Kate Kyou Hitome, Tsuna!

by Kimonohi Tsuki

After Bermuda's defeat, Tsuna's life returns to normal, or as normal as it could be. With Reborn still training him for a position that he continues to reject, Tsuna begins his final year at Namimori's Chuugaku. But of course his lazy days would not last long. What is it that Trinisette still has secrets! What did he do in his past life to deserve that!

11. 420 - Kotodama

Chapter by JonaX, Kimonohi_Tsuki

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Summary:

Tsuna receives sudden news, something else to worry about besides the argument he had with his tutor the day before. On the other hand, Hibari also has to deal with unwanted stuff. But somehow, maybe Sky and Cloud can end up helping each other.

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Notes:

This fanfic is delayed in many chapters in relation to the posts on AO3 and Spirit, but now with the change of season I will put everything in order!

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Target 420 - Kotodama

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December 15th, Thursday, nine days before the Christmas Party and the arrival of CEDEF.

- So Yamamoto said that we would continue training next Monday, and Haru is super excited!

- I see, I'm glad to hear that everything is working out.

Bianchi was standing in the hallway, using the Sawada Residence phone to communicate with her lively little apprentice, and as she listened to her speak, she couldn't help but squint as her beloved Reborn amusedly sipped his coffee while Nana cooked. Occasionally the Italian would set his cup down and stroke as absently as possible, when it came to The World's Strongest Hitman, his characteristic spiral-looking sideburn.

She was sure he knew he was being watched, but she had constancy on her side, precisely because she enjoyed her sight practically every day, whenever possible, letting himself be admired by her had become a habit, enough for the assassin to lower, even just a little, his guard even though he knew he was being seen.

And by letting his guard down she meant letting go of his wit of wrapping his finger around his sideburns in a completely oblivious way, something he did a few counting times whenever he possessed something that stole his thoughts and attention.*

Almost like a nervous tic when he was worried about something. Which, of all things, was probably the most humane gesture of the famous Hitman.

Not least, those who could boast of having seen the gesture were rare, which made Bianchi feel extremely prestigious, at the same time, that she was sure what that expression was coming from at that moment.

The one-sided argument between Tsuna and the assassin.

It was true that this wasn't the first, and it would hardly be the last time that these two had a falling out, especially on Tsuna's part, but this had been a disagreement almost as serious as the one they had about the brunette continuing in the Representative Battle or not.

Only this time, the positions were reversed, Tsuna was the one who had run out of arguments in front of the assassin's position, and had chosen to simply walk away and keep silent instead of giving him reason.*

These two had increasingly similar attitudes, inwardly he couldn't help but wonder if either of them had noticed this.

Anyway, Reborn was right this time. However, never in a discussion does anyone have an easy reason for the two parties to understand each other, in fact quite the opposite. And even if the Hitman, as usual, wanted to be as indifferent to the disagreement as he always was, the fact that he was curling his sideburn proved otherwise. Not least, everyone knew to a greater or lesser degree how the safety of girls and children was an extremely delicate point to deal with the brunette.

-...And none of this would have happened if it wasn't for your help, big sister! - She forced herself to pay attention back to the young girl's happy monologue at that last sentence. - Haru feels that she is closer to conquering Tsuna thanks to that! As you said, "to win a man, be where your heart is." And Tsuna's heart is undoubtedly in protecting her friends, so Haru will also stay strong and help protect everyone next to her lover!

- Very well said. - Said the assassin with a smile. - I'm very proud of you, Haru. - She smiled as she clearly heard the younger one choking on that statement. - You are becoming a very strong woman.

- Hahiii! Haru is very happy to hear that! - She could even hear the young girl skipping as she spoke. - That's why Haru wants your help! Haru wants to study hard for the next class with Yamamoto, but Gokudera didn't give me much to work with. Haru doesn't want to sit still for almost a week!

- Don't worry, I'll provide you with something to work with during these days. - She put on helpful, watching with some grace as Reborn immediately stopped with his characteristic gesture as Fon and Colonnello started down to breakfast. - Now I need to go my dear, have a day full of passion.

- Yeah! Haru will! - She confirmed emotional, soon they said goodbye and the call was ended when Nana went upstairs to wake up her son and warn him of another peculiar call that that house had received the day before.

In turn, Bianchi just advanced to the kitchen table, sitting next to her beloved with a smile that showed all her love.

It was time for her to take her own advice, and now, she was sure where the assassin's heart lay.

-.-.-.-

- Tsu?... Tsu! - A sweet voice chanted. - Tsu, wake up or you'll be late!

- Hmmm, I'll be right there, Ryohei… - He grumbled turning to the other side of his bed.

- Ryohei? - The voice laughed with grace. - He's really asleep. - Then she cleared her throat, to continue in a serious tone. - Sawada Tsunayoshi, who got 9 in the English test?!

- Hiiiie! - He yelled scared before he ended up getting shot, finding only his mother who was watching him with her usual disappointed face although also satisfied that his attention was still able to wake up her son.

Even if that wasn't exactly the case.

- Huh? Mother? - He asked, confused, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand. - Why are you here? Where's Reborn?

- Your school called last night. - Followed Nana putting both hands on her hips in a pose of disapproval. - I was going to warn you, but you already arrived and went to sleep, we tried to wake you up, but you seemed dead to the world.

- Ah… - That's all he said.

"It was probably from exhausting my flames, like in the battle against Xanxus..." - He thought, yawning. - "When was the last time I used flames all day? Probably in the future."

But perhaps what was most peculiar was the fact that he felt so good despite it. Rested and no doubt lighter, as if he'd taken a heavy load off his body.

"Strange..."

- Sawada Tsunayoshi!

- Aaah! - He jumped with his mother centimeters from his face with an even more disappointed expression. - Sorry mother, what did you say...?

She sighed.

- My, frankly, it looks like you take three steps forward and two steps back. - She muttered, crossing her arms. - And I was so proud of you working to get your own money, and then you disappoint me like this by going back to being the usual Useless-Tsuna.

- What did I do this time? - He asked tiredly, at least now they were alone. - Did I miss the time with Ryohei? - He said seeing with disappointment that it was already six in the morning.

Maybe he had slept so hard that even the Sun couldn't wake him? It was hard to believe...

- No, I warned the Sasagawa yesterday that you wouldn't run today, because you have to go to school.

- School? - He repeated confused. - But isn't it undergoing renovation?

- Yes, but apparently your grade in the last English test was so simpleton that you will have to make a recovery. - Her mother explained dramatically, shaking her head. - A youngster named Kusakabe called me to inform me that they are going to prepare a room further away from the court so that you and some other students in this situation can take the recovery tests.

December was final exam time, he knew, and they could only have these "early vacations", because his school had already applied them before the sports festival, yet while his mother was talking about how disappointed she was, Tsuna tried to remember when specifically had taken the English test which resulted in another bad grade and all this situation. To then realize that it was precisely the week that Reborn left.

Just at the beginning of that week that was more useless than usual, before the beginning of the festival organization.

He sighed, that's because that was averagely his best subject.

- And the test is today? - He wanted to know getting up and looking for his things to change.

"At the minimum the teacher forgot I was in the class." - He thought to himself, picking up his clothes absently. - "It wouldn't be the first time, Professor Nezu did this all the time, although he did it on purpose, is that why Kusakabe called?"

- That, so hurry up, I've already made your coffee and the obentô, Bianchi and the children are already eating.

He suddenly stopped, remembering the whole argument he'd had with Reborn the day before about the girls.

- No. - He said suddenly, making his mother stop her steps towards the exit of the room to face him with a raised eyebrow. - Thank you mother, I'm going to get the obentô and I'm going, I'm not going to have coffee. I better get to school early so I can review something before class.

This made her mother blink, clearly impressed.

-...All right. - She said uncertain about her son's attitude, seeing him go to the bathroom at the end of the hall with his change of clothes in hand, and a serious expression on his face, something really unusual. - Was I too hard on him?

-.-.-

Complying with his words, the brunette soon descended, or rather, rolled down the stairs, finding his mother at the door, thanking her for his obentô and saying goodbye with a "I'm going!" to then accelerate along the well-known path to Namimori Chuugaku without saying goodbye to anyone else.

- Hey! So he just didn't want to have breakfast. - Colonnello considered with a teasing smile, taking advantage of the fact that Nana had left to hang out the laundry along with Lambo. - Looks like you really managed to piss off your future boss this time, Reborn.

Instead of responding to the provocation, the Hitman simply continued drinking his coffee and completely ignoring Rain's presence, much to his annoyance.

- It's still weird. - Watched Fon pouring himself tea. - I know that Japanese schools are strict, it's not like those in China are very different, but to warn of a test like this the day before? It's weird to say the least.

- Kusakabe realized that the new English teacher didn't warn Tsuna of the recovery, and decided to do it on his own so that the useless wouldn't be harmed. - Answered this time Reborn without really seeming to care. - Even being new, she must have realized that Tsuna is a waste of time and assumed that calling him for a recovery wouldn't lead to anything.

- Yeah, the school world sometimes seems almost as bad as the Mafia, almost. - Observed Colonnello eating his rice and lost in his own student memories, especially those related to a certain sadistic teacher.

- And that always happens? - Fon, in turn, didn't seem very pleased with that answer. - It doesn't seem like a healthy environment for learning.

- Useless-Tsuna is responsible for his own bad reputation. - Reborn decreased importance. - If he studied and really committed, he wouldn't have to go through this kind of thing.

The Storm didn't respond to that, but his brow was still frowning.

"I'm not surprised that he has such bad self-esteem, it's not like his surroundings help much." - Thought the Chinese man finished his own drink.

Colonnello, in turn, in a rare moment of silence, also chose to limit himself to eating, while glancing at the Oriental from the corner of his eye.

He might not be a flame expert like Verde, but he could say without fear of error that all the Storms he knew, when they really focused on something, wouldn't let his goal go at all.

"The Gokudera brothers are living proof of that." - He considered watching with a hint of jealousy as Bianchi sweetly pampered her lover by offering him food in his mouth.

But soon his envy was replaced by a mischievous smile. If Reborn continued with this proud attitude, soon someone could end up taking his place in the brunette's heart.

"Not that that's my problem." - He finally considered. - "Reborn is responsible for his own bad name. There is, Lal would love to hear that."

And with that, breakfast went on without further ado, with Fon soon retiring, over Lambo's strong protests, to spend the day walking his student around Namimori. Or at least that's what he said he would do.

-.-.-.-

- I really didn't want to go out like that, but I honestly don't know how to face Reborn after that. - He muttered to himself, ruffling his hair in exasperation. - He's probably going to kill me for yelling at him like that! - He exclaimed remembering how he had openly ordained his tutor. - What the hell got into me anyway? I was so nervous and worried that the words just came out!

He sighed, willing to put that aside for now, this wasn't even the first time he'd yelled at Reborn anyway, so instead of beating himself up he focused on getting an apostille out of his bag.

"Per il mio fratellino" was written on the cover in fancy letters and a small horse drawn on the tip.

He smiled.

Dino had not been his English teacher for more than a few days and even then he had taken the job seriously, had even managed to get his grade up from 0 to 31, still a disgrace to the class grade, but a personal pride taking into account your grades in general.

That of course, until the disastrous ordeal that miserable week.

"I hope he's not disappointed in me." - He thought to himself, opening the apostille and smiling to see the content thoughtfully handmade, explaining in a very simple way several concepts that he had doubts, making his heart warm. Dino had to be the best brother ever.

...For his ear's sake he wouldn't let Ryohei know about it.

So focused was he on reading his homework book while walking to school, with no surprisingly no accident, that he didn't even notice when he reached Namimori's gates, even ignoring his Hyper Intuition's warnings about being careful where he went.

- There he comes! - Exclaimed a laughing voice. - Close the door!

If he had paid the least attention, he would have been surprised that the front doors leading to the shoe closets were closed…

TUUUM

As soon as he pushed those doors open, he felt something hit him squarely in the head, followed by a thick, smelly liquid, and then an endless burst of laughter.

It didn't take long to understand what had happened, it was the old trick of putting a bucket of rotten water on top of the half-closed door. And those responsible were a few steps ahead laughing at him the most.

He sighed, waving his arms and trying to get the poor, muddy water off him, only making the laughter intensify.

"At least I managed to save my apostille." - He thought with relief seeing that, despite not being in Hyper Mode, he had enough reflex to push his away in time from the sudden jet.

- So, did you like the bath, Useless-Tsuna? - A plump-faced boy came forward with a satisfied smile, he wore a sling on his left arm and several bands around his head, yet he could recognize without any problems the figure of his classmate Abe Osamu. Behind him were the two delinquents who more than a month ago had punched him and Enma outside the school. - Too bad your clothes got soaked too, not that that's a problem, you're used to walking around in your underwear anyway!

And the group laughed at his expense.

- That's what you get for making me hurt myself from the Pole Knocking! And just so you know, my compensation is just getting started!

"Oh so that's it." - He thought disgusted, not saying anything, just changing his way to the bathrooms and changing rooms near the court so he wouldn't dirty the whole school and end up being bitten to death. - "I should have known, that's why I hate sports week."

The laughter continued even after the brunette one left, Osamu looked like he was on the verge of an attack, even leaning on the lockers to stop on his own feet.

- That was fun and all. - The leader of the delinquents came forward, who had features that cut his face from chin to forehead, passing through his eyes, and that looked a lot like scars. - But you'd better pay us for it as you promised, if you don't want to end up worse than Useless-Tsuna!

- Hey, hey! Calm! I will pay you! I just need to talk to my mom and-

- What is all this mess?! - Exclaimed an authoritative female voice.

- Damn it! A teacher! - And the delinquents ran, leaving only Osamu behind. - Hey, wait! You can not...-

But his words died in his mouth as a black-haired female figure in Channel gave him a scathing look at the boy and then the bucket and all the dirt on the floor.

- Teacher Suzihe Tomura!* I-I can explain!

- It's better that you can and that it is good, Abe Osamu, unless you want your mother here at school!

-.-

At the same time, Tsuna undressed in his clothes while he was grateful for having arrived early to school once in his life, while cursing himself for not having brought a change of clothes in his backpack. He had simply stopped walking with one since Reborn left and believed that he would no longer be hit by Shinu Ki no Dan.

That's why he washed his clothes as best he could in the shower, he preferred to do the test even more soaked than stinking.

A few years ago this whole situation would have sent him into a spiral of depression and he would have dropped out of school without even taking the test, but now, as horrible as it was still having to go through that kind of humiliation, it wasn't as bad as the ones Reborn put him through, and nowhere near as hopeless as having the entire future of the multiverse on his shoulders.

"Is this what they call 《ripening up》?" - He thought as he frowned at his soaked clothes. - "Or is it just conformism?"

Still half dressed, wondering what to do, he tripped over a bucket of baseballs that some student at that club had probably forgotten halfway through, scattering them all over the bathroom, and if that wasn't enough, trying to get up, still caught his foot in the bucket and fell back on his face.

He sighed, turning to face the ceiling, considering if he should just walk away, but at the thought of Dino's disappointed expression, he just dismissed the idea.

Remembering his brother of consideration as he watched as the hot steam from the shower he took escaped the locker room window, he couldn't help but think about Enzo and all the times he caused chaos by getting wet. It could be a lot worse if Natsu was like that too, and had turned into a giant lion when the bucket hit him and had no way to dry him afterward.

Then his eyes snapped open, an idea racing through his mind.

- That's it!

-.-

Tsuneo Oikawa, with a stern expression and eyes as small as beads, Kusakabe's right-hand man and the third-in-command of the Disciplinary Committee, was patrolling the school grounds in a very bad mood.

He still wasn't satisfied that five days ago his president in person had ordered the Disciplinary Committee's mandate to simply watch Useless-Tsuna. And as much as he tried to get an answer from their boss, all he got was a headache and a warning never to question him again.

He just couldn't understand it, for almost two years now Hibari seemed strangely to chase after the child Sawada was hanging out with, and if that wasn't strange enough, since October, the president always showed up injured at the same time as Sawada, Gokudera and even Yamamoto.

It was obvious that something was going on.

He even tried to air his concerns to Kusakabe, but his superior only seriously warned him not to meddle in the matter.

"Sawada and the President's relationship is too complex for you to understand." - He had warned at the time that he made his concerns public. - "If you value your life, it's best to stay away from it."

What kind of warning was that?!

And it's not like he could let something like that go, whatever was going on, it was clearly because of Sawada that the president was hurting himself, missing school, and worst of all, bypassing Discipline and all red tapes because of Sawada and his gang! After all, he never even allowed a reprimand to Useless-Tsuna's group despite them clearly breaking the school's dress code, which is why brunette was often seen running around in school in underwear, either for wearing strictly prohibited accessories even during class of sport.

The size of the ring he wore around like he owned the school was just ridiculous! It is a true affront to Discipline.

And there was nothing more important than Discipline.

On this particular day it seemed that the goddess of the organization had finally smiled on him, as he was brought out of his reverie to hear the high-pitched, distressed voice of the reason for his unease, coming directly from the changing rooms.

- N-no! Natsu! It's a lot of fire!

"Fire?" - He repeated mentally, as he approached with quick and firm steps. - "Besides, I'm sure we don't have any students named Natsu."

And the black smoke he saw coming out of the window paradoxically made a smile spread across his face. A fire, and still bring an outsider into the school?

It was definitely his lucky day, now he would get the arguments he needed to get this scum kicked out of school.

-.-.-.-

He knew about the visit before his feet even touched his windowsill, he would recognize that flame even from kilometers away.

- What problem do you Arcobalenos have with using the door? - It was the rough words that left his mouth, not even looking up from the papers he was studying.

- Ex-Arcobalenos. - Fixed the baby who had strangely identical features to the teenager he was targeting. - And going around to use the door draws a lot of unnecessary attention. The window is a much more practical input and output.

- What do you want? - It was dry, still not facing the Chinese figure. - Get to the point, I'm busy.

- Did you get any information about the burning of that dump?

- That was just a vandal with nothing to do, once we find him he will be properly bitten to death. If that's all you wanted then you can go.

- I noticed that you visited Nobu in the hospital. - Insisted the Storm, sitting on the windowsill. Such a comment finally made Namimori's demon raise its face and stare the smaller one. - I think it's very nice that you visit him even after so many years, even though he's not such a close relative and you've only known each other for a short time when you were a child.

- He's still my family. - Despite the tenor of what he said, his tone was still harsh. - The little I have left that's still alive, and hasn't been cursed for being a curious fool.

Fon didn't respond to that, bowing his head solemnly.

- I'll ask again. - He repeated in a dangerous tone of voice, pulling out your tonfas. - What do you do here? And I don't mean just that school, but in Namimori, you spent decades away, ignoring everything in this place that reminded you of your life before the curse. Do you really think I'm going to believe that a Christmas party would get you back in town? Don't offend my intelligence, I know you don't care about these things.

Fon didn't respond right away, just closing his eyes and letting the wind caress his face, which only made Hibari even more impatient, but before he could invest in the smaller one, he reopened his eyes with an expression of determination.

- I was interested in Sawada Tsunayoshi. - Again he went straight to the point. - The Hibari had a complicated relationship with Giotto in the past, or should I say Ieyasu? Be that as it may, the bloodshed in the past unites the Sawada and the Hibari. When I learned that just a Sawada was the one who would succeed Vongola, I was tempted to know what kind of person he was, so I might have sent I-Pin to kill a fake target so he would end up getting involved with him.

- Aren't you ashamed to use a child like that? - Accused the Cloud with disgust.

- You're free to think like that if you want. - He said, reopening his eyes and looking at the other seriously. - I-Pin was born into the triad, murder was the most dignified path she could take in this environment and still maintain at least some integrity. I volunteered to train her so she could protect herself, while trying to think of a way to get her out of this world. But she was much more skilled than I thought, and soon they started demanding her first missions. That there was a mafioso so much like Reborn's new student that the triad wanted dead was a coincidence too good to pass up. And since Reborn assured me that no one else would try to claim I-Pin once she belonged to the Tenth Generation, I allowed her to stay. I had hoped that she would become a guardian, but Sasagawa Ryohei turned out to be a brighter Sun in the end. However, what was my surprise when I learned that you had been chosen as Cloud Guardian? Your ancestors would certainly laugh a lot at the irony of this, but I don't doubt that Reborn did it intentionally.

Hibari Kyoya didn't offer any comment to the contrary monologue, although his endless words were starting to annoy him.

Until the focus of his daydream shifted.

- But honestly I don't blame you, a small part of me starts to regret that I didn't meet this boy before Reborn summoned Gokudera Hayato from Italy. It would be fun to be under such a curious and layered Sky.

That made Hibari blink, putting aside his plan to bite the chatty Storm aside for now.

That Little Animal was making someone of carnivorous fame like Fon want to be a Guardian was something worth noting, if he were more sentimental he would probably be proud of the little Boss project.

- I thought that Omnivorous was already your Boss. - It was all he offered, despite his thoughts.

This made the Chinese man laugh softly.

- In theory, but she is very young, and the Arcobaleno system no longer exists. I respect her deeply, especially for her actions in that chaotic future, but I can't see a girl as sweet as the Boss of the Worst of the Mafia. And I believe that others think so too, especially herself and Mammon.

- But can you see the Little Animal in that position?

- Well, I think he's already Boss of the worst in the Mafia.

If he allowed himself to smile, then face the folder in front of him, a complete file of Takako Nana, as she used to call herself.

- The Little Animal can be an unknown at times, sometimes being a completely tame herbivore, sometimes a fierce carnivore.

- Yes. - The Chinese agreed, remembering the discussion of the previous day, and the very fact that Sawada does not deny that he considers destroying the Vongola. - You're right. And from what I know of that Chaotic Future, you end up being possibly the closest Guardian to him, somehow. And from what I've heard, it was the same case with his other future version that appeared a few days ago. How could that happen if he's so afraid of you? - Asked the baby interested, smiling sideways. - How did you manage to get so close?

He frowned, but he wouldn't give the other the taste to confirm that he too had these doubts.

- My theory is that he's spent so much time being ignored and looked down upon, even by his own mother, that he clings to anyone who shows him the slightest bit of attention. The mere act of paying him a meal already puts him in an almost painful bubble of happiness, like a stray dog that after going through a lot of violence strange any form of affection. - He observed staring at the view of the blue sky through the window.

Hibari again offered no answer, although he seemed more patient to listen this time, so Fon encouraged himself to continue.

- That's pretty sad, if you want my opinion, and it says a lot about the kind of childhood he had, while also explaining how he can love and consider so much, in such a short time, a sadistic figure like Reborn, and at the same time, make that cold-hearted assassin go from seeing him as "His work" to something more. Before him, only Luce had managed to get the Hitman to open his heart a little, even if he doesn't admit it. That's really the scariest power he has.

Then the Ex-Arcobaleno started to stare at the door of that luxurious room, as if he felt that something was approaching, when not even Hibari could do the same.

- If even Reborn can show some kindness to that boy, you should be able to do the same. Maybe this is the point that you are missing for you to be closer in this time too, after all, even a tiger knows how to be docile with its own species, and no one thinks it's less dangerous for that.

It made for a truly dangerous look to paint Cloud's features, making mention before getting up probably to attack him for the affront of trying to tell him what to do, so he added slightly.

- I don't tell you to do this for Vongola or as your future Boss, but don't you think that the famous Reindeer that everyone is talking about and who is moving so much Namimori's trade deserves some consideration?

But thoughts of him had to wait, along with his willingness to puree the Storm for his constant sass, when all too familiar screams began to fill the hallway.

-...I swear it was an accident! I had no intention of vandalizing anything!

- Keep your saliva to yourself, no bogus explanation will save you from this situation!

- Here's your chance to show a bit of kindness to a wounded Tiger-Reindeer. - Fon offered, and in the next instant, someone knocked on the door.

- In between. - Said the president impatiently, and why not, for the sake of curiosity.

The scene that received them was at least peculiar, but coming from that brunette it was quite common.

He was being dragged along by a strangely pleased Tsuneo Oikawa, he looked as if he had just taken a dip in the pool by the way his hair was falling out and dripping, and as he couldn't help it, he was wearing only his underwear, though he held his equally soaked clothes in his hands, there was no sign of his backpack.

And even though this wasn't by far the first time he'd been in a situation like this, the brown one still managed to feel shame.

- President, this boy was in the locker room next to the gym, along with an outsider named Natsu, who unfortunately managed to escape. He had the audacity to set a baseball team bucket on fire, deliberately damaging school property, and if that wasn't enough, he still had drugs in his backpack. - He said, indicating a pot full of unidentified medicines. - Which must be the reason for your bonfire in the first place. I strongly recommend that he be expelled.

Silence.

- Go out, Tsuneo, I'll deal with it.

The aforementioned smile almost didn't fit on his face, which made Fon raise an eyebrow.

- Of course, president! - He exclaimed in ecstasy making a respectful bow, then leaving the evidence of the crime on the center table in the room.

- One more thing. - Said when the third-in-command was about to withdraw. - Tell his teacher that he will be late.

This made Oikawa blink in shock, but he just nodded and then left.

The Committee member had barely closed the door and Tsunayoshi went into an endless run-down explanation, clearly panicked.

- I-I'm really sorry Hibari! I came across a bucket and ended up getting all dirty and then I realized I didn't have a change of clothes so I thought I'd dry the one I was wearing so I wouldn't get the whole school dirty but I needed to be quick…!

The president, realizing the direction that this euphoric explanation was going to take, proceeded to ignore it in exchange for opening his notebook and discovering for himself through the security cameras what the hell had happened while letting the Little Animal go astray.

-…So I thought about Natsu creating a fire in a bucket that I tripped over and using the heat to dry them but he got really excited because we hadn't seen each other in a while and I think he tried to show off to me and ended up melting the bucket and several baseballs and almost burned my clothes too…!

How could he take so much breath?

-…I soon saw that it wasn't a good idea and I tried to make him stop but then someone from the Committee saw me and I just had time to tell Natsu to run away and I know I should have returned him to the ring but I had afraid that someone would see so I just told him to run out the window and when the Committee member saw me he demanded explanations about who Natsu was and I'm not a good liar and that made him suspicious to the point of searching my bag and finding my Gumi that I forgot they were there…!

With a frown Hibari saw three students putting a bucket on top of the door, in addition to Tsuna being hit by it, and through the cameras of the external areas, his exit to the dressing room and then smoke and then a lion jumping out the window.

-…Reborn forbade me to use them and even confiscated them from me but as we weren't having class I think he didn't take them out of my bag and I also didn't know how to explain this to the Committee member which only made him more nervous and so he dragged me here!

When the brunette finished it was clearly out of breath and bent over in a ninety degree position.

- I'm really sorry Hibari! I promise I will work harder and pay for damages, so please don't bite me to death!

And a soft laugh was what made him straighten up, only to finally notice the figure of Fon sitting in the window and chuckling softly behind his hand.

- F-fon?! - He questioned, clearly gasping for air.

- Saw? I said he was interesting.

- Little Animal. - Named Hibari, making the smaller one line up like a soldier. - Shut up for a moment and sit on the couch.

- But I'm soaked! - And seeing the expression of few friends of your Guardian... - Hiiiie! All right! All right!

And he obeyed, sitting down as curled up as possible, as if trying to look smaller in front of a large predator, which was totally true, while Hibari continued analyzing the images on his computer, Fon came forward to pour some water for the distressed brunette.

As he waited for seconds that dragged on like hours, Tsuna couldn't help but remember that the last time he was on that same couch, Yamamoto, Gokudera and almost himself had been bitten to death by invasion, thanks to Reborn, which was not did nothing to help him calm down.

- Have some tea and stop shaking. - Cloud's grumpy notification almost made the smaller one let out another "Hiiie", but he stopped himself at the last second, advancing uncertainly to the bottle sitting innocently on the coffee table next to some cups. - You said you "came across" a bucket? - And the sudden question had him spilling hot tea all over himself, making him surprised it didn't hurt as much as it should have. -…Is that what happened?

Fon, taking the cue, jumped over to Hibari's table and leaned over curiously to see the reason for the question, also frowning at what he saw.

- Eeeh… Yes? I say yes! I-I'm a wreck, so… I wasn't paying attention to where I was going, so the bucket fell, I-I mean, I fell into it, eeeh, I tripped…?

- You're right, you don't know how to lie, Tsuna. - Fon commented with a half smile. Hibari only raised an eyebrow at Storm's intimacy with the youngest. - There are cameras at the school.

- Eeeh? Since when?! - Until then, the Disciplinary Committee has always been Hibari's eyes, much more efficient than any camera.

- Since the attack on Yamamoto Takeshi. - The Cloud just explained by closing his computer. - I made that herbivore scientist make them for me.

Was that why he knew where Yamamoto, Gokudera and Ryohei were in the Representative Battle? Or had he simply felt its flames?

In any case, this was not the time for these questions.

- Herbivores that band together to attack small animals are scum.

- Eeeh… - He wasn't sure what to say to that.

- Why didn't you defend yourself, Tsuna? - Contributed Fon with something clearer.

- I don't want to hurt anyone. - He lowered his head, as if he was being scolded. - And it was nothing really, it's been a few weeks since I went through something like this...

- A few weeks? - Repeated the Cloud, frowning even more.

- It's no big deal! I already knew this would happen after the Pole Knocking, it just didn't happen last year because Gokudera and Yamamoto prevented it. It was my fault for getting in the way of team A...

- Tsuna. - Fon commented in a soft tone looking the smaller one in his eyes. - I admire your posture of not wanting to hurt unnecessarily those who are much weaker than you, but just accepting being attacked like that without even defending yourself is not wise. Furthermore, nothing you may have done gives other students the right to harm you, either physically or mentally.

- I've always been through this kind of situation, it's not a big deal, I'm really used to it. - He continued trying to retain importance facing his own feet.

Fon took a long breath, noticing out of the corner of his eye that Hibari looked like he was about to hit the Sky just out of his apathy.

- You are a man who would give his life for others, but you are unable to fight to defend yourself. Living for the family instead of for your own safety is beautiful but sad. - Offered the Chinese man with regret.

Tsuna opened his mouth to continue arguing, but a warning look from Hibari again made him shut up about it, limiting himself to sneezing because he was half dressed, and wet, in the December cold despite the hot tea having scalded him.

- Just be careful, Tsuna. - Fon insisted. - You may not care, but you are surrounded by powerful and dangerous people who care, if you just let this keep happening, everything could end up in a much worse reprisal than if you had only defended yourself.

- Right... - He just confirmed it, and for some reason he felt his body suddenly shake and a bad feeling engulf his stomach at those words. - I am going to try.

Hibari stood up, with his Tonfas raised, which made the smaller one tremble even more.

- Sorry Hibari! - He offered exasperatedly, shaking his hands frantically. - I-I'll pay for the damages! - And feeling that the biggest one stopped beside him, he closed his eyes waiting for the metallic blows. - Hiiiie!

Which never arrived.

Instead he felt something light fall on his wet head.

- You have a fever these days, you shouldn't be walking around soaking wet in the middle of winter, if you get sick the herbivores will get noisy. - He placed it with indifference as the Sky opened its eyes to see what had been placed on its head.

Just not believing when he realized that it was Hibari's characteristic black coat, it was even weird to see him without it, it made him seem strangely smaller.

- Do you want me to wear your coat?! - He put it in shock, thinking of all the attention it would get, even if the eldest had previously taken off his president's sash.

- By now you should know that it's forbidden to walk around the school in your underwear.

Tsuna lowered his head in shame at this, and the worst thing was that she couldn't blame Reborn this time.

- On that commode. - His self-pity had to wait as the eldest followed, pointing to a low furniture with blue doors in the left corner of the room. - Have a reserve uniform, he's next to a birdseed pot. Get dressed and go take your test, Little Animal.

Hibari was using all his self-control not to attack Fon, whose knowing smile irritated him even from across the room.

-...I won't be bitten by what happened?

That made him turn to the smaller one who soon shivered and regretted his words.

- I don't hit defenseless animals*. But you have until Saturday to bring me the money you promised for the breakdowns, otherwise I'm really going to bite you to death.

- Hiiiie! OK! OK! - And before the biggest one could reach the doorknob, Tsuna called him again. - Ah… Hibari… - The other turned to him again, in a bad mood. - Thank you very much! - He said getting up and bowing slightly.

The smile he received from the smaller one could easily blind someone, but Hibari just replied with a "Hmm."

- A-alright, I'll bring the money as soon as I can, along with the washed uniform.

- Kusakabe will inform you of the value. As for the uniform, I don't want this thing anymore, burn it after wearing it. - The Cloud just said with angrily, as if the clothes had committed a terrible crime, which made no sense. Then he left the room with his firm steps, closing the door as he passed.

Moment when Tsuna let out a big sigh of relief.

- Kyoya has a good heart, although it doesn't look like it. - Commented Fon, which Tsuna had forgotten he was in the room, so silent was his presence. - But he still a mercenary, it's a shame it ended up like this, with you losing the money you got after so much work.

He would even offer his own, but he knew the smaller one would never accept, this was indirectly confirmed when the brunette shook his head.

- It is not alright. In fact, it's a good thing this happened when I can at least get some money. - He said, unable to stop remembering when Reborn and Bianchi ran out of TakeSushi without paying and he really thought that Tsuyoshi would kill them for that. - Also, I don't want to harm the baseball team in any way because of a stupid idea.

That made the Chinese one smile.

- By the way, one thing made me curious. - Followed Fon. - Despite the name, I've never seen anyone use flames for something as simple as drying clothes.

This made the smaller one blush, walking over to the dresser.

- W-well, they generate heat, don't they? So I thought that if I increased their temperature, it would generate hot air. - He put it awkwardly avoiding the gaze of the older one. - Clearly it wasn't a good idea.

The Ex-Arcobaleno raised an eyebrow.

- I found it ingenious, but are Skies able to regulate the temperature of their flames at will?

- Yes? - He doubted opening the furniture looking among folders and documents for the mentioned uniform. - I mean, I think? It's not like I've talked to other Skies about it… And Lal and Reborn never got into those little ones, so I can't be sure.

- Hmm, interesting. Well, Tsuna let me take your wet uniform to your house. - This caught the attention of the teenager who turned to Storm, already with the change of clothes in hand. - I was just passing through and decided to visit Kyoya on the way, I left I-Pin with Kusakabe just to avoid explosions. Your house is not far from here, so we can stop by and then continue with the tour.

- Serious?! Wouldn't that be a problem?

- Absolutely not. It will just be a detour.

- Really, thank you very much, Fon! - He thanked while the baby went to the wet bundle near the sofa and picked them up.

- I'll take that too. - He said indicating the Gumi. - It is dangerous to leave among civilians unmonitored.

- I really don't know how to thank you.

- Just play with the kids later and it will be more than enough pay. - That made the brunette one blink. - Bovino complained a lot when I took I-Pin with me, said you didn't play with him anymore, and I believe I-Pin also misses spending time with his little brother.

- O-oh, of course. - Said awkwardly - I'll do that.

And then he bowed softly, which the other clumsily repeated, and then retreated through the same window he had entered.

It was amazing how the Arcobalenos could be so different from each other, in many ways Reborn was like the complete opposite of the Storm.

He put that aside, analyzing the uniform he now had in his hands, because it was a strange feeling to be alone in this room and he would stay as little as he could, even though he didn't really feel alone, Hibari's flames practically permeated the place.

As he imagined, the uniform was much larger than he was, and would probably look like pajamas. However, that wasn't what really caught his attention.

There were several rips sewn and mended all over that garment, very skillfully, but still making it clear that this outfit had seen better days.

However, there was something else, something that definitely shouldn't be there, and that nevertheless, made understanding reach him.

"So that's why Hibari hates this uniform." - He thought, still wearing it, not forgetting that this was one of the strangest things he'd ever done, even though it was in theory something as simple as wearing someone else's clothes.

-.-.-.-

Just as he had imagined, he drew a lot of attention as he walked through the halls with that characteristic black coat, the fact that he had put on the sleeves, unlike Hibari who wore it on his shoulder, didn't seem to have diminished that fact at all.

If the outfit itself didn't attract all sorts of looks for its own sake, or for making him look even smaller and scrawnier, then no doubt the various patches, as if this outfit had been through an entire war, fulfilled that role.

It would be downright scary if he didn't know exactly what occasion had put it in this state. He knew as soon as he touched the outfit, and he had no idea how that was possible.

This was, without a doubt, the uniform Hibari wore when he invaded Kokuyo Land and faced Mukuro.

If the countless patches weren't proof enough, there were, even so many months later, traces of the Mist Flame on that fabric. He still didn't know how that was possible, and even worse, how he could be so sure, but he knew he was there, almost as if he were close to the Mist itself.

Which was quite strange, as he could feel the Cloud Flames immersed in Hibari's coat as well, which caused the unsettling feeling of being accompanied by this dangerous duo without a deadly battle unfolding.

It was surreal.

Maybe it was because Mukuro needed a lot of power to control Hibari? So much so, that he had left marks behind?

Come to think of it, the state of the clothing was frightening even knowing how it had happened.

He kept trying to avoid the questioning and confused looks, even from other Committee members, feeling relieved when he reached the room where his damn exam was going to be.

- Excuse me… - He said as soon as he opened the sliding door. - I'm sorry for being late!

However, whoever was there was just the member of the Committee from before who looked him up and down in disbelief.

-...The teacher is not here, she had an allergy crisis, again, and went to the infirmary. - He informed him grudgingly. - Sit down until she arrives. Last wallet, window.

- Oh, yes sir. - And with his head down, he ran to his mentioned place, finding it strange that his lost bag was already there. As usual Osamu sat right in front of him, and although he too was surprised by the set of clothes he wore, his surprise soon gave way to his usual smugness.

- I got detention for our little prank today. - He put it with arrogance. - So as a thank you, I did you the favor of bringing your things to the living room and tidying your place, I hope you like it~

With a bad feeling, the brunette opened his backpack to find that his obentô was gone, but that was not enough, what really hit him was finding the apostille that Dino had lovingly made for him, all crossed out with "USELESS" scribbled on everywhere.

He put away the apostille, now literally useless, and putting his bag aside, he wasn't in the least surprised to find that Osamu had also taken the trouble to scratch his desk.

"Useless", "You disgrace this school", could be seen all around, once the marks appeared, several giggles spread through the mixed room.

- Silence in the room!

This was definitely the kind of teasing he missed the least, which had simply disappeared since Gokudera came into his life.

But neither he nor Yamamoto were here now, and he had disrupted the school's main event, he was sure this was just the beginning.

- Your teacher is coming back, meanwhile I'll distribute the tests. - Informed Tsuneo walking through the desks delivering papers, when he stopped beside his desk, his expression frowned. - This table better be clean after cleaning time.

- Yes, sir… - He took a deep breath, it wasn't the first time that a superior, whether a member of the Committee or a professor, deliberately ignored a clear attack he suffered.

It wasn't the first time their chair had been spray-painted.

Who played bad jokes on him, or stole, or even ruined his things.

However, mentally reviewing everything that had happened that busy day, he realized that this was the first time he had been irritated by any of these things.

Was it because he felt accompanied by the flames of the more temperamental Guardian duo?

"Does that even make sense?" - So immersed in his thoughts, he didn't notice when a bright and pure orange flame appeared on his forehead, much less when the teacher came back, being apparently the only one to notice something wrong, giving the useless of the school strange looks of admiration.

And so the assessment began, and never before has Sawada Tsunayoshi taken an exam with such anger and strangely, focus.

-.-.-.-

- Mr. President, did you call me? - Kusakabe really wanted to know, not even blinking when he found his superior surrounded by the crooked and bloody bodies of two students considered delinquents, much less seeing him counting some bills and money also stained with blood.

- Yes. I imagine that Tsuneo Oikawa has already informed you what happened.

He sighed.

- Yes, very emphatically.

- Hmm. - He grumbled, extending the money, literally, dirty to his right arm. - Calculate the damage, deduct this amount, and what is left inform the Little Animal before he goes home.

Kusakabe raised an eyebrow, but nodded.

- Yes sir.

He was about to leave when the leader of the delinquents, a guy with scars on his face, rose from his shaky seat.

- F-forgive me, Hibari! - He exclaimed, blood running from his mouth. - We had no intention of extorting any students in your place!

- Extort? - Asked the Cloud, smiling sideways, preparing his tonfa again, to the boy's despair. - I prefer the term "Compulsory Contribution."

And he hit him again, sending him flying and still knocking out a tooth.

Kusakabe just sighed and shook his head, they just never learned.

-...Gao...? - The pair turned their eyes towards the school gates, seeing there a well-known lion cub hiding fearfully behind the wall.

- Well, and there's the "unknown insider", Natsu. - Ironically Kusakabe.

Before, however, the right arm could make any movement to catch him, Hibari took the lead, ripping off the bonnet of the other student he had knocked down, tearing them with his hands, making almost a serpentine, and then tying him to the end of his tonfa and starting to shake, to get the cat's attention.

- Gaoo! - It worked perfectly, and in seconds, with its huge eyes open, the scared feline gave up its hiding place to try to grab the rag, like a cat would.

Occasionally scratching the faces of the fainted students as he landed on them on his heels while trying to catch the thread of fabric, not that Hibari seemed to mind.

- Do you want me to give Natsu to Sawada too? - Wanted to know.

However, when he was completely ignored by his president, who was dedicated to making faster and higher movements, smiling sideways when he saw the little puppy do pirouettes and then fell awkwardly to the ground, Kusakabe gave up on separating them and went to do his job, while texting other Committee members to clean up the mess at the gate.

-.-.-.-

The test seemed to have been easy, so he was sure he had gone wrong.

He got up and as the other students went in search of cleaning materials, in his opinion, this was an extra punishment for having stayed in recovery, cleaning a dirty school with renovation dust.

It was still better than being bitten to death.

But not much better.

Feeling much lighter, and above all calmer than during the test, he dedicated himself mainly to cleaning his wallet, ignoring a new wave of giggles led by Osamu. He had to concentrate on getting this done quickly so he wouldn't be late getting to TakeSushi.

Only from the cleaning being heavier than it usually was, there were enough hands not to take too long, which made a feeling of relief wash over his body. At least one thing on this disastrous day would work.

- Stop the slack and clean up too, Osamu! - Exclaimed annoyed a young girl with long brown hair who knew she was Kyoko's friend, not as much as Hana, but they still talked often, they had even seen her in Byakuran's future. She was the only recovery woman, and she complained angrily to her colleague who was sitting in his chair fiddling with his cell phone with his good hand instead of helping.

- She's right. - Another student from another class joined, who knew he was in the baseball club. - You're not even helping!

- And let you lose the opportunity to lose weight, Toukesshi? I would never do that. - Ironically the boy closed his cell phone, in time to see the reddened expression of the little boy with a mole on his face.

- Hey! But it's today that I punch you in the mouth! - Kyoko's friend came forward.

"Don't intrude, don't intrude." - Tsunayoshi repeated just like a mantra, dedicating himself to cleaning the window. - "It's just Osamu being stupid with someone else, at least it's not you!"

- Stop Yamato! - Toukesshi tried to hold the young girl, but he was much smaller than the girl, and weaker.

- Let me go! Just because this trash's mother already has his future guaranteed, that's no excuse for him to be a bum in school and in life!

"Why even Kyoko is this girl's friend?" - He thought exasperated. - "She looks like a MiniSqualo!"

- And what does a girl raised by her grandmother know? At the very least, your parents abandoned you when they saw how useless you are! In that you look a lot like Useless-Tsuna.

TUUUM

In a rush of anger, the girl named Yamato Yuka tried to throw one of the cleaning buckets towards Osamu, but her aim was bad, and the object ended up hitting a chair and flying towards the window, splashing completely on Tsuna.

- What do you know about my family?! - She exclaimed with tears already coming out of her eyes.

- Hey!

- We had already cleaned there!

- If you're not going to help, don't get in the way!

Other students complained, while Yamamoto's companion tried in exasperation to calm the crying young girl.

- Your grandmother didn't teach you to control yourself, did she? - Wanted to know annoyed Osamu, cleaning the screen of the phone that had also spilled a little. - A girl like you better learn to be quiet in your corner if you want to have any future.

Maybe it was the anger he felt earlier, the influence of his temperamental friends' flames, the previous day's argument with Reborn about the girls, or a mix of everything, but when he realized he was already in front of the duo, staring at Osamu with a frown.

- E-enough, Osamu. - He started out insecure. - Can't you see she's crying?

- And? - He shrugged, everyone now stopping to look at the unusual scene of Useless-Tsuna facing one of his Bullies, something they haven't seen since Mochida.

And this time it had been a spectacle, no one could blame them for being curious.

- Why don't you help her then? The useless have to stay together. - That said, he bent down and picked up the bucket, now empty, that had rolled close to where they were. - Pick up and clean up the mess, so you already start preparing for your future, joining with your kind...

"If I stay to clean this up anymore, I'm definitely going to be late." - He thought seeing the bucket. - "But it would be the least problematic way to solve it."

-...Know your place instead of just getting in the way of geniuses like Yamamoto and Gokudera. A useless person like you, abandoned by his own father and the shame on his mother, is only good enough to follow orders, what are you waiting for then? Get the bucket soon.

At that moment, something simply cracked inside Sawada Tsunayoshi.

-...No... - He said almost in a whisper, with his head down.

- What? Speak louder, no one listens when you mumble!

- I said NO. - A hot breath enveloped the entire room in an almost suffocating way, like the hot desert wind, while Tsuna lifted his face, his bright orange eyes, but no flame on his forehead. - Did I mumble now?

Osamu swallowed, but didn't back down.

- W-who do you think you are to talk to me like that, Useless-Tsuna?! If my mom finds out you laid a finger on me, you'll never get a job in this town! Just try to repeat-

- No! - He repeated forcefully, almost screaming, his voice echoing through the empty room, making the smallest squeak and bring his hands to his hair, as if he wanted to protect them. - You can't make me do something I don't want to! Not me, not anyone else!

And Osamu fell on his backside, staring with wide eyes at the brunette, who didn't even seem to believe what he had just done, while he took his hand to his forehead, as if looking for something, and when he didn't find it, he was even more confused.

- What is all this mess?! - The sliding door of the room was opened with a thud, revealing Tsuneo again, with an irritated look, but this time he was not alone, Hibari was with him, he had a smile on his face and an eyebrow raised with curiosity. Over his head was a small Hibird, feathers ruffled, and looking as wet as he was scared.

- VETERAN! - Osamu exclaimed dragging himself across the floor on all fours towards the duo. - Sawada Tsunayoshi attacked me! He threw a bucket at me and messed up the whole room we were cleaning!

- So it was definitely his voice screaming, Sawada! How many problems can you cause in one day?!

- B-but...

- It was not him! - Yamato took a step forward, wiping his tears with the back of his shirt and facing the president with clear fear. - It was Osamu who threw the bucket! Usel, I mean, Sawada just defended me! He defended us, didn't he Tekini?

- Aaaaah… Yes?

- What do you mean, "Yes?!"

- That's what I was telling you, President. - Resumed the word Tsuneo. - Sawada is a bad apple for this school

Instead of answering, Hibari crouched down to Osamu's height, extended his hand and…

POW

With a tonfas' hit he sent him across the room.

- A small animal does not attack another that it considers larger, even if it is a herbivore, without a good reason. - Was all he said, standing up again.

- But President!

And another tonfas' hit, this time in Tsuneo, almost making him fall through the second floor window.

- Stop pestering me, and make sure this Herbivore finishes all the rest of the work himself. As for all other herbivores. - He turned to the other students in the room. - Get out before I bite you for crowding!

The effect was immediate, all the other students left as fast as they could leaving Osamu behind, Tekini having to push Yamato Yuka to do the same.

Tsuna tried to leave too, but the Cloud's deep voice stopped him.

- Sawada Tsunayoshi. - A shiver ran down his spine at having his full name called like that, it reminded him of the Hibari of the future.

- S-sorry Hibari! You told the herbivores to leave, so I thought… - He started unsure.

- You're not a herbivore. - That made him blink. - And as for what you did here...

- Hiiiie! Excuse! I didn't want to cause trouble again!

-...Good job.

-...Eh...? - And without offering him an answer, the Cloud just said goodbye with a nod and a strange smile on his face.

"What was this?" - He wanted to know to himself, starting to leave before anything else happened, only then noticing a peculiar detail in his clothes. - "Weird? I swore they got wet again..."

And not only that, nor was there any trace of flame on the clothes as he had felt before, no sign of Mist or Cloud.

"Was it all just my imagination?"

But that was pushed to the back of his mind when he realized he only had 5 minutes to get to TakeSushi.

Kusakabe barely had time to open his mouth to explain the invoice in hand or deliver a tired, satisfied Natsu, and the Vongola was already putting on his gloves to leave as quickly as possible, regretting that Natsu wasn't big enough to serve as a mount.

-.-.-

Only when he had already arrived at TakeSushi that he realized he had forgotten his costume in the rush to leave his house in the morning, he was sure that Mr. Tsuyoshi would be very disappointed, sales had gone even better with the acquisition.

However, this ceased to be a problem once he arrived at the restaurant. He quickly returned a sleepy Natsu to the ring, and slipped through the door with less than 30 seconds to go before his turn.

- I arrived! Sorry, I forgot the costume! - He exclaimed breathlessly, preferring to confess at once, almost tripping over his baggy pants, and then walking quickly to the bench and bowing in apology, but he stopped before he could make the gesture when he noticed, strangely, the heavily frowned expression and Tsuyoshi's slightly pale face. -...Is everything alright, sir?

- Don't worry about the costume, someone... Someone came to bring it to you. - He said in a serious tone, as if reporting a tragedy. - She's over there, in the back of the restaurant.

- She...? - That said, the man indicated with a trembling hand a tall figure he knew very well, as it was no one more, no one less than Bianchi, absently sipping a juice while looking at a window, a package tightly wrapped on his desk.

Immediately Tsuna understood the reason for his employer's discomfort.

- Please… - Followed the Sushiman in an exasperated whisper. - Please keep her away from my kitchen!

- I-I'll do it. - He put slightly nervous, heading towards the table of the young woman, still feeling anxious when he stopped beside her. - Eeh, Bianchi?

- Hello. - It was the simple greeting he received as she turned towards him, his attention soon caught by the baggy clothes he wore. - Well, it looks like you've lost a lot of weight, you must not be eating right, let me-

- No, please! - He shouted more shrilly than he would like, waving his arms frantically before the young woman could emerge with her infamous Poison Cooking. - And I'm fine! That outfit isn't mine! Hibari lent me!

- Yes I know. - That made the youngest blink confused. - Fon showed up with some of his clothes earlier, soaking wet. He said that you were involved in an accident in the school locker room, but that Hibari had already helped you.

- And that's all he said? - He asked, afflicted without thinking, all he didn't need at that moment is for everyone to know about Osamu's stupidity.

Fon was right, even if he didn't mind the taunts for a long time, that doesn't mean the boys would be equally careless, especially Gokudera and his bombs eager to explode anyone who dared speak ill of their Tenth.

Only too late did he realize that he had said too much by the look the Italian was giving him, his next words only confirmed that fact.

- Did anything else happen?

- Uh… - He hesitated, knowing it was useless to try to lie, especially to the assassin. - Yes, but it was no big deal. - He hurried to say, putting his hand on the back of his neck awkwardly. - The spirits are still agitated because of the Pole Knocking, some of my companions ended up arguing, but Hibari fixed things before everything went wrong. As for me, I just fumbled with a baseball hoop in the locker room and ended up screwing it up as usual.

She didn't offer an answer, instead just staring at him with that relaxed look she usually wore.

- There is no lie in what you said. - She concluded, starting to get up. - But neither is the whole truth. - He swallowed hard at those words, but was smart enough to keep silent. - By chance Tsuna, do you know what your greatest ability is?

- My greatest ability? - He repeated confused by the direction the conversation was taking. - You mean my XX-Burner?

His face turned bright red when instead of answering, the young woman took his chin and forced him to face her.

- No. I said better ability, not technique.

- Eeeh... I-I...

- You don't look like a mafioso...

- It's because I'm not one!

-...Nor does you have the face of someone who would be able to hurt even a fly. - She continued ignoring the opposite discomfort, limiting himself to bringing their faces closer to a really uncomfortable point. - Everything on your face betrays kindness, innocence and teenage stupidity.

-...Heeeh- He continued not knowing what to say. - Is that supposed to be a compliment?!

- Yes. - She finished, much to his relief, letting go of him. - Like I said, it's not the face a mafioso should have, not even that idiot Cavallone gets your feet on that.

- I already said, it's because I- But he was interrupted.

- You are a terrible liar, transparent as glass, a real open book. - This again made the youngster stop, watching as the older one turned to face the view from the window. - Therefore, it is not necessary to know you for a long time to expect only truths coming from your lips. And yet, precisely because you don't know how to lie, you hide in the truth, in half-truths. - Then her vision finally turned to the brunette. - That's why dissimulation is your greatest ability.* After all, seeing through the truth is always more difficult.

- I just… - He swallowed, looking away, feeling suddenly exposed. - I don't want to worry anyone. Do I make it that obvious?

- Yes. - That made the smallest grumble internally. - You and Reborn can be very different and at the same time similar.

- What do you mean?

- My beloved sent me here to deliver this to you, and asked me to make sure you had eaten something. - This sent a shiver down the opposite spine. - I even offered to make an extra obentô for you, but he unfortunately said it wasn't necessary. - She ended dramatically.

- N-no need to worry about that! Mister Tsuyoshi always lets me eat something if I get hungry! - He hastened to say.

- Are you sure? I can cook something with lots of love for you now. - She said turning her gaze to the kitchen, this time making the old Tsuyoshi shiver.

- No, seriously! Everything is fine! I am fine!

- If you say. - And with that a sense of relief washed over him.

- Still, thanks for the fantasy. - He said, squeezing it against his chest.

- Thank Reborn, as I said, it was his request. - And then she flashed him a knowing smile. - Even though, if you ask him, he'll deny it to his death, but he does care about you. With everyone in the family, but especially with you.

- Even with the Lambo? - He asked in disbelief.

She smiled.

- He didn't kill him until today, did he?

She had a point.

-...I'm not sure if he really cares, he always just does what he wants… - He huffed in frustration.

- If you thought anyway, you wouldn't have fought for him, and against him, to break his curse. - She accused softly, making him slide his gaze. - You know, I'm almost jealous of how much he cares about you, however, if you, so young, already resort to dissimulation to avoid scaring your friends, what makes you think he doesn't do the same? - That made the smallest blink really considering those words with a frown. - The biggest difference between you is that he is an excellent liar. Just because he hides his emotions doesn't mean he doesn't have them.

With that, she started to walk away, leaving him thoughtfully behind, but stopping just a few steps later, and talking again, still with her back turned.

- Tsuna, do you think I'm weak?

This definitely alarmed the little one, and brought him abruptly out of his brooding state.

- What?! Of course not! You are one of the strongest people I know! - He hastened to say, remembering all the times he was really afraid of her. - Your Poison Cooking is just plain scary!

- Do you think Chrome is weak?

The brunette frowned, confused.

- No, Chrome is also impressive, even with her fragile body, she never ceased to amaze me.

- So you don't think that Kyoko and Haru can be strong too? - She turned to face him again. - In the world we live in, we must be strong if we want to survive.

He didn't respond, just lowering his head, surprising himself when she stopped again inches in front of her.

- It's very beautiful how you care about them, reminds me when I met Reborn, but don't you think that your overprotectiveness can suffocate them, and that can lead them to lie and hide things so as not to alarm you, as you are doing with my brother and Yamamoto? It made him open his eyes, almost in shock at the possibility. - What do you prefer?

-… - He swallowed, not knowing what to say.

- Anyway, as there are many people who can be affected no matter how small the thing that happens to you, I don't blame you for dissimulating to prevent your friends from going around blowing people up, but it would be complicated if girls did the same with you. So I propose to you a deal.

-...Deal...? - He repeated fearfully.

- As your home tutor in cooking and arts, I teach you to dissimulate better, stop being that open book that can put you and others in danger, and in return, you give the girls a chance. Everyone wins, don't you think?

Tsuna didn't respond right away, unable to after thinking that he had promised just the day before to be honest with his feelings.

However, on second thought, he had also promised Enma to tell him everything that happened. If you hid the worst from others, but told Enma, wouldn't you be keeping your word to both of them?

- I will think. - He limited himself to repeating the same answer he had said to the Ex-Arcobaleno the day before, but the young woman didn't seem bothered by the vacancy, especially when he continued. - I need to talk to Reborn first, apologize for losing my temper yesterday...

A shiver ran down his spine. That would undoubtedly be painful.

It made her smile widen, she had managed to.

-...Then I decide what to do. - He finished it.

- Want a tip? - He confirmed with his head. - In this conversation, be honest with him, really, and expose all your points. As a Mafia-born man, he rarely had that luxury with anyone, but you're a civilian, in this industry, that's his advantage.

For the first time that day, a small smile appeared on the boy's face.

- Furthermore. - And he jumped when he felt both her hands on his shoulders. - When you need any love and sentimental advice again, think of me as your second mother, and don't hesitate to ask me!

- EEEEEEH?! SECOND MOTHER?! - He screamed with all his strength, making Tsuyoshi's knife almost fly out of his hand in fright. - What?! Where did that come from?!

- It's just a way of talking. - She followed, unmoved despite the screams. - Since you can't talk about that kind of stuff with Nana. So you can tell me about those worries, my mom used to be my biggest confidant, even the biggest dissimulator still needs a trusted person to vent to if he doesn't want to blow up.

- Right… - He put it hesitantly.

- Besides, if you started to see me as your second mother, it would already help me to guarantee my future place in the family.

- WHAT?! - He yelled again, this time definitely Tsuyoshi dropped the knife, while Tsuna's face was getting paler. - You… - He swallowed hard. - You don't have… No interest in my father, do you?

Silence.

- You're so innocent. - That was all the answer he got. - Of course not. I only have eyes for my dear Reborn.

This made the younger one sigh, his relief almost palpable.

Then she released him, and with one more of her enigmatic smiles, she set off with her confident steps.

When Tsuna went to the counter, he realized that he wasn't the only one relieved with the departure, Mr. Yamamoto was sitting on a bench, being fanned with a plate by one of his employees.

- Sorry for the delay, Mr. Tsuyoshi.

- All right boy, the important thing is that she left. - And seeing the completely absorbed expression of the minor he added. -...What's it? Looks like you guys were having a pretty lively conversation.

- It's nothing, I just… - He started, scratching the back of his head. - I honestly don't understand women, much less know how to deal with them.

- There is. - The older man laughed ironically, getting up. - That's normal, you're too young for that. I remember when your father would bring your mother here on first dates, for Miyamoto Musashi's Katanas, he was a complete disaster.

- Eeeh?! - Again that made the smallest jump in surprise. - Did you know my father?!

-...You can say yes. - He shrugged his shoulders, picking up his knife and ready to start work again. - Even though I think it's unfair to compare the two of you, he always goes on his work trips alone, but you always take your whole caravan with you wherever you go, no one gets left behind. - Then the man seemed to realize that he had said too much. - Ah, but that's none of my business! I have to focus on work, work! Let's go, we've already wasted a lot of time and customers won't wait any longer! There, your first deliveries are there!

- Oh yes sir! - And yet he couldn't help but ponder the man's last words, which hammered his head until the end of that day.

Nobody is left behind.

Was this the girls' fear?

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

After a long day of work, in which the deliveries had again been a success, Tsuna returned home thoughtfully, going over and over again what he could say to his tutor, already accepting the fact that he would probably end up getting shot, who knows two.

Upon opening the door, however, with his senses as alert as he could manage, the scene that greeted him was definitely not what he had expected.

- On the third day of Christmas my love gave it to me... - He blinked again seeing how the choir was waiting for him in the genkan of his house, the two doves, Lambo and I-Pin were still responsible for the singing, but now there was the inclusion of three more costumes and personalities. - Three chickens. - And Tsuna blinked in surprise, and rubbed his eyes not to see if he was imagining things, because in front of him, dressed as a chicken, besides Fuuta who was frankly adorable, Verde and Colonnello. - Two doves, and a partridge on top of a pear tree!

And there were, without fail, Bianchi and his "pear tree" costume, and the Reborn Partridge.

After that discussion, he really didn't think they would continue with this singing.

- You took too long, Useless-Tsuna. - The assassin announced with his characteristic smile.

He smiled, a little embarrassed.

- I'm at home.

- Tsuuuunaaaaa! - Lambo yelled, throwing himself into the brunette's arms, already knowing he would be caught. - Let's play! The Great Lambo wants to play!

- Alright Lambo, later the three of us will play video games together, alright? - Couldn't help but notice how I-Pin and Fuuta's eyes sparkled at that mention. Come to think of it, it had been at least two weeks since he played with them properly. - I even let you choose the game.

- Thank you, little brother Tsuna!

- I-Pin, excited! - The Chinese girl jumped up happily. - Master wants too?

Fon, who was watching everything from the kitchen door smiled sweetly at her student.

- I'm not good at this kind of thing, but if it makes you happy, I can try.

- Yaaaay! Best day ever! - She exclaimed happily.

- So after dinner, we play, okay?

- Noooo! I want to play now!

- No, Lambo, I need to do something important now, so we can play.

- Noooo! Lambo wants Useless-Tsuna now! - He insisted, clinging to the smaller one's super baggy uniform. The black coat now tucked neatly into his backpack to avoid unnecessary questions.

- Bad Lambo! - I-Pin exclaimed jumping at his height and grabbing him by the collar of his pajamas, to pull him to the floor along with her.

- Guuupyaaa! - He exclaimed, rolling on the floor, and then starting to look for his hair, until remembering that he no longer had the ten-year-old Bazooka, then resorting to her plan B. - Maaaamaaaaaaa! The I-Pin hit me! - And he ran towards the kitchen.

- Aaaah no! Lambo lying! - With the Chinese girl right behind, a comical scene with the two still dressed as doves.

Tsuna breathed a sigh of relief, although with regret for I-Pin, if he knew her mother well, she would believe Lambo.

Well, then he would make it up to her by letting her be Player One. Then he moved on to his goal, turning to Reborn who was about to be helped by Bianchi, after she came out of her tree costume, to get her own gift.

- Hmmm… Reborn? - He named shyly, catching the attention of the duo. - Could I talk to you alone for a moment?

A tiny smile formed on the assassin's lips, and instead of answering he simply jumped on the banister heading for the brunette's room, which soon followed him even more apprehensive.

- Good luck. - Fon's desire caught him halfway down the stairs.

- Thanks. - He thanked you sincerely, and then continued his ascent going to the bedroom and closing the door as he passed.

- Hey! Will he ever apologize? - Colonnello wanted to know, slightly disappointed. - That was quick.

- Reborn is very important to Tsunayoshi, and he has a big heart, even though his opinions are very opposite, this conflict could not last long. - Fon joined in, as Colonnello watched the top of the stairs.

-...This is the most humiliating thing I've ever been through. - Verde muttered in a metaphorical cloud of depression leaning against the kitchen wall.

- That's great. - Commented Bianchi to the scientist's disbelief. - Because now you will be there every time we do this, so be ready to come back tomorrow morning.

- WHAT?! NEVER I-

- Unless you want to taste my Poison Cooking. - She offered, revealing a really disgusting looking pizza.

-...Huh... What time tomorrow?

Colonnello laughed at his former teammate's incompetence, while Fon merely sighed and shook his head, which started a one-sided argument on Lightning's part.

For her part, Bianchi just looked up, an expression of satisfaction on her face, which disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

- Teacher Suzihe Tomura? - Tesono Fureizu from the Baseball team approached the English teacher, sitting at her desk in one of the classrooms, grading tests while she mumbled an endless number of things that sounded like everything but the language she taught. - Are you SURE you don't want help with proofreading?

- Thank you, Fureizu. - She put it in a sweet and somewhat high-pitched tone. - But I can handle it. You can go.

- Are you sure...? Because you seem to be having difficulties for me...

- Just so you know, I may be Italian, but my English is as good as my mother tongue. - She continued with her sweet and extremely polite voice, despite the tenor of what she was saying. - After all I-

- I do not believe that! - Not that he was listening, because all his attention was on a specific test that he just pulled off her desk to get a better look. - That just can't be possible!

On the paper was a big 87 marked in red as a note.

-...First of all, Fureizu, don't interrupt me, second, don't take the evidence without me-

- Sawada Tsunayoshi scored almost 100 points in a test?! -He continued in ecstasy ignoring her completely. - The school will turn upside down with this!

---

Notes:

* Reborn has sometimes curled his curly sideburns, he does this gesture more in the anime than the manga, mostly in the Arcobalenos flashback in episode 149 where Reborn was quite alert to be surrounded with the worst of the Mafia. In this particular scene he was rolling up his sideburn in the process, only stopping when Luce offers him an espresso and compliments his curved sideburns. We then assumed that this would be a gesture he makes when he is thinking deeply or when he is worried, interested in something.

* Something curious in the discussion between Tsuna and Reborn before the final battle of the representatives is that Tsuna shouts several truths to the Hitman and he listens to everything in silence, for the first time, without saying anything. And in the end he even has the nerve to pretend he was sleeping! So in this scene, as Bianchi said, it's like they've kind of reversed roles. And how does she know about the argument? If she helped organize the worst reunion afterwards, something she should know.

* This character is canon.

* Hibari has some moments in the manga and anime that he chose not to attack Tsuna because he found him extremely pathetic (helpless animal), two of them happen respectively in chapters 38 (episode 15) and chapter 45, in the first, it is at the end of the war of snow balls, when Hibari was going to hit Tsuna, he uses I-Pin as a shield, which makes the president just walk away saying he had Discipline Committee duties to do. The second is during the confusion of the Nageki Dan of the Tomaso Family, in which Longchamp is hit by one, making Hibari feel even more like to bite him to death because of his crying, but when the bullet hits Tsuna, who says a of derogatory things, Hibari loses interest, saying "There is nothing less fun than destroying those who have no will to live." He changes his mind shortly after, but that's beside the point :P

* Tsuna in several moments of the manga and anime prefers to hide the truth, focusing only on parts of what he needs to say, like the positive side of something, not wanting to worry his friends, he never lied to the girls about the sumo competition, that was an idea from Ryohei, and Tsuna just got carried away by his Guardian's lie. The most remarkable moment where this happens is when Kyoko runs away from the secret base in the future arc, when Lal and himself find her after going through many problems, Tsuna only tells Kyoko the positive side of everything that had happened in her search, hiding the bad things, this makes Lal, who until that moment not believe that this skinny boy was the Tenth of the past, stop in surprise, realizing that this dissimulation, even if for a good cause, was a hallmark of his future self, always worried about yours.