speed.
Ichika was poised to pursue, his instincts urging him forward, but Chifuyu's voice interrupted him again. [Stand down, Orimura! You can't go after them. We need you here!]
He cursed under his breath, knowing she was right. Reluctantly, he pulled back, turning to see that the train had stopped and the others were safe, none of them worse for wear.
Despite his burning desire to chase them down and continue the fight, he knew better. 'Know every battle you go into. Never wander in unprepared. That's how you get killed.' Miya's words echoed in his mind, guiding his decisions once again.
He descended, landing near the train, barely acknowledging the others as his eyes swept the scene. The train had come to a halt. The bomb had been neutralized. They had won, though it felt hollow. He hadn't even broken a sweat during the battle.
'You were there, Miya. I could feel it.' He silently thanked the woman who had been like a mother to him, though she was nowhere in sight.
From a distance, he noticed Chifuyu watching him, her eyes full of questions. For a brief moment, he considered flipping her off to spite her. But he let it go. It was enough for one day.
Scene skip
Sitting on a rooftop, Tabane and Chloe watched the chaos unfold below with satisfied smiles. Tabane closed her laptop with a soft click.
"I wonder if Chi-chan enjoyed my little gift," Tabane mused, her tone playful, utterly unconcerned with the turmoil they had unleashed.
Chloe, lounging beside her, glanced over. "But Ikkun's making a real mess of your plans, isn't he?" she said with a hint of amusement.
Tabane sighed, though it wasn't one of frustration. "Yes, but still… the Sekirei couldn't have predicted this. I'm one step ahead," she replied, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.
Chloe nodded, recalling the stories she had heard about the Sekirei, both from her deep dives on the Internet and from what Tabane had told her. But this—this was something better, something far more intriguing.
The two of them weren't affiliated with Phantom Task, so if anything went wrong, they were in the clear.
Plausible deniability. It's a thing of beauty.
Scene skip
Chifuyu and Maya sat at the bar, reflecting on the day's mission. The dim lighting and quiet hum of the bar created a stark contrast to the chaos they'd just been through.
"It's late," Chifuyu said, her voice distant as she swirled the drink in her hand. She seemed lost in thought.
"You could argue that Ichika is the hero," Maya added, breaking the silence. "He fought off two Phantom Task agents and forced them to retreat. How strong is he really?"
Chifuyu groaned at the mention of his name, rubbing her temple. "I don't want to talk about him. We've got enough on our plate just cleaning up this mess." She paused, taking a long sip of her drink. "Let's just finish these and call it a night."
No one would fault her for wanting a drink after the hectic day they'd had.
Maya took a thoughtful sip of her own. "Still, his actions saved lives. There were no casualties this time. It went better than previous missions. But… if Phantom Task shows up again, do you think he'll be there?"
Chifuyu leaned back in her chair, staring at her glass. "Who knows?" she muttered. "But we're going to need more allies if this keeps up."
Scene skip
The Knight didn't feel like heading straight into the hot springs just yet. Maybe later, when he was sure the girls wouldn't bother him. Something in his gut told him to avoid it for now. His headset blasted music as his feet moved in time with the beat.
'You owe me answers. And I will get them. Whether I beat them out of you or ask Minato to dig them up, I'll find out.'
No matter how ugly the truth turned out to be, Ichika was determined to uncover it. He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He needed something—anything—to distract him from the storm brewing in his mind.
Heading toward the baths, Ichika made a right turn, and his instincts were immediately vindicated. He spotted an employee switching the signs for the men's and women's baths. The chatter of the girls entering the baths confirmed his suspicions.
'You'd think they'd check the signs first. Always nice to trust your instincts,' he thought with a slight smirk.
He decided to focus on washing the day's worries away, letting go of the tension for now. Sinking into the hot water, Ichika closed his eyes, but even the warmth of the spring couldn't stop his thoughts from drifting back to Minato.
'I'll have quite a story to tell him when I'm back in front of a PC,' he mused, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
'Whenever the curtain falls, I'll hear your call,' he thought, letting the peacefulness of the moment settle in—if only for a little while.
Ending song. Monochrome from Babymetal.
Quicker done than I had guessed. But it had to be done. It's what it is. I also needed some breaks in between here and there.
Saluut.
