This is going to be a doozy to write. The reason why I started so late, is largely due to the fact that IS and Sekirei's Brave New World took a longer finale than expected.
I had three days off from work and I finished that behemoth of a chapter. Quite a bit to go through but what can you change about that? I just wanted it to be done.
I'd still say that if you guys like this fic, you should check out that one. Or the rewrite that I have posted in the last few months.
Your call on it as I have been busy on many other fronts as well. This is going to be a chapter that I'll need to write in record time but something tells me that it shouldn't be a problem.
I am looking forward to what we have in mind since April of this year. Hard to believe it's been that long ago.
Now, for the numbers. 548 favorites. 29 since my last update.
602 followers. That is a number I don't reach on many of my fics so I thank you all for the support. 33 more since the last time.
89 reviews so an increase of 8. That's reasonable for me.
Now for the guest reviews.
Guest on chapter 10 on the 17th of April. Not conforming anything.
Guest on chapter 10 on the 17th of April. Some more guesses here but I am not confirming or denying anything.
Started on 08/09/2024
Ended on 17/09/2024
Published on 23/09/2024
Minato had suspected there were mature discussions going on at his house. And somehow that didn't involve the [King] himself. It did make matters easier to keep things fair on Kusano who loved spending time with her Ashikabi.
So he could take a walk through the city and have Kusano on his shoulders. He couldn't give a hoot about someone's weird look as the youngest Sekirei just sat on his shoulders, watching over the place.
"What do you think the onee-chan's are talking about at home? Is it something that Kuu should know?"
The Ashikabi's head turned up to the Green Girl.
"I think there is a reason why Kazehana said we needed to take a walk. And given the fact that it's not Devil-related, I'll hear the details when we get back home."
There was no reason for him to worry. If it would go overboard, he had Kazehana to make sure things were under control.
"And why won't they tell Kuu? I am also a Sekirei. So they should tell me as well." His head swiveled back up as he gracefully avoided the lamppost and easily crossed the street.
There was something infuriatingly adorable about Kusano being this upset and pouting as she wanted to know what was going on.
"I think you're a bit too young for that. There is some stuff you don't need to know. The majority of the Flock agrees to that."
Of course, they could put a spell on her and knock her out. It would break the trust completely with Kusano however, so there was no way in hell that he would ever allow that to happen.
Not when it wasn't required at least.
Whatever it would be, it could wait until he was back home. The only thing that he could hope for, was that he wouldn't find Tsukiumi on his path.
Fighting against her, wouldn't prove a problem. It would be the fact that he would put Kusano in danger. A thought which he was far from comfortable with.
Scene skip
Benitsubasa had the feeling that she was sharing the same thought, with many of her Sister-Wives as they watched Musubi using a PowerPoint presentation. The fact that the Miko Sekirei was capable of using technology, was already astonishing.
The fact that it was about living as a nudist was enough to give her brain rot as they heard her talk.
The same could be said about Hikari who was just as ready to blow a gasket.
The somewhat mature members, like Hibiki, Yume, Haihane, and Akitsu were either finding amusement in this plan or were completely neutral about it.
Matsu was helpfully adding information to the whole plan as she guided Musubi through the presentation.
Kazehana found that this charade could continue until she deemed that it would go too far.
"As you can all see on this graph, if we would start living as a nudist, it would save us much money on washing clothes."
Hibiki raised a very valid point as she raised her hand to get the attention and permission to speak. "Our Ashikabi is loaded. So are we by the way. Money isn't exactly an issue." A fact that made her and her sister so grateful for Minato. Not having to turn every penny three times before spending or worrying about bills, was already a reason they considered this to be heaven. Even if they were Devils.
Musubi pondered on that question but couldn't find a definitive answer to that.
The second slide came through, continuing the talk.
"The extra skinship would develop further relationships with our Ashikabi, developing our quicker bonding and the higher chance that we can do more mature stuff with Minato-sama. And I have to say that he is quite big." That little titbit of information caused the majority of the Flock to turn jealous of the [Rook] as the [Pawns] hadn't been able to have fun with Minato.
Yume and Akitsu might have sucked him off but they were still far from actual fucking.
"That sounds like fun until you consider the fact that we get trained naked. Do any of you want to be hit with magic or land on the dirt when Minato tosses us around?" That question came from Benitsubasa as she remembered how much force he used on them all.
"I have seen him fight. Besides, I'd lose my experiment subjects" There was one voice that didn't belong to a Peerage or Flock Member, causing all eyes to turn to Uzume.
The Veiled Sekirei sat next to Yume and Hibiki as she watched the scene with amusement.
It was the latter's sister who found herself bewildered by Uzume and just raised an eyebrow. "Why are you even here? You are just our former roommate so I don't get why you are here most of the time."
Rolling her eyes, Number Ten let out a breath in her direction. "With how much time that I am here, King can start charging me rent instead of Miya. He'll take MBI cards and there are plenty of rooms available. Plus, I am more free to speak my mind."
She hadn't fooled a single person with that declaration.
They knew Uzume wanted Minato's help to free her Ashikabi and he'd be more than willing to help her out. But that was something between himself, Uzume, and her Ashikabi. The Devil King had made it abundantly clear that he would try to do it himself as he couldn't risk pulling them in.
If they could keep this subtle, he would prefer that, instead of copious amounts of bloodshed.
"If that is true, we could ask Minato. But I don't think that money would persuade him. How about you start giving your body to him?" The perverse giggle of Matsu made the others just glare at her while the Thunder Twins sent her a light shock.
"Thank you." Benitsubasa, Uzume, Kazehana, and Yume said at the same time to the Twins who took those compliments.
"King is handsome but he isn't exactly who I promised myself to."
"Are you calling my Ashikabi ugly, Uzume?" There was that dangerous edge to Kazehana's voice as she missed that part of the previous praise from the Veiled Sekirei.
"I just said that he wasn't. But my Ashikabi is the one that I love and adore. Besides, shouldn't we get back to discussing this show?"
Musubi nodded at the suggestion as there was another slide.
"It'd make it easier to go in a bath and there would be the fact that we can admire his body."
The [Queen] found that subtlety would be sexier instead of seeing that. It would take away much from seeing him naked. It'd grow incredibly boring.
Which would be a shame as Kazehana wanted to stay attracted to her Ashikabi.
"Musubi-chan, I don't know how Matsu set you up to do this, but there is a very simple reason why I will veto this charade." Matsu had hoped that her deception would remain undetected until the majority of the Sekirei would agree to that.
"As head wife, [Queen] and First Sekirei of Minato Sahashi, I reject the idea for the simplest reason. Walking around naked would set a bad example for Kusano."
Which was enough for the others to agree to that.
The majority of the Flock adored Kusano, enjoying how her innocence was an extra drive to fight. Plus, a good preparation for their own child-raising years.
The ones who found her to be a brat and who received special treatment from Minato also found that there was another good reason. A traumatized Sekirei of her age and her power scale was far from desired and to be avoided at all costs.
"Aside from that, Minato is also getting our contracts running. I don't want to jump in my clothes every time when we get summoned."
Yume added. If Kazehana was Minato's second in command, Yume was Kazehana's second.
The Sekirei of Fate had a darker look at Matsu, making her shrink.
"Matsu, I presume that I speak for everyone in our Peerage and Flock, that the only man that I'll ever allow to see me naked, is my Ashikabi and King. Does anyone disagree on that matter?"
"No!" Nine voices echoed through the room, making the others turn to Uzume who shrugged at the attention.
"What? I am not his Sekirei. Still, if I lived here, there would be a chance I come out of the bath, naked. I wouldn't hold it against him if he catches a peek. Why would I get mad at him? I'd live in his house. But constantly being naked, no thank you. I don't like King nearly enough for that," Uzume added to that point, making Kazehana give a motherly smile.
"You know, Uzume-chan, Minato can do a lot more for you if you'd ask him to become his Devil. It'd solve a lot of problems." That question alone made Uzume shake her head.
"He hasn't asked me as he has done for all of you. If Minato Sahashi hasn't asked me to become his servant, then he must have his reasons for doing so. So I will not ask him. None of you will ask him. It is something between him and myself."
The Sekirei felt that she hadn't misspoken about what Uzume had suggested.
Finding that the topic of discussion would be better to change, it would be better to address this proposal.
"I believe that we can safely assume that none of us are in favor of living like nudists." Kazehana heard seven voices ring no.
Herself was excluded from that, Uzume shouted along as she would live in the house, Musubi and Matsu were the ones planning this and Kusano was not around to address the matter.
"With that settled, I think it's time, ladies, now that we are all gathered here, to talk about the decision of who can ask Minato out on a date." That made everyone look up in hopes for it. It had been some time and for this matter, seniority did not matter on who was allowed to take Minato out on a date.
So it would be another match on who was the first to take Minato on a date.
They would be graceful losers in helping out the winner on the plans.
There was a mysterious grin on Kazehana's face. After all, she had home dates with Minato when they lived together in the suite. But it would be better to keep that for herself.
After all? Why not? Why should she mention those things to her Sister-Wives?
Scene skip
Minato came home late, with Kusano sleeping on his shoulders. They had spent the entire day together, playing in the park. As it grew late and it was getting closer to her bedtime, he decided to eat out.
Luckily, that was given as a heads-up to the Sekirei. The joint they had found was something of a hamburger place but it was leagues above the Mac Ronalds where they spent hours when they saved Kusano.
The single reason why he wouldn't be back was because if he had to spend 3,000 yen on a single burger, multiply it by 10 for all his Sekirei, and multiply that 30,000 by five or six times, that would amount to 180,000 Japanese Yen.
Spending over 1,250 bucks on something like an eating out, was not on the menu for him.
With little Kusano, it wasn't a big deal to have a burger or two as they chatted and laughed together.
Minato also had a fleeting suspicion that his wives would appreciate it if he stayed out as late as possible.
As that was past Kusano's usual bedtime, Minato carried her back home. There was a raised eyebrow when he found Benitsubasa mighty pleased with herself, as she practically danced over to him.
When she gave him one big smooch, the Ashikabi was very much aware that something had happened in his time off.
It was Kazehana who took Kusano from him as she decided to give him the news.
"Minato, do you remember that you told us, with things calming down, that you owe us for helping out Rias and coming to the Underworld?"
The [King] of the Peerage nodded to Kazehana and found that the other Sekirei had gathered around the hallway, many of them in lesser spirits.
The most predominant ones on that matter were the Thunder Twins, Akitsu, and Musubi.
Yume and Haihane were much more cheerful, while Matsu was cackling, already raising alarm bells in his head.
Uzume was also in his house but Minato found it was better to focus on his own Peerage and not a guest.
"Yes. I haven't forgotten about that. So what do you have in mind, Kazehana?"
There was the playful growl from the girl in his arms and a soft love bite on his collarbone, making the Ashikabi nearly jump up from that.
The bites shot electricity down his spine as he gaged the reaction from Benitsubasa.
"You owe us so much, Ashikabi. So we decided that you are going to take us on dates. Starting with me."
Dates? He had never been on those so he didn't have quite a grand idea of what that was supposed to entail.
For all his experience, power, and knowledge, the young [King] was surprisingly green on that matter. Maybe, it was the perfect time to call in Sirzechs, Zeoticus, Ajuka, maybe even the father of his Master.
But he couldn't be weak now and crumble in front of his Peerage.
"If that is how you want me to repay you, then I'll happily oblige. Be warned though, I will need preparation for that."
Thoughtful and honest, just the way the Sekirei liked their Ashikabi to be and how they could talk him over to those ideas.
"Don't worry, hun. We had some nice discussions today and unlike some others, this one was fruitful. But someone had to experience quite some embarrassment." Benitsubasa glowered as the other girls in the room figured out exactly what she wanted.
It was the furthest thing that they had expected the Red Sekirei to actually want from a date, but there would be some logical explanation in her somewhere.
"There were ones that weren't exactly fruitful?" Minato asked, making the group tense up from that question.
Matsu had vowed that she would never use Musubi again.
Her policy of strict honesty and lack of guile would make her a bad partner, even if she was easily influenced and convinced of the ideas.
"We were making plans on living as nudists, Minato-san. Unfortunately, the plan was voted out." A smoldering glare from Minato made Matsu cower as he already figured out who really came up with that idea.
"We have voted against the idea. There were more reasons why it would be impractical, improper and not to mention scarring for Kusano."
The Ashikabi found no reason to disagree with the words of his [Queen] and the glare made his Brain Sekirei rethink her ideas for this.
"That would be much better for everyone. Matsu, one more of those ideas, without keeping Kusano in mind, and I won't touch you for a month." There was a shudder in her mind as she heard those words.
"Are you implying that you don't find us attractive enough that you wouldn't want to see us naked? Or do you suggest that you have nothing to show for it?"
The four who shared his bed, all stood up for him, which would be touching if they weren't talking about his dick.
"You don't know what you are talking about." Kazehana gave a scathing glare.
"Minato is an excellent Ashikabi. You don't get to talk about what you don't know about." Akitsu's glare had been frosty enough to make everyone else shudder.
"His equipment is adequate enough." Yume had to hold back Musubi who was ready to pounce.
"Yeah, what she said." Musubi was struggling with punching Matsu. Stepping in between his four Sekirei who already knew the size of his gift and Matsu, there was no reason for violence in his house.
It would be a rule that he would take into his house as well.
And like Rias and Sona, he had learned that as [King, he'd lay down the law in his house.
"That's enough, girls. There is no reason to tear my house apart." Calming the four down, his eyes turned to Matsu who felt the same glare as before.
"I do find you quite attractive, Matsu. I think that for all of you. But there is decency in my house. I do not want my Master to come to this house, and find you all naked in here. Plus, we'd need to crank up the heat as well."
With that settled, Benitsubasa got her arms back around the Ashikabi who was reciprocating the hug as he looked over at the group. There was some awing as she brought another kiss on his lips. When she let him go, there was that burning fire in her eyes.
It was time to bring the conversation back on track
"So you want me to take you on dates?"
Kazehana acted again like a voice of reason as she spoke for the group. It helped to have that instead of ten voices shouting at once.
"We have talked about this and decided to help her out. The same for the others. Now, half of us are going to help her out, and the other half is going to help you out."
The Ashikabi raised an eyebrow on that part but well, he did owe them all.
"I see no issues with that way of handling this. Kazehana, could you put Kusano to bed? Then we can talk about this more."
The Wind Flower nodded over to her sister-wives.
"I'll be right back. In the meantime, Musubi, Yume, Akitsu and Haihane. Could you start already? Uzume, Hikari, Hibiki, Matsu, can you help out Benitsubasa?"
The groups that were divided took Minato along to his room, making it impossible for him to escape. He knew better than to protest his girls so before long, the door closed.
Benitsubasa blushed like a cute hamster instead of the strong fighter that she usually was. They heard the ideas from her already on what she wanted. Now, it was time to turn those plans into a reality.
There were many teases and laughs but why would Benitsubasa care about that? She had won the little game and she could show off for it.
Plus, there was a reason why she had asked to be courted like that.
Scene skip
Minato sat back with an open mouth when he heard the girls telling the plans that they had come up with and what Benitsubasa had required from him.
Kazehana couldn't stop Haihane from taking a picture. It was something that would be one of the best shots they would ever have of their [King] as his brilliant mind tried to reboot, start up again, and repeat the words again in his mind.
"I think we broke him." Yume's words were very helpful as she spoke to him, making the Ashikabi try to catch up.
"Maybe when we blow him, he won't be broken." Snapping out of his daze, Minato blushed up a storm when his mind finally caught up with it.
"This is what Benitsubasa wants for a date?" Those were the first words out of his mouth, making the entire group giggle and laugh. It was something they had to drag out of their pinkette [Pawn] but it was worth the effort.
"Surprised, Ashikabi?" Of course, it was Haihane who asked that question as Minato found himself able to voice his words to them. It looked like something was up and he was all for hearing them.
Musubi and Yume sat on the side of him, while Kazehana had recruited Akitsu to look around his clothes for something appropriate to wear.
"Yes, I mean. She doesn't seem like the type. Are you all really sure about that?"
There was a laugh from Haihane. Of course, she'd help out her Ashikabi. Despite all their bickering and fighting, Benitsubasa and Haihane were thick as thieves.
She knew Benitsubasa better than anyone in the Flock and she was willing to help the pinkette out on the decision.
"It's not abnormal to think about it. I mean, she isn't like that. But well, there is no denying that she wants to be a very girly girl. But with the situation that she is in."
There was no denying the fact that the majority of the girls in his harem, had big tits, long legs, and tight asses, Minato could see that in this sort of environment, Benitsubasa would be finding herself outmatched by the ones who were more gifted in those departments.
"Figures but still. This would be something I expect from you or Akitsu-san." There was a chuckle from Kazehana and Akitsu laughed loud enough to make sure that Minato and the others heard it.
"Sweet that you think like that love but my favorite sort of date is drinking until I can't stand anymore." The Ashikabi knew she liked her drink. It was something that he could indulge her in.
"I like ice skating." Minato would make sure that would be what they did on their date. As his own [King] had ice-based powers, he was more than capable of performing on ice.
"I'll keep that in mind. Now, for this." Minato didn't bother to ask Kazehana and Akitsu walked out with a tuxedo. It was the same thing that he wore for the party of Rias. That was one night they wouldn't forget any time soon.
"Would she dress up in this as well?"
He hadn't forgotten how good she looked that night. All of them looked so good when they went to that party. Minato didn't miss the stares he got from the other Devils.
But now, he could focus on her and her alone.
Scene skip
Uzume found herself thinking about what Benitsubasa wore the time they went to the Underworld. It was something that she found was easily one of her best works.
Plus, there was still the fact that Minato owed her quite a bit more from that little favor.
So the fashionista in her refused to let the pink [Pawn] wear that same dress as she had before.
The others in the room weren't exactly much help. The twins kept on bickering about what outfit would be better suited as they dragged in different dresses that they had already gathered in the room.
Matsu was cackling like a banshee, enjoying the whole show while Benitsubasa was not sure where this would fall as her eyes turned in desperation to the Veiled Sekirei.
"Can you please do something? I want something that makes Minato's jaw drop open."
The Twins and Matsu turned to her, pausing all three as their brains caught up with that line. Before long, the three just lost it and started howling so loud that they didn't even care if they would wake up Kusano.
There was a tick developing on the [Pawn]'s face. Seniors in Devil and Sekirei they might be but she could easily throw the entire group out with her enhanced strength. Maybe, she could promote herself to [Rook].
Just for good measure, and to make Minato more proud of the fact that she could do that.
Uzume rolled her eyes and walked over to the Red Sekirei, cupping her chin as she began to think on a new idea on what she could work with.
"You know. You might want to kill them but there is one thing that you can't deny. You don't exactly have much of a developed chest."
Uzume knew that she was gifted in that regard as well, so she was hoping to defuse Benitsubasa before she ripped off Chiho's favorite pillow.
"You need to work with what you do have instead of what you do not." The eyes of Uzume drifted down to Benitsubasa's shapely legs. Sure, there wasn't much of a delicious rear on the end of those legs either.
"My legs?" The slender girl asked as she followed the eyes of Uzume. It made the others stop. Not out of fear of Benitsubasa's wrath but because of what Uzume was cooking up.
"It's about the only thing that you have going for you. So believing that you should show those off as well. I got an idea for this."
Uzume let her powers create as she knew how she could work around Benitsubasa's athletic and lithe body.
Before long, the dress came to life and there was a smirk on Uzume's face as Benitsubasa's face lit up like a child on Christmas who got its most wanted toy.
The Veiled Sekirei had chosen a bold black fabric, silky and sleek, the kind that would cling perfectly to Benitsubasa's athletic frame. With a plunging neckline to show just the right amount of skin and a daring side slit to highlight her long, toned legs, Uzume knew this dress would play to Benitsubasa's better points.
That would be her legs and showing an open back. It also made her rear show better on this.
There was no point in escaping the blush on her face as she realized exactly what Uzume had made.
Given the date that the girls discussed, proper attire had to be acquired. Minato was beginning to owe her more and more. Something that she would hold over him later and make sure to collect on.
But right now, they knew that she would be dropping jaws, Minato's included.
The eyes of Benitsubasa finally allowed the brain to catch up on what Uzume had created. Flattering, revealing, and beautiful for sure. But also incredibly provocative. The dress looked daring, more revealing than she was used to. "Are you sure this isn't too much?"
Uzume had confidence in spades as she knew exactly that Minato would find this dress to be amazing.
"Trust me. You are going to rock his mind. Hell, I wager that the others who are helping him out would be off their rocker as well when they see you in this.
There was no denying or stopping anything about this. With a heavy sigh, she took the dress and began to change into it.
She had been half-naked already and aside from Uzume, the others had already seen her naked when she took a bath.
There was no reason to be ashamed, especially with the fact that there was nothing to hide.
It would save the effort of finding a place where she could get dressed. Besides, this was her own bedroom. She could change here without any shame.
The dress clung perfectly to her form, the plunging neckline showing just enough to be tantalizing without being over the top. But it was the slit—cut high up her thigh—that truly drew attention, showcasing her long, powerful legs in a way that was undeniably stunning.
Benitsubasa glanced at herself in the mirror, her expression shifting from uncertainty to mild astonishment. She felt like a woman—fierce, stunning, and ready to claim her place by Minato's side.
"Alright, fine. It's not half bad," she said, her lips curling into a small, almost shy smile.
"Let's see how he is going to take this. Your date is tomorrow, right?" There was an enthusiastic nod from Benitsubasa. There was so much more for her to look forward to.
Especially as this would be the real first outing with her lover.
It'd be something special for the two.
Scene skip
Minato found himself hoping that he could get dressed into his own suit but found that Uzume was knocking on his door.
The others in the room, Kazehana, Akitsu, Haihane, Musubi, and Yume had been trying to find different clothes for him to wear but most of his regal clothes were largely based on tuxedos. Nothing wrong with those but there was the desire that he had to wear something different.
It was Musubi who opened the door as Uzume came through the door, with her familiar grin on her face, making the Devil Ashikabi gulp when she looked it over.
"You girls have been trying the same idea as me?" The Veiled Sekirei asked as Minato relented. There was no winning against this sort of idea. Maybe reincarnating nothing but females was starting to catch up to him.
So he looked over at Uzume as she watched it over.
"Not too shabby to be honest but there is something I can do to really show off. What do you think of this?"
Using her powers, Uzume created a dark blue vest, with the intricates being used, largely based on the Crest of Serafall Leviathan. His master and the others by proxy.
The young man had his mouth dropped open by the beauty that she created. It was more akin to a mantle that hung to his legs but not to the point that it could be considered a cape.
It was an incredible mix of what he usually wore, honoring him as Devil King and Servant, Uzume had made, making the Ashikabi even more grateful.
"You can combine it with your other vests but when you go back to the Underworld, I'd like you to wear this. You are bound to turn some heads."
The [King] finally found his voice again as he checked the mantle out.
"If I wear this, there is a high chance that you are upping business, Uzume-chan. I don't think that this comes close to whatever I have in my closet."
All women in the room were highly interested in hearing that share of news.
"How come?"
"I am a servant from Serafall-sama. Back home, there are more clothes than I would know what to do with. She couldn't let her servant be in shambles in regard to clothing. But Uzume-chan, there is no doubt in me that what you have made, is of better quality than what I have back home."
If he was just being overly nice, that would show. The sheer honesty in his voice was unable to hide that fact. Uzume blushed at that compliment. She knew that Minato came from money. If the house was anything to go by and the fact of what he had already accomplished.
The Veiled Sekirei was flattered with such high praise from the Ashikabi. It proved that her clothing design could be amped up aside from making clothes that were either casual, girly, or raunchy.
Then again, she wondered how her clothes were received during the party that Minato was forced to attend.
"How did the Devils take the clothing? I hope that it was well received."
Minato found himself thinking back on it.
"We certainly made an impression, on those whose opinion I value and the ones I don't. Still, we didn't steal the show. That is something we can thank Issei Hyoudou for. But you know that story."
She did know the story that had been told by the others as they heard how Issei valiantly saved his lovely [King, Rias Gremory.
There was some thinking back on it while Uzume liked the attention of males, there was a distinction between one like Issei and one like Minato. The latter was much more to her preference.
"And we are getting ahead of ourselves. I think that I'll need to blow Benitsubasa away with this. Do you think that she'll like it?"
The others all were voicing their opinion.
"Love, you look amazing. Your jaw might drop when she looks at you but the same can be said about hers." Kazehana spoke first. There was a hint of jealousy as Minato would wear this on a date with the pinkette instead of herself.
"You look amazing, Minato-san! This is so cool!" Musubi enthusiastically added as she was admiring the Ashikabi from every angle that she possibly could.
"You do look handsome in that outfit, Minato-san." Yume was holding herself back enough not to join in with Musubi and take pictures as well. Musubi would have to share.
"The washboard is going to be blown away by your outfit. I like it." Haihane's dry voice betrayed how much she actually cared about her best friend and how much she owned that.
Akitsu didn't say anything but she simply nodded and gave a thumbs-up. That would be approval enough from them all.
"My debt to you just increases, Uzume-chan." Minato simply admitted as he took the mantle off and laid it next to his bed, making the brunette smile at him.
"We'll figure out ways for you to repay that. I'll make sure of that, King."
With that said and done, Minato felt that he had been a show model for most of that.
Still, he couldn't deny that something had been eating him away. Something which made him worry.
Instincts were supposed to be obeyed. Still, he would figure out whatever it was that he had to fear until he laid eyes on it.
Scene skip
The next day, there was palpable tension in the house of Minato Sahashi. But the good kind. The one that one felt a day before leaving for a holiday. Something that was going to be fun.
Minato also made certain arrangements for their trip. From what he heard of Benitsubasa, she wanted to be wined and dined.
That could be arranged.
The first reservation did cost Minato a pretty penny but given the fact that money was never much of an issue, he felt like splurging on his Sekirei.
For the other Sekirei, the date day also meant that they could take the day off. Minato wasn't in the mood for training until exhaustion.
For the majority of the Flock, that news was taken with incredible gratitude. Everyone could do what she desired.
Kazehana spent her days outside, looking over the city, and spending some time with Uzume.
The Thunder Twins took care of the house, cleaning it from top to bottom. There were certain spells and Minato felt that taking advantage of that was for the better. Next time, they could do it manually when they had more hands on deck.
Haihane cooped in with Akitsu. The [Bishop] wondered why she had to watch so many anime that were stockpiling around. There was some enjoyment in that as well, as she began to find that those shows were done well.
Musubi would play with Kusano as a babysitter. The [Rook] found that to be something enjoyable while the younger [Bishop] had been pestering the other Sekirei as she found that it was unfair Minato could go out without her.
Yume had joined Matsu as the Sekirei of Fate wanted to hear from the Sekirei of Wisdom how the contracts were going.
That was the disadvantage that Matsu found herself in. The training was out but that didn't mean that the tasks that Minato had laid out, were not exempt from that. So the only thing that she could do, was to continue on that.
For the Sekirei in question, there were worries of course. Her rational side was telling her that she'd be fine but the emotions were running high, worrying her butt off about what Minato would say about this.
When they were bumping in the hallway, there was the confirmation that they would go on this date. As there was no refusal from either side, the plan was still going to happen.
When the clock struck five, an hour before the reservation at the restaurant, Minato got out of the shower, dressed in the attire that Uzume had crafted.
When he passed by the living room, he could smell the meat sizzling in the frying pan and the vegetables stewing. A simple, European dish.
Steak with potatoes and veggies, nothing wrong with that. It was courtesy of Akitsu and Yume who were on cooking duty.
When Minato passed by, the Thunder Twins and Matsu made a big wolf whistle while Kusano looked more than just a bit irked from the fact that her onii-chan hadn't dressed up for her.
The other Sekirei also turned to see the Ashikabi standing in the room, making them all swoon at the way that he was dressed.
"This is what Uzume-tan created for you." Matsu was falling in love with the suit.
"Damn, that woman is a genius in regards to clothes," Hikari added as her sister checked the Ashikabi out, too stunned to talk.
"You were right on holding the pictures off, Musubi. Both of you are going to turn heads." Kazehana knew that the others had been pestering the [Rook] for those pictures. Now, they were finally able to see the Ashikabi.
It was just waiting for the lady of the hour.
"Minato?" The bashful voice of Benitsubasa made all the Sekirei turn towards the [Pawn].
This time, the Sekirei who helped with Minato could see her dressed up. Mouth dropped on the floor, especially from Kazehana, Musubi, and Akitsu.
The three had prided themselves on their large chests to be the thing that drew attention from their Ashikabi.
The dress showed the shapely, athletic legs of Benitsubasa, something that she could show off as she took in the attention. Still, she wanted to appear as feminine as possible.
"What do you think?"
The Ashikabi regained his voice as he was drinking in the sight of Benitsubasa. "Stunning." That was the only word that came from Minato, making all the girls smile when he spoke his mind about Benitsubasa's attire. It did give the pinkette a much-needed boost in confidence.
Trying to walk, proved to be something she had to teach herself but she managed to appear as graceful as possible when she walked.
"I am glad that you like it." There was that shy smile again, as Minato blushed when he gazed upon her.
"Oh, my Maou. You two are so disgustingly cute." Hikari gagged when she watched the two interact, causing her sister and Haihane to give her a slap.
"What Hikari wants to say is that you both are looking awesome! Enjoy your evening!" Hibiki and Haihane squeezed the rear, making sure that the volatile twin would keep her mouth shut.
Offering his date an arm, Minato escorted Benitsubasa out the door, already enamored with the attire.
This would be a night to remember.
Scene skip
Benitsubasa was surprised that they would take a taxi to the place but there was no complaining in that regard. It was something regal for the two to travel in.
On the ride, there was the enjoyment of being seen like a woman. Minato hung on her words as they talked about everything. The worry that Minato wouldn't see her as a woman, melted like snow before the spring sun as they talked.
Despite their conversation, Benitsubasa could feel how Minato was taking many parts of her body in.
They were in luck that the spring was setting in as the dress didn't offer much in the way of protection against the elements.
Benitsubasa had always been stronger in that regard as Power Sekirei and her reincarnation had also helped to strengthen her body.
Arm in arm, the two walked together to the restaurant. There was the fact that both were stared after, especially with the fact that her back was open. Not that they were bothered as they clearly looked well together.
Minato was guiding her as she found herself looking for a restaurant that was clearly out of budget for most people.
And despite the fact that it was built in the middle of a hyper-modern city, there was still the fact that it was built in reverence to the old Japanese setting.
The name Sakura Reverie was very fitting.
Mouth agape, Benitsubasa found herself unable to talk as Minato guided her to the place.
"You have booked a table here?" She asked as Minato guided her inside.
Used to luxuries, Minato walked in the place as if he belonged there. But for Benitsubasa, she was taking in the sights. The restaurant was a beautiful fusion of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern luxury. The restaurant's entrance is framed by a small, beautifully landscaped garden of cherry blossom trees, softly lit by lanterns that give off a warm, golden glow. The glass doors slide open soundlessly, revealing an interior that balances modern elegance with serene Japanese minimalism.
The atmosphere on the inside was intimate and refined. Still, there was much more on the inside that took their attention.
"Did you have reservations?" A waiter who clearly had seen an exorbitant amount of training asked as he stood in front of a book.
"Sahashi." Minato simply said, making the man note something down.
"If you could follow me."
Arm in arm, the two followed as they looked around the restaurant.
Benitsubasa had to rub her eyes as there was so much beauty to take in. Sound, smell, and sight could be overwhelmed by this restaurant.
The dining area was divided by shoji screens, making privacy a given as they could look out on a koi pond, due to the large floor-to-ceiling windows. Lights were done in dim ways, due to the hanging paper lanterns, giving a delicate glow on the dark wood tables. Said tables were touched in subtle ways with gold and silver.
When they were seated, Benitsubasa could finally take a good look around the place. Minato let her drink in the entire sight as he took the menu cards, gratefully thanking the waiter as Benitsubasa continued to look around.
As a centerpiece of the restaurant was its sushi bar where guests could watch the chefs create the sushi and sashimi dishes. In the background, there is the gentle hum of live traditional music—koto and shamisen—playing softly.
The scent was delicious, making their stomachs grumble as they smelled grilled meat, fresh seafood, and sake. Neither of the two would be drinking heavily that night as Minato knew that he wanted to be sober enough for dancing.
"It's to your liking?" Minato asked, making the girl swivel her head back as there was a blush on her face.
"This is amazing, Minato. And if it wasn't so damn inappropriate, I would kiss you right now."
There was a grin on his face as they could look over the menu. They had a light lunch, just to make sure that they could eat well.
There were appetizers, main courses, and plenty of desserts. They would eat well that night.
Benitsubasa was the first to decide on a Seasonal Tempura assortment while Minato took a Miso Black Cod as his first course. For drinks, both took Yuzu Lemonade. They wanted to stay fresh, plus Benitsubasa knew that Minato would start training early in the morning.
With a hangover, that just wouldn't be fun.
With a bow, the waiter left, leaving the two alone as Benitsubasa continued to look around the place, drinking in the wonder of what she was seeing.
"How did you know about this place? I mean, it's beautiful."
There was a bashful grin on Minato's face as he decided to reveal a little bit of a secret to the Sekirei.
"My Master knew what my dream was. She made it a personal mission to make sure that I knew the best places in the city. She and the other important people in my life were hoping on the fact that I'd find a nice girl here."
There was a chuckle from Benitsubasa when she found that one funny story. She imagined that he would never be too popular with the ladies.
"Aside from your master, we have met the other Maou. Sirzechs-sama, right? Who are the other important people in your life?"
"The ones that were hoping for me to find a Peerage or the ones that are important to me?" Minato asked, making the girl blush about that.
"The ones that were hoping for it first." There was amiable talk between the two as Minato recounted stories, spinning tales in the head of the Red Sekirei.
She was alive for most of the ten years but the majority of her time, she spent adjusted inside so hearing that, made her wish that she could spend her life with this man.
The food came fast but Minato didn't stop telling stories. Benitsubasa had to stop him as she nearly died laughing when he recalled the fury of Venelana when the Gremory and Sitri Siblings went into a full-out war over the fact of who was the cutest of the two.
He was very relieved that Grayfia had taken him aside and let the Flaxen-haired Madame of Extinction scold and punish the four as they continued to eat.
Those were also the reason why he grew so fond of Grayfia.
Between bites, he heard the stories from Benitsubasa. There wasn't much in her life and there was the vow that he would fill her life with happy memories.
Scene skip
Inside the house of Minato Sahashi, the remaining Sekirei girls were amusing themselves as they had done throughout the entire day.
Kazehana had finished her next round of sake with Uzume who passed by to visit, the Thunder Twins and Akitsu. They wouldn't drink until they all felt too much but there was no doubt that Uzume would spend the night at their place.
Musubi had just put Kusano to bed and felt like turning in as well just like Haihane. Both liked a nice sleep and they didn't want to stay up too late, waiting until Minato would come home.
Matsu continued to work on the assignments. The fliers had been done well enough and had been sent out to many people in the entire city. It was only waiting on those who were up for taking contracts.
Now, she was looking up information on how they could help Uzume and her Ashikabi.
Minato owed the Veiled Sekirei and so, it'd be Matsu who would be indebted to the Ashikabi.
And she'd find out ways to make sure her debt was repaid.
Yume felt her hand burning up. That would be the sign that someone would be calling her.
"Looks like I am the first one to leave. I'll see you all later." With a toast from the ones at the table, she left the house.
She was just wondering what she could do in this city.
Scene skip
It was a convenient thing that Benitsubasa didn't have to worry about money. That was why she could easily order a grilled lobster tail with garlic butter and sake reduction. She might not drink but she would certainly take that in.
The sauce made her mouth water when she smelled it.
Minato was up for Wagyu Beef with truffle teriyaki. There was the wanting for meat and the mushrooms that were from Japan were adding up to it.
Both had decided to add side dishes to it. A large bowl of steamed rice with ikura and Shiso. It just added to it.
With the first bite, Benitsubasa was already swept away by the taste of the lobster as Minato would admit that these cooks exactly knew how to cook an exquisite meal.
The Sekirei copied the manners from Minato as he ate patiently and with grace. There were still things that she could learn but the days that she spent with Venelana were just a bit too short to learn all the intricate manners that had to be learned to really eat in a proper fashion.
But there was a start as they ate together in peace and enjoyed the rustling and bustling of the city while they looked at the cooks.
It was a thing of beauty to see those men at work while they cooked and made preparations.
But that wasn't the only thing that made this outing such a relaxing adventure. They watched how the fish swam around and the garden with the noises, made them just take a seat back.
They had enough crazy adventures for the last few weeks so there was nothing wrong with falling into routine.
"Damn, I haven't eaten food this good in my life."
There was a gentle smile from Minato as he knew there were things she could learn.
"Benitsubasa, profanity is frowned upon in these sorts of places. Keep that in mind." There was an embarrassed look on her face as she knew that he was in the right.
"How do you know so much about this?"
"You forget where I come from." That line alone made her think that despite all the night of talking, there was so little that she and all her sister-wives knew from their Ashikabi.
And that it would take more than a few months to get everything about him that there was to know.
Scene skip
Benitsubasa and Minato had decided not to get a dessert and take their walk to the next destination. There was no worry about the other parts of it.
The Cherry Blossom Park would be beautiful, even at this time of night And it would also be an amazing time as the weather had been extremely soft. Even when the temperature was starting to drop, it didn't go below a few degrees to the point that it wasn't noticeable for the two.
Arm in arm, they walked together, all smiles, enjoying each other's company.
The restaurant had proven enough and put the worries that Benitsubasa carried to bed about the idea of what her Ashikabi thought of her.
As they turned in the place, both were taken aback by the sheer beauty of the Sakura no Mori Park. Even Minato who had seen wonders that were unworldly, what he was seeing on that park, it was a level on its own.
The park was known for its expansive cherry blossom groves, which are especially breathtaking at night. The soft glow of paper lanterns strung delicately between the branches as they illuminated the path beneath the canopy of pale pink blossoms.
A narrow stone pathway winds through the park, lined with wooden benches and small bridges that cross over koi-filled ponds. The sound of trickling water from the nearby stream adds to the peaceful atmosphere, and the distant chirping of crickets further enhances the serenity of the night.
With no one around, it felt like the only thing that mattered to the other as they enjoyed the privacy. Without any of her sister-wives to bother her, there was a peck on Minato's cheek, making him blush when he felt that peck.
The trees, heavy with blossoms, seemed to create a private haven, casting a soft pink glow in the moonlight as the night sky peeked through the branches with the stars that were twinkling above.
For the two, they felt completely at peace when they walked as there was nothing they had to worry about.
But then a cold voice cut through the air, making the two jump from that.
"Found thee at last, cursed monkey." Minato heard the voice as the couple turned around. Both found a strikingly beautiful woman behind them. Her long, blonde hair was cascading behind her back. The fierce blue eyes were shining at him with a fierce temper.
The pale skin was smooth and flawless while her figure was nothing short of athletic. That being said, there was no denying the fact that she was also very womanly with an incredibly gifted chest that was molded into her outfit.
A white and blue kimono-style dress that was worn underneath a black dress but that didn't stop the fact that the dress was incredibly low cut, showing off that aforementioned chest.
"Tsukiumi, I presume?" Minato asked in an apprehensive tone as he moved Benitsubasa behind him. There was no doubt in her fighting abilities but in the dress she was in, there was no telling that she could move freely in. Plus, Minato wanted her to save the dress for their next date.
"Thou know my name. I wast wondering when thee was alone. You art otherwise surrounded by thy harlots." Those words were ticking Minato off when he heard the woman talk about his Sekirei.
That alone was enough of an insult but then the additional insult about his Peerage. He would not let this slide.
Whispering to Benitsubasa, if they were to fight Tsukiumi as Devils, she had to make countermeasures.
'Make a barrier around the park. We can't let this spread and we can't ask for help. Do so undetected.'
Minato knew that she would be fine as Tsukiumi's focus was on him. Not on his Sekirei. As long they didn't get in the way, they wouldn't be a target.
"What did you call my Sekirei? Why are you here? I have done nothing to you. Nor did my Sekirei do anything to you."
The face of Tsukiumi was beautiful but she shouldn't scowl so much. Even as a foe, Minato found himself marveling at her beauty.
That was his emotional side. His logical side, which was much more in control, dictated that he shouldn't think like that and focus on fighting back.
"I called them harlots. Harlots gather around a cursed monkey. A monkey that appears not to be human."
Minato wanted to keep his wings hidden. Prevention was better than a cure. Making a barrier was preferable to memory wiping.
"If you know that I am not human, do you believe that it's a good idea to attack me?" He had to keep bullshitting Tsukiumi until he was absolutely certain that this would work out for them.
"I believe that it is in my powers to stop thee. I am going to kill thee." His jaw clenched when he heard that. She wasn't joking.
"Why?" Professionals would never reveal that truth but they wouldn't go out as Tsukiumi did. Minato had learned the way how the Maou dealt with those they wanted dead.
In an urban location like this? They would get outsiders for that job. And without anything linking them back to the Maou.
"I am reacting to thee. Thou art an Ashikabi. For that transgression, thou shalt die."
The whisper from Benitsubasa couldn't have come at one better time.
'Barrier set.'
Tsukiumi released her Water Snakes at Minato who merely braced himself for that blow. The Sekirei had expected Minato to be blown away into a tree, with the Sekirei meaning to support him.
Unfortunately for the blonde, Minato remained impassive as he had taken the blow without any injuries or discomfort.
"What?!"
The Ashikabi looked at the sleeves which had been ruined by the attack, his eyes narrowing while his wings opened behind his back.
"I liked these clothes. For your destruction of these and the insults to my Sekirei, you shall pay."
It took less than a second before Minato was airborne and raced right at Tsukiumi. The Water Sekirei had her mouth fall open in shock as she watched the Ashikabi inch in closer. The fraction of moments were all that he needed to give out his own blow against the blonde.
Tsukiumi felt a heavy fist crashing into her body, making her spiral down right to the ground. The crack of her impact made the earth shake, causing Benitsubasa to gulp. Even during their training, he had never used this much power.
There was also the sadistic satisfaction as Minato wrecked that damned blonde who had interrupted the date between her and Minato. So the schadenfreude was something that she took with glee and smiled when she watched that.
But it couldn't be said that Tsukiumi was easily outdone. Even with the pain setting into her system, she was not an easy foe to be outdone.
"Water Arrow!" In an instant, that attack came right at Minato who let his instinct take over and dodged the attack.
Still being airborne, it was time to show what he had learned.
"Nice tricks. My turn." The Ashikabi didn't even utter a spell as he summoned a magical circle. Tsukiumi felt her mouth drop open as Minato set out a giant ocean to her.
"Thou Wretch! Use my own powers against me! Water Celebration!" She was a second too late as Minato hosed her with water, colder and at a stronger force than what she had ever felt before.
Minato had an impassive mask on his face as he felt a grin work up on his face as he continued to hose Tsukiumi down.
Still, the recovery of the Water Sekirei was faster than he would have guessed as the words were shouted.
"Water Celebration!" The Devil felt a source of power against his own while his body just kept up. She might have control over the powers that she commanded but she lacked the experience that came throughout the years.
He was a servant of Serafall Leviathan but with an ironic twist of fate, he had come up with an affinity for Water Magic, which made him a favorite pupil of Sona who loved to test out her powers against his own.
Only much later, did he learn to use Ice Magic but given the fact that he couldn't control it as well as water, he hadn't taught Akitsu much from it.
Something that he would need to work on.
Not that there was much of an advantage that he had over Sona, with her being a Pure-Blooded Devil.
Even so, if he compared Tsukiumi to Sona, there was no comparison.
"Thou! Thou art not human!" Letting up his attack, Minato landed on the ground and shot her an annoyed glare. Benitsubasa tried not to snort when she heard those words. Of course, Minato wasn't human. That would have been obvious the second that he opened those wings.
Then again, it was the same way when she met her Ashikabi so she wouldn't reveal that to the watery tart. Not that she would stick around. That was for sure.
Her [King] could be quite cold when he was pushed.
"Jeez, what gave it away? I told you in the dreams before that I'm not human. I'm a Devil." The words were spoken in the most neutral possible.
He didn't have that many dreams since the last time but to keep it safe, the other girls were not sleeping in his room until this mess was solved.
Which sucked for every party involved but the dangers were too much if he would fight back as he had done the first time.
There were mornings when they found the bedroom completely demolished.
The girls could celebrate tonight as Minato would be sure that this matter would be settled.
Minato stood tall, wings spread wide, a faint shimmer of dark energy emanating from his body. Tsukiumi, however, wasn't done yet.
Her chest heaved, her orbs playing along with that, but the rage in her eyes hadn't dulled. She had underestimated the Devil Ashikabi, and now she was paying the price. But her pride as a Sekirei, as the Water Sekirei, wouldn't allow her to yield.
She spat, wiping blood from her lip. "I shall not be defeated by the likes of thee."
In a flash, she thrust her hands forward, summoning a whirlwind of water that spiraled around her in a protective shield. "Water Dragon!" she screamed, and the swirling water took the shape of a massive dragon, roaring as it crashed toward Minato with terrifying speed.
Minato's gaze sharpened. He wasn't just a young Ashikabi and he wasn't about to let Tsukiumi's power intimidate him. Milicas could be a scarier foe if he wanted to and the boy was just six years old.
Then again, he also had Grayfia as a mother, which could explain some of that.
Tsukiumi's water dragon roared toward him, its jaws opening wide, but Minato remained calm.
With a simple gesture, Minato raised his hand, summoning a deep-blue magic circle beneath his feet. The ground rumbled as water erupted upward in a massive, spiraling column, meeting Tsukiumi's dragon head-on.
The two forces of water collided in mid-air with a thunderous crash, water spraying outward like an exploding dam. The impact shook the cherry blossoms off the nearby trees, petals fluttering through the air like snow.
Tsukiumi gritted her teeth as she pushed her hands forward, feeding more power into her attack. "You're a Devil, right? Then let me show thee the strength of a Sekirei!" she growled, her eyes blazing with fury. The water dragon surged forward again, its body coiling and striking like a snake.
Even if she had control of the water, Minato had been Ashikabi of Ten Sekirei.
He knew what power they really could hold, but Tsukiumi didn't even come close to that. It must be a side effect of her being unwinged.
Minato smirked. "Nice try, but you're not the only one who controls water," he said, his voice steady. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned another burst of water to reinforce his own torrent. The streams crashed into each other with renewed intensity, but Minato's power began to overwhelm Tsukiumi's Dragon.
The blonde Sekirei's eyes widened as her attack began to falter. "No! This cannot be!" she gasped, but her voice lacked the conviction it had moments ago. Her water Dragon started to lose its shape as Minato's magic overpowered it, crushing it in a vortex of liquid and tranquil fury.
"I told you," Minato said calmly, his wings flaring behind him as he advanced. "I am a Devil. Your water powers are impressive, but it's not enough to beat me." With a final burst of energy, he sent a shockwave through his attack, shattering Tsukiumi's dragon into a spray of harmless mist.
Tsukiumi staggered back, her eyes wide with shock as she struggled to maintain her balance. She was panting heavily now, sweat running down her face as her muscles trembled from exertion. "I... I will not... lose..." she muttered, though her voice lacked its earlier force.
"Accept that you have lost. Are you willing to listen now or do we need to continue this farce?"
But Tsukiumi wasn't ready to accept defeat. Summoning the last of her strength, she threw her hands outward, gathering the moisture in the air into a swirling mass above her head. "Water Celebration!" she shouted again, her voice strained as she summoned a barrage of water arrows from the sky, each one aimed at Minato.
Minato didn't flinch. He calmly raised a hand, and with another glowing magic circle, he summoned a dome of water around himself, blocking the barrage. The arrows slammed into the shield with rapid-fire precision, but they didn't put a dent in his defenses. One by one, the projectiles evaporated into mist as they collided with his barrier.
"I gave you a chance," Minato said quietly, lowering the shield as the last arrow disintegrated. He stepped forward, his gaze locked onto Tsukiumi, who was now on her knees, her energy completely drained. "You should have taken it."
Tsukiumi's body trembled, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She raised her head slowly, her eyes filled with a mix of rage and disbelief. "Thou... art a monster..." she whispered, her voice broken.
Minato sighed. "Been called worse. And you... you're too dangerous to be left unchecked."
With that, Minato's hand glowed with demonic energy, and in a swift motion, he created a binding circle around Tsukiumi, the magic latching onto her limbs and forcing her to the ground. She struggled weakly against the restraints, but her strength had been completely sapped.
"I can't let you keep going like this," Minato said, stepping closer as his magic circle tightened around her. "You're a threat to my Sekirei and to myself. Fortunately, for yourself, you are too valuable to kill." He knelt beside her, his voice calm but firm. "You're going to rest now, and when you wake up, we'll talk. There's a better way than this."
Tsukiumi's eyelids fluttered as her body weakened under the weight of the spell. Her breathing slowed, and before long, she slumped forward, unconscious, but alive.
Minato sighed in relief, his wings retracting as the dark energy around him dissipated. He turned to Benitsubasa, who had been watching the entire fight from a safe distance. Her expression was one of awe and irritation.
"Well, that was a show," Benitsubasa muttered, walking up to him, her arms crossed. "But really, another girl with giant tits? We're running out of space in this Flock." She shot a glance at the unconscious Tsukiumi, her lips curling in mild annoyance. "She's probably going to be all over you once she wakes up. That's just great."
Minato chuckled softly, shaking his head. He could see the mixture of frustration and insecurity on her face. "Benitsubasa," he said, his tone gentle as he walked over to her. He reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder. "You don't have anything to worry about."
The red Sekirei huffed, looking away. "I know, but... it's just... she's another one with a chest that's twice as big as mine. How can I compete with that? You've already got Kazehana, Akitsu, Musubi, and now her. Most of them, except for Kusano and she's still a little girl, have bigger tits."
Minato frowned slightly, then smiled warmly, tipping her chin up so that she had to meet his gaze. "Benitsubasa, you're perfect the way you are. I don't care about who has the biggest chest or the longest legs. I care about you—your strength, your loyalty, and your spirit." He paused, his smile widening. "You're stunning, and you're more than enough."
Benitsubasa's cheeks flushed pink, her usual tough exterior cracking for a moment as she stared into his eyes. "Y-You really mean that?" she asked, her voice softer now, almost vulnerable.
"I do," Minato said sincerely. "You're one of a kind, Benitsubasa. Don't ever doubt that."
For a moment, Benitsubasa was silent, her face still flushed, but then she sighed and gave him a small smile. "Alright, fine. I guess I can live with that." She paused, casting a glance at Tsukiumi. "But she's still going to be a handful, you know. And I'm not going easy on her just because she's the new girl."
Minato chuckled. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
With Tsukiumi subdued and knocked out, Minato turned back to the unconscious Sekirei. "We'll deal with her when she wakes up," he said, glancing at Benitsubasa. "But for now, let's head back. The others are probably wondering where we are."
"Yeah, and knowing Matsu, she's probably got some crazy scheme planned for when we return," Benitsubasa added with a roll of her eyes.
As the two of them prepared to leave the park, Minato couldn't help but glance back at Tsukiumi one last time. She was dangerous, but she was also a powerful Sekirei. He could see potential in her, both as a fighter and as an ally. But that would come later. For now, they needed to regroup, and Minato needed to make sure his Flock was safe.
Benitsubasa looped her arm around Minato's, leaning into him as they walked. "Thanks for tonight, Minato. I know it didn't go as planned, but... it was still nice."
Minato smiled, looking down at her. "I'm glad, Benitsubasa. And don't worry—next time, no interruptions. Just us."
Benitsubasa grinned, a spark of mischief in her eyes. "I'll hold you to that."
Scene skip
Yume had left through the magical circle to find herself in an apartment. It was a small, cheap but also cozy and homely dorm room. The place where a student would stay.
It appeared that this person was much like her own Ashikabi.
"Eh, hello. I'm Yume, a Devil in the house of Leviathan. What are your desires?" Sitting on the couch, with an open mouth was a couple, who appeared to be a Sekirei and Ashikabi. That was evident for Yume to see.
The male was of average height and slim build, with messy brown hair hanging over his scalp, and the green eyes were wiped as he couldn't believe that the flier would work. The white shirt and blue jeans were easy and comfortable to wear.
The girl was short and appeared fragile compared to others. Slender and petite would be the best way to describe her. Her clothes were a blue long-sleeved blouse with a white collar and matching ruffled skirt and stockings.
"I can't believe that this worked." The male simply uttered as the girl cowered beneath the back of the Ashikabi.
"Does it matter? She is also a Sekirei. We are doomed, Shigi. Doomed." The voice was squeaking and high-pitched, fitting for a girl like her.
The Sekirei of Fate gave a kind and warm smile as she knelt in front of the couple.
"You do not have to worry. I am not here to fight you. What can I do for you? But what can I do without knowing your names?" That seemed to do the trick as the guy recovered remarkably quickly.
"Eh, right. My apologies. I am Shigi Haruka and the girl behind me is Kuno. We need your help to escape this city. I am not throwing my lot in with this crazy Plan."
That was certainly not what Yume expected to hear when she got summoned for the first time.
Am I a jackass to end it right here? Well, perhaps. But when you consider the fact that the next chapter is due in November, we don't have to wait too long for the next chapter.
Last time, it was five months ago since I updated so what is November from now?
Really enjoyed this chapter and am also very happy that I kept it shorter compared to the previous behemoths.
We have also our favorite tsundere or as I like to call her in my Sekirei fics, Waterdere. We are going to have much fun on that in this fic.
And I'll have to ask Marlo to draw her out but that can take some time.
Still, we are back to the usual routine and we ended this well. I do hope that next time, I am not that close to crashing into it.
List of the girls that Minato has already.
[Queen]. Kazehana
[Bishop]. Akitsu
[Bishop]. Kusano
[Knight]. Open
[Knight]. Open
[Rook]. Musubi
[Rook]. Yume
[Rook]. Open
[Pawn]. Benitsubasa
[Pawn]. Haihane.
[Pawn]. Hikari.
[Pawn]. Hibiki
[Pawn]. Matsu.
[Pawn]. Open
[Pawn]. Open
[Pawn]. Open
I hope you all liked this chapter and I hope for more reviews. I'll see you all in November.
Saluut.