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Onto the chapter!

Yukari had little time to check out Juma's home. The second they arrived Juma already had a plan. They'd get out the car at the same time, go to the front door, open it, go inside, then she'd sit on the couch and not move.

She really had no time to disagree or agree.

So, she sat with a small scowl on her face. She could only observe so much from her current seat, on a rather large couch that took up the entire back wall. A TV just as huge and long was right in front of her. Yukari could appreciate both things, but she always thought Juma was more frugal and didn't care for such things. Still, the TV was pretty sweet.

The heat was going full blast, and if her eyes weren't betraying her-it was eighty seven degrees currently. But, considering she was Higa's right hand, and a part of MBI-MBI card, this bill wouldn't even be much of anything.

With a worried gaze, she set her eyes on Shiina. He was still unconscious from the hit he received from Juma. It was very long, she hadn't realized how tired she was until now. Everything felt so long, and drawn out, and like it'd never end. She took a breath. She had been forgetting to do that lately.

Minato would be happy to see her alive and well. Very much relieved, a very large part of her welcomed the affection he'd give her. His kind smile and gentle presence, his gentle prodding and fretting.

She gnawed on her bottom lip. Nervous. She had no idea what she was going to say to him, if Juma agreed to allow her to see him or the off chance she disagreed instead... She would very much like Juma to accept it, but she knew the possibility of it was very slim. Her loyalty was always with Higa first. More importantly she'd report everything that was said between herself and Minato to Higa, and she couldn't see it happening any other way.

Yukari brought her slender and small hand, pressing down on the thick collar. It was one made for traveling, so it only came up to her knees, a pink obi tied her top close, and a soft pair of sandals adorned her feet.

She took a steady breath, stammering in silence as she reached for the remote. She exhaled once, pressing the power button. She was greeted with the blasting noise of sound and someone flying off of a top rope. She immediately turned down the volume to a reasonable level, then massaged her ears. She could remember a few times where she went out with Minato to see professional wrestling. It was one of the few times her brother wouldn't be so quiet, and would actually shout.

"I never guessed she'd like professional wrestling."

"Oh?" Juma questioned from the door way, not looking amused or impressed.

"Hey now! Don't try and look at me like that." Yukari said, scowling for a second.

"How does my appearance or behavior make it seem that I wouldn't enjoy professional wrestling?" Juma asked.

She was making a light dinner, but it didn't require her undivided attention. It just had to shimmer at this point. Humans were a judgmental species. Juma always knew this. Even without ever saying a word to someone, people classified that person. Looked at them a certain way. It could never just be...To be. Yukari wasn't exactly being judgmental, but she was drawing assumptions without knowing anything about her, personally.

Yukari breathed softly, and bit her tongue once. She didn't want to get into a huge conversation about it. She just never pegged Juma as the type to enjoy or follow professional wrestling. It was highly respected and revered in Japan, and around the world for that matter, but not everyone enjoyed it with the same vigor. "I didn't mean anything by saying what I did...I was just saying, you surprised me."

"I apologize...I misunderstood what you were saying." Juma said honestly.

Yukari considered Juma for a second. Straight forward, silent, composed, and yet a knot of emotions. This woman, would definitely take everything to heart and seriously. She must have been a silly little girl with a big grin on her face. If she was going to be living with Juma, perhaps it'd be better to understand the woman. They wouldn't have to be as close as skin and bone, but there'd need to be something there.

To avoid awkward moments like this.

"It's fine, that's part of getting know each other." Yukari said, pointing at the TV absentmindedly. "Two people can't know everything about each other when they just meet...Well, two strangers."

Juma gently sucked in a breath, lips pulling back for a brief second. She knew Yukari was right, for the most part. However, in her case, Yukari was wrong. Before she had met Higa she did her research on the mam, his company, his family, and his legacy. Higa did his work, too. He was commanding others to find out for him, a true delegating man that had no remorse. She knew he hated Sekirei, and Higa knew she hated him.

The only thing that kept her by Higa's side was the prospect of a man like him, and Kakizaki-a slime ball if there ever was any, touching any of her sisters. That's why she dished out the punishments when it was just one on one, with Sekirei. Higa knew she took it easy on them, but she was good at leading and organizing, and she made sure things were running behind the scenes. She could kick someone's head off easily enough, but that's not what Higa wanted her to do. He only punished those under him when they were out of line.

Their first encounter had been tense and formal. They met at a coffee shop. He paid. They sat down, drank the coffee, he explained his plans, his agenda, his feelings, towards the Sekirei, and MBI. They traded back and forth, trying to get a read on the other-she could read him like a book, and knew deep down, the man was self serving. Kakizaki would be thrown to the wayside. All of his Sekirei would be thrown to the wayside.

That was an actual contingency, should things ever reaching a boiling point...Should Kakizaki, or another take that outrageous step...

Higa would go underground, board a submarine, and go to the states where his family's second headquarters was.

If she could play her cards right, she could shift things into that direction. Planting those seeds wouldn't be very hard to start with, but adding the Discipline Squad into the mix, and possibly Sanada as well, things would take a turn on their own without her even needing to get her hands meddled in it.

"I have a question."

Juma nodded.

"Will I be able to see and talk to my brother?"

"Naturally."

"Juma-san, you're kinda scaring me with that look. And, the soup, it's-"

"I'll be back in twelve!"

Juma bolted back in the kitchen without a second glance, just as Shiina raised his head-rubbing at it.

"Are you okay?"

Yukari suppressed a sigh, only smiling and nuzzling Shiina's head with her cheek. He could only blush, slightly. It wasn't so much embarrassing as it was flustering-Yukari could be awfully silly at times.

"I should be asking you that, silly."

"You're my Ashikabi, though."

She seen Ashikabi and Sekirei pairings willing to fight for their lives. Others tried to end their lives together, than live a life of servitude under Higa. They jumped off buildings, and smashed through cars. It was heartbreaking, and the first time she had witnessed such a thing she could only scream when she heard the sound of flesh collide with steel.

It wasn't right for Shiina to just fret over her, and it wasn't right...

It wasn't right if he just protected her, either...

She had to do her part.

"We're in this together, so don't try doing things alone. You have to stay my handsome Bishounen, Shiina-chan."

Shiina wasn't sure how to take that statement, so he nodded. He didn't want Yukari to start throwing herself in harm's way for his benefit. He had no real martial arts training, or anything of that nature. He was also one of the youngest Sekirei and hadn't been around while the others were enduring that sort of training. He did hear the rumor around Higa's tower, that somehow, Haruka managed to use something similar to his Sekirei's abilities...

He shook his head, no need to think about that right now.

"Where are we? This doesn't look like the tower?" Shiina asked.

"Ah well..." Yukari scratched at her chin. "It's sort of a long story, but we're at Juma's house."

She wasn't surprised when Shiina nearly bolted up, but thought better of it. There were no cameras, or anything of the like, to keep track of them. Juma also wasn't present at this moment, which Yukari was certain Shiina would have taken as a threat. It would have lead to the woman punching him, and knocking him out, again, and Yukari didn't want to wait another two hours again.

Shiina took a breath, calming down. "Can you explain?"

Yukari fidgeted for a second. It wasn't exactly privy information, but she wasn't sure if she divulge that. Higa's plans at Teito University really escaped her, almost completely, but...Considering Juma explained it to her in layman's terms-of course she couldn't get into the details, Yukari figured she'd at least be able to give a bare bones retort of sorts.

Shiina could already tell this place was different and there weren't any cameras at all, but would it be safe for him to know it just wasn't this room? Or did he already conclude the whole house isn't wired? It could be dangerous if he intended to kill her-Shiina wouldn't hesitate to put someone down that was the slightest threat to her. He took action against Higa's Sekirei, in the beginning, and against the other Sekirei and Ashikabi.

So far, she had been able to stay in Juma's good graces, and she wanted to keep it that way.

"Basically...I'm recovering and Higa is recovering. In order for me to get air, I'm staying with Juma-san. Higa is after something at Teito University, I'm not quite sure what, but it's more than just building new places."

Shiina nodded, eyes shading with understanding.

Higa was a little too cunning-if they were in the tower, right now, he would have fired his decaying beam and sent the whole thing to hell.

Still, one thing caught his attention.

"Is Juma reacting to you, Yukari-san?"

Yukari blinked, looking confused for about five seconds. "You mean breathing fast and heavy, and all of that?"

"Yes."

Yukari thought about it. "Not really. In the beginning, she did, but Akane and the others were also trying to bully me, and Juma almost lost her temper a lot of times. I really didn't help with mouthing off to her, either. Isn't she Higa's Sekirei anyways?"

"I'm not too sure about that. I don't think she's winged."

Yukari grabbed a cup of tea Juma had made, thanking her silently. She needed it to center her thoughts, at the moment.

Shiina caught the subtle action, and explained further. "You haven't been present whenever he wings a Sekirei, but I have. He doesn't even kiss them, he sticks his finger in his mouth and shoves it into the Sekirei's mouth. I doubt Juma would ever allow anyone to treat her like that. She's a Sekirei, and like all of us, she wants a deep bond with her Ashikabi, not something like..."

"Drink some tea, Shiina." Yukari offered him her cup.

He sighed softly, looking a good bit older, a little more gruff.

"To be honest, I don't know if she's reacting to me or not. Are you guys able to control that stuff at all, or is it just like..." Yukari wagged her finger as she mulled through some things.

"I guess you can think of it like breathing, or maybe a human releasing. Once it happens, it doesn't stop, and it can't be stopped. It's not unreasonable to think a Sekirei can control it, Number Nine hated Ashikabi until she was winged by your brother."

Yukari was almost awe struck-Minato nabbed himself a single number?

Another Sekirei...

"He winged my little sister, too." Shiina looked relieved.

Yukari almost grimaced-she couldn't forget that...But, her mind was focused on something else.

"Is there a way I can fire that beam thing that you do?"

Shiina wasn't sure if he wanted her to do that, if it were possible. The off chance it got knocked back...He couldn't imagine seeing her being ripped apart by such an attack. His ability was decay, more than death itself.

"I-I'm not sure..." Shiina muttered.

He knew Haruka had been able to use something akin to Kuno's ability, but...

Yukari hummed, looking at the TV once more.

"It does sound pretty far out there."

No matter how many times he seen it, he couldn't get over the sheer vastness of the dojo. The first time he had entered this place had been when he and his Sekirei underwent the test to see if they were competent enough. Admittedly, he hadn't been in here much since then. Patrols had increased ever since the bridge incident, and with their focus starting to shift, even more patrols were occurring.

He had a duty to lead those men and women. He along with his squad members. He also had a duty to train them, and ensure that they were capable of doing whatever task would be asked of them.

Kai watched the operation unfold. He didn't scrutinize it, but he wasn't absent minded either. There were some squabbles, some jovial laughter, good hearted banter, and the overall gasping for breath.

The five men Takami brought in were all experienced and skilled, he could admit that much. But, one would think with all of that experience, they'd be long past such a stage of frivolous behavior. It was only natural, though, he supposed. These were men of rank, and accordingly, that meant everything to them, next to their men that were under them.

He watched Iven and Dave yell at the newest recruits while they did as many push ups and laps as possible. Akiko and Benitsubasa were putting another group through hand to hand and spear training. Haihane was marching in front of the newest recruits giving them the run down of what they'd be doing, and the compensation they'd get, but she being a bit dramatic. Those that finished the laps, push ups, and other grueling exercises had to then just not do kenjutsu kata, but an array of martial arts kata as well that involved an array of weapons.

At times some of the men and women couldn't continue. Some vomited. There were even Sekirei, like Benitsubasa and Akemi that would get tired and have to sit down for a drink of water when it was all said and done. Others just had to sit down to mentally recharge.

Five men in total, and that doesn't include anyone in the squad, all vying for Natsuo's former position. He already knew what they were all about. The one from the states was arrogant. The two or three from Japan had a superiority complex. Iven was hardened, and his pride was a gruff one. He wasn't so brash or loud in his approaches and how he behaved.

Iven.

Hiro.

Jiro.

Yatsuo.

Dave.

Looking away from the scene, he was faced with large irises.

"Storm." He noted the careful but critical look she was giving him. "What is it?"

"What are you thinking about?"

Kai looked back at their group-it seemed scattered in a way, there were people everywhere, but...

There was more to it than just them all doing different things right now.

"I think I am assuming the wrong thing."

Storm mulled that statement over before frowning. Kai was always good at reading into things, and almost piecing things together that'd fit into the future. He couldn't see the future or even predict it, but, he could see the flow of things. People. Their behavior. The progression. He had a way of seeing it all, and being able to pinpoint an exact point in the invisible field.

In other words, his intuition was extremely sharp.

"What is it that you are assuming?"

Kai considered the train of thought. "It won't effect us, if we exercise prudence."

Storm considered his statement, almost raising her eyebrow.

"I'm just getting the feeling that while the squad is big, and continues to grow, we are not as united as we'd like to think." Kai mused softly, nodding his head towards a small squabble.

It was between two of Hiro's men, three of Dave's, and four of Iven's. There were a few MBI soldiers in there as well, people that had just come in off of the street looking for money, food, shelter, or simple fame. If they were supposed to be focusing on patrolling Teito as a whole, they needed to move as a single group. This wasn't going to do anything other than brood ill things, and he could almost feel the boiling point coming already, long before it did.

It would be an inevitable end, and it's the only way it could end. Before it ended, though. There were going to be extremely intense moments, and Kai knew without any doubt Koto would get stormy on more than one occasion. He wasn't sure what Karasuba would do-find amusement in it, or take exception to more than one thing and start getting involved in the internal warfare.

Minaka was playing a dangerous game.

"Bring me Natsuo." Kai ordered a woman with brown hair-Ivette, if he remembered right.

With a simple nod she did as she was told.

"Well, not including the men Takami brought in, we've been getting less than savory characters. There's a lot of ronin here, as well. Most of them came here for shelter or food, and some want the fame that comes with being associated with MBI. They all have ulterior motives, I wouldn't be surprised if they're here to steal something of value."

"That's why I'm a little worried." Kai tried not to scowl.

"I don't think it's something you really need to concern yourself with. If it's anything along those lines, Koto-san and Karasuba-san will handle things. It might be a good idea to bring it to their attention, though."

Kai thought about it, and closed his eyes before shaking his head. "As things are now, it's pointless."

"Fair enough."

"Kai." Natsuo approached at his same leisure pace, Ivette trailing a few paces behind. "You needed me?"

Kai looked at Ivette calmly. "Allow us some space to speak alone."

Natsuo knew this was serious. His cousin usually maintained a calm air, but he was always intense. This was one of those times where Kai was intense, but he was also searching for something. He wanted confirmation. Natsuo wasn't sure if he could give him that confirmation-while he didn't hold the same position as before, he was still valuable and knew a lot of secrets.

"I'd like you to be honest with me." Kai said thoughtfully.

"I can only say so much."

Kai nodded, accepting it. If Natsuo said too much Minaka would do something to make his life complicated. He couldn't kill the man since he was the Ashikabi of Benitsubasa and Haihane. However, he could work Natsuo to death until he is skin and bone, or something worse. Kai didn't care to guess or entertain the possibilities.

"You can say what you're comfortable saying."

Natsuo nodded. "You're aware of Minaka and his...Personality."

Storm looked increasingly skeptical and worried-only because she knew how ridiculous Minaka was.

With the thought of a laughing Minaka on his mind, Kai met his cousin's gaze. "Yes."

"I don't know what he wants in the end of it all. I think the whole thing is pointless in a way, and Takami has been convinced Minaka isn't even sane. She believes the whole thing is madness at this point."

He turned his eyes onto Karasuba, Takami, Koto, Luna, Syrus, Benitsubasa, Haihane, and everyone else gathered. He flicked his focus back and forth between them all, searching, searching, and...

Kai tilted his head. "Why did you resign?"

Natsuo considered this for several long minutes. "Minaka, myself, and Takami had a discussion about it. Me resigning was a way to open up a door. Before, being part of the Discipline Squad was an MBI exclusive sort of thing, but now, it's open for the public to join. Me stepping down was a sign that MBI is reorganizing their means of doing things."

Kai frowned.

He wasn't sure where having such a thought process was going to take him, or anyone for that matter. It seemed like Minaka wanted to see a power struggle unfold right before his eyes. He wants to see the lengths people are willing to go, will go, just to have that rank. Natsuo's seat was like a raw piece of bloody meat to a pack of dogs. His assumption had been right. This was going to be nothing but a fight to power, tooth and nail, and Minaka...

Despite his behavior, the man was cunning. He managed to get him and Syrus in the squad, plus their respective Sekirei with the move Natsuo spoke of. It was so simplistic, yet carried a huge risk.

"I understand."

Natsuo stared at Kai, after a few moments, he furrowed his brows. "Like I said, Minaka isn't in the right frame of mind. He's never been, but lately, it's been getting bad."

"I just want to know what or who he's banking on..." Kai muttered, tone quite serious.

"I wouldn't think about it too much." Natsuo said before departing.

He was the CEO and Chairman of MBI, but that didn't mean these people wouldn't try to kill him, and it didn't mean Koto and Karasuba wouldn't try either. Minaka didn't sleep with security or anything of the like, but he didn't have to. There were soldiers everywhere, not to mention Karasuba stayed in the tower-they all did, so people knew to stay away.

Still, in situations like this-the head was always taken out. Minaka could easily dissipate the entire situation, but he was content to let it unfold. Was he that inane or arrogant? He had to have a back up plan, something, or someone, that could easily turn the tides in his favor. He just had an ace or two-and that was a scary thought.

Minaka wasn't banking on just Karasuba and the Squad.

Kai shook his head, he was going to drive himself crazy if he thought it over any longer.

"We're going to go through the organization of the Discipline Squad! This is a grand occurrence, so everyone! Line up and listen with all intent!"

Kai only turned around to stare at Minaka. There was something akin to shock and annoyance spreading across his expression. He watched everyone gather neatly, and those that were too winded simply remained where they were. Minaka only wanted them to remain still and quiet, at least until this was over with. He was certain he'd be able to brace for this, as he'd been expecting it, but a part of him wasn't ready to brace...

"As it has always been. Karasuba will be the leader of the Discipline Squad. Koto will be the commander of the Discipline Squad. Since we've got so many recruits, and continue to, things had to be changed on the other ends. Namely, there wasn't a need for more than a leader and commander before, so, listen carefully. These decisions have all been made by myself, Koto, Karasuba, and Takami..."

Minaka trailed off from sheer suspense and nothing less.

"The military adviser will be Jiro. The strategist will be Hiro. Yatsuo, Dave, and Iven will be in charge of the finances and foreign affairs. Yahan, Saki, and Kujou, who aren't present at the moment, will as always, be in charge of the spy division. Since we have thousands of people, well need specified units. Luna will be captain of the first unit. Syrus will be captain of the second unit. Kai will be captain of the third unit. Benitsubasa will be captain of the fourth unit. Haihane will be captain of the fifth unit. Kai's and Syrus's Sekirei will also be captains of their own units, and to ensure that there is no superiority, the numbers mean nothing! This is a mere way of keeping things organized."

Kai clenched the sleeve of his shirt, barely holding back a sigh.

It was even worse...

Minaka was truly a mad man.