His heart leaped out of his chest as he unsheathed his short sword, grasping at the hilt until his knuckles turned white. Three goblins approached him, wielding either stones or daggers. Attentive, Tsuna watched their every move.

One goblin chucked a stone at him as the other two charged forward, trying to prick him. Ducking, Tsuna dodged the airborne weapon before thrusting forward with his sword, impaling one enemy. He then quickly dropped to the floor, barely avoiding the second goblin's slash, and performed a low sweep kick.

The goblin fell to the floor. Tsuna grabbed one of the twin daggers and slit its throat, causing black blood to spurt out. The brunet grimaced while examining his shirt. It was ruined. Unbeknownst to him, the third goblin hobbled up behind him, prepared to bash his skull in with a rock.

A flaming, red projectile launched its way into the creature's head, hauling it to a nearby tree. "Be more careful." Gokudera hissed, a tad bit annoyed he has to take out most of the goblins

Still unaware of the peril he was just in, Tsuna turned around, looking perplexed. "What do you mean?" Gokudera shot him a glare while he searched the corpses. Tsuna's confusion deepened. "What are you doing?"

"Nothing, let's go."

As they pressed forward, Tsuna grew more and more thankful for Gokudera's accompaniment. Had it not been for the Vulpi, Tsuna would have been long lost and probably dead. He shuddered at the thought of never returning to the village and the slaughter of all his friends and family.

You had to give him props though, he managed to hold his own when he had no prior fighting experience with the exception of the sparring sessions he had with his father and his strange apprentice. What was his name again? Basil, was it?

The duo had arrived at their destination as Tsuna dwindled in his thoughts. Stepping foot on the premises, Tsuna felt a serene wave wash over him. It was safe here. Gokudera sauntered over to the large, wooden doors, pushing them open. Tsuna rushed in ahead of him.

A long, yellow carpet lay at their feet and extended all the way down, leading to a golden pedestal. White marble tiles decorated the floor and windows allowed the moonlight to pour in, illuminating the pedestal in a mystical light.

"I'll wait here. You go on." Gokudera said while leaning on the wall, arms crossed. Tsuna nodded, although he was a bit nervous about continuing on by himself. "Go!" The Vulpi barked when Tsuna lingered in his spot.

Rolling his eyes, Tsuna walked towards the pedestal. Where could the Pacifier be, did someone steal it? His eyes roamed the podium before his hands joined in the act. A gunshot was fired, scaring away Tsuna's hands into his scabbard. He pulled out his sword once more but it slipped from his grip and onto the floor.

He had every right to be frightened. The presence before him was nothing like he'd ever experience before. Tsuna scurried to pick up his sword before chuckling reached his ears. "What's that shabby weapon going to do?" Glancing side to side, Tsuna failed to pinpoint the source of the voice. "Look up, boy."

Tsuna did as he was told; his eyes fell on a young man with long curly sideburns who was perched on the window ledge. He wore a long, black overcoat and a fedora. "What business do you have here? A slight smirk tugged at his lips and a glint of amusement flashed in his eyes.

"I'm here to cleanse the Sun Pacifier."

"Hm. You mean this?" He opened his coat, revealing a yellow pacifier around his neck. Tsuna stared with his mouth wide open. What if this man was evil? There was no way an inexperienced fighter such as Tsuna could defeat him. "Don't worry; I'm on your side." He jumped down from the window, landing gracefully on his feet.

"You look just like Primo but you certainly don't possess his skills. We've got some work to do."

"W-who are you?" Tsuna held up his sword in a sad attempt to intimidate the stranger who had yet to gain his trust.

"I already said you could trust me, Tsunayoshi." He tried to restrain the coy smile spreading across his face but he couldn't help it. The boy's face was far too priceless.

"How do you know me?" Tsuna stumbled backwards,

"How do I know you're the 10th heir to the Royal Vongola Family and destined to save the world?"

"I don't have time for this let me cleanse the pacifier."

"You can't"

"I … can't?"

"The fact that you challenged me with that pathetic excuse of a sword is proof you're not properly equipped. Do you have the Vongola Sky Ring?"

"The what?"

"Okay that's not as important. How about the Vongola Gloves?"

"…"

"The world is doomed." The smirk dropped from his face as he turned around and glanced at the full moon through the windows. "Listen, you have to go to Namimori Castle to see the King."

"But what about my village? Won't it be overrun by monsters?"

"You have nothing to worry about. As if I'd let the pacifier become corrupt in the first place." He closed his coat, concealing the pacifier once more. "Your presence seems to have ward off any evil within the vicinity."

Skepticism engulfed Tsuna's features before his shoulders finally went slack. "But you've yet to answer my question. Who are you?"

Kissing his teeth, the man muttered, "Reborn." Within a matter of seconds Tsuna stooped to the floor, bowing in apology. He had no idea that Reborn was an actual person, Tsuna thought he was a God. There were six others just like him. The Acrobeleno, a group tasked with retaining the balance of the world. He was the reason the village performed the Sun Ritual every three years. "It's not like I wanted this job. Get up."

"So the pacifier is okay?"

"Yeah, yeah. Just head to the castle." Reborn instructed while facing him. "And while you're there you should improve your skillset."

Tsuna opened his mouth, a plethora of questions ready to be asked but Reborn would have none of it. He vanished out of thin air, leaving a baffled Tsuna behind. Tsuna awkwardly scanned the windows, hoping he'd find Reborn sitting atop but his search yielded no fruit.

The young hero turned on his heels and walked towards the entrance, telling Gokudera of what had just transpired. Reborn watched as the duo left, making himself visible.

He gritted his teeth as he peered down at the newly cleansed pacifier, a green chameleon perched on his hat. Something must have gone terribly wrong in the Gods plans.

A/N:

*So I combined the preview chapter and chapter 1 together, just thought I'd let you guys know*

mmmmm I can't wait for Namimori Castle! Lots of main characters will be introduced! This chapter is short but I decided this would be a good place to end.

What do you think Reborn is worried about? (;

Please leave a review, cheers!