This chapter takes place after Kazehana's winging on the bridge. Minato is now fully healed and back home from the hospital

"We're home!" Musubi chirped joyously as she bursted into the Izumo Inn.

Kuu poked her head out in the hallway to see that Musubi and Tsukiumi had returned. She perked up when she saw Minato enter lastly. Bolting down the hallway, an enormous smile was plastered on her face. "Onii-chan!~" Kuu hollered, jumping in the air.

As Minato turned around, Kuu was already clinging to his waist. "Kuu missed Onii-chan sooo much! Kuu was very worried!" she began to silently weep in his sleeve, his plain white shirt stained with tears. Minato smiled and stroked the young Sekirei's blonde hair. "I'm sorry for making you worry, Kuu-chan. I'm home now." Minato cocked his head to the side and laughed sheepishly, getting an adorable giggle from Kuu in return.

When the four members entered the dining area, to Minato's surprise, there was a large meal spread out. Miya spotted them and greeted them with a warm smile. "Welcome home, Sahashi! Sorry everything isn't ready, you arrived earlier than we expected!"

Minato's mouth opened slightly with shock. "Wait, you planned a meal just for my return?"

Miya giggled, gesturing to all his Sekireis in the room. "Everyone was worried about you." Musubi bounced up and down, giggling cutely. Kuu dangled her feet from Minato's shoulders. Tsukiumi bit her thumb and looked away in embarrassment. Matsu was sitting in one of the corners of the room, chuckling. "And they weren't the only ones worried."

Minato's look was replaced with a grateful one. "Everyone..."

Miya then stood back up and headed towards the kitchen. "Preparations are not yet complete, so go ahead and make yourself comfortable." And with that, Miya disappeared into the kitchen, Musubi, Tsukiumi, and Matsu tagging along. Minato decided to sit in one a random corner and read a book, while Kuu curled up into a ball beside him and slept.

An hour had passed, and Minato had already finished his book. He looked at Kuu, who was still sound asleep. Smiling, he decided to carry her upstairs to Miya's room so that she could continue her nap. Right as he picked her up, Uzume walked in.

"Mmm smells good!" Uzume then noticed Minato. She pranced over and leaned on him. "Hey you little stud muffin! How are 'ya?"

Minato blushed and scratched the back of his head. "I-I'm good..."

Uzume grinned widely. "I heard you added the drunken flower to your collection. Don't be surprised if you're suddenly a man in the morning!" Uzume gave Minato a flirtatious wink. "If 'ya know what I mean..."

Minato's face turned blood red. "U-UZUME!" Uzume bent over and laughed. "I'm just messing with you, 'Mina-chan'!"

Miya popped her head out from the kitchen. "Uzume? I thought something came up."

Uzume played with her hair and looked at Minato. "Well, I decided I would be with everyone today."

"Thanks Uzume." Miya smiled sweetly, then turned and walked back into the kitchen

Uzume skipped to the kitchen as well. "Hey Miya! Mind if I try some food to make sure it's edible?" Miya replied with a loud whack to the head with a soup ladle.

"Uzume..." Minato murmured to himself. He finally carried Kuu upstairs and tucked her into her newly made out futon. He had nothing better to do, so he decided to watch the little girl sleep. She looked so innocent and vulnerable as she slept, and Minato felt for her. He would never let anyone touch his little Kuu-chan. Or any of his other Sekireis. Musubi, Tsukiumi, Matsu, Kazehana, Even friends like Miya and Uzume were dear to him. Minato wished he could do something in return to show that he really did care. He knew it was his turn to protect everyone else. But how? He sighed at the thought and stood back up, walking out of the room.

As he walked out of the room, he looked at the room at the end of the hall. Kagari's room. "He hasn't come out, has he? Poor guy."

It's been like this everyday. Kagari would be out late in the evening, and slept through the mornings. Its as if he's been trying to avoid everyone. But why? Lately, he's looked worn out and tired, as if he were sick. Minato felt bad for him, and wished there was something he could do to make Kagari feel better. Minato walked towards his room and placed his hand on the door knob.

Then something struck him. What if Kagari wanted to be alone? What if he was just doing this for his own sake? Whatever it was, Minato knew he probably shouldn't get involved. He didn't know Kagari very well, so Minato knew that it was his own problem and that whatever it was, Kagari was trying to figure it out himself. Minato released his grip from the door knob and sighed silently to himself. He turned around and sauntered down the steps.

To Minato's amazement, the preparations were already complete. The entire calm atmosphere had changed to a very lively setting. Minato examined the entire room to see who all was here:

Seo was currently being electrocuted by his Sekireis, Hikari and Hibiki, for doing GOD knows what. "SEO YOU BASTARD!" Hikari screamed through gritted teeth, kicking him to the ground. Hibiki sighed, but continued to follow along with her sister.

Minato's best friend, Yasaka, was trying to flirt with Tsukiumi, but was rejected. "Art thou a fool? I already belong to Minato!" She exclaimed passionately and walked away. Yasaka crouched to the ground, silently crying with envy. "How does he do it?!"

Uzume and Matsu were having a drink-off, and the results were horrifying. Uzume stood up on the table, a beer bottle in her hand. She was thrusting it around as if it were a weapon. "Take me ON you SKANK!" Matsu stood up, her wobbly body struggling to hold her up. "GLADLY!" Immediately after she accepted Uzume's challenge, Matsu ripped off her own dress, exposing her pink lace bra and panties. She tackled Uzume, but they just sat there laughing. Except for the fact that their laughs were loud hiccups...

Sanada laughed at Matsu and Uzume's drunk fight while his three small Sekireis were playing tag with a gray haired boy that Minato didn't know.

Musubi was clinging to a girl, who Minato was surprised when he realized it was his sister, Yukari. "Oh, Musubi, what is your secret?" Yukari whispered teasingly as she fondled Musubi's breasts. "My... secret?" Musubi giggled as she continued to hug Yukari.

Minato couldn't believe that a simple meal had turned into a party. He gave a nervous chuckle and walked into the room. It seemed almost immediately, everyone's attention turned to him.

"MINATO!" Everyone shouted. Musubi, Tsukiumi, and even a drunk Uzume piled on top of Minato. Matsu chuckled, her hiccups drowning her laughter.

"E-Everyone!" Minato said, blushing. Suddenly, the three women on top of him made way for a drunk flower in a nude apron barreling towards him.

"MINATO-KUN!~" She squealed with delight, squeezing Minato's face into her exposed breasts. Minato fell backwards, his nose gushing out blood. He leaned forward to look at the woman, his hands cupped over his overflowing nose.

"K-KAZEHANA!" Minato shouted. Kazehana looked at her apron, and then back at Minato. "Oh hubby, I'm terribly sorry!" She gave him a perverted grin, one of her apron straps sliding down her shoulder. "Is the apron in the way? If you want, I can take. it. off-"

Behind Kazehana, a ladle came crashing into her head, a giant bump quickly forming in place. A dark and mysterious hannya looked Kazehana threateningly in the eyes. Everyone was silent. Then Miya approached her, her eyes stinging Kazehana each second she stared.

"CHANGE. NOW." Miya's voice boomed throughout the entire dining area, making everyone cower in fear.

Uzume sighed and pointed towards the hallway, giving Kazehana permission to change into another costume. Kazehana pursed her lips in disappointment and ran down the hallway to Uzume's room. She returned in a bright purple Brazilian performer costume. Miya glared at her, while Kazehana pleaded silently. The landlady gave in and sighed, giving Kazehana an 'I'm watching you' type of look. Kazehana rolled her eyes and grasped onto Minato's arm.

The dark atmosphere quickly vanished and was replaced by a warm and welcoming smile from Miya. It was as though the hannya was never there. "Everyone! Now that Minato is here, dig in and enjoy everything until your heart is content." Miya walked by Minato and whispered, "I'm going to wake up Kuu and try and convince Kagari to join us. Have fun, Sahashi." Minato smiled and nodded, leaving Miya to go upstairs. Minato raised a glass of water in his hand. "Enjoy everyone!"

The silence was pierced by a roar of cheers. Everyone completely demolished every scrap of Miya's cooking and conversation soon broke out.

"Man, that kid is just spoiled with all these boobs, isn't he? Lucky son of a bitch!" Seo chuckled, nearly choking on his beer. That earned him a jolt of lightning from Hikari.

Uzume, Matsu, and Kazehana stood up on the table and attempted to sing "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, but failed miserably, making everyone laugh.

Yasaka was still sulking, repeating, "How does he do it?" to himself. Sanada laughed kindheartedly and slapped his back. "Ah, kid, get over it!"

Minato was chatting with Musubi and Tsukiumi when Yukari walked over. She smiled widely and placed her hands on her hips. "Well, well, well. Look at you! Guess I can't call you a loser with all these women trampling over you! Look at what a stud you've become!"

Hearing this, Uzume yelled. "I KNOW RIGHT?! CALLED IT!"

Yukari giggled and turned back to Minato. "Well anyways, I'd like you to meet someone." Yukari grabbed the boy with gray hair and clasped onto his hand with her own. "This is Shiina! He's my... boyfriend!"

Shiina blushed and played with his hair. "N-Nice to meet you..." Shiina said shyly, extending out his hand. "I'm Shiina."

Minato smiled and accepted the offer, shaking his hand. "Hello Shiina! I'm Minato! I'm your girlfriend's big brother!"

Yukari leaned towards Minato and whispered, "So, which one are you gonna go down on first?"

Minato was taken back, his face quickly turning red. "Wh-What?!"

Yukari laughed. "Oh come on, big bro! You know what I mean! Which one of these luscious beauties is gonna be your first?"

Hearing this, Tsukiumi pulled Minato towards her. "I am Minato's first wife! The rest art mere concubines!"

Musubi bit her lip and yelled, "I'm his real wife too!" She grabbed his arm and pulled him away from Tsukiumi. Using too much of her brute strength, Minato went flying into Musubi's cleavage. "Oopsies!~" Musubi chirped, making Tsukiumi growl in rage. They walked away, continuing their usual quarreling.

Yukari bent over and laughed. "Well, I'll leave you guys alone! See 'ya big bro-"

At that moment, Miya was back downstairs, Kuu holding her hand.

Shiina's eyes widened. "K-Kuu..."

Kuu, who was finally awake, recognized the voice. "Shii-chan?" She rubbed her eyes and opened them, realizing that she was right. Her mouth opened with joy. "SHII-CHAN!" Kuu ran into his arms and began to cry silently. "It's really you!"

Yukari's face was expressionless. She was so surprised. "Kuu?"

Kuu looked at Minato and pointed at Shiina. "Look Onii-chan! Shii-chan!"

Yukari was even more surprised. "ONII-CHAN?!"

Before she could protest, Shiina stood back up and hugged Minato. "Thank you, Minato. For saving Kuu."

Minato patted his back. "No problem."

Yukari looked at Minato, her eyes filled with shock... and amazement. "You saved Kuu?"

While Kuu and Shiina went to go play with Sanada's Sekireis, Minato scratched the back of his head and smiled sheepishly. "Y-Yeah..."

But instead of a look of bewilderment and disgust in Yukari's eyes, she smiled warmly. "Wow, you really are something. So I'm guessing you're an Ashikabi."

Minato giggled. "Yeah- wait, how did you guess?"

Yukari folded her arms. "Shiina and I have been trying to find Kuu for a long time, hoping she wasn't taken by a terrible person. The truth is, Shiina is my Sekirei."

Minato looked at her in awe. "Wow! My sister is an Ashikabi..." He laughed to himself.

Yukari joined in. "And now, knowing that she's with you, I know she'll be safe. Thanks Minato." She placed her hand on his shoulder. "You really are an incredible person, big bro." A certain feeling of warmth and thanks washed over him, and he kindly smiled back at her.

Minato sighed with relief. "Thanks, Yukari..." But she was already climbing all over Musubi again. Minato couldn't help but utter a laugh.

Then realizing Miya was back, he asked, "Is Kagari going to join us?" To his disappointment, Miya replied as she shook her head. "Sadly, no."

Minato sighed to himself and peered into the hallway. It was already nighttime.

Kagari...