Fall was just beginning, as marked by the changing in the colour of the leaves, and the cooler morning that would change to summer like warm afternoons. Reborn didn't have a favourite season, but he supposed if he had to choose, fall would be his choice, if only for the comfortable weather. Which was also the reason why he had Tsuna and three of his Guardians up out of bed, heading towards the training ground he had managed to put together some time ago.

Having grown used to Reborn's whims over the years, the teenagers had little to no issues being up in time with the sun. It was especially no problem for those who were early risers anyways. It made for less grumbling and complaints.

The silence, save for the mild chit chat, was music to Reborn's ears.

The training area wasn't far from Namimori proper, but it was far enough that the boys would be able to use their flames and cause enough havoc and still not be seen or heard. Unless someone accidently stumbled upon them. But the likelihood of that happening was slim to none. So it came as a surprise that, despite how deep into the forest they had travelled, they had somehow managed to run into none other than Yamashita Kazumi herself.

"O-oh. Good morning." She greeted everyone weekly, shifting to the side a bit. Reborn cast suspicious eyes upon her; it almost looked like she was trying to hide something.

"Kazumi-san?" Tsuna managed to squeak out once he got over his own surprise. "What are you doing out here? And this early?" Reborn watched as Kazumi's eyes widened just the slightest bit from a moment of panic before gaining control of her emotions and plastering a wiry grin on her features.

"Oh you know, just a little bit of early morning exercise! I thought the weather this morning was too good to pass up, so I decided to go for a quick hike. Next thing I knew I was all the way out here." She laughed at herself, but Reborn could see the fake-ness behind it.

"All by yourself?" Reborn asked, feigning concern. "Young girls like yourself shouldn't be out here alone. It's dangerous." He watched as Kazumi starred at him owlishly. If she had any idea of who he was, she was doing a remarkable job at keeping that information to herself. He'd give her that much. But as skilled as this girl seemed to be, she couldn't hide everything from him. Behind that seemingly careless stare, her mind was processing for an answer that could get her out of a sticky situation.

"Aha, well, it is still kind of early. I didn't think anyone I knew would be up or would want to get up and come out with me." She grinned weakly at her excuse. At least it was a buyable one, even if Reborn didn't believe it for a minute.

"That isn't a very good excuse." He said in a chiding tone. "Tsuna, you and everyone should accompany Kazumi. We don't want her to get hurt after all." While he was glad for once to not hear protests from his student, he could have done without the surprised expressions coming from all of them.

"Heh? No, that's okay, really! I'm used to this. I promise I don't do anything reckless, I'll be fine." Kazumi tried to wave them off.

"Ma, ma. Don't worry about it Kazumi. We're already out here. Besides, the more the merrier!" Takeshi said, draping his arm over Kazumi's shoulders. Instantly she looked uncomfortable. "Besides, we're friends, right? I think we'd all feel bad if we left you out here by yourself."

"'I extremely agree! Plus Kyoko would get mad at me if I left her friend alone and I was there to help." Ryohei piped in.

"W-well… If you put it that way…" Kazumi muttered, realizing there was no possible way she was going to get out of this situation. "In that case, thank you for the company." She smiled this time, and it actually seemed a bit genuine, if not a bit on the nervous side.

While Takeshi easily steered her ahead, leading the group along the trail, Reborn remained seated on Tsuna's head. From there he could watch the group as they walked; he could see everything that happened. Any change from Kazumi, or even the slightest movement that might indicate that she was dangerous, he would see it. And he would be on her like a predator to its prey.

xXx

Tsuna couldn't help but make his own observations of Kazumi at the same time as Reborn. With the information that was recently shared between them, he found himself conflicted. It made him feel apprehensive. And yet at the same time, somehow, deep inside himself, he knew that Kazumi wouldn't hurt them. That there was nothing about her that any of them needed to be wary of. And still he found himself carefully watching Kazumi as she made easy conversation with Takeshi.

From beside him, Tsuna knew that Hayato was also scrutinizing her. Him most of all, if Tsuna knew his right hand as well as he thought he did. And what he did know is that Hayato definitely did not trust Kazumi. And he had his doubts that he ever will. When Tsuna had relayed the information to everyone that there was a strong possibility that Kazumi was an assassin, it took everything Tsuna had to settle him down and get him to listen and not go hunting her down. To explain that they had no solid evidence and that for the time being everything was just speculation. It was even harder to get them all to agree to try and act normal. Ryohei was another story. Tsuna was pretty sure that other than Lambo, he was the one that would have the hardest time not making a mistake.

But every time Tsuna thought on the subject that was Kazumi, he couldn't help but think how strange everything was. Even from the very first day that they met, when Kazumi first entered the classroom, he could tell there was something about her that stood outside the norm. At first he thought it might have just been him over thinking; she had said she had come from Italy, and generally, over the last few years, Tsuna had had limited luck when it came to people visiting Namimori from that particular country. But then, he actually got to know her. And what he did know was that Kazumi was kind and caring. Smart and easy to talk to. She was a lot like Takeshi in a way; a refreshing, tranquil Rain that eases away one's worries.

Tsuna was so deep in his thoughts that he hadn't been able to keep up with the flow of conversation ahead of him. It wasn't until everyone had slowed down that Tsuna even noticed that he hadn't been paying attention at all. He turned to see what they were all looking at and nearly froze in his tracks. The very spot he had come to only a few days ago to get in a quick sparing practice. Had they really already come in this deep? If Kazumi really was in the Mafia, would she be able to tell that those scorch marks were the result of Sky Flames? His Sky Flames?

"Geeze, you'd think people would be more careful." Kazumi muttered, wearing a completely unamused expression. "Like seriously, I thought fire control was like part of 'Camping 101'. And aren't there laws about open flames in the woods?"

"Y-yeah, fire is pretty dangerous, after all." Tsuna said weakly, and he noticed neither of his Guardians present were attempting to hide their somewhat guilty faces. After all, at one point or another, they each had done their part and fair share of implementing damage to this very forest.

"Pft, it's not just dangerous, something like this? It's just plain irresponsible! At least it looks like whoever they were, they managed to keep it contained to just this area instead of burning the whole damn forest down."

"Ho? I didn't peg you to be the environmentalist type, Kazumi." Reborn said from his seating place on Tsuna.

"I wouldn't say that," Kazumi started, thinking. "I think it's more that I'm a big advocate for damage control, and that nature shouldn't have to take a beating, I guess." She explained as she walked up to a burnt patch of earth; grass now turned to ash. The genuine solemn look on Kazumi face made Tsuna want to apologize to her right then and there. Even if he knew he couldn't. "I hope whoever did this feels guilty." Oh did he ever.

It didn't take them long to carry on, and Kazumi didn't seem to dwell too much on the idea that somebody might have possibly tried to burn down the forest. She only seemed to truly settle peacefully on the topic when Ryohei pointed out that, it was hopefully only a mistake, even if it was a careless one.

"Ah, by the way!" Takeshi called out to him. "Did anyone finish the homework?"

"I did." Both Hayato and Kazumi said in perfect unison, which only seemed to irritate Hayato. Tsuna couldn't help the slightly nervous laugh that escaped him at the sight.

"I started, but it's not finished." He answered, sighing.

"I got stuck on a question and extremely forgot all about the rest of it!" Ryohei declared. Tsuna almost laughed when he watched Kazumi turn to look at Ryohei, almost as if she was questioning his sanity.

"Oi, lawn-head. Most people usually just skip the question, not forget about the entire rest of the homework." Hayato growled, to which Ryohei laughed without a care.

"What does it matter, as long as it all gets finished in the end, right?"

"I-I s-suppose he's right…" Kazumi muttered dumbly.

"Why don't you all finish your homework together? And since both Hayato and Kazumi have finished theirs, they can act as your tutors." Reborn lightly suggested in a tone that Tsuna knew was not at all a suggestion. He wanted this, and for a reason.

"You want me to what now?" Kazumi asked, completely taken back by the suggestion. "Never mind the lack of concern for my plans for the day, but what makes you think I'd even be good at tutoring?"

"You did well enough helping Tsuna in class that one time. Surely you'd be able to do so again with your excellent academics." Wow. Reborn was really laying it on thick. "Tsuna could learn a lot from you if you helped him one on one." From his right, Tsuna heard Hayato sputter in protest at Reborn's suggestion.

"You can't really be serious? I had plans for today you know." Kazumi said as her final form of resistance.

"I'm sure they can be rescheduled." Tsuna was at a loss for words. Reborn shooting down any and all attempts Kazumi made for escape. She puffed air into her cheeks as she seemed to think hard about Reborn's non-negotiable proposal. It was... cute.

"Fine." She huffed out. "But not until after lunch. I have to get some stuff done today at least."

xXx

Kazumi really didn't show up until after lunch had passed, but did ended up apologizing to everyone once she entered his room anyway. Once she got herself settled with her own school work at the small work table they all shared, Kazumi got straight to business.

"Alright, so what homework exactly haven't you finished yet?" She asked the three of them.

"Science and English." Tsuna answered quickly.

"History." Ryohei was right behind him.

"All of it." Takeshi laughed. Kazumi stared at him dumbly.

"You need help." She said with a sigh as Hayato muttered about that being something they could agree upon. "Alright, lucky for you lot, English and History are my strong suits. I'll do what I can for the rest of it."

"Thank you, Kazumi-san." Tsuna said with a smile, which seemed to catch her off guard for the slightest moment, and he thought he saw a hint of a blush appear on her cheeks.

"Yeah, no problem." Half an hour later, neither of them were sure who Kazumi was helping more; Tsuna with his English, or Ryohei with his History.

"Who was the ruler during the Edo period again?" Ryohei near shouted.

"Depends if we're talking about the Emperor or the Shogun, but since I'm assuming the question is referring to the Shogun, that would be Tokugawa. If it happens to be the Emperor, then that was Go-Yozei." Kazumi answered without turning her gaze away from Tsuna's sheet. "No, you're using the word 'we' here when it should be 'I'." Kazumi continued softly, pointing out Tsuna's mistake without missing a beat.

"Who was the longest reigning Shogun?"

"Tokugawa Ienari." Again, Kazumi's answer was faster than Tsuna could blink. "You used the wrong suffix here." Tsuna felt a tear of sweat roll down his cheek, and a wave a sheer awe at Kazumi's apparent multi-tasking capabilities.

"And how long did the Edo period last?"

"Oi, Lawn-head, don't you know how to use a textbook?" Hayato glared from his side of the room, where he was deep into a physics book.

"About 250 years. It was established in Edo by Tokugawa Ieyasu in March of 1603. Officially ended with the beginning of the Meiji Restoration in May, 1868." On Kazumi's part, Hayato's irritation was either unheard or just completely ignored.

"W-Wow. Kazumi-san, how are you able to remember such specific details like that?" Tsuna asked, unable to hold back any longer.

"Humm? Oh, I don't know. I guess I just find that period of history interesting?" At this, Kazumi seemed to have a distant look in her eye as she seemed to recall an image from a long time ago. "I had always wondered since I was a kid how different countries came to be what they are in the modern day. So I've always immersed myself in books learning about all of it. Ironically that's how I ended up learning English since a lot of earlier books never saw translation to either Italian or Japanese. Especially Japanese, irritatingly enough."

"That's amazing." Tsuna gasped. "I don't think I could ever sit myself down long enough to do that kind of research. I'd probably just fall asleep." Kazumi seemed to snap out of whatever daze she was in and began speaking quickly.

"Oh… Well, I mean, studying history isn't for everybody. I mean, I find it fascinating, but I suppose not everyone would. I mean, it can get kind of boring. Some of history is really, dreadfully boring, but really, most of it is super interesting. Especially some of the leaders that left behind a lot of influence. Like Joan d'Arc of France, Queen Victoria of Britain, Cleopatra of Egypt, Catherine the Great, oh and I probably don't need to mention the Amazons. Or the entirety of Arthurian Legend." And Kazumi abruptly stopped, her face flushing red as realization struck her. "Mio Dio. I'm sorry, just pretend that never happened." She said, burying her face in her hands.

"That's alright. I think it's good to be passionate about something." Tsuna said, while in his mind, he couldn't help but feel that her entire run of excited chatter as she physically counted on fingers, made her that much more relatable, and he was starting to see her as less and less of a threat with every passing minute. And there's no way that would turn out good for him with Reborn around.

"DAME-TSUNA!" A sudden shout caught all of their attention, just as Tsuna's door swung open and Lambo came charging in.

"L-Lambo? What are you doing home so soon? I thought you were with Kaa-san?" Tsuna barely managed to keep the cow child from ramming into him by keeping the boy at arm's length.

"Baka-Tsuna; Maman, I-Pin, Fuuta and Lambo-sama have all returned from getting the groceries!" Lambo announced, as though he had just returned from a grand quest.

"Lambo! You know that Tsuna-nii is supposed to be studying!" Another child's voice came from the hallways before entering the quickly crowding room. "Common, stop bothering everyone and help Maman downstairs!" The flaxen haired boy said as he pretty much literately dragged the cow-child out of the room. "Sorry Tsuna-nii!" He shouted as he closed the door.

"Thanks, Fuuta-kun." Tsuna answered back with a sigh. "Sorry about him Kazumi-san. He's a bit of a loud and spoiled child."

"Honestly, I don't even know what I just witnessed, so I'll just pretend it didn't happen." Kazumi said with a determined nod before returning her focus back onto Tsuna's work. "You're missing a character here."

"R-right. By the way, Kazumi-san. I know this was mostly Reborn forcing his whims on you, but I really appreciate your help. And if you like you're welcome to stay for dinner with everyone else."

"What? No, I wouldn't want to impose. I mean, it sounds like there's already a lot of mouths to feed here as it is."

"Then what's just one more mouth, right?" Reborn said as he suddenly entered the room; Tsuna hadn't even realized he left. Kazumi was about to protest again, but at this point Tsuna figured she thought it was pointless.

"Then, I'll gratefully accept. Thank you." It was after that, that Kazumi learned that meal times in the Sawada household were in fact, not for the feign of heart.

After officially greeting Tsuna's mother and offering her assistance in the kitchen, which was wholly rejected in the nicest way possible, Kazumi took to simply watching everyone play with the kids before dinner became ready. And when Sawada Nana finally called everyone to the table, that's when the chaos truly began.

While the two youngest children at the table, Lambo and I-Pin as Kazumi came to know, fought over whose food actually belonged to who, despite having been on their own plates in the beginning, there was also Hayato, Takeshi, and Ryohei, who all appeared to argue for arguments sake. Even if it was just the latter two constantly lighting the very short fuse that was Gokudera Hayato. It was all things that Tsuna had learned to overlook and actually grew fond of over the years. And it wasn't like he could stop any of it, so why try? He did feel sorry for Kazumi though, who probably never had to experience this kind of excitement, judging from her terrified expression.

Meanwhile, Kazumi was just glad to have her plate remain untouched by rambunctious children and silently cried to the Gods above to let her make it through the evening and she'd promise to always choose the path of goodness. When a piece of meat was stolen from her plate, she figured her prayers fell on deaf ears.

"And it tasted so good too." She whispered to herself sadly, setting her plate back on the table.