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!

19. 428 - Sky partially sunny

Chapter by JonaX, Kimonohi_Tsuki

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Summary:

Tsuna has strange dreams of a long-forgotten past, Verde has an unpleasant surprise, and two new challengers face the Sky.

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Target 428 - Sky partially sunny

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The snow was slowly falling under his back, slowly soaking his clothes, along with the feeling of cold that seemed to gnaw at his bones.

He could no longer feel his fingers, even as he watched them smear with dirt as he dug, along with the blood that mixed with the pale bench and nauseating brown.

The ground was hard from the accumulated ice, yet he kept digging, occasionally pausing to blow some warm air over his palm to see if he still felt it, if his fingers still responded.

At one point, the huge, almost skeletal white dog beside him began to help, being infinitely more productive in his digging task.

-...Thanks Iro. - He said, trembling, stroking the animal's head, smearing it with the mud and blood from his palm.

Together they managed to dig a shallow grave, leaving it to the task of filling it.

The boy then looked up at the thin, emaciated face of a body beside him, whose covering of snow around him looked like a frame.

With what little strength left in his body, he began trying to pull the figure into the ditch, an almost futile effort to move the hard, icy adult body.

The woman seemed molded into the pose of a hug, into which the child's body fit suspiciously well, and the boy, with his few years to live, couldn't tell if it was death or snow that had trapped her in that position.

Again Iro helped him, very intelligent for an average animal, and so the body fell into the small tomb, one of his hands sticking up, even as the earth began to hide the funereal statue, but surprisingly her neck was limp, allowing him to bend it to fit her bed of eternal rest.

-...We should have dug deeper. - The boy observed sitting in front of the uneven mound of earth, facing her hand in a circular position, as if cradling a child's head against her chest.

All that looked the least bit green around was a bush of a plant he didn't know about. He plucked a few branches from her and placed them under her hand, as if she were holding it.

"A cycle that closes." - His father would say if he were there.

So the little orphan watched his work, tears would be running down his face if the cold didn't stop them. As he embraced his faithful companion.

Some relief along with a huge emptiness filling his chest, a curious mixture that only a funeral, however modest, could provide.

-.-

A soft flame enveloped him, her touch peculiarly warm but extremely familiar. It circled around him and merged with his, like a lady with an outstretched arm offering him a dance.

Her whisper was a balm against his cool skin in a twinkle of indigo.

-.-

His breath was labored, turning to steam as soon as it left his lips.

He hid in a bush, watching a deer lurking in a clearing, its belly twisting with hunger, like the animal that digs through the snow for something to feed.

He swallowed, clutching the spear he'd forged with his bare hands.

It was only when the animal looked the other way that it came out of its hiding place, ready to attack, making too much noise, thus managing not only to denounce its position, but also to frighten it.

- N-no! - He exclaimed, tripping over his own feet, seeing his food desperately trying to escape.

However, even skinny, Iro jumped through the bushes, flying over the larger animal, clinging tightly to its neck.

The deer struggled in desperation, causing both animals to roll on the ground, so that they slid down the damp hill.

- IRO! - He yelled in desperation behind his only companion, ignoring how his old clothes caught on some dry branches, tearing what little protection he still had.

He slipped down the path the two animals had followed, only to find Iro still holding the deer's neck, now down, his breath clearly told him he was still alive.

-...I'm sorry. - He wailed, closing his white eyes and thrusting his weapon into his prey's chest.

A single snowflake fell on the deer's glazed eye.

-.-

There was also a second flame, much insecure and hesitant, warm and rusty.

It seemed to want to get closer, but didn't know how, unlike the first, just watching him from afar.

It looked shattered, tired, ripped. Like an animal that, after suffering a lot of mistreatment, hesitates to approach a human being again.

That little flame seemed to want to warm him, but it didn't know how in its opaque yellow glow.

-.-

-...Is that a hut? - He asked himself, seeing on the horizon a small wooden cottage, from where a small smoke escaped from the chimney.

The vision was difficult due to the snowstorm, in which the simple drag of steps on the soft surface seemed to be enough to drain all his energy, even more so when he carried the heavy Iro in his arms, although every day he seemed to be more bony and lighter.

- We can ask to stay the night, who knows, they might even give us food!

With his hopes renewed upon hearing a soft sniff from his partner, he focused on getting to the residence, knocking several times on his door.

However, no one showed up.

Casting a worried expression on his friend's hot muzzle, he set him down carefully and used both hands to open the snow-bound door.

And just like that, the warm steam of the residence greeted him as a pocket of relief.

-...Anybody home? - He asked hesitantly.

However, seeing how the fireplace was lit and absolutely inviting, he went towards it, taking Iro in his arms again.

He left it this time in front of the fire that had a different tone from the usual fire, but he didn't really care about it, only willing to warm up.

He was almost falling asleep when the sound of the door woke him up suddenly, jumping in front of his dog to protect him if need be.

The figure he had entered was not much larger than himself, his face hidden behind the many logs he was carrying, but his long black hair could still be seen, which spread around his head like a mane.

The newcomer seemed to have heard the other's noise, because in a quick movement he threw all the wood to the ground and reached for something in the black fur coat he was wearing, then took out a knife.

He did the same, picking up his bloodied and rusty spear, even Iro growled under his breath.

- Who are you and what are you doing in my Benefactor's house?! - He exclaimed pointing his blade at him.

-...I was just looking for shelter from the storm! - He defended himself. - Me and my partner were about to freeze.

-...Your partner? - And just then he saw the thin white dog behind the invader. -...Do you hunt with him?

- Yes, he is a Talbot, a hunt dog, since my father was killed, and my mother and I ran away, he travels and hunts with me.

-...I had never seen a Talbot before… - He commented showing real interest this time as he analyzed the animal. - And your mother? - His black eyes became menacing. - If she's in my Benefactor's room I'll kill her!

-…No, you don't have to. - He swallowed, his voice breaking. - S-she… Di… Died on the way, some time ago. - He explained with a low face. - I… I've been around ever since. Just me and Iro.

That finally seemed to make the black haired boy give up attacking the invader, lowering his weapon but not putting it away.

-…What was your father like?

-...He was a blacksmith.

- Did he make that spear of yours?

-...No, it was me, to hunt.

- It's just horrible and it's blind, from here I can see.

- I-I didn't have much time to do it! - He defended himself. - And what do you understand anyway?!

- I am the apprentice of the best hunter in the world. - He put it on proudly, his black eyes fluttering. - So I understand this kind of thing.

-...He is your father?

He denied with his head.

- No, my father sold me a long time ago, so my Benefactor bought me to be his helper. He's taken care of me ever since, and taught me how to hunt.

-...Would he allow me to stay here until the storm passes? - He tried his luck, also lowering his weapon. - I promise to be useful and sharpen all your weapons!

The other boy seemed to consider, tilting his head thoughtfully.

- I just hope you do better things than that. - He said pointing the spear. - If not, he'll expel you in the best case.

- I promise I will! After all, my father was the best blacksmith in the world.

- All right then, but do any damage to my Benefactor's things and I'll slit your throat! - And despite his size, he knew the other's promise was real.

At first he watched him gather the fallen logs, then join in helping.

-...My name is Schmittsohn, and you?

- I don't have a name. - Said the apprentice without caring. - But my Benefactor calls me Mähne. One day I will become a great hunter like him, and one day be called Jägersohn! Similar to you.

He couldn't help but smile, the first smile he'd given in months. Despite his wild appearance, and clear aggression, the affection he had for his Benefactor was evident.

He was really tired of running away and being cold, really wished he could stay and serve this hunter.

The two gathered all the firewood together and restored the fireplace, storing the leftovers under a fur-covered chair.

-...I think I'll call you Jagdhund since you don't seem like a good blacksmith to me. - Mähne put in a trivial tone, he was about to answer when the door opened again. - Oh! He arrived!

The first emotion he had was anticipation of meeting the best hunter in the world. However, his expectations began to crumble when he saw that the figure, who wore a heavy black fur coat and a fur hat, was not even a palm taller than the two, in addition to having a round face similar to a frog.

And despite his size, on one shoulder he carried an ax nearly as tall as he was, on the other the bloody half of a dead deer.

A while ago this image would have terrified him, now he could only feel his mouth water, but something else demanded his attention.

So before Mähne could even open his mouth, he couldn't help but comment.

-...Is this child the "greatest hunter in the world"?

The maned boy's face barely had time to pale, and the hunter's deep voice filled the air.

- Who are you calling a child, you useless infant! - And without thinking twice he threw the ax, and then the dead animal towards him, causing him to fall towards the fireplace, hitting his head against the stones that formed it.

- Aaah, no! Mister Bermuda, please don't kill that one too!

His last thought before he lapsed into unconsciousness under the hunter's scrutiny was that at least he wasn't cold anymore.

-.-.-.-.-

He definitely felt warmer being lulled by two flames that seemed to be trying to guide him somewhere, like a lighthouse that guides sailors on stormy days.

That's how he slowly opened his eyes, to find two pairs of eyes watching him intently.

But he wasn't scared of that, just staring back at them. After all, he had woken up just because he felt them calling him.

Chrome was the first to speak, her expression worried.

-...Is everything ok, Boss?

Seeing his student's clear confused face, Reborn positioned himself.

- You were mumbling in your sleep, mumbled that you was cold, and then a few loose words.

-...Like what? - He asked curiously, sitting down.

- Mähne. Although your pronunciation is horrible, I could still understand. Now what I would like to know is why are you mumbling German in your sleep? - The assassin was staring fixedly sitting on his pillow, if he didn't know him I'd say he looked worried.

- Eh?! German?! - He put in shock. - I don't speak German!

- That's evident.

- What were you dreaming of, Boss? - Insisted the Mist, sitting on the edge of the bed.

- I honestly don't remember well… - He said, taking his hand from the ring to his head. - I know there was snow, a dog and… Mähne… I think that was a name. - He closed his eyes, as if trying to concentrate. - Of someone with black hair, I don't know… It looked familiar and not at the same time.

- Mähne would be a ridiculous name for someone. - Said the one called reborn. - It means mane, like a lion's.

-...I think it's a cute name... - Chrome pondered.

- So it wasn't a nightmare about the future. - Reborn considered thoughtful.

However, the brunette's attention was on something else.

- Wait! How do you know this is German?

- Because I speak German. - He put it like it was obvious. - It's the second time, by the way, that you mumble strange things in your sleep. The last one, however, I couldn't understand.

- Are you watching me while I sleep?!

- I always watch over you.

That made the brunette shudder, but he decided not to think about it.

-...More importantly, do you speak German?! In addition to Japanese, Italian and Chinese!* How many languages do you speak?! - He realized in shock.

- Ten.

- TEN?!

- Nicht alle sind Idioten wie Sie, Nutzlostsuna.

- What?! - He put you in shock. - Is that even possible?!

- To be a boss you must be able to speak at least five languages fluently.

- WHAT?! But that's a lot! - He panicked.

- At Varia they have to know seven. As far as I know, Squalo got the maximum grade on every proficiency exam he took. But it could be because he left all his examiners deaf.

- I could never learn all that! I barely know two thousand kanji! - He continued exasperated. - I'm sure I didn't even get a good grade on my English exam!

- Nothing that a little… Encouragement doesn't help. - And the assassin's sinister smile made the Vongola shudder. - Anyway, Tsuna. - Then his tone returned to being serious, making his student stop regretting his future to pay attention. - You said your Hyper Intuition responds well to questions. So you think these weird dreams you've been having, have something to do with Trinisette?

The brunette didn't respond right away, considering.

-...Is the Boss having many nightmares?

- That he has strange reactions when sleeping, it's already the fourth time, at least.

-...I'm not sure. - Tsuna replied finally. - I feel that yes, but at the same time that I do not.

- ... - Reborn put his hand to his chin thoughtfully. - So it could be more than one thing.

-...But... - The brunette followed -...Did you wake me up using your flames?

- Oh yes! - Chrome agreed with a shy smile. - It was Mr. Mukuro who taught me, he said that suddenly waking up a assassin was very dangerous…

Tsuna made a great effort not to see his tutor's smug expression staring at him at that moment.

-…And that instinctively an attack can happen. - The Hitman's smile faded, as he fiddled with his gloved fingers. -…Therefore, subtly releasing a familiar flame near the sleeper is a much more subtle way of awakening. It's like feeling in your subconscious that someone is calling you.

-...Yes. - The Vongola pondered, remembering the sensations he felt, unable to avoid looking curiously at Reborn. - You too?

- You didn't wake up only with mine. - Chrome followed a little more distressed. - So I asked Mr. Reborn for help.

- Your flames don't look like you, Reborn.

The statement was so direct and blunt that even the assassin raised an eyebrow at the comment, but the Sky didn't seem to have caught his own words, because he yawned openly as he stretched.

- Anyway, what time is it? I overslept?

- No, it's just after lunch time. In fact, your mother asked me to call you. She separated the portion of you two. - Chrome explained simply.

-...Hmmm... - He yawned. -…Not to sound rude, but what about you Chrome? I thought Reborn said everyone was gone.

- I said your idiot guardians were gone.

- Oh, yes. - Yawned again. - It's true.

And Chrome couldn't help but chuck a little laugh at his boss, in his drowsiness, not having disagreed with the statement.

-...Actually, Bianchi told me that the boss… - She began, staring at the blanket. - Was going to buy the gifts today, so I… Hmmm… I wanted to know if I could come along.

-...Oh, but of course you can. - And he can't help but find it cute how excited she was with his statement. - Actually, it would be very helpful.

- Much more than that. - Said Reborn, jumping to the table and from there taking a picture of him dressed as Leon, from when they had done the costume competition. - Remember that in this competition, the last place would be a slave to Chrome for a year?*

- I thought you had forgotten about that! - He put exasperated.

- Well, you were the last. So from now on, you are her slave.

- HIIIE, WHAT?!

- But only for one afternoon! - It was her turn to get nervously exasperated. - A year is too much, everyone wants to spend time with the Boss, it wouldn't be fair.

Tsuna opened his mouth to argue against it, but then closed it again, embarrassing, remembering how his friends were even fighting to be his pair on the morning runs.

- I still think it's a waste of prize, but it's Chrome who decides. - The assassin shrugged. -…If I were in her shoes…

- Hiiie! I do not want to know! - And he closed his eyes, expecting a hit.

Which did not come.

Tsuna blinked confused.

Reborn frowned annoyed.

Chrome tilted her head, not understanding.

-...You... Won't you hit me? - He were foolish enough to ask.

-…Hibari is right, it's pathetic when you ask like that. - And even saying that, he got off the table and walked towards the door, not hitting his student in the process. - Come on, the sooner we eat, the sooner you can leave. I don't need to remind you about the challenge again later, do I?

- No… - And with a sigh he got up. - The same time I left work?

- It seems enough for them to organize themselves.

-...Who did you call?

- You will find out. - He smiled, and it only widened when his student shivered. - Anyway, before I go I want you to make a new coffee. I'm sure that damn crowd in the morning took it all over again.

- But you're the one who calls them here! - He was exasperated. - Also, I can't do that, my mother must be in the kitchen, she can see me!

The Hitman seemed to consider for a second, then walked to the next room, curious, Chrome and Tsuna followed.

- I-Pin. - Called the young girl who was reading a book in bed, next to her master who was doing the same. They both looked up at him. - Stupid Cow just said you're fat.

The Chinese girl's face immediately turned red, but not from shame but from anger.

- Lambo, bad! - And abandoning her book, without thinking twice she opened the window and jumped towards the ground floor. Before long, cries of a certain Lightning simply filled the house.

- AAAAAAH! LAMBO DID NOTHING!

- I-PIN NOT FAT!

Explosions, and then the sound of hurried footsteps out into the garden.

- Oh my, children, don't fight! - Nana exclaimed, trying to separate them.

- Done. - Placed Reborn sufficiently. - Make my coffee now.

And without waiting for an answer he simply headed downstairs.

-…He's a demon. - To Tsuna's surprise, that was Fon's grumble.

- I think he likes your coffee. - Regarded Chrome with grace.

- No. - He denied with disgust, definitely awoken by the screams of his brothers. - He's just a selfish person who only wants what's most comfortable for him.

-.-.-.-

Again Tsuna used his fighting gloves to warm his hands as he walked with a very excited Chrome to her apartment to do shopping planning with her boss in a place that didn't explode every five minutes.

Seeing the girl's happiness, and as steam came out of her mouth due to the cold, the brunette's own flames ended up responding, which caught the attention of the Mist.

- Boss. - She said when they arrived in front of a building near Midori Chuugaku. - You don't need to be wasting flames on me like that.

The brunette tilted his head without understanding, making his companion laugh softly.

- Your flames. - She repeated. - You are summoning them around us to keep us warm. Look. - And then she pointed to where he was standing, making him notice with surprise that the snow around him was slowly starting to melt into puddles.

- Eh? I'm doing this? - He blinked confused, then looked at his hands, even taking his right hand to see his ring, where not even a spark was visible. - But I'm not seeing anything.

- Flames can be invisible. Mr. Verde who told me. - She said, walking back inside the building. - That's how we feel the presence of people. By the emanations they give off. He also told me that Skies are the easiest to locate, because more than the other flames, they are always letting a little bit of themselves escape for the most diverse reasons, like a colorful bird to get the female's attention!

- B-but I'm not trying to attract anything! - He defended, blushing, trying not to think of himself wearing a peacock outfit. - I don't even feel like I'm doing anything...

- Must be because you have a lot of flame? - She considered stopping in front of her door. - Mister Reborn told me that while you slept you were doing that too. Maybe like now, you just want to keep us warm. I really… Thank you. It feels like a walking kotatsu, but you don't have to, I'm well wrapped up and I don't want you to get tired.

Tsuna pondered it, even with his Hyper Intuition, and the illusionist hadn't even finished opening her reinforced door when he answered.

- I don't think this is tiring me. Actually, according to Shamal, don't I have too much flame? - He considered putting his glove back on. - So it's good anyway I spend them a little. If it's comfortable for you, I honestly don't care. So I feel even less guilty of making you walk on a snowy day like this.

Then his expression turned something somber.

-...Besides, Reborn said he would punish me if I wasn't a good slave, I'm sure he must be watching me from somewhere! At least being a human warmer should earn me some points…

The Mist couldn't help but smile seeing how, threat or not, the Sky seemed to be taking this situation seriously and willing to please her this afternoon, as Reborn had named it, "The Chrome Appreciation Day."

His boss was really amazing.

-.-.-.-

Reborn quietly sipped his cup of coffee while reading a newspaper in Italian, reading was just a way to distract his thoughts, which wasn't quite working.

Not even the coffee, which was decidedly a little creamier today than the day before, could distract him from his student's sayings.

"Your flames don't look like you, Reborn."

He didn't like those words at all, as he asked what his studant meant by that.

Taking advantage of the fact that Nana was in her room with the children and Fon had left, with only him and Bianchi in the kitchen, the assassin raised his face towards his supposed lover.

- Bianchi?

- Yes, my love? - She wanted to know, lowering her goggles, as she was experimenting with an unidentified object inside a small pot. - Did something happen?

In response, he stretched out his hand, and in his palm it began to produce some of the Sun's flames.

- What do you think of my flame? - He asked directly.

The poison assassin raised her eyebrows, clearly surprised at the topic, yet she rose and helpfully approached, watching the small spark.

- Be honest. - She nodded, taking a closer look at it.

- It looks a little opaque to me. The Sun flames, even though it's not pure, is usually one of the brightest, isn't it?

-...Yes. - He said, watching his own power. - I think so. - Then he turned it off. - According to Verde's studies, I'm very well ranked in terms of power, my activation can destroy cells fast enough to be fatal with a single shot, even hitting a less deadly area. Nonetheless…

He took off his black gloves, where the flesh of some of his fingers was still reddened, even though he was healing.

- I discovered my flames just before I was cursed. I didn't get a chance to test all its uses before it happened, and since the curse actually happened since the death of Ancient Sky Arcobaleno, Uni's grandmother, I haven't been able to access to my full former capacity.

The assassin said nothing at first, pulling out a chair and sitting closer to the Hitman.

-...She was your lover, wasn't she? - The Sun didn't say anything, still staring at his hands. Whereupon Bianchi closed her eyes. - She must have been very lucky, to have been loved so much.

Just then the Hitman turned to the taller one, who seemed to be lost in thought.

- You know, Romeo was an idiot and it hurt me a lot when he left me for that Gospella*, especially as I saw the way he treated her much better than I. - She confessed, resting her hand on her chin. - And yet, when I knew once and for all that he was really dead, I felt calm and at the same time a little empty. They say that when someone who was important to us dies, he takes a little bit of us with him.

- That idiot didn't deserve anything from you. - He put in a firm tone, finishing his drink. - Just your contempt.

- Thanks. - She smiled, opening her eyes again. - Honestly I felt the same thing coming from my father, when Hayato's mother died. He was never the same man again. - And then her smile became a little sad. - That's the downside of love, I suppose.

- Yes. - That was all he replied, putting his cold glove back on.

He really wondered if it was just grief that had changed his flame like that.

- Anyway, I can be suspicious to talk, but I believe that still we must always open our hearts and allow ourselves to love again. - Followed the Storm. - Whatever the facet or type of love. Because that's what keeps us alive.

However, before he could make any considerations, the doorbell rang.

- They arrived early. - She considered getting up.

- Biiianchi! - It was Nana's exclamation from the second floor. - You can open the door?

- Sure, Mama. - Then she offered her shoulder, and the pair headed for the front door.

When opening the door, they came across a tall man with black hair, in which miserable white strands began to come out.

- Buongiorno. - Romário greeted with a smile. - How are you two? - In his arms he carried six gift boxes.

- Very well. - Confirmed Reborn looking at the packages with curiosity. - Isn't it too early for that? Christmas Party is just tomorrow.

- Oh well… - Said the right arm scratching the back of his head while Bianchi made room for him to pass. - Christmas traditions forgive me, but what you have here is too valuable to keep for long in my hands. So I prefer to leave it in the care of your most competent hands, Mr. Reborn.

The trio made their way to the kitchen, where the Cavallone carefully placed the packages on the table.

- Well, I just came to deliver, we are in a hotel in Kokuyo because Varia ended up destroying the only luxury hotel in Namimori, and the cheaper hotels don't have enough space for all of us.

- Why don't you have a coffee before you go, at least? - Offered Bianchi indicating the bottle on the table.

- A-ah… - The other one started nervously, denying it with his hands. - N-no, actually I…

- Don't worry. - Said Reborn getting on the furniture and looking interested at the present that had a Sun drawn. - Tsuna did it.

-...The Boss' little brother? - He blinked in surprise. - Since when does he know how to make coffee?

- A week or so ago. - He started shaking the package. - He's still far from perfect, but at least it already looks Italian.

- Oh well, in that case, I will accept. - He said taking an empty cup that Bianchi offered him. - Where I come from never refuses a good coffee, even in the heat of 40 degrees!

- But hadn't you refused just now? - Accused Bianchi crossing her arms.

- A-ah w-well… Ah! Mister Reborn, won't you wait until tomorrow? - He took advantage of the fact that the Ex-Arcobaleno was carefully unpacking his gift to change the subject.

- I'm curious about the gift that Useless-Dino spoke so proudly when he called me to let me know about Hibari's trip, according to him, it would make up for once and for all the total uselessness he was in the Representative Battle.

Then he opened the package, meeting with a…

- Watch and a glove? - Considered Bianchi seeing objects the size of an adult hand, and that clearly would not fit in the Sun. -…Is this Haneuma Dino's greatest gift?

A big smile crossed the Cavallone's face, which only widened when the Ex-Arcobaleno opened his mouth slightly, recognizing the objects.

- It's not a regular watch. - The right-hand man said. - It took a few weeks, and a lot of reverse engineering, for us to understand its structure, but with a little help recently, my Boss was finally able to perfect it to work even better than the original version.

- Original version? - Repeated Bianchi, and then looked more closely at the object, also realizing what it was about. -…Wait, that's it!

And although she had only seen it from a distance and no longer had its checkered details, instead having a pompous silver emblem on which a horse stood on two legs, it was still recognizable.

-...The Representative Battle Watch. - Said Reborn lifting it with both hands. A black glove, a rectangular box on the back, and just below the wrist, the big buckle watch. - The same that possessed the ability to make us return to our original bodies.

- Exactly. - Commented Romario excitedly. - As you know, my boss' watch was not destroyed*, so he brought it back to Italy with him. Since then, we've done all sorts of experiments to try to make our own version. We thought it was impossible to replicate, because it always felt like something was missing, something that only Checker-I mean, Kawahira could do.

- The ability of a great illusionist that surpasses the capacity of any human. Did you use the Verde's glove for that? One that is capable of transforming any illusion into reality in an artificial way. - Reborn pondered turning the glove with curiosity. - How did you do it? I thought that shit scientist was asking impossible values for them.

The mafioso looked like he was about to laugh when he replied:

- Well, he was, but Ivan, who as you know, takes care of our cyber intelligence sector since the rings and boxes started to become more common, in the effort of none of these objects falling into the wrong hands. And precisely in one of these surveys he found a somewhat suspicious advertisement of a Power Glove, from the game company Nintendo, being sold on eBay by the user "Berrypoo". Luckily we found it before a civilian bought it for 50 euros.

Reborn couldn't help but smile.

- That useless Mukuro looks like he's not taking care of his student as he should. - Said the assassin, still watching his gift, focusing his attention now and instead of 3 minutes, the display indicated a 24 H.

- Yes, we still haven't been able to find a way to accelerate your growth, but with that, you, and the other Ex-Arcobalenos, will be able to return to normal for 24 hours, we recommend that you use it at once, as we don't could test we don't know if the organism will respond a second time. This is my boss's gift to the most important tutor in his life, his words of thanks are engraved inside the accessory.

And when he turned it over, the assassin could read it.

"Grazie mille per tutto, Tutor Privato, Hitman Reborn. Buon Natale, con amore. Inutile-Dino."

-...That idiot. - Was all he could say, unable to contain the smile growing on his lips. - At least he admits his worthlessness...

And even Romário was impressed with the real smile that the Sun gave at that moment, honestly, the first one he remembered ever seeing, his boss would certainly be very proud.

Feeling his job done, the mafioso finally poured himself some coffee, surprising himself with the taste better than he had imagined, but as the Hitman said, still watery for the Italian recipe.

-...I was proud of having trained Useless-Dino for years without getting attached to him, just like my previous students, despite having taken him to teach as a child. - The assassin spoke while the taller one drank.

- Yes, I remember that when he was sick, he would call for you and you never came. - He considered with a hint of pity. - Even though I understand the reasons, you were always very hard on him.

- Unlike me, Dino always saw me as a member of his own family, coming to pick me up in Japan as soon as he could after I disappeared for taking another job. However, when he met Tsuna, he ended up accepting him as a sworn brother much easier than I would have imagined, being even more accessible than he already was. The two useless are very similar, always with an open heart regardless of what we do against them...

And the next sentence made Romário choke on the hot drink, needing Bianchi's help to recover.

- Maybe I was really too hard on this good-for-nothing duo.

- W-w-what happened to him?! - Wanted to know the right arm with a hoarse voice, after the Ex-Arcobaleno took the gift with the Storm symbol and climbed up the stairs. - Did he embody the Christmas spirit?

Bianchi smiled.

- Who knows. - She put it mysteriously. - Thank Tsuna, it seems that his flames are even managing to reheat the Sun.

Romário just blinked, genuinely impressed.

- If I had known that, I would have already brought the Tenth's gift, I ended up leaving it in the hotel garage, since they told me that he worked in the afternoon. - Then he smiled. - I hope with this, Rebrn invite us all to the new year, my heart aches just imagining what the boss will do alone at Christmas.

-.-.-

Verde was in a bad mood.

Thanks to his visits, his subordinates Parenza and Tras; Chrome Dokuro finally let him return to the apartment while she stayed at the Sawada residence waiting for Neo Primo to wake up so they could go shopping.

And even though he was finally free to do what he wanted without the unwanted sights, namely Reborn, his mood just didn't improve.

As he would when, looking at his modern computer screen, the budget for his research simply went from bad to worse.

Thanks to that damn Rokudo Mukuro, he no longer had access to many of his technologies, and because of that, he had delayed several delivery deadlines, making several mafia families angry.

Last thing someone who values their life should do.

The only reason no assassin had come after him yet was because apparently Reborn had spread the rumor, on his trip to Italy, that he was a scientist under Neo Primo's orders, and no one sane wanted to test their luck on the man successor of the Vongola who had defeated Xanxus from Varia, among other bizarre rumors that spread and that he was sure that Reborn was also responsible.

Absurd, nonsensical stuff that clearly defied physics, like the boy was able to fly at the speed of light or even beat black holes.

An immeasurable bullshit.

Not to mention, of course, that he was a student of the best assassin in the world, sworn brother to Bronco Dino, and son of the leader of CEDEF.

Of course, spreading that he worked for a specific person was extremely offensive, after all, science has no owner, and whoever sees money doesn't see a face.

And the Vongola, despite his blood, was clearly a pauper who didn't deserve his services.

He looked away from his computer and his spreadsheets to his subordinates sitting on the sofa testing a new type of compact box. Or they tried, because the two useless ones had already been at least three hours trying to make a miserable spark with their rings and nothing in the least useful came out so they could activate a Box. There was a reason he sent his inventions to Mammon to test them.

Not that he could really complain about these two, they were still with him even after saying he couldn't pay them until he got his stuff back.

They might be useless, but at least they were reasonably loyal, even when he made fools of them, like when he sent them to murder the Tenth in clothes that made them invisible to everyone, least for babies, to make sure his invention wouldn't be used against him.

And yet they were still here, all because they were so grateful to him for getting them out of prison, or the probable almost murder at the hands of the Calcassa family for trying to steal their island.

He definitely had ex-convict issues.

- Nothing yet? - He asked without real hope.

- Nothing yet, Boss. - replied the smallest, with pronounced teeth, Parenza.

- Summoning flames takes determination. You should focus on something you really want to make it work.

-…I'm thinking about the Yakisoba I saw earlier, but it's still not working. - Answered the tallest and skinniest, Tras.

Verde slammed his hand against his forehead, asking for patience.

At least the arrival of the mistress of the house kept him from electrocuting the two imbeciles.

- Good morning, Mr. Verde. - The illusionist greeted excessively happily.

- Eeeh? Verde? - The two bumblers jumped not at all discreetly when their former target entered beside the Mist. - What is he doing here?

- What do YOU do here?! - Parenza exclaimed, pointing accusingly in the direction of the brunette.

- You have a lot of courage to appear in front of us like that! - His partner followed.

-...Do you know them Boss? - Chrome wanted to know, seeing the pair to the Sky.

- Hmmm… - He crossed his still gloved arms, tilting his head slightly to the pair who wore baggy clothes and faded-colored coats. -...I know?

This nearly made the duo fall to the ground in surprise.

- How do you not remember the people who almost killed you?! - Wanted to know Tras with disbelief.

- Honestly, it's hard to remember everyone… - He confessed with a hint of tiredness watching them more closely, clearly making an effort to remember. - Aaah! You were the guys wearing Chroma Key!

- It wasn't Chroma Key! It was a suuuper technological outfit created by Mister Verde! - Defended Parenza crossing his arms. - Capable of making us invisible! If it weren't for your stupid Storm Guardian and Mister Reborn's bullet, we would have managed to kill you!

- That's it, Parenza, tell him!

-...So what are you doing here? - Tsuna questioned casually despite what was said. - It's been a long time. This Christmas is bringing all kinds of people back…

- How can you talk so casually to those who tried to kill you?! - Wanted to know Tras unbeliever.

-...I'm used to it, I think. - He shrugged, and turned to Chrome when she saw they weren't going to respond.

- Mr. Verde said they are his friends.

- They are not my friends, they are my subordinates.

- Is not the same thing…?

- Of course not!

Chrome didn't seem too sure about that, but she just let the matter slide.

- Mr. Verde, we're going shopping, do you want to go with us?

- No way, I have work to do. - He said, turning his eyes to the computer.

The young girl looked mildly disappointed, but she didn't insist.

- Well Boss, I'll get my things and get ready in the room, then I'll come back and we can discuss what to buy.

- All right, I'll wait here. - And returning to her happy attitude, the young girl got lost inside the apartment, making the supposed boss turn his sight to Verde. -...I thought you were with Mukuro, you guys seemed to get along so well. Which is quite difficult, he doesn't trust anyone easily.

-...Me and that idiot Rokudo had a disagreement. - He gritted his teeth without looking away from his notebook screen. - That's it.

- The boss was kicked out of Kokuyo Land by Rokudo! - Said Parenza, shaking his head. - He ended up taking all his stuff, because of that the boss is bankrupt!

- Yeah! Tell him, Tras!

- No, don't say! - Verde yelled, making them both jump and fall back on the sofa. - You can't go around telling this to everyone!

- Aaah! Sorry, Boss!

- Yes, sorry!

- You two fought? - Tsuna wanted to know with a worried expression.

- Rokudo is just an irrational, but what could you expect from a mad murderer who escaped from prison? - He grumbled, shaking his hand, diminishing the importance of what he was saying, not realizing that the younger's expression became slightly dark with each word. - I did absolutely nothing. I only returned to Italy after the Representative Battle to sell some of my inventions to the big families, and when I came back, Rokudo simply stopped me from getting my own stuff.

- … - The brunette's head was tilted, hiding his expression a little, but his tone seemed devoid of emotion, like in Hyper Mode when he spoke. -…Did you sell the inventions that Mukuro helped you with to the Mafia?

Despite not directly being a fighter, Verde was still an Ex-Arcobaleno, used to the worst of the mafia, so he immediately noticed the red light in that tone, too similar to Reborn's when something went against him to make them comfortable.

- And what's with it? - Parenza, on the other hand, was not so shrewd. - Money is money, no matter where it comes from.

-…Do you even know what happened to Mukuro…?

- The entire mafia knows the story of the assassin Estraneo. - Tras followed like it was no big deal. - The family that was said to have been exterminated at the request of the others, but still managed to generate a demon that killed the rest of them and even the Flaminia Famiglia* using one of its members, the well-known Lancia from Northern Italy to thi- Achoo! - And he sneezed at the end of his words.

- Did someone leave the window open? - Wanted to know Parenza hugging his own arms. - Looks like it got freezing cold here all of a sudden.

Verde ignored his men's words, just swallowing hard when the brunette stared at him, his eyes flickering bright orange, a flame starting to burn in his forehead.

-...Mukuro hates the mafia above all else. - He said in his cold tone facing the scientist, however, what disconcerted him the most was that he didn't see him with hatred or anger, but an intense pity. - What should be his family, made him go through horrible human experiences. He and his companions. If he's a demon, they're the ones who made him one. And the hatred they planted in him nearly drowned him, along with everyone he cared about. Still, he trusted you, Verde scientist, someone from the Mafia, and you simply betrayed his trust by hitting him in the back, selling the inventions you guys created to the ones he hates the most. Honestly, at other times he would have killed you for that, instead of just kicking you out.

Verde was speechless at this point, barely hearing the scream of his subordinates trying to defend him, as the Hyper Mode faded.

-…I hope Mukuro is okay. - He said finally, more to himself than to the other. - His life has not been easy.

- ... - The scientist opened his mouth to say something, but then closed it again.

He honestly hadn't thought of that.

"Is that what this is all about? Did he feel betrayed?" - He thought, looking back at the notebook screen, not really seeing it. - "...Would the nightmares be a result of that too? Maybe some trigger?"

He didn't want to admit it, but he started to feel really guilty, realizing that in fact, he didn't know more about the Estraneo incident than most.

"...I think I'll research it. Maybe then I'll understand how his mind works." - He pondered.

Parenza and Tras just looked at each other, not sure how to react when their Boss seemed to have accepted the contrary words.

- I'll talk to him as soon as possible. - Finally said the scientist. Making the Vongola pose finally relax. - Hmmm… Thank you.

The brunette smiled.

- Don't worry, I just want to see my friends well.

Verde didn't say anything else, seeing the smile on the brunette's lips, and how he radiated a warm aura. Which didn't calm his instincts one bit, he'd seen a dangerous aura around him, that was for sure.

"This kid is just like Cavallone, looks harmless, but can become troublesome if yours friends are involved."

- Are these Boxes? - Wanted to know with curiosity seeing the tiny objects on the sofa next to the henchmen. - They're so small.

- It's Mister Green's new invention! - Parenza boasted, putting his hands on his hips, as if he had invented them himself while Tras showed in his hand a box the size of a gashapon pack. - More compact and more efficient for battle!

- We are trying to test it, but using flames is difficult… - The highest one followed with the box in hand.

- Oh, it's true. - Tsuna agreed. - It took me a while to understand how it works.

- That's it! - Verde exclaimed, jumping from where he was to the sofa and taking the Boxes that Tras wasn't holding. - You are a Sky! You can open any box.

-...Huh, yeah?

- It would be the perfect tester! - He concluded ignoring the sad expressions of his subordinates in the face of it, feeling ironically in the sky just thinking that he would no longer need to focus only on mist boxes and depend on Mammon's abusive help.

- If you don't sell to the mafia, I don't care. - Said with unusual firmness the brunette, being enough for the scientist to go quickly from sky to hell. - Because I hate the mafia too, as well as having seen first hand in Byakuran's future what happens when a dangerous family fills up with these boxes.

Verde frowned.

- What do you expect me to do with them if I don't sell them to the mafia, then? Science needs funding, my research and inventions don't fall from trees.

- Sell to a good family then.

- There is no such thing, mafia is mafia.

- That's not true, Dino's family cares about people, even Fuuta confirmed in one of his rankings that he takes first place when it comes to that.

- Ranking Fuuta, huh. - He considered remembering the little encounter he'd had with the smaller one, just a few days ago. - Cavallone may even have money, but everyone knows he can be a snake at the negotiating table. Also, I need freedom to work, that means I need financing options. Science done with a single funder is called "interest." I want to carry on with my research and not just do business for the sake of others.

Tsuna didn't answer about that, not that the scientist expected him to answer by going back to his spreadsheets, after all he was just a teenager who barely knew where the money came from, let alone the complexity of the business world.

- If you talk to Dino you want freedom to do your own research, I'm sure he'll listen to you, Dino can be quite understanding, as long as you doesn't hurt people. - He came back to speak suddenly making the scientist look back at him with a raised eyebrow, mainly because the opposite eyes had a soft orange glow.

- What makes you think that?

The brunette shrugged.

- Intuition.

This caused Verde to blink and his subordinates muttered to each other, "Isn't that what his family is known for?"

- Very well Vongola, let's make a deal then. - Said the Lightning at last, turning fully to the Sky. - I will now call Cavallone on your behalf, due to recent fruitless negotiations I have his contact. If he accepts ALL my conditions, as a reward I will make seven new Boxes, you can give them to your guardians if you want.

- Eh? The guys don't need more boxes… Gokudera has several! Even Yamamoto has two… - He put it in denial with his hands. - I don't even know why you want to give me something if the negotiation is with Dino…

Verde snorted. This boy was still a child. Lucky for him he had some principles. At least more than most.

- Let's do it then. If you test the boxes for me, weekly, I will make a special box for Chrome so, as far as I know, Rokudo stayed with everything. - That seemed to catch the Vongola's attention.

- It would be great! - He put excited, to soon consider. -…Do you think you could make Earth Flame Box too?

Verde's eyes gleamed with interest.

- Would you convince them to let me study their flames?

- I don't know, his family suffered a lot from his rare flames.

- I swear to secrecy! - He laid excited like a child, unable to hide emotion from studying something so rare.

- Well, I can try to talk to him. - He accepted, unable to say no to that tiny little animal face.

- Great! - Verde exclaimed, picking up his cell phone and returning from the table he was at while Chrome returned. - I'll call Cavallone.

- Mister Verde…? - Chrome said surprised, seeing the change in attitude of the oldest one, who stopped to see her. - Could we borrow your computer for a moment?

- Sure, just save my stuff! - And the little one ran to the bathroom, the only room that could give him the least amount of privacy for his call.

Chrome blinked, decidedly confused.

- What happened to him?

Tsuna just shrugged.

- Honestly, I'm not sure...

On the sofa, in almost complete silence since Sky and Lightning's interaction had begun, the two subordinates writhed in clear jealousy at not being equally useful to their Boss.

-.-.-.-

15 minutes.

That was how long the call between the two lasted, Cavallone seemed extremely afraid, as he had expected, of having him at his exclusive services, but maintaining his freedom of research. As Vongola had anticipated, he expressed a clear fear that his inventions or research without clear and pre-established restrictions could pose any risk to his family and community members, much more than the funding amounts themselves.

But everything absolutely changed when he mentioned that the idea for his call came from Neo Primo.

Apparently all of Reborn's students suffered from split personalities, because the Sky had completely changed its stance after that statement, being much more flexible and definitely more generous.

And in a measly 15 minutes, he had closed the most profitable exclusive contract of his entire life, in exchange for a monthly box amount and some weekly reports. Definitely something he could work on.

While exclusivity might not be the right term, after all, Bronco Dino had also asked as an extra clause that it provide whatever equipment Neo Primo and his guardians or friends needed.

He would still need to check out the contract in detail to be sure, this was all too good to be true.

"...But if it's real, I'll need to hire more assistants..."

The Vongola intuition was really frightening, or maybe just brotherly love was blinding too. Probably both.

"Anyway, Reborn's student might end up being quite profitable for me." - He considered with a smile at least worrying. - "If only with mentioning your name I can get contracts like this!"

- Oh, I don't like that expression of yours.

He managed to cover his mouth to keep from screaming, despite the obvious surprise of the second voice in what must have been a closed bathroom. Flowing through the tiny bathroom window as if it were water, Fon's figure landed gracefully on its feet into the tub.

- You pervert, how can you enter the bathroom of a girl's apartment like that?! - He inquired, frowning. - And since when do you invade places as if you were Reborn?! Looks like you're spending a lot of time in that house.

- Maybe it is. - It was his only answer, jumping out of the bathtub to stop in front of the other Ex-Arcobaleno.

- How long have you been there?

- Enough to know that thanks to Tsuna you now work for the Cavallone family and for the Neo First Generation. - He said directly in his calm tone, but Verde felt in his bones that something was wrong. - About invading other people's property, I felt your flames sparking from this direction, and then I heard your voice, otherwise I wouldn't have entered.

- What do you want? - He went straight to the point, he could see that it lacked the usual lightness of the Storm, which indicated that, whatever it was he came to deal with, it was serious.

- I-Pin told me that you had a disagreement with de la Stella. - He replied simply, hiding his hand between his sleeves.

Verde blinked confused.

- I don't see where this is your problem. - He crossed his arms, still holding his cell phone. - But very well, I didn't have a disagreement with him, I was just… Gathering pertinent information.

- Searching Tsuna's room.

- I-I was just trying to find out where Reborn keeps the camera center in that house, because I'm sure there is one. And that's where he keeps our humiliation stored! - He defended himself, Fon's eyes not even blinking. - De la Stella found me and confronted me. When I realized who he was, I wanted to know some of my Rankings, only for him to tell me that since he was kidnapped, he couldn't do them anymore.

- Let me guess, Doctor Verde. - Fon followed approaching, stopping a few centimeters from the other. - "You're useless to me then", was that something you said to him?

The scientist swallowed hard, feeling that the only reason the Storm's flames weren't showing their true nature was simply because the Chinese apparently didn't want their visit discovered.

- I still don't see what this has to do with you.

- Simple, Verde. De la Stella is I-Pin's sworn brother, so for me now he's as much family as Kyoya, the same goes for the Bovino. - In an agility that could only come from the best martial artist in the world, even before Verde could blink, Fon had his cell phone in hand. - Where I want to go is simple. Do harm to any of these children again... - And like a sheet of paper the device was completely crushed with a single hand. - And I can forget that we were partners in the past. The same warning applies if you dare to take advantage of Sawada Tsunayoshi's kindness.

At the end of his words, the artist opened his hand, allowing the scrap of the device to fall to the floor with a crack.

The threat was obvious, and it didn't impress him, it wasn't the first much less it would be the last time he was threatened with death, no, what really impressed was who was the threat promoter, it was the quiet Fon, of all people.

- I can even understand the subject of your student and the other children. But since when do you care so much about Sawada?

- He's also I-Pin's brother, and I'm sure deep down even Kyoya considers him family. - It was his only explanation as he went to the bathtub. - Very well, I already said what I came to say. Have a good afternoon, Verde.

And as if it were nothing, he went out the window.

-.-.-.-.-

Verde was still brooding over everything Fon had said, his adrenaline from the deal with Cavallone even taking a back seat to it.

- Spreadsheets are really awesome! - Only to find Sawada and Dokuro sitting at the living room table together, the illusionist using an illusion chair. The brunette looking overly excited when meeting Excel for the first time. - I was doing all this by hand and it was being terrible, I always ended up getting lost in the accounts. This makes everything easier! I didn't know there were programs that did that.

- You don't have a computer? - Asked Verde with disbelief seeing the reaction of the youngest.

- No, I always preferred video games. - He replied simply.

- What? - He didn't understand what one thing had to do with the other. - Anyway, there's a way to do this kind of thing on the cell phone too, despite being a technology still under development.

- Serious? - He put with shock. - I had no idea! Even though I don't have a cell phone either…

-...Just. How? In your position you should already have an office of your own. Reborn still hasn't put you to do the paperwork?

- Paperwork? - He repeated confused. - What paperwork?

Verde snorted.

- Forgets. - And he just went to the kitchen to get some tea, missing the treacherous look of his subordinates when the doorbell also rang, and Chrome went out to help a neighbor, leaving them alone with the Vongola.

In retrospect this was one of her biggest mistakes in life.

-.-.-.-.-

5 minutes.

It was the time that left them alone, and it was enough for the idiots to almost screw it up.

The pair, irritated by the brunette's petulance, simply jumped on him, Parenza holding his right leg and his left arm behind.

- E-eh?! - Wanted to know Tsuna baffled. - What are you doing?!

- We had a great idea that will undoubtedly make the Boss a millionaire! Vongola is rich, so why not kidnap an idiot like you and ask for ransom?! - Suggested Parenza with a sinister smile that sent a shiver down the brunette's spine.

- That's it! Tell him, Parenza!

- HIIIE?! Kidnapping?! Again? - He was exalted. - N-no, please! Reborn will kill me if I'm kidnapped!

- There is, without that assassin's special shots, he's a weakling! - He ironized the little boy. - Come on, Tras, get the Chloroform!

- That's right! - He cheered up looking for a suspicious bottle and a cloth in a bag thrown next to the sofa, which Tsuna definitely didn't want to know why it was there. - He sure doesn't even know how to punch!

When Verde returned to the room with cup in hand, he found Sawada Tsunayoshi squirming in the grip of his men, trying to keep a rag from his mouth.

"I told them kidnapping was not the solution." - It was the first thing he thought when he saw the scene. - "I'm glad Fon left, that would get me more than a broken cell phone."

He took a deep breath, rubbing his brow, asking for patience with being surrounded by idiots.

- Please! This is going to cause me a lot of trouble! - Tried to argue the brunette still resisting. - N-nobody would pay the ransom! My dad isn't even in the country and my mom doesn't save much money!

-...Aren't you the last descendant of the most powerful family in Italy...? - Put Parenza in disbelief, without letting go.

-...Yes, b-but... Ah, Xanxus would kill me before a penny leaves Vongola! - He was clearly screaming in panic at the thought of everyone lining up to kill him for simply letting the kidnapping happen.

- Just be quiet so I can use the chloroform on you! - Demanded Tras.

- Hiiie, p-please let me go! - He almost begged, trying to make even more effort to free himself, only for the inmates to hold him even harder, the tallest finally managing to cover his mouth and nose with the product. - Hiie! Verde! H-help!

The smaller boy's vision seemed to start to blur, although he continued to force his way out, when Verde took a step forward.

- Stop it, you idiots, you will cause me problems. - He grumbled. - Never do these idiocies without consulting me.

- But boss! - Parenza was trying to argue, still clinging to the brunette's leg. - He's an extremely easy target!

- If it was, you would have managed to kill him the first time.

- It's just because of that special shot! - Parenza defended himself. - How can something like that change a man so much? - He considered, remembering that they had been easily defeated by Shinu Ki Mode.

For his part, Verde couldn't help but be impressed that the brunette still seemed conscious despite everything. It must have been the relationship with the Poison Scorpion.

He didn't notice, however, how the pair's feet, very slowly starting with their shoes, were being covered in ice.

- Get that out of his face before he really faints and I have to explain to somebody.

Even though he was annoyed, Parenza obeyed, pushing the cloth away and causing Tsuna to cough horribly when he was released.

- What if we kidnapped the girl instead, Boss? - Opined Tras. - This one might not really be worth much.

The brunette stopped coughing.

- Oh! That's right, Parenza! She looks pretty weak, we sure got a good price for her.

Again, Verde was the first to see the danger when a truly dangerous aura began to take over the apartment, but this time he couldn't even open his mouth before it was too late.

Red-gloved hands grabbed the back of both their necks with pathetic ease, without them even knowing at what moment the cause of it had let go in the first place.

Verde only had time to open his eyes in shock when his two subordinates were surrounded by flames that seemed all too eager to turn them into a pile of ash, but kept a cautious distance, trapping them like cyclones of fire. For a moment he feared that they would both die charred from the intense heat, only to realize in shock that the whirlpool surrounding them was not as hot as the Sky Flames should be, quite the opposite.

And all from Sawada Tsunayoshi's hands burned, just like his eyes. His tone of voice, along with the aura that nearly made Verde choke, and shivered down to the last strand of hair.

-...Touch... A... Finger... On her... - He said with a slow hoarse from the incident before, with each word, his flames diminished the circumference of the cyclone, slowly eating the clothes of his men in complete shock, too terrified. even to scream, watching with horror as the fire slowly turned to ice. A dangerously sharp ice that pointed in all directions, mostly at their necks as it grew in size like a spear, getting dangerously close to their jugulars. -...And I will make you two regret it for the rest of your lives!

No one said anything, no one seemed able to say anything, but when blood began to trickle from his men's necks, Verde promptly reacted.

They might be reckless useless, but they were still his men.

- V-vongola! - He cursed himself internally for stuttering, but forgot about it in favor of the truly deadly look the teenager gave him. - P-please forgive them. T-they're just idiots. I swear this will never happen a-again!

- You're their boss, aren't you? - He confirmed hesitantly with his head. - Then put them in their place, before I do.

And with that, he threw them back to the sofa, causing them both to fall to their seats in complete shock, clothes partially burned, and feet still frozen and stuck to the floor.

-…Thanks for… Not killing them. - Said the scientist in a thin voice, while with enormous relief he saw the menacing aura of before quickly dissipating.

The comment made Tsuna blink, looking at the scientist as if he just now saw he was there.

- What? I don't kill anyone! - He exclaimed vehemently denying it with his hands. - But if they hurt Chrome, I really won't forgive them!

The tone was much less frightening, but the threat was still clear as water.

-...I will remember this. Like I said, I promise it won't happen again.

Now, he definitely regretted not having seen with the others the video that Reborn had brought about his student's rage, it might have helped him take some… Precautions.

It was the second time he had seen him this angry, the first being against Jaeger and Bermuda.

But it was much worse when it was turned against himself and not against two immortal undead.

Fon was mad if he thought this Sky needed some extra protection.

While Tsuna coughed again and said he would get water to clear his throat, Verde realized two things.

At no time had the Vongola tried to alert Chrome, keeping his flames, no matter how angry they were, in the smallest possible emanation, which was easily confused with the monumental amount of flames that the boy already seemed to naturally disperse.

Second, he'd lived too much with the worst to recognize the awful feeling of knowing that everything that stopped someone from killing you was simply his will.

Perhaps the Vongola was not a murderer, but what emanated was undoubtedly Killing Intent.

Perhaps because he was taught by an assassin, perhaps because his family blood spoke louder even through his Hyper Intuition, the Vongola had aimed straight at his men's throats, their jugulars.

Precisely Reborn's favorite target to kill.

That thought made him shudder, remembering the look the brunette had had moments before, completely different from the calm he had while drinking water.

He didn't even notice when an embarrassed Chrome came back into the room and apologized for the delay.

- Did something happen? - She questioned uncertainly, seeing the heavy atmosphere that seemed to be in the apartment, while looking for her boss with the look.

-...We had a little disagreement, but now everything is ok. - Tsuna said returning to the room as if nothing had happened, although he still looked slightly irritated. - But we'd better go, I don't know how many laps we'll need to take to buy everything.

- Yes, sure. - She confirmed awkwardly, noticing her boss a bit serious. - Is it really all right?

- Yes it is, don't worry. Only a few moods surfaced. - Verde joined in, who cursed himself again for shivering slightly under the sharp orange gaze he received, as if daring him to say something. - Nothing to worry about…

"Reborn is creating a monster." - He thought with disgust in return.

-…Right. - She put it uncertainly. - I'll take my money and let's go.

- Y-you're not going to let us go? - The sudden question came from Parenza, who trembled when Tsuna turned to face him.

The brunette watched the pair for long seconds, before smiling subtly, and damn Trinisette, Verde knew that smile.

- The ice won't hurt you two. So when we get back, I'll release you. That way, you won't try anything while we're shopping.

Before they could claim anything, Chrome was back.

- Let's go? - And she cast a sad look at the Ex-Arcobaleno. - Aren't you coming?

He opened his mouth to deny it, but again the single look away made him change his mind.

- O-of course, why not?

And the young girl's smile was simply radiant.

They were already outside the building, after saying goodbye to the two trembling henchmen, when the Mist spoke again.

- I just hope they behave while we're gone. - She considered worried. - Are you sure they can be trusted, Mr. Verde?

However, the answer came from Tsuna.

- Don't worry, I'm sure they'll be quiet.

Chrome just smiled and kept walking. The Ex-Arcobaleno, on the other hand, stood back slightly, watching the youngster's back in disbelief.

"Is everyone blind by chance?! This boy is definitely a demon!"

No matter what Fon or everyone else said, true demons hide well in daylight.

Without the slightest doubt, it was better to be on the side that was fiercely protected than on the side that was threatened.

He would have to be sure to make sure of that from now on.

-.-.-.-

Verde was very relieved.

When they returned from the exhausting shopping³ holding bags and more bags, or rather, him holding bags and more bags using his mechanical extenders while Sawada only took four and Chrome none, while the Mist kept some food he had bought, the brunette kept his promise and let go his men that as soon as they set foot in the house, they were quiet and still like unloaded robots.

- Done, sorry for the delay, I hope it wasn't too uncomfortable. - Said the brunette, getting up from the floor with an apologetic expression, as if he wasn't to blame for the situation in the first place. - I was really annoyed when you said that you would harm Chrome, and I didn't even think straight how uncomfortable it would be to be trapped for so long… I'm sorry? - He asked, looking really awkward.

Parenza and Tras looked from one to the other, between scared and confused, and then looked back at their Boss for guidance.

Which he just shrugged, because he still didn't quite understand how the brunette's head worked.

"It seems that after he takes out his anger on the enemy proving his point, he has no problem relating to him or forgiving him..." - He mentally calculated. - "That makes a lot of sense, seeing what your friendships are made up of in general..."

- D-don't worry Mister Sawada Tsunayoshi… - The lowest began, rubbing his hands together, with a nervous smile that tried to please the Sky.

- S-sir?! - He put it awkwardly.

- We swear we learned our lesson and this will never happen again!

- T-that's right! Tell him, Parenza! - The highest encouraged.

The brunette didn't respond at first, as if he was looking for something in the duo's expression, then smiled.

- You don't need any of that "sir" or "mister". - He said nice while Chrome came back with some cookies he had bought and tea. - You can just call me Tsuna, Sawada Tsunayoshi is very formal!

- It's so nice to see everyone getting along. - It made her happy. - Mr. Parenza and Mr. Tras, would you like any hot drinks?

- Ah… Yes.

-...Yeah, thank you.

- I'll go out again with the Boss now, feel free. I left some obentô we bought on the way for you two in the fridge.

Tras' eyes gleamed with emotion.

- Serious?! You're the best, big sister Chrome!

- That's right! Tell her, Tras! Good thing we didn't kidna-AAAAH! - And when he was suddenly electrocuted he fell back on the sofa, under the dramatic screams of his partner.

- Sorry about them. - Verde said fixing his glasses. - They're idiots. Thanks for your consideration, Chrome Dokuro.

The young girl just smiled.

Then the Ex-Arcobaleno's gaze fell on the Sky.

- Sawada…

- You can just call me Tsuna too. - He said with a warm smile.

Which didn't fool Verde in the slightest, but for now he would just play the youngest's game, until he understood how it worked.

In turn, seeing that maybe it was a private conversation, Chrome helped Tras up and gently guided them to her kitchen, willing to show them the foods she had bought, as well as how her rice cooker worked.

-...Very well, Tsuna. - He said clearly uncomfortable with the nickname. - There are two things I would like to ask.

Tsuna blinked in surprise, and a nod of his head indicated to the scientist that he could move on.

- From what I've observed, your freezing ability, negates the flames, turning them into their opposite. Ice.

- Yeah, that's basically Zero Chiten Toppa. - He explained without caring.

- So how were you able to freeze my subordinates' feet? Until today they have not been able to produce a single spark.

- Chrome told me that I dispense a lot of flames around me. - He followed casually. - I really don't feel it, and I don't even know where they are since they're invisible. I just figured that if they're around me, they should hit whoever's second to me, so I just focused on freezing them in some way that could help me.

Verde blinked decidedly impressed.

- You did this while being immobilized and attacked with chloroform?! But you were clearly in a panic!

- W-well… - Put Tsuna awkwardly scratching the back of his head. - I kind of always panic, but I think after everything I've been through, and especially because of Reborn, I function better under pressure.

Verde was still watching him in disbelief when Chrome returned, the duo was already leaving when the brunette seemed to notice something.

- Oh yeah, what was the second question?

-…Could I study your flame too? You look like a Sky… Different.

Tsuna blinked confused.

- How different?

- That's what I want to find out. A Sky, as far as I know, isn't capable of altering the temperature of its flames like you do, among other peculiar behaviors.

- It will hurt? - He questioned like a real child.

-...No. I just need a sample.

- Ah, we can do it now then. - He put it without caring.

It had been thirty minutes since the pair had left, his subordinates happily finishing their second obentô while they chatted among themselves in Spanish, and he was still watching one of his lamps that glowed brightly with a spark of Sky's flame that danced as if it didn't intend to out so soon, in the purest tone he've ever seen.

- This kid is definitely interesting.

And so he began his new research.

-.-.-.-.-

Tsuna, Chrome, Gokudera, Yamamoto, Enma, Bianchi, Lal Mirch and the girls were again gathered in the dojo, Reborn had appeared again sitting under his lover's shoulder, besides him there was the addition of Colonnello, in the arms of his fiancée, Skull who for some reason was tied up, besides Irie and Spanner.

Honestly this dojo was starting to get small.

- Who are we waiting for, exactly? - Tsuna wanted to know, already positioned in the center of the dojo.

- You'll see. - He said mysteriously with his smile that promised chaos. - They must be arriving by now.

"That means it's not Yamamoto, Gokudera, Chrome and Enma." - Tsuna thought with great relief seeing his friends out of the corner of his eye.

- And why are you guys here? - The Storm Guardian wanted to know in a bad mood seeing the two inventors.

- It's just that Mr. Reborn asked us to create something for today's fight. - Irie explained nervously. - So we're here to monitor they.

- And what would that be? - Wanted to know, curious Yamamoto, seeing a kind of screen with antenna in Spanner's hands, in addition to a kind of large bracelet and two straps in Shoichi's hand.

- A motion and proximity sensor, and some super flameproof cameras. - Said Spanner simply enjoying one of his lollipops.

- We'll explain everything when everyone is here. - Followed Reborn looking at the exit of the Dojo.

- And why did you tie Skull again? - Enma asked worried seeing his friend held in a leash by Lal.

- The lackey will be your shield in case things get a little out of control. - Said like it was nothing, Colonnello and Lal smiling mysteriously.

In turn, Tsuna frowned, but said nothing, while his tutor's smile widened for more than one reason.

The girls, on the other hand, were more in the background, interacting less with the others, as much as Haru felt annoyed with what was happening to little Cloud.

- I thought the challengers would be Yamamoto and Gokudera, after all, they were the ones who started teaching Haru, kind of like her tutors too. - Said the young Sun, seeing the back of the Rain that seemed to have made some comment that irritated the Storm that was screaming at him, while Irie tried to calm them down.

- I'm glad that Mr. Reborn didn't choose me, I honestly don't know if I would be able to fight against the Boss. - Chrome continued, clearly relieved. - I thought it would be Ken and Chikusa, or maybe Mister Mukuro, but I don't feel any of the three around… And you, Haru?

- I thought of Enma and Chrome. - She confessed starting to feel nervous, even if it wasn't her fight.

- They arrived. - He put it on with satisfaction, making everyone's eyes turn towards the exit. - I thought of various combinations, based on power level, teamwork and skills, but in the end I decided to rely on the flame criterion.

On the horizon, on the way to the Dojo it was possible to see two figures walking slowly.

One had his arms bandaged, he didn't wear a blouse despite it being winter, just shorts for a certain sport. He was pounding his open palm with his other hand and his eyes just seemed to burn.

His body was covered in bruises, bandages, and a few bumps.

Ryohei looked more extreme than ever as he made his way through the snow like a true Sun.

The figure that walked with him, on the other hand, made all of Tsuna's spine simply shiver, while he swallowed hard.

His clothes also looked a little torn in places, scorched in others, his black coat fluttered behind him.

Hibari Kyoya looked, even more than usual, like a true carnivore.

- My brother and Hibari?! - Kyoko was the first, of those who didn't know who the challengers would be, to be able to react.

- Wait, wait! - Followed Yamamoto in second, looking strangely panicked. - Will they fight, HERE?

- A Cloud and a Sun. Nothing fairer that those facing Tsuna are a combination of the same flames as the two of you. - And then he turned to Rain, slightly pale from the fate his family's dojo might face. - Don't worry, we've gathered here just so I can explain how it's all going to work, then we'll go to a more… Appropriate place, which is close to here.

Yamamoto was the only one at that moment to let out a sigh of relief, which clearly angered the Storm Guardian.

- You fool! - He exclaimed. - You should be worried about the Tenth, not your stupid dojo! He's just going to face that animal of Hibari!

-...It's been in my family for generations, Gokudera... - He explained scratching the back of his head.

- Gokudera is right. - Tsuna intruded, approaching his tutor. The aforementioned's eyes gleaming when being recognized. - Reborn, this is impossible for me, Hibari is very strong!

This caught Haru's attention as Sun and Cloud Guardian arrived at the entrance, listening to the discussion.

- If that's true, it wouldn't be fair! - Haru argued approaching.

- Isn't it better for you if Tsuna loses? - Asked Reborn without losing his smile. - So you can choose a new Tutor and forget about Tsuna's Spartan methods.

- M-my Spartan methods?!

- I'm sure Ryohei will be much more understanding, and Hibari will undoubtedly leave for fight training.

- So you did it deliberately to harm Tsuna?! - Enma wanted to know, in a mixture of concern and irritation. - I thought you were trying to help him!

- I don't help anyone. - The Sun shrugged. - I just do what I want and what is most fun for me.

Tsuna stared at his tutor for a moment after these words, with a frown, but he didn't say anything. While Enma seemed to be holding back not to do something, Yamamoto, sensing the danger, approached him to calm him down, even Lal released Skull so that he could also reassure the Boss Shimon in the face of that injustice against his best friend.

- Haru doesn't want it to be like that… - The Cloud followed, clenching her fists tightly. - Haru doesn't want Tsuna to get hurt because of her.

- It is true. - Kyoko followed, putting a hand to her chest. - We only got into this story precisely because we didn't want anyone else to get hurt trying to protect us!

Tsuna couldn't help but blush at the words and concern of his supposed students.

- Well spoken, Haru. - Praised Bianchi with a smile. - Remember your words when it's all over.

- But Miss Miura is right to say that this is not fair. - Followed Enma equally worried. - Tsuna facing two beginners and facing two of his own guardians, are completely different measures for a fair competition!

- Even more someone dangerous and stronger than Tsuna being one of them! - The Cloud insisted.

Tsuna opened his mouth to give an opinion, but the answer came from Hibari Kyoya, manifesting himself for the first time, already impatient with all that Herbivores talk.

- I'm not stronger than the Little Animal. - He said directly. His admission, more than the fact itself, shocked most of those present. He didn't look the least bit pleased with his words, but he didn't seem to doubt them either.

Tsuna was a stuttering red ball of "Hiies" and "I-I'm not!", "I can't be any stronger!", but he was frankly ignored by everyone, even Gokudera, who looked in disbelief and amazed in equal parts as even his rival* had finally surrendered to the grandeur of his Tenth.

- Also, I balance things out, after all even probably considering Lambo, I'm the weakest guardian. - Ryohei followed, crossing his arms decisively, while nodding his head with his own words. - The boy is simply a genius and I'm kind of an imbecile.

- Kind of an imbecile?! - Gokudera questioned.

- But big brother...

- It's the truth Kyoko, and it has to be faced EXTREMELY! - He exclaimed, raising his arms up high, Hibari grunted at the tone of the scream beside him. - BUT I DON'T THINK ABOUT BE LEFT BEHIND!

- Noisy Animal, shut up or I'll bite you to death!

- Furthermore. - Reborn jumped, stopping strategically on the ground between the challengers. - As I said yesterday, there will be some extra rules to make everything more fu- I say, fair.

- You were going to say fun!

- Irie, Spanner. - Called the pair, until then quiet between all interactions.

-...Are you finally done? I came here to see the fight. - Spanner muttered tiredly.

- H-here it's all Mr. Reborn. - Shoichi approached with a hand firmly clutched to his stomach.

- You can give it to them.

That said, the scientist handed a black clip to Hibari, the white one to Ryohei and the supposed bracelet to Tsuna.

- The smaller ones tie in the hair next to their ears. - Guided Irie. - As it is small, even a few wires will do. Already you Tsuna, put that in your head.

- Haha, it looks like the monkey king crown! - Yamamoto laughed while his boss placed the golden ornament as oriented, like the other two.

- As Spanner said before, in these objects there are three built-in mini cameras, in addition, a motion and proximity sensor.

- And what is all this for? - Wanted to know Haru.

- Simple. - Put Reborn. - The rule that Tsuna cannot touch a finger of his opponents continues, just as they have to take the lamp. But this rule now also extends to challengers. - He said turning to Hibari and Sasagawa. - As I had already anticipated for you yesterday, neither of you can touch Useless-Tsuna either, besides, each of you must keep at least two meters away from each other. If they disrespect this rule, the sensor on Tsuna's forehead will change color. - He said, indicating a jewel in the middle of the circular rods of the crown, which had the color red. - Red means that the rule has been broken, yellow means that the minimum distance has been reached. If everyone is far away it will turn white. Whoever broke the rule by approaching will appear on Spanner's monitor.

- And what happens to those who extremely inflict a rule? - Asked Ryohei.

Reborn's smile widened and everyone felt a chill this time.

- If Tsuna breaks the rule, it would be the same for him to lose, so the girls are free to choose another tutor. Now, if Hibari or Ryohei breaks them, they are officially out of the Guardian Group.

- WHAT? - The scream came from Gokudera. - But Mr. Reborn…! Isn't that a little too much? Besides, this idiot will end up breaking it on purpose to get rid of us! - He pointed accusingly at Hibari who didn't even flinch.

- You think?

- You're exaggerating, aren't you, Reborn? - Wanted to know Colonnello speaking for the first time.

- Am I lying, Tsuna?

- No. - Said directly without hesitation, which caught the attention of the Arcobalenos duo, even Skull seemed impressed. - He's telling the truth.

- But my brother is a boxer, he has to get close to attack. - Kyoko intervened, worried that the eldest would lose everything because of her.

- That's why they were informed before, as you were, of the rules. They spent the entire day together crafting a strategy that still worked despite their limitations. After all, this was always a doubles challenge.

Tsuna then realized that this was the reason the two had gone out together that morning, it also explained all the abrasions and burns they both had.

Noticing the watchful gaze the Sky cast them, Reborn asked.

- Do you agree with these conditions, Tsuna?

The brunette didn't respond right away, swallowing hard, mainly because of the fixed gaze Hibari was giving him.

He was scared and afraid, despite all the rules, Hibari was still Namimori's devil and Ryohei his dear brother.

And at the same time, contradictorily, his blood seemed to boil with defiance.

His eyes responded evenly as his lips parted.

- Yes. I'm.

-.-.-.-

Everyone walked in reasonable silence, except for Gokudera and Ryohei who argued with each other about "Security of the Tenth" while Yamamoto tried to calm them down.

Hibari was at the end of the entourage, not wanting to blend in with the crowd.

- Hey Mr. Reborn. - Wanted to know Skull finally free, sitting on the shoulder of a worried Enma. - How did you convince a Cloud like him to fight from a distance? From what I've seen of him, it's not really his style.

- You are attentive, lackey. - Reborn replied, in turn on Bianchi's shoulder. - For him to participate in the choir, I offered him to participate in this fight, and if he followed the rules, I would give him a reward that he could not refuse.

- And do you think it will be enough this time to make him comply with the rules? - Wanted to know Lal Mirch. - If even Fon couldn't convince him.

- He probably won't follow them, for someone who loves discipline, Hibari is a great delinquent. Like me, deep down, he just does what he wants.

- And you will only accept that he leaves the guardians? - Asked Enma who still looked irritated.

Reborn smiled.

- Who knows.

Tsuna, like the Cloud, just walked in complete silence, with each step, feeling more and more anxious.

- Is here. - The Ex-Arcobaleno announced suddenly turning to everyone when they reached the deserted road that led to Kokuyo Land. - The border between Namimori and Kokuyo. There is nothing within a radius of at least two kilometers. Especially on a cold day like this, this road is deserted. Still, Chrome.

- Yes. - She said approaching, invoking her trident.

- Create an illusion around us, just to make sure no unfortunate gets hit.

- Yes sir. - Then she started acting, Lal, unable to stand still until everything started, was willing to help her.

- So feel free to cause as much damage as you like on this two kilometer barrier. - He kept seeing the challengers. - When it's all over, a special Vongola service will take care of the damage. Now you can start.

All the spectators backed away, gathering around Spanner and his screen split in three, closely showing what each of the fighters saw.

And so the test began.

Wasting no time, Ryohei and Hibari similarly started the girls' first attempt, both walked away, surrounding Tsuna on either side, although their timing was almost perfect in comparison.

- Hibari hates crowds, he is a solitary animal. - Reborn began while the two guardians invoked their animals and Tsuna looked from one to the other, waiting. - Still, along with Ryohei, he is the guardian who best knows how to work in a group.

- What? - Put Gokudera in disbelief.

There was no time for further comment as dozens and dozens of thorny spheres simply surrounded Tsuna, having several different sizes.

- It's practically the same strategy as ours… - Haru argued, frowning.

- Are you sure? - It provoked Reborn. - Pay attention to Ryohei.

- IT'S MY TURN! - The guardian then jumped, partially activating his Cambio Forma, partially his future version. Thus preserving his Boxing forehead and gloves, and still being able to fly with his flame. In this way, he turned in circles, punching one by one Hibari's spheres in Tsuna's direction. He did it with such force that many ended up breaking in midair.

- Kyoko just stood still in the formation of the two of you, Genbu did all the work, that's not really teamwork. - Joined Lal Mirch, in Lotus position with Colonnello in her lap. - Now look at them both.

The Cloud didn't stay behind, while his partner directed the spheres with his punches towards Tsuna, to hit him, Hibari did the same thing on earth, without ever failing to create more and more spheres.

When dodging on the ground was impossible due to the amount of attacks, coming from below and above, Tsuna used one hand to fly, while holding the lamp with the other, dodging all attacks without great difficulty with his immense speed.

- It's not working… - Kyoko worried, not really knowing who to root for.

- Look straight. - Guided Spanner. - Your brother isn't just directing the spheres. Neither he nor Hibari.

Blinking in confusion, Kyoko looked more closely, opening her mouth in shock.

- But that…!

- The broken spheres…! - Completed Enma in disbelief.

The spheres broken by Ryohei ended up giving rise to more, smaller ones, which, added to Hibari's multiplication factor, quickly made the number of objects grow at an arithmetic speed.

- Damn it! - Exclaimed Tsuna when one of them, less than a Ping Pong ball hit the lamp he was holding, managing to break its glass, but not reaching its flame.

- Also, despite Hibari's clear desire to fight, he's not losing the focus on objective. - Opined Colonnello. - Turn off the lamp or immobilize Sawada.

- At this rate they will achieve both goals! - Irie exclaimed nervously, squeezing his belly. - Even with our cameras and looking at ourselves, we can barely see anything with that amount of purple dots in the sky!

Tsuna seemed to have noticed the same thing, so, using the Shimon Ring's gravity, he made the lamp float, thus freeing both of his hands.

- Who is he talking to? - Haru questioned, despite everything, managing to see how the brunette's lips were moving.

- With artificial intelligence in his headphones. - Spanner considered rolling the lollipop in his mouth. - He must be calculating the distance between the two of us and us to know if it's feasible to use the XX-Burner to free his surroundings a little.

- Does he have an artificial intelligence in his headset?! - Haru exclaimed in shock. - Was he using it against us too?

- No. - Said Reborn before Kyoko could apologize for not telling about it too. - He didn't even bring it to face you two.

While the spectators argued, Vongola got the answer him wanted, invoking his Cambio Forma and executing his XX-Burner that hit neither their opponents nor the audience in a fine but accurate shot.

-...He must be using my ring to concentrate his power, as he did against Jaeger. - Enma noticed. - Aaah! I don't believe!

- Made a curve! - Exclaimed Spanner truly in ecstasy when the thin beam, instead of being shot straight as usual, began to deflect its trajectory, thus managing to destroy many more spheres and definitely clear the field. - This is amazing! It opens up so many possibilities!

-…This strategy. - Observed Lal - Doesn't it look familiar to you, Nello?

- Hey! He is blatantly copying his "friend", Reborn! - The aforementioned joked. - The trajectory-changing shots that "he" used against Iemitsu.

- This kid definitely learns fast. - The Hitman agreed, unable to hide his smile.

-…Look at Hibari's face. - Observed Yamamoto calling everyone's attention to the Cloud, which despite having its spheres destroyed seemed very satisfied. - Doesn't he seem very confident for someone who is having his strategy destroyed?

- This idiot is a maniac for fights, win or lose, he must be just having fun. - Minimized Gokudera.

- No. - To Storm's surprise, Irie's refusal. - I know Hibari… I-I mean, my future version knows his future version! - It was explained. - Looks like he has a plan.

- Behind the Boss! - Chrome exclaimed pointing.

Garyu had reverted to his animal form, and jumping after the Vongola, using the support spheres, had reached its back.

And although intuition had warned him of the blow to his back, his attention was divided on not directly hitting the audience, his guardians, controlling gravity with his XX-Burner, in addition to levitating the lamp, protecting it and flying.

In short, he failed to respond in time to his senses, receiving a full-fledged flying kick in the back, sending him hurtling towards the ground.

- I don't believe! - Skull exclaimed, impressed. - All those spheres weren't an attack, they were just a distraction!

- But I thought direct hits were forbidden! - Kyoko put exasperated seeing fearful of how Tsuna opened a crater when hitting the ground.

- None of the three can touch, but I didn't say anything about the animals. - Reborn explained. - They are battle companions, but they are their own entity.

- The Kangaroo will get the lamp! - Yamamoto shouted pointing to the "box" of the Sun that jumped between spheres to reach the objective that still floated, but in a much more irregular way.

- GAO!

Coming out of where his master had fallen, Natsu quickly used the same strategy as his companion, until he positioned himself at an angle that allowed him to unleash his petrifying roar, which hit Kangaryuu's armor squarely, forcing him to retreat.

With that, Natsu got ahead of lamp and took it in his mouth.

- Hey! That's teamwork! - Colonnello exclaimed excitedly, watching as the lion leapt gracefully to the earth, stopping on its owner's shoulder.

- But he's in Hibari's crosshairs now. - Observed Chrome distressed, seeing how, respecting the distance, the Cloud was on the ground, at least three meters from the Sky, while Ryohei watched everything from the top of a sphere.

Tsuna said nothing, looking at his two guardians as he used his thumb to wipe some blood from his mouth.

He smiled.

- And now? - Wanted to know Skull.

Hibari also smiled.

- Aren't you forgetting something? - Hibari asked.

Tsuna blinked without understanding. Natsu was on his shoulder, with the lamp in his mouth, he was still standing, and at least eighty percent of the spheres had been destroyed by his…

- The XX-Burner is out of route! - Spanner noticed pointing to the beam of flames, which due to the extreme division of attention from the Sky, ended up being forgotten in favor of keeping the lamp in the air.

And now he was flying towards the audience.

- NO! - He exclaimed worriedly, but he didn't have time to think about it when, again because he was distracted by the public, he couldn't react in time to a huge sphere that appeared over his head and trapped him inside.

- Noisy Animal! - And more than one was impressed to hear, probably for the first time, Hibari raise his voice. - Right Hook!

- EXTREMELY UNDERSTANDING! - He yelled in response, jumping to the ground.

- Looks like they even created a code. - Observed Reborn, not at all worried about the shot that was flying towards them, holding a screaming Skull in front of him as a shield. - Nothing is more pathetic than discussing what to do in front of the enemy, after all, surrendering all your moves.

The girls said nothing, clearly embarrassed.

Gokudera was preparing his C.A.I. and Chrome her illusions, but none of that was necessary as Ryohei deliberately stopped in the direction of the well-aimed shot.

- Brother!

- LAWN HEAD! - Gokudera screamed. - DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE TENTH HIT BY SIZE, DON'T LET IT HIT YOU DIRECTLY!

- And who said it will be directly, Octopus Head? - He replied without turning around or moving from the focus of the shot.

And his words made sense when one of Hibari's broken spheres flew towards him serving as a shield.

- Even with Cloud's flame, it won't stop him from receiving the blow! - Put Skull.

- Hey! But he wants to take the hit! - Colonnello said standing, unable to sit any longer with a big smile on his face. - Look at his bangle, recently, one day at the choir, he told me how it works, you who already knew him should have noticed!

Attention then turned to the bangle, which already had at least five flames lit.

- When did that light up?! - Asked Gokudera. - He wasn't hit by any blows!

- Aaah! The spheres! - Enma noticed. - The pressure and gravity involved in the movement of the spheres.

- If he withstands this blow with the help of Hibari's protection, he can reach 100%. - Lal agreed that he was also smiling. - Looks like all these idiots got a little better.

As predicted by Skull, the Cloud's sphere was not enough to withstand the impact, cracking, but managing to dampen part of the force of the blow, while the rest hit Ryohei hard.

- BIG BROTHER! - Shouted in panic Kyoko wanting to approach him, but being held by Chrome.

- Calm, look. - She guided.

The redhead blinked in confusion, and her situation didn't improve at all when she realized that there appeared to be three Ryoheis.

- He used his speed to just to get hit graze and still deflect the blow with his body. - Colonnello whistled, pointing to a small crater that had formed centimeters from a pale Skull. - Impressive.

Even so, the place hit had formed an intense red stain of a clear burn, however, on the other hand, the bracelet was 80% charged.

- And where is the Tenth?! - Gokudera finally noticed looking everywhere, but only finding Hibari standing next to a large sphere on the ground.

- The Cloud Guardian trapped him inside. - Spanner pointed at the big sphere. - I suppose the strategy is to leave the Vongola without air to immobilize it, or to put out its flame.

- HOW COULD THIS BASTARD BE USING THIS STRATEGY AGAIN! - Shouted the Storm. - He almost killed the Tenth last time!

- Think about it, Gokudera. - Pondered the Rain. - It was the Hibari from the future who did this, not our Hibari. There's no way for him to know that this happened, or that Tsuna already got rid of it once.

- But it's not the same attack, look. - Lal signaled pointing in the direction of the ball. - The sphere is coated in flames from the Sun. Her activation factor is making it even more resistant, which must be why Sawada hasn't left yet.

- When did you do that, Lawn Head?! - Asked Gokudera confused.

- I did nothing. - He said with a tired smile, holding his arm tightly. - It was Garyu.

-...You're right, the Kangaroo disappeared after he escaped from Natsu's attack, I thought he had just returned to the Ring. - Enma noticed, seeing that the animal was not far from Hibari, using its master's flames in the sphere.

- Wouldn't that already be a defeat?

More than one yelled as a new voice joined the discussion, as a soft mist began to materialize next to Chrome, revealing the figure of Rokudo Mukuro.

- What are you doing here, you bastard?! - Gokudera demanded to know.

- Well, well, you guys are making this riot near my house, didn't you really expect me not to show up? - He asked, crossing his arms.

- You are late, Mukuro. - Observed Reborn without taking his eyes off the sphere that held his student, much less releasing Skull. - But I would like to know, how do you know the rules of our game?

- You call that a game?! - Enma was astonished.

- Intuition. - He said mysteriously, also sitting down to watch. - You can call it that if you want. Anyway, Vongola won't try to get out of there, he's very close to everyone, his heart is too kind. If he bursts into flames to destroy this reinforced sphere, he would risk hurting someone.

Reborn smiled.

- And who said he has to use his flames to escape?

And before anyone could say anything, the sphere began to crack.

A silent scream escaped from Kyoko's lips, as she closed her eyes shakily, that's because, as the walls were giving way, revealing the figure inside, everyone could witness how it was completely covered in blood.

- He… - Lal put it in surprise. - He used gravity inside the sphere itself, for the pressure to make it give way…

- He needs to go to the hospital now! - Haru yelled, taking whoever was closest to her and shaking his shoulders, in this case, Yamamoto.

- The fight is not over yet. - Reborn imposed emphatically.

- But Haru is right! - Reinforced Gokudera, for the first time calling the eldest by name. - Tenth is very injured!

- Take a good look at him. - Commented Reborn, his eyes unusually shining, different from his usual expressionless look. - Does it look like he wants to stop?

In the midst of chaos and destruction, Tsuna this time wiped the blood with the back of his hand, Natsu was no longer on his shoulder, instead, he was in the form of a cape, protecting the lamp.

Like last time, he had a cheeky smile on his face.

Which was the breaking point for a certain president.

- Yellow. - Irie informed, in possession of the command screen, now that Spanner had subtly approached a trembling Kyoko and was talking to her in a low tone. - Hibari is reaching the limit of distance!

The aforementioned walked slowly towards the Vongola like a hunter who surrounded his prey, getting his full attention, as he walked he removed his tonfa, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

- If he takes one more step, it's a red light!

- What are you doing, idiot?! - Asked the Storm getting up. - DO YOU WANT TO STOP BEING A GUARDIAN?!

Faced with this, the Cloud again called for Roll.

- Uppercut.

- Leave it to me! - Ryohei exclaimed, still standing in front of the group of spectators.

Before anyone could do anything, a new sphere appeared, this time engulfing Sky and Cloud with it.

-...We lost the signal. - Irie considered with an apprehensive sigh. - It seems that, unlike the other time, our equipment doesn't work inside this sphere… Could it be some secret technique of Hibari?

- No. - Reborn assured, who looked mildly upset that his show was interrupted. - It's a lot simpler than that.

-.-

From the inside, Hibari opened his hand, dropping the pieces of the camera that he had crushed between his fingers, at the same time he ordered the chains of his tonfa to return, reaching the crown, which glowed red, of the Vongola, which he hadn't even moved to stop the hit. Soon the object too fell to the forgotten floor with a soft clink.

The Sky's smile widened in mockery.

- I was sure you would do it again. - He said, indicating the broken objects. - You never learn.

- It seems that you know me a little.

- A little.

The supposed boss's view then deviated to their surroundings, they were inside a colossal sphere, however, unlike the other times the interior was not completely dark, being actually quite bright, displaying the image of a large sky crowded with wandering clouds.

However, the beautiful vision had thorns, which protruded inward this time.

- A very favorable scenario. - Tsuna commented with a free leave. - Makes it seem like you've been waiting for this for a long time.

Hibari's smile turned fierce.

- A long time.

And so they both advanced.

Kyoya tried to hit the younger one with his tonfa on the right side, but was prevented by his left gauntlet, while Tsuna tried to punch him in the stomach with his right, but already foreseeing the move, Hibari stopped him with his own left tonfa.

- You fight like your future version. - Pondered the Cloud with its cross attacks.

- How funny, I was thinking the same thing.

Both jumped out of the way.

Hibari launched his chains aiming at The Sky's knees, which left the lamp protected by Natsu-cloak on the ground and took flight with both hands, not being able to go far, however, when he noticed that the sphere began to close, at the same time that the thorns became more like needles, limiting their movement.

- What's the problem? - Ironized Hibari, using the Gear to lengthen his chain turning it into a whip. - No space to fly, little bird?

The eldest again launched his attack trying to catch his prey, which with the needles getting bigger and sharper, barely had room to move.

- I don't need to fly, if I can get momentum. - That said, he expanded his flames around him, as he had done in his argument with Reborn, but even his heat didn't even seem to scratch the skewers.

That was not his intention.

With flames covering his body, Tsuna used his feet as channelers to turn some thorns into stone, and then, with the help of the Shimon Ring, took a big push towards Hibari.

It looked like a real missile coming towards him with inhuman speed.

Therefore, the Cloud prepared to receive him, creating a shield of thorns around him.

For which the Sky passed through as if it were paper, then clashed hand to hand with his strongest guardian, blood running between the fingers from the force of the impact.

There was a problem, however, with his hands clasped with the boy still in the air, Hibari couldn't swing his tonfa to attack, but the hands he collided with were smoldering in flames leaving him at a clear disadvantage in direct confrontation.

- Too hot for you? - Tsuna provoked, slightly increasing the amount of heat.

- Much fresher than a nap on the roof. - He countered. - And you're not the only one who can attack with the feets.

The brunette blinked, he was in midair, due to the force of gravity, leaning at forty-five degrees in relation to the older man who was holding him with his hands extended above his head, not even his highest kick could reach him.

As him reads his thoughts added.

- I don't need to hit you.

So he kicked the air, as predicted, hitting nothing.

Instead, apparently, he threw something, which didn't even come close to reaching him. Flying towards a sphere on the opposite side where they were, next to the lamp.

- It looks like your aim didn't- But he stopped, his intuition telling him to dodge something coming from behind, he tried to release Hibari's grip, but he was holding him tightly between his fingers, he used gravity against him, and despite his legs begin to sink to the ground, did not give way. - Damn it! How you?! - Tsuna exclaimed when he realized that his legs were suddenly stuck together. Looking up, he saw that large handcuffs had tied them together. - How you…?

It was then that he realized, the handcuff that Hibari had launched with one of his feet, had not hit a random sphere, but Roll in the shape of a sphere. And from the way the little animal spun around and around in the air looking dizzy, he'd grabbed the handcuffs with his spikes and spun around to launch him in the right direction. The Sky's legs.

- Looks like you're immobilized. - With hands trapped and legs gripped, it was much easier for Hibari to pull the smaller one towards him, throwing him to the ground, making his impact all the more painful due to the fact that the brunette itself had increased the gravity around the Cloud.

Hibari re-armed his tonfas, ready to attack the fallen one before he recovered.

- GAO!

But his movement was stopped by a lion who ran to his master and defended him by becoming a cloak again, barring his movement like a true shield.

The president smiled.

With the time that Natsu managed, Tsuna was able to get up, taking his partner-cloak and wearing it, standing face to face with his supposed ex-guardian. Managing to stay upright, despite the handcuffs, thanks to the Shimon Ring.

- A Little Animal defending the other.

- As someone once told me. If little animals weren't strong, they would already be extinct.

- Undoubtedly.

And again they both advanced towards each other, if Hibari managed to hit with the tonfa, Tsuna would hit him with a punch and with the legs, their speeds were even, but Hyper Intuition was unfair, giving Tsuna the advantage of saying where the next blow would come from, managing to dodge half the time.

- But you know what's curious… - The Cloud followed after crouching to avoid a particularly violent punch from the Sky aimed at his chin. - For a Little Animal who only fights to defend others…

Taking advantage of his low position and the short distance between them, Hibari again let his chains out, wrapping him around the smaller's stomach, leaving only his arms free, as if he were trapped in a cocoon.

Approaching him, he said almost in a whisper, to the point the Sky thought he had imagined the phrase.

- You look like you're having fun… - Hibari finished, then launching his supposed boss trapped from the waist down towards the wall of needles, where Roll and the lamp were.

Realizing that he himself would destroy the object, he again used Enma's ring to slow it down to stop its fall.

He didn't, however, count on Hibari, who had approached at the launch, to also tie the hands of his supposed boss.

- I won't make the same mistake twice. - He said, referring to when he had Tsunayoshi from the future surrounded, but left his hands free.

With the Sky now completely bound at his mercy, he spun him in the air, breaking the lower right part of his own sphere with his body, not impaling him on the spikes only due to Natsu's protection on his back and the very chains and shackles that somehow way prevented perforation.

-.-

From the outside the small opening didn't allow them to see what was happening, but it was the cue that Yamamoto, Gokudera and Enma needed to stop it once and for all.

- You're not going anywhere. - If Lal didn't get in the way. - The test isn't over yet.

- But Hibari has already broken all the rules! - Defended Enma.

- And do you have any proof of that? - Wanted to know Reborn still without turning around. - We are not seeing anything to know if he approached or not.

- But of course he broke the rules, Mister Reborn! - The Storm was exalted. - That's all that maniac knows to do.

Although also excited, Yamamoto said nothing, his eyes turned to Ryohei who seemed to be preparing something.

- Apparently the explosion was the signal he was waiting for. - Commented Mukuro beside him who had also noticed the movement. - For a solitary bird, the Lark knows how to work as a team.

- What do you mean, Mr. Mukuro? - Wanted to know Chrome distressed, while Haru also joined the group that wanted everything to stop.

The answer came from Ryohei.

- SUNSHINE COUNTER! - He shouted, letting go of all the force of the blows he had accumulated, aiming directly at the opening in the sphere.

-.-

Falling to the ground, Tsuna spat blood and coughed, feeling his eyes a little dizzy.

- Tired out? - Asked Hibari standing in front of him.

But soon he had to move away, because the smaller one burned in flames, hotter than he could bear, forcing him to move further and further away, until he was between the wall of thorns and the true hell in the form of sky, which in front of his disbelieving eyes melted his handcuffs, though he couldn't do the same with the chains.

And even though he was still tied from the waist up, with his legs free, he looked up again, his eyes burning like never before Hibari had seen him.

But what he could have said was lost when an intense burst of solar flames invaded the sphere, completely destroying it from the outside in.

Most important.

Consuming the unprotected lamp that was in front of the opening.

- Checkmate. - Hibari finalized, as the protection fell, moving away again to the distance of 2 meters amid all the noise. - Unfortunately.

When the entire structure collapsed, in front of the spectators was the Vongola in chains, and only a twisted metal in what was once the lamp with the Sky Flames.

Sawada Tsunayoshi sighed long as the chains that held him gave way and Hyper Mode died.

- I lost. - He admitted, falling down sitting on the floor.

- TSUNA!

- T-tsuna!

- TENTH!

And the trio ran towards him, along with Ryohei, even panting and worn out.

- Hold it Spanner, I'll help too. - Hastened to say Irie throwing the screen now useless in the hands of his companion and already lighting the flame of the Sun in his ring.

- Very well, we already have the result, girls. - Said Reborn casually turning to the two. Kyoko was definitely pale, not that Haru was far behind. - Congratulations, you can change Tutor now, but before, of course, you must admit that the test was not impossible.

-…Haru thought… - The brown haired girl started, small tears forming in her eyes. - That Tsuna was giving everything he had to stop us from passing… But seeing this test now…

- He wasn't using even ten percent of his ability against us. - Kyoko finished, squeezing her hands tightly.

Reborn smiled.

- I'll give you twenty-four hours to think about what you'll do then. Tomorrow, during the party, you can give your answer to Useless-Tsuna. Because now there's one more little show I'd like you to see.

Before Reborn could say what it was about, Bianchi got up with her lover on her shoulder, and the two walked towards Sawada who was now lying gasping on the floor while Irie and Ryohei healed him.

- Enma. - Named the Ex-Arcobaleno, catching Earth's attention. - You, Bianchi, Irie and Spanner will take Tsuna home. He lost the battle, but he won the right to a rest.

The Sky's weary gaze met his tutor's, who smiled at him.

- Good job, Tsuna.

A little shy, the youngster one smiled back.

-...Thanks. - And casting one last look at Hibari, he allowed himself to be lifted by Bianchi, Reborn jumping onto Yamamoto's shoulder, Enma and Irie, who calmly took him back to Namimori, even though the brunette insisted that he could go alone.

Spanner just followed behind, enjoying his lollipop with his hands in his pockets.

-.-

- Why didn't you allow us to go with the Tenth?! - Asked for the thousandth time Gokudera, sitting on the floor again with the others, even Hibari who denied being cured, a little further away.

- There is still a lie that hovers among some of you. - Followed Reborn ignoring Storm's question. - And thanks to the present we received today, I would like to undo it. But first, of course, Hibari. You clearly broke the rules, does that mean…

- Please don't kick him out Mr. Reborn! - Defended Gokudera. - Although this damned one injured the Tenth, his raw power can still be of use to us.

- Gokudera is right, after all, Hibari is the strongest among us. - Accompanied Yamamoto.

- It would be very sad if he left. - Joined Chrome.

- It wouldn't be anything extreme!

- I think it would be wonderful. - And everyone glared at Rokudo, even his Nagi.

- Why are you still here, anyway?! - Gokudera demanded to know.

- Well, well… How much repressed hatred!

- As I said. - Followed Reborn ignoring the one-sided fights of the others. - Hibari, will no longer be able to sit at the "Group of Guardians" table at tomorrow's party. You'll have to find your own table.

- Hmm.

- SO THAT'S WHAT IT WAS ABOUT! - Shouted more than one falling back due to fright.

- And what did you think it was? - He asked with a wicked smile.

-...We should have expected this from Mister Reborn...

- Haha! For a moment I was worried!

- THAT WAS EXTREME!

-...And somewhat unnecessary.

- A real disappointment.

While the guardians continued mumbling and the girls lost in their thoughts, Reborn, Colonnello, Skull and Lal were gathered further on, in the hands of the bi-Flame three decorated gift boxes.

-...What are those things? - Wanted to know Skull, the only one who apparently didn't know what they were about.

- You seem quite excited, Reborn. - Followed Colonnello, completely ignoring Cloud's question. - And I don't think it's just because of the gift from Bronco.

- I'll be able to see the idiotic face of Tsuna's guardians, why wouldn't I be happy? - He asked as if it was obvious.

- Hey! It's no use lying to me, modesty aside, I haven't seen you with that gleam in your eyes since our fight, before the curse. It's the look you make when you find an opponent you'd really like to measure forces. - The soldier's smile became even more provocative. - Are you going to say that you were tempted to face Sawada instead of those two?

Reborn didn't respond, lowering his fedora, thus hiding his expression.

- Why then not take advantage of the use of the watch for something else, instead of spending it to scare these idiots? - Lal inquired, arms crossed.

- Watch? What watch? - Wanted to know the curious Cloud. Again no one heard him.

- These guys need a little extra lesson. - He replied, raising his face again. - And I'm willing to teach them. Also, the girls can learn something else too.

- Hey! That's all you think, in teach?!

- It's my job, not everyone is vague like you who often leaves work for stupid reasons.

- HEY! My work, unlike yours, is not constant entertainment! - He challenged hitting his forehead against the other.

- Says the one who works in an amusement park. - He countered with his own headbutt, both foreheads bleeding.

- Hmm… Guys? - Skull tried to interfere.

- Quiet, Lackey! - They both said at the same time, making the Cloud tremble in its place.

- You two can continue with this later. - Lal imposed, stamping her foot on the ground impatiently. - There's no point in these kinds of discussions if this watch doesn't work in the first place.

-…Work with what?! - Skull insisted, starting to worry.

- There's only one way to find out. - Finished Reborn.

Then the three Ex-Arcobalenos turned at the same time to the Cloud who trembled at the last attention.

- You didn't drag me here just to see the fight, did you?

- Of course not, you will be our guinea pig.

- W-what?! - He took a step back. - G-guinea pig?! Of what? Why?!

- I don't want to be the first to test something made by Useless-Dino.

- I don't need it anymore. - Lal followed.

- I'm too beautiful to die. - Finished the soldier.

- And that's where you come in. - Scored the Hitman while the stuntman tried to escape. - Colonnello hold him.

- N-NO!

The sudden screams caught the attention of the guardians, even Hibari, who stopped glaring at Mukuro, despite knowing that this was an illusion.

- Very well then. - Said Reborn turning to the others and the girls. - We're going to need a powerful Mist for this to work.

- Nagi is more than enough. - Mukuro said promptly, immediately making the aforementioned blush. - I don't think about making my body walk kilometers in the snow here to satisfy your will, Arcobaleno.

- Ex-Arcobaleno. - Corrected.

- Why do you need an illusionist, Mr. Reborn? - Asked Gokudera with a frown.

- Very well, the reason why I gathered you here in this remote area, besides carrying out the test for Kyoko and Haru, is simple. - His tone was serious, where even the two girls felt tension suddenly fill the air. - A few decades ago, I don't mind specifying how many, I Prescelti Sette, the Seven people within the mafia, considered the most powerful in their areas, and Skull…

- HEY! - Exclaimed the Cloud with its arms trapped by the Rain.

- Did a series of missions together for a mysterious figure.

- Checker Face, or rather, Kawahira. - Followed Gokudera frowning. - We already know this story, Mr. Reborn.

- I know you know, but they still don't. - He said, indicating the girls.

- Kawahira? - Repeated Haru confused. - The Kawahira we saw in the future, from Aunt Kawahira's real estate?

- That was just his cover. - Lal Mirch followed with a frown. - This damn, as Reborn said, made us go through several trials, promising us worlds when we overcome them, only in the end cursing us when it was all over.

-...What kind... Of curse? - Kyoko wanted to know uncertain and fearful.

Instead of answering, Reborn looked directly at Chrome, who got the message and got up to stand beside him.

- Sasagawa Kyoko and Miura Haru. - He named it with a presence that didn't match his baby body at all. - It's time for you, as well as the other idiots, to know what's under this curse, or rather, our true appearance. That is, if Skull doesn't die in the process.

- Eeeeeh?! How can you say that so calmly, Mr. Reborn! - The little one was exasperated, still being held by Colonnello's grip.

Haru was about to get up to stop the mistreatment, but Yamamoto stopped her, looking really expectant. Even Hibari had approached, his eyes shining again with anticipation, like when he had the opportunity to confront his Pseudo-Boss.

Faced with the silence and the expectation, the girls looked at each other confused and worried, the little calm they had managed to gather after the end of the test, falling apart.

So Lal opened one of the boxes, the Cloud one, and offered its contents to Chrome.

-...This glove isn't- Mukuro started frowning, but was interrupted.

- THIS IS NOT THE REPRESENTATIVE BATTLE WATCH?! - Exclaimed Gokudera in complete shock. - Hadn't they all been destroyed?!

- All but one. - Reborn scored. - The idiot was quick enough to hide it when it was all over. And now this is an altered version. - He paused, seeing everyone's complete attention on him. - If this works, for up to 24 hours, this Present will artificially bring us back to the body we had before the curse. - And then his gaze turned to illusionist. - Chrome, put that glove on.

-...This glove really is- Mukuro started again, once again being interrupted.

- Now, be quiet lackey. - Said the Sun, taking the watch and wrapping it loosely around the Cloud's arm.

- What if that doesn't work? - Wanted to know, distressed.

- Aren't you immortal? What matters? - He scoffed, walking away, again ignoring the grumbles of his slave. - According to Romário, you just need to concentrate all the flames possible in that glove. The connection to the watch will do the rest.

- In that case I can help. - Mukuro got up, stopping beside his apprentice, casting a suspicious look at the gloves she was wearing. - It wouldn't be the first time I lend my flames to Chrome, without being physically present.

However, she shook her head resolutely.

- It's okay, Mr. Mukuro, I can do it!

The older one blinked, then smiled, but that moment was interrupted by a satisfied teasing in the background.

- You've been discarded, Pineapple Head. - Hibari mocked with a satisfied smile on his face.

- Why, you Lark…!

- If you won't help, get out of there, Pineapple Head. We don't have all day! - Joined Gokudera.

The illusionist was about to retort, but a pleading look from Chrome made him give in and walk away.

- Everyone back off. - Reborn announced. - Gokudera, use the C.A.I.

- Right!

- Go ahead, Chrome.

The youngest nodded and despite Skull's fearful screams, she did what he was told.

A strong white light blinded everyone for a few seconds, but when they were able to get used to the light and look for the little baby, it was gone.

In his place was a young man with spiky purple hair, piercing, and face tattoo.

- B-but…! - Haru put it in shock. - Is this an illusion, or…?

- IT'S EXTREME!

- It's real and extreme! - The punk exclaimed in agreement, hitting his own cheeks, looking at his hands and trampling the floor. - T-this is just amazing, it really works!

- And are you feeling well? - Lal wanted to know curious, approaching and pulling the cheek of the other.

- Ouch, oouch! That hurts, Miss Lal!

-…It looks quite physical.

- YES! And I- AAAAH! - Upon taking a double kick, one from Colonnello and one from Reborn, he flew over everyone and disappeared in the night sky like a star.

- What do you think? - Asked the assassin casually.

- It really looked pretty solid. - Considered the military.

And they both smiled at each other.

- If little Skull is actually an adult… - Kyoko pondered. - This means…

- Hahi! Reborn and Colonnello are too?!

- Just like Fon, and all the others. - Followed Yamamoto.

- EVEN LAMBO AND I-PIN?! - Wanted to know in a panic.

- No, you idiot girl, they are just children! Only the Arcobalenos who are cursed!

- And how will I know who is Arcobaleno?!

As they argued, Chrome got ready again, while Reborn and Colonnello put on their own watches.

All conversation stopped, however, when a light even more intense than the previous one completely blinded them.

- Aaaah… How good it is to be tall again!

- Although you're still shorter than me.

- What?! I'm an centimeter bigger than you.

- Not even in your dreams, you idiot.

Getting used to the lights, few were able to believe their eyes.

A tall, blond military man with blue eyes and a mocking smile was now standing where there once was a small baby in green clothes. His gaze focused mainly on Lal Mirch, smiling sideways, only making her blush and look away irritated.

Beside him, an centimeter taller, with a deep voice and intimidating presence, was a man dressed in a suit, his black eyes were somber and hollow, his sideburns curved, and his smile irritatingly arrogant, especially when he turned his face excited to the audience.

- Chaos. - Then faster than most could keep up, he pulled out a pair of guns, aiming directly at the guardians. - You've had your warm-up. Now it's my turn. Why don't we have a little fun…?

---

Notes:

* Something that happened a lot at the beginning of the manga and a little bit in the anime, when I-Pin spoke Chinese, due to her still being a child and having little fluency in Japanese, Reborn always translated what she said, especially for Tsuna, in addition he himself says he knows how to speak the language of insects and aliens… No comments.

* As with most of Reborn's competitions, this was another one that the end result was not shown to us, but in chapter 349, Reborn organized a "costume battle" in honor of Chrome, as she is an illusionist. On page 11, he says that the winner will get an I-Pin's Gyoza (which honestly is a bad prize considering this shit contains the essence of 5 million normal gyozas, killing any normal civilian who eats it), and the loser will have to be a slave to Chrome for a year. (Detail that she was slightly blushing with that) Tsuna this time was in last place with 0 points, since Leon thought his cosplay was ugly, and the winner was never revealed, what we know is that Lambo got 4 points, Gokudera with 2 and Ryohei with 1.

* The Gospella Famiglia is a mafia family whose headquarters are in the same area as the Cavallone Family. In chapter 35, page 5, Dino went to Japan to meet Fuuta, and he told the little prince that this family was selling weapons to bandits and harming civilians in the area. Cavallone wanted to pay Fuuta for the list of most influential sellers, but as Dino was ranked first in the ranking of Mafia Bosses who care about their citizens the most, and of course he is a dear brother to Tsuna, Fuuta gave Dino a copy of his Gospella ranking for free. Who knows what happened to them afterwards…

* We have already made a note about this, but as it is a very pathetic and funny fact, it bears repeating. In the last chapters of the Representative Battle, specifically in chapter 402, pages 02 and 03, Bermuda destroys all the watches of the remaining participants, minus that of Dino. It's only shown him getting knocked out, but unlike everyone else, there's no watch breaking scene. Now place your bets, who forgot Dino; Bermuda, Jaeger, Kawahira or Amano?

* As Lancia's family name was never revealed, we decided to choose this one: Flaminia Famiglia, which despite looking like just a combination of Flame + Famiglia, is actually a reference to Amano's own inspiration for Lancia's name, which in addition to meaning "Lance", is also the name of an Italian car company, known as "Lancia & C. Fabbrica Automobili", and his flagship was an automobile called "Lancia Flaminia", furthermore, this car, in addition to generating a great profit for the company, also remained on the market for many years, being produced from 1957-1970, a very considerable time. From now on we will use this name to refer to them.

* There's a funny curiosity, although Gokudera doesn't get along with almost anyone, he created a particular hatred for Hibari, because he always looked down on him, just like his Tenth. Unlike Yamamoto and Ryohei that Gokudera only sees as idiots, Hibari became a special case, whenever he had the opportunity, Gokudera wanted to defeat him, as if he were some kind of rival (totally one-sided), probably to show Tsuna that he it was stronger. (And failing miserably)