Inside the towering skyscraper of MBI, an employee hurried through the pristine, white hallways, clutching a tablet tightly against their chest. Their breath was slightly ragged as they rushed toward the topmost floor, where their enigmatic and eccentric boss, Minaka Hiroto, resided.
The elevator ride felt like an eternity, though it lasted mere seconds. A soft chime announced their arrival, and the doors slid open to reveal a grand, open space filled with holographic screens, data projections, and a massive, reinforced glass window overlooking the city below.
At the center of it all sat Minaka, the self-proclaimed "Game Master" of the Sekirei Plan, dressed in his usual white coat, his fingers steepled beneath his chin as he leaned back in his chair with an amused grin. The dim glow of multiple monitors illuminated his glasses, making his eyes unreadable.
The employee stepped forward, swallowing their nerves.
"Sir, we have new intel regarding the unknown Ashikabi."
Minaka's expression twitched with intrigue, and he sat forward, resting his elbows on his desk. "Oh? Do tell."
The employee tapped on their tablet, and a series of images and reports appeared on the holographic display in front of Minaka.
"Our surveillance teams have confirmed that the unidentified Ashikabi has successfully winged Sekirei No. 84, Yashima. Based on our gathered intelligence, he has been working under the alias 'Issei Hyoudou' as a construction worker."
Minaka's grin widened. "Hoh? So he has another Sekirei under his belt now? How delightful! It's always fun when an irregular stirs up the game board."
The employee hesitated before continuing. "Sir, there's... another issue. We've been deploying surveillance drones to track his movements. However, every time they get close to him, they get disabled. We've lost dozens so far, and we still have no footage of him outside of confirmed encounters."
Minaka leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin in thought. "Disabled, you say? Now, that's quite curious. Drones don't just drop out of the sky without reason."
A knowing smirk formed on his face, and he adjusted his glasses. "There are only two people within the Sekirei Plan who could manage something like that… and only one of them is currently very interested in going against my glorious game."
The employee shifted uneasily. "Are you suggesting—?"
Minaka snapped his fingers. "Indeed! It means this Issei Hyoudou has also winged Sekirei No. 2, Matsu. And if he's gotten her assistance… that means he's most likely living at Izumo Inn."
The employee's eyes widened. "Then… should we take action?"
Minaka chuckled, standing up and spreading his arms dramatically. "Oh, no, no, no! We wouldn't want to disrupt the natural flow of the game too soon! No, this requires a… delicate touch."
He turned toward the window, looking down at the city as if gazing upon a grand chessboard. "But an irregular Ashikabi, one who manages to wing Matsu of all Sekirei? Now, that is something I simply must see with my own eyes. Or rather… I'll send someone in my stead."
Minaka's smirk widened as he raised a single hand, issuing a command.
"Send Karasuba. Let's have her… introduce herself to our mysterious new player."
The employee stiffened. "Karasuba, sir? But—"
Minaka turned his head slightly, the amusement in his gaze making it clear there was no room for debate. "You worry too much. I merely want her to meet him. After all, it would be quite unfortunate if our precious Sekirei Plan was disturbed by an unknown factor, don't you think?"
The employee hesitated but ultimately bowed. "Understood. I'll send the orders immediately."
As they turned to leave, Minaka chuckled to himself, his voice laced with anticipation.
"Now then, Issei Hyoudou… let's see just what kind of storm you've brought into my grand game."
—----------------------------------------------
Izumo Inn
Issei sneezed suddenly, rubbing his nose with a confused frown.
"Ugh… why do I feel like someone really annoying is thinking about me?"
Yashima looked at Issei with a small frown, tilting her head as she noticed his slight discomfort. "Issei? Are you okay?"
Issei blinked, rubbing the back of his neck. "Huh? Oh, yeah, I'm fine. Just got a weird feeling all of a sudden."
Before Yashima could ask more, Uzume suddenly waltzed into the room with a bright grin, throwing an arm around Issei's shoulders. "Well, since you don't have work today, how about we go out? Y'know, have a little fun, enjoy the fresh air, and, most importantly—" She grinned mischievously and pointed at Yashima. "Take our new Sekirei on a date!"
Yashima's face instantly turned red. "D-D-Date?!"
Uzume chuckled at her reaction, clearly enjoying the flustered expression. "Well, yeah! You just got winged, girl! You gotta have some bonding time with our Ashikabi, right?"
Issei chuckled awkwardly. "A date, huh? That actually doesn't sound too bad. I guess it'd be nice to take a break."
"Great!" Uzume cheered, then turned toward Matsu, who was standing off to the side, watching with a pout. "Too bad you can't come though, Matsu. Since, y'know… you can't step outside."
Matsu immediately groaned, pushing up her glasses with a sulky look. "That's not fair! You know how much I wanna spend with our dear Ashikabi!"
Issei, who had been watching their back-and-forth, raised an eyebrow. "Wait, why can't Matsu leave the inn?"
Uzume gave him a teasing smirk. "Oh, didn't you know? Matsu here is actually a criminal~."
Issei blinked. "Wait, what?"
Matsu sighed dramatically, placing a hand on her forehead like some tragic heroine. "It's true. I am but a fugitive, doomed to live my days confined within these walls… forever yearning for the outside world…"
Uzume rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on, don't make it sound so dramatic."
Issei turned to Matsu with a more serious expression. "For real though, what happened?"
Matsu adjusted her glasses and gave him a sheepish smile. "Sorry, Issei-kun, but I can't tell you everything right now. Let's just say… I stole something very important from MBI. And because of that, they'll be after me if I ever step outside. Miya's protection is the only reason I can even live here safely."
Issei frowned at her words but ultimately sighed and gave her a reassuring smile. "Alright. I won't pry. Just let me know when you're ready to talk about it."
Matsu looked at him with slightly widened eyes before her smile turned more genuine. "Thanks, Issei-kun. You really are a sweetie~."
Uzume smirked. "Aww? We totally got a good Ashikabi, Matsu."
Issei scratched the back of his head, trying to brush off the compliment. As he thought of everyone living in the inn. "So wait, does that mean everyone living here is a Sekirei?"
"Yep!" Uzume confirmed with a grin. "Even Kagari!"
Issei paused, his brain screeching to a halt. "...Wait. Kagari's a Sekirei?"
Matsu, Uzume, and Yashima all turned to look at him with puzzled expressions.
"Uh, yeah?" Uzume said slowly.
Issei's expression twisted in confusion. "But... I thought all Sekirei were girls."
The three of them continued to stare at him, as if trying to process what he just said.
Matsu finally spoke first, adjusting her glasses. "Issei-kun... how did you come to that conclusion?"
Issei shrugged. "I mean... I've only met girls so far! And I haven't seen a single male Sekirei before now, so I just assumed—"
Uzume groaned, rubbing her temples. "Oh, for the love of—Issei, did you seriously think the entire Sekirei species was made up of just hot girls?!"
Issei blinked. "...I mean, yeah, kinda?"
Matsu smirked. "Not that I can blame him~. He has only met beautiful women so far. His data points are biased."
Uzume gave her an unimpressed look. "You're not helping."
Yashima, meanwhile, looked between them, still unsure what the fuss was about.
Issei rubbed his neck awkwardly. "Well... uh, guess I learned something new today."
Uzume sighed and shook her head. "You really are something else, dude."
Matsu chuckled, and Yashima just smiled softly, watching their interactions with quiet amusement.
As the laughter died down from their conversation about male Sekirei, Issei suddenly remembered something from earlier that morning. He had been talking with Miya while he was leaving for work, and something about their conversation had stuck in his mind.
"Hey," he started, scratching his cheek, "is Miya married?"
Uzume and Yashima blinked at him in confusion, while Matsu's playful expression immediately faded into something more subdued.
"You're only asking that now?" Uzume asked, tilting her head. "You've been living here for a while, and it just crossed your mind?"
Issei rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, yeah. I mean, she acts all elegant and kind of like a mom sometimes, but I never saw her husband or heard her talk about him."
The atmosphere in the room shifted slightly, a weight settling over them. Matsu let out a quiet sigh before speaking. "That's because… Takehito, Miya's husband, has been dead for a long time."
Issei's eyes widened in shock. "Wait… seriously?"
Matsu nodded, her usual playful tone absent. "Yeah. He was a genius researcher at MBI, one of the few people who actually cared about the Sekirei and wanted to help them. But… well, he got caught up in their experiments and—" She paused, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Let's just say he didn't make it."
Uzume crossed her arms, looking unusually serious. "Miya doesn't talk about it much, but we all know it still affects her. She acts like she's moved on, but you can see it in her eyes sometimes."
Yashima looked down at her lap, her fingers lightly clenching her dress. "That's… so sad."
Issei felt a pang of guilt in his chest. Miya had always been so composed, always carrying herself with an almost untouchable grace. He had never even considered that she might have lost someone important to her.
"...I had no idea." He murmured.
Matsu gave him a small, sad smile. "Most people don't. She doesn't bring it up, and we don't push. But she loved Takehito deeply. I think a part of her is still waiting for him, even now."
Issei stayed silent for a moment, his thoughts swirling. He had always respected Miya, but now that respect deepened. To lose someone that important and still be able to smile, to take care of others like she did… it took incredible strength.
"She's amazing." He finally said.
Uzume nodded, smiling slightly. "Yeah, she is. Miya's the strongest woman I know."
Matsu chuckled softly. "Not just emotionally. You really don't wanna piss her off."
That made Issei snort, breaking the tension slightly. "Yeah, I figured. Her 'Hannya' mode is terrifying."
Uzume shivered dramatically. "Tell me about it. That's the real reason I behave myself in this place."
Yashima giggled quietly, the heaviness from earlier lifting a little.
Issei leaned back, exhaling. "Still… I kinda feel bad for bringing it up now."
Matsu shook her head. "Don't. You didn't know. And honestly, it's good to remember that even Miya has things she carries."
Issei nodded, making a mental note to be more mindful in the future. Even if Miya never talked about it, he'd do his best to show her the same kindness and strength she always gave to everyone else.
As he leaned back against the tatami mat floor, finally exhaling the tension that had slowly built up in his shoulders. The revelation about Miya's husband had hit him harder than he expected—but what comforted him was that Miya still lived, still smiled, even after such loss.
"…I'm glad." He muttered, mostly to himself, but the girls around him looked at him curiously.
"Glad?" Matsu repeated, tilting her head, curious.
"Yeah," Issei said, glancing at each of them. "That even after an Ashikabi dies, a Sekirei can keep living. Like Miya… she lost her husband, but she's still here. Strong, graceful, always helping people. It means… there's a future for all of you, even if something were to happen."
The room fell deathly quiet.
Uzume's eyes lowered. Matsu's smile faltered. Yashima clutched her sleeve, her brows furrowing.
"…Issei," Matsu said softly, her voice strangely hesitant, "…that's not how it works."
"…Huh?"
Uzume took a breath, her expression uncharacteristically somber. "We don't get to live on like Miya did, Issei."
Issei blinked. "Wait, what do you mean?"
Yashima, still looking down, whispered, "The moment you die… we'll die too."
The words hit him like a punch to the gut.
He stared at them, disbelieving. "No… No, that can't be right. Miya's husband, Takehito-san, died, and she's still here. So why—why would it be different for you?"
Matsu looked straight at him, her eyes soft but firm. "Because Takehito wasn't her Ashikabi. He didn't have the arua—the ability to form a bond with a Sekirei. He was just… a normal man. A kind, brilliant man that Miya fell in love with on her own. No link. No winging. Just love."
She touched her chest, over her heart. "But we are different. We've been winged. That bond isn't just emotional. It's spiritual. Our lives are now tied to yours, Issei."
Uzume nodded, her smile strained. "The Sekirei bond is a beautiful thing… but it's also cruel. It gives us strength, hope, a purpose—but it also means if you're gone…"
"…then so are we," Matsu finished.
Issei felt like the floor had been yanked out from under him. He looked at them—Matsu with her usual teasing gone, Uzume with a rare flicker of solemnity in her eyes, and Yashima holding back the storm of emotion behind her quiet expression.
He clenched his fists. "That's… that's not fair. That's not fair at all!"
His voice rose, his emotions boiling to the surface. "You're all people! You have your own dreams, your own lives! You shouldn't just—just vanish because of me!"
Yashima looked up at him then. Her eyes, calm and unwavering, met his.
"But… what's the point of living if our Ashikabi is gone?" She asked gently. "You gave us a reason to live. If you're not there anymore… what are we supposed to do?"
Issei opened his mouth, but no words came out. The weight of her words sank deep into him. He wanted to argue, to tell her that life was worth living no matter what—but how could he say that, knowing their very souls were bound to his existence?
"I…" he started, his voice hoarse, "I never wanted that kind of control over anyone…"
Matsu reached out and gently took his hand. "It's not about control. It's about connection. I chose you, Issei. Not just because I had to, but because it was something I wanted to do. From that decision you have given me warmth. Hope. I don't ever want to lose this"
Uzume leaned against him with a grin, though her eyes still held that hidden sorrow. "You're a pervert, but you're a good guy. And yeah, it sucks that we're tied to your life… but that's the price of the bond. And you know what?" She tapped his chest. "I don't regret it. I don't regret how I got winged."
Yashima nodded beside her, her voice soft but filled with conviction. "I'd rather have a short life by your side than an eternity alone."
Issei sat there, eyes wide, heart heavy. These girls, they were willing to lay everything on the line for him. Not out of obligation, but because they chose to.
"…I'll protect you all," He whispered fiercely, more to himself than to them. "I swear… I won't die. I won't let you fade away. Not while I still breathe."
And in that moment, surrounded by the soft golden light filtering through the inn's shoji doors, Issei Hyoudou made a silent vow to the hearts now tied to his own.
He wouldn't fail them. Not now. Not ever.
—--------------------------------------
The heavy emotions from earlier still lingered in Issei's chest, but now, as he walked through the bustling commercial district with Uzume on his right and Yashima on his left, each clinging to his arms.
Of course, every single person around them was staring.
"Hey, hey, look at that guy—two girls at once?"
"Are they models? Look at their bodies!"
"Lucky bastard…"
Issei tried not to flinch at every whisper and side-glance. He really tried. But the stares, the judging eyes of women, the jealousy practically radiating from the men who passed by, and the muttered comments from schoolgirls passing in giggling flocks—it was a lot.
"Easy, Issei," Uzume chuckled, tightening her grip on his arm with a teasing smile. "You're walking too stiff. Try to act like this happens all the time."
Yashima leaned in slightly closer, her cheeks pink but her smile content. "Yes, Issei. We're proud to be seen with you… so you don't have to feel embarrassed."
Embarrassed? Issei was beyond that. He was about five seconds from overheating.
Because it wasn't just their attention—it was the soft, soft pressure pressing into both of his arms that made it incredibly difficult to think straight. Uzume's breasts squished into one side, warm and entirely unashamed, while Yashima's were more reserved, but no less present.
He forced a laugh, trying not to let the blood rush to his head. "Heh… no, no. I'm good. Great, actually. Fantastic, really."
Uzume gave him a knowing smirk. "You sure about that? You're walking like you've got two bombs strapped to your arms."
Yashima blinked, concerned. "Ashikabi-sama? Is something wrong with your arms? Are they hurting?" As she tried hugging his arms harder to check for anything wrong.
"N-No, no, not at all!" He sputtered, waving his hands a little too quickly before Uzume reeled him back in with a mischievous tug.
"Easy there, stud," she purred. "You'll ruin our date if you panic."
He was out in the city, surrounded by the sounds of traffic, the bright awnings of stores, and the scent of fresh bread from nearby bakery—and on either side of him were two beautiful women, clinging to him affectionately, strolling through the district like it was the most natural thing in the world.
He glanced around at the gawking onlookers, noticing a group of guys his age glaring daggers into his back.
"Oi," one of them hissed. "That guy's living the dream…"
Issei grinned sheepishly and looked ahead, trying to ignore the mounting pressure of their envy.
"Maybe I should've worn sunglasses," He muttered.
Uzume snickered. "So no one can see your 'I'm totally winning at life' expression?"
"Exactly," He said without shame.
Yashima's grip on his arm tightened a little. "We're lucky to be with you."
That stunned him into silence for a second. He glanced at her, surprised. "You really think that?"
She nodded, smiled gentle and sincere. "Yes. Ever since you winged me… my world's been brighter."
Uzume gave a playful hum. "You're not just a pervert, you know. You've got a heart under all that ogling."
Issei scratched the back of his head. "Thanks… I think." Issei laughed awkwardly, trying to hide how flustered he really was.
Both Sekirei clung to him affectionately, ignoring the blatant stares of envious onlookers. The whispers buzzed around them like bees.
"Is he from some rich family?"
"Two girlfriends… both that hot?"
"That's not fair. I can't even get a text back."
Issei tried his best to keep his cool, but the sheer volume of eyes glued to him made that difficult to hide the smile from his face.
Uzume leaned in, her bountiful chest squishing into his right arm. Yashima wasn't much better on the left, her quiet, shy smile contrasting with how tightly she was pressing against him. He could feel every curve.
"…Nope. I'm doomed." Issei muttered.
"What's that, Ise~?" Uzume grinned, leaning even closer with mischief in her eyes. "Enjoying our first date already?"
"Y-You're really not holding back, are you?" He choked out.
"Why should I?" Uzume said proudly. "You're my Ashikabi. I've got dibs."
Yashima blinked. "Dibs…?"
"You know," Uzume smirked, "claiming your man before someone else can."
Yashima's eyes widened, then she looked down bashfully. "O-Oh… I'd like to claim him too…"
Issei coughed violently, his brain short-circuiting.
"L-Let's sit down! That café looks… quiet!" He blurted, guiding the girls toward a nearby sidewalk café before his head exploded from blood loss.
—--------------------------
The three of them settled outside at a small, shaded table, ordering some cold drinks while trying to escape the watchful eyes of the crowd. Things felt calmer. Almost peaceful.
Until she arrived.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
The sound of deliberate high heels clicking against pavement drew Issei's gaze toward the street. A tall, elegant woman approached, clad in a gray haori over a black uniform, with long grey hair tied in a loose, regal ponytail. Her presence turned heads, not from beauty—though she had plenty of that—but from sheer, unshakable pressure.
Issei felt a chill run up his spine. The smile she wore was pleasant, but something about it was… wrong.
Uzume stiffened instantly. "Oh crap."
"You know her?" Issei asked, eyes narrowing.
"That's Kurasuba," Uzume whispered. "Sekirei No. 4. The 'Shinigami.' She's one of the strongest out there—and completely insane."
Kurasuba stopped beside their table, smiling with the politeness of a practiced predator. "What a lovely afternoon. May I join you?"
"You just did," Uzume said, voice tight.
Kurasuba's eyes flicked toward Issei, assessing, calculating. "So. You're the irregular everyone's been gossiping about."
"Name's Issei Hyoudou," He said cautiously. "Don't believe everything you hear."
"I believe only what I see," Kurasuba said. "And what I see… is pathetic." She looked at the two Sekirei clinging to him. "Winging two in such a short time? How bold."
Issei frowned. "What do you want?"
"Oh, nothing violent… yet." She said with a faint giggle. "I'm simply here as a messenger. Minaka is very interested in you."
"Minaka…Who?" Issei said, causing his Sekirei to fall off their seats.
"Hubby. He's the mastermind of the Sekirei plan." Uzume explained.
"Ohh. The crazy CEO."
"Founder," she corrected. "Visionary. Puppet master. Lunatic. Fool. Pick your favorite."
Uzume glared. "He sent you out here just to check on our Hubby?"
"He wanted to see the irregular for himself. But since he's too busy pulling strings from his ivory tower, I came in his place." Kurasuba said lightly. "So I came to deliver a little message."
She leaned in closer to Issei, her golden eyes piercing.
"Take care of your Sekirei, Ashikabi. The game is about to begin. Welcome to the beginning of the age of gods and you're already being watched."
She straightened up, smiled viciously, and walked off like nothing had happened.
The table was silent for a long moment.
"…I really hate cryptic warnings." Issei muttered.
Uzume let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. "That was her being nice. She could've challenged you right here and now. The fact she didn't? Probably Minaka's doing."
Issei rubbed his temple. "Great. So now we've got MBI breathing down our necks."
Yashima gripped his hand gently. "We'll protect you, Issei… just like you protected us."
Issei looked at them both and smiled despite the worry gnawing at him. 'No. I'll protect you. That's my job now.'
"Let's finish our drinks," he said. "Then we go back to the inn. We'll talk to Matsu about this. I need to understand what the hell kind of game I've been dragged into."
—-----------------------------
Issei exhaled, feeling the tension ease slightly as they stepped through the threshold.
"We're back." He called out casually.
From the gardin, Miya looked up from sweeping the stone path. Her warm, gentle smile was as perfect as always.
"Welcome home," she said pleasantly.
Kagari leaned against the sliding door frame nearby, arms crossed, eyes briefly locking with Issei's. "You caused quite the scene today." He said as he remembered hearing a guy with two girls.
Issei gave an awkward chuckle. "Wasn't exactly intentional."
Miya's smile never faltered. "You brought no harm to others. That's what matters."
The moment passed. Issei gave a respectful nod and motioned to the girls. "We'll be in Matsu's room. Something… happened."
Miya simply nodded. Kagari watched them go, expression unreadable.
Upstairs, the group crammed into Matsu's cluttered lair. Screens blinked and buzzed, wires coiled across the floor, and the smell of coffee and electronics lingered like smoke.
Matsu spun her chair around and perked up. "Welcome back! Did you bring anything interesting? Local gossip? Buns? Secret government files?"
Uzume didn't even crack a smile. "We saw Kurasuba."
Matsu's cheerful tone dropped. "Are you all right?"
Issei nodded, crossing his arms. "She came to give me a message from Minaka. Said the 'game is about to begin' and that I'm being watched."
Matsu sighed and slouched back in her chair. "I was wondering when you'd finally get caught in the web."
"What web?" Issei asked. "What the hell is this Sekirei Plan really about?"
For a moment, Matsu said nothing. Then she stood and walked past the girls to close the door behind them.
"…So. You're really ready to hear it?"
Issei met her eyes. "I wouldn't ask if I wasn't."
She nodded, then motioned to a small monitor as she clicked a few buttons on her console. A diagram lit up, showing stylized Sekirei wings, branching lines, and a tower that loomed over everything like a final boss arena.
"The Sekirei Plan," Matsu began, "is a twisted 'survival of the fittest' game designed by MBI and orchestrated by Minaka Hiroto. One hundred and eight Sekirei were released into the city to find their Ashikabi. Once winged, we become bound by more than affection—our very existence becomes linked to yours."
She paused. "Once enough Sekirei have been winged, the real 'game' begins. Elimination. Fighting. Battles to the death between Sekirei pairs until only one Ashikabi and their remaining Sekirei are left standing. The winner gets to climb to the top of MBI Tower and receive a so-called 'ultimate prize.'"
Issei's hands clenched into fists.
"So this whole thing is a damn bloodsport."
Matsu nodded gravely. "And worse. We don't know what that prize even is. Some think it's knowledge. Others, power or freedom."
Issei looked at her, then to Uzume and Yashima. "And you three… Do you want to win this 'game'?"
Uzume looked away. "No. I just wanted to meet my Ashikabi. Someone worth protecting. Someone… like you."
Yashima's voice was soft. "I don't want to hurt anyone. I just… want to stay by your side."
Matsu gave a small smile. "I've seen enough of Minaka's madness. I don't care for his prize. I'd rather stay in this room and keep experimenting on you."
Issei exhaled slowly, processing it all. "Then we're on the same page."
He turned toward them, serious. "We're not playing his game. We don't attack. We won't hunt other Sekirei. But if anyone comes after us…"
His eyes narrowed, and the faint glow of the Boosted Gear shimmered.
"We fight back. Hard."
Uzume grinned. "Now that's the Ise I know."
Yashima reached forward and gently held his hand. "We'll fight… only to protect."
Matsu gave a small smirk. "I can work with that. I'll start scanning for other winged Sekirei in the area. If anyone comes close, we'll know."
Issei nodded. "Thanks, Matsu."
Then he looked at all three of them, and for the first time since winging them, he felt a deep, solemn weight settle on his shoulders.
'These girls… their lives are literally in my hands.'
But even so… they were his. And he wasn't letting anyone take them.