The Guardian
When you look back on your work, you see how terrible it is. That's a good thing. Makes you want to redo it. So, I rewrote my original story Guardian and made it into this. I needed a palate cleanser. Reborn is one of the few worlds that mix dark and light themes without fanfare. I love this world, so I might as well dive back in.
He stared back at the person in front of him. He had never felt this fire in his chest before. At any moment, he would spontaneously combust and blow up everything around him. Maybe, he already was.
"You are not my father. I am not your son." Words ripped themselves out of his throat. They roared to life, alight with flames. "I want nothing to do with you. If you call me, I will get a new number If you come back here, I will run away."
He stood tall, strong. Stronger than any bully that had hurt him. Stronger than the man before him. Stronger than any six year old should be. "I never want to see your face." His words burned with his resolution, his entire being. " You were never there for me. You were never there for her. I don't want to hear your excuses."
He took a breath.
"You did teach me one thing though. Family comes first. And you are not mine."
The light from the sun bore down on the small town in Japan. It was peaceful for everyone, at least for the general, normal populace. Nanimori was a nice town, good people. Not a lot happened in the sunny town. People went about their daily lives without worry. There were, of course, a few hiccups here and there, but that had settled down in recent years. Now, the light proudly poured through the town.
It shined on the boxer running through the streets, his hood up. He was sweating profusely, making his way back to his house. Steady, hard work and dedication, values he believed in. He was training to enter the nationals. But, sometimes running alone was tiresome. Sometmes, training alone was dull. Sometimes, being denied entry into the qualifiers, because lack of participants, was saddening. Maybe if he was strong enough, he wouldn't need a full team to participate.
It shined on a black haired teenager, helping his father move boxes of fresh fish. He was diligent, helpful, and quick. He did as he was expected, acted how people wanted him to be. People aspired to be him. And, it made him claustrophobic. People praised him, called him handsome, strong, popular, but he didn't want to be those things. But, he didn't have anything else. He lived his life like clockwork. Acting the same, being the same, boring. Maybe, if the world had more excitement to it, the teen wouldn't have to pretend that everything was alright.
It shined on a black haired girl saying goodbye to her father before moving to pick up her friend. She put on a strong face and set out. She was looked on as a model, a mature young lady. She just wanted to be more like her best friend, innocent. She wanted to ignore kids being bullied on the street, ambulances running by, her father coming back tired and late from the police station. She wanted her heart to stop bleeding. Maybe if she could ignore the travesties in the world, she could live her life without cynicism.
It shined on a young man laying down, his tonfas laid lazily on the side. Discipline. Power. Strength. He defined the world by those views. Yet, everything around him was fragile, insignificant, unordered, and weak. One day, the world would change and he would stand amongst other warriors. But, it could not come soon enough. Maybe, if the world had more carnivores, he could sharpen his teeth and be truly satisfied.
It shined into a bedroom where a small, brown haired boy slept. The world was just fine with him. A bit lonely, but alright. He had long ago accepted things. How they were. How they should be. Thinking of how they could have been, that brought him sadness. So, he didn't think about it. He just thought of the now.
The brown haired boy eyes squinted in annoyance at the sun and grunted. Shifting his weight, he sat up, letting his feet slap the carpet floor. The boy stretched his arms and winced. Gingerly using his left hand to sooth the muscles under the bandages on his right arm.
"Kyoya-kun, sure did a number on me." Tsunayoshi Yamato grunted as he got up. Daily fights were fine with the supposed Disciplinary Chairman. But to fight after a tough case, that was pushing it. Luckily, the carnivore demon from hell had learned from their past bouts. Hibari, seeing that Tsuna was in no position to fight, ended the fight with a hard tap on the chest. It was their signal for death. If you could hit a person in the chest anytime you wanted, you could do whatever you want to them in a fight.
Tsuna stumbled haphazardly towards the bathroom. Shoving himself through the small doorway and slapped the wheel till the shower head spewed water. The water soaked over new and old wounds, scars and bandages. He didn't really care for the bandages. He would replace them later He grabbed his towel and started to dry himself off.
His clothes were neatly stacked near the exit of the bathroom, he had set it up last Friday. He knew he would be working over the weekend, so he prepared ahead of time. No one else was going to do it. His toothbrush awaited him at the sink. After he cleaned himself off, Tsuna grabbed the towel, and prepared himself for the day. He fixed his tie and made sure he looked respectful in the mirror.
Tsuna sauntered over to the kitchen and popped two pieces of bread into the toaster. As he waited, he went over his checklist of problems. 'Transfer student is coming sometime in a few week. That won't matter and that's Kyoya and Kusa's department. There's been an uprise of Yakuza activity, but that's still Kyoya's work unless he wants help.' The toast popped out with a ring. He grabbed it and started to spread butter over them. 'Wait, wasn't there a bulling problem nearby the park 2 blocks from the Nanimori shopping mall.' he bit into his toast as he tried to remember the details. 'I'll have to look into that.'
Tsuna munched on his bread, as he grabbed his things. Unceremoniously dumping his homework and books into his bag, Tsuna double checked that he had his baton. It was nothing special, a small steel baton. It was what police carried on their belts and could be bought at a store. Still, It was a lifesaver, against Hibari and thugs. The brown haired teen walked towards the exit of his small apartment. He stopped by the picture on the counter near the door in his small apartment. He touched it gently, smiling slightly, before walking out the door.
Tsuna arrived just before the student influx went into full spring. A couple packs here and there, but they all knew better than to 'crowd'. They were all talking jovially. Some talked upcoming tests, others complained about homework, and others were looking forward to school activities. While he over heard conversations, Tsuna drowned them out. He walked carefully through the packs, weaving his way through gossiping groups. Getting through the mass of people was simple. Many of the students, or at least those aware of him, gave him some berth. Not a wide and fearful berth, but a berth nonetheless. Tsuna walked towards the double doors that led to the main building of the school, but stopped as he heard a voice calling him.
"Yamato-san."
Tsuna turned as he looked at the person running towards him. A red haired boy, with large glasses ran up to him. The boy stopped in front of Tsuna and took a couple deep breaths. Tsuna waited patiently, as the boy regained his breath. He had gotten used to this over his first year at Nanimori Middle school, and this fact didn't change during his second year.
"T-Thank you, Yamato-san for stopping those punks." The boy said, bowing his head. A name popped into his head as he recalled this boy. He had come into school late, about 2 weeks back, with a bloody nose and a black eye. He had received a beating from some school called Sazaki. They had been encroaching on Nanimori territory, trying to find a new place to hang, and were harassing students. When Tsuna caught wind of this, he had put a stop to it.
"It's quite alright, Irie-kun. I was just helping out." Tsuna replied, as he looked at the bowed head. The boy looked up nervously at Tsuna and mumbled. Tsuna didn't quite catch the words.
"Speak up now." Tsuna asked quietly.
Irie jolted and nodded furiously. "I mean, it was more than just helping out, umm..." The boy shifted his feet nervously and reached into his pack. Tsuna almost wanted to sigh right there. The boy was probably pulling out money. No matter how many times he refused, people always seemed to think he was paid to help people out. He just did it because Nanimori was his school, his responsibility.
"Here" the freshman shoved forward an item.
Tsuna looked down, expecting to find money, but blinked as he saw metallic shine.
"I-its a t-tablet I've built. I made it smaller and it can take pictures and I heard you didn't accept money, and I was hoping you would take this instead and-" The boy looked ready to continue but Tsuna simply reached and took the device.
"Thank you Irie-kun. It was very thoughtful of you." Tsuna looked over the device. It looked quite sturdy to be built by a kid at his house, an inventor perhaps? Tsuna looked up and saw the freshman looking at him with hopeful eyes. Crushing the slight annoyance in his head, Tsuna gave him a small smile. "Thank you again, this was a thoughtful gift. I'll be sure to use it." Tsuna nodded, before putting the tablet away. With that, he turned around and walked away.
A flash of exasperation fluttered through him as he heard the whispers.
"The guardian does it again."
"Yea, that's like the tenth group he's beaten up right? I heard he takes on them for fun and fights the Yakuza with Hibari."
"Seriously, no way. I thought they split the bill."
"That's how it used to be, but lately the Guardian been beating them too fast. He's been taking out Yakuza men to keep his skills sharp"
"To keep them sharp, man he's already as strong as Hibari."
"Yea, no shit. Why do you think they work together."
Tsuna almost wanted to face palm and correct them, but he knew that would only worsen the rumors.
The Guardian kept on walking before reaching the backside of the school on the third floor. It was a quiet and far back place that barely anyone went too. Even teachers didn't go back there because it was so far from the cafeteria and offices. The place was not dirty, in fact it was well clean with only a few blown in leaves. No one went there so there was no litter to speak off. The sun shine didn't shine very well on the balcony making it a perfect place to get some quiet or privacy. Tsuna walked away from the stairs and towards the balcony, stopping just before the edge. Leaning against the nearby wall, he waited, watching the scenery of people bustling down below.
"Did it again, eh Guardian?" a sly voice called to him.
An amused smile graced his lips. "It was only with your help, Detective."
He heard a huff of annoyance and smiled wider. He knew it irritated her to be called that. "I'm an informant, not a detective." The self proclaimed informant shot back while moving closer towards the balcony.
"Really are you sure? I'm pretty sure you did some digging with your contacts and went to the scene of the crime."
The informant scoffed. "Only because I didn't want you to get second hand information. It's bad for business if my best customer got bad information."
Tsuna snorted. "Really now, best customer?" Tsuna sighed before looking at his informant. "I need information on the bullying that's been going on in Nanimori Mall. A couple of students have been complaining about a forced toll there. They haven't come to me yet, but I'd rather stop it now, Hana."
The straight, black haired girl nodded slowly. Remembering the necessary information, she recited. "It seems some graduates from Kusaki are here. They originally got jobs here for University at Nanimori U, as Janitors and Garden keepers, no less. But they were discharged for not doing their job... and actually doing the opposite of what they were supposed to do. Unsurprisingly they tried to get new jobs and are settling on bullying kids for money." Hana recited. Being an informant meant being able to know what your client wanted even before the client did. Hana watched carefully as her client took in the information, while staring at the the school grounds.
Her relationship with the brown haired boy was a strange one. The boy was a known delinquent in middle school, but for the right reasons, in Hana's opinion. He would stand up to bullies and frequently get into fights with them. It was not uncommon for him to have a bandage on his face or with a blackening bruise. Hana also knew, from her family's own source, that he lived in a single house apartment, alone. Hana didn't know the reasons for the living circumstances but did not pry.
Despite knowing all this, Hana could not help but feel grateful when Tsuna decked Mochida for trying to kiss Kyoko, forcefully. Tsuna had given the older boy quite a few bruises to think about. Hana, on the other hand, immediately sought a way to repay the boy back. Kyoko, bless her, gave Tsuna a gift of sweets and thanked him. Hana wanted to give Tsuna something a bit more substantial. She had heard the boy took care of problems around school, usually small and sometimes big. So when she heard from the rumors and social gossip that he was working on a problem, she had dragged him here and gave him information. Thus began their relationship of tap and tip, Hana would listen to information and give the information to Tsuna every time he asked. It was quite enjoyable infact, it felt like playing a fun game only with higher stakes.
Though it was definitely not a game to Tsuna. Hana had once asked why Tsuna did what he did. The boy had gotten a sad look in his eye. "If someone could help, but couldn't, just because he wasn't there. Wouldn't that be the worst? I have the ability to help, all I need to do is be there."
Now, she worked with him. It was a little bit complicated relation, albeit a mutual beneficent. Tsuna would come in with a problem and ask for information. Hana would obtain the information and give to Tsuna. The young teen would take care of business and than bring back money he had 'liberated' from the other delinquents, splitting it with Hana. It wasn't a clean job by any means, but Hana made sure no one knew her involvement. Plus, it helped that her popularity, from being friends with Kyoko, could be used to quell rumors down.
Hana sighed and started to walk away. "Take care of yourself, Tsuna."
"Thanks Hana." Tsuna called after her. She waved her hand in response.
The bell rung and lunch started. Tsuna immediately got up and walked towards the cafeteria. Moving past the students, those that saw him immediately got out of the way. He made his way towards the counter and accidentally bumped into a passing student.
"Hey watch where you're-" The student started before seeing it was Tsuna. The boy froze and stammered "S-sorry G-guardian-san"
Tsuna rolled his eyes. "It's fine. Just here to order bread."
Tsuna looked away from the shocked student and turned towards the chef handing out bread. "The Regular Teuchi-san."
The lunch man smiled and immediately held out two sandwiches and a carton of milk to Tsuna. Tsuna grabbed it and walked away, students moving out of his way.
Tsuna walked up the stairs, reaching the roof of the school. Tsuna gave a loud yawn before stretching his arms. Moving towards the side, out of the way of the doorway, Tsuna tossed a bread upwards and onto the top of the entrance way to the roof. Tsuna waited for a few moments. Tsuna smiled as he heard the tell tale sign of a wrapper being opened.
Opening his own, Tsuna rested his back towards the wall and sat down. Looking out at the sky, he soaked in the peace. It was a great, sunny day. The sky was open and vast, with clouds drifting about.
"The Yakuza over at Naga restaurant have been taken care off." A calm and cold voice broke the silence.
Tsuna made a mental note of that, while eating his bread. "Do you need help with the ones at Ozai?" Tsuna asked.
"No, the police have already moved on it." the Discplinarian Chairman answered "Apparently, someone suggested that they put their full force into raiding that area, instead of dividing between the two."
Tsuna smirked. They both knew who had done that. It looked like the Detective was making moves of her own. "Alright, just to let you know I'm taking care of the toll that's been set up at Nanimori mall. Should only take a day this time, because I know where they're at."
"Hmph, fine." Hibari said. "We should delay our fight till tomorrow, wouldn't want you to move like a herbivore during our fight."
Tsuna scoffed. "Of course, Kyoya-kun."
Tsuna only smirked as he heard a growl. Though he had to admit, it was nice that this case, as he liked to call them, would only take a day. Regularly, it would take a week of planning: first finding the root of the problem, then the location and motive, and finally finding the best way to approach. Tsuna always liked a peaceful approach.
He opened his carton of milk and scarfed it down quickly.
His last altercation had been tricky. There was a fight between Nanimori students and some other high school. He had just gotten done with Irie's case, and was passing through. He didn't know who started the fight, but he tried to stop it. From there, it was a long road of blaming and who did what. He called in Hana, who used her old friends to do some feeling. When Hana would hit a bump, usually a stubborn or rowdy punk, Tsuna would persuade the guy to give some information. In the end, he had been led into an ambush. He fought his way out of it, but took a couple blows. Only Hibari knew the outcome of the fight, and Hana could guess about it.
It wasn't unusual for it to end peacefully, just rare. When he named dropped that he was the Guardian. Some were wary, a few even backed off. They had heard the rumors and believed them. Most of them, however, didn't believe that a seemingly wimpy kid could be the Guardian. They learned there lesson afterwards. Well, after a swift smack of a metal baton and a kick in the stomach.
Tsuna finished eating his bread in silence, looking up at the sky. He closed his eyes and let the air pass over him, felt his skin cool, but inside he still felt what he dreaded ever day. He still felt that burning fire, that burning sensation.
Footsteps.
Tsuna opened his eyes and looked over to the door. He had positioned himself, so that if a person came through the door, he would be at their blind spot. Reaching into his pocket, the brown haired boy wrapped his hand around his metal baton.
As the door opened, Tsuna tensed.
"What do you want Kusakabe?" Hibari called out. At Hibari's interferance, Tsuna let his hand move away from his pocket. Kusakabe turned to face Hibari, who was now sitting on the edge of the roof. Tsuna stood up and leaned against the side of the building. Kusakabe, noticing him, gave a small nod. Tsuna returned it, before giving a small yawn. Kusakabe turned back to Hibari to give his report..
"Hibari-san, Ryohei Sasagawa is demanding a fight with Tsunayoshi Yamato." Kusakabe paused while sighing. A weary look appeared over the Disciplinarian vice president's face. "again."
Tsuna raised an eyebrow and chuckled. A glimmer of amusement filled his stomach. He admired Ryohei-senpai's persistence. The older boy knew how to keep going and keep improving. He always chased after the big targets. Apparently, he kept going after Tsuna because Tsuna was more likely to accept the fights. 'Ryohei-san was always a shining example of determination and self improvement,' Tsuna thought and then added 'maybe to an... extreme degree.'
Tsuna stood up and brushed off his pants, "Well than, I shall see what's going on." He stretched, popping some joints. The bruises ruffled slightly but nothing he couldn't deal with.
Hibari looked over, with a casual indifference. "I could handle him if you want, it would be a nice workout."
Tsuna smiled at Hibari. There was a look in the older boy's eyes. One that could make the barest relation to concern. Though the black haired prefect always acted cold, there was a really nice side to him as well. "It's alright. This is only the …" Tsuna thought about it. "4th time he's asked in the last month. He's getting better at it."
Hibari rolled his eyes, before nodding. Tsuna moved past Kusakabe and out the door. He didn't even bother turning around when he heard the vice president following him silently.
Kusakabe followed the brown haired boy silently. He and the younger boy had always had an interesting relationship. Kusakabe had always held pride in being Hibari's friend, if he could call him that. It was probably more like a reliable companion. He had known the tonfa wielding warrior for most of his life, since he was five. Their fathers were good friends. However, they had met Tsuna much later and in more precarious circumstances.
It was before the Disciplinary committee, before Hibari even started calling anyone Herbivores.
Leaning back against he punch towards his face, Kusakabe immediately threw the rock his was holding at the larger boy's face. Hibari was taking on three of the 15 year old boys who were harassing their middle school. He was dealing with only one. He desperately wanted to help Hibari, but he would probably get in his way. Kusakabe's contemplation distracted him from the oncoming punch.
The punch knocked the the wind out of Kusakabe's lungs and sent him back pedaling. 'There was a fifth one.' That was not good. He had asked around and was told there were only four. Kusakabe cursed his luck and prepared himself.
The two opponents he was facing was about to move forward when a dull clang of metal meeting flesh rang out. One of Kusakabe's attackers fell flat on the ground, out cold.
"Five versus two doesn't seem that fiar" A young voice called out. Another clang rang out and another body on the ground.
A young brown haired boy stood over the unconscious body of the two bullies Kusakabe had been fighting. A metal pipe was in the small boy's hands. He didn't even look fearful at what he just done. He looked up at Kusakabe, smiling, "Hi my name's Tsuna."
"What is it Vice president-kun?" Tsuna asked quietly. Kusakabe snapped up, cursing at himself. He knew that Tsuna had a knack at reading people, he should've guarded himself more carefully. Today was the day. There was a reason why he had gone up to the roof. Everyone at the school knew that Tsuna hung out with the head of the disciplinary Comittee on the roof. It was an open rumor, a topic for gossip. Ryohei would usually be turned away by Kusakabe. But this time, this time he went to get Tsuna for a reason.
Tsuna could feel Kusakabe's uneasiness from the uncomfortable shuffle of clothes. "I was wondering if you would join the disciplinary committee, taking my place."
At this Tsuna stopped, turning around to face the vice president. Kusakabe stood straight, his face firm, his jawline straight, and his eyes glimmered showing his determination, his resolution. Tsuna looked over him once, trying to find some weakness, some sign of fear that Tsuna would say yes.
And he saw none.
That was exactly the reason why Tsuna could not accept the job. "No, Kusakabe-kun."
The older boy froze, his eyes wide in shock, his mouth open. "W-what do you mean? You understand Hibari-"
"And you were willing to step down." Tsuna said quietly, still smiling. "You were willing to sacrifice yourself to better the lives of everyone around you. That is something I can never do." Tsuna chuckled. "I am a very selfish person, I like my privacy." Tsuna reached over and patted Kusakabe on the shoulder. "you fit better as Hibari's Right hand man. I..." Tsuna paused, looking away and heading back down the stairs. "I like to be wherever I want to be."
Kusakabe stared at the back of one of his oldest friends. After a long moment, he shook his head, smiling, he should have expected that.
Ryohei paced nervously in front of the gym. This was the fifth time this week he had asked Kusakabe to get Tsunayoshi. The long haired, disciplinarian had finally gone to get him. Ryohei couldn't help but feel excited, electrified at the chance to get to fight Tsuna again. He had first fought beside him during a bullying incident, Kyoko and Hana had been harassed and Tsuna had jumped in. He was always grateful for that, but he could not help himself. He challenged him to a match two days later.
He was taken down easily.
"Yo Ryohei-san" An amused called from behind. Ryohei whipped around smiled.
"Hello, Tsunayoshi-san. Let us spar to the extreme" Ryohei gave a cheerful yell. Excitement bubbled in his stomach as he raised his hands.
Tsuna chuckled, looking around. Ryohei knew he was looking for witnesses, the younger boy liked his privacy. But, Ryoehi made sure to wait at the remote part of school. Tsuna nodded and rolled his shoulders. The Guardian spread his legs and raised his arms slowly, taking a fighting position. The boxer moved forward carefully, Ryohei jabbed at Tsuna.
The brown haired student was expecting it and stepped backwards, using his hand to parry Ryohie's hand. Ryohei allowed his punch to be pushed aside, instead followed it up with a right cross. Tsuna ducked under the punch, and swiftly uppercutted.
Taking a half step back, Ryohei dodged. And then charged forward and let a fast combo. A left Jab, a dodge. A right hook. A block. Left body shot. A parry.
Ryohei couldn't keep the smile off his face, as he continued to pummel. It was trying to hit the air. Ryohei let loose another hook, but swung too wide. His opponent ducked under the swipe, and swiftly moved out his arm.
Ryohei, who was off balance, froze as he felt a first at lower half of his chest, right as his solar plex.
"hahaha. You win again Tsuna" Ryohei cried out, cheerful at the quick, but extremely fun fight.
Tsuna nodded, pulling his hand back. "Well, till we meet again Ryohei-san" Tsuna turned and walked away, Ryohei's eyes followed him carefully. There was something off about the fight. Ryohei had wanted to try his new combo out, see how far he got. And, he did. No. He was allowed to. The look on Tsuna's face, it was patient, calculated, with just a hint of amusement.
"He was playing with me the whole entire time" Ryohei muttered. The white haired student gripped his fists, he had to get stronger, to the extreme.
The school bell rang, and the students streamed out of their respective classes. Many gave berth to the brown haired student, some nodded at him, some smiled, but they all gave him distance. Tsuna ignored the distance, as he had gotten used to it after so long. Moving out of the school quietly, Tsuna sighed as he passed the spot where he had fought Ryohei.
'He was able to react in time with a counter..' Tsuna thought back to the fight, still walking out the gates. When he had placed his hand on Ryohei's solarplex, the white haired boy had unconsciously struck at his ribs. Tsuna had blocked it but he could still feel a bruise forming. 'I need to be able to move faster against him. Or use that. Next time we fight I need to take him more seriously.'
Tsuna sighed as he waited in line for the mail room. Today was a monday, which meant a new shipment of mail would be coming in. He usually looked forward for today, because his pen pal would be writing to him.
It was one of the ways he had tried to overcome his boredom, other than fighting Hibari that was. It was nice and involved a lot less pain. He had traded a couple partners over the years. His most recent one was a girl, though they only used their 'pen names'. He called himself 'Orange' and she called herself 'Purple'. Apparently, her situation at home was as shitty as his, maybe worse. He was working on coaxing her out of that though. If he could get her personal information, one tip off to Hana and the situation could be dealt with.
But for now, he was enjoying trading letters with the girl.
"Ah, here you are" the mailman said as he finally found the stack of letters. He put the letters on the counter, with a clipboard to sign. Tsuna quickly signed and grabbed the letters, thanking the man.
Letters. Tsuna sighed as he quickly found Purple's letter and put it in his pocket. He turned to the other letters and saw the senders. '-awada'
Tsuna almost ripped up the letter right there and then. But, he knew better. Tsuna shook his head and opened it quickly. Reaching in, he took out a small stack of cash, a letter, and a check. Putting the cash in his wallet, and saving the check for later, he ripped up the letter and threw it in the trash. Whatever that man wanted to say to him, it belonged in the dirt.
A sharp pain in the back of his head.
Tsuna turned around quickly. His eyes roamed around, looking at every nook and cranny. That feeling in his head was telling him that there was someone there. He couldn't see anyone, but someone was there. 'They're good at hiding' Tsuna thought. 'I'll give them that.'
He turned around and continued down the street. If they wanted to show themselves, they would.
Ichi did not consider herself a bad girl in any situation. In fact, the only reason why she was in this situation was because she had stayed longer at work to help out the next shift. What did she do to deserve this? The blonde haired girl, moved back carefully, away from the smelly odor. She was walking back home when these four older men stopped her and asked her to pay the toll. She had heard the rumors and waved them off as stupid.
"Come on now, you gotta pay the toll..." one of the men lecher "Unless, you want to pay-"
"Excuse me" A voice interjected in. It was calm, collected and pierced through the tense situation like a bullet. The 4 men and one girl turned to the source of the voice. A young boy, about Ichi's age, was standing there in a hoodie, hand shoved in his pockets. The hoodie was quite large for the boy, making the hood cover the boy's face in shadow.
"What are you doing?"
The men looked at each other, debating. "None of your concern, scram kid."
The boy did the exact opposite, stepping forward, he stood between Ichi and the men. "I think you should scram, instead."
The man who had been threatening Ichi, laughed loudly. " Well then, I guess we can have some entertainment after all."
Without warning, the man swung the hooded boy, Ichi let out a shriek.
The boy ducked under the man's swing easily. He took his hands out of his pockets and Ichi saw a metal tube extend out. The boy quickly smashed the baton into the man's jaw and Ichi jumped at the loud crack that rang out.
"And, here I thought" The boy said, "This could end peacefully.
The man fell down, unconscious from the sudden pain. Tsuna twirled his wrist, flourishing his baton. It was a police grade baton used for beating down criminals, it was stripped of all markings of course. A birthday gift, from Hana.
One of the men pointed at him in shock. "I know you. You're that Guardian kid, whose part of Nanimori High. That Hibari kid."
Tsuna snorted in laughter. "No, Kyoya-kun uses Tonfas. I use this-" Tsuna charged forward. He struck swiftly, aiming for the knock out points. Most people don't fight. Hell, normal people didn't fight. But, people like him, like Hibari, like Ryohei fought all the time. They saw things that people didn't the weak points in people's stances, the easy points of attack.
Fighting against these guys was child's play.
Ichi watched in awe. This was Tsunayoshi Yamato. She had heard the rumors and heeded them. He was the kid who worked in Hibari's, the demon disciplinarian, shadow. Hibari got a lot of credit for taking out budding Yakuza's or criminals. He had even been used by the police a couple times. But, there was a big rumor that someone else, who worked with Hibari, took care of all the small things. He had one of those tragic back stories like all heroes have, but unlike them, he never really got the attention for the people he helped.
Ichi watched as Tsuna took care of his last opponent and sifted through the pockets. Taking out their wallets, and putting it into his pocket, he turned to her.
"T-thank you, Tsuna-san" Ichi spoke quietly, bowing to show her respect.
"No problem. I would suggest you leave, the police will most likely be here soon. I called them ahead of time."
Ichi nodded and started to run away. Tsuna watched her before scanning his surroundings. He had felt weird during that fight. It was the same feeling when he had left the post office. Someone had been watching him, someone dangerous.
'It can't be him... Hibari would have warned me. No, it has to be someone else.' Tsuna shrugged off the feeling and made his way home.
As Tsuna walked home, he still felt the niggling feeling. It irked him that he had yet to sense where it was coming from. Taking out the keys from his pocket, he inserted it into the front gate of the apartment complex. Walking up the stairs slowly, Tsuna walked near the walls, away from the windows and always putting something in between him and any open source. It was a habit he learned out of necessity rather than paranoia.
He reached the door and placed his hand onto the pad of the door. The pad glowed green once and a small click let Tsuna know the door was open. Tsuna opened the door and walked in carefully, not making sudden movements.
'It doesn't feel malicious. Hell, it feels small, but that force...' the feeling he had was quite strange. Usually, he would feel the person as if the person was a light. It would shine against him and he would take in the intensity. The higher the intensity the stronger the person. Usually the person would let out echoes, or something similar, except these echoes told what they were going to do. Tsuna had long ago stopped questioning his sanity because this ability had saved his life too many times, if only he had it earlier.
Tsuna walked inside and placed his bag down. He turned to the picture, which was part of a small shrine. He looked at the flowers on the side, sunflowers her favorite. Tsuna touched the picture gently, smiling.
"Kaa-san, I took care of some bullies this time." Tsuna touched the photo. "I didn't hurt them, just gave them a little lesson." Tsuna paused. She would say that he should be focusing on his studies, not hurting himself. "Yea. I know. I'm still studying hard. I'm taking care of myself."
Tsuna's arm felt suddenly tired as he dropped it to his sighed. Picking up his back up, Tsuna moved to put everything away.
After storing his things away, Tsuna went to cook himself some food. Taking out the rice cooker, knives and food, Tsuna worked quietly.
After preparing the food, Tsuna moved to set up his dinner table. He paused as he was about to place the plate down, thinking better of it, Tsuna set down two plates.
The brown haired student walked to the door and opened it quietly. Looking down, he saw a baby in a black suit, with a green gecko on top of the baby's fedora.
The baby looked up at him and Tsuna shivered. He saw the eyes of someone dangerous. "Interesting, you felt me this whole entire time."
Tsuna nodded silently, moving towards the side to allow the baby in. He knew that he couldn't stop the baby even if he tried, and Tsuna highly doubted that this was an actual baby.
The baby walked in quietly, pausing for a moment to look at his mother's photo. The baby made no comment before moving towards the dinner table. Tsuna slid back a chair for the baby, before taking his own seat.
"Thank you for the food" The baby said quietly. The tone was solemn though the high squeaky nature of the voice made it quite amusing.
Tsuna made no comment and sat down, putting some food on the plate. As he did so, he silently reached for the knife strapped to the bottom side of the table.
"Who are you?" Tsuna asked quietly, using his right hand to eat the rice, vegetables and fish.
The baby looked at him, as if expecting him to know the answer.
Tsuna temper flared, but fought it down quickly. He knew who this baby was from. He wanted answers, but it would do no good to start shouting.
Tsuna asked once more. "Who are you?"
The baby smiled. "Who are you, then?"
"I asked you first." Tsuna countered. He would not play these games. If the baby wanted to bait him, he would have to do better than that.
"Exactly," The baby smiled. "You know that I am stronger than you."
"That does not excuse disrespect in someone else's house."
"Is this yours?" There was a mocking tone. "I thought it was paid for by your-"
Tsuna stood up and slammed the table with his hands. The plates and bowls shook under the force ,but the baby seemed undisturbed as he continued eating.
Tsuna glared at he baby. How dare he! How dare he even mention, even hint at him. Tsuna's blood was on fire, his muscles clenched. He wanted to crush something his hands, feel it break into small pieces. It was unthinkable. Anyone who even knew his situation, who was from that world would know-
Tsuna eyes widened as he realized the baby was simply testing him. Tsuna gritted his teeth and sat down slowly. He pushed back the fire in his chest, trying to contain it in his gut. "Please do not speak of that in my presence. I get agitated." Tsuna bit out.
The baby nodded. "You are better than I expected."
Tsuna drank water quickly, in hopes of cooling the pit of fire in his stomach. The baby, paid no heed to Tsuna's earnest attempts to cool himself off.
"I knew better than to trust the reports of an idiot. He knows nothing of what you can do, what you are." The baby's tone held some amusement, as if sharing some inside secret.
Tsuna rolled his eyes before crossing his arms and leaning back. "If he knew, anything. I wouldn't be in this situation. Now please, introduce yourself."
The baby gave out a small chuckle. "I am Reborn. Who are you?"
Tsuna paused. "I am Tsuna, Tsuna Yamato."
The baby stiffened as if wondering how to respond to that. Tsuna felt as if the baby wanted to interject as to give some comfort, but he ignored that. "Why were you sent here?" He asked
"I was sent to teach you to become the next mafia boss of Vongola." The answer.
Tsuna froze. Reborn looked at him, analyzing him for all he was worth. His eyes told a new story. There was pity, excitement, reassurance and so many other things. But what kept Tsuna's attention was Vongola.
"I told him that-" Tsuna growled, his hands clenching his utensils.
"Then you need to grow up." Reborn said, silently stacking up his finished plates. "there are more to these things than wants."
"Growing up is not the problem." Tsuna stood, grabbing the plates and moving to the kitchen quickly . "And what I want should have some impact in my life."
"Yes, it is, and yes it will." Reborn said from the kitchen entrance, staring at Tsuna's back. The baby saw the back of the brown haired boy stiffen.
Reborn continued. "Do you want to stay like this? Satisfied with just wallowing away in anger, pity?" Reborn paused, a silence filled the room. The air had been sucked out of the room, leaving it stale and dry. "Do you want to drown in depression?" A whisper.
"It's worked out ok so far." Tsuna laughed mirthlessly. He put down the plates and stared at the newcomer. "I've don't have much else."
Reborn looked up and smiled. "Then you won't mind me giving you seomthing?"
Tsuna stared blankly. "And how would you do that?"
"Like this." Reborn took out a gun and fired.
Tsuna felt something enter his forehead and felt his heart stop. He was falling, he was dieing. No. He as not dieing. He had felt this before. He was simply-
Reborn watched as the body fell to the ground and waited. This boy had so much potential, but so much baggage. He would have to start breaking this young boss out of his comfort zone, into the world he did not want to face. Maybe the boy was not ready yet, maybe he needed more time, but it didn't matter, Reborn was here to speed up the process.
But one thing was for sure, he would need to have a long talk back in Italy. There were things here, things not right. If the boy's lifestyle was any indication, they had done a poor job at helping the boy.
The body hit the floor with the thud and Reborn paused, he did not feel the flame activate. What was going on? Reborn almost jumped out of his seat to check on the kid, but was stopped by a response.
"Is this what you were talking about?"
Reborn's blood froze. He watched in awe as Tsuna sat up, dying will flame alight on his forehead and his eyes glowing orange.
"You.. can already control this form." Reborn whispered out as he looked at the boy in front of him. "This was unheard of."
Tsuna blinked, "This." He looked at his hand. A small flame flickered on it. Tsuna played with it slightly, flicking it on and off. " I've been using this ability for the past 10 years. Ever since" His voice was chocked, cracked, silent.
Reborn lowered his head. "Ever since Nana Sawada passed away."
Tsuna stood up and brushed himself off. "You mean ever since my mother was murdered... by her husband."
Reborn was silent. Nothing he could say could remedy that situation. But, there was something he could do. "I can teach you, control, to get over your grief. The bullet would not have activated if you didn't have regrets."
Tsuna nodded slowly, this form allowed him to see things clearly, see things he did not want to see. Made him see the logic behind his words. Made him see his fading life. If he stayed like this, he would indeed drown and die.
"Yea. I've got plenty of regrets." Tsuna stared into Reborn's eyes. "I don't want to be a mafia boss, I don't want to be anywhere near him."
Tsuna keeled and looked at Reborn straight in the eye. "My gut, my feeling, whatever this ability is, tells me to trust you. I'm going to follow it."
Tsuna held out a hand, the dying will flame fizzling out as he did so.
Reborn took and shook it.
"My name is Tsuna Yamato, second year at Nanimori Highschool. I work there as a guardian to the students." The brown haired student, future mafia boss spoke.
Reborn smiled as Leon moved down his hand and onto Tsuna. "My name is Reborn, I am your Home tutor."
And that's the rewrite. I hope you like it.