Another Path Part 28 : That planned a Spring wedding
Sorry about the lateness. I had this chapter almost written months ago, but then Office destroyed it (turned every letter to 'X') and I couldn't recover it. Then I had zero inspiration to rewrite it. I had to change what I had planned to find my muse again, so here it is (at long last). The character introduced is different from the one I had planned at first.
Thanks to all you wonderful people who keep reading and liking my story and sent reviews to motivate me to take it up again. This chapter wouldn't have been possible without you!
As soon as he stepped foot inside the Hibari mansion, Tsuna was assaulted by a strong nostalgia.
This had been the place closest to a home for as long as he had lived in Japan, and felt much more familiar than the Sawada house ever did. While he was happy and had built a new haven in Italy, this mansion would always remain the very first place he had felt safe and accepted. It was good to see it again after all this time, even if it had only been a handful of years.
With everything that had happened, it felt much longer.
The servants welcomed them all with open arms, clearly delighted to see their temperamental young master again. All five children were led to their room and fed (proper Japanese food, to Kyoya's barely hidden approval) before they could start working on a plan.
The Cloud had already contacted his – former? – right-hand man, and Kusakabe would arrive soon with more detailed information about the situation. Meanwhile, Hayato would go get a look at the area and Mukuro had decided to wander the streets in search of intel and to show Chrome a taste of Mist Flames application. Tsuna also believed the illusionist would take a look at Ienobu and Nana, since unlike Hayato, he knew what they looked like.
Before Mukuro could leave, the brunet sent him a pointed glare as a warning to keep his distance and not engage. The Mist replied with a roll of his eyes, but Tsuna was sure he had caught his meaning.
Kusakabe arrived not a minute after they left. He greeted Kyoya with a formal bow and clipped words, but Tsuna spotted glittering water in his eyes as he straightened. Good thing the young man knew to hold his tears back : Kyoya's reaction to crying would have undoubtedly been a tonfa to the face.
Anyway, Kusakabe looked elated to see his boss back, and not only because they had been out of touch for years. "We have tried our best to contain the situation," He began his report, "and we were successful for years. The local yakuza – the Momokyokai – are hardly a threat to the DC normally, but they seem to have formed an alliance with another crime syndicate a month ago. Since then, they have more men, more weapons and better training.
"We were holding on a first, but then more men arrived out of nowhere, and we have slowly been losing ever since. Their ranks are seemingly endless, while we have trouble bringing in new members. Their tactics have also evolved to counter us more effectively; they ambush our troops when their guards are low and on short numbers, picking us up one by one. Where before the Momokyokai were content to lightly injure their opponents before letting go, they have now sent several of our members to the hospital, and at least three are dead. We completely lost contact with twelve others.
"I wouldn't have contacted you, Kyoya-san, if we were not desperate, but at the rate things were going, the DC would have been eradicated within a week, two at most."
That was one bleak report. While some of the DC was made of students Kyoya had enrolled, most of it consisted of 'reformed' criminals and delinquents that had been convinced by the Cloud to aim their aggressiveness to the keeping of order. They were usually trained and able fighters. That they were dispatched so easily was worrisome, that some of them had been killed was even worse.
"The civilian Herbivores?" Demanded Kyoya. His thunderous scowl made it obvious that he wanted nothing more than to storm the enemy base and deal with the problem at the root, but even he could realize it wouldn't be that easy. If this issue could be solved by applying violence to one building and its inhabitants, Kusakabe and the DC could have handled that on their own.
"Only a few bruises and broken bones so far." Replied Kusakabe. "The Momokyokai ask for 'protection money' and behave in shops and restaurants as if they own them, meaning they pay for nothing and sometimes ransack them, but so far most people are smart enough to know not to challenge them. The situation is barely a month old, so nobody has really had the time to seriously piss off the yakuza by refusing to pay, and so far, only half the districts are affected. I fear it will soon degenerate, though. Some of the Momokyokai are starting to get impatient."
Kyoya was clenching his fists so tightly that his knuckles were turning white. Tsuna could imagine how much it pained him to be unable to act. If he attacked the Momokyokai base, the allied syndicate would certainly target the civilians in retaliation. The Cloud loved his city too much to let its citizens be collateral damage in a gang war.
"Do you know who the Momokyokai's ally is? Is there any way to get them out of Namimori before we deal with the local criminals?" Asked Tsuna, seeing that Kyoya was not speaking up.
Kusakabe shook his head dejectedly. It made his pompadour wobble. "We don't have any names. They are foreigners, that's all we know for sure; they tend to stay in the shadows and let the Momokyokai take the stage. One of our men says he recognized the language they were speaking in when he encountered them, and assures me it's Italian. I think he's trustworthy."
The Mafia, then. How was it that even all the way in Japan, they still managed to ruin Tsuna's life? "You really have no idea who they are? Do you know their size, their influence, anything at all?"
Once again, Kusakabe shook his head in negative. Crap. That meant they could be anyone, from a little no-name Famiglia to a juggernaut like Vongola. Given that one of Vongola's main officers had family in Namimori, it made it even more likely that the latter were the ones currently overtaking the town.
But no... Tsuna didn't have any real idea of the size and power of the Vongola, but he had seen enough through the Varia to guess that if they wanted Namimori, they wouldn't have needed to ally with the Momokyokai. The local yakuza were hardly powerful, meaning that their mysterious ally was likely a smaller Famiglia who didn't have the means to expand in Japan without assistance.
They could still be allied with the Vongola, though, which meant that any major disturbance on their turf could easily reach the Vongola's ears and warrant an investigation – or a sending of additional troops. Tsuna would very much like to avoid facing the likes of the Varia in battle...
He looked at Kyoya and saw the same realization and powerless frustration reflected in his gray eyes. They needed to investigate before taking any action. Hopefully they would discover who this mysterious Famiglia was and it wouldn't be in cahoots with Vongola.
Hopefully...
"Thank goodness Mukuro came with us." Sighed Tsuna. At Kyoya's curious grunt, he elaborated. "We can't do anything under our true names our appearances in case someone recognizes us and contacts Vongola, but Mukuro should be able to disguise us with his illusions. That way, we can go outside and act ourselves, instead of leaving everything to him, Hayato and the DC."
The Cloud looked visibly ill at the idea of needing Mukuro, but he couldn't deny Tsuna's words. Kusakabe was looking at them both in askance, likely wondering why the blue-haired teen he had briefly encountered was so important to keeping their identities hidden.
Taking pity on the faithful second-in-command, Tsuna began explaining the basics of Flames. As Kyoya's representative in Namimori, he figured the teen was allowed to know some of their secrets, even if only so he could support them more efficiently. Vindice would never hear of it as long as Kusakabe kept his mouth shut.
He was half-way through detailing the characteristics of each Flame (and Kusakabe was taking everything in with commendable stoicism) when Chrome and Mukuro came back.
"I find it hard to believe you are related to this Ienobu, Tsunayoshi." Began the illusionist as soon as he stepped foot in the room, Chrome like a shadow on his heels. "Two hours stalking him, and he managed to bully three younger boys, harass one classmate and push down one elderly lady. I don't think he did that last one on purpose, but he definitely didn't help her up either.
"As for Sawada Nana," he continued with his usual lack of tact and empathy, "she's the most oblivious and bubbly person I've ever met, despite one of her sons being missing for years. She's pretty far from the weeping mother one could expect."
Beside him, Kyoya's glower had deepened (Tsuna wasn't quite sure if it was in defense of his sensibilities, or at the mention of Nobu, the 'bastard Herbivore'). The Sky heaved a sigh as he addressed Mukuro tiredly – every time he thought about his blood family, he always only felt a deep-seated exhaustion. "Please tell me you didn't talk to them."
"Of course not. I only wanted to take a look. I can also add that they probably don't have anything to do with the current crisis. From what I've seen in their house, they don't even know that Sawada Iemitsu is a high-ranking Mafioso."
The long-suffering glare Tsuna aimed at Mukuro was all the comment he was going to make. Any scolding for breaking and entering the Sawada household would only encourage the blue-haired teen to do it again. He was contrary like that.
He was about to summarize Kusakabe's report for Mukuro when Hayato burst in, out of breath, and slammed the door shut behind him.
"They're Mafiosi!" He shouted, eyes wide, and kept screaming without letting any of the others speak a word. "I just encountered a few of these bastards; some were Japanese, but some talked in Italian among themselves! They were harassing a girl when I saw them, so I fought them off! I didn't show them that I understood Italian, I swear!"
He was panting by the end of his rant, and had to lean on the closed door to keep standing.
Tsuna brought him in, sat him by the table and allowed him thirty seconds to recover before speaking. "You fought the criminals?"
Hayato nodded. "Yeah. I was looking around, to learn the layout of the place in case there's trouble or something later. That's when I heard a girl screeching and," he looked embarrassed, "I went to help. I thought that's what Tsuna-san would have done..." Now he blushed self-consciously, so the Sky smiled at him proudly. It seemed to bolster his confidence.
"I found them easily – the girl was screaming her fucking lungs out. There were six of them, four Japanese guys and two European-looking ones, and they were cornering a girl around our age. They scoffed when they saw me, and the Japanese dudes told me to scram. I refused, of course, and then they mocked me, and that's when I heard the two last bastards speak Italian. They pulled guns and swords on me, so I threw a handful of firecrackers to buy the girl time to escape, and when she was gone, I properly blew up those five fuckers. I ran all the way here to tell you immediately after that."
Well, there went the idea of laying low... With any luck, they would believe this was an isolated incident, and that Hayato was alone.
If they were unlucky – which from experience was the most likely outcome – then they would face a raid in the coming hours. At least Kyoya would find an outlet for his earlier frustration.
Speaking of the Cloud, he was looking at the door suspiciously. Before Tsuna could ask what was bothering him, he pulled his tonfas and pounced on the door, taking it down with a single hit.
Someone screamed. A girl, judging by the pitch, too young to be a servant here.
Tsuna pulled on his gloves at the same time Hayato whipped out four dynamite sticks. There should be nor reason for a young girl to be in Hibari mansion.
"Get your hands off me, you brute!" Yelled the girl, as Kyoya manhandled her in the room. Hayato's jaw dropped when he got a good look at her.
"You! What the hell are you doing here?!"
"I followed you of course!" Replied the girl, pulling her arm out of Kyoya's loosened grasp indignantly. "After you defeated those bullies, you left before we could talk!"
"And what the fuck do you want to talk about?!"
"About our wedding of course!"
To say that they were all stunned by the girl's confident statement would be the understatement of the decade. Tsuna glanced at his companions, as he kept an eye one the deranged teen. Hayato was frozen in stupor, Kyoya had relinquished her arm and was slowly pulling away, as if she was contagious. Kusakabe was probably the least affected of them all – he was steadfast like that, had to be to endure Kyoya. Chrome was looking at everyone, as if waiting for the other shoe to drop and for a logical explanation to appear. Mukuro had already gotten over his shock and was grinning gleefully at the girl like a cat that had found a new toy.
Oh dear.
"Wha- wha- what the hell are you saying woman?!" Stuttered Hayato, horrified.
The girl swooned, stars in her eyes. "You saved me like a knight in shining armor from those demonic beasts. It's like a fairy tale come true, and at the end of every fairy tale, the princess marries the knight and they live happily ever after."
"Oh, I'm sure Hayato was the very picture of a gallant prince." Mukuro smiled, adding oil to the fire like the destructive madman he secretly was. "Did you know his father is actually a wealthy man, but Hayato ran away to honor the memory of his mother?"
"Oh really?" The girl clasped her hands. She turned to look at the bomber. "So your name is Hayato? What color theme do you want for our wedding? I think teal would go along wonderfully with your eyes! I think a Spring wedding would be perfect, but if you prefer Summer, we could-"
"Miss." Tsuna cut her off, clamping his hand over Hayato's arms to prevent him from drawing his explosives and attacking the girl. The Storm's temper had been slowly reaching boiling point with every one of her word, and something had to be done before the whole mansion was blown sky high. "I think we all need to calm down and consider things calmly. You didn't even know Hayato's name until a minute ago, and we still don't know yours. Perhaps it's too early for you to think about marriage?"
Wrong choice of words. Apparently the girl was as volatile as Hayato. Perhaps they weren't so badly matched after all, thought Tsuna sardonically. "How dare you come between us! Our love is pure and strong! We won't let a berk like you stop us!"
"Don't call Tsuna-san names!" Roared Hayato. "Tsuna-san is my boss, and I'm proud to work under him. He's ten times the person a fucking madwoman like you would ever be!"
Strangely enough, that got the girl to calm down. "Oh, my bad." She went to stand before Tsuna (Kyoya tensed, ready to attack again) and bowed formally. "My apologies, Tsuna-san, I didn't know you were someone my future husband respected so much! Please forgive my outburst and give your blessing to our union!"
Gods, this discussion was getting nowhere. Maybe being direct would prove more fruitful? At least she was now listening to him. "I don't think Hayato is ready to marry you yet." He looked at the silveret who was nodding emphatically, throwing daggers at the girl with his eyes. "Perhaps once you know each other better." Tsuna added in a hurry when he saw her gearing up for an argument. "It's never good to rush to the altar.
"Besides, we came to Namimori for a reason, and I doubt Hayato will have much free time any time soon. But perhaps you can begin to get to know each other by telling us your name?"
"Oh, you're right, where are my manners?" She didn't look entirely mollified, and Tsuna didn't dare hope she had forgotten her original idea, but Hayato looked reassured to know he wouldn't be dragged to church right this second. "My name is Haru, Miura Haru. It's pleasure to meet you all!" She added with a cheerful pose.
Tsuna was beginning to wonder if she was bipolar. Given the cautious glare Kyoya was aiming at her, and the frightened looks Chrome were shooting the girl behind Mukuro's back, he wasn't the only one.
"What are you in Namimori for?" Inquired the girl – Haru-chan – when nobody spoke up. "Maybe I can help you so that Hayato-kun and I could go on a date sooner?" She asked hopefully.
"Er no, I don't think-"
"We're trying to get this city rid of the yakuza, so back off woman!" Hayato interrupted Tsuna's polite dismissal. "There's nothing you can do! Get out, now, and let us work in peace!"
She wilted. "Oh, I see... Are you sure there's nothing, nothing at all that I can help with?"
"You could help us gather intel." Stepped in Mukuro. Hayato shot him a betrayed look, and even Tsuna looked at him incredulously. What was the illusionist thinking? "None of us have contacts in Namimori's regular population, and we wouldn't know who to ask to get information on those yakuza or the Mafia that is helping them. Normal people like you could have easily overheard vital pieces of information that could help us identify and fight them. You could ask your acquaintances for anything they know, and then they could ask their own friends and we would have a full spy network."
It- it was a sound reasoning, but Tsuna was loathe to involve a civilian in their affairs.
Haru-chan didn't seem to mind, though. She beamed at Mukuro. "Of course! That's a great idea! It's high time we inhabitants of Namimori did something against those lawless punks!" She looked at a distinctively unhappy Hayato. "I'll speak with everyone I know, and tell you everything I learn! I come back tomorrow with news! Wish me luck!"
And without a by-you-leave, she ran off. They were all to aghast to catch her before she disappeared around a corner.
Tsuna rounded on Mukuro as soon as he gathered his wits. "What were you thinking! She might get herself in danger if they catch her snooping!"
"Relax." Replied the illusionist. "She's only going to ask other civilians if they overheard something by coincidence; she's not going to try to infiltrate the yakuza base. Besides, given the nature of Birdie's Discipline Committee, I doubt they have civilian contacts – they look too aggressive for that. You'd be surprised what one can learn when nobody thinks you're listening; my guess is that this Miura's investigation will yield interesting results."
All reasonable arguments, but Tsuna wasn't happy anyway. "If anything happens to her, you're responsible."
Mukuro nodded with a smirk, clearly unconcerned. The Sky would get no support from Hayato (who was just glad to be rid of his over-enthusiastic fiancée), Kyoya (who clearly didn't give a damn as long as Namimori was safe), Kusakabe (who followed his boss' lead without question) or Chrome (too shy to voice her opinion), so he gritted his teeth and moved on. "So, first we need to get everyone up to date. Kusakabe, if you would."
It was supposed to be Ryohei this time, so special mention to mmacdonal22, CieloTsukari, Dman4869, Zephyr, Shiho-Akemi, KITSUNE TAKAHARI, NotYourDamsel, FANatic Writer, BlackWind 34, frightener-boy, LiaEleison and OtakuChan4Life.
The only one who found Haru was Hvshi Ninak Aya Neko. Congrats!
I hope you liked what I did with Haru. I didn't want to sic her on Tsuna, but the whole instant infatuation was too good to pass, sooooo Hayato took the fall for his boss. It's temporary, I promise. Any idea on the next character (just one or two names, please guys, how am I supposed to say you got it right when you give me the entire cast)?