Hey, Tsuna, did you know you look exactly like one of your ancestors?

"Really, Ie-nii?" the childish voice squeaked in excitement. It belonged to a little brown-haired bo with spiky hair and caramel eyes. He seemed to be five years old, and was clinging sweetly at the other male's leg. The other male was a lot more older than the child, perhaps by ten years?

Yep. I heard he has the same name as me. Cool, right?

"Un! Really cool!" the child smiled so wide it made the older male smile back. He patted the younger's head affectionately, soothingly whispering a few words,

Seriously, you're too cute.

At that, the child sulked, "I'm a boy! Don't call me cute!" he whined.

Yes, yes, whatever you say.

The child sank comfortably into his brother's thighs, almost falling asleep before a feminine voice intruded, "Ie-kun! G-kun is here!" their mother called.

Yes! Sorry, Tsu. Your brother's gotta go.

"Ehh? I don't want that, stay a bit longer!" the child cried, tears forming in his eyes. The older male seemed hesitant, but smiled gently and patted the younger's head soothingly.

Don't worry. One day I'll come back. Just wait, okay?

"I don't wanna! It's scary without Ie-nii!" the boy cried, wailing, causing the older to panic.

Ahh...don't cry, Tsu. I'm sorry...

Then he had an idea.

That's right! Ie-nii'll tell you a secret.

The child piqued in interest. He momentarily stopped crying, which made the older relieved a bit.

If you're ever scared, say this:

The older paused,

"I call upon the hide of the sky, and I beg of you to protect me."


That was the only memory Sawada Tsunayoshi had of his older brother.


"Sawada Tsunayoshi who's got fifteen marks in the exam!" a voice called.

The brunet woke up with a start. He snapped around and soon realized it was his mother who had said that. "Mom..." he sighed.

Nana laughed. "Wake up or you'll be late Tsu-kun!" she said.

That was when Tsuna realized he'd overslept. He rushed to get ready, doing , This daily outine of falling down the stairs on the way.

"Ah, that's right-Tsu-kun, I found this in the mail today, and called them immediately!" Nana showed him a yellow slip of paper enthusiastically.

"Mom, that's obviously a scam..." Tsuna stated with a sigh.

The doorbell rang. "Tsu-kun, please get the door!" Nana called.

Tsuna opened the door and in came an infant. "Huh?"

"My, are you lost?" Nana's voice asked with concern.

"I am Reborn. I will be tutoring Sawada Tsunayoshi from now on." he introduced himself with his babyish voice.

"EH?" Tsuna yelled.

"My, you sure are young!" Nana awed. "Ah! Tsu-kun you're gonna be late!" Nana reminded.

Tsuna freaked out and ran with a hurried 'I'm off', Reborn following after. Nana plainly chuckled.


Minutes after Tsuna had left, the doorbell rang once again. Nana rushed to the door and opened it, "Yes?"

"I-I'm back, Mom!" a voice said. He had slightly yellowish brown hair that was similar to Tsuna's, however he looked much older. "

Nana was stunned at the face she was seeing. She smiled. "Welcome back, Ie-kun!"

At the door was the older brother of Sawada Tsunayoshi, Sawada Ieyasu.

"Sorry, Mom. I should've called you, eh? I haven't seen you in nine years so I thought I'd surprise you..." he scrambled over words in a rush, nervous about speaking to his mother in so long.

Nana smiled, "Are you hungry? Come in!" she said.

"Ah, about that, Mom..." Ieyasu pointed behind him and Nana peeked over his shoulder, "G and Ugetsu are with me." he said, "Tsuyoshi-san isn't home and G doesn't have a place to stay at yet, so..." he trailed off.

Nana beamed, "Welcome!"