Ryu admittedly felt a little troubled. It was like Hari to do what she did, but given the circumstances and just how true it was. He wondered if Ahiko shared this sentiment, the more he thought about it the more he just pushed it away. There just wasn't any sense in dwelling on it, the reality was clear. If they didn't fight and get stronger they were easy pickings, naive prey in a harsh landscape, it was harsh, but this was the reality of it. They'd have to fight eventually, will be fighting eventually, Hari had to be on the same mindset as them.

She wasn't though and that's what bothered him.

If they weren't all on the same page, realistically they couldn't survive. A pride of Lions was one cohesive unit, they were of one mind. Wolves were of mind, hunting together for literally hours. They were all of one mind, they could overcome the harsh environment and fend off the predators. But, that was because they were all thinking the same, had the same goal in mind, this is how they accomplished it. In his opinion at least, it had a large part to do with it. Things were changing, and rather than getting on the same page it seemed it was the opposite.

Ryu heaved a deep sigh, one that Ahiko could clearly hear. He slipped off his hakama making sure to fold them carefully setting them aside.

"It's shower time, forget about that for now." Ahiko said, gripping his hand in both of hers, fixing him with a serious gaze. It was as serious as she could look considering what they were about to be doing. Hari was nothing to worry about, she'd be upset, but she'd come around she always did. She'd probably end up apologizing for how she reacted, she didn't do well with guilt or anything of that nature and it'd literally eat at her. For now they had each other, that was more than enough. "Wait..." She smiled coyly, she'd set her hand on her hip if she could. She looked right into his eyes. She let one hand roam freely. "Oh, sorry. I meant to say let's go my Ashikabi.

He forgot about the burden as he entered the shower shortly after Ahiko. He was thankful for her expertise. The steam mixed in with the air clouding the entire room, it gave a feeling of bliss.

Toyotama stayed silent. She kept her focus pointedly on the TV, just a bit weary. How did Karei know where Ryu lived-she couldn't recall herself, the others, or Ryu himself telling her where his new house was located. The thought caused a scowl to cross her face, it was odd. She kept this to herself however, she already had her suspicions, and she wasn't going to speak on it in front of Karei. She really hoped Ryu hurried up and got down here. "What do you want to ask?" She couldn't help herself, she wanted to know-it was her business. There was a chance Karei could be an enemy, she wasn't going to chance anything, not at this point.

"Oh well..." Karei scratched the back of her head, gazing down uncomfortably. She didn't know how to put it, she could only think of being blunt. She was always blunt and forward, it always worked-not always for the better, but still worked. "I'd rather wait for Ryu-san to come down here. I don't want to be rude." Karei insisted in a soft way, still not meeting Toyotama's critical gaze. She was starting to feel out of place.

Uzume sighed irritably at Toyotama. She really could be too much at times, obviously Karei wanted to wait for Ryu. She was polite and proper after all, Takami made sure of that. "Jeez, Toys stop looking at her like she's under a microscope." Uzume said, noticing Karei relax a bit as Toyotama tore her gaze away putting it on Uzume, and then the both of them before she looked away back towards the TV.

"I'm just curious." Toyotama suggested.

"Curious of what?" Ryu's voice brought everyone to a halt, and the trio of women turned towards him. He was wearing a simple pair of black hakama and a black kimono. He had yet to put on any socks, and yet to put his hair up. His black mane was actually still wet, showing he just got finished not too long ago. His eyes fell on Karei. He had no trouble with her, no problem with her was a better way to put it, she was kind a bit on the crazy and perverted side-figures she and Uzume were close it'd only go hand in hand. Regardless of her slightly perverted nature Karei was kind, he could consider her a friend just like Minato. And, they still had that pact which was never going to be set aside. "Okay, can somebody answer?" The climatic stares were a bit redundant, this is his house.

"Well, to be honest I'm not entirely sure." Uzume shrugged, there was a carefree smile on her face as she said this. Did she actually know why Karei was here, and just playing the part? No, that couldn't be Uzume was an open book, if she knew she would certainly tell him. "She wanted to wait for you before she said anything else, you know, some of us Sekirei do have manners." It was a light quip, and a fact, some Sekirei-Musubi one of them had zero manners or common sense. "Anyways I don't know exactly... Karei?" Uzume gave her life long friend a quizzical look.

Toyotama scoffed lightly. It's obvious she's never had any semblance of manners. She put her focus onto Karei. "Well, let's hear it."

Uzume scowled. "You have to leave."

"Like hell I do." Toyotama narrowed her eyes. "I live here!"

Karei fiddled with her fingers, way too aware of the tension just a few feet away from her, she really didn't like being in the middle of this sort of thing. It was just awkward and socially she could be awkward depending on the situation, being pressured was one of them, followed by being in the middle of a tense situation-like now. "Um, you guys..."

"This is private, clearly."

"And?" Toyotama barked at Uzume. "You get your ass on out of here too!"

Ryu sighed softly, noting Karei's awkward expression. She was trying to look at anything but the two of them, which wasn't working out too well.

"Just tell me whatever it is you have to tell me." Ryu said, getting right to the point. He wasn't entirely sure where that tension had come from with Uzume and Toyotama, he didn't really care they would set it aside. He didn't show any outward signs of realization or slight shock, but he felt a bit of both more shock, it just seemed more fitting. How had Karei found his house, he hadn't told her where he lived he was certain of that, and his Sekirei didn't he knew that. Toyotama was into gossip, but she wasn't the type to blab about private things-like where they lived now. "How did you know where to find me?" He asked. "How did you know to find me in this spot?"

Uzume sighed softly. They were getting off focus, and more importantly somethings were best left unsaid. As that saying goes. "We're getting off focus here. Karei-chan has to confess her undying love for Ryu-kun, she is smitten by his-"

"Uzume!" Karei snapped lightly, cheeks tinting red. It was like Uzume to say such a thing, in such a serious situation, lightening the tense and serious atmosphere. She knew Uzume wouldn't have minded-had she been winged by Ryu, sharing was caring and they were both believers in that, it was one thing they discussed quite a bit while they were growing up and in that 'stage' of growing up.

"Stop talking your nonsense!" Toyotama barked.

Ryu moved towards the chair, that was situated right by the couch, and took a seat fixing Karei with an intent gaze giving her his full attention. He'd wait for her to speak first, no need to press any further.

"I know this will sound odd, possibly." Karei started, feeling a bit uncertain and it showed in her tone, but she steeled herself and continued. "You see, umm, recently I got into a fight with another Sekirei, and in the middle of that, somehow I lost my MBI card so..." This wasn't the full truth, she did get into a fight, and she did lose her card, but she'd keep the details sketchy, she cleared her throat softly. It was embarrassing losing her card. Higa wasn't going to pay for shit. Scoundrel. "I don't have any money, so I've really go nowhere to go."

"You can go to Maison Izumo." Toyotama said.

"Miya is scary!" Uzume defended, knowing Karei was hesitant on staying at the inn for many reasons.

"Anyways, I was wondering if you'd be okay if I spent... A little time here?" Karei asked quietly, keeping her eyes low, but high enough so she could see what was going on.

Toyotama exhaled briskly, folding her arms across her chest. That was ridiculous, beyond the realm of ridiculous. They couldn't just let her stay here just like that! What if she was a spy of some sort, or something worse? She wasn't paranoid she didn't get paranoid, but she wanted to be careful. Too much had happened, and too much was going to happen for them to drop their guard now. "Would you care to repeat that?"

"That's fine, Ryu will let you stay, right?" Uzume looked at Ryu with a small smile. It had been a while since she and Karei spent real time together.

Uzume's eyes were hopeful. Karei's eyes were dim. Toyotama's eyes were narrowed and were screaming no. Ryu raked a hand through his hair, adjusting himself to get more comfortable. Honestly what kind of question was that, Toyotama wasn't too far off asking Karei to repeat that question, it was baffling she would ever ask such a thing especially out of the blue like this. Uzume was all for Karei moving in, of course she was all for it they were two peas in a pod, a rare duo, if there was anything besides a yes Uzume wouldn't accept it. Toyotama seemed weary and hesitant, rightfully so, she was of course against it, if he were to say yes it'd not sit well with her. For a second time, he raked a hand through his hair. He very well couldn't leave Karei out on the streets, especially since she was a Sekirei.

"I don't have much." Karei added. "Just the clothes on my back and a few other small things, toothpaste and all that."

Perhaps it'd be better to say yes, he had much to think about-Matsu's declaration and her wanting to actually get married. He still had no idea what to say to that, and the clash of Uzume and Toyotama wasn't adding any clarity. "You can say." He told her.

"Ryu!" Toyotama shouted. "We can't trust her!"

"And, I can't let her roam and sleep on the streets! What if I left you that time?" He gazed at her, watching her face phase through five different emotions at once. She wanted to snap back, wanted to say something back, but she couldn't. She couldn't say or do a thing because he gave her a chance, and he was doing the same for Karei-giving her a chance.

"Fine, but she stays with the pervert." Toyotama huffed angrily, making her exit.

"Don't mind her." Ryu told Karei, waving his hand dismissively. "You can stay here, but how long will you be staying?"

"A couple of weeks, maybe a couple of months." Karei shrugged, not entirely sure. "I actually have an interview to go to today for a job, so I could pay you rent-"

"Just save up and when you have enough you can go." Ryu said bluntly-it would have sounded cold and uncaring had anyone else said it. He looked at the two girls before nodding to himself. "If you excuse me, I have to call Miya-san." She was particular that he actually call her when he gets home, he'd rather not get glared at by her fifty thousand masks. With his goodbye he turned and started moving towards his room shaking his head as he heard the two of them burst out with excited and giddy giggles. He had seen that one coming. He was starting to regret not being more specific with the rules that need to be followed at all times. I hope those two don't start walking around the house ass naked, Toyotama is going to flip her lid if that happens...

Minaka smirked, it was his usual insane smirk. He loved this. The Sekirei Plan was shaping out to be something that blew ever his expectations out of the water, not only had variables popped up as time went on, but there was a strange enigma one would say. Haruka... That teenager who escaped with Number 95 Kuno exhibited a strange but potent ability. Through some means he attained a power like Kuno's-this was odd but interesting all the same. He thought he knew all there was to know about the bond between Sekirei and Ashikabi.

It seemed he didn't know as much as he should have. He never expected something like this to happen, and he was anticipating many things. If that whelp could attain such an ability then that means everyone can, somehow... He furrowed his brows, looking awfully serious. Normally he'd be laughing and shouting in sheer joy and madness, but he was the opposite. Silent. And, this new recruit... Kai I think it is he seems to be another variable... Another enigma. Slowly his smirk gathered coming back onto his face.

This brought a whole new dimension.

More importantly... He didn't have unlimited time.

There was no way he'd anger that man. He wasn't afraid of anyone or anything, barring Karasuba, Koto, Miya, Mutsu, and the First Generation Discipline Squad Demon Commander, there wasn't anything that would make him shake. But, this man made him tremble, but he was confident. Beyond confident that everything would go as he sees it, there'd be a few bumps along the way but that's what made this so fun and exciting, another variable, another engima.. Maybe another event created by him and solely him. Before that though, there was a short bit in order. First he needed to purchase ten billion happuris-Takami's clipboard was going to give him a concussion one day. And second, checking the progress of seizing this entire city even more than he had.

He frowned slightly, turning his focus onto the numerous screen before him-they all varied in size some forty two inches, while some were a mere ten inches, they ranged from ridiculous to meager, but they all showed the entire layout of Teito. Every alley, of every territory, including the north, every contestant and exit-he seen it all. He was viewing it all from a bird's eye perspective. He was the Game Master-this was his board. It seems they've already made their way through the east and south, that was much faster than I expected especially considering that hiccup they ran into along the way, in that case... His smirk turned into a grin as he pulled out his phone quickly dialing a number and holding the phone to his ear waiting.

"What the hell do you want?"

"Takami-kun, I'm happy to hear you too." Minaka joked, barking with laughter. "Despite your joy, there are much more pressing matters!"

"Just shut your mouth and tell me what the hell it is that you want." Takami said, it was clear she was restraining her rage-the bulk of her focus on her current task. She couldn't afford to give what she was to Minaka at this moment, she wasn't going to play his games at this moment.

"I want the Discipline Squad in my office the second they return." Minaka told her. "All of them, including Karasuba-san and Koto-san, I have an assignment I am sure he will be enthused to complete. I also want to personally meet this Kai who is our newest recruit." Truth be told he already knew about Kai, he never met the young man in person, but his cousin-Natsuo worked for him and had been for years, in addition to that Kai was a participant in his grand plan, it was only natural that he'd be informed of the variable. Saki was his Sekirei and she was under direct order of MBI, if there was any semblance to that, he knew all there is to know about Kai. Having him on the squad was more than a positive.

"Alright." Takami said dryly. "I'll let Karasuba know."

"One more thing!"

"WHAT!?"

Minaka didn't hold back his laugh at all, his grin wide and his eyes glinted with amusement. Takami seemed to be a bit more angry as of late. "My dear Takami-kun, you will be attending this meeting as well it is mandatory. As soon as you're finished with numbers 101 and 32 make your way to my office!"

Minaka's laughter roared through the phone coming to a vicious silence as it exploded on the cement. Takami didn't feel anymore relieved.

"It's somewhere around here." Yukari muttered softly, glancing around for a long moment. She was sure she got the directions right, it was definitely located in the north, and despite Shiina's advise not to venture into the north for fear of the Hannya she did anyways. Yukari wasn't so easily scared, if this person really existed then she'd deal with them when the time arose. She had been through enough for the last few weeks.

Hayato and his Sekirei pursuing her and Shiina at every possible chance was unnerving and downright annoying, she had almost got kicked out of her college for some incident related to them-never mind the fact she was keeping a boy in her dorm, something else that would get her kicked out before she could as much blink. Life had just gotten so complicated, she had to look over her shoulder whenever she'd go into the city, before she never had to do such a thing. It never even occurred to her, but she learned the hard way to stay aware.

Akitsu's-as she discovered that cold ice woman's name to be hit the point home with ice spikes. Too many ice spikes for her taste. She couldn't look at ice the same way ever again after that whole skirmish.

Which is why she was now here. To make sure her brother was alright first and foremost. If she had been dragged into this mess then she was willing to bet that Minato was dragged into a mess ten times worse, something he could never handle. Him shacking up with this Hannya of the North seemed more and believable the more she thought about it. "I don't think we should be here." Shiina told her quietly, eyes flicking in every direction, searching for any would be attackers. "If the Hannya sees us we're as good as dead."

"We can't go back to my dorm." Yukari snipped, slightly annoyed with how cowardly Shiina was acting right now. She wasn't keen on coming here, but she was here now and by all means she was going to venture deeper until she found her brother, she thought Shiina would be more optimistic. Maybe now they'd find his long and lost sister, she had heard enough about that, and that didn't include his speech on the Sekirei Plan and anything having to do with that. And, back to her first point they couldn't stay there since it was the daytime and people were out and about. "If I get caught with you in my room, I'll be expelled faster than you can say 'ramen' and besides this is the perfect chance to find your sister-Kuu-chan."

"I'm sorry for being such an inconvenience." Shiina looked miserable. "Had I not been so weak before, you wouldn't have had to-"

"Oh, enough of that." Yukari snapped lightly, cutting her hand through the air for emphasis. He had said sorry a million times and she told him don't worry about it, he was saying it a million more and she didn't want to keep saying it was okay. Because, it was okay, but he should understand that point by now. "Come on, I bet Kuu-chan is somewhere in this maze, we'll find her. I promise!" Yukari beamed a smile at Shiina, managing to quell his worry.

"Okay!" He smiled, Yukari's chipper tone giving him a bit of optimism.

It wasn't until about a half hour later they finally stumbled upon Masion Izumo-they had no idea it was called that, but the inn was the largest building on the street for a good ten or so miles. She turned her eyes on the front, bringing herself to a stop as she watched a beautiful purple haired woman sweep the steps with a content smile adorning her face. "Hey let's go and ask her!" Yukaru suggested, snatching Shiina by the hand and yanking him along before he could even open his mouth to give her an answer. She carefully entered passed the front gates and made her way towards the woman. "Um, excuse me, Ms." Yukari made her presence known, squirming just a bit as a set of violet eyes burned into her, they were kind, but so intense. Yukari steeled herself, continuing. "We're kind of lost and looking for someone, you wouldn't mind helping us find this person would you?"

"Of course not. I'm Miya Asama by the way." Miya replied, turning her eyes onto Shiina. Judging from his energy presence and outfit, not to mention that hair he was definitely a Sekirei. Seeing this Miya clasped the handle of her broom much tighter, she would crack this off of both their heads if she needed to, she wasn't going to have thugs coming and going around Maison Izumo. "May I ask, what is your name?" Miya asked, fixing them both with an intent stare.

"I'm Yukari Sahashi!" Yukari introduced herself, smiling as she did. Self intros were always her sort of thing. She gestured at Shiina. "This is Shiina he's my..." She paused, trying not to look awkward as she was currently feeling, hopefully this woman couldn't read into her like Minato and Takami could. There was a rule that the Sekirei Plan had to be kept a secret, Shiina stressed it day and night, she couldn't exactly disagree with him. "He's my boyfriend." Yukari added, scratching the back of her head with a nervous grin, for two reasons. She never had a boyfriend before, and the look Miya was giving them appeared to go completely through them-it was like she was seeing them, the real them... It was somewhat scary. She sighed softly, elaborating on her earlier statement. "My boyfriend tends to be clumsy and forgetful most of the time, we were out and he lost track of his little sister, her name is Kuu-chan... Would you happen to know where she is or have you seen her?"

Sahashi... Kuu-chan... Miya furrowed her brows slightly. It was evident Yukari was Minato's sister, definitely. Miya could see the physical resemblance they shared the same cheeks and hard the same eyes though their color was darker or lighter than the other, even their hair while different has similarities. "You should keep better track of your sibling, Teito isn't a place for anyone-especially a child to be roaming free."

"I know..." Shiina began to sulk. He was kicking himself this whole time.

"You must be Minato's sister. He's told me a lot about you." Miya smiled kindly, loosening her grip on the broom and set it against the wall.

"Hopefully my better qualities." Yukari half joked.

"Well, come in. I will state this one time and only one time." Miya narrowed her eyes to slits, glaring at both Yukari and Shiina. They weren't sure, but they were seeing a lot of masks, hannya masks to be exact. They were glowering at them and hissing red smoke. Yukari and Shiina both immediately latched onto each other, if they could they'd force themselves into each other to escape the oppressive aura Miya was exuding. "Okay?"

"Yes!" Yukari cried, heaving a breath as the aura and masks vanished not even a second later.

"Good, come right this way. Minato-san happens to be in."

"Woah! You're an Ashikabi!?" It was a simultaneous shout from both siblings. Kuruse, seated next to Minato winced slightly the outburst was rather abrupt she wasn't expecting that especially from the two of them. Minato and Yukari stared at each other in a mix of shock and surprise, there was also the telltale sign of being dumbfounded in along with those two emotions. It was amusing.

"Well, yeah." Yukari was the first to come out of her stupor, fixing her brother a feisty expression.

"You don't answer any of my calls." Minato sighed, scratching the back of his head.

"I've been busy!" Yukari snapped, glaring at her brother as he sat there going through the same motion. "Jeez, you still get so depressed and sulk." She shook her head at her brother's bad habit, he always would sulk. At times it could be funny, now wasn't one of those times. How could she text or call him let alone anyone when she was dealing with a whole mess.

"Where have you been staying? You're living arrangements is all women..." Minato shook his head at his lame wording. "You live in an all girl dorm." He corrected himself, getting over his downtrodden mood and turning his focus on his sister. She wasn't keeping Shiina in her room, that would just be insane... Not that'd be in the realm of asinine.

"Hehehe, well you see..." Yukari grinned nervously, rubbing her cheek. "Shiina's been sleeping with me..." She flushed seeing the looks all of the girls gathered were shooting her, Kusano and Yume aside who was in the other room with Shiina watching cartoons, and Yume was currently in the bathhouse. Some of the looks she received were pointed and others were curious. She also took note, that somehow Minato got another girl, well a few more since the last time she had seen him, the one with mountains for breasts and drinking sake was Kazehana her introduction was slurred but in good nature. Next was the blonde, Tsukiumi, she spoke in old English for whatever reason, she was very abrasive and loud out of all of his Sekirei, there was the auburn haired Kuruse who was mild mannered, the complete opposite of Tsukiumi, and last but not least Musubi. And, well she didn't need any words. "Not in that way... Well, we do sleep in the same bed, and..." Yukari bit her bottom lip to shut herself up.

"Is thee really your sister?" Tsukiumi asked, a look of utter befuddlement adorning her face. She thought this was some sort of joke, how could her husband be related to such a shameless and perverted woman, and they were also so... Different. Yukari was spunky and confident, she seemed to challenge everything or initiate everything, Minato wasn't like that. The opposite in fact.

"I think she's cute." Kazehana said with a small smile, turning her eyes onto Minato.

"She's really nice!" Musubi added with a wide smile, beaming at Yukari, and the short haired girl grinned back.

"Cease your drunken nonsense!" Tsukiumi barked.

"And, you stop yelling!" Kuruse huffed in annoyance glowering at Tsukiumi. Damn it, why was everyone shouting in her ears today? "Anyways, flirtations and yelling aside we're really getting off focus."

"Yes, do behave

Minato looked at Yukari intently. "You said you had something to tell me, besides being an Ashikabi and all." Minato was partly thankful for Kuruse steering their conversation back on course before Tsukiumi started her rant.

"Yeah." Yukari frowned. "I'm not sure how to put this... But, I've been a target for a lot of attention lately, first it was Hayato trying to wing Shiina, but even afterwards their pursuits didn't stop. We've been attacked at every turn, I have no problem with kicking someone in the face, but there's this one girl that makes ice appear out of thin air, I can't do anything against that and from experience Shiina's attack has some effect on it, but not nearly as it normally does. You know, I want to tough it out since this whole thing is ongoing and won't end, but Hayato is a persistent brat and I've got the feeling he knows where I live... His attacks are just too close for it to be anything otherwise..."

Minato was speechless. This had been happening a lot, first with Musubi falling on him, then by Ryu's and Miya's sparring, then seeing Musubi in that maid's outfit Uzume gave her, and lastly but not least when Kazehana was his 'nurse' as she put it. He had no idea what to say at that moment. He had no idea what to say no, Yukari was an Ashikabi and are part of the Sekirei Plan, she was living with Shiina both of them sharing a bed, and to top it all off Hayato was being a pest. He got that vibe from his sister, he was certain she considered Hayato a pest. But, that also brought up another point, what was she going to do from this point on with her living arrangements? It was only a matter of time before she was caught, then their mother would get mad, and then he'd get it too for whatever reason. He sighed, he was going to regret this, definitely knew he was going to regret this. "Miya-san, would it be alright if Shiina-san stayed?"

"I never turn anyone away." Miya gave a simple response, that's all that needed to be said. She told him the same thing. "I think he'd want to stay anyways."

"I can't argue with that." Yukari said with a small scowl, huffing slightly. She was a bit jealous she had been the center of Shiina's attention, but now all of that on Kusano. It was well deserved, and she wouldn't ruin his happiness, but damn it she wanted attention too! She wanted her sailor back! Telling him to come back with her would be ridiculous, he'd do it of course, but she wasn't that type of person. "So, it's okay then?"

"Yeah." Minato nodded.

"Yay! A new roomy!" Musubi shouted. She could always use another sparring partner.

"Oh... Crap, I've got to go!" Yukari exclaimed, eyes going wide suddenly. To say her reaction surprised everyone gathered would be a severe understatement, even Kazehana had a look of surprise and confusion from the outburst. Yukari stood abruptly, as abruptly as her outburst sounded from her lips, she turned her focus onto Minato for a long moment noting the questioning look in his eyes. "I can't be gone after dark." She told her brother.

"I'll walk you. My Sekirei won't mind either, right girls?" Minato turned looking at his Sekirei in tow.

"I don't mind, your wish is my command." Kazehana slurred.

"I won't argue with my husband's wish." Tsukiumi added softly.

"Someone has to make sure you keep yourself out of trouble." Kuruse joked lightly, punching Minato on the shoulder. "Your our Ashikabi, so whatever it is you want to do, just say it."

Yukari waved her hands a bit frantically as if fending them off. "No, no that's okay. It'd be a lot faster if I just went by myself!"

"But, you were attacked." Musubi said with worry. "What if you get hurt?"

"I'll be fine." Yukari assured the buxom brunette. "Shiina will be back though, he needs to get a few things from my room." She kept her voice firm, she was not a little baby, she was a big girl now! She didn't need Minato watching after her, it's not like she was stuck in trees anymore or the forest near their old home, she was more than capable of handling herself especially against a little punk brat like Hayato. "Oh! Before I forget, this is my new cell phone number!" Yukari rummaged through her skirt's pocket, pulling out a slip of paper with a combination of numbers on it. "The first one is the phone in my dorm room. The second is my cell phone, okay big brother?"

Minato looked at her long and hard, eyes dimming just slightly. "I still think it'd be better if we come with you." He insisted, looking over both numbers and putting them into the back of his mind, shoving the paper into his pocket. "You said you were attacked not too long ago, this is careless, Yukari."

"You worry too much."

"You don't worry enough."

Yukari shrugged. It wasn't in her to worry herself sick like Minato did on the daily basis. If there was anything she needed to worry about she'd take care of it head on. "Anyways, I've got to get going, I'll see you again!" Yukari beamed a grin in his direction before vanishing in a cloud of smoke. Shiina's surprised scream sounded off and quickly faded along with Yukari's footsteps.

"She's always such a handful..." Minato muttered to himself, pressing his palm to his forehead. He hoped Yukari knew what she was talking about. She was confident of course, but they weren't dealing with just ordinary things anymore. She could get kidnapped, held for ransom, any number of things, possibilities he didn't want to concur and thoughts he didn't want to entertain.

Higa was visibly vexed. His glare was directed onto Kochou-one of Kakizaki's Sekirei. Her appearance punctuated by a red dot in the center of her forehead, her long gray kimono that was open at the front exposing just a little bit of her cleavage, and her lenses. Her hair was ashen gray almost a white and hung down neatly to the back of her shoulders. She wasn't the cause of his ire, but she was his primary focus at the moment. "Kakizaki has boundless faith in you and your capabilities." Higa started keeping his tone emotionless. "So, I assume you're already come up with a plan."

"I have." Kochou nodded once, keeping her expressions schooled. She worked directly under Higa-well Kakizaki, it was confusing, but she knew who her Ashikabi was and who her boss was if that was any semblance. Working for Higa wasn't the easiest thing-it was torture of the highest level she wasn't sure how long she had sleepless nights too busy plugging away with her tasks. If there was any disobedience... She swallowed slowly, she had seen what happened, and endured it herself, disobedience wasn't tolerated.

It wasn't even a thought.

"Well, tell me this plan."

Kochou shook off her fear, his voice was so icy and cold, it actually frightened her at times. "The plan is simple in nature. As we both know the Ashikabi of the North or Ashikabis-I should say are both exceptionally strong, they've managed to stay within the top of the spectrum up to this point while many have fallen or already lost..."

"So, we kidnap one of them?" Higa questioned.

"The Ashikabi of the North has a little sister-the Ashikabi of Shiina Number 107. If we can capture her we'll be able to lure both of these Ashikabi out possibly, I know for a fact one will come. From there we can force him and his Sekirei to do your bidding, if they refuse you have more than enough leverage to convince them otherwise of their folly." Kochou answered, keeping her gaze just high enough so she could see him, but not high enough to look into his eyes, a reminder she was beneath him in his view.

"What's the percentage?" Higa questioned further, narrowing his eyes. I've already lost Oriha and while she wasn't skilled or as strong as the others she was still a valuable asset nonetheless. He scowled, clasping his hands together and taking a deep breath. Damn the squad, they were pests, truly pests, it was as if every scheme he had and set out on was always intercepted or put to an end by them.

"Chances of winning are beyond eighty eight percent with both of them and their respective Sekirei under us." Kochou replied, heaving a soft sigh as he turned his focus away from her setting it onto Juma and Kakizaki. Her task was completed, and she had a good piece of information she'd keep to herself should the time arise and Higa sees her as useless.

"Juma-san, this Number 107, do you believe?"

"He's a stupid fool, all we have to do is watch out for that beam he fires from his hand." Juma replied with a degree of coldness. She had remembered the brat, Shiina she recalled his name was, he was absolutely pathetic a disgrace to all Sekirei alive and dead. However, his ability wasn't as pathetic as he was, the complete opposite-he could cause decay at a rapid rate if it was a dead on hit you were finished. "The beam only has one setting you could say, he can't increase the output or decrease it, and he can't change the trajectory on the fly, it'd take at least two seconds and in that span of time we'll have him and his Ashikabi cornered.

Higa chuckled softly, a smirk crossing his face. "Kakizaki-san."

"Yes, Higa-sama?"

"Let the others know we're going out again, we have some business to attend to."

"Of course, right away." Kakizaki excused himself with his own devious smirk marring his face.

Minaka thinks he can seize the east, my territory... I'll just have to show him, soon enough that eyesore of a tower will be burned down and my pharmaceutical company will be back at the top where it belongs. Higa relaxed his chin and swiveled his chair staring out the window behind him with an emotionless but ready gaze. It was now a race.

And, he'd maintain first place.