Chapter I: The party and an uninvited guest
It has been five years since the Arcobaleno representative battle and since Reborn started tutoring Tsuna, again, but for the title of Neo Vongola Primo of the Vongola family and everything was at peace. But sure enough, Tsuna was still as stubborn as ever, and he rejected the offer again and again, saying he didn't want to be the mafia boss or whatsoever. Now, the young boy was studying in Namimori High, and sure enough, along with his dearest friends of all.
-Haizz...this is no good...
Tsuna exhaustedly dragged his feet on the street, making his way home. His haizel eyes laid upon a white sheet of paper in his right hand, the other scratched the back of his head and the young boy sighed defeatedly again. It was nearly summer and the school report came in today and to be honest, Tsuna's one was quite bright with four C's, two B's and one B plus. Really, Tsuna had once expected more than that with his friends' help and all but...
-Dame-Tsuna, why are you spacing out there?
The sudden voice was cold and distant but yet familiar to the young boy startled him and as he turned around to look, he accidentally tripped over a rock and then fell down on the street.
-Owww...
A long, disappointed sigh.
-You are still as pathetic as ever.
-Don't you just stand here and say mighty things, Reborn! You are the one who startled me!
Tsuna crawled up on his feet and looked at a kid about 7 years old or so in black suit and a top black hat, with a green charmeleon on it. His face was really, just a baby and all but yet it looked so mature and experienced. The boy looked at Tsuna and asked, noticing the white paper.
-What do you have there in your hand?
-Oh, just the school report.
Before Tsuna could react, Reborn swiftly jumped up and snatched the paper from the older boy's hand and with just a quick glance, his whole body revealed an extremely dark aura. Not good...
Tsuna was really horrified and was sweating from head to toe. Because when that aura appeared around Reborn, the kid would do anything to venge out his anger. Now the victim clearly was poor Tsuna.
-R-Reborn...
-Hm?
-U-uhm...my report...
-What about it?
-...
Reborn looked at the I-am-worried-to-death face of Tsuna and chuckled to himself. Then the dark aura broke after a blink of an eye. Tsuna blinked. And blinked again. Reborn said calmly.
-Tsuna, you will be punished for this.
-HIIIII!
-By opening a party this evening.
-Huh?
Tsuna snapped out of his fear to look at Reborn with a confused look. What had just happened, was the boy too freaked out that he skipped something important?
-You have done well, dame-Tsuna. We will have a party tonight to celebrate your progress. This is much better than I expected and once again, you surprised me.
Tsuna threw his head back and laughed. For a bit back then, he thought he was going to be murdered by the self-exclaimed best hitman of the world. He picked the paper up, stuffed it into his bag and started walking off again with Reborn followed beside him (now that he was bigger, he couldn't tip-toe on the walls anymore).
They got home after awhile and Tsuna felt so happy coming back home. He was just relieved that he had a home to come back, feeling cozy and all. Opening the door, he was immediately tackled onto the ground. Second time of the day. Tsuna seriously needed a good rest.
He yelped out as he realized that his vision was blocked with some thingg
fluffy, tangled and black. And there came a proud yet playful laugh.
-Nyahahaha, play with Lambo-san, Tsuna!
Sure, the cow brat had aged to 10 but was still as childish as ever. He was lucky enough not having to go to school but staying home with Ipin and the 15 years old Fuuta. Tsuna slightly pushed the boy aside and yelled:
-Lambo, won't you at least let me take a breath?!
-Ne, Tsuna. Reborn had told me all.
-Eh?
-We are gonna have a party! Nyahahaha, Lambo-san will have all the food for himself!
Lambo jumped off and danced around happily. When it came to parties, Lambo would never turn the invitation down, sometimes even demanded to join. Ipin appeared from the door and greeted Tsuna:
-Konichiwa, Tsuna-san.
Turning at Lambo, Ipin frowned deeply. Even as his best friend, she could never stand the boy's naughty side. So she prepared a Gyoza Fist for Lambo.
-E-erm...Ipin, it wasn't really necessary to do that.
-Ah, I'm sorry, Tsuna-san, but since we are preparing for the party tonight, Lambo shouldn't destroy it.
And then she dragged the fainted Lambo inside. Tsuna sighed and got up as Fuuta appeared, smiling happily.
-Welcome home, Tsuna-nii.
-Ah, hey Fuuta.
That was when Reborn jumped in front of him and stomped on his leg.
-HIIIIIII! REBORN, WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!
-Ipin reminds me. Stop being a lazy turtle and prepare for the party. The invitations with the mark of Vongola family have been sent to everybody. The location will be the school gym.
-Wait, why there? Can't we just stay in my home?
-It's a party and we shouldn't interrupt the peace of the town during night time. Or do you want to be bitten to death?
Tsuna understood Reborn immediately. Hibari Kyoya would definitely blow his house up if the party turned wild.
-Hibari was invited too by the way.
Tsuna thought it was a good idea. Even though Hibari Kyoya despised crowding with herbivores, like he said, it's high time he got rid of his anti-social attitude and started joining people, really. Tsuna sighed and got to his room with Reborn followed behind (now that he was bigger, he couldn't ride on Tsuna's shoulder like before).
At 7 pm or so, Tsuna bid goodbye to his mother and set off. Lambo and Ipin was still arguing over a can of soda which they both liked. Fuuta was humbling to himself and Reborn was busy with his phone. Judging the look on the boy's face, it must be something very important but Tsuna didn't want to ask him despite his instant growing curiosity.
It was a short walk and they reached the destination in no time. The school gate was locked.
-What's the meaning of this, Reborn?
-Hm? We climb the wall to get in, of course.
-Wait. So you didn't contact the principle to rent the gym or something like that?
-What are you talking about? I belong to the mafia.
-Don't give me that kind of answer!
-Stop complaining and get in already.
Tsuna was about to protest when he suddenly felt odd. It was quite...silent around him and he turned around. Lambo, Ipin and Fuuta had already climbed in!
-Gosh, if Hibari-san knows this, he will seriously bite us to death.
-Only you, Tsuna because you're the boss and you have to take responsibility in your men's fault.
-I told you I'm not the boss!
Reborn sighed and he narrowed his eyes.
-Listen carefully, dame-Tsuna. I have something important to tell you.
-W-what is it? Why all of a sudden?
This seriously gave Tsuna a bad feeling. The way Reborn spoke, the look on his face and that phone call before, all made Tsuna feel very uneasy. It must be about that business again...
-I have just received an emergency call from the Vongola Headquarter in Italy.
Just as predicted. Tsuna frowned but managed to speak up.
-W-What?! D-Did something happen to it?
-No, apparently, it's all fine except for a fact that the Ninth has become ill.
-What? What happened to Grandpa?! Oops, I mean, the Ninth.
-Yes. He had a lung cancer and is unable to move around at the moment.
-When did he start having the cancer? And aren't there any cures for it?!
-No, sadly. The Ninth discovered about his health condition just two days ago. The doctors predicted that he has about a month left. And he wishes to meet you, in Italy of course.
-I-I guess I will go pay him a visit then.
-You know what he will talk to you about, no?
Tsuna looked at Reborn, and with a huge gulp, he nervously nodded his head. Reborn grinned widely and said:
-I would like to praise you for your stubborness and concern for a normal life. Really, if it was somebody else in your situation, they would accept the position right off the bat. But it's your life and us mafia respect one's thoughts. So just think about it. But for now, clear your mind and let's hit the party!
Tsuna was completely speechless upon entering the bright school gym and the sound of cheering. His friends were all there, even Dino and his subordinates and Enma Kozato (you can say this guy was the exact other version of Tsuna) along with his Shimon family. Gokudera immediately ran from he drink table to his side, greeting:
-Tenth!
And then came the happy-go-lucky Yamamoto:
-Yo, Tsuna. Thanks for inviting me to the party! My old man has even prepared top star sushi for us!
-Ah, thanks Yamamoto-kun.
-Hey, little bro.
Bucking Bronco came flying in with his usual cheerful smile on the face, Romario followed behind.
-Ah, Dino-san!
-Nice party, no? I came to Japan right after receiving your invitation. So how are you doing now?
-O-oh, I'm doing quite fine I guess.
But Dino had already dragged Tsuna to a corner of the gym, completely ignored the yelling from Gokudera.
-I have heard from Reborn. So the Ninth isn't quite well huh?
-Y-yeah. I'm thinking of paying him a visit in Italy.
-How about you come with me in 5 days when I go back to Italy? Romario can fly you back here anytime.
-Oh, thanks, Dino-san!
-Sure. Anything for my little bro. But I'm sure that you have knoen the true purpose of why the Ninth wants to meet you.
Tsuna let out a long frustrated sigh.
-Yeah. He must want to ask me to inherit the Vongola position again.
-I'm not going to persuade you or something but I think life of a mafia isn't all that bad. Well if it's your view, aside the criminal and murderous part.
-Um...
Tsuna didn't know how to reply because what Dino said was all true. If he was to become the Vongola boss, he wouldn't mind about the dangerous part but his friends. All of them were his Guardians so no wonder why he didn't want to drag them in such things.
Dino laughed and patted Tsuna's shoulder and said.
-Now, now. Don't stress yourself out. I'm just giving you an advice. But it's party time, ok?
Tsuna sighed but then smiled along with the blonde Italian. He retreated back to his position beside his friends and Ryoheu greeted him with extreme spirit. Until then, Tsuna didn't have a chance to look at the gym. It has everything. From the DJ stand to the dance floor. While he was still glancing around, Kyoko and Haru popped out of nowhere.
-Tsuna-kun!
-Tsuna-san!
-Ah, Kyoko-chan, Haru! You two come here too?
Haru immediately tugged his right arm, happily said:
-Ah, thank you for throwing a party. Honestly, I'm tired with school and just want to kick back.
Tsuna slowly backed down from the hyperactive cosplayer and then spotted Enma along with his family and ran over.
-Enma-kun!
-Ah, hello, Tsuna-kun.
Enma smiled despite the injuries on his face and those white bandages on his arm. Tsuna sighed upon looking at that and worriedly asked.
-Enma-kun, were you bullied again?
-Ahaha...well, you can tell.
Enma scratched the back of his head and looked down on the ground shepishly. The poor boy, despite owning the great power of the Earth element, was always bullied every now and then and he was as clumsy as our dame-Tsuna.
Tsuna smiled and dragged Enma away from his family and pushed him over to his family and they were greeted happily. But while they were having a good time, there was a huge explosion from the other side of the gym...
Tsuna ran out to see what was happening and that was when he spotted a huge violet spiky ball and some sound of metal crashing. A huge ruckus. A battle. A trident and tonfas. Hibari Kyoya and Chrome Dokuro.
Tsuna yelled out:
-Please stop, Hibari-san, Chrome-chan! Why are you two fighting?!
Hibari continued on fighting and completely ignored the crowd. But upon hearing the call, Chrome stopped and turned to look at them and she blushed shepishly, answering their greet with a wave. But unfortunately for her, Hibari didn't skip a beat and kept attacking. He ran up front and raised his tonfa and then swung for a hit right at her head.
You wouldn't want to know what would happen if Tsuna didn't turn into Hyper Dying Will mode and flew up front to take the hit for Chrome on the stomach and got thrown straight at a wall. Hibari seemed really pissed off while Tsuna, after taking the critical hit, fell onto the ground and coughed out some blood. Third time of the day already. Gokudera screamed angrily and took out his dynamites, cursing Hibari like mad but Tsuna told him to stop.
Chrome was really horrified and ran by her boss side and helped him up, apologizing over and over like a machine. But Tsuna just smiled and patted her reassuringly.
-Boss...
-I'm ok. Thank you Chrome. But why didn't you get in the gym and join the party instead of fighting Hibari-san?
Before the skull eye-patched her could give an explanation, Hibari reappeared in front of them with a deadly aura and tonfas ready in his hands.
-Herbivore, you interrupted our fight. I will bite you to death instead.
Tsuna wobbled on his feet and replied weakly.
-H-Hibari-san, please don't fight here. You yourself are causing damages to the school properties.
Tsuna raised his finger and point at the school ground. Don't try imagining the screen, you probably can never reach the true image. That was when reality hit Hibari and the man seemed to be very worried but he refused to mouth it out. Instead he just turned on his heel and left. Tsuna sighed and the rest rushed over to him, wondering aloud if he was ok. Tsuna smiled and told everyone to get back to the gym while he went to the nurse room and find a first-aid kit.
To say that Tsuna was afraid of the dark was an understatement. He was freaked out and at some point, he nearly couldn't move his feet after hearing the wind knocking on the windows along the hall. Tsuna was on the verge of turning back to the gym when he heard a light chuckle somewhere aorund him. Wait, a chuckle?! Around him?! In the dark?! There?!
Tsuna immediately looked every direction. But the chuckle kept going long and that freaked the poor boy out. But Tsuna remained strong and he called out:
-Who's there?
For a good moment he thought he was just imagining things because the chuckle stopped. And when he was about to continue on his walk, a voice came:
-Having fun, brat?
Tsuna startled. The voice was deeply cold yet he thought he had heard it somewhere before. That same voice which could make anybody shiver in fear if needed. Tsuna stumbled back a bit and kept on glancing around cautiously:
-Who's there? Come out now.
Then Tsuna hit something behind him and he turned around to catch a glimpse of it. It...no he, was a person. Tsuna couldn't work out the man's whole face but he was wearing sone kind of old uniform for the rich in the old centuries, a pair of high boots and a pineapple like hair. Wait hold on. What?!
-D-Daemon Spade!
-Nufufufu. I am glad to know that you still remember me well, Sawada Tsunayoshi.
Tsuna immediately took the blue round pills and entered Hyper Dying Will mode, ready to battle against the Vongola First Mist Guardian anytime and took a defensive stance. Tsuna required:
-Why are you here?
-Nufufufu. You little brat, get ahold of yourself! Still using the Vongola power despite rejecting the offer to become the boss.
Tsuna stared at Daemon Spade. Something seemed off. He didn't figure out any murderous aura around Daemon Spade but it was the strongest illusionist in the history we talking about here so who knew what he could do. Daemon, who had been watching Tsuna's movements, chuckled to himself again and finally spoke up.
-Nufufufu. Don't need to suspect me. I'm not using any of my ability to hide away my aura.
-Answer me straight. Why have you come back?
-Nufufufu. You know the answer. I have some business which I would like to discuss about...Neo Vongola Primo.