James finished dressing and made his way downstairs. He stepped outside into the front yard, and he saw Musubi and Saeko already up and active.
"Good morning," James greeted warmly.
"Good morning," Musubi replied with her usual radiant smile. She wore her usual outfit.
"Good morning, Danna-sama," Saeko said with a respectful bow. Her sword rested against her shoulder. She was still dressed in her training attire from the day before.
James glanced toward the gate.
Saeko looked at the gate. "Are we expecting someone?" she asked.
Just then, a striking woman stepped through the gate. She wore a tight black-and-white leather outfit, a black miniskirt, stockings, and high black boots. Her long silver-gray hair was tied into a sleek ponytail.
Musubi's eyes lit up. "Karasuba! Why are you here?" she asked.
Karasuba looked at Musubi and smiled. "I heard something interesting about you," she said coolly. Her eyes narrowed and looked at James. "Is that your Ashikabi?" she asked.
"Yes," Musubi replied proudly. "His name is James," she added.
James stepped forward. "It's good to meet you. Why don't you come inside?" she asked. He knew exactly who Karasuba was, the infamous leader of the Disciplinary Squad. Her power was legendary, and if things ever turned hostile, he'd likely need an ultimate transformation to defeat her.
Karasuba's eyes flicked to Saeko's sword. "And who are you?" she asked.
"I'm Saeko," she replied calmly as she met Karasuba's gaze without flinching.
"She's like my sister," Musubi added, smiling.
James gestured toward the house. "Let's talk inside," he said.
They entered and settled into the living room. Karasuba sat with one leg crossed. "Saeko, was it?" she asked.
"It is," Saeko replied as she held her sword.
Karasuba studied her. "Are you a Sekirei?" she asked.
"No. Just a regular girl with a sword," Saeko replied as she smiled faintly.
Karasuba smirked. "You carry yourself like a warrior," she replied. "Almost unhuman-like," she added.
James thought that was an interesting remark.
She turned to Musubi. "I heard you took down Number 43," she said.
Musubi thought back. "The girl with the scythe? She was mean. Why do you ask?" Musubi said.
"I came to remind you of our promise," Karasuba remarked as she leaned back.
Musubi nodded. "I haven't forgotten," she replied.
Karasuba's expression softened slightly. "Good. That's all I needed to hear," she said. She stood up. "I'll be going now," she added.
James thought the promise was for Musubi and Karasuba to be the last one and have the final battle. He knew Musubi was strong but she will get stronger.
"Already?" Musubi asked as she looked disappointed.
"I have things to do," Karasuba replied.
James stepped forward. "We'll probably cross paths again. Just know, I'll protect my girls," he stated.
Karasuba glanced at his Ultimatrix, then at him. "I don't doubt it," she replied as she walked out of the Shrine.
She turned and walked down the alley, her boots echoing against the stone. As she exited the shrine grounds, she came face to face with Miya who was walking towards her.
They both walked past each other and turned. They looked at each other. "Sad to say, but I did not bring my sword today. Or do you plan on doing something with that?" Karasuba asked.
Miya was holding a carrot. "Get the hell out of here. You are an eyesore," she said.
"You have not changed, Miya," Karasuba replied. "Or have you," she added.
Miya felt her heart beat pound.
"Let's meet again. Except next time, with our weapons," Karasuba said as he walked away.
Miya looked up and saw the helicopters. "So, it seems that it has started," Miya said.
Meanwhile, James, Saeko, Tsukiumi, Kusano, Saya, Lois, and Matsu were gathered in the shrine's main room. There was a TV in the room. They saw a man in a pristine white coat and matching glasses.
"He's back," Saya muttered as she crossed her arms.
"Our favorite crazy man," Lois added with a dry smirk.
Tsukiumi raised an eyebrow. She looked at him. "How do you know him?" she asked.
"Not personally," Lois replied. "But we've heard enough to know he's trouble," she added.
On screen, the man spoke with theatrical flair. "Citizens of Teitou, I am Hiroto Minaka, CEO of MBI. I bring you a proclamation. As of today, MBI has assumed full control of Teitou. A new age has begun. You may call it occupation but fear not. You are free to live as you wish. However, if you intend to leave Teitou, you must first undergo inspection," he said.
The room fell silent.
"So it's begun," Matsu said.
"The Sekirei Games," Saeko added. "That inspection… it's a trap. They'll use it to lock down the city," she said.
Matsu nodded. "Exactly. They'll set up checkpoints on every bridge. Once that's done, no one gets in or out without MBI's say-so," she explained. She turned to James. "The battle is officially underway," she said.
Tsukiumi quietly left the room.
Lois glanced at James. "Are we leaving?" she asked.
James shook his head. "Not yet. There's something we need to do first. And we need to make sure they know we're here," he said.
"Are we participating in this battle?" Matsu asked.
"We will give a fight if needed," James replied as he looked at his Ultimatrix. "But we will see how it develops and respond accordingly," she added.
He turned to Saya. "Saya. Let's go out for a bit," he said.
Saya blinked. "Why me?" she asked.
Lois grinned. "Come on, you get some alone time with him. Don't waste it," she teased.
Saya rolled her eyes but smiled. "Fine. Let me change first," she added.
After an hour, James and Saya walked down the street. James looked at Saya. She was wearing a light blue, short-sleeved ribbed sweater layered over a crisp white collared shirt. She wore dark blue jeans. She had twin ponytails.
"You look very beautiful," James said.
Saya blushed. "Where are we going?" Saya asked.
"Cant I enjoy my time with a beautiful girl?" James teased as he held her hand.
Saya sighed and accepted his hand. She thought his hand was warm and strong. "I still want to know where we are going?" she asked.
James lifted his finger and pointed at a hospital. "A hospital?" Saya asked. "Are you sick?" Saya asked.
"Not me but someone is," James replied. They stepped into the hospital, the automatic doors opened. The fluorescent lights stayed bright. The floor was pristine.
James and Saya down the corridor. There were doctors and nurses attending their patients.
They reached the stairwell and began to ascend. On the second floor, the hallway stretched ahead like a tunnel. They walked ahead and got to a door. "We are here," he said.
"Who is here?" Saya asked. They both looked inside and saw Uzume and a girl in bed. She was hooked to a medical apparatus. The girl had blonde short hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a hospital drag.
Uzume held her hand. "I need to get back. Sorry," Uzume said as she leaned in and kissed the girl.
The girl opened her eyes and looked at Uzume. "Uzume," she said.
"Did I wake you?" Uzume asked.
"No. Don't do anything weird," she replied. "How long have you been here?" she asked.
"I just got here," Uzume replied.
"Uzume, were you crying?" the girl asked.
"No way," Uzume responded as she smiled at the girl.
"I am sorry, I am your Ashikabi yet I cannot do anything. I am sorry," the girl said.
Uzume put the girl`s hand near her face. "No it is fine," Uzume replied. "Just the fact you are alive is enough for me," she added.
Uzume got up. "I need to go now," she said.
"She is coming," Saya whispered. James quickly took Saya and went into the next room and pressed his body against her. "Hey," Saya said as she felt his body pressed against her. She looked up and saw his handsome face. "Pervert," she muttered.
James smiled and saw Saya`s cute face. Her large chest was pressed against his chest. It felt nice and warm. He looked to see Uzume walk the other way. "Okay she is gone," James said as he pressed his body against Saya.
"Are you getting off me?" Saya asked as she felt him on her.
James did not respond. "Off me," she added and gently pushed James back.
James smiled. "Okay, let's go and chat to her," he said. Saya nodded.
James and Saya entered the room and saw her. "Hello," James said.
The girl looked up and saw two people. She looked at the guy. She thought he did look handsome. She also looked at the girl who looked beautiful. "Hello, I am sorry I don't recognise you," she said in a weak voice.
"We did not introduce ourselves. I am James and this is Saya, we are Uzume`s friends," he replied.
The girl's lips curled into a smile. "Really?" she asked. "She never mentioned any of her new friends," she replied. "I did not tell you my name, I am Chiho," Chiho replied as she tried to get up.
Saya quickly moved. "No, stay there," she said. She looked at the poor girl.
"We know you are her Ashikabi," James said. "I am also a Ashikabi," he added.
"So is Saya a Sekirei?" Chiho asked.
"No, I am not," Saya replied. "But James has 5 Sekirei," she added.
"Wow," Chiho replied. "You must be strong," she added.
James smiled. "I know you are strong," he responded. He knew Uzume was a strong Sekirei. He wanted to have her on his side as well.
"I am not," Chiho replied. "I am weak and sick," she added. "Uzume when I met her, she was running, we got together, exchanged laughter and smiles," she said. "I want to be with her," Chiho said.
"James, is there anything we can do for her?" Saya asked.
"She has an illness," James replied. He looked down to the Ultimatrix. He thought it had the ability to heal illness. "Ultimatrix, remove her healness," he ordered.
The Ultimatrix began to glow. The faceplate slid open. "Scanning," the device announced in a calm, synthetic voice. A green beam swept over Chiho. She bathed her in light. The Ultimatrix paused, then spoke again, "Illness detected. Administering dose." A small compartment opened, and a needle swiftly extended. It pierced Chiho's skin and then a clear liquid was injected, and the needle retracted just as quickly. "Procedure complete," the Ultimatrix confirmed. The faceplate closed with a soft click.
Chiho blinked. "I… I'm healed?" she questioned.
"Yes. You are," James replied. He thought the Ultimatrix had healing abilities. He wondered if he could cure the zombies.
Chiho's eyes welled with tears as she stood and threw her arms around James. She hugged him tightly. "Thank you! I can go tell Uzume, she'll be so happy," she said.
James returned the hug. From the corner, Saya watched silently and glared at James.
James gently pulled back. "Not yet," he said softly.
Chiho looked confused. "Why not?" she asked.
James's tone grew serious. "Uzume got involved with dangerous people to help you. If they find out you've recovered, they might retaliate. We need to keep this quiet for now," he explained.
Chiho's smile faded. "Dangerous people? Who are they?" she asked.
James shook his head. "I'll explain everything later. Right now, we need to move. Just pretend you're still sick, okay?" he responded.
Chiho hesitated, then nodded. "Okay. I'll manage. The doctors might be tricky, but I'll play along," she responded. She watched as James and Saya turned to leave. "Come back soon," she said.
James and Saya both nodded, stepping into the hallway as the door closed behind them. "That was nice," Saya said.
"I am always nice," he replied. He looked around. "Let's get back to the Shrine," he added.
Saya nodded. "The people that Uzume is with are MBI?" she asked.
James nodded. "Yes," he responded as they left the hospital. James thought he could have taken her to the Shrine right now however it will upset the story. He knew his girls were not strong enough right now but soon they will when they come back.