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!

18. 427 - Reheating the Sun

Chapter by JonaX, Kimonohi_Tsuki

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Summary:

Reborn has an insomnia crisis, Tsuna too. A theft occurs and the Trinisette is turned upside down.

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Target 427 - Reheating the Sun

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Reborn couldn't sleep.

How could?

He was alone in the room, his student had gotten up at least an hour ago claiming he was going to "finish something" and hadn't returned since.

As he was no longer taking his temperature every night, it didn't matter if Tsuna came to sleep or not. There was also no strange movement of flames in the house, much less the wiretaps and hidden cameras of their hiding places had detected anything unusual.

The Vongola was just sitting at the kitchen table, jotting down in a copybook, and seeing something in a book, probably in a bout of insomnia after the girls' first failure.

Even in the camera-Leon image, the teenager looked unhappy and tired, most likely for the same reasons, it was a very different image from the choir of the previous morning, but not as distressed as the one motivated by the nightmare of the previous day.

He couldn't really blame him. He had witnessed firsthand the outcome of the girls' test. The minor had really taken the matter seriously, being even more severe than he expected his feelings towards Kyoko would be. He had simply used all of his main abilities against them, and even those coming from the Shimon Ring.

Even his bitter and even offensive words were necessary for them to really understand the world they entered. The girls were starting from scratch while their friends were already at the top of the food chain, it would be arrogance and innocence to think that the threats they would have to face for wanting to stay close to boys would be the same ones they faced when they started.

The level was too high and even the smallest mistake could be deadly not only for them, but also for those who were forced to save them, as the brunette one himself had put in words and deeds.

Although his grades were still miserable, it was undeniable that the teenager had grown a lot. The boy was still fourteen years old and already taking responsibilities and consequences like an adult.

After all, the Tsuna of almost two years ago would have been in a ball of tearful depression for the girl he likes possibly being upset with him, even Haru's tears would have put him in a spiral of self-deprecation.

And even though he was clearly disheartened by the whole affair, he was bearing it, to his surprise, with plenty of integrity.

Like a real Boss would.

- Looks like he's really matured. - He commented for nothing, while absently stroking Leon's head. - It really almost doesn't look like that screaming, useless and cowardly child anymore when I got here.

Very soon, he would no longer tutor him, though he still had a lot to learn once he took over. Perhaps he could continue to guide him, but in a different relationship between professor and student.

Who knows, the day he no longer sees him as a baby, even…

He shook his head as if he wanted to push those thoughts out of his mind.

- Damn baby body. - He considered turning back to face the ceiling. - Lack of sleep is getting to me.

Not for less, his mind seemed faster than usual, due to the conversation he'd had with Fon the day before. He ran it over and over in his mind, trying to find some more clues, a loose end, something to work with, just like his later call to Dino.

It was just unnerving that there was something, let alone an thing as big as a criminal organization, that he was simply unaware of. The feeling of ignorance took him back to the dark times where he hunted Checker Face, right after the curse, for years without any success, or even when not long ago he learned of the existence of a Clear Pacifier, and its mysterious user, Bermuda.

Frustration made him fervently want to seek out more about these Eight Heads, and why they could terrify even someone as strong as Fon.

It all seemed too fun and chaotic to just pass up.

If it were just a few years ago, by now he would have been immersed in an intense investigation, diving headfirst into what could be a deadly web, just because it sounded like fun.

Tsuna was apparently not the only one who had changed in these two years, the biggest proof is that he was there, staring at the ceiling while letting frustration run through his small body. Fon's warning still hovering over his head.

"So please, if he really is a dear student to you, don't chase this poor boy any more trouble…"

He frowned. Tsuna was nowhere near a poor helpless boy as he was in the past, now he was one of the strongest Skies in the Mafia. Besides, even when he was definitely an innocent civilian, it never spared him anything, quite the opposite.

So what was stopping him now from throwing him headlong into something that could help him get even stronger? What made him stand here, still, watching the bedroom ceiling irritated, unable to sleep?

He knew what the answer was, but knowing it didn't make him any happier.

There was real fear on Fon's face as he warned him. Fon, the strongest physical fighter he's ever known, most likely the strongest in the world. Fon who even when cursed had not lost his temper or composure, had simply been exasperated at the mere name.

"There are fates much worse than death."

Of course he knew that, after all, he'd lived decades trapped in a baby's body, and even if for a fleeting moment, he even considered becoming a Vindice to get his revenge on Checker Face, which would earn him an eternity of time torment.

It was Fon's fear that kept him from doing anything, from digging deeper, delving beneath the last rock of this Island and hunting down those who could give him names and answers and most of all fun.

Because if Fon feared them, he shouldn't take them lightly either.

At least, not while Tsuna's health wasn't stable anymore, and the girls had at least a decent level.

He didn't really think that these Eight Heads possessed a power comparable to what Tsuna and some of his guardians had achieved, or even Vongola, but Japan was a populous country, never know how many rats were hiding in the sewers. And numbers could be an issue, not to mention there were different forms of power and influence that could be even more delicate to handle than simple physical strength like the Neo Prima Generation was used to.

After all, leaders of powerful nations that had the power to start and end wars at their fingertips, most of the time didn't even know how to throw a punch, but they still influenced the lives of billions.

Politics was a delicate thing to deal with, even more so in a strange country where the Mafia didn't have that much power over what happened.

"I need to focus more on Tsuna's strategic training, in addition to some classical instruction." - Thought making mental notes. - "Political theory would be a good place to start..."

After cataloging in his head all the authors that would force the youngest to study, he simply gave up sleeping and decided to accompany Tsuna in his insomnia in the kitchen.

His body shivered slightly as he climbed out from under the covers, the room felt colder than ever despite the heater being on.

He was still wearing his signature pajamas, with little wool gloves included, and yet he felt like he was freezing in the normally comfortable room.

If his mind hadn't been so full tonight, perhaps the Ex-Arcobaleno would have considered that this unusual cold was precisely due to the absence of the room's main source of heat.

-.-

Tsuna can't sleep.

Not only was he afraid of what his mind might have him dreaming that night after all that had happened, he also had too many unfinished business to do to allow himself the luxury of simply going to rest.

Also, focusing on something else with all his might was a way of simply not thinking about Haru's tears or Kyoko's sadness.

"I'm still the same coward as ever." - He considered self-deprecation with a sigh.

He tried not to think about it, looking once more at his copybook and the endless bills about money that he never seemed able to close, no matter how many gifts combinations he made, there were simply too many people to gift.

"If I had another thousand yen, plus the average pay I get delivering food..." - He considered scribbling his ponderings. - "...Maybe I could, but where can I get a thousand yen?"

He huffed, throwing himself back in his chair, ignoring the creak that echoed throughout the kitchen.

Maybe if he didn't buy Haru and Kyoko's gift? Was it too pessimistic to think they wouldn't come to the party after what happened yesterday? He honestly didn't know the answer.

And again he was thinking about them.

He simply put the copybook aside and focused on a small cookbook beside him, the same one he was using with Kyoko a few days ago to make Tiramisù.

When the girls left the dojo, he honestly thought that Ryohei was going to punch him again for what had happened, not only surprised that he hadn't, but had also slapped him hard on the back to give him support.

Not enough, when he got a message from Kyoko saying she would sleep over at Haru's house that night, he even offered to get the mascarpone so he could proceed with the recipe as was the plan for that night.

Even Ryohei wanted to help with the cooking, but he promptly refused, in the name of all the money and time he had already invested in this candy, assured that he would do it alone.

Alone.

- If I only understood what is written here… - He grumbled, staring from the Italian letters to Kyoko's scribbles in Japanese.

He'd never really noticed that her handwriting was so awful, he'd always imagined that everything she did was just perfect, but even his woefully crooked handwriting was better than her incomprehensible kanji.

"I think anyone isn't really perfect." - He considered it for the first time since he found himself in love with the school idol.

So he started to try his luck with Latin script instead of Sun's scrawl.

Impossible.

He couldn't understand a word of this recipe, Italian was just too difficult.

Absently he ended up shifting his gaze to his ring, remembering the strange dream he had had with Giotto.

He didn't even have time to tell any of his friends about it, although he really didn't know how to start telling them that he was having dreams about a dead ancestor and that other ancestors of his had their souls trapped inside his ring and watched over him all the time.

This was strange even by his family and mafia standards. It was better just not to say anything.

"But if I could only summon any one of them to translate what's written here for me... Didn't Reborn say that the Fourth was going to open a restaurant?" - He pondered massaging the accessory. - "Would it be very wrong to call a ghost from the past for something so simple?"

Did Uni and Byakuran ever abuse Trinisette for something so trivial?

Yes, Byakuran yes, he was sure, and his intuition didn't seem to disagree.

He huffed in frustration again, closing his eyes. Maybe he should ask Gokudera how to summon spirits… And exorcise them in case everything goes wrong.

"Although I can always just hit them with the XX-Burner like I did with Daemon." - He considered, tapping his pencil on the table. - "Didn't Bianchi once say that she had hired a summoner to call Romeo?" - And he trembled slightly when he remembered again that episode where he almost went to hell due to her vengeful ex-boyfriend. - "...It is better not…"

It was funny how he seemed to be more afraid of Romeo than Daemon.

"But I think it makes sense, Daemon just wanted to kill me, now Romeo almost took me to hell!" - He considered with exasperation.

His thoughts had taken a decidedly very strange turn.

And even though he was immersed in ramblings, almost as if attracted by a magnet, he turned towards the stairs as soon as he felt Reborn's presence touch the first step at the top of the stairs.

If the Ex-Arcobaleno was surprised he'd been noticed so quickly, he didn't let on.

Yet neither of them said anything until the Hitman was standing in the kitchen.

Tsuna looked even more tired and sad in person.

- Can't sleep either? - The brunette started in a low tone, even though he knew that wasn't what would wake up his mother or the kids.

Reborn jumped across the table, casting an analytical glance over his student's notes, particularly his accounts, before replying in a casual tone.

- What makes you think I didn't just come to kick you back in the room?

In response, Tsuna snorted again, pointing to his own head with a tired expression.

- You told me to listen to my Hyper Intuition more, and now it won't shut up anymore. - He sighed, getting up from his chair. - It feels like a constant alarm warning me of random, mostly trivial things.

- Intuition is nothing more than a very accurate guess. - Reborn commented with a smile. - That's what Timoteo told me once.

-...And he said how to hang up? - He asked with a glimmer of hope going to the sink.

- No. But he told me he would make me a trillionaire if I found out how.

-...I imagined. - He muttered in clear dismay. - I would double the offer if I could, this thing can be very irritating. It could at least have a filter of importance! The other day while delivering sushi, it kept annoying me to pay attention to something on the way, and it was only because of a gum on the floor, and I still ended up stepping on it!

- Once Useless-Tsuna, always Useless-Tsuna. It's no use listening to it and not taking action. You clearly still need to practice using it. - He said, watching the opposite movements. - It's best to train it lightly to have ready for big events.

- I would take precautions if it were clearer. How do you train something so abstract? - He continued mumbling, turning to the smaller one with the Italian teapot in hand. - Want me to make some coffee?

Reborn flanked his head.

- What does your intuition tell you about it?

-... - And with a new snort, the brunette went to fill the teapot.

The assassin just watched him work in silence until the scent of sweet coffee nectar filled the air.

It wasn't until the liquid was properly allocated in his bottle and Reborn was pouring himself, that he encouraged to ask, seeing with satisfaction the creamy foam that formed in the drink this time.

- Do you want to talk about what happened to the girls? - He suggested, as if he didn't know.

Tsuna grumbled internally.

- No.

Reborn didn't press the matter, willing to taste his drink. Feeling a great relief as the hot liquid coursed through his body, warming him completely. This boy hadn't yet reached perfection, but his coffee was undoubtedly improving fast.

-...Reborn?

He blinked, seeing that the youngest one was staring at him with a raised eyebrow.

- Hmm?

- I asked if you wanted to talk about why you can't sleep.

The assassin considered for a single moment.

- No.

Like himself, his student did not press the matter, causing silence to fall between them. It wasn't an uncomfortable one, though.

It was only when Reborn had finished his cup, picked up another one and Tsuna got up to make some tea, that the smaller one questioned, with his back to the older one, while heating the water using his Hyper Mode.

-...Reborn, do you really think I'm capable of training girls...? - And even in that state, he could surprisingly feel a little insecurity in his voice.

- Tsuna. - He named staring the back of the youngest. - The only time I really doubted that you weren't capable of doing something, you proved me wrong.

The hot tea almost spread everywhere with that comment, but the brunette managed to hold it back at the last second, even from where he was sitting Reborn could see how the young boy's face turned red.

- Thanks. - He said with sincerity in his deep voice. - I needed to hear this, because it seems that even the guys have their doubts about my actions. Not even Enma was on my side this time.

- In life sometimes we have to make difficult decisions, and not everyone around us will be able to understand it.

- I think so. - He considered, deactivating the Hyper Mode and coming to the table with a single cup. - But what would you do if you were in my place?

- I'd be drinking coffee.

Tsuna smiled, which sounded like a balm on his tired expression.

- I come knowing what happens through Bianchi, and honestly I wouldn't change a thing. - Tsuna sighed in relief.

- It's good to know that…

- Although. - He took another sip. - Remember what my friend told you, during the battle against Iemitsu? - Tsuna blinked, remembering the man in the suit who had helped him twice in the Representative Battle. - Don't think you can do everything yourself. Ask for help if you need it.

Tsuna didn't say anything at first, staring at his tea and how a small twig floated to the surface.

So he turned to the Italian recipe, considering.

In turn, in the midst of the duo's new silence, the assassin couldn't help but wonder if this would be the first time of many sleepless nights he would share with the younger.

As he always said.

Who knows.

-.-.-.-

December 22, Thursday, two days before the Christmas Party and the arrival of CEDEF.

- Tsuna?

-…Hmmm… - He only grumbled as he felt a carefully low voice along with a gentle movement in his shoulders.

There was no real sense of danger, so his senses didn't see any need to wake him.

- Maybe we'd better take him to the room…- Followed a hesitant voice in a worried tone. -...He looks tired.

- Tsk, those two are wearing down the Tenth! Especially that scandalous idiot woman!

- Hey, Octopus Head! Don't speak ill of my sister!

- Sasagawa is right, Gokudera, the two are trying hard. Remember that you didn't learn to fight overnight either. It's normal to get frustrated after a defeat. Remember your bad mood after the Belphegor fight?

- That was very different! Our lives were at stake! And the future of our boss as the Tenth!

- But Gokudera, yesterday they, especially Haru, realized that their lives are also at stake in a fight. That was Tsuna's main teaching in my opinion.

-...I'm really sorry that I couldn't have gone yesterday... - A soft and regretful female voice followed.

- I can wake him up if you don't have the courage.

- Oh yeah, that trick always works.

- I-I don't think it's a good idea, why don't we just go away and-

- No way! We came here early to improve the bonds between our families, as well as support you in your training, Enma.

- It's-it's just a race, Adel, you don't have to take it so seriously...

- WAIT! What do you think you're going to do with the Tenth?!

- Go Adel, I'll hold the guardians and you use the Shimon Awakening Secret Technique.

- This is EXTREME!

- Where did you get those balloons from?!

- Calm down, calm down, I don't think that either-

- HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

A huge scream nearly deafened the seven present as the brunette jumped up from his chair, flying over the table, to land near the sink, both hands on his spine, where his sweatshirt had been lifted, revealing some of his pale skin.

- Did you see? I said, it always works. - Said Shitt P with a hand on her waist. This time she wore leather pants so she wouldn't make the same mistake as the day before, but in compensation she wore an extremely short top, both bright pink, while her bangs this time were a radioactive purple.

Yamamoto, Gokudera and Ryohei were trapped inside Swamp's balloon-buoys, beside her, Adel, in a red running uniform, with a star embroidered in her heart, had both palms forward, both wrapped in her glacier flame.

It was just the touch of those literally freezing hands on his bare back that had made him jump like that.

-...Sorry about that... - Enma lamented, behind the guardians with a worried Chrome by his side.

He had to blink a few times, leaning on the sink, to process what was happening or why they were all gathered like this in his kitchen.

-...I slept? - He asked, still a little sleepy.

- No one answered the door, so we just went in. - Explained Yamamoto trying to free himself from the balloon that surrounded him. - We found you sleeping on the kitchen table… Hey, what is this balloon made of?

- Gases from the swamp flame, you won't be able to burst. In fact, I don't advise even trying if you don't want us all to die slowly and painfully.

- Is this an EXTREME challenge?!

- Lawn Head, NO!

Tsuna ignored his friends' exasperated exclamations, as well as his brother's extreme screams, while Shimon released them as sparingly as possible, focusing on getting back to the place at the table he was sitting, for some reason smeared with chocolate powder, on the other hand, both his copybook and his cookbook were closed, in addition there was a blanket on the floor, right around the chair he was sitting on before.

"Reborn must have gone up when I fell asleep." - He thought feeling a heat fill him inside, wondering if it was his professor who had covered him or someone else, maybe even Fon or his mother.

It wasn't every day he could spend really quiet time with his guardian like this, without the Mafia or his fate with the Vongola being directly involved.²

He never thought that the Hitman could actually be a reasonable person, with whom he could have a relatively normal conversation about trivialities.²

If he'd told himself almost two years ago that he'd been able to have a quiet conversation with the assassin and enjoy his presence in a peaceful moment, he doubted he'd believe it.

-…Are you okay, Boss? - Chrome wanted to know apprehensive, Enma beside him.

-...Yes. - He said smiling. - Sorry, I just got a little distracted with my thoughts. - Then he turned to his friends, clearly relieved to be free. -…Did you all come to run? - Tsuna sincerely tried not to focus on the absence of Kyoko and Haru this time.

- Exactly. - The answer came from Adel, now with her hands in a normal state, crossing her arms. - I support Enma's initiative to improve his physical conditioning, and as her tutor, I'm here to support him in whatever it takes.

The one mentioned with those words possessed a blush that sincerely rivaled his hair.

-...I tried to tell her it was just a morning run, but she wouldn't listen. - He said in a whisper.

- Now that everyone is here, I will explain the rules of today's competition. - Bianchi's voice joined the group, walking down the steps, still in her pajamas.

- S-sister! - Gokudera exclaimed, taking his hand to his stomach and falling to the ground, because she wasn't wearing her protective goggles this time.

- And Reborn? - Tsuna questioned with a frown looking for his tutor next to the poison assassin and not finding him.

- He's resting, you know, saving his energy for later. - She said in a mysterious tone already at the foot of the stairs.

-...I understood. - To the surprise of most of those present, this didn't seem to exalt the brunette in his usual outburst over Reborn's chaotic movements. But they just ruled it out because he was too tired for it.

- But while I explain the rules to others, I think Chrome has something to tell you, right? - The Poison Scorpion followed, casting a knowing look at the young girl whose blush began to rival Shimon's.

- Y-yes, a-actually yes.

With that said, Bianchi walked over to the redhead and dragged him by the shoulder to join the others, leaving Sky and Mist alone in the kitchen for them to have a private conversation.

- Did something happen, Chrome? - He wanted to know worried, seeing how the young girl moved her fingers nervously.

- W-well yes, a-actually… It's-it's just yesterday, I-I… - She choked on her own words.

"She must be upset about what happened yesterday with her friends and is looking for a way to argue with me about it." - He thought with a cold sadness.

So he blinked in confusion when instead of accusing him of anything, the younger bowed ninety degrees in apology.

- S-sorry about yesterday. I said I was going to help train the girls, but I had to get the "Special License." - She spoke at once, as if she was afraid that if she stopped mid-sentence, she would lose her courage. - A-as you were busy working, I informed Miss Bianchi, but I guaranteed that I would speak to you in the next day!

-...License... Special? - He repeated tilting his head confused. - What are you talking about? You are sick?

- N-no! Or yes… J-just a little… - And seeing his boss's expression of complete concern, she went ahead to complete. - B-but it's good news! It means my illusions are getting stronger and more real!

-...I'm not sure if I understand.

- Chrome needed to take the Menstrual Leave. - Bianchi explained coming to the group, in the background the trio of guardians seemed immersed in an argument, while Shitt P and Adel were playing Odd or Even. - And as dictated by the laws of your Country, she came to inform you of this, although I had already released her to her due leave in your place.*

The Mist was a red ball of shame with those words, while Tsuna just tilted his eyebrows even more confused.

-...What would that be? - He asked sincerely.

- So you don't know. - The smaller one shook his head, Chrome seemed to want the earth from the floor to swallow her with the course of this conversation. - Very well then, as your home tutor it is my duty to explain to you. - And with that he turned to the others. - Come here everyone, I have something important to say.

And after an uncomfortable but necessary conversation, Yamamoto, Gokudera and Tsuna, sitting with the others at the kitchen table, were even redder than Enma and Chrome had been before. The aforementioned still looked embarrassed with her face down. On the other hand, the Shimon, like Ryohei, just had their tea, not looking the least bit surprised by the conversation.

- You really didn't know that at fourteen? - Asked Adel with a half smile.

-...I must have missed that class. - Considered Yamamoto scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. -...I think... I don't know if they teach this at school.

- But your father as the owner of a sushi restaurant should have commented this to you, although it is stupid*. - She added sternly.

-...And Gokudera, I thought you would know since you have a sister. - Joined Shitt P resting her chin in her hand.

- W-we didn't grow up together to know such a thing! - He defended himself embarrassed.

-...My mother never told me about it either. - Tsuna joined, then turned to Enma. - Did you know? That women...

- As I grew up with Adel and Shittopi, yes. - He said with peculiar naturalness. - They explained it to me the first time it happened.

- I was terrified when I knew. - Ryohei nodded his head. - Women are too extreme to bleed like this and not die!

- That's not exactly how it works… - The redhead considered with a half smile. - But I don't disagree.

- There's nothing to be ashamed of. - Bianchi said with integrity, pouring herself coffee. - It's something natural that we all have to go through. Also, as Boss, Tsuna, you must always do what is best for your people and that includes looking out for their health.

-...Yeah... - For once he didn't argue about it.

- Now, back to our previous subject. - And that immediately seemed to bring Gokudera and Yamamoto back to their normal posture. - As I already explained to the others, today we will have a skating race! Adel has agreed to make an ice rink from here to Yuumei Chuugaku, and you should use your flames however you like to slide from here to there. Whoever gets there and comes back first, wins. However, this time the snow you pass through must be intact, no melting it to clear the way, otherwise you will be disqualified. Now, as for the doubles-

- As a right-hand man, it's natural for me to be the Tenth's duo!

- You're confusing things, Gokudera, I'm his right-hand man.

- I really want to pair up with the little brother! I'll be the left arm then!

Tsuna, however, completely ignored his friends' discussion, in favor of what Bianchi said next.

-...The winner will get a thousand yen. - She finished casting a knowing look at the smaller one, whose eyes lit up with the comment. - So choose your partner carefully.

"...That's just the amount of money I need." - Thought the Sky. - "If I win, I believe I'll be able to buy all the gifts."

With that in mind, Tsuna saw how his friends looked at him anxiously, clearly expectant. Adel, as he had won the Odd or Even, would compete with his pseudo boss, while Shitt P was left with one of the Vongola.

His gaze, despite his friends' exclamations and squabbles, fell on Chrome, who had a low, disappointed countenance, as if she knew she wouldn't be chosen as anyone's pair.

He understood this feeling too much...

-...I choose Chrome. - He said resolutely, making the young girl raise her head in surprise, and the others sigh in frustration.

Bianchi smiled.

- All right, split up with the pair you've chosen to discuss your strategies.

Yamamoto and a disappointed Gokudera formed a duo, while Shitt P stayed with Ryohei.

Chrome met with Tsuna at the front door to discuss her strategy, as soon as they were reasonably alone in their corner, the young girl couldn't help but say:

-...Thank you for choosing me, Boss. - She said awkwardly. - But you need the money, you should have chosen someone faster.

- Don't worry about it, Chrome. - Guaranteed with a smile. - More importantly, are you good enough for something like this?

She nodded, even more embarrassed.

-...Y-yes, the whole thing just happened in one day. I didn't really think that this could ever happen, Mister Mukuro's illusions never went that far, but I think that even though he had already reincarnated as a woman in the past, he never made a point of remembering that female organs did… That…

The mention of reincarnation immediately made the brunette remember the dream he had with Primo and the things he had told him about it. Perhaps, Mukuro, who always boasted that he had been reincarnated six times, was the right person to tell this very particular dream.

He set that aside for now in favor of commenting:

- But it's really impressive, now that I stop to think what that means. - He put also embarrassed, but with sincerity. - You're really amazing, Chrome!

The Mist just nodded, red again, but for a different reason this time.

- As for the race, don't worry. - The Sky followed with a smile that made the smallest girl immediately remember the Sun Arcobaleno. - I have a plan.

-.-.-

-…With that, plus the money from today's job, I finally got it! - Tsuna exclaimed happily, shaking a thousand yen note as if he didn't believe it was real. - And it was all thanks to you, Chrome, thank you very much!

The Mist was downright beaming, sitting next to her boss at the kitchen table, or as Ryohei had mentioned, at the victors' table.

-…But are you sure you don't want a part?

She denied with her head.

- Don't worry Boss, I don't need the money, just winning with the Boss is enough pay. - She explained herself happily and slightly blushing.

- You really are the best, Chrome!

- Using an illusion sled to slide down the track was an extreme idea! - Ryohei exclaimed, sitting in front of the duo using a dryer to heat this time the frozen torso of his extreme partner. - Even better than ours to use the balloons burst as propulsion!

- I just don't understand how you guys didn't melt the snow using the Sky Flame to gain momentum.

- Ah, it's just that I can control the temperature of my flame, my Softs can be smooth as a hot wind, but strong enough to be used for propulsion. - Tsuna explained with a much better mood than that night. - I developed this so I wouldn't hurt anyone who was behind me when I'm doing my classic X-Burner.

- It seems to be more useful than a hair dryer. - The Swamp considered. - Is this how you keep your hair so spiky?

-...Eeeh... No.

On the other hand, Adel looked irritated while she bandaged Enma's nose, next to the sink.

-…Sorry again, Adel, your ice can be really slippery.

- You need to be more careful, Enma, you almost broke your nose like Sawada's Guardian!

- Don't mind that, Enma! We could be Crooked-Nose Brothers!

- Don't encourage him!

- It seems that the race was quite lively. - Considered Reborn scribbling the face of a Yamamoto cougher, next to an angry, soaked, Gokudera.

- Damn Baseball Maniac, you embarrassed us in front of the Tenth!

- I cough, cough, I didn't expect those, cough, cough gas in my face. - He said between coughs. - And it was you who disqualified us by d-disintegrating the snow.

- Disintegrate is not to melt! That rule was unfair!

- I said the snow had to be intact, it's not my fault you were arguing and didn't listen to me correctly. - Bianchi said, crossing her arms, purposely stopping in front of the youngest.

- A-ah, s-sister! - And he started to fall to the ground, making Reborn's scribbles even worse.

Tsuna, in turn, looked at all of his friends before smiling warmly. Honestly, a part of him wondered if he was going to miss it all because of the girls' training, especially Ryohei.

However, against all expectations, here he was, talking excitedly to Shitt P about how extreme she was, swinging the dryer around, making his attempt to warm her futile.

Even Enma, who was clearly against his actions, was still here, willing to keep running with him along with his family.

- Very well, Tsuna. - Reborn congratulated putting away his pen and jumping over his student's shoulder. - It seems that in the end you got funds to give gifts to all of the family.

- Yes. - He confirmed with a warm smile, getting up with the assassin still with him, heading towards the stairs to get ready for his last day of work. - With what I have I won't have to leave anyone out.

Then he stopped, in the middle of the stairs, gazing at everyone. Enma offered a glass of water to Yamamoto apologizing for his guardian, Adel berated Shittopi for being careless with her poisonous gases. The last point caught the attention of Bianchi who asked for a sample to analyze them, making Gokudera, who was dragged to the table by Ryohei, internally regret what this could generate.

Even Chrome laughed at his fellow guardian's despair, helping the Sun to sit him on the table.

Reborn smiled when he saw the expression of affection painted on the brunette's face when he saw all those interactions. Much better than the tired and disheartened that night.

- You have a great family, Tsuna, never forget that.

- Yes, I know. - He confirmed without ceasing to observe them with love. - And I'm very grateful to have everyone in my life.

A warm feeling filled his chest, spreading around him in waves, enveloping everyone in that house on that cold winter morning.

And even the snow on the windows melted under the presence of the Sky.

-.-.-

When Tsuna came out of the bathroom, already dressed in his faithful reindeer outfit, he again found the silence of his house strange.

"Maybe Reborn has given up doing the choir without the girls" - He considered seeing that his kitchen was empty too.

- But if so, where is my mother and the children? - He pondered. -...They must have gone shopping and Fuuta must still be sleeping.

Taking this as an opportunity to arrive early on his last day of work, since Friday was his day off and Saturday was the party, he simply walked out the door.

Only to hear strange noises coming from his garden, and how he should have waited around the corner from his house...

- On the tenth day of Christmas, my love gave it to me… - It was the choir of I-Pin, Lambo and Fuuta, as always, around them, from the first day to the last, were all the real and illusory members of the choir, even the girls. And this time they even had a guitar solo in the background! -...Ten gentlemen jumping!

However, he couldn't really focus on it right now, shocked by the ten new members Reborn had arranged.

And how they all wore fake mustaches!

The first of them was Longchamp who made two symbols of victory against his face, while jumping very strangely, as if he were on hot coals. His mustache was orange.

Beside him was his faithful butler and tutor Mangusta, who was by far the tallest human in the choir, even managing to nearly knock the Cow Moska's shoulders. His mustache was yellow.

Then Pantera, in her traditional doll dress, and her dark hair was still shoulder-length despite the time they hadn't seen each other, and her bangs continued to cover her eyes. Her mustache was red.

On her shoulder was the guitar soloist, Lunga, who was as small as an Arcobaleno, but more robust. His beady eyes seemed to shine as he sang his melody, although it was simply horrible, paradoxically his expression remained expressionless despite that. He wore his traditional beanie, dark sweater, and pale pants with a belt. His mustache was green.

It was even expected that members of the Tomaso family would come to support their boss, even though Pantera was clearly trying to kill her boss, who in his bizarre tap-dancing avoided all her sharp weathervanes. What really baffled him was that Reborn had managed to convince six of Longchamp's ex-girlfriends to come too!

From left to right were Gomi Terumi, with her large eyes and unusual star-shaped pupils, her size that also rivaled with Gola Moska. Her eyebrows were shaved, her lips were pursed, and her dark hair was tied back.

Mrs. Yuide Mako continued with her gentle smile despite her cow appearance. She was one of the shortest in the choir, had a large nose and beady eyes. She wore her modest housewife's clothes.

Tanaka Shoko's hair continued to look like it had a life of its own as she sang, it even had juice boxes stuck in it. Her eyes were huge and resembled fried eggs.

Tsuruta Hanako was still as thin as ever, her locks followed at the height of her neck, and her eyes, also round, but much smaller than Tanaka's, remained vacant, her pantomime* gestures as she silently followed the chorus gave her an even crazier impression.

Narita Sawako, had an afro of irregular sizes, as well as freckles on her face. She had bean eyebrows, but what caught the eye the most was her wide nose and full lips, she wore a tube dress that looked uncomfortably tight.

And lastly was Hattori Christine, the Calcassa Family spy who in the past leaked Mafia Land's location to Skull and his subordinates.* She had the same type of hair as Bianchi, even the same color, however, their faces couldn't have been more different, as the spy had very small eyes, freckles, sloppy eyebrows, bizarrely prominent cheekbones and a nose that seemed to swell her jaw.

All the ex-girlfriends wore gray mustaches.

It took all of Tsuna's self-control to wait for the entire song to end before he could ask his tutor about this situation.

- How did you get so many Longchamp ex-girlfriends to show up? Most of them hate him.

With that the Hitman smiled, and a shiver ran down the brunette's spine at that.

- By now you should already know Mafia rule number 1, Useless-Tsuna. - His smile that promised chaos widened. - Everyone has their price.

The youngest one gulped, and despite his Hyper Intuition's warnings that he'd better not know, he still asked.

-...What did you promise them? - He asked suspiciously. - I don't think it would be money.

- Very well, Tsuna, your instincts are improving, this leads us to rule number 2. If the person does not accept bribes in cash, offer something of your… Interest. - Having said that, he took a set of photos from inside his bird outfit.

And as he showed them to his student like a poker hand, the Vongola's face went from white to an absolute red.

- It turns out that some of them still like you and wanted something more, so I took the liberty of giving them some copies of the photos I took when you were in Shinu Ki Mode, finally they are useful to me. - With horror Tsuna saw how Hanako, Sawako and even Terumi rubbed their cheeks against the embarrassing images. - Congratulations, it looks like you're finally popular with women.

- WHAT?! REBORN! I'M UNDERWEAR IN THESE PICTURES! You can't just distribute them like that!

- I'm so proud of my little Tsuna! - Nana said wiping her tears. - It's becoming so popular!

- Moooother! DAMN REBORN! - He exclaimed covering his face in shame under the laughter of Yamamoto, Julie and Mochida who even took a picture of that moment.

- It's been a while since I've heard that from you in that tone, it's almost nostalgic. - The mafioso mocked with satisfaction. - I just hope you don't enter Shinu Ki Mode anymore, it would devalue the value of my photos and spoil my business, Useless-Tsuna. So you dare and I'll kill you. - He ended up pointing a real gun at him.

"Forget the whole Reborn thing being reasonable! He's just a sadistic madman!"

- I can be reasonable when I want to.

- STOP READING MY MIND!

And in response to his screams, he had to flee from three shots from the eldest.

- Wait, Mr. Reborn, but if you bribed three of them, what brought the other three here? - Wanted to know Gokudera.

- A trip to the hot springs for Miss Yuide, and Tanaka Shoko accepted money.

- I'll be able to relax on vacation and not work for a long time. - The huge girl considered happy.

- Oh, we can go to the hot springs together!

- OH! I would love! I've never been to the spa!

- Lastly, Hattori came as soon as she knew the lackey would be here.

- Christine is one of the Great Skull's best subordinates. - The Cloud proudly placed on the shoulder of one of his companions.

-...That says a lot about the pathetic level of your family. - The comment made the Cloud fall to the ground, being helped by his companions, even though it was impossible to really get hurt in that miserable fall.

-...I thought they had come because of me, I'm simply a disgrace to being human. - Longchamp said in a corner near the tree, making circles in the earth. - None of my ex-girlfriends love me, they prefer my friend.

- Eeeh?! When did Nageki Dan hit him?! - Tsuna wanted to know confused, because he hadn't heard the sound of any shot.

- In fact Mr Longchamp appears to be having a legitimate bout of depression. - Mangusta commented, making his way through the crowd that was slowly starting to disperse.

Which were, Kusakabe and the other committee member, Irie and Spanner, as they still had class, and their Moskas, while the illusion-Kokuyo used the Tomaso's attention to disappear, and Fran simply undoes Varia's, not before of Xanxus-Cow throwing a glass of milk, which seemed too real for an illusion, at Longchamp and calling him "Scuuuuh".

- He must feel really pathetic for losing so many women to a loser like Tsuna. - Reborn joined.

- You will do good for the world if you die. - Pantera announced launching more of her weathervanes, which the redhead only dodged rolling on the ground.

- Hey, you in helmet, do you want to be the lead singer of my band?! - Asked Lunga, in a very unusual tone coming from him.

- I?! - Skull surprised himself in Christine's arms, much to Boss Tomaso's envy of disbelief.

- Who else would I be talking to, idiot?! Answer at once!

- The Great Skull is no idiot!

- Is that a yes?!

- Undoubtedly!

- These interactions are getting weirder… - Tsuna observed with a sigh.

- You are even friends with this loser, you really are a lost case Sawada. - Ironically Mochida playing with some old toys that Ooyama had brought, along with Lambo and I-Pin.

- Take it back, you idiot! - Gokudera yelled, trying to get closer, only to trip on his high heels and fall flat on his face.

- Hahaha! Should I call you Useless-Dera now?

- GYAHAHAHAHA Lambo loved this new Stupidera name!

- Haha! Stupidera is also amazing, Great Lambo!

-...It was all we needed, plus someone to encourage the Cow.

- But you brought him, Reborn! - Tsuna was exasperated, but he had to put that aside when Mangusta again addressed himself, this time with a serious expression.

- I want you to know, Tenth Vongola, that although we have recently become Vongola's allies*, our families will still be eternal rivals!

- If you say. - The brunette was too tired to argue. - I didn't even know that Vongola had allied with the Tomaso.

- Yes, unfortunately. - Reborn replied. - Nono is making an effort to join all the families headed by one Sky, that includes the Tomaso and even the unknown Bertesco from Russia.

- Oh yeah, it makes sense… WAIT! - He declared in shock. - ARE YOU A SKY?!

When Pantera launched another weathervane too close to the redhead's jugular, he did a backflip, stopping with his arms raised between Tsuna and Mangusta.

Shitt P raised a 7.6 for the performance, while Ryohei raised a 10 ͤ .

- What?! It was an extreme performance!

- His feet were too far apart.

- Yes! - He exclaimed returning to his normal self, now that his ex-girlfriends started to leave, after being paid. - Look!

And then he showed off his spiked wristband, which began to glow, releasing a measly orange spark. - See, see?! Isn't it simply and absurdly impressive?! - He exclaimed with a toothy smile and making poses with his hand that reminded him of a certain king of pop.

- It's actually a really insignificant flame. - Tsuna muttered to himself.

- Eeeh, Tsuna. - Enma approached, while the rest of his family, except for Ooyama who continued playing with the children along with Mochida, and Shittopi who discussed jumping criteria with Ryohei, returned to their house. On the other hand, Lunga and Skull seemed engrossed in discussing musical contracts and Mangusta was trying to stop Pantera from following through with her assassination attempts.

- Oh yes, he is- But he was interrupted.

- I'm Tsuna's BEST friend. - He said with conviction hugging the shoulder of the minor and almost knocking him over in the process.

- Oh… - That was all the red-haired-Shimon said, seeing how the red-haired-Tomaso hugged his friend who was trying to get away at all costs. -…Strange, he never told me about you.

- Seeeerious?! You guys shouldn't talk much because we're like, best friends forever and ever, total BFF, he even calls me Chomp-Chomp and I call him Little Sawada.

- I never called you that!

-...Oh, really? - Said the Earth simply crossing his arms. For some reason he felt nervous with the look that Enma was giving him at that moment.

- AAAH! The tree leaves are rising! - Lambo exclaimed, Mochida almost choked realizing that, in fact, instead of falling, the gravity of the leaves seemed to have inverted, making them float towards the sky.

- Is it a Fuuta thing? - I-Pin wanted to know.

- E-eh? I-I don't…

Finally, managing to get rid of the other Sky, Tsuna, however, couldn't go very far, coming face to face with none other than Haru, who was watching him with a frown, an expression even worse than Enma's.

- Eeh… Hi Haru. - He really tried not to think about her expressive dark circles. Her expression was so severe that he didn't even notice that Kyoko was a few steps behind her friend with a frown.

- Haru wants a second chance. - She announced directly.

Tsuna sighed heavily, also assuming a serious posture, making Naito blink in surprise.

- Wow, I've never seen Little Sawada like that...

- Serious? You shouldn't talk to him too much then. - Enma commented in what he intended to be a provocation, but due to his natural low tone he was simply ignored by the younger one.

- Haru, you need to understand that-

- Haru demands a second chance! - She reinforced it firmly and without blinking, closer to the tree, Gokudera wanted to intervene, but Yamamoto stopped him, shaking his head. Chrome put her hand to her chest in anguish, and Lal Mirch, with her fiancé in her arms, tightened her mouth with dissatisfaction. - That test was not fair, me and Kyoko were not prepared for that. That's why we deserve another chance.

Tsuna stared at her for long seconds with his eyes glowing slightly orange. The brown haired girl in no moment looked away.

- Very well. Tonight, after work, we'll see you at the dojo. Now, excuse me, otherwise I will be late.

And he just started to go out, leaving a shocked Longchamp behind and an unhappy Enma who worried even more about his friend.

He had barely reached the gate of his house when Lal Mirch, who had taken a shortcut through the roof, stopped in front of him, kicking him in the stomach sending him flying against the fence.

- Oouch! What was this?!

- Sawada. What was that now?! - The military wanted to know with disgust.

-...What do you mean…?

- If you want this to work, you must remind her that her are not dealing with "Tsuna", but with "Sawada".

The aforementioned blinked, not really understanding what it meant, which only earned him another kick, which he narrowly managed to dodge, but which ripped a hole in his fence.

- Hiiiie! Don't destroy my house like that!

- As long as she doesn't understand this, there is no way this training will work. - And with nothing more to say, she just left with Colonnello-chicken laughing softly still in her arms.

Tsuna sighed, and before he could get up, a hand offered him help.

-...I... Hmmm... - Kyoko started shyly. - I wanted to apologize for not cooking with you yesterday, despite guaranteeing that I would.

- It's all right. - And even accepting the gesture, standing up, he refused to face the older one. - I ended up getting some unexpected help and finished all the Tiramisù this morning.

- A-ah… - She said, with a mixture of sadness and disappointment. - Alright, I mean, you were in a hurry… I understand, see you at the exam then-

- AAAAH HELP! THIS MAN IS CRAZY!

- You will not escape me! Boss Tomaso's will must be respected!

Somehow, Tsuna had no idea how, in those few seconds that he turned his back on the remnants of the choir, Mochida had done something to offend the honor of the Tomaso, ending up being chased by Mangusta with a rifle loaded with the Nageki Dan, willing to hit it.

If someone asked Tsuna what was on his mind at that moment, he would probably say nothing. His body simply processed that Kyoko was in front of him, Mochida, an innocent civilian running towards them, while a gun was pointed in the direction of the three.

Before anyone could do anything, Tsuna pushed Kyoko back, knowing by his intuition that Mochida would catch her. What he did, falling to the ground, but still protecting her in the fall, while Tsuna kicked the rifle making it fly towards the tree in the garden.

It wasn't in Hyper Mode.

- Never. - He said through his teeth, while an impressed Mangusta held his fists with an expression of pain. - Point a gun like that at anyone in my family.

And yet his eyes were a vibrant orange.

Mangusta must have sensed the danger, because he swallowed, then nodded.

- All right, forgive me Tenth Vongola.

- Tsuna. - Reborn announced doing a terrible job to hide his smile. - You'll be late. I will assume it from here.

Tsuna sighed, trying to calm down, just nodding his head to leave.

Mochida followed him with his gaze until he was out of sight, his mouth hanging open in complete shock.

-.-.-.-.-.-

Fon walked calmly through the streets of Namimori, a pleasant change from his busy day before. It was evident that his student was very happy to have her master back after just one day, even though it had been a few weeks she had really gotten used to having him around, which brought a tightness to the Chinese's chest, it just meant that the moment of separation would be very difficult.

He forced himself to not think about it at the moment, focusing instead on enjoying this cold snowy afternoon with his little I-Pin humming with an obentô in hand.

From what Reborn had told him when he arrived for breakfast, as he had left early that morning, even before the arrival of the Sun Guardian, to have his own morning walk to unwind, Tsuna had left a little exalted for work that morning and that's why he ended up forgetting his lunch.

He admitted that he was curious about what the Hitman meant by "exalted", immediately remembering how he had reacted against his guardians, but as expected he only received a "Who knows" in response.

"I hope he's not in a bad mood again, I-Pin seems very happy to be able to go see him, it doesn't even look like they live together." - Thought the Ex-Arcobaleno with a hint of affection. - "Tsuna's mood is actually quite intermittent, but I think it's natural with everything that's been happening to him. Not to mention puberty, of course."

- Did something really good happen while I was gone? - He encouraged himself to ask, seeing how I-Pin bounced on the wall of a house, stepping on a brick and jumping another, in her childish amusement.

- Yes! - She replied excitedly, turning to her master. - Yesterday, when you weren't there, Tsuna called I-Pin little sister!

The assassin stopped, causing his apprentice to stop as well.

- I understand. - He said with a warm smile. - You always wanted an older brother, didn't you?

- Shì de! I-Pin already had Fuuta, but Fuuta even more shy than I-Pin, and Lambo idiot. - She denied it with an irritated huff. - I-Pin thought that only Lambo was family, because Lambo is guardian…

- That boy doesn't care about things like guardians or mafia hierarchy. - The Chinese disagreed, walking back, his student promptly following him. - Simply one by one all his closest friends become family.

- Does that include the master?

- I'm still an illustrious stranger in that house, I-Pin. Although I am very grateful for everything Tsuna has done for you and Hibari.

In response, the young girl frowned, which made her just adorable.

- But I-Pin is family with the master, so the master must be from I-Pin's family. I'm sure Tsuna agrees, he said his friends are also family, even the scientist that Fuuta doesn't like.

- Verde? - The Chinese girl nodded. - Why de la Stella doesn't like Verde?

- Fuuta found Verde snooping around Tsuna's room, he prevent, scientist saying bad things that bothered Fuuta.

Fon frowned, willing to talk to Lightning later.

- So he said he really considers the Ex-Arcobalenos family? - The little one confirmed it again, this time excited again.

- So master also Tsuna's family! - She announced contentedly, and it might have been an impression, but knowing the brunette's words made a heat wrap around his chest.

- If so, what relationship should we have? - He suggested jokingly heading to the restaurant.

The Sun thought deeply, squinting her small eyes, until she exclaimed with certainty.

- Master could be the uncle!

And he just laughed, even though he didn't know if he wanted to be considered a kind of brother to Reborn, or the CEDEF leader he barely knew.

At least Sky's mother was sympathetic.

-.-.-

They were just a few meters from the TakeSushi when I-Pin, now on the ground with her master, exclaimed when she saw a very fast light crossing the sky, which with a single blink of an eye disappeared.

- Is it a meteorite, master?

Even his trained eyes could be confused so quickly, but the sensation of those flames that flickered like a lighthouse really left no room for doubt as to the identity of the flying object.

Before he could explain, however, probably when he realized who the presence was on the street, the light came back more slowly this time, then landed gracefully in front of them both, undoing his Hyper Mode as soon as it touched the ground.

- Hello, I-Pin, Fon. - Then he crouched in the direction of the youngster one. - Would that be my lunch? - He said, indicating the obentô in her hand.

- Yes! - She confirmed happy offering the package. - The… The… - She blushed and for a second Tsuna feared that she was going to explode because of that, but what she said next made him wash that fear from his mind. - The little brother forgot it at home!

- Ah… - He said only, realizing that it was the first time that I-Pin had referred to him like that. - Thank you so much, I-Pin, I can't stand to eat anymore sushi because I forgot lunch.

The boy's smile was as radiant, and his happiness as genuine as the flames that seemed to leak from him. Fon couldn't help but notice that even the snow under his feet seemed to start to melt.

"His flame seems to be getting even stronger." - He considered while the brunette explained to his sister how he made his deliveries. - "Is it because he uses it every day?"

-...I-Pin could… - She started uncertainly, looking from Tsuna to her master. - Fly along with the little brother?

- It must not be easy for him to fly carrying someone I-Pin, as he has to use his hands to propel himself. This could interfere with his work. - The minor's disappointment was evident, but she just nodded.

- I've flown with Reborn twice, although one was not physically with me. In addition to one with Spanner too.* - The brunette pondered getting up again. Fon wondered how Reborn could have flown not physically . - If I-Pin clings tightly to my neck, no problem. I won't let her fall.

The Storm smiled at the unusual confidence of the young Sky, so there was no reason to deny the young girl's request.

- All right then, I-Pin, but hold on tight, okay?

- Yes! - She put on extremely excited, her eyes shining.

- I just need to pick up my next orders and we can go.

So the group headed for the restaurant, and a few minutes later, Tsuna was back on the street, with I-Pin firmly gripping his shoulders. Fon chose to wait for them at the restaurant, then return to the Sawada residence with his apprentice.

- Ready?

- Ready!

- Be careful.

Both nodded in agreement and in the blink of an eye they were already lost in the sky.

As he watched them disappear, Fon couldn't help but think that the smaller one didn't look the least bit exalted as Reborn had made him look.

"He must be just exaggerating." - Thought the martial artist, going back into the restaurant to start his wait.

-.-

I-Pin was an excellent addition to his work, the little Chinese girl who wore a winter coat that looked like a less childish version of Lambo pajamas, but red like an Akabeko, was a huge hit with customers, even more so when they learned that it was the sister of Namimori's beloved reindeer.

No doubt I-Pin had a lot of fun accompanying him, because hours later, in the late afternoon, already on his last delivery, she commented resolutely.

- I-Pin wants to do this when she grows up! - She exclaimed with conviction.

Tsuna just smiled.

"Surely flying is wonderful, your future self is so skillful, I'm sure she will make it." - The Sky considered.

"Being a food delivery girl is so amazing!" - The Sun thought in turn.

- I'm sure you'll make it, I-Pin. - With that in mind he cheered her up. - You just need to train and put in a lot of effort.

- Yes!

And in that little mismatch, the pair rang the bell of the last house.

-.-.-.-

- Let me see if I understood. As you told me on the phone that day, you think Sawada Tsunayoshi is possessed…

- I don't think so, I'm sure! I saw it with my own eyes.

-...Okay, whatever, since then you started following him because you are convinced that the ring, or rather the rings, he wears are cursed objects and possibly the real culprits of him being the "Useless-Tsuna", who can't even walk in a straight line without falling. Let's ignore the fact that stealing is a crime, you hope to take these rings and then take them to Mr. Douji to cleanse them.

- Exactly!

-...And then what? Would you just return it as if nothing had happened?

- I was going to say I found it on the floor and yes.

- Do you think he's an idiot?

- Actually yes.

Omitsukete Omedetou took a deep breath, slapping a hand against his face, finally drinking his tea so he could better digest his childhood friend's stupidity.

- But if the object had no solution… - The Kendoka followed sitting against the sofa in his house on a rare afternoon when it was quiet. - I was just going to throw it away.

- Have you ever thought that, I don't know, the rings are valuable, or worse, a family heirloom? - He suggested tiredly.

- Who would inherit a thing as flamboyant as a lion ring and a chain? - Ironized.

- I inherited a Heukrip with white tiger allegories from my grandfather, a lion ring isn't even that weird. - The baseball player shrugged. - Anyway, where does starting to visit his house fit into your plan? And why did you call me here?

- To blend in, of course. - He explained as if it was obvious, putting his feet on the table in his room. - I just couldn't get close to him during his morning runs, and all the time I was intercepted by strange people. I even got mugged by a guy with a trident!

-...But of course you went. - Said simply.

- So the invitation from one of the children in that house was just perfect! - He exclaimed, looking for his cell phone in his things. - I've already mixed up with them, I'm attending a children's theater they've been doing every morning for two days, and so far no one suspects anything!

Having said that, he showed the photos he had taken to his friend, who picked up the phone already raising an eyebrow.

-...Is that Captain Takeshi in the red dress...?

- Yeah, Gokudera too, but like I said it's just a piece and- HEY! Do not erase! I might need this!

- I'm not erasing. - He said dodging the other's attempts to take the device back. - I'm just cutting Takeshi from them. Theater or not, he's my captain, I can't let something private like that leak out to the other idiots on the team. - Then he returned the device. - A dirty person like you wouldn't understand, but that's called loyalty. Now if you want to leak the others I don't care.

- Whatever. Now I need to know, do you believe me? - He put seriously looking into the treasurer's expressionless eyes.

The aforementioned took a long sip of his drink before replying sparingly.

- Yes.

-...I know it's all very absurd, but...! - He blinked confused. -...Did you say you believe?

- Yeah.

- Even from the possession and cursed ring?!

- Uhum.

- What if I said that the guy with the trident, on top of that, appeared out of nowhere?!

- Ok.

-...Are you serious? - Mochida followed in disbelief.

- Everyone knows that there is something very wrong with Sawada Tsunayoshi. - He said with the simplicity of someone talking about time. - Since the day you challenged him to a kendo match it only became more evident, and after that there was that incident with the captain that I prefer not to comment on, I was not present, but some students told me that Sawada saved him by falling with him in the building below, and in the end all the idiots just assumed it was a "stupid joke" by our captain.

- You really don't think that was real, do you? - He asked in disbelief.

- Like I said. All idiots. Also, I also heard from some boxing club members that he won very easily from his Captain, the crazy brother of the girl you like. And of course, we can't forget last year's Pole Knocking, where he practically challenged everyone, even causing the untouchable President Hibari to come out of his lair and appear in the crowd, apparently interested in fighting Sawada. - He listed calmly. - Clearly he has super strength and bizarre stamina, so it's best to just accept that he's cursed, otherwise the other options would be him being a magical girl, an alien, or an Australian.

-...Right. - He only confirmed, frowning at his friend's logic. -…As for Hibari and Sawada's strange relationship- But it was interrupted.

- Anyway, what happens to Sawada doesn't matter to me, if he's cursed or a wingless angel is none of my business. Takeshi cares about him though, so that's why I'm here.

-...That's very noble of you. - He considered surprised, to soon realize. - Wait, our friendship is worthless then?!

- Of course. - And he took another sip, ignoring the scandal to the contrary. - Now, I just don't understand why you asked me to bring the baseball bat.

- Well, my first plan was for you to hit him with the bat, so I took the ring while he was unconscious. - He explained simply.

Omedetou stared at his friend for long seconds before taking out his cell phone and starting to dial someone.

- Hello, Police? I would like to denounce an attack on the physical integrity of-

- I CHANGED THE PLAN LATER! - He yelled, pulling out his friend's cell phone and ending the call. - I just forgot to tell you!

- Kensuke, you're an idiot. - Said simply. - Do I need to tell you that getting involved, again, in a fight with Sawada is stupid? I thought going bald had taught you something.

- That's why I was going to use the bat this time!

Omedetou sighed.

-...Do you really want to get into a fight with who survive the fall of a building, defeat without sweating the captains of the Karate and Sumo club during that insanity of the Pole Knocking*, and most importantly, manage to put up with the captain of the boxing club. With that background, I honestly don't know how he didn't start his own club, even if it was the "Captain Hunter" club.

- I know that! Why do you think I didn't face it directly and just took the ring?

- Because are you a coward?

- Because I have common sense!

- No, that's definitely all you don't have for getting into this story. You yourself have admitted that you were robbed. In Na-mi-mo-ri. What are the chances of that happening without Hibari causing a slaughter?

- It was a guy from Kokuyo Chuugaku, you know how uncontrollable they are! You're lucky you weren't in Japan when it all happened.

- If you consider having your heart operated in another country, "lucky". - Withheld importance. - The question is. Sawada is a problem. If you don't have the stamina of the captain, or the insanity of that delinquent and the screaming boxer. Stay. Far. Away. His.

- I'm being careful, okay? - Reinforced. - That's why, even more after today, I realized that the bat wouldn't work after all...

- That's good.

-...Today a weird guy, from what I understand, butler of that imbecile Naito Longchamp….

- I remember the name, according to my mother they are the biggest tax evaders in Namimori. - He put it with disinterest. - As far as I know the city hall is on their tail, it's a matter of time for the family to have all their businesses confiscated and pawned.

-...He pointed a rifle at me, he even ran after me with it, if I hadn't been a great athlete and had escaped, I don't know what he would have done... The thing seemed too real to be a toy, although they said later that it was an Airsoft gun and that it was all a joke in bad taste, because I said that Longchamp was an even bigger loser than Useless-Tsuna and Useless-Enma together for being dumped by so many girlfriends, even so, Sawada was furious, can you believe he twisted both of the guy's wrists? He had to be taken to Namimori hospital and-

- Yes, the crime I want to report took place at the Sawada residence… - Said Omedetou, who had somehow recovered his cell phone and had redialed the authorities.

- Stop calling the police! - He was going to take the device again, but stopped when he saw how the other took it from his ear and stared at him with a frown. - What's it...?

- They hung up when I said where it was, I could only hear someone shouting in the background that the President forbade investigations there…

- That's what I was trying to tell you before you interrupted me! - Mochida exclaimed seriously. - Kusakabe and another member are part of the theater, and the Committee personally told me that Sawada is under the protection of the President. - Then his eyes opened in shock. - Maybe they are actually brothers!

- This is absurd. - He put rolling his eyes and going back to typing on his phone. - It must be something much simpler.

-...Perhaps distant cousins!

- I'll try to call some authority in the province. - And then again Mochida snatched the cell phone.

- Didn't I tell you not to call?!

Omitsukete frowned again.

- If a guy pointed a rifle at you, we need to call the police, if the name Hibari is involved, it's even worse. - He leaned back seriously on the couch staring at the table without seeing her. - My mother let it slip since the Hibari were mixed up with the Yakuza.

- Didn't you hear what I said about the gun being a toy?!

- If so, why did he act so forcefully as you say? - He asked, crossing his legs. - Do you think that makes sense?

-...Maybe he doesn't like jokes like that? He doesn't strike me as having much of a sense of humor.

- It's one thing not to like a joke, Kensuke, another is to almost break someone's fists. Did he say anything after he did that?

"Never again… Point a gun like that at anyone in my family."

He immediately remembered the brunette's words that had confused him so much, he could understand that he had defended Kyoko, although he found it arrogant of him to already assume they were "family" as if their future as a couple was certain.

But if that were the case, why not just grab Kyoko and run? Why trust him instead to protect her and face the madman himself?

In the same way as almost two years ago, the brunette accepted his challenge without running away.

-…I think he said not to do that in front of the kids. - He dropped the conversation, not feeling ready to share this piece of information with his friend who already looked very worried.

The last thing he wanted was to get in the way of his recovery by making him worry excessively.

- As for the Hibari, that's not really too hard to believe, they just rule this city. - He put it as if it was obvious.

- But from what she said, someone in his family broke that connection, as long as his descendants lived in this town. So, as strong as the name Hibari was in the history of Japan, now its power is limited to that city. - So he turned to his childhood friend. - If you want to dribble the "President", you would have to look for the "Prime Minister". And it was a metaphor, before you think idiocy.

- I understood that! - He exclaimed angrily, staring at the phone screen. - I think what you said makes sense, but even if authorities from elsewhere came to investigate here, it wouldn't stop Hibari's wrath from falling on you.

- Oh no, I would make the complaint on your behalf.

- YOU DAMN IT!

However, the conversation had to be interrupted when the doorbell rang.

- He arrived! - He exclaimed, getting up determined.

- Your mother?

- No, the shrew woman is sleeping in her room, who arrived was the famous Reindeer from Namimori, which starts my plan B! Listen carefully to what you are going to do...

- I already regret coming...

-.-

- Good afternoon, thank you for buying at- But he stopped when he saw who had answered the door. -…Eh? Mochida? Is that your house?

Internally, he was grateful to have undone the Hyper Mode for being the last delivery, the eldest had already witnessed many oddities from him to now start to think he had a second personality. -…I didn't know you lived here.

- Ah yes, usually my mother who answered the door.

- So she was your mother… - He commented remembering the ragged lady. -...You honestly don't look alike... Not that I can say much.

- Yeah, everyone says that. - He rolled his eyes. - And what are you talking about? You are the FACE of Miss Sawada.

- Actually I was talking about my father.

-...Oh... - He didn't know what to say about that, after all, no one in all of Namimori, Sawada's friends probably being the exception, knew anything about Useless-Tsuna's father, most just assuming that the man had abandoned his family. -...I understood.

As he was trying to see how he got back to his original plan, the smaller one called out to him..

-...Hmmm... Mochida, about this morning, I'm really, really sorry! - He said leaning in apology. -...I didn't want you to get involved in that, and I ended up losing patience...

He had already seen scenes, his scalp as proof, of what the smallest did when angry, come to think of it, that Mangusta had been lucky.

- No problem! - He put it shaking his hand. - After they explained to me that they were Airsoft guns, so well made that I didn't even notice the orange part at the tip!

-...Is that what they were told...? - He said clearly tired.

- You didn't need to have stressed so much just for a joke. I knew you had no sense of humor.

-…You looked terrified…

- I-I was just acting for the kids! - Tsuna frowned, but didn't say anything. - I can see that you clearly don't like this kind of pranks.

- No. - He imposed dry, and for a moment Mochida felt a truly dangerous aura coming from the brunette, and this time it didn't seem to come from the ring. - I definitely don't like it.

- W-well… - He started cursing himself for stuttering, like a prey feeling cornered. Definitely he and Hibari had to be related, as they managed to have the same presence. - T-to show that I don't hold grudges anymore, not about this, not about our past. - He continued more excited, while the previous aura simply disappeared as if it had never been there. - Come on, come in, you must be freezing there at the door! - He exclaimed with an extremely fake smile.

- N-no need! - He tried to deny it, going back to being totally the Useless as always, so he took the opportunity and pushed him inside. - Actually I have to go back to the restaurant, because-

- But it's already your last delivery! It's okay to be a little late…!

-...How do you know that?

Mochida froze and stopped pushing when the smaller one had not even stepped on the genkan. Seeing that his expression looked confused.

"I can't say my mother cataloged his schedules, that would be weird." - Kendoka thought, looking for some excuse.

- Eeeh, it's already starting to get dark and snow, so I just assumed that-

- Lie. - The brunette declared without blinking.

- E-eh?! - Said again nervous, unable to stop feeling apprehensive at the opposite gaze that seemed to see right through his soul. His eyes always had an orange glow?! - I-I… I'm not lying.

- What? - The brunette asked suddenly, as if only then had he realized what he had said. - Sorry, I don't know why I said that! I didn't mean to be rude… But yes, this is my last delivery, it's just that there's someone waiting for me so I can't delay.

Mochida blinked at him as if he'd grown a second head from the sudden change in attitude, for the second time in less than five minutes.

Definitely possessed.

-...Hey, alright...

However, the awkwardness took a back seat when I-Pin assumed this was a good time to be present.

- Hello Keni!

- Keni…? - He repeated confused.

- Oh, I-Pin! I hadn't seen you there! - He exclaimed genuinely surprised, raising his arms forward so that the smaller one jumped on them, which she promptly did. - How are you?

- I-Pin fine! I-Pin had a lot of fun flying deliveries with her little brother.

- Flying? Ah, you say by the speed of deliveries. Good, I-Pin! - And Tsuna couldn't help but sigh in relief that the kendoka hadn't been suspicious of the little girl's words. - Since you're here, why don't you meet my little brothers? I'm sure they'll get along great!

- But…

- I-Pin would love!

And Tsuna could only sigh, unable to say no to the Chinese girl's happiness, just accepting that he would be late when, without even asking for his opinion, Mochida had taken off her shoe and taken her inside the house leaving him alone in the genkan.

-...Hmmm... License? - He said to nothing, sitting down to take off his own shoes. -…I wish I had a way to warn Fon…

If only I had a cell phone...

Not that the Chinese had one, but at least he could call TakeSushi.

He hadn't even set foot on the floor of that house and his Hyper Intuition seemed to scream in his ear again, making him frown.

"What is it this time?" - He thought impatiently, looking around the house. - "I have a bad feeling, as if something terrible is going to happen, but what? Why isn't this thing a little clearer?!"

Instincts alert, he walked inside, feeling ridiculous and paranoid, after all, he was just in the house of a normal person, an ex-Bully of his, but still a normal person, nothing here could really hurt him.

"Could it be something with I-Pin." - He thought worriedly, accelerating his steps, only to forget that worry when the amazed girl was surrounded by several old toys that were shown to her one by one. - "Yeah, I don't think so. And he really likes kids, maybe Reborn is right, maybe it's nice to have him around, even Fuuta seems at ease and more involved because of him."

- Stay here for a second. I'm going to call my brothers, they're in the room because a friend and I were using the room. - And having said that, he ran, not before pushing Tsuna again, leaving next to the stairs that, as in his own house, led to the second floor. - You stay here, I'll be right back.

-...Right? - He said simply just seeing the kendoka disappear up the stairs, his senses just beeping more every second warning him of something. - Damn I'm really becoming paranoid...

He had little time to think about it as one by one, several children started down the stairs.

- H-how many brothers do you have?! - He put impressed.

- A little less than you, I think. - Mochida considered descending among the small crowd.

Taking advantage of the brunette's inattention, Omedetou appeared from the top of the stairs with a bucket of water, waiting for the last kids to pass to carry out his friend's stupid plan.

When the last one passed, with a pot of something in hand, Omitsukete prepared to turn the object over, internally apologizing to his captain for it.

He was grateful that he had hidden himself, because as if guided by a strange sixth sense, seconds before pouring the contents into his head, the brunette looked up. In sufficient time to dodge the attack.

However, when he didn't look back, he ended up bumping into the last kid a few steps away, sending his pot flying, hitting the reindeer costume part and his hair.

-...Oh, my natto.

- N-Natto?! - He put wrinkling his nose at the smell of ammonia. - And where did that bucket come from?

- Ooooh my, I'm so sorry! - Mochida said in a performance that was painful. - They are my brothers, they are just terrible. He cast a look of real irritation at the top of the stairs where the hidden Omedetou shrugged.

-...I know. - Was all he managed to say, trying hard not to vomit as the boy he had fallen with, who was smacking his shoulder about two palms, started picking up the natto slime from the other's clothes and hair and putting it back in his pot. Even he had to put a hand to his mouth when the boy still had the nerve to go back to eating as if nothing had happened. - S-sorry, where i-is your bathroom?

Kendoka's smile almost didn't fit on his face.

- Come with me, I'll take you there!

And there he was being dragged again, this time up the stairs, finding no one on the second floor, because the sportsman was fast.

Even the second floor of the house looked like his, with the only difference being that the hallway to the bedrooms and bathroom were on the left side. So being very helpful he was guided to the last room, and was about to wash his hair in the cold sink, when the eldest stopped him by holding the faucet valve.

- No, no, it's snowing outside, take a hot shower! - And he started to push him to the bathtub.

- B-but-

- No big deal, I even ate at your house these days, what's wrong with you taking a shower here? Besides the natto can be quite sticky, you can leave the fantasy about the toilet that I wash for you!

- S-seriously, you don't have to!

- I insist! Do you want me to help you get it out? - He said already looking for the zipper.

- N-no, I do it alone!

- Well, I already left some clothes on the sink. - And seeing the boy's confused expression, he added. - They were for my friend, but he ended up leaving before you arrived!

Something told the smaller one that the other was lying again, but seeing the clothes that were decidedly folded over the sink, he had no idea why lie about something like that.

- Don't worry, they were from when I was at Shougaku so they should work for you.

-...Actually, I always carry extra clothes in my backpack. - He explained, indicating the small bag he carried on his back. -…In case an incident happens.

-...Like you rip your clothes and run out of underwear? - Ironized.

- Yeah, like that.

Mochida didn't really expect the minor to agree.

-...Ok, ah, you can leave your ring here if you want. - He said without even an ounce of second thoughts, taking the toothbrushes from a bridge and handing them to the smallest. - I'll be right back with the towel, ok? Feel free!

And before he could even claim anything else, the door had already been slammed in his face.

-... - Tsuna sighed, throwing his hair back, feeling nauseous again, as it only made the natto smell worse in him. - I'd better bathe myself, I'm glad I brought extra clothes with me, this is so embarrassing… I really am a disaster.

For a second he thought that this episode his Hyper Intuition was referring to, even though as much as he hated natto, getting hit by the fermented soy wasn't exactly terrible, he'd been through worse.

Even if the bucket of water had hit him, it wouldn't have been a big deal either, nor would it be the first time he'd had to walk through the soaking snow.

And the confirmation that that wasn't what this was about was that his Hyper Intuition would keep screaming at him louder and louder, any longer and an intense headache would form.

Trying to understand what she wanted, he started to undress, and when he was about to get into the bathtub that had a shower, probably because of the number of children in the house, he hesitated, looking from his rings to the pot that Mochida had offered him and that was over the sink again.

With a shiver down his spine he remembered what Giotto had said about the other bosses watching him all the time.

So he just took them out and put them in the pot, walking over to the tub, closing the curtain and turning on the shower.

- Damn, what do you want?! - He grumbled, definitely feeling pain now due to his exasperated intuition.

-.-

- Congratulations Omedetou, you only had one job and still almost ruined it! - The kendoka scolded finding his friend sitting on the stairs.

- Fire me then. - He replied rolling his eyes. - Besides, you didn't tell me he was Namimori's Reindeer.

- And what else is there? - He rolled his eyes too. - My mom is crazy about him, but I honestly don't see what the appeal is.

- Your mother, and more than half of the population of Namimori, everyone just talks about it. - He put it like it was obvious. - Do you have any idea how many people call my mother's work wanting to know his identity? They're even suggesting that reindeer be promoted to the town's mascot.

Mochida blinked in surprise.

-...Is he that famous?

- Seriously, do you live inside a bubble, by any chance?

- I was busy the last few days, ok?

- Right, right, being Sawada's personal stalker.

- I'm not a stalker!

- That's what you say. Anyway, I don't know whose idea this reindeer was, but at this rate this person is going to get rich. I've heard from Asoshi from my club, whose father works at a confection company, that they're even thinking of making reindeer-themed toys.

- Really?! - He put in shock. - I didn't know that, I thought only my mother was crazy, saying that he had a special aura, welcoming and all. - And all he could feel from Sawada was the same aura as Hibari, anything but welcoming.

- It looks like you're really improving as a human being, Keni. - He added with a small smile. - In other times, upon discovering this, you would reveal it to everyone just to humiliate Sawada. He would indeed be mocked by his classmates, however, probably his popularity among the girls, and among some boys as well, would rival that of the Captain and the delinquent after they learned of this.

It made Kendoka's eyes just boil.

- I just can't accept something like that!

In the face of this Omedetou sighed heavily, again slapping his hand against his forehead.

- Forget everything I said. You are a horrible human being. - He rolled his eyes. - Anyway, about your terrible plan, maybe it's the spirit that possessed him whispering in his ear, but even without making a sound he just looked up a second before I tipped the bucket.

- The important thing is that it worked! - And he laughed with his typical arrogant laugh.

- Okay, whatever, now what? - He wanted to know crossing his arms. - How do you think just say you found the ring around if he got into the bath with it.

- Easy! He will take off the ring to shower-

- What if he doesn't?

- Who bathes with a ring?!

-...Everyone? Just because we never wear accessories because we're sportsmen doesn't mean people don't wear them all the time.

- Well, if he doesn't take it off I say that one of my brothers asked to see him, I'm sure he won't say no to a kid! Just look at how he looked at his little sister!

- If you say… But I have to say how low is it for you to use his sister against him?

- I'm not using it! - He put it taking offense. - She's definitely having fun! It's not my fault he doesn't know how to say no to his little brothers.

-...Look who's talking… - He snorted, shaking his head. - But ok, let's suppose you get the ring, then what? Are you going to say your brother doesn't want to give it back? I doubt Sawada will leave without him.

Before Kensuke could answer, the doorbell rang.

- There's your answer! - He replied with confidence. - It must be Mr. Douji, I called him just before you arrived. He's going to look at the ring, and everything will be resolved before he even gets out of the shower, it's just perfect as all my plans!* - And he laughed again with enormous confidence, making Omedetou roll his eyes again and wonder again why there was coming. - Then you answer the door and I'll steal the ring!

And even without waiting for an answer, the Kendoka went confidently to the bathroom.

-...At least he admits the theft. - He sighed, dragging his feet towards the door.

-.-

When he got there, he didn't come across the old monk he had known since childhood, but a red-haired, dark-haired, green-eyed young man who carried an ancient-looking golden suitcase. He didn't look more than ten years old.

- Good afternoon, my name is Solte.* - He said a little anxiously, bowing. - I am the apprentice of Mr. Talbo-S-say, Mr. Douji! - He corrected himself blushing. - He's not called Talbot, no sir, his name is Monk Douji!?

- You are a terrible liar… - Omedetou said simply.

- I know… I'm sorry… - He put it with regret. - If you want, I'll leave.

And to his surprise, the baseball player stepped aside.

- No, you can come in, if it's a coup, it's not my problem. - He shrugged. - You can take whatever you want, just don't hurt the kids.

And he simply turned away from the visitor who blinked in confusion.

-...Right? Excuse me then. - He said uncertainly, starting to take off his shoes, to then follow the bigger one.

-.-

- It's me, and I brought your towel! - He exclaimed, startling the smaller one under the water that was washing his hair.

- A-ah, right, thanks. S-sorry, I had to use your… - And he coughed, apparently choking on the water. -…Shampoo.

- No problem! - Said excessively sympathetic seeing the rings in the pot that he had offered. - I'll just get the costume to wash, and leave the towel here, okay?

- N-no need! I can take it home and-

- No, no, I'm a responsible big brother, if it was my little brother who did it, I take responsibility!

And before the Vongola could argue further, he dropped the towel under the closed toilet, and nimbly grabbed the costume, surreptitiously hiding the pot with the ring inside it.

- Take a good shower! - And he ran out before he heard the answer.

He was already in his room when he allowed himself to breathe, placing the package under his desk and seeing the gaudy ring in front of him.

- It's even bigger up close. It must be heavy and uncomfortable, how can Sawada walk around in this all the time?!

- GAO!

He was about to touch the metal when something knocked him backwards to the floor, once again that week, this time he managed to cover his mouth before he screamed.

And how could he not be scared if one of the rings just… Roared?

However, he didn't have much time to recover when the lion ring began to glow orange, and if that wasn't enough, the light began to project and out of it simply emerged a kitten that was staring at him.

- GAO!

He stopped, starting to lower his hand and get a better look at the animal. Maybe he would be more scared if he wasn't terribly cute.

-...What is that? A badger? A nature spirit? - And he crouched at the height of the animal that suddenly looked scared of the story, running under the bed at the approach of the stranger. -...Whatever it is, it seems quite shy.

Then his eyes returned to the ring.

- I knew this thing was inhabited by something! I need to take it to Mr. Douji as soon as possible! - Natsu came out of hiding to roar again to the unknown, but it was useless.

And so the civilian touched the cold surface of a fragment of the Trinisete.

The effect was immediate.

A dull sound left his lips along with an intense pain that enveloped his entire body in an excruciating sensation, like nothing he had ever felt in his entire life, similar to an intense electrical discharge ready to cook his organs. It was a thousand times worse than having his hair pulled out by the roots.

However, he also began to hear voices.

-…Who is he? - A torn voice.

- He doesn't look like a Sky. - A tired one. - At this rate the ring will cook he to death...

- That would be a waste, this guy looks interesting. - An intrigued one.

- The Tenth can be quite careless, his innocence will cost the life of a civilian. - A haughty one.

- I always say that boy was a good-for-nothing with flame excess. It was only a matter of time before that happened! - A severe one.

- He doesn't deserve to die for something so simple, if only he let go of the ring… - A rueful female voice.

Focusing in the last sentence, he tried to muster all of his strength to simply pull his fingers away, which in response began to glow indigo as he fought his life just to open them.

He felt enormous relief when his body remained static, as if petrified, but a screeching sound indicated that the cursed ring had fallen to the floor.

- He heard us. - It was the curious voice.

- That's not possible. - The disbelieving female voice. - None of us has ever been able to hear the soul fragments in the rings, not even Sawada Tsunayoshi.

Mochida wanted to cry, slowly falling to the ground when, in addition to the six voices, he now also saw seven misshapen adult silhouettes talking to each other.

Natsu looked equally uncertain, going back to hiding under the bed, only to see how unprotected Mochida looked and about to pass out.

The black haired boy barely had the strength to blink in surprise when the lion entered in front of him*, even trembling, in order to protect him.

- He's even looking at us. - Followed the intrigued voice, his figure had long straight hair. - This may be our best chance to get out of here.

- I forbid you to do anything to that boy! - Followed the woman who had her hair tied back in a ponytail. - He has a family, you may not care what happens in the civilian world, but as Famiglia Bosses, you should know the value it has! I'm sure Primo would agree.

- Primo has already made his choice. - Followed the husky voice that sounded like it belonged to a bald man. - He has no place here anymore.

- What do you think of that, Secondo? - Inquired a monocled figure.

- If Primo's opinion doesn't matter. - A deep tone intoned, coming from a tall, spiky-haired man with a small ponytail low in the back. - Mine shouldn't matter either.

- It's decided then. This is the opportunity I've been waiting for all my life, and death too.

When the seven blurred figures clearly looked in his direction, all that was on the kendoka's mind was "Run".

It's a shame he just couldn't move any muscle in his battered body.

For that, he could only praise the attitude of the little lion who grabbed his shirt with his mouth and started trying to drag him away.

- Keep quiet, it won't hurt… A lot.

And the last certainty he had when an intense burning sensation hit his heart and forehead, was that that spirit was a damn liar.

-.-

Natsu desperately licked the body that fell unconscious on the floor, a few steps away from the now silent ring. Wondering if he should call his master, when two portals, one on either side, appeared in the small room.

The first was indigo, giving way to a white-haired man calmly eating a bowl of ramen.

The second was black, from which emerged two fully swathed figures, in addition to wearing long, heavy black coats and top hats. The first was clearly an adult, while the second just hit his waist.*

- Well, well, it's been a long time. - Said Kawahira. - But what precise time you two have, it seems that a few weeks taking care of part of the Trinisette have already taught you to recognize his emanation. Bermuda, Jaeger.

- What do you do here?! - The smaller figure placed aggressively, stepping forward. - Is this work yours?

- No director Bermuda, I swear I'm innocent this time. - He said, raising his hands in surrender, making his food float. - I just came here driven by my curiosity like you.

- Do you think I'll believe that?!

- Well, my friend, you are free to believe what you want.

-… - The tall figure in turn, Jaeger, went to the fallen civilian, as if analyzing him. - He still looks alive.

- Oh yes, the Trinisette is strong, but as much as it is the Sky Ring, it is alone, it's not like that time against Xanxus where the seven parts, referring to the seven Vongola Guardians, were present. It's enough to cause a lot, a lot of pain, or maybe drive an unsuspecting person crazy who touches it after already having its owner defined, but doesn't kill. - The ancient being calmly explained as if talking about time. - He'll be fine. Corruption is largely contained by Sawada Tsunayoshi's flames. - His gaze turned to Natsu who surprisingly didn't seem scared by the new additions, just surprised. - Maybe if little Natsu wasn't here, the young boy could end up in a coma or worse. How lucky isn't it?...Even so…

And then he crouched down in front of the ring, not daring to touch it, but bowing his head as if searching for something.

- Well, well, looks like someone escaped… - He added with an expression of curiosity. - Interesting, interesting.

- You seem like you already knew something like this would happen. - Accused Bermuda.

- But of course, I've watched the Trinisette for millennia. I know every one of his reactions, even the parts I wasn't responsible for. - He replied, getting up calmly and taking back his pot, going back to eating.

- If so, why didn't you stop it? - Jaeger wanted to know getting up.

- As I said, this piece of Trinisette doesn't belong to me, so it's not my responsibility, after all, thanks to you, I'm retired now. - He shrugged, and it was possible to see how black flames as night enveloped the smallest with those words.

Even though the taller Vindice was faster, and in less than a blink, Kawahira was being lifted by the neck, while his throat was ruthlessly squeezed, his ramen falling to the floor.

- You think you're very funny… - He said with clear hatred. - You should be grateful for what we've done, thanks to Mr. Bermuda's actions that your hands are no longer stained with blood!

Then what he was holding transfigured into dozens and dozens of butterflies that spread across the room, turning into soap bubbles.

And the real Kawahira was sitting on Kendoka's bed, cross-legged, with a confused Natsu being petted on his lap.

- Sawada Tsunayoshi still has a lot to learn, letting himself be robbed in such a simple plan. What good is Hyper Intuition if he hasn't learned to listen to it yet? - He commented, as if to himself, staring at the door of that room. - When we got here, I concealed our presence so that it wouldn't alarm him and find out what happened. - Then for the first time his expression became serious. - If he goes through such a negative emotion as thinking that he killed someone through his negligence, his flames would probably get out of control, at the level he is now, probably everyone in this house would end up dying charred because of it, except him, of course. Even though, when he saw what happened…

And then he got up, carefully placed Natsu under the bed, to face the pair.

- I've dealt with a maddened Sky before and would prefer not to repeat the dose. Byakuran has already made me age 100 years with his adventures in the multiverse, I'd rather not find out what someone with access to even more power could do. - He turned his back, smiling to see that both of them had been tense with their placements. - So, as much as this sudden emanation has worried you to the point of coming here, just pretend that nothing happened until someone releases that boy from his chains. He's a ticking time bomb about to explode.

And with nothing more to say, he simply left, the portal fading as he passed along with the ramen forgotten on the floor.

-...What shall we do, Mr. Bermuda? - The deputy director wanted to know, concern evident in his voice.

- Let's go. - He said in a dry tone, also casting a look, even with his view covered, the door of that room. - I feel that the illusion he placed on us is going to fade.

And with a new portal, the duo also disappeared into the shadows.

-.-

-...My head hurts. - Mochida grumbled less than a minute after the others disappeared, Natsu promptly ran to his side while the civilian sat down. - How long was I unconscious?

And still feeling groggy, he realized with great relief that it hadn't even been ten minutes since he'd stole the ring, probably the brunette was already leaving, which wouldn't give him time to take the object to the monk.

-...What do I do now? - He said massaging his scalp in search of some relief. - I need to delay him a little…

"...Just lock him in the bathroom. That should buy you some time…"

- It's not a bad idea! Ouch… - He exclaimed, standing up, only to feel a hint of pain. - Wait a minute… Who said that?!

And he looked fearfully at the ring.

"So it wasn't thing of my head that I heard voices coming from that." - He considered gulping, rising carefully, picking up the pot again, the costume, and shakily using the clothes to pick up the object and return it to the container.

- I better hurry. - With that in mind, he went to one of his drawers and took out a key. To then look at the feline that watched him expectantly. - Well… Do you want to come with me?

- Gao!

- I'll take that as a yes.

As fast as his numb legs would allow, he crept to the end of the hall and used his key to lock the bathroom from the outside as he did in punishment when one of his brothers took too long in the shower, pocketing the key afterwards. As he'd guessed, he couldn't hear the shower anymore, which indicated the smaller one had already finished, but the steam coming out from under the door told him he was still there.

"Now I have to hurry."

-.-

At least the kitten that just popped out of a cursed ring didn't really look like a danger.

And most importantly, the kids just loved him.

And I-Pin's final argument of "good Natsu" was enough to convince him to play with the crowd he called family.

- And I thought that you had created common sense and simply given up. - Put Omedetou with disappointment, now sitting at the kitchen table, because the children were playing on the sofa. - And where did the cat come from?

- Honestly, I have no idea. - He said with a sigh pulling a chair to sit down, feeling his body relax. - Sorry for the delay, but I don't remember exactly what happened, I think I had a lapse.

Omedetou frowned worriedly, but the first to comment was Solte.

- Did you touch the ring? It may be dangerous!

Mochida blinked, looking at the newcomer for the first time.

-...Wait, you're not Mr. Douji.

- Guess what? - Started Omedetou resting his chin in his hand. - Looks like that crazy old monk likes to play false names.

- T-That's not it! - Defended the artisan nervously. - It's just that Mr. Talbot has lived a long time, and that's why he ended up taking on many names and functions over the years!

- It's a very nice excuse for ideological falsehood.

- What?! No! Please don't report him to the police... He was going to fire me if it happened because of me…

-…But can you appreciate that too? - He said tiredly, willing to think about it later, taking the costume with the pot and offering it to the smallest. - I've heard that people start out as a monk early, so…

-...W-well, I'm not exactly an apprentice monk. - He placed nervously under the scrutiny of Omedetou. - But rings like that are my specialty, I swear! That's why he sent me instead. They are my area of study with him…

-...Are there so many cursed rings for there to be an area of study about it? - Put it with disbelief Mochida.

- Yes! - Said the apprentice happily, despite the theme. - Although "cursed ring" is a strong term. As you described me I thought it was a very rare Hell Ring. These are even capable of stealing the user's soul! - While he was talking excitedly, he opened his briefcase and took out of it a kind of hot glue gun with a golden protective cover, as well as a pair of gloves. - But that doesn't seem to me to be the case. - He continued to see the curious double ring with interest.

- A ring that can rip out the soul?! - Exclaimed Mochida exasperated.

-...I will never wear an accessory again in my life.

- But most are harmless! - He hastened to say taking the object, and then analyzing it better with a monocle that he also took out of the bag. - Special rings serve to gather energy. Be good wishes at a wedding, engagement, even other uses I'd better not mention...

- Can you go faster in this analysis? - The kendoka said a little exasperated, starting to hear a muffled voice clearly coming from upstairs.

-…Don't tell me you trapped him in the bathroom. - Accused the baseball player crossing his arms.

- Arrested who? - Questioned the craftsman.

- M-my brother! Seriously, Mr. Douji's apprentice, can't you hurry?! - He wanted to know, distressed, tapping his finger on the table.

-...It's all right. - He placed a little uncertain, returning to analyze the object. - Strange, I've never seen a material like that, it seems to be made of some kind of stone… Maybe moonstone? The master has already shown me almost all the materials the rings are made of, but this one… I confess I've never seen it before, this is so exciting!

-...Aren't you just an amateur? - Omedetou teased, but the other seemed so focused that he was simply ignored.

-...And you're right, this ring has a unique energy inside it. Similar to a Hell Ring the master showed me.

- Does that mean he stole someone's soul?! - Mochida continued worried.

- I don't think it's the same case… - He considered turning the object. - If you're still here and talking, even though you're inexperienced in this kind of objects, it shouldn't work like that.

-...This is very consoling... - Put sarcastically Omedetou seeing his best friend decidedly worried, who looked increasingly pale.

Finally realizing his surroundings, the little one raised his head guiltily.

- S-sorry, but it's good that Mr. Mochida is okay, isn't it? It's really very complicated when rings like that fall into the hands of ordinary people. By the way, how did you get something so impressive?

- It's from a friend of mine! - The kendoka almost shouted in order to drown out Tsuna's voice upstairs, not realizing that I-Pin had also heard, and rushed upstairs.

- I've never seen something so rare! - He exclaimed, returning to his analysis. - It just seems to overflow with energy even though it's not being used, but Mr. Omitsukete said that you saw a corrupt aura coming out of it?

- Yes, like a black aura, a leak. - He tried to describe, relieved that the screams had stopped. - Something really disturbing.

- Well, it looks like there's a small crack here. - He said looking closer and closer to the inner part of the ring. - Something could really escape from here, but the energy… Hmmm… Positive energy that surrounds it seems to be strong enough to prevent escapes, like a perfect balance, not to mention that this stuff doesn't seem like it would give in unless something VERY big forced it. On a quick review, that's all I can say.

- Can you repair it? - Mochida wanted to know.

The redhead shook his head unhappily.

- As I have not yet learned about this material, I cannot do that, but I will inform my master. - He sighed with clear regret. - He must be aware of something so rare. However, don't worry! That ring doesn't have the ability to possess anyone, it must be something else that's afflicting your friend.

- So all my work was in vain?! - He put in disbelief. - But I heard voices! I saw figures! How can this not be influencing… My friend.

- Oh, I don't doubt you saw it. - He confirmed with a friendly smile. - But the negative energy that this ring apparently carries doesn't necessarily seem to come from the forces inside it, they don't really seem bad… Maybe moody? As I said, your friend must be affected by something else.

- Well Kensuke, I hope you heard that. - Omedetou imposed resolutely. - That means we're back to the other options about Sawada Tsunayoshi's weirdness.

- Did you say Sawada Tsunayoshi?! - He exclaimed seeing the object in front of him now with a new perspective. -...Is that his ring?! That means… Oh Skies, this is an honor! I never thought I'd be able to touch in one of the twenty-one parts! Who will say such an important one!

- What the hell are you talking about? - Asked Mochida, seeing confused the artisan who now looked at the jewelry as if they were pieces of the highest royalty. - Is it that valuable?

- Valuable?! This is just unique! No other ring compares to the ones made with the Trinisette! - He said excitedly, with his eyes shining. - We ranked the power of rings from D to A, but this one is so special that it deserves its own classification, the rank S! - And then he turned an extremely suspicious look to Mochida and Omitsukete. -…Are you really friends with Mr. Sawada? You two didn't commit the sin of stealing it, did you?

Before either of them could come up with an answer, the loud sound of something being knocked over filled the air.

- Thank you, but now you need to go! - Mochida exclaimed with a sense of urgency, simply tossing carelessly the apprentice's things back to his bag. - My mother woke up and she doesn't like visitors!

- B-but…

- Omedetou, take him to the door! - He said taking the costume, again wrapping it around the pot with the ring and running with both of them up the stairs. - Thank you for your help!

When he reached the second floor he blinked in confusion at the sight of his bathroom door on the floor, its hinges completely askew.

However, despite having blatantly destroyed someone's property, the brunette seemed much more concerned with looking for something along with I-Pin inside the bathroom. Seeing him, however, the Vongola heaved a long sigh of relief.

- My rings! - He said running in the direction of the kendoka, who was tempted to apologize when he saw the despair and little color in the minor's face. - I thought I'd lost them!

- Sorry, I ended up taking it with the clothes… - And although it wasn't the best of excuses, the younger one didn't seem to mind, as he replaced the ring and thanked I-Pin for his help.

However, he soon stopped, staring at him with a frown.

- Strange, he seems lighter…

- I swear I didn't break anything! - He exclaimed in panic, and as if that was the key word, only then did the brunette seem to realize what he had done.

-…Sorry about the door, it just wouldn't open. - He said in a clear apologetic tone. - I'll pay for the damage!

- It's all right, it was already broken. - He brushed it off, just wanting to get this over with quickly so he could rest and ponder what he'd discovered. - You can go now if you want, you said you were in a hurry.

- Oh yeah… Right. - He said awkwardly. -…You really don't want me to pay the door?

Mochida sighed, seeing how miserable I-Pin looked for some reason, he just continued.

- Use the money to buy something for your brothers. - Having said that, he crouched down at the little girl's height, smiling. - Thanks for playing with my brothers, I-Pin.

The young girl left her sad expression for having caused harm to her brother, to smile at the comment.

- I-pin had fun!

- Thank you very much for your hospitality, Mochida. - Tsuna said sincerely, as if a huge weight had been taken off his back. - You are a great friend. See you tomorrow!

And he blinked in surprise, still processing what the smaller one had said, when he remembered something.

- Oh yes, your cat is with my brothers.

- Eeeh?! Natsu left?! I-I mean, h-he must have… Followed me? How do you know he's mine? - He tried to change the subject.

- He has your idiot face. - He shrugged without energy to come up with something better. - And he seemed very attached to your things, I just assumed.

The smaller one seemed to understand something, because he just nodded.

He had already disappeared down the stairs when Mochida allowed himself to fall against the wall, facing the ceiling.

-...Good friend, is it...? - He said to nothing, sighing. - What's wrong with you, Sawada Tsunayoshi?!

-.-.-

On the other hand, when he reached the foot of the stairs, the brunette came across a vaguely known figure.

- Don't mind me, I'm just helping an idiot. - Omedetou said with sarcasm rolling his eyes, he was about to go to the living room when Tsuna spoke to him.

-...Have we met?

Omedetou stopped, he definitely didn't want to have this conversation.

-...Maybe you saw me on the Baseball field with Takeshi… - He dropped the conversation, again trying to leave. - It's a pleasure to meet you, now good night.

- Takeshi? - Tsuna repeated confused, and then blushed. - Ah… Yes. So you're on the team too.

The sportsman sighed, turning to the smaller one, realizing that he would not be able to escape that conversation.

-...I'm just the treasurer, I don't always work in the field.

- OH! You are the treasurer! - He exclaimed as if this was a great revelation. - Thank you for stopping Yamamoto from training in the snow the other day, he really tries too hard sometimes.

-...You talk as if you were responsible for him… - He accused, frowning suspiciously -...You're not the leader of some gang, are you Sawada?

- G-gang?! - Asked walking away. - What?! N-no, I-I'm nobody's boss! I… I have to go! - And he ran past the treasurer, Natsu and I-Pin running out of the house with the brunette, who ran faster than a professional baseball player between bases.

-...He definitely runs away fast...

-.-.-

He'd apologized profusely to Fon when he'd arrived at the restaurant, saying he'd had several mishaps along the way, which he hadn't really seemed to mind, as long as they were both okay.

Tsuna gathered his things, explained to Mr. Tsuyoshi that the costume was fine since he had returned without it, and was about to leave when something made him stop.

-...Hmmm you can go ahead. - He said to the pair of master and apprentice. - I just want to talk to Mr. Tsuyoshi about something and I'll catch up with you soon.

Fon raised an eyebrow at that, but then confirmed it.

- All right, don't delay.

-...Sorry for asking this after waiting for us so long...

- Stop apologizing so much Tsuna, I already said it's okay.

And with that, the brunette closed the restaurant doors in front of him, which caught the Sushiman's attention.

- What is it, Tsuna? Forgot something? - Wanted to know the oldest drying his hands.

Without saying anything, the brunette went to the front of the counter and tilted his body ninety degrees.

- Thank you so much Mr. Tsuyoshi for all your help! - He exclaimed with sincerity, staring at the floor. - If it weren't for you, I never would have made it. I will never forget this.

The older one huffed at this, walking around the counter to face the younger one.

- Come on, you don't need all this formality, you've earned it, besides, don't treat everything as if it were goodbye. There will always be other opportunities for us to work together.

-...I know, but... I was thinking... Especially after this early morning, I wanted to know if... It wouldn't be too much for me to ask you for another big favor.

This caught the old swordsman's curiosity.

- And what would it be...?

-...Mister… - He swallowed hard, and then only raised his face in decision. - Can you please teach me how to cook?

-.-.-.-

After he dropped the pair off at home and headed off to the dojo with his friends, the brunette could sum up the second attempt at the test in two words.

A disaster.

That was the best way to sum up the girls' second test.

This time, Haru had used two rhythmic gymnastics sticks again surrounded by their flames, but using the same strategy as Genbu energizing them.

However, having to control two metric-sized ribbons at the same time, the brown hair girl predictably ended up fumbling and catching herself in her own attack, ending up tied to the floor. Kyoko rushed to help her, making the mistake of leaving Genbu behind to try to untangle her friend.

- Mistake number 1. Never turn your back on an enemy. I myself have almost been killed in battle for making the same mistake. - He said in his cold tone behind Sun's back, that when she turned her torso she saw the Sky pointing both red gauntlets to the duo, in the XX-Burner pose, this time using Cambio Forma. - Mistake number 2. Leaving your weapon behind. The Box is not just an accessory, it is your companion in the fight.

From the corner of her eye Kyoko could see how again the poor turtle had been frozen when left to fend for itself.

- And finally, mistake number 3. Getting caught by the scam itself. - He finished, without moving his hands, while the redhead lowered her face in shame and Haru pressed her hands on the floor, still tied, with frustration. - Do I need to mention that you two again didn't even come close to touching the lamp?

It was on the floor, again forgotten a few steps back.

- Haru wants another try! - She exclaimed the aforementioned, finally managing to free herself. - I'm sure that this time Haru will make it!

Tsuna sighed long, without undoing the Hyper Mode.

- You have 5 minutes to get organized.

-...Was it like that yesterday too? - In the audience, near the entrance of the dojo, Chrome, sitting next to Enma, asked her companion.

-...Actually, yesterday was worse, Miss Miura left crying. - He explained with an expression almost as tired as that of his friend who was returning to the center of the mat.

- If they continue with the same strategy, they will hardly succeed. - Observed Yamamoto on the left side of Shimon. - Haru is very smart, Kyoko too, I'm sure they can think of something.

- The idiot girl is being proud. - Spit Gokudera sitting next to the swordsman. - The same way I was in our fight against Gamma. - That made the eldest blink in surprise at the admission. - She needs to recognize her own weaknesses and face them if she wants to stand a chance.

- And work as a team. - Joined Ryohei, who was the only one of the group who was standing, against the door, squeezing his arms tightly. - Octopus Head is right, their synchronization is extremely bad. They are not really working as a duo, Haru is trying to do everything. Tsuna is right, Kyoko has to work together with Genbu for this to work.

- If he doesn't want it to work? - Provoked Bianchi, sitting a little further ahead with her usual faithful goggles, which this time, however, was green. - And if, as Hayato had said on the first day, his intention is really to give an impossible test so that they just give up trying.

The Storm hadn't said it in a low tone, reaching even the girls' ears. Haru gritted her teeth at this, Kyoko just looked from the assassin to the supposed Boss, but again he seemed to avoid facing her.

Another one who didn't say anything was Lal Mirch, even though she was next to the Scorpion, she just gave her a look, as if understanding something, before facing Sawada's back again.

- Don't say something so loud, sister! - Scolded Gokudera in a thin voice. - If that's the case, you'll spoil the Tenth's plan like that!

- I don't know... - Followed Yamamoto also in a low tone. -...Do you remember what he said to you when you suggested it, Gokudera? He struck me as very annoyed with your conclusion.

- It's because he was angry with us. - He reinforced with clear disgust.

- Tsuna wouldn't do something cruel like that! - Defended Enma, in his already naturally low tone.

- If it's for their own good, it's better to be cruel now than to mourn in their graves later. - Bianchi followed. Ryohei clearly shivered at that comment, but didn't say anything, just frowning. - What would homeopathic doses of cruelty be for the greater good?

-...Enma is right, the Boss is not like that. - Chrome denied, squeezing her hands in her lap. - He cares about us, but his huge heart wouldn't allow him to hurt them like that.

- I'm sure Tsuna is being extremely sincere. - Ryohei opined at last. - He doesn't want them to pass, but he won't really stop them from passing.

- That doesn't even make sense, Lawn Head!

- Doesn't it? - Opined for the first time Lal Mirch, seeing that while everyone was arguing, a new attempt was about to end. - When you are Boss, what you want, and what you do, have seas of differences.

- Enough. - The Sky's abnormally impatient voice drew everyone's attention to the confrontation again. In a far too elaborate turn, Haru had let her staff escape, which Tsuna had used gravity to bring it to his hand, and under everyone's sight turned it to stone. - You two didn't understand anything. - His stern look turned to Kyoko, even though without really seeing her, she hadn't taken Genbu from her side this time, but she hadn't invested in a significant way either, keeping only a support away from her friend's attacks. - Are you even trying?

- And what does Tsuna expect from us?! - The Cloud exclaimed, losing her patience, getting to its feet. - You didn't let Yamamoto teach me how to fight! - The alluded one trembled at the sudden mention.

- This is not a fight. - He said simply, turning off the lamp, but keeping himself in Hyper Mode. - It's not about this.

-...Haru... - Tried the Sun-redhead with regret. -...Tsuna…

- It's not about this?! How are we going to take that lamp from you, or immobilize you if not by force?! - She continued accusing. - You know how to use your flames, and we still don't!

- Practicing its use intelligently is what you should be doing instead of trying to prove to me what you are capable of.

- BUT THIS TEST IS NOT JUST TO PROVE THAT WE'RE CAPABLE?! - More than one opened their mouths in shock at the sight of how the Cloud had screamed at her love, which was as expressionless as ever, while the accuser was red with rage. Kyoko quickly ran to her friend and started whispering things to her, anxious to calm her down.

- No. - However, it was useless to argue with the youngster in Hyper Mode, who seemed to remain indifferent to absolutely everything around him. - This test is to show that you would be able to protect yourself and escape, even in the face of the worst of enemies, before you really learned.

- Well, I already think that Bianchi is right. - Haru spat, minimally calmer for the support of her friend, but still furious. - You just gave us impossible test to keep us away from it all, kept in the dark just following you around like shadows.

- Who do you think you are to talk like that to the Tenth! - Gokudera started getting up, unable to continue listening to insults to his boss. Even Yamamoto had a frown.

- Gravity, petrification, flame absorption, that Hyper Intuition! How do you expect two amateurs to go through all this?! - She continued pointing to the pair of guardians. - I doubt even these two could get through something like that!

-...How about if we test this theory?

A voice joined the conversation. The guardians looked back and forth looking for the source, nowhere to be found.

- I thought you were forbidden to interfere. - Lal Mirch in turn, looked directly at the ceiling.

With that, everyone, except Tsuna, did the same, being surprised when a part of the wood began to move, revealing itself as a fake paper that concealed a-

- An EXTREME ninja! - Ryohei exclaimed.

The ninja, who was wearing a fedora, and wearing a green shuriken, jumped out of his hiding place, falling gracefully on the shoulder of his student who didn't even seem to change, only to then lower his mask revealing his identity.

- Ciaossu. - Greeted.

- Reborn! - Kyoko exclaimed.

- Ah, it's just Reborn… - Ryohei put it with clear disappointment.

- I talked to Tsuna this morning. We came to an agreement that if the situation got to that point, I would step in. - The assassin answered Lal's question, who only raised an eyebrow at the comment. - So girls. - He said turning around at two. - If another pair manages to pass Tsuna's test, do you accept that she is not impossible?

-...Will they be amateurs like us? - Cloud wanted to know, and the Sun smiled at the detail that this time she seemed more attentive to the fine print.

- No. Therefore, I will make it even more difficult for it to be fair, and if the duo still manages to pass. You will just have to accept Tsuna's methods and adapt to them.

-...And if the duo loses? - Wanted to know Kyoko with slight suspicion.

- You will be free to choose any of them as your new Tutor, and Tsuna here will not be able to say anything to deny them. - Said simply.

-...You hadn't told me about that last part, Reborn. - The brunette said with a frown despite the Hyper Mode.

- Oh, I just thought about it. - And he just smiled more, in front of the opposite dissatisfied expression.

It was as if an unspoken message had been exchanged only between the exchanged looks of the two, as Tsuna sighed deeply and then said:

- What do you think of these conditions? - He questioned directly to both.

- We accept. - Haru put firmly before Kyoko could even open her mouth.

And it was Sun's turn to sigh.

-...Yes, I do too.

-...The biggest problem they're having in Sawada's test is what he and Reborn have to spare. - Lal Mirch commented, getting up, without failing to send a smile of satisfaction to the Tutor-Student duo.

-...And what would that be? - Yamamoto wanted to know curious, just like the others, with the exception of Bianchi and Chrome who seemed to have noticed.

- Find out for yourself, idiots. - She replied, ignoring them and starting to march towards the exit. - Tomorrow will undoubtedly be interesting.

-.-.-.-

- Tsuna, you need to sleep.

The aforementioned sighed, again sitting at the kitchen table, on top of his account book making some notes.

- I know.

- Ryohei and the others will come here early and drag you for a walk whether you slept or not.

- I know.

- And yesterday you didn't sleep more than two hours.

-...I know... Ouch! - He exclaimed when a blow to the back of the head made him slam his forehead against the table.

- Answer me something decent. - The assassin reprimanded, frowning and jumping to the side of the copybook, analyzing it.

- Sorry…! It's just that… - He sighed, leaning back in the kitchen chair. -...I finally have all the money, I still can't believe I got it, but something tells me that I have to buy everything tomorrow...

- By "something" do you mean your Hyper Intuition?

-…Yes? - He asked doubtfully. - It's just a feeling, a presentiment.

- Decidedly your Hyper Intuition.

He said nothing, pondering. Yesterday, when he was at Mochida's house, his Hyper Intuition had gone off like an alarm, to the point of making him dizzy, and the message was clear and obscure at the same time. "Something terrible is going to happen," but he didn't say how, much less the cause of what. The accident with the natto or the water was too trivial for such an alarm, until when he got out of the shower, after drying and dressing, he noticed that his ring had simply disappeared.

He immediately realized that this was what his intuition was all about. To his ring.

At the moment, a sense of desperation and urgency washed over him and he started looking around for him at the same time he realized he was trapped in that bathroom.

He was very relieved that I-Pin soon overheard him, freed him with her kick, which was nonetheless going to be less destructive than him trying to use his ringless flames, and even helped him search.

Only to feel immense relief when Mochida returned with his dirty costume and ring.

In the face of that, his intuition had finally calmed down, but there was still a bad taste in his mouth.

He felt that he had lost something.

It didn't really look like something as terrible as his instincts screaming had happened. Had he avoided something by noticing the ring's absence as soon as he got out of the shower?

He was even afraid to think what might have happened if the kendoka had touched the familiar jewel, he still remembered how Xanxus had almost been cooked alive for "not being worthy" of it, and he himself at the time was afraid of exploding.

On the other hand, the sportsman seemed to be very tired when he went to see him, he didn't even seem to care in the slightest about his destroyed door. Did something else happen that Mochida didn't tell him? After all, Natsu had left the ring, and the rest of the way to TakeSushi, where he had to return him to the ring so as not to scare Tsuyoshi, he seemed to want to tell him something.

But he just didn't understand the language of lions to know what the problem was.

Just as now, something told him that yes, something had happened, but it was different from the first sensation.

-...I think Hyper Intuition has different levels. - He considered aloud after a long silence during which Reborn struggled to read his notes.

- What do you mean? - He asked interested.

- Sometimes I feel that something is going to happen. Mostly bad things, others it seems like it answers questions I think or things say to me. - Then he remembered something specific. - Yesterday I met Mochida at the end of my workday. He told me something and immediately I knew it was a lie.

A glint appeared in Reborn's eyes at that moment. Something unusual in his normally black, expressionless gaze.

- Let's test. - He said in a tone that seemed amused. - Mukuro is addicted to chocolate.

- Serious? - He put surprised. - I did not know th-Ouch! - He exclaimed when he received another slap on his head. - Reborn!

- You have to see if I'm lying or not. I'll try not to be too professional, because in the end you're still an idiot who clearly doesn't know how to use it properly. Now, did I tell a lie or not?

-…I think not. - He considered trying to repeat the information mentally. And he really didn't feel anything wrong.

- Hibari is allergic to wine.

- How am I going to be sure if this is a lie or Ouch?!

- Just say it, truth or lie, and if you're in doubt, I'll hit you.

- Hiiiie! That's not fair!

And so it was another morning...

-.-.-.-

He grunted inwardly as the bell, along with screams of EXTREME, woke him up, not surprised this time to feel something lean against his head.

This time he and Reborn had ended up sleeping at the kitchen table, and from the "tsk" he'd heard, the assassin wasn't happy to be awakened like this either.

He let him get up first, to avoid a repeat of the previous episode, and only then get up and stretch.

-...Can we please, after Christmas is over, schedule these races for later, I don't know, after school? - He tried, staring at the assassin's back, wondering how bad it must be to sleep in a suit.

Reborn smiled at the fact that the brunette hadn't even tried to negotiate the cancellation of daily training.

-...It's something to consider. - The Hitman just said

And a new yell from Ryohei along with explosions and insults from Gokudera made them both sigh at the same time, despite the Hitman being a lover of chaos, four in the morning was still four in the morning.

- All right, we'll move it to later then. - He finally accepted. - Now walk away and open the door before I end up killing your guardians.

- Why do you not open the door? - And upon receiving a death glare from the assassin he added. - I-I'll make coffee in the meantime!

- Fair. - That's what he said before jumping from the table to the floor. - But I won't bring them in whole.

His intuition didn't really seem alarmed by this so he shrugged and walked over to the sink.

In less than a minute, silence reigned again, although he could still hear the more subdued voice of his friends in the genkan, all inside, but only entering when him had finished the coffee, and undoing Hyper Mode before putting it in the bottle, and why Reborn had made them wait was clear once he saw who the new members were.

To his surprise, in addition to the same members as the day before, there were two more acquisitions.

Aoba was normal again, he had a frown and his glasses were broken. The fact that he and Ryohei were quiet, both with injuries to their faces, said a lot about the Hitman's approach.

And Mochida.

- I found out yesterday that you were running every day and I decided to come too. - Decreed Kendoka placing both hands on his waist.

Tsuna frowned at this, but before he could say anything, Reborn intervened, jumping back to the table and pouring himself the coffee that his student had just placed there and which was even creamier than the day before, and stole the word.

- Lie or truth, Tsuna? - He put it on with the same glow as the first time.

-…Seriously, we've spent all night on this. - And when he saw how Reborn turned Leon into a weapon and pointed it at him, under Mochida's surprised exclamations about "toys nowadays" he added tiredly. -...Right.

Then he turned to face the older one, who felt slightly nervous, again having the impression that the younger one could see right through to his soul.

- Lie.

-...Eh?

- What's this about, Little Guy? - Yamamoto wanted to know, like the others curious.

- It seems that Tsuna's Hyper Intuition had a breakthrough, that is, knowing when someone lies to him. - Started Reborn. - We spent the night practicing, he had an average of 69.27%, which is very promising, but he still needs to improve. Professional lies still fool him easily. 18.96% of the time he didn't even know what to answer.

- And in the other 11.77%? - Wanted to know Gokudera, who was the only one really following the values.

- He was tricked like an idiot.

- It's still an impressive number Tsuna! - Enma cheered up. - I didn't know Hyper Intuition could do that.

- Neither do I actually…

-...What would this Hyper Intuition be? - Mochida asked, still a little tense that the brunette had so easily seen through his lie.

-...It's kind of a family thing. - Tsuna replied before Reborn could say something strange. - Like a very strong sixth sense, which people take very seriously.

- But of course, the Tenth's intuition is incredible! - Animated Gokudera.

- It's biological cheating. - Added Shitt P. - Like Koyo's eyes.

- Just that my eyes, in the end, are much nicer!

- Definitely Hyper Intuition is more useful than your eyes.

- How can you say it like that, Adel?!

- LITTLE BROTHER IS EXTREME!

- It seems that every day Tsuna finds a new skill!

-…But it seems a little torturous to me. - Finally put Chrome.

Tsuna just nodded.

- So, this time, who will be Tsuna's duo will be decided like this: Each of you, who still haven't teamed up with him. - Enma, Ryohei and Chrome clearly sighed disappointed by this. - They will speak some random fact, and the pair will be the one that Tsuna can see through the lie. And the training this time will be… - And then Leon took the form of a rope. - Three-legged race!

- I go first! - Yelled Gokudera, taking a step forward. - The T-tenth i-isn't the best boss in the world! - He exclaimed with clear effort, even turning red.

And a dart hit his forehead and he fell backwards to the ground.

- Disqualified. Very obvious comment. - Reborn said, spinning the dart-shooter-Leon in his hands. - Next, Adelheid.

The Glacier took a step forward.

- I like men with a strong personality.

-...Eh?! - Tsuna replied embarrassed. - H-how am I supposed to know?!

- Next, Shitt P.

- My real name is not Jugemu Jugemu Goko no Surikire Kaijarisuigyo no Suigyomatsu Unraimatsu Furaimatsu Ku Neru Tokoro ni Sumu Tokoro Yabura Koji no Bura Koji Paipo-paipo Paipo no Shuringan Shuringan no Gurindai Gurindai no Ponpokopi no Ponpokona no Chokyumei no Chosuke?

- Wait, what?! Haaa… Lie?

- No, it was true. - Answered the young girl who had an black hair this time.

- Disqualified. The questions have to be understandable.

- Aoba?

- I don't like shrimp salad.

Tsuna tilted his head.

- I think it's a lie…?

- Partially. - He fixed his glasses. - In the end, I just don't like that the shrimp still has the head, I feel like their eyes keep looking at me.

-...Eeeh...

- Something so technical is not worth it, you idiot! - Complained Gokudera standing up, with the dart still stuck in his forehead.

- THAT WAS NOT EXTREME! - And the two boxers started arguing in the hallway.

- Next… - His gaze met Mochida's. - You are a pathetic, disqualified liar.

- What?! I can be an excellent liar! - Put it on proudly. - Check it out. - And he got ahead of the brunette. - I was the most unpopular student in my first year at Chuugaku.

Tsuna frowned.

- That's li-

- Pathetic. - And with a kick the kendoka ended up on the stairs.

- REBORN!

- Yamamoto, you are the last.

- Finally. - He put it scratching the back of his head as he took a step forward. - I hate to be last, but if everyone lost, shouldn't I win by W.O.?

- No, if everyone loses, Tsuna will run gagged.

- WHAT?!

- Okay then!

- You better not lose, baseball maniac!

- Right! - He put it on with determination, snapping his arms, as if he was about to come into play, and not just say a random thing. - When I was a child, I was very afraid of the Cow Head.

Again Tsuna frowned.

- Lie.

- Haha! This is amazing Tsuna! - Exclaimed the baseball player, putting his hands behind his head. - You're right! In fact, I always found this story very funny!

- You're just sick! - Offended Gokudera. - That says a lot about your head.

-…This legend is very scary. - Trembling Chrome.

- I was always afraid of that. - Joined Enma.

- Very well, it's decided. - The assassin ended with a smile. - Yamamoto, your partner is Useless-Tsuna, the rest, discuss among yourselves. The objective is to get to Midori High School and back. First to arrive, wins. Simple.

The others began to discuss their pairs, while receiving ropes.

Tsuna definitely didn't want to think about why Reborn had so many strings in his suit pockets.

-.-.-.-

- That's not fair! - Aoba grumbled, all covered in mud, dragging as he limped, in addition to having several bruises. - It is logical that Sawada and his duo would win. In the end, he is the CAPTAIN of the baseball team, knows like no one how to work as a team, besides being an athlete! Boxing is an individual sport!

- Then why did Ryohei and Gokudera come in second? - Asked the assassin calmly taking his coffee.

- You're just an extremely bad loser! - Ryohei exclaimed.

- It's as if we won first, since the Tenth is on another level. - Joined Gokudera.

- YOU CHEATED! In the end, it was Kangaroo who ran, while Ryohei helped him with one leg while they were both carried!

- I said it was a three-legged race, I didn't say which three legs. - Reborn shrugged. - That's why Shitt P and Chrome with their balloon-feet illusions came in third.

- IN THE END THIS IS STILL BEING CHEATING!

- You are improving your gravity control, Enma. - Praised Adel.

- It's just that I focused everything on one leg...

Finally, Mochida just sighed wearily, as dirty as his disastrous companion.

In turn, the duo relaxed under the kotatsu, warm and comfy, Tsuna had even slept while waiting for everyone to arrive.

- The secret is teamwork. - Said the Rain calmly.

Being definitely woken up by the screams, Tsuna stretched, getting ready to change before Reborn kicked him there.

- But your new skill is really amazing, Tsuna! - Animated Yamamoto.

- I think so, Reborn seemed quite enthusiastic about it. - Yawned, already standing.

- Of course! - Joined Gokudera, leaving Aoba's humiliation to Ryohei's capable hands. - Being able to see through lies would be just wonderful for a mafia's boss! Mr. Reborn must be very proud.

- Perhaps. - Yawned again. - To me it just means if you guys hid something from me again. I will know.

The two guardians seemed to freeze at those words, even though their boss didn't even seem to notice what he'd said, yawning up the stairs.

-.-.-

December 23, Friday, one day before the Christmas Party and the arrival of CEDEF.

With the shower taken, Tsuna left without his uniform this time, instead wearing his faithful sweatshirt with the number 27.

No mustache in the pocket this time.

"I'm going to go down, see the choir and go to sleep." - He thought to himself, feeling even sleepier after the hot shower. - "My head hurts after practicing using Hyper Intuition all night long."

Even though he still didn't have high expectations for this "New skill" as Reborn said, in addition to thinking that less than 70% accuracy was not a high enough margin to blindly trust what his senses were saying, ironically he would lie if he said he didn't felt special in the face of all Reborn's attention and interest.

"Mr. Reborn must be very proud."

Gokudera's words flashed through his mind as he descended the stairs, making him blush slightly.

He wondered why the Sun's praise and approval always made him so happy, more so than any of his friends or even his mother. Probably because the assassin was always so severe, being recognized by him had a special value.

Even he and his low self-esteem couldn't help but feel flattered when Reborn was pleased with him.

"This is very embarrassing." - He thought heading to the room that gave access to the garden of his house. - "Is it because I never had my father around, unlike my companions?

He remembered how many times he envied his classmates on family day for being congratulated by their parents, even though he had his mother, he missed someone else, someone who realized that he was no longer a child and that he was growing up, even that disastrously.

Definitely Iemitsu and his screams of "Tuna Fish" who treated him as if he were still six years old, but at the time of the fight faced him as if he were an adult, didn't exactly fit the role.

"But comparing Reborn to my father is very bizarre, after all he is a baby."

He put his ramblings aside when, on his way out, he found exactly the same crowd as the day before, with just one addition.

Fon, dressed in his normal clothes, holding a small flute.

-...Shouldn't there be eleven people? - The brunette wanted to know since the music hadn't started yet.

- Wait and you'll see. I never said they needed to be people. - Put Reborn with a mysterious smile.

- But you never said anything! This choir started out of nowhere just to pressure me!

- The negotiation was a little difficult. - He continued, ignoring him. - But with the right price he wanted to cooperate.

-...He? - Tsuna repeated confused. - But "He" remains just only a person…

- Don't worry. - Said this time Fon jumping over the tree and seeing something on the horizon. - We can start.

- Very well then. All opposites? - Several confirmations later, in which Aoba, again full of tracks that this time at least protected his face, and Ryohei were the ones that stood out the most. - All right, you can start.

- On the eleventh day of Christmas, my love gave it to me… Eleven flutists playing!

And with the cue, Fon nodded and started to play from where he was, and Tsuna had to contain an exclamation of surprise, along with other members of the choir when nine yellow birds exactly like Hibird appeared singing Namimori Chuugaku's anthem.

And before the eleventh stanza could finish, they all flew in the same direction, towards the entrance of the Sawada residence, stopping four on either side of a certain President's shoulder, and one above his head.

Hibari Kyouya cast a fierce look above the wall at the whole crowd, most of whom trembled, even the committee members, as they were in an agglomeration before the Cloud.

However, against all odds, the sullen president waited for the last stanza to finish before saying it, looking straight at Ryohei.

- Annoying animal, you come with me. - And he just started walking towards the exit. Leaving Tsuna and his other guardians present, with the exception of the aforementioned, perplexed.

- OK! Until extremely later! - And he just followed the older one like it was nothing.

Kusakabe and the other Disciplinary Committee member waited for the pair to take the lead before following.

- Do you have something to do with it? - The brunette questioned his tutor with suspicion.

Which only smiled suspiciously.

- No.

Tsuna sighed.

- Lie.

- Wow, I thought he was going to kill us! - Longchamp exclaimed approaching the brunette and casually placing a hand around his shoulder, making a certain redhead approach with a frown, while the Varia illusion faded, Kokuyo subtly did the same behind the garden tree, and a very happy Nana called everyone else for breakfast. - It seems that all of you have changed a lot since we traveled to Mafia Land together.

His gaze fell mainly on Skull, who was talking animatedly with Lunga, surrounded by members of the Calcassa family, Christine included.

- Many things have passed since then. - He just said. - I don't think you'd believe half of them. - He said thinking about his trip to the future. - I even kind of learned how to fight in the meantime.

- "Kinda of learned?" - Repeated disbelieving Enma, stopping in front of the duo flanked by Gokudera and Yamamoto. - You can only be kidding.

- He's right Tenth! - Gokudera exclaimed with a twinkle in his eyes. - The Tenth not only learned to fight, but became the strongest Sky in the Mafia!

- That's right Tsuna, even Hibari must know that you are the strongest!

- Eeeeeh?! No way! Hibari is very strong!

Faced with Gokudera's statement, some people walking to follow Nana stopped their steps. This included Reborn, Bianchi, Fon, and Mangusta, who approached.

At medium distance Chrome, Kyoko, Haru, Lal Mirch and Colonnello stayed where they were, listening to everything.

Further back, Ooyama, Mochida, and the three children from the Sawada residence were also playing in the garden next to the tree, although they didn't seem to have heard the direction of the conversation.

- The Mafia's strongest Sky? That's quite a statement. - The butler said that despite being a Sun, he still had two orthopedic wristbands, which were confused with accessories equal to those of his boss.

- I-Is not so much! - He tried to retain importance by frantically waving his hands. - I still lose to my father! There is also Xanxus who is very strong, and Dino! Not to mention Byakuran and Uni! Nono must also be very powerful since he is the Boss.

- You practically mentioned all the Skies you know. - Fon noted with a smile. - Have a little more confidence.

- But it's just that… The strongest is a little too much. - He said scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. - I'm not that strong...

- You are. - The placement came from Reborn, which made Tsuna immediately blush for the reasons of his daydreams minutes before. - Fon is right, be more confident.

He didn't know what to say to that, still awkwardly, unable to help but feel immensely happy and ashamed.

- In that case I propose a challenge! - Mangusta exclaimed with a twinkle in his eye pointing directly at the Vongola. - A fight, between you and the eighth Boss Tomaso, after all, rivals faced each other.

- What?! - Tsuna exclaimed in disbelief. - I don't think it's a good idea...

- Sounds like fun! - Said Naito on the other hand, making a funny face with emotion. - I accept the challenge! See, see, it even made my flame lively and much stronger, see, see! - With that he radiantly raised his wristband in which two tiny and inexpressive sparks were now flying. - See, see?

- This is so pathetic. - Enma put it in a somber tone. - Tsuna will turn you to ash.

As if those words had summoned her, Pantera returned to the garden with Skull and Lunga on her shoulders.

- I support the decision. - She said with a sinister smile that made a shiver run down Vongola's spine.

- Thanks for the support, Pantera!

- My band will play at your funeral.

- How cool, I've never been to a funeral! - Skull cheered up. - And it will still be my first show!

- We can make some easy money out of it. - Entered Colonnello, jumping from the arms of his bride and approaching to give an opinion. - Let's bet on the degree of burn Boss Tomaso will receive, or how much he will die from his injuries. Mammon will love to hear that.

- I won't kill anyone! - Tsuna was exasperated even more in front of the frustrated snort of Colonnello and Reborn.

- Spoils pleasures. - Reborn grumbled, making a falsely more childish and upset voice.

- It's decided then! - Announced Mangusta ignoring the comments about the obvious defeat of his boss, taking Naito from one arm and Pantera from the other. - Let's start training today! And tomorrow immediately after the choir we will return to Italy to intensify the training!

- B-but…! - Tried to argue Tsuna, but it was too late because the butler had already dragged the three Tomaso and the Cloud together.

- THEY KIDNAPPED MISTER SKULL! - Christine announced exasperatedly, sticking her head out into the garden. - We have to go after them!

-…But the food is so delicious! - One of the Calcassa argued, to which the other three only confirmed.

-...Very well, let's go after him after eating...! - And she just went back inside.

Tsuna was about to go after them to argue, as he wasn't working today, when a line from Reborn stopped him.

- Leave them, so we don't have to invite them to Christmas, besides getting rid of them for a while.

- So that's what it was about! - Accused the Vongola.

- But of course. - Commented Reborn passing from the shoulders to the arms of Bianchi. - I don't care that Nono wants to strengthen ties with the Tomaso, I hate them. So they will disappear from our sight for a while.

- Isn't that unprofessional?

- Above all I always do what I want. - He shrugged, making Tsuna roll his eyes.

- It's a pity your friends can't stay, Tsuna. - Put Enma without a shred of sincerity. - Maybe next Christmas.

Tsuna frowned at the comment, but didn't say anything about it.

Not that he had time to worry about that, when a massive explosion hit his bedroom window, shattering it along with part of the outer wall.

Next to the tree, Rauji had a guilty expression, Fuuta covered his ears, I-Pin scolded Lambo, who was still holding a grenade in his hands, while Mochida had fallen to the ground looking scared at the damaged area.

- Lambo! - Tsuna ran towards the group. His guardians, including Chrome, and Enma behind him.

- IT WAS FUUTA'S FAULT!

- Whaaat?!

The group walked right past the girls and Lal, without exchanging glances with any of them, Haru was about to go too, to see if the children were okay, but the military stopped her.

- They are well. - She insisted, Colonnello approaching again, while Reborn and Bianchi just entered the house as if nothing had happened, telling Nana that it was fireworks while Chrome used illusions to cover the hole from onlookers. Fon in turn joined the group to see if I-Pin had not been injured. - More important. You've heard the conversation too, I imagine, from Naito Longchamp's challenge.

- Hmmm… Yes. - Confirmed Haru.

- Are they really the Mafia? - Wanted to know Kyoko. - He always bragged about it, but in his case I really thought it was a joke…

- Yes. - Lal said without preamble. - He is a Tomaso, a family without much relevance, however, the reflection of the members of this family are a genetic gift almost as irritating as Hyper Intuition, and even so, from the level he is and with the amount of flames he currently has, the eighth boss would need at least 100 years to beat Sawada.

- 100 years?! - Miura was exalted. - Is there such a big difference even though he was born in the Mafia?!

- There are all kinds of power levels within the mafia, as well as all kinds of skills. - Followed Colonnello.

- And even so, you two don't have the slightest chance in a fight against Tomaso the way you're acting now. - The instructor finished.

- If Naito needs 100 years… - Haru started clenching her fists tightly. -…It means that it is impossible for us, and big sister Bianchi is really right…

- Haru… - Kyoko put it with regret.

- Yes, it's impossible. - Lal confirmed taking her fiancé in her lap again. -...As long as you don't take it seriously.

- But Haru is-

- Who… - The bi-flame continued with a stern expression. - It really is Sawada Tsunayoshi. Think about it, and maybe tonight you'll learn something from the new challengers.

And without further ado, the duo left the girls behind, entering the house with the others.

The girls still lingered in the garden for a while watching the boys interact with the children before leaving silently to return to training, each lost in their own thoughts about their master's question.

- Good thing I suspected that this toy was defective and threw it away! Imagine if it had hurt the children! Looks like you're not the only one with good instincts, Sawada!

- You fool! You destroyed the Tenth's wall, how can you still be bragging?!

- Calm down, calm down Gokudera! The important thing is that everyone is fine!

- I'm really sorry... I was talking to Fuuta and I didn't pay attention...

- It's ok Rauji, it's not your fault...

- Lambo, bad!

- GYAHAHA it was all thanks to the Great Lambo!

- DON'T BE PROUD ABOUT SOMETHING LIKE THAT, STUPID COW!

- LEAVE ME, STUPIDERA!

-…My room...! Why my room?! Why always my room?!

-.-.-.-

Sawada Tsunayoshi simply threw himself on his bed after Mochida and Ooyama offered to cover up the huge hole in his wall with wooden boards, although he was very grateful, even though it was half their fault for the accident, they had done a terrible job, leaving several fissures that let in the merciless December cold, which the double-glazed window had previously completely prevented. At least they hadn't hit his table.

Good thing he still had the yutanpo his mother bought him when he was four, and which he only used when he was very cold.

Ignoring the screams of his friends downstairs. He just wanted to take the rest of his morning off to rest a little, an hour or so, before going shopping as his Hyper Intuition dictated to him to do, instead of leaving everything until the 24th as he had originally intended.

And even lying on his stomach on the bed, he didn't have to turn around to know that the new presence he'd crept into the room, making no noise as he walked, was Reborn.

- Please. - He almost begged, his voice muffled against the pillow. - I just want to get some sleep… Then I'll do what you want.

The assassin slightly raised his eyebrow, which had nothing to do with the pathetic request, but the fact that it was the second time Tsuna had located him without great difficulty.

Of course he wasn't really trying to hide his presence, yet, especially when close to the brunette, he kept his flames tight, which made it difficult to locate without some effort involved, unlike the naturalness that his student showed.

"This kid is getting even more interesting." - He thought, jumping to the table intact, ready to change.

- I dismissed your idiot guardians. - He smiled inwardly at the sigh of relief from the brunette at that. - You shouldn't complain about your family like that.

- I love them as a family, but dealing with everyone takes a lot of energy. - He put it on without hesitation, turning his face to the side to see that the Hitman was also putting on his pajamas. - Are you going to sleep too?

- Don't think that with this you will spend the day relaxing, if your intuition told you to do the shopping today, you should do it. - He said as he continued to change. - Maybe it will snow a lot and some stores will be forced to close tomorrow, who knows, maybe a meteorite will fall in the city. - He followed, ignoring his student's sleepy "Hiie". - Never know. In addition, you still have the small confrontation with the new challenger duo. And that's just why I'm going to allow you to get some sleep. It wouldn't be fun if you were crushed right from the start.

- You just want to have fun at my expense...

- Well, and you only realized this now? - He scoffed with grace, to which the other just snorted.

As he buttoned up the last few buttons, a cold wind crept in through the cracks, causing the assassin to shiver very subtly as he muttered a "Stupid Cow".

- Reborn… - Named already groggy from sleep.

- Hmm? - He replied, jumping to his hammock.

-…Are you really going to sleep there? - The Sun stopped his movements, then faced the younger one, who frankly seemed to be more asleep than awake, even though he was still trying to argue. -...The room is freezing, but because of the yutanpo my bed is warm at least...

If the Vongola had been a little more awake, he would have seen how his tutor clearly hesitated at the subtle invitation.

Not least, in the last few days they were close during sleep, one almost killed his student, in the second he almost lost his hand.

They weren't really a very safe pair.

Ironically, as if reading his mind, the youngest one added.

-...I promise not to move too much if you promise not to kill me...

- A assassin never promises anything like that.

-...Liar… - Was the last thing he said before apparently falling asleep from exhaustion.

The Ex-Arcobaleno watched him for long seconds, pondering the offer, it was either that or sleep with Bianchi and the kids, because frankly those cracks would take his sleep.

Finally, he jumped into bed, after all, he was never a man who let bad experiences stop him.

Only when he was already at a far end of the pillow and blanket did he realize the brutal difference in temperature, which the yutanpo would be unable to exert.

"He really is a human pyre." - He thought seeing that the extra heat came from his sleeping student, who unconsciously seemed to use his own flames to warm the bed.

He had to admit, if only to himself, that this was infinitely better than his hammock, though it lacked freedom of movement.

As he let the heat envelop him like a kotatsu pulling him comfortably into the warmer region, his tired mind, without his authorization, wandered to long-forgotten memories.

Memories of the last time he felt this way.

Comfortable, warm… Safe.

The image of Luce caressing his sideburns as he rested his head on her outstretched legs, as her flame enveloped him in restorative ways the Sun's flame would never be able to reach.

After she died, after everyone was cursed, he had promised himself in front of her grave that he would never be attached to anyone else again.

In that instant, as he saw the peaceful, tired expression of his student, who would probably wake up more tired than rested from expending his flames like this in an effort to keep them warm, he couldn't help but notice…

Definitely a liar...

---

Notes:

* Yes, in Japan there is a very old law that guarantees the "Menstruation License" that cannot be refused by companies, so that women with difficult periods can rest properly on those days. However, there are problems with this law, the main one that we can point out is that the woman has to inform her boss, in most cases a man, of her period in order to obtain the license. Therefore, few Japanese women really have the courage to do this, since the topic, as in practically everyone to a greater or lesser extent, is still a taboo. However, despite being embarrassing, Chrome trusts her Boss and is a responsible guardian. There's nothing to apologize for, Chrome, you're amazing!

* In Japan there is a superstition that women in their fertile period lose part of their ability to taste, there is really no scientific basis to support this, however the Japanese take this very seriously, where many restaurants do not allow their cooks to work on these days. Mainly making sushi.

* Pantomime is a gestural theater that makes the least possible use of words, making use of gestures through mime.

* This is a difference that exists in the manga in relation to the anime. In Chapter 49, page 18, Longchamp reveals that his ex-girlfriend, Hattori Christine, is actually a spy for the Calcassa Famiglia, and as such revealed Mafia Land's location to her organization, who then attacked the Mafia Land. Since Longchamp doesn't exist in the anime, the Calcassa discovered the location because… Yes. And one other difference, Yamamoto didn't go to Mafia Land in the manga, only in the anime. For 0 reasons.

* This note makes reference both to Target 410, from our story, where Nono mentions the Tomaso Family as allies, as well as the Inheritance Ceremony itself in the manga, where Vongola invited the Tomaso to participate, who appeared in chapter 295, page 2, and as this ceremony invited all allies, it is understood that they were already "mates" at that time.

* Actually, Reborn has flown with Tsuna twice, the first one happened at the end of chapter 210, on page 16, when Tsuna learned that Hibari from the past appeared and was already fighting at Melone Base, so he took Spanner (by parachute) and Reborn along with him, despite the assassin being just a hologram, it's funny to see the Sun sitting on his student's back as if it makes any difference. And the second, a little more serious, happened in chapter 390, page 12, where Tsuna requested Reborn to climb on his shoulder, because he needed to talk about a serious matter with his tutor, and so, both of them go to Namimori Shrine.

*Actually, during the Pole Knocking in Chapter 18, the ones who defeated Sumo Captain Takada were Gokudera and Ryohei, and Karate Captain Oshikiri was attacked by "someone" (Reborn) in the bathroom. In the end, Tsuna was the one who took the blame.

* We already made a similar note, but it's funny how Mochida is the type that likes to plan down to the last detail, counting on plan B, C and D, an example of this is precisely in the first chapter (basically the only one he appears in), where he takes several precautions to be able to humiliate Tsuna, exchanging his armor and shinai for much heavier copies, in addition to buying the judge, as he was a member of the kendo club, who in theory would not raise the flag in no chance for Tsuna.

* And with the appearance of Solte we inaugurate the first unofficial character of Reborn! Because he appears in the games: Katekyo Hitman Reborn! Fate of Heat II - Unmei no Futari and Katekyo Hitman Reborn! Fate of Heat III - Yuki no Shugosha Raishuu! Like a ring craftsman in the Future Arc. We don't have any data on his age at that time, but he didn't look much older than Tsuna and the others, so we assume that in the past he was just a kid. Solte is a very skilled craftsman, at least in the future =X. And if you have any more information about him, feel free to leave it in the comments.

* But look at the irony, in episode 14, and in chapter 42, pages 15 and 16, Tsuna, for the first time in history (not counting Shinu Ki Mode), has an act of courage and throws himself in front of Kyoko to protect her from a lion, which had escaped from its cage at the zoo, and was about to attack her; now Natsu, a lion cub, who is also the "celestial box", is trying to protect Mochida, the first Tsuna "bully" that appeared in the story. And a worth mention, right after that, Ryohei punches the zoo lion in the face, saving them both in the process.

* So, we know that at the end of the manga, Bermuda is a baby just like everyone else, and that supposedly since the curse was broken, he would grow back, however, Amano, he's an undead, there's no way it grows the same as the others, so let's say that Bermuda had a little delay when it came back to its "normal state". We'll work it out eventually.