Chapter Twenty Nine

Tsuna and Reborn slept in the following morning, both too tired to get up on time. Reborn didn't care, the bond was still new and he was still feeling the effects. It was like he was on drugs, he was probably flame drunk, he thought distantly, relaxing on Tsuna's shoulder, Leon was dozing lightly on his fedora. He didn't really care about anything so long as he was close to Tsuna, the fuzzy warmth encircling his soul. He didn't even care when Fon, who was probably feeling the same thing as him, walked up and jumped onto Tsunahime's other shoulder, greeting her with a small, ecstatic smile. Fon's monkey chittered happily on the storm's head, grabbing an apple to eat.

They were currently having breakfast, Hibari nodding to both Fon and Reborn in, what they assumed, was a welcoming gesture. Well, Tsuna smiled happily at the boy (who promptly looked away in embarrassment with an annoyed growl, Fon was having a field day with all the blackmail he was getting, he had already brought Reborn's picture of Kyoya showing Lambo how to fight. It was adorable and he shared it with Kyoya's mother as soon as he got it) so they were taking their cues from her. The wolf didn't even seem completely hostile to Fon anymore either, oh, he growled at him but his stance was more relaxed than before, which Fon was pleased about. Even Lambo seemed to know that the two were bonded with Tsuna now, his instinctual knowledge of flames coming into play, because he rushed up to them and hugged them tightly. Well, Fon allowed him to but Reborn stubbornly stuck to Tsuna's shoulder and scowled at the boy (and if his scowl didn't hold as much annoyance as it did before, well, no one needed to point it out).

"Kufufufu… It seems like we have some new family members, my dear Chrome." sounded Mukuro as he faded into view. Chrome following soon after, nodding her head. She smiled brightly at the two not-babies who couldn't help but smile helplessly back. Chrome had that effect on people. There was a faint knock at the door before a servant was seen leading the other family members into the dining room.

"Haha, it's about time Reborn bonded with Tsuna!" was the first thing Takeshi said. Reborn scowled at him as Fon's smile widened with amusement, eyes shining with mirth. Fon did seem more relaxed, he noted. Fon was always watching behind his smiles (whether they were fake or genuine), waiting for a threat to attack, as was in his storm nature. But now, while he was still watching, Fon seemed stop watching them specifically, trusting that they weren't a threat to him. It wasn't obvious, Reborn could only see it because he was used to watching people's facial expressions (in order to properly read someone whether for a hit or to annoy them and create some beautiful chaos, heck, sometimes he created some chaos before he killed his target) and he had known Fon for awhile.

Ryohei walked in the room and stared at Reborn, assessing. His eyes were surprising serious for the boy's personality. Reborn refused to back down and stared right back at the other sun. The moment, while short in reality, seemed longer for both of them til Ryohei grinned, approving at whatever he was looking for and had seen, "It's always extreme when we get new family members!" exclaimed Ryohei as Takeshi smiled at Fon. The two seeming to communicate through their smiles. Every so often Fon's smile would widen as if in agreement with something and Takeshi would laugh. Reborn was ignoring how weird that was, it sort of freaked him out. Which was just wrong, because he was the one who was supposed to freak people out. Hayato stared at Fon for a moment, wanting to scowl at him, but Tsuna willed her flames to reassure him and he settled for a hesitant half smile instead. Fon caught the look and nodded in the younger storm's direction, a friendly, non-threatening smile tinting his lips. The half-dog relaxed slightly at that and turned to talk to their sky (Reborn couldn't see that getting old anytime soon. He had a sky, an actual sky!). Hayato relaxed even more when Tsuna welcomed him like usual.

Hibari growled, reminding everyone that they were both crowding and being loud in his presence and that they had gotten their morning greetings out of the way so they didn't have an excuse to do so. Everyone promptly finished their breakfast (even Reborn knew that they shouldn't push a cloud too much when they were in their territory), and went into other rooms, giving the carnivorous boy some space. It wasn't really needed when Fon smiled for too long in Hibari's direction, at least according to the wolf, because he brought out his tonfa and attacked the storm. Mukuro laughed and brought out his own trident, joining in, leading to a battle royale.

At least they spent the time to lead themselves out to the garden before they properly got into it.

Reborn cackled in an evil manner as he gleefully watched the three go at each other, wanting to see who would spill blood first.

Tsuna sighed with an indulgent smile, watching the chaos unfold around her, eyes glinting with happiness.


It was dark when the elements and their sky finally left the premises of the Hibari mansion. Reborn had given Tsuna a so called 'mafia battle suit'. It looked the same as her school uniform, which she was using to do these battles in as it was easy to replace and it, despite its appearance, was made to allow for a lot of movement. Kyoya was the one to change the uniform to his standards once he overtook the school after he tore the others he had from 'disciplining' the rule breaking students. Apparently, Leon could spin fibres in his body which then made the fabric more resistant to soul-flames. She just accepted that as a thing, Leon was pretty cool and versatile. Tsunahime had tested it now with a bit of fabric left over (Reborn had known she would want to test the clothes properly before wearing them and so made sure his partner made extra. He knew Tsuna trusted him but testing the equipment that you were going to use was just common sense). While her own flames could burn it, it took more time depending on the output and she had to want to burn the cloth rather than it just being a side effect if she was using a relatively low output (keyword being relatively as her flames could burn hot, hotter than the average flame when she wanted them to). Reborn's own suits was made of the stuff too, including his fedora… Because, god forbid his dear fedora got damaged...

Tsuna was quite happy with her new clothes. She wondered if Leon would be willing to make some more in the future. She hadn't asked yet though because the little fellow had exhausted himself, making a full set in such a small time frame. The green chameleon was still half asleep on Reborn's fedora now, trying to rest as much as he could before her battle started.

Kyoya had even tagged along for this fight, Hibird nesting on his head, occasionally singing the school anthem. He was behind everyone with a scowl on his face but Tsuna knew he was looking forward to watching his Alpha's fight. It wasn't often she fought outside of spars even if she wasn't going to be able to go full out in this ring battle. Fon had reclaimed his position on Takeshi's shoulder (Lichi occupied Takeshi's other shoulder, occasionally jumping back to Fon only to go back again, climbing around Takeshi. The rain didn't seem to mind that the monkey was using him as a improvised playground) for appearances sake, but the rain walked closer to Tsuna for the storm's sake. He remembered how hyper aware he was of Tsuna after his bonding and it was better for everyone involved if you made it easier for the newly bonded elements to see their sky.

It probably wasn't a very good idea that Tsuna was going to fight a mere day (not even a full twenty four hours) after their bonding. Both would be jumpy, regardless of how much they trusted in Tsuna's ability to win. It was a good thing that both of them was very, very good at hiding their emotions or stopping any emotions from being seen on their face. Tsuna didn't really know how the mafia would take the fact that she had managed to bond with not one but two of the Strongest. Hopefully, the mafia knew when to keep their nose out of her business but everyone had decided it was better to be on the safe side and keep the bonding hidden for now. Being an heir, which she technically wasn't at the moment but she would be if she won, did grant her some protection but not as much as being the Head of the 'Strongest Family' (Tsuna still had doubts about that, she was pretty sure the Familigila had gotten arrogant and lazy. Still, if she won this battle, she'd fix the Family and bring it up to the standards it was supposed to be when she was the head. Tsuna was at least glad that they had the Varia, their rules aside, they seemed to be the only thing keeping the family afloat, being as strong as they were).

"Everyone! Lady Sawada!" Tsuna hummed curiously, tilting her head as Basil ran up to her family. She hadn't seen the boy since she had a go at Iemitsu for daring to suggest that Lambo should fight in the lightning battle. To be honest, she expected to see the boy yesterday but then again if he couldn't find the place after the sun battle, maybe he had given up? Still, Dino's men had managed to find the place. Maybe Basil didn't bother looking for it last night. It made sense, it was pretty late on in the battles, being the final 'guardian' battle. Did he wait for them so he could go with them this time, to make sure he could get to the arena?

"Basil-san." Tsuna nodded her head in greeting, ignoring the way Ryohei placed himself in between them subtly, "Can I help you with something?"

Basil smiled and bowed in respect though his eyes held uncertainty. He obviously didn't know how he was supposed to act around her, given her clear dislike/hatred of Iemitsu, his so called 'master', "I was wondering if I could accompany thou to the arena?"

"Of course." She wondered if she could fix Basil's japanese but she doubted the boy would be in Japan for much longer given he was only here for the ring battles and today was when the last one was going to be held.

Basil nodded in thanks, hesitancy in his step as they walked down the darkly lit street before he began speaking again, "I was getting in touch with my teammates in Italy…" he started.

Reborn turned slightly to look at the boy in interest and some surprise while Tsuna pondered why the boy was so willing to give out what must be sensitive information in front of such a large group. Maybe he thought that if she was picked by his master, to be the next head of the family, then she must be trustworthy because his master trusted her (for some bizarre reason) and then her Own must also be trustworthy. That man didn't even know her but Tsuna decided it didn't matter what Basil thought about her based on Iemitsu's delusions. She wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth, though if she even did become the new head she reaffirmed to herself that she had to bring the Vongola's standards up. She didn't know how good Basil was at fighting but giving out information so freely was dangerous. Knowledge was power after all. It was one of the other reasons why Bat was so respected. That and she could easily blackmail anyone who got in her way, "How are they?" she prodded for more information, Reborn's interest filtering into his flames. If she remembered correctly, Bat said Iemitsu and his lackeys went to Italy to find out why Timoteo changed his mind so easily and suddenly about the heir candidacy. Iemitsu was going to go meet the head face to face. Given that Timoteo was obviously here, in Japan, Iemitsu must have gotten himself into some trouble. Tsunahime absent-mindlessly wondered if the man was dead before shaking her head and reminding herself that Iemitsu was her mother's Mate and she shouldn't be thinking such things regardless of her own personal opinions.

"Not good…" Basil sighed, sad, "Master and the rest were still trapped in the Vongola headquarters when I got in contact."

"Trapped? Inside their own headquarters? Do they not have fail safes for events like that?" Tsuna asked, incredulity filtering into her voice. The supernatural did. Most knew about the passages but only the people high up knew about all of them. She couldn't imagine whoever was pretending to be Timoteo knew about things like that but Iemitsu must be high up enough to know. On the supernatural side of things, they never wrote or recorded that sort of information (at least not in a way where anyone would be able to get it, some clans had special techniques to hide their information), everything was memorised, passed on by word of mouth. It had its downsides, everything did, but at least it was more secure. Tsuna wouldn't be surprised if they were passageways in the arena that even she didn't know about, the result of others dying before they could pass on that knowledge.

"I don't know. I'm not high enough for that knowledge…" Basil sounded even more unsure about himself. Tsuna could see why as he was given information about the current situation which should, hopefully, be top secret.

"That prancing horse can't interfere either…" Hayato mumbled from a step behind her, he had first hand knowledge of the mafia and how it worked. Tsuna nodded in understanding and agreement. Dino was the Family's ally but this was an in-house problem. Reborn said something about mafia honor and politics when they got on the subject of munity. Tsuna had no interest in politics and merely got the 'it looks weak if someone else cleaned up the Family's problem, bambina' before stopping asking any questions about the subject. Politics always give her a headache, no matter how necessary it was.

"Either way, it doesn't matter." spoke Reborn.

Fon nodded, "Xanxus can only take over the family with the other familgila's support if he's been named heir. He needs to win this battle first." the Strongest storm's smile gained a hint of anticipation, "And that might prove… difficult."

"Haha, Tsuna's going to win." commented Takeshi as Basil peered up at Fon on the rain's shoulder with curiosity, wanting to ask why the not-baby was there but the sharp smiles that the rain and storm were now wearing stopped him from asking his questions. They were scary and a little too creepy for comfort. Basil thought Fon was supposed to be the calm one of the Arcobaleno, the most approachable one. Figures they wouldn't have a single normal character in that group. Basil forgot that despite Fon's more peaceful nature he was also known as the Bloody Dragon among the triads as an enforcer. No one got a title like that by being peaceful. He was as feared in the triads as Reborn as in the mafia.

"Of course she is!" shouted Hayato, "She's the juudaime!" Tsuna laughed, slightly nervous. How was her name/title a reason for winning? Reborn smirked and patted her head, half reassuring and half mocking. She really needed to tell Reborn that she wasn't a cat and she didn't need to be petted… later. What? It felt nice!

Her elements' complete faith in her (and how it warmed her everytime she witnessed it. She loved her family, she really did) didn't seem to cheer the boy up though. Basil's frown etched deeper, "I heard this from Master Dino… Before the cradle affair, it seemed like they were five candidates, including Lady Sawada, to be the next boss. Among them, there were ninth's three older sons. But apart from the ninth boss and the consigliere, which is what the mafia call the outside advisor, the Family's upper echelon were all in support of Xanxus… The extent of Xanxus disposition to be a boss was that overwhelming…"

Tsuna hummed quietly in thought, "Well, Xanxus is the boss of the Varia. To be able to command such strong people in both strength and personality… It's an admirable quality to say the least."

"What?!" shouted Basil, "I don't think thou understand, Lady Sawada…"

"Oh?" Tsuna's eyes flashed dangerously and Basil flinched almost violently, reminding himself that this girl was someone who not only caught Xanxus' attention but Reborn's (and if Fon was here for Lady Sawada…) as well. Reborn shifted slightly as Fon smiling knowingly at him, the hitman resisted glaring at him, trying to keep ahold of himself. Really, dangerous Tsuna was too damn sexy for her own good… "I understand that because Xanxus is to be my opponent in this battle, most in the mafia expect me to hate him for some bizarre reason. Just because I am going to be fighting him doesn't mean I cannot appreciate and respect the person he is." Plus she could understand where the man was coming from, if only a little (not that she could say that with the boy being so firmly in Iemitsu's clutches and therefore Timoteo's). For him to be so respected, to have the hope, perhaps even expectancy, that he was going to be the next heir and trained himself for that goal only to have it cruelly ripped away because the man who said he was his father didn't have the strength to properly tell Xanxus before he had based his entire life on it… Tsuna could understand being let down by the people who called themselves family, heck, Iemitsu did just that to her. Of course, she had yet to get that adoption thing confirmed outside of her intuition (Tsuna had asked Bat but she didn't know for certain and so didn't comment. At least the Head knew how to keep a secret when he tried. Even if it wasn't something he should have been keeping secret in the first place, at least, not from Xanxus) but Tsuna thought it was pretty likely. Timoteo and Xanxus looked nothing alike and it would explain a lot. Not everything, but a lot, "It would be rather disrespectful of me to not acknowledge his strength if I am going to be fighting him." she finished, calmly.

Though tying the ninth up in a soul-flame sucking machine was a little too much in her opinion. Still, it was his revenge (being locked up in ice for eight years, completely conscience, warranted that at the very least) and because she wasn't the heir at the moment she couldn't really say anything.

Basil fell quiet at that, not understanding why Lady Sawada would want to respect someone who was going to try and kill her but not wanting to speak up again, fearing her reaction. Only Tsuna's mists noticed the small, invisible mist construct that the not-baby had sent to spy on them, disappear, having heard every word. Their sky hadn't said anything that needed to be private, nor did the mist construct intend to harm them, and it was Basil's own fault for speaking about sensitive information in the open, he should know better, being in an organisation apparently known for its information gathering skills, so they let it go back to its master. The Strongest Mist was probably relaying everything they had said to his sky.

Well, it'd probably help in the long run. The mists knew that their sky wanted to keep Xanxus as a ally if possible.


When they got inside the arena, Tsuki having joined them and the two mists having silently appeared off to the side of the group, they spotted a large cloud of smoke covering the large arena fighting area. The smoke was hot to touch, well, it was for a normal human, as Basil -who ran closer to get a better look- flinched from it and said that it was. To Tsuna's elements as well as Tsuki, who had been around Tsuna enough times when she was angry it was merely warm, only slightly bordering on uncomfortable if they weren't prepared for it. And Reborn was Reborn and so, of course, he had trained himself to deal with extreme temperatures.

Xanxus was in the middle of it all, a grin of anticipation plastered on his face. The smoke seemed to be coming from the heat his flames emitted, that were raging under his skin, barely restrained, "Well, our opponent looks ready." commented Reborn with a smirk, hand pulling his fedora down to shadow his eyes. Two strange tripods was standing in the Arena, a dish like shape at the top of them.

Tsuna smiled, her own excitement mirrored in it, "That he does."

"So you came, Mini-trash…" Xanxus' grin widened with either blood lust or gleeful expectancy, Tsuna couldn't tell which.


And the next chapter is the start of the sky battle!

Are you excited? I know I am! I honestly didn't expect this arc to take so long to write but it is what it is. I'm really glad all of you liked the previous chapter. I was a bit scared that Reborn's reaction would seem too far from Reborn's personality, even as an AU, but it doesn't seem it be a problem. Anyway, I love the support and reading the reviews. Lots of love, seriously, you guys always make my day!

Not much happening on this chapter, apart from the build up, and a slight insight on the family dynamic, but don't worry, action is coming.

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it and leave a review on the way out if you want to!