The only one completely unaffected by Asama Miya's oppressive aura was Goku. With her presence alone, there was no way she could intimidate him.
"We heard there are rooms for rent here. We'd like to move in."
Miya's surprise flickered and vanished as she studied his calm expression. So he really isn't an ordinary man…
Her smile, however, was warm and gentle. "Ah, prospective tenants. Of course. At Izumo Inn, we welcome everyone—no matter who they are. My husband was like that."
"Is that so? That's wonderful. Finding a place that feels right has been harder than I expected."
Goku knew exactly whom she meant by "husband"—her Ashikabi. He was long gone. The dead didn't concern him.
"My name is Goku. I look forward to your guidance."
"Oh—how rude of me, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Asama Miya," she said, dipping her head with poised grace. "From today on, I'll be your landlady."
"I'm Akitsu."
"I'm Kunō."
The two girls at Goku's side bowed slightly, their manners neat and restrained.
"Akitsu… and Kunō," Miya repeated with a mild smile that revealed nothing. 'One is the Sekirei that was officially discarded; the other is reputed to be the weakest and most useless. Hehe… what an interesting combination.'
"Please wait here a moment while I change," Miya added politely after leading them inside.
A short while later she returned, now dressed in a kimono, her gentle demeanor so soothing it invited instant goodwill. Yet anyone who had seen her anger would know how terrifying she could become.
After discussing the rental terms, Goku left Izumo Inn with Akitsu and Kunō. The house was settled, but they still needed daily necessities.
They had barely walked any distance when three men in black appeared and blocked their way.
"So you've come—MBI's people." Goku's voice was even. "What do you want?"
The man in front said nothing; he simply handed Goku a phone.
"Congratulations! You're quite remarkable—winging two Sekirei right at the start…"
The moment Goku took the phone, Hiroto Minaka's sly face filled the screen.
"And you are?" Goku said flatly. "If you've got something to say, say it. If you've got gas, vent it."
"Heh-heh. I like your temperament… but if you don't show me some respect, you may lose someone very important to you."
"Lose your—" Goku's eyes cooled. "Talk to me like that again and I'll twist your head off." He moved to hang up.
"Wait! Don't hang up—I have something to tell you—"
"You look like a prize idiot. I don't have time to chat with idiots." Goku ended the call.
"…He actually hung up?" Minaka's voice squeaked from the cut line.
"That voice sounded familiar," Akitsu murmured.
"Yes… it sounded like the Master," Kunō said, realization dawning.
"Master? The only person you two have is me," Goku said, tone brooking no argument. "From now on, don't call anyone else master.'"
"Yes, Master," Akitsu answered respectfully. In her life, what Goku said was law.
"I—I understand," Kunō added quickly, terrified he might discard her if she displeased him.
Beep-beep-beep—
The phone in Goku's hand rang again. Before he could press accept, the screen lit by itself and Minaka reappeared.
"Well, well—you really dared to hang up on me, Hiroto Minaka. You've got guts! Hey, hey—kid, don't throw the phone. We can talk this out—"
"Cut the nonsense. Say what you called to say."
"In all the Ashikabi, you're the most arrogant I've seen," Minaka grumbled. "To be so rude to me—hey, hey, don't throw it—fine, fine, I yield. Down to business: you've already been drawn into an event called the Sekirei Plan. Those two beside you—you've noticed they're not ordinary. They are the so-called 'Sekirei.'"
"The rules are simple. One hundred and eight Sekirei have been released. They fight, fight, and keep on fighting. The last one standing can take their Ashikabi to the Sky Tower. The Ashikabi who defies fate will hold the destiny of this world in their hands."
"And this is a classified project. Whether you like it or not, you're obligated to keep it secret. If you leak anything, MBI will retaliate with everything we have."
"Minaka, is it?" Goku's expression remained calm as he stared at the screen.
"Yes. Any questions?"
"You've made one mistake."
"And that is?"
"From the moment I stepped into this, it stopped being your game," Goku said quietly. "It became mine."
He closed his fingers. With a crisp crack, the phone crumpled into useless scrap.
"Heh… your game, is it…?"
In MBI's president's office, Minaka's face twisted with an odd excitement. Madness danced in his eyes. "Hahaha—how interesting. Someone dares challenge me? As expected of the man who winged the unwingable Sekirei. I'm finding you more and more fascinating…"
"Master… is it really all right to speak to the President like that?" Akitsu asked, a hint of worry in her voice.
"Y-Yes… the President is the organizer of the Sekirei Plan. He has the authority to shut our systems down at any time…" Kunō clutched Goku's hand, visibly frightened.
"Relax. He can't shut you down," Goku said mildly. "Because he doesn't have that power."
--
They spent the whole afternoon shopping and bought everything they needed. Hand in hand with Akitsu and Kunō, Goku returned to Izumo Inn.
Before long, dark clouds smothered the sky. Lightning flickered; thunder rolled; rain came down in sheets.
Inside, Akitsu and Kunō happily organized their room. For now, this would be their home.
Goku stepped into the corridor and looked toward the storm-black horizon, brows knitting. Within his perception, many unwinged Sekirei were struggling in the downpour.
"You two keep tidying up. I'm going out for a bit," he called into the room.
"Master, it's pouring outside. If there's something to be done, let me handle it," Akitsu said softly, stepping to his side.
"No need. I'll be fine. But when I get back, I expect this room spotless," Goku replied with a small smile. He drew Akitsu into a brief embrace and touched a kiss to her forehead. Bliss warmed her eyes.
"I want one too…" Kunō pouted, diving into his arms. Goku chuckled and kissed her cheek.
"The rules at Izumo Inn," came Miya's gentle voice from behind them, "forbid public displays of affection."
Akitsu and Kunō turned. Beneath Miya's calm, pleasant smile, they caught the faintest flicker of a fearsome demon mask—and a chill crept over them.
"S-Sorry! We're sorry!" Kunō blurted, bowing again and again. Even Akitsu's usually impassive face turned a with shade stiff."
...
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