A/N:

@Frozenteen: The Sins' timeline was in 17th century (which I turned to millenniums since demons ruled the world in many years), so aristrocrats were pretty much meh. So which do you think is greater between the two? Laziness or hardworking? About the Beta, I don't really know. This is my first time in Fanfiction so I don't know how to do it. Thanks for the advice tho.

@16Sakura21, @MichiruLeIdiota, @RedB, @Acquin: Reborn is an Arcobaleno. What does their group do for a living? He probably had a wrong decision making. You'll see why he did it in the later chapters, I think? Maybe.

@MichiruLeIdiota: Nice guess about Ira. But nope. Not about childhood memory. Tsuna met Ira for the first time on the last chapter.

Sorry about that. the reply took longer. Your reviews got me smiling for a week. So thank you. Though I was even contemplating whether to erase the banging part or something (but it was already on the plot so I can't really erase it at command). And another thank you for all those other reviews I couldn't mention.

Anyway, Go on. Onwards. Don't linger your eyes up here and read on the new chapter.

Chapter Twenty-Four

"Something wrong, Tsunayoshi?" Nezu-sensei queried when he noticed the wince on the young man's face.

"I'm okay. Just thinking who I'm gonna pick on later." And the brunet glared at a specific girl who visibly paled, knowing she was caught on act.

"Ready to start on Wrath?" He asked again.

Tsuna pulled out a small chalk from his breast pocket and tossed it upward. "Let me just hit some..." And he threw it on a guy who was pestering Enma. He hit the bully's temple, propelling the latter towards the open window. "One. Bull's eyes. Good luck getting in again."

Douhachiro sighed in exasperation. "Okay, this is Wrath. A personification of anger, loathe and madness."

'How come I can hear your voice?' Reborn asked inside Tsuna's head.

'Features.' The brunet answered back as he listened to the teacher in front. 'Go get laid. I'm in class.'

'What-'

Tsuna tried his hardest to block Reborn and concentrated on the lesson. He can still feel a ting of confusion from the other line though.

"Wrath self-destructs. Other than that, he hates the world. That causes mistrust to his fellow humans and even all creatures in the world. His hate goes on even until the person who did wrong to him died. It's like his rage is so powerful that it became a curse." The prof shared, glancing on his students' way.

"How did he become like that?" Tsuna asked, unable to stop himself to know more of his companion that morning. "Was he a victim of attempted murder? Did someone die from his family? Was he accused of something he didn't do? Has justice wronged him? Or someone betrayed him?"

"Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. And yes." The teacher answered. "Spot on, Tsunayoshi. He sought vengeance because of those to the point that it made him mad and lost his mind. Vengeance and revenge are different. He wants to retaliate, he doesn't want justice. So he killed a lot. At first the criminals who wronged him, then the people who accused him, the police who arrested him, the lawyer who left him, the judge who announce he was guilty, his jail mates and every innocent he came upon in his path.

"When he became a demon, he was called the bogeyman, who was prone to violence and viciously steals children in the night. But instead of kids, he takes those people who commit crimes, who are victims of crime, those who self-destruct, those who seek retribution and revenge, and those who are insane."

"Sir! What do you mean by self-destruct?" A student asked.

"Alcohol addiction, smoking, sleeplessness, drugs, suicide, depression. Name all the things that can destroy someone and destroy the people around him." Nezu-sensei answered with a shrug. "Wrath experienced those. And when he became a powerful demon, he changed for the worst. He'll come personally to the Human world and destroy a city or a country, depending on his mood.

"When he is bored, he causes conflicts among humans by possessing one and killing people. Demons? He'll kill a demon and accuse the humans that they did it. And all the negative feelings of a man can produce will be devoured by him. And that is what makes him stronger. Those who offer their souls to him willingly are welcomed. And he doesn't care if he eats or not. He is powerful enough with all the feelings he can have."

Tsuna took a deep breath and let it go. The description on the board really portrays Ira. No wonder his intuition was on high alert even though the demon was so relaxed around him. The sin even enjoyed the meal and gave a genuine laugh when Tsuna tried to tell him a joke. He even smiled with happiness when the brunet caressed the cuts on his wrists. Admittingly, the young man was really worried for the teen. Who knew Ira was Wrath of the seven deadly sins? Well, Ira knew.

"Second to the last is Envy." The teacher stated.

Tsuna looked at the woman in green cloak. If Viper has clothes under his purple cloak, this woman doesn't have a single garment on her. She's literally nude under her only robe. She has pearl white eyes and necklength umber brown hair. The horns though have two branches on either sides of them. But what he can't shake off is the feeling of dread from the piercing eyes Envy has.

"So who knows Envy here personally?"

"Hana-chan does!" Tsuna chirped.

"Envy was the opposite of Greed. She had everything just like Sloth." Hana crossed her arms as she continued. "But she was always jealous of things she never has that can both be obtained and never be gained. She's the personification of resentment and hatred to others' glory and possession. Why so? Because even if she has the beauty, the grace, the riches, and the brain, she's always getting compared to others who were above than her in any quality. So whenever she uses everything to tarnish their reputation because that's what makes her happy. She thinks their down fall will be good compensations for trying to out place her."

"Nice." Nezu-sensei praised. "So when she became a demon, she kills those people who are famed to be the best, while she eats those who always come second. Be it human or demon, she doesn't care. She's the reason why there is a term called 'evil eye'. Qualitied can't be flaunt because the eyes of evil will see and the owner will be doomed to suffer misfortune and hatred from the eyes. After becoming a powerful demon, she set three stages before she takes the human or demon as one of her minions. The bests are taken to be their food."

"What are the stages, Sir?" The student Tsuna almost shot to the ground floor asked.

"The first stage, the envious person attempts to lower another's reputation. The second stage is the envious person receives either 'joy at another's misfortune' (if he succeeds in defaming the other person) or "grief at another's prosperity" (if he fails). And the third stage is hatred because 'sorrow causes hatred'. Complete those three and you'll be her friend. Those you destroyed will be your meal." The teacher enumerated.

"So the greatest sin is pride." Enma commented.

"Pride has two sides." Tsuna informed. "A good pride that inspire to protect those who makes you as you. And the bad pride that circulates around egoism and narcissism. Now the right thing to ask is, what is your pride? Is it good or is it bad?"

"True. Pride is the other term for a king. But this human didn't become evil because of suffering. He was just that as he grew up. Evil, hateful, self-love, corrupt selfishness, and he does all things for the sake of his own happiness. If he wants to see you die, he will do it. If stealing will make him happy, he will do it. The suffering of others, shaming them, is what escalate his moral. It's like pride is the mixture of two or three sins depending on a person." The teacher explained further.

"Pride is love of self perverted to hatred and contempt for one's neighbour." Hana muttered under her breath.

"As a demon, he forces every creature to submission, deploys them to kill humans and offer the souls to them. And he never gives a single spirit to his minions. He is a tyrant. And when he became a powerful demon, he became the leader of the six. A half of their gain is his food. As they acquire energy, he does too. He is connected to them."

Tsuna kept himself from glaring at the drawing of Pride on the board. The demon has a low tied ponytail with a King's crown on his blond head. Eyes are coal black. He's wearing a white long sleeved polo and black slacks. Like Gluttony, he has short nails. His horns are three: on both sides and one on the middle of his forehead.

Tsuna propped his chin on his left hand. His mind is swirling with thoughts and questions. He's itching to go to his room and search for some specific books. And maybe pay the academy library a visit so he can know more of these group.

"And that's it. Any questions?" Asked by the teacher.

Tsuna raised his hand.

"Yes, Tsunayoshi?" Nezu-sensei responded, a little excited to answer the brunet's specific questions.

"I've observed that the color of their eyes represent their auras, so what are Envy's and Pride's auras?"

"Envy is night, while Pride is a mist."

"Hmm... So basically, night aura is acquired through negativity. Pride is a mist because he can conceal things. But who's the strongest? Not Pride because he's just a leader."

"The strongest is Wrath. However, Pride isn't their leader. He's just making them kneel in front of him."

The young man sat up, back straight at the information. "Then who leads them?"

"The North crowned prince of Demon world-"

"Said to be mastered by none and the vessel of iniquity, Belial." The young man blinked as he whispered those with Nezu. Slowly, a smirk made its way to his lips. "Interesting."

No one denied it, even Hana and Nezu-sensei won't, when they were asked if they shivered after hearing what the brunet had said. People may be scared of demons, but when you're in the same room with one of the living demons of Saint Academy, might as well get crazy.

Tsuna felt the side of his lip twitch in annoyance. Sighing, he closed the book he has in his hands before looking at the list of books he'd like to see in the academy library.

It's already seven in the evening. He cut classes after his demonology class to research more on the seven sins and their leader in his own library. He did got the books he needed since his books were arranged by him (he did it after bullying the general population of the school). But after seeing that he didn't get all the information he needed, he took the last book he had to read after listing the books he needed to see before going to the cafeteria. He read while eating a big meal since he knew he'll spend a lot of neurons to read all the books he listed.

Without looking at the librarian, he placed his barely out of his wallet ID on the table without a stop on his walk. He went straight to the demon sections and started to search for the books on the paper. Taking two book, he went for the nearest table and put them there with the book he was carrying on the way. He quickly took the near empty book cart and wheeled it along the aisles of books as he did a searching spree.

The brunet sighed as he stared at the three last books he needed to find. So far, the nine books are in the academy. Making a face he sat on the chair, turned on the lamp, took the first book on the list and started reading it.

"It's already late."

Tsuna snapped the book close in surprise before looking at Fon who was leaning on the edge of the table. He gave out a shuddered breathe, trying to calm down his surprised heart. "Don't scare me like that."

The Chinese demon raised a long sleeve covered hand and chuckled. "My apologies. You were pretty absorbed to the books you were reading. I called you a few times, but you won't respond like any other times you're reading. So I waited."

"Nice timing." Tsuna praised, remembering why he got distracted. Questions being formulated are good distractions. "What time is it anyway?"

"Two-thirty in the morning." The demon replied.

The brunet winced as he did a quick count. "No wonder my eyes are dry. I've been reading for eight hours straight."

"Figured as much so I took one of your water jugs and some chocolate bars from your room. If you don't mind."

Tsuna laughed mentally at the other's fail attempt of being polite. Fon is rather offending if he wants to. Regardless, he nodded and took one of the energy bar. "Thanks, Fon."

"Mm." The demon replied while looking around.

Tsuna pulled out a handkerchief and spread it on his laps before opening the food. He won't want to put crumbs on the books and let insects eat their ways to the paper, will he? So far he already finished eight out of nine books. Some of his questions are answered but some are lacking still. Like there are plot holes in it.

He took another bar, slid one to Fon's way before opening the one he took. Munching, he tried to remember why he wasn't pulled out of the library when it usually closes by eight. Maybe he didn't pay attention to the librarian? His eyes went to his new companion as he took the water bottle. He stared at the long braid of the demon as he opened the bottle. Taking a swig, a question popped on his head.

"What are you doing here anyway?" Tsuna asked.

"Oh. Reborn asked me to see you." Fon answered. The brunet's eyes narrowed a little. "He's in the town with Viper and Colonnello, scouting for some work."

Tsuna nodded, closing the bottle. "So what does he want? We already saw each other three days ago. That wasn't a long time."

"He was concerned about what you said. You said about getting laid."

"Well, he was getting laid from the start of my lunch to the start of my afternoon class. Who knew having sex takes an hour and a half to complete?" Tsuna lightly informed with a small smile, making sure he's masking the hurt he feels on his face and tone of voice.

"Dumbass." The young man was unable to stop his laughter at what Fon muttered. "He should've known."

"It's alright. Just tell him I was concentrating on my class awhile ago so I shut him off. I also am busy researching on things that's why I forgot to check up on him."

"Sure. I'll tell Viper to rely that."

"Thanks." Tsuna answered as he folded the hankie and stuffed it on his pocket. "I'm going back to reading this, what will happen to you?"

"I'll just stick around more, I think." Fon responded with a smile. "Continue on."

Fon didn't budge on his spot and watched the brunet's brows almost knit in concentration, eyes gliding from left to right. Every five 'n a half minutes, the child will turn a page to continue. He will sometimes mutter a word as he read through the pages. It was pretty different from Verde's reading style, which is quiet.

The Chinese looked around the table and noticed the stock of books on the side. When he got here, Tsuna was able to change three books in a span of two and a half hours. Calculating the five books that are on the side of the table, the human was able to read five books in what? Five or less hours?

His attention caught a single paper on the side of the lamp. He cautiously took it, not wanting to disturb the reading child. He scanned the titles of the books. Some titles have checks on their right side. Three books have none though. His eyebrows furrowed as reasons plague his mind.

"Something wrong?" He asked after hearing Tsuna sigh in dismay.

"Nothing. Just..." The child crunched his face to displeasure. "I can't find the information I want to see."

"Is it in these books you haven't found?" He queried as he raised the paper a little.

"Maybe. I don't really know." The child shrugs.

"These books are ancient." Tsuna visibly slumped. "But I saw them in Verde's own archive in the house."

"Really?!" The demon nodded, careful not to smile at the childish enthusiasm the human is making. "Can we go?"

"I'm afraid Verde might be asleep right now."

"I don't care." Tsuna stated with a shake of his head as he put the books on the cart and move it to the side. Fon followed. "I need those information. I can't possibly engage into a battle without knowing a single thing about my enemy."

Fon nodded, not knowing the true meaning behind the said thing. "That is correct."

Tsuna pulled a pen on the other table and tossed it on the open lamp. "Come on."

The demon blinked his eyes when the pen hit the off switch of the lamp and really did turn it off. Shaking his head in amazement, Fon followed the brunet out. Knowing the child is in a hurry, he pulled the human to his back and went for a run. Tsuna instinctively wrapped his arms around Fon's neck and hid his face on the junction between the neck and shoulder. In a matter of seconds, the brunet found himself on the back of a familiar Chinese dragon, reaching the clouds and feeling the cool air of the night sky.

As they reached the meadow, Fon transformed into his human form before they landed and jogged towards the house. The demon put the human down before opening the door silently. Fon gestured him to follow after closing the door. They went to the second floor of the house and stopped in front of Verde's door. The Chinese demon was about to knock when the door opened and the scientist greeted them.

"What do you need at this time of the night?" The lightning demon questioned.

Tsuna winced. "Do you sleep at all?"

"I can survive ten days without sleeping a wink." Verde proudly answered without a beat.

"No wonder they call you a mad scientist." The brunet pointed out with a thoughtful smile. "I like that."

"Thank you."

Fon, who was smiling at the interaction, cleared his throat. "Tsunayoshi here wants to borrow some books. Apparently, they're ancient books I once saw in your collection, can he?"

"Well, yes." Verde opened the door widely, revealing a messy room full of books. "But it will be a challenge to find them though."

"I doubt it." Tsuna answered as he stepped in, removing his blazer. "I'll surely find it in less than an hour."

"If you do, I'll help you on your research." Verde offered.

The brunet smiled as he deposits his jacket on the nearby chair. "Thanks."

"So what are you researching about?" The Lightning asked.

Fon nodded, piqued at the topic. "Yeah, Tsunayoshi. I can have the gist of it from the titles of the books I've read in here, but still unclear."

Tsuna hesitated. "Will you believe me if I tell you that I met Wrath of the seven sins?"

"What?!"

Ira tousled his hair as he stepped inside Hell. He reeked blood and smoke after destroying a good city in the western part of the world. Hearing humans scream in help, fright and pain is always good. But what really baffled him is the fact that demons are practically inferior in this era.

His mind went back to what happened this early morning. Shibaru did his best to make him feel welcomed as his race can. And the human did a pretty good job since he did enjoy his small stay in the Academy. For a fragile creature, Shibaru was wise for not saying anything about himself except the general stuff, nor say something sensitive. He was even able to make Wrath laugh after cracking a lame joke (he realized the joke was lame when it crossed his mind while destroying things, and still laughed at how dork it is), and smile genuinely after the former gave a gaze full of solace on his scarred wrists. And it has been millennia ago since the last time Wrath was able to make such expressions like those.

Wrath wonders what the child's true name. Shibaru looks contented with what he had in spite all the negative looks, mutters, and feelings being thrown at his way. And to even defend a demon who he said can kill nine out of ten humans if he wanted to. Such rarity. Shibaru looked nice though and strong enough to withstand attacks with his lithe body. He's also pretty snarky and sarcastic but compassionate. Even if he only caught a glimpse of the smile the kid possesses, he can say it's beautiful. Heartwarming beautiful.

He smiled as he recalled the name he gave to the human. Ira. Why on Earth did he give his true name, anyway? He does wonder why he felt so nice yet sad when Shibaru said his name when they parted.

Now he's itching to see the human again.

"Hmm? What made the almighty Wrath smile like a kid?" Wrath raised his head to see Lust watching him from the small rock tower. "Hmmm...? You're radiating happiness."

"Get off my ass, you fucking woman." He snapped as he continued to walk his way to his own chambers.

"Eh..." Lust grinned in interest as she jumped down and ran to catch up to him. "What is it? I doubt it's a human."

Wrath didn't speak, making Lust gasp and catching the other sins' attention.

"It is?!"

The teen looked back with a menacing glare. "Fuck off, Lust."

The demon woman stopped abruptly at the glare. She pouted after hearing the loud bang of Wrath's chamber door. "I was just asking. Such a meanie."

"Learn privacy, Lust." Envy chided as she played with the lava in her hands. "It's only been a day since he woke up. It's only normal for us to keep our own entertainment to ourselves."

"But he was smiling! In happiness! Wrath never smiles like that! I tried so many times!"

"Like seducing him?" Gluttony chimed in as he tore off a limb from a human body. "Walking inside his room naked? Or just kissing him immediately causing him to kill you everytime you see each other?"

"That was several millennia ago!" Lust stomped in annoyance. "He's the only one who don't sway my side. I already had my ways to all of you except for him."

"Just leave him alone, Lust. Go and play with Greed. He'll probably want you all day and night for being dry for five millennia." Envy shooed.

Lust scowled before stalking. "I'm going to search for that human. I wanna know what's so good on him that made my Wrath smile."

Envy and Gluttony watched the weakest and youngest sin disappear. Both looked at each other before shrugging their shoulders.

"Poor human." Gluttony commented as he ate off a good portion of a human head.

"But I'm also curious." Envy affirmed, eyes on her lava. "What kind of human made the insane Wrath smile?"

"Hmmm... Let's ask Lust later on?"

"Sure."

"Want a thigh?"

"Nah."

"You Pride?"

"No." A new voice answered. "Come, Belial is waiting."

"Yes."