Chapter 9

Isago had decided one thing while he shot a three-pointer into the hoop.

"Man, what the heck! You could probably make it to one of the NBA players!" A few classmates puffed in exhaustion, bending over and resting their hands on their knees to catch a breath. Isago only smiled, shrugging and patting his teammates' shoulders because he was the only one who wasn't out of breath.

He really had to thank Reborn for that. After the trip to the mountain, Reborn had taken things down a notch, teaching him Italian phrases while he was forced to carry Reborn on his back as he did push-ups. Isago was getting what Reborn was trying to say though. After attaining the basic sensing technique, Reborn had accurately detected the fact that Isago's body was moving too slow despite already sensing the attacks from miles away.

So they started building muscle.

Isago had suspicions that Reborn was actually going easy on his training. It wasn't a very hard task at all, just push-ups with weights and Reborn surveillance him while teaching him a language. It couldn't be because of his wounds from the mountain either, because they had already completely healed with Reborn's sun treatment.

Perhaps, Reborn was trying to restrain Isago from improving too fast? It was hilarious because that was the tactic that Isago had used on his older brother. Seeing himself in this position was fresh. But maybe he was just being a bit too impatient, after all, knowing what Tsuna's future self could do was terrifying.

Lambo's stay had also been confirmed and everything went according to the anime. Apparently, Lambo tried to attack Reborn while he was teaching Tsuna math and called over 'adult Lambo' who greeted them casually. Isago wasn't at that place at that time, but he did hear Tsuna's scream and holler of 'adult Lambo?!'

After that, Reborn had suggested for Lambo stay in the Sawada household. Of course, Mama had agreed almost in an instant, but Tsuna was still grumbling about how Reborn was, forcing a child to join the mafia shenanigans. Isago laughed and poked Tsuna's face, earning a small grin from his brother who latched onto him for the next few days.

A week had passed and everything was back on track. His classmates had diligently practiced what Isago had advised them to do, and the cheerleading team also improved a lot of their dance steps in contrast to the first day.

There were simple spins and high jumps, nothing too complicated that made even a single person get left out from the overall group. They had just finished making the chants and the only thing that they were missing was the song. Thank goodness the day back from the mountains he had already written the cheerleading song that was directly a copy from a 2020 kpop group song but was changed to Japanese.

The boys went for another round, passing the basketball from one side of the court to the other. The girls were also on the other side, tossing each other the balls before Isago heard a 'kya!' from that side and the teacher whistled for all of them to stop.

Isago's golden eyes whisked to the girl's side before seeing Usagi's hair on the ground as she grimaced in pain, clutching her knee. Her friends and classmates were all crowded around her, but no one actually helped her out. Isago sighed at them, rushing over to Usagi as the class naturally parted ways for their leader. Her skin was completely scraped, blood seeping out and dripping onto the ground as she tried pushing herself up, revealing that her elbows were also grated bloody.

Isago took off his PE jacket and slid it over Usagi's body.

"Infirmary," Isago called out towards the teacher as he nodded, excusing Isago before he scooped Usagi out. She was surprised at his sudden action, her pink pigtails spilling over his arms as he calmly walked out of the gym, some girls behind him sighing at how strong Isago was, for princess carrying Usagi.

There was a long silence between them as Isago's eyes slipped over to her knee, seeing the blood leak onto his jacket. Her expression became mortified as she tried lifting Isago's jacket off her frame before he shook his head.

"It will leave a trail," he shrugged and continued walking. Usagi bit her pink lips, her soft and creamy skin was filled with dry tears as she turned away, embarrassment showing on her face.

"Did they do it on purpose?" was all Isago needed to ask before the girl started quietly sobbing into her hands. Usagi was really hated between the girls. He sighed, shaking his head. In Japan, if you were different then you would be hated. Everyone moved in unity. Even for Isago, he refrained from skipping class too much because that was not 'normal' according to this society's rules.

Even though he wanted to graduate early. But that was something that he had already decided in the gym. After the incident on the mountain, Isago concluded that being in school was a bit too tiring to balance with all that fitness schedule. Not to mention if he had more spare time in his hands, it would be easier to get things that he wanted.

"I won't apologize for crying," Usagi sniffed, clutching onto Isago's jacket as if to get more warmth. Isago raised his eyebrows, suddenly surprised at her change. Usually, Usagi was more of the outgoing and girly female in the class. A girl who would purposefully act weak around the boys to gain more attention from them.

"What?" Usagi's pink eyes turned mockingly towards the boy. "Disgusted that this is my real personality?"

"No, actually-" Isago started, he stepped into the infirmary to check if there was anyone here to help with Usagi's wound. "Actually, I like this more than the fake persona that you created to fit in with the girls."

Usagi's eyes widened as Isago peered through all the empty beds that were separated with curtains.

No one was there.

No one was here either when Reborn came and healed Isago. Geez, what was with this school? Did Hibari not add money into this part?

"You-" Usagi started, eyes dropping back onto her own lap.

"There's no one here," Isago narrowed his eyes and lifted Usagi onto the infirmary's desk, grabbing the first aid kit on the table and opening it before covering the alcohol bottle with a cotton ball. "Bear with me, Usagi."

Usagi's face flushed with his serious tone, mutely nodding as she held back any signs of pain when he rubbed the cotton onto her knees then elbows. She winced only once, clamping her mouth shut with her small hands. After he was done, he applied some healing ointment that was labelled in Japanese then started bandaging her scratches.

Usagi watched his movements carefully, pondering over something before blurting out, "Date me."

"What?" Isago furrowed his eyebrows, staring back at the girl as he finished the patch on her knee. Isago was confused- not because of the timing, but because the first confession he had ever received from both this life and last was made without even a hint of feelings.

He stood up slowly, cautious of every move that he was making.

"I-" Usagi's face turned completely red. "Do you hate assertive girls?"

"No," he uttered, refusing to lower his gaze even though he really wanted to question her motives. "I prefer girls who are straightforward."

Of course, because he also knew the feelings of being a girl. It was damn tiring to be playing poker with the guy.

"You don't have a girlfriend, right?" Usagi took a quick breath before her eyes glimmered slightly with hope. "Are you not interested in dating?"

"I just haven't thought of it," Isago shook his head, giving a light chuckle as he placed the items he used into the first aid kit. What was her hidden motive? Isago was sure that she didn't have any romantic feelings for him.

"But you know that most girls in our class have crushes on you?"

That, Isago did know. Well, he chose to ignore it rather than facing them head-on. Every time he felt a girl would drop a confession, he would purposefully friendzone them so that they wouldn't have to have awkward conversations the next time they met. That was also why Isago was so stunned that this girl would drop the bomb before he noticed any signs of affection for him.

When he didn't answer Usagi, she pouted a bit but continued.

"It's weird that no one notices that you're purposefully trying to avoid dating anyone, so I had to try."

So her observation skills were good.

"Usagi," Isago's eyes lightened, placing a sweet smile onto his lips. "You don't even like me."

"I do!" Usagi pushed, her pink eyes blinking back as they instantly turned a bit flirtatious. Too late though, because Isago had the experience of being a girl before. Her tactics may have tricked any other male, but Isago had used the exact same tactic in his past life.

"Then it's better not to get too close with me, you don't know what you're dealing with."

Usagi bit her soft lips and saw how Isago saw right through her lie.

"Fine! Then-" she started, a bit hesitant before meeting his eyes, resolution dimly burning in them. "I want you because you're the best choice!"

"That's better," Isago smiled softly, suddenly leaning closer to brush away the strands across her eyes. Usagi didn't flinch, but her cheeks grew a bit pinker. Isago's heart didn't move though. "But my words are the same. Don't get too close to me."

"Give me a good reason why?"

Isago raised his eyebrow, surprised that she still didn't burst and run out of the room. So thick-faced. And Isago liked it like that. He liked women who would ask and ignore their own pride.

"You don't actually like me. If we were to actually date, then you would be in charge of the relationship, not me." Isago said, knowing enough that being blunt with her was the best way. She frowned a bit, clutching his jacket that was positioned across her lap.

It was also because he did not know if Usagi was actually being serious or had other hidden motives. While Isago was sure that she wasn't in any group of mafia because of her pale skin and lack of calluses on her hand that proved she wasn't training anything...he still couldn't be too sure.

But either way, he wasn't interested in being in a relationship right now.

"Then let's start off by getting to know each other," Usagi tucked a curl behind her ear as she stared at Isago. "I want you, no matter what."

"Then you should know that I value my own space," he replied curtly. Something was telling him that Usagi was going to be someone important to him in the future though. Hyper intuition?

"You may try, but only if you can play without crossing the line," Isago gave a small smirk, changing this whole process to a game. Usagi slowly nodded, processing his words before opening her mouth.

"Cute or sexy? Your preferences, Isago?" "A person who can do both."
"Ponytail or pigtails?"
"Someone who is the pigtails style but has an inner ponytail."
"What's your favourite food?"
"You'll be surprised, Usagi."

Question after question, Usagi shot him and tried to grasp what type of person Isago was. He knew himself that he was being overly mysterious, but it was amusing to see Usagi's cute eyebrows furrow up then relax. After asking another ten questions, she nodded slightly, watching Isago before asking.

"You're really not the proper class leader, aren't you? More like a delinquent to me." Her eyes flickered back and forth, causing him to laugh a bit.

"Everyone hides behind facades. You do too, Usagi."

She nodded, extending her hands like a spoiled child as the twinkle burst into fireworks in her eyes.

"Let's go back to class?"

Isago smirked, slowly picking her light body off the table and carrying her princess style, walking down the hallways while ignoring all the stares from the classrooms. He liked how she didn't care about the public's eye.

"Isagooo! Who the heck was that?!" Tsuna's red face puffed, quick breaths ran out of his mouth as he sputtered, his hands shaking. Isago tilted his head, not understanding what Tsuna was trying to say.

"The girl! The girl!" Tsuna gestured with his hands, mouth flying open as they walked up the stairs to the roof, lunch in each of their hands.

"I think Tsuna's asking about the princess carry you did down the halls, Isago."

Isago felt an arm around his neck as he lifted to see Yamamoto nudging him. Behind Tsuna's rain guardian, Gokudera stood stiffly, then bowed a perfect 90 degrees to him.

"Tenth's brother! Pleased to meet you! I am his right-handed man, Gokudera Hayato!"

The gray head kept his head lowered even though Tsuna started panicking beside him, sputtering about how the mafia thing was just forced by Reborn.

"Ah, Tsuna's right-handed man, huh?" Isago's eyes flickered amusingly to his brother before telling Gokudera that he could raise his head. Smiling slightly at the trio, Isago lowered his head.

"Please take care of my older brother, he will need all the help he can get."

"Tenth's brother!" Gokudera was startled from his action, instantly telling Isago that he did not have to do that. Yamamoto also laughed at Tsuna's side, before telling Isago that it was nothing big to be helping Tsuna.

Isago only smirked, feeling the lightweight of the rain guardian's words before dismissing it as they arrived at the roof. As Tsuna and Yamamoto passed them, Isago placed a hand on Gokudera's shoulder, pulling him aside.

"Tenth's brother?"
"You can call me Isago, Gokudera. I'll leave Tsuna in your hands."

Gokudera's eyes widened, sparkling as he swore to protect Tsuna with his life. There was a suspicious twinkle in Gokudera's eyes that Isago caught the moment he had introduced himself, that was why Isago pulled the storm guardian aside.

They continued in, sitting down in a circle on top of the roof as the topic delved back to Usagi.

"Oh? The girl? Right, she confessed today."

Tsuna spewed out the milk he was slipping on, coughing while Gokudera jumped up with a panic attack, patting Tsuna on the back. Yamamoto grinned, turning towards Isago with a playful grin.

"So! Are you guys dating?"

Isago picked up his sausage roll before placing it in his mouth, chewing on it then swallowed.

"Perhaps in the future. I didn't really know her, but she seemed interesting."

"But-but she was a cute girl!" Tsuna finally stopped hacking out air and wheezed as Gokudera passed him a napkin. Thanking his friend, Tsuna's eyes still gaped like saucers. There was a flash of relief that resonated on top of Tsuna's expression, but Isago brushed it off as small jealousy from his brother.

"Baka Tsuna's right, Ragazzo. Why not try it out?" A voice was heard above them as Isago saw Reborn in a lion costume who curved his lips up. Isago scoffed, shaking his head before continuing to eat his food.

"Too much drama, takes too much time. Unless I actually see someone I like, I wouldn't change my schedule for them."

"Serious is good," Yamamoto nodded, flashing everyone a carefree smile. "Anyhow, did you see the girl that came into our class today?"

Isago listened as Tsuna and the gang talked about a purple-haired beauty appearing in school and poisoning the cookies that Kyoko had made. Gokudera kept quiet, the colour on his face draining the moment he asked for Tenth to describe the appearance of the beauty. In contrast to the white face that Gokudera had, Isago retained an amused smirk and his eyes wandered over to Reborn who was polishing his gun while sitting on the rail.

Isago stood up and excused himself to walk over to Reborn. Leon was perched onto his shoulder but the little chameleon was turning yellow, then red, slowly blinking his eyes like he was sick. The small chameleon's tail was also cut off, making Isago wince a bit when he sympathized with the animal. Isago's mind instantly flickered to Tsuna's mits and concluded that Leon was making something. But who was it for?

"Ciaossu," Reborn said simply, continuing to polish his gun.

"Ciao," Isago returned the greeting, trying to speak in the limited amount of Italian that he knew. "[Do you know her?]"

The smile on Reborn's face was mysterious as he said, "[Who knows?]"

"[So you do,]" Isago changed instantly to English, feeling a bit tired from pulling out words that he was trying to remember from his lessons. He faced outside, knowing that the beauty's name was Bianchi.

Reborn only said nothing, his large black eyes flickering on Isago's face as if trying to question how his student was so confident with his ambitious answer that he gave. In the anime, Reborn was known as being able to read Tsuna's mind. However, that did not seem like the case for Isago.

"[Perhaps a past fling of yours?]" Isago questioned, meeting his tutor's gaze.

"[No,]" Reborn pursed his lips, not wanting to pursue the topic any further.

"[This is why I warned you about drama,]" Isago's lips quirked before pushing himself off the rail. "[I'm going to get some coffee beans after school. Do you want to come with me?]"

Reborn's face instantly snapped up, the glint in his eyes apparent as he agreed. Isago laughed and went back to the group, knowing that Reborn would find him after school.

Gokudera did not like Tenth's brother all that much.

No, to be specific it should be said that Gokudrea did not have a good history of brothers and sisters in the mafia family. Gokudera's emerald eyes twitched when he listed down Tenth's brother's achievements then compared it to his own boss.

'Isn't this basically screaming that Tenth's younger brother wants to be the successor?'

Everything Isago had screamed of being a perfect boss. He was diligent, kind, and had a natural leadership as if he was born with it. But one thing that didn't make sense was how in the world would Tenth's younger brother be prepared to be a boss when his own brother was revealed to be in the mafia at the same time?

It was too suspicious to be called a coincidence.

Gokudera knew that the younger brother was the manipulative type. The moment the younger brother sensed Gokudera's suspicions, he had pulled Gokudera to the side, trying to get on his good side. It was so perfect and coincidently natural that it seemed fake.

His own boss was a diamond in the rough. But could it be the reason why his boss was in the dirt was because of his younger brother?

If Tenth's brother ever did something...Gokudera swore to himself that he would kill the man with his own hands.

School ended and Reborn's sudden hop onto Isago's shoulder nearly made the boy flinch. It was amusing though because rather than a mafia, Reborn seemed more like a ninja to Isago. His tutor could always hide his presence without trying and pop out in the weirdest places.

"Did Tsuna leave school early?" Isago furrowed up his eyebrows as he passed through Tsuna's class, seeing that he was nowhere in sight. Reborn sighed, smirking as he said that Tsuna was running from Hibari for the damage that he caused during PE class.

They walked out of the school grounds and towards the market before a purple-haired girl bumped into the two, apologizing then having her eyes lit up after seeing Reborn perched on Isago's shoulder. Isago's eye twitched slightly as he narrowed them, then blinked away the hostility.

"My name is Haru Miura!" The girl bowed politely as her school shirt was pushed down when she bowed like a proper girl. Isago smiled sweetly, not liking the appearance of this girl at all. Haru, the girl who kept on pulling her weight as Tsuna tried to make everything proper by protecting her.

Honestly, this girl was just a pain in the ass to handle.

Haru squealed at Reborn before looking at Isago and asking if she could be friends with Reborn. Isago held in his irritance at her obnoxious voice. As if Reborn could feel Isago's complaints, he smirked, introducing himself.

"Aw! He's so cute! Especially with that suit!" Haru bounced on her foot, eyes glittering and her hands twitched. "Can I-"

Isago didn't know what she was going to ask, but his gut feeling told him that if she uttered her next words, she would inevitably join the whole mafia thing which Isago definitely did not want to have.

"Actually, Miss Haru, Reborn isn't a baby."

His one sentence made Reborn's neck snap at him like the time he threw the tutor at Hibari. Isago ignored it as usual, knowing that Reborn couldn't ask Isago what he knew in mid-street and in front of a civilian.

'I'm literally risking all my secrets to do this,' Isago bit his inner cheek, feeling extremely annoyed by the girl in front of him. But it was worth it. If he didn't have to see Haru in his life, then he would gladly let some information that can endanger himself slip to Reborn.

That was just how much he hated the girl in front of him.

Obnoxious, a brat, spoiled, impulsive-heck, the whole anime cast thought Lambo was the worst, but for Isago, Haru was one thorn that he just didn't want to come in contact with.

"Have you heard of Dwarfism?"

Yes, after the whole Hibari incident, Isago had taken the time to do the research. After flipping multiple growth disorder books, he finally found one that could match Reborn's situation and use it as an excuse. Isago watched Haru tilt her head as he continued to explain.

"Dwarfism is characterized by short limbs or a torso. Basically saying, people with this cannot grow at a normal height," Isago placed his business smile on his face. "Reborn here, is actually my school tutor. He's around 38 years old."

Haru's eyes widened as she stumbled backwards, apologizing furiously at Reborn who seemed mildly stunned at what Isago said.

"Oh my gosh, I thought Mr. Reborn was a baby! I am so sorry- I wanted to hug him!"
"There's no problem, Miss Haru. That is understandable. Even when I saw my tutor, I had the urge to hug him. It shocked my family to know that he has four degrees from university though."

It was at this time that Isago purposefully slid in multiple hints about Reborn's fake background that he created, successfully convincing the girl about Reborn's age.

"We're actually heading to the store to buy my tutor some coffee, sorry-" Isago lowered his head sheepishly. "We should be going."

"Yes- Haru is so sorry for taking up your time!" Haru apologized again, excusing herself out as her silhouette disappeared down another corner-well, disappearing from Isago's life forever.

Sighing slightly, Isago turned his feet and continued to walk forward with Reborn blinking back.

"Interesting concept, Ragazzo. Was that a fluke or," Reborn paused, eyes slightly narrowing. "Was that based on something you know?"

"You seriously don't think I'd believe a two-year-old baby would know so many different languages?" Isago hinted before placing the facts on top of the table.

"Dad wouldn't send someone that was incapable. You know how to fight, you're close enough for Timoteo to send you over to train the future successor. It's obvious that you've killed before. With time comes experience. There is no way a two-year-old baby was able to accomplish that."

"Dwarfism was a bad guess, I admit," Isago turned his head to his tutor. "My real guess is that something forced you to take your current appearance-drugs, maybe?"

Reborn tilted his head down as a shade covered his eyes.

"Even if it was inevitable, I have already given up on finding a solution."

Isago fell silent at Reborn's words, suddenly sympathizing with the man. It must have been hard-suddenly turned into a child restricting everything you could have done. Even his former techniques and skills would have been sealed with those small hands of his. Everything Reborn loved, he would have to give up on it.

Reborn probably couldn't even order a glass of alcohol without showing his ID. Not to mention the constant insult of him being a baby from the passersby in his life. Isago suddenly remembered the frown that Reborn had across his face when Tsuna pointed at Reborn for being a baby.

If he remembered correctly, those who were alcrobranos were not able to die from old age because they were the protectors of the seven pacifiers. That meant that they had all the time in eternity. It must have been devastating after trying to search for a way to break this so-called curse to them but coming up with nothing more than a myth or legend.

"As long as one is living," Isago started off, accidentally sounding way out of his age. But Isago continued anyway, not caring. "You have hope."

Reborn's eyes twitched as he looked at the boy that was carrying him.

"There were times in history that men were devastated, but the more they struggled, the more they were lost. So many people gave up because of that. But only those who prevailed found hope and a method." Isago paused.

"As long as you have time, you have hope. How can you be positive that you've searched the whole world? Who knows? Perhaps you'll find someone who can break your problem for you." He said with a slight shrug.

"I never knew you versed well in history, Ragazzo."

No, that was because Isago already knew of the curse and had lived twice his lifespan. He didn't talk about history, he was talking about his own experiences. Only that he was the one who gave into the devastation in the past.

"Thank you," Isago commented back snarkily as they reached a special place for coffee beans. "As my apologies for lying about your background, you can choose anything here."

Reborn's eyes glinted under the shade before he jumped off Isago's shoulder and started ordering his needs. Isago smiled simply after watching the small hitman pick everything that was expensive.

"Good thing I never used my allowance in the past few years," Isago murmured, listing the items that he was planning to buy for Lambo too.

Reborn glanced at Ragazzo on the way back. The silver-haired boy continued to walk, even though the boy could feel his gaze, he ignored it. Reborn let out a small smirk, the boy's words replaying in his head.

'As long as one has time, huh?' Reborn thought. 'How ironic.'

Time was the one thing that he had large amounts of excess of. Time was also the one that crushed all his hopes of finding a way to break the curse. It had been decades since he took the form of a baby- and it broke everyone mentally that was chosen as a protector.

Even if he wanted to die, he couldn't because his life was something that his comrades protected with their own lives. Living felt more like a hassle, constantly being belittled and treated like a moronic child.

'As if Ragazzo knew what he was talking about.'

Reborn wanted to scoff and roll his eyes, but strangely, it did feel like Ragazzo knew what he was talking about. Hyper intuition, maybe? But if that was the case, then Vongola's hyper intuition would be the solution to everything.

From the moment that Reborn met Ragazzo, he was mildly surprised that the boy took his form seriously. Even though he looked like a five-year-old baby, Ragazzo treated him as an adult, asking for proof that he was his tutor. He was also the only one to notice the abnormalities and kept a cool mind about it.

Usually, he would have predicted his students to act more like Baka Tsuna.

'As long as you have time, you have hope, huh?' Reborn paused, slowly closing his eyes. 'Perhaps, one of the brothers...'

The moment they entered the house, a purple-haired beauty rushed towards Isago, pushing him away and scooping Reborn into her arms. Her curves were so detailed as her boobs pressed right in front of Reborn's face.

"Oh, Reborn! My love!" She cooed but before she could pluck Reborn's face, the hitman jumped up from her grasp, landing on a wheezing Tsuna who was on the stairs.

"Reborn! Your freaking girlfriend made Gokudera faint!" Tsuna screeched before Bianchi lunged towards Reborn again, calling his name like a love-sick puppy. Isago stabilized himself before sighing and shaking his head. So Tsuna had Gokudera and Bianchi in the same place?

He narrowly escaped the group before widening his eyes at the kitchen which had cakes and plates of food that were radiating purple all over the countertops. The floor was also covered with splatters of food and the walls were starting to melt quite literally with her cooking.

"...Tsuna," Isago called in a dead voice. Tsuna's face paled when he heard his own brother, then trembled out a response. "What is her name?"

"Bianchi- I think- I'm not sure-"

Isago paced forwards towards the stranger in his house before slapping a hand on the beauty's shoulder. Bianchi's eyes narrowed slightly and flicked Isago's hand off but didn't say anything.

"You came into a stranger's house," Isago smiled sweetly. "Made a mess with your cooking...and are you expecting to just leave like that?"

Bianchi's eyes widened a millimetre.

"I'll clean that up," she sighed, ruffling her hair and clicked her tongue at Reborn's disappearance.

"If you really want him to be with you, then why don't you just live with us?" Isago suggested as Tsuna behind him gasped.

"Isago! No-"
"Tenth…" Gokudera's quivering body resurfaced on the stairs, wobbling as he held four dynamites in between his fingers. His face was pale and the moment he made eye contact with his sister, he dry hurled and dropped the bombs onto the stairs.

"Hieeeee!" Tsuna screamed, rushing towards the stairs to the bombs.

"I've decided," Bianchi had a glint in her eye and nodded. "Since Hayato is now in the Vongola with Reborn… I will be staying here and joining the family."

After that, the stairs exploded.

Author's note:

Thank you so much for the comments from the last update! I appreciate anything you guys say! By the way, would you prefer it if OC x girl or OC x boy? I saw a comment during chapters 4-5 about pairing OC up with a male character. Still thinking about that, but I would love to hear your thoughts!