Chapter 10 Never Again
Sawada Tsunayoshi could not sleep all night. He tossed and turned for what seemed like hours before finally giving up. The awful feeling in his gut just would not go away. He sat up, his robe wrinkled by the constant movement, sighing.
He was so tired. Aching and plain exhausted, but that nagging feeling that something was very, very wrong kept him from sleep.
It was only a few hours before dawn. Tsuna dressed and headed out to the training grounds, clutching the sheath of Suiro no Sukikyo. His sword seemed to sense his frustration, his uneasiness, taking the form of an eagle that rested on the vice captain's shoulder, lighting up the path with its eternal fire.
They both relished the silence as it brought the little peace that seemed to be left.
Tsunayoshi, stand tall in times of turmoil. Walk through it with a high head and you will see the path of victory.
Tsuna meditated in the center of the large training area. He let his flames go, let them burn like the uncontrolled fire they were. Free. They were part of the air, part of the ground, in harmony.
"What if I fail them again?"
The fire shrank considerably, sizzling as if it touched water.
You had not been able to evade Death. Yet now you are Death. So do you have the resolve to keep living?
"I don't want to lose them again."
Then protect them, Tsunayoshi. We are one. We are the eternal flame that burns with resolve. We are the sky that envelops.
"But I'm scared."
Tsuna's inner world encompassed of a single building standing alone on a field. It was an old school, worn down with use yet filled with the richness of life; joys and sadness, happiness and sorrow. The name at the gates was barely visible with age: Namimori Middle School. And this was the place where he wasn't the Vongola Boss or the vice captain or anyone. He was just Tsuna. And this was a place where he would allow himself to be immersed in memories, and cry like the child he was.
The field was yellowish green, large enough to encompass a majestic bird of fire that was even larger than the school itself. He watched Tsuna on the roof, staring into the grey clouds that covered the sky.
Do not extinguish the flame, Tsunayoshi.
"I won't"
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For this time, nothing would break us apart.
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Tsuna must have fallen asleep, for when he woke up he realized it was way over dawn, which meant that he was late for the vice captain's meeting, again. But his mad scramble to the meeting place was interrupted by a high pitched horrified scream.
Momo! He knew it was his third seat at once and immediately flashed towards the sound of her voice. The foreboding feeling; it was back and stronger than ever. And as usual, his hyper intuition was spot on.
Kira, Matsumoto, Hisagi and Iba were already there, with shell-shocked looks and white faces like they had seen a ghost.
"What happe…" Tsuna began.
"AIZEN TAICHO!"
The cry of despair caused him to turn to Hinamori. And he saw that. His heart seemed to stop altogether. His eyes widened and a gasp escaped his lips.
Impaled to the wall was his captain by the man's own sword. His eyes were lifeless, glassy open orbs that would not find rest. His lips were painted with crimson along with his jaw and the tips of this curly brown hair. The shihakushou and captain's white haori was stained scarlet, open wounds littered at the man's chest, upon his heart. The heart of gold that the Aizen was known for having. Blood had poured from the broken chest and back, leaving a crimson splatter behind his lifeless body and long red trail down the wall. Tsuna felt like the world was silent except for the dripping of liquid from the bloodied sword, creating dark red spots on the ground. His captain, the gentle and kind Aizen Sousuke, ruthlessly murdered and his corpse dangling on the wall for the world to see.
Tsuna was frozen. He knew he was holding his breath. But the scene brought back many memories of bloodshed, violence and mafia war. The bodies piling up, the unseeing eyes and the blood raining down. This was a promise of fighting, the promise of death.
'Oyasumi-nasai.'
Aizen taicho was so benevolent. Tsuna had the man's guidance, felt his warmth and gentleness. He was a father figure of the fifth squad. He was the well loved Captain. Tsuna thought of him as a mentor, a good man. And now, dead. Who would kill such a good man?
Momo knelt to the ground in grief. Hinamori admired Aizen more than anyone could. The Captain too seemed to hold more affection for the young girl, treating her as if she were his precious daughter. Tsuna looked at the corpse again. Something was wrong. Something wasn't right. Who would kill such a good man? (A man so good it seemed like he was plastic)
"What's all this ruckus so early in the mornin'?" Ichimaru Gin sauntered into the area, the forever foxy grin stretching from ear to ear. "Oh no, this is a serious issue, eh?"
Mocking. Taunting. A trap. Bait. A decoy. Too much a coincidence. Those were the words that flooded Tsuna's mind just as Hinamori Momo leapt forward with a battle cry.
"IT WAS YOU?" Tears leaked from her eyes as she attempted to avenge her beloved captain. Kira Izuru stepped forward immediately to protect his captain as the Third Squad vice captain.
Ichimaru just had that smug look on his face and if his eyes ever opened, they would be glinting with malice. He turned to leave, glancing at the young Vongola. Tsuna's eyes were gleaming golden orange. Gin's smiled even wider.
"SNAP, TOBIUME!"
Tsuna's eyes widened as an explosion resonated through the area. As the black smoke cleared, he knew things had gone too far. Hinamori's eyes were filled with hatred, the want to kill the man she thought murdered Aizen. And Kira was determined to protect his captain at all cost. A large hole had been blown through the floor, splinters gashing out everywhere. Ichimaru's back was turned as if nothing happened.
"Raise your head, Wabisuke!" Kira's sword was turned at Momo, aiming to take down an enemy. Reiyatsu flared everywhere with fuelled emotions.
Tsuna flashed in front of Kira, landing a punch on his abdomen. The blond vice captain fell sideways on the wooden floor, coughing. With great speed, he knocked Momo's sword away in a single swipe at the wrist.
"Stop it…" he began, breathing hard. "Taicho wouldn't want to see you like this."
The pain was clearly seen in his voice and trembling hands.
Momo gasped at the golden eyes, cold and agonizing and nothing like the warm caramel ones of her vice captain.
"Arrest Kira and Hinamori." Hitsugaya Toushiro appeared, commanding the two to be put in detention for unauthorized use of zanpakuto. Tsuna noticed the young captain's turmoil and how he looked at Gin with a threatening gaze. "Hinamori, shouldn't the first priority be taking Captain Aizen down from there?"
Tsuna feel the icy tone, glancing over from the captain of the Tenth Squad to the captain of the Third Squad. The short captain was glaring, as if he knew something between the Aizen and Ichimaru. There was obvious suspicion, like he knew Aizen would be murdered and Gin would be responsible for his death. And the way Gin spoke, how he carried himself, and how he just so happened to be passing by the scene of the crime, obviously pointed all fingers at himself as the murderer.
So who actually killed Aizen?
Tsuna found himself staring up at the body of his captain. He couldn't shake the thought that something was utterly wrong.
"Something wrong, Tsunayoshi?"
The Tenth Vongola Boss turned to give a full blown glare at Ichimaru. His golden gaze bore into the scheming fox. But it only served to make the grin wider, more devious.
Something was up. Tsuna knew it. He hated that feeling that someone is behind the scenes manipulating everything. But whoever that was doing it was succeeding. Tsuna felt his heart clench and his brain pounding in his skull. Everything added up to a giant migraine.
Tsuna bit into his lip.
He was exhausted, aching and blow after blow of emotions combined with lack of sleep were wearing him down. Helplessness. Despair. Loss. But his Guardians were not here with him. He was alone. He never felt so isolated. He couldn't contact anyone; not Yamamoto or the Primo or his familigia. And now his friends in Seireitei were driven apart. Kaien was dead. Rukia was going to die. Renji was on the verge of death. Hinamori and Kira were in detention. Aizen taicho was dead.
Whatever that was doing this was attacking Seireitei, the Vongola, his family, his friends. He had to stop it. He had to protect them.
But I'm scared. But I don't want to fail them again. But I don't want to lose them again. But I'm scared.
"Good work, Sawada fuku-taicho," Hitsugaya said. He raised an eyebrow at the vice captain's stillness. He was shaking slightly, biting into his lip and clenching his fists till the skin was white. His face was drained of colour, emphasizing the dark circles around his eyes. Hitsugaya calculative gaze landed on those gleaming golden orange orbs. Until he saw a small flame at the center of Tsuna's forehead.
The symbol of the mafia.
Hitsugaya held back a gasp. Security had been breached. There was more than one threat in Seireitei. There was corruption in the higher powers of Soul Society. There were spies, double crossers; no one is to be trusted. And there was another to be added his list of suspects. There was a chance that Sawada Tsunayoshi was the one to murder Captain Aizen. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of muttering as Sawada Tsunayoshi began walking away with small hesitant steps.
"Tell…have to…Yamamoto…won't…let…find…cannot…Gokudera…captain…sou-taicho…"
But I'm scared. But I don't want to fail them again. But I don't want to lose them again. But I'm scared.
But I won't.
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Hibari Kyoya listened intently to the sound of the Shishi Odoshi (Japanese bamboo fountain). It attempted to banish away his loneliness; to get rid of the aching silence that clawed at his heart. Water trickled into the bamboo tube, accumulating, filling it to the brim. The bamboo tube fell forward, water gushing out resembling the gentle sound of a river. And other end fell back against the rock.
Tock
The Cloud Guardian sat in the middle of the room, cross legged. The sliding door was opened by an inch, and he stared at the small opening as if waiting for something to come in. The cup of tea was half empty, and cold.
Tock
Hibari recalled his rematch with Alaude. It wasn't quite a battle; he had to admit. Hibari just thought that it was a way to get rid of the awful feeling inside him. He loved loneliness; but it was a double edged sword and now, it was cutting deep into him. It made him feel lost; like he was trapped in a maze with no idea which direction to go. He thought that fighting; with Alaude or Dino or even the Herbivore, would set him on some right path. Hibari remembered the words of the first Cloud Guardian: You have lost your resolve. You are not worth my time.
Without a doubt, that irritated him to no end. But it could not truly ignite his dying will flame. He hated the feeling that he had nothing to protect. He wanted, no, needed to bite someone to death. Preferably Kusakabe.
Tock
"YO HIBARI!"
Or Sasagawa Ryohei.
The door slid open roughly and the Sun Guardian was in his house, again.
"You left pretty early, Hibari!" Ryhei said, sitting down randomly in the room. The door was left open, the cool night breeze drifting into the room. "So I brought food! Snacks would go well with sake!"
"I don't drink."
"What did you say?" Ryohei yelled. "Or is Hibari still the little kid who can't drink?"
Hibari's gaze was at the open door, silent.
"Man, you've changed."
Tock
It wasn't like he didn't want to change. Hibari knew change was unavoidable. When he was young, he knew he wouldn't stay in Namimori Middle School forever, getting rid of delinquents and students who dared disrupt the peace. He knew that Kusakabe or Hibird or anyone would not stay with him forever. He knew that he would not live forever. But Hibari always decided, out of his own free will, that he would always be with Namimori, whether haunting it or whatnot; just as long as his spirit would always be with the one place he loved.
He wanted to always be the free, lone, cloud of Namimori.
Yet that freedom was taken from him, stripped away like all the other things that he held precious in his life. Change was force upon him; the change that he absolutely wanted to refuse, but couldn't. Who knew Death would be so cruel?
"Hibari, just now they said Sawada might be in danger and there's some weird barrier thingy and we can't contact him." Ryohei drank the sake, eyeing on the Cloud Guardian with the usual fiery gaze. "They're digging up some tunnel passageway thing so we can sneak through the barrier and find Sawada. We're leaving in around a week."
"I refuse," Hibari said immediately, though his tone was somewhat different.
"What did you say?" Ryohei bellowed. "You're still pulling that line! You haven't matured at all!"
Hibari remained stoned face. "Didn't you hear me before? I won't fight with you."
"YOU ARE GOING EVEN IF I HAVE TO BEAT YOU UP TO THE EXTREME!"
He would never team up with anyone. Nothing would change that fact. He would still act on his free will.
Tock
Hibari's unrelenting gaze fell upon the other person in the room with silence suddenly fell upon the room. It was unlike Sun Guardian to be quiet, even for a few minutes. Was he drunk already? Ryohei was staring at his sake bottle, holding it with a grip that threatened to shatter it into pieces. His mouth was closed (for once) and in a hard, straight line. That stare could crush rocks alone. His eyebrows were knitted together, showing that he was thinking, hard. Nobody thought that the Sun Guardian would ever be so deep in thought.
Hibari wasn't going to speak, as much as the newfound silence was slowly gripping his heart tightly. He focused his gaze back at the open door, listening intently at melody of the crickets and the Shishi Odoshi in harmony.
"Hey, Hibari. Have you ever thought of looking for Kusakabe or Hibird?"
The Cloud Guardian glanced at Ryohei from the corner of his eye. The ex-captain of the boxing team looked troubled. And the quietness was unnerving. There was a click of the sake bottle put on the wooden floor.
"Thought of, yes."
"But you did not go for it?"
"It would be unnecessary."
The Sun Guardian looked slightly pissed off, but frustration overruled the thought of standing up and yelling at Hibari for being 'heartless'. He crossed his arms feeling sudden anger inside him. And jealously. He did not understand why, but it was that spur of the moment feeling that frustrated him to no end.
Maybe it's because of the fact that someone like Kusakabe would probably be looking for Hibari. He would be searching for his Disciplinary Committee President, scouring Rukongai because he used flames when he lived and could remember everything and actually had the power to do so.
Yes, everyone would remember everything from when they were alive because they used flames. He could remember everything. From his childhood days to his boxing days to his Vongola Guardian days to his married days to his death day. His friends and teammates and guardians and family and wife.
His wife that was probably anywhere in Soul Society; she could even have been turned into a hollow. His dear wife that probably wouldn't remember him at all.
Yes, Death is cruel.
And his sister. Sweet little Kyoko. She could be anywhere too. She wouldn't remember him either.
And he had little to no chance of ever seeing them again.
Ryohei took a long sip of his sake, feeling the cool liquid rush down his throat, calming him down. Hibari was staring at his cup of tea, as if willing it to be hot again. As much as this was a very troubling, worrying, annoying night, they would survive.
Tock
"I WILL FIGHT TO THE EXTREME!" Ryohei yelled suddenly to the sky (or the ceiling). "FOR THE ONES THAT WE LOVE! EVEN IF THEY LOST ALL THEIR MEMORIES! I WILL FIGHT AND PROTECT TO THE EXTREME!"
The Sun Guardian was taking in deep breaths, a look of utter determination on his face and his eyes seemed to be burning, literally.
"Do as you wish."
The Sun Guardian can never make moments of silence last. Everything was lively again, even though it highly irritated Hibari. But it made it seem like nothing changed.
"YOU BASTARD! YOU HAVENT CHANGED AT ALL! NOTHING CAN STOP ME TO THE EXTREME!"
The Vongola would survive and never be broken apart again. This family would never be apart again.
Hibari would be alright.
And he, Sasagawa Ryohei, would find his family. No matter what the odds.
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Never again.
Tsunayoshi found no trouble keeping his face emotionless; the same stoned look most nobles of Seireitei had, just his held more complication. The calculating brown eyes and pressed lips that had more conviction than ever, even though he was aching with worry and exhaustion. He gave a low bow to Captain Commander Yamamoto Genryuusai, hands clenched by his sides.
"Sawada Tsunayoshi, Captain Hitsugaya just reported that Captain Aizen's body was discovered."
Tsuna raised an eyebrow. He was addressed not as a vice-captain. He straightened his back. Had the sou-taicho suspected something amiss as well? Or did he think the mafia was involved? Whatever the reason, it was certain that sou-taicho was talking to the Vongola Decimo.
The young Boss replied, "Sou-taicho, I suspect that Captain Ichimaru had something to do with it."
Yamamoto nodded. "Do you think it was Captain Ichimaru that murdered Captain Aizen?"
"No. His appearance at the scene of the crime was too planned out. He wants people to think that he is the culprit."
The old captain just raised an eyebrow, as if asking Tsuna to continue, asking the powerful Vongola blood, the famed Hyper Intuition, for any other assumptions. The Tenth Boss could feel the pressure for answers, the frustration, combined with his own. They both knew one thing: there were traitors in their midst.
Tsuna let his mind run, bringing him back to the gruesome scene of that morning. "I feel that those present at the crime this morning may be related to whatever conspiracy Captain Aizen's murder is hiding."
"According to Captain Hitsugaya's report, Vice-captain Hinamori of the 5th Squad attacked Captain Ichimaru which was countered by Vice-captain Kira of the 3rd Squad and resulted in unauthorized release of zanpakuto."
"I fear that they may be pawns of the murderer," Tsuna said, his throat suddenly tight at the revelation.
Yamamoto considered those words carefully. "So everyone at the scene is a suspect. Most unfortunate."
"Kira fuku-taicho is absolutely loyal to the 3rd squad and Captain Ichimaru which puts him in a spot for manipulation. Hinamori fuku-taicho was very close to Aizen-taicho, so the murderer may be depending on her actions to draw attention away from himself." Tsuna felt more worry and shock and fear. Everyone, all his friends, could be puppets or backstabbers. Either or, they may be killed. And if they were really traitors, he would have to stop them.
"Are you accusing your own comrades, Tsunayoshi?" Yamamoto asked, analyzing the information he was just given. He wanted to see how the young Vongola would react. Would he insist to protect everyone? Or turn his back on friendship and face the facts? The young Vongola is a very powerful individual; he should know that not everyone can be trusted especially when things got dirty.
"I do not believe anyone at the scene killed Captain Aizen."
Was that hyper intuition talking? Or the heart (which was said to be one's greatest weakness)?
"The murder may be related to Kuchiki Rukia's execution," Tsuna said. That was a nagging thought in his head, with nothing but instinct supporting it.
Yamamoto nodded as if the claim was logical. "The execution has been moved to 7 days time."
Tsuna's eyes widened. This was definitely not protocol. This proved that something was up. There was a swirling mass of feelings rising from the pit of his stomach. Whoever who did this, he wanted Rukia's death. The bastard wanted to drag his friend into his twisted little game and kill her in the worst way possible by which her body would be turned to ash.
Yamamoto observed the Vongola's reaction carefully, seeing eyes flashing golden and fists trembling slightly. He could feel some anger directed to him. After all, he had to activate the Sokyoku and perform this complicated execution. He had to do many terrible things for justice, for protocol. He was Seireitei's Captain Commander. If he didn't follow the rules, who would? And he couldn't afford to go against Central 46's wishes. He could fight, but there was a limit to debate. Now, his hands were tied. And he had to maintain his position. That was what he swore to himself until corruption was curbed in the higher powers.
The Vongola Boss flashed a glare at the hidden evil mastermind. All because of this mess, his friends were hurting. Renji, who treasured Rukia so much. Momo, who treasured Captain Aizen so much. Already one was dead. How long more till they all were gone, one by one victims of this madness? It would be like before. One by one, they all fall down.
"Calm your heart, Sawada Tsunayoshi."
Tsuna snapped out of his disturbing thoughts. There was the glimmer of the dying will flame. "She does not deserve to die, sou-taicho! The least she should get is imprisonment but even that is uncalled for! She was just helping a friend!" Tsuna raised his voice a little, taking a step forward.
The commander did not say anything for a moment. "I understand you grievance, Tsunayoshi, but letting anger rule your actions would not save Kuchiki Rukia from her fate."
Tsuna backed down, taking a breath. "I apologise, sou-taicho. But Central 46 has been giving outrageous orders." His eyes hardened. "Even for them."
"Central 46 has refused any meeting with me about that matter."
"They may be planning something." Those old geezers…
"They do have the power to order the assassination of Captain Aizen. Again, anyone may be working for them."
"I do not believe my friends, Shinigami or Mafia, had anything to do with it," he said immediately, defensive. Tsuna looked for a reason inside his brain, anything that sounded a slight bit smart. But the only answer was pointed to him, without any hyper intuition. "Because I trust them."
"I see," Yamamoto said. "Perhaps this trust would bring about the union of the mafia and the Shinigami."
Tsuna smiled. "I feel that that day may arrive sooner than we expect."
"There will be much trouble ahead, especially with my great grandson."
Tsuna raised an eyebrow. Does the sou-taicho know? But the old commander did not take any action. Did he accept Yamamoto's place as part of the Vongola? Or was he just waiting for the storm to clear? The Tenth knew that the sou-taicho had many agendas; hiding his presence from Central 46, hiding Yamamoto away in the clan's mansion. Even though both him and the Primo trusted this man in his goal of a unified system of Mafia and Shinigami, who couldn't help wonder what was going on in that clever, experienced brain?
"My clan would not easily let go the heir to the head of the Yamamoto."
Tsuna did not speak. He knew inside him that this conflict would not be avoided, though somehow he hoped it could. He just needed to handle matters well, especially with the stuck up nobles and hopefully, and pray that it would not amount to something as big as the Mafia and Shinigami segregation three hundred years ago. He remembered the Primo drilling him about their (after death) history. Apparently the Vongola Secondo got into a huge fight with one of the Shinigami Captains (and a pretty high up noble), which resulted in bloodshed which resulted in the death of the Captain. Then there was big commotion which led to more fighting before the Primo took drastic actions and cut all ties between Seireitei and the Vongola. Since then, both forces were at odds and hated each other's guts (well, not so much now).
But enough was enough.
"This would cause much difficulty in sustaining an alliance between our two forces," the captain commander continued.
"We will resolve things peacefully," Tsuna said, pausing. "But it would be Yamamoto's own decision ultimately. His happiness is what matters most, sou-taicho."
No matter what choice he would make, as long as Yamamoto doesn't stop smiling. It just wouldn't be right if he did.
The old captain seemed to be satisfied with the answer. "It would be a pity that you would not be with us for long, Tsunayoshi." If only those old ruddy politicians would have this idealistic mindset of a child, then so many wars would have been prevented. If only they cared more for people than for power or position. Then again, if the care for the people is to show results, power and position was needed.
The old man would've sighed, suddenly feeling his yearn for retirement. But his appearance would not have changed, trained to withstand anything with the usual emotionless façade. But the tired warrior in him whispered, "It would be better if I would not have to disown family again."
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For the third time in a row, Yamamoto's zanpakuto was knocked away with the sound of metal hitting the dojo's wooden floor. The Rain Guardian rubbed the back of his head in a sheepish manner, his smile faltered only a bit, but still on his face. He tried to laugh off the defeat.
Asari Ugetsu was not as pleased. The First Generation Rain Guardian sighed, sheathing his own sword.
"Takeshi, what's bothering you, degozaru?" Asari gave a gentle smile of his own, walking towards the other Rain Guardian. "You're not focused at all, degozaru."
Yamamoto laughed, but it sounded dryer than his usual easygoing chuckles. He walked over to his fallen sword and picked it up, its weight felt unusually foreign in his hand.
"That is not Shigure Kintoki. Why don't you try sparring with your family's sword?"
The Tenth Rain Guardian gripped his zanpakuto. It wasn't like he didn't like this sword; it was part of his soul, his being, his partner. But he missed the sword that was with him half his life. Maybe it was because the Shigure Soen Ryu didn't feel the same without the Shigure Kintoki. Yamamoto felt a strange yearning in his chest, that there was something he needed to do. But he didn't know if he had the courage to.
He failed to prevent it from happening. He let him down.
He should have at least tried harder.
But then, he could fix it. And never again. Never again.
"Asari, do you know where's the best sushi store in First District Rukongai?"
"""""""""""""""""""flashback
The bamboo sword was tied to the middle aged man's back and he sat at one end of the room. He was Yamamoto Tsuyoshi, heir to the Yamamoto clan (but not for long). He spoke in a loud voice, arguing with the rest of the experienced men in the room with vigor and no sign of backing down. Yamamoto Genryuusai sat on the other end of the meeting area, listening to the debate between the elder council of the clan and his grandson and not uttering a word.
It was always about the same things.
"This behavior is unacceptable as the heir to the Yamamoto clan!" "You must attend more lessons on etiquette!" "The Shigure Soen Ryu is already useless in this era!" "The heir must become a Shinigami and take over as the Captain Commander of the Thirteen Squads!" "It's highly disgraceful for the heir to become a sushi chef!" "Preposterous!" "Unacceptable!" "A disgrace!"
And Yamamoto Tsuyoshi would reply. "I refuse to become a Shinigami and one of your pawns! I will live my afterlife as I please!"
And it was heard that this same dispute had occurred again and again in the Yamamoto household for years.
The Captain Commander, official head of the Yamamoto clan, finally spoke one day, silence falling upon the meeting room.
"Enough! If this goes on, this clan would be ruined soon enough," the oldest Yamamoto said calmly. "If Tsuyoshi continues to refuse the responsibility of our clan then he shall not be a part of it."
There was immediate murmuring among the council. Tsuyoshi just clenched his fists on his lap with eyes full of anticipation.
"Yamamoto Tsuyoshi, I disown you from this clan. From now on, you are no longer my grandson."
Black eyes widened. As cold and strict the voice sounded, the younger Yamamoto could hear the underlying meaning. Even if the order was merciless and even hurtful, he took it as his grandfather's way of giving him his blessing. And go live as you wish.
The next morning Yamamoto Tsuyoshi left the Yamamoto manor to forge his own path.
"Oyaji! (Old man/Dad)"
As the ex-heir turned, he saw his happy-go-lucky son running towards him. He smiled and ruffled the black hair affectionately.
"I'll be gone for a while, son. I'm gonna do what I always wanted to do and set up and sushi restaurant." He said it as if it was the greatest job in the universe.
"Can I come with you?" The son flashed a brilliant smile.
The father laughed. "Those old geezers won't be too happy about that. You're the heir now, Takeshi." He sighed. "Maybe you'll have the courage to do what I cannot accomplish."
"But I don't wanna lead this clan."
"So did I, son. That is why I chose to leave, even though it would just push the burden to you." There was an ashamed look, followed by sadness. "I'm a terrible father, Takeshi. But I know you would manage this whole clan business much better than I had."
The younger Yamamoto laughed; it was to lift the mood, to be the rain that washes away the pain. "You're the best Dad anyone can have, Oyaji! And who cares about the clan! It's much better to have sushi to eat everyday!"
The older Yamamoto's face became stern. "This is my decision, Takeshi, and I won't let you become this running away coward." He sighed again. "This clan is very important to Seireitei. If you leave, another Yamamoto would become heir and who knows if that person is a pawn or as corrupted as those old elder council geezers."
The Rain Guardian was silent. He had to admit that the clan was important to him. But he didn't want to change into those noble pricks with ten foot poles up their asses.
"You can change the clan, Takeshi." The father smiled encouragingly. "And maybe even change the whole structure of nobles in Seireitei. You're not alone."
"Oyaji…"
"There would be a day when you will make a choice like I did." Yamamoto Tsuyoshi lifted the Shigure Kintoki and held it in front of him, watching it shed its bamboo cover. "And when you have, I would pass this Shigure Kintoki back to you."
Then the man laughed at his son's silence and worried look and gave him a pat on the back.
"Don't worry, I'll be at Rukongai's First District and you can come for sushi anytime!"
And so Yamamoto went through his duties as heir to the clan with little resistance, with only the hope that he could make some change and maybe still find his friends and bring his father back into the family. But almost immediately, those thoughts met an obstacle. The elder council thought that Yamamoto Tsyoshi's 'rebellious nature' sprouted from outside influence. Thus they collaborated with Central 46 made sure that Takeshi would not receive any communication from beyond the clan. He was completely cut off from the outside world. He couldn't see his father or find his friends or do anything else.
Yamamoto was suddenly plunged into the life of a noble, which was all about being a perfect robot and upholding an image. It contained all the things he never had to do, Shinigami training, tea ceremonies, council meetings etcetera. There was also stuff like studying, something that wasn't quite his forte. So Yamamoto did what he did best: Laugh off all mistakes (which happened quite often) and find ways to play baseball in the stuffy manor. He didn't want to change. And he didn't. It was only his good sword skills that made him barely acceptable as the Yamamoto heir. So he didn't change.
""""""""""""""""""""""""end of flashback
It was late evening when Yamamoto and Asari found themselves outside the (hopefully correct) sushi restaurant. Takeshi took a breath and put on the best smile he could, sliding open the wooden door with great enthusiasm, and taking well rehearsed strides into the store.
"OYAJI!"
He exclaimed similarly to the previous fourteen sushi stores he visited (yes, Rukongai had lots of nice sushi), looking forward to his father yelling back or coming forward to hug him.
The exiled Yamamoto was behind the counter, slicing salmon with great concentration and precision. Takeshi laughed, in joy and relief at seeing his old man again after so long, sitting on the chair right in front of the chef. Only after the fish was perfectly laid out did the father pull out a bamboo sword from somewhere, hitting his always smiling son on the head.
"You're late, Takeshi."
The Yamamoto heir laughed, and began talking, first introducing his predecessor and mentor and friend before explaining and stuff, punctuating his words with laughs and Yamamoto-ness. After plates and plates of sushi, it was nearly midnight but the father-son reunion would not be interrupted.
"I'm sorry, Oyaji."
The sushi chef stopped with his current knife cleaning, looking at his son. He always did have a knack of reading Takeshi's expressions. He smiled. He really did miss him.
"For what? You did nothing wrong," the father replied, hoping to ease some of those troubling feelings.
"I donno." The younger Yamamoto poked his eggroll before popping it in his mouth. "For not doing anything."
"You were just starting, son. You still have a lot more to go."
Takeshi smiled and finished his (what, seventeenth?) plate. "I just met Tsuna and Senpai and Hibari recently. So I thought, I definitely wanna continue the mafia game with Tsuna and everyone!"
"It would be a difficult path. The clan and the mafia have never seen eye to eye."
"Then I thought, I wanna change the clan too. Those old people are so boring! I wanna let them all play baseball with me and the Vongola!"
Tsuyoshi laughed. "You can do both, if you want. With those friends, I'm sure you can."
"Yeah, hahaha!"
The sushi chef once again pulled out the bamboo sword from somewhere, this time throwing it at his son who caught it with one hand. They were both grinning, but not like idiots.
"This old man would always support you, son." He emerged from the counter, putting up the 'close' sign and untying his apron. "It's getting late. There's always been a room for you, Takeshi, and Asari can sleep in the guest room."
"Thanks, pops!" The younger Yamamoto disappeared behind the shop eagerly.
Tsuyoshi smiled. "So you really became a Shinigami, Takeshi."
Asari chuckled, taking a last swig of sake. "He's very different from any Shinigami, degozaru. Shinigami fight with the blade pointing at the enemy."
"Yamamoto always held his sword backwards."
"He really hasn't changed."
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Night came fast, too quickly for liking. Tsuna had to do it now for the matter would be best resolved as soon as possible. It would be much better for the conspiracy to be revealed before it took action. He felt a little guilty, though; he would be disrespecting his Captain's body, his mentor's flesh. Okay, he felt terrible, like he was committing a huge crime instead of unraveling one. But as he had to deal with it, as always.
It was sad, almost. But he knew of sacrifice. And he convinced himself that Captain Aizen would understand.
The Shinigami/Mafia Boss flashed stepped closer and closer to the Fourth Squad, with his usual look of resolve. Time for the truth to be revealed. If he didn't get caught.
Tsuna remembered the last part of his conversation with the sou-taicho. When he requested to see his Captain's body. The old commander replied immediately, "That is out of the question, Tsunayoshi. The autopsy on Captain Aizen's body is done by Captain Unohana, starting today, to be reported the day after tomorrow."
If it was an assassin, he could somehow hope to find some clue to whoever sent him/her. First, he had to confirm that the Mafia didn't have anything to do with it. Secondly, he could make sure the Central 46 weren't up to anything. Then, he had to reassure the nagging feeling inside him. He just knew his Captain was hiding something. There was just something hiding. Hiding.
And his Hyper Intuition led him to the dead body.
Room 465 was waiting for him with an ominous feeling. The room reeked death and wrongness and bad, bad secrets. Tsuna wrinkled his nose; everything just plain stinked, figuratively (though he wasn't sure literally).
The door opened.
Captain Hitsugaya Toushiro just smelt a rat. It began with Gin, whom he was very sure was an actual rat (okay, maybe one that looked like a fox), sneaking around in the shadows. Then it was the Fifth Squad Vice-Captain Sawada Tsunayoshi, who was known to be a gentle, kindhearted soul just like his Captain. And as people say, those are the ones who have something to hide, like the Flame of the Mafia. They also said to be wary of those who are honest, for you'll never know when they are telling a lie.
And this one other suspect was actually sneaking around in the shadows.
And at once Captain Hitsugaya saw the figure flashing into the Fourth Squad Barracks in the middle of the night; his intelligent mind came up with the most definite explanation: Someone wants to get rid of the evidence.
He knew that he had to catch the suspect red handed, for to be caught in the act is the best piece of evidence itself.
Sawada Tsunayoshi reappeared on the roof; the moonlight shining on his face and making him look like a ghost. He was a white as one too, pale and all blood drained, eyes wide in shock and that tinted orange flame. Teeth bit into his lower lip, breaking skin and blood began dripping down. He had the same look from the morning, pained. Did the criminal feel guilty? And hands were clenched and plastered to his sides, nowhere near an attacking stance. Maybe he didn't feel Toushiro's well concealed reiyatsu. Maybe he got arrogant and didn't think he would be ambushed.
Or maybe he was just…too…
The Tenth Squad Captain put his hand on his blade and flashed stepped closer to the target. He felt a pang of pity. He always saw Tsunayoshi as a goofy yet hardworking and kind Vice-Captain. Now he had that strange tired and conflicted expression. And those orange tinted gold eyes.
The Captain's icy heart melted, just a snitch. Not enough to stop him from doing his duty. There was Mafiaso in Seireitei to be captured, no matter how nice and good the person is. And he had people to protect. He couldn't just take the risk and close an eye. He had to take action, bring in the suspect and quickly solve the mystery of Captain Aizen's murder so no one else would be hurt and Hinamori would feel better and forgive him. And he had to protect them.
"Sawada Tsunayoshi, you are under arrest for association with the Mafia and suspected murder of Captain Aizen. Come in quietly and no one gets hurt."
Eyes widened in shock.
Shit.
Tsuna whipped around, taking a few of steps back. Eyebrows furrowed together at the sight of the Tenth Squad Captain. Shitshitshitshit.
"Do not try to fight, Sawada."
"Do you have any proof of my crime, Hitsugaya-taicho?"
There was silence. But still, he had a little problem.
If Reborn were here, the little hitman would absolutely slaughter him. He could feel those days of training with the Arcobaleno coming back to him. Dame-Tsuna was aching to appear; he was always the best in coming up with the excuses, no matter how ridiculous it could get. Heck, he'd even settle for 'I was just sleepwalking!' just to get him out of this mess. But since that wasn't possible, Tsuna did the next best thing: Run.
Shunpo-ing aimlessly into the mazes of Seireitei, the Vongola Boss tried his hardest to shake off the youngest Shinigami Captain that was on his trail. It definitely wasn't working. He could hear the yells of the ice zanpakuto wielder behind him. There was no way he was getting into a fight. Not with the Shinigami, not with anyone, especially not in the middle of the freakin' night. He was already tired from the lack of sleep. Not to mention how a battle with a Shinigami Captain would totally kill the Shinigami-Mafia alliance he had been working on for so long. It was just confirmed that he could not get found out because of a silly, stupid, careless mistake.
The chase continued into a sharp turn, Tsuna hoping he could hurry think of a plan to escape. There was a flash of white. Hitsugaya Toushiro appeared a few meters away. Shit. Tsuna lost count how many times he cursed.
"I suggest you turn yourself in, Vice-Captain Sawada."
Golden orange eyes narrowed. Desperate times called for desperate measures. Hands reached for his zanpakuto, drawing the blade in a single, quick swipe. Almost at the same time, Hyourinmaru was unsheathed, ready to be released for battle.
Not a chance.
"Sorry. But I have people I want to protect too."
I'm counting on you, Suiro no Sukikyo.
There was a brilliant flash of flames, surrounding the youngest Captain, dancing around him providing no escape. Then the fire gathered at a single point, until the last spark was extinguished. Tsunayoshi was gone.
Toushiro swore, trying to feel for the missing Vice-Captain's reiyatsu to no avail. He had the impression that Mafia Flames could drown out one's reiyatsu signature so the target was a good as gone. But he didn't feel any panicked or at least apprehensive. The way Sawada spoke, as if he wasn't doing anything truly bad. And even if he ran like a coward; which was as good as admitting guilt, he didn't try to fight. He wasn't like how Mafia was supposed to be: vicious and violent. And the way he asked if he had evidence. It wasn't like he didn't think that Toushiro was a threat, or that he was demanding anything. It was like he was asking if there were any more people involved in whatever scheme was hiding.
Hitsugaya was sure that Sawada was the bad guy. But wasn't sure, sure. He knew there was something hiding, hiding. Anyway, Captain Commander Yamamoto would know of this incident by tomorrow and Sawada had nowhere to run to with the current lockdown still in place. He would be captured with no time to spare. But Sawada Tsunayoshi had people he wanted to protect, just like him. Even though they were still probably enemies, the determination and utter conviction to protect the ones precious to him; that was the only thing that made the Captain know that Sawada was a good guy.
And Sawada Tsunayoshi disappeared the next day.
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Hi
Okay this chapter was quite fast coz I was overflowing with inspiration since the exams were just over. It was quite challenging, and not much action though. But I hope you guys like it. Comments/questions/constructive criticism/reviews are very much appreciated! Thanks for sticking with my half dead half alive now very alive fanfic!
I think this chap's very Tsuna-centric, but I love him and I'm sure you all do too okay, I hope he's in character and stuff and yeah. I received a review previously and the person so awesomely pointed out something about Tsuna's power level. I wanted to say thanks to this person and clear some stuff up here. Ok, like when I say that Tsuna's zanpakuto had the potential to surpass Yama sou-taicho's zanpakuto, I don't mean it like the sword's gonna be more powerful than the most powerful fire type zanpakuto in Seireitei. I'm saying that it's like that famous, and if one day Yama were gone, and Tsuna has like a whole load of training with it, they could maybe be as powerful as Yama and his Ryuujin Jakka. So, kay? I hope I cleared things up-ish.
About Ryohei and Hibari's scene, it was so damn difficult. I hope it turned out alright though. And don't worry; things would turn out better for the both of them, especially Hibari. But I have to put a huge DISCLAIMER here, that some parts I adapted from KHR ep 157 and other Ten Years Later Hibari and Ryohei moments. I just loved watching them
Lastly, I'm sorry there's no Gokudera in this chap, but there really isn't much happening to him. He's still stuck in a sewer with Ichigo I guess… But there was like stuff about Yamamoto and I hope it's alright too. And yeah the last part was cliffhanger-ish. Finally, please not that I didn't do the spell/grammar check and stuff coz i'm tired and lazy now. I would appreciate anyone pointing out any mistakes to me. Thanks :)
Okay, thanks to all you awesome readers out there again. And please review.
ssapphireangel