Tekka- literally meaning 'iron flower'. Guess where I got the inspiration from?

The Blue Beauty

Chrome was clearly losing against Mammon when she lost her wits...

...but suddenly, she was wrapped into a silk cocoon...

'Chrome!' the Vongola Decimo Candidate, Sawada Tsunayoshi cried worriedly, but the cocoon split open and from the crack, a white misty light came out, showing a very pretty and frail-looking light-blue-haired girl whose soft, light hair fanned out from the winds before settling down to show that her hair went past her hips. She has milky-pale skin, and clear blue eyes. She was wearing a seifuku dress with a knee-length skirt in accordion pleats, black stocks and heeled loafers.

If Chrome held a copy of Mukuro's Trident, she held...a doll of Mukuro in her arms.

'Who are you?' Mammon demanded. 'You're not that girl.'

'I am the mind, she is the heart.' said the girl. 'I will...show you why.'

Her illusions are more monstrous and terrifying.

Because if Chrome focused on things she could imagine at the moment and she lost when she can't think anymore...

And since Mammon was fond of ice and tentacles...she used explosions and...sperm whales to eat the tentacles!

'...I don't get why she uses whales to eat them.' Tsuna sweatdropped.

'Sperm whales eat cuttlefish. Particularly the Atlantic's Giant Squids.' Reborn quipped, kicking him in the head. 'More biology for you!'

'Hgak!'

Then from the girl's shadows...out came shadow piranhas with glowing red eyes that swarmed to eat Mammon, causing him to panic.

She even summoned more terrifying monsters and she herself, became a monster that ate everything just to eat him.

'...I don't know who's scarier...her, or Mukuro.' Tsuna croaked out as Mammon screamed and by the time it was over, Mammon showed a lot of bruising and some puncture wounds.

'...I'm normally not this bad of a person and normally I wouldn't pick on a child...' she said as she took the half-Mist Ring, combining it with Chrome's. 'But you're a baby in an adult body so I was told I shouldn't feel so bad. Besides, you're mafia anyway and you put up with worse than this.'

'...the Mist Ring now belongs to Chrome Dokuro. Therefore the winner of the Battle of the Mist, is Chrome Dokuro.' the Cervello declared.

'Wow...great job, Kuroko-san!' Ken called out cheerfully as Kuroko smiled. 'You handled that Mammon well!'

'Who...are you?' Reborn asked her. 'I honestly expected Mukuro to show up because he is the true Mist Guardian.'

'Eh?' Tsuna, Gokudera, Yamamoto and Ryohei looked at him before looking at Kuroko, a girl older than any of them.

'Oh, you see, both Chrome and I are his students and also his vessels so he could come here.' Kuroko explained. 'Kuroko Tekka, nice to meet you.' she said, showing the kanji of her name. 'You'll have to ask Chrome since...I'm out of gas.' she said sheepishly as her form was fading. 'Lost distance is kind of hard, my first time doing it...Ken, Chikusa, be kinder to Chrome.' she told the boys kindly. 'She would only get the confidence she needs with good support and encouragement. Had she had good support, she wouldn't have needed me or Mukuro to win this fight.' she said softly to the boys. 'She is more powerful than me, second only to him.'

'...understood.' said Chikusa as he and Ken looked awkward.

'Second only to Mukuro in strength...huh?' Reborn mused as Kuroko fully faded away, returning to Chrome who looked shaky.

For someone more powerful than Kuroko, she looked like a bunny cornered by prey.

In Tokyo...

Kuroko who's actually in her room at home in pajamas, is utterly exhausted.

'Good job, Tekka.' Mukuro praised in his ghostly form. 'I wasn't even needed.'

'Well, you did say I need my first hands-on.' said Kuroko sheepishly. 'But really, Nagi-chan can use more love, Mukuro-kun.' she said. 'Two of us know how strong she really is. But she has a really horrible opinion of herself and only a shred of esteem and that was because we were there.'

'Indeed...such talent should not disappear.' said Mukuro. 'Its rare to find truly powerful illusionists in this world capable of real illusions.' he chuckled. 'Well, our limit is only our imagination. We can create anything we wish as long as we know of it.'

'Yes...you trained us hard but Nagi's world was sheltered. That's what caused her to panic.' said Kuroko. 'She was sheltered growing up. Knowing only schoolwork and then made to stay home for hours as those human wastes who call themselves her parents didn't allow her to truly grow up, caring more for their reputation and careers than allowing her to experience. Well, nobody knows her star of a mother had a kid after all and they look alike.'

'Hmph. And that is why I instructed her to live with the boys, so she can grow.' said Mukuro. 'So she can think of what she truly wants for a change.'

'For now what she wants is your acknowledgment and approval.' said Kuroko. 'You were the first to give her your hand and hold her when nobody ever did. Its why she wants you more than anything. If you were to leave her, she would despair.' she said sadly. 'You are her world alone. She is still nervous of Ken and Chikusa.'

'Is that so...oops, they're back, gotta go.' and he was quickly gone.

'...must be hard in prison but you're dumb enough to get caught.' Kuroko sighed as she went to sleep.

Kuroko Tekka was another illusionist discovered by Rokudo Mukuro, a notorious criminal of the Mafia Community.

They met around the time Kuroko was depressed because of Aomine showing up when Kagami was injured, and provoked him into playing despite his injury and it got the coach mad...

But she knew why Aomine did it.

He didn't take kindly that she chose Kagami to be his replacement when she never saw Kagami as his replacement because she was very fond of him.

Kagami represented hope to her. Hope that her friends will come back to her because he's a pure-hearted man who loves Basketball and challenges, which was why he was perfectly OK with guys stronger than him because it 'spices up life'.

He was hope.

That, and she was attracted to him for who knows why.

Next day at school...

'So uhm...its like this...' said Chrome as she came during lunch time, disguised as a student of the school by wearing the uniform. 'Kuroko-neesan was the first to meet Mukuro-sama around this spring. It was a week into his imprisonment in Vendicare.'

'A week after we caught him?' Tsuna blurted out.

'Hai...at the time...Kuroko-neesan was extremely depressed. And it was so bad it reached him all the way there.' said Chrome sadly.

'I researched this morning.' said Reborn. 'She is famous in the Junior High School Basketball Circuit as one of the manager's of the top school's team, Teiko Junior High. But a month into the third year, she quit the club. Why is that?'

'Her friends blossomed into their talents as basketball geniuses. However, all of them lost their passion and drive. Add the fact that the school never stopped pressuring and reminding them of their school's motto, 100 Battles, 100 Victories and victory came too naturally for them and nobody willing to fight them anymore...they broke and became bitter that they don't have anything for basketball anymore. They changed as a result when in the past, they used to be kinder and much happier. But now they became cold and cynical. Try as she would, they refuse to budge, causing her depression.' Chrome explained. 'Mukuro-sama met her because her gloominess was making his mood worse.'

'Making his mood worse?!' Gokudera sputtered indignantly. To him, the guy just had no heart.

'Hai...but since her depression was justified and she was a civilian...the fact that her spirit could reach all the way to Italy means she was powerful.' said Chrome. 'They got to know each other and Mukuro-sama trained her. She is his first student and host as a result. However, because she was too well-known, she cannot 'just disappear'...but she can do things we can't do.' said Chrome. 'I'm the second host. Since I can easily disappear, I can move with Ken and Chikusa anywhere.'

'But what about your family?' Ryohei asked her but...Chrome wore a sad smile.

'They never cared about me existing before...they wouldn't care about me disappearing at all.' she said in resignation as several eyes popped at her words out of dismayed disbelief while Reborn took this very seriously. 'They cared more for their careers and reputation than going home and be a good family. They were almost never home, only coming to drop money. The salaries of the Housekeepers, and for my schooling but that's it, not once did they look at me. Even if I die had Kuroko-neesan not saved me from a car accident...they wouldn't care. I'm just one less financial burden.'

'That's...!' Tsuna cried in horror. 'Surely you could have said something to them! This is just messed-up!'

'Some things are just beyond help...this is one of them.' said Chrome sadly. 'Kuroko-neesan said they should never have become parents. I was living with her since she saved me and that was how I too, met Mukuro-sama. They took me in...until I got orders to stay in Kokuyo Land with Ken and Chikusa. Kuroko-neesan personally punished them herself even though I said 'don't'.'

'How did she do it?' Tsuna asked her nervously.

'She put an illusion on my parents.' said Chrome. 'That would make them very 'unlikeable'. I don't know what she meant by that.'

'That can mean many things.' Reborn told the girl. 'Its a direct attack to their careers. Nobody would like them. Their colleagues, bosses, and sponsors. Slowly but surely, they will lose what they cared for until they lose their jobs. When I investigated her, I kind of noticed that your name is under her family registry. You're adopted into the Kuroko Family and there's documentation that somehow, your parents signed you away after putting a hefty insurance fee on you, complete with a name change so its more appropriate to call you 'Kuroko Chrome' now.' his revelation caused the teenagers to gape and Chrome was more shocked than the boys.

'A-ahhh?!' she yelped in shock.

'You have 500 million yen insurance on you, and a 500 million yen in your own bank account. In short, as Kuroko caused your parents' slow downfall, you on the other hand, is well-taken care of. You don't have to worry about money until you graduate college, if you spent that money wisely.'

'O-oh...' Chrome choked out, shaking. 'But her parents don't know this...they work abroad...she said they left home when she proved capable of being independent!' she stammered out.

'Well, she'll most likely fill in the holes if her parents come back to visit.' Reborn quipped. 'So that's dealt with. At any rate, you're well-secure, Chrome. That means you and those boys, should rent an apartment, not live in that broken-down hovel of an amusement park.'

'But still, its disgraceful for a man to freeload on a woman, Reborn-san.' Gokudera protested. 'Chrome should rely on Juudaime! She doesn't have to look after those two!'

'But her affiliation is Mukuro and she is his subordinate.' said Reborn. 'Mukuro is our Mist Guardian but since he is not here, she is his representative and direct hotline. And sadly, she's the only one with money right now. Mukuro's very wealthy through his exploits, but upon his capture, his finances are frozen as well. So Chrome, before this battle ends, you're learning Financial Management and Cost of Living Lessons so you don't end up bankrupting yourself. 500 million yen is just 5 million dollars in America in equivalent. A small fortune, but enough to make you finish school while living a simple, but comfortable life. This is so you won't overspend unnecessarily.'

'H-hai...'

Tokyo...

Seirin High School. October 15 XXXX.

Its a very new school that opened up recently.

For the Sophomores, they've been here for two years. They were here since it opened so its facilities are so brand new. Its the 'youngest school' in Tokyo, currently.

This was the school Kuroko Tekka is currently attending, and being a manager for, as well as helping the Coach, Aida Riko with training techniques in a bid for them to stand up to the Generation of Miracles who all joined National-Level Schools(in terms of sports reputations).

So now, the two girls are in a meeting in Maji Burger, just two of them.

'So Kuro-chan, we've done a lot so far.' said Riko as they had some snacks. 'How are we, compared to the remaining miracles before the Winter Cup begins?'

'So far, we've powered up by combining your knowledge and my knowledge on training and improved it with your father's help to make a much better training menu.' said Kuroko. 'So far, the senpais improved, the freshmen gained some skill...and Kagami...he's a big problem.'

'Kagami of all people?!' Riko yelped. 'Whyyy?! He's our strongest guy in the field right now! Why is he the problem?!'

'When I did a little check as well as asking him about his past...and comparing past to present, the Kiseki no Sedai and Kagami started playing Basketball at young ages. However, only Kagami and his 'big brother' in Yosen received training from a retired WNBA Player, a pro.' Kuroko told her. 'Its why Kagami has high stats when you ordered his shirt removed, and his muscles more developed than the senpais. However, come junior high, he ended up in a school with a lousy reputation and attitude for sports. Yes, they have a basketball club, but you can easily guess what sort of club it was. Even a grade schooler can do better.'

'Frustrated, Kagami kept up his physical training by his old mentor as he knows he can never meet the strong guys through his school. Good attitude, but as a result, he has no idea what's it like to face strong guys in court and lost his battle experience. In fact, when he met Kise-kun for the first time...he lost as we know. It was his first time meeting a strong guy after three years. The challenge is to awaken his potential, drive and passion. We accomplished it so far, but he rusted and it shows. Japanese NBA Training and American NBA Training are so different. Different as summer and winter.'

'Hence, our non-stop brainstorming...and you know Kagami best.' said Riko. 'When will he awaken as our tiger?'

'I hope soon because its only three weeks and one day starting tomorrow before the Winter Cup.' said Kuroko. 'We did all we could. Well, starting Winter Cup, our boys will do the fighting. Our fight is making them strong and improve in skill.'

'We're fighting other coaches if our boys are fighting their boys.' said Riko grimly.

'Hai.' said Kuroko just as grimly. 'Well, we're girls who became coaches and our methods are from other coaches...until we both have our own style of coaching to be able to call ourselves coaches.'

'Aa. Well, three days before the Winter Cup, we give em' a break.' Riko decided. 'Can't go out there sore after all.' she said, taking a sip from her coke. 'By the way Kuro-chan...you're always carrying that weird plushy with you.' she said, looking at Kuroko's weird doll. 'You've had it since the first semester.'

'Ah, well...ever since Aomine-kun came that day to provoke Kagami-kun...I got this doll.' said Kuroko, holding the doll in her arms. 'Well...I get calm holding him.'

'Ah, a security blanket neh.' Riko sighed good-naturedly. 'I bet Kise was jealous. He'd kill to be that doll right now since he seems to really want to be close to you. I mean, come on! First day in school and he asks we 'hand you over' to Kaijo High for crying out loud.'

'Well, he has yet to grow up.' Kuroko snorted. 'Not everything goes the way we want them to. We have that god-given free will after all.'

'Heh, for all his good looks, he's still a brat.' Riko snorted. 'Matured, sophisticated guys who are boyfriend material for our age are rare species in itself.'

'Nya? You mean you and Hyuuga-senpai aren't going out?' Kuroko pointed out causing Riko to choke.

'Y-y-y-y-you got it all wrong Kuro-chan, he and I are not going out at all!' Riko wailed in utter embarrassment.

'Datte, they say that if a boy and a girl are truly comfortable around each other with absolute trust and bonds, its OK to become boyfriend-girlfriend, especially is boy in question is sensible, responsible, and someone to count on and would always be there.'

'Wow, you know what you want and you're only 16.' Riko moaned, all doom and gloom. 'What's with fast-growing kohais these days?!'

'Well, living alone for over three years would make you want that for a boyfriend material.' Kuroko sighed.

'So its Kagami?'

'Nope, not him...for now. Everyone has yet to grow up after all...but Kagami is very reliable in person off court.' said Kuroko. 'Basketball idiot by club, a shockingly reliable and insightful person outside club. I just wish his school grades reflect that too.'

Riko banged her head on the table.

'We nearly lost him for an important interhigh match because of that!' Riko whimpered. 'How are his grades now?!'

'Well, around 60-69-ish by the time its the Finals Exams. Not bad. But I'm spending more time in his house tutoring him than being in my own house lately...good thing he's a good guy or I'd have asked for a chaperone by now...'

Riko's jaws dropped.

'Y-you mean since the tutoring for the Review Test months back?'

'Hai. I was wondering if same rules for the Winter Cup, so...I tutored him all these months as a failsafe although I couldn't do that this summer.'

'Kuro-chan so reliable...' Riko comically cried waterfall tears. 'And its the Prelim Exams soon too! Please raise those grades higher to be safe! At least mid-70's so that way we're all safe! Academically-wise, he's the dobe while the rest of us have high grades!'

From the Mukuro doll...Mukuro was watching.

And so...

'That seems interesting.' Mukuro talked to Kuroko on the way home. 'You've taken notice on a guy.'

'Yes...for me, Kagami-kun is hope that everything will be alright.' said Kuroko.

'Heee...by the way, what happened months back that you're busy raising his grades?'

'Well...' Kuroko giggled in amusement as she showed him by illusion what transpired on that day(see KnB: Idiots Can't Win).

'Heee...but Vongola Decimo is just as bad as he is and no amount of tutoring ever raised his grades at all.' Mukuro snorted.

'Well, everyone has their own methods of tutoring. If it doesn't sink in, the problem lies in the teacher's ability. I'll go pay Decimo a mental visit tonight, but I need your help since mind-walking is your specialty. I just mastered Possession you know.'

'Hai hai.'

And so...by nighttime after the Cloud Battle...they took the opportunity.

Tsuna was in the outskirts of town, by the mountains, exhausted from training, literally sleeping in his boxers.

'Jeez, what the hell are they feeding this kid?' Kuroko frowned upon seeing Tsuna's body. 'He's so skinny, no muscle at all! Its like he has a girl's soft body! For someone who's to be the head of the Mafia Family, this result is dismal!'

'Kuro-mama strikes again...' Mukuro teased her playfully.

'Oh hush and let's just dive.' and so they did. They watched from his childhood to present day...

'I see...so that's the problem.' Mukuro commented. 'Ever since the young lion brought his boss over, he became a no-good.'

'Awful...' Kuroko frowned. 'Can't we do something?'

'The problem is, we can't even find what he did even if you want to do something.' Mukuro pointed out. 'But we have a way of saying it.' he said in a manner that egged her on.

'Oh!'

They sent Reborn dreams of Tsuna's childhood.

That next morning, Reborn frowned while looking at his still-sleeping student.

"Masaka..."