Il Cielo dei Tre Regni
by Lunar Wave

Disclaimer: This story borrows the setting and characters of the Koihime†Musou series and borrows multiple elements from Katekyo Hitman Reborn. I own neither series as they both belong to their respective owners. Also, considering Koihime†Musou could be considered a fanfic of the Three Kingdoms, I'd like to say I don't own anything related to the stories of the Three Kingdoms.

-()-

Only Fools Know Everything

-()-

"So that Kayuu managed to do it, then?" Enshou frowned.

"Yes." Denhou frowned.

"So she isn't all hot air, after all." Enshou smiled condescendingly. "Then we'll accept her into our ranks! Oh-hohohoho!"

"… Still, for a mere mercenary group to be able to overthrow Kanhyoku so easily…" Kashin growled, "I don't like it. She's too strong."

"We did give her supplies and plenty of soldiers." Ganryou pointed out.

"Calm down, Kei." Kataigou sighed, "Consider the circumstances. Kanhyoku has had her position weakened for quite a while now. She might have been Kishuu's Imperial Protector, but there's no doubt that Enshou's Kahoku has grown far beyond what she can reasonably manage. All the talented soldiers probably already have quit and joined up with Enshou, leaving only the rabble in Kanhyoku's group. Kayuu, meanwhile, is an experienced general who once stood proudly as one of Toutaku's vanguards. She is no normal no-name mercenary."

"Still," Kashin grumbled.

"Kanhyoku was also clearly unprepared from Kayuu's attack." Kataigou chuckled, "She likely has some informants with us, but… she probably doesn't know that we already bought out all of them. So she was complacent."

"And with Kanhyoku's defeat, Kishuu is all mine!" Enshou declared, "Oh-hohohoho!"

"Not quite yet." Denhou denied, "Kayuu apparently failed to kill Kanhyoku Bunsetsu herself. She is currently on the run. While the chance is small, Kanhyoku could still lead an uprising against us. We need to secure Kishuu completely."

"And how long will that take?" Enshou asked with a frown, "The more time we spend on Kishuu, the more time Kuutan-sama spends squatting at the boorish girl and boy's place!"

"Joshuu is one of the most productive states in the country." Denhou blinked, "There's no way their facilities are that far below ours."

"But an Emperor must live to the highest standards of the Empire! And who has higher standards than I?"

"… No one." Denhou sighed.

"Then why waste time? Let's call in the troops and take back the Emperor!"

"You do realize that Kentei is the Emperor, yes?" Denhou frowned.

"That mere placeholder has no business as the Emperor! Since Kuutan is alive, then naturally, we should put her back on the throne!"

"Well, it'll be better for all of us if dear Kuutan is the Emperor." Kataigou chuckled. "Paitan is, frankly, too responsible. She'll get in the way of the grownups. We should let her grow up a bit more before she takes charge."

Denhou frowned and realized what they meant. They want a puppet emperor. And Reitei is much more malleable. Not only that, but Enshou does have True Name rights with Reitei… "Still, we must not be complacent! We don't even have a route to strike Joshuu yet!"

"Correction." Kataigou chuckled, "Do you think I did nothing all this time? Seishuu's lords have mostly committed to allying with us rather than Joshuu. While there are some holdouts, I imagine that they'll fold over once we bring the army to their doorstep."

"So we strike through Seishuu! Brilliant strategy, Reichen!" Enshou declared.

"… That's not a strategy." Denhou muttered. Well, not a well thought out one at least. Besides. It's she who's supposed to be providing strategy.

"Think about it, we don't need to worry about Sousou being too uppity about us walking through her territory." Kataigou chuckled. "And the war won't happen on our home province." Which meant their infrastructures won't be ravaged by war, since it'll all be Seishuu. Okay, Denhou may be sulking a bit about the strategy thing, but it seems Kataigou did give some thought into it. A half-baked one, but…

"Still!" Denhou raised her voice once more. "If we attack Joshuu now, we'll b-!"

"Isn't it better to attack now, after they've gone to war?" Kei frowned. "They should be weakened!"

"The fight against Enjutsu lasted barely a month! That's including travel! There's no way that they're that weakened!"

"No!" Enshou scoffed, "Kei is right! We must attack now, while they don't expect it!"

"Please, see reason!" Denhou complained, "What would happen if we lose!?"

"That is not even a question!" Enshou scoffed, "For I am Enshou Honsho! The heir of the prestigious En Clan! It is my fate to stand among the stars, blessed by heaven!"

Denhou groaned as she held her stomach, feeling it twist and turn. "… No… I…"

"We'll get through this, don't worry!" Ganryou smiled comfortingly. "Reiha-sama! Machi-san seems to be having stomachaches again! Permission to bring her to her room?"

"Of course!"

"Thank you for your graciousness." Ganryou nodded, heaving the strategist on her soldier. "Let's go."

'I… might have made the wrong choice.' Denhou thought as she was carried out, 'I should have stayed with Josho and Houfu's group and joined Ryuubi. At least then I won't be having these anxiety attacks…'

Now that she thought about it… what happened to them? There are no rumors about Josho or Houfu… Josho is understandable; she's a strategist. Most strategists simply don't get that much publicity unless they accomplish something particularly impressive. But Houfu's skill with the bow should pretty much give her some clout, right? Why does she feel like she's missing something?

-()-

"Oh for the love of! Why did we join you, if we're going to have constant anxiety attacks like this!?"

"Ren told you to?" Kazuto dryly said.

Nenene's rant stilled, as she heard that response. She made the sound of a kicked puppy before curling into herself. Ren is his current escort of the day, which basically meant Nenene is his unofficial minder. Normally this means she could lord over him the power to veto his decisions, but this time is a bit different.

"Can either of you pay attention?" Josho frowned, "Anyway, Kayuu has apparently taken over Kishuu's capital. She apparently did so to cede the territory to Enshou."

"That is the single most extreme gift you could give to a warlord." Kazuto dully said. "… And Kanhyoku didn't last long enough to send us word?"

"Apparently the fighting lasted barely a week. I don't really know the circumstances, but…"

"This world is ridiculous." Kazuto sighed, "Are wars so easy to end quickly? Why do our allies keep getting invaded before we could even get to help them!" Kazuto growled. First Kousonsan and now Kanhyoku. Keishuu doesn't count. Sonsaku never intended to invade Keishuu; she just wanted to kill Kouso. And… Ryuuhyou wasn't really an ally, considering what his retainers said. He was just afraid to be out of the loop.

"The difference in numbers and quality between Enshou and our allies' soldiers were… a bit beyond what most can handle…"

"A proper siege can hold off any number for a good while." Kazuto pointed out… "No… I suspect betrayal as the reason, more than anything." That's how Enjutsu lost quickly, after all.

"You believe that there are infiltrators that helped Enshou out from within their walls?" Josho frowned, "… Maybe you're right. But… did Hakukei-san not…"

"She wasn't behind a wall." Kazuto shrugged, "She was apparently in an open field before fighting Enshou… when you have numbers against you, putting a wall between you pretty much gives you enough leeway to defend yourselves. A bit of a tactical error in my opinion."

"This she would appreciate none of you talking behind her back… I'm right here you know?" Which technically means that they weren't talking behind her back.

"But really, are we cursed or something, for both our allies to fall before we could help?"

"Don't say that…" Josho grimaced, "… It's worse when it's pointed out…"

"I'm sorry that I wasn't able to hold Enshou back long enough for you to return, okay!?" Pairen's apology/complaint was summarily ignored.

"Josho, what happened to Kanhyoku?" Kazuto asked.

"According to our spies, Kanhyoku managed to get away… as for where they are," Josho grimaced, "Their location is unknown."

"… Is that so…"

"No informant in Joshuu seems to have found them. So…"

"Without a formal request, we can't justify going to take back Kishuu." Kazuto sighed, Well they can, but it would be a bit flimsier than they'd like it to be. "I guess all we could do is to fortify our borders."

"… I suppose so." Josho nodded, "So… should I go tell the others?"

"Please." Kazuto nodded. Josho nodded, leaving immediately.

To be perfectly honest, Kazuto was hoping for a more peaceful time at least for a little while. But mere weeks after the Kan-Chuu Conflict, it seems the world has a different idea.

"… Pairen."

"Huh?" The sudden remembrance of her presence shocked the redhead, standing straight at attention.

"Are all En Family members this absurdly bombastic and reckless?" Which is a kind way of saying 'Very Stupid'. Still, as Reborn said: if it's stupid but it works, then it's not stupid. This is what he said after his running stamina increased after being chased by a rabid dog after a piece of very fragrant meat was surreptitiously knitted onto the back of his jacket. Kazuto still maintains that was the stupidest way of doing it.

"I don't know about Enjutsu. She was pretty tame, all considering." Pairen frowned.

"Tame is not what I'd call a girl who decided to declare herself emperor the moment she got the Imperial Seal, without even securing her borders." Kazuto pointed out.

"Yup, that's pretty reckless." Nenene scoffed, "She's not even that strong too." Translation: If Ren-dono did it, it's perfectly alright. Because she's strong.

"Still, now we're going to have to strategize…" Kazuto stood up, "How do you keep your territory safe from a big bull crashing into your wall?"

"Hmm… I don't really know. Never dealt with a bull before…" Pairen pondered, "But I definitely have dealt with horses… exhaust it to the point that it would no longer be able to do it?"

"A bit pointless if we're the ones who get exhausted first." Nenene frowned.

"… You know, it's kind of pointless making these plans without Hinari and Shuri." Kazuto stood up. "Let's just get to the strategy room already, before our hairs go prematurely gray."

And so, the Joshuu Army began moving, hoping to prevent Enshou from getting anywhere.

-()-

"So, how are they?"

"Exhausted and starved, but otherwise alive."

Sousou contemplated that reply from her cousin, Soujun, hiding her mouth with her clasped hands. "So. Kishuu has fallen to the hands of Reiha." Well, really, it was a matter of time. Enshou has grown far too big for Kanhyoku to contain. Kanhyoku holding out for so long is more because Enshou was obsessed with claiming Yuushuu for whatever reason.

"… What would you have us do, Karin-sama?" Soujun asked.

"At this rate, a war between Ryuubi and Enshou is inevitable," Jun'iku noted.

"Keifa, what would you have us do?"

"Hmm… I say we let them fight." Jun'iku scoffed. "Whoever wins between the two, we'll reap the rewards afterward."

"Are you saying we should become scavengers, taking the scrapes of glory from its ashes?" Sousou asked.

"It's merely the most tactical decision." Jun'iku humbly and hurriedly replied, "I mean no disrespect."

"And what of you, Tou?"

"I am a mere politician. Strategy is not my strong suit." Chinkei smiled politely, "I will simply defer to your judgment on the matter." It's obvious to Sousou that Chinkei did not like Jun'iku's suggestion, however. She still hoped she can wheedle out something from her. "However… as a person of Joshuu, I will say this much: I do not want Joshuu to be ransacked by a fool."

"Small though Ryuubi's Army may be, they are unlikely to fall in combat as easily as Enjutsu or Kanhyoku," Sousou said. "And since they're the Imperial Army now… this isn't a matter of taking Joshuu, Keifa. If it was so, then I'm more than happy to let Enshou weaken herself by ramming herself into them." Sousou shrugged, "No, we must get involved."

"Eh, wh…" Jun'iku shook her outburst, "If Karin-sama says so," Jun'iku bowed. "Then it must be."

"Well then, we'll get going!" Kakouton grinned, "I'll have the army get ready!"

"Shouldn't be too hard." Kakouen nodded, "We're headed for Kishuu, then?"

"I appreciate the enthusiasm, but there are some things that we still need to take into consideration." This deflated Kakouton a bit.

"Then what would you have us do?" Kakouen asked.

"Simply send some scouts in the easternmost part of our territory. I want quick updates on the tides of war. Furthermore, keep our information network west and south as updated as possible, even if it's unlikely to be as quick as I'd like. If any movement happens in those directions, I want to be informed quickly." She wants updates on Batou, Sonsaku, and Ryuuhyou, the three armies who aided Ryuubi during the previous war.

"And the army?" Kakouton asked.

"Tell them to be prepared for quick deployment. I don't expect to be marching soon, of course."

"What would our signals for marching be?" Kakouen asked.

"There are three." Sousou smirked, "The first is if Kentei sends an official request for us to aid in the defense of Joshuu. The second is if Joshuu ever appears to be on the back foot. They need not be losing, just appearing so. The third is if Sonsaku were to begin preparations south. Whatever preparations it may be: invasion or reinforcements, I don't care."

"Understood."

"Then…" Sousou smiled. "Eika, do we have enough in our budget?"

"It should be doable." Soukou shrugged. "With the reward from the war with Enjutsu, our treasury is at a safe level again and we have some leeway. Not only that, but our supplies weren't too drained by the war, so we're pretty much ready to do this."

"Then, all of you, please prepare." And so, each with a bow, they all left the room.

Tou found herself walking alongside Jun'iku. "Each of you seems to have a great deal of faith in Sousou."

"Was that not obvious from the start?" Jun'iku scoffed. "What brought that on?"

"None of you asked her the reason why she believes that this is the correct course of action."

"It doesn't matter what the reason. Sousou-sama is our king. We are her vassals: her hands and feet."

"You will place your faith in a reason you do not know? You're essentially aiding Ryuubi. Does your group not hate their side?"

"Our personal feelings on Ryuubi really doesn't matter." Jun'iku scoffed. "If Sousou-sama believes that we should do this, then we'll do it." Unsaid is: we don't have to like it.

Chinkei frowned, recalling the war council back at Joshuu at the time. Each of Hongou's vassals was free to question his decisions. They were allowed their own choices. They were asked if they objected. Quite honestly, Hongou's vassals were more equals. As the two separated, Chinkei pondered on it. Maybe, that's just Sousou's virtue, that she is so wise that there is no need to ask her motivations. A virtue befitting a king. However… No. Chinkei shook her head. No, she must stay focused. She needed to forward a message to Ryuubi and the others about Choukou's arrival.

-()-

Between a rock and a hard place. Between the devil and the deep blue sea. A tiger at the front gate and a wolf at the back. All idioms referring to being in a difficult situation.

Now, why is it that they are in such a situation that Kazuto had just listed all those in his head? Oh right.

"So why can't we just put our army on our northern border?" Sei asked, playing devil's advocate for the group meeting. Mostly to help the more clueless members of their group.

"One, we have no cause to be prepared against Enshou."

"We're not allowed to be prepared against her?" Yuuka asked. "We did the same to Enjutsu."

"We can, but the next point is…" Kazuto sighed. "Two, we have no border with Enshou."

Shuri nodded, "Any preparation that we do to prepare against Enshou… would look more like preparing against our northern neighbors." Meaning Enshuu and Seishuu.

"If we prepare our border against Sousou, we'll look like we're antagonizing Sousou again."

"Aren't we already on sort of bad terms? Why not just use that?" Yuuka asked.

"Because antagonizing Sousou will more likely result in an enemy of my enemy is my friend scenario." Kazuto grimaced. "And while Enshou might be beatable," They do have Shuri and Hinari, "fighting them together is more of a roll of a die."

"Hopefully Chinkei can do her job properly then." Aisha nodded, "Should we send a message to her?"

"We received a message from her actually." Touka grimaced, "It seems that Kanhyoku has appeared in their territory and is being nursed to health there." Her face is a picture of mixed feelings. "According to Chinkei," which means take it with a grain of salt, "Sousou-san, while choosing to house Kanhyoku-chan, has apparently not been asked to help take it back."

"… Why do I doubt that so much?" Kazuto sighed.

"What's wrong?" Paitan asked.

"What's more likely? Kanhyoku or Choukou not asking for aid from Sousou or Sousou deciding not to entertain Kanhyoku's request?"

Aisha frowned, "… I believe this is a discussion for another time. Regardless, Sousou cannot be called an ally in this battle right now."

"Which is the worst part. Should we prepare our border with Enshuu with an army, knowing that Sousou can use that as leverage to claim that we are openly antagonizing her? Or should we just keep a bunch of scouts patrolling our borders, hoping to catch a whiff of activity? If we go with the second, we're going to have to rally up our troops and meet our enemy in Joshuu."

"The civilians will be caught in the crossfire!" Touka exclaimed.

"And if we go with the first?" Sei asked. "What if Sousou simply chooses not to get offended by our actions?"

"There's a chance that Enshou will choose to strike at us through Seishuu instead." Kazuto frowned. "Now, preparing our border against Seishuu… is bad as well."

"For one, we do have allies in Seishuu. At least on paper." Josho nodded, "However if we prepare our border against them, they might take that as abandonment and choose to side with Enshou."

"Surely a word of warning would be enough?" Aisha asked. "If we tell them of the threat of Enshou…"

"Which brings us to the third issue." Kazuto sighed. "If you prepare an army at your borders, that's basically a declaration that the other side is not part of your borders, you know?"

""Huh?""

"Right now, we're basically the Imperial Army. If we put an army at our borders, that's basically a declaration that Paitan's rule only extends in our borders."

"Gah, so in the end, it's politics that's holding us back again!" Nenene groaned. "Won't it be easier if we just ignore all that?" And just ram their power against the enemy.

"If we do, our neighbors won't." Kazuto winced. "Anything that throws shade on Paitan's sovereignty can only be a good thing for those who have ambitions to take over the empire from her."

"I'm sorry for the trouble." Paitan nodded with a wince.

"It's alright, Paitan!" Touka assured her, "We'll get through this together."

"… We may not be able to station soldiers, but we can station spies. As many of them as we can within Seishuu and Enshuu." Kazuto nodded. "If Enshou launches a big invasion in either direction, we can be prepared, even if we'll be a step behind."

"We'll prepare the army. We'll up the training. We'll even begin conscription if we have to." Aisha nodded.

"As for us," Josho frowned, "Gentoku-sama, Kentei-sama, Sawada-sama, please begin writing negotiations with the lords in Seishuu. We'll leave Enshuu in the hands of Chinkei."

"And Batou-san? Sonsaku-san?" Touka asked.

"We'll send messages as well." Kazuto nodded, "However… when it comes to Batou's group… I think we should tell them to standby there."

"Why?" Touka asked.

"In case Sousou decides to ally with Enshou," Kazuto replied.

"Of course!" Shuri's eyes widened at that, "Yes. If Sousou turns traitor, Batou-san can be made our check against her. She won't be able to send an army here if she's dealing with Batou's group!"

"And Sonsaku?" Touka asked.

"The issue with Sonsaku is that she's right on the opposite side." Kazuto grimaced, "Asking for her help will mean her marching an army from her territory, through the heart of ours, before reaching the likely battlefield."

"And that's bad?"

"What happened last war?" Kazuto asked.

"… Ah, right…" Hinari said, understanding what Kazuto is implying. "Enjutsu allowed Sonsaku to enter her territory unimpeded, assuming that she was an ally. She then turned her blade towards Enjutsu." Turning to the others, "In other words, she has a precedent of doing something like that…"

"That's… but…" Touka wanted to defend Sonsaku, but… "Can't we give them a chance?"

"Honestly, we'll probably need to ask for help, but… I'll let the strategists make that decision." Kazuto turned to them, "If you imagine we need her help, tell us immediately, and we won't even think twice."

""Understood, Master."" Shuri, Hinari, and Josho all nodded.

"… For now, worrying about what-ifs is unproductive. We're going to need more info. We need to win the war of information before we even think of taking on the largest army of the empire." Kazuto frowned.

"Preparations. That's all you say." Reborn scoffed. "If you keep preparing, you'll lose the initiative. Bakazuto, are you not being too cautious?"

"Better than recklessly rushing to our deaths." Kazuto glared. "Our soldiers are counting on us to make the right decision."

"Here's a suggestion that I wonder if any of you have considered?" Fuurin raised her hand, "Why not send an envoy to Enshou? Invite her to meet Paitan-sama?"

"That's right!" Touka raised her voice, "We can choose a path that doesn't involve bloodshed!" Touka seemed much more confident with this path. Kazuto can't blame her.

Kazuto blinked, before frowning… "Can't hurt. The worst that could happen is that our messenger gets killed."

"Guh… Why did you go there?" Touka pleaded with Kazuto.

"Sorry!" Kazuto apologized.

"If it does happen, then we'll have a cause for war." Hinari's eyes widened.

"Hinari-chan… you're a lot scarier than Shuri when you start doing strategist thinking…" Touka looked at her.

"Sorry!"

"Then we'll do it… Paitan, can we leave the letter to you?"

"I'll have Yue and Ei look over it when I'm done." Paitan nodded.

"Then for now, this meeting is adjour-" Before he could finish what he is about to say, he felt a kick on the back of his head. He immediately landed facefirst onto the ground.

"What was that for!?" Kazuto glared at Reborn. Everyone awkwardly looked at that. It's been a while since Reborn has done this in their presence.

"Bakazuto. You're starting to absorb a warlord's mentality."

"Eh?"

"Immediately jumping to the conclusion of inevitable war, without even looking at all the other possibilities."

"That's…"

"Even your title of Pacifist is in question at this point, considering how willing you are to jump to war. Granted your kill count is still at one, but you're going down a dark road."

"…"

"Is that the mentality that would pull the Vongola away from the darkness that lurks beneath its footsteps? Should you be so keen on walking headfirst to death? Don't throw away what Tsuna has taught you, foolish student."

"…"

"For the rest of the day, I will have to insist that you be alone. No escorts, no extras in your bed, no nothing. Reflect on your thoughts and figure out what you want to do with your life." This Reborn directed to the others. "Understood?"

"… Yes." Kazuto replied, as an answer for everyone. "… Meeting adjourned."

Awkward wouldn't even begin to describe the atmosphere that permeated that room. Slowly, the others began leaving. Touka awkwardly walked over to him, but a glare from Reborn caused her to recoil. Touka nodded, hurriedly leaving as well, but not without a glance of reassurance.

"… I'm a bad influence on her."

"You are." Reborn scoffed. "If you weren't leading the meetings, she would've come up with that last solution on her own. But since you were so deadset on dealing with Enshou's invasion, she ended up tongue-tied."

"I…"

"Ryuubi Gentoku is supposed to be a hero. Someone whose ambitions can move mountains. That girl, however, is far too reliant on you. The Emperor is worse. That one's too reliant on both of you. Your presence is hampering their ability to grow as leaders."

"I see…"

"More than anything, what those two need is space. Space to grow without your suffocating presence." Reborn frowned, "Of course… the same could be said for you."

"…"

"Nothing to say?"

"I can't exactly deny it."

"You've also grown far too reliant on them. You think that they'd rein you in if you go too far. But you forget that they don't know what it means for you to go too far. They forget that you too have much to learn, that you are as much a student. And unlike Ryuubi and Kousonsan. Unlike Shokatsuryou, Houtou, and Josho, you've not graduated from the status of a student. And yet, they treat you like you know everything, and you respond to them acting as if you do."

"Only fools know everything…"

"Exactly." Reborn scoffed, "And you have been the biggest fool for far too long. And I will not have Tsuna be succeeded by a fool."

"…"

"It seems it was a good thing that I am here after all. You're still as immature as you were a year ago."

"What the hell should I do?" Kazuto glared at him. "How do I grow up then?"

"That's what I'm giving you the rest of the day for." Reborn jumped away. "In the meantime, I have a few eavesdroppers to give a sermon to. Go." Kazuto nodded, as he stood up finally, and looked outside the window.

"… Looks like good weather for a walk."

-()-

"Bakazuto is not a god. He's not the messenger of heaven, no matter what the foolish masses think. He's human. Just like the rest of you. Reflect on just what he is to you before you start worshipping his footsteps and walk off a cliff after him." With those simple words, Reborn-sensei then jumped away, likely to go back to sorting through the gemstones again.

Ryuubi Gentoku, True Name: Touka, sat in her room, lying face up on her bed, thinking on those words. Everyone has their own duties, and she finished hers quickly enough. Instinctively, she tried to let Kazuto read the letter she planned on sending to Batou, before realizing that he wasn't present in the office. The only ones present were Shuri and Paitan, with a few guards outside their door. She just left the letter to Shuri to do with it as she pleased, before retreating to her room. Almost instinctively, she tried entering Kazuto's room, but she refrained.

"… I don't… I don't worship him… right?"

Admittedly, she has toyed with the idea of calling him "Master". But… really… it seems that has permeated into her further than she thought it did.

She's not deaf or blind. She knows that Kazuto's been dealing with the nobility of the state more often than she does. The arrangement that they have right now… she wouldn't deny that it's better than if they tried to split things evenly. She just… connects with the commonfolk more than the military or the nobility. But that, in itself, is the definition of being sheltered. She should be learning how to deal with the nobility, the military, all these things that she's not used to so that she can take charge when she has to. She tended to tune out whenever Kazuto and Mifa were talking about things like that, but…

Her biggest fault… it seems… is that she's only been taking. She hasn't been giving all that much in their relationship. The most that she's been is Kazuto's second. Carrying out his orders without really thinking… She's grown, as Reborn-sensei put it, far too reliant on him. She needs to become someone that Kazuto can rely on, not just think.

"… This is so haaard…"

"Are you in, Touka-chan?"

"Fuurin-sensei?" Touka blearily stood up.

"It seems that you were." Fuurin's kind smile never wavered as she went over to sit next to her. "Reflecting?"

"A world without war… if I want that, I need to start actually working towards avoiding war." Touka nodded.

"It is a rather great ambition, fitting of a hero." Fuurin's continued, "But Touka-chan does not have to be a hero, not to us. You just need to be yourself when it happens."

"I…"

"Ahh, I still remember the young girl whose skill with a brush resulted in ink staining my room."

"Did you have to bring that up?" Touka asked, her face blushing.

"If that house's still standing then I'm sure we can find a few stains we couldn't quite scrub off."

"Fuurin-sensei!"

"What matters is that, I don't expect perfection from my students. Not like Reborn-san. I don't particularly care what you two do with my teachings." Fuurin told her.

"I know…"

"In the end, the two of you are still young. Adults by law, but even adults can be young. No better example than Enshou."

"Really?" Touka grumbled. Did Fuurin have to compare her to Enshou.

"The difference is, the willingness to learn. And, I can't for the life of me, think that you or Pairen are bad students. Nor could I think of Master, of Hongou-san, as a bad student. Since all three of you are willingly seeking council, it shows wisdom rare among warlords."

"But…"

"Reborn-san's willingness to humiliate Hongou-san in front of others… I'll be honest, it rubs me the wrong way. A teacher should not be doing things like that, I think. But in his words lie wisdom that cannot be denied. Although all of you are willingly seeking council, if none of you receive it, isn't it a bit of a shame? That's why you need to keep discussing, to keep talking. Even if you wind up in circles, as long as you have a plan, don't throw away your options."

"… Thank you, Fuurin-sensei."

"Touka-chan, you are doing well. Much better than I ever hoped for. All you now need to do is become someone who can stand on equal footing as Hongou-sama."

"… I will."

"I'll leave you to it then." Fuurin stood up.

"Again, thank you." Touka smiled at her teacher.

Fuurin smiled back before exiting the room.

Touka laid back down, as she took all of it in. Hopefully, she can come to a conclusion soon…

-()-

Roshoku Shikan, True Name: Fuurin, sighed as she exited Touka's room. She must stand firm in front of her students. They must not see her doubt. At least… not as much. Her job is to serve as the role model of the group, as one of the more senior members of their inner circle… When it comes to seniority, the only one who beats her is Touken, and even he has quietly retired, writing poems, sipping tea, and raising his children.

"… Thank you, Fuurin-san, for what you've done for Touka-sama."

"Hmm? Oh, it's no problem, Aisha-chan." Fuurin smiled, as the newcomer approached. Kan'u Unchou, True Name: Aisha. They soon were walking in step, although neither of them is quite sure of their destination. "It's at times like these that I can be best of use to her. So we're unofficially on break for the day?"

"We're still doing our duties, and any pressing matters are handled efficiently but otherwise… Yes."

"So, what do you think?"

"Eh?"

"Was Reborn-san's words correct?"

"It's something that none of us can deny, at the very least." Aisha winced, "He's pointed it out to us before, but none of us have ever outright argued against Kazuto-sama."

"Yes. I do recall him mentioning so when I first joined your group." Fuurin nodded. "But it's not as if he's been in full control of the army from the start, right? There are things that you've succeeded in talking him down on."

"Yes, for trivial things. But when it's time for how we deal with threats, we always seem to just defer to his judgment…" Aisha sighed, as she leaned on a wall, their aimless wandering at a halt. Fuurin nodded and stopped as well.

"There's nothing wrong with a soldier deferring to the judgment of the ruler."

"But I'm not just a soldier, am I?" Aisha winced, "I'm a Guardian. I'm supposed to be the one helping them towards the path that they desire. They don't need blind loyalty."

"I wouldn't call what you do as blind loyalty." Fuurin smiled comfortingly, "… If you're having a hard time as a general, imagine how the advisors feel?" Fuurin chuckled before wincing as Aisha alarmedly looked towards where Shuri and Hinari's rooms are… "Ah, maybe I should go see them after this?"

"I'll be grateful for that… I'll go join Rouan-dono and ramp up the training of our soldiers. Whatever reaction Enshou has to our invitation, it can't hurt to be prepared."

"Try not to let your doubts show when you're there." Fuurin advised, "Your soldiers look up to you after all. They believe that you're leading them to the path that would guarantee their safety and security, both theirs and their families. A single show of doubt can spell unease through the entire army. Much like a teacher to their students. You need to be a rock that can be their foundation."

"I'll tr-… Is that what Master always feels during our meetings?"

"Likely," Fuurin admitted. "But unlike soldiers, you are his council, his trusted companions… he shouldn't need to put up a face for you."

"… And yet he does…" Doesn't that mean that… Kazuto doesn't trust them? But…

"He trusts you explicitly."

"… Reborn-san." Fuurin blinked at the sudden appearance.

"This line of thought has no bearing on the matter." Reborn scoffed, "I will not have you doubt your own worth to the brat. He trusts you. All of you. What you need to do is not doubt his trust, but trust that he trusts you enough to question him. Don't be afraid to show discord. If he's being stupid, call him out for being so."

"Must you call him stupid?" Fuurin asked severely, "He's your student, isn't he?"

"I call every single one of my students stupid." Reborn scoffed, "Whether it be the Cavallone boss, his father, or Bakazuto. What matters is that he realizes what he needs to do to compensate for his stupidity. It would not do for him to get a big head and forget that, in the grand scheme of things, a single person will never be wiser than an entire room."

"A teacher is meant to encourage learning, not…"

"The difference between you and me, Roshoku, is that I'm a tutor, not a teacher." Reborn told her matter-of-factly, "I'm not supposed to teach him anything, but guide him."

"And at the same time trample on his self-confidence?"

"Self-confidence? And what use will that be when he's dead from an actual stupid decision?" Reborn scoffed again, "If you want to be the good teacher to the boy, I couldn't care less. My job is to make him become someone who can be a leader of men. Someone who can look in the eye of a criminal and not give a crap what they think of him."

"Many times, Reborn-san, Hongou refers to you as a 'hitman'. The world's strongest assassin. And yet he's your student? But you're training him to become a leader, instead of another sellsword? Just what exactly is Sawada Kazuto?"

"He's the heir of the soon-to-be reformed mafia, the Vongola Family. He's the son of Sawada Tsunayoshi, who has been browbeating all dissenters into following his lead to become an organization for peace instead of destruction."

"… I see. And for that reason, Sawada Kazuto…"

"Needs to be strong. But more importantly, needs people around him that he can trust, no matter what. That's what the Guardians are for." Here Reborn turned to Aisha, "That's what you are for."

"His father's made enemies of those who want to go back to the old days." Aisha connected the dots. "To return to… as Master once said, an organized crime syndicate."

"There will be dissent for the fact that the boy's Guardians are all outsiders. That is an incontrovertible fact. If you truly want to be the boy's Guardians, you're going to have to grow thicker skins. Learn from what I say, but don't get so worked up by how I'm saying it. Learn to see criticism through mockery. It's healthier than outrage."

"And Kazuto? You pretty much humiliated him in front of everyone." Fuurin frowned.

"By tomorrow morning, the boy will be completely normal, and doing things as he usually does." Reborn scoffed, "He didn't reach Hyper Dying Will Mode by being embarrassed in being seen in such a negative light."

"Huh?" Aisha blinked. What does that have to do with anything…?

"Hyper Dying Will Mode is first reached through the use of the Rebuke Bullet." Reborn smirked. "The Rebuke Bullet is a special bullet that, when shot at a person, will browbeat that person with all the criticisms from all that he knows have for him. Getting past all that is the key to unlocking Hyper Dying Will Mode. If he can take all that when he was at his weakest, then what I did this morning is basically nothing. He'll be fine."

And with that, Reborn left.

"In the end, he didn't even listen to what I mean at all." Fuurin frowned. "No matter how valid your words, if you deliver them poorly, then it will be useless."

"I think I understand at least." Aisha nodded, "We need to contribute to the meetings more." Aisha nodded. "Kazuto-sama shouldn't be left to think on the what-ifs. Just what should be done."

"I'm impressed that you can pick things up from all that." Fuurin chuckled. "Well then. I believe Shuri-chan, Hinari-chan, and Genchoku-chan are all in the office, yes?"

"Thank you again, Fuurin-sensei." And with a wave, the two parted ways.

-()-

Kentei, Personal Name: Ryuukyou, True Name: Paitan, blinked in surprise as Fuurin arrived in the office.

"Oh dear, just you, Paitan-sama? Where's Shuri and her friends?" Fuurin was referring to the Suikyou Student Trio: Shokatsuryou Koumei, True Name: Shuri, Houtou Shigen, True Name: Hinari, and Josho Genchoku, whose True Name has not been disclosed to any of them.

"They went out for a bit. They'll be back soon." Paitan smiled, "What brings you here, Fuurin-san?"

"I wanted to see how you're doing. Well, all of you." Fuurin smiled. "You know, after what happened this morning?"

"Ah, that… I think the three reacted… rather strongly and are forcing themselves through all the paperwork. I don't know much though… Maybe I'm just seeing things."

"And you?"

"… I… I'm not a very good Emperor, am I?"

"…"

"I just let Kazuto-niisan do all the talking, while I just pretend to understand where he's coming from. I should be asking questions…"

"It's a bit difficult to do so when Hongou-san's words make a lot of sense… or at least, at the time." Anyone who says Kazuto has no charisma has never seen the boy in person. When he talks, he talks as if anything he says is finalized.

"Maybe so, but…"

"Paitan-sama is still young. You have much to learn. You're doing fine." Fuurin assured her. "If anything, as an Emperor, the mere fact that you are so worried about how well you're doing is a testament to your own character."

"… You're comparing me to my sister, aren't you?"

"It would be a lie to say I'm not still a bit sore about my getting locked up for false charges last year." Fuurin winced, "I was pardoned, but that was still a bit…"

"… Yeah…" Paitan nodded, "But still… isn't an Emperor supposed to be confident and able to take charge of the country?"

"Ideally, but we don't live in an ideal world, right? All you need to do is work towards it, and, eventually, things will work out." Fuurin smiled.

Paitan mutely nodded, before…

"We're back, Paitan-sama. Ah, hello Fuurin-san."

"Welcome back, Shuri, Hinari, Genchoku." Paitan smiled.

"Are you three alright?" Fuurin asked, as they walked in with a bunch of paperwork. "Umm, what are those?"

"Things we were planning on finishing soon."

"Are some of those for Hongou-sama?"

"Not necessarily." Shuri smiled awkwardly, "As his advisors, he's actually given us some authority to reject proposals. Acceptable proposals are the only ones that need to go past Kazuto-sama."

"Even then, Paitan-sama, as the higher authority, is just as capable of handling things." Hinari bowed. "We usually take care of these in the other room but…"

"With both Touka-sama and Master taking a break for today, we don't want Paitan-sama to be alone." Josho finished. So they're going to move in and work here for the rest of the day.

"Still, that looks like a lot of work." Fuurin frowned, "Don't tell me you're pushing yourselves?"

"… Wouldn't you? After watching what happened this morning?" Shuri awkwardly replied. "Kazuto-sama's mentality is growing more and more like a warlord's. That's what Reborn-san said. The reason, most likely…"

"The constant war. Despite us ending them quickly, we've still been involved in four different conflicts within the span of a year…"

"On some level, he's probably already internalized that the fastest way to end wars is to fight them."

"Yeah, these two seem to think that it's because we've been relying far too much on Kazuto-sama to take care of these that it's starting to weigh on him a bit too much." Josho waved, "In all honesty, I kinda agree. When you keep dealing with nobility who keep trying to one-up you, it's hard to keep a positive edge in your plans."

"Just try not to push yourselves too hard." Fuurin nodded, "We wouldn't want any of you to grow sick. Your advice will be indispensable soon enough."

"This much is hardly a problem." Shuri nodded. "We'll try to keep our limits in mind."

"… Then I'll leave you to it." Fuurin nodded.

"Please don't worry, Fuurin-san." Paitan smiled, "I'll personally order the three to sleep or eat if they seem to be going too far."

"Thank you."

"Hawawa!?" "Awawa!?" "Wawawa!?"

It's hard to get a word in edgewise when the three are trying so hard to distract themselves already. And the three form a sort of support group of their own. Still…

"Fuurin-san?" Ah, they were probably confused, why she hasn't left, as she was saying.

"What kind of teacher was Suikyou?"

"That's…"

"She was like a mother to us," Josho replied. "She taught us many things. She was always kind, and smiled a lot."

"And Mammon?"

"Harsh." Shuri replied for them, "Mammon-sensei pushes us a lot, but once we're done, that's it."

"Mammon-sensei treats it more like a job than anything."

"The first time, it was like: First, show me your potential. Then I'll decide if you're worth teaching. I don't do jobs that have a less than 90% success rate."

"The fact that Mammon's still teaching you means…" The three smiled with a shrug. So it means that they were on track to become capable Mist Flame users. That's good.

"If only we can use our flames freely, but…"

"Trump Cards are meant to be hidden for just the right moment." Josho smiled, "Still, if a war with Enshou breaks out…"

"We just might need to use it then, lest we risk destruction." Hinari nodded. "I'm… nervous."

Shuri nodded, "Let's hope that Enshou will take the invitation seriously, and not suspect a trap." Because there wasn't one. They weren't planning one.

"Thank you."

It seems the three weren't so deeply troubled by the event this morning. Or they are channeling any troubles they have to something more productive.

Teaching is such a fundamental part of Fuurin's life. Through it, she met such wonderful children, including Touka and Pairen. However… this is the first time she's met a teacher that she disagrees with wholeheartedly. His methods, his attitude, and his casual cruelty would spell the ruin of any but the most dedicated students… Even just the small snippets that the others have told of Reborn's teachings is enough to make her cringe. Boulders? Rabid dogs? Being shot at for a single error in a calculations question? Are such extremes truly needed to teach?

Hopefully, during tomorrow's breakfast, when everyone gathers once more, Reborn's statement is right, and Kazuto would be back, no worse for wear.

-()-

Chouhi Yokutoku, True Name: Rinrin, sat at the walls of the city. It's not exactly her turn to patrol. Actually, as a general, it should never have become her turn to patrol. But this was the nicest place she could think of for some thinking time. So she hopped on the wall and thought.

Moments turned to seconds. Seconds turned to minutes. After about fifteen of long pondering…:

"… Ahh, I can't think of anything after all!" Rinrin groaned, leaning back and…

"GYAAH!"

Falling over headfirst into the floor.

"Guuh… it hurts…" Rinrin picked herself up.

The others probably already figured out how to help Kazuto-nii. They're all working harder than they were before. Even Rairai and Denden are running around with serious faces. And those two usually happily stick with her. Ren and Nenene are at the training arena with Rouan, helping with the training. How Ren figured that would help, Rinrin wasn't sure, but last she saw, Ren was mowing through many soldiers at once.

"Want something to eat, Rinrin?"

"Hmm?" Rinrin looked up, "Ah, Sei."

Chouun Shiryuu, True Name: Sei, smirked, carrying a platter of food. "Yours is on this side, mine is on this side." Sei chuckled, sitting down next to her and placing the plate down. Yep, there's a clear separation between the two sides of the plate.

"Okay~" Rinrin nodded, sitting down once more, before grabbing one of the dumplings and putting it into her mouth. It's not the amount that she would normally eat, but a snack's a snack, and it would at least keep her distracted for a bit.

Well, as distracted as Sei wants her to be. Sei immediately started talking, "Don't think too hard on it."

"Eh?"

"Leave the thinking to Aisha and our dear strategists. Our job is to keep Milord and Touka-sama from getting hurt from their dumb moments. We don't need to do anything else."

"… Yeah. That sounds right." Rinrin nodded, "If Kazuto-niichan is being stupid, then my job is to keep them from getting hurt from being stupid." Rinrin grinned, "The sun that takes on all misfortune with my own body, right?"

"True enough." Sei smirked, "And as for me, my job is to wash it all away."

"Then that's it. That's all I need to do." Rinrin stood up with a stretch. Seems she was thinking too hard. "Hey, is that what Ren's doing too?"

"Ren? Ah, right, the poor trainees." Sei laughed, "Hope Rouan-dono reels her in soon before the trainees become completely discouraged." Sei then smirked, "She's trying to figure out how to fight a trained army. She might have the reputation of an army killer but that army was mostly just a big mob of bandits. Still, I don't see her having too much trouble when I left."

"Yeah. Ren's really strong." Rinrin nodded. "… You know… Rinrin's really good at fighting, so when Oniichan was preparing for war, Rinrin didn't care. But…"

"Leave it to Milord. He'll come up with an answer." Sei ruffled her head a bit. "Let's just enjoy our impromptu day-off, alright?"

"Yeah, okay."

Still didn't stop Rinrin from thinking, however. Their job is to stop a war from happening in the first place. To create a peaceful world with no war.

It's inherently contradictory for a proud warrior like Rinrin to avoid war. She hates it, much like everyone else, but the thought of avoiding it… Rinrin was no coward. Running away from war is something only weaklings and cowards need to do, and she's strong. So she has to fight for the weaklings… But the best way for those weaker than her to be safe is to not have war in the first place.

"… Reborn-sensei!" Rinrin called out immediately, startling Sei, almost knocking her off the wall, "Rinrin wants to learn more Sun Flame tricks!"

"Uhh, Rinrin? What are you talking about?" Sei asked, looking around. "Reborn-san's not"

"I'm here."

"Oh, since when?" Sei asked as she tried to recover from the shock, putting on a mask of composure once more.

"I happened to pass by." Reborn scoffed. "My student's walking around town, and it was the perfect opportunity to see other people."

"Is that alright?" Sei asked with a frown.

"Your boss isn't helpless; I'd kick his ass if a mere stroll around town would get him killed. He has his sword on him at least. Still, he's starting to go back to the palace. The range of the communicator can only go so far, so if you want a lesson, Chouhi, you're going to have to borrow the communicator from him." Reborn's image was getting a bit hazy.

"Got it!" Rinrin nodded. "I'll go see niichan!"

And so, she quickly devoured the rest of the snack platter, Rinrin jumped down the wall and toward the palace, likely going to meet Kazuto on the way.

Sei quietly looked at the now empty tray before shaking her head. She then grabbed it and sauntered back towards the training fields.

-()-

Sawada Kazuto Hongou blinked, as he handed over the communicator to the bundle of energy that is Rinrin, who immediately ran off with Reborn on her head. Sometimes, he just forgets the thing is in his pocket most of the time. No wait… didn't he leave that thing on the office table? That's where he leaves it most of the time. That way, Reborn can go around the palace freely, even reaching the yard. He didn't have time to pick it back up when Reborn basically forced him to take a break. How did it get into his pocket? Whatever. Considering the direction Rinrin's going, Kazuto will have a better time thinking at the palace, with the promise of no Reborn there for a good while. Maybe the yard? He only went out for lunch anyway. If he stays outside for more than necessary, the girls will get worried.

The way back… it's honestly peaceful, not having the girls around. Uncomfortably peaceful, having gotten used to their presence. Oh wait, that's loneliness, something that he hasn't experience in a while. The only other times he's been alone is in the bath or the toilet, and not even the first one a lot of the time. Yue sometimes shows up to wash him, apparently considering it her job at that point.

The way everyone around him reacted… Kazuto honestly couldn't relate all that much. It was just business as usual. Reborn kicks him around a bit, gives him a stupid order, makes him feel like a kid again, and he learns to calm down a bit more. It was worse when he was fifteen, and he was being struck by all the stupidity that puberty has to offer. That bout of rebellion was quickly quashed by Reborn's presence, and he never bothered with it ever again. Regardless, this was all Standard Operation Procedure for an heir of a mafia family. Especially an heir whose duty is to continue tearing down the more illegal side of the family, while still keeping food on the table for those that rely on them to do so. A complex balancing act. And for that reason, Kazuto cannot be complacent with a single way of thinking. He needs to keep options open. Always and always.

Be the sky that understands all, accepts all. That is all that Reborn is trying to teach him, time and time again. It's not asking him to be smart, it's not asking him to be the answer to all the world's problems, or even just the answer to the problems of the city. He doesn't have to be an answer to anything.

The wise man never knows all; only fools know everything. Apparently, it's some African proverb, although Kazuto never personally bothered to check the sources on that. However, it's not his job to be particularly wise either. He doesn't have to be dependable. He doesn't have to be the solution to anyone's problems. What he needs to do is gather people who can be that solution. What he needs to do is get people to work with him for a solution.

His studies? They're not meant for anything more than being able to enter a good college and get a network of capable friends going.

That morning, when Reborn kicked him in front of everyone? That has nothing to do with him. It was meant to be a wake-up call for everyone else. As for how he knows this? He was given the most worthless punishment in the world. Go to your room and think about what you've done? What did Reborn think he was? 13? Reborn's punishments for being wrong are normally ones that would push him to the point that he feels like he'll have to go into Dying Will Mode just to do them. True, Kazuto failed to think of a peaceful solution and maybe he truly was starting to absorb a warlord's mindset, but it wasn't as if everything was set in stone when he was talking. However, this was the biggest mistake he's done in front of everyone, so Reborn took the chance and exaggerated it for the simple purpose of lighting a fire under everyone else and get them to start thinking for themselves, and remind them what they actually are working towards. They were fighting for a world of peace. They can't just coast along, going with the flow. They need to strive for it. That was a reminder, and it worked.

Still, tonight, he'll sleep alone for the first time in a while. What kind of dream will he see…

"… Checkerface, right?" Kazuto dryly called out, as he reached the yard.

The man with the iron hat smiled, walking forward from behind the bushes, the checker-patterned mask glinting on his face.

"Hello, Sawada Kazuto."

"So what brings you here?"

"A simple reminder of our deal. If you were to gather your guardians, I'll give you a gift. That was the deal remember?"

"Right. You did say. Don't think I need your incentive though…"

"It is merely a guarantee so that you may survive. Still, I see you don't have a Lightning Guardian just yet?"

"Don't see why it's your problem. And you're keeping tabs? I don't think we ever mentioned the Guardians all too much outside of our home."

"There's no need for me to. They all proudly wear the rings when walking outside, after all."

"Fair enough." Kazuto nodded, "Still, I don't see why you care about it."

"Ah, I see. Well, I suppose the Trinisette's purpose hasn't been revealed to you, then… well that is about as expected. You are merely an heir, after all."

"Trini-what?" Three Sevens? What do numbers have to do with…

"Regardless, it's not as if I care all that much about how the Vongola do things. However, since the Arcobaleno Pacifiers are no longer in my control, I find myself rather free to look into the matters of the others."

"You do realize you're practically talking nonsense, right? I don't know what you're on about."

"I believe the term you children refer to it as… Midlife Crisis? Yes, that will do."

"If you're here to monologue, I'm just gonna go. Please don't mess up the garden too much in your musings."

"Ah, right, sorry. Well, may I ask you something?"

"Yes?"

"Do you think of the people here as human?"

"Excuse me, what?" Kazuto glared, "I don't like what you are implying, Checkerface."

"Oh no, they are humans in my eyes too. Everything about them is practically indistinguishable from all humans back in the real world. I'm just asking if you too see them as such? Although, judging by your reaction, I suppose I have my answer." Checkerface smiled. Of note, the way Checkerface talks… it's as if he didn't consider himself human either, and looks down upon both. Regardless…

"You're not giving me an answer here."

"You didn't ask a question though?" Checkerface gave a smile that Kazuto can't help but feel as condescending. "Now then, if you were to fully gather your guardians, the gift I was planning on giving you…" Checkerface then frowned, looking away, "Hmm?"

"What?" Kazuto instinctively followed his gaze.

"I believe someone is arriving. I'm going to be taking my leave."

"Wait!"

"Kazuto."

"… I thought you were with Rinrin?" Kazuto blinked as Reborn showed up, with a frown on his face.

"Who was that?"

"Some guy who calls himself Checkerface."

"… I see." Reborn's face was completely neutral. Whatever emotions he is hiding beneath that expression, it was being clamped down hard. "… Never mention that name in front of the other Arcobaleno. In fact, never mention it to the Vindice either."

"Why?"

"What did he want?" Reborn asked.

"He offered me a reward for gathering all my Guardians."

"Che. Then that means we'll have to postpone searching for a Lightning Guardian."

"What?" Kazuto blinked, "Why?"

"The last reward that he offered a group of seven people was a curse that ruined their lives for a long time."

"He mentioned being involved with the… Arcobaleno Pacifiers?" Arcobaleno, as in… the World's Strongest Seven… and Pacifiers, as in the thing that babies use?

"That is a story that your father ended. It is ancient history now. If you want the details, go ask him when you get back home."

"I get it, I get it." Kazuto sighed. "… Are you going back to Rinrin soon?"

"… You will tell me more about your encounter with that man later." Reborn nodded curtly, before turning Leon into a glider once more and going away.

Kazuto looked patiently as Reborn left. He then walked over to the gazebo and waited for a bit. Eventually, once he determined that Checkerface has decided not to show up anymore, he went back to his room.

-()-

Or rather, he planned to, but…

"Ah."

"Ah."

Touka stood in front of him, having come out of her room.

"Hi, Touka." Kazuto greeted with a smile, "Seems a bit early for a nap, don't you think?"

"Kazuto-kun… Umm… Are you alright?" The worry on her face was obvious to Kazuto.

"Please. Reborn's done worse to me before. This is nothing." Kazuto scoffed. "If he truly thinks I'm being stupid, he'd have made me strip to my underwear and run around the palace."

"Isn't that worse!?"

"Like I said, nothing." Kazuto chuckled, moving over to rub her head. "Let's just get back to work. I'm starting to get stir-crazy doing nothing."

"I…"

"Look, I mean it. Don't worry about Reborn being Reborn. He's not worth the trouble."

"Listen to me, Kazuto-kun." Touka's voice came out a bit desperate. "I know that we don't know as much as you do…"

"Debatable." Kazuto certainly doesn't think so.

Touka frowned at him, "Kazuto-kun."

"Shutting up." Kazuto raised his hands in surrender.

"Kazuto-kun. We want to help you. Please let us help you."

"…"

"We'll work hard so that we can help you. The hard decisions don't have to be solely on you. I want to help you!"

"Okay." Kazuto nodded. Kazuto doesn't know how that would be different from how they were doing so far, though.

"That's why… leave this to us for today. Kazuto-kun should rest."

"Sheesh… Fine. I'll relax." Kazuto smiled. "Just let me prepare a bath first. I've been out for a bit."

"I'll tell Yue and Ei when I see them."

"When you see them? What exactly will you be doing?" Kazuto blinked.

"… I want to know exactly what everyone does. That way I won't be clueless about what they can and can't do."

Kazuto nodded. Sometimes, there are things that you really won't know just from them talking about their day, he supposed. "Okay. Don't push yourself too hard. That's a lot of people you're going to be meeting up with."

"Yeah, I know." Touka smiled. "But… I want to catch up as soon as I can."

"… I know you can do it." Kazuto nodded, as Touka immediately left. For some reason… Kazuto could only feel melancholy from the sight. Why, though? It feels like she's starting to move away from him…

-()-

It took a while for Yue to prepare the bath. After the bath, he then ate dinner, the dining hall a bit emptier than it was that morning. The others were all still scrambling about, likely having eaten out. Well, Paitan was there, but she was practically dozing on the table, so there was no opportunity to converse. After that, he returned to his room for sleep…

"… It feels a bit colder than normal…" Kazuto chuckled, as he laid face-up, still wide awake. The second bed went unused.

"How was it?"

"Yo, Reborn."

"Do you now understand the effect of a leader in the Family?"

"… Just enlighten me already, oh wise one." Kazuto rolled his eyes. Fortunately, it seems that Reborn has decided that kicking him was not worth it, and simply decided to sit on the windowsill for now.

"When there's a problem with the leadership, the Family takes a hit. When the leader is berated, the Family is hurt. When you make a mistake, it's the Family who has to take most of the damage for it. Your problems, your conclusions, your worries, your issues, all of them trickle down to them and they, in turn, internalize that as the norm. This is why you need to pay heed to what your people say. And you especially should pay attention if they have something they want to say."

"I already do that."

"Not when you are so gung-ho. Your Hyper Intuition gives you an edge when it comes to making conclusions, but when you talk, it tends to turn into making it seem that what you say is how it is. Not how it could be. You underestimate your own charisma, Bakazuto. You may not be able to charm a crowd of peasants, but you are more than capable of making people believe your words to the letter."

"…"

"You say what you think casually. Like it was already a decided fact. Even though you just jumped to it with what you think is your Hyper Intuition as a guide. It makes you sound smart. It makes you sound certain. It makes you sound as if you know exactly how the pieces will fall."

"But I don't, right?"

"Sawada Kazuto is no genius. You are just a boy who got lucky and was born in the right family. Or got unlucky and was born in the wrong family." Reborn smirked.

"I'd still never regret it," Kazuto promised.

"Good. Regret only what you could've affected and would've done differently."

"Most people would tell them to live life with no regrets." Kazuto joked.

"Most people don't use Dying Will Mode," Reborn replied with a smirk, to which Kazuto only laughed. Dying Will Mode, achieved by having a strong regret as they are shot by a Dying Will Bullet in the forehead.

"So why now?" Kazuto asked, "When the situation with Enshou is at its most delicate?"

"That's exactly why."

"… Not gonna elaborate?"

"Do I need to?" Reborn asked. "Face it, Bakazuto, for a leader, you're too self-reliant. That's a good thing, except you're forgetting to rely on others too. And your friends have grown reliant on you. They need some form of independence from you. Especially, since you are going to try for the negotiation route."

"…"

"That route has a single hiccup for your group. If you cannot see it, then you'll simply have to take responsibility for not having been able to prevent it earlier."

"I'm not Iris, Reborn. I don't have Clairvoyance."

"And I can't see into the future either, Bakazuto. And yet, I made the connection. And the problem wouldn't be a problem at all if you have already handled it properly."

"… So it's something that I was left in charge of, but did poorly, yet you didn't care to bring it up before now?"

"The only consequence, after all, is that you go to war."

"… Really?" Kazuto grimaced.

"Now go get some sleep." Reborn scoffed before leaving in a puff of yellow flame.

"… Really?" He repeated, this time incredulous, "How the hell am I supposed to sleep if you're going to give me something to worry about into the night?" And… Reborn clearly didn't even bother actually explaining what his reasons are. The whole "too self-reliant" spiel felt more excuse than explanation… Just what is Reborn trying to accomplish here?

"Ah, whatever." Kazuto sighed, rolling over.

As long as he closed his eyes and didn't move for thirty minutes, his tired body should remember what time of night it was.

-()-

A burning city.

Kazuto remembers this city. It's an old city, houses made of brick. It's a city that appears in his dreams… He always forgets it in the morning but…

The echoing screams resounded in his ear.

Since when has he begun hearing this in his nightmares?

Children screaming for their parents.

Oh right… his first kill. His only kill.

The feeling of resistance, as his burning blade pierces flesh.

Kazuto remembers it well.

The shocked appearance of the man, as his life was snuffed out.

Kazuto remembers it all too well.

That man's head on a pike, blamed for sins he did not commit.

No matter what justifications you may have: a kill is a kill. Just another sin to add to the pile.

The SINS of VONGOLA only grow with TIME

"HAAAH!" Kazuto forced himself up from the bed. It took a bit for him to recognize just where he was, as the moonlit night shone through the window. His heart, however, took much longer to slow down, the adrenaline from the dream forcing it to beat harder than necessary. His mind tried replaying the already fading memories, trying to see exactly what he was so scared of…

"Sins?" Kazuto gasped out, as sweat trickled down his brow. "Time?" Ah, the memory of the dream is already slipping away.

"Kazuto-sama."

Kazuto whipped his head around to see Sei drinking from the window. How did he miss that?

"… I thought the night duty thing was suspended." Kazuto laughed slightly, still reeling a bit.

"And I'm not in the room, am I?" Sei coyly smirked. "I just happened to choose this spot for drinking tonight, don't mind me."

"Fair enough." Kazuto nodded, before lying back down and closing his eyes to try and get some more sleep. Sins and Time… what on earth could that mean…

"Please rest well, Milord," is the last he hears.

-()-

"You're playing with fire, Chouun Shiryuu."

"We are more aware of how he is now than you do, Reborn-dono." Sei grinned, "Is that not what you aimed to amend?"

"Don't presume you know what I want." Reborn scoffed but, notably, didn't deny her words.

"Kazuto-sama has not slept alone ever since you came, and you wanted to know exactly how he's like if he does, right?"

"A half-baked theory, if I've ever heard one." Reborn shrugged, "Maybe in part, you are right, but in reality, Kazuto is closer to the truth than any of you."

"… You're talking about this being something we need more than Milord does."

"Communication is a two-way street. It doesn't matter how willing Kazuto is to listen to your input if none of you are willing to give it. What I did is simple: dispel the one thing chaining all of you down."

"And that is?"

"Your belief that Kazuto is more than human. That he can do no wrong." Reborn replied.

"There were other times you've done this. What makes this one different?"

"This time it stuck." Reborn replied, "Because I went above what I normally would've done. I punished him for a mere oversight brought on by tunnel vision. A common mistake made by any person. However, since I emphasized it as a mistake…"

"You got us. You made us worry for Milord's well-being." Using the spiel on him starting to develop a Warlord's mindset. Making them fear that… somehow, someway, Kazuto was changed by this world. It's possibly true, but the exaggeration made it something that all of them are now worried about.

Reborn merely smirked, "It worked, didn't it?"

"Are you planning on apologizing?"

"Apologize for what?"

"Never mind then. Would you care for a drink?"

"I'm more into coffee than alcohol." Reborn shrugged. "Besides, I cannot drink in this form." Of course, Sei was fully aware of the last part, even drunk as she is. If anything, it's just a petty little jab.

"More for me then."

"… Sins and Time. Strange." Reborn frowned. "The Vongola Ring is nowhere on his person and yet he still saw something like that?"

"Hmm?"

Reborn chose to say nothing, as he merely jumped into the room, landing on the desk, before jumping to the second bed. He stood there stock still before… a small snot bubble appeared on his nose.

"… Huh. He sleeps with his eyes open." Sei blearily noted, before tipping the sake into her mouth. Tomorrow, they'll be even busier. Hopefully, they can take it on with less heightened emotions and more rational minds.

-()-

Chapter End

-()-

Chapter Release Date: May 14, 2021

-()-

Beta Reader: Seraphius

Hello, it's been three months, hasn't it? In that timespan, I fell into a rabbit hole (peko), got a bit too into online shopping, started doing the bare minimum of studying Japanese (in other words, I tryhard Duolingo), started playing a gacha game, not necessarily in that order. In short, I've been a bit busy. In that meantime, I finished this arc, and I'm now presenting what I personally refer to as the arc that could make or break the future of this story. Ahh, I'm nervous.

You can probably tell which parts I wrote on a completely different date than the first. One I did at the start of November. The other at the start of December. Now it's the middle of May. Wait… it's been a full half a year since I made this chapter? Huh… Well, it's fine, I guess. I'm both happy and worried about this chapter. This is both a really heavy chapter but it also feels like a whiplash from the tone set in all preceding chapters. Whatever, I'm too far down the rabbit hole.

I decided against writing SoL scenes for now, because, frankly, I'm drying up on ideas on that front.

So welcome, everyone, to the Enshou Arc!