Hi! Back again!
- for the stats at the end of the chapter : the stats in brackets are those once you add the % permanent bonuses of perks and abilities (like the Flame or class bonuses) so this is why there is no bracket near to the endurance stats: Kazami never got any endurance stat, she is a glass canon, and she knows it, but her speed protects her most of the time
- I don't add the titles bonuses, or equipment bonuses, active bonuses because theses can change every second!
- a big chapter, but the next one will take some time, I intend to read the whole Future Arc before writing, like I did with the Varia Arc ( even if I've already got a pretty good idea of where I'm going, the Future Arc is just too long to remember everything in it)
- changed the end of the chapter

Lal, Moretti and Kazami were assembled around the damaged machine, and Moretti explained "This is but a prototype. And the only way to switch off the newest version that has been sent to Xanxus is with a remote control, that is probably with him."

"Not good but still, now that he's completed his new attack, Tsuna should be able to take care of this thing, even in berserk mode." mused Kazami, that had a chance to evaluate the machine strength while fighting against it – and it was clearly strong, but still, it hadn't even force her to choose a class yet
"I would have my doubt if I hadn't just seen you fight..." muttered Moretti, but then become serious once more "That's not the real problem."

Seeing that he had the two girls attention, he started to look for the opening switch on the golem, explaining "There is a reason this weapon was abandoned by the military..." he closed his eyes as the machine opened in two, and a gasp escaped from both girl "The power source."
And suddenly, Kazami understood Xanxus plan.

Her eyes taking back the glow that had just calmed down, she turned toward Lal and Moretti "I've got to go back to Japan. Will you be able to get out of here by yourselves?"
Not really understanding what the girl wanted to do, but having learned that the Vongola X truly had strange technologies available to them, Lal Mirch thought about the question for about a second before answering "Yes it should be alright, now that the battle is ongoing, there is no need for us to hide. But why the urgency?"
"Think about it..." answered Kazami, pointing at the 'power source' "And about what's going on in Japan..."

Lal eyes widened.

"Go. We'll report to Iemitsu."
"Thanks."
And with that, Kazami Recalled herself to the Yukimura's.

¤.¤.¤

[Bonus goal complete! +50 000XP
Wardrobe System unlocked]

The notification surprised everyone at Namimori, and was followed by a wave of leveling up – but Kyoya being used to follow his instincts like he was still dodged in time to avoid Xanxus that had just jumped into the now still battlefield.
"Ah, it really seems like I've lost, doesn't it!"

Somehow, his victorious smile didn't gave that vibe at all – and Tsuna turned slightly toward Takeshi, without letting his eyes leave the arena "Any news from Kaze?"
"Not available..." he frowned "That means she's Recalling. She must have found something."

"Don't mind me," continued Xanxus in the battle field, visibly amused by Kyoya's leaking killing intent "I'm just here to pick this piece of junk." he explained, the false benevolent act easily denied by his satisfied smile
"Tch, get our of the way, scavenger." demanded Kyoya

Before Xanxus could answer, a movement alerted him, and he jumped back once more, as the Gola Mosca was getting up again, and started to fire at will around him – but he was just a second too slow in dodging, and the large caliber bullet grazed his left leg, leaving a large bleeding wound behind.
"Oh, that's really too bad," said Xanxus, voice dripping with fake concern "Because you prevented me from getting back my Guardian, it went berserk." his smile was now triumphant "And now, nothing can stop it... Really too bad..."

The machine now out of control, all the Guardians jumped back to avoid the numerous attacks...
"What the hell is wrong with this thing!" protested Gokudera "It has better weaponry than even a tank!"
"Bouhaha! This is really a terrible accident, isn't it?" asked Xanxus toward the Cervello "If it hadn't been for the other's Cloud Guardian, Gola Mosca wouldn't have gone out of control!"

[Goal complete! +5*10 000XP
Goal update: neutralize Gola Mosca
Bonus goal update: Save Nono
Reward: +50 000XP, unlocks Faction System]

"That asshole!" shouted Gokudera "He just wanted to kill everyone and pin it on us from the start!" with this, all the Guardian went into their fighter stances, weapon at the ready
"Shit what do we do?" asked Belphegor

"Nothing." answered Mammon calmly "We need the Cervello's new orders."
"What are you talking about?" protested Levi, still heavily injured but back on his feet "They're attacking the Boss!"
"Indeed. And did he ordered us to assist him ? No. His plan is still ongoing, wait for your orders, trash." answered harshly the baby

¤.¤.¤

Kazami appeared in the living room under the surprised looks of the assembled Vongola X and Nono's Guardians, that were back with Reborn from an unsuccessful search for their Boss.
"No time!" she shouted, already sprinting toward the door "Alien Force, stay with the non fighters and be ready for an oncoming attack, the others with me! We have to take out Xanxus, now!"

Immediately, Mukuro was by her side, followed by Reborn. Nono's Guardians, who didn't know her, were a bit surprised, but followed the Arcobaleno's example – after all, Reborn wasn't someone who would follow blindly without reason.

"Xanxus knew he wouldn't gain the Famiglia's approval with only the Ring Battle..." started explaining Kazami while speeding toward the school, restraining herself from leaving the others in the dust, and having opened her chat with the Night pack at the same time in order to let them hear her explanation "So he decided that the best way to gain approval was to make it seem as if we killed Nono under the Cervello's eyes. Even if they know something fishy is going on, once he's Boss they aren't supposed to go against that, and he gambled on it."

"How the heck does he think he'll make this work? You both adore Nono, there's no way you're going to go against him!" protested Mukuro, who like everyone had clearly seen the twins worry for their jiji
"Except if he is only used as a hidden power source in a war machine..." corrected Kazami
"Gola Mosca." understood Reborn, as they finally got in sight of the school – or rather, the war zone
The Guardians shuddered "You don't mean..."

"Nono-jiji is fuel for this abomination." confirmed Kazami, as Tsuna was launching a powerful Sky Fist against it "The CEDEF have all the evidences, please save him."
Flame ablaze, she jumped into the field, Fuurin biting into Xanxus arm, the man barely able to protect his face, not suspecting the newcomers.

¤.¤.¤

"Unprovoked attack from the other heir allies." commented Xanxus, still laughing in spite of the blood on his arm "I hope you're taking note!" he added toward the Cervello
"Shut up!" shouted Kazami her fury against the man that had abducted her jiji finally free to unleash

As for the Cervello, one of the two girls, who had been on the phone a second earlier, put her mobile back in her pocket before announcing "An emergency situation has been enacted by the head of the CEDEF. Vongola Xanxus, you are hereby charged with treason against the Famiglia, abduction of the Vongola Nono and murder tentative against him. If you don't stop the Gola Mosca right now, the accusation can and will be upped to murder if necessary."

As she said that, a heavy attack from Tsuna went through the golem, finally shutting it down.
As the smoking metallic structure fell, it cracked in two, revealing it's "fuel".
"Jiji!" shouted an horrified Tsuna, running toward the withered old man "Jiji!"

Disengaging from her own battle, Kazami followed, the twin falling to their knees around their grand-father.
Everyone stood frozen, stunned by the revelation – and Nono opened his eyes, life flickering in them "I'm sorry, Tsuna-kun, Kaze-chan it's my fault.. For letting Xanxus wake up..."
"So he really was the one to free him." sighed Reborn "But during these eight years he spent frozen in ice, Xanxus rage and thirst for revenge festered..."

The twins were crying, and as the old man fell unconscious, Mizuki, who had been monitoring the situation with the others, apparated to take him at home where she could heal him, saying as much to the Guardians before going back.
As for Xanxus, he was now laughing "And here I hoped I could pin it on you, gaki!" a large smile "Wouldn't it have been fun?" he faked crying "That lunatic, he dared kill Vongola Nono in front of his own son... Nobody would have protested to my becoming the tenth!" his eyes darkened "No matter. I'll kill you all! The Vongola is mine!"

[Goal complete! +10 000XP
bonus goal complete! +50 000XP
Faction System unlocked
Goal update: beat Xanxus]

And just like that, the fight was back on, the three Varia present finally entering the fray.
"Xanxus!" shouted Tsuna "This ring at you finger," he said, pointing to the Sky ring the other hadn't given back "I'll take it back for myself! There's no way I'll let the Vongola fell in the hands of someone like you!"
The other laughed in answer "What do you think you can do against me and my Varia! Right now, all your little friends are getting slaughtered by by men!"

"Tch. Don't underestimate us Vongola X." retorted Gokudera, not even phased by the threat against the non fighters – after all, that's why they had the Alien Force at the ready with them
With this, he ignited his Flames, followed by the other Guardians
"You wont kill us that easily!"

"I told you he had Flames!" snarled Mammon toward Belphegor, unleashing the chain masking his power – only to jump out of the way of one of Reborn's bullet
"Be ready to face me if you enter this fight, Viper." warned the hit man
The other Arcobaleno took the warning seriously, but didn't reign in his powers "So be it."

As for Levi, he looked around him, his Lightning Squad coming on the ground as instructed, only a few of them speeding toward the houses of the Guardians.
Tsuna jumped out of the fight for a second, sending a warning to the Alien Force, then went back in, toward Xanxus – only to be stopped by Belphegor "Not so fast, false Decimo!"
"Out of my way, you waste of time!" retorted Tsuna, Flame Fist flying toward the boy

But now, the Varia had seen their Flames, and finally understood not to take them lightly – this battle wouldn't be as easy as the precedent.
Looking around him quickly, Tsuna shouted "Night pack, the Guardians, Day Squad the mobs! Kaze with me, let's take care of this asshole!"
And just like that, the Guardians jumped into their usual team, leaving Reborn against the other Arcobaleno.

¤.¤.¤

In spite of the seriousness of the situation, the older Guardian couldn't help but smile at the effectiveness of the young fighters – they maybe highly unusual, with nine Guardians and two team where it normally was only one seven members team, but they already were a Famiglia, even if no official ceremony had announced them yet.
Yes, their Boss was right to chose them...

"Let's keep an eye on them." declared the old Rain Guardian "If they can't handle it, we'll step in."
His companions nodded, still fretting a bit – they'd rather know how their Boss was faring, but it still was their responsibility to see this to the end.
They had to have faith in the Young Vongola healer.

¤.¤.¤

A Flame enhanced tonfa sent Belphegor flying away from Tsuna – the mad prince was soon up, wiping blood from his face and laughing, but it had been all the distraction needed for Tsuna to jump out of the fight and toward the scarred man that was blocking his sister's weapon with a handheld firearm.
"Ah! You think you can do something against me!" laughed Xanxus

The twins jumped out of the oncoming attack, and the wild red Flames ate at the wall of the school "Do you know why Primo fled to Japan? That's because he was afraid of Secundo! Because your weak Dying Will Flame are nothing against my Wrath Flames!"
"Shall we see, then?" asked Tsuna, deadly calm "Between your Flames and mine, which are the strongest?"

Both men jumped toward the other, Xanxus massive Flames seeming to overpower Tsuna for a moment – but then, his Day Flames seemed to slice through the other's attack, and Xanxus flew backward, a heavy bruise already coloring his cheek.
If he hadn't had his spar against Reborn, Tsuna would have probably been touched be the next attack – because making good use of the dust cause by his fall, the varia Boss had hidden a Flame enhanced bullet.

Tsuna jumped out of the way, recognizing the attack as the signature move of the Vongola Settimo – Reborn had made them learn at least basic information on all the precedent Boss after all...

As for Kazami, she'd used her brother's attack to jump in the back of Xanxus, leaving two deep slash before jumping out, the man already turning toward her, firing on instinct. At such a short range, the girl didn't dodge fast enough, the bullet leaving a burning trail on her right arm that would probably scar, the power behind the bullet so impressive that she was sent side way into a tree. She frowned – nearly anyone else would have died from that attack, the condensed power in those Dying Will Bullet truly frightening.

There was no holding back in this battle – taking advantage of Tsuna occupying their enemy, she called up her Status Window.

[Assassin class chosen!
Retroactively grants +5 Agility and +2 Luck every 10 Level]
[Main Characteristics updated!
+25 Agility, +10 Luck]
[Fighting sub-skills replaced from Hand to Hand (18/100), White Weapon (49/100) and Ranged Weapon (24/100) to Close Range (53/100), Mid Range (27/100) and Long Range (11/100) skills, Discretion (55/100) evolve into Shadow Blending (27/100) and Shadow Killing (28/100)
unlocks Killing Intent skill (1/100) (what was instinct can now be used as a tool)
unlocks Shadow (2/4) Perk (Discretion 50 and Assassin class) (+10%Agility) and Close and Personal (2/4) Perk (Close Range 50) (+10%Strength)
unlocks Beginner Shadow Walker (1/10) Ability (+10% Agility and Luck / +10% Damage and Speed when active, cost 2FP/minute when active)]
[Skill creation!
Shadow Step (2/100)skill (Agility 100) (that kind of speed isn't human anymore – it looks like teleportation, but it isn't!)

note that every 10 point over 250 in speed will count as 1 point in the Shadow Step skill]

¤.¤.¤

While Tsuna and Kazami were fighting Xanxus, the Day Squad was taking care of the small fries – the task wasn't all that hard, but still intensive because of the shear number of men the Varia had under their name.

As for the three remaining members of the Night Pack, they were against Belphegor and Levi, an unrelenting fighting force that didn't gave the two any respite – identifying and breaking Mukuro's illusions was something they only managed thanks for their training against Mammon, and between Takeshi's katana and Kyoya's tonfas, they had a hard time dodging long enough to sent their own attack their way.

And in a few minutes, the Varia weak point was evident: contrary to the pack, they didn't know how to fight together, each being used to fight alone.
As such, maneuvering them discretely to hinder each other had been easy enough – and soon, Levi was dodging an attack from Kyoya right into Belphegor's knifes. Of course, the enemy Lightning Guardian wasn't weak enough to be defeated by just that, but that was just the first step...

Belphegor, being after all a genius, understood what was going on by the second time Levi dodged into his attack, but the lack of importance the Varia accorded to their teammates then came into play "Watch you actions, useless fool!" he bite out to his fellow Guardian, no even deigning to explain what was going on clearly "They are playing you like a kid!"

Growing frustrated, Levi finally managed to jump out of the fray long enough – not even realizing that it was what the wolves were waiting for.
And the moment, the parabolas opened, Takeshi let out a slash in their direction, his Flames using the wind wave provoked by his attack as an edge...
"Impossible! How can you read the wind like this! You are no storm!" protested Belphegor as half of the other's umbrella fell to the ground, neatly cut in halves
"I may not be a storm, but I do follow the wind!" answered Takeshi with a wild smile

As he said that, he jumped out of the way, revealing Kyoya just behind him that fell on the prince with all the ferocity he possessed. And while Mukuro's birds of prey were destroying the remaining umbrellas, Takeshi was attacking the man directly, his katana brutal and unforgiving for the monster who'd nearly killed Lambo.

And in the same movement, the three teens left Belphegor and Levi on the ground, bleeding out, and unconscious. Seeing Nono's Guardian approaching to take the two Varia into custody, they turned their attention toward the remaining battles – the Day Squad was just about finishing up with the underlings, Reborn was clearly outmatching Viper, and the three way battle of the Sky would soon be the only one still on going, the school in shambles around them...

¤.¤.¤

Meanwhile, the two Arcobaleno were facing each other, Viper using his true illusions to deflect Reborn's bullet, knowing he wasn't fast enough to dodge compared to the other – but still, they had been cursed together, they knew each other well – the seven strongest...

And yet, yet it wasn't enough and the illusionist fury was rising "How is it possible!" he yelled, as Reborn evaded all the attack coming a him "How is it that you've grown even stronger in spite of this trice-damned curse!"
Reborn smiled – like the other, he'd stopped to improve himself at first, merely keeping his abilities at the same level they had regressed to. But that day, when Kazami had talked to him at the end of the first dungeon, she'd woke up his fighting spirit without even knowing it.

Somehow, before he even knew it, he'd seen her for the kindred spirit she was, and it had given him something he hadn't had in a long time – hope.
And now, he was far stronger than his fellow Arcobaleno, there was no doubt to it.
Even though the curse was taking it's toll, more and more, to his stamina, he wouldn't let himself grow weak.

He couldn't bear the thought.

Relentless, he fought the other in a corner, making him realize how weak he'd become. And finally, when he was on the ground, too weary to move anymore, he approached him "You talked about finding a cure."
Viper ayes widened "Why would you care about this now? You never..."

"I just didn't want to give myself false hope." shrugged Reborn, before glancing at Kazami, now fighting alone against Xanxus "But now, I want my life back." he gave a serious look at his fellow cursed baby "I won't leave Namimori, but us Vongola X have a lot of informations and unusual technologies in our hands. If you need help, or have a lead..."

Viper nodded "Alright. But it won't be free of charge!" he menaced, making Reborn smirk at his well known greed, before the other sighed "Gah, what am I saying, of course it will be free of charge! I don't want to die, so if there's anyway to break this curse.."
He gestured weakly to his fellow "My chain, there's another one, smaller, in my mantle," he explained "Take it and have your scientists analyze it..."
Reborn obeyed, and nodded his thanks.

The Mist Arcobaleno turned toward the last battle still ongoing, knowing there was nothing more he could do to help his Boss "She's a lot like you, you know..."
"She'd a lot better." couldn't help but contradict the other baby
Viper smiled knowingly, but didn't answer.

¤.¤.¤

"That man is persistent!" shouted a more and more furious Kazami, as she dodged yet another attack before going in with her own attack, that was, of course, parried by the other's weapon
"Ah! You can do nothing against me, little girl! No one can rival with my speed!" he proclaimed, using the burst of his Flame bullets to propel himself even faster, not seeming to catch on the fact said little girl was still following his speed easily

Using the respite his sister was providing, Tsuna started to focus, his Flames flickering wildly as he entered the Zero Point Breakthrough mode – something he'd really had difficulties to master, explaining why he took so much time to active the Ability he'd unlocked when finally perfecting this.
As long as he was in this state, he could switch between positive and negative Dying Will, letting him absorb and assimilate the enemy damages.

But Xanxus had felt the strange flickering of the Dying Will Flames that were characteristic of this mode, and was turning back toward him, ire rising "What do you think you are doing, you monkey!" shouted Xanxus "Trying to use techniques you don't know anything about! Scoppio d'Ira!"
Powered up by his fury, his Flames gained even more power, and Tsuna knew there was no dodging the wave of rapid fire coming his way.
Time to test the usefulness of his technique against this monster.

"Ahahah! That's what you gain for trying to play with things you don't understand!" laughed Xanxus as a storm of dust hid the place where Tsuna had faced the attack
But then, he stopped laughing abruptly – wondering why Kazami was simply waiting patiently. And his fury rose once more, as the boy stood out of the dust, attack already heading his way "Stop thinking you're facing a little boy."

The man's fury had no limit, as he saw the other's eyes – that same, determined stare as Nono, that same stare that seemed to say he didn't like the fight, and yet didn't plan on loosing anytime soon, not against someone like him...
And Tsuna was on him, his Fist leaving a layer of ice behind.

"How dare you use this attack!" shouted Xanxus, madness clearly showing in his eyes, and fear flickering in them at the familiar sight
"Ah yes. You're familiar with it, aren't you?" Tsuna stare toward him was cold "After all it is the same attack Nono used to stop you when you tried to kill him eight years ago. The same attack that left all those scars on you."
"Don't you dare talk about things you don't know about!" yelled Xanxus "Colpo d'Addio!"

¤.¤.¤

But Tsuna didn't even need to dodge – because Kazami, so fast she seemed to teleport, was already in front of the two powerful bullets, slicing through the attack with Fuurinkiba under the unbelieving stare of the other fighters who were now all finished with their fights...

"Don't worry about it," the girl said in a sweet and foreboding tone "Because this time you won't be vanquished by the ice..." and to her brother "Please, Tsuna dear..."
Tsuna knew there was no holding back his sister – and as much as he despised Xanxus, even more than Mukuro the day they'd fought, this was a battle he could cede to her; because this time he knew her anger far surpassed his.
"He's yours." he conceded to his sister

"Now, trash." the sweet smile was more and more bloodthirsty "Let me show your true speed..." she breathed in his ear, so fast he didn't even see her move

He jumped away from the girl, not believing what she'd just done – but no matter, his wrath would be stronger, he knew it. He was a man who never gave up after all. Jumping toward the girl, he grasped he wrists – if she was too fast for him to shoot at, he'd just finish her off from closer.

"Big mistake." smiled sweetly Kazami, as he tried to break her with the shear power of the Wrath Flame around him "Because if I'm in the range of your Flames..." and suddenly, blood started to appear, from innumerable small wound that weren't there a second before "Then you're in the range of my Flames..."

Tsuna, who had met the others back to get out of the way for his sister, took a double-take when he saw her Flames "So she finished it..." he breathed, in awe "The Hitohira no Senka."
"Beautiful, and deadly." completed Reborn, on his shoulder, echoing his thought
The result of her training – her own replacement for an aura like the Hyper Dying Will...

The deep bloody red Flames weren't wild anymore, but hugging her body, and she was leaving around her a cloud of sparks and fiery particles dancing if the wind provoked by her own aura - each of these Flame particles a razor sharp edge around her, when you added to that the fact that Serpente main Ability was to add a poisoning effect to all her attacks, and coming near her or in her wake was now a very bad idea, just like Xanxus was coming to understand...

"How..." the rage filled man couldn't finish the question, feeling himself weakening – he jumped away, knowing he couldn't stay in her Flames, whatever they were doing, it was sapping his strength rapidly
"Shall I be kind and explain?" she wondered, before jumping toward him, her kyoketsu-shoge tearing one of his pistols from his hand, then looking at him in the face "Nah, you're not worthy of it!" she laughed

A few more evaded attacks between the both of them, Kazami playing around with her prey "You know, I could have forgiven you." she mused, as with a wide slash, most of her Flame curled around Fuurin and opened a large gash in the man torso
"I mean, a coup? That's no big deal in the end..." the end of her kyoketsu-shoge slashed against his face, blood flitting around them
"But targeting my family..." a last move, and Fuurinkiba burrowed in his heart

"That I can't forgive..." she breathed, as the Wrath Flames died with their owner

¤.¤.¤

[Quest complete! +10 000XP
Arena updated]
[Arena update log: new Boss and Challenges added

note that contrary to to Arena fights, Challenges can be deadly]

[Hallows progressed to rank 10!
You can now read the aura of those around you, gaining a small understanding of their emotions]

Kazami readied herself to keep calm, as she started to feel powerful emotions around her, and her own jumbled emotions, the Hallows progression having once more reduced the damper on her past life.
Slowly, she turned toward the strongest emotion around...

"No!"
The cry was desperate – and surprising for the imprisoned Varia, who had just witnessed, unbelieving, the end of their leader.
"How are you alive?" asked Belphegor, his tone somber "We saw you die."
But Squalo didn't answer, still shouting "How dare you!"

And like the death goddess she was, Kazami was in front the bound man, Fuurin pressing against his throat "How dare I? Think carefully about your words, shark, least your death becomes a lot more real this time! I'm not feeling merciful right now, not after what that trash you called leader dared to do to Nono! Not after what he tried to do to my Famiglia!"
He closed his mouth, seeing in her eyes that those were no empty threats.

Finally, it was Takeshi who answered the prince's question "It was but a trick, I let you see me slashing him, but I had a way of smuggling him out. After all, Squalo was supposed to be the Varia head, he must have had some answers..."
Seeing Belphegor and Levi surprised look, he guessed they hadn't known about their teammate past, contrary to Viper.

"Fat lot of good it gave us." shrugged Lancia from behind Squalo "The asshole didn't say a thing."
"I'm no traitor!" shouted the swordsman
"Ah! That's a good joke! Because all this farce was nothing more than a wide scale treason!" retorted Gokudera harshly
"It's not as if we knew anything about it." shrugged Belphegor "But well, we're on the loosing side, so the joke's on us."

"So, will you talk, now?" asked Tsuna, who was now by his sister's side, letting the girl lean tiredly against him "If not for us, at least for them," he added, pointing at the subdued Varia "They have the right to know."
"Not like I have any choice left, is it?" asked bitterly the swordsman, he close his eyes "Alright, alright!" he looked at the people around him, listening attentively to him "Did you know that the complete rings each hold a power?"

"Power? But then..."

¤.¤.¤

"Why didn't he used the Sky Ring?" Squalo laughed "That's because you must have Vongola Blood to inherit that Ring."
After that, it was like a dam was broken – and he talked to them about all that he'd discovered about Xanxus history after the Cradle affair, when he wanted to know what had provoked his Boss hatred for his own father.

He talked about a boy born into poverty, and Wrath Flames ablaze – and how his mother because of those deluded herself into believing the boy was born from an affair with the Vongola Nono.
The crazy woman had tried and tried, and after a few years, finally succeeded, presenting her son to the most famous Boss of the city – and Timoteo Vongola, when seeing the boy, accepted him as a son, even though he knew it to be impossible.

After that, Xanxus grew up in the Famiglia, and soon became a spoiled, violent teen with nothing but contempt for his three older, and weaker brothers, convinced no one but he was worthy of the Decimo title; the two X in his name had to be fate.
Of course all of this came crashing around him the day he learned he had no blood relation whatsoever with the Vongola – the laws of the Famiglia being what they were, he never would be Boss. From that day on, his rage grew and grew, as hot as the Secundo jealousy for Primo.

Who cared if he wasn't born into the right family? He'd take it all for himself!

And so, he started to plan a coup – only to be stopped by his own father, who couldn't even end him himself. Eight years went by, and trapped within the ice, his fury grew stronger and stronger, until the day Nono made mistake of waking him up, still hoping to mend his broken relationship with his adopted son.
That wasn't to be...

"And now," ended Squalo, turning an empty stare toward Kazami "It's all over. You killed him."
"Big words coming from a professional killer. You are really blaming his death on me? If he wanted to live, he should have never approached me and mine." calmly stated the girl without any remorse, glaring at him coldly "Are your really so weak that you needed a man whose hatred had burned all other feelings to live?"
A spark a anger burned in the emptiness "How dare you! His anger against the world was an inspiration!"

"An inspiration to die! Hatred never led to life but only to death! If you'd persisted on following him, the only reward would have been death! You're worth more than that! Loving the thrill of the fight doesn't mean forgetting about the value of your own life and a leader that made you believe such non-sense is no worthy leader!"

With that, she stepped away from the Varia that were being led away by Nono's Guardian, never realizing that her heated speech had touched them, her brother still by her side and holding her hand as if he never wanted to let her go – reborn on her shoulder, simply stating "You did good, bambina."

As for the Varia, they would be angry for a while yet, but after that – after that they'd think back to what she said.

The Vongola X had let Nono's Guardians take charge after that, helped by the Cervello – apparently, Iemitsu was already on his way too.
They didn't really care.
That night had been far too long, and everyone went back home, more than ready to sleep. Any debriefing could wait for the next day...

Rising from the bed Tsuna and her shared, since the hit man was like always, "borrowing" the other bed, Kazami went to the backyard, looking at the green garden, as she finally allowed herself to feel.

And the dam broke, tears smearing her face.

She startled, feeling a small shape leaning against her, and a voice far too young for the soul she felt near her calmly say "I was fourteen the first time I killed someone. A no good thug, assaulting a young girl. I hit him, making him drop his gun, and as he was getting up, with a knife in hand, I just grabbed his weapon and shot him. Four times, two in the groin, two between the eyes. I was seen, but fortunately it wasn't the cops but the man that became my trainer..."

"I was eleven the first time I killed someone." answered Kazami to the unasked question, "I was weaponless, and defenseless, but then I saw that every time I touched him, it burned him, because he was possessed by Voldemort. So I threw myself toward him, and I burned him to cinders..." a snort "After that, I was only told that apparently it wasn't me burning him into ashes, but Voldemort possessing him that killed him..."

"Wizard do suffer from a total lack of common sense."

"That they do..." she sighed "They've been released again, you know... my feelings toward my past life... each time it's something different." she closed her eyes "The first time, it was memories of my fiancée. It hurt, but I was okay soon enough, because I'd already had years to mourn him. Then it was my friends."
"And now?"
"Death... those I killed, those that were killed... When you sum them up, it makes a lot of people..." another sigh "And then, there's today's body count. Between the Fortress and Xanxus, I don't really know how many I killed tonight..."

"Does it really matter? It's not as if you could have done anything else."
"I could have spared Xanxus." she contradicted "But I really couldn't find it in myself... Because someone like this, he could have acted as if he changed, or repented, but as long as he was alive, I'd always fear for Tsuna and Nono and all of our Famiglia's safety..."

"Tsuna and Nono would have probably sparred him..." mused Reborn, knowing better than to lie to her "But sometimes, they're just too soft for this world we live in. I wouldn't have spared him either."

Kazami smiled softly, and laid down on the sun deck, Reborn's heat against her soothing her as they conversed into the night.
She didn't remember falling asleep – nor knew how she ended up into her bed, the cursed hit man sleeping peacefully against her...

But she wasn't haunted by any nightmare, like she'd feared – and all she could remember when waking up, was a strange dream about an adult Reborn carrying her to bed; of course it was impossible – still, it was a good dream because as she did note during their spar, adult Reborn was good looking, and probably the one person she could relate to the easiest, along with Mizuki...

As for Reborn, he was wondering if his new obsession was making him stupid.
Maybe – probably.
But still, it was a nice kind of stupid, because it had been a long long time since the last time he'd held a loved one in his arms – even if it was only for five minutes...

¤.¤.¤

Kazami's wake up was slightly embarrassing – really how could she explain why she was blushing when she saw Reborn? Normal people didn't blush when facing babies – but then again, she did know that Reborn was anything but a normal baby.
And was it just her, or did he seem – smug – about it? Ah well, the hit man did tend to be a bit conceited...

The Vongola X assembled for a mid-afternoon lunch after that – everyone having slept well past noon – Takeshi bringing a mountain of sushi and other snacks given by his father, which added to Mizuki and Kazami's cooking, and finally, they were ready to go over the recent events.

"Iemitsu is back in Japan." announced Reborn first "He arrived this morning and is staying with Nono's Guardians at their local hideout."
"They took Nono in custody early this morning. He hasn't woke up yet, but he was stable, and I've done most of the heavy healing, I left them a potion regimen to complete it." explained Mizuki "You've really impressed his Guardians, so they trusted me pretty easily for seasoned mafiosi..." she noted in her usual dreamy voice

"I've taken a look at the log regarding the Wardrobe and Faction systems!" announced Haru excitedly "The wardrobe System give the possibility to instantaneously change to a pre-saved outfit!" she demonstrated, going from her current clothes to cosplay outfit, then back to her clothes "For now, there's three slots available and if you switch for clothes that weren't saved, they be stored in the Clothing tab of our inventory..."

"You know I'd somehow guessed it would be useless when I saw the name of this new system, but I'm eating my own words right now..." admitted Tsuna, in awe "And your new cosplay is really good!" he added toward Haru, who beamed at the praise – not noticing the small, almost immediately gone, frown the compliment provoked from Kyoko
Kazami, who'd seen her friend reaction, smiled secretly – it seemed her brother's affection wasn't as one-sided as it used to be...

"The Faction System concern established group..." continued said friend "For example most of the Famiglia are present in the listing. We already knew about them, but now, being affiliated to a Faction, grant a specific boost, and wearing it's coat of arm add to it."
she opened the Faction Window and enumerated "For example, the Vongola give us a +3 Charisma boost, and the coat of arm add +10%to our Defense and Flame Defense, the Night Pack has, quite logically, an Agility base bonus and a Damage/ Flame Damage boost, same a Strength and Damage / Flame Damage boost for the Day Squad and finally, an Endurance boost followed by once more a Damage / Flame Damage one."

"There's already our design recorded for the Night Pack," took over Hana "But we still haven't decided for the Alien Force and Day Squad, so feel free to share any idea, and we'll make more armbands..." as she was saying that, Haru was giving their own stripe of clothing to Kazami and Mukuro, whom hadn't gotten them yet, and both put them on immediately
"I was thinking along the line of some kind of bird rising with a sun background, with golden thread for the Day Squad," explained Haru "And maybe a green triangular shaped head for the Alien Squad?" she mused, clearly having fewer ideas for the last team

"Wouldn't it be a good idea to create a new permanent team for the non fighters?" suggested Takeshi "If permanent team are counted as Factions, in could be good if you gained, say, a defense bonus, for example..."
"Not a bad idea..." admitted Hana, a bit vexed that she didn't think about it herself " By the time we grow a bit more we could have a healing, diplomatic and crafting team..." she muttered, more for herself than the other and already thinking about it

"So now, let's get to the fun part!" enthusiastically shouted Ryohei "What's new with the Arena System?"
The fighter immediately called said window. There was now several tabs on the window instead of a single list of arena – the Boss, Training and Challenges tabs.

The Boss tab was, naturally, the list of the Boss they already had before, now updated with seven Boss ranging from level 60 to 70 : the Varia Assassination Squad.
In the Training tab were a few new settings: the previous Empty Arena, and several Arenas with waves of different level mobs.
Finally, the Challenge tab, just like it's name said, listed a few one time only challenges – the Fighting Dreamers Challenge in grey since it had already been completed.

"So what's the plan?"
"Well, it's not like we need to wait on a training quest to train..." mused Takeshi "And somehow, I don't think our next opponent will be any weaker..."

Just as he said that, a notification popped, provoking a glare from Gokudera "You just had to jinx us didn't you, you baseball freak!"
Somehow, even though the boy wasn't all that avid player anymore, the nickname had still stuck – Takeshi didn't gave up on the sport, which he still liked, but his dream wasn't to be a professional player anymore, not since he'd became a member of the Vongola X, and the Night Pack...

[Rush Quest! You talked about training?
Goal 1: have every Guardian choose a Class before next Life Quest
Goal 2: have every Guardian over 75 in his main Flame Skill before next Life Quest
Goal3: have every Guardian over level 60 before next Life Quest
Bonus goal: have non Guardian fighters meet the goals
Reward: +10 000XP per Goal, unlocks one grade A Box Weapon for every fighter that meet the requirements upon completion, update on the Communication System upon completion, team land in the same position upon starting the next Life Quest
Bonus Reward: +10 000XP per goal met, unlocks one grade A Box Weapon for every fighter that meet the requirements upon completion
Failure: update of the Communication System, scattered team upon start of next Life Quest]

"See! You jinxed us!" protested Gokudera again "Even the quest name is mocking us!"
"We're going to fail again, aren't we..." sighed Tsuna

"Meeting these goals won't be easy." admitted Takeshi
He was echoed by a "Hn."
"See! Even Kyoya agrees!" he concluded
"Wow... You even speak his language now." remarked an impressed Hana, before coming back to the topic "We need to plan for this scattering of the the fighters!"

"We could improve on the localization charms we distributed to us non-fighters, like to have them appear on the Map..." mused Souichi "I should be able to work on something."
"Whatever you need to do, do it quickly." advised Kazami
"Kaze's right..." nodded Takeshi "I mean rush quest? Since the short time one lasted around two weeks, it means we have even less time..."

"Arg! Can't we get a break?" protested Tsuna "I was looking forward for the spring break! And now it's going to be spent training..."
"I know." nodded Ryohei "I wanted to go to the boxing camp! But well, it can't be helped... because it's to forge a better future!"
The surprisingly deep remark surprised everyone.
Then the boxing boy yelled an "Extreme!" coming from nowhere, and they were reassured...

¤.¤.¤

Even if everyone was joking lightly, the truth was they took the situation very seriously – because for most of them it had been the first time they'd seen someone die, and the Varia assassins, even if they had been dispatched without problems given the fact that two Arcobaleno were with them, had only reinforced the fact that this was not a game but a life changing choice they'd made the day they decided to follow Tsuna and Kazami...

They had spent the next few days training for the fighters, and crafting or plotting for the non fighters, everyone getting ready like they could – and they all met for diner time at the Yukimura's, enjoying those peaceful times together as long as they could.

The first goal and bonus goal had been easy enough, Lambo and Mukuro being the only Guardians not having already chosen their Class.
The Mist Guardian decided to go with the Mage path, which granted a primary Intelligence and secondary Wisdom bonus.
After simplifying the situation as they could for Lambo, the cow decided to become a Protector, a class granting an Endurance and Strength boost that would go really well with abilities present and future.

Of course, I Pin had also understood, and now was a Monk, just like Tsuna.
Bianchi chose to follow Reborn, like always, even if it seemed she was now spending a lots of time with Lancia – said Lancia became a Warrior, while Ken picked the Berserk class and Chikusa the Rogue one.
With that, the first, and easier objective had been done the first day, given a consequent 140 000 XP, which was nearly two whole levels and gave back a bit of hope to the Vongola X regarding the difficulty of this new quest.

This time, the fighters had opted to forgo the individual training, as they already had that not to long ago, and instead focus on the new Challenges, and high level dungeons, working by team – and even including Lambo and I Pin, who had joined Bianchi in the Alien Force, deciding their fellow teammate were strong enough to protect them.

Of course, the long hours spent in the dungeons, while fun at first, soon became boring to the young children – but each had someone that knew how to keep him entertained: Lambo by Gokudera who was grumpy yet kept care surprisingly well of the cow, while I Pin thrived under the atypical attention of Bianchi, making some of the Vongola X fear for the future...

Kazami hadn't had any trouble meeting the second goal, as she was but a skill point away and had eight of them waiting to be used between the levels gained with the end of the previous quest, and the first goal... Tsuna, of course was already well ahead of that goal, and Mukuro had been in roughly the same situation as Kazami.

But it hadn't been as easy for everyone else, most of the other Guardian having better fighting skills than Flames skills, all having had the former for far longer than the later – as such, most of them were rather in the higher 40 range – worse, Gokudera was under 40 for his main Flame; the explanation had stunned his friends: the Italian had five Flames available to him! Of course, with so many Flames to update, it was slow going, and his Storm Flame was the only active one for now, but he wasn't too far from updating the other Flame into a beginner status, being near 25 in all of his Lighting, Rain, Sun and Cloud Flames...

Thankfully Chaos' Game must have taken them in pity, as Flame related Challenges had appeared – each person could take the challenge only once, but it gave an absolutely enormous +10 Flame point for each Flame type available.
The same kind of challenge had also appeared with the Elemental Affinities, and were tested – they discovered that while taking the challenge for a Flame type you didn't already have wouldn't unlock it, taking the Elemental challenge did unlock the new affinity.

While interesting, it wasn't really useful, apart from the Fire affinity and , for the assassins, the Shadow Affinity, seeing as it was a slow growing skill, just like the Flame skill, but contrary to it they didn't have any boost to their learning rate, like the one given by Reborn.
Kazami had the sneaking suspicion that it could be useful in another life, and the XP gain remained useful in any case ...

¤.¤.¤

Namimori Middle School had been closed after the last battle, the damages too heavy to just keep it under wrap with illusionists like it had been done until now – the official version was the "gas explosion" one, which made Kazami sigh at lack of originality...
A wizard goes mad a kill a few muggle? Gas explosion! A mafioso gets out of control and destroy a whole school? Gas explosion!

Since the school wasn't in any state to welcome any student, the spring holidays started three days earlier.
Seven days into their new quest, the level requirement had been met by everyone save Lambo and I Pin who were respectively at level 41 and 43 – as for the Flame requirement, the only one who had met it were the twins, Chrome and Mukuro, and Kyoya...

[Rush Quest Failed!
Goal 2: +5*10 000XP
Goal 3: +8*10 000XP
Bonus Goal 3: +4*10 000XP
Communication System updated]
[La Cruento Lama Storm box weapon gained
Tsuna gains La Cappa di Neve Sky box weapon
Kyoya gains Il Dardo Nebbiosa Mist box weapon
Mukuro gains Il Sciarpe Gemelli Mist box weapon
Chrome gains Il Sciarpe Gemelli Mist box weapon]

note that a Flame skill of 50 with the corresponding Flame and a ring attuned to the same Flame is required to activate a box weapon
The box weapons will be available in fight only once the next Life Quest is started]

[Level up! You are now level 64!
+2SP]

"Eh? You've got a Mist Flame too Hibari-san?" couldn't help but remark Tsuna, surprised
"Hn."
"Oh. True, I guess it really wasn't useful to know it until now..." he answered thoughtfully

"So even you are starting to speak his language?" sighed Hana "I guess we'd all better learn it then, because if no one force him to speak in complete sentences, he'll never do it voluntarily." she mumbled for herself, a bit peeved at the Guardians who all seemed to be used to the Cloud Guardian attitude by now
"It's not all that hard you know," couldn't help but explain Takeshi, not liking the small frown on her brow "Just read a bit about body language and wild animals..."
"Wild a... that make a surprising amount of sense... Thanks!"

"Still, skill 50 to use those new weapon, that's pretty high..." said Gokudera thoughtfully, thinking back to his own Flames – his Storm skill was at 62, and the others around 30
"Tch." muttered Kyoya
"Well, of course you have both Flames over 50! You're Hibari fucking Kyoya!" protested Gokudera heatedly, while barely dodging the tonfa heading for his head "As long as something can be used in a fight, you'll be good with it!"

"Down, boys." instructed Kazami in a calm tone
Kyoya stopped attacking, still glaring, but nested back in the large sofa where the Night pack was stuffed
"What about this ring requirement?" asked Tsuna, "Does it have to do with the Vongola Rings?"
Nobody had an answer to that, so it was decided for the crafters to take a look at the rings and the box to investigate while the fighters were training...

"Anyway," concluded Kazami, going back to the Flame skill requirement "Seems like, quest failed or not we aren't stopping to train our Flame skills just yet..."

[Mid term Quest! Make up exam!
Goal: meet the Rush Quest Goals before the end of the next Life Quest
Reward: +10 000XP per goal, unlocks one grade B box weapon per fighter when they complete the requirement]

"Eh! That's pretty good!" smiled Takeshi "One more level and I'm good for the skill requirement!"

Gokudera didn't comment, a bit depressed at being the last in term of Flame progression, before Tsuna turned toward him, smiling "Don't worry too much, you may have more difficulties progressing because of the sheer number of Flames you have, but you'll also become unstoppable once you've got them under control! I mean think about it, you may not be battle ready with them, but you're the only one that can light five different Flames, that's like ultra rare according to what Reborn told us about Flames!"

Reborn smiled as Tsuna reassured is worried right hand, from his perch on Kazami's shoulder – the boy had really shaped up since he'd came to train him; at first he had only been a moderately good fighter, who loved his sister and followed her, but now he'd came into his own as a leader knowing both how to give orders when needed, and reassure his subordinates, and a good fighter who would be able to protect his Famiglia...

As for the crafters, they'd taken note of the different grade the boxes seemed to have, and were already ready to work on the rings - and the chain Reborn had given them, wanting to help him...

A few hours later, as the night was falling, Kazami was heading out.
"Where are you going?" called Tsuna from his bed, where he was reading peacefully
"The temple." answered the younger twin, her intuition acting up

"You think you'll see your kitsune fox friend again?" asked the boy, thinking about the last time they'd be there
"Who knows," she shrugged "I just got a feeling I should check what's happening there."
"You want me to come with you?"

"Don't bother about it, I'll call you if I need." reassured the girl, nearly out of their room
"Let's go then!" concluded Reborn, perched on her shoulder as if it was evident he was coming

Tsuna gave a piercing look at the hit man as the two left the room – he had changed recently, it had started after the battle with Mukuro, but was more visible since Xanxus' death; and yet he seemed to be the only one to see it...
How attached Reborn had become to Kazami.

He could understand it, somehow – because Kazami's past life made her more adult in her mind than most of them, and Reborn himself was an adult trapped in a young body, they probably could relate to each other easily.
But it still worried him a bit, because if that affection grew too much, it would only led to heartache to both of them with Reborn's curse, and that was something he didn't wish on either of them...

¤.¤.¤

While he was having those heavy thought, Kazami and Reborn had reached the shrine where she'd met the kitsune previously, oblivious to Tsuna's worries – and they immediately knew that Kazami's intuition hadn't led them astray, as they heard a piercing, terrified scream, coming for a voice too high to be anything but a young child...

[Event LV90! Third time's the charm!
Goal: Rescue Sachiko!
Reward: +100 000XP, +25 Shadow Affinity
Failure: Sachiko dies]

"Level 90?" she gave a glare at Reborn "That's your fault, you know!" she accused, in a tone that made it clear she didn't really hold it against him – the hit man was now level 83 in his cursed state, and level 12 of his specialization without the curse, so it was evident the event level took him into account

"Ah, then I guess I better help you fix the situation." he answered easily, jumping from her shoulder while Leon found his way into his hands
Stunned, Kazami took a few second to regain her bearing – Reborn never fought with them – Never! Even if they didn't really know why...
Well, come to think of it, he did fight against Mammon, but still, the other was also an Arcobaleno so it didn't really count, did it?

"Well, are you coming? We've got a child to save!"
And finally, a smile blooming on her face, she followed him, Fuurin having found his way in her hands too, and they rushed toward the top of the stairs.

This time, Kazami recognized immediately what the three things attacking the young girl were – corrupted yokai, each of them.
From the look of it, Hebi yokai, that were slithering toward the girl – or well, the kit, since she had black, furry ears standing on her head and a fluffy dark tail beating wildly in her back.

An Observe later, Kazami was ready to curse – three level 70, and all immunized to poison, of course. The three of them were damage dealers, which meant they didn't have a lot of life – but as she too, didn't have a lot of Health Point, she had better not take any attack head on.

She gave a side glance to Reborn "I'll get her."
Of course, the hit man understood what she didn't say – and started to shoot at the beasts while she dashed between the bullets toward the small girl.
Carrying her with one hand, she parried an oncoming strike with Fuurin in the other hand, and dashed toward the shrine, where she left her, instructing her to hide.

Then, she was back to the battle with a Flash Step, activating with a thought her Hitohira no Senka and killing one of the three snakes before they even saw her, still focused on Reborn, before jumping out of the way of the other two attacks.

If she had been lucky with the first snake, the following minutes were far harder – the two remaining snakes were nearly as fast as her, the fastest enemies she'd ever faced, adult Reborn excluded.
Thankfully, the synergy between her and the hit man was excellent, the man having seen her fight often enough that he knew exactly how to attack in order not to hinder her – and Kazami learning on the fly how to move between the bullets.

It took nearly ten minutes of dodged attacks from both side between she had adapted enough to Reborn that when the next wave of bullets came toward the snakes, one of them was forced to dodge right into Kazami's deadly aura, and on her blade.

After that, taking care of the last enemy was but child play...

¤.¤.¤

[Event complete! +100 000XP, +25 Shadow Affinity
Hidden bonus complete – From the frying pan... : defeat one opponent with a Synergy attack
Reward: +100 000XP, unlocks assassin class Battle Sense skill (10/100) (your instincts are so sharp that you feel everything around you in the battlefield)]
[Level up!you are now level 66!
+5CP, +4SP, +1PP]
[Level up! Reborn is now Spe-Level 14!
+4SP,+1 PP]
[new Perk unlocked!
The Call of Darkness (1/4) (Shadow Affinity 25) (+10% to all Shadow base abilities)]

Kazami smiled at her fighting companion, and they went back to the little girl that was coming out a the shrine, an awed look on her face clearly indicating that if she had hidden, it clearly must have been in a place where she could still see the fight "Whoa! Papa was telling the truth!"
Reborn and Kazami exchanged a surprised look, and the young woman started to have a niggling feeling...

Feeling that was confirmed a few second latter, when light foot-steps and a ragged breathe alerted them to a familiar newcomer "Sachiko! Inari-sama, kit, don't frighten me like that!"
"But I wanted to see the Immortal Hime, Papa!"

Hiraku sighed, and child in his arms, he turned toward the pair, bowing deeply "I owe you once more, Sawada Kazami Hime, for this is more than my life that you save this time, but something far more important... the life of my only child and heir." he affirmed, before angling himself toward Reborn, that was once more sitting on her shoulder "And to you too."
Kazami smiled "It was natural, and anyone else would have done the same."

"Maybe, but not anyone would have survived." he affirmed, giving an impressed look at Reborn and her "Ask me for a boon, such a thing cannot stay unrewarded."
Kazami was silent for a moment, knowing that refusing would be the same as saying Sachiko's life was worthless, when she was hit by a sudden inspiration, and to Reborn's surprise, she said "My friend, as you probably know is cursed..."

"Indubitably. A powerful curse, that even us wouldn't be able to break without knowing more about it..."
"Even without a cure, would you have something to help?"

The kitsune took the time to think about it before he answered "There is an artifact..." he finally said, thinking his every word "That was used in the past by an ally of the Kitsune Clan, a great Wolf Demon that had been cursed by a dark miko when he refused her..." he started to explain
"She cursed him into his animal form for as long as he refused to take as a mate. Of course, he searched far and wide for a cure, but only a true miko could lift this curse, and Yokai and Miko didn't mingle at that time... So no cure was found, but he did manage, thanks to his search, to come up with a way to lessen the curse..."

¤.¤.¤

He weaved an illusion, making appear the image of a light yellow piece of amber, perfectly round and with a fang occluded in it – said fang being engraved with what Kazami identified as a mix between Nordic runes and oghams...
"This is was he came up with. This seal use both ambient magic and the owner inner energy, and when enough is stored, he can reclaim his true form for a time... But there is a catch," he warned
"This is a Yokai made item, and as such, it will decide by itself if the new owner is worthy or not of its powers... And if you're not found worthy, you could die." he ended, looking at Reborn with serious eyes "Knowing that, do you still wish to try?"

There wasn't any hesitation in Reborn eyes when he nodded.

Hiraku smiled his approval, and put his daughter down, instructing her "Stay here, while papa gets the Ookami's Ma no Kiba."
The girl nodded seriously, then immediately started to babble with Kazami while her father disappeared. They didn't have to wait for long before the Kitsune was back, two necklaces in hand. The first one he gave to Kazami "Here, so people remember you're a friend of the House of Fang."

The girl accepted with a smile, replacing her equipped necklace with the new one, who had better stats, and was, fittingly, a lone fang.

Then Hiraku turned toward Reborn "When you put this on, the trial will start." he warned again
And as the kitsune as warned, as soon as he closed the clasp around his neck, darkness surrounded him – then a man appeared in front of him...

Or rather, like he had been told, an Ookami, piercing blue eyes trailed on him, fangs out in a wild smile "So you're the human who dare call on my power... Come, little mortal, and prove me your worth!"

[Challenge Quest! Fighting Destiny!
Goal : survive 5 minutes against the Ma no Kiba spirit
Reward: +100 000XP, cursed-bound legendary artifact Ma no Kiba]

The hit man smirked, and got ready.
He wasn't loosing this fight – not with the ability to regain his adult form, even if only temporarily, as a reward!

From the other side, Kazami had seen Reborn disappear – and Hiraku said softly "Do not worry, this man has a strong will to live. I doubt he'll fail."
"I know he won't." agreed Kazami, the flicker of worry gone nearly as soon as it had appeared

And five minutes later, a silhouette reappeared at the same place it had been gone from. The battered, bloody silhouette, of an adult hit man with a victorious smile on his face, that drew her in his arms with a passionate kiss, that she returned just as fervently; letting herself forget for a few seconds that the curse would soon be back.

Sawada Kazami LV66:

Strength: 21(27)
Agility: 90(140)
Endurance: 25
Intelligence: 31(37)
Wisdom: 48(57)
Charisma:26(34)
Luck: 39(53)

¤/¤/¤

HP/FP : 277/613
Dam/ F Dam: 209/146
Speed/ F Speed: 349/144
Critic/ F Critic: 340/250
Def/ F Def: 77/97

Day Squad:

Sawada Tsuna LV 62, main stat Intelligence
Sasagawa Ryohei LV 61, main stat Strength
Gokudera Hayato LV 62, main stat Intelligence
Dokuro Chrome LV 64, main stat Wisdom
Bovino Lambo LV 41, main stat Endurance

Night Pack:

Yamamoto Takeshi LV 63, main stat Agility
Hibari Kyoya LV 65, main stat Strength
Mukuro Rokudo LV 67, main stat Intelligence