Someone on my discord server made me notice that I should keep inviting you readers to join us (they're having field days over there lately xD), so, here is the link, just take off the underscores and add ":" after https, and feel free to join us! We don't bite, though we may seem a very strange bunch xD (Someone has a fish with human legs and arms as their profile pic, just saying)

https_/_discord_._gg_/_Ta9q6hK

DISCLAIMER: I don't own KHR's characters or plot, only the idea of this story and the actual writing (took me months, ya know!).

Tsuki Banritt: Thank you for sticking with me ;D

Hina-cchi: Oh, I'm sorry for that... Hope this satiates you a bit more :) Thank you!

BoyishBlue: Tha was not his intention but, well, good job there, Tsu xD We'll see for the others ;) Thank you!

Thank you, everyone!

DICTIONARY (because I use romanized Japanese vocabulary a lot):

Yakuza: Japanese Syndicate;

Oyabun: bosses of smaller parts of Yakuza;

Gumi: turfs in which Japan is split, each led by an Oyabun;

Kumicho: Boss of Yakuza;

Saiko-komon: senior advisor of the Kumicho;

So-honbucho: headquarters' chief;

Ryuukaze: Dragon, Wind;

Ryuuken: Dragon, Sword;

Ryuunoiki: Breath of Dragon;

Kyodai: big brothers of the Yakuza, higher-placed than the Shatei;

Shatei: little brothers of the Yakuza, basically the new recruits;

Sageo: hanging cord of the sword;

Tsuka: handle of the sword.

WARNINGS (read if you want some spoilers):

- Ienari's POV;

- talk;

- drugs;

- prostitution;

- illegal weapons' market;

- nudging in the right direction;

- Kyouya;

- Ryouhei;

- Varia.

Words: 5308.

Enjoy!

15 – A Pleasant Chat

Ienari seriously hoped he would find him this time. The first, just gathering his courage had been hard, this second, it felt even more difficult to trail his way towards that door. For several reasons.

He couldn't find Hibari-sempai. It was a terrifying notion because he was always on time, always waiting for him in the training room. Not finding him there was equally worrying and scary. Ienari hissed at the pressure from his Intuition. It was not bad but he felt he had to be careful.

Not being able to train and not at all able to find Hibari-sempai, his thoughts had gone to the Kumicho. A strange thing, because he could have never anticipated he would have wanted to talk to him after what Reborn had told him about the man. He'd been scared, he remembered, and he still was, a little bit, but… After that first conversation and after their talk in the office of his future self… It was different.

He felt safe.

Unexplainable as it was, but Ienari truly felt protected and warm and accepted.

No matter how much he thought about it, Ryuunoiki was a mystery that he wanted and didn't want to solve. Barely older than himself, yet so more powerful and reliable. He couldn't care less that he didn't know this person, that he had nothing to base his thoughts on. What had the Kumicho done? Listened to him? Answered to his doubts? Complimented him…

But that was not all, Ienari just… He couldn't explain it, but he trusted Ryuunoiki. And his own Intuition purred in contentment when he did, when he decided it was worth the risks, when he just conceded and tried to reach for him.

It felt damn right.

So, when Ienari was once more in front of the door, golden gaze lost in all the white, he took a deep breath, followed his Intuition and softly knocked on the surface. There was a moment of silence, of stillness. Then, to his lungs' relief, a soft but firm "come in" was heard.

Gulping, the boy pushed the door open and took in the room he had never seen before. A wooden office, bigger than his, surrounded in full bookcases with couches and a low table in the middle and a desk farther in, facing the entrance. There, he recognized the calm Kumicho and unconsciously relaxed.

He was sitting behind the desk, but stood immediately after Ienari closed the door. He walked up to the desk with a small bow.

"Good afternoon, Ryuunoiki," he greeted as if Reborn was breathing down his neck.

"Ienari-san, how are you?"

He gave a sheepish smile, blushing at the use of his name but feeling right. "Well, I think? Uh… many things happened since… our last talk."

"I see."

Ienari nodded. "Yeah, I… I wondered if… you had time? To talk a bit?" He suddenly felt extremely unsure. "I mean, no matter if you don't, uh–I…"

"I have time, Ienari-san." The small smile Ryuunoiki sent his way was enough to make the boy relax, Intuition warming his chest. "This way." He was led behind a bookcase, where four red, small armchairs were put in a circle around another wooden slow table. "Have a seat."

The other sat and Ienari choose the armchair to his left, sitting straight, hands on his knees. He suddenly had a blank mind. What did he want to talk about, again? He looked at the Kumicho. He was eyeing the bookcase opposite of Ienari, probably giving him time, relaxed in the armchair and… peaceful.

He cleared his throat, leaning back with a deep breath. Yeah, a lot had happened lately.

"Do you… remember our talk? From last time?"

Ryuunoiki slowly turned to him with a hum. "I do, the raid, your Guardians, Reborn, our talks." Ienari nodded, looking down. "Something happened… with your Guardians, perhaps?"

"Kind of… I mean, they…"

He smiled again, something small but it was there and it meant something for Ienari. "Start with one, it'll be easier."

He felt a blush creep on his cheeks. "Well, ok… Uhm… My Rain, Takeshi, do you..?"

"Yes, I remember him."

"Two days ago, I felt… We were waiting for him, to have dinner together, and I was already spooked because of this dream I keep having about a white, round-shaped machine of some kind… Anyway, we were waiting but then I felt his Flames, his Rain Flames… They were terrified and sick and they needed… It was as if they were calling for me." He paused. "They needed help, Takeshi needed help and I just ran to him–well, ran into him, but… When I looked at him, everything felt different." He swallowed, gaze still on the floor. "Takeshi felt mine." Ienari closed his eyes. "As if we were truly Guardians of the same circle. I the Sky, he the Rain. And then… Then we talked and talked like we never have." He looked up at Ryuunoiki, that seemed thoughtful, but not too much, not surprised. "As if we finally found each other, and now… Now, he is my Rain, I am his Sky. I don't know how to explain it better… I feel it… here." He put his hand on his chest, below where he thought the heart was. "And he is different, too. Takeshi still uses his game, but he seems… sharper. He's accepted it, I think… I mean, Mafia, that he is part of it, now." He sighed, looking down again. "It's comforting, on one hand, but on the other… maybe he would be better off without all of this."

There was a hum that made him chance a look up. Ryuunoiki eyed him with that small smile still on his lips. Warmth spread through his limbs.

"I'll be honest with you, that thought often plagued me." Ienari blinked, surprised. "Many of my brothers never asked to be part of Yakuza. True, some openly wanted to follow this path, but many more were just taken away from the streets." He paused, caressing his jaw. "As the Kumicho, streets are my turf in all Japan. I always thought leaving people in the open was society's fault, but cleaning the streets to not catch the police's attention was my duty. Less cops, more peace for us." He shrugged. "My Grandfather used to just give them money and shoo them away, I tried a different approach." The Kumicho locked gazes with Ienari, eyes gleaming in the dim light. "Instead of pushing them away, I offered them a shelter, food, time to stand on their own legs. Gave them a choice, stay, or leave." Decimo wondered if he was seeing things or… was that… "Most of them stayed and became part of the family, the rest instead successfully became part of society, though they didn't forget and keep in touch."

That was… not a behaviour he expected from Yakuza. "I thought… I mean, from what civilians hear about Yakuza, I expected… something different."

The other hummed. "That's not surprising. However, I want you to answer this question: does Yakuza differ so much from Mafia?"

Ienari frowned. Did they? Mafia was something he'd gotten accustomed to thanks to Reborn. Yakuza was… Yakuza was unknown to him, wasn't it? He knew from rumours, from something Reborn had let on, from newspapers. To be truthful, his tutor had talked more about Ryuunoiki than about Yakuza itself.

"I don't know," he answered, hands joined on his thighs. "Their stories differ, that's obvious, and so do their traditions. But this is about their cultures, more than their ways of doing things."

"That's true, our ways are alike, more or less."

Ienari gripped his own hands, on edge. He wanted to ask, finally, and have answers that cleared his view. Until then, Mafia had been fights against enemies. Mukuro wanted to destroy it by taking his place, Xanxus wanted to rule it by defeating him. He had an idea of the underworld that probably wasn't on point.

"Can you… I haven't taken the mantle yet, it's not even something I want, but… I'm in this and my friends are in this." He looked up at Ryuunoiki, whose eyes were narrowed. "Can you tell me how Mafia is?"

The other considered him. "That is a complicate question. Mafia, Yakuza, Triads, the underworld is a whole world that differs from society as civilians know it. We find our place in the light, while moulding the darkness, to be poetic." He paused. "The underworld doesn't abide to rules, doesn't follow conformism. The thing that makes humans go on is money. In order to earn it, the underworld makes use of what the Government ignores. Take drugs, for instance." Ienari scowled, making Ryuunoiki nod. "It is not seen well and I personally consider it a bad habit, forgive my word. But, people did drugs, do drugs and will keep doing drugs. What Yakuza, here in Japan, does, is having complete control of the illegal traffic and business." Another pause, in which Ienari gulped. "The only thing I can do, and am doing, is ensure the drugs we sell are as safe as possible. The men that control the market are trained and they know how to train others so that they'll sell the right amount at the right person, trying their best to avoid situations that involve the police, such as criminal acts or overdose. Recently, I've also obtained a deal with the Triads, their goods are top quality. Like this, I ensure police doesn't sniff around and people come to us, at a just price."

"B-but… it's drugs, no one should…"

"No one should, but they do. It's the reality of things, the underworld makes use of humans' weaknesses to fill its pockets. This is one way Mafia and other syndicates works."

Ienari breathed, in and out. He had imagined something… To be honest, he had expected worse. He knew someone who did drugs, like that idiot Mochida, people were like that… Maybe it was time to understand the world, to look at it with different eyes. He was to lead a Mafia Famiglia, one of the strongest if not the strongest, maybe his mindset was not good for his future life.

"Why do you do all that? I-I mean, yeah, police look another way, I understand that, but…" But, there was something else. "What else?"

Ryuunoiki studied him for a moment, not threatening, just… he seemed curious. "I've told you, I think, that I was not to take the position I'm in right now." Ienari nodded. "I never wanted all of this, it was pushed on me." And yet, you're so perfect at it… "I don't like our world as it is, or was, I want to change it. However, I can't just wipe out the underworld and be done with it. I have power, I have loyalties, I have a family. To be sure I keep my position, my moves need to be slow and to also give benefits to Yakuza. There are many, many people that feed off Yakuza's earnings, like politicians or even police officers. If I make a single mistake, a war is the worst case scenario."

Ienari gulped again, feeling his throat dry. "What kind of moves, if I can ask."

"Regarding drugs, the deal with the Triads is my first move. Safer goods, different sellers that truly know what they're doing. Next step will be to give my brothers a new instruction: if the drug-addict wants a way out, they will give it to them in the form of a mobile number. It will connect them to a professional recovery centre."

That was… smart and smooth. Ienari nodded. "Is there more? Besides drugs?"

Ryuunoiki smiled, leaning his head on his fisted hand. "What do you think?"

The boy looked down, blushing slightly. "Prostitution. Weapons? Uh…" He paused. "I don't think it's your case, but… Some time ago, I heard some news about a human trafficking ring dismantled."

"There was only one case lately, though it's been months since then. I dismantled it, the police cleaned up the mess. An Oyabun gone astray, quickly brought down, I was slowly taking my Grandfather's place. Anyway, your assumptions are correct. Human traffic is something I do not tolerate. Prostitution is a choice, people can do whatever they want with their bodies. In this field, my first move was to give them safer places to work in, rules about hygiene and eventual guards to make sure things always go… smoothly. Paying for services doesn't mean owning someone. Along with this, I made sure that the workers were, let me use this word, variegated. Foreign, along with Japanese. Happier clients, happier workers, more earnings. Next step will be to give them more rights, a system that allows them something like a career. This is a bet I want to risk."

"Risk? You mean, you want to give them… power?"

"In the houses they work in, yes. I'll ask you this, who knows more about the job, someone that has climbed the ranks, or someone that's been taught how to order around all his life?"

"Oh… The first. They have worked the job more and know what the workers need, right?"

"Exactly. It's a risk, many things can and will go wrong, but it's worth taking."

Ienari nodded, not understanding fully his point of view, there were many things that escaped him, but… It was clearer. "And weapons?"

"That's harder to take care of. Legalizing weapons would be the best course of action, having the complete control of the market but with the minimal help laws can give. However, I'm still unsure."

So, "Mafia is all of this."

Ryuunoiki nodded. "The underworld is all of this, plus some things. As the Head, we have to impose, we have to win and lead, we have to take decisions and be responsible for our family. We have to deal with nuisances, to keep our underlings in check, to be sure every order is followed through. We need to be Leaders, earn respect and instil fear, if needed." He sighed. "And take care of meetings, too. That's the part I hate the most."

Ienari couldn't hold back a chuckle. He froze, blushing. "S-sorry."

The other tilted his head, he seemed amused. "Why, don't worry. My brothers sometimes use this notion against me, I understand it's quite funny."

"Against you?"

"I tend to overwork myself. To stop me, Nara might threaten me with scheduling a meeting for the day after. It works, I admit."

This time, he didn't even try to hold back. "One of your brothers."

He nodded. "Yes, Nara is my Saiko-komon, my advisor."

Ienari was reminded about the main topic of their conversation. "He… Is he one from the streets?"

"In fact, he is." He looked down with a nostalgic, small smile. "He refused, at first, but he was in serious need of food. He collapsed in front of me, so I brought him to the mansion. He was very proud, but he still thanked me. After two weeks, he came asking to be part of the family. He'd accustomed himself to the new environment and he is very strong and smart, so my brothers from back then had already accepted him." Ryuunoiki eyed Ienari. "It was his choice. He chose to be part of Yakuza, for reasons that are his. Your Rain chose to be part of Mafia, for reasons that you probably already know."

Takeshi had told him. He'd always wanted true friends. If he could also protect them, then so be it, he'd said. And he'd smiled his true smile, the one that didn't make his Intuition thrum, with narrow eyes that reminded him of a predator.

"He chose," Ienari repeated, "maybe you're right. I… Hayato, my Storm, has also… Do you remember what happened yesterday–I mean, of course you do, it was yesterday…"

"Yes, I do," Ryuunoiki smiled. "I think he wanted me to protect you from your Cloud, is that right?"

"Uh, yeah, he… he has trust issues, there's no need to protect me from Hibari-sempai. He would never hurt me." His eyes felt warm and his Intuition purred in content. "But… he's told me he'll try to change and he almost feels like Takeshi, almost. It's better." He paused, unsure. "It's like I have to thank you for all of this."

The Kumicho blinked. "But I've done nothing."

"It doesn't feel like that–I mean, you're hearing me out right now, for the second or third time if we count our first meeting, but that's not it, I… It's as if it's thanks to you." He scratched his nape, blushing. "I have… this alien in my head, perk of being a Vongola descendant, that works like… hyper instincts. When something's wrong, I just… I know. And I know I have to thank you, so… yeah, thank you, Ryuunoiki."

Another small smile was directed at him. "You're welcome, Ienari-san, talk to me whenever you need." He hummed. "Can I ask you something?"

"Yes, you can." He was curious.

"You call your Guardians by their names, except for your Cloud. Why?"

Not knowing why, Ienari felt a blush creep on his cheeks. "Uh, Hibari-sempai is my sempai, and he is rather unfriendly I don't think he would like me taking… liberties."

"Are you sure?"

Deadly sure. "Yeah, he wouldn't like that."

"I guess you should trust your… instinct, right?"

He tilted his head. "Are you… suggesting something?"

"Maybe."

Ienari was confused.

Yet not.

"He's your Element, too."

Tsuna was very amused. Firstly because of his oblivious brother. Secondly because of the Cloud sleeping in the other room. However, he was quite sad someone was coming to interrupt their pleasant conversation. He was not surprised his brother could be such company, but he was glad Ienari had actually searched out for him again. This was a very welcome change of pace for him, aside the info gathered. Maybe he'd let out a bit too much about Yakuza to the next Vongola Decimo, but he wasn't regretting it anytime soon.

Two knocks made his brother look up from the floor. He'd been like that since Tsuna's last words about the Cloud. About time this boy understood some important things.

Ryuunoiki stood, going back to the office. "Come in."

The woman called Lal entered, bowing to him. "Ryuunoiki-sama, Decimo." She stood straight. "Sasagawa Ryouhei has come back."

Tsuna hid a smirk and eyed the still sleeping Cloud. Did he feel safe in the office or was he a deep sleeper? It was strange either way. He would have expected the raven to wake up with Ienari walking in, but he had not… Uhm.

"Ryouhei-san? Is he ok?"

"Look yourself, he seems fine." She bowed and left.

Ienari turned to him, looking a bit happier. "I have to go, do you want to tag along?"

It couldn't hurt, and Reborn was bound to be there. "Gladly, but maybe we should let him know first."

His brother tilted his head. "Him? Who?"

Tsuna resisted the urge to mess up the brunet's hair and lifted a finger towards the couch. As soon as Ienari's eyes caught the Cloud's body, they widened and he paled slightly.

"Wha! When–?!"

"To be fair, he's been sleeping there since lunchtime." This was very amusing. "I think you should wake him up, he is your Element, right?"

Ienari's voice dropped to a yelled whisper. "I can't wake him up! He'll bite me to death!"

That was a curious way to phrase it. "Are you absolutely sure he will?"

He made to answer, then stopped mid-way and frowned, looking at the sleeping body. "I… I think… so?"

"Why don't you try? You need to follow that alien you talked about, right?"

Ienari gulped, then straightened and neared the couch. It was a rather funny sight. He kneeled and touched the Cloud's arm, shaking it softly.

"Hibari-sempai?" There were no answers, but the boy bit his lip, took a calming breath and leaned forward. "Kyouya-san?"

The effect was immediate. Hibari Kyouya sat up, almost knocking out his brother, looking around in search until he saw Ienari. They were both frozen, but the brunet's blush was very cute.

Tsuna cleared his throat, catching their attention. "I hope you've slept well. Sasagawa Ryouhei has apparently returned."

Ienari jumped on his feet, blushing furiously. "Y-yeah, let's g-go…"

The Cloud narrowed his eyes at Tsuna, accusing. "Yours will come back." He felt his eyes get warmer, the raven blinked in mild surprise. "Just have patience, right?"

With a tilt of his head, Ryuunoiki followed his brother out of the room, where he had literally fled. Poor soul, he had a hunch that Cloud was one for teasing. Reborn was, too, but Tsuna could be vengeful. They were fun exchanges.

To think he'd come to this relationship.

He couldn't find it in himself to regret it.

The room where he'd been led to after his travel to the future was filled to the brim, again. He recognized the Elements, Giannini, Lal, some of the girls, his lover. There were some children and he supposed the man radiating energy was the Sun. Reborn was not like that, though he was untiring.

Tsuna wondered what kind of Flames his brothers might have, if they had it. Same Elements seemed to share some traits of their personalities, so he might be able to predict them.

As they talked, Ryuunoiki only paid attention to the important parts. He'd been forgotten in a corner, which suited him fine for the moment. Apparently, the Sun had been in Italy with Varia, that was defending the bases over there. What intrigued him more was that the Sun had come with an instruction from the assassination squad to raid the Millefiore's Japan branch in five days, which made him tilt his head in consideration. He was totally fine with this new development, at least they had more information on the base. The Guardians also needed more time to acclimatise to their new situation as Elements of Ienari's Sky, plus… Who knew when this Sun was going to get swapped. He had a suspicion… it was going to happen at the worst – or best – time possible, which meant during the raid, which also meant he would have to postpone his judgment of the character….

Tsuna blinked in recognition and tried to blend with the shadows. He had met this man before, back in his time, back in his past. There had been a kid, in his neighbourhood, that always shouted 'extreme' here and there at outrageous hours in the morning.

He looked up from the floor, arms crossed, and locked gazes with Decimo's Sun. Of course, he already knew, this man was from the future where his blood relationship with Ienari was known. But, what would happen when the past Sun came? Would he remember Tsuna, from their childhood days? His own memories were hazy and discontinued, but he'd had his encounters with the boy and they were also quite remarkable. The chances he had forgotten about Tsuna were probably fifty fifty.

He had to be careful, else his secret would be out in the open before it was… necessary. Which was a new thought, but he tucked it away for later. Silently, Tsuna took his leave and headed towards his office. After barely ten steps, Yasei flanked him and he sank one hand in his fur. It was comforting.

Thinking about it, if the raid happened and the future Sun was still with them – it was strange that, after the Hibari youngest, it was the Sun that managed to stay away from the whole journey to the future –, he would have been able to collect prisoners to carry on his plan about the Guardians. He also had, now, an idea about the past Cloud. Dangerous, it had a high probability of blowing out in his hands, but worth a try, and Ienari was his trump card. He just had to record some small things and drop them in the right hands. Hibari's were rather simple to please, after one knew what buttons to push.

Tsuna changed direction and went for the smoking room, wanting to relax a bit. He had no paperwork to do, in the future, but he so hoped to have brought some with him just to not be overwhelmed when he came back. He would return to his brothers, eventually, he just had to be patient.

About to open the door, the Kumicho stopped when a figure appeared at the end of the corridor. He was not so surprised when he recognized the Vongola Sun. He could scantly remember how he had been, when they had met during their childhoods, and he could say that Sasagawa Ryouhei had matured, trained and grown up a lot. Tsuna found himself happy to notice that he hadn't lost, however, his peculiar personality.

"You extreeeemely fled, Ryuunoiki!"

The brunet turned to the man, then acquiesced and motioned for him to enter the room. Without more words, the Sun obliged and they were seated at the low table in no time, one with crossed legs and the other with them bended beneath his body. Tsuna fingered his tie – he was finding it increasingly annoying to wear the article of clothing, but he had to keep up his appearance – and took a cigarette before stopping.

"Do you mind?"

The Sun blinked, then energetically shook his head. "Estreeemely not!"

He gave a thankful nod, lighting the stick and drawing a deep puff. "I suppose I fled, yes. But you should know why, right?"

"Yes, I know." Very mature, serious eyes and a respectful nod. "And I wanted to tell you that I'll be careful. I won't slip up."

"I appreciate it, though I wouldn't hold it against you if you happen to… slip."

Surprisingly, a smile lit up on the Sun's face. "Yeah, because you haven't changed one bit, Tsuna!"

Hardly, he suppressed a flinch. This man was the first to call him that, after Reborn, and it was… It felt dangerous, after the many years he had hidden his true identity. At the same time, the brunet took a puff of smoke and tried to calm down.

"Are you sure?"

"To the extreme! You're as kind as I remember, to all of us!"

Tsuna had his doubts about that. "I wouldn't think of me in such regards, in your shoes." He paused, considering. "I've probably scarred the Vongola Rain and openly scolded the Vongola Storm."

"Then they needed it, you don't do things on a whim."

That… was a lot of trust, for someone that was described as candid. Before he could voice his confusion about it, someone knocked and Tsuna was inclined to deny whoever that was entrance. With a withheld sigh, taking the cigarette in-between his fingers, he went to the door and opened it, finding quite the assembly.

"Sorry, not sorry."

He glared.

Reborn smirked, went through the door, bent down to place a kiss on his lips and sat down near the Vongola Sun, oozing smugness all over the place. He wondered if that was his simple way of carrying himself or the Flames, then discarded the thought and addressed a very flustered Lal and the indifferent Vongola Cloud. There was also a man with a pompadour, but he very carefully turned and leaned against the wall, like a good sentinel.

Tsuna wailed for Atsushi to save him from this.

"… Just come in," he sighed, going back to his seat.

Lal closed the door, leaning against it, while Hibari just went around, probably appreciating the room. He cleared his throat, ignoring his lover's very pointed look, and addressed the newcomers.

"Why did I deserve such an ambush?" Because, in his book, it was.

Reborn chuckled. The jerk.

"Decimo has decided to go with the plan and raid the Millefiore base," the woman answered, much appreciated.

Tsuna hummed. "And?"

"Hn… What will you do?"

He blinked, arching a brow. "Nothing."

Lal gaped. "… nothing?"

He was confused, again. "I'm just a witness here, I have no manpower and, clearly, I do not pose as an interest to the enemy, if we do not consider that they attacked after the alliance was signed." He took a puff, relishing in the feeling and frowning at the stick, Nara would be scowling at him, a very amusing sight, at times. "Yakuza has already been defeated, this trial is not mine to overcome."

"T-trial..?!" She sounded kind of hysteric. "This is war, not a–"

"This is not my war anymore," he looked directly at her. "I have no place in this, if not as an advisor, maybe, and a chess piece that just has information, this much I can assure you. The one that shot me was not an enemy, and I don't think Decimo has a different opinion. We were sent to the future for reasons still unknown, but each of us has a role. Mine is not to fight." His eyes felt warmer as he said that, but the woman seemed on the brink of crying out of desperation, so he decided to be– seemed the Vongola Sun was right, huh? "This does not mean I will not help, when I feel it is needed." He looked away, allowing her time to recollect. "This is Decimo's war, and he will be victorious, as well as all of us, without me doing anything but stand by." A thought hit him. "You said he has decided to go through with the raid, right?" Reborn nodded, a familiar glint in his eyes. "Would he have gone with this flow, some days ago?"

"He would have chickened out."

He saw Lal flinch at the hitman's words, then linked the dots. "Use this time wisely, train them to their best." He turned to the Hibari, that was sitting against the farthest wall. "Will you keep training Decimo?"

"Hn. We're getting there."

"The Vongola Storm will, too, and the Rain has found his determination. I've yet to check on the Mist, but Poison Scorpion is taking care of the weaker members of the group. Lightning is, frankly, the most worrying and needs to be held back, no raid for him, Ienari probably already counted him out." He took the last puff of smoke and crumpled the stump in the ashtray. "When the two of you," he pointed at the Sun and at the Cloud, "will be swapped, it won't be easy. It will happen, at the right, but worst time." Feeling the weight of being the reliable one in the current situation, the one that everyone sought out for answers – which he was not, for once –, Tsuna rolled his shoulders and resisted the urge to take another cigarette. "What did I miss, after I left?" He looked at the Vongola Sun, that nodded.

"Nari actually dreamt about a white, round-shaped machine that I brought intel about." The brunet was reminded of the passing comment of some hours prior, he'd felt it was important but it'd fled his mind in favour of other pressing matters. "It is linked to Irie Shouichi and, possibly, to your return to the past." He'd missed a lot, apparently. "That's why we extremely need to raid it."

Tsuna nodded. "Only training, then. We do not have other options."

"Oh! I was forgetting, to the extreme!" The brunet arched an eyebrow, unsurprised. "Xanxus sends his regards."

…

Ryuunoiki blinked twice. "Do you mind telling me his exact words?" The Vongola Sun blushed. Not a good sign and Tsuna changed his mind. "Forget it, I don't want to know."

"… I can testify that he called you Ryuunoiki, don't make me repeat that… please?"

Poor man.

"Ah! And Viper left a note he's been waiting for your call!"

Let me know what you think! See ya!