I've passed 300,000 words! I never thought I would, but I did with this chapter! It may not be a big deal to a lot of you, but to me it's a milestone. That's like two novels! Anyways thanks for reading!

Koto leaned back against the brick ledge just above him. Luna looked interested in the battle going on below, probably because Benitsubasa was her team mate and that was the only reason. He was interested himself but his mind wandered away back to their exchange. He never felt those kind of feelings before and wasn't expecting to; there was always the chance he'd react. But that was looking more and more unlikely, he was of the small, very small margin that had yet to be winged. It's not going to happen. He thought with a mysterious expression for all that talk Yume did, for all that rambling Minaka did it was a load of bull. He didn't have an Ashikabi.

Luna was in the same boat, and their feelings were so similar on the subject that they just morphed into stronger, more vital feelings. He kissed her before he realized he even kissed her Luna had his top off and running her fingers across his torso. He enjoyed the way his skin tingled, he couldn't lie about that even if he tried, there was just something about the way his skin tingled and heated up. Things quickly escalated and he found himself naked, panting from exertion everything was in a haze. A blinding haze that clouded his vision completely, it took his focus away completely, his duty forgotten. A part of him screamed in protest, Karasuba taught him better than to lose control like he did, but these was another part of him that embraced the closeness they shared. Not just in body but also in mind and spirit.

He pushed the thoughts to the side, focusing on the ring spotting Beni's pink hair even as far up where he was she was like a beacon. A pink, nasty tempered beacon that destroyed everything when she was pissed off. No doubt she was going to try to beat his time in beating these jokes that dared to call themselves fighters. Haihane jabbed his shoulder with her elbow, a grin on her face, he sighed mentally giving her his attention. "How long do you think it will take her?" She asked slightly excited.

"I say two minutes and five seconds." Luna replied turning to look at them with a blank expression.

"I say about two minutes, if she doesn't get too cocky." Koto answered truthfully. Benitsubasa was skilled and powerful no doubt, but she was too careless, too cocky. She let her ego get the better of her more than once and if it wasn't her ego it was her temper that got the better of her. Honestly it annoyed him to the greatest degree, they were the third generation Discipline Squad, feared by everyone, and here she was screaming and smashing down walls because of a simple thing Haihane said. It was ridiculous, but it wasn't his choice to put her on the squad, but Minaka's and Natsuo winged her only solidifying the fact. "What makes you say that Luna?"

"She'll get too cocky." She answered bluntly turning back to look at the ring, the door to the cage closing with a loud snap and thud that reverberated as far as up as they were. She sighed softly leaning back on her elbows crossing her right leg over her left. "She's really strong but gets too cocky. It's a nasty habit of her's."

"Excellent observation." Karasuba said, cutting into the conversation. "Luna-kun is right."

"Kara-sama." Luna looked slightly flustered at the praise she received. It wasn't easy getting it from Karasuba more often than not she found a million things wrong and to improve on. Luna never complained or fretted she took strives to improve every time they sparred, eventually Koto became her sparring and training partner since Karasuba was off on missions more often, and that's when she felt admiration. Koto acknowledged her strength and something about that gesture as simple as it was struck a deep chord within her.

In the ring Benitsubasa stared at her three opponents, a small grin on her face as she rammed her fist into her hand, her pink gloves absorbing the impact with little trouble. It was typical of what she'd expect three over sized guys, all of them were muscular not overly so and tall. All three of them were easily near the seven foot range in height, but she wasn't scared. Hardly. She went against Karasuba and Koto more than once, if she made it through that this was easier than a walk in the park.

"Cute little thing." Marico said with a smirk. He had slightly tanned skin and short black spiky hair that fell just at his shoulders. He wore something akin to a gi. Black baggy pants with a matching top and white combat boots, a blue sash was tied loosely around his waist to finish off the outfit. His weapon of choice was a saber, the long curved blade gleamed in the lights that highlighted the ring.

"Too bad we've got to break your face." Jukou said with a sneer. He had light skin and long, dark brown hair that fell to the top of his shoulder blades, a few bangs framing the sides of his face. He wore standard clothes, a pair of dark blue jeans, a black tank top, and black combat boots. His weapon of choice was a long chain that he constantly whirled and twirled with expert precision, he was slightly taller than Marico and had a bit more mass on his side than the latter.

"Enough idle chat let's just finish the little thing." Harico said a scowl framing his face. He had peach toned skin and short, dark hair that had a small blue tint to it that reached his ears. His bangs were short and fell just above his eyebrows giving him a more wild look. He wore a pair of blue jogging pants, a black trench coat where he kept his saber hidden, and brown steel toed boots. His visible weapon was a long and narrow pipe, probably from a store or he found it somewhere lying in the street.

"I was wondering when you three would shut your traps and fight me." Benitsubasa quipped her smirk never fading as she took a loose stance that she could transition from offense to defense in a fraction of a second. It wasn't her preferred stance she more of an offense centered fighter, she attacked giving her opponent no time to rest and when they thought she was done she'd attack again with twice the speed from before. She was going to enjoy embarrassing them big, bumbling idiots just before punching their lights out and through the fenced perimeter. "And that's now." Benitsubasa pushed chakra into her legs and feet, darting forward like a missile, Jukou could only widen his eyes before he felt his bone give on the side of his face, a pained gasp escaped from his lips. He flew back, crashing into the fence, a loud groan echoed around them, and finally the 'wall' collapsed with Jukou.

"One down. Two to go." Benitsubasa smirked in satisfaction as she turned to face the next two victims on her list. She slid into a stance clenching both of her fists tightly. "Don't tell me you're scared."

Karasuba smirked slightly, that was Beni. She was sure that man had a broken jaw and maybe a broken nose, Benitsubasa just used speed not really putting much force behind the strike, it was enough to knock the man out. But, a Sekirei like Benitsubasa had monstrous strength it only fit that she was fist type, she could crack entire blocks with a fully powered punch, and her pulverizer was nothing to scoff at. It was funny, as much as she snapped back at Koto at times she still obeyed what he ordered. Her gray eyes flicked down and to the right, amongst the crowds and crowds of people she seen familiar wild hair, and cold, cold unforgiving eyes. Ah, he is here... Her smirk grew.

"I see him." Koto voiced her thoughts. He felt something flare in the back of his mind, ki, and a particularly potent and ghastly ki. He rarely seen or felt such presence from a human, but the way that man moved, at times it seemed he wasn't. Chains were always popular in these kind of circuits they had great reach, and one tended to keep their distance and eventually lack in their defense, but as he proved, and Beni just now as she dodged a barrage of attacks from both men, and that man there were ways around that, but to have that skill and technique was rare.

"Who?" Luna asked looking in the same direction as them, though she wasn't trying to look for a presence like they were at the moment.

"Our target." Koto answered in a dry manner, getting a scowl from Luna. He found the small action to be cute, frowning was definitely not her look. She was too relaxed and at times carefree to frown, and she rarely if ever did. He could be blunt, brutally so and in that aspect him and Luna were different. Contrasting even, she was mindful, contemplative, and sensitive; while he was blunt, incisive, and strict. They balanced each other out.

"Oh." Luna blinked a few times.

"Gyaahhh!" Harico gasped in pain, though it sounded more like a strained choke. Benitsubasa was honestly toying with these two, despite their obvious size advantage, though it didn't make a difference, could hardly do anything. She seen every move in slow motion, reading every stroke, every swing, she seen the attacks coming before they were set into motion. She could admit that training with Karasuba was anything but enjoyable, even for herself who loved to fight, Karasuba was harsh and merciless. But, in moments like now, or against less disciplined Sekirei, that training took over. When Karasuba forced her to retreat, to actually read and try to predict her movements, it wasn't like her to do that. She just attacked, Karasuba forced her to adapt. Harico flew back, his feet off of the ground and arms flying out to the sides, as he crashed into a 'wall' this time it collapsed on dozens of people causing a loud commotion, and it got louder if it was possible.

Marico clenched his teeth, this girl was faster than he expected. At first glance she didn't seem like much, her hair and eyes were strange, as well as her outfit but he'd seen weirder in these tournaments. However he only lost a few times, and was considered a champion in his own right, but this girl was toying with him. No matter how fast he attacked, no matter how he tried to get around her defenses, she was already moving away or forward, her fists flying jarring his organs and shaking his bones. "You little-" he jumped forward, his fist shooting forward, Benitsubasa smirked moving her head to the side, the wind brushed her hair to the side, and she leaned forward her fist carving upwards through the air.

"Too slow." She said, smashing her fist under his chin, she felt a slight resistance before it vanished completely, she watched with satisfaction as he flew up and through a wall tumbling back onto the floor.

"I can't believe what I just witnessed, Mikoto in a show of super strength has defeated Jukou, Harico, and Marico!" The announcer shouted pointing towards her as he riled the crowd up, despite the damage done to the ring it'd take all but a few minutes to a half hour to repair it completely. On that note, he was thankful there wasn't bloodshed in this match, no matter how many times he seen it he just couldn't get used to it. Knockouts and death were the most common finisher here, submissions were used but more for distractions or breaking limbs. It was no secret mixed martial artists entered, as well as other masters, but fights made money, especially here. "And your winner! Mikoto! Give her a hand!"

Benitsubasa strolled back towards her perch, unlike with Koto she made her way easily through the crowd, her height allowing her to weave and slide between people. Sometimes she hated that she was so short and petite, and Haihane made it a point to tease her about that on the hourly basis. If it wasn't that it was her lazy attitude and gearing herself towards nonsense in the middle of something serious. Leaping up the platforms was simple, and enjoyable she skipped up to or three at a time landing solidly on the end where they were sitting. "See that!" She said with a cocky smirk.

"Yeah, I have to say I wasn't expecting that. You really hit that one guy." Luna said, tilting her head to the side. Sometimes she wondered how Beni could just get so mad. It confused her at times and made her envious she couldn't get upset like her, she was too relaxed, to level headed and carefree to get that mad. She actually winced when her fist made contact with the man's face, she could see the bones giving away and breaking from the blow, it was over before it even started.

"I know, and I blitzed your time Koto!"

Haihane grinned at her, a laugh escaping her lips. "Actually you took two minutes and twenty seconds." She stated matter of factly, ignoring the growl that erupted from Benitsubasa. If she would have attacked those other two like she did the first then she would have beat his time, but like she expected and her team mates she let her ego get the better of her, toying with them when she should have been already finished. Benitsubasa sneered maliciously at Haihane, she never did like her, she was also Natsuo's Sekirei and that settled it before her personality quirks pissed Benitsubasa off.

"Excuse me! It'll only take me two seconds to break your nose!" Benitsubasa snapped, her hand clenching into a fist, knuckles cracking.

"Enough." Koto said, his tone serious as he glared back at them. These two found anything to squabble about, especially during missions. What if what Natsuo said was true and there was someone planning an escape? How could they prevent something like that from happening if they were too busy arguing amongst themselves, granted he didn't do much arguing. It was more or less Haihane and Beni, Luna was relaxed, cheerful most of the time, and down to earth as he figured out a while ago. Karasuba was his leader, his teacher, and that's all mattered in the end despite all of her... Bloodthirsty quirks. "It hardly matters since Karasuba entered, we're both going to lose in that department." Karasuba was quick and swift, her attack style revolved around that and took advantage of it.

"Koto-kun." She smiled ever so softly, he was honest if anything. She could appreciate honesty. "I'll make sure I move slow enough that you guys can see."

Luna smiled, instead of rolling her eyes, it was a strange action to some. It was the fact Karasuba could back whatever boast she threw out there, she was arrogant, proud, yes. But what separated her from so many others was her ability to back up her claims, to make things happen, to strike fear in the heart of anyone who stepped before her. Luna wasn't stupid or ignorant, there were rumors like everything, and Sekirei spread them, but she knew with Karasuba it was fact. If you crossed paths with her, you wouldn't live to see the light of day. "That'll be a while, since Benitsubasa decided to use those men as punching bags, now four corners of the ring are missing."

"Yeah, real smooth." Haihane commented. "At least Koto didn't go breaking everything, you're such a little brute you know that?" She didn't wait for a response, knowing full and well Beni was fuming at the moment, "now it's going to take at least twenty minutes for them to fix it. Kami, you're so destructive at times."

"I don't recall asking for you for your opinion, claws. It's not my fault their so damn weak!"

Yashima's eyes lit up when Ryu entered the room, followed by her heart beat going up by thirty pulses. She felt for the bottles of sake, keeping herself compose the best she could. She couldn't risk anyone reading into her, more importantly Ryu since he was more perceptive than she originally thought. He had a way of knowing certain things, coming in at certain times, sometimes it was for the better others not so much. She had to tread carefully, he wouldn't he happy being part of some ploy.

She knew it was a solid truth, after he spoke with Matsu a while back. Normally she tried to listen in on conversations, she needed to pick her spot and go after it at the right time. Ryu didn't at all like Matsu's way of putting love making, calling it experimenting, and Ryu went on for about ten minutes why he didn't want her to say it anymore. It made him feel like she was putting him on a platter, or something along those lines, he just wanted to live and her to live, if she wanted to have sex she could. But to call it experimenting was taking things too far, at least to Ryu. Yashima agreed completely, she knew Matsu had her way with Ryu, she could hear the moans coming from her room.

This plan looked more and more favorable as she pondered on recent events. She was losing ground and favor with Ryu, she needed to get his attention, get him to be inside of her. He did it with his other Sekirei Uzume, Matsu, Toyotama, and she knew he did it with Ahiko those two were close, very close. So, why didn't he do it with her, he'd cum on her but that was about it, never inside of her. She wasn't the most endowed that could be a reason, Uzume had breasts, hips, and a shapely ass not to mention she was his first Sekirei. And to someone like Ryu that meant more than the world, between her and Ahiko it was clear who had his favor.

"Ryu-kun!"

"Did you get the house?"

"When did you get back!?"

Questions were smacked like golf balls, all of the flying into his ears. He glanced around the room, spotting Haruka and Kuno nervously speaking and slowly but surely loosening up. Minato sat a few inches away with Kusano in his lap and Musubi at his side the two of tem speaking, Musubi more animatedly to the guests and other occupants. That wasn't surprised, nor was it to see Hari conversing with the bubbly Sekirei they both seemed enthralled in their conversation not hearing the announcement of his return. Uzume looked at him with curiosity and interest, of course she was interested, Miya's rules though loosened from when he first arrived were still too strict for her, since she walked around half naked.

"We finally have a place." Toyotama said smiling herself, it was good to hear that. Not that she hated Miya or anything she was beyond grateful for her putting up with her, and letting her stay despite the trouble she caused. But she wanted her own room, she didn't want to share one and sure as hell didn't want to be just a few steps away from Yashima's room. And she wanted to be able to walk around naked and not get in trouble, sometimes she was thirsty and half dressed, a girl needed to drink!

"Yeah." Ryu replied as he took the only open seat, surprising, or not so surprising it was next to Yashima. She stared at him her eyes glistening brightly as she felt her hear skip a beat, he glanced at her for a moment, smiling then continued talking. "It has a lot of rooms, so you won't need to worry about sharing. I know some of you haven't enjoyed it much, if at all." He said sighing quietly, they were a handful. Nanaha and Yashima glared at each other, while Uzume waved her hand around.

"Awesome! I get tired of Toyotama saying 'get up you lazy ass' I mean it's eleven in the morning who wakes up then?" Uzume asked with a pained expression. Toyotama could be a pain at times, she wasn't abrasive towards her as much as the others, but when she woke up Uzume had to get up. And she didn't agree with that line of thought, she enjoyed sleep, she'd sleep all day if she could, but waking up at eight that was just overkill. She had half a nerve to pop her upside the head.

"What's an ass?" Kusano asked innocently, the conversation steering in a dangerous direction.

"Nothing Ku-chan." Minato sad hoping to distract her from the topic he continued. "It's just something adults say."

"In private." Miya said with a sweet smile as her dark aura flared violently. Kuno's eyes widened as did everyone else's when the room got cold, ice cold and she felt her shoulders shaking and tears gathering in her eyes, but thankfully the aura receded. Miya cleared her throat gently. "Uzume."

"I know!" She said hastily.

I need a drink. Ryu thought as he closed his eyes, smelling a sweet scent he opened his eyes looking at the saucer cup in front of him filled with sake. He blinked, looking to his side, staring at Yashima who held a bottle in her hand. "Thanks, Yashima." He said with a grateful tone, he wasn't afraid of that mask, but when Miya exuded her dark aura that's when he began to take a few paces back. He grabbed the saucer cup, chugging down the sake in one gulp, he set the cup down only for Yashima to refill it. "I can fill it myself." He offered not sure why she was pouring it for him, he didn't mind, but he enjoyed doing things on his own, and it's not like she was a slave or anything like that.

"It's not right for you to pour your own drink." She refilled it with a smile as he chugged it down again, "Allow me." Her gray doe eyes glistened even more, shining brightly as they got bigger. She stopped a giggle from escaping her lips, but a small smirk edged on her lips and she repeated the process, the party getting more lively as everyone began to loosen up. Plan set into motion. Ryu-sama is all mine. Confusion struck her as Ryu stood up, there was a knock on the door, or she thought.

"I'll get it." Ryu offered, swallowing, the taste of sake flooding everything else. He didn't feel drunk he could still walk straight and he didn't feel dizzy at all. He could feel warmth though in the pit of his stomach, no doubt from the sake. I need to eat something... He thought ruefully as he remembered he didn't eat lunch earlier having been gone on the house business, he didn't want to puke. That'd just be embarrassing, not to mention he'd need his Sekirei to possibly take care of him, and that was going to lead to anything but rest.

"Hey, there." Kazehana said coolly with an easy smile on her face, a bottle of sake in hand. Ryu wondered, really wondered how she could wear that outfit in public. And she was beyond endowed, now he seen breasts Uzume alone was well endowed, but Kazehana was just something else entirely. It didn't help her outfit just enhanced her figure, he caught himself staring for a second, stopped and looked at Karei. She had a relaxed expression, he wondered if they were twins, they kind of looked alike, almost had the same figure but Karei wasn't as endowed as Kazehana, or Uzume, but she had long, long, oh so long legs, and she was well above average height. Whoever had her must have been creaming every night, literally, thankfully her outfit was a bit more reserved being a tight fitting long sleeve black shirt, dark blue skinny jeans, and a pair of white tennis shoes (he wasn't sure what brand)

"Sounds like we got here in time! Is Uzume-san in?" Karei asked, her expression changing to excitement. It almost surprised Ryu he'd be use to the sudden change, but he lived with Musubi and Tsukiumi for quite some time, and both of them were spitfires.

"Yeah, come in." Ryu said moving out of the way for the two women. Kazehana stared at him for a moment, her eyes focusing ever so slightly as she took in his image, she walked passed him taking a swig from the bottle of sake.

"Thanks for having me!" Karei said in a cheerful tone as she slipped off her shoes, Ryu shut the door, but not before glancing around for a short second. Better safe than sorry. Ryu turned around, taking in her image, she looked normal. Obviously her figure was the tell tale signs she was a Sekirei if not also for her extremely long hair. Yeah, but if you put all of that aside, and considering her dress she looked like a normal person. It was slightly comforting, or liberating to see a Sekirei so... So casual.

"Sure, don't hold back. "Miya-san insists." Ryu said with a small smile. Well if it was a party, it'd be a party in that case. At least Miya was honest in that matter, she cooked a lot of food, and everyone had a helping hand in making this happen. Uzume and Toyotama planned most of it with Karei's, Kazehana's and even Musubi's input, there were props and decorations and the smell of food wafted through the entire house.

"Mmm." Karei nodded, taking a step but remembered Chiho's request. Now, she did feel a little jealous, how did he captivate Chiho? She did admit he was attractive and his eyes, his eyes were so pretty and mysterious. Perhaps, it was the gaze, the way he spoke, that caught her attention. Chiho paid attention to small things like that, it was one of the things she was fond of. Chiho was sensitive and attentive, they were tightly bonded to the extent she knew Chiho could read her like a book. But she never told her the horrible things that she was doing, or of Uzume's. "Chiho said she wanted to talk to you." Her voice filled with sadness and her eyes filled with it as well for a fleeting second.

"Chiho-kun?" Ryu's eyes showed concern. "How is she? Are they keeping her curtains open and windows open?" He asked his voice holding a slight edge to it, but there was still concern, and for the barest of moment her sharp mind wavered and she stood dumbstruck. The way he spoke, he must have meant her at some point, which she knew, it was when she was on one of jobs. He really cared about Chiho.

I was wondering why they changed that little quirk. Karei thought with a small smile. Normally they'd have the curtains closed and the windows closed, she herself would open them, and even take Chiho outside. She didn't care what the doctors said she needed fresh air daily, and Chihi appreciated the entire thing, something so basic sent a pulse of love, tender and comforting through her entire body. It was almost like her core, her very spirit reacted to Chiho and was in sync with her, at this point. "Yeah, actually. I guess I should thank you for that." She said making a motion with her hand to emphasize the point, she was always animate, maybe she took after Kazehana more than she'd admit. "She's been better.." Her voice was quiet, and she was thankful for the silence that consumed them, she stepped forward a few times, but froze when she heard him speak.

"I see..." He clenched his hand, few things could ever truly get to him. He pushed down the anger he felt bubbling, releasing it as he sighed softly forcing a smile. "Well, it's a party so let's try not be down."

"No worries!" Karei gave a thumbs up as she turned around. "I'm going to cut loose!" She grinned wildly as she sauntered away towards the kitchen. Ryu stood motionless his expression unreadable, Chiho. Chiho he was protective over her, very much so, but he wouldn't admit it. It was just one of the things that came to him, almost on instinct, when he first seen her they bonded. He opened her windows, and even scared the doctors to the point they'd let Uzume and Karei also stay.

Things are changing... He thought as he went back towards the growing noise, it was beyond crazy. And he could swear he heard Kuno crying out something about keeping her clothes on. Probably Matsu and her usual perverse antics, she could be such a handful. She wasn't emotional like Yashima or Toyotama, and wasn't as oblivious as Uzume could be at times, and wasn't nearly as frantic as Yomi. She was sharp, quick witted, incisive, everything that her reputation as the Wisdom Sekirei embodied.

Yashima's eyes glistened brightly as Ryu took a seat next to her, picking up the saucer cup and bringing it up so she could fill it. She filled it with a small smile, she made sure to wear her ribbons neatly enhancing her dainty appearance, and her doe eyes shined brightly giving her an even more petite appearance. She did her best to look cute and adorable tonight, her dainty figure enhanced and her gray eyes glistening, she could feel it this was going to work. Now all she had to do was relax.

"Ahiko!" Uzume cheered bringing up a cup of sake. "Come and drink with us!" She exclaimed cheerfully. "This sake is so good! It burns all the way down!"

"Uzume-kun did you eat anything?" Ahiko asked carefully, now dressed in black jogging pants and a black t shirt. She looked a lot more comfortable, Ryu absently noted as his thoughts swam and the burning sensation grew at the pit of his gut. Ahiko didn't wait for an answer, she already knew the buxom girl didn't, judging from that slight blush. "You should really eat something. As for drinking, 'kay!" Ahiko sat alongside Uzume, Karei in front of her sipping down her own cup of sake.

"Yes make sure to eat. It would be a shame if it all had to go to waste." Miya said with a sweet smile.

"Musubi will eat her fill!" The brunette said happily, already stuffing down a mountain of food.

Ryu sighed softly as he swallowed the potent sake, the burning almost consuming now. But he could feel his body numbing slightly, he didn't feel drunk though. No, he was fine, just absorbed in thought, even if Yashima was pouring him another cup while she drank her own. Karei didn't show it, but she was hurt, Chiho was hurt. No hurting, her condition must have gotten worse, Uzume was adamant that he stay at the Inn and train and spar with Miya, it wasn't a hard decision. But now, thoughts swarmed through his mind, and as he chugged down another helping of sake, and ate some dango, the thoughts receded and flared. What else could she be keeping away from him? She... Doesn't trust me... He thought for a moment before shaking the thought away, no that was ridiculous.

"Come here and let me take off your clothes!" Matsu crowed at Kuno as she towered over her with an ominous shadow.