James, Rei, Jasmine, Akitsu, Kusano, and Tsukiumi arrived back at the shrine. They entered the building. The sun was beginning to set. At the entrance, Miya stood there. "James, who's that?" she asked with a gentle smile.
Tsukiumi stepped forward proudly. "I am his wife," she replied.
James scratched the back of his head. He thought he had not given her a ring yet or did it with her. "Well," he said.
Tsukiumi narrowed her eyes. "'Well'? What do you mean 'well'? You winged me. That makes me your wife," she said.
Just then, Musubi emerged from the garden wearing her white top and red shorts. Her skin glistened with sweat. "Wife?" she asked as she tilted her head. Her heart started to beat. She thought back to what James and she had done.
Kusano ran up and hugged James's leg tightly. She looked at Tsukiumi and stuck her tongue out.
Tsukiumi frowned. "Wait, what are you doing?" she asked as she fumed slightly.
Musubi wrapped herself around James's right arm. Her large breasts pressed against him. "We're husband and wife too," she said.
Tsukiumi's eyes flared. "I am his true wife," she said.
Rei calmly took James's other arm. Her breasts pressed against him. "I'm still yours, James," she said.
Jasmine raised her hand like royalty. "We'll have a grand wedding. A royal one," she said as she smiled at him.
Tsukiumi looked around. She was flustered. "What are you all doing?" she shouted.
"You're all my wives. I'll get wedding rings for each of you soon," James chuckled.
From the corner, Matsu peeked out. "This is officially a soap opera," she muttered. "It was already dramatic, but now it's full-blown chaos. And I love it," she said, touching her glasses and having a grin on her face.
Homura leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. "Not joining in, Matsu?" Homura asked.
Matsu smirked and gave a playful wiggle. Her ass moved. "Even if I'm not part of the drama, I'm still making love to him, in my own way," she said.
Saya walked past as she was sighing. "He's such a pervert," she said.
Homura glanced at James. "You've winged Tsukiumi… the one Sekirei known for despising Ashikabi. Impressive," Homura said.
Tsukiumi folded her arms. "Most of them are just humans. I am a Sekirei," she said. She looked at Musubi. "My true rival is you, Musubi, let's settle this with a duel," she added.
Musubi's eyes lit up. "Now we're talking," she replied as she raised her fists.
Before either could move, Miya appeared between them and struck them with a stick on their heads. "No violence in my shrine," she said.
"Sorry, Landlady," Musubi said as she touched her head.
Saya leaned closer to James. Rei was still holding his arm. "She gives me chills sometimes," Saya said.
Miya turned to Tsukiumi. "When in Rome, follow the Romans," Tsukiumi responded. She could feel she was strong.
From the garden, Lois and Saeko entered. Lois wore a black sports bra and shorts. Her toned stomach was on display and she had a confident smile . Saeko wore a white gi top and dark blue hakama.
James blinked. "You both look stunning," James commented.
Saeko bowed slightly. "Thank you, Danna-sama," she replied.
"Training?" James asked.
"Miya's been giving us pointers," Saeko replied. She thought back to Miya saying she needed to control her emotions and channel them.
Tsukiumi's brow twitched. "Danna-sama?" she asked. She thought there were more.
Lois stepped forward. "You must be the new. I'm Lois. Nice to meet you," she said.
"I'm Tsukiumi. His wife," she replied as she looked at Lois.
Lois smiled. "We're all his future wives," she replied.
Tsukiumi turned to James. "How many?" she asked as her hair almost flared.
"Nineteen," Saya replied casually.
"Including your mum, it'll be twenty," Saeko added.
Saya turned red. "She does not count," Saya said.
Rei giggled. She wondered where her mum was and how she was doing.
Tsukiumi's jaw dropped. "So many," she said.
Miya watched James silently. She looked at the Ultimatrix on his wrist. He was definitely... interesting.
Akitsu stood quietly nearby, observing the chaos with her usual calm.
Tsukiumi turned to Homura. "You. Who are you?" she asked as she squinted, trying to place him.
Homura sighed. "You might've seen me on the street," he said as he turned away. His footsteps echoed softly as he made his way down the hall. He thought maybe it's better this way.
"Homura," Matsu called out as she caught up to him.
Homura stopped, not turning around. "Yes?" Homura asked.
"Are your burns healing properly?" she asked. "If you don't stabilize your power soon, it's going to get worse. Your body can't keep absorbing that much energy," she added.
Homura looked forward. "Are you suggesting I become winged?" Homura asked.
Matsu nodded. "It's the only way to regulate your energy. Without an Ashikabi, your body will eventually collapse," she replied.
Homura's voice hardened. "I haven't been chosen and I won't choose anyone," Homura said clenching her fists. "I have one goal. One wish. To kill him with my own hands," Homura added.
Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through her chest. She winced and staggered slightly.
"Homura," Matsu reached out as concern flashed across her face.
Homura straightened up. "I'm going to work," he said as he walked away.
From the shadows, Lois watched with her arms folded. She'd overheard the exchange, and thought something about Homura's reaction, especially near James, was interesting. There's more, she thought.
Meanwhile, atop a skyscraper overlooking the city, Minaka stood with his coat billowing in the wind. Behind him, Takami approached with a tablet in hand. "I can confirm. Number 09 has been winged," she said.
Minaka's lips curled into a smile. "It's about time," he replied.
He raised his arms slightly. "The timing is perfect. The economy, the technology, the network everything is in place. We have nothing left to fear," he added. He turned. His eyes gleamed. "Those little birds that descended to Earth, they'll play their parts. Willingly or not," he said. He laughed softly. "Let the fools dance. This stage, Teitou itself will host the grandest festival yet," he added.
He lowered his voice. The Sekirei Project now enters its second phase," he said.