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!

16. 425 - Disobedient Animals

Chapter by JonaX, Kimonohi_Tsuki

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Summary:

Enma is worried about Tsuna and he is not alone in his odyssey. The girls' training continues, but are they the only ones who need help?

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Notes:

Hello herbivores, as some may have noticed, last week we didn't have a chapter, that's because one of our authors was sick, so we ended up changing the posting date, advancing our fortnightly hiatus at the end of the month. We're sorry we weren't able to let you know sooner.

In addition, we would like to ask for the help of the most dedicated readers. As you can imagine, this story takes a lot of work, so if you do have the time and availability, we would like your help to review/edit/write and or translate this long story.

If interested, please join our Discord.

Link: /wZVkyp3Faa

And this chapter has a note so big that it didn't fit in the final notes, so we'll put it here, marked with two asterisks.

** Well, we need to talk about Chrome. Let's go by parts. During chapter 168, Mukuro from the future reveals himself to Byakuran and they fight, at the end of this chapter we are shown that some organs of Chrome started to disappear, chapter 169 is practically about Chrome and her situation, where we see that with Mukuro's disappearance, his illusory organs also disappeared, and to deal with the situation, Hibari from the future appears, and Kusakabe asks everyone to leave the room, later Kusakabe reveals to us that Hibari made Chrome use the power of the Vongola Ring to create her own organs with an illusion, and with that theoretically Chrome becomes the one to make her own organs... Meanwhile in the Shimon Arch, during Chrome's captivity in Shimon Castle, Julie-Daemon says in chapter 318, page 12 that the island had a special defense system, and that Mukuro's illusions couldn't get there, and that Chrome only had her organs still because he (Daemon) was making them in Mukuro's place. Up to this point it makes some sense, especially if we think that Chrome was only able to make its illusory organs thanks to the power of the Vongola Ring, and at that moment in the story the ring had been "destroyed" by Enma, the prooooobleeem is in another line by Julie-Daemon on that same chapter page, in which he "reveals" that it was Mukuro who replaced Chrome's organs lost in the car accident through his illusions. The contradiction, Cara Pálida, is that this shouldn't be a revelation at this point in the story, it doesn't make any sense for Chrome not to know this and only find out now... Since she almost died in the past JUST because she lost Mukuro's support. And it gets worse, in the Arch of Representatives, during the beginning of chapter 362, Mukuro talks to Chrome about her health condition, he says that she is only getting worse, so much so that we see in chapter 377, page 12 that she has been hospitalized and we only find out the reason for this during the events of chapter 383, in which Chrome-without-organs appears on the battlefield insisting to join Tsuna's team, and Tsuna gets angry with Mukuro and questions him why he didn't recreate Chrome's organs and let him her in that state, after all, Reborn reveals to us that all this time Chrome was almost dying because he didn't want the illusory organs coming from Mukuro anymore (INDEPENDENCE OR DEATH), and therein lies the biggest problem of all, the fact of the chapter entire focus on how Mukuro is the only one capable of recreating our forgotten girl's organs, completely ignoring the chapter where she remade her own organs "alone", so much so that when she recreates them again by herself (this time 100% official) in that same chapter, and without the blessed Vongola Gear this time, because Mukuro's egoist had BOTH earrings, we have a great focus on that moment, treated as if it were the first time she managed to recreate her internal organs, okay, yeah, a beautiful moment, but all this is totally contradictory to the past history itself.

Summary for lazybones: 1. Chrome remakes her own organs with the Vongola Ring and Hibari's support/help, because she had lost contact with Mukuro. 2. She finds out that Mukuro made her organs, and she is not able to do that. 3. Motherfucking she can do it, and without a big guy helping. That's it. Thank you Amano.

By the way, don't you think that the Hibari of the future seemed very intimate to Chrome?

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Target 425 - Disobedient Animals

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- Are you sure you want to go alone? - Adel wanted to know next to the other Shimon, in front of the Sasagawa residence.

- It's not a big deal, so don't worry Adel, besides, everyone must be tired from the trip. - Enma said seeing Julie's yawns that continued even though the Glacier looked at him in warning. - D-don't worry, I just want to ask him a few things and then I'll go home.

It was one of the few rare times when the redhead seemed determined to do something, which Adelheid was proud of, although she didn't understand exactly why the one she considered her boss insisted on talking privately with the Sun Guardian from Vongola.

It's not that she didn't trust the Vongola after everything they'd been through together, especially in this one who was probably the most harmless guardian after the Cow, but it brought her a bad feeling that Enma might have something to hide from them.

Or rather, something to hide from her.

- Leave him Adel, he's already a grown boy, he can fend for himself. - Shitt-P said, stopping beside the black haired girl. - Aren't you the one who always says he should be more active? Well then let it be.

Enma cast a grateful look at Shittopi, who just gave him a thumbs up in recognition.

- It's all right. - She finally accepted. - But don't be late, I'm going to make a special dinner with the things that Mother Sawada gave us.

Terra confirmed with a shy smile.

- I will return home as soon as possible.

And before the Glacier could say anything else, the Desert intervened.

- That's enough, I'm sleepy, let's go, it seems that Enma is going on a mortal mission, wasn't it you who boasted that we should strengthen relations with the Vongola? So let him talk to the noisy delivery man and let's go, the most the boy can do is make him deaf.

And once again ignoring the guardian's death glares, he started walking again, Kaoru soon following him, while helping Aoba to do the same.

- See you later, Enma. - Ooyama said goodbye and also followed them.

- So let's go? - Shitt-P encouraged, to which Adel sighed in defeat.

- Right. - She finally accepted, giving Enma one last warning look. - If something happens to you, burn your flame hard and as soon as we can we will be there to help you. Right?

- It's all right. - Just shyly accepted, it seemed that the eldest had not yet overcome the surprise attack by Varia that almost killed him. - Thank you Adel, and see you later.

And so the two also left, leaving him finally alone in front of the door of the Sun.

He took a deep breath, taking courage, as he didn't remember having exchanged more than five words with the eldest until that day, and then he reached out to ring the doorbell and…

- KYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOKOO! - The guardian suddenly opened the door, almost causing a heart attack on Earth. - Where ARE YOU?! - Just noticing that he had a guest when he heard how the smallest fell on his backside in fright. - Ah… You are… Shimon's redhead.

-...My name is Enma... - He said putting a hand to his heart.

- Yeah, something like that. - He accepted without giving importance. - Hey, have you seen Kyoko? I looked all over the house for her and couldn't find her!

-...S-she was at Tsuna's house, I think she said something about going out with her friends. - He replied still trying to calm down. - Didn't she call to let you know?

-...Ah... - The older man noticed crossing his arms. - Maybe, she always calls, I must not have heard the phone again...

"Screaming like that all over the house, it's not hard to see the motive." - Couldn't stop thinking.

- Well, I feel more relaxed knowing she's fine. - And then he turned to the boy who was still on the floor. - Thank you Red-Shimon!

-...Enma. - He said once more, not understanding how Tsuna could deal with the eldest.

Then he blinked as the Sun reached out a hand ready to help him up.

- Hmm... T-thank you. - He timidly accepted with his head down, almost flying by the pull that the other gave him when trying to lift him up.

- Now I owe you two. - Said the albino while Enma made an effort to keep standing when he released him. - One for helping me on the island and now. So if you need anything, just extremely tell me!

- Actually… - He started unsure. - I really need your help... I wanted to ask you something...

- That was extremely fast! - He exclaimed satisfied, taking a step to the side. - My mother always tells me I have to be polite, so come in, let's talk in the kitchen.

More shy than ever, the smaller one just nodded and followed him, not taking his eyes off all the swaddling bands he himself had clumsily placed on the injured Sun, who had a slight limp and had burns on various parts of his body, but excluding these details, he looked reasonably fine for someone who'd crossed an entire ocean to deliver sushi.

Ryohei took him to the table where he sat while looking for something to eat and drink, although the younger one tried to tell him that Sawada Nana had already made him eat until he couldn't take it anymore.

Finding nothing, he limited himself to giving the boy a glass of water, sitting in front of him.

- Well, what did you want to ask me?

-...W-well… - He started staring at his face in the water. - When you had just woken up and were going to tell us why and how you came to the island, Reborn arrived in that Disciplinary Committee helicopter and everyone threatened us all to go up… So… I would like to hear what you were going to tell us.

- Oh, that. - Considered Ryohei. - Well, I followed the extreme ink stain in the sea until I reached the island! - He explained simply as if that said it all.

-...Yes, that was Skull's thing, but... How is it possible? - He just asked in disbelief. - How did you have flames to fly so far and why? You said something about Tsuna...

- Actually, I didn't have enough flames. - Said simply. - They ended up halfway, so I kept swimming.

- S-swimming in the middle of the o-ocean?!

- Then I ran out of strength, but I recovered a little flame, so I used my box to call my friend Kangaryuu to help me! He is an extreme kangaroo!

- K-kangaroos know how to swim?!* - He asked in shock.

- Kangaryuu yes!

- B-but how?

- Because he is very hardworking!

- W-what? - He really didn't think that would be an answer or an explanation.

- And when we both got tired, I thought I was going to die, that's when my flame burned EXTREME and I managed to fly what was missing! - He finished satisfied with a gleam in his eyes.

-...I think that makes sense... - Actually, it was the only thing that made sense in everything the older man had said. - …Our flames are born from our last will... Wait! - He noticed something. - Does that mean you were really about to die?!

- Maybe, which makes it all the more extreme! - And he started to laugh, as if he wasn't talking about his near death.

"Why are all Tsuna's guardians so crazy?" - He thought with fear, wondering how his friend still had any sanity. - "Is he really as crazy as they are?"

Honestly he didn't want to think about that possibility...

-...But why? - Insisted Enma. - Why go so far to deliver sushi?! You risked your life!

- Well, a man always has to give his all, no matter what he does! - He exclaimed, his eyes burning in flames. - Besides, I owed it to Tsuna, as his replacement, I should do a job as extreme as he did!

-...Yes... You said something like that when you woke up, that Tsuna was working as a delivery man to get money to buy Christmas presents. - He said with a small smile on his face, happy with how much the Sky cared about his friends, and more for being part of them. - But you didn't say why you were replacing him… - His expression then changed to a worried one. -...Did something happen for you to have to do this? Even more trying so hard?

- Because the little brother was sick and I didn't notice. - He finally admitted, in a much lower tone, bringing a hand to his bandaged nose. - So I did my best, as an older brother, to make up for it!

Enma frowned, squeezing the glass tightly in front of him.

- It was exactly what I feared, that's why I told Adel that I didn't want to go back to the island, but as we're trying to rebuild it... - He sighed, then turned serious to the older man, who even blinked at the change in posture. - He was sick during the Pole Knocking, and now again. On that occasion, the school's "doctor", Shamal, "took care of him", but I don't trust that man at all. And the biggest proof is that Tsuna is still sick.

But in turn, Ryohei blinked in surprise.

-...Tsuna was sick in the Pole Knocking? - He repeated calling the opposite attention. - Is that why he passed out so easily?

- Did not you know?! - He put it with disbelief. - Reborn didn't tell you anything?

The eldest shook his head.

- No, Reborn didn't tell us, Tsuna didn't either. What did Tsuna have that time?

-...Fever.

- Hey! It's exactly the same thing that happened this time, he was 39 degrees according to Reborn, he was sleeping in my living room that day, and when I found him, Reborn himself had somehow come in and was with him.

-...Did he ask you not to tell the others?

-…Well, yes, he said he had taken care of everything… - He continued in a very uncharacteristic low tone. - That if others knew, they wouldn't help at all.

Enma's expression was dark and almost as serious as the one he had in the battle of Shimon Island, the Sun, in turn, couldn't help but think that he looked like Tsuna himself when he got serious.

- Sasagawa, do you trust Reborn? - And seeing the confused expression of the other, he added. - I don't like the way he treats Tsuna, when I was preparing with Skull for the Representative Battle, he told me that Reborn was hired to make Tsuna the Tenth. That he's actually a great assassin, the best. I can't help but wonder... How important would Tsuna be to someone so used to killing? What keeps you from neglecting your student's health if it gets in the way of your plans?

- Reborn cares about his health, I'm sure of it. - Ryohei said with such firmness that it made the other blink in confusion, once again lifting his hand to his nose absently. - You see, he reminds me of a friend of mine, who, having lost a lot in life, in addition to having an extreme personality, has difficulty admitting that he cares about others, or even himself. But he cares about Tsuna, the two of them, I'd bet my life on it.

Besides what he said, Enma was impressed that the other knew how to speak without screaming for so long.

-...But if that's the case, why trust someone like Shamal?! And why hide his health from others? Isn't a guardian's duty to take care of his boss? I don't understand what he gets by hiding stuff like that if his goal is to make him boss…

- I don't know his motives. - The Sun finally declared, crossing his arms and lowering his head. - But I understand his feelings, Tsuna is my little brother, and I am his Sun Guardian. - With that he rose, with a resolution in mind. - Now that I know that his fever is not an isolated thing, but a recurring thing, even if I trust Reborn, I can't stand still!

- Huh? - Exclaimed the smaller one confused, but also getting up. - What do you plan to do?

- Well, if he was sick on the day of the battle, and on Saturday, we have to look for the person who doesn't let anything that happens in Namimori escape! No doubt he will know more details.

-...Someone who knows everything that happens in Namimori? - He repeated confused, and then his face began to lose color. - ...H-hey, you can't be talking about-

- YES! - He interrupted him, pulling him hard from the chair he was in and dragging him out of the house. - Just from the friend I mentioned before! If anyone has information about what happens to Tsuna, it's definitely him, so… Let's really talk to him!

And completely ignoring the other's panicked complaints, they both left the house, with a mission in mind.

-.-.-.-.-.-

Hibari was not happy.

His brow was furrowed as he read the latest batch of information he had received from his right arm, who was across the room they owned at Namimori's school, displaying a prominent purple on his right cheek from the "conversation" they had had earlier about being seen by Sawada.

Following a Vongola was such an unfair job… Much worse than having to do it on a very early Sunday morning.

And if that wasn't enough, he'd already accepted that he would most likely receive another blow for the information he'd gathered, despite his great efforts to get it, so he just waited in silence for his impending fate.

- This is all useless. - Decreed the President as expected, closing the last folder he had read over. - I expected more than a complete dead end.

Taking a deep breath, just internally, the younger one prepared to justify himself, even without really hoping it would save him from being bitten to death.

- I'm sorry sir, that's all I could gather about the Takako. They were a very simple and worldly family. Nothing even remotely compared to Vongola descent.

-…In short, his mother is his only living relative that he has no ties to the underworld. - He completed staring at the closed folders with a thoughtful expression. - No uncle or aunt, grandfather or grandmother who complains about him being taken to the bosom of the mafia. Just a civilian mother ignorant of his life. Besides her, only Sawada Iemitsu, who spent most of his life in Italy, and a very distant blood relationship with the Ninth Vongola.

- Exactly.

Hibari Kyoya didn't say anything else, closing his eyes and leaning back in his seat as if in meditation.

-...It gets a little sad, actually. - Kusakabe encouraged himself to say after at least five minutes of this silence, after all, his boss hadn't asked him to leave. -…He has spent practically his entire life only with his mother, and one day he will be torn away from her, to a strange country, with a father he barely knows, to succeed a grandfather who barely shares blood, to rule a "family". It becomes contradictory.

-...If he becomes the Boss of Vongola one day.

This made Kusakabe blink, as Hibari reopened his eyes.

- I wouldn't despise the Little Animal's refusal, even after almost two years not even the best assassin in the world could make him say yes to Vongola. - The President continued smiling very slightly, honestly, probably Kusakabe would be the only one really able to say that the slight tilt of his lips was a smile. - He can be quite stubborn if he wants to.

- But in the future...

- The future of the Marshmallow Maniac was an unprecedented bizarreness. - He didn't give importance, turning his gaze to the window. - A lot of variables that would only happen there.

-...But Sawada who came from the future a few weeks ago...

- He didn't say at any time that he was the Tenth, or Neo Primo, did he? - He asked, turning to his right arm, his smile only getting wider, almost becoming a normal smile. - I have my doubts if anyone could put a collar on that Wild Animal.

-...But how do you think Sawada could not succeed Vongola as the sole heir? - Followed in disbelief Kusakabe. - His resistance could even generate a civil war worse than the one against Varia. I don't see him looking for something like that.

- No. He's still too docile for that. - He agreed, looking back at the folder in front of him. - But it's a fact that his training can be more complicated than you think, his claws are growing after all. - And then his expression creased. - But there's something in particular about the information you've found that bothers me.

Kusakabe knew this topic would come sooner or later, so he opened his own copy of the folders, which he carried under his arm, reading a specific name.

- Takako Tadafuyu. - Read it in a serious tone. - Sawada's maternal grandfather. Takako Nana's father.

- There is simply no information about his origins? - Hibari followed, tapping his fingers impatiently against the table.

- Just that he was born in Izumo in 1944, he was orphaned when he was one year old by… Well, you can imagine. Then he was transferred to a jido yogo shisetsu, orphanage where he remained until he was of age, moved to Namimori when he got a job at a friend's shop, here he met his wife, they got married when he was twenty-seven and they had Takako Nana, and only her. He died young at fifty-one when Sawada Tsunayoshi was only four, I doubt he even remembers him.

-...And the orphanage he was in caught fire a year after he moved to Namimori. - Observed Kyouya reopening one of the folders.

- Yes, that's what I found out, it worked in an old shrine, and because it's almost completely made of wood, you know how jido yogo shisetsu have little budget. So if there was any information there about who his parents were, it was lost in the fire.

Hibari's expression, if possible, creased even more.

-...What about his information while he lived in Namimori? Why is there no data on the cause of death or even any medical information about him? - Inquired.

- It seems to me that he died at home and was never in Namimori hospital. - He justified leafing through the pages of his folder. - I had to question some of our older residents about this, and from what they told me, Mr. Takako had a notorious fear of hospitals, Mrs. Yamato from block one, east sector, even said that he boasted that he had not even managed to attend the birth of own daughter because of it. Mrs. Omitsukete, the mayor's former secretary, said that he often volunteered at the city's former orphanage and collected donations whenever possible until the day it closed for lack of funds. Mochida of block five west sector, the widow of Mr. Mochida Kenshin, informed me that it was he who donated the money for the construction of the Namimori square, although he asked not to have his name published.

Hibari didn't say anything in the face of all this, just looking through the pages of his respective folder, seeing photos and more photos of a smiling old man who frankly didn't look anything like Tsunayoshi or his mother, except, perhaps, for his smile. He attended his daughter's graduation, working in a store, at Nana's wedding next to her son-in-law who wore oil fields clothes, at Tsunayoshi's birth ceremony at Namimori Shrine, even with the little brunette in his arms. Even several portraits together with children from the old orphanage.

He could respect a man who seemed to care so much about his city, but his blank past simply kept him from really sympathizing with him.

-...Honestly he seemed like a wonderful person, I can see where Sawada Nana and her own son got their care for children from. - The right arm man concluded closing his briefcase again. - It must have been hard growing up in an orphanage, and he spent his life trying to help kids like him. So, while there isn't much official information recorded about his life, he was well known in the city decades ago.

- Hmm. - It boiled down to answering seeing a particular photo, where the sir worked in a vaguely familiar shop, but knew didn't exist in Namimori, at least not anymore. - What store is this?

As Hibari didn't bother to lift the photo in question, the right arm got up to look.

- Ah, nowadays is where TakeSushi is. It was the establishment of Yamamoto Takeshi's paternal grandfather, Mr. Yamamoto Jimon. It's funny how Sawada ended up working in this family business too, but I doubt Mr. Yamamoto hired him knowing this, according to our records, he only lived in Namimori until he was nine, having grown up in Yamaguchi and only coming back when his father had already passed away and the shop closed, where he ended up opening his restaurant in the place. I can research more about it if you want.

- It won't be necessary, Yamamoto Takeshi's family doesn't matter to me. - He put it again, closing his eyes. - You said that Little Animal's grandfather was born and raised in Izumo?

-...Yes sir, it is documented in the register of his old house.

- Izumo, the Land of the Gods. - Meditated the Cloud. - It's less than a two-hour drive from here.

Kusakabe's eyes widened as he realized his boss's intentions.

- You cannot be planning to go to Izumo. - He put in disbelief. -...You know what's there. - He finished distressed. - The Yamata-Gumi agreed not to step on Namimori whenever and when no Hibari steps on Izumo! Your father himself signed this agreement with Mr. Fon!

- I'm not my father and I do what I want. - He put it with sufficiency, reopening his eyes and staring at his right arm. - Raise your voice one more time or question me and I'll bite you to death. So just shut up and follow my instructions.

Kusakabe frowned, but nodded.

- Yes sir.

- I want you to get me a car and a driver, for after Christmas, the 27th. Also make a reservation for me in a hotel. I will personally get this orphanage story straight.

-...Don't you think that if there was something strange in this story, CEDEF wouldn't have discovered it by now? - The youngest tried for the last time, squeezing the branch that he always had in his mouth with force, breaking it. - After all, it was Sawada Iemitsu's father-in-law. - In response he just got a really murderous look, clearly annoyed to be questioned again. So he just sighs and confirms. -...Yes sir, I'll take care of it immediately.

- You can go then.

With a bow the youngest left the room, leaving his boss alone facing the window.

He was already in a distant hallway, with his cell phone in hand, researching hotels in Izumo when something occurred to him.

-...He's definitely going to kill me for this, but... - He swallowed, pondering, as he opened his phone book in search of a specific name.

"He's the one who asked me for a driver, and even if the president bites me to death for it, at least I know he'll be safe."

With that resolution in mind, he dialed a certain person.

-...Romário, sorry for the time, could I speak with Mr. Dino...?

He would definitely be bitten to death.

-.-.-.-.-

Nana had gone out humming to go shopping, taking with her I-Pin and Lambo, Fuuta had, as usual, asked to stay at home, preferring to stay in Tsuna's room playing video games.

The housewife had even hesitated a little about going out and leaving the house alone full of children, since Bianchi had left and Tsuna had warned her that he would be back late because he would meet his friends. However, Reborn soon convinced her that Lal Mirch would take care of everyone.

That had brought a nervous tic to the Marine's face, but she'd had to accept being billed as a nanny so they could have a private moment in that house.

So the military woman, her fiancé Colonnello, Fon and Skull were sitting at the table, while Verde was still gagged on the stair rail.

Even the Cloud couldn't believe it wasn't him instead.

In front of Reborn, Leon had taken the form of a small television, which showed a walk along a street in Namimori, for some reason the chameleon no longer had the tip of its tail.

-...So you want to show us how Sawada will react to his friends' lies? - Questioned Colonnello, speaking nasally due to all his injuries.

- Yes. - Reborn put simply. - They crossed a delicate line for my useless student, and now they will pay the consequences.

- But wasn't it you who encouraged the honorable Yamamoto's son to follow the training with the girls? - Fon considered remembering the day of the argument.

- Yes.

Colonnello laughed, while Fon sighed heavily.

- You are terrible Reborn!

- I still think that training the girls is right, now if Yamamoto didn't have the initiative to tell his boss what he was doing, that's not my problem, I just told him not to tell Tsuna while he was so nervous, it's not my fault that he took so long and sunk into all this secrecy. - He shrugged.

- Always between the lines. - Said Lal crossing her arms with a furrowed brow. - Karma will still hunt you down for that.

- As if I care about superstitions. - He replied unimportantly. - I always do what I need to do.

- Well, I think it's disrespectful to Tsuna's privacy that you use Bianchi to watch over him like that, even after guaranteeing that you would give him space. - Accused Fon with a serious expression.

- I'm not there in person, am I? So I'm keeping my word. - It was the only consideration of the Hitman making Fon sigh again. - You don't have to see it if you don't want to.

Accepting the offer, Fon jumped off the table, ready to release Verde.

Skull also considered just walking away, but a sharp look from Reborn made him stay in his place.

- Hey! - Colonnello exclaimed when the footage started to shake, as if the person carrying the camera had started to run. - Looks like it's starting!

It was as if everyone was watching the denouement of a great series, Skull had to strain all the time to try to see something from where he was on the other side of the table, just to enjoy everything happening upside down.

Fon's resolution on privacy failed when he heard from the transmitter-Leon the clearly enraged scream of that kind brunette, ending up approaching and also watching, ignoring Reborn's smug look.

Verde being the only one who didn't accept being part of this bullshit, taking advantage of his freedom to take his cell phone and go solve his own affairs, something he might regret later...

However, he didn't dare leave the house, the Poison Scorpion threat still circling his mind, but that didn't stop him from taking an "innocent" tour of the residence.

But that's another story.

When, on the recording, Tsuna went out to help the girls bring things and his two guardians fell to the ground to talk to each other in a tone too low to be heard, Reborn's smile was at least unbearable.

It was obvious that he had called everyone there just to presume his student.

- I'm glad he knows I'd punch him if I underestimated them for being women. - Lal put in with satisfaction, though his brow was still frowning. - Although I didn't expect him to test them himself, it looks like he's really taking it seriously.

-...He says he's not a Boss, but he knows how to put his subordinates in his place. - Considered Colonnello with an amused smile on his face. - This kid doesn't make sense. His signals are even more contradictory than Iemitsu's. - And seeing how the guardian duo barely seemed to be able to get up, he whistled. - Look at them, all disoriented after a scolding, they are still children.

- A scolding?! - Exclaimed the Cloud in disbelief. - Look at their shirt collar, it's clearly scorched! This is much more than just a scolding.

Skull, couldn't help but wonder how this boy could be the same boy Enma was always talking to with great affection, as if he were just another adorable kitten he found on the street, instead of this angry lion whose irritated tone reminded him of the Boss of Varia, even though, thankfully, he didn't know him well.

Fon in turn didn't say anything, although again he felt the flames inside his body burning as he witnessed how that sweet boy could be as fierce as a Hibari. It would be decidedly a lot of fun to follow the actions of this contradictory Sky. His expression, opposite to all that, kept his characteristic calm, almost as if he was bored, thus keeping his interest to himself.

- Does he suffer from split personality? - Asked Skull.

- No, errand brat. - Reborn replied, looking away from the footage when Tsuna started talking to the girls, now all reunited in the dojo. - Like all the good Skies I've known, he's only fierce when protecting something precious.

- Why don't you speak so proudly in Sawada's presence? - Colonnello wanted to know. - You know, a little self-esteem would do that boy good.

- I'm not Iemitsu to be drooling over him. - The assassin imposed without immuting. - I praise him when he really deserves it, but he will never have adulation from me.

- Do you intend to send this footage to Nono? - Considered Lal. - I'm sure he would be happy to see his successor advance. - Then her gaze became sharp. - Just don't send him to Iemitsu, the idiot will get even more irritable and unbearable!

- I won't. - Reborn pondered simply. - It's possible that this would make Nono want to speed up the succession, and I want Tsuna to graduate, with decent grades, at least at Chuugaku first. - Then he went back to watching the transmission. - He still needs some teachings before he officially becomes Neo Primo.

-.-.-.-.-

Tsuna hadn't really used his flames against his friends, however, it looked like he had.

Even when he returned holding some items sponsored by Irie and Spanner, the Storm-Rain duo remained motionless, as if petrified. The two were now seated, staring at the floor like puppies pouting after being scolded.

Which was a good comparison for that moment.

A part of him wanted to apologize again, smile and say that everything was fine and that they shouldn't worry so much, however, there was another part of him that spoke louder right now, almost like a hot will that kept him from opening his mouth and apologize once more to those two.

The same feeling that made him avoid Reborn after their one-sided argument.

So he found himself doing something he never thought he would do since they both became the first friends he had in his life.

He just ignored them.

He turned his back on both of them as he explained to Haru the uses of the same equipment that the scientist duo had taken to the Sasagawa residence last Friday.

-...I didn't know that Gokudera had so many rings, so you won't need it. - He said, indicating the Verde's lamp that he held with both hands, a spare one that they had used to deceive Vindice. - This is a Flame Inducer like the rings, but this one only stores them, the rings will be much more useful.

That said, he returned the object to his bag, to go on to look at a fanny pack full of clearly low-ranked rings that Gokudera had lent Haru, choosing a pale yellow one.

- Here Kyoko, try this one. - He put it timidly offering it to the young girl who watched him enchanted.

- Is that like Irie's? - She wanted to know by observing the object with fascination. Now she had her own magic ring. Even if it was just a loan it was really exciting.

- Yes, although it is weaker, but it does not matter for what we need at the moment. - He was really trying not to let his feelings for the redhead get to the surface right now, although his heart was still racing at the sight of her so happy putting her ring on her ring finger, he needed to maintain a modicum of neutrality here if he wanted this to work.

Besides, Bianchi's sharp gaze staring at him told him that if he privileged Kyoko over Haru, both she and Reborn would have something to say on the matter.

Though, truthfully, he didn't really think about excluding the older one after all she'd done to learn about flames either. Blood relative or not to a guardian, she had earned her right to learn.

"Maybe I've matured a little with all this mess?" - He asked himself as he watched Kyoko talk excitedly with her friend showing off her own accessory.

However, that rambling had to wait when the brunette one nearly choked on seeing how Haru lit her purple flame and showed her friend.

- EEEH? - He exclaimed drawing the attention of the duo under an abstract cloud of depression, and even that of Chrome who was a few steps away from her Boss, still holding her trident. - Are you a Cloud?

- Yes. - Answered the young girl, a little less excited than usual. - Haru preferred a more vibrant color, but still Haru is happy! - And seeing the confused expression of the young boy she added doubtfully. -...Tsuna doesn't like Haru being a Cloud?

- T-That's not it! - He hurried to say in front of the hurt tone of the brown-haired girl. - It's just that I didn't expect it, I thought you were more like… - He tilted his head thoughtfully, and Chrome couldn't help but think it was cute that her boss was picking on her manner. - Lambo, maybe?

- Hahi! Does Lambo have flames even so young?!

- Yes, he's a Lightning.

- This is amazing! - Kyoko put surprised. -…I haven't even gotten a spark yet.

- Don't feel pressured, Kyoko! - He tried to cheer her up. - Everyone takes their time.

- It's true, I only managed to use mine after the help of Mister Mukuro and Hibari from the future. - Chrome came forward, and immediately blushed as soon as all eyes turned to her, even the guardian duo and Bianchi.

- I didn't know that Hibari from the future had trained you too! - Tsuna exclaimed clearly worried.

The shy young girl just shook her head.

- It wasn't quite like that… Bianchi from the future told me… - She commented, casting a low glance at the indirectly mentioned. -...When I was in that infirmary bed, Hibari from the future helped me focus and use my flames using the Vongola Ring. - She took a deep breath, inwardly proud of being able to talk so much without stuttering, even though she was staring at the floor. -…I don't remember that, but… I'm pretty sure I heard a kind voice encouraging and instructing me, and I couldn't hear Mukuro at that time, so…

And that was the final straw for Gokudera, who chose this moment to return to his normal self, only to comment in his usual ironic tone:

- Hibari or Mukuro "kinds"? You must be crazy, woman.

Chrome visibly shranked at that comment, though she was frowning in disgust at the content of the statement to the contrary.

Tsuna in turn just turned to his friend, making the older man gulp, because the look he gave him at that moment was too similar to the inexpressive Hyper Mode to be comfortable.

- I wouldn't try your luck if I were you, little brother. - Commented Bianchi making Gokudera jump and fall back, not realizing until that moment that his sister was present, let alone approaching. - And I confirm what my future version said, as I received your memories I remember Hibari personally going to help little Chrome. - The assassin followed, wrapping the Mist's shoulders, making her blush even more at the sudden gesture. - He seemed to be very confident that you could remake your organs on your own, despite everyone's concern.**

- Hibari can be strangely indulgent at times. - The Sky considered lost in his thoughts, ignorant of the look the Storm had cast, much less his sigh of relief when his boss turned his gaze again, calmer, to the Mist. - I don't know how to explain it, but I think he would be, as his name says, a bird, that when left free, flies wherever he wants, but always returns to where he feels necessary or comfortable.

Perhaps "indulgent" was a strong word, or even "understandable", but more than once he found himself waiting to be bitten to death only to receive an unexpected response from the Cloud instead.

He was so absorbed in his ponderings that he didn't even notice that his comment generated reactions of surprise and admiration from his guardians and the girls, while Bianchi just smiled.

-...Thinking about it, I think it makes sense for you to be a Cloud too, Haru. - He continued turning now to the mentioned that blinked at the mention. - From the little I know, I think even Skull is like that. - He considered remembering how the minor seemed determined to return to Shimon Island despite Reborn's threats. - Or even Gokudera in a way. You guys like to feel free to do what you want, for something like that Haru, you wanted to learn how to fight on your own don't you? You ended up feeling very dependent on us and trapped.

The brunette's eyes gleamed at those words.

- Hahiii! That's exactly how Haru feels! How can Tsuna know so well? - And then she blushed, bringing both hands to her cheeks. - It just shows how perfect we are for each other~

- EH?! No way Haru! I was just thinking out loud! - He exclaimed, blushing too, if only for another reason.

- But Haru is right, what you said was quite profound. - Kyoko said thoughtfully. - Haru was always very spontaneous and determined to do what she wanted, that suits a cloud that roams free in the sky! I think I'm finally starting to understand this about climates and elements.

- Yes, the Boss made a great comparison! - Considered Chrome.

- Very well, Tsuna. - Joined Bianchi, who had already released the Mist and now had one hand on her waist and was fixing her hair with the other.

It was really starting to scare the brunette how much she looked like Reborn.

- N-not for that, I was just thinking out loud… - He was sincere, because he was just thinking about the last interactions he had with Hibari, especially after feeling the taste of freedom that Cloud so prized.

"I may not be a Cloud, but I can definitely understand the feeling." - He thought as he sat on the floor and instructed the girls to do the same, forming a square, where they were side by side while Chrome sat next to her boss in front of her friends, Bianchi in turn sat on the right side, between the two groups. - "It must be wonderful to be free to do whatever you want."

- Even though Haru already got it, now that we're all here, we can demonstrate the use of the seven flames of Sky. - That said, he cast a new look at the pair of guardians sitting a little behind him and Chrome. Gokudera, for some reason, seemed more huddled than before, and Yamamoto was still deathly quiet, with a regretful expression.

-...Can you sit closer? - He wanted it to be a friendly question, even though he ended up sounding a little impatient, so he tried to add. - Please, I won't bite.

- Of course, Tenth…

Yamamoto continued without saying anything, but just as his companion got up and sat on the left side, between the two groups and facing Bianchi.

Tsuna then lit his ring, and even without waiting for guidance, Chrome did the same with hers, a copy that Mukuro had given him since he had kept the Vongola Gear. It was a simple ring with an indigo stone, which was probably one of Verde's creations, if the thin line of that color that ran through it weren't some sign.

Yamamoto took off his necklace from around his neck and also set it on fire, Bianchi, as she had no rings, took the lamp that Tsuna had saved before and with it lit his red flame.

Taking the hint, Gokudera raised his hand and lit the remaining flames. Sun, Lightning and Cloud.

The girls watched with real fascination that rainbow of colors. How they burned in different tones and strengths, at the same time that they seemed to complete each other. With the exception, whose red was quite intense, all the others seemed to echo in a common palette, like parts of a set.

-.-.-.-.-

Hibari was about to end his workday, even though he wasn't very satisfied with the results. He was already getting up from his chair when he felt a certain flame approaching, he didn't even have time to think about it and the sound of screams began to fill the hallway, screams that he unfortunately knew all too well.

He sighed.

- Sasagawa wait! You can't see the president like that!

- What do you mean Pompadour?! We've been best friends since he joined the Boxing Club!*

- W-wait, that club you don't let Aoba in?

- But Sasagawa, that was a long time ago! And actually he didn't-

- DOES NOT MATTER! Once in the club, always in the club!

- No, but he's never been…!

Hearing all the confusion, which grew louder by the second, outside his room, the Cloud just raised his hand to his brow, already expecting the worst.

- Animals will always be animals…

- HIBARI! - Exclaimed the one who had been screaming before, slamming the door.

He wasn't in the least surprised to see that it was Ryohei, he would have known even without his right-hand screaming about it. The Sun was being held by an exasperated Kusakabe, as well as curiously being escorted by Shimon's apprehensive Little Animal, Enma.

-…I came to talk!

- M-Mr. President, I'm sorry, I tried my best to convince him that you were busy, but he didn't hear me and- A gesture from his boss, however, made him stop saying.

Saying nothing, Hibari leaned against his chair with his eyes closed, but his right arm knew him well enough to interpret what that meant, prompting him to release the Sun, bow, and leave the room, closing the door behind him.

- I think Kusakabe will need more intense dressage, his failures and incompetence are more and more frequent. - He commented on reopening his eyes and seeing the pair irritated, however, something else caught his attention, making him frown. - Boxing Animal, what happened to your nose?

- I received an EXTREME hit!

-…That I can see. - He replied with irony. - I'll change the question, and if this time you don't answer me correctly, you two will be bitten to death.

- What?! - Enma became exasperated, who had been quiet until then, just a few steps away from the older one. - B-but I didn't even say anything…!

-…Who made this? - He followed, ignoring the smaller one.

Ryohei's smile faded from his face, giving way to a more serious expression.

- It's a reminder that I can no longer fail my family. - He said sincerely, taking his hand to his still bandaged nose and scratching it absently. - So I'm fine with that, don't worry!

Such a response made the Earth raise his eyebrows in surprise, as he really thought that this injury was due to the fall on Shimon Beach, and not the result of a fight.

- Hmm. - That was his only answer, at first, but then, still frowning, he added. - And you didn't use your Sun Flames, why…?

- I already said! - He imposed decidedly crossing his arms. - It's a reminder, that's why I don't intend to heal myself, whenever I look at him, I remember how important my family is and how I must protect it! Like the scar I made on my forehead to protect Kyoko!

Enma couldn't help but blink in surprise, the older one really didn't fail to surprise him with mature attitudes like that...

"I wanted to have his firmness." - He thought with a let up of jealousy. - "Protect my family no matter what happens, like Tsuna himself does."

- Hmm. - In turn, that was the only answer Hibari provided. Finally willing to change the subject. - So, what do you want? You have two minutes to tell me, and if it's a herbivore motive, I'll bite you to death.

The Earth trembled with the threat, while the Sun didn't even blink in front of it.

"He's so nice." - Shimon thought with admiration. - "How can he not be afraid of someone so scary?!"

- Hibari! Do you know what's going on with Tsuna? - Ryohei was straight to the point, too straight, forcing the eldest to ask for more explanations, with an even more frowning expression.

- What do you mean by that? - For a second he wondered if the Little Animal had gotten himself into some more strange battles.

- Tell him what you told me! - Exclaimed the Sun suddenly instead of answering, taking the quiet redhead behind him by the shoulders and placing him in front of the Cloud table without giving him a chance to deny it. - This one is Shimon's red hair, in case you don't remember.

The President rolled his eyes at the comment as Terra tried to find words to explain his point to what he considered a much worse male version of Adel.

- Eeeh… I-it's just… - He tried to say, really wondering if the other was counting the seconds it took in his explanation until they completed two minutes. - The… T-tsuna had a strong fever on the day of the sports festival…

- And on Saturday!

-...Y-yes, so… - He continued uncertainly, especially in the face of the sharp opposite gaze that reminded him so much of a hawk. - S-sasagawa thought that maybe… You knew something, since you're… Kind of the owner of the school… And the City? - And Hibari's hand movements, as if searching for something, only made him more anxious. How many seconds did they have before they were bitten to death? - I-I mean, on the day of the festival, Reborn and I brought Tsuna to the doctor here, but honestly, his diagnosis didn't help at all, not to mention that he doesn't do his job well. I… I believe they're hiding something important from us.

- I wasn't there so I can't disagree with Shimon's Red, but I can't agree with him either, because I barely know the extreme doctor from here, I just know that Gokudera said he's an asshole, so Hibari, tell us if you know of something!

- And why should I? - Just like the boxer went straight, taking what looked like an unmarked CD case and placing it on the table. - If that's all you want, just leave. What happens to Sawada Tsunayoshi is not my problem, I have more things to worry about.

- B-but… - Enma started uncertain about the opposite reaction. -…I thought… Aren't you one of Tsuna's guardians?

- I don't remember taking the job.

- But you even use the Vongola Gear! - He insisted, because even if Hibari scared him even more than Adel, it was the health of his best friend that was at stake. So, trying to take even an ounce of the Sun's courage, he was willing to press on until he got an answer.

He already tremblingly expected a counter blow for his affront, he mentally prepared himself for it. Hence, he couldn't help but be surprised when, instead, a smile painted Cloud's lips, not that either of them could identify him as such.

-...As I imagined, you really are a Little Animal like Sawada Tsunayoshi. - He said staring the smaller one straight into his compass eyes. - Apparently fragile, but who knows how and when to show your claws when you needs to.

- Yes, very well Enma! You did very well! - Ryohei encouraged, taking the front again, putting the smaller one behind him. - Hibari, I brought you something! - He exclaimed looking for something in a sports fanny pack that he wore around his waist.

- Bribery? - He wanted to know with irony raising an eyebrow.

- W-what?! - Enma was surprised that he didn't imagine that the other did those things.

- Bri what? - The albino questioned confused. - No, I brought the tea you like! - And with that he took a can of Genmaicha Green Tea from his bag and placed it on the table. - And some Sanshoku Dango that Kyoko made! - He continued pulling out a skewer with three colored balls that looked a little crumpled.

"It is definitely bribery." - Thought the Earth exasperated.

- Since we met, I've learned a great lesson. - He put it crossing his arms and confirming with his head. - If you are going to face a wild animal, always bring food to offer it!

"No, it's definitely the last thing to do with a wild animal!" - Shimon followed, staring at the opposite back in complete disbelief, unable to put his disbelief into words. - "How could I think he was cool? He's just crazy like everyone else…!"

Hibari, on the other hand, looked amused.

- At least something got into that hollow head of yours. - He considered picking up the drink and watching her analytically. - All right, I accept your offering.

"O-offering?! What's wrong with Tsuna's guardians…?" - Enma was really starting to feel dizzy.

- Do you still like that brand?

- Hmm.

- Haha! I knew it. - He put it irreverently, changing the support of his feet. - I find it very bitter.

- It's because you're a child.

- It's just that bitter is simply EXTREME!

Earth blinked. What the hell was he witnessing…?

Then, as if in exchange for food and drink, Hibari held out the CD he had taken earlier.

- Here are all the recordings of what that Carnivore Doctor has been doing lately. I made that herbivore scientist install cameras in the infirmary and hide it from him. - He explained while the Sun took the CD and turned it from side to side as if he could see its contents. - He's slippery, though. Whenever he spoke to Arcobaleno, he spoke in Italian, and if it was too confidential he would leave the room.

Enma blinked in shock, disbelieving and relieved in equal measure that he wasn't the only one who suspected Shamal. A new respect grew within him for the Cloud Guardian.

- This is really EXTREME, Hibari! Thank you! - Ryohei exclaimed, giving the object to Earth, almost dropping it to the ground. - But I really don't know how to handle these technologies! - The eldest didn't seem even vaguely surprised by this, although Shimon almost fell to the ground with the comment. - Can't you summarize the content?

- You are still an Animal Idiot. - He commented, shaking his head. - You should put more effort into strengthening your brain rather than just your muscles. If you intend to follow the Little Animal, you should already be studying Italian.

- Oh! I will remember this! - He accepted, nodding with his eyes closed. - Italian looks extreme!

"Their relationship is strange." - The redhead considered looking from one to the other. - "But somehow it reminds me of the relationship between Gokudera and Yamamoto."

- What happens to Sawada Tsunayoshi is none of my business. - Hibari repeated with indifference. - However, as a student of Namimori Chuugaku, I must be aware of any abnormality. I take care of my herd after all.

Ryohei smiled only nodding his head.

- Yes, you take care of everyone extremely!

In that instant, the Cloud couldn't help but remember that the baby had told him to keep this information to himself and not tell others what he knew.

He never gave his word that he would. Nor did he give a time frame in which he would do so.

Furthermore, the same Sawada Tsunayoshi had reminded him that very day that he had no reason to take orders from that Carnivore, best assassin in the world or not.

- From what the baby summarized to me, he's got too much flame. - It was straight to the point. - It seems your Herbivore body can't withstand the flames of a true Carnivore.

His answer was simple, yet enough to make Enma gulp apprehensively, on the other hand Ryohei stopped for a few seconds, slightly turning his head as if trying to understand the older's animalistic explanations, until…

- NOT THIS ONE! LITTLE BROTHER WILL EXPLODE?!

- What?!

Hibari, in turn, gritted his teeth, clearly annoyed by that shouting, all the strangely peaceful air from before crumbling away, bringing back the dangerous aura the other was known for.

That's why Enma took over the front again, before they were bitten and expelled from there, or something worse.

- I-I've never heard of something like that, and how did Reborn come to that conclusion?

- If my translation is correct, Shamal has been asking him to examine the Little Animal every day. And the days he relapsed were the days he didn't use his flame properly.

This made Enma blink, not only because Reborn apparently, against all odds, was actually taking care of Tsuna, but also because Cloud indirectly confessed that he seemed to be studying Italian on his own.

-…Would it be like energy accumulation? - Ryohei tried to understand.

- Something like.

-...Tsuna is extreme even inside! - He whistled impressed. - Is that what's causing the fever?

- Yes.

- This can be considered a disease…? - Enma wanted to know distressed. - Did you hear anything about it?

- Apparently yes.

- Does it run in the family? - The boxer pondered, tilting his head even further. - Tsuna's mother seems extremely healthy, and his father seems extreme in his own way too. - The last comment just made Shimon frown, but he chose to keep quiet. - And that's all I know about Tsuna's blood family.

- That's all the living family he has. - Hibari replied without hesitation, making Enma wonder why the other seemed so frustrated by that particular information. - That's enough, you've run out of time.

Without waiting a second longer, Hibari, who seemed to have reached his limit with this long conversation, nimbly pulled out a pair of glowing tonfas and stood up.

- I'm tired of dealing with you, disappear.

- What?! - Put Ryohei outraged and disappointed. - Ring mates should at least share a table before saying goodbye!

- That was a long time ago, and besides, I never joined your stupid Herbivore Club.

- Hey, just because we eat salad doesn't make us herbivores! And I doubt you don't eat something healthy either, that makes you as herbivorous as we are-

Hibari didn't let Ryohei finish the sentence, attacking him with one of the tonfas, and instead of trying to dodge it, the Sun chose to hold it with both hands, it didn't take long for his blood to run down the metallic surface, even though his thorns didn't were exposed.

As if something invisible was covering them.

- Get out. Now.

- H-hibari, S-sasagawa! - Enma exclaimed without knowing how to stop the two when what she feared the most was happening.

In turn, Ryohei released the tonfa, never letting go of his fellow guardian's eyes.

- All right, let's go Enma. - With enormous relief, the aforementioned made an attempt to follow the boxer as he walked towards the door, but stopped on his back as soon as he opened it. - Thanks for the help Hibari. - Then he turned and gave him a thumbs up with his bloodied hand. - You are a great friend!

- Hmm. - That's all he got in return.

The duo were already in the far hallway when Ryohei suddenly exclaimed.

- Very well! We have a plan!

- W-we have…?

- Sure! Tomorrow morning, I'm going to talk to the little brother about his health. I'm sure my mom has some material of fever, I'll see if I can find anything that can EXTREMELY help!

- And what do I do? - Asked Enma, wishing he had managed to get more information from the Wild Animal that was the Cloud Guardian. Though he felt he didn't own it anymore.

"And he gave us this CD, I think this whole conversation came out better than expected"

- It's simple, you're the little brother's best friend, aren't you? - That made the redhead blush slightly. - Your job will be to keep an EXTREME eye on Tsuna, you can even come running to any of the guardians, except Lambo, if you discover something. All you have to do is give an extreme scream, like this:

And when the boxer started pulling an inhuman amount of air into his lungs, Shimon quickly stopped him.

- N-no need, I understand, all right, anything I'll let you know.

And expelling the air, something came to Ryohei's mind.

- Oh! I already know! Why don't you join the three of us on our extreme morning runs?! That way you would be closer to Tsuna!

- To run… - For a moment not pleasant memories came to his mind, he wasn't by far the most athletic of his family, let alone his old school, but still, it was worth the effort, if he could end up finding out something. - All right… What time do you start?

- Four in the morning. - It was the boxer's simple answer.

- FOUR IN THE MORNING?

- YES, that's what I just said, by any chance are you going deaf SHIMON?

- I think so… - He said in a sigh, after spending so much time with this man. - All right… See you tomorrow then, Sasagawa.

- YES! THIS IS GOING TO BE EXTREME! - He said, raising his hands to the sky, splashing blood on the street when they left the school. - See you tomorrow morning Éna.

- It's Enma… And please use your Sun Flames, Sasagawa…!

-...Oh! I had extremely forgotten!

And with that, they both went on their way home, despite the Sun purposely running across the city until it reached its destination.

-.-.-.-.-

Tsuna couldn't help but smile at the almost childlike expression of fascination on the part of the duo.

- Chrome, why don't you show them what the Mist does? - He suggested, to which the youngest nodded, also looking excited, probably because she had something else to share with her friends.

She closed her eyes, concentrating, and then her ring flame changed shape, until it formed a small shining chrome skull.

The girls opened their mouths in comically perfect sync.

- My attribute is construction, so through illusions I can build things. - The Guardian put shy, but happy.

- Hahi! It looks so real! - Haru exclaimed, to which Kyoko nodded. - Can you create anything?

- Yes, it all depends on the power of the illusionist and his creativity. - She said, changing the skull to a small owl very similar to Mukurowl, prompting new exclamations from the girls, which only seemed to make Chrome happier. - If your brain believes they are real, you could be in trouble.

- Honestly, I think Mists are the most complicated opponents to deal with. - Considered Tsuna remembering not only Mukuro, but also Genkishi, Torikabuto, Daemon and Kawahira himself. - I've had to face my fair share of them and it's never been easy. You have to be very careful not to be fooled, otherwise, as Chrome said, you will be in trouble.

The two nodded, serious but determined.

- Well, I will continue. - Bianchi announced before Tsuna could do anything with his flames. - Let's save the best for last. - She added purposely making him embarrassed.

Then without any ceremony she plucked a few strands of her hair and enveloped them in her flame, causing them to quickly consume.

- Degeneration. It's not much different from real fire, it's just that its effect is worse, faster and more corrosive. Getting hit by this flame can cause a lot, a lot of pain.

The girls swallowed, but nodded.

-...I think it's my turn. - Spoke for the first time Yamamoto, trying to emulate a smile. - But I don't know exactly how to demonstrate the effect of tranquility… - He ended up scratching the back of his head awkwardly.

- Can you pass me the backpack, Bianchi? - Asked Tsuna, to which the young woman took the heavy thing that the girls had had difficulty bringing to the dojo, and with some effort she handed it with both hands to the brunette. - Thanks.

Under the watchful eyes of the guardians and the girls, the brunette began to unpack what appeared to be a large Rubik's Cube from his backpack.*

- This is an invention of Irie. Despite being just a cube, it reacts to flames. - He explained in front of the confused view of his friends. - Before coming here, we stopped by his house to pick up.

- That's the stupidest design I've ever seen. - Muttered Gokudera in a low tone, so that his boss wouldn't really hear.

-...Hm... And how does it work? - Wanted to know Yamamoto uncertain.

- The scientist said that all you had to do was press the yellow button. - Chrome said indicating the same that stood out on the surface.

-...There is a small chance it will explode. - Considered Tsuna stretching his hand to trigger it. -...We'd better get away a little...

Everyone quickly did so, sliding in a more irregular formation of a circle, with the exception of Tsuna and Yamamoto who stayed in the center.

- He said that this will react and try to attack the nearest flame user. - Followed Tsuna. - Tell me when you're ready.

-...So I stop it with my flames, okay, I understand. - Confirmed the Rain in a serious expression, the necklace in his hand burning more intensely. - You can activate it.

As soon as Tsuna pressed the button and walked away like the others, but putting on his gloves again in case something went wrong, the cube seemed to take on a life of its own, rising in the air and quickly changing its colors, until it took on a light blue, just like from the flames of rain.

Without even preparing himself, in a catcher's pose, even without gloves, he didn't even blink when the cube, with surprising speed, shot towards him. The swordsman simply took it with both hands and in a blink of an eye enveloped it with his Rain Flame, causing the sphere to simply fall lifeless to the ground with a dry thud.

- My flame kind of… Puts what I touch to sleep. - The baseball player explained simply in front of the surprised expression of the girls who had barely managed to keep up with the rhythm.

- Heh, not bad baseball maniac, at least your addiction is good for something. - Ironized the Storm getting up. - Now throw this thing over here so I can show my flames.

Tsuna didn't say anything to stop his friends, however, he activated his Hyper Mode watching the interaction in silence.

With some difficulty, Rain took the cube with both hands, and even without being able to position himself as in baseball, he threw it with enormous force in the direction of the Storm, over the worried exclamations of the girls.

Gokudera, in turn, didn't even blink, triggering his Sistema C.A.I., this time, however, he only summoned a shield covered by Cloud flames.

Approaching quickly, the cube reignited, ready to attack, this time taking on a purple color. Upon contact with the shield, however, it expanded and multiplied, creating a prison that trapped the cube in midair.

- Cloud, expansion. - He said with arrogance, and then wrapped his shields with green flames with the appearance of thunder, not only electrocuting his prisoner, but also closing the gap in the hexagon of shields that held them. - Lightning, hardening.

- Hahii, this is dangerous!

- It really sounds like thunder…

The Storm smiled smugly, turning his expression expectantly to his boss, however, the boss wasn't even looking at his as he slowly walked in Hyper Mode towards the hexagonal prison.

- And finally, Sky. - He said in his expressionless tone, putting both hands on the shields, however, to the girls' complete shock, instead of burning the dome, starting from the brunette's hands everything began to cover itself of-

- ICE!? - Haru exclaimed in shock. - How can flames freeze?!

- Usually they can't. - Bianchi explained approaching the two along with Chrome, who had also gotten up. - This is a special technique of an ancestor of Tsuna, the creator of Vongola.

A CRACK sound made their eyes return to the Sky, seeing how the energy shields broke one by one, leaving the cube free again, which changed to orange, but before it could even do anything, with a single hand the brunette lifted him in the air, enveloping him with his flames to turn him to stone, stopping him definitively.

- Sky is Harmony. - Said the Vongola turning to the disbelieving girls who didn't know what to say in front of the exhibition. - Let's say it can kind of nullify the other flames. Now, the Sun Flame is what moved the cube in the first place, with its power of activation.

And with that explanation, the brunette returned the petrified object to the ground with a dry thud.

-…These are the Seven Flames of Sky in action. - He finished it by erasing the Hyper Mode. - Uh… Did you manage to understand?

The young girls took a while to react to the question, still being taken by the shock, and then nodded excitedly.

The rest of the training, as the night wore on outside, wasn't nearly as exciting.

Haru sat in a corner of the dojo trying to expand or multiply a pocket copy of the Cube that the boys had faced, while it kept pounding her hands like an angry puppy, with too little speed and force to even cause discomfort.

Kyoko, for her part, was still going, much to her frustration, trying to summon her flames. She looked downright exhausted, frowning at her ring, being watched by a worried Tsuna and an empathetic Chrome.

Bianchi, using the petrified cube as a bench and watching everything with interest, Gokudera not far from her, still disheartened by his boss's attitude towards him, but trying to distract himself by finally reading the book that Haru had lent him.

Yamamoto, on the other hand, was sitting against the dojo wall, outlining the wooden sword he had used earlier with his fingers, while wearing a frankly thoughtful expression.

- Hmmm… Kyoko. - Offered Tsuna after a clearly frustrated snort from the older one. - What are you thinking while trying to materialize your flame? What is the focus of your determination?

-...That I want to be strong like all of you and my brother… - She put it down, not looking at him. -…May I be useful.

- You don't have to think of something so cool. - He considered smiling, and although very red, took the hand she held the ring with his. - T-think of something simpler, but that you really want. I'll try to guide your flame with mine.

-...It is possible? - She put it surprised.

- Something tells me yes, so it doesn't hurt to try. - He said awkwardly, shrugging his shoulders. Still, she nodded. - S-so… Try to think of something very important to you right now.

Chrome just watched the interaction without saying anything, a knowing smile on her face, not unlike Bianchi's, which only widened when for some reason Sasagawa's new focus made her blush like a tomato, so she decided to leave the two of them alone to see if Haru needed help.

Tsuna on the other hand was about to say they had better stop there, assuming the redness was overexertion, when a bright yellow flame simply exploded in the redhead's ring.

- I-I did it! - She exclaimed happily, thus catching everyone's attention. - I really did it, Tsuna!

The aforementioned did not respond, watching the yellow flame almost as if he were mesmerized by it, his eyes reflecting it in a mixture of yellow and blue.

-...Tsuna?

Almost as if he'd been shocked, the brunette suddenly let go of his opposite hand, standing up as he brought his own hand to his head, almost as if it suddenly hurt. She was about to ask about it when the other spoke up:

- Yes, you did it, congratulations Kyoko. Now we'd better go, it's getting late, everyone must be tired...

The redhead was frankly desolate with such a rushed and emotionless greeting, watching as the brunette walked away and started to gather his things without looking at her again.

"...He must be tired." - She thought with dismay, but forced herself to put it aside to receive the compliments of her friends.

- Hahi! You are a Sun like your brother!

- Of course she is, you idiot, what did you expect?

- Haru is not an idiot!

- Come on Gokudera, leave Haru alone.

- Shut up, baseball maniac!

-…Well Hayato, I think it's about time I showed you how to really treat a lady.

- S-sister, that will not be necessary.

- Yeah! Show him, big sister!

- Congratulations, Kyoko, it's a beautiful flame. - Praised Chrome, ignoring the one-sided discussion of the guardians, at least it seemed that the rage of the Storm had brought back something of life to the Rain.

Behind the duo, the voices of the other four mingled and mixed, making it difficult to even hear what the illusionist had said, and maybe that's why Kyoko didn't seem to pay attention to her as she looked at Tsuna's back.

-...Did something happen? - Wanted to know the Mist Guardian, even trying to speak a little louder.

- I'm worried about Tsuna, he looks tired. - She said turning to the younger. - He worked all day and even offered to train us. He said it's getting late and I agree. We better go.

With these words, the Mist also turned her eyes to her Boss, seeing how he gathered his things, seeming deeply lost in his thoughts.

- I'll talk to him. Boss? - She named seeing as the brunette finished closing his bag, a simple "Hmm" being the only sign she was listening. - Are you okay?

The Sky didn't respond right away, which only made her friend more worried, which even caught Bianchi's attention who stopped teasing her brother, leaving that task to Rain's capable hands for the sake of seeing the interaction.

-...I think… - He started massaging his forehead, as if he felt pain. -...I must just be tired. The day was… Exhausting to say the least.

- All right, I'll let the guys know. - Chrome volunteered, despite her shyness, receiving an exhausted smile of thanks from the older one.

It was a good thing Bianchi had overheard the conversation, because despite the Mist's goodwill, she just couldn't make herself heard between the Storm's screams or the Rain's nervous laughter.

With the big sister's help, everyone started to collect, until an excited Haru turned to Yamamoto.

- Can we use it here to train tomorrow? - She wanted to know, her eyes shining.

- It's fine by me, I can leave the key with you, I'm sure my old man won't mind, as long as you don't destroy anything.

- Tomorrow… - Tsuna considered, still looking distant. - Sorry girls, I know I said I would take over your training, but tomorrow will be a slightly heated day of sales, Mr. Tsuyoshi made a deal with some competitors and I'll deliver food until later. Could we continue on Wednesday?

The Cloud frowned, clearly disappointed.

- But Haru doesn't want to wait anymore… Even more now that Haru is advancing…!

Tsuna sighed with a guilty expression.

- Sorry, but it will only be one day.

This didn't seem to cheer up the young girl much, who even tried to look hopefully at Gokudera and Yamamoto, and in a very discreet way they avoided meeting eyes with the smaller one. Making her puff up her cheeks childishly.

The brunette then turned to Kyoko, regretfully.

- Kyoko about Tiramisù…

- Don't worry Tsuna, before we came I checked the mascarpone and it worked this time. - And that made the youngster sigh in relief. - It's okay, we can continue the recipe on Wednesday.

- Boss, I can help them tomorrow, if you don't mind. - Chrome volunteered, and the seamstress's eyes simply shone with thanks to her friend.

- Hmm. - He considered, then smiled. - All right, but if something happens, please let me know right away, ok?

- Right. - She confirmed happy for the trust.

- There is someone else interested in helping tomorrow, so don't worry, Tsuna. - And seeing the worried expression of the Sky she added. - No, it's not Reborn or me, but it wouldn't be a surprise if I told you.

-...That just makes me more worried. - However, as his senses didn't seem really alarmed by this, he simply let it pass for the moment. - All right, thanks Bianchi.

The Storm just nodded.

- Can we use the Big Cube too? - Haru wanted to know with hope. - He looked dangerous, but we'll be very careful! - She added when she saw the Sky's uncertain and confused expression.

-...Can't you depetrify him? - Kyoko wanted to know with curiosity.

-...Do you know that I have no idea? - He placed it with sincerity, picking up said object with one hand and analyzing it. - I've never really tried…

And so the group retreated from the Dojo to the night streets of Namimori.

The girls looked really excited about tomorrow and their mysterious new help. The boys still looked sad, but a little better than before. Bianchi was just Bianchi.

On the other hand, Tsuna followed in a sepulchral silence at the end of the group, again immersed in his thoughts.

He knew that Kyoko had been upset with him for his strange reaction when she, after a lot of effort, managed to manifest her flame, but he was internally grateful that she had just chalked it up to tiredness and simply let it go, she really was a wonderful girl.

While he was sure that wasn't the reason, strange as that certainty was.

Again, Hyper Intuition from him making no effort to be clear.

All it did now was take over his mind in a hammering and incessant way. A feeling that didn't leave him even when the group broke up and he and Bianchi went home in complete silence.

Not even her, Reborn, or Fon's glances over his peculiar silence at dinner could distract him from that strange impression that was eating him up.

However, without a doubt what bothered him the most was: If this was the first time that Kyoko had used her flame in her life, why did he feel so…

Familiar?

-.-.-.-.-

December 20th, Tuesday, four days before the Christmas Party and the arrival of CEDEF.

Again there he was, in that great golden meadow, this time, however, he was alone.

The wind beat against his face and the fresh air filled his nostrils, at the same time that a feeling of nostalgia invaded him. The same feeling that enveloped him the day before when he felt Kyoko's flames.

"Why do I feel this way if I've never been in this place before?" - He couldn't help but wonder, as he gently touched the rice paddy, feeling it prick at his fingertips which made all that feeling much more real. - "For a dream, everything here seems very vivid…"

He shifted his gaze to the dawn sky, orange and vibrant, as the Sun began to rise above the horizon between the hills.

Sawada. The soggy rice paddy stretching across the hills. He could feel the soles of his feet touching the damp earth, realizing that for some reason he was barefoot.

-…This place is really beautiful, don't you think? - A voice however made him jump, only to find himself with a figure much taller than him, with vibrant blue eyes and whose golden tone of his hair was confused with the gold of the field.

- Primo! - He exclaimed, recognizing him as his ancestor.

- Buongiorno Decimo. - He greeted and despite the Italian, still made a small bow as expected of a Japanese. - Even though I don't think I should call you that anymore.

Before answering the brunette ran to his ancestor, stopping in front of him, which only highlighted the difference between their heights.

- Time without seeing you. - He continued saying in his soft tone, as captivating as his smile. - I believe the last time was against that white haired boy.

- Byakuran, yes. - He confirmed to then bow in his own bow, much deeper than that of the eldest. - I never had the opportunity to thank you for that…

- It is not necessary. - He shook his head. - That was possible thanks to the meeting of all Trinisette users, in addition to Uni's sacrifice, if there's anyone to thank, it's her.

- Even so…

- Why don't we walk a little? - He followed with a warm smile, and Tsuna wondered if he had the same kind of smile, given the similarity between them. - I would like to talk a little, you never know when or if we will have another opportunity like this.

- Ah… Of course, but… Where are we exactly? - He wanted to know, following the taller figure's side, not forgetting that he looked more solid and physical than ever.

- That's a great question. - Considered Giotto watching the sky that slowly, but constantly began to turn blue. - For me it's like a memory lost in time, I used to live in a place close to here. Perhaps it is a projection of the Vongola Ring based on my memories. Which is curious, because I no longer used it when I was in Japan. On the other hand, it is still your subconscious, after all, you are dreaming.

-...So it really is a dream. - He confessed with a hint of disappointment, which did not go unnoticed by the biggest. - But I think it makes sense, for such a beautiful place to exist today.

- I wouldn't be so sure. - He commented calmly. - The world is very vast, Tsunayoshi, there is a lot of beauty in it, even though this place may not exist anymore, there are many others out there just as or more beautiful. Besides, just because something is in your mind doesn't make it real.

- Maybe and… Hm… You can call me Tsuna. - He put it awkwardly, making the older one turn to him with a raised eyebrow. - Tsunayoshi is very big and formal.

- The name of a ruthless shogun doesn't really have much to do with you. - He considered making Tsuna blush. - Taking inspiration from the names of the Tokugawa clan was Ugetsu's idea when seeing the similarity between our stories, Nobuko, of course, loved the idea. Since there was someone with the same name in that family's history. The tradition ended up passing on to our children and grandchildren, and even Nobuko's blood sister ended up joining the idea like other members of our family who also ended up joining this story of false names. - He laughed subtly seeing the surprised expression of his descendant. - My family wanted to be with me in this complicated moment of my life, they were really all wonderful and maybe it's irony, or the strength of a name, that precisely in what would be called Tsunayoshi the fate of Vongola fell.*

The brunette, who already knew that his name came from the Tokugawa shogunate, focused on something more than the others had said.

-...Who would Ugetsu and Nobuko be?

This made a really radiant smile take over Giotto's lips, and Tsuna really thought that if he had inherited that, his life would be a lot easier.

- She was my lovely wife. - He explained simply. - I met her when I was in Japan, she was the adoptive sister of Ugetsu's family. She was the one who taught me Japanese, and who I married and had children with. Then she would be something like your estranged grandmother. While Asari Ugetsu was my Rain Guardian, he was the one who welcomed me when I came to Japan

- Eeeh? - He put it surprised, it was the first time he heard about his ancestor's wife, since everyone always focused on Giotto's own ancestry. -…And what was she like?

The blonde chuckled as he blushed like a lovesick fool. That idiotic expression Tsuna was sure he had inherited.

- She was as kind as she was brave. It wasn't an easy decision to marry a foreigner like me back then, let alone someone with such a complicated past. Even so… - He said, closing his eyes, never stopping walking on that golden meadow. -…Thanks to her, I could understand more than ever why the loss of Elena upset Daemon so much. One of the few comforts that death brought me was that I died before her, I don't think I could have endured it otherwise. - And when he reopened his eyes and saw his descendant's grim expression, he couldn't help but chuckle softly. - Sorry for saying somewhat morbid things, I'm just a spirit, all this doesn't affect me anymore, but it can be a little disturbing for the living.

-...So you know about Daemon? - Tsuna wanted to know, without leaving his serious expression.

- Yes. - However, Giotto's in stark contrast was resolute. - I'm glad that part of the soul was finally able to rest. I only regret that it had to bring so much death and suffering until this passed.

- That part of the soul? - Repeated confused Tsuna, stopping for the first time his walk.

- What you saw and fought against was not completely Daemon. - He explained while sliding his fingers between the rice grasses. - The Vongola Rings, as you can imagine, hold a little bit of our essence, a strange way this part of Trinisette allows former users to guide future ones. Daemon found a way to use that, coupled with his ability to possess people, to take control of the part of his soul bound to the ring, even after his death. When you defeated him, he left an object behind, didn't he?

-...Yes, a watch with a photo... - Tsuna considered, remembering that the object they had given to Nono when it was all over, believing that it was a Vongola treasure.*

- That's where that soul fragment really was, like a receptacle. - He continued turning completely to the smaller one, facing each other. - Your pure flames could finally purify* all the darkness he had left behind due to all his regrets in life, so I am deeply grateful to finally give my former guardian something of rest.

And to Tsuna's complete shock, the eldest bowed ninety degrees, showing deep respect and gratitude for the younger.

- N-no need to thank me like that! - He panicked, waving his hands frantically. - I just wanted to help Enma! A-and… Wait! How can you know so much about our battle?

A smile took the older man's lips, still bent over.

- I can see what happens to you through the Vongola Ring, just like the other bosses, that's how we know the successor is worthy or not.

- WHAT?! - Put the Japanese blushing. - Dead people watch me all the time?!

He was definitely going to start taking the ring off when he took a shower… Among other things.

Giotto smiled at his descendant's scandal, getting back to his feet.

-...Could that be why I'm starting to get stressed with people watching me? Aaah, this is so weird! - He said while ruffling his hair. -...Have a bunch of dead mafiosos watching me and JUDGING! They must think me a useless idiot!

- The Settimo yes. - Commented casual Giotto making the smallest stop to face him. - But who cares what he thinks? - He shrugged with a snort that sounded almost childish. - Now Ottavo thinks you're cute. And honestly, you'd get along well with the Quarto, while the Quinto would have a lot to talk with your Storm Guardian. They have MANY interests in common.

Tsuna blinked, not knowing exactly what to do with this information.

His life was decidedly weird.

-...They've all been very agitated lately, for different reasons. - Giotto considered returning to see the sky that was now completely blue. - But no matter what they think, they are all fragments of souls, desires and wills trapped in one of the most powerful and mysterious items in the world.

-...You too? - Wanted to know stopping his scandal. -...Is it also just a soul part trapped in the ring? Is there any way to release them…?

That made Giotto blink, then smile.

- Perhaps. It would be very nice if there was a way, now as for me… My case is a little more complicated. - He said now looking the youngest directly in his eyes, making him uncomfortable. - When a soul has too many regrets, it may end up reincarnating to fulfill them, one way or another. What can be a second chance or a curse, depends on each one.

The brunette blinked at this information.

- Does that mean that Daemon might be out there somewhere?! - He exclaimed fearfully remembering what the eldest said about his Mist Guardian's regrets.

To his surprise, this made Giotto laugh.

- I wouldn't worry if I were you. - He put it simply. - Although a soul can return to earth in reincarnation, it has another life, it knows other people. The essence is the same, but the person is much more than a new version of something past.

Then the eldest closed the distance that separated them, to take both of the brunette's hands, in a strong, but not aggressive way, as if he wanted to show him above all support. His palms were just a little bigger than him, but they were certainly more battered, full of cuts and even burns.

- Do you understand that, Tsuna? - He said without stopping to look at him. - Every single person on Earth right now is living their own life, with their own choices and that includes you too.

Tsuna didn't know what to answer at first, or even if he should answer at all, but he felt that his ability to speak had disappeared as he was so firmly stared at by the imposing figure of the First Vongola.

A question, however, left his lips even when he didn't feel able to utter a word.

-...What about Vongola? Because I definitely didn't choose to have that fate… - He confessed with regret. -...I didn't choose this life...

- I know… - Giotto confirmed equally regretfully, he could feel his grip tightening, it felt so real. - About that I apologize, Nobuko and I tried to hide our ancestry as much as we could, leaving behind rumors and legends. But it seems that karma eventually caught up with us, but this is still your life Tsuna, so much more important than fate dictated by blood, tell me… What do you really want to do, Sawada Tsunayoshi?

The smaller one didn't respond right away, keeping his head down, then clenching his fists tightly, determined to reinforce a vow he had already proclaimed months ago to this same man.

- I didn't want to have anything to do with Vongola, but… If I can choose, I want to destroy her! I don't want this organization to hurt my friends, my family, I don't want what happened to Daemon to happen to any of us!

Giotto smiled.

- Very well, then again, I accept your determination. E'la nostra ora incisa sull'anello. - And Tsuna blinked, the hands that held him before seemed to dissolve, but somehow the grip remained firm. Looking down he could see that he was actually holding his own hands, the left one tightly gripping the right, not knowing when he took them like that.

Had he imagined Giotto's touch from the beginning?

He looked back at the ghost of the past, and his figure seemed strangely smaller, as if they were the same height, his smile was still the same, while his voice sounded higher and farther away.

Even their surroundings seemed on the point of collapsing, cracking on all sides like a broken mirror.

Like being trapped in an illusion and then finding your way out.

At the same time, an irritating sound was chanting in the background louder and louder.

- Prosper or fail, what to do from now on it's your choice Tsuna, don't forget-

-.-

-...That Ryohei will come today too, you better get up before he drags you out of bed.

-...What…? - He blinked, confused, staring at the dark ceiling and then a pair of bulging eyes in front of him. -...Leon?

- I said, don't forget that Ryohei will come today, Useless-Tsuna. - Repeated Reborn standing with his alarm clock destroyed. - You're already late.

-...Reborn… - And only then began to process that he was in his room, in his bed, with Leon watching him worriedly, and above all… - HIIE, YOU DESTROYED MY ALARM CLOCK AGAIN!

And with a kick he landed facedown on the floor, his backside pathetically raised in the air.

- A boss must have posture, Useless-Tsuna, besides, it's your fault for waking up late. - His tutor warned, and before he could say anything, the door swung open, slamming hard on his head.

- EXTREEEEEEEEEEMEEE GOOD MORNING! - Ryohei shouted happily.

-...Argh... Good morning...

- I warned you, Useless-Tsuna.

- Oh! - Exclaimed the younger Sun when he saw his boss lying on the ground. - Is this a new way of heating? This is extreme Tsuna!

-...Eeeh... - He just said, getting up while massaging his head. - Good morning, big brother… - And he blinked when he saw how the other was looking at him with peculiar seriousness. -...Big Brother…?

- You're hurt, TSUNA! - He exclaimed reaching out and helping to lift him up in a jerk, almost making him fly in the process.

- I am? - Then he took his hand to his forehead, from where he felt something running, to prove that there was indeed blood there. -...It must have been when the door slammed into my head. - He yawned carelessly, wiping the wound with the sleeve of his sweatshirt, thus losing Ryohei's guilty expression. -...What time is it? Reborn destroyed my watch-AAAAAAAAAH

Only to be dragged downstairs by its guardian.

- Did he return to Earth? - Wanted to know Bianchi approaching with I-Pin in his arms and Fon walking beside him.

- Apparently so. - Reborn replied observing the direction on the stairs where the duo had disappeared.

- He was quite strange last night. - Considered Fon, hiding his hands between his sleeves. - He seemed lost in his own world.

- He got like that after Kyoko summoned her flame for the first time. - Followed the poison assassin.

- It must be the girls' training, he must not have fully digested the idea. - The smallest withheld importance. - He'll still get used to it

Fon didn't look too sure, but he accepted, heading down to the breakfast.

- You can go ahead with I-pin. - Said the Hitman noticing something inside the room. - I'll be right down.

- Fine, my love.

And when the pair were already on the stairs, Reborn jumped over to the bed, where for some reason Leon was still instead of following him like he always did.

-...What is it, mate? - He questioned taking off his hat so that the little one could climb on its brim.

What did not.

The little chameleon just stared at him with his eyes wide, then turned into a miniature and green version of Tsuna with a thermometer in his mouth, then the figure threw himself on the ground, creating a bump on his head, looking stunned.

The assassin frowned.

- You think I'm getting tough with Tsuna, when he's sick. - The chameleon returned to its original form and then nodded. -...You never cared how I treated Dino, as long as I didn't hurt Enzo.

This time his companion became a green version of the Hitman himself, only with a worried expression on his face instead of the usual neutral one, tapping his foot on the bed impatiently while looking at a thermometer that seemed to explode.

Reborn frowned at his mate.

- You are exaggerating. - Leon returned to his original form, facing him again with his big eyes. Reborn snorted, rolling his own. - You who are worrying too much, the boy just has excess flames, it's not like he's dying.

Leon stared at him for what seemed like several minutes, then jumped over the offered flap.

- Now. - Reborn started again in a provocative tone. - Who was it that was terrified at the idea of being devoured by the Flames of the Sky, and now it's being a Drama Queen about the boy's health?

At that moment, Leon would have snorted if he had lips.

-.-.-.-

On the other hand, Tsuna was dragged down the stairs by his Sun Guardian, and then forcibly seated in a chair in the kitchen. He was about to complain and say that the older one was overreacting, when something else spoke to him.

-...Eh?! What happened, Tsuna?

-...Enma...? - He blinked in surprise at the figure sitting in a chair in front of him, looking truly exhausted. -...What do you do here? Isn't it too early for the choir?

Not that he really knew what time it was.

The answer had to wait when Ryohei forced his neck towards him, to better analyze the cut he had made, he noticed that he already had his trusty healing box positioned and lit in his hand.

- Stay extremely still, this will only take a second!

In his peripheral vision he could see Kyoko by the sink, the smell indicating she was making the coffee, and her equally worried expression made him huff and stop, allowing the Sun to heal him.

- Okay, it's brand-new. - Sasagawa placed putting away his box with a satisfied expression.

-...Thanks. - He said almost against his will, because he still thought it was all an exaggeration. To return to Enma again.

-...I came to run with you. - It was explained. - I heard you had a high fever again last Saturday so-

- You also came to keep an eye on me?! - The redhead almost jumped in his seat at the explosive, irritated tone directed at him. It was the first time Tsuna had spoken to him like that since the Inheritance Ceremony incident.

At that moment, Bianchi, I-Pin and Fon who were coming down the stairs could also enjoy the small explosion.

-...N-no, I mean... Keeping an eye is a little strong… - He tried to say, clearly nervous, looking away from his friend. -...I just... I'm worried. We all are.

Tsuna sighed, internally feeling bad for yelling at his friend, apparently he was still in a bad mood for what had happened yesterday.

-... Sorry Enma, I didn't want to yell at you… - He started awkwardly.

- It looks like you're still nervous about your guardians hiding things from you yesterday. - Fon analyzed, sitting at the table next to his apprentice. Even I-Pin watched him in distress, which made his heart clench even more guiltily, maybe Lambo had told her about the time he'd yelled at him and Haru in a burst of stress, and now the little one was seeing it firsthand.

He didn't even really wonder how Fon also knew about what his friends had done.

It wasn't like the things that happened in his life were really a secret.

-...What happened? - Ryohei wanted to know that he still hadn't been informed of the news, as he was immersed in his own adventure.

The answer came from Bianchi who was also sitting at the table.

- My brother and Yamamoto hid that they were teaching Haru about flames, at her request.

- WHAT?! Did you know that?! - He wanted to know turning to his sister.

- Only in part, Haru didn't want to get me in trouble, so she didn't tell me much. - She said simply bringing the coffee bottle.

- Anyway, the way Tsuna got angry with them, the two won't hide the game again anytime soon. - Bianchi added, resting her chin on the back of her hand.

-…It seems to have been extreme. - Considered the Sun crossing his arms.

-...Yes, so sorry Enma, I think I ended up taking it out on you. - He confessed awkwardly. - I really shouldn't have yelled, my mood has been a little fluctuating lately. - He only blushed more when Bianchi jokingly commented that puberty could be difficult.

On the other hand, it was Tsuna's turn to be surprised when the youngest took a deep breath, gathering courage, to face his friend with a determined expression, his red eyes shining.

-...Can we go to your room for a second?

-...Okay.

- Sasagawa, please come with us.

- Sure!

That made Tsuna blink in confusion, since when did Ryohei and Enma even exchange words? And the fact that the redhead looked so serious didn't help matters.

So the trio went upstairs, finding the room empty. Ryohei, being the last one, closed the door as he passed.

-...Tsuna. - Enma followed in that uncharacteristic serious tone, the owner of the room sat on the bed, while the other two remained standing. It was a little intimidating to be honest, even though Enma was basically his size. - Remember that you promised me that you wouldn't hide things from me anymore…?

-…Yes…?

- Well, I knew there was something wrong with you and I was right! Sasagawa told me you had a high fever again last Saturday! - He put it in an accusatory tone. - How do you want me not to worry like that?! 39 degrees is no small thing, you could have ended up in the hospital!

- It's because it was nothing, I got better soon, there was no reason to worry anyone. - He insisted, again showing impatience. - I just don't understand why everyone is worrying so much. I've faced much worse, haven't I?! It's just a fever, it's not like I'm sick.

- But Tsuna, that-!

- Fever is not really a disease. - The Shimon who seemed reasonably exalted turned to the Sun surprised by his words, even the Sky looked at the surprised guardian. - But it's the body's extreme reaction to something strange. It might not even be a bad thing, it might be your body trying to get rid of a tough opponent!

-...What? - Wanted to know the confused brunette, who didn't know that the boxer knew about these things, he even seemed concentrated, as if thinking about something difficult. -…How do you know that?

- I extremely read my mother's stuff about fever. - He explained taking both hands to his waist. - And I extremely did not understand anything!

-...Eeeh...?

- But then I called asking her, saying it was because of a friend, and she explained it to me in an extremely simple way! Medicine is actually a lot like boxing! It all extremely comes down to how the body reacts and works! - He exclaimed with conviction. - And I think what she said makes extreme sense with what Hibari said yesterday!

- Hibari? - Put Tsuna surprised by the mention. Even though Hibari was expected to know something, not only had he confronted him about his health, but until yesterday he had been using the Disciplinary Committee to follow him.

- Yes, we went to talk to your Cloud Guardian yesterday and he told us that you-

- You have excess of flame.

Enma fell back on the ground in fright at the sudden voice when a green spider's web descended in front of him, with a Reborn dressed as an arachnid at its end, upside down.

- Ciaossu! - He greeted with his characteristic smile.

- Reborn! - Exclaimed Tsuna, standing up, not really realizing how, with the new acquisition, Ryohei had quickly slipped to his side, in an offensive position, which soon relaxed when he saw who it was. - What are you doing?!

The Sun Ex-Arcobaleno smiled.

- A-are you just going to tell him? - Enma was surprised from the floor.

Faced with the comment, the smaller one turned to Shimon, spinning in his web, his spiky hair pointing down without his hat.

- I never said it was a secret. - He spoke simply. - I just haven't said anything to him yet because it was just a suspicion, but I believe we have enough confirmation now to say that this is indeed the case.

That said, he jumped out of his web, landing gracefully on the table.

- Then. - Followed. - As you took the trouble to go to Namimori Chuugaku to question Hibari, I think it makes no sense not to make it public.

- How did you know we went to question Hibari? - Enma wanted to know, getting up, only to receive a look from the assassin who clearly told him he was an idiot.

- You were not discreet at all going to Chuugaku, so Shamal simply told me about your departure. And it wasn't hard to find out why. - Ironized.

Enma frowned, while blushing slightly for being so easily discovered. Adel would be very disappointed if she knew. He definitely didn't like that doctor.

-...Excessive flames? - In turn, Tsuna repeated confused. - …What does that mean?

- Let's say that since I moved here you've been under a little stress...

- LITTLE?!

-...And after the threat of Mukuro, as everything happened practically in sequence, the threat of Varia, the Future, Daemon. - Enma trembled slightly with the pronunciation of that name. - And the Representative Battle itself, your body kind of learned to produce flames constantly, waiting for the next big dangerous one. And now that we are in times of peace it is taking its toll.

Tsuna blinked, considering what hIS tutor had said with the feeling of relief he'd been getting for days when he used his flames.

-…So Ryohei is right, the fever is your body's way of trying to deal with the situation, dispensing the heat somehow.

- So… Am I really sick? - He wanted to know with a hint of guilt, feeling Enma's strangely sharp gaze on him.

Reborn didn't respond right away, just staring at his student with his expressionless eyes. Even though his silence said much more than an actual answer, causing his student to slump onto the bed.

It looked like his body wasn't really willing to let him have a normal life.

- Don't worry about that. - Followed the assassin as if he knew what he was thinking at that moment. - As long as you spend a little flame every day, it won't really be a problem. Until your body gets used to the new rhythm.

-...Right... - And then he was taken out of his thoughts and ramblings when Ryohei took him by the shoulders, forcing him to face him -...Eh... Brother?

- Listen well Tsuna, this may even irritate you, but you can't help that we care about you, we are family, aren't we? You hiding health problems from us isn't much different than what Yamamoto and Gokudera did, is it? - That made the slightest blink, having not until then made the parallel. - From what I understand you were annoyed by them hiding things from you, so I'll be EXTREMELY annoyed too if you get hurt without me knowing, do you understand?! I'm not just your Sun Guardian, I'm your big brother, so your health is doubly my problem!

-...Right, you're right... - Confirmed the embarrassed brunette. - I'm sorry, brother, I… I really didn't mean to worry anyone… - He looked away awkwardly. - But you're right… I didn't act much better than the two of them… I'll take my health more seriously from now on. - He had also guaranteed that to Hibari after all.

Enma sighed, clearly relieved, to which Reborn's smile only widened.

"Ryohei's great advantage over Yamamoto and Gokudera is that like Hibari and Mukuro he is able to stand up to his boss if he needs to." - Thought the assassin jumping from the table, walking towards the door. - "This is really how a Sun Guardian should act, the Sun that illuminates the Sky protecting them from the misfortune that threaten their family."

And when he was already on the threshold, he turned to the trio.

- If you still intend to walk, I suggest you hurry. Kyoko is waiting and you don't have more than an hour now.

And he left, leaving his hysterical student behind for keeping the girl he liked waiting.

He would never really admit it, but he felt a little lighter now, and it had nothing to do with the costume he pulled on as he walked down the stairs.

-.-.-.-

Chrome was very happy.

Her smile was simply radiant, as she walked through the shelves of a convenience store, she almost bounced in her steps as if she were gliding, and all this was due to the figure that accompanied her shopping.

Rokudo Mukuro walked with much more modest steps, but he would be lying if he said that he was not happy to cause all these sensations in the youngest either. And all this just because it was the first time they'd walked together like this, for something as simple as buying things for their pantry.

A little further on, Fran watched each and every one of the rows, messing with absolutely everything, and when he broke or tore something he simply hid it with one of his illusions.

He didn't get very far, as he was attached to a child's leash firmly attached to his master's wrist. In his own measure he also looked quite happy.

If he had known that such a simple gesture could bring so much happiness to the two of them, he would have been willing to go out with them both beforehand instead of always delegating the task of shopping to Ken and Chikusa.

On top of all that, he had to admit that it felt pretty good to go for a walk, not depending on any of his possessions, to feel some fresh air against his face and get some sunshine.

Especially today, after his long day's confinement in Kokuyo Land, when after weeks of feeling his head explode and his nightmares tormenting him, he finally got a decent night's rest.

He even had the strangest sensation that someone, probably a woman, by the soft hand, caressed his scalp and lulled him to sleep. He even thought that Chrome had stayed to sleep in the Kokuyo Land or that M.M. had returned from her trip to the France and restarted with her jokings, only to wake up surprised on his couch, all alone. Not even Fran was around.

His mind had seemed too intent on driving him crazy lately, so he'd simply put it aside and resolved to enjoy this sunny day of sanity his mind had given to him.

Exactly why, to Chrome and Ken's shock, Chikusa's concern and Fran's delight, he simply accepted when the young girl showed up early in Kokuyo Land and asked if he wanted to go shopping with her.

He sincerely did not regret his decision.

He was a free man now, and for that he deserved these little luxuries.

Speaking of luxury, he was currently staring at a Ghana-branded chocolate bar, which wasn't in his shopping plan, so he sincerely wondered if Chrome or Fran would notice if he stole it and put an illusion in its place, or if it was better to cancel Ken's gum in favor of buying his chocolate.

He'd opted for thievery, after all, what was shoplifting for a serial killer, when something, or rather someone, caught his eye in his peripheral vision.

Although "thing" wasn't really a bad definition, seeing as the creature he identified as Gokudera Hayato crawled towards the cash register, his soul appeared to have abandoned him long ago.

He knew from Ken and Chikusa that the Storm worked here, however he shouldn't be working at this time. There was a reason why his subordinates only shopped in the morning or afternoon when they needed something specific from Namimori.

Avoid the annoying Storm.

But today he was in a good mood, so he put his chocolate aside in order to annoy Sawada Tsunayoshi's puppy a little. So he created an illusion of himself to keep holding Fran and accompanying Chrome and headed towards the cashier.

- Well, well… What do we have here? - The Mist regarded with his cocky grin, stopping in front of the clerk who barely looked up at the familiar voice.

- Oh, it's you, Shit Pineapple.

His expression creased at the nickname, but he didn't let it shake him.

- What happened? - He continued provocative. - You even look like a dog that got scolded by the owner.

He expected screams, threats, maybe the start of a fight.

What he didn't expect was the extremely regretful expression to the contrary, as if something truly horrible had happened.

-...The Tenth... I disappointed him...

For a second his heart sank at the sight of the wretched guardian, instincts he didn't even know he had stirred. He was about to question the younger one about what he meant by that when he heard Chrome's voice sounding a few steps back.

- Mister Mukuro, you didn't need to put an illusion in your place, just say you wanted to go somewhere else. - Commented Chrome with a frankly adorable upset expression. Just then noticing the presence of the Storm. - Oh, Gokudera…

- Nagi. - He started in a serious tone, turning to the smaller one, who was now the one holding a sullen Fran on his children's collar. - Did something happen to Sawada Tsunayoshi?

- The Boss? - She sideways her head considering, and seeing the deplorable state of the silver-haired young man, she connected the dots. - Oh yes, the Boss was very angry with Gokudera and Yamamoto, he even fought with them yesterday for hiding Haru's training from him.

Mukuro would never admit it, but the first feeling he felt was relief. It wasn't because he cared about the Sky Vongola, he simply needed the body he would one day possess to be whole and functional, it was just that.

That soon faded into the background as he considered the rest of what she'd said, and how the Storm looked even deader after her words.

-...Sawada Tsunayoshi, that young mafioso project, fought with you? - He put it with disbelief.

Not that he didn't remember how hard the younger's punch could be when he was furious, and even when he had his own shirt collar tugged at him when he thought he had abandoned Chrome, but none of that mattered at the moment.

- After all, who is Haru anyway? She deserves a reward for, as that Lark says, making that boy stick out his claws.

- One of my friends. The brown-haired girl who studies at Midori.

-…I want broccoli… - Fran muttered with his arms crossed, being ignored by his caregivers.

- Hmm. I have a vague impression that I know who it is. - He considered. - Looks like we're going to get along fine, if somehow she managed to get Sawada to put his puppies in the kennel.

- The master is looking like that Cloud making so many references to animals like that… - And again the little one was ignored.

- Shut up Pineapple, if you're going to buy something, just pay soon and leave me alone. - Followed the Storm without mood, accepting grudgingly the purchases of Chrome.

That didn't stop the older one from laughing at his expense, or putting an illusion of floppy dog ears on the younger one, which he would only discover later in the day.

He was still in a very good mood, chuckling inwardly at his own joke, as they walked the streets of Namimori carrying their groceries like the good gentleman he was, when something seemed to occur to Chrome.

- Ah, it's true Mister Mukuro, I wanted to ask you something, now that we're here in Namimori.

- And what would that be, my dear Nagi?

- Can you feel where the Boss is?

It made him stop, forget about Storm for a bit to look at the younger one curiously.

- You mean your flames? That's not difficult, Sawada is practically a walking lighthouse.

She denied with her head.

- I don't mean that, but the fact that the Boss can feel your presence, he said he does that even before he knows what flames were.

-...Oh yes. - He considered, in fact, the youngest seemed very aware of his presence whenever he tried to approach, even if surreptitiously. - I suppose Hyper Intuition is an unfair advantage.

Again the Mist shook her head.

- The Boss said it's not that, it looks like something else, so Verde asked if you're able to do the same, feel where the Boss is, and I didn't know how to answer. Then. You can? - She tilted her head curiously. - Know where the Boss is, even without using your flames?

Mukuro didn't answer, considering. Really he had never needed to know exactly where the youngest was, it was always very evident.

Although... When he tried to escape from Kokuyo in the Representative Battle, to face the final battles without involving his subordinates, something guided him to Namimori's square, where coincidentally seconds later Sawada Tsunayoshi and his lackeys appeared.

At the time, he was so tired that he just let himself be guided by his feet, without asking much of his reasons.

Furthermore, thinking about it now, he also had a strange memory of his future self, where he had managed to enter the isolated island where Choice took place despite all of Byakuran's precautions.

As he didn't have that Mukuro's thoughts, he always thought that he had managed to get through those defenses due to his bond with Nagi, and yet, he had appeared right in front of Sawada to defend him, and not her.

-...Perhaps. - Pondered really interested in the subject now. - Indeed, my dear Nagi, we have a strange connection since we first faced each other. Although I can't explain why.

The younger one now looked as interested as he was.

-...Can you tell where he is now? - She insisted, even Fran stopped mumbling, interested in the conversation.

The Guardian thought for a few moments, and instead of answering, he chose to close his eyes and concentrate.

It didn't take long to feel a sensation of warmth coursing through his body, as if he were close to the very flames of Sky. A sensation very similar to the one he felt when this same Sky purified the energy from his eye after his first fight.

It was a strange feeling indeed, like lining up against a fireplace on a cold winter's afternoon while sipping a hot drink, for the heat seemed to envelop him not only on the outside but also on the inside.

So immersed was he in the sensation, that he didn't even notice when Chrome approached him in order to catch him, as the older one looked like he was about to fall at any moment after a weakening of his legs.

And then there it was, in contrast to everything he'd felt, a cold shiver hit him, along with the certainty that the other was close by.

"...This is weird." - He thought trying to understand what that could mean, while trying to pinpoint exactly where the Sky was.

-.-

-...What's weird? - Tsuna questioned suddenly, running alongside Enma, out of solidarity, as the smaller one practically dragged himself instead of running, even Kyoko was a few steps ahead, even though she tried to hold her rhythm to accompany them.

Ryohei almost five hundred meters ahead, in the same situation.

-...W-what…? - Said the redhead trying to catch his breath to say something.

-...You said something is weird.

- I-I? - He tried to say. - I said nothing.

Tsuna stopped, making the Earth thank him enormously for that, taking the chance to rest. Kyoko also stopped her steps, approaching, imagining that the pause was due to the state of the youngest.

- Kyoko, did you say something?

- I? No, I didn't say anything.

- Are you extremely well? - Wanted to know Ryohei, approaching too, however without stopping running in his place even though he spoke with the trio.

-...I am fine! - He hastened to say, shaking his hands under the sharp sight of his guardian. - I just had the impression that I heard someone talking to me, that's all. It must just be my imagination. - And then he turned to Enma, who without any more strength to stand up, ended up falling on his backside, frankly exhausted. - But I believe that Enma needs to rest.

- Right! Let's take an extreme break! - Announced the Sun, even though it continued its stopped race.

- I propose to turn this break into something more productive. - Said a new voice, making the quartet turn towards a wall, seeing someone wearing wrestler shorts, a strange elephant cap and a beard.

- OOH! MASTER PAO-PAO! It's an honor to see you again! - Ryohei exclaimed, bowing to his mentor.

- Hello again Master Pao-Pao. - Also greeted Kyoko.

-...Tsuna. - Enma wanted to know, still out of breath, lying on the asphalt. - Who is he?

"...It's not possible for anyone to notice." - He thought looking at his best friend with regret.

- PAOO~ I heard from Reborn that you need to expend your flames. - Reborn said with a smile that promised chaos. - I also heard that you are learning to use yours, so I suggest a running challenge… EXTREME.

- WE ACCEPT!

- Eeeh?! - Tsuna exclaimed, casting a disbelieving look at the eldest and a suspicious look at Reborn. - Brother, you can't just accept it like that!

- Sounds like fun, Tsuna, let's accept it!

- W-well, if Kyoko thinks that, then fine.

-...M-more running?! - Enma said turning pale.

- Don't worry Useless-Enma, you won't have to run anymore. - The assassin explained, and despite the insult he couldn't help but sigh in relief. - The rules are simple. It will be a doubles race. The Sasagawa brothers against the useless duo. Ryohei and Tsuna will be the competitors, and they will carry their partners on their backs as they use their flames to help or hinder them in the race. Whoever completes a circuit from here first, passing through Namimori Shrine and returning to the Sawada residence, wins.

- And how would we do that? - Wanted to know the emotional Redhead-Sun.

On the other hand, the Vongola couldn't help but feel a little disappointed that he wasn't the one to take her, while Enma felt his face redden when he realized that it would be the second time that he would be taken in that somewhat childish and slightly humiliating position by Tsuna, even if before it was your version of the future.

- For the competition to be even, Kyoko must summon her flame and use her activation factor to give her partner even more energy to run. Imagine that your flame travels through his legs, if you can, it will make his cells work better and help his run.

- Okay, I'll try my best! - She put decided.

- Ryohei, you can also use your own flame to do the same.

- RIGHT!

-...What about us? - Asked Enma uncertain, still unsure about this new person.

- You will use your Earth flame to make Tsuna even heavier and make it difficult for him to run well.

- What?! So Enma will harm me? Where is this fair?

- You'll be in Hyper Mode, so there's nothing to complain about. - Followed Pao-Pao. - In this state you are faster than Ryohei, and as Kyoko is still a novice, it's only fair that Enma hinders you with his power of gravity, instead of helping you. Though he's also a useless amateur when it comes to flames.

-...Is he... Reborn's friend? - Wanted to know the redhead frowning at the stranger who offended him.

- Yeah, let's say we're cousins, or something.

- You control gravity! - Kyoko exclaimed, impressed with the smallest, leaving Tsuna a little jealous. - Your flame is from Earth, isn't it? Tsuna told me very little about it.

-...I still don't quite understand how it works...

- Even we don't understand very well, before we destroyed the seal of our rings, we couldn't really access our flames...

- That's why he's a useless amateur. - Followed Master Pao-Pao, just getting Shimon to sigh. - So, position yourself at once, because we are wasting time!

- Wait! - Tsuna interrupted while Ryohei was already crouching for his sister to climb on his back. -...What happens to those who lose?

Reborn smiled wryly.

- Shouldn't the question be what wins the winner? - The brunette opened his mouth to claim that that wasn't what worried him, but Reborn just ignored him and followed. - The winner will not be punished.

- This is not a prize!

- AND WE'RE GOING TO RUN EXTREMELY! - And the guardian already ran ahead, with his sister motivating him behind.

- Hiie! But they didn't even announce the start! - Tsuna muttered awkwardly, crouching down for Enma to climb on it, despite the flushed faces of both.

- I started it when you were whimpering.

- I wasn't whining!

- And if you take it easy to spare your friends, the punishment of defeat will be 100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 times worse.

- THAT NUMBER DOESN'T EXIST! - He exclaimed only to fall flat on his face under the weight of his friend, with him sitting on his back.

- A-ah, sorry, Tsuna!

- All right. - He sighed in a muffled voice. -…I should have entered Hyper Mode before you went up…

-.-.-

-...If the illusionist is skilled, it will not be noticed.

-...Huh? - Asked Chrome confused.

Rokudo Mukuro reopened his eyes, noticing that he was sitting on a bench on the road leading to Kokuyo, a worried Chrome on one side and a disinterested Fran on the other.

He blinked in confusion, not knowing when he had sat down. Noticing this, the younger one followed.

-…You were trying to find the Boss, so it looked like you were about to fall, so Fran and I brought you here. - She explained worriedly. - So you said something about a skilled illusionist not being noticed.

- I was just answering your question. - He said without really caring, putting his hand to his head.

"This must consume more energy than I thought, but despite what Nagi said, I don't feel weak." - He thought, pondering the sensations he had felt.

-...But I didn't ask anything. - It made her more and more worried. - Are you sure you're okay?

- Now Nagi, if I heard you say that it was not possible for anyone to notice what I was doing.

- But I didn't say any of that, Mr. Mukuro! - She replied even more distressed.

- It's true master, Chrome didn't say anything. - Fran reinforced squeezing the groceries that was now in his lap. - You are now hearing voices.

- Don't be ridiculous, Fran. - Withheld importance. - I must have just heard something leaking from the astral plane I access. That's how I met Chrome after all.

-...That doesn't change the fact that you are hearing voices. Should I call the mental hospital now? - Instead of answering, the eldest just invoked his trident and stuck it in the child's huge apple hat. - It hurts master…

- I'm perfectly fine. - He imposed it firmly. - And answering the question I'm sure you asked, Chrome. - Then turned to her. - Yes.

It took a second for her to understand what that meant, until her eyes opened in awe.

- So can you tell where the Boss is? This is impressive, Mister Mukuro! - And she followed more regretfully, almost jealous. - I wanted to have that connection with the Boss.

The Illusionist frowned, it wasn't like something like that was really useful, the brunette was already a beacon of flames in his own right, to need a method that consumed so much energy and that apparently left him vulnerable to outside attacks.

- Can the master also go where he is? - Wanted to know Fran. - How… A video game save point! As you do with Chrome.

- Possibly. - And then a sadistic smile formed on his lips. - Why not enjoy and test it? Even if it's to congratulate Sawada Tsunayoshi for training his puppies.

- Are you sure, Mr. Mukuro? You already look tired just trying to locate the Boss…

- Don't worry my dear Nagi, I'm fine. - He assured leaning against the back of the seat. - I'll be quick. Who knows, I might get something out of this new… Discovery.

And despite her distressed expression contrary, he closed his eyes again.

-.-

When he reopened them, like a projection, he found himself on a strangely empty street, with no sign of the Sky no matter where he looked.

"Perhaps I got your position wrong?" - He considered, walking a little. - "Although your flames are simply everywhere."

-...This is simply impossible! - A panicked voice caught his attention, putting his questions aside for a moment, looking for their source.

He then came across a vaguely familiar figure around the corner, crouching on the ground, seeing what looked like a footprint imprinted on the asphalt.

He was going to just ignore him and go on with his quest a little longer, because he knew that if he failed Fran would become even more irritating than he already was by nature, when a line from the man caught his attention.

-...How am I going to follow Sawada like that?

-…Well, well… What we have here. - Before he could notice, he was behind the man, smiling with satisfaction at the startled leap he made when he was discovered. - I don't think you're part of that Lark's birds to be so worried about the maintenance of the city… - He said seeing the part of the asphalt clearly sunken in the shape of a shoe.

- I don't owe explanations to a stranger! - And at the sight of your clothes, his expression creased. - Much less for a student of Kokuyo!

- You said you were following Sawada, I imagine we are talking about Sawada Tsunayoshi. - He said crossing his arms and it was even comical as the other swallowed hard in front of the accusation, making it absolutely obvious that that was what he was doing.

- What if I am?! Why would that be your problem?! - He confronted crossing his arms.. - What is your relationship with Sawada?

In turn, Mochida Kensuke was trembling internally, first the Disciplinary Committee, under orders from Hibari himself, were watching Useless-Tsuna, and now this very dangerous-looking guy, who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, because he was sure there was no one around seconds before, was also making an appearance.

Not to mention how Yamamoto and Gokudera followed the brunette wherever he went.

After all, why did Sawada Tsunayoshi just seem surrounded by such dangerous people?!

- I have no relationship with him. - The illusionist emphasized importance as he unfolded his arms and approached, purposefully letting his murderous aura out, appreciating how the other student looked increasingly nervous.

Maybe he was a mafioso, an assassin sent to assassinate the Tenth Vongola, he wouldn't rule out that possibility even though he looked like a civilian, the fact that he wasn't completely indifferent to his aura was proof that he was absolutely no ordinary man.

-...Although. - His smile widened at the panic of the man who had enough sense to take a step back. - My dear Nagi would be very sad if something happened to Sawada, so… - And an unmanly cry left Mochida's lips as he summoned his trident through the indigo mist. - For her sake, I can't let you make fun of Vongola.

- V-vongola? - He repeated confused, the name did not refer to anything but a plate of food. - I do not know what you're talking about! I was just making sure that cursed Sawada doesn't harm Kyoko in any way!

-...Kyoko? - Repeated Mukuro trying to remember where he knew that name from. - So you're not a killer behind Sawada?

- K-killer?! - Mochida exclaimed, falling to the ground in frank panic. - Of course not! It's true that we had disagreements in the past, b-but I would never try to kill anyone!

Mukuro snorted, making his trident disappear, the other one looked sincere. Just when he thought he could have fun at the expense of some reckless mafiosos.

- A-are you some kind of burglar or something?! M-maybe a Yakuza? - Wanted to know the black-haired boy huddled in his place, but clearly relieved that the weapon from the other was gone. - I-I don't have much. - He said, taking a bag from his back, regretting not having his katana with him that day, even though, he would rather not be beaten again by any creepy Kokuyo students.*

- Of course- And watching as the other took from his bag a Ghana chocolate bar and some money bills, totaling 500 yen. - Yes. Leave these things over the wall of that house, and I will spare you. This time. - He finished summoning his trident again.

- Y-yes sir! - And without thinking twice, he left the objects on the wall mentioned, and ran away from there as fast as he could.

- Now~ - Crooned the satisfied illusionist looking around to make sure of the address. - I just need to send Fran over here to get this for me and-

- Not so fast, Rokudo Mukuro.

The illusionist cursed himself for being startled when he heard the voice of a certain Sun, who jumped lightly on the wall and took the items from the petty theft, putting them under his Fedora hat.

- Ciaossu. - He greeted with his irritating smile. - Congratulations Mukuro, you acted like a true Guardian, thus taking care of someone who was following your Boss. It seems that little by little you are understanding your role in the family.

This made the Mist's expression scrunch up in disgust.

- You're confusing things, Arcobaleno. I'm not part of the Mafia and Sawada Tsunayoshi is not my Boss. I just wouldn't pass up the opportunity to get rid of some mafiosos.

- Say what you want. - The Sun didn't give importance, to the irritation of the youngest. - However, as Guardian Vongola, and as guardian responsible for you, I cannot allow you to soil the family name with petty thefts like this. So this is confiscated.

-…Damn you. - He growled with contempt. - You just want the chocolate just for you!

- I don't like sweets. - He shrugged. - Much less chocolate. - And seeing the offended expression opposite he added. - But you seem like it*, so all the more reason for me to confiscate it. Now, more importantly, what are you doing here? I thought you could only project yourself when Chrome was around.

It made a smirk of satisfaction cover the Mist's face as it began to unravel.

- I don't owe you an explanation, Arcobaleno. - And without more disappeared completely, leaving only his voice behind. - It's your job to find out.

Reborn snorted.

- Mists. Always dramatic.

-.-.-

- Mister Mukuro! - Chrome exclaimed in clear relief to see his boss returning. - You're back!

- The master looks irritated. - Fran observed.

- I met the irritating Sun Arcobaleno. - He explained with a frown.

- Ex-Arcobaleno. - Corrected the child, only getting an angry look from his master.

- So it worked? - Wanted to know the young surprise.

- Yes, partially. Apparently Sawada Tsunayoshi was running around town, I must have projected myself just before he left.

- And are you feeling well? You are not tired or dizzy?

The eldest smiled at the opposite concern.

- I'm perfectly fine, Nagi, don't worry.

- That's great. - She put it relieved. - Because Fran and I are late, can you go back to Kokuyo Land alone?

-...Eh…?

- Sorry about that! - She said awkwardly, taking all the purchases that were with Fran and putting it in her lap.

-...Where are you going in such a hurry, all of a sudden?

- To the Boss' house. - She explained, lifting Fran on her shoulders, making the child vibrate by the height. - I would invite you, but… - And then she blushed. - …It is better not. See you later Mister Mukuro! Thank you so much for going shopping with me.

And before he could claim anything, the young girl left as lightly as she could, leaving him completely alone.

- Tsc. - He grumbled, getting up slightly annoyed, ready to go home, without chocolate. - For someone who looked so worried, she didn't seem to have a problem leaving me standing here.

And so, slightly in a bad mood, he returned to his own home.

-.-.-

-...I won? - Put Tsuna completely in disbelief, leaning against the wall of his house, slightly panting. - Are you sure?

- I never have doubts, Useless-Tsuna. - The assassin said on the wall. - You arrived earlier by almost 30 milliseconds.

- Oh… - It was all he could say, still in disbelief. - …I didn't think I could.

- And you also seem to be the one who arrived in better condition. - Observed Fon approaching, realizing how both Enma and the Sasagawa Brothers were completely exhausted and panting along the corridor at the entrance of the Sawada residence.

- HAHAH! How pathetic, they lost to Useless-Tsuna. - Lambo bragged wiping his nose with his finger and wiping it on the hair of a panting Ryohei. - Even the Great Lambo would have won that one!

- Lambo, bad! - Scolded I-Pin kicking his friend, making him fly across the garden, and even with disgust, cleaning Sasagawa's hair.

- But the Cow is right, you lost pathetically, and now you will be punished. - The Hitman put with a wicked gleam in his eyes.

- Hiiiie! Reborn, is this really necessary?! - He exclaimed it regretfully.

- Weren't you the one who said you wouldn't take it easy on the girls now? - Challenged.

- H-he's right Tsuna… - Kyoko imposed breathlessly and panting, although she hadn't run, exhausted from using her flames. - I'm ready… To accept the consequences of defeat!

- B-but Kyoko!

- Well said, Kyoko.

And then the Ex-Arcobaleno turned Leon into a marker, drawing a circle around the brothers' and Enma's left eyes. Tsuna nearly fell to the ground in disbelief that this was punishment.

-...I will accept this humiliation as a warrior. - The redhead girl said firmly with small tears.

- THAT'S HOW YOU TALK, SISTER! DEFEAT IS… - He took a deep breath. - FUEL FOR NEW VICTORIES!

Tsuna just looked at the brothers in disbelief, facing the scribble punishment as if it really was a big deal. At the same time, he breathed a sigh of relief that Reborn hadn't been too heavy this time.

-...Why... - Enma tried to say. - I'm also… Punished if… Was I on Tsuna's team?

- Because you're too pathetic for a winner. - He decreed simply to which the redhead just mumbled something incomprehensible. - Then he turned to Tsuna. - Here, your prize.

-…Chocolate and money? - He put surprised seeing the bar and 200 Yen.

- You do not want?

- It's not that, I just didn't expect it to actually have an award. - He commented confused, still shrugged his shoulders and kept the booty, after all, it wasn't every day that he won something from Reborn.

- Now go take a shower, otherwise you'll be late again.

- Hiiiiee! You're right! - And leaving his destroyed friends behind, he ran inside the house.

-.-

When Tsuna came out of the shower a few minutes later, already dressed as Reindeer, he went downstairs without tripping once.

Nonetheless…

- On the eighth day of Christmas, my love gave it to me… - When he saw who was present this time, a resounding HIIIIEEE left his lips, making him roll down the stairs. - Eight milkmaids…

And how could he not have panicked, if in his full kitchen there was simply the complete Varia next to Fran, and even a gigantic Gola Moska that banged its head against the kitchen ceiling. And if that wasn't terrifying enough, they were wearing cow pajamas exactly like Lambo's.

Even the giant robot had been painted with bovine allegories.

Lussuria's costume even had tits! And Mammon's was over his hood, making him look like a bundle of clothes. Squalo had a bucket of milk in place of his sword hand, Belphegor held cheese knives in place of his usual ones, Levi had a bull nose ring instead of his usual one in his mouth, and Xanxus…

He sincerely closed his eyes before he saw Xanxus.

- HE CAN'T KILL ME IF I DON'T SEE ANYTHING! - He yelled, as soon as the song gave its last stanza to avoid another blow. - And wasn't this song composed only of birds?!

- I never said it was. - Put Reborn calmly taking some milk from the fantasy of a fabulous Lussuria with his cup of coffee. - Well done Fran, you're getting better and better, it even looks like real milk.

- Thank you, although the master is a shit teaching, I'm very smart. - Answered the small child who had the pajamas most similar to Lambo's, however, in place of the hairs on his false tail there was a small pineapple. - What gave me the most trouble was this giant robot, I called it Cow Moska. - Then returned to Chrome and the illusion trio Kokuyo. - But I think the Chrome ones are even cooler.

In response to this, the illusion Mukuro pierced his tail, clearly annoyed.

- You saw? They are very real, even in their shitty personality.

- Thank you. - Answered Chrome happy.

- Hahiii! Mists are amazing, imagine the time you can save with sewing!

- But Haru, if the illusion dissolves, wouldn't the person simply be without clothes? - Asked Kyoko with curiosity.

- HAHII! Haru hadn't thought of that! - She said blushing.

- Get up at once, you scum, how long are you going to stay there standuuuhh?! - Xanxus-Illusion grumbled, ending in what looked too much like a cow moo.

- I won't see it, I won't see it, I won't see iiiiittt!

The rest of the day again wasn't as eventful as the morning, for brunette's sanity's sake, even though he returned very late on this day of deliveries.

Deliveries which were extremely profitable, leaving the Vongola unnaturally optimistic about being able to buy all the presents in time for Christmas.

That's if Reborn or any of his friends don't screw up along the way. Yeah, maybe he wasn't so optimistic.

And just like that, the 20th is gone, leaving him with just four days to accomplish your goal.

Christmas was dangerously getting closer and closer…

---

Notes:

* Yes, kangaroos can swim.

* Hibari in the boxing club was something revealed in one of Reborn's novels, the name of the original story is "Kyokugen Memorīzu". (Even in this story even Gokudera was invited to the Boxing Club several times) In short, the story tells of Ryohei's odyssey to invite Hibari to the Boxing Club, at that time, he was in his first year at Namimori Chuugaku. During the course of the novel, Ryohei challenges Kusakabe for confusing him with Hibari... Yeah..., and only at the end of the story Ryohei discovers that all this time he was challenging the wrong Hibari, as the real one shows up at the end for Ryohei who to everyone's surprise "accepted" to join the boxing club to have a match against Hisui School, however he imposed two conditions: The first was that he would leave the club right away and the second is that Ryohei would never ask to Hibari enters the club again, he accepts and as expected, Hibari wins the fight. So yes, at the end of it all, Hibari participated in the Boxing Club, for a fight, but he participated... And once inside the club...

* This cube is a reference to one of Reborn's fillers, the original cube appeared in episode 120, due to an error in Spanner's computer, Tsuna's mental training against some Moskas had to be interrupted by a giant Magic Cube that flies and who constantly changes his way of fighting... And if that bizarreness wasn't enough, he still uses some flames, mainly Lightning (which even, curiously, the flame symbol he used has a shape very similar to a snowflake), and not just this, he can repel attacks too, so much so that, not only repelled Tsuna's X-Burner… YEEEAH, but also in the end the computer ended up breaking, and WE DON'T KNOW WHO WON! Who is Bermuda in front of this mystical Cube? He cannot be forgotten. Finally, one of the most formidable opponents that Tsuna has faced has his due space here. Magic Cube, you will never be forgotten!

* Tokugawa Tsunayoshi was the fifth shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate. He was the younger brother of Tokugawa Ietsuna and the son of Tokugawa Iemitsu. In 1651, his father died, when he was just five years old, and Yetsuna took over the shogunate. In 1680, however, Ietsuna died aged 39 and without heirs, which led to a huge argument over who should be his successor. Hotta Masatoshi, one of the top names in the shogunate, suggested Tsunayoshi to take over this place. And that's how Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, without ever having prepared for it, became the new Shogun after 29 years in his brother's rule. Did you notice how many 9's this story has?

* No, this information is not canon, but since the watch didn't appear anymore (And much less Nono himself) after the Shimon Arc, it simply makes sense that they would have given it to Timoteo, since it's a special and ancient treasure of the Vongola… Preferably after sending it to an exorcist, just in case.

* We already made a note similar to this, but canonically Reborn in chapter 80, page 26, said: "Tsuna's flame purified Mukuro's black aura", and the same thing was repeated with Daemon at the end of the battle. Tsuna as a mafioso is a great purifier, he should work as an exorcist.

* As Mochida was Namimori's 20th strongest student, during the incident with the Kokuyo Gang at the "beginning" of the manga, he lost about 20 teeth and ended up in the hospital. It's normal for him to want to avoid these people in green.

* There is a somewhat funny curiosity about Mukuro, his favorite food is chocolate, and in addition, his favorite things were revealed in one of Reborn's databooks, among them are: Killing, bullying, world conquest and chocolate, yes, specifically in that order.