Uzume landed silently on the cement in an alleyway just a few meters away from the hospital. It was composed of three buildings, with the main hospital as the tallest and largest with dozens of window panels on the front of it letting in sunlight. She sighed mentally, she barely left the Inn unseen. But Karei sounded panicked and almost desperate, so before she even realized what she was doing her feet were moving her to the hospital. She composed herself, she knew she had to keep a cool head her emotions were sent through their link to Ryu, if he even picked up a trace of nervousness he'd ask her what was going on.

He met Chiho, but not her Sekirei and didn't know what was going on. For now it was better that way, she was grateful for finding an Ashikabi as kind as Ryu. But he could be a bit extreme, not to mention he was too serious for his own good. She took a step forward but something told her to stop. Good thing to, an expensive black car pulled up just outside of the hospital. A tall bespectacled man with a slender build, dark messy hair, wearing an expensive dark blue suit with a white undershirt completed with a yellow tie underneath exited from the passenger side looking around for a moment, Uzume hid in the shadows provided by the sun and building rooftops. The man went to the back doors leaning his head into the window, her eyes narrowed in the skin on her forehead creasing as she focused on the man. Her sensitive hearing picking up bits of the conversation.

"This is her next target."

"Understood."

"Tell her I think highly of her. I'm very impressed but I'd expect nothing left from the one who had Takami's personal attention during her adjustments."

Anger pulsated through Uzume threatening to engulf her, she quickly extinguished the emotion. Telling herself to keep a cool head. She knew who that man was and was the cause of her ire. Kakizaki Higa's personal assistant or as she called him his dog, or better yet bitch. He relayed the order of Higa to the many Sekirei and Ashikabi under his control. She had no doubt Higa was in the back of the car hiding behind the tinted windows like the little mouse he was, she bent her legs launching herself above the rooftops before unleashing her veil in an elaborate whip like fashion, two strips shot from her wrists tangling around the beam of the main building at the side when she was sure no one seen her she quickly scaled up the side of the building going into an empty room via an open window. She stripped out of her battle outfit changing into her regular clothes.

She approached the door slowly opening it, peeking her head out she looked from side to side, the hallways were empty at the moment and the sun's rays beamed down through the glass illuminating the gray floors. She glided out of the room shutting the door behind her before moving own the hallway heading for a stairwell. While she'd never understand Ryu's fear of needles, she could understand his dislike of hospitals. The walls and floors were bleak, the atmosphere was a dull, almost lifeless.

"Karei-chan?" Chiho asked noticing her Sekirei's attention shift subtly. Karei struggled to compose herself as she caught a stench that made her nostrils flare, she looked at Chiho with a small grin. "I'm thirsty is all. I'll get you something." She said rising from her seat, Chiho nodded watching her exit the room. She just couldn't shake the feeling Karei was enduring something nobody should. And it was all her fault. She pulled her bangs back over her eyes to keep them hidden, she stopped in front of a vending machine inserting a few yen clicking a combination of buttons.

"Thank you for your hard work." Karei froze, clenching her fingers tightly until her nails were about to break skin. Her drink slammed down as it completed it course, she snatched it out of the machine turning on her heel. "I heard you killed almost instantly again the other day." The man continued walking towards her slowly pushing his glasses up as light reflected off of the lenses. "I suppose that's what we should expect from the Sekirei that received Takami Sahashi's persona attention. Mr. Higa thinks highly of you."

"Enough bullshit, what's the next target?" Karei said quietly but the venom in her voice dripped in the air like a cloud. She had no qualms to show just how much she despised this man, this little dog that went around on the orders of a coward. Kakizaki extended his arm forward with a picture of a girl in a purple shirt alongside a boy with messy brown hair. "Number 95, Kuno. This Sekirei's power is a bit special..." Karei ripped the picture from his hand walking away at a rapid pace, her eyes narrowing as anger settled in her gut again. "Doesn't matter."

"Please keep in mind. Your Ashikabi doesn't have much time left." He said snidely adjusting his glasses holding his satisfied smile. Karei kept her eyes glued forward going over ways to eliminate this new Sekirei and how to ultimately get out Higa's grasp. She's been under his thumb for too long, doing his dirty work, killing her sisters. She had enough of it, she was disgusted with herself, her actions, but she'd do anything for Chiho. If it meant doing this, she had to deal. "I know..." She said in a low growl resisting the urge to crush his neck like a twig.

She'd deal with it if not for herself then for her Chiho. Chiho was her only solace the only thing that was keeping her grounded. If she knew what she was doing she'd apologize a million time and work herself up, which she couldn't do. Chiho wouldn't approve of this she didn't want her killing others or leaving them at death's door, it'd betray everything she seen her as. But she didn't need to know, and wouldn't know, she didn't need to feel guilty.

"It's simple." Toyotama said while she clung to Ryu's right arm nearly pulling him down to the ground. "The second phase started, we can't let you out here alone." She said with finality tightening her squeeze on his arm. Why was he so stubborn? "Matsu suggested it, and for once I agree with her."

"She's right." Ahiko retorted holding his hand. Not going as far as nearly pulling him down like Toyotama. She figured it was out of jealousy, but if anything. Ahiko would just use that to instigate things like she usually did. "You need two of us at your side at all times now." She nodded her head. Ryu didn't respond it was useless arguing with his Sekirei, they were going to do whatever they set their mind to. Even Yashima was nearly impossible to reason with once she was locked onto something.

"But I just went to get a book." He said mostly to himself sighing in exasperation

"So what!" The two women said in unison glancing at each other in surprise that they said the same thing at the same time. Toyotama still had her issues with Ahiko, although not directly she forced Ryu into winging Hari but she couldn't dwell on that now. They were her fellow sisters and she'd learn to deal with them just like the others. Ryu flinched slightly from their outburst regretting he even said anything. Toyotama was bad enough between her jealous streak, impulsiveness, and temper. But now he had Ahiko who egged things on and had a temper, a very bad one worse than Toyotama's, thankfully she was carefree and caring. and she was resolute on going with Ryu. The one thing these two could agree on.

"Can we go shopping after?" Ahiko chimed in looking up at him with a curious expression.

"For what?" Ryu asked. "Didn't we just go like three days ago?"

"I could get some more bras actually, sounds like a plan." Toyotama seconded. "And panties." She added after a moment

"Maybe you could help me, I have trouble finding ones that fit me right." Ahiko said with a sad sigh at the end looking at Toyotama waiting for her answer. The green haired woman debated mentally she could say no and go to hell, but that would just make Ryu mad. It was better that they bond now rather than later, and she wasn't that bad, at least she didn't grope her like Uzume did. "Of course, leave it to me." Toyotama replied. Ryu looked between them slightly puzzled did he dare to ask.

"Um, don't I get a say?"

"No." They said in perfect unison again shooting each other a smile. They may have gotten off to a rocky start, but things were looking brighter each second. "I can't wear the same outfit the same day." Ahiko said with a deadpan expression. "And Hari, she has... Outfits that are..." Ahiko paused looking away from him for a moment as she felt heat rush to her cheeks causing them to slowly turn bright red. She didn't object Hari's choices in clothing, but having to try on some of those outfits was a little... Weird she felt too exposed, and some were tight. But she couldn't say she didn't have fun wearing them. "Revealing." She said quietly wrapping her arms around his arm tightly fighting off her blush. Ryu smiled softly, these two getting along perfectly was going to be a work in progress, but as of now they seemed to be getting along just fine.

"We can get some lingerie too." Toyotama chimed with a glint in her eyes as she turned her focus to Ryu. "We'll try on the outfits and show Ryu." She glanced at Ahiko who nodded slightly turning slightly redder than before at the thought, she wouldn't mind wearing it for Ryu, but wasn't sure how to feel about Toyotama being there with her. She had nothing against her, but she wasn't sure if she was a touchier like Uzume and didn't mind a little closeness. "Okay, sounds good." She replied quickly swallowing the lump in her throat.

Why am I suddenly nervous? Ryu said mentally.

"So, what book are you buying?" Toyotama brought him out of his musings, he looked at her blinking a few times. He couldn't recall the title just it was a sequel to Yashima's novel that had her full attention, unless Nanaha was getting the better of her then she'd put it down. How two girls that got engrossed with their hobbies could just stop for a perverted cause was beyond him. It was a romance book he knew that for sure, which didn't grab his attention he wasn't an expert with romance. He could treat his girls right, but a hopeless romantic was something he wasn't. He was far too serious. "Just a sequel to a novel Yashima was reading." He replied shortly after his internal monologue.

"Oh, the shy one." Ahiko said with a small smile. Toyotama held back a growl. Shy was being nice, Yashima was a little baby in her opinion. Out of all of his Sekirei the hammer wielder was the one to advance on him the most but always failed miserably or got caught in the act, not to mention Ryu didn't do anything besides kissing in the Inn, she had a feeling the poor thing was nervous or scared beyond belief. Could she blame her? No. Ryu could be very imposing with his presence alone, and he was taller and bigger than the average person, Yashima was a dwarf compared to him. A little frightened mouse. She thought stifling a laugh, she didn't need to worry about her getting her fill of Ryu. "We'll go with that." Toyotama said. "Let's just get the book so we can go on to do more important things." She said starting to drag Ryu on his feet.

Again he could only sigh in defeat. He wasn't sure about sitting in a mall for hours again, but he'd have her two girls with him. So it wouldn't be too bad. I get to see them dress and undress at least. He thought with a small smile ignoring thoughts in the back of his mind calling him a lecherous beast and pervert. He'd be damned if he sat in a place for hours and not admire his Sekirei in their different outfits.

Minato shifted his arms laying a blanket on top of another. He felt obligated to help around the Inn, though he didn't have to do this. It was better, he had something to do in his spare time and it allowed him to drift away in absent mindedness while he folded each piece of clean laundry before hanging it on the line to dry completely. He wondered how he was still alive so far with the Sekirei Plan and the city being seized, it was surreal. To make matters even worse there was a Sekirei out there that was leaving others near death. He'd talk to his Sekirei as soon as they came home, whenever that was he didn't even see them leave.

"Thank you, Sahashi-san. You really helped me." Miya said as she silently walked into the opening leading to the side of the yard.

He put a hand behind his hand, a sheepish look pulling on his face. "It's nothing." He said not used to being thanked by a woman. A beautiful woman at that. "Onii-chan!" Kusano called out bringing Minato out of his musings for the moment, a second later she peeked her head out of the doorway wearing a pair of big mouse ears. Minato was slightly puzzled walking towards her for a better look, the ears were on top of a band that she placed on her head, and her small body was fitted inside of a costume that was black on the outside with the only patch of white being on the belly.

"What's that, Ku-chan? Are you a mouse?" Minato asked. "You were a wagtail the other day, weren't you? Did Uzume-san give that to you too?" Kusano nodded the best she could her head being restricted slightly, she made what was reminiscent of chirping sounds. "Oh my! What a cute mouse!" Miya chimed in with her usual warm smile looking at her youngest chagrin. Kusano looked up at her nodding her head animatedly while making the same sounds.

"Those maid uniforms and these... Why does she own such costumes?" Minato asked out loud. "Come to think of it, I don't know much about Uzume-san." He muddled in his thoughts for a moment.

"Are you curious?" Miya asked opening her eyes slightly. "Jeez, Sahashi-san. Boys are all like that." She said in a teasing manner putting one hand on her chin while waving the other slightly in front of her with a playful smile. She couldn't deny she enjoyed flustering the second year ronin.

"No! It's nothing romantic or anything like that!" He sputtered nervously taking a step back. "More like, you're teasing me, aren't you?!"

Kusano blinked looking up at Miya, confused.

Miya slowly sat down on the verdant brushing a few stray bangs back as the wind ruffled her violet locks. "I don't know but the details either," she stated making herself comfortable. "But I've heard all these are for only two people." She informed the second year ronin looking up at the glowing sky as she reminisced. "Only... Two?" Minato asked wanting to know more but not prying completely. He didn't want to meet the hannya mask or its many friends like Ryu did one more than one occasion.

Listen, listen Miya! This was a big hit today! She was so cute when she smiled!

You should've seen Ryu, he turned so red he was like an apple! He's so adorable when he flustered!

Miya seen a grinning Uzume perfectly in her memories. She had a good heart and went out of her way to make these two people happy. But she needed to learn a lesson in modesty. It's been more than six months and she still walks around half naked. She never learned it seemed. "All she wanted was to see her smile..." She paused for a moment. "I heard that person's been in a hospital for a long time. And Uzume-san can only see her occasionally." She explained a fleeting moment of sadness filling her voice.

"Is that person... Her Ashikabi?"

"I don't know." Miya replied blinking a few times as she kept that part inside. "But I know how strong the bond between them is very strong."

"The bond..." Minato repeated mostly to himself muddling in his thoughts again.

"Well, it's about time I've started dinner." Miya said returning to her warm demeanor standing to her feet with a small smile on her face looking to the side. "It's about time the shoppers are back." She turned her head a little more. Minato and Kusano followed suit looking as far as they could down the street only seeing a growing cloud of smoke. He went to gather the blankets up and headed inside. She hated this, but she'd be damned if she gave up. Musubi was just a few steps in front of her, it wasn't much but she couldn't catch up she let out unintelligible growls as they were inches from the house.

"I'm back." Musubi announced holding her shopping bag as she pushed the door open with her trademark smile. Tsukiumi sighed dropping to her knees.

"I lost... This is the third consecutive loss..." She said to herself.

"W-Welcome back." Minato said uneasily with a nervous smile on his face as he watched the two start to banter. For now the bonds between Sekirei is the problem more than anything. Musubi and Tsukiumi hovered inches from each other's face one smiling one scowling.

"I won."

"Damn! If this were a battle of skills, I'd never lose to thee!"

"But a loss is a loss."

"Um...I..." Minato started nervously not sure if it was the best idea to get between these two. But he felt it was a little more important than their races, which both took serious. "What?!" Minato almost jumped out of his skin from the sudden outburst, The two girls shouted in unison whirling around to look at him both still pumped up from seconds ago. The second year ronin smiled in defeat lowering his head. "Umm... I have something to talk to all of you about." He said anxiously, the two girls exchanged a blink following after him forgetting about their banter and dispute.

More nosebleeds... More stiffies, God I need to get my own place, my own room, these girls are driving me nuts! Ryu whipped the sleeve of his kimono just under his nostrils to make sure if any stray leakage lingered behind it was now gone. On either side of his was Ahiko and Toyotama both carrying a dozen bags, Ahiko looked slightly overwhelmed while Toyotama held a satisfied smile on her face. He forgot, Toyotama enjoyed making advances on him, even if it was in public, did she care? No. He knew that now first hand after her plopping herself down on his lap and smothering him in kisses wearing nothing but panties, even if the rooms were well hidden a room within a room itself he'd prefer not to be out in public with his Sekirei showing him affection. He was happy, Ahiko had some manners, at least she wasn't plopping down on him, she did what they came to do pick out outfits, try them on, and do poses for Ryu to get his opinion. Of course the posing was Toyotama's idea, he thought he seen Ahiko blushing madly, but he blew it off Ahiko wasn't so easily flustered last he remembered. It could've been the clothes since they were really tight on her and hugged her waist and slim stomach, but that was just silly.

Thankfully he purchased Yashima's book in the bookstore at the mall which was to no surprise still filled up with merchandise. History was one of the few subjects that interested him, and for sixty some wars to take place over books and learning, it was a shame the bookstore was running out of business and still had material in there. He caught few glimpses of authors he recognized from his time in school, but he wasn't there to skim through things out of boredom. It took him ten minutes to find Yashima's book it was in the far corner with a few others, he almost vomited being in the cheesy romance section. That was on thing he didn't do, he wasn't a hopeless romantic. But he was certain she'd thank him, she better thank him or he'd give her a good scolding again.

"Yeah, but Miya has rules, remember?" He was brought out of thoughts by Ahiko and Toyotama having a conversation... Was he dreaming? These two were at each others neck just the other day... It seemed the two were in the middle of a conversation.

"So what. I didn't get these clothes just to wear..." Toyotama smirked guiltily. "Okay, I did. But she needs to loosen up with all of these rules. We can't even kiss. It's maddening." Toyotama said with an exasperated sigh. Between Uzume, Matsu, and Toyotama it was a tie just who got scolded when for doing something illicit or walking around half naked. Unfortunately Ryu and Minato were caught in the middle and as a result were involved in the punishment.

"But did I have to get something so tight?" Ahiko whined fiddling with her bags like a child blushing ever so slightly.

"You want to look sexy for Ryu, don't you?" Toyotama asked with a glint in her eyes, Ahiko opened her mouth to say something but closed it holding it down. She did want to look sexy for Ryu, she wanted to be sexy, but... "Some of these clothes I'd be better off naked."

"Tight is good, very good." Toyotama said with a small nod, for some reason that put Ahiko at ease. "And naked is good too, but Miya would have your head so you just strut your stuff in those outfits." She chimed with a small smile seeing a small blush form on her sister's cheeks. Ryu didn't put his two cents in, it was useless they'd just shut him out of their conversation. The length women would go to accomplish a perverted goal didn't cease to surprise him. It was almost as bad when Uzume and Toyotama would sit in the bath and wait for him to get out just for one of them to snatch his towel, causing Yashima or Nanaha to almost faint.

"Kay..." Ahiko said quietly still fidgeting with her bags still. She wanted to be sexy for Ryu, and she trusted Toyotama with her choices in clothing. Ryu did have a weird look in his eyes she'd never seen before, but it was a good look and she didn't mind too much.

They walked in peaceful silence making good time. The streets were busy, but not as busy as they could be. Before there were cars and people everywhere, and while there were still both in great abundance. For those with a trained eye and perceptive there was good five percent of the populace missing. While many people were too stubborn to move there was a minority that packed their bags and left the second Shinto Teito was seized. They wanted nothing to do with the city. It made Ryu wonder what it was going to be like later on, would this metropolis turn into a ghost town with barely any populace aside from the gangs and people too stubborn or ignorant for their own good. What's that? He asked himself mentally feeling like he was being watched forma distance, a short distance. Ahiko stopped dead in her tracks whirling her head from side to side searching every detail around her from alleys to rooftops.

"Hey, what are you two doing!?" Toyotama asked with a hint of annoyance stopping and turning back looking at the two of them with a raised eyebrow. Ryu was always weird, he was stronger than the average human and seemed to get stronger, how much she didn't know. But now she had another weirdo to deal with. Ahiko. "Come on." She urged with a small scowl.

"We're not alone." Ryu said quietly, they were in a residential area not within in the bowels of the city any longer. But they were still a good hour or two away from Izumo Inn. All around them were small shops and houses lining the space just in front of the sidewalk, with several alleys every couple of blocks. Toyotama huffed in annoyance, she had no idea what he was rambling about, and she wasn't going to ask Ahiko since she looked just as focused and spaced out as he did. She would give Ryu a punishment for this, one she'd revel in. This boy just drove her wild. "Come on!" She almost snapped.

"You are Ryu of the North, are you not?" Toyotama whirled around to see a man of slim build and messy dark hair walking towards them. He had a cocky smile on his face that screamed I'm better than you. Toyotama hated him already and she only laid eyes on him for two seconds, she hated cocky types. It reminded her of the single numbers, high and mighty too damn cocky and assured for their own good. She flicked her eyes to the woman walking next to him with a blank expression, almost as if she had no emotion. She wore a dark green top that cut off at the naval showing off her ample breaats and some cleavage. A skirt of the same color reached the top of her knees. She wore black stockings that went all the way to her knees completing her outfit. Lastly, she carried a large spear on her back that had a blade at least six inches long with a shorter blade at the other end.

"Who wants to know!?" Toyotama snarled dropping her bags in a heartbeat moving in front of Ryu with a dangerous glint in her eyes. She didn't need to ask anything further, it was clear he was an Ashikabi and she was a Sekirei, what number and type she didn't know or care. He posed a threat, and more so she hated this four eyed smug looking punk. He needed to be knocked down a couple pegs and she'd gladly do it. Ryu was thankful he didn't have to speak, and Toyotama asked the question that popped into his head. He looked over at Ahiko, she held a glare at the two people in front of her, he never seen her look so intense except in the middle of a spar, where he gave her the nickname rose. Beautiful to look at, but get too close and thorns ripped you to shreds.

"Who wants to know!?" Toyotama snarled dropping her bags in a heartbeat moving in front of Ryu with a dangerous glint in her eyes. She didn't need to ask anything further, it was clear he was an Ashikabi and she was a Sekirei, what number and type she didn't know or care. He posed a threat, and more so she hated this four eyed smug looking punk. He needed to be knocked down a couple pegs and she'd gladly do it. Ryu was thankful he didn't have to speak, and Toyotama asked the question that popped into his head. He looked over at Ahiko, she held a glare at the two people in front of her, he never seen her look so intense except in the middle of battle, where she got her moniker the rose of the battlefield. Beautiful to look at, but get too close and thorns ripped you to shreds.

"Or, Ryu for short." He quipped not too fond of his moniker.

"Sekirei and Ashikabi, Toyotama..." Ahiko trailed off looking to her sister. She simply nodded twirling her staff around at blinding speeds, the well balanced shaft whipping and arcing through the air coming a halt after it pierced the concrete.

"Number 16 Toyotama." She said confidently with a small smirk. She was waiting for this chance, to blow off some steam. She didn't have to worry about holding back to spare Izumo Inn of damages or the others if she or them got too rough, now she was free. And she was going to enjoy it. Ryu looked at her for a moment before he glanced at the woman across from them. "You're going to fight?"

"Of course." Toyotama said not missing a beat. "State your name and number. Not that it matters."

"I beg to differ." The woman shot back with a small frown but she smirked nonetheless taking a few steps forward clasping her spear tightly in her left hand setting the tip on the ground. "Number twenty three, Ryota." She said with more confidence than before. Ryu glanced at the Ashikabi, he clenched his fists tightly recognizing the man right away. "Himura..." He spat.

"Ryu." He ground out through his teeth.

"I've won three fights. It's you that doesn't matter." Ryota said with finality changing her stance, setting her right foot back, gripping the back of her spear with her right hand while gripped the upper part with her left hand, she took a calming breath slowly relaxing into a fighting stance. Toyotama resisted the urge to smash the cement with her staff, instead she smirked raising her head slightly.

"Then let's see it." She goaded taking her own stance, clasping one end of her staff putting it diagonally in front of her guarding any open spots along her center line. She found this stance to be the best since it guarded her heart and bowels from attack, as well allowing her to counter attacks at a seconds' notice. Ahiko glanced at Ryu her gaze hardening ten times more than before. "Whatever happens don't step in." She said firmly, he was taken a back by her more intense voice and gaze but pushed the thought aside. He had no intention of jumping in, he had no intention of fighting, but Toyotama already accepted. He leveled a gaze with her before nodding.

Ryota lunged forward using her muscular legs to propel her forward at lightning speed, her blade screaming through the air as it closed in on its target. Toyotama's eyes widened before she flipped to the side whirling around, but Ryota was already upon her again with a straight thrust, she twirled her staff clipping the tip of the blade watching it skid passed her side. She chambered her arm, her staff arcing through the air homing in like a missile. Ryota glanced to the side, quickly she pressed her weight on her back foot, leaning back, the staff skimming passed her nose just by mere centimeters. The spear wielding Sekirei slammed her foot into the forest green haired woman's ribs, Toyotama gasped quietly feeling the air rush from her lungs, she braced for the hit lessening the impact not by much.