Disclaimer: I do not own KHR. If I did Tsuna would be a true super uke and smarter, sorry as much as I love and will write about the lovable idiot, Goku and Naruto have made it so too many main characters are idiots.

Summary: Nono, his parents, and the Arcobaleno are all dead. Trapped in a future that's falling apart, Tsuna must fight with both himself and the dreaded Millefiore famiglia. Sequel to Hacker.

Interlude: Tsuna Inspires

Hayato rubbed his temples as he tried to figure out what his future self had in mind when he gathered together so many boxes. Hayato was convinced there was more to each box than their own individual contents, but he didn't know what. So far he'd only been able to open a few of them, and while they reacted to his flames, he wasn't sure how they all related.

"Meow."

Hayato glared at the small kitten sitting on the table with his papers through his glasses. Uri, as Hayato had decided to name him, came from one of the boxes he'd managed to open, but could understand the purpose of the temperamental cat. So far, all Uri had done was scratch his face and knock over papers.

Hayato sighed as he rested his head on the table and tried to clear his mind. He would never invest in something useless, so it stood to reason that his future self wouldn't either. If that was the case than this entire System C.A.I had a purpose, even if it wasn't immediately clear. So he needed to focus on the elements that were available and…

"Hayato." Hayato's head shot up at the familiar voice of his beloved boss. "What are you doing in here?"

"Juudaime?" Hayato blinked a few times before the question fully registered. "Oh! I'm trying to figure out these boxes my future self left."

Hayato stood as Tsuna approached, Akira at his heals and his face relaxed in a way it hadn't been since their arrival in the future. Hayato had learned quickly that Tsuna wasn't the most expressive or talkative person, often reverting to more snarky or sarcastic responses when he did get going, but Tsuna had adopted a tighter expression as of late, more likely to say exactly what was on his mind. It was a bit odd, that Tsuna showed more of his anxiety when the status of those he cared about was unknown, than when they were in danger in front of him.

Hayato supposed it was because Tsuna was so used to knowing what was going on around him, very rarely being taken for surprise. Tsuna had access to infinite amount of information and always seemed in control of the situation in the past, but in the future… In the future everything was a mystery. Even worse, the urgency of their training had prevented Tsuna from having a chance to sit down at a computer and analyze the data available on the internet.

"Did this cat come from one of the boxes?"

Hayato couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy as Uri purred when Tsuna scratched him behind the ears. Every time Hayato tried to do the same thing, Uri either bit or scratched him.

"Yes, Juudaime." Tsuna's face remained impassive… no peaceful, as he continued to pet Uri. "I've decided to call him Uri."

*Growl.* Akira gave a low growl as he saw his master giving attention to another feline.

"Stop that, Akira." Tsuna scolded softly. "You shouldn't get jealous over friends."

Akira huffed slightly before retreating to curl up in the corner of the small library. The jaguar seemed annoyed, but other wise pacified. It never ceased to amaze Hayato that Tsuna was able to communicate with a dangerous predator so affectively.

"You're amazing, Juudaime." At the raised eyebrow he received in response, Hayato decided to elaborate. "Animals always seem to listen to you, but I can't even seem to get Uri to do anything I say."

"Hmm." Tsuna hummed softly as he took in the small kitten. "Maybe you're thinking about it too much."

"Juudaime?"

"Animals can feel it, when you're stressed." Tsuna adopted a familiar soft smile. "Akira reminded me of that earlier."

Hayato remembered the soft whimpers the jaguar had given off when he'd first arrived at the base. He'd rubbed up against Tsuna, seeking relief from some invisible ailment. It was almost as if Akira was trying to vocalize Tsuna's inner turmoil.

"Juu-" Hayato was cut off Uri jumped away from Tsuna, knocking one of the canisters from the boxes off the table, causing a small round object to pop off the top. "You damn cat!" Hayato bent down and picked up both pieces. "I think he broke it."

"Maybe it's supposed to be a loose ring around the top?"

"Maybe…" Hayato took a closer look as the round object, taking in its skull crest before he gasped. "A ring, that's it!"

Hayato slipped the skull ring on his right ring finger and concentrated on his dying will, momentarily forgetting about Tsuna. After a moment, two flames appeared, storm from his Vongola ring and rain from his new ring. The rain flame was slightly smaller than the storm, but that didn't matter, Hayato was finally starting to understand what the future version of himself had in mind for the System C.A.I.

"Another flame?" Tsuna watched as Hayato used the rain flame to open several of the remaining boxes. "It's a puzzle!"

"Yes!" Hayato was grinning widely now as another canister and ring appeared out of one of the newly opened boxes. "And it's all thanks to you, Juudaime. I didn't even notice it was a ring until you said something."

Tsuna just offered Hayato a soft smile and a shake of his head.

"No, Hayato, you would have figured it out on your own eventually. I just said an offhand comment that turned out to be a hint."

"But Juudaime-"

"Hayato." Tsuna placed a hand on his Storm Guardians shoulder. "You have to have more faith in yourself."

Hayato could only stare as Tsuna left, Akira trailing behind him.

KHRKHRKHR

His progress is incredible. Lal thought as she watched Tsuna spar with his Cloud and Mist Guardians. Tsuna's movements with the hard flames weren't quite as clumsy as before, but he still seemed to struggle with judging how much power he was putting out. He hasn't completely mastered his hard flames yet, but the fact that the brat can keep up in a three way spar with a man like Hibari Kyoya and a powerful illusionist is an incredible feat.

Lal knew a little about Tsuna's relationships with his Guardians (most of it rumors and second hand). She knew Tsuna was soft hearted for a mafia boss, but was more than capable of commanding great respect from those around him. She also knew that Tsuna inspired great loyalty from those around him and they would do anything to see Tsuna succeed. She knew this, but Lal never imagined just how strong those bonds truly were.

It's as if their feeding each other their will. Lal tensed slightly as Tsuna was launched into the wall, but shook it off as he shot back into the air. They know each other's limits, but disregard them as they push forward. It's as if they…

Lal watched as Kyoya swung his tonfa in a downward stroke, only for Tsuna to dodge it. The flame enhanced tonfa left a sizeable crater in the ground, but neither combatant acknowledged it as Tsuna threw a volley of darts from his position in the air. Kyoya deflected them without effort and used his Cloud Hedgehog to meet Tsuna in the sky. Their flames flare as their weapons clashed, neither willing to give the other an inch.

Even with the intensity of both the flames and the fight itself, neither appeared to be stressed, in fact, they seemed to be enjoying themselves. Tsuna had a content look on his face as he danced in the air and Kyoya had a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he gave chase. It was almost as if they were playing a game and not seriously trying to kill one another.

It's as if they…

The stalemate was broken as Mukuro brought his trident in-between them, forcing Tsuna and Kyoya to separate. Mukuro kept his attention on his Cloud counterpart, bringing his trident down to parry with Kyoya's tonfa Mukuro had decided to forgo using his illusions, focusing on his battle prowess as the indigo flame in his right eye flared every time his trident clashed with Kyoya's tonfas.

Not one to be ignored, Tsuna repeated Mukuro's action and came between his two Guardians, only he came in too fast and impacted the ground harder than he'd intended. Tsuna seemed frustrated for a moment, before his face took on a contemplative look. As if suddenly struck with an idea, Tsuna adjusted his flames and brought forth the softer flames he'd been accustomed to in order to make a sharp angle, before switching back to the hard flames to propel himself forward. Tsuna made several more passes in this manner, combining the raw strength and power of the hard flames, with the gentle and graceful soft flames. His movements, in a matter of seconds, seemed to lose the awkwardness that had been so prevalent throughout their training. The smirk on his Guardian's faces made it obvious that they'd noticed the difference and sudden increase in Tsuna's capabilities.

It's as if they… share a soul.

Lal had heard rumors that Tsuna, Kyoya, and Mukuro could read one another's minds when they fought side by side. Never saying a word, just sharing a glance and proceeding to overwhelm their enemies. No one could stand against them, as they stood together.

Lal had heard about it, but never seen it herself, so she dismissed it as weaklings not being able to keep up with an opponent stronger than themselves. After all, it was no secret the Tsuna and his Guardians were strong, both separate and together. She'd dismissed it, but here… now after seeing the three exchange blows instead of words, Lal thought she might finally understand what they meant.

This… This is Vongola Decimo.

KHRKHRKHR

Hibari Kyoya could be described as cold, callous, or aloof. He dislikes crowds and noisy herbivores, often resorting to violence to get rid of both. He also tended to keep to himself, only keeping the company of those who could be useful in his goals.

Except when he was around Sawada Tsunayoshi.

At first Tsuna had appeared to be just another herbivore, with no back bone or will to stand up for himself. There had been no denying Tsuna was intelligent, but other wise no use to Kyoya in the large scheme of things. But then Tsuna proved him wrong.

Kyoya was the first to truly notice Tsuna's hidden potential after his unexpected display against the would be kidnapper nearly 17-years-ago. Kyoya would always remember that feeling of intense desire he'd felt upon witnessing the scene, a feeling that has stayed with him. Even now, with his Omnivore out of commission, this younger version still invoked the same feeling.

Perhaps Kyoya should feel dirty; after all, the Tsuna charging at him with flames glowing brightly demonstrating his resolve, was still only a child.

In fact… Kyoya thought as his focus shifted to his other opponent. They're both children now.

It had been difficult for Kyoya to accept Mukuro in the beginning of their odd relationship, but that changed somewhere down the road. Mukuro could still infuriate him in ways that no one else ever could, but it was different now. That fury no longer sparked a deeper rage, but desire. Before he knew it, Mukuro had begun to bring out the same feeling of possessiveness Tsuna did.

Maybe he should have left Tsuna alone, not venturing into what he knew for a fact were untested waters, but he couldn't help himself. Even knowing what he did about his Omnivores plan, the sight of Tsuna walking, talking, and breathing hit him hard after seeing his Omnivore lying motionless in a casket. Kyoya needed to touch him, to really feel that Tsuna was alive. He managed to stop after reminding himself that his Omnivore would be returned once Byakuran was defeated, he just needed to be patient and wait.

Patience never was his strong suit, especially not with the younger versions of his lovers fighting him so earnestly.

KHRKHRKHR

Reborn was distracted and it was starting to show. Takeshi's training hadn't suffered, Reborn made sure of that, but his motions were automatic, programmed after years of being a hitman. Ever since his conversation with Lal the only thing he could concentrate on was the fact that Tsuna had lied to him.

He knew it shouldn't be as surprising as it was. Tsuna had a long history of lying to those around him in order to protect his secrets. A practice that Reborn also kept for his own safety, so he could understand to a point, but it had just been such an obvious lie Reborn wasn't sure Tsuna had been lying.

He'd known after the Thunder match why Tsuna knew so much, he knew why Asami took an interest in him (he'd need to ask about that relationship again when the time came), and he knew why Tsuna would want to keep it a secret. Still, when Tsuna said he wasn't Yoshi, Reborn had believed him. There just didn't seem to be any reason for Tsuna to deny it anymore, not when it was so obvious.

So why. Reborn pursed his lips slightly as he watched Takeshi practice integrating his flames and sword style. What would he have to gain by denying it? He'd have to explain where he got the letter eventually.

The questions made Reborn itch to confront his "student" and demand answers, but Reborn knew he couldn't, not yet. Even though Tsuna already promised to explain, there were still too many unknowns and he couldn't afford for Tsuna to be distracted, not with their confrontation with Irie Shouichi drawing near. So not yet, Reborn couldn't do anything yet.

Not until they were safely in the past once more.

Once they figured out a way to defeat the Millefiore and return to the past, everyone would be able to breathe easy again. The gloom of imminent doom would be lifted, as would their sense of urgency. Tsuna would no longer have an excuse to dodge the question.

"Hey, kid." Reborn blinked and shifted his focus back on Takeshi. "There's something that's been bugging me."

"What?"

"It's just you seem a little out of it." Takeshi rubbed the back of his head and laughed gently. "I heard from Tsuna that you could be really Spartan in your training, so I'm kind of surprised."

Reborn couldn't help but smirk slightly as Takeshi prattled off in a way that could be misinterpreted as insulting by someone that didn't know him, but Reborn could see the sincerity in his words. While Takeshi would been considered what Reborn called a natural hitman, he was also simple and kind to a fault as he smiled and laughed carelessly. Reborn couldn't help but like him.

"Perhaps I should step up our training then." Reborn's smirk widened as instead of looking nervous, Takeshi looked elated. "You certainly are a glutton for punishment."

"Well Tsuna always taught me to give it my all." Reborn quirked an eyebrow, having not expected that. "It was Tsuna who encouraged me to take up swordsman ship training under my dad, and it was Tsuna that always lifted me up when things got hard."

"The ever cheerful Yamamoto Takeshi needed to be cheered up?"

"Haha. Of course." Takeshi crouched down so he was closer to Reborn's level. "One time I broke my arm while practicing for a big baseball game. I was heartbroken and considered committing suicide." Reborn's eyes widened slightly before he could control his surprise. "I was just so focused on winning the game by myself that I forgot baseball was a team sport and put all the blame on myself when they played without me and lost. Tsuna was the one who beat some sense into my head and made me remember what really mattered, what I had forgotten while throwing myself a pity party." The sad look on Takeshi's face looked oddly out of place to Reborn as he listen intently to the rest of the story. "I'd forgotten about my dad and how he'd be all alone if I did something so stupid over one missed game. It was then that Tsuna suggested I ask my dad about training. I wasn't sure at first still wanting to focus on baseball, but Tsuna said there was no reason why I couldn't master both, so I did."

"When was this?"

"I think we were about Fuuta's age, 8 or 9." When Reborn didn't say anything, Takeshi continued. "Haha. I was pretty intense as a kid, not even in my double digits and already thinking my baseball career was over because of one injury. It really seems so silly now, but I'll always be grateful to have Tsuna by my side."

"Even though he's a compulsive liar."

Reborn took in the sudden shift in Takeshi's posture, he was tense and on high alert. Reborn knew he'd struck a nerve when Takeshi actually frowned at him.

"Tsuna has secrets." Takeshi admitted. "But so does everyone else, including you. Why should he have to tell you everything if you're not willing to do the same?"

With that Takeshi straightened himself out and went back to practices, leaving Reborn to mull over what he'd said.

Damn kids are starting to get to me. Reborn clenched his fists slightly as he realized Takeshi's words made a lot of sense, too much sense. Maybe that's the problem, though, I'm still thinking of them as kids.

KHRKHRKHR

Shouichi rubbed the bridge of his nose as he went through his files on the Vongola family for the umpteenth time. He'd long since memorized all of the details on every page, but kept reading regardless in order to keep up appearances. Shouichi had to at least look like he was trying to find the Vongola base.

Shouichi clicked to the next page and paused when Tsuna's face popped up. It was a face he'd seen many times in pictures and only twice in person. Only, the face he remembered from those meetings was older, ten years older.

*Flashback*

"I know this is hard for you." Shouichi said as he watched Tsuna pace back and forth from his position on the leather love seat in the expensive hotel room they'd chosen for their meeting. "But this is the only way to make sure Byakuran can't hurt anyone else."

"I know."

Tsuna stopped pacing and sat on the couch across from Shouichi with a sigh. Shouichi could see clear signs of stress in Tsuna's posture, even as he attempted to appear collected. The situation was taking its toll on the young man. Things were spiraling out of control and Tsuna wasn't able to predict the outcome of this conflict, something Shouichi had learned was a foreign concept for Tsuna.

"All of the preparations are ready. I just need a date."

"Kyoya?"

Shouichi couldn't help but swallow nervously as the intimidating man stepped out of the shadows and approached the sitting pair.

"Our preparations are also complete. We should be able to begin in three days." Unlike Tsuna, Kyoya appeared perfectly calm and Shouichi couldn't tell anything by looking at him. "It should all go as planned, but the other herbivores could potentially act unexpectedly."

"Right." Tsuna's fists clenched on his knees. "Mukuro is going to be very angry with me when this is all over."

"Ah." Kyoya made a noise in agreement. "I am already quite upset with you."

Shouichi's looked at Kyoya in surprise, having not expected him to have any objections.

"I'm sorry." Tsuna gave Kyoya a sad smile. "This is all I can do. I just hope you all can forgive me when we're safe."

"Omnivore… Tsunayoshi."

Kyoya placed a hand on Tsuna's shoulder before pausing. Shouichi flinched when Kyoya turned to give him a glare. The message was clear; Shouichi decided it was time to leave.

*End Flashback*

Actually meeting Tsuna had touched Shouichi in a way he hadn't been expecting. Tsuna was known to be friendly in the mafia world, but Shouichi had still expected him to be more confident, perhaps even a little arrogant. So he'd been surprised when he realized just how much the Vongola hunts had actually affected the mighty Vongola Decimo.

That brief interaction was enough to assure Shouichi he was doing the right thing by betraying his long time friend, Byakuran. Shouichi had known for ten years what needed to be done, having seen with his own eyes the destruction that Byakuran had wrought, but still those years at college made him hesitate. Byakuran had been his first real friend.

Shouichi shook his head to clear his thoughts as he turned his attention back to the picture of the young Tsuna.

"You can do this. If you don't we'll all be lost."

KHRKHRKHR

Ganma punched the wall in his room after going over the summary of the meeting that took place earlier that week. He'd been right, the two Guardians were too young; he'd been defeated by two brats from ten years in the past! Even worse, though, was the one who showed up at the end…

"Sawada Tsunayoshi."

Vongola Decimo summoned from the past as some sort of sacrificial delivery boy. The boy, because that's all Ganma could truly call him, was much smaller than he'd imagined, with big eyes that held a strength that didn't belong on such a sweet face. He looked so young and vulnerable, but also proud and strong, so much like… so much like Yuni before Byakuran got his hands on her.

"Damn it all." Ganma hadn't even flinched at the possibility of having to kill the two Guardian's who looked to be barely 15, but the thought of killing Tsuna made his stomach lurch in ways it hadn't for years. "His eyes… Yuni's eyes."

He'd only seen to boys face for a split second before the storm brat put his knee in Ganma's face, successfully knocking him out, but it was enough that the image was permanently ingrained in his mind. Ganma wasn't sure if he'd be able to fight him, if he saw Tsuna again.

As if he needed another reason to hate Byakuran.

(A.N. I guess you're wondering why I had Ganma remembering getting his ass kicked by Hayato and Takeshi. That's because in this fic Tsuna has already given Hayato more than a few lectures on how to treat his friends, so my Hayato is more willing to work with Takeshi and the other Guardians if he needs to. If you watch/read the fight, then you should see that if Hayato and Takeshi had worked together from the beginning they probably could have won the fight, not to mention my Hayato and Takeshi are stronger than in cannon. So, yes, they kicked Ganma's ass XD. Anyway, this is just a little interlude I thought up, showing a little of what my characters think of Tsuna. Sorry it's taken so long, but I've had the worst case of writers and I thought doing something like this would help me think, and it did. I should have chapter 11 up soon so don't worry, I haven't abandoned this series and I intend to see it threw till the end. I hope you liked it, ja ne.)