"Mutsu!" Hayato shouted. He had been furious the last few days, especially when Mutsu forced their driver to veer of course from the bridge and back to his mansion. He didn't listen to the stoic man's explanation as to why he changed their course. He tried convincing him to turn back but as always Mutsu was stern and strict, going the full way with his choice.

"Please calm down, Hayato-dono." Himeko said with a concerned expression. She had dark hair and a very developed body, full and shapely. She wore a white kimono, gray hakama, complete with white tabi and zori. She had big eyes-one could say they had a tender and caring side in them. After all it only made sense is addition to wielding a menacing pair of blades that could be joined she was also a healer. "Mutsu-san was acting in your best interest. You should trust his judgment of the situation and his actions."

"But, still!" Hayato didn't want to let it go. He wanted revenge! Revenge on the squad for killing Mitsuki. "Mitsuki..."

"I understand your feelings..." Mutsu said tonelessly. "But, nothing would have gotten accomplished in us getting involved in that fight. Our numbers would dropped drastically-the Discipline Squad can not be taken lightly." He stared at Hayato for a moment, feeling the young boy's frustration and anger. "For now we'll regroup and plan some more."

"Fine, fine!" Hayato conceded, putting on a pair of over sized headphones. "I'm going to listen to some music."

"Not rap again..." Himeko muttered to herself.

I'll figure out just how that Haruka managed to pull off such a feat. If he can do it than so can Hayato-after all he has more Sekirei than he did, it's only a matter of time..." He looked at Hayato for a moment, mulling something over in his head. He really felt sorry for Himeko since she and him were dealing with the brunt of Hayato's tantrums while the others searched the city for any remaining Sekirei, It's a good idea to start training him from this day on. He'll need to be prepared for what the future holds. "We'll regroup once the others return, it's a good idea to Hayato's training."

"Of course." Himeko nodded with a small smile. "I'll assist in any way I can."

"Musubi, stop hogging all of the food!" Tsukiumi shouted as she snatched away a bowl of fish.

"But I'm hungry!"

"You and the rest of us." Toyotama chimed in shaking her head lightly. It amazed her how much Musubi could eat, but also how fast she could eat.

"Sharing is caring!" Uzume said coyly as she snatched the bowl for Tsukiumi. "As the saying goes!"

"Make sure to finish all of the food." Miya said with a light laugh, looking over everyone. "It'd be a shame to waste."

"Don't worry about that!" Uzume said. "We're all starved!"

Some of us have a good reason to be starved... Toyotama thought, looking over at Uzume with narrowed eyes. Not like you... Just what are you hiding? Well, why should I care anyways? "Go ahead and stuff your face, Ryu."

"I..." Ryu paused. "I won't let the food go to waste."

Few times in life was Miya ever surprised. She was the Hannya of the north, feared by all, even Karasuba despite her twisted personality and penchant for shedding blood. However, as she stared at Ryu eating in silence as everyone else laughed and socialized she couldn't feel anything except for surprise. Normally he would talk at the very least, laugh at a joke, but he was silent almost brooding.

She frowned deeply at the thought as it passed through her mind. Ryu brooding? It was so odd to even consider him brooding, bathing in his own fury and anger as he stuffed his face. He wasn't the type to brood or get jealous, he was beyond such things. Matsu getting closer to Minato aside, which she could understand perfectly since Matsu was his Sekirei and not Minato's.

That brought the next question... Why was Ryu brooding? Why was he so angry upon seeing Yume? It was like a knee jerk reaction, but not like this that anger was focused and distilled it wasn't flaring about in a wild whirlwind. The battle had taken its toll on everyone, there wasn't a person who escaped without any injuries even Minato had a few sprains and severe bruising. But, Ryu felt almost empty losing three Sekirei could do that to someone, but one would move on.

Ryu wasn't and his anger only grew, eclipsing whenever Yume would look towards him or speak. Miya smiled softly, watching him chuckle at something Uzume was going on about. That relieved her greatly, she wasn't sure if the others could feel what was going on inside of him, but she could perfectly. Ryu being that angry wasn't good. He already was braced to attack Yume just an hour before this.

Things continued as they typically did on occasions like this where Miya's rules were cast aside just a tad and everyone had the chance to cut loose. Uzume was life of the party as always performing an array of tricks that caught the attention of Musubi, Kusano, and Hari not to anyone's surprise presently in the room. Toyotama chimed in on the conversations every now and again with Kazehana and Kagari, she was never one for idle words, but a few topics interested her a great deal. Like Kagari's job as a host. This caused the silver haired man to flush a good deal when she and Kazehana playfully jabbed at him, Ahiko for her part indulged in the food-there wasn't any sake present thank goodness for that she didn't want a repeat of her balancing act the last time. Tsukiumi glared at anyone who directed their gaze at Minato and chatted with Kagari explaining she swore she knew him from somewhere. And, Kuruse indulged as well explaining her past up to the point she came to Maison Izumo.

Everyone was curious about her interests, etc, and Kuruse though not one for the spotlight was happy to tell her story. Musubi was ecstatic to have her onboard with the team as was Kusano who was animate and didn't talk much, however Tsukiumi wasn't as welcoming saying a simple hello and listening to her story intently. It was obvious to everyone present that the Water Sekirei was still sour about Minato's winging of Kazehana, though one could argue she just threw herself at him which wouldn't be far from the truth. Point was he winged two more Sekirei without her 'consent' something Kuruse scowled at when she heard she wasn't appreciative of Tsukiumi's abrasive and possessive problems. But, she was happy to divulge information about herself in any case.

"So what? You just came here and asked for Minato?" Uzume asked with great interest, focusing her eyes onto Kuruse. For anyone to just come and knock on the door of the Hannya was a stupid and lethal mistake in her book. She could admit the first time she met Miya she was literally pissing her pants as she laid down the law of what is not to go on at the inn, needless to say she listened from that point on. Though there were a few times she'd slip up and walk around without a shirt.

"Yeah, pretty much." Kuruse nodded with a polite smile. She was very modest and soft spoken, very polite Uzume also noted. "Miya-san was nice enough to let me in and explain my story, and then I met Minato-san shortly afterwards." She turned to Minato with a smile. The ronin laughed nervously scratching the back of his head as Tsukiumi grumbled something about my husband and concubines. It was clear Tsukiumi was still adjusting, she was happy on one end knowing that her husband was safe, but on another her jealousy was getting the better of her.

"I'm just happy we have someone new!" Musubi exclaimed in delight. "Now I can spar with you!"

Kuruse smiled. That didn't sound too bad, and her competitive side wouldn't let her hear the end of it if she didn't at least take up the opportunity. "I wouldn't mind a good sparring session, Musubi-san. If it is okay with Miya-san that is..." She looked to the purple haired miko for her opinion on the matter.

"Not today." Miya shook her head, but smiled still. They needed to recover a bit more, though they could move around fine. She wasn't going to chance one of them getting hurt, she only had modest medical supplies at best, though they did work. "It looks like I'm going to be training quite a few of you at once though. Tsuikiumi-san and Kuruse-san." She looked at the two newest additions to the regimen.

"You have fun with that one." Toyotama laughed softly, receiving looks from everyone in particular Kuruse. She cleared her throat, waving her hand dismissively. "I've went up against Miya-san, and I'll tell you from first hand experience she is untouchable. I spent three hours trying to at least graze her and I couldn't even manage that." She couldn't say she was surprised. Miya just had that air about her, and those damn hannya masks... She still didn't know how Ryu wasn't fazed by them.

"Ara, ara..." Miya waved her hand shyly. "You exaggerate Toyotama-san."

"Landlady is the strongest!" Musubi seconded.

"Well, in any case you'll take it easy for today." Miya said with a stern expression, and everyone in attendance nodded. "Training will begin tomorrow I suppose, it would be smart."

"Sounds exciting!" Ahiko couldn't help but exclaim, anticipation getting the better of her.

"I have to agree." Kazehana cooed in agreement, wiping her lips free of sake. "We must protect Minato-kun."

I want to pull my own weight though... Minato frowned slightly as he registered Kazehana's statement. Protect him. He knew little of the Sekirei game, though he knew more than the average competitor there was a great deal he wasn't knowledgeable of. He understood that the Sekirei and Ashikabi were bonded forever, it was like a marriage-the point hit home by Tsukiumi upon her winging. And, the Sekirei did everything in their power to please and protect their Ashikabi and loved them unconditionally. He was okay with that, it took time to adjust, but his girls were a part of his life now, a reason to smile. I want to protect them... I should protect them, not the other way around. He tightened his hands into fists. Was there any use in thinking this way?

What difference could he make anyways? He lacked confidence? His sister always messed with him... His mother didn't believe in him and was always so cold, never encouraging. His father, well he didn't know his father one bit and his mother would always avoid the subject or change it when he brought it up. But, he kept seeing Musubi and Kuruse beaten on the cement, Benitsubasa standing and laughing manically, Tsukiumi barely evading Haihane's claws as they sped across the bridge in a vicious fight. Ryu and Koto nearly killing each other, it was all too much. But, he had to do something. If everyone else was willing to go to such lengths, why couldn't he? Haruka even if for a moment shrieked just like Kuruse did, that was the rumor going around anyway.

The fighting would only continue. He wasn't so delusional or naive to think it'd stop here. The message was clear from Minaka, there were several rounds and they were still transitioning into round three. He couldn't bare to lose one of his Sekirei because of his own inability to defend them.

"Minato-san?" Musubi asked, looking at him carefully.

"I was just thinking is all." Minato said placating her concern for him, smiling softly.

Yume smiled softly, able to fell the currents of emotion flowing off of Minato. Then turned her eyes onto Musubi. "I suppose I could help in the training too, since I'll be staying here and all. I'd love to help!" Yume smiled easily, and Musubi's eyes flashed into stars. She was simply delighted.

"Really Yume-sama?!" Musubi was on the edge of her seat.

"Miya-san gave me the okay, so yes." Yume nodded.

Ryu tensed just a bit when he heard Miya say that. He did understand she never turned anyone away regardless of who they were, but he wasn't sure if he could swallow his pride on the matter. Yume got involved where she shouldn't have, and there was just something about her that put him off, made him edgy, maybe it was those eyes or the way she smiled. In any case he'd keep it to himself, he'd tolerate Yume's presence while he was present, good thing he bought his own home.

A few more hours passed and the sun was going to start descending at any moment. Toyotama nodded her head listening to Kazehana go on about something about love, the buxom raven haired woman was beyond drunk at this point and giggling every second. Toyotama sighed mentally, it had been more than a couple of hours, and the party wasn't so bad but she wanted to go back home and relax already. Ahiko and Hari laughed animateldy with Kuruse and Musubi the four of them talking about the last cartoons that they seen and TV shows, and definitely not lastly Uzume was still the life of the party talking to everyone including Tsukiumi. Even the blonde couldn't turn away from a conversation with the buxom brunette.

Ryu stretched his arms above his head, cracking his stiff back as he exhaled slowly. He looked from side to side, spotting Toyotama with one arm grasped between her own and pressed between her breasts as always, he ignored her perfect breasts as he spotted Ahiko and Hari a few seats down, and Uzume just across from Kagari on the other end of the table. "I think we're going to leave, it's getting pretty late." Ryu announced, Toyotama squeezed his arm tighter letting him know that she heard him.

"Aww, come on!" Uzume whined. "Can't we stay a bit longer?"

"If you drink any more sake you're not going to be able to walk." Ryu commented, staring at the saucer cup that was perched between her lips.

"And, I am not carrying you." Toyotama said quickly.

Uzume pouted. "You guys are no fun!"

"I am in agreement." Miya spoke up, directing her gaze onto Uzume solely. "You've had more than enough and Kazehana indulging you more isn't responsible..."

"Ouch..." Kazehana winced at the glare directed at her. "So harsh, Miya-san."

"Okay. Okay." Uzume conceded, slowly standing up to her feet and wobbled for a second before balancing herself again. "I'm ready! Let's go!" She tried to lead the way towards the door, but fell forward unable to get over the dizziness, Ahiko and Hari caught her just in time, supporting her weight with one of Uzume's arms around their necks.

"I think she had enough." Ahiko concluded, ignoring Uzume's babbling. "It was fun Miya-dono, thanks for having me!"

"My, so polite." Miya waved her hand laughing softly. "I've taught you well."

"Yup!"

They said their goodbyes several times over. Uzume was being incredibly difficult, but it wasn't surprising since she was stumbling drunk and could barely keep her eyes open. Ahiko and Hari supported her, Uzume's feet dragging along the cement as they made their way towards their home. Toyotama kept one arm firmly grasped between her arms resting her head on his shoulder. Finally, they were on their way back home, and she could finally relax with Ryu in private. Nothing against Miya, but she was never one for parties daily. "That reminds me, what are we going to do now?"

Ryu blinked once, mulling it over. That was a very good question, what were they going to do? Miya already had a plan devised, which consisted of training Minato's Sekirei-something he was a bit weary of, but didn't make any objections. "The first thing we do is train." He replied after a moment, looking at each of his Sekirei. "But, before we do that let's get some rest."

"I like the sound of that!" Uzume slurred. "Let's all sleep in the same room!"

"But, what if we..." Ahiko looked a bit flustered.

"You've had sex with Ryu before, what makes it so different that we'd be there?"

"We'd all be naked..." Ahiko mumbled. "Together..."

"I have no objections." Ryu said, blocking out the debate between Ahiko and Toyotama, and turned his focus onto Hari, "Is that okay with you?"

"Yes!" Hari exclaimed with shining eyes. "All of us together! It's a date!"

"Just thought I'd ask first." Ryu scratched the back of his head, a bit shocked at how easy they were being about sleeping in the same bed. Obvious reasons aside, they all slept in separate rooms-a habit that was drilled into them by Miya. But, there was also their jealousy which could get out of control. They seem to all be okay with it though... He observed them carefully, nothing there wasn't displeasure radiating from any of them.

Uzume sighed softly. She wasn't sure why she was sitting on top the roof of a building so late at night when she could be at home sleeping in the same bed with Ryu. But, she knew why and that reason was Karei and Chiho. Karei had called her earlier in the day, Uzume was trying to keep it quiet and cool while Ryu was in the hospital and at the party. But, Karei called and she couldn't just ignore it. The sloppy drunk thing always worked the best. "Yo!" Uzume turned around, smiling slightly as she spotted her friend wearing her typical skin tight outfit, strolling towards her.

"Karei, it's nice to see you."

"If you're going to ogle me don't try and save face."

"Hahaha, you know me so well!" Uzume laughed, scratching the back of her softly. "You said there's something important you have to tell me?"

Karei sobered up quickly. "It's Higa..."

"Tell me." Uzume said with an edge in her voice. She truly despised Higa and that prissy bitch Kakizaki that followed his every whim with that sickening smile on his face. "If he did anything to-"

"Chiho-chan is okay." Karei smiled, though it seemed forced. "Higa's having Juma and Ichiya carry out some of his dirty work... Recruiting other Ashikabi and Sekirei pairs with false promises-and if they refuse he forces them. There's already five pairs under his thumb and he wishes to expand that..." It didn't surprise her that he was doing it, Higa was willing to go to any length, sacrifice anyone and anything to get what he wanted, even his Sekirei... And it was a fact now that he hated all Sekirei. Even his own.

"But, that's not the bad news is it?"

Karei was silent for a second. "He has seen the footage of the battle that took place on the bridge between the Discipline Squad and your Ashikabi and the others. He has nearly become infatuated with discovering the secrets behind Haruka's sudden abilities. He plans to figure out how he did it and then replicate it for his own uses... I'm not sure what he is exactly planning but it's nothing good. I fear that there will be a great battle, and their will be many deaths."

"I guess, that's the only way it can go." Uzume shrugged.

"Uzume-san!"

"I understand where you're coming from." Uzume tried to pacify her. "But, Higa recruiting and forcing these pairs to join him... I just don't like the feeling of it, something isn't right."

"This is troubling..." Karei looked conflicted.

"It is." Uzume looked as confused and troubled as Karei."Right now we don't know enough to be sure. It's only guesses at this point."

"We do agree that nothing good can come of this..."

"That goes without say." Uzume stretched, sighing loudly. "All this serious talk gets me down, let's go have a drink! I have sake at the house."

"You live alone now?" Karei asked, almost flabbergasted.

"Yeah. Make sure to stay quiet though, if Ryu gets woken up from his sleep..."

Karei laughed. "I'll stay quiet."

Early the next morning

Natsuo was never this nervous. Ever. But, he had never found himself in a situation like this. Opposite of him stood both Karasuba and Koto their ever stern expressions making him gulp lightly, anticipation growing in his gut. Benitsubasa and Haihane sat on either side of him, the latter glaring daggers at Koto. News of what the orange haired man had done yesterday reached everyone's ears but Benitsubasa was furious and started to scream.

Karasuba told her to shut up, unsheathing her sword as she demanded the shorter woman to shut up. She saw nothing wrong with what Koto did-in her opinion he was a bit too soft on Natsuo never even slashing through anything with his sword, but he got results. That's all that mattered.

"So, who is this guy that's supposed to be coming?" Haihane asked, particularly excited that they could be getting new members on the squad. That would be great, though she was silent about it the escape of Haruka and Kuno stung her pride. She was a bit concerned for Natsuo but seeing him alive and well she quickly dismissed it, unlike Benitsubasa who fussed and then glowered at Koto.

"He is reliable..." Natsuo replied. "Only person I can trust in this scenario." He knew who he called was skilled and powerful-he exhibited extraordinary abilities. It wasn't the shriek like Haruka managed to execute, nor like Ryu, but he was a variable as Minaka would put it.

"You're killing me with this suspense!" Haihane cried.

"Luna is waiting for this person to arrive... It's going on quarter to ten." Karasuba said with a light shrug. "He is supposed to be here by ten thirty. We'll be patient until that time comes."

"But, Kara-sama!"

"Enough, Haihane." Koto said with a hint of annoyance, shaking his head. He was growing impatient himself if it wasn't for Karasuba's lessons he'd be in the same boat as Haihane, but he wasn't in the same boat. Things were changing at a rapid pace-Yume was still alive which was news to him-Haruka exhibited Kuno's ability... It was strange indeed, he only knew of Ryu that gained similar abilities. "I'm going to be testing his abilities to make sure Natsuo just wasn't overhyping whoever this is..." He directed a glare at the glasses-clad man.

"Natsuo would never lie!" Benitsubasa shouted in outrage. "I've had just about enough of-"

"It's okay Beni-kun." Natsuo smiled slightly. "He is right to be so thorough. Haruka's and Kuno's escape will certainly rile other participants to do the same. We are entering a very fragile time, we can't let our guard down even for a second..." He paused, choosing his next words carefully. "The Discipline Squad has always been feared, but with recent events there will be a small few who make light of us."

"But, Natsuo-sama-"

"Let it drop Beni-kun." Natsuo said with a bit of firmness.

"This is about more than just your petty infatuation and need for attention." Haihane said, sounding serious. It was rare for her to sound so serious, normally she was joking, pissing off Benitsubasa, or watching her vast collection of animes. "Haruka and Kuno escaped, those two cowards..." She narrowed her visible eye. "Natsuo is right... There will be those who try to escape, whatever is driving them-be it false hope, pride, desperation, it doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is putting a stop to it, we need more members..." She looked at Natsuo quizzically. "You said we'll be a hundred men stronger?"

"Yes he did." Koto leveled a hard gaze with Natsuo. "I intend to see that through."

"So this guy must be some bad ass, huh?" Haihane asked, now interested in the newcomer more so than she was before.

"You could say that." Natsuo nodded, smiling slightly. "He's the only person I trust with this kind of thing." He glanced at Benitsubasa, noting that she was brooding. "I trust you too, Beni-kun."

"Natsuo-sama." Benitsubasa blushed just a tad.

Koto and Karasuba shared a look, mild disgust crossing their faces. Benitsubasa was just ridiculous with her infatuation with Natsuo, and it seemed she was put in a trance-had her head up her ass as Koto liked to say whenever they were around each other. Is this how it is for the other Sekirei... Constantly trying to appease to their Ashikabi, pandering to their every need and want... Why did Yume...

"Things are changing." Karasuba muttered. "A storm is over the horizon..."

The door to the room opened slowly, Luna walked in with an easy smile. She was dressed much more modestly than yesterday wearing a regular t shirt and jogging pants it was early after all and after her passionate night with Koto she just wanted to slip something on. "Yo!" She gave a wave to her comrades, all of them looking at her dryly except for Haihane who waved back. "Our guests have arrived. Well, the people we've been waiting for... Person with some more people, Sekirei to be exact." This intrigued everyone even Karasuba looked on intently. "Natsuo-san I figured you'd like to give the introduction."

"Of course." Natsuo cleared his throat, standing up from his desk and making his way towards the door. Luna strolled away from the door, taking a seat a few inches from Koto on a rather comfy chair. Minaka may be a basket case and obnoxiously noisy, but she had to admit he knew how to pick out comfortable furniture. The group of people stepped in, setting their respective weapons down.

The leader, who appeared to be the leader of the group going just off a first glance. He was a tall young man with thick light brown hair falling to the back of his neck, his eyes were a deep shade of chestnut and had a sharp and piercing edge to them. He wore a plain black gi, the characters of Sasaki were stitched on the middle of his back, and there was a character for his first name on each of his wristbands. He held a very strong but relaxed demeanor. "Kai." Natsuo indicated to the man. "This is Haihane-kun and Benitsubasa-kun, my Sekirei." He pointed to Luna. "She is Luna-kun, though you don't need to use the honorific." He pointed at Karasuba and Koto. "The man you see is the Assistant Leader-Koto-san, and the Leader of the squad-Karasuba-san." He used a katana.

"Please to meet you." Kai gave a small bow.

"Saki-san!?" Haihane looked amazed as she noticed the barely modest girl behind Kai. "Tell me! Is he your Ashikabi."

"He is." Saki gave an enthusiastic nod, her tone very chipper. "I thought Luna-kun would have told you, but she's forgetful as always." Saki chuckled when the light haired girl turned towards her.

"My name is Firestorm." The woman clinging to Kai's arm said, grabbing their attention. Her first noticeable feature was her long raven-black hair, which flowed down to the middle of her back and over her second most noticeable, her very developed breasts. They easily outsized Musubi's. She had a slim but very curvy build, with a very youthful appearance. She wore a white blazer with a golden lining on the collar, a pair of white wrist length gloves secured the cuffs, firmly tucked in. For pants she wore a pair of black tights that obviously showed off more of her features, a pair of knee high boots and short frilled white skirt complimented her outfit. "It's nice to meet you all." She gave a small smile. She used an odachi an extremely long sword-the blade getting up to four and five feet long.

Benitsubasa looked at her incredously, eyes roaming to her breasts.

"It's okay if you're jealous." Haihane said jokingly. "I mean look at those-"

"Shut up claws, before I shut you up." Benitsubasa hissed.

Kai indicated his Sekirei. "This is Yahan." He pointed to the dark skinned woman with a slim but shapely physique. Her outfit consisted of knee high black boots, a loose fitting half top revealing an ample amount of cleavage, a long skirt like rift retained her modesty. Her expression was calm and observant. Yahan gave a small bow it seemed she wasn't one for words. or just didn't feel like speaking at the moment. She used a pair of daggers with great dexterity. "You all know Saki already."

There was a girl standing off to the side. She had a slender but buxom appearance with long brown hair, with two tied red ribbons. Her outfit could be considered more obscene consisting of a sleeveless polo shirt with a bow tie, shoulder length white gloves with bows at the top, a thick belt with a star on it, a black frilled skirt that reached barely the middle of her thighs, and long stockings completed her outfit. "I'm Kujou." She gave a small smile. Her weapon was menacing-it was similar to a Glaives. One long eighteen inch blade curved upward with a smaller hook located just in the middle. It greatly resembled a halberd, but was noticeably different.

"Just call me Kaiha." The girl with wild black shoulder length hair, spoke up drawing attention to herself. She wore clothes similar to a miko consisting of a white haori and baggy red hakama, white tabi, and white zori Her eyes had a hard-almost crazed look, she used a pair of wicked swords, dual wielding them with lethal efficiency. "I figured I'd save Kai the trouble." She gave a small shrug.

"I'm Natsu." A girl with short slightly spiky black hair spoke up. She was rather tall with fair skin, and dark purple eyes. Her outfit consisted of a purple sleeveless high collared top which hugged her chest, two shoulder length arm stockings with a black band around her right arm, a pair of purple tights with a pink trim completed her outfit with pink boots. She had her number '72' tattooed on her left arm. She held a confident yet chipper air, she seemed rather pleasant and spoke with a certain elegance. She used piercing sharp throwing knives to fight, easily able to hold them between her fingers, and throw multiple with precision at a time.

"My name is Akiko." The woman next to Natsu said with a soft tone. She had shoulder length raven-black hair that spiked out on the ends several bangs framed her face. She had milky cream skin, and a slender but very shapely build. Her breasts were hugged in a black high collar sleeved top that stopped just above the contours of her bottom ribs. She wore a pair of black leather pants with a thick black belt and brown boots. She wielded an extremely menacing sword-the blade was nearly three feet long curving up at the last two thirds towards the tip it was a Zhanmadao-a Chinese sword used to cut down Calvary, or it bared great resemblance to one excluding the curved blade near the hilt.

"Twins?" Benitsubasa asked slightly shocked. Twins were rare even among Sekirei only two or three pairs were known.

"Live and in person." Haihane quipped.

"I am Mei-Rin." The last girl introduced herself. She was rather tall and had a lean and shapely build. Her skin was fair and obsidian black was kept up ina high ponytail with bangs framing her face and shadowing her dark eyes. Her outfit was rather unique consisting of a sleeveless black kimono dress with a white obi tied tightly around her stomach. She like all the others was developed, but not as much so.

"What are your numbers?" Benitsubasa asked a bit haughtily.

"We're not fighting them, what does it matter?" Haihane fired back.

"Numbers have no place here." Koto spoke up for the first time. "We don't refer to each other by number anyways. Take it with a grain of salt."

"Ara." Karasuba smiled with a hint of glee. "We've got eight more... More than I expected, but I have to test it for myself..." She chuckled, staring at Kai for a long moment, then at Storm. "We've come to the fun part. Now we'll see test your strength to see where you line up." Karasuba looked over everyone critically. "Any questions or objections?"

"I don't see a problem with it." Kai said in a blunt manner. "I am more than happy to show my skills. As are my girls. Right?"

"Yes!" His Sekirei chorused, Kaiha grinning in anticipation simply nodded.

"I've been waiting for this part!" Kaiha said.

Koto cleared his throat, drawing attention to himself. "We'll go to the sparring room. It will be more adequate with space. Natsuo-san, you'll come with." Kotp stared at him for a moment.

"I don't think that's really-" Natsuo started, but Kai cut him off.

"It'd be good to come with and observe. You are the third person in control here, you should take this opportunity."

"Of course." Natsuo nodded. "I will accompany you."

"Great!" Luna exclaimed feeling a hint of excitement.

"This sounds exciting now!" Benitsubasa rubbed her hands together.