So here is the next chapter to the Final Trial! Hooray I got it finished! Anyways, sorry for the late update. I was busy all of last week and was a little sick yesteerday, plus my mom had the computer T-T. On the bright side I started re-watching Shugo Chara; I used to watch it, but I stopped in the middle I think. Now, I'm like a big fangirl for it...weird... Anyways I hope that this chapter was okay. I felt that I rushed it a bit, but hopefully that isn't the case. Please let me know what you think of it! Also I do not own Katekyo Hitman Reborn at all!

Bold and underline=flashback

Underline=writing that is on notes

Italics=thought (As usual)

Ch. 7

Tsuna groaned as he opened his eyes for the first time since the day started. Quickly moving his hand over to his forehead so that his eyes would be slightly shielded from the light, Tsuna frowned. Memories from the previous night began to overflow from the young boss's head.

"Reborn if this is about what I almost said, then I'm sorry! I…I just didn't know what else to say! I want to be able to help everyone!"

"I understand Dame-Tsuna, but that is no reason to go against my orders...This test will probably be the hardest to issue, but in the main events of things: your guardians at one point will be captured."

"I won't let them go for anything Reborn. I'll face this head on, and I'm sure we can overcome it. I don't want to see them hurt or break, and I'll do anything to protect their hearts…"

Tsuna winced at the memories wondering what was going to happen now, while turning on his side to face his window. Even though I said that and meant every word of it, how am I going to help everyone? Stop them from getting captured? Tsuna gave a quick shake of his head to try and rid himself of the thought. With Reborn behind this plan, I doubt I would be able to even lift a finger before they get caught. Maybe… Pictures of his famiglia flashed through his head as he sat up, clenching his fists. Reborn said that I have to trust them, but to be able to trust them; I have to have their trust as well. I…I have to stay with everyone and be the connecting string, that's what Reborn said. Which means, I have to be the one who they can lean on and open up to? How do I get them to open up though?

"Dame-Tsuna!" Tsuna jumped as his head flew to his door spying his hitman tutor, "Go get ready for school or you'll be late, unless you want to see Hib-"

"Hiieee! I'm going, I'm going. Jeez! Why do you always have to threaten me with Hibari?" Reborn smirked as he watched his student fly out of the room while muttering to himself. Sighing Reborn made his own way down to the dining room. Honestly, Dame-Tsuna, how do you know I wasn't about to say Hibird?

"Ara? Good morning Tsu-kun! Reborn-kun! Breakfast is ready." Both boys gave her a thankful nod whilst trying to ignore the noise coming from the three youngest that were already at the table. Reborn made his way over to Bianchi as Tsuna took a seat quickly trying to finish his breakfast. "Oh, that's right Tsu-kun!" Tsuna's head flew up to look at his mom with a piece of toast still in his mouth, "I didn't see either Yamamoto-kun or Gokudera-kun pass by and I haven't seen them outside. I hope they aren't sick."

Tsuna immediately felt his face fall slightly at the news, but simply let out a depressed chuckle as he told his mom, "No, I don't think they are sick. Don't worry; I'm pretty sure they are okay. I'll see you guys later." With that Tsuna took off out of the house, leaving a confused trio of kids, concerned mom, and an upset Bianchi glaring at Reborn.

Tsuna sighed as he came out of his house and looked around once outside the gates; double-checking to see if his mom was right. A frown came to place itself on Tsuna's face as he saw that his two closest friends were nowhere in sight. It can't be helped. After all, I'm lucky that they came to walk with me yesterday. Still, I wish that they had come; even with the awkward silence. Slowly and with an atmosphere of depression, Tsuna made his way to school.

What Tsuna did not notice was that his two friends were indeed at his house, but had hidden themselves once they heard their boss come outside of his house. "You two shouldn't have hid yourselves from him." The boys both jumped and turned to glare at the intruder, when they saw that it was Reborn. Smirking, Reborn continued, "See how depressed you made him? You guys shouldn't have hid yourselves when he hasn't done anything wrong. Or did he do something wrong?"

"No!" Reborn looked up at the two boys in surprise at their response. He raised an eyebrow at the sudden shout that came out of both of them. It was surprising enough to see the two of them together not killing each other, let alone answering the same thing at the same time. He watched quietly as both boys bowed their heads; embarrassed by their outburst.

"R-Reborn-san, it isn't like Juudaime did anything wrong or anything. That isn't why we didn't meet him at all." Reborn frowned at the simple statement that the Vongola Decimo's supposed right-hand-man had just spoken.

"Well if Dame-Tsuna didn't do anything wrong, then why did you hide from him? You really hurt his feelings you know?" He waited patiently as both boys fidgeted with what to say.

"W-we just don't know what's going on and our feelings are all jumbled up right now, kid. We didn't mean to hurt T-Tsuna or anything like that. We just…want to know what is happening all of a sudden." Once again Reborn's eyebrow lifted in surprise as well as Gokudera's due to the fact that they had both heard the cheery rain guardian stutter twice.

Reborn shook his head and decided to set things straight or at least straight enough, "Well you can forget about trying to figure out what's going on because I'm afraid that isn't for you to know. Besides Dame-Tsuna has been laying hints down with all the attempts he's trying to pull. All you need to know is that the guardians aren't allowed to know what's going on, only their boss can know, and that today will definitely be interesting." With that Reborn vanished, leaving a pondering rain and storm guardian to hurry off towards their boss and school.

*Sigh*. Another depressed sigh escaped Tsuna's lips as he heads for his classroom. He had made it to school in time for sure, in fact he was early. The weird thing was that Yamamoto and Gokudera had yet to show up, and everyone was continuously giving him weird looks because of it. Not that he can blame anyone though, after all, the trio had always come to school together ever since they became friends. Just as Tsuna was about to go inside his classroom, he ran into Ryohei (literally). Tsuna let out a little yelp as Ryohei let out an oomph. Both boys looked at one another in surprise. Tsuna had completely frozen, while Ryohei stared at the boy he thought of as his little brother helplessly. Both wanting to get words out, but unable to comprehend what they wanted to say.

Taking a gulp, Ryohei began, "Sawada, I want to extremely say that I'm so-"*Ding!* Both boys jumped as a result of the class bell, and were now on their feet. Ryohei sent a small glare at the ceiling before looking wearily at Tsuna who was now becoming extremely nervous and fidgety.

Giving a quick wave, Tsuna quickly exclaimed before Ryohei could say anything else, "Well that's the bell to get to class, Onii-san. I better go, I'll see you later." Ryohei winced as the brunet practically dove into the classroom, leaving the bummed out boxer to walk to his own class.

Tsuna let out a small sigh as he sat down before frowning. Why on earth did I run away from Onii-san like that? Oh, he looked so depressed too! Jeez why do I have to be so dame? Now what do I do? But… Tsuna frowned as he remembered what Ryohei had said or was about to say at least. Was he going to apologize to bme? Why would he apologize to me though? I thought I was the one who was in the wrong…

Tsuna's thought were interrupted when his teacher walked in thought the door, followed by Yamamoto and Gokudera. Tsuna smiled lightly at his guardians, even though inside he was unsure whether to be relieved or nervous at the fact that his guardians had came to school. Quietly Tsuna followed his two friends with his eyes hoping that they would look over to him, but they did not. It was a little surprising to see his guardians not look at him once, especially Yamamoto considering they sit right next to each other.

As Tsuna's teacher began the lesson, Tsuna was surprised to see a note flip onto his desk. Glancing over at Yamamoto, Tsuna could see Yamamoto trying to pay attention while still giving him a nervous glance. Looking back at the paper, Tsuna carefully opened it and read: I know the kid is giving you a tough time and I'm sorry about yesterday. Do you have a plan of what we are going to do next?

Tsuna's eyebrows scrunched together before he picked up his pen and slowly wrote: I don't really know. I think I have a plan, but we have to be careful since I think we're going to be up against Reborn. My plan may not work though…I mean do you trust me?

With a quick motion Tsuna managed to land the note onto Yamamoto's desk. Relieved, Tsuna relaxed with the thought of managing to successfully pass a note to a friend for the first time. Watching his friend carefully, Tsuna watched as Yamamoto slowly read the paper, eyes widen, and then begin scribbling on the note again. Much to his surprise though, Yamamoto wrote his response in like a second.

Tsuna nearly jumped as the small, folded paper landed onto his desk once again. Making sure to carefully open it, Tsuna read: Tsuna, I trust you with my life. Tsuna flushed at the response before frowning and quietly writing down: But…what about your mother's life? Isn't she a part of your life too? Tsuna flinched at his own words that he wrote. He nervously eyed Yamamoto who seemed to not even care about the lesson anymore as he watched his boss with a light smile. Tsuna turned his attention back to the note before roughly cramming the paper in his pocket, surprising the grinning rain guardian. I'm sorry Yamamoto. I know that I may worry you by doing that, but there is no way I can simply ask you that. I can't listen to Reborn…not this time.

Pretending to take notes, Tsuna made sure not to face Yamamoto, which is why Tsuna practically fell out of his seat when another note landed on his desk. He glanced over at Yamamoto and flinched at the worried expression Yamamoto was now giving him. Once again Tsuna opened the small note on his desk and read: Tsuna what's wrong? Did I say something wrong? Tsuna bit his lip and thought about not responding, but frowned at the idea. He's already worried about me because of the other note; I can't worry him by crumpling this note too. Quickly writing a simple response of: No, you didn't. It's nothing., Tsuna flipped the note back onto Yamamoto's desk. Before the thought of focusing on the lesson even crossed his mind, Tsuna sweat-dropped as he watched Yamamoto frantically try to open the note. He watched as his friend read through the note, allowed his eyebrows to crinkle together, and hastily write another note before throwing it back onto the brunet's desk.

Momentarily letting out a sigh before carefully re-opening the note, Tsuna read: Tsuna, it's not nothing. There was obviously something that upset you. What was it? What's wrong? Let me help.

Once more Tsuna bit his lip nervously. Quietly taking his pen in his shaky hand he wrote: I…I don't know if you can help… Looking at the note he tossed it over to Yamamoto before turning his head to face outside the window. You just don't understand Yamamoto; you can't help because you don't trust me. I know you don't trust me, and because of that I don't know…I don't know anything; what I should do, what all of you should do, what we should do, or even what we can do. All of this is just turning into a confusing, jumbled mess!

*Tap* Tsuna looked back at the paper that had been thrown onto his desk. Slowly taking it into his hands, Tsuna opened it and read: Well I guess we can find out huh? Don't know until we try after all. I want to help and do what I can because we're friends. That's what friends do; help each other out when the other is in trouble! Tsuna blinked a couple of times at the paper before frowning, wondering what to write.

Quietly he scribbled down: I'm sorry. I still don't even know how that works. I mean, we are friends, but you guys are my first friends…and I'm just confused is all. I blame Reborn ha-ha. Tsuna practically chucked the paper back at Yamamoto. Frustrated, Tsuna glared at the desk. How can I tell him that he needs to be able to trust me and overcome his past so suddenly? WHY DO ANY OF THEM HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS? I just don't know what to do anymore…

*Tap* Tsuna looked at the paper again, but didn't make any sign to move as he stared at it. What could he do, since to him he was still Dame-Tsuna? I can feel Yamamoto watching me. I have to pick it up and read it right? Taking the paper, he began to read it and felt his eyes widen as he read through it: What are you talking about Tsuna? Just because we're your first friends doesn't mean you don't know what you're doing! You're one of the best friends I could have ever made and I'm sure the others would agree too! It's okay to be confused because that's what we're here for; that's why we're here! We're all right here Tsuna, let us help! You can't point to Reborn every time you're in a jam now; not while you have us. Tsuna gulped as he stared at the words before him, not sure what to say. He couldn't even glance at Yamamoto, not with his eyes glued to the paper.

Taking his pen again he slowly wrote: So then can I trust you? Can I trust that you'll stay here right beside me…? That all of you will always be my friends? Tsuna nervously threw the note back onto Yamamoto's desk, surprised by his own words. He glanced at Yamamoto who was reading the note with wide eyes. It's an answer I need to know. I've been asking myself the question ever since Reborn said that they could…disappear.

*Creak* Tsuna jumped as he heard a chair skid on the floor. He looked over to Yamamoto in surprise as the baseball star stared down at him. "Tsuna!" Aw, oh no we're in class right now! Yamamoto! Any other thoughts disappeared as he met his guardian's eyes; determination, faith, and loyalty flashed through the rain guardian's eyes. Tsuna's words died in his throat as he stared at his friend. He watched the swordsman quirk open his mouth to continue, *Ding* Both boys jumped and looked at the school bell in surprise.

"Yamamoto Takeshi! Sawada Tsunayoshi! Next time you pass notes I will send you to detention!" Both boys looked at their sensei in surprise before mumbling a small yes and looking at each other sheepishly. With that, the class began clearing out, but both boys seemed to refuse moving from their spots. Tsuna looked back at Yamamoto who seemed to be looking at the note again.

Tsuna saw Gokudera stand next to Yamamoto while grumbling how the baseball-idiot got his Juudaime in trouble. Before Tsuna could say anything, Yamamoto yelled once again, "Tsuna!" Both the bomber and soon-to-be-boss jumped and looked at the baseball player in surprise. Not giving them a chance to interrupt, Yamamoto continued, "No matter what happens I will always be your friend! Whether that means becoming your guardian and performing my duties or running away from the world to escape with you! I will do anything for you and always will!" As if to prove his point, he got on one knee and kissed Tsuna's hand; surprising the brunet. Looking back into Tsuna's eyes, Yamamoto stated, "Believe me, Tsuna!" Tsuna froze, whether from the shock of Yamamoto stating to never leave Tsuna in a Gokudera kind of fashion or the bewilderment of seeing Yamamoto in his serious mafia mode, Tsuna wasn't sure. He stared at Yamamoto unsure of what to say, what was he suppose to say.

Tsuna jumped again as he felt Gokudera grab his other hand and kiss it before exclaiming, "Juudaime, I do not know what is going on, but I will always remain by your side too! I too will stay whether you accept being Decimo or not! Juudaime!"

Tsuna stared at them, dumbfounded by his best friends' words. He smiled lightly at them. You two, even though this wasn't even the problem in the first place…maybe we can get through this after all. He looked at them gratefully before looking down with a blush, "You two…thank you. I got it. I b-b…I believe you. Er, so, um you two can stop being in such an awkward position?" Both boys smiled with relief as Gokudera jumped to his feet with a yes while Yamamoto rose to his feet slowly while still looking at Tsuna with concern. Tsuna glanced towards the rest of the classroom to make sure that everyone had indeed left. Seeing no one else, he looked back at his guardians and continued before they said anything else, "B-But Yamamoto, Gokudera-kun that still doesn't solve the problem." Both boys looked at their boss in surprise. Tsuna looked down at his hands which had not been removed from their hands yet and continued, "Even though you both say that you trust me…I don't think that you are completely telling the truth."

He felt both boys stiffen and Yamamoto exclaim, "What are you talking about Tsuna? Of course I trust you! I-"

"No…" he winced as the two stiffened at his words again. Looking up at their faces he quietly told them, "If you truly trust me, then why, why, why is it so hard to let me into your hearts? When I asked you about what happened in the past, you two…; I thought for sure you would leave!" With tears gathering in his eyes, Tsuna threw down their hands and stood. Both boys didn't move as Tsuna continued, "I was so sure that I had did something wrong, just by wanting to know how I can help you! I don't know. I don't know what I'm supposed to do! After all, I'm Dame-Tsuna. I want to help you…" But I don't want to hurt you either… What am I supposed to do? Tsuna sniffled as he tried to wipe his tear away with his sleeves.

However, his eyes widened as he felt warm arms wrap around him. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Tsuna! I didn't mean to scare or hurt you. I was scared too. I just don't understand what is happening…" Tsuna attempted to look up at Yamamoto while being held in his arms and failed, only to see Gokudera over Yamamoto's shoulder.

Tsuna's eyes widened again hearing both of the other boys sniffle as he realized that they, too, were crying. "J-Juudaime," Tsuna looked towards Gokudera while still in Yamamoto's arms, "for once I agree with the baseball-idiot. It isn't like you did anything wrong, but we're still new at this too. I've never been so open with anyone. Juudaime, you are the first and really only person I've ever been able to open up to! That's why; I got scared because I wasn't sure how to trust, not whether or not to trust you."

"Yamamoto…Gokudera-kun…" Tsuna looked up as Yamamoto wiped his eyes and released him. "I, I didn't mean to scare you guys. It's just that, well, there is going to be a-GAH!" Yamamoto and Gokudera looked up in surprise as they spotted a baby on top of their friend's head.

"Reborn-san!"

"Kid!"

"Yo, Yamamoto and Gokudera, what's going on?" Both of them stared at Reborn in shock as their boss landed in a pile on the ground. "Good thing I'm a mind-reader, Dame-Tsuna or that would've been bad. And here I was thinking that you might've grown a brain." Tsuna attempted to say something only to earn a kick to the head again. Smirking Reborn told the two stunned guardians, "Well Ciaossu!"

Both boys stood there, shocked. Slowly they moved to the hallways simply because it would be what they normally would do with Tsuna there; both of them still unable to speak. Suddenly they heard a, "Hiieee!" Turning to look over towards where they had heard the screech, both boys were shocked to see Tsuna attempting to get over to them only to be knocked out by Reborn again. They both sweat-dropped as they watched their poor friend be dragged away by Reborn, whom was telling them to report to their next class.

Sighing and rubbing the back of his neck, Tsuna groaned as he woke up. Man, Reborn knocked me out again. Whatever it doesn't matter! I've decided; I'm going to tell the others about the test no matter what! Looking around, he carefully got up and went out to the hall. Much to his surprise and luck he spotted Ryohei. Immediately Tsuna yelped, "Onii-san, I need to tell you something!" The boxer looked over to his boss in surprise, only to be more shocked as Reborn popped out of nowhere and knocked Tsuna to the ground. Seeing Reborn's glare, Ryohei gave Tsuna a worried glance before leaving to his next class.

Not far off, Chrome and Mukuro stared dumb-founded at the scene of their boss being knocked down to the ground by trying to tell Ryohei something. Spotting them, Tsuna tried to rush over them as only to be knocked to the ground again. Tsuna groaned as his mist guardians were chased off. Glaring at the spot that Reborn had disappeared to, Tsuna limped off towards class.

The rest of the day stayed like that, where Tsuna would attempt in telling his guardians and Reborn would come to knock him down. Hibari had even popped up during Tsuna's class and excused him in an attempt to hear what's going on. Still that attempt as well as the one before lunch and during lunch was all ruined by Reborn.

On the roof, however, something else happened. "Reborn let me go! Why are you doing this? Gah!"

Reborn sighed at his now unconscious student. He looked up at the now extremely confused and concerned guardians. Reborn told them sharply, yet calmly, "I'm sorry, but you guys aren't allowed to know what exactly is happening; even with all of Dame-Tsuna's attempts. I will tell you this, even thought you probably figured it out: another trial is coming to proving yourselves to the ninth whether or not you deserve to be the tenth generation of the Vongola. What you did not know, that I will tell you, is that this will be your last test to officially enter into the Vongola family. That is all. Well then, I'll be taking Dame-Tsuna home now. Ciaossu!" With that Reborn left the guardians in a stupefied state.

Later, back at home, Tsuna awoke in his room (again). Looking around, Tsuna froze as he spotted his crazy home-tutor and of course let out a, "Hiieee!" Smirking even though he was slightly upset with his student's disobedience, Reborn had to admit he was certainly amused with his student's actions; especially right now, where he was trying to make lame excuses for himself.

Back at school, however, everyone except for six people had left the school grounds. "Gokudera, Tsuna would be mad if he saw you smoking that cigarette, you know?"

Gokudera immediately blanched at Yamamoto and snapped back, "Shut up baseball-idiot! Don't, er, tell Juudaime about this okay? I'm just frustrated…so what's the plan now?"

None of the guardians said anything or moved, until Hibari broke the silence, surprisingly, "The Herbivore said that he had a plan as long as we trusted him right?" Yamamoto nodded his head and Hibari continued, "Then that's our plan: trust the herbivore."

"I guess so…" Everyone looked at Chrome in surprise and even Mukuro tilted his head curiously. Chrome looked towards the direction of her boss's house, "I just hope Boss will be okay." The others turned their head in the same direction; all with similar thoughts.

Not far from the guardians' location, however a cloaked figure stood with a smirk on his face. He let out a dark, quiet chuckle before saying in a malicious voice, "Soon, my precious little guardians; soon, you will be even more worried and frustrated. I'm going to enjoy this family. Kekekeke."

So um, that last word is suppose to be a weird, evil type of laugh...yeah, hopefully it isn't too bad...or annoying. Anyways I hoped everyone liked this chapter and what not, so please leave a review saying whether or not this chapter was good or not because I'm not sure if it was! I sort of felt like I was somewhat going off topic...sort of. Oh also, all of you that read well any of my stories should know that I am not a yaoi writer for anything! Sorry if that disappoints anyone but I don't write boyxboy nor girlxgirl. I will however write brotherly things, but since I don't have any siblings I don't know if I'm being too lovey dovey and what not. But that's what you guys are for...uh right? *nervous smile* Anyways please let me know how I'm doing and hopefully I don't disappoint! Till next time! Ciaossu!