A/N:

@qiaraz97: You think so? Hm... Tehe.

@Aylako-hime: Happy Halloween! Hahaha. I hope you had good read. Thank you!

@CAD270895: Thank you. I hope so too.

@rozielrie: Hm. I'll probably make an omake with Reborn as a judge. I couldn't put him on the main because he couldn't let Iemitsu get suspicious that he knows where is Tsuna.

@andyimanmasacayan: Hi Random Reader, thank you. I hope I get well soon too.

@Tenma Kirin: Here is the update!

@LovelyPrincess22: Byakuran will appear briefly in the next few chapters. I hope you're sleeping well. Although thank you!

So here is the update! Still not feeling well, sorry.

Anyway, go on. Hahaha.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Tsuna can't help grinning widely. The short haired woman in formal suit just told them they passed and explained how they made remarkable changes in the restaurant. Everyone did work hard to change every mistakes. The staffs don't get late anymore, the head chef balanced the leniency and strictness, and the restaurant is becoming famous. He will honestly miss the locals who sing along with him sometimes, but everything has to end, right?

He looked at Hayama and offered his hand for a high five. He first earned an insufferable sigh before he got a good slap on the hand. They do make a good team. And he's thankful that his pair didn't ask him about the scars.

"Thank you." Tsuna expressed to the woman who nodded.

"You will get a document tomorrow with the information of your next training place." The woman instructed as the driver of the car beside her open the door. "I wish you the best of luck."

They watched her get in the car before the driver closed the door and drove off after getting on his designated job. Tsuna raised his arms to stretch and sighed in relief. First hurdle done, three more to go. He has to get back to the inn he's staying at to get a good night rest and anticipate the next assignment.

"Are you going to tell me about the scars now?"

Tsuna froze and turned to Hayama who's green eyes were looking at him with caution.

"It's not my business, but I still want to know." His pair added on with a cross of his arms.

Tsuna slowly brought his arms down as he contemplated of what to say. Surely, there is no use crying over spilt milk. He just has to assure the other to keep the latter's mind peaceful. Maybe try being vague but stick to the truth?

He took a deep breath. "It's not from abuse, Hayama-san. I assure you. They're results of fights I have to overcome to live. But it's okay now. I only have one obstacle to overcome in order to be free."

"That explains the new hair." The white head noted.

He gave a tight smile. "Yeah. So no one can recognize me. Good thing it doesn't smell that much. Remember Shinomiya-sempai?"

Hayama gave a small smile, relenting. "Yeah. That was hard core criticism. Anyway, thanks for being my partner this week."

"No prob. It was fun working with you." He remarked as he twirled his earbuds. "Then this is see you soon?"

Hayama nodded.

Tsuna waved his hand at him before walking for the direction of the inn he was staying at. He was going to put his earbuds on when he heard his name being called out. He turned back to Hayama who was still on the spot he left.

"You're a great guy, Tsuna!" Hayama shouted to him. "I too had fun working with you! And call me Akira without any suffixes! It's unfair that I can call you in your name while you use my surname!"

He stared at Hayama's back in surprise before shaking his head, flushing a little. He should be immune to praises after almost getting it every single day from Gokudera.

He should probably talk to Soma and pass him the news that he and his pair passed. The redhead had been bugging him of who his partner is. It won't hurt if he trolls his best friend for a bit, will it?

Tsuna made an 'ooff' sound when he felt someone jump on his back. He looked back to see Soma grinning at him. He shook his head, hoisted the redhead on his back by taking the other's back of the knees and started to walk. His friend laughed and loosely looped his arms around the brunet's neck as they started their journey to their next restaurant.

That morning, the two decided that they will open their documents at the same time, just like what they did a week ago. Who knew they will be sent to the same place though? Soma went on laughing and started to persuade him to meet up by the train station. He gave in, not that he needed the persuasion since he wanted to see the other too.

"Not tired yet?" Soma asked after minutes of silence.

"Not yet." Tsuna responded as they go forth.

"It's good to see you again, Tsuna." The other genuinely remarked.

"Same here. How was your restaurant though?" He asked, curious of the ranga's last day since they talked more of the brunet's week with Akira.

"Our restaurant was really fun. And I had a good talk with Arato. She was really upset about what Hayama told her." The redhead quipped, sounding nonchalant even though his intuition picked up the worry.

"I hope you made her feel a little better." He voiced.

"Of course I would. I got it from you." The ranga bragged.

He slapped the other's thigh. "Don't sell yourself short. It's natural for you to comfort others, Soma. I didn't do anything to amplify that or anything."

"I wonder..." Yukihira mumbled, putting his chin on top of the brunet's head. "I like your hair."

"I like yours too." He chuckled, a little surprised with what the other said. He wanted to probe on what Soma mumbled, but he let it go. "You did recommend me the shampoo I'm using."

"You still use that?" Soma asked, sounding surprised.

"Why won't I?" Tsuna questioned back as they stopped in front of the restaurant they'll get train at. "I like how it smells. Even Reborn liked it. It makes my hair soft too."

Soma hid his face on the brunet's shoulder and laughed. "You're amazing."

Tsuna shook his head fondly before letting go, so Soma can get off his back. He stretched his back, moved his upper body right to left. He looked at the redhead, who grimaced, when they heard a pop from his bones. He can't help laughing at that. Not that Soma hates hearing bones pop. The redhead even does it all the time. He just can't wrap up the idea of spinal cords popping into places.

He looked up to the restaurant they were assigned after. It's pretty simple with French doors and windows, and white paint with the shop's name on the top which was colored in red. Obviously, a two storey building with the second floor painted with gray. It does give off the fancy feeling with all the green potted bushes on the side, enough to not obscure the view of the streets from the inside. It was a mixture of Japan and France with how it looks.

Seriously, Shinomiya went all out with his promise to reach greater heights by putting a branch in Japan. He's even the talk of the country and all over the newspapers and tabloids of food industry. The brunet thinks that anyone who were assigned to help their upperclassman is so lucky. Who won't think so? Shinomiya is a great chef, and to learn from him will be a privilege.

But who knew it will be them?

Tsuna focused on the door when it opened and the French chef stepped out. The brunet gave a small bow, while Soma smiled cheekily at the chef who stared at them in shock.

"We'll be in your care, Shinomiya-sempai." The redhead greeted.

Tsuna bumped Soma's shoulder when he noticed the popping nerve on the French chef's forehead. "Soma, don't anger Shinomiya-sempai."

The redhead only snickered.

"Yukihira." Shinomiya nodded as he let goes of the door and stood in front of them with his arms crossed.

"Nice to see you again, Sempai." He greeted with a small smile.

"And you are?" The chef asked, raising a brow at him.

Sawada's lips quirked a little higher in satisfaction. "Tsunayoshi Sawada, Sempai."

"He did some cutting and coloring, Sempai." Soma elaborated, putting a hand on the brunet, now noiret's head. "We hope you don't fire him on the spot just because his hair smells citrus or something."

"That was ages ago. And I won't do it on Sawada if it doesn't bother the food." Shinomiya retorted before giving them relaxed gazes. "Though I did say I won't accept anyone who didn't at least get to the finals of the Autumn Election as a stagiaire, I didn't expect that they'll send the two of you."

"I was really surprised too." Soma grinned, hand still on Tsuna's head.

The brunet wrinkled his nose. "I don't really know. I did reach the finals, but I didn't cook against the three of you."

"It's okay." The upperclassman stated before smirking at them. "Ah. I also told the School Affairs Division that I will kick out anyone useless."

Tsuna pursed his lips so he won't smile when he felt Soma's flames flaring in excitement. He couldn't hold it from forming when the chef thrusted cleaning supplies on the redhead's arms. He snickered when Soma shot him a playful glare as they followed the head chef inside the building. Tsuna took the redhead's bag and put it away to the corner, before removing his jacket and let it drape on their bags.

He took some of the cleaning supplies and started to help the girls. He did introduce himself to the others before silently doing what was tasked for him to do. He discovered how scary Shinomiya was, far scarier than in the training camp. But the staffs were certainly a little chatty in regards of the sudden changes on the head chef's personality.

It was cute, honestly. To think that a simple casual match made the chef more considerate to his fellow chefs. He should text Megumi how amazing she is and praise Soma too. He'll forgo the questioning though. He'll problem that once he faces it. Besides, it's not only Yukihira who has the ability to make people feel amazing with just his words.

"Tsuna!" He turned to the redhead who called out for him after he put his wash cloth away. "Help me here!" Soma gestured on the steel ladder.

"Be there!" He replied as he goes over, dodging Lucie Hugo, the chef in charge of most meat dishes, and Gao Wei, the service manager, he was cleaning with. "Excuse me."

"Oh. Sure, Sawada-san." Wei nodded, pausing a little to give him way.

He gave a small smile. "Please, call me Tsuna."

The lady smiled back. "I'll do that. I'll pass it on to Lucie if you want."

He nodded before rushing to hold of the ladder when Soma started to climb. "You're going to be the death of me."

"Not like you didn't go free falling on me from the sky that one time." The redhead rebutted as he reached out to put a bulb on an empty socket.

"That's a different story." He pointed out.

Soma raised a brow at him before reaching out his hand. "Bulb."

"You're demanding." He teased while taking one of the bulb from the box on the near table and handed it to the redhead.

"Only to you." The other playfully retorted, showing his tongue at him in a childish way before doing his task. "Anyway, Shinomiya-sempai-"

Tsuna listens to Soma interrogate their alumnus. He kept his presence minimum so Shinomiya will give the redhead his answer. Although the chef did spare him a glance, he only bowed his head and gave Soma the bulbs. Regardless, Shinomiya gave the answer Soma needed.

They spent more hours cleaning before they stopped to have a break. Tsuna went for the corner and sat on a seat. He watched the others gush over Shinomiya cooking for them. He would've been equally excited if he wasn't dead tired. He didn't get enough sleep last night and went off his bed by four to do his routine. In a sense, yeah. He's exhausted.

He didn't even register that the food was finished cooking and they were already feasting. All he knew was Soma tapped him out of his siesta and put a plate of pie in front of him. The redhead smiled at him in understanding before sitting next to him. Feeling a little refreshed from his small nap, he stretched a little and took the cutlery to have a lunch.

"How is it?" Soma eagerly asked him after he took a mouthful.

Tsuna blinked and swallowed. "It's good."

"Hmm..." The redhead hummed as he put a cupped his chin. "How many stars?"

The brunet looked down on the dish which is certainly a quiche if he remembered right how it looks from all the things Reborn made him make. "Probably three 'n a half? Why?"

"Shinomiya-sempai isn't satisfied with it." Soma whispered. "He said it's not yet enough, even though it's a great dish."

Tsuna hummed as he cut a piece. "It's understandable for him to do that because there are more ways for this to shine. Even you would recreate and revamp your curry risotto if given the chance."

Yellow eyes glinted in understanding. "Oh."

Tsuna got energized and helped with the chores again, using the combined efforts of the food and nap. He was cleaning the windows with Chef Abel Blondin, the sous chef, when he got called out by Shinomiya. He excused himself from the chef and snappily went over the head chef who handed him a wash cloth. He blinked at the fabric before he started to clean the tables.

He surveyed the whole place as he did his task. Wei is somewhere in the kitchen with Hugo while Soma is sweeping the floor once more. He peered at the clock which read five-thirty. Huh. They had been at this since morning.

"Are you looking for your specialty too, Sawada?" Tsuna eyed Shinomiya who asked him that. "Yukihira expects that he'll get it here."

"I don't know." He answered as he paused from his job. "I'm not really looking for specialty. I just want to get as many experience as I can before I settle down."

"You're planning to settle down?" The chef queried, shocked.

Tsuna smiled a little as he remembered Reborn while continuing. "I don't have any plans right now other than impress someone with my cooking. I want to get praised by him and at least get an eight stars from him."

Shinomiya didn't say anything for a sec. "So you're not opening your own restaurant after you graduate?"

"Funny thing," He chuckled while going for the other table. Five more to go. "my Kaasan started to persuade me on opening my own restaurant. However, no. I'm not considering it."

"Why?"

"Great power comes great responsibilities." He quoted with a laugh, seeing how his upperclassman's jaw dropped. "Let's just say that I'm not ready to have your kind of responsibility, Shinomiya-sempai."

The chef closed his mouth and shook his head. "I'm not wondering how you and Yukihira become best friends. You're both weird."

"Should I say thank you, Sempai?" He snickered, causing the other to huff a chuckle.

It was eight when they finished cleaning everything, putting the finishing touches on the interior designs and had everything ready. While everyone was chattering about the pre-opening of the shop, he thought of what will be their dinner for the day.

He was musing when he felt his phone vibrate. He went behind Shinomiya, who was discussing things, and took a sneak peak of who texted him. It was Haya- well Akira, asking where was he assigned. He sent a quick reply before going out of hiding. Huh. It was unusual for Akira to become a little chatty. Maybe he got worried? Or in the mood to ask something?

He mentally shrugged. Maybe.

By the end of the day, the two of went for their designated inn with a list of instructions for tomorrow from Hugo. Tsuna cooked for the both of them before they retired for the night.

He was going to sleep by then when he received two messages. One was from Akira, who said he was assigned to an open restaurant. He replied a 'good luck' with a peace emoji before he went for the second message. He glanced at Soma to assure himself that the other is asleep, before he glanced down at the text with a worried frown.

'From: xxx-xxx-xxx

Subject: Greetings, Tsunayoshi-kun.

Message: I have news. I already told this to Reborn too. Iemitsu is meeting a man named Azami Nakiri. Does he ring a bell? Good night.

-Kawahira'

Tsuna fingered the buttons of the cook's coat he's wearing. He feels uncomfortable wearing it. It feels stuffy, but it's a required uniform. It reminds him of the white spell's uniform in the future. And it doesn't suit him at any least. He eyed Shinomiya, who was wearing his a red scarf, while Blondin has blue, indicating that he's the sous chef. He never likes uniforms. Really.

While trying to make himself comfortable as possible, he stared at the list of menu and the recipes. He skimmed them and listed everything in his head. An uncontrollable memorization that something he got from all the works he had to do in Tootsuki. (And his tutor.)

"Are you okay, Tsuna?" Wei, who was wearing an usherette's uniform, asked him when she noticed him fidgeting his upper uniform.

He gave a curt nod. "Just a little uncomfortable with the uniform."

"Ah. Don't you wear it in Tootsuki?" The lady queried curiously.

"I'm one of the students who doesn't. I'm more comfortable with my casual attire and waist apron. But it's okay. I don't think it will take me hours to adjust." He assured as he fixes his cuffs.

The lady smiled just as Hugo went in and attacked Soma with questions about the preparations they did this morning. "Good to hear."

Tsuna watched Soma follow Shinomiya by the door and peered at the main area. He eyed the others who have fallen quiet, causing tension in the air. He rolled his shoulders so he won't get affected, before beckoning his best friend to come to him when Soma went stiff with the atmosphere. He didn't miss this kind of thing. It reminds him of every battle he needed to face a year ago.

He took Soma's hand and rubbed soothing circles on the back of it. The redhead is obviously curious. They could even hear Hugo praying in French. It was a good thing though, that Reborn already warned him of how intense a restaurant kitchen atmosphere is when he asked once if the hitman had tried cooking (after Enma brought out the thought).

Tsuna thinks that Reborn did have the experience, but forgot about it after he made someone erase his memories to start fresh when he became an Arcobaleno. It's just the muscle memory moving. Even he couldn't stop his reflex whenever he's on the move.

Regardless, Tsuna expected this kind of atmosphere. Contrariwise far intense than the air in the prelims of the Election, it doesn't compare with the pressure he had experienced from his fights.

"What's happening?" The redhead whispered to him.

Tsuna smiled assuringly. "This is a kitchen with French criteria, Soma. Just do your job and let's save each other from mistakes, yeah?"

Soma gave a grin. "Sure."

Both looked at the door when it opened and Shinomiya came in. "The customers have seated." He gave them firm glances. "Get ready."

"Oui Chef!" The three original staffs affirmed.

Trusting his intuition, Tsuna walked with Soma to get the plates needed. Once the plates were ready, not minding Shinomiya who chided the redhead after a single sound, they split. The brunet hustled around with the redhead, taking care of the minor works for the chefs who needed things.

He eyed Soma who was observing everything. He knew the ranga has to adjust a bit. He couldn't count himself in since he experienced this kind of situation in the the first restaurant he was assigned. Even though he only spent three days in there while Akira took four days, it was still a pressure he experienced.

"Yukihira, don't fall behind." He heard Hugo advised from her post, while he was chopping an ingredient for Brondin. "Strain the Fumet de Poison on the double."

"Yes!" Soma responded and went on it.

He glanced at the redhead who was straining the Fumet de Poisson.

"And get me the Langoustine." The chef said again.

Before Soma can even fumble, Tsuna thrusted the tray of the fresh water prawn that was beside him. "Go."

"Thanks Tsuna." The redhead hurriedly expressed and rushed for the chef.

"The vegetables, Sawada!" Blondin ordered.

Tsuna immediately did what was asked as he heard Hugo ask Soma to do the diced pot herbs and the appetizer at once. He silently passed the vegetables to the chef before getting the ingredients for the diced pot herbs when Soma went for the appetizer.

Sometimes, Tsuna is so thankful of Reborn for pounding every cooking terms in his head. If it wasn't for him, he'll probably be kicked out by now or be unhelpful for Soma.

"Yukihira!" Tsuna jolted a little just as he was about to finish mincing the ingredients for the mirepoix when Hugo shouted. "Where's the mirepoix?!"

Soma stood still.

"Yukihira, get started with the mirepoix." Shinomiya ordered just as the brunet put the container on Hugo's counter.

"It's done." He said, causing everyone to stop and look at him. He pointed a finger on the container. "Mirepoix is done."

"O-Oh." Hugo blinked before nodding. "Thanks Tsuna."

"Get on the Beignets, Sawada!" Blondin ordered from his stove.

He immediately nodded before going past Soma and patted the other's shoulder. "On it!"

Tsuna winced when Blondin chewed Soma while doing the shrimp Shinomiya ordered him to do. When he passed by Soma, who was going for his opposite, the redhead patted his back causing him to halt and look back. Yukihira winked at him, not an ooze of depression in his body and eyes. The brunet can't help smiling at that.

He doesn't need to worry after all.