Hello, everyone! This is a new chapter! Chapter 45! I hope everyone will enjoy it and without further ado, let's start!
Normal POV
Kai ran towards the park as he set Aichi down behind some nearby bushes while the others ran towards him.
" Kai!"
" Just in time." Kai said
" What do you mean by a surprise attack? The signal for the next battle won't go off until tomorrow." Misaki said
" Pontifex used Aichi's powers to peer a little into the future and saw what would happen. If we had stayed at where we were, there would've been dire consequences." Kai explained
" I see... So where's Aichi?" Miwa ask
" He's asleep behind that bush. Today's battle exhausted him." Kai lied
" And instead of being able to rest properly, this just had to happen..." Miwa sighed
At that time, Ren entered the park as they all gathered together. That was when they sensed an ominous presence and got into their fighting stance.
" They're coming!" Ren said
A portal appeared in front of them as a Vindice member stepped out of it.
" Just one?" Kamui ask
" Be careful. This one guy might be dangerous." Miwa said
That was when the Vindice member shot out a chain and they all dodged.
" This is unfair... They took out their Battler watches for this." Ren said
" So they want to take out teams like this? That's a pretty interesting method." Miwa said
" And also dangerous if we weren't told beforehand." Kai said
" Yeah..."
Kai glanced over to the bush where Aichi was still sleeping behind before looking back at the Vindice member.
" We need to do whatever we can to defeat him. Stay on alert." Kai said
The others nodded as they got out their box weapons and Kai charged at the Vindice member. The Vindice member shot out his chain again as it hit Kai, however, he dispersed into clouds and had appeared behind the Vindice member to stab him. The Vindice member dodged his attack while Misaki shot out her arrows on his cloak to keep him in place.
" Alright! Do it now!" Misaki shouted
" Yeah!"
As the fight went on, Aichi groaned as he opened his eyes and looked around. After hearing the noise from behind the bushes, he stood up and saw the others fighting the Vindice member.
" Everyone!"
" ... I'll retreat for now." The Vindice member said as he disappeared
" He ran away?!" Kamui exclaimed
" No. I doubt this will be the last time we'll see them." Kai said
" ... Papa! We have to go find him!" Aichi exclaimed
Kai's eyes widened a little at the realization as he nodded and used a cloud to transport them to the Sawada residence. Aichi quickly landed and ran over to the injured Yosuke while Colonello, who'd arrived not too long ago, checked on Iemitsu. Aichi gasped as he saw the wound on Yosuke's eye and arm.
" Papa!"
" Aichi...?"
" You're seriously injured! Let me heal you!" Aichi exclaimed
" Don't bother about me for now... Boss has even more grave injuries after trying to protect his wife..." Yosuke said
" Aichi. I'll try to heal him as best as I can. Your healing ability is greater than mine, so heal Iemitsu." Kai said
" I'll help too." Miwa said
Kai nodded as they started healing Yosuke while Aichi started healing the wound on Iemitsu.
" The Vindice except for their representative assaulted us. They even attacked Iemitsu's wife..." Lal said
" This is so cruel... The wound is so deep... The Vindice have gone too far!" Aichi exclaimed
" That damn Bermuda! Is Mum safe, kora?!" Colonello exclaimed
" She fainted from the shock after being hit by Dad's blood... Why does she have to go through all this? Please! Make it so that when she wakes up she will think it's just a dream!" Bianchi exclaimed
" Bianchi is right." A voice said as they turned to see Reborn, " Mum should never be involved in a fight, no matter what."
" Reborn... How is your team... Tsuna and the others?" Iemitsu ask
" They are fine. They could protect themselves, and now Fon is staying with them until I'm back. Your son is growing up, Iemitsu." Reborn said
" I see..."
" Anyway, you're looking really lame for an External Advisor!" Reborn remarked
" It's not like you think, Reborn-dono! If the Vindice hadn't used such dirty methods, Master wouldn't have..." Basil exclaimed as Iemitsu cut him off
" Don't, Basil... It's all my fault... that the Boss watch was destroyed... Because of me, Colonello's curse won't be lifted... And so... I crushed Lal Mirch's future..." Iemitsu said
" Hey Iemitsu! That's a secret!" Colonello exclaimed while blushing
" Colonello was planning... to hand over his right to lift his curse to you, Lal... If he had been able to win the Representative Battle..." Iemitsu said
" ... Colonello..."
" Gh. Dammit, Iemitsu." Colonello muttered
" I'm really sorry. It was your only chance..." Iemitsu said
" It's okay, Iemitsu. You were ready to protect what's most important to you. I understand your feelings. I would have done the same for Colonello." Lal said before continuing, " ... Colonello. Your feelings give me the courage to live."
" Lal..."
" And now we have baby lovebirds." Miwa muttered, holding in a snicker
" Concentrate, Miwa." Kai said
" Yes, yes."
" Annoying." Reborn said as he landed, " This means that, aside from Bermuda, the only teams left are mine, Aichi's, Mammon's and Verde's. I contacted Mammon and Verde earlier, apparently their representatives are seriously injured."
" How coward of the Bermuda team!" Basil exclaimed
" ... Reborn, could you not tell Tsuna about me for awhile? I don't want to ruin his concentration." Iemitsu said
" Okay."
" What will you do now, Aichi?" Colonello ask
" Isn't it obvious?" Aichi ask
That was when the medical team from CEDEF arrived and brought Iemitsu and Yosuke into an ambulance. Aichi hugged Yosuke for his reassurance as the doors closed and the ambulance drove away.
" ... Don't think they can get away with this. Vindice or not... I'll definitely make them pay." Aichi said, his voice laced with determination and anger
He nodded to the others as Kai used his clouds to bring them back home. Kai opened the apartment door once they arrived as Aichi immediately went to the crib to carry Tasuku. Tasuku immediately laid down on his chest as Aichi adjusted his body so that he would be comfortable. Kai sighed as he went over to them and removed Aichi's Boss watch to set it on the kitchen counter along with his own Battler watch.
" Have a good night's rest. Tomorrow's another day of the Representative Battle again, so don't stay up too late." Kai said as he kissed Aichi's forehead
" Yeah..."
Kai then checked the time as it showed that it was two minutes to midnight. He settled down beside Aichi and closed his eyes to sleep after confirming that Aichi and Tasuku were sleeping as well. However... As soon as the clock hit midnight, their watches started beeping as Tasuku wailed from the sudden noise while Kai's eyes flew open and quickly went to see the watches.
" 1 minute until battle starts."
" That Checkerface... Sure, midnight is a new day but this is too much! It's almost Tasuku's feeding time too!" Kai exclaimed
" Then stay here. I'll go." Aichi said
" No. I'm coming with you." Kai said as he materialized a cloud, " I'll just use what I taught myself and take care of him remotely."
" ... Alright."
Aichi set Tasuku back into the crib after he quickly calmed down as the watches continued to countdown. Kai materialized another cloud to bring them to Namimmori.
" Will the others be alright...?" Aichi muttered
" I'm sure they probably figured out where we're going, but you don't want to endanger them, right?" Kai ask
" Yeah... Even though they took my Battler watches, I still regret getting them into this mess." Aichi said
" We're all your friend and Guardians. We swore to protect you, so it's obvious why they would react like that." Kai said
" But... It's dangerous. The Vindice are too dangerous." Aichi said
" ... I sense multiple presences." Kai said
" Head down." Aichi said
Kai nodded as the cloud flew down to a park and they saw Tsuna and the others along with Mukuro from above.
" The battle starts. The time limit is 12 minutes."
" So it begins..." Kai muttered
They then saw Mukuro's teammates running towards him as they sensed a familiar flame presence.
" Here they come." Aichi said as he opened his box weapons and unsheathed his golden sword
" Don't be reckless." Kai said
" Don't worry. I'm calm. But I am angry about what happened to Papa and Iemitsu-san." Aichi said
" ... You had a plan in mind?" Kai ask
" Kai-kun. What was the first thing I told you about when it comes to making elements?" Aichi ask
" ... Elements can only be generated using small energies that emit life. They especially emit more whenever the Sun is up." Kai said
" That's right." Aichi said as an orb appeared in his hand
" That's..."
" I gathered this amount of energy during the mornings and afternoons. It was hard to do it, but I finally finished it. I thought about using it when the time calls for it." Aichi said
" You're going to use it?" Kai ask
" ... I was thinking to. But... I couldn't get my mind off the person that Bermuda was riding on or Bermuda himself." Aichi said
" So you were still conscious during the announcement." Kai said
" Yeah, but just enough to hear the important parts. I only have one shot with this and then this orb will be no more after one use." Aichi said
" If you're that worried, then don't use it yet. Let's help those guys first." Kai said
" Yeah."
Aichi kept the orb as Kai flew them down to land just as Tsuna and Mukuro agreed to form an alliance.
" Sorry. We're a little late." Aichi said
" No, you're just in time. Having all the help we can have to battle these three is needed." Tsuna said
" Kufufufu. Unfortunately for me. I didn't really want too many alliances, but since it came to this, I guess I have no choice." Mukuro said
" They're coming!" Tsuna exclaimed
The Vindice shot out chains with sharp tips as an explosion occured upon contact. The smoke cleared to reveal that Gokudera had defended them.
" It's not gonna work! Sistema C.A.I! Now, Joushima!" Gokudera shouted
Ken used his Kong Channel while holding Gokudera's dynamites in his hands as he threw them.
" 10 times bomb!"
The dynamites exploded upon contact.
" Ken used Gokudera's bombs?!" M.M exclaimed
" A combined technique!" Verde exclaimed
" This combination is possible because both families know each other's trick very well." Reborn said
" Yamamoto! Go ahead!" Ken shouted
Yamamoto jumped from behind and used Ken's shoulder as a boost. His Shigure Soen technique hit the Vindice while Chikusa used his needles to keep the Vindice in place.
" Vongola."
" Thank you! Take this. Super Glide! Hyper X Stream!" Tsuna said
He used his flames to burn the Vindice after flying around them. Tsuna then flew back to the others.
" Finish them off, Mukuro." Tsuna said
" Yes. After you paved the way, I'll have to do it. I was supposed to use this technique to defeat you. But since the Vindice got in my way..." Mukuro said as he put on the gloves
" Oh! You're finally gonna use it!" Verde said
" An intensely real illusion. The monster of my imagination, now alive. Genjuu Gagaia!" Mukuro declared
A flock of black crows appeared from his illusions as they flew to the Vindice and started to eat them.
" They're eating the Vindice!" Gokudera exclaimed
" That's not an illusion..." Reborn said
" It's reality born from an illusion." Verde said
" Well done. Destroy them and every piece of meat left." Mukuro said
The crows suddenly exploded after that as they shield themselves from the smoke.
" It blew up!" Gokudera exclaimed
" Oh, seeing that it's the first time I use it, I couldn't adjust it properly. It came out too powerful." Mukuro said
" I wouldn't want to be the enemy." Reborn said
" Exactly." Verde aaid
The smoke started to clear as the three shadows came out of the smoke and remained standing.
" They're still alive, byon!" Ken exclaimed
" They don't have their hats and coats anymore!" Yamamoto exclaimed
" By the way, how do they look without the clothes, byon?!" Ken exclaimed
" This is probably the first time someone sees what the Vindice really looks like." Mukuro said
Their eyes all widened as the smoke cleared to reveal the real Vindice with zombie like appearances.
" So this is what they actually look..." Mukuro said
" Hu... Humans?" Tsuna ask
" Probably!"
" Wa-Wait, Mukuro-san! The... They do have faces and wear clothes, byon! But... they look really... splatter..." Ken said
" I don't like that though! What are those?! Those stonelike pacifiers?!" Verde exclaimed
" First of all... I'll praise you. It's the first time that someone is able to rip off our clothes and see us. Even just momentarily, I can say that you surpassed the power of a human being." One of the Vindice said
" Are you saying... that you aren't humans, in the end? Besides, what you have around your necks is not something that can be found anywhere. Those pacifiers have the same exact shapes of the Arcobaleno's. Please explain why you have them." Reborn said
" We can't do it... without Bermuda's permission." The Vindice said
" Bermuda?!"
" The Arcobaleno with the transparent pacifier, who made you his representatives." Reborn said
" What is he?! This is really disturbing! Maybe he's actually in collision with Checkerface!" Verde exclaimed
" No way! Bermuda would never, ever team up with Checkerface! Bermuda is the most worthy of being an Arcobaleno!" The Vindice exclaimed
" Do not... speak... anymore..." Another Vindice said
" Don't worry. Having seen us and heard our words mean nothing. Because we'll wipe them out." The Vindice said
" Oh, apparently we're back to the start. We'll have to fight." Mukuro said
" It's not the start." The Vindice said
" We're not... the same... as... before..." The other Vindice said
" That's good to hear." Aichi said as his sword glowed and scattered into flowers, " I'm still angry about the ambush a little while ago. I'll be your opponent."
" Aichi! Don't be reckless!" Kai exclaimed
Aichi glanced over to Kai as he stopped and nodded, understanding Aichi's signal before stepping back.
" Don't interrupt him. We can help later." Kai said
" But those three are dangerous!" Tsuna exclaimed
" I know. But let's leave this to Aichi for now. Regain some of your energy first." Kai said
As the Vindice charged at Aichi, swinging his chains and swung into a corkscrew like attack, the flowers spiralled around him and blocked his attack. That was when chains came from underground and grabbed Gokudera, Yamamoto, Ken and Chikusa as the four were thrown up into the air by the chains from the other two Vindice.
" Oh no!"
" Leave them alone!" Aichi exclaimed
The four were then wrapped together by the chains and thrown back onto the ground.
" Everyone!"
" Their real power..." Verde exclaimed
" They're definitely stronger." Reborn said
" Ken! Chikusa!"
The Vindice then changed his course of attack and headed towards Tsuna and the others as Tsuna fired his X Cannon to try to stop him. Mukuro then used his Genjuu Gagaia again to try to devour the Vindice but they were immediately destroyed as the chains started attacking them.
" ... Stop!" Aichi shouted as he lit up his rainbow flames, " Come! Whip of the Serpent!"
Aichi then cracked the whip as white serpents burst out of the whip and started deflecting the chains. Kai quickly recovered and tried to run over to Aichi.
" Be careful, Aichi!" Kai exclaimed
" He won't be able to keep up with it for long." Reborn said
" If onky Mukuro and Flan could mix their illusions together we'd be able to do something about it!" Verde exclaimed
" What happens if Flan adds his illusions with Mukuro's?" Reborn ask
" It's still just a theory, but... The attack and defense power of Gagaia should be doubled!" Verde said
" I see... But this way..." Reborn said
" We're gonna lose... They're invincible! Way worse than I thought!" Verde exclaimed
" We can't let it happen! Wake up, Flan! Come on!" M.M exclaimed as she shook Flan
" Let me help... your illusion..." A voice said
They turned their heads in surprise to see Chrome staggering over.
" I will... fight too..." Chrome said
" Stupid woman! You're seriously ill!" M.M exclaimed
" Ch... Chrome! Why?!" Tsuna exclaimed
" She's my representative." Reborn said
" What... Reborn!" Tsuna exclaimed
" She's..."
" ... so unsteady!" Verde exclaimed
" Chrome, are you okay?! Weren't your organs completely destroyed?!" Tsuna exclaimed
At that, the Vindice stopped their assault as Aichi was left confused while Kai arrived at his side to check on him.
" Verde, Chrome is skilled. Put Flan's equipment on her." Reborn said
" What?! Do you want her to make a combo technique with Mukuro?! It's impossible all of a sudden! And with that body!" Verde exclaimed
" Please."
" Jeez! What a shameful situation! Having to rely on that girl!" Verde exclaimed as he ran to her, " Uh? That's weird. What's hapenning?! The Vindice were running amok all this time... And now they just... stopped..."
" ... Are you okay, Aichi?" Kai ask
" Yeah. It's not over yet..." Aichi said
" I know."
Kai heard his phone ringing as he answered it.
" Stay at home. Inform the others too. It's too far to travel now and the time limit will be hit soon. Just wait for the news. Yeah, bye." Kai said as he hung the call up, " I told Miwa to keep the others from coming over."
Aichi nodded as Verde finally arrived at Chrome's side and put the device on her.
" Put this on your hand!" Verde said
" Yes..."
" Uff, are you okay? You're so pale..." Verde said
" Yes..."
" ... Mukuro! Why don't you help her?! Didn't you create her organs with your illusions?! Now that you're out of prison, that shouldn't be difficult for you! Mukuro! Are you listening?!" Tsuna exclaimed
" What an annoying outsider. Don't interfere." Mukuro said
Tsuna then flew towards Mukuro and grabbed his shirt.
" Are you gonna abandon Chrome?! Wasn't she your friend?! Mukuro! I didn't think you'd be like this." Tsuna said
" That's just your idea of me." Mukuro said
" Cool down, Tsuna! This is not Mukuro's fault. It's Chrome's problem." Reborn said
" Chrome's...?!"
" Chrome won't accept Mukuro's illusions." Reborn said
" Eh?! But... why?!" Tsuna exclaimed
" Do you know what the biggest change that recently happened to Chrome is?" Reborn ask
" She was kicked out of Kokuyo by Mukuro..." Tsuna said
" Before that... Try to remember what she wanted the most before fighting Daemon Spade." Reborn said
" She wanted to free Mukuro's body from the Vindice Prison! ... And that was granted thanks to the battle with Daemon Spade!" Tsuna said
" Until then Chrome was able to communicate with Mukuro, that was asleep in that faraway prison, and could let him use her body. On the other hand Mukuro was the only person that could create illusionary organs to replace the ones she lost in the accident. In other words, they were closely supporting each other." Reborn explained
" I see...! Now that Mukuro got back his actual body, he doesn't need Chrome anymore... And Chrome is sorry for that so she stopped accepting his illusion!" Tsuna exclaimed
" Yeah. You're still a brat indeed." Reborn said
" What?!"
" That's also part of the reason, of course, but I think the problem is mostly due to her feelings changing." Reborn said
" Her feelings... changing?" Tsuna ask
" Now that Mukuro has his own body again, they don't share the same destiny anymore. He's a flawless young boy that can live his life normally even without her. Mukuro is not part of her... And she's not part of him either... For the first time, she saw Mukuro outside of her. And that led her to feel that from now on she also wants to be seen... as a single person. That's why she's refusing Mukuro's intervention and the organs he creates." Reborn said
" That is..."
" But on the other hand, she's lives with his organs so far, so part of her would like that to continue forever. Since Mukuro's body left the prison, Chrome's heart has been struggling. It's her dilemma. Other people can't do anything about it. Chrome's body and feelings gradually got worse. I can understand that Mukuro would try to put a distance between them, since she's so confused." Reborn said
" Mukuro, you... That's why you sent Chrome to Namimmori...?" Tsuna ask
" I wanted her to become a full-fledged soldier. But she refused everything and became weak." Mukuro said
" So... Soldier?! What are you saying?! Chrome is a girl!" Tsuna exclaimed
" I discovered her talent as a warrior. Had she joined your team and come against me as a warrior... I would have acknowledged again." Mukuro said
" What?! There's no way she'd do something like that! To Chrome, you're...!" Tsuna exclaimed
" Yet she came here!" Mukuro exclaimed
" You shouldn't be fighting over that. I only told her one thing when she was in the hospital. 'Chrome Dokuro, what do you want to be to him?'" Reborn said
" ... I like... Mukuro-sama... And I also like... what he likes... I want to be someone... that can protect all that..."
Chrome closed her eyes and concentrated as a burst of Mist flames surrounded her.
" She's recreating her organs with her own illusions!" Mukuro exclaimed
" I want... to protect Mukuro-sama... forever!"
" What a powerful flame!" Verde exclaimed
" Chrome...!"
" Looks like she finally found her resolve." Reborn said
" ... Mukuro-sama!"
" I've been waiting, Chrome. I've been waiting for you to become a real soldier." Mukuro said
" Yes!"
" It's a difficult situation. We have to defeat the Vindice with the strongest technique we have. Can you do it?" Mukuro ask
" I'll try it!" Chrome replied as she released her flames
Both illusionists combined their powers as a powerful illusion was made into reality.
" Genjuu Mugaia!"
And that's the end of this chapter! Thank you for reading! I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter and I'll see everyone in the next chapter!