Chapter 13
In normal situation, Yamamoto isn't one that Tsuna gonna send to go on a undercover or stalking mission. Why? First is because he is not the kind of person that could act like he was someone else perfectly. Sure he used to be acting all goofy and happily even though deep inside he is not, when he haven't met Tsuna and the others. But that is more like hiding some part of himself, but still act like him. The second reason is, because Yamamoto would attract too much attention. Like at their school, even in Italy his smiling face could charm every person that caught sight of him, especially female. So why don't he use it to gather information as intelligent? Because he would just say anything inside his mind, and when you try to pry for information without other people notice your intention, that's definitely a big failure.
But as always, Reborn have his way to deal with it. He have been drilling Yamamoto with tactical speaking lessons, and intended on making Yamamoto a first class assassin that could pry for any information he wants with just some conversation engagement, with Tsuna's protest of course. He still didn't like his friends being shaped up into a killer. So Reborn cut the title and saying he just gonna make Yamamoto into a "First class swordsman and sweet talker". Making Tsuna just gaping at the title and Yamamoto just laugh it out as usual. But even Reborn haven't been able to drill any of it into the thick headed swordsman's head. For the time being, Reborn's only lessons that he could do very well is "Don't make any sound when in infiltrating enemy's territory". Which he could do very well as long his mouth is shut.
Remembering the baby's words, Yamamoto roaming around silently through the corridor of the Tolasro Famiglia mansion. Sometime maids and other employee of the mansion passed him, but thanks to Chrome's illusion, he didn't have to worry getting caught as long he didn't make any sound or touched anyone. Because the illusion maybe cover him visually from other people's eyes, but not his 'presence'. He wear his usual blue shirt and Vongola suits, and his Shigure Kintoki hanged in his right shoulder, ready to be used in case of emergency.
He try to remember Chrome's instruction again, and originally intending to head straight to the Boss's office like how he is planned. But somehow his bad habit came out and he found himself lost in the unfamiliar place. He was supposed to be finding his way through the hallway to some grand room in the 2nd floor where the boss office is, but now he find himself stranded in a red bricked corridor that lighten only by some torch that's stuck in the wall's side. He didn't even remember how he gets there in the first place.
Yamamoto wanted to laugh at his own stupidity, but since his voice could be heard by others and that could make trouble, he managed to only scratch the back of his head and grinning stupidly on his own. Gripping his sword's cover sling tightly to make sure it didn't make any sound when he's moving, Yamamoto walk around some more in hope to find someone worth to be stalked to. And maybe by luck, would lead him to the room he was searching for.
As he started roaming through the somehow old looking corridor that make him feels like inside an old castle, he caught a slight sound from the other side of the corridor. By habit he make his presence disappeared even though he is already invisible right now, and letting his shoes didn't make any sounds on the brick as he step closer to the source of the sound. After turning in a T intersection, he grin because he finally found someone. Yamamoto observe them from afar, and found them on an argument with each other in the secluded place.
"Just what are you planning on doing here? You know we aren't supposed to be seen outside! And you just came from the front door!"
"It can't be helped! I can't wait till the next meeting! Those damn Vongola already kicked me out of my own mansion!"
Yamamoto twitched at the name of his family being spoken out. Seems like he hit the nail. With that thinking, he move forward and step a bit closer. With the two men didn't even notice him at all.
"What the..? You really are useless. Can't you even came up with some argument to defend yourself?"
"How can I when they shove the real heir in front of my face and those stupid damn counselor?! I swear if I ever see that damn chick again I'll crush her and that annoying smile of her!"
Yamamoto almost leaked his deadly intent out as he heard the possibilities of his family in danger, even though he still didn't know who they are referring to. But somehow he was able to calmed down and relaxed himself. Now is not the time to be snapped, the baby and his father once said that patience and calmness is needed in times like this. He breathed long, and focusing his attention back to the two men.
"So what now? I can't cover ourselves anymore now. What about our plan?"
The other men touch his chin as he tried to think, "It's not a problem. We already finish with the preparation anyway. All we have to do now is just to launch the final phase."
The man that have been talking about Vongola before grinning mischievously at his comrade, "Then! Tonight is it!?"
The other men nodded, "Yeah, tomorrow will be the end of Vongola long reign in this world."
Yamamoto hold himself for some more time to get more information. He really wanted to slash the two men in front of him right now. But knowing Tsuna, he won't like the idea at all, and killing them here won't stop the problem afterwards. After he sure he have learned enough from the two, Yamamoto turned back and now running his way to get out from the mansion and meeting up with Chrome that's waiting on the outskirt of the mansion's yard.
His friends is in danger, and he won't let those people pass by for even thinking about it.
Tsuna never really know what he feels whenever he was presented with this scene before him. Nostalgic? Scary? Traumatizing? Feels like everything fall together perfectly inside of his mind. He have been in the same room with all of these people for a couple of times for the last year, but can't help to feel weird that they ended up able to stay together in a room without destroying anything after all that have happened between them.
"Tsunayoshi-kun~ aren't you gonna start this meeting soon?"
Tsuna came back from his trance state and stared at the white haired teenager with purple tattoo under his eyes who's not too much older than him. As usual, a pack of marshmallow never leave his hand, and his smile never waver from his face.
"I was about too Byakuran. It's just that sometimes I still couldn't believe we are really sitting here like this in the same room like nothing ever happened," he chuckled.
Uni give out a small giggle from Byakuran other side, "I couldn't agree with you more Tsuna-san."
"Just cut the useless talk and get to the point trash! I don't have all day for you!"
Tsuna turned to the same furious looking Xanxus on the other side of the table and smiled apologetically. Ever since the situation have calmed down, Tsuna have somehow gain some respect from Xanxus. Now, ever since he started working inside of Vongola mansion, Tsuna occasionally asked for Xanxus's presence to help him identifying some families and solving some underworld's affair. Since Xanxus born and raised in the dark world of Italy, he could give the perfect opinion on such matters when Tsuna didn't have any clue on the matter. Tsuna trust him for every word he say about it, and seems like that trust was the one that attaching Xanxus to the brunette unconsciously. Sure Tsuna could just ask Reborn about it, but since he wanted to make Varia in more 'family term' with them, he chose Xanxus for the role instead.
Recently, Tsuna started to consider Xanxus and Varia to be added into his "External Advisor" along with CEDEF. Not that he didn't think the organization is not enough, but somehow he feels that Xanxus will have some important role for him. With Kyoya managing CEDEF in the future, information is already a guarantee for them. But when they have to act in the underground world where they are not familiar about, Varia is the best choice. He trust that they would be a great ally for the family, and know what the best act would be on that world. But that still far in the future, so he just let the idea slip by for now.
"Right, sorry about that Xanxus. I want to ask first, have you guys heard about the Santos Family?"
"Hmm~? Is that the new established family I have heard about? They do have send proposal for alliances with us, but I haven't met them personally."
"I know them personally. They are a good family right?" Uni clap her hand and smiling brightly at them.
Tsuna nodded in acknowledgement, "Yes they are. Their boss have just left this mansion this morning. We have some friendly chat for the past 2 days and I think we have already in term with each other."
"So what? You didn't call me out here just to brag about some trash family right?" growl Xanxus, still with his hands crossed in front of his cest.
"Of course not. You will definitely kill me if I ever do that!" Tsuna laugh followed by Uni and Byakuran's giggle.
"Tch...so what?!"
"Well..."
Tsuna then told the 3 of them about all the Santos power and their information that they have found regarding the ambush attempt.
"...and that is what happened. I have a hunch that this problem is bigger than what it looks like and gonna involve some other rival families. I already receive Ninth's permission to handle this fully, and I need help from you guys."
"hmm~ Don't you think ALL of us a bit too much? Enma-kun and the others already tending them, if you added us it will be a full massacre for them you know~" says Byakuran while munching his fluffy marshmallow. He say the 'massacre' thing as if it's the most cute thing in the world.
"Humph...suits the trash right."
"Well, Yamamoto have just came with new information this afternoon," Tsuna explain again. "Apparently, those families that have turn their back on us is grouping together and attempted on a joint attack to take down Vongola and took Shira-san at the same time. What they aim is the chaos within the Vongola being under attack and use that moment too kidnap Shira-san who they already know under our custody. They thought by attacking us first, the Shimon gonna run to aid us and give them some space for looking on Shira-san. And seems like the now fallen Cuardio boss used to cover up the group's activity on raising funds for this attack."
Byakuran whistle, "Wow, are they looking for their own death? Now that we knew of this just let Enma-kun and the others stay in the Santos mansion. Instead we will help you out here. If you needed any that is~"
"Byakuran, they didn't know we knew of their plan. So of course they're not," the smile Uni radiating is contrast with the sinister tone she used on her words.
"I say we just eradicate them now."
Tsuna shook his head at Xanxus, "Nah, I don't want to go into the trouble of finding their base and all."
"So what is your plan Tsuna-san?" asked Uni.
"Let's just wait for them and give them the best greetings, shall we? I have planned things out."
With the Varia in the mansion, that night's dinner is already promising to be a total chaos. Tsuna now envy the Ninth and his guardian that is scheduled to be back tomorrow, as that was when all of the chaos would already ended.
Since the Ninth is no longer in the condition to fight, his guardians and Tsuna already agree to put the Ninth away from any fighting and keep him safe. Tsuna care so much for his grandpa, and didn't complain at all on the term. But this is different matters. From his position in the head of the table, Tsuna massaging his forehead as he listen to the chaos around him. How he wish he could switch place with his grandpa now.
"VOOOOOIIIIIIII...! YOU BRAT! HOW DARE YOU NOT TELLING ME THAT YOU WERE HERE!"
"Ahahaha. I thought you guys already knew?"
"Kushishishishi...I see some little lamb is being brought here."
"Hahi! Hayato! That guy is creeping at us again!"
"Oi you prince freak! Get your own woman for God sake!"
"Kushishishishi... The prince will get any princess that he wants. I'm not listening to you."
"What did you say!?"
"Ara~ ara~ you girls are still as cute as ever~ too bad you're not a boy. Right Ryouhei-kun~?"
"I EXTREMELY DON'T UNDERSTAND, BUT MY SISTER AND GIRLFRIEND DOES CUTE!"
"Onii-chan! Don't say embarrassing stuff like that!"
"I think you need a smack or two to shut your mouth hah?"
"WHA..WHAT?! NO I DON'T NEED THEM HANA!"
"Yare yare, I'm not being pay to be deaf."
"Nee...nee...when will we get to start eating?"
"I-Pin is hungry too."
"Be patient Lambo, I-Pin. We will soon."
"If you people don't shut up soon, I will bite you all to death."
"Oya oya... but you didn't shut up too Skylark-kun."
"What did you say again?"
"Waaa... Master is gonna be beaten into a pulp again..."
"What did your mouth just say, Fran?"
"Kyoya, Mukuro-sama, please be quiet. Bossu is looking at us."
At her cue, all of the table's occupant turn their head to the brunette, only to be shocked finding the young boss already in his Hyper Dying Will Mode while sitting in his chair. Both of his hand crossed in front of his chest, as he closed his eyes and facing the table. When Tsuna open his eyes to face his family, even the Varia gulped at the scene. The pair of orange eyes gazing at the people in front of them, giving out silent warning and displaying total authority to those boys he stare directly into the eyes. In just a split of second all of the commotion stop, and they all freeze in their position. Whether they are sitting or standing near the table.
"You all done? I thought you guys wanted some exercise first before dinner," says Tsuna with his calm voice, still with his eyes gazing at them.
"Kushishishishi... No thank you. The Prince wants some good dinner with good hands still functioning."
Tsuna smile as he wear off his Hyper mode state, "Of course you do Bel. I guess we could start eating now then?" he turn to the maids that have been waiting with blushing face in the corner of the room. After seeing Tsuna's cue they immediately bring the foods inside, covering their red face for being able to see the boss in his famous Hyper Dying Will Mode state. Now that face and his deep eyes will definitely haunt their dreams for the next couple of nights. The other people just sighing that the dinner started without any trouble.
After all the foods is served, the dinner started with loud conversation around the table. But since this time they still continuing their dinner as they bickering and no live is threatened, Tsuna just let them be and focusing on his own food.
"Seems like you already handle all of them well."
Tsuna who have been eating silently turned quickly to his right, to find his tutor standing there with his usual innocent look.
"Reborn! Where have you been?! I didn't see you for the last 2 days!"
Reborn smirked, "I have my own mission from the Ninth too you know. And I love what I get."
Tsuna tilting his head at him, not getting what he means by that. "By the way, tonight..."
"I already know," Reborn cut his words. "I'll take care of the girls and kids. Just do what you have to do."
Tsuna smile. His tutor always understand without him speaking his worry out, "Yeah."
With that, Reborn took the empty seat beside the girls, and started eating too. But not without his smirk that's covered under the shadow of his fedora. After everyone finished, with still some small bickering happened throughout the dinner time, Tsuna stand up from his seat. He gaze to all his friends, who have mixed expression. Some with confused and worried look, while the rest with their serious looks, already know of what gonna happened.
Tsuna took a long breath, before start talking, "Guys, I'm afraid we're gonna have some commotion tonight on the mansion."
"Commotion...do you mean war?" ask Kyoko with paled face.
Tsuna smiling at her and the other girls, trying to assuring them, "It's not that big, Kyoko-chan. I do hate this too, but there's nothing else we could do to stop this. And I prefer to finish this sooner to prevent any casualties in the future."
"So they gonna came here tonight? Is that why the Varia is here too?" Gokudera looking at Tsuna with his serious face.
Tsuna nodded, "I want to ensure the safety of everyone in the mansion. So I'm asking them a favor, since they seems to be bored too recently."
"VOOIIIII...! Are you saying we are too lazy these days?! You were the one who ban all killing mission and make us jobless like this!"
Tsuna shrugged, "Well, that is true. That's why I invited you guys tonight. So you could have fun. Oh, but still don't kill them okay? If it's just torturing I won't mind though."
"Kushishishi... I'll take your word on that. Right Mammon?"
"Yare yare. Killing them is easier to do."
"Boss! I will definitely make you proud!" shout Levi at Xanxus who just sitting with bored face.
Xanxus growl at the man beside him. Still focusing on the wine on his hand, "Like I care."
Tsuna just sighed at them. The Varia still didn't change after all. "So for the time being, I want you girls and the kids to stay on our underground room with the other maids and staff. Just to be safe, Reborn will be with you guys for any emergency. Also, Chrome and Mukuro, I want you to make the way towards the underground room hidden. And create large scale illusions to make it looks like the mansion's functioning normally."
"Kufufufu... I'll let Fran do the one for the whole stuff. He can't battle upfront anyway."
"Eehhh... That is a lot of trouble to do," Fran pouted with his chin on the table.
From his sit far on the other side, Mukuro materialize his trident and stabbed it to the monoton boy's apple head. Only for the boy to not care a bit about it. "Do you rather choose to be thrown out to the enemies instead?" Mukuro smiling eerily at him.
"Master, this is my new hat," he say with his usual monotone.
"I don't care. Didn't look any different with the previous one anyway."
Fran pouted at him, "...Fine."
"Kushishishi... I want to play darts on the apple boy too." Belphegor already pull out his knife and ready to throw them out if not for Tsuna's interference.
"Hey, stop that you two. Fran, I'll trust you on that then, okay?" Tsuna smile at the still pouting boy, who looked a bit better after seeing his smile.
"Well that means we have another 3 illusionist to aid us in front. Let's stir things up shall we guys?"
Enma staring at the night sky alone on the balcony of his room on the Santos mansion. He just wear simple shirt and baggy pants, comfortable enough to sleep, but still looking okay when he needs to go out of the room to grab something. Even as he admiring the shining stars above him, his mind drifting away from the scene.
He open a piece of paper that have been clenched inside his palm and re read the whole thing. Just a few hours ago Jirou, Yamamoto's box animal, arrived on the mansion to deliver the message to him. To them using box animal instead of texting it meaning it's a really important and secret message to deliver. Enma didn't waste any second to read the whole message.
As he finds out about the plan, he quickly inform all of his family member to tell them of the plan. The Santos is being kept in the dark about this, as they have never been into a fight before. And Adelheid worried they gonna be reckless if allowed to fight. After All, according to the message, a really reliable ally gonna aid them, and they're capable enough to defeat anyone dare to come.
Now, Enma just have to wait till they got the cue from Tsuna and the others to act. Shira's safety is supposed to be his responsibility, and he gonna make sure of that tonight.
A sudden knock from the door snapped Enma from his deep thought. He turn to the door, and found the mansion's princess peeking from the opened door. Looking hesitate to go inside.
"May I come in, Enma-san?"
Enma smiling tenderly at the shy girl, and nodded at her, "Of course Shira-san. Come here."
Shira smiling brightly at him, and stepping forward from the door to where he stand. Enma blushing at her, as he get the full view of the girl appearance. She wear her white satin night gown that stretched till her knees, and a white scarf is being held around her shoulder to keep her from the night's air. Her hair is being let loose as usual, but looked a bit messier than usual with it scattered on her shoulder. Giving more innocent looks on the girl. With her usual smile she stand beside the red haired boy, not realizing his deep blush.
"What are you doing? Not able to sleep yet?" Shira's question snapped Enma from his gaping expression. He quickly cover his face with his bangs and turn back to the fence on the balcony.
"N..no. Just wanted to get some fresh air for a while. And I thought you were already ready to go to sleep."
Shira giggle at him, "I do, can't you see?" she spin around to let Enma see her whole appearance, only making him blushing even more. "But somehow I have a bad feeling, and wanted to see you first."
Enma stare at her. Shira doesn't supposed to know about the plan. The only one on the Santos know of it is Shira's older brother, because they needed someone to control of the Santos younger member. So maybe it was just Shira's instinct as the boss.
"Somehow, I feel that something is gonna happened. Enma-san, do you know anything about it?" she stare at him with both of her hand clutched in her chest. Her worried is showed in her eyes,
Enma silently stare at her. After a while, he smile at her again, and then wrap his hand around the girls palm. Shira blushing slightly at the touch, and looking at the boy in front of her from the corner of her eyes.
"Shira-san, I want you to trust me on this. I won't let anyone hurt or even touch you. You are already like a little sister for me, my precious family member. I will protect you as long I'm still standing here, along with your brothers. So you have nothing to worry about. Can you do that for me?"
Shira stare with wide eyes at him. She then turn to her hand that is still being hold by both of Enma's hand. His hand is bigger than her, and radiating soft but deep warm through it. He have holding hand numerous times with her brothers, but he never feels this kind of warm from other people's hand before. It's like he is giving his full security on her just by touching her hand.
At that time, Shira knew he like this feeling and wanted to keep it to herself for as long as possible. So she look back at Enma who still stare at her, waiting for her answer, and smile. "I can, Enma-san. I trust you."
Enma smiling with a glint of blush, and unconsciously wrapped her hand more tightly than before. Not wanting to let her go.
"By the way," Shira continue on, followed with a bit of confusion on Enma's face. "Please don't say I'm like a little sister to you. I already have enough brothers, and I want you to see me in different light. If you don't mind."
Enma tilting his head confusingly as he stare at Shira who now hide her face under her bangs, and facing downwards. "What do you mean?"
Shira hesitate to continue on, as her mouth keep opening and closing for a couple of times. "Li...like...like a...wom..."
BAM!
A/N : Wow, I think this is the first cliffhanger I make in this story XD And I think I suck at romantic scene. Is this okay with you guys? .
Thanks for those that following and reviewing the story! I really appreciate it! Please keep leaving review to tell me what you think of the story progress! ^^)/
And once again, I'm story for my REALLY bad grammars and typos m( _ _)m
Next one gonna have some action. Hope I could portray it well _ See you guys soon!