Higa retired to his private quarters. This is where he basically lived, he had a shower and bathroom off to the right, a kitchen to the left, and a bedroom to the far left. There was a set of leather couches and several exquisite chairs. In the center of it all was a shining desk with more than enough room to handle loads of paperwork, complete with a computer and everything to enhance it. The room was huge to accommodate everything, and this is the one room he allowed few people access to.

Only Juma, Kochou, Kakizaki, Yukari, and any executives visiting seen this room.

He watched what turned into the beat down of Uzume and Karei with an impassive scowl. Some people were killed, but more came in easily enough to replace them and overwhelm the unruly duo completely. It didn't stop, even slightly. Uzume and Karei continued to fight, killing ronin and Yakuza, injuring Sekirei, and even forcing Juma and Ichiya back.

But, the numbers caught up to them and after cornering them into one side things quickly turned sour. Despite their best efforts the duo couldn't defend against the onslaught and were taken down to the ground before being pummeled, pulled, pinched, and everything else.

He always did enjoy seeing things move so efficiently. Punishments were just another part of business, and like all of his business they were to be conducted to the utmost perfection. Tomorrow it'll be someone going through the same thing or something different, but it would still be happening, and he'd be overseeing it. Some people just never got the hint, Uzume and Karei would be two of them, and that unruly Narashino who's Ashikabi worked for him was another one that needed attitude adjustments.

He could only do so much as long as MBI maintains their reins. If he were to severely harm the Sekirei they'd know, and then he'd have a near infinite army knocking on his doorstep along with the Squad. When he did set his entire focus on MBI it'd be much like this scene playing out before him, except there'd be a lot more people on both ends and MBI would fall.

He had to contact his friends overseas, set a few things into motion-it has been some years since MBI was at war with any foreign power. There had been many over the years and the countries only grew, more added to the list, and so forth. But, it's been relatively quiet in that regard for the last few years. He'd have to keep his options open, but he'd prefer to have Teito standing and well.

Minaka wouldn't let go of his control without a fight, and that fight would consume the entire island of Japan. By no means would it be confined to just the city of Teito-he was ambitious and Minaka was a million miles beyond insane. He'd take a serious blow reputation wise, as would he pharmaceutical company for beginning a war with MBI-whether the people believed it was his company or MBI that did it first doesn't matter, the only thing that mattered was his company would be a part of it.

If it got to this point he'd need to keep certain people under him in check. The more aggressive of his Sekirei and those under him, the ronin and Yakuza, the Triads, and lastly Kakizaki. Kakizaki would be the biggest problem since he had influence of those under him-it wasn't anywhere near the influence he had being the leader of the entire thing, but it was still a lot of influence nonetheless. Juma was in charge of everyone and Kakizaki would have to pass by her, which wouldn't happen.

Still, he had to think ahead...

"Kochou."

The woman turned her attention onto him, taking off her glasses in order to clean them.

She tried to not watch the scene before her, unlike Higa, who kept his eyes almost glued to the screens displaying the melee, just offering her a sharp glance. She knew this sort of thing happened, and it happened to her, but it never got easier to watch. This could go on for hours, or even days, but Higa would always make sure they weren't beat to an inch of their lives.

"Yes, Higa-sama?"

He was careful to take in her appearance. He could be a work horse, but he did allow his Sekirei ample time to rest and stretch their legs. They had food and all sorts of entertainment to keep themselves busy. It was the same with those working under him, everyone within the tower was taken care of and wanted for nothing, sure they wanted their freedom but that was just too bad.

Kochou looked very exhausted, and that was in due part because of Kakizaki. There was no brute force involved that he knew of, though Kakizaki could get very hostile and violent. But, Kochou was just so prideful that she refused to go to sleep until she made a breakthrough, and even told him to let her handle it and not his other few Brain Sekirei.

He believed in her. His expectations were always high, and she always went above and beyond those expectations. Never once had she disappointed him, and he always made sure to thank her accordingly. They did have a very rough start, and he had to show her what happened to those that rebelled against him, but after she learned her lesson things had been smooth sailing.

"I want you to get some sleep."

"I'll take my leave."

"Take the couch. I don't want you to be disturbed."

She hid her surprise well, but she could feel her stoic mask slowly starting to lift. While she had been in here many times, it wasn't often that she-a Sekirei got the privilege to sleep on Higa's couch, the very same couch he slept on. She couldn't complain about the bed that she had, it was huge, and comfortable, but something like this rarely if never happened.

"However, before you go to sleep I want you to answer a few questions for me."

Kochou blinked, lips parting before she nodded.

"Hari mentioned that a lot of Sekirei have been hindered by the medication MBI was shoving down your throats, and that all of you have a tracking device of some sort, is this true?"

Kochou considered the question before giving a proper response. "Both of those things are true. Minaka was afraid of our full and unrestrained power, it was too much for even him to control. While I have taken the medication, I haven't taken as much or the same kind as fist types say like Number 88, Musubi, or a powerhouse like Hari. We all have tracking devices implanted into us as assurance that when we are deactivated or...Terminated, that MBI is able to pinpoint our exact location and retrieve the body. They can use their satellite in space, but you know how Minaka is..."

That's why MBI was always so swift with their retrievals. With his brows furrowed, Higa remembered back to the few times one of his Sekirei, or those under him had lost a Sekirei. The response was nearly instantaneous.

MBI was always there within a heartbeat, the incessant sound of propellers honing in on their location became nothing short of overbearing. Of course, MBI had their satellite in space which could see everything in Teito, but Minaka took it a step further and implanted tracking chips.

"Is it possible to remove these tracking chips?"

"It is, but they are located near our crest." Kochou answered, pensive as she tried not to play with her fingers. She'd be the first to support and be a part of taking out their tracking chips, but she preferred to be alive, and unless the person was Takami or the people that adjusted them since they were children the chances of it working without issue were slim.

Very slim.

Higa frowned, drawing a hand up to his mouth, fist half clenched, he put his first knuckle against his lips. It'd be a problem if he tried to take ten steps forward just to get knocked by forty-he could use other Sekirei and not his own, but he was a practical man and this was anything but practical.

"Is it possible to get rid of this medication that hinders you and the other Sekirei?"

Kochou nodded. She could certainly break those limitations, and even if she wasn't able to, she'd be able to enhance herself and the rest of the Sekirei under him that those limitations are a moot point. But, the best course of action would be removing the hindrance that is the medication from the beginning-that way they'd be able to utilize their full potential.

"It is possible."

"How long would it take you?"

Kochou tensed slightly, lips pursing. She was afraid to answer, because she didn't have an answer. This wasn't one of those more simplistic things Higa would always ask of her and she'd be able to finish it before two hours even pass. She didn't know what was exactly in their systems because she had never been told, and more to the point she never drew blood in order to analyze it.

Higa didn't tolerate failure, but he wasn't unreasonable. It's just when failure, disobedience, and anything of the like occurred that his real bad side came out. She had been one his bad side just once, and she couldn't count Kakizaki because that man just got off on it. If she screwed this up there'd be something waiting for her that wasn't pleasant.

She couldn't make any progress with that one project, rightfully so, and now she had to switch to this one. Higa would be expecting results and nothing less than utter perfection from her on this. He wanted his and those under him Sekireis' limits broken, the damned medication that was like a second layer of skin to be completely wiped out leaving the Sekirei prime and ready to fight.

Minaka could account for it, but he couldn't keep his eyes on it the whole time like he wished, and it would turn around to bite him.

"I can't say with certainty. I'd have to draw blood, analyze it, and then there's the procedure of making something to counter what it is I determine that is holding us back. Once I run tests I'll be able to deduce at the very least."

Time was a problem because time is money and he believed that thoroughly. The more time that was spent not focusing on MBI's destruction the more time that gave MBI to stay several moves ahead of him. He had more than enough money and resources-he'd call in his best scientists and doctors, call in the best of everything and get them all to gather here. Kochou wouldn't want or need for anything.

"I'll call in some people that I know. You don't need to worry about doing this own your own, I will give you everything and anything that you need. You will have the best. The only thing that you need to worry about is creating an antidote of some sort, and if possible removing the tracking chips."

Kochou nodded, sighing only in her mind as she let some of the tension ease from her body. She would be able to do the first one given some time-she couldn't say how much time that'd take at the moment. However, the second thing was something she just wasn't comfortable with in any way, shape, or form even thinking about-their crest was everything, their very lifeline. If it was even...

"When did you intend to bring up Matsu having a Jinki later on? After I launched my attack?"

Kochou stiffened the slightest, keeping her expression as stoic as possible. She had intended to bring that up, should there come a time Higa no longer finds her useful, but there was also that other matter concerning Ryu...She was waiting to bring this up, but was keeping it to herself for personal reasons, though the Jinki had been one of her contingencies. Though it looked very smooth and calculating, everyone had to fight for their place in here...

She could try to deny it, but Higa would still be suspicious. More importantly she had lied to and tried to get her adjuster, a man that had been her father, killed, so what could she say in order to convince him?

Given that they were alone it could go only a few ways, and one of them she'd rather not entertain the slightest.

Higa stood up never taking his eyes off of Kochou, letting the harden and leer as he gently grit his teeth. It was a shame Kochou was going to such lengths to preserve herself-thanks to Kakizaki in due part, but the point was it's still happening. It was becoming a hindrance since she was keeping information withdrawn, even partially, in order to use it as advantageous leverage when the time called for it.

She watched him approach her, heart thundering in her chest. She could feel her stoic expression breaking, and drops of sweat began to run down the sides of her head as she braced for the worst.

Smack!

Kochou hissed softly, eyes clenching, hand grasping the side of her face. It was a hard hit, enough to hurt her, though she made no move to defend her. She knew it was hopeless, nobody was going to come for her.

"I'd like to think you did this in order to put yourself into an advantageous position, but I know better..."

His jaw ached, and without any warning he snatched Kochou by the hand, turning so her palm facing up and clenched his fingers against her own. He hated it-the Sekirei, the way the way were, just for the simple fact they helped Minaka come to power unknowingly-for the simple fact they are a part of MBI and carry out its agenda in one way or another. He hated how the Sekirei became so attached and so dependent-it was weakness and he didn't need that bullshit hindering him at all.

"You always wanted me to love you, and of all my Sekirei you were the most persistent, next to a few others. This is your way of getting back at me, you vindictive wench..."

He jerked his hand back, clenching .

Kochou barely suppressed her cry of pain-never before did she feel such pain, it felt like her fingers were going to break at her knuckles! No, the bones that made up her knuckles were going to break!

"Higa!"

"Answer my question..."

"Yes!"

Higa released her from his grip, keeping a flinty glare directed at her while he watched her massage and knead her fingers. He would have broken her fingers if she had lied, which would make what he was about to do a lot harder, but he was merciful. He had four more Brain type Sekirei, and four in his legion had one each, but Kochou was different.

She did everything to perfection. She was always on top of things and always improving. She's the one that created the airtight security system of his tower, and of course the others including himself assisted her in the long run of things, but it was her work that made it possible. If there was anyone he favored it'd be Kochou, he was always a bit more lenient with her to start with...

Perhaps that was the problem in the first place.

Kochou watched as he pulled his fist back and sent it forward. She thought of trying to plead with him, explain, or at the very least raise her arms to defend her. However, she did nothing. The blow met its mark on her stomach, and she made a strange sound as all the air left her lungs in one go. Staggering back, she clutched the point of impact with one hand, while the other was out in an attempt to balance.

He grabbed her by the jaw, squeezing hard. "Get out of my sight, Kochou. You should consider yourself lucky I'm letting you live after what you've done. If I would have launched an attack on the north I'd have no idea that Matsu herself was in possession of a Jinki. I expected better from you."

"But, what about what you said before?"

"I'm simply proving a point, do not think I won't throw you out with nothing."

Kochou grimaced.

"Is there anything else you need to tell me? Next time I may break your fingers."

"No, that is all."

It was time, or soon to be time, to consider her options...

Matsu smiled to herself, truly proud. She finally got all of her tech down, off, and out of the room of Maison Izumo. Truly it had been a monumental task, one that required great effort and patience. There had been a few incidents where she rushed like that one time and ended up busting a fuse, thus rendering the inn without power.

That had been rather eventful between Miya and Homura getting upset, Kazehana just enjoying everything, Musubi and the others fighting for Minato's attention, and Yume seeming to be in her own little world. Though it wasn't as fun when Ryu was living at the inn it was still very lively, and she was more than a little said to leave, but she had to be with her Ryu.

Besides, Miya would want her out after everything her stunts caused.

It was a time to be happy, but she couldn't help but be worried. She was always worried given the situation that they were in, but her worry was sent skyrocketing within the last twenty four hours. The reason for that was Uzume and Karei, and it wasn't because the two didn't know how to behave. Her worry was sent soaring because both of them came to the inn with bruised and busted faces.

She hadn't seen them when they first arrived, only hearing about it afterwards from Homura once Uzume had settled into her own room and Karei settled herself into one of the empty rooms that weren't being used at the moment. It struck her as a surprise the two would show up here of all places in such a condition, but it did make sense considering whoever did this to them wouldn't dare to step in this direction. But, Uzume should have went to Ryu-though her Ashikabi would have been vexed seeing Uzume in such a condition and Karei too for that matter.

It left few scenarios and possibilities as to how and why these two were beat up. Considering that they're two of the stronger Sekirei a mob of humans didn't just ambush them, nor did a mob of Sekirei and Ashikabi since these two could easily handle something like that. It was an exact and cunning move that got these two into this condition and she could only think of one man to do such a thing.

Higa.

The very name made her growl lowly and clench her teeth. She was not a Fist type, more to the point she wasn't a combat oriented Sekirei, but she'd have no problem punching him in the face or giving him a swift kick to the balls. She had known for a long time now that Higa had Uzume and Karei working under him, and she was certain Ryu had his suspicions, but she still didn't tell him about it.

Evidently Uzume had yet to tell him as well which waved one too many red flags. Ryu was intense, but he was still their Ashikabi-he'd always listen to them and love them, there was no need to fear him. She never feared her Ryu and knew she could confide in him about anything-but Uzume wasn't feeling the same and didn't trust Ryu...

It was tragic because she had been working slow, and even slower at the request of Kazehana in order to give Karei, and Uzume more importantly time to come up with a different way and to confide in Ryu. However, Uzume didn't, and neither of the two thought of a different way to go about this-they just kept plugging ahead without any reprieve.

Sighing, Matsu could only massage her forehead with her fingers. If Uzume was here still, that meant she hadn't returned to Ryu-which means that either she has made her decision or is avoiding him.

She groaned softly-Ryu lost three Sekirei in battle, now Uzume, his first Sekirei, was going to really do this to him...

"I tried Uzume, but just as you've made your decision, so I have made mine."

Even if Uzume helped her escape MBI with the Jinki she wasn't going to allow her to bring any harm to Ryu physical or otherwise. If he found out Uzume plans to or in fact has betrayed him he will snap, and he will kill her. There won't be a single other thought circulating through his mind other than that. He always gave them the benefit of the doubt, but Uzume would be going too far...She'd hurt Ryu, even though he'd wish to vent his fury with bloodshed he would still be hurt.

She couldn't allow that to happen, as Ryu's Ashikabi...As his fiancé, she couldn't allow Uzume, Karei, or any single person hurt him. She wasn't too worried about someone trying to hurt him physically, that's pretty laughable actually, but as far as emotions go she wasn't going to allow anyone to tread close to that. Instead of working together the chances are high that she and Uzume would be enemies.

The dining room was lively as always, though there was a sense of anxiousness and trepidation hanging in the air. Kusano seemed oblivious to the whole thing, happily munching away and laughing, but everyone else wasn't in such blissful ignorance. Minato looked to be lost in his thoughts, troubled, and it was becoming very common to find him silent and just in his own world.

The gravity of this whole thing was finally settling in.

Seeing that Uzume wasn't present with the others she headed towards the living room, finding the brunette on the couch watching TV with bandages on her face. It was one of those Gundam animes if she wasn't mistaken-she did prefer these over others like DBZ since technology was more of a focus than screaming and hitting each other.

Matsu gently shook her head pulling herself back onto course.

"Uzume-tan."

"Matsu-san."

Matsu found a seat on the couch, foregoing her usual antics with the brunette that involved hitting on her. As much as she found the whole thing pleasant and fun she couldn't indulge in such acts at the moment. "I'm finished."

Uzume's eyes widened before they narrowed, with her teeth grit she rounded on Matsu. "You can't be! I-me and Karei need more time."

Matsu didn't flinch from the sudden tone, having braced for it ahead of time. Uzume was a carefree and free spirited individual, but when she got angry-she got angry, and she was more than abrasive...There was something a little terrifying about the way her usual big and bright eyes would sharpen and darken when her emotions became turbulent.

Uzume should have already made her decision and it was a clear one from the beginning. Chiho was part of unfortunate circumstances, but she wasn't Uzume's Ashikabi and she needed to get her priorities straight.

"It's been almost eleven months since you've been working for Higa. I've tried to delay finishing taking down and shutting down all of my tech, and Kazehana even approached me, but I can't do this anymore. You need to make your choice Uzume, and it should have already been made from the beginning. We shouldn't be having this conversation right now. Ryu is our Ashikabi, you haven't confided in him, and even worse, if possible, you've continued on with Higa's schemes not trying to choose another route."

Uzume took a deep breath, struggling to control her anger that was ready to engulf her like a ferocious flame. She couldn't retort or argue against what Matsu was saying. She was right, and Matsu was hundreds of times more intelligent than she was-though it didn't quite show given what she'd do on the daily basis, especially when Ryu was around.

She needed more time...If Ryu seen her like this he'd go ballistic, and he'd want answers. He'd get answers. Going back to the house wasn't an option at this moment, and if things kept spiraling it may not be an option at all.

After all she was working for Higa before she winged Ryu...

"That's easy for you to say since you just throw yourself at him."

Matsu raised an eyebrow, surprised at the hint of bitterness in Uzume's tone. She didn't let it bother her-Uzume had been working for Higa for a while before she was winged by Ryu. While she herself never had anyone else other than Ryu-in that aspect. The only person she answered to was Ryu, and Miya, but that's for the most obvious and glaring reasons.

Uzume was only avoiding the subject.

"I can't stop, if I do then..."

Matsu narrowed her eyes gently, giving Uzume a critical once over. She had thought her friend was a little sideways in her thinking, but if Uzume has really gone down this sort of thought process.

"Who do you care more about? Ryu or Chiho?"

Uzume considered the question in depth. She loved Ryu with all of her being, couldn't imagine life without him, and didn't want to have a life without him. She cared for him dearly, but she didn't always worry about him. If someone or something tried to confront Ryu she was confident he'd be able to handle himself, at the very least he'd attack, but Chiho wasn't like that. The girl wasn't as strong as Ryu, and that wasn't to mention she was right in Higa's grasp.

She worried for Chiho. Worried for Karei. Worried for their happiness.

"Chiho."

Matsu blinked, exhaling softly. "Ryu's lost Nanaha, Yomi, and Yashima...The last thing he needs is losing you to Higa, you are his first Sekirei, and while he doesn't play favorites you are his first Sekirei and that means something to him."

Uzume couldn't object that statement. She couldn't if she tried, she knew it was true. But, she didn't have any other choice, there was no other possibility laid out for her.

"I know, but I have no other options."

Matsu sighed softly, shaking her head. "Listen, your only option ever was talking to Ryu about it. But, it's going to take me a long while to get all of this stuff hooked up at Ryu's place, and I'm almost certain the whole setup won't be like Miya's so it'll take longer. He will find out the truth if he hasn't eventually and I will not lie to him for any reasons. If he were to ask me when he gets here about you, I'd be honest. When I'm done setting up everything at his house he'll see all of the data, all of the footage of you and Karei doing what you do."

Uzume resisted the urge to clench her teeth, on one hand Matsu was going to assist her, but if things turned around she wasn't going to lie or cover for her-which she could understand.

"I assume Kazehana is in on whatever this is with you...Ryu's supposed to see me today to help me carry my stuff, I won't be a part of it."

She'd take Ryu away so he wouldn't focus on the elephant, but she wasn't going to lie to him. Uzume was making huge mistakes, over and over. If she were to get involved she'd undoubtedly have to go with whatever agenda it was Uzume was following, which went against Ryu in some way. She made her choice long ago, and it'd be a cold day in hell before she went against that.

In all honesty she'd always do everything she could to help Uzume, as a friend, and a sister, but she wasn't going to step over the line. It wasn't a blurry line at all, it was clear and bold. Uzume stepped over that line, and while she should be reproaching her for it, that was just pointless since the younger Sekirei was so driven to do whatever needed to be in order to protect Chiho.

Again, Ryu was their Ashikabi...He was more important, and if that was cruel than she was cruel for thinking that.

"When I settle in at Ryu's place he will see all of my information. He will see the footage I have of you and Karei doing Higa's deeds, and he will see everything that is in my computers." Matsu said, voice hard.

'Uzume, have you..."

The brunette was completely still, but nodded after a few solitary seconds. She offered no verbal response, she couldn't, she didn't want to admit what she was thinking out loud. If she did that'd make it all too real, and it'd make everything hopeless.

Neither made eye contact with the other.

"I told you I'd give you some more time, and I will...But, you have to stop this, now, Uzume if you keep doing this you will become an enemy of Ryu, and thus you will become an enemy of me..." Matsu said, eyes hard, and she took her leave not caring to look back.

"Matsu, wait-"

"Just as you've made your decision, I have made mine."