There are only two categories of people. People you would take a bullet for and people you would put a bullet in. For Sawada Tsunayoshi, most people usually fell in the first category.
Which is a blessing, considering he's a tenth generation Mafia boss. Heir to one of the most prestigious Famiglia.
Unfortunately, such a compassionate nature came with a price. And Tsuna often found himself in the midst of trouble. Big trouble. Today, it would seem, was no different.
Today was January 2nd. It was snowing. A flurry of white powder descending from the dark heavens. It was almost ten o' clock. Night time. The temperature was almost 0 degrees Celcius.
Tsuna had been sent out by his mother to buy some milk. A new 24 hour, 7-11 store had recently opened down the street. And his mom had taken the oppurtunity to check it out. Originally, she was planning to buy the milk herself. But Reborn had politely suggested Tsuna go out instead. It was very late, after all. Fuuta even said that between nine and ten p.m. was one of the highest ranking hours when people are to be most likely mugged.
And of course, they were never going to put Maman in such a risky situation, So of course, Tsuna had to go out and buy the stupid milk himself. And apparently, the errand couldn't wait until morning either. Lambo needed that milk to sleep. Thus, he found himself bundled up. Scarf, ski cap, gloves, and that big ol' jacket. Before he was pushed out into the dark, unforgiving night.
He sneezed miserably. He just bought the milk. The carton nestled safely in its plastic bag. At the very least his task was almost over. The thought of that warm kotatsu was enough to quicken his steps. He was nearly home. Just one more block!
"Oi! Give me all your money!"
A rough voice. A voice from a weathered, twenty-something man. A voice with an obvious edge.
Tsuna didn't have to look into that godforsaken alley. He didn't have to see the dented dumpsters to know there was a man pressed up against it. He didn't have to see the robber to know that he was wielding a gun. And holding it to the vitcim's temple.
He didn't have to see it. Common sense told him not to look. He could walk away right now. Knowing he didn't see anything. Pretending he didn't hear anything.
But Tsuna looked. It wasn't any of his concern, and still he twisted his head and looked. He saw, in the shadows of that barely lit alley, the forms of two figures. One large bear-like man wearing a black, bulky jacket. The other, a wiry teenager. Around his age. With big, brown-framed glasses and two eyes filled with fear. Tremendous fear.
He heard the safety be released. An ominous click in an otherwise silent night.
And Tsuna's body moved on its own. He dropped the grocery bag. His arms and legs pumping. It was as if he was in Dying Will mode. The only thing he was aware of was his goal. To stop this man. That was all. Nothing else mattered. Nothing.
He took the robber by surprise. Wrapping his thin, bony arms around his hulking figure. He clung on for dear life. All the while trying to steal away the gun.
"Run!" He shouted at the would-be victim.
The boy didn't need anymore encouragement. He leaped from the dumpsters and took off. Shouting for help... Help... HELP!!!
Tsuna watched the boy escape. That one moment of divided attention was enough for the robber to muscle free. When Tsuna returned his gaze to the thief... The dark barrel of a gun stared right back at him.
A gunshot. It roared like thunder in that deserted alley. Echoing off the brick walls.
Bang.
Thr ground was painted red. Blood spraying everywhere. The crimson liquid coming in sharp contrast to the white, white snow.
A body fell. It landed with a thump on the frozen ground. Bathing in his own blood.