A drop of nervousness and worry was starting to build on the back of Kenichi's brown hair. It toke awhile for Minato to respond but nonetheless he came through.
"It involves MBI...sigh...I'll fill you when you get here, 'kay?" Kenichi visibly gulped, 'nothing good can come out of this. But I'm willing to help out a friend in need.'
"Alright, see ya there." answered the mighty disciple.
"Yeah...bye." Kenichi couldn't help but frown at the man's some what defeated tone, reluctantly he flips the phone close. Thus, severing the connection to his friend for the time being. The disciple sat on his futon for short amount of time, just staring at the floor, thinking real hard about MBI and the agenda they had for this city. Words like 'Battleground' and 'Unidentified Winner' started popping into his head, and just how all of this might involve Minato Sahashi, with the shrug of his shoulders he gave up and headed downstairs for breakfast. But when he opened the door he ran head first into Musubi, the two fell down on top of each other in an very ineloquent manner, Kenichi on top and Musubi on the bottom.
"WHOA!"
"Eeek!" There was a loud thumb that shook the ground, Kenichi opened his eyes slowly and immediately looked over Musubi, worried that he might've injured her. His eyes scanned down her body, the close range Sekirei's eyes fluttered open with elegance. The young man gulped, Musubi stole his breath away. 'She's so..wonderful!' Finally remembering how to breathe and talk, Kenichi finally started to stammer,
"Oh, sorry! Are you alright?" Musubi started to rub her head,but suddenly a very aroused moan escaped her lips. Kenichi's face was on fire as he felt something soft in his hands, his eyes slowly made their way down to her chest. And there, right in his greedy palms were Musubi's double D breast, the disciple lost all sense of composure at that exact moment. He screamed at the top of lungs as his hands sky rocketed away from her chest,
"AHHHH!" Poor ol' Kenichi didn't notice Tsukiumi's devilish look behind him, the water Sekirei released a potent Ki field that sent shivers down his spine. Musubi's carefree smile came into focus as she greeted her Ashikabi,
"Good morning Kenichi, I'm sorry that I ran into you." A stream of sweat was rolling down his cheek as Kenichi turned around slowly to see Tsukiumi's comical but angry face. But of course, comical isn't the word that fits her glare, more like... malevolent or just plain freighting! He was a rock stuck in a hard place, Kenichi could see an orange tick mark on her forehead grow. Absentmindedly he responded back to Musubi's last statement,
"No...problem... Musubi, hehe. Uh...hey there Tsukiumi." The disciple gave Tsukiumi a cheeky grin and a pathetic wave as he nervously giggled like an idiot. The water Sekirei was not having this, she clenched her fist and summoned a ball of water, Kenichi's groaned in defeat, he knew exactly what was coming
"Oh no." he groaned.
"If thou likes to feel breast then..." Her aura changed into a bubbly pink hue, and her expression toke a total 360 degree turn. Spreading across her slightly pale cheeks was a pink blush that added to her beauty, the water goddess started to nervously tap her fingers together, as if she was embarrassed. Tsukiumi started to shift from foot to foot,
"then why can't you touch mine?" When those words finally registered in Kenichi's ears, his nose busted a fuse. Blood dripped down his chin as he smacked a hand over his nose and tried to stop the bleeding,
"Tsukiumi! That's...that's... not-" Suddenly a familiar face popped out from an unknown corner,
"Oh, well good morning Kenichi. Having an eventful morning I see." Kenichi visibly jumped.
"MIYA!" The landlady giggled a swaggered over towards the master class disciple,
"I just had to investigate that awful thump that I heard downstairs. Is everything alright?" Kenichi gulped. Knowing Miya, she'd probably lose her temper if she found out what happened, then she'd probably scare the living crap out of everyone here with that Hana Mask of hers. Tsukiumi and Musubi immediately dropped the act and started to play dumb,
"Of course, Miya! Everything's just fine!" clapped Musubi.
"Yes, nothing out of the ordinary..." nervously giggled Tsukiumi. With a content 'hmph' Miya strolled over to the stairs, but before she left she released a purple field of Ki and directed it towards Musubi, Tsukiumi and Kenichi. Kenichi sweat dropped, Musubi merely cocked her head to the side and scrunched up her nose in confusion, Tsukiumi audibly gulped. They've experienced this scary aura before and boy did it signify bad news. Menacingly she turned her head around and pulled out a knife that seemingly came out of nowhere,
"That's nice to know. Oh and Kenichi, please don't forget my rules. Have a nice day now you three." Musubi waved at Miya wildly as she went down the stairs,
"Thank you, Miya!" Kenichi a had blank expression, a bunny started to dance across his vision and dots were coming out the back as it passed by. 'Damn! Miya's freakin scary!' After shaking his head the disciple jumped up and grabbed the two Sekireis' wrists and made his way down to breakfast.
Breakfast was hectic, the disciple couldn't get a single second to think to himself. Everyone was jabbering and arguing nonsense, but he was able to pick up on some conversation between Uzume and Miya. Uzume leaned over and gave Miya a carefree smile,
"So...Miya, just curious, how's Musubi's training coming along?" Miya put down her bowl of rice and politely wiped her mouth with a napkin, with a chuckle she answered Uuzme's question.
"From what I can tell, Kenichi and Musubi are doing a fine job, in fact, the way Musubi's going, she can actually withstand stand a chance against me. Of course there's a lot for her to learn but... I do have to admit, Kenichi's training methods are a bit...hellish." she giggled. Kenichi blushed and started to scratch his cheek when he felt Uzume's brown eyes land on his, the Sekirei raised an eyebrow at the disciple,
"I know you do Martial Arts Kenichi but...don't you think you're pushing the envelope a little?" Uzume made a little a squeeze with her thumb and index finger, indicating acute space. Kenichi opened his mouth to retort but was cut off by a enthusiastic yelp from Musubi, she jumped up from the table and slammed a fist into her palm.
"Don't worry. I'm very strong Uzume, and Kenichi's training is fun! Some times Kenichi and I wear weights on our legs and run though the city, that's one of the reasons why I beat Tsukiumi all the time." She smiled happily, Kenichi turned his head towards Tsukiumi and giggled nervously and shrugged his shoulders. Tsukiumi jaw dropped,
"WHAT?! KENICHI!" She jab a well awfully manicured finger right in the disciples face, Kenichi immediately went cross eyed and stared at the finger that was mere inches from pocking his nose. "Ye-Yeah Tsukiumi?" The disciple stammered. " What is the meaning of this?!" Kenichi rubbed the back of his head averted his gaze to the ground,
"Tuskiumi, I'll admit that you're a very strong Sekirei and you're powers don't prove otherwise." A giggle that escaped Miya's lips interrupted his sentence, Kenichi raised an eyebrow at the landlady and continued on his explanation,
"And well...Musubi's a close range fighter so...she asked me to train her. Even though I myself, am not a master yet." Tsukiumi snorted, and sat back down in defeat, she clearly didn't like this training thing whatsoever, curiosity was prominent in Tsukiumi's face as she debated wither or not Kenichi and Musubi were having 'intimate encounters.'
"I must investigate this further." she whispered. Kenichi resumed his food, but Kusano was relentlessly tugging on his shirt, with a ping of annoyance he looked down at the young Sekirei, as always he greeted her with a heartwarming smile.
"Hey Kusano, what's wrong?" Little Kusano stopped biting on her thumb and got up from her seat, he looked up at her and raised an eyebrow, the girl pointed to the little garden they had in the front yard.
"I have to show you something, big brother." Curious as ever he stood up, Ku gently grabbed her Ashikabi's hand and towed him along towards the garden, when Ku opened the sliding doors Kenchi's eyes popped from their respected sockets. His jaw hit the ground as he was in awe as to what was in front of him,
"Wooooow." Ku looked at her big brother and frowned, In front of the two was a garden filled with numerous plants, varying in size and color. And each one late bloom, plants that normally take months to grow seemed to have flourished over night. It was a beautiful sight to behold but it was strange to say the least.
"I came out this morning and saw all the plants were blooming. I didn't do anything big brother." She gave Kenichi most the innocent look she could muster, Kenichi had to suppress the urge to say 'aww' because Kusano was just too damn cute to get mad at. And besides, he could tell if she was telling a lie. He kneeled and observed each individual plant, he touched the leaves, the flowers and the soil. He whistled as the sheer unusualness of it all,
"I've never seen this before...I mean, every single one of them are in late bloom!" He turned his head over to Kusano and smiled,
"Ku, please tell me you had nothing to do with this." The little Sekirei put a hand over her heart and pledged,
"I. SWEAR!" Kenichi couldn't help but chuckle at the oath she made. With a pat on the shoulder he dismissed Kusano back into the Inn. Kenichi waited and started to stare at the plants, his eyebrows were furrowed in concentration, suddenly he remembers something Izumi Yuka once said in high school,
"I believe that all plants need love and care to grow, even if they are pretty stubborn." Kenichi cups his chin,
"No...it couldn't be that." shrugging off the explanation he just had, the disciple walked back inside with a smile. "What're the chances?"
After breakfast, Kenichi politely asked Miya if she could run the bath. The landlady happily obliged, the disciple walked up the stairs in a rather quick pace, then he strolled into his room and grabbed a nice blue collar shirt and jeans and headed towards the bathroom. While in the hallway Kenichi ran into a very strange behaving Uzume, pushing the feeling of curiosity aside Kenichi figured that this could be his chance to know and or talk to Uzume more. Feeling very hyperaware from some reason Kenichi started to feel nervous,
"Uh...Uh- Hey Uzume!" In the blink of an eye Uzume's hand clutches the bottom hem of her short neon blue shorts, and she quickly plastered a smile on her face. Kenichi catches this quick movement and takes note of it, she waves.
"Hey Band-aid What's up?" He closes the gap between them and rubs the pack his head nervously,
"You know, it's been awhile since someone's called me Band-aid." He touches the Band-Aid under his left eye, remembering Chikage Kushinada used-to-be nickname for him. Uzume released a shaky laugh that was very unsettling to say the least. Kenichi merely smiled,
"Will figures, because the Band-aid and everything." stammers Uzume. Slipping abruptly to the wall beside Kenichi, Uzume started to giggle and shimmy her way to the opposite side of him, still trying make conversation Kenichi resumed with the release of a breath.
"So uh..." she scoots a couple more feet,
"How-how have you've been, Uzume? I mean, you barely hang around anymore and..." Uzume looks at Kenichi with a curious expression, but the frown on her lips disappears and halfhearted smile emerges on well rounded face, she pats his shoulder slides off the wall,
"I'm fine, promise. It's just..." She looks at the ground with a disheartened look that makes Kenichi frown, she pauses, and with a long sigh finishes her sentence,
"it's just...work's been keeping me busy. Well...see ya tonight Kenichi." The disciple smiles,
"Alright Uzume, I'll save you a seat 'kay?" she turns around and smiles back,
"Thanks...for worrying Kenichi." He nods his head,
"Of course Uzume, we're all friends here." He turns on his heel and enters the bathroom. After a considerably long bath Kenichi exited the restroom all sparkly and clean. Mostly smelling like Irish Spring, he quickly hopped into his ironed clothes and headed downstairs.
"I need to at least tell somebody where I'm going." With a couple a long strides he entered the kitchen, Miya was hunched over and was peering into the refrigerator with a long metal soup spoon in her left hand. The disciple could hear her small conversations from where he was standing,
"Drat! We ran out of food, Uh! I just wish someone would-" Kenichi raises his hand,
"Uh...landlady?" Miya swiftly raises her head from the fridge, her face beaming with satisfaction and surprise.
"Ah! Kenichi! Just the man I was looking for!" Standing up straight, Miya ripped a yellow note pad and scribbled an indescribable amount of letters on it. The disciple raised an eyebrow and sweat dropped,
"Uh Miya, I'll be out okay? So...just letting you-"
"Really?! Fantastic, you can do me a little favor while you're out 'kay?" She hands over the yellow note that she was previously writing on. Kenichi takes the paper away from her finger tentatively, he raised an eyebrow as he scrolled down the contents of the list.
"Soy sauce...mmm...mmm. Okay...anything else?" She shook her head,
"Not really, thanks for all the help Kenichi." He waved goodbye and turned around towards the door, he turned the nob and was about to exit before,
"Kenichi!" He recognized that voice, soon Musubi came running up to him, wearing her signature kimono outfit and red gloves. Of course, she still was wearing a smile as she bobbed on the balls of her feet.
"I was just wondering if I could come with you?" Kenichi merely smiled,
"Did you do your chores?" For a millisecond he felt like his father, 'Never thought I would actually say that, well,until I have children that is.' She shook her head up and down with vigor,
"Yes, Yes!" she exclaimed. He gently grabbed Musubi's hand a guided her out the door, the two waved goodbye to Kusano and started walking towards their first destination. But before they even had the chance to pass the house, an elegant dress leaped from the adjacent rooftop. The two hopped back a little, to their relief it was just Tsukiumi. The Water Sekirei marched up to Kenichi, her wicked heels stabbing holes into the ground.
"Kenichi, where in the hell do you plan on taking Musubi?" She was a little unsettled by the way the two were almost inseparable by the hip, and he understood that perfectly, so with confidence he stood his ground against the feisty Sekirei,
"Well...me and Musubi are going to run a few errands for Miya, you're welcome to come along if you like?" Tsukiumi suddenly blushed, she started to stammer and fumble over words as her cheeks reddened with blush.
"Well- I uh," Kenichi didn't give her the chance to conjure up an excuse, he hooked his arm in-between hers and towed her along for the merry ride,
"Come on Tsukiumi, it'll be fun!" Musubi threw her arms into the sky, like child on an amusement park ride.
"YEAAA!" Tsukiumi's face merely grew pinker. 'She looks so pretty when she blushes.'
Couple minutes later
Kenichi messaged his friend Minato and soon received the address moments later, Tsukiumi and Musubi were having a tug-of-war between who would get more of his arms. Musubi on his right, Tsukiumi on his left.
"Well, I am his true wife, tramp! So unhand him!" Musubi merely brushed off the jab,
"I'm his wife too you know!" Tsukiumi clenched her fist tight. While Kenichi interrupted the altercation with the increase of his voice,
"OKAY! LADIES! If you two don't mind can we make a small detour? I've got to met a friend." He looked to the two wonderful women who had his arms trapped in vice grips and waited for their approvals,
"Sure!" answered Musubi, "As you wish Kenichi." finished Tsukiumi. The disciple released a sigh,
"Thank you." Suddenly he started to giggle, the two looked at him curiously,
"What's so funny?" Demanded Tsukiumi, Kenichi smiled at the Sekirei,
"Finally. Something you both can agree on." He smiled, while the two merely looked up at their Ashikabi in confusion. Kenichi flipped his phone open and observed the address again, something in the back of his mind was nagging him to no end, what was it? He felt that it involved this address, but he's never seen this address before. Or so he thinks. Kenichi scratches the back of head as he navigates his way down the many streets that seem somewhat familiar. He looks up and observes a nearby plain building that was eerily similar,
"Gezz. I feel like I've been here before." he whispers. The trio head down a nearby street, his eyes start to grow as he soon realizes a certain landmark that he remembered. "No way." His mouth went slackjaw, he looked up at the second floor of his old tenement house and blinked. Musubi pressed her lips together and poked a fingers towards the second floor as well, a huge pink question mark popped up above her head.
"Wasn't this your old home?" Kenichi untwined his arms from the girls' incredibly strong grips and walked up towards the building in speculation, his eyes not leaving the second floor.
"Yeah, it was..." He cautiously made his way up the white flight of stairs, the tension thick in the air. He gulped as he made his way up to very top, with a very hesitant knock, Kenichi hit the door three times.
TAP. TAP. TAP! Three small knocks, nothing more, nothing less.
There's a slight shuffling sound from inside as Kenichi steps back and waits in suspended anticipation, one part of him is debating wither or not to go defensive or wither or not to just remain calm. Mere seconds feel like hours for Kenichi, his muscles visibly tense up as he hears the unmistakable sound of tumblers unlocking. The last one clicks and the door swings open slowly, the man with the black hair and purple eyes is there to met Kenichi. His hair is tousled and rugged and he looks like he just got out of bed, Kenichi awkwardly coughed, Minato's eyes lit up like fireworks once he realized who it was.
"Shirahama Kenichi! It's you!" The disciple nodded and waved at his newfound friend.
"Hey Sahashi Minato. Nice to see ya again." Minato stepped into the light and shook his friends hand, but he seemed to notice the voluptuous women standing downstairs with quizzical looks. He raised an eyebrow towards Kenichi,
"I'll explain inside." answered the disciple. He gestured for the girls to come up, and with that said they entered the used-to-be apartment of Kenichi's. Once everyone was settled in Kenichi and company were siting in the living room, idly seeping on green tea. Minato looked at the whole scene and sweat dropped,
"If I get caught with all these women in here...I'm sooo dead." He strung out the word 'so' giving it an exasperated tone. Kenichi knew that feeling before,
"I know, the landlord's kinda of fish head." He laughed and shrugged his shoulders. Minato slapped his hands to knees in realization,
"See! I'm not the only one who thinks that too!" Shouted Minato. The two shared a laugh. Soon the room started to grow quiet, Kenichi broke the silence with another cough,
"So um, Minato. These are two of my Sekireis..." He introduced Musubi first,
"This lovely Sekirei is Musubi." She cocked her head and smiled,
"Hello! Nice to meet you!" Next it was Tsukiumi,
"And this beautiful Sekirei is Tsukiumi." She raised her chin up high with pride,
"Hello." Exclaimed Tsukiumi. Minato smiled and introduced himself and his Sekirei to his houseguest.
"Names Minato, Sahashi Minato. And this is my Sekirei, Number 95, Kuno." Clinging to his white shirt was a girl with dirty blonde hair and wore nice purple dress that added to her innocence. Her eyes were bubbly and were about to burst into tears,
"Come on, Kuno. Don't be shy, they're very nice people. Promise!" Reluctantly she shows her face to the group of strangers,
"He-hello. I'm Kuno."
"Hello, I'm Musubi! Nice to meet you Kuno!" Greeted Number 88, Musubi gave the timid Sekirei a loving smile.
"And I'm Tsukiumi." came the instant rebuttal from Number 09. Kuno observed the voluptuous women. Tsukiumi had an elegant body, her black frizzy dress fitting her curves perfectly. Kuno's eyes unfortunately started to wander around her incredible bust size, her lips started drooping into a frown. Then she glanced over at the kimono wearing Sekirei beside Kenichi, she noted the long pink ribbon like bow wrapped around her waist and the red gloves on her hands. Her eyes veered to her chest and this time she sighed deeply, Kuno evaluated her own chest and pouted.
"Ohhh..." She whimpered. Minato caught this little groan and rubbed Kuno's hair reassuringly.
"Don't worry, they'll get bigger soon. Besides... I like you just the way you are, Kuno." The unconfident, pouty Sekirei smiled grandly at the sound of Minato's kind and heartfelt comment. There's a sudden thumping sound coming from underneath the floor,
THUMP THUMP THUMP! Followed by a loud mumbling sound from beneath the floorboards, they look at the ground in confusion, before Minato face palms.
"It's that stupid, loud fish head of a landlord!" He grimaces at the floor, Minato gives his guest apologetic looks and sighed,
"Sorry about that, the man downstairs is kinda a jerk." Gestures for him to calm down,
"No, no it's okay. I've dealt with him before, that man always interrupts my studies." Minato's eye grow into saucers,
"I know right! Wait..." He gives Kenichi a very scrutinizing look and jabs a finger in an accusing manner towards him.
"You know that guy?" Shirahama shakes his head up and down,
"I use to live here, Minato." Sahashi's mouth opens up wide,
"Really! Then that means..."
"I'm a college student, well, not until I pass the Shintou entrance exam that is." Kenichi blushes out of embarrassment, Minato feels slightly relieved that he's not that only one who's failed the exam.
"No way! Well I'll be honest though, this is my third time applying." Kenichi grabs his hand and pats his shoulder lightly,
"You and me both, pal." The two young adults share a smile that speaks louder than words as Musubi interjects.
"Even chance encounters can be a part of your destiny. Fate, does work in mysterious ways." Kenichi smiled at the insightful comment,
"Couldn't agree more." Minato suddenly broke out giggling.
"I stinks when that fish head downstairs comes up here and complains about something. But, when he's here, there isn't anything to complain about!" Kenichi started to chuckle,
"I know, I know! It sucks!"
"He keeps talking about you, and how you always use to bring girls over and stuff." Finished Minato. Kenichi sweat dropped,
"He said that? I barely had any company here, but..." He remembers the first day he moved in, Miu and the entire Ryozanpaku gang came to say their farewells to their Number one disciple. Let's just say the landlord fainted from the sheer craziness of it all. Realizing the reason for his presence here, Kenichi threw the conversation back on course. With a serious glare he focused on the ronin.
"So, you asked me help you. What exactly do you need, Minato?" The two gulped simultaneously and started to sweat drop. The tension in the air was so thick you could easily cut through it with a knife.
"It's a big secret of ours, but you seem like trustworthy guy, Kenichi." Shirahama was glad for the compliment, "Its rather dangerous though, so I need to know if you can keep a secret?" He nodded his head,
"Alright. The thing is, we don't want to fight in this stupid game, thus resulting in us always running away. I really don't want to admit this but...Kuno's too weak to fight..." Minato looked at his open palm and clenched it tight, " and it pains me to no end." Kenichi noticed Tsukiumi's rather disapproving glare, he frowned. Being in the same shoes as Kuno, Kenichi was already willing to help. The disciple furrowed his brows, "Her only power is her loud voice. Tssk! That doesn't even compare to Sekireis I've seen." Kuno frowns at the honest truth, she was weak and it hurt her that she couldn't protect her Ashikabi. "We want to drop out of the Sekirei Plan completely! We want to live this city." Kenichi and Tsukiumi's jaws dropped, the sheer shock of this declaration was still too hard to comprehend,
"Are you serious!"
"Impossible!" shouted Tsukiumi, the water Sekirei suddenly jumped up to her feet and jab a very accusing finger towards the cowering Kuno, who was clutching her Ashikabi for dear life. She was agitated and unsettled by all this,
"Thou shall fight or DIE! That is the only way one leaves this city! The first thing a Sekirei must do is fight till the end! " Minato was shocked to hear that,
"What! No-No we can't!" Kenichi put his hand out and ceased the altercation with a mere gesture, The disciple stood up and glared at Tsukiumi. Slowly, he rested his hands on her shoulder and toke in a deep breath of air. Tsukiumi was mad, he didn't know why but he had to calm her down somehow.
"Tsukiumi, you do realize that...some people aren't... as strong as you, or Musubi. She's not SAFE! The unbearable reality about this world is that there are winners and there are losers. Not everyone here is winner Tsukiumi, Kuno and Minato realize that. I'm surprised that Minato had the courage to fight for her, some people would have left her to die." Her clenched teeth and the serious trembling started to calm down, slowly she brought her hands down to her sides and stared at Kenichi's shoes, not uttering a single word. The disciple turned back towards his friend,
"I'm guessing the exits to Shintou are guarded, correct?" Minato nodded, He stood up and slid the curtains back gingerly, hoping no one would notice. There, up in the azure blue sky were two MBI choppers undergoing surveillances on the ground below. Minato cupped his chin and sighed in defeat,
"We tried to escape on one of the bridges but...something stopped us."
"What do you mean?" questioned Musubi, in a worried tone.
"It was a Sekirei, and a unusual one at that. According to Kuno, she's part of a elite team, taking orders directly from MBI. The horrible thing is, they're willing to kill anyone that gets in their way." Kenichi cupped his chin and closed his eyes, resembling his Jujitsu master Akisame Koetsuji.
"Sounds like Yami." He whispered. Minato shook his head,
"Man I wish I was like you, Kenichi." The disciple looked up at him with a dumbfounded expression,
"Why?" Minato sighed,
"You, don't have to worry about this sorta thing, do you? 'Cause you actually have Sekireis that can fight." Kenichi raised an eyebrow, "and you even still, you know Martial Arts! I can't fight to save my life!" Minato slumped to the ground and looked at the floor in search of an answer, his eyes hidden under his black bangs. Like any best friend would, the disciple put a hand on his shoulder and explained,
"You're wrong, Sahashi. I actually worry about my Sekireis night and day. And I chose to do Martial Arts, I was a boy who was tried of being bullied, so I changed. And I believe, with the right push, you can be a very strong person someday." Minato's cloudy atmosphere was starting to light up, his mouth opening up into a smile. Kuno gingerly tugged his shirt,
"But...you kissed me. You said I was you're girl, right?" She was worried, sad and unconfident. Minato reassured her with a loving hug,
"I know, I promise never to compare."
Hours later
The trio walked back into the streets with heavy thoughts, mostly Kenichi.'Who exactly are these people!? Yami, Damn! I sure hope those bastards didn't follow me here!' The street lamps lit the path back to Inn, streets were vacant with activity. Tsukiumi were Musubi both holding onto his arms, never dreaming of letting him go,
"I Never thought I would meet somebody who had the same problems as I have." Musubi nodded her head and grinned.
"Also, it was kinda neat to see how close they've become 'cause of all the troubles that had to go through."
" I agree, those two share a very deep bond." finished Tsukiumi. Kenichi looked at the Water Sekirei and raised an eyebrow,
"Oh, so that's how you feel, Tsukiumi? Glad to see you're softening up." He chuckled. A red tick mark popped up on her forehead,
"It was just an observation!" She growled. Musubi and Kenichi shared a nice laugh as Tsukiumi blushed. The grouped finally arrived back at the sanctuary called Masion Izumo. Little Kusano, wearing her green pjs threw herself into her Ashikabi's arms, thanks to his quick reflexes he caught her perfectly. She praised his arrival proudly,
"BIG BROTHER! You're home!" He nuzzled her hair and smiled at the undeniably cute Sekirei,
"Hey Ku! Glad to see you missed me!" A ceiling roof board slid open rather suspiciously and out popped Matsu, dangling from the roof with her head peering down below. Her hair was upside down and her glasses were slowly slipping.
"Hey you guys!" The greeted her in unison,
"Hey Matsu!" The gang decided to skip dinner for the night and retired to their rooms, or decided to a long bath. Kenichi walked out of the bath wearing a rather childish pajama, it was one of those thick wool pjs you'd wear on a winter's night. There were race car designs on his pants and matching shirt, the disciple lazily strolled to his room with a toothbrush still in his mouth. Placing the wet brush on his drawer, Kenichi let gravity do the work and landed face first into a cottony heaven. And in a few minutes, Kenichi was counting rabbits.
They next morning was like any other morning, the smell of western bacon and pancakes was permeating the air. dragging Kenichi from his fitful slumber. The disciple nose started to sniff the air, his eyes fluttered open to greet the world. The sun was entering through his window and filled to room with a yellowish glow, he threw the sheets to his right and groggily got up from his futon. With a loud yawn and the stretch of his arms, Kenichi was ready to take on the day. After brushing his teeth the disciple strolled downstairs with a pep in his step. To his dismay it would seem that everyone was finishing up breakfast, he rubbed his head and sighed.
"Seems like I slept in." He groaned. At the table was Uzume, Tsukiumi, Musubi, and Kusano. To his surprise Kazehana was setting her as well, every noticed Kenichi and greeted him kindly,
"Good morning Kenichi!" announced everyone. He waved and slowly made his way to his seat, Kusano strolled up to him and handed him a full plate with bacon, eggs, and pancakes.
"I saved a plate for you, big Brother." He smiled,
"A real western meal." Kenichi released a small chuckled. Even the utensils were switched to forks and knives, the disciple enjoyed watching people like Tsukiumi cut her food. The way her face scrunched up in concentration was somewhat amusing and adorable to watch, Ku had some trouble but soon got to hang of it, while everyone else seemed to be eating as if they've done this frequently in their daily lives. Musubi smiled at him,
"Ah Kenichi, we were just talking about Kuno and Minato!" He looked up at her and sat his fork down,
"Yeah, they plan to live the capital." Tsukiumi grimaced,
"I'm still rather hesitant about this plan, dear husband. I mean, do they really believe they can escape from the capital?" Kenichi gulped,
"I don't know. But, what I do know is that with the right amount planning and with a good amount resources. It might actually happen. And don't call me husband, it makes me feel...old." answered Kenichi. Musubi gave him a nod in agreement. Uzume, who was seemingly spacing out at the moment shook her head and raised her hand, thus stopping the conversation,
"Wait! Run this by me one more time. Why are they escaping?"
"She's not safe." Kenichi sighs deeply, "Kuno's a very weak Sekirei, she can't fight like the rest of you guys, and Minato believes that this is only way to protect her. And I honestly don't blame him."Kazehana put her hands to her cheeks a cheered,
"Well isn't that romantic! Two lovers, hand in hand on run! It's so sweet!" she cooed. Tsukiumi face palmed,
"Shut thou mouth at once!" Kazehana waved off the jab,
"Be quiet blonde, we're discussing matters of Love!" Uzume looked at the floor with a very disappointed look. Kenichi couldn't help but wonder.
In Matsu's Room
"So Number 95 and her Ashikabi really want to escape from the capital?" Kenichi nodded,
"You do think about that? Do really think its possible to escape?" Matsu gulped. Kenichi couldn't help but sweat drop.
"Its possible, But...highly unlikely. You would have to get all your Sekireis to team up and use their powers at full force." Kenichi cupped his chin, "MBI is a very highly powerful force, Kenichi." Matsu went to typing in rapid succession on her keyboard, soon an image of a rather haphazard rocky island came one screen. The disciple raised an eyebrow,
"An island?" asked Kenichi.
"Kamikura Island, to be exact. This all began when two students landed there without permission. They were there for an investigation, because this island suddenly rose out of the ocean near Japan. The students soon discovered a very unique ruin on the island, "
"A ruin?" Matsu nodded,
"Yes, But I doubt it to be anything man made. I believe this was misinformation presented, because whatever was on the island was more advance then anything remotely capable with current human technology. When the two students entered they found themselves staring at several life forms that looked identical to humans sleeping in strange pods, but, get this. Their genetic structure was slightly different from humans, their life forces were much stronger and they each had an unique ability." Kenichi was set off kilter by the story, he gulped,
"So those life forms, they were Sekireis?"
"Correct. And the student that discovered them would later go on to become the president of MBI. Mid- bioinformatics, that man's name was Hiroto Minaka. Later, Minaka turned MBI into colossal enterprise, one that can easily buy out the capital. All he has to do is release the slightest bit of the ruins' ultra advance tech to society and his reason for doing this? It was all he needed to enact the Sekirei Plan, and even back then the project was so kept secret, higher ups called it the S plan." Kenichi's brown eyes were trembling, finally the truth behind this game was unraveling itself before for him, and it was hard to grasp too.
"Damn, so he's the one. Minaka created this entire game." Matsu turned around slowly and glared at Kenichi with a serious but cautious look,
"Correct. Now, here's what you need to know, Kenichi. Minaka chose Shinto Teito to serve as a battle ground for all of us. He wants us to fight here. A place where he can keep a close eye on us. You can't retire from this game without permission from Minaka or help from someone else to do so, fleeing the capital would be seen as treason for both Ashikabi and Sekirei." Kenichi cupped his chin and pieced the rest of the puzzle together rather quickly,
"So if I agree to this, then...that'll make MBI our enemy?" This wasn't the first time Kenichi's dealt with undeniably strong organizations, MBI was just another word for YOMI or The One Shadow Nine Fist. But that doesn't mean he's willing to go through that whole death cycle again, people died in that war between Ryozanpkau and Yami. Kenichi himself almost died, this was a very heavy choice for the disciple.
"Please think about this before you deicide, 'kay?" she pushed her glasses back onto the bridge of her nose cautiously. Kenichi merely nodded.
Outside on the porch
The disciple was seating on the side porch, his hand rubbing down his face in a exasperated manner. He's debating wither or not if he's willing to go through something like that again. YAMI were the most formidable opponents Kenichi's ever faced in his career as a Martial Artist, and this M.B.I organization sorta fit the bill when it comes to replacing Yami. Worse part is, 'Yami might still exist.' Kenichi sighed,
"Damn, I really don't know." There's long pause before,
"Hi, Kenichi! Are you hungry? 'Cause I think lunch is almost ready." Kenichi frowned at the smiling Sekirei.
"So, Musubi...?"
"Yeah?" Kenichi turned his head upwards and watched the clouds as he continued,
"The escape plan. It's not that I won't do it, its just..." He sighed again, "Back, when I was in high school, Me and my Dojo fought a unimaginably strong organization called Yami, and a satellite group called Yomi, which comprised of the Yami members' disciples. During that time it was truly an all out war between me and them, people got hurt, some people died and... I-I don't know if I want to be in the same situation again. I have to take protect all of you guys, if anything would to happen to you I'd-"
"Do you believe in wishes?" The sudden change in pace throws him off, he's speechless now.
"I believe that any wish can come true. All we have to do is continue supporting each other, with love and bonds." Musubi sat down beside her Ashikabi and smiled,
"That's one of the many things I love about you, Kenichi. You're selfless. You think about others before you're yourself, and its sad to know that some people don't share the same trait." Kenichi blushes, but a grin soon etches itself onto his lips. "Kenichi?"
"Yeah?"
"About that girl, Miu. Did she love you?" Kenichi's mouth dropped slightly, an image of Miu's peck on the cheek plays in his mind like a film reel on constant replay. After a long pause and fiddling of the thumbs Kenichi found the right words to say,
"I... I honestly don't really know." He shook his head, "I left at a time where I was uncertain about our relationship, but one things for sure, I will allows love Miu. But, that doesn't mean I don't love you Musubi, nor the rest of you guys. I love you all equally," Musubi smiled and hopped back onto her feet,
"I really do wish some day I'll get to meet Miu, she seems like such a very wonderful person." the disciple smiled.
"She is."
Meanwhile somewhere
A man with a pressed suit and tie walks into the tile floor of a huge bathroom. The steam filling up the room entirely, the man had long brown bangs and dark blue eyes and was wearing a somewhat lay back expression and persona.
"Hey there, guess what a little birdy told me? I heard Blue said she discovered a Sekirei and her Ashikabi trying to flee the capital. I mean really,can you imagine?" The woman he was talking to was enjoy the immense bath all to her self, her gray hair tied in a ponytail and majority of her pale skin submerged underwater.
"Well, its not unusual. So, what happened? Did Blue kill them?" The men chuckled softly,
"Not exactly. She said she found them to be 'interesting' so she let them go for now." The woman with gray hair smiled,
"Well, Blue usually knows what she's doing. Her judgment is impressive, If I do say so the least." The man gave her a sly grin,
"Is that so?" The lady filled a cupfull of water in her hand.
"Its probably going to get very, very interesting around here, you just wait." He opened his eyes,
"I see. Then I look forward to it." The woman gave a vampiric grin.
"I do too."
Later that night
The disciple decided to do some rooftop jumping, tying weights to his legs, Kenichi leaped from rooftop to rooftop, executing each jump with the precision and elegance of pro acrobatic. He backflipped, vaulted, parkoured through streets, anything the would increase his already unimaginable stamina and balance. Kenichi switched from the rooftops to the ground, he purposely exerted less power into his legs and leaped towards the wall of an upcoming building. Then he wall jumped his way down, bouncing from each building downwards until he safely reached the bottom. He landed in a crouching position, his right hand out, trying to stabilize himself. The disciple raised his head up an smiled, wearing his borrowed workout clothes from Miya, Kenichi toke off towards a heavy crowd of pedestrians, his speed unnaturally fast, but that's all do to the hellish training he endured, no survived, when he was in highschool. Applying Furinjii's blind spot technique, Kenichi started to weave through people's blind spots, a woman dropped a box from the peak of a huge multicolored box tower.
Kenichi twirled and swiftly grabbed the box from touching the floor. He jumped up and placed back on it's respected spot,
"You dropped something!" The lady gasped,
"Oh! Thank you sir!" Kenichi snapped back into his sprint and disappeared into the crowd. He disciple spotted a park nearby and sprinted into the area, once he found a nice spot to stop, he toke a nice breather and regained his lost breath. Kenichi walked up to a nicely cut acre of grass, he shifted his feet apart and place his forearms on his hips, slowly breathing, flexing certain muscles and such. He continued to do these breathing exercises and Ki flow techniques for 45 minutes, then switched to Martial Arts forms, Karate, Muay Ta, and Chinese Kenpo don't really require another person, so when he decided to head to an open gym that was opened. He spent a good 2 hours in the park, so it was highly unlikely someone would be opened at this time of night.
"I wonder though..." He twirled his feet up and jumped back onto his feet. Shirahama sprinted back into the city, soon he did soon find that one gym that was still opened. He greeted everybody and started to hit the punching bags, unfortunately Kenichi had to hold back his full strength, because at full force he'd probably bust the bag open. After that, he asked a poor unfortunate soul if he could spar with him. From what he could tell, the man he asked was a pro boxer. They decided to not follow traditional boxing rules and strictly fought hand-to-hand. Kenichi used this opportunity to practice his Jujitsu, he countered each quick with a flip or toss, or he grabbed his arm, twisted back and pushed him to the ground. What ended to pretty futile fight was a quick Jujitsu Idori that sent the man flying out of the ring.
Kenichi by his side in seconds,
"Are you alright!" The man gave a thumbs up,
"Never...better. You're freakin...unstoppable." Those were his last words before he passed out. A puff a air leaving his mouth as his eyes rolled back into his head. Luckily, Locals were there instantly to aid him to the hospital. Kenichi decided to call it a night and headed back home around mid night. While walking home he came to the conclusion that if he went along with this plan it wouldn't really matter if he'd got under MBI's radar.
"It's bound to happen someday." He stated. Kenichi looked u at the moon and smiled, "Alright! I'll do it! I'll do it to help my friends!" He raises his open right hand and clenches it tight, "Because that's who I am. A person who's willing to help out a friend in trouble. I don't care what happens to me, as long as they're happy and safe, that's all that really matters." When he made it back Miya was standing by the door, anticipating his return with a smile,
"I see you really enjoyed my husband's workout clothes." she quipped. Kenichi looked himself over and scratched the back of his head when he realized his sweat soaked right through the clothes.
"Hehe...I'm so sorry, Miya. I got kinda carried away."
"No, no! Its okay! I'm glad to see you're hard at work here and in the field." commented Miya, Kenichi blushed. The landlady started to head inside. "The bath's ready for you, Kenichi. Have a good night now you hear." He smiled and nodded,
"Yes I will. Thanks, Landlady." The two headed inside. Soon Kenichi found himself back in futon, convinced that he's made the right decision.
"I'll tell them in morning if they're willing to go along with this plan." With long yawn he turned on his side and closed his eyes.
Next Saturday morning, near Ryozanpaku.
Young nineteen year old Miu Furinjii was just returning from a good afternoon's day of food shopping. The young Furinjii was beautiful to do say the least, Miu over the years has achieved the most wanted body in Japan. Her hour glass figure was astounding and her curves fit her blue dress perfectly, this didn't go unnoticed of course, strange men all throughout the neighborhood have been checking out the young lady, some even went as far as to rape her and touch her. That was a big mistake, because those poor bastard either got their arms broken or got their balls crushed. Miu's been slightly lonely over the last couple months, all due to the hole Kenichi left in her life. But, as any good friend, she encouraged him, supported him to follow his dreams, and if those dreams involve moving out of her life, who was she to stop him. She sighed deeply, a couple minutes later she noticed a black object falling from the sky. She looked, up
"I know that black spot." On reflex she back hand springed away from the object as it impacted the ground, bring up dust and dirt. Miu got into a stance and squinted her eyes, then she heard,
"Apa, Apa. Apa!" She relaxed, who can defensive from around that voice.
"Apachi!" The Muay Tai Death God straightened up to an 7,1 monster of a man. He saluted Miu, and hugged her tight.
"Apa, Apa! Miu, you won't believe what I got in the mail today!" Boomed the humongous man. Miu slipped out of his death grip and smiled.
"What is it Apachi?" Exclamied Miu, Apachi reached into his pocket and pulled out a white letter and waved it in her face to see.
"It's a letter from our Number One Disciple!" Miu'd eye lit up from the news, she quickly snatched the letter and looked over the envelope.
"We gotta tell everyone! Come on!"
"Apa!" The two jumped to the rooftops and leaped across gaps as the made their way towards the Dojo where fighters are born.
The two pushed through the huge doors of Ryozanpaku, Miu didn't hesitant and ran for the man living room. Her mouth smiling happily the whole way, she slid the slide doors open and shouted in a excited tone.
"Guys, look! We got a letter from Kenichi!" For once, everyone's bored and gloomy expression brightened up. Shio Sakaki almost choked on his beer,
"That little runt's still alive! Damn!" His statement was astonishment, the red face drunk started to smile. Next to him, Master of Japanese Jujitsu, Koetsuji, dropped his physics book and smiled.
"Glad to see our number one disciple hasn't forgotten about us." Master of Chinese Kenpo Ma Kensei, closed his latest issue of Erotica magazine and chuckled.
"I wonder what the young lad's been up too?" The Young Weapons Prodigy herself, Kosaka Shigure was hanging from the rafters, tapping her elegant sword with a cotton flower.
"I...miss him." came her clam response. Miu felt someone jump on her shoulder, and their was the amazing mouse Tochumaru. He wooed and raised his arm up and squeaked,
"Yeah!" came the mouse's small voice. And there, right in the middle, The Invisible Superman himself, Hayato Furinjii was idly licking on a swirl designed lollipop. After a couple licks he smiled,
"Ah, I wondering when we'd hear from our disciple. Come Miu, let's see what the boy wrote." Miu nodded,
"Hai!" everyone gathered in the middle and waited patiently for the blonde to open the letter. Once she opened it, she recited the letter out loud, and after she was done question after question kept popping into her mind.
"Oh, I wonder what it like up there! I wonder if he's keeping up with his training. I'd love to find out if he got into Teito University! Oohh... I really wanta see him!" cooed Miu. Everyone in the room were smiling, before Hayato had an announcement to say.
"I believe the master should have a meeting." he stated. Everyone seemed to understand the masters reasons, so the got up and walked into an adjacent room, excluding a rather confused Miu. Once everyone was settled, the meeting begun,
"So, we've finally gotten word of Kenichi, from what we can tell he's seems alright." said Akisame.
"Yes, indeed. But I've noticed the excited look Miu had the entire time." explained Kensei, Hayato nodded,
"I've noticed as well. So here's my proposition, we should send Miu down to Shintou to speak to our disciple. Maybe even get him to join the dojo again. This will help Miu and Kenichi out in the long run. I've seen the way my granddaughter looks at the empty room he use to live in." Apachi nodded his vigorously.
"Apa, Apa!" Shigure nodded as well.
"This meeting is adjourned." finished Furnijii, with a huge content 'hmph' the masters all stood up and exited the room. Miu was out side blinking her eyes like a cat,
"Hey, what was that for?" Akisame coughed,
"It was just a short meeting, nothing more." Hayato walked beside her granddaughter and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Miu," She looked up,
"What would you say If I told you that you can go visit Kenichi?" Miu was awe, her eyes sparkling with joy.
"Oh really!" Kensei raised his hand and injected,
"But if I'm hearing the new correctly, Shinto is being sealed off or something?" Sakaki snorted,
"Yeah, seems like that company MBI's been setting up blockades around the city's exits. Allowing certain people in or out." Hayato stroked his bread and hummed,
"Yes, so we decided for you to go. Besides, we don't want to attract any unwanted attention. So, pack a bag Miu, you're visiting the capital." Miu throw her arms around her grandfather and squealed like a giddy teenager,
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" she unlatched herself from her grandfather and sprint towards for her room. The teachers couldn't help smile at the young woman.
Meanwhile, back at Masion Izumo
Kenichi and his Sekireis were now having an official meeting of their own. Up in his room the four Sekireis waited patiently for their nervously pacing Ashikabi to share his decision on wither or not they should help Minato Sahashi. After a couple paces Kenichi released a deep sigh' I've made my choice', then with snapped of his fingers he turned around and faced every single one of them. A determined demeanor and expression on his face, his arms behind his back and a colonel like motif.
"I'm going through with this plan. I believe that this, is evidently the only way Minato and Kuno can be together. She can't fight so, if guys want out...I totally understand." He dipped his head down and frowned. Musubi and Kusano shook their heads,
"No, not at all! I want to help them escape from city too!" She threw her arms up, followed by Ku.
"Me two!" Kenichi looked up from his downcast gaze, slightly surprised to hear such excited answers. His eyes moved over to Matsu, she closed her eyes and nodded somberly.
"You can count on me as well. I'll provide any technical assistance you may require." Kenichi smiled, he couldn't ask for nothing more.
"Thank you so much, you guys." The loyalty of Sekirei and an Ashikabi was rather astounding to Kenichi, he realized at that moment that these girls were actually wiling lay down their lives for him. Kenichi needed to prove that the same aspect applies to him as well. He noticed the disapproving glare Tsukiumi gave him, Kenichi felt a slight pain of loss, 'Guess she's still on the fence about this plan. Understand, Tsukiumi.' He went explaining the plans for the day, they would have to stop a Seo's house and probably beg for his help.
"He's the only one I know who's got recourses. And he's knows M.B.I pretty well, so..." Kenichi and Musubi stopped at Minato's and proceeded to Seo's place.