Categories > Anime/Manga > Naruto > Naruto the Ashikabi
Number 100 and Akitsu's Norito
0 reviewsNaruto and Akitsu find themselves fighting the mysterious Sekirei and equally mysterious Ashikabi who might not be human.
3Exciting
Naruto the Ashikabi
0
NarutoxHarem
0
Super Naruto
0/]
[/''Normal Speech''
/]
[/Inner Thoughts, Dialogue, or reading passages from books and scrolls
(Quick Notes and Messages or Echoes.)
*]
[*(Dark over lapping echoes)
''Boss Summons, Demons, Dark beings speaking, Demonic/Angry characters Speaking as well as extremely Dark spells and Magic.''
00000
Author's Note
0000
Before anyone points out Kazehana will remain the primary wind user as Kojou's abilities will evolve into Storm/Weather manipulation. I have a lot of things in mind and was wondering what path I want to go. While it would be interesting to pair Musubi with Naruto, I'm sure every Sekirei cross has done that and no matter how much I want to do that, it would be rather expected.
Also I will be trying to avoid the typical cliches. I know some of you might not be for Naruto to stay at the INN, but like it or not it makes several plot lines and interactions with characters convenient. As for the stuff I will subvert you'll just have to wait and see.
Also Naruto will get involved in incidents where his Sekirei or other people are in serious danger or something honorableness is going on. All and all he still wants his Sekirei to grow and be able to fight on their own, but he really doesn't care for the Sekirei plan's rules and procedure unless it brings harm to his Sekirei or innocent people.
00000
Story Start
00000
Homura couldn't help but wonder what was that presence he felt when he came in contact with that blonde haired woman. Kachuu. That name reminded him a lot of that Uzumaki fellow now that he really thought of it. They both had the same blond hair, but there was one very distinct and obvious difference. If Uzumaki was a Sekirei Homura would have easily picked up on was something of a forced connection, something was being drawn or pulled. Whatever it was it threatened to overwhelm the Sekirei. He was beginning to wonder if those rumors about the 'Life Giver's' unusual abilities were true. The name given to the one who gave the Broken Sekirei, number seven Akitsu a new life by winging her. His thoughts were interrupted by the sudden sensation of the ground shaking. For a brief moment he felt the sensation of grief course through him. This sense of foreboding wasn't even needed to have Homura realize a battle must have been going on, but this was the first time he felt one from this distance, even if the possibility there was a single number involved this felt different. This felt wrong. So he decided to check it out, to quench his curiosity and as a favor to Miya in case that strange Ashikabi was involved.
Naruto found himself stunned as Kujou had dropped to her knees a large gash appearing on her torso as her top was torn apart. From the top of her stomach to up a small portion of the bottom part of her right breast was a large cut. Naruto bit his cheek as he could feel his anger flare. He created a kagebunshin to get her out of there while creating several hundred with the expressed purpose to flank her and distract so he could explain to Akitsu his plan so the enemy Sekirei wouldn't overhear. ''Akitsu, freeze her if you can, but be-careful. If she presses the attack take the opportunity to defend yourself over attacking her.'' he informed her. He needed to play it smart and assumed the enemy was as intelligent that he was. One piece of information that supported that evidence was that if she was going for kills she would have targeted him to save trouble. Though that was assuming she wasn't aware of his abilities and assumed he was the common Ashikabi. There was another possibility of wanting to take out Kujou who had a major advantage in this type of weather. Being the Storm Sekirei Kujou explained she could control wind, water, and lightning to an extent, but not to an extent that the Sekirei who specialized in those elements could without a storm occurring. With air being quite abundant that allowed Kujou to at least use that one element and to a lesser extent water, but she still had trouble drawing moisture out of the air. Regardless he was going to make her pay for harming Kujou.
Naruto charged forward, his fist cock as he waited to see how she would block or evade so he could gauge her strength. Though the speed the woman had was something that Naruto hadn't expected. That same sensation he felt earlier occured and it felt like he was slowing down. He was able to just twist out of the way as the woman's blade threatened to pierce his neck.
The mysterious Sekirei raised her hand into a ball, curling her fingers before bringing it into a tight grip. ''Earth Blitz!'' she emotionlessly spoke as the ground began to shake as several small segments of earth began to rise. They began flying at the blond who dodged out of the way. The Sekirei continued with another blast as ice materialized between the blond and the attack. Taking the opportunity Naruto rose up and let loose several kunai, quickly following up with the Kagshuriken bunshin no jutsu.
The mysterious Sekirei attempted to create an earth wall only to find her right hand frozen. Followed quickly by her forearm and up to her elbow.
With a raised hand Akitsu cast her Icicle Snowstorm causing a hailstorm of ice to hurl towards the mysterious Sekirei. The shards of ice threatened tore through the sides and arms of the mysterious Sekirei. She didn't react as her body began bleeding from the attacks. A surge of power coursed through her as the ice covering her hand shattered.
Naruto dashed behind her as he quickly channeled his chakra to make a blade of wind. Right before he was about to stab her it dispersed into nothing. The mysterious Sekirei spun and slashed Naruto across the face, causing him to stumble back and hiss in pain.
What the hell was going on? Why was he having so much trouble? He thought as the mysterious Sekirei moved her blade and prepared to make a killing blow when Akitsu shot forward, materalized a blade of ice and nearly skewered the mysterious Sekirei.
''I won't allow you to hurt Naruto-sama.'' the tone in Akitsu's voice was not its usual detached notion, but filled with fury. The blade wielder attempted to charge Akitsu and the icy Sekirei blocked the strike. The air around Akitsu got colder as a fog began to form around her. The mysterious Sekirei jumped back and readied her next attack. The ground began to break up as the earth broke up and javelin pieces of rock formed.
Akitsu replied by forming her own shards of ice. Both attacks began hurling towards each other and crashing apart leaving shards of dirt, cement, and ice crumpling to the ground.
As if possessing a sixth sense the number 100 raised her blade and blocked Naruto's Rasengan only to be caught off by the burst of power Naruto collected in his left hand and let it lose causing the mysterious Sekirei to be sent flying back into a building.
''Naruto-sama, are you okay?'' Akitsu asked, taking the brief moment that there opponent was pushed to check up on her Ashikabi.
''Yeah, but don't let down your guard.'' Naruto remarked. Sure enough a stream of energy shot across the ground at near blinding speed. Naruto grabbed Akitsu and dashed out of the way as the attack continuing on nearly destroyed everything in sight.
''So you're the 'Lifegiver'.'' a voice suddenly spoke drawing in Naruto and Akitsu's attention. He was a young man with long, strawberry blond hair with sharp eyes, thin nose, and rather skinny frame. He was dressed in a grey business suit with a black undershirt.''It makes sense now. Considering what you are.'' the man stated causing Naruto's eyes to widen.
''Who...who are you? What do you know about me?'' Naruto asked as the man drew a handgun and began firing. Naruto was so surprised by this unusual action he was just able to barely dodge it. He couldn't remember the last time someone decided to actually do something smart in this situation. The mysterious Sekirei recovered and joined the side of her Ashikabi. The answer of Naruto's questions while unanswered verbally he was able to come to a conclusion when Ashikabi and Sekirei finger's interlocked and a surge of power flew through them. Whatever this power was it seemed to work like Naruto's chakra as the mysterious Sekirei, undoubtedly the Earth Sekirei's power began to make the ground beneath them shake. What remained of that street was uprooted as a powerful explosion of energy engulfed both Naruto and Akitsu. Dust and rock showered the area and soon began spreading throughout the area.
''What the hell do you think you're doing Naruto? Losing to people like this. Where is your pride? Are your dreams going to end here?''
''Good old Kurama. First time you speak to me in the longest and you talk shit.'' Naruto thought as he slowly opened his eyes. He pushed himself to his feet, but toppled over and puked blood. That last attack burned off most of his shirt and part of his pants. He had small patches of burns on his skin and if he wasn't suffering from some sort of internal bleeding he definitely had a bruised rib or two. He moved to where Akitsu was, covered in cuts and bruises. He propped her up in his arms. ''Akitsu-chan.'' he called out to his Sekirei who groaned and opened her eyes.
''Naruto-sama?''
''Come on...don't quit on me now.'' he said as he helped her to his feet. The enemy had just shared a kiss and the female Sekirei stated some sort of chant, most likely the Norito. Whatever was going on what was left of the Earth was being fed into a sphere of earth leaving a nearly four mile wide range worth of holes was scattered about the area. Whatever attack was about to occur it was going to happen soon.
''Akitsu-chan, we have to counter. We have to use your Norito.'' he was banking on Akitsu's power being unaffected by whatever force kept attacking him. Whatever it was he was sure the mysterious Ashikabi behind it, considering he was hinting that he knew something about Naruto.
''Naruto-sama!'' Akitsu was hesitant. Fearful that her former broken status would make her Norito less than spectacular and that her Ashikabi would be disappointed in her.
''I believe in you Akitsu.'' he said with other certainty causing the Sekire's eyes to widen and she gasped. The fact he called her name in such an intimate matter. He cupped her cheek and leaned over as he brought his lips to hers. Power coursed through Akitsu as the air began to grow colder and the rain began to pour and lightning roared to add to the atmosphere.
''This Ice is my pledge. Shatter all enemies and any discord that threatens my Ashikabi's hopes and dreams.'' The ground and buildings began to be coated by a sheet of ice and even the atmosphere began to become as cold as a winter's night. Out of the moisture of the air a massive javelin of ice began to form in the air. Naruto hugged Akitsu from behind, startling her a bit when he transformed into his chakra state and began increasing the power of their bond.
Both attacks were launched forward and impacted as debris of ice and earth showered everywhere. Both parties lightly panted as their final attacks resulted in a draw.
''Lifegiver you are remarkably gifted in power.'' The mysterious Ashikabi spoke. ''As you can tell I'm not one of the normals as well. Its pointless to hide that I am a traveler as well. I really don't know why you've come to this planet, but I hope to see you in the final round. A race to see which one of us travelers are better suited to call this place our domain.'' the unnamed Ashikabi spoke. ''Come Rikkuko.'' the man ordered his Ashikabi.
''Of course Ashikabi-sama.'' the Sekirei submissively replied as they fled.
''Naruto-sama?'' Akitsu prompted the blond, leaning against him to stabilize herself. For the first time Akitsu found herself sweating from exhaustion.
''Let them go,'' he replied, picking up on the fact that she was waiting for his next order. ''I want to check up on Kujou.'' he informed her. Akitsu nodded and they left the scene of the battle. They came across the location where his clone brought Kujou, it was one of the cold spots. Essentially one of the few spots that Sekirei activity was an all time low. Akitsu was left to look after Kujou when Naruto left to go get medical supplies. He returned and was able to clean up and take care of her physical wound, but the emotional wound was still there.
Kujou's eyes began to water as a sob escaped her lips. ''I'm so sorry Ashikabi-sama!'' Dejection filled her face at the thought of her perceived failure. ''I am not worthy of being your Sekirei.''
''Kujou-chan, its not your fault. Don't ever believe that, our enemy caught us off guard and was stronger than expected. This is my fault for not making sure our route was safe for travel.''
''No, you're just saying that. A sekirei who can't fulfill her master wishes is a failure.'' the downcast girl remarked as her tears became heavier. She already felt self conscious about being a lesser powerful Sekirei compared to the single number Akitsu, but now being defeated so effortlessly raised those insecurities.
That was when the normally untalkative Akitsu began talking. "Even when I was a failure and though unable to bare his mark, Naruto-sama took me in. He was warm and kind, he still is. He told me he would take care of me and I knew I wanted to be his forever. Naruto-sama wants more for us then to simply kill each other. He wants us to be happy and grow as individuals and accept that we have are not tools to be thrown away. So don't cry Kujou-chan, Naruto wishes are simply our own.''
Naruto smiled at Akitsu. She was certainly different from how she was initially.
''Akitsu-chan!'' Naruto exclaimed, startled after the appearance of his Sekirei. He got up early that morning to do some stretches and exercises per his usual ritual. ''W-Why aren't you wearing bra?'' he asked as he could see the faint outline of her nipples peeking through the shirt.
"Ah," Akitsu murmured,with a faint blush. "I forgot," she admitted in a sheepish tone.
His forgetful and soft spoken Sekirei was opening up more and more. Naruto cursed the fact that they had nowhere else to go because he lacked the foresight to think of a back up plan. As a result they ended up spending the night in the park feeding on candy-bars, with the only their natural warmth and some blankets Naruto bought. Though something interesting did occur that night.
''I know you're there Kagari.'' Naruto spoke as he quickly replaced himself with a clone as to not disturb the girls. ''Towards the end of the battle I was able to sense your emotions and I know you know I'm not normal and without a doubt I'm sure you're not either.'' sure enough Kagari emerged out from behind a tree.
''You are unusual Life-giver. The existence of other beings like yourself that have powers similar to Sekirei is quite startling.'' he admitted. The man was growing visibly uncomfortable as small wisps of smoke trailed from his sleeve. The man quickly patted it out.
''And you're reacting to me aren't you?'' he began recalling how Kagari acted earlier and he began to pale. ''You're reacting to me?'' he repeated as the revelation finally struck him. ''Oh god!''
''Well it isn't the best news I've received either!'' he snapped at Naruto. ''Since your powerful not only as an Ashikabi, but a being as well the rate that which my body is reacting is occurring at an unexpected rate.''
''I've learned or at least surmised that only a select group of people have Ashikabi abilities and it is to be winged, even if it isn't your chosen one. Why follow me and risk reacting if you aren't...into that sort of thing.'' Naruto awkwardly finished.
''I've heard of trouble brewing in this area and I merely wanted to investigate.''
'A lie.' Naruto thought but didn't say anything. ''What happens if you don't get winged?'' there obviously had to be more to the situation.
''I'll most likely die.'' Kagari answered. ''My body is rather unstable and nothing short of being winged will save me.''
''I guess I can see why you're hesitant. So far all the other Ashikabi's have turned out to be unsavory people. I mean what would you know beyond your body reacting to these individuals? All I know is Sekirei seem to be seen as nothing but tools and that is not the kind of belief I follow.''
''And how can I trust your words?'' Kagari responded with a sneer. ''Sekirei once winged become obedient to their Ashikabi. Never-mind our thoughts and feelings, we become whatever our Ashikabi desire. If you're such a good hearted individual then why go collect Sekirei?''
''If I don't then who will besides those who go around and murder or force Sekirei into their fold like its some game?'' The apprehension and fear from Kagari was obvious. ''I won't wing you against your will. If you have a noble reason or purpose you are living for; a dream that you wish to accomplish I will complete it in your stead.''
''Why?'' was all Kagari could ask, not believing what he was hearing. ''Why do something like that for someone you hardly know.''
''It takes a lot of courage to choose life.'' Naruto answered. ''You're choosing to live as yourself and die on your own terms then choosing servitude and death of who you are. An individual with such strong convictions is one with a good heart, or at least that's what I think.''
Kagari chuckled. ''In that case you're already half way there.'' he answered as Naruto gave him a look of confusion. ''When I first discovered my body was becoming unstable I threw myself into finding my Ashikabi. With it seemed like that wouldn't be a possibility I made the choice to protect all the other unwinged Sekirei. What I mean is rumors with tour encounter with the thunder twins have been getting around.''
''I see.'' Naruto replied with a nod. ''Kagari-san, we have to abide by the choices we live. Whether you think I'm worthy or not is up to you. I'll arrive to club you work with in twenty-four hours time as Kachuu. At least that'll make things a little less awkward. If you chose to be winged then I'll take you as my Sekirei as its not my way of condemning good people to die.''
''Very well.'' Kagari replied as he hastily left. He would need to see Matsu for a stronger dose of medicine.
Naruto meanwhile returned to where his girls were. He already had in mind that he was going to track down this mysterious Ashikabi. That person was far too dangerous to leave unchecked, even if that meant completely unleashing all his power and exposing himself. No matter how he was going to go about it, this was the closet thing to a clue he had on the group that had disappeared and he was supposed to find.
0
NarutoxHarem
0
Super Naruto
0/]
[/''Normal Speech''
/]
[/Inner Thoughts, Dialogue, or reading passages from books and scrolls
(Quick Notes and Messages or Echoes.)
*]
[*(Dark over lapping echoes)
''Boss Summons, Demons, Dark beings speaking, Demonic/Angry characters Speaking as well as extremely Dark spells and Magic.''
00000
Author's Note
0000
Before anyone points out Kazehana will remain the primary wind user as Kojou's abilities will evolve into Storm/Weather manipulation. I have a lot of things in mind and was wondering what path I want to go. While it would be interesting to pair Musubi with Naruto, I'm sure every Sekirei cross has done that and no matter how much I want to do that, it would be rather expected.
Also I will be trying to avoid the typical cliches. I know some of you might not be for Naruto to stay at the INN, but like it or not it makes several plot lines and interactions with characters convenient. As for the stuff I will subvert you'll just have to wait and see.
Also Naruto will get involved in incidents where his Sekirei or other people are in serious danger or something honorableness is going on. All and all he still wants his Sekirei to grow and be able to fight on their own, but he really doesn't care for the Sekirei plan's rules and procedure unless it brings harm to his Sekirei or innocent people.
00000
Story Start
00000
Homura couldn't help but wonder what was that presence he felt when he came in contact with that blonde haired woman. Kachuu. That name reminded him a lot of that Uzumaki fellow now that he really thought of it. They both had the same blond hair, but there was one very distinct and obvious difference. If Uzumaki was a Sekirei Homura would have easily picked up on was something of a forced connection, something was being drawn or pulled. Whatever it was it threatened to overwhelm the Sekirei. He was beginning to wonder if those rumors about the 'Life Giver's' unusual abilities were true. The name given to the one who gave the Broken Sekirei, number seven Akitsu a new life by winging her. His thoughts were interrupted by the sudden sensation of the ground shaking. For a brief moment he felt the sensation of grief course through him. This sense of foreboding wasn't even needed to have Homura realize a battle must have been going on, but this was the first time he felt one from this distance, even if the possibility there was a single number involved this felt different. This felt wrong. So he decided to check it out, to quench his curiosity and as a favor to Miya in case that strange Ashikabi was involved.
Naruto found himself stunned as Kujou had dropped to her knees a large gash appearing on her torso as her top was torn apart. From the top of her stomach to up a small portion of the bottom part of her right breast was a large cut. Naruto bit his cheek as he could feel his anger flare. He created a kagebunshin to get her out of there while creating several hundred with the expressed purpose to flank her and distract so he could explain to Akitsu his plan so the enemy Sekirei wouldn't overhear. ''Akitsu, freeze her if you can, but be-careful. If she presses the attack take the opportunity to defend yourself over attacking her.'' he informed her. He needed to play it smart and assumed the enemy was as intelligent that he was. One piece of information that supported that evidence was that if she was going for kills she would have targeted him to save trouble. Though that was assuming she wasn't aware of his abilities and assumed he was the common Ashikabi. There was another possibility of wanting to take out Kujou who had a major advantage in this type of weather. Being the Storm Sekirei Kujou explained she could control wind, water, and lightning to an extent, but not to an extent that the Sekirei who specialized in those elements could without a storm occurring. With air being quite abundant that allowed Kujou to at least use that one element and to a lesser extent water, but she still had trouble drawing moisture out of the air. Regardless he was going to make her pay for harming Kujou.
Naruto charged forward, his fist cock as he waited to see how she would block or evade so he could gauge her strength. Though the speed the woman had was something that Naruto hadn't expected. That same sensation he felt earlier occured and it felt like he was slowing down. He was able to just twist out of the way as the woman's blade threatened to pierce his neck.
The mysterious Sekirei raised her hand into a ball, curling her fingers before bringing it into a tight grip. ''Earth Blitz!'' she emotionlessly spoke as the ground began to shake as several small segments of earth began to rise. They began flying at the blond who dodged out of the way. The Sekirei continued with another blast as ice materialized between the blond and the attack. Taking the opportunity Naruto rose up and let loose several kunai, quickly following up with the Kagshuriken bunshin no jutsu.
The mysterious Sekirei attempted to create an earth wall only to find her right hand frozen. Followed quickly by her forearm and up to her elbow.
With a raised hand Akitsu cast her Icicle Snowstorm causing a hailstorm of ice to hurl towards the mysterious Sekirei. The shards of ice threatened tore through the sides and arms of the mysterious Sekirei. She didn't react as her body began bleeding from the attacks. A surge of power coursed through her as the ice covering her hand shattered.
Naruto dashed behind her as he quickly channeled his chakra to make a blade of wind. Right before he was about to stab her it dispersed into nothing. The mysterious Sekirei spun and slashed Naruto across the face, causing him to stumble back and hiss in pain.
What the hell was going on? Why was he having so much trouble? He thought as the mysterious Sekirei moved her blade and prepared to make a killing blow when Akitsu shot forward, materalized a blade of ice and nearly skewered the mysterious Sekirei.
''I won't allow you to hurt Naruto-sama.'' the tone in Akitsu's voice was not its usual detached notion, but filled with fury. The blade wielder attempted to charge Akitsu and the icy Sekirei blocked the strike. The air around Akitsu got colder as a fog began to form around her. The mysterious Sekirei jumped back and readied her next attack. The ground began to break up as the earth broke up and javelin pieces of rock formed.
Akitsu replied by forming her own shards of ice. Both attacks began hurling towards each other and crashing apart leaving shards of dirt, cement, and ice crumpling to the ground.
As if possessing a sixth sense the number 100 raised her blade and blocked Naruto's Rasengan only to be caught off by the burst of power Naruto collected in his left hand and let it lose causing the mysterious Sekirei to be sent flying back into a building.
''Naruto-sama, are you okay?'' Akitsu asked, taking the brief moment that there opponent was pushed to check up on her Ashikabi.
''Yeah, but don't let down your guard.'' Naruto remarked. Sure enough a stream of energy shot across the ground at near blinding speed. Naruto grabbed Akitsu and dashed out of the way as the attack continuing on nearly destroyed everything in sight.
''So you're the 'Lifegiver'.'' a voice suddenly spoke drawing in Naruto and Akitsu's attention. He was a young man with long, strawberry blond hair with sharp eyes, thin nose, and rather skinny frame. He was dressed in a grey business suit with a black undershirt.''It makes sense now. Considering what you are.'' the man stated causing Naruto's eyes to widen.
''Who...who are you? What do you know about me?'' Naruto asked as the man drew a handgun and began firing. Naruto was so surprised by this unusual action he was just able to barely dodge it. He couldn't remember the last time someone decided to actually do something smart in this situation. The mysterious Sekirei recovered and joined the side of her Ashikabi. The answer of Naruto's questions while unanswered verbally he was able to come to a conclusion when Ashikabi and Sekirei finger's interlocked and a surge of power flew through them. Whatever this power was it seemed to work like Naruto's chakra as the mysterious Sekirei, undoubtedly the Earth Sekirei's power began to make the ground beneath them shake. What remained of that street was uprooted as a powerful explosion of energy engulfed both Naruto and Akitsu. Dust and rock showered the area and soon began spreading throughout the area.
''What the hell do you think you're doing Naruto? Losing to people like this. Where is your pride? Are your dreams going to end here?''
''Good old Kurama. First time you speak to me in the longest and you talk shit.'' Naruto thought as he slowly opened his eyes. He pushed himself to his feet, but toppled over and puked blood. That last attack burned off most of his shirt and part of his pants. He had small patches of burns on his skin and if he wasn't suffering from some sort of internal bleeding he definitely had a bruised rib or two. He moved to where Akitsu was, covered in cuts and bruises. He propped her up in his arms. ''Akitsu-chan.'' he called out to his Sekirei who groaned and opened her eyes.
''Naruto-sama?''
''Come on...don't quit on me now.'' he said as he helped her to his feet. The enemy had just shared a kiss and the female Sekirei stated some sort of chant, most likely the Norito. Whatever was going on what was left of the Earth was being fed into a sphere of earth leaving a nearly four mile wide range worth of holes was scattered about the area. Whatever attack was about to occur it was going to happen soon.
''Akitsu-chan, we have to counter. We have to use your Norito.'' he was banking on Akitsu's power being unaffected by whatever force kept attacking him. Whatever it was he was sure the mysterious Ashikabi behind it, considering he was hinting that he knew something about Naruto.
''Naruto-sama!'' Akitsu was hesitant. Fearful that her former broken status would make her Norito less than spectacular and that her Ashikabi would be disappointed in her.
''I believe in you Akitsu.'' he said with other certainty causing the Sekire's eyes to widen and she gasped. The fact he called her name in such an intimate matter. He cupped her cheek and leaned over as he brought his lips to hers. Power coursed through Akitsu as the air began to grow colder and the rain began to pour and lightning roared to add to the atmosphere.
''This Ice is my pledge. Shatter all enemies and any discord that threatens my Ashikabi's hopes and dreams.'' The ground and buildings began to be coated by a sheet of ice and even the atmosphere began to become as cold as a winter's night. Out of the moisture of the air a massive javelin of ice began to form in the air. Naruto hugged Akitsu from behind, startling her a bit when he transformed into his chakra state and began increasing the power of their bond.
Both attacks were launched forward and impacted as debris of ice and earth showered everywhere. Both parties lightly panted as their final attacks resulted in a draw.
''Lifegiver you are remarkably gifted in power.'' The mysterious Ashikabi spoke. ''As you can tell I'm not one of the normals as well. Its pointless to hide that I am a traveler as well. I really don't know why you've come to this planet, but I hope to see you in the final round. A race to see which one of us travelers are better suited to call this place our domain.'' the unnamed Ashikabi spoke. ''Come Rikkuko.'' the man ordered his Ashikabi.
''Of course Ashikabi-sama.'' the Sekirei submissively replied as they fled.
''Naruto-sama?'' Akitsu prompted the blond, leaning against him to stabilize herself. For the first time Akitsu found herself sweating from exhaustion.
''Let them go,'' he replied, picking up on the fact that she was waiting for his next order. ''I want to check up on Kujou.'' he informed her. Akitsu nodded and they left the scene of the battle. They came across the location where his clone brought Kujou, it was one of the cold spots. Essentially one of the few spots that Sekirei activity was an all time low. Akitsu was left to look after Kujou when Naruto left to go get medical supplies. He returned and was able to clean up and take care of her physical wound, but the emotional wound was still there.
Kujou's eyes began to water as a sob escaped her lips. ''I'm so sorry Ashikabi-sama!'' Dejection filled her face at the thought of her perceived failure. ''I am not worthy of being your Sekirei.''
''Kujou-chan, its not your fault. Don't ever believe that, our enemy caught us off guard and was stronger than expected. This is my fault for not making sure our route was safe for travel.''
''No, you're just saying that. A sekirei who can't fulfill her master wishes is a failure.'' the downcast girl remarked as her tears became heavier. She already felt self conscious about being a lesser powerful Sekirei compared to the single number Akitsu, but now being defeated so effortlessly raised those insecurities.
That was when the normally untalkative Akitsu began talking. "Even when I was a failure and though unable to bare his mark, Naruto-sama took me in. He was warm and kind, he still is. He told me he would take care of me and I knew I wanted to be his forever. Naruto-sama wants more for us then to simply kill each other. He wants us to be happy and grow as individuals and accept that we have are not tools to be thrown away. So don't cry Kujou-chan, Naruto wishes are simply our own.''
Naruto smiled at Akitsu. She was certainly different from how she was initially.
''Akitsu-chan!'' Naruto exclaimed, startled after the appearance of his Sekirei. He got up early that morning to do some stretches and exercises per his usual ritual. ''W-Why aren't you wearing bra?'' he asked as he could see the faint outline of her nipples peeking through the shirt.
"Ah," Akitsu murmured,with a faint blush. "I forgot," she admitted in a sheepish tone.
His forgetful and soft spoken Sekirei was opening up more and more. Naruto cursed the fact that they had nowhere else to go because he lacked the foresight to think of a back up plan. As a result they ended up spending the night in the park feeding on candy-bars, with the only their natural warmth and some blankets Naruto bought. Though something interesting did occur that night.
''I know you're there Kagari.'' Naruto spoke as he quickly replaced himself with a clone as to not disturb the girls. ''Towards the end of the battle I was able to sense your emotions and I know you know I'm not normal and without a doubt I'm sure you're not either.'' sure enough Kagari emerged out from behind a tree.
''You are unusual Life-giver. The existence of other beings like yourself that have powers similar to Sekirei is quite startling.'' he admitted. The man was growing visibly uncomfortable as small wisps of smoke trailed from his sleeve. The man quickly patted it out.
''And you're reacting to me aren't you?'' he began recalling how Kagari acted earlier and he began to pale. ''You're reacting to me?'' he repeated as the revelation finally struck him. ''Oh god!''
''Well it isn't the best news I've received either!'' he snapped at Naruto. ''Since your powerful not only as an Ashikabi, but a being as well the rate that which my body is reacting is occurring at an unexpected rate.''
''I've learned or at least surmised that only a select group of people have Ashikabi abilities and it is to be winged, even if it isn't your chosen one. Why follow me and risk reacting if you aren't...into that sort of thing.'' Naruto awkwardly finished.
''I've heard of trouble brewing in this area and I merely wanted to investigate.''
'A lie.' Naruto thought but didn't say anything. ''What happens if you don't get winged?'' there obviously had to be more to the situation.
''I'll most likely die.'' Kagari answered. ''My body is rather unstable and nothing short of being winged will save me.''
''I guess I can see why you're hesitant. So far all the other Ashikabi's have turned out to be unsavory people. I mean what would you know beyond your body reacting to these individuals? All I know is Sekirei seem to be seen as nothing but tools and that is not the kind of belief I follow.''
''And how can I trust your words?'' Kagari responded with a sneer. ''Sekirei once winged become obedient to their Ashikabi. Never-mind our thoughts and feelings, we become whatever our Ashikabi desire. If you're such a good hearted individual then why go collect Sekirei?''
''If I don't then who will besides those who go around and murder or force Sekirei into their fold like its some game?'' The apprehension and fear from Kagari was obvious. ''I won't wing you against your will. If you have a noble reason or purpose you are living for; a dream that you wish to accomplish I will complete it in your stead.''
''Why?'' was all Kagari could ask, not believing what he was hearing. ''Why do something like that for someone you hardly know.''
''It takes a lot of courage to choose life.'' Naruto answered. ''You're choosing to live as yourself and die on your own terms then choosing servitude and death of who you are. An individual with such strong convictions is one with a good heart, or at least that's what I think.''
Kagari chuckled. ''In that case you're already half way there.'' he answered as Naruto gave him a look of confusion. ''When I first discovered my body was becoming unstable I threw myself into finding my Ashikabi. With it seemed like that wouldn't be a possibility I made the choice to protect all the other unwinged Sekirei. What I mean is rumors with tour encounter with the thunder twins have been getting around.''
''I see.'' Naruto replied with a nod. ''Kagari-san, we have to abide by the choices we live. Whether you think I'm worthy or not is up to you. I'll arrive to club you work with in twenty-four hours time as Kachuu. At least that'll make things a little less awkward. If you chose to be winged then I'll take you as my Sekirei as its not my way of condemning good people to die.''
''Very well.'' Kagari replied as he hastily left. He would need to see Matsu for a stronger dose of medicine.
Naruto meanwhile returned to where his girls were. He already had in mind that he was going to track down this mysterious Ashikabi. That person was far too dangerous to leave unchecked, even if that meant completely unleashing all his power and exposing himself. No matter how he was going to go about it, this was the closet thing to a clue he had on the group that had disappeared and he was supposed to find.
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