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!

21. 430 - Christmas in Vongola Style PartIII

Chapter by JonaX, Kimonohi_Tsuki

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Summary:

Christmas finally arrives, Iemitsu talks to his son, and chaos ensues.

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Notes:

FINALLY COMPLETE!

Only those who followed know the headache that was for this chapter to come out, its original day of posting was the 11th, however, on that same day we ended up missing aaaall the last text, precisely, the Christmas Party.

While one of the authors was finishing his college exams, the other had to try to rewrite everything himself, which was not possible, and therefore not even on the 18th could the complete chapter come to light.

Only in this last week, after the tests, with the help of one of our readers, Escritoriginal, we managed to rewrite everything we lost, it was certainly one of the ones that helped us the most even though it also went through technical problems, making everything even bigger as you can see, closing the season at nearly 40,000 words in all! Thank you so much for the help Escri!

And not only that, as we were very busy writing, we had the help of another reader, rentsuR27 (maharzoubari), who translated the whole part of the party by herself, if it wasn't for her this chapter would have delayed even more, since we are still writing Target 431. Thank you so much for your help Rentsu!

We expect this makes up for the long wait, and precisely because of this, stay tuned that target 431, the first of the second season and the last one before our well-deserved rest hiatus, will be posted as soon as possible.

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Target 430 - Christmas in Vongola Style Part III

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- Looks like the Boss CEDEF really came. - Byakuran commented, with his usual provocative smile, while drinking the imported wine that Nigella had brought. - Well, let's get this over with. - He finished getting up.

- Wait, Byakuran. - It was Uni's distressed voice.

- Let me accompany you, Boss. - Asked Kikyo, also getting up with a serious face.

- Well, you make me embarrassed, who could have imagined that the one who almost destroyed the multiverse in the future, nowadays is so dear to so many people, I'm getting more and more popular. - The albino joked, trying to calm the spirits of his companions. - Don't worry, Sawada Iemitsu won't do anything to me, after all, his wife and son are here, despite being known as "The Lion of Vongola", next to his family he's just a sly kitten.

Uni didn't look too sure, but nodded, opting to trust, even though her expression betrayed that she'd like to go along.

Kikyo, who seemed to be the most afraid, didn't trust the Vongolas at all, much less the one who ordered an attack on his boss even though he knew they were allies of his son in the Representative Battle, however, he sighed and followed the orders, sitting down again.

- If he crosses the line, can we kill him? - Zakuro wanted to know with a frown.

- No, killing on Christmas is unethical even for us. Let's wait until the following midnight for a bloodbath.

The Storm grumbled, but the promise to come wiped a smile off his face.

On their turn, Tazaru and Nigella chose to remain silent, while casting glances at Gamma who simply ate, ignoring the entire interaction as if it wasn't relevant to him.

- Very well, I'll be right back. Kikyo, don't let Zakuro drink too much, you know what happened last time in Barcelona, don't you? - The Cloud just nodded, while a shiver ran down Storm's spine, clearly disgusted by this memory.

Just then the Albino's gaze fell on Gamma.

- Nothing to say? - Wanted to know provocative.

- Don't do anything stupid. - Said the Lightning, not turning to face him, but with his characteristic serious expression, it was still enough for Uni to smile.

Which was shared by Byakuran, who finally went to the room, intercepting his objective there.

As he got closer, he could hear how the blond lamented that Hibari had kidnapped his little Tuna, while Nana soothed him about how they still had a lot of time to spend together.

- Tsuna's friends can be a little possessive. - Said the mother with grace. - But I'm happy that even that boy can interact at least with Tsuna, he seemed so lonely being at a table with only one of his friends.

However, before a tearful Iemitsu could respond, the Albino interrupted them.

- Good night, again Mr. and Mrs. Sawada. - He greeted with his fox smile.

- Byakuran. - Named simply with a neutral expression. - So you and Uni came to spend Christmas with us.

- I believe I didn't introduce myself properly to you before, Mrs. Sawada, but your husband and I are in the same line of work.

- Yes. - The CEDEF member agreed. - He and his friends are new to the market, but they've already proven themselves to be very efficient.

- That's wonderful! It's so nice to see our family growing more and more! I can't wait to introduce you to all of our new additions!

- Forgive me for interrupting, but actually Mrs. Sawada, I'll need to borrow your husband for a while, you know, business talks and stuff. - He ended up in his best gracious tone.

The lady watched them with slight disappointment.

- In the middle of Christmas?

- It's fast dear, save my place close to you, all right? - He said as romantic as he could, giving a passionate kiss as if to secure his point.

"Marriage, the most corny human organization ever conceived." - The Gesso thought, looking away.

And with that, the duo entered the room, while Uni joined her hands in prayer asking that everything go well.

-.-.-.-

Gesso's initiative to follow him made things easier, all that was left for him to do was use his great charisma to make him tell everything he knew and so put an end to this whole situation without further destruction of property or fanfare, thus being able to enjoy this beautiful party organized by his equally beautiful wife and adorable son reindeer who would not escape his loving embraces for much longer.

The work comes first, but nothing was stopping him from once the job was done, he could enjoy the company of his wonderful family.

What was definitely not in his plans was to be intercepted by his own son coming out of the kitchen, who didn't look quite as adorable anymore, despite the costume, with the flame burning in his forehead, and an angry expression on his face.

Adding that to the fact that he called the Gesso his brother only added to the confusion.

- You underestimate your son's ability, Iemitsu. - The phrase in a clearly tired tone from the Mafia Assassin number one didn't do much to improve his confusion.

That anything in the world could tire the Ninth Vongola's most trusted man was a warning sign for anyone with common sense within the Mafia.

However, he wouldn't be the head of CEDEF if he couldn't recover quickly from absurd situations.

- That really surprised me. - He didn't bother to confess leaning on the banister and looking his son in the eye, not forgetting how his Cloud Guardian kept a certain distance from his Boss, like a predator waiting for the right moment to attack. - Brothers? Does this mean I have another child? - He joked, casting a side glance at Byakuran who just replied with his best sarcastic look. - Does that involve little Uni too? I wouldn't mind having such a lovely daughter.

His friendly tone didn't seem to do anything to calm the other Sky, quite the opposite, when his flame met that of the younger one, they were immediately repelled, as his eyes went from a bright orange, to a darker mingled tone of brown, as in a mixture of colors, but this new color stood out for being very different from his usual brown, and his expression became even more dangerous than that of a Hibari.

He couldn't help but notice how Gesso blinked in surprise at that, as if noticing something.

- I don't have the patience for your jokes, father. - He decreed in a sharp tone.

- There's no reason to fuss. - He said in his softest tone, understanding the message and gathering his flames. - Who knew that someone pacifist like you would be the territorial type, Fish Tuna. Although I don't think you have any problem living with Cavallone, Gesso or little Uni. You even managed to converse with Xanxus.

- I do not know what you're talking about.

- You are repelling his flames, Tsuna. - Reborn informed, also looking curiously into his student's eyes due to the albino's expression. Then he turned to Iemitsu. - Most of your child's attitudes towards his flames are instinctive and unconscious.

- This is dangerous! - He put worried. - It can make him an easy target, a beacon that alerts his position. Are you not guiding him on this?

- I am not a Sky to guide him specifically on how his flames work. Even though I already have a tutor designed for that.

- Can you two stop talking like I'm not here? - The younger one imposed with evident impatience.

Iemitsu laughed, scratching the back of his head.

- Sorry, sorry, your old dad is just worried about your safety, that's all! - He defended himself. - This is even one of the reasons why I returned to Japan, but we can talk about that in another moment. Now I just want to talk to Gesso for a moment. He came to me himself so that we could end this matter once and for all. Right? - He said turning to Albino.

However, before he could answer, Tsuna intervened.

- There is nothing more to be said than what Byakuran has already said to Coyote. - He decreed irreducible.

Iemitsu's eyes narrowed, turning back to the albino.

- Did you tell him about the interrogation?

- Just enough. - He shrugged his shoulders with his characteristic smile.

The CEDEF sighed, ruffling his hair from back to front. The situation had gotten more complicated.

- Take a good look at Tsuna. - He started seriously, adjusting his posture and crossing his arms. - Believe me when I say that I have nothing against your frie-Brother. - He corrected. - When, in the Representative Battle, I realized that your Hyper Intuition was not alarmed by his return* I knew that it would be okay to have him around, otherwise I would never have allowed him to get close to my lovely son and wife. I admit that Coyote may have been a little… - He hesitated. - Incisive, however, he not only evaded all questions, his men threatened Nono's safety and he even destroyed part of the Iron Fort in his escape. Do you understand that as an External Consultant I can't just pretend nothing has happened when he's under my roof and, worse, within reach of the future boss?

Tsuna opened his mouth to respond, but Reborn interceded in a low tone.

- Remember what my friend told you, don't let your pride blind you about Iemitsu. He is an experienced mafioso, and a great boss, and he is right in his words and requests. If you let your emotions take over, you won't get anything from someone experienced like him, whether your father or not.

- I know… - He replied reluctantly, yet he closed his eyes for a moment, as if pondering how to proceed. When he opened them again he looked much more centered than before.

The older Sky just smiled at the scene, it was impressive the rapport these two had. He was almost jealous.

- I can understand Nono's yearnings. However, I would trust Byakuran with my life, isn't that more than enough proof that he is trustworthy?

- That's a very strong statement. - Iemitsu considered without losing his smile from the corner of his eye, and Gesso's veiled surprise at those words.

- As you said, my Hyper Intuition, since we met again in that time, did not warn me about it. However, now that I think about it, she warned me about you and your betrayal.* - He said, frowning more slowly returning to his fierce posture from before, his calm quickly fading.

- Talking like that you hurt me. - He said changing his foot support, returning to his more relaxed tone. - That was a battle, and in a Mafia competition anything goes. Will you ever forgive your old man for that little punch?

- Little punch?! - He repeated, again losing his calm, his flame bristling again.

Before he could follow through, however, another voice joined the discussion.

- What you call "Little" destroyed an entire classroom, and part of the corridor of Namimori Chuugaku. - Hibari intervened, taking a step forward, slightly startling his pseudo-boss who had simply forgotten he was there. Although thanks to Hyper Mode the startle was much smoother than it would have been without it. - While the Marshmallow Maniac hasn't touched a hair on him since he got back. It's not hard to decide who to trust and who not.

Tsuna couldn't hide his surprise at being defended by the Cloud, which in turn continued to stare at the Sky-CEDEF as if it were about to attack him, most likely because it was a carnivore in their eyes.

Iemitsu was no less impressed by the aloof guardian's attitude, but he knew how to disguise it much better than his son.

However, the most surprising thing was undoubtedly the fact that, just as Reborn had done before, Hibari's support seemed to have been enough to calm the Teenage Sky.

Iemitsu smiled.

"He really made a great family." - He thought, without failing to cast a side glance at the Gesso, who was also watching his son with a smile a little different from his normal one.

- Very well, I understand, I'm at a disadvantage here. - He said, raising his hands in surrender. - But I'm not the enemy of this story. - And seeing that Tsuna was going to say something, he soon added. - I also know that Gesso isn't either. However, I still have orders from my Boss to carry out. So obviously we have an impasse here, even if I want to I can't just let this matter drop.

- What do you suggest? - Wanted to know Reborn.

The smile of the other Sky widened and Tsuna immediately felt a chill at that.

- It's almost Christmas, so as a proof of goodwill, I as Boss of CEDEF and therefore External Consultant of Vongola will give Neo Primo and future Vongola Boss a chance.

Tsuna was about to deny that he was a Boss, but this time a single look from Byakuran made him stop.

"Play together." - He could read his expression almost as if he could read his mind.

He wondered if this was how Reborn was supposed to read people's minds.

Seeing the tense atmosphere that had formed, Iemitsu soon followed in a more relaxed tone.

- No pressure! Think of this conversation as a familiar one between father and son.

- All right, I accept. - He said simply.

- I'm just going to be excluded from the conversation then? - The Gesso mocked with a hand on his waist. - Where are my rights as a big brother?

- Sorry Byakuran. - Tsuna said sincerely, already heading towards the stairs, but stopping when Reborn left his shoulder landing on the floor. He immediately turned to his tutor. - You do not come?

- Iemitsu said it's a family conversation between bosses, and father to son. - He put it simply. - There's no reason for your tutor to go along.

-...Ah... Yes, but I thought that... - But he didn't follow, although clearly disappointed. - It's all right.

So he just went up the stairs, when he passed by Byakuran he received a thumbs up to cheer him up, which didn't seem to help him feel much safer, but he still smiled gratefully.

When the two had disappeared down the second floor hallway, without giving anyone an explanation, Hibari just climbed the stairs and followed them.

Making Byakuran raise an eyebrow and Reborn just smile.

-.-.-

They went to the guest room where Bianchi used to sleep with the children. From which it was possible to hear the screams perfectly from the next room.

- They seem pretty animated. - Observed the eldest in a casual tone. - It's very nice to see the house so full of life, it was quite silent when it was just you, me and your mother.

- And do you remember that? - The brunette couldn't help but punctuate bitterly when entering the room.

As if to close the door, the eldest stopped staring at his son with a frown.

- Of course I remember, it was the happiest time of my life.

- Then why did you leave?! - The minor demanded to know, his Hyper Mode dying, showing his much more insecure and above all painful side. - What went through your mind when you told my mother to tell me that you "had become a star"?! I spent years thinking you were dead! Do you have any idea how… - He swallowed, looking away. -…How lonely was I?

- I thought it would be romantic. - He justified scratching the back of his head again, but before his son could aggressively counter he added. - Besides, after your fourth birthday, Xanxus became more and more of a headache and everything became very intense. Enemy families, anticipating that a succession was approaching, increasingly intensified the attacks on Vongola and I thought it would be safer for you and your mother if I walked away. At that time, you were not considered to be the successor.

The smaller one did not respond immediately, his face down, when he spoke again his voice was cold, the flame was no longer present on his forehead, but his eyes were back to glowing bright orange.

- The death of the other successors was one of the first things Reborn told me, but he never told me when they happened.

- Almost 4 years ago, Enrico was the first, his brothers followed him in the same year.

- So I was ten years old when I became the only successor.

- Yes, but it took two years for Nono to choose you as his successor and send Reborn.*

Only then did Tsuna raise his head, more than anger, sadness overflowing in his eyes.

- I can understand dad, from the little I know about the Mafia, your reasons for leaving to protect us, I almost did it with my friends. What I don't understand is: Why didn't you come back four years ago?! If you already knew there was no point in hiding the mafia from me anymore, why didn't you come and explain Vongola to me yourself, instead of leaving this job to someone your boss hired?!

- I already told my little Tuna. - He followed with a sigh. - The three successors lost their lives in a single year, even though I already suspected that you would be the successor there, even though Xanxus was out of the spotlight at the time, he was still the choice of most of the High Command of the Family.

- But Xanxus didn't have Vongola blood.

- Not everyone knew that, for most being a Sky was proof enough that he was the blood son of Nono. - He shook his head. - Anyway, in such a delicate moment I needed to stay by my boss's side.

- When I was ten years old, in Namimori's Shougaku, four older students surrounded me at the entrance of the school and beat me until I couldn't stand up. - The brunette explained in a monotonous tone, looking away from the closed window.

His father blinked, not expecting that sudden change of subject.

- The director of the school at that time saw us, but said that it was just "things of boys" and dismissed us all. As it was a "boy thing" I didn't tell my mother, I didn't want her to worry. - He paused for a second, as if to keep his voice from breaking. - It hurt much, much more than any of Reborn's training, because I was alone. - He closed his eyes, as if reliving those days. - I cried all night until I fell asleep wondering what you would say if you were there. "The father I remember, who played with me, who comforted me when I stumbled and cried, he wouldn't let that happen, would he?"

-...Tsuna...

- Do you remember when you sat with me in the garden and we saw stars together? - He questioned with sincerity, finally turning to the older one. - It was just before you left, you taught me to recognize the Summer Triangle.*

- Of course I remember. - He smiled slightly. - You waved to the moon to say goodbye to the little bunny there.* And you thought that any plane that passed was Altair and Vega.

- When my mother told me that you had become a star, I started to pray to them several times, from looking at the night sky so much I even memorized the position of some of them. Mainly Deneb, Altair and Vega, the summer stars that are brighter than the Sun. I always thought you had become Altair, while I was Deneb.*

- The Heavenly Shepherd of Flocks. - Recognized. - So your mother would be Orihime?* I think it suits us. Looks like you pulled our romanticism.

- Every Tanabata festival I tied the same wish to the trees. "May my father come home one day." It was just the last Tanabata before I turned ten that I gave up and resigned myself to you never coming back.

At that moment, the expression of sadness and regret left the younger man's face, slowly being replaced by a sour and full of frustration.

- So at my fourteen years old you just come back as if absolutely nothing had happened. You didn't even give me a single explanation, as our first meeting in years is with you drunk and half dressed asleep in the living room. And the first thing you tell me in years is if I want to fish on a day when I clearly had school!

- You have to understand that I was tired and wanted to appear normal for your mother. - He explained, scratching his beard slightly. - It was not at all easy, despite having CEDEF members spread across the world's airports, escaping Varia's radar. Besides, I wanted to have a healthy time with my little son.

- That's another point! When you came back, you brought Varia with you, which started all that Battle of the Rings madness! - He accused frowning. - And I only knew who you were, your position as leader of CEDEF, when Varia was about to kill my friends!

- Everything happened faster than I expected. The fake rings trick should have given us more time…

- In return you almost killed Basil!

- It was necessary and I trusted that my apprentice would make it, besides, you now, more than anyone, know how important these rings are. Even more than we thought it was. - He put it with great seriousness. - That's precisely why we need to understand not only how the Cervello managed to deceive Nono's guardians, but also Nono himself and his Hyper Intuition, thus managing besides to steal the rings but also to release Xanxus, on top of that helping him in another Coup d'etat. Do you understand how serious this is all? - He said starting to close the door, only to have his movement stopped by a foot that got in the way.

Without any delicacy Hibari Kyoya reopened the door, under the surprised and embarrassed look of Tsuna who wondered how much of what the president had listened.

"How long has he been there?!" - He exasperated internally. - "Damn, he must find me even more pathetic…"

- So you really did your entry act, you camouflage yourself very well for a Cloud, Hibari Kyoya. - Iemitsu said like it was nothing. - I've let you hear the conversation until now, but from now on I'd like you to leave, if you don't mind, it's a familiar matter.

"So he was really listening from the beginning!"

Ignoring his pseudo-boss's exasperated expression, Disciplinary Committee Leader approached Iemitsu so that only he could hear.

- I thought you gave me the Cloud Ring and put me in this Mafia zoo just to be from Little Animal's family. - That said, he simply passed in front of the older man walking to the window and leaning on his side where the screams of the garden party.

- And you chose just that moment to take my words seriously? - He said ruffling his hair with something of exasperation, seeing how his son looked uncomfortable with the addition, then added. - Tsuna, can you tell your guardian to leave?

As he imagined, the disconcerted expression soon changed to one of disgust.

- I'm not his boss, and even if I were, I would never force him to do something he doesn't want to do. - He said decided. - Hibari is free to do whatever he wants.

The Cloud's smug smile at those words as he stared at Sky-CEDEF was like that of a cat that ate a canary, ironic as it was.

- Okay then. - He shrugged his shoulders, realizing he wouldn't win this one.

And then finally close the door.

-.-.-.-

- And thanks to that damn reinforced door, now we won't hear anything else. - Byakuran grumbled laying down on the stairs that he was sitting next to Reborn, listening to the conversation the best they could despite the screams of the children in Tsuna's room whose door was ajar. - I don't know about you, but I definitely don't like him. Are you going to tell me you didn't feel like shooting him? Was I even expecting a punch, maybe a Mini X-Burner?

Reborn for his part didn't answer, hiding his expression under the brim of his fedora.

- I think now we understand a little better why Tsuna entered a spiral of worries more about others than about himself. - He continued staring at the roof of that house. - Our little bright and lonely star.

- Natsu.

The albino blinked back to the Hitman who had suddenly spoken again, his eyes still hidden.

- What's wrong with the little lion? - He questioned, and then understand what the assassin meant, he widened his eyes. - Ah, Summer, like the Summer Triangle. It seems our little one is really a romantic. And I thought it was just his inverted name.

- Natsu expresses what's inside Tsuna's heart after all. - The Ex-Arcobaleno said, raising his head and also staring at the ceiling without really seeing him. - Tsuna is really a sentimental idiot.

- Don't be so tough. - Byakuran recriminated, getting up. - What do you expect from a civil kid besides wanting paternal love? If I were you, I would simply take advantage of the vacancy. I wouldn't mind and I'm sure Uni would be delighted. I don't even need to mention Bronco Dino, do I? Just think about it. A beautiful son, two adorable ones and Dino. I only see advantages.

Before leaving, he put a hand in the pocket of his jeans and from there took his cell phone, tossing it carelessly into the hands of the Hitman who took it without batting an eye.

- You return it to me after passing the photo to you. Maybe it will help you decide.

And without further ado he went down the stairs humming as if he wasn't the reason for all the fuss.

- Never would I have a son as brazen as you, idiot. - He said for nothing, to then look the phone screen.

It was a picture of Useless-Tsuna wiping Uni's chocolate-smeared face.

"They are all idiots." - He thought, unable to help but smile a little.

He didn't get up, standing still in his place waiting for the conversation to end with his cell phone still in his hand, noticing that all the information on it had been erased except for that photo.

Not for less, it didn't take long to spot a Vongola invader application in it.

"How willing are you really to let Byakuran go, Iemitsu?" - He considered, turning off the device and getting lost in his own thoughts.

Until someone else chose to join in his waiting.

-.-.-.-

Although her hardworking husband continued to work over Christmas, Nana was still happy and proud to see all of her son's friends enjoying all the dishes she had made while chatting with each other.

Yamamoto was tasting a piece of roasted sea bass with vegetables, although the sportsman seemed to have some difficulty eating it, perhaps due to the bandage on his chin, he was sitting on the left side of the center side of the table, next to an empty place, being the Gokudera's right.

This one even though he had some scallops au gratin in front of him wouldn't eat anything, as if he was nervous for some reason, maybe he needed to use the bathroom? While he seemed to ignore what his friend was talking to him about.

Young Sasagawa, to the left of the baseball player, was happily eating several focaccias while talking open-mouthed to his sister sitting in front of the empty seat, who didn't really seem to mind her brother's lack of manners, she was calmly eating some fried codfish while answering one or another comment from the older one, she seemed to be happy as usual, but not as excited as Haru, accommodated in front of Yamamoto and Ryohei for the space she occupied at the table, she simply stood out with her tree costume of Christmas, with lights and a star on top.

The costumed girl seemed to have trouble reaching for anything with those clothes, but Kyoko, sitting on her right, offered her a plate of salmon crepe, after the young girl dropped Gokudera's glass trying to reach something, causing both of them to start arguing with each other.

Chrome, on Kyoko's left side, was eating a farfalle with tomato cream, despite being so shy, she seemed to be coping well with having so many people around her, starting to talk to her friend Sasagawa once Haru started yelling at Gokudera, while Yamamoto tried to calm them down.

Bianchi, almost at the end of the table opposite the girls, was slowly and silently eating her plate of spaghetti with clams, seemed to have a dreamy expression on her face despite the fact that, for some reason, she was wearing swimming goggles.

Yamamoto's Father, sitting in front of her, however, looked quite apprehensive for some reason, he looked from the young woman to the food. He didn't look hungry as he didn't eat anything.

On the other hand, little Skull didn't look as happy as the others, sitting at the opposite end of the table on the same side as Bianchi and the boys, next to the main tree in the garden. Reborn and Colonnello had explained to him that he needed to be strapped to a baby seat so he wouldn't fall, although it made him very unhappy.

Every now and then he would mumble something that sounded a lot like "Shimon", not even able to reach his tuna spaghetti.

Colonnello, sitting on Bianchi's left side, laughed at Cloud's situation while purposefully eating a plate of octopus and tomato, which for some reason seemed to make Skull lose his appetite even more, on the other hand Lal Mirch, following on the left side, ate some potato and cheese croquettes, completely indifferent, although she cast annoyed glances at the screaming Gokudera sitting next to her from time to time.

Fon, in front of the instructor, responded from time to time to some comment by Colonnello, his attention, as well as Gokudera's, focused on the door of the room that led to the garden while he ate salmon rolls.

That all these people were gathered there by her dear son made her chest feel warm.

"He is becoming a great man like his father." - She thought, sitting in front of the little Skull, next to the tree, having an empty spot on her right destined for her dear husband.

Seeing each and every one of those gathered at that table, thinking how cute it is the babies putting books on their chairs so they could eat with the others, it finally felt as if their mission was complete, eating their own farfalles with salmon cream.

- That's enough, I'll see how the Tenth is. - Said abruptly Gokudera tired of arguing with Haru, getting up from his chair, however, Lal Mirch, precisely because she was sitting next to him and having lost her patience, grabbed him by the collar of his clothes and violently made him sit down again, nearly causing him to fall in the process.

- You're not going anywhere. - The CEDEF member said it in a warning tone, making Storm's brow furrow.

- What do you mean?! Byakuran entered the house with the Tenth's Father, who is your boss, how can you be so cal- However, he could not continue, as Lal had stuck a scallop au gratin down his throat, causing him to choke.

- Well, I also didn't like that they are discussing work in the middle of the party, but business is business, Gokudera. - Said Nana wisely, while the Storm was desperately looking for something to drink, Chrome in front of him taking pity, offered him her own juice. - But I admit it was a surprise to know that sweet Byakuran and my darling are co-workers.

- Yeah. - The answer came from Colonnello. - He's new to the company, but apparently he's been doing some bullshit, so it's good that both of them can talk. - He lied half blatantly, making the Bomberman, even if dying, stare at him in disbelief, while Nana smiled in response, hummingly picking up another farfalle.

- Arrrg! - Exclaimed the Vongola Storm at last, after a long sip of juice. - You almost killed me, Miss Lal Mirch!

- I'd be doing your boss a favor. - Practically growled the soldier in a low tone. - You, as his supposed right-hand man, more than anyone else should keep the posture. Take Kikyo for example, did he happen to create any fuss when his boss voluntarily went to Iemitsu? - The youngest had no response to that, although he cast an angry look at Cloud who continued to drink, ignoring the attention. - I, more than anyone here, have reason to put a bullet in the forehead of that megalomaniac Marshmallow, but you don't see me doing that either?!

This made the Storm gulp, finally keeping silent, though still glaring at the door.

- Calm down, Gokudera, and try to enjoy the food. - Advised Yamamoto, who was putting his hand to his chin with a slight expression of pain. - Although I don't like Tsuna's father very much... - Said the last part leaning in a whisper -... Tsuna is in there too, so everything will be fine.

- Yamamoto is right Octopus Head, my little brother will solve everything with an EXTREME right hook! - The Sun finished clenching his left fist with determination.

More than one stared at the boxer in disbelief at those words.

- My big brother is right, Tsuna will soon solve everything in the best way possible and come back to celebrate with us. - Followed Kyoko with simplicity.

- But of course it will, Tsuna always manages everything. - It made Haru excited like she used to be before the whole training story started. - And so, later, Haru and Kyoko will give him the answer about who will be our new tutor!

This comment caught the attention of Gokudera and Yamamoto, who frowned with concern, while Ryohei, even being one of the candidates, ignored the new discussion to go back to devouring his food.

- How wonderful! So you will also have a tutor? What will you two learn? - Asked Nana interested.

- Ah… - The two looked from one to the other, and although Haru seemed a little unsure about lying, both nodded and said together: - Sumo!

More than one spit out their drink at this sudden realization. Yamamoto even had to help Ryohei who had choked.

- But aren't you too skinny to practice sumo? - Asked the matriarch sincerely.

- And that's why we need to train! - Kyoko replied, with a mischievous smile. - And for that we need the best tutor in the world!

"I hope she's not thinking about Reborn." - Thought Lal and Colonnello with slight concern for the safety of the pair.

- They're trying hard. - Punctuated Chrome with an encouraging smile.

- It's good that they are, Martial Arts need discipline and a lot of training. - Tsuyoshi agreed, nodding with his arms crossed. - I hope you are valuing the sacred space of my family!

- Don't worry dad, they train well. - Reinforced Yamamoto also smiling at both, although still afraid of the decision they will make and how it would influence their Boss.

- Remember, something done with passion will always exceed expectations. - Bianchi joined, finishing her spaghetti, although she kept another just like it by her side.

- In that case, good luck to you, my dears! - Sawada decreed smiling at both, who smiled back, despite Haru feeling a little guilty for deceiving the matriarch like that. - I hope the tutor is for you as good as Reborn is for Tsuna.

The conversation, however, was interrupted when the Gesso opened the sliding doors from the living room to the garden, alone.

- Byakuran! - Gokudera exclaimed, this time without getting up due to Lal's watchful gaze. - What happened there? Where's the Tenth?! What did you do with him?

- I ate him with Marshmallows. It was delicious.

- WHAT?!

- Just kidding~! So let's say your boss wants to have a word with the head of CEDEF. - He stared at Lal, who only frowned in response. - You know, catching up on father and son, that family stuff.

And not bothering to explain further, he made his way to his own table where Uni watched him expectantly.

- I apologize to everyone, I will withdraw for a moment. - Fon said finally, bowing slightly and jumping from the table, walking in the direction that the Gesso had just left.

- Why can he enter and I can't?! - Wanted to know the extremely angry Bomberman, sounding like a spoiled child.

- On the day you are the strongest Storm in the Mafia and have a modicum of self-control, no one will stop you, which honestly with your shitty attitude will hardly happen. - Finished Lal Mirch smiling sideways, completely ignoring the curses of the supposed right arm.

-.-.-.-

- Very good. - Followed Iemitsu now that they were alone, an absolute silence in those walls, broken only by the screams in the garden that were loud enough to pass through the double glass of the window. - Give me a good reason so I can convince my Boss not to seek answers from the man who destroyed the Iron Fort and deliberately damaged the image of our family. Unfortunately your Hyper Intuition argument is not valid, as Nono's warns us that he cannot be trusted.

Tsuna couldn't help but think that this made sense, considering their conversation that same day about going bankrupt Vongola.

- And your intuition, father? - He dared to ask. He had never heard the eldest mention her once.

The aforementioned shrugged.

- That even if the Gesso isn't dangerous for you, he definitely knows more than he says he does.

Tsuna didn't respond immediately, casting a sideways glance at the Cloud who just returned the look without saying anything.

However, as if that was enough, the brunette turned to his father with a stronger expression.

- Xanxus also harmed Nono, he probably also attacked the Iron Fort to kidnap him and I don't think he was hunted like you and Vongola are doing with Byakuran. - He countered still sharply, but more controlled. - He also didn't seem to have any problem approaching me again. Belphegor even kidnapped me and threw me in front of him!

- Xanxus' punishment for the Battle of the Rings is still in the process of being decided, these things are bureaucratic and take time, even more given his position as son of the Boss and Boss of Varia. - Iemitsu explained simply. - Honestly Nono feels guilty for how it all happened, and attaches the blame more to Cervello than to his son, which also weighs in Xanxus' favor in the trial. Besides, he's already been through interrogation and told everything he knows.

- Even though he was Nono's son, he still had to face an interrogation?!

- A coup d'état is a coup d'etat. To delay his punishment is the greatest stewardship he can enjoy for the moment. - And when he saw how his son's expression was painted with concern, he immediately added jocular. - What? Are you going to tell me that Xanxus is also your brother and that you're worried about him?

- B-but of course not! But… - He hesitated, feeling guilty for having mentioned the other Sky in the first place. - What kind of punishment…? I mean, in the end it all worked out, and he helped us in the Representative Battle!

Iemitsu shook his head gracefully, disbelieving his son's good heart.

- How about you limit yourself to Byakuran's defense? - He suggested.

- But…

- Little Animal. - Hibari put in a warning tone, and when casting a new look at Cloud, Tsuna sighed.

- All right…

Iemitsu looked from one to the other interestedly, wondering if both were already so close to the point of understanding each other without words, or all Tsuna needed was a reminder not to lose focus or courage, even if that reminder is a threat.

- I have a suggestion on how we can resolve this impasse. - The brunette followed seriously, appearing to be older than he really was, his eyes glowing bright orange again.

- And what would it be? - Asked his father with real interest, crossing his arms again.

- First about Byakuran's concern as an enemy. Tell Nono he's my responsibility, I already beat him once, I can do it again if he gets out of line.

Iemitsu needed all the training he possessed to remain serious even in the face of all the posture of his Tuna Fish who was still dressed as a reindeer.

- What about the information he knows? - He continued with integrity on the outside despite all his affectionate pride inside.

- The Byakuran who knew this information was from the future, and it's very unfair that the Byakuran of this time is charged for something he never did.

The CEDEF blinked.

- Tsuna, you know that he, like many of us, received his memories of the future, it's clear from the way he acted with everyone. Not to mention his power was to share his mind with all his selves from other dimensions.

- Exactly.

- I don't think I understand the point… - He put it with sincerity, frowning.

- In the future that we were, the Byakuran of that time worked with the Cervello within the Millefiore structure, but the one of our time is only the Boss of Gesso, which is a much smaller family and does not have their advice. Honestly it seems they only work with big and important families.

- How can you be so sure that they are no longer in contact?

- Cervello just disappeared after the Battle of the Rings, didn't it? If Byakuran had that ability now, he wouldn't have run off with Uni in the precarious way he did.

- Even if this is true, and Byakuran from this time has no contact with the Cervello, he still has the information and memories of his other versions. - Followed Iemitsu starting to feel a headache with all this temporal matter.

- There it is! - Pointed Tsuna who suddenly seemed excited. - This means that you are relying on the information of a parallel future that will never be repeated, in that future a lot was different. What guarantees that the Cervello are the same organization in this dimension? And more. Byakuran had information from thousands of other dimensions where there were small and big changes that created different ramifications. - He started to explain while pointing his hand in different directions. - Irie himself told us that a single change resulted in a big snowball. This means that it has millions of information from universes that are not the same, and that can be contradictory to each other, or even useless or impossible to happen in our time...

-...Eeh… - Iemitsu continued without knowing if he was following the reasoning.

- Imagine you trying to remember millions of versions of the same thing, but in one it was blue, the other yellow, and the third orange. Would you remember each of these colors, or would you remember mixing them all…?

Even Hibari had an eyebrow raised at all that temporal madness coming out of the younger's mouth.

- In other words, every time Byakuran respawned, he was facing a map that was generated in a different and random way, so it's no use marking the path you did, because it will always be different.

-...Wait, map? Respawn? What are you talking about Tuna Fish?

- A-ah. - He put it awkwardly seeing how his father looked at him as if he had grown a second head, even Hibari watched him intrigued. - What I mean is that we have no way of being sure that what is valid for one dimension is valid for all, not to mention that his powers have been sealed, which can further mess up the information he has or remembers, and since in this dimension their meeting did not take place, there is no solid basis for comparison.

-…Where did you learn all this?

-...Aaaah… - If he said Video Game, his defense would lose all validity, but he definitely wouldn't be able to lie to his father. - I read it in a book once. - Technically it was a magazine that explained the plot of Chrono Trigger, but that was irrelevant.

- I'm impressed, Tuna Fish! - His father put it with sincerity. -...Besides being very confused… - He said, scratching the back of his head. - But I think I understand your point. That we have no way of specifying that Byakuran's information is valid at this time…?

- I can explain again if you want…

- N-no, no, it's okay! - Denied the eldest, waving his arms vehemently. - You won, I'll talk to Nono about it, until then Byakuran will be free. I just can't say no to my Little Reindeer Tuna Fish~~ You look just adorable in that outfit!

Tsuna frowned, but didn't look away when his father ran and finally wrapped him in a tight, shameful hug.

At least there was only one person in the audience this time.

- Don't worry, as a Christmas present for my beautiful reindeer fish, I'll personally talk to Nono to let your little brother go free!

-...Eeeh... Thank you… - He said, trying to free himself, meeting Hibari's disgusted expression with all that herbivorous act. He was about to send him a wordless cry for help, even at the cost of being bitten to death, when to his intense relief his father released him. And only then did he realize. -...Wait, my Christmas present? Does that mean you intended to let Byakuran go from the start?!

- As I said, it's not just up to me, but as I knew he was your friend, my coming here was to make sure his intentions hadn't changed and gather more arguments to talk to Nono about it. And of course, whether the new Boss was capable of defending an ally even under the worst accusations. Congratulations Tsuna, you passed! - He continued to be truly stunning without noticing how his son's face began to darken quickly. - Nono will be so delighted that it will surely be easier to convince him to let Byakuran go. Who knows, we might even be able to advance your succession? "He's my responsibility." You talked like a Big Boss~ Don't know how much-

And it all happened very fast.

Iemitsu, alerted by his own senses, backed away in time to avoid a punch from his son with his flaming hand, the most surprising thing being that he wasn't wearing gloves.

The flames grew in his hands in an uncontrolled and angry way, while his adorable son's expression was truly angry.

What stopped him from attacking, however, against all odds, was Hibari Kyoya's firm arms against his shoulder keeping him in place.

But that didn't stop him from talking.

- You manipulated me to do this! I was honest with you, I told you how I felt! But all you can think about is Vongola and how I'm going to be a great boss one day! ADVANCE MY SUCCESSION?! UNTIL TODAY I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THEY HAD SET A DATE! DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND THAT IT DOESN'T MAKE ME HAPPY?!

- B-but Tuna Fish... - He said truly in shock, never having seen his son like this, his Hyper Mode exploding in his forehead, flames in his hands and a murderous intent that started to leak from him in harmful waves while his stronger Guardian showed real difficulty in holding him. - I heard what you said, really, and I'm willing to fix our relationship! Now we will have time to make up for lost moments, but first, as an External Consultant of Vongola-

Fed up with all this, Hibari brusquely let go of the Sky, but before he could do anything, he quickly drew his tonfa and attacked Iemitsu's face who didn't react, allowing himself to hit.

As blood began to trickle from his father's mouth, Tsuna gasped, his Hyper Mode faltering, and a contradictory mix of anger and concern painting his face.

- Did you see?! - Tsuna's gaze turned to his guardian. - Are you willing to pay the price of this hunt, Wild Animal?!

Those words finally seemed to hit him, causing him to fall back against the bed with a guilty expression.

- No. - He said firmly, running his hand, now without flames, through his hair in an exasperated way. - Sorry dad I… - He hesitated. - I shouldn't have reacted like that, my mood is very… Volatile lately. I'm sorry.

Iemitsu sighed clearly in relief, mindlessly wiping the blood from his mouth.

- It's alright Tsuna, it was my fault, it seems I didn't take your feelings into consideration, again ...- He said rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly and when he noticed the death gaze of his son's guardian he added. - Just be patient with your father, okay? And remember that even though I get messed up sometimes, I love you and I only want the best for my Little Fish. - He sighed seeing how his son looked away annoyed. - I'll leave you alone, don't take too long to come down, alright? Otherwise everyone will be very worried.

And casting one last look of regret at the two, he left the room.

The door had barely closed, and Tsuna slapped both hands against his face, huffing in frustration, he stayed like that for a few seconds until something cold hit his forehead.

When he lifted his head he found Hibari staring at him from above, holding a can of tea.

- Drink, you need it more than I do. - Said simply.

Without question, the Sky just took the can and opened it, while Cloud sat on the other end of the bed.

After a long drink, feeling the bitterness coursing through his throat, he turned to the older one.

- Thank you for stopping me, I… For a moment I really lost my mind. I don't know, for a moment I thought that we would finally understand each other, that I could have my father back, but it seems like he will always think of Vongola first, it really freaks me out! - Then he stopped, noticing a strange white vapor coming out of his mouth. -...I just evaporated the tea I drank...?

- Yes.

-...Could I be any weirder?! - He put it in frustration.

- Just try to calm down, if I stopped you it's because I know you would regret it if you did what you wanted today, under these conditions. - The Cloud considered, seeing the smaller one taking a new sip very slowly as if that would prevent it from evaporating again. - Not to mention it would alert all the herbivores and omnivores down there, causing a crowd I couldn't stand. As well as ruining your mother's party.

- Yes, you are right. - He took a deep breath. - Although… - He started casting a curious look at the older one. - I never imagined that one day you would try to calm me down.

- And I never imagined that one day I would stop you from biting someone. - He replied with a half smile.

- But he deserved at least a bite.

Hibari huffed, or so he thought until he realized it was actually a muffled laugh. Helplessly, for all the absurdity of the situation, he found himself laughing along, and when it was over he felt decidedly calmer, if not completely.

- I think I already know the answer, but what do you do to vent your anger? - The brunette wanted to know with sincerity. - Preferably not to destroy the house.

- I bite someone.

-...I knew it...

Then he got to his feet, with his tonfas in hand, and when the younger one was about to say that it was neither the time nor the place for this, the older one followed:

- Sometimes a single attack is enough. Come, hit me with all your might.

-.-.-.-

When Iemitsu left, he had a frown on his face and a slight redness and swelling on his left lip.

He was not in the least surprised that he found Reborn waiting on the stairs, but that Kaze Fon accompanied him was somewhat peculiar, but he soon dismissed the thought as he recalled his kinship with the Cloud.

- Looks like things have gotten a little violent. - Fon commented with a look of guilt. - Sometimes Kyoya loses his mind...

Iemitsu didn't know how to explain that this wasn't exactly the case this time, but he chose to ask.

- How do you know he hit me?

However, the answer came from Reborn.

- If it was Tsuna the damage would be bigger. - The Sun said simply, he was standing and seemed slightly impatient, although only very trained eyes could notice it.

CEDEF almost laughed at the irony of it, seeing both of them, it was impossible to say something like that of Sky and Cloud, even though he knew the tutor was right.

- Hmm, Fon, can you give us a second?

- Sure, I'll get something to drink. - And without saying anything else, the Ex-Arcobaleno jumped over the banister and walked calmly to the kitchen.

- It would be so much easier if everyone was understanding like that. - He put between tired and exasperated sitting on the stairs too after the long drive and all the emotions the night was offering.

- Things got intense, I imagine.

- Don't talk like you didn't bug the room. - Replied the blond.

- I haven't heard anything since you closed the door, if that's what you're thinking. At least not yet. But it's easy to see from your face that things didn't go so well.

The taller one didn't say anything at first, then sighed, again ruffling his hair.

- I don't know my own son anymore, my old friend.

- That's evident.

- I had no idea that I had hurt him so much. Of course, I realized how much he avoided me when I first came home, how afraid he was to approach or talk to me, as if I were a stranger.

- You have become a stranger to him, Iemitsu.

- How can he forgive even Byakuran who killed him several times in other dimensions? He even destroyed the world! And he looks so angry with me, as if he is unable to forgive the day I left!

- This I don't know. - Such a comment made the tallest one stare at him with raised eyebrows. - Not even I understand well how Tsuna's forgiveness works. If it's just his personality, if Hyper Intuition has anything to do with it. However, you must be a special case because you hurt him longer, more deeply. His abandonment has shaped a lot of his personality, whether for good or ill.

- Looks like it's something I'll have to learn to deal with. Honestly, I never thought that of all the mafiosos I faced, my son would be the most troublesome. You had to see, for a moment it was like I saw Xanxus in front of me and not my little Tuna. - He took a long breath and it was his turn to stare at the ceiling. - That's why I need your help.

Reborn frowned slightly.

- Don't get me wrong, Iemitsu, your relationship with your son is not my problem, I've strayed too far from my original contract to accept this one anymore.

- It's not something that escapes your contract. - Then his face became serious. - It was like I said before, even though I'm willing to believe in Byakuran's innocence, Tsuna really tried hard to defend him. Nono doesn't trust in Gesso and thinks he's harmful to Tsuna, you know how he is when a family risk is involved. I know that with the right evidence, I can guarantee his freedom and the persecution is over, and we can forget this ever happened.

- With the right evidence you mean the information he has. - Punctuated the Hitman frowning. - Aren't you going to give it up?

- Tsuna can be sure that the information may be inaccurate and mismatched, but they are the only ones we have. And you know as well as I do that information is everything in the Mafia. - Then his countenance became grave. - I know it's a matter of time before Gesso confesses what he knows to my son, especially if his feelings are sincere. And I believe that Tsuna tells you everything, right?

- In other words... - The Ex-Arcobaleno followed, lowering his fedora. - When he tells me, you want me to betray my student's trust and tell to Nono everything.

- Don't put it that way, my friend. - He continued frowning. - You'll just do what you've always done, report everything that happens to Nono. It is within your employment contract, after all, you are his most trusted man.

Reborn didn't respond, even though he lightly pressed his right hand against the floor of the steps.

- Believe me, this is of the most vital importance, and it's the best for everyone, even more with what's to come, Vongola needs all the information it can gather.

- And what's to come, Iemitsu? - He said equally serious looking at the taller one.

- We finally found out, thanks to Doctor Shamal's mission in the United States, what killed Federico, and I can tell you that it wasn't pretty. - He said with a serious face.

- And you think the Cervello has something to do with it?

- Not only in the death of Federico but also of the other two successors. - That made Reborn frown even more. - Do you understand how serious this is and why Nono is irreducible about this information? They were his sons Reborn, killed one by one like dogs. And what's worse, within the family there are those who begin to suspect that Tsuna has something to do with the murders.

- This is absurd, he was a civilian until I arrived. Thanks to you he didn't even know Vongola existed. - He imposed it firmly. - What do they claim?

- That even it took you almost ten years to turn Dino into what he is today, and that you turned a civilian into a monster whose rumors terrorize Mafia families in less than two years is absurd. The fact that Tsuna collects by his side old enemies of the Vongola doesn't help. The Giegue Famiglia still asks us about letting the Shimon go free, and now Neo Primo puts possibly the only person who has information about the murder of the other three successors under his protection. It doesn't take much for people to start thinking about a big conspiracy.

- And what do you, as head of the intelligence sector, think about it? - He questioned staring the Sky straight in his eyes.

- Everything indicates that the Cervello planned that Tsuna was the only viable candidate, and Xanxus was only used to give him the right boost. - He replied without looking away. - We've noticed strange movements at airports lately, especially in Japan. Something big is coming, and our Tsuna will soon be at the center of the hurricane.

Reborn said nothing, putting his fedora down again.

- Varia should have come with me, with what killed Federico out there, Neo Primo's safety is our priority, but as you can imagine, Squalo just hung up on my face. - He snorted, shaking his head. - However, I learned that the Varia would be reunited with Dino soon afterwards.

- Don't worry. - Then a smile opened in the face of the older one, his smile that promised chaos. - Dino will convince Varia to come to Japan soon, after all, Tsuna needs his flame tutor.

Iemitsu blinked for a moment, and then his face color began to fade quickly.

- Wait! You can't be implying that… - But he didn't finish the sentence when his wife found him on the stairs, adorably puffing her cheeks at him.

- It's not fair dear, I know you miss the children, but you have to share your time with everyone! If not, I'll make a schedule for you like Tsuna's friends are doing. By the way, can you help me with the desserts?

- Oh yes, I'm sorry Nana! - And then he gave the Hitman one last serious look, adding in a low tone. - Think about what I said, we are mainly concerned for Tsuna's safety.

And without further ado, he descended the stairs, falling in love with his wife on the way, while Fon went back upstairs with a can of tea in hand.

- Reborn? - He called in a worried tone. - Did something happen?

- Looks like the time of peace is over. - He said directly, but it was enough for the Storm to tense up. - It's best to restart everyone's training as soon as the New Year passes.

Fon opened his mouth to argue, but that fell by the wayside as Tsuna and Hibari appeared in the hallway, the former looking worried about something.

-...Are you sure it doesn't hurt?

- Just dislocated my shoulder, Little Animal, I'll survive. - He said while spinning his right shoulder. - But was fun.

- Only you to find this kind of thing amusing. - The smaller one muttered, and despite everything, he was smiling slightly, seeing the Cloud even with a hint of gratitude.

Reborn sighed, and it didn't take Fon long to understand the reason.

- Yes, I also thought he would come out more tense. - He commented, equally relieved. - Glad we were wrong.

Seeing them, Tsuna smiled shyly.

-...My father...?

- He already went ahead, must be being an idiot in love with Mama somewhere.

It was Tsuna's turn to sigh in relief.

- Right.

With that, Reborn jumped onto his shoulder, while Fon did the same to Hibari's left, losing his tea to the younger one in compensation.

- Now let's go Tsuna, it's Christmas and all your friends are waiting for you.

Having a warm smile on his face, the brunette nodded and so they walked to the garden full of screams.

-.-.-.-

Although their boss ran towards his son, the CEDEF members remained in their place debating whether to accompany him, or to settle down at one of the tables.

Basil looked hopefully at the main table where the other guardians were, but remained faithful to his companions, waiting for what they would decide.

But watching how Byakuran himself went to Iemitsu to talk, they decided to let their boss take care of the matter, so they opted for the second option.

- There are seats available where Professor Verde and Doctor Shamal are, even though it appears to be small… Very small table… - Started Oregano, adjusting her glasses, slightly confused.

- I'm interested in the story of that table with only one chair and a man passed out beside it. - Considered Turmeric frowning at the unconscious figure of Kusakabe. - The Boss' Family reminds me of Varia sometimes.

- Wait, isn't that Mr. Kusakabe?! - Asked Basil worriedly. - When I went to the future he helped us a lot, shouldn't we help him?

- It doesn't seem like anyone here is worried about his situation. - Argued the one with glasses analytically. - I assume it's a common occurrence. You said his name is Kusakabe, according to our records he's the Cloud Guardian's servant?

- If he serves a Cloud, I think it justifies his current state. - Ended the tallest losing interest, turning his sight to another group. - The Cavallone Family's table seems to be quite busy, and there are some chairs left.

- We already have a good relationship with Cavallone, we should take this opportunity to expand Vongola's horizons with other families. - Followed Oregano, looking with interest at the Shimon's table.

Basil on the other hand, a bit embarrassed by the always methodical and analytical way that his companions saw everything, perhaps to compensate for his master's irreverent way, couldn't help but noticing that Kozato Enma suddenly seemed very tense, while Suzuki Adelheid offered him a drink.

However, suddenly the family's image began to flicker, like the horizon on a hot day, making the ash-blond rubbing his eyes to make sure he wasn't seeing things, when he looked back at them, everyone seemed to be laughing and having a good time paradoxically at Enma's concern seconds before.

He was about to mention this to his companions, until he noticed that their attention seemed to be elsewhere.

- Why is the lady at that table waving at us? I don't remember her in any of the records. - Watched Oregano, returning the lady's friendly gesture with a fake smile and a wave. - Wait, I think I understand, the one next to her is Irie Shoichi. And from the resemblance this must be his family.

- He seems to be very nervous, you're probably right, and Spanner is with them too. - Contributed Basil watching how Shoichi tried to hide under his desk only to be lifted by Spanner.

- This is perfect, Irie Shoichi worked with Byakuran in the future, and according to the information we collected in the Representative Battle, they are friends at this time, there is a high probability that he knows the information that the Gesso hides. - Observed Turmeric smiling his fake smile at the family as well.

- Shouldn't we just leave it to the master? - Questioned the doubtful Rain. - He told us he would handle everything.

- Basil is right, see, Gesso is even talking to our boss right now. - She observed, casting a side glance at the entrance to the Sawada's living room, where the albino met with CEDEF of his own volition, and after an explanation to his wife, they both started walking into the house.

- With all due respect to our Boss, you know he can be very affable, even more so when it comes to his son. Nono demanded answers as soon as possible, so we'd better act too. I believe the disguise of civilian code 04.09.22 should work.

And without further ado, they began to walk towards the table that called to them.

Oregano couldn't help but sigh as Basil looked at her with regret.

- Do we really have to do this? I don't want to lie like that to the Honorable Sawada's family members.

- You know Basil, the mission always comes first. - She said with a sincere apologetic smile, while putting the boy's disheveled hair behind his ear. - Remember to smile, okay? Civilians love people who smile.

With a wretched sigh, the smaller one agreed, and so they followed the taller one to the table.

- Oh my, they're really coming! - Tomoko said excited.

- Why are you calling them in the first place? - Asked Irie, dying of shame.

- Shoichi is right dear, they seem to be security guards or something, distracting them will interfere with their work. - Her husband, Masatsugu scolded a little annoyed.

- And who better to tell us about celebrities than those who work directly with them? - The mother insisted, giving her husband a light elbow. - Behave yourself, come on, and smile! Foreigners love smiles.

- This will be interesting. - Put Akiko with a mischievous smile.

In turn, Shoichi again tried to flee, but again Spanner brought him to the surface ignoring the betrayed look he received in return.

This was his first diversion of the night, he wouldn't let his friend throw him into boredom again. So he opened a new lollipop and got ready to watch.

- Good night, everyone. - Turmeric politely greeted them with a gentle smile. - My name is Haldi Spezia, this is my wife Rigani and our son Tulsi. It is a great pleasure to meet you.

- Nice to meet you all. - Oregano followed with a sweet smile making an oriental bow.

- Hello. - Basil said timidly, even more under the strange looks of shoichi and Spanner for the choice of names. - It is an unspeakable pleasure to be in front of ye on this singular night.

- Oh my, what a graceful way to talking. - Commented Tomoko, taking a hand to her cheek. - It's a great pleasure. - She said getting up just like her husband and daughter, while her son remained well seated. - My name is Irie Tomoko, my husband Irie Masatsugu, my eldest daughter Irie Akiko, and finally my adorable little Shoichi and his friend Spanner.

- We already know each other, mother. - Said the younger one forcing himself to get up under Tomoko's stern gaze.

- As you said before, they are the security guards of that man who just arrived, who is the father of Sawada Tsunayoshi. - The mechanic explained simply. - Hello Basil, and Merry Christmas.

In the face of this, the ash-blond smiled more sincerely.

- Good night, I hope all of you are having a Merry Christmas.

- G-good night Ba- ahem, Tulsi, M-Merry Christmas to you too. - Greeted the redhead.

Spanner in turn shrugged.

- A little bland and no explosions, but that will change when the Vongola arrives.

- Explosions? - Wanted to know the curious mother.

- F-fireworks! - The scientist explained nervously. - H-he meant fireworks!

- I didn't know there were fireworks on Christmas. - The father considered with curiosity, offering a seat to the other "family" who with a grateful smile sat down, only then did the Irie Family settle down too. - Without a doubt, Christmas in the West is very different.

- So the Sawada really have security?! - Followed the mother excitedly, drinking a cup of Amazake. - Makes sense, I've heard that celebrities are always in danger.

- Celebrity? - Turmeric wanted to know with curiosity. - Oh no Mrs. Irie, Sawada Iemitsu works in an oil company in Italy, and we help him.

- Petroleum? - She repeated, clearly disappointed.

- Petroleum?! - Exclaimed her husband, truly impressed, then turn in disbelief to his son. - By any chance are you talking about the Italian company Vongola? One of the Seven Sisters in the oil business?!

- Ah, so that's Vongola, which Spanner talks about so much, means. - Akiko considered, putting her face in her hand. - Is it a family oil company and the Sawada's son is the heir?

- Precisely. - Said Oregano adjusting her glasses. - Young Sawada has even been educated to work in the company of his family in the near future. - She explained without failing to smile, while Irie's father began to hyperventilate.

- Is this Vongola that important? - Followed Tomoko, still disappointed.

- You're kidding? The Seven Sisters is simply the nickname given to the seven largest oil companies in the world, they have simply dominated the market since the 60's! But I never heard it was a family business, I thought it was a British company.

- Our financial headquarters are in London, but the company's headquarters are located in The Hague, Netherlands, although the main points of extraction are in Alberta, Canada and Neuquén Basin, Argentina. In fact, our founder Vongola Giotto comes from a long Italian lineage, our seventh boss, responsible for starting the first oil transport network in the world, married a British woman, the beloved Mrs. Marcia Samuelle, hence the peculiar nationality of our company. - Turmeric explained calmly, while Masatsugu awkwardly took a pen from his pocket and started to take notes of what he said.

- That's… Impressive. - Said Shoichi's father, swallowing hard. - It's as if they are celebrities, I, who only work in as a manager of a small company, never thought I would meet someone from the richest multinational in the world.

- So they're really famous? - Followed Tomoko, getting excited again.

- The Vongola shell symbol is one of the most recognizable emblems in the world, after all. - Joined Oregano. - Even more than your name in many ways.

- That is until society realizes that fossil fuels run out, and that they only harm the environment and the Earth, which by the way is the only one we have. - All eyes turned to Akiko, who commented with indifference face while she drank her soda and ate some salmon rolls. - All those with common sense knows that sustainable energy is the only viable future.

Taking advantage of his father's distraction over his daughter's statement, who seemed uninterested in the matter, as Masatsugu apologized to Turmeric and his mother asked a barrage of questions about how the Vongola lived, what they ate, and even what they used to wear, to Oregano; Spanner, Shoichi and Basil came over to have their own private conversation.

- Then why the false name? - Wanted to know Spanner, leaving the lollipop to eat his spaghetti with tuna.

- It's CEDEF's thing, we have names and identities for each situation. - Basil apologized.

- Well, with a strange name like yours, I think that's really necessary.

- You can't say anything Spanner. - Shoichi countered. - And what are you doing here? Tsuna didn't say anything about you guys coming...

- It was a surprise for me too. - Replied Basil sincerely. - But we came because of Byakuran, among other details that my master hasn't properly informed us yet.

At the mention of his friend, Shoichi's brow furrowed, even more so as he looked at Turmeric, who while is still talking to his father, casts glances in his direction, clearly paying attention to their conversation.

- I can already tell you that I don't know anything. - He was direct and gruff, much more like his acting from the future than his normal self, although he brought his left hand to his stomach under the table. - Byakuran just told me that he had a falling out with Vongola, and that's all.

- Likewise, and even if we knew, we won't say anything without Vongola's approval, whether you are Vongolas too or not. - Joined Spanner with his neutral expression, also noticing Oregano's attention at their conversation despite answering Tomoko. - You have your boss, and we have ours.

Before Basil could say something to calm his companions, watching as his friendly stance shifted to a riskier one upon being spotted, Turmeric purposely raised his voice a little higher, drawing the trio's attention.

-…But of course we have vacancies for your son in our company, if he's as smart as you say, Mr. Irie. - He said sympathetically. - Vongola always needs brilliant minds in its area of investigation, even though he is still a student, I can check with my superiors.

- What?! - Exclaimed the aforementioned surprised to have become the topic of conversation.

- Isn't that wonderful, Shoichi? - Offered his father simply delighted. - A job in one of the biggest companies in the world! I would be so proud!

The older man's expression made the redhead tense, but the answer came from the Brit.

- In fact, Shoichi has already received an offer to work at the sustainable construction company Gesso, at least until Sawada Tsunayoshi takes over the mantle of Vongola. - He said directly facing the two CEDEF. - They are building an underground mall in Namimori.

Finally this seemed to get Akiko's attention.

- I did not know that! When were you going to tell us? - Tomoko said with surprise. - Even though you're 14, you've already got a job! We need to celebrate!

- It's just that it was recent, in fact today… - He explained himself awkwardly in front of his mother's surprise.

- A shopping mall constructing company...? - Repeated Masatsugu clearly disheartened. -...But an oil company is much more important, son…

- And no doubt you have a much better salary, and of course, we pay your university in full. - Followed the CEDEF with an inviting smile. - Vongola, after all, repays very well those willing to help it with what it needs. - His gaze turning to both scientist and mechanic. - I'm sure we could contribute a lot with your friend too, he seems smart to me.

- I'm not for sale. - Spanner stated firmly, frowning, leaving behind his neutral expression, ignoring the shock of the family that welcomed him in Japan, even Akiko seemed impressed by his unusual reaction.

- It's a matter of loyalty, father. - Followed Shoichi more calmly seeing that Spanner agreed with him. - Byakuran hired me first, even as Spanner said, Tsuna will take over Vongola, so we'll work for him.

- That's if both don't end up working together, after all, he and Byakuran became great friends. - Finished the mechanic with a peculiar provocative smile. - As Reborn says, who knows.

Turmeric frowned for a single second, then smiled again, and before Mr. Masatsugu could say anything, the CEDEF member spoke again.

- Yes, that's correct, loyalty is the most important thing. You're right Irie Shoichi, it's good to know that young Sawada has friends like you.

- In the end we will all be Vongola, that's what matters. - Added Basil, feeling truly uncomfortable by the turn of the conversation that seemed a lot more skittish than he would like, casting a subtle accusing glance at Turmeric and an apologetic look at the pair of friends. - Besides, it's almost Christmas, should we really be discussing business…?

Spanner and Shoichi, in turn, did not respond.

- Is this Byakuran that handsome guy who entered the house with your boss just now? - Wanted to know Akiko with curiosity seeing the direction where he had disappeared. - He gets more and more interesting.

- Handsome…? - Repeated Oregano awkwardly.

- Is he famous too? He looks quite eccentric. - Contributed Tomoko, giving another subtle elbow to her husband who was once again disheartened with his son's choices.

- Let's say that everyone, at the right time, has heard of him. - Spanner considered, taking a glass of strawberry juice. - More than famous, it's like he's taken over the world.

- Impressive! And is he too difficult to deal with? - The mother cheered up. - I heard that celebrities are very spoiled.

- He is a good person, that I have no doubt about - Basil says hesitantly before his companions could say something that worsened the atmosphere of the table. - It is true that the business lines of the Gesso and the Vongola in the past collided, but I agree with Miss Irie, sustainability is the future, I'm sure the two companies will still help each other a lot from now on.

- You seem to know a lot about this Byakuran. - Considered Tomoko. - Tell me, which stylist made his clothes? He has a very unique style.

- Ah… Well I actually didn't…

- Oh! And has he ever been in a movie? I'm sure I've seen a movie about him!

- Movie? I don't think-

- I ALREADY KNOW! He is a model indeed! Akiko is right, he is very handsome!

- Tomoko! - Her husband was exasperated.

- What? I'm married, but I'm not blind. - She huffed, and continued to bombard little Basil with questions, to the relief of Oregano that was finally left alone and could eat some of the roasted bass with vegetables that was on the table.

In turn, Masatsugu and Turmeric returned to their conversation about the oil business.

Shoichi and Spanner appreciated the Rain's sacrifice to satisfy Mrs. Irie's curiosity, being able to relax a little with the change of subject, although both now kept an attentive eye on the exit of the garden, looking for any sign of Byakuran or even Tsuna.

Akiko now participated much more actively in the conversation, very interested, to her brother's horror, in the figure of the Albino.

Basil did his best to answer as best as he could, all the while wondering if all Japanese mothers were like that.

-.-.-

In turn, unshakable even with the arrival of the CEDEF leader and all the mess at the other tables resulting from it, Verde had accepted the drink offered by the doctor, since he used his own methods to make sure it wasn't poisoned, and only when the drunken mess at Cavallone's table had become loud enough not to be overheard, he dared to question.

- I'll repeat, what do you want from me, Pervert Doctor? - Verde imposed directly seeing Shamal, who was practically squatting to keep himself at that table.

- For a baby under 40 centimeters you have a very sharp tongue. - He said, taking another drink from his coat. - Believe me, I would rather be flirting with Bianchi or the housewife than being here, but unfortunately work comes first.

- Bianchi is Reborn's lover, and Mrs. Sawada is married. - Cutted the baby. - Her husband, by the way, arrived a few minutes ago and is in the house.

- And? - He shrugged. - I'm not jealous.

- You disgust me. - He finished frowning.

- Anyway, leaving my active life aside, I heard that you've been experimenting with the flame of Vongola Brat. - It went straight, making Verde immediately choke on what he was drinking.

- Who told you that?! How did you find out?! - He asked in a whisper, while Shamal smiled sideways while drinking.

- Really mister "Davin'tiuno." - Ironized the Mist. - You just fell for the oldest trick in the book, and I'm the one who's drunk. - He ended up finishing his small bottle in one gulp and slamming it against the table, while Verde cursed something low in Spanish for having surrendered so easily.

-…But you had to at least suspect something to make that insinuation. - The Lightning followed still in low key despite the cover of the drunken Cavallone screams.

- It doesn't take a genius to realize that there is something very wrong with Sawada Tsunayoshi's flames. - He said, staring at the empty bottle of drink. - It was a matter of time, having attended the Sawada house so many days in that choir, that you became interested in the subject.

- Does that mean you're also...? - He gulped, assessing the terrain.

- Studying him too? Yes. Interested? Not even a little. - He snorted. - But I imagine we both know how incisive Reborn can be when he wants to.

- So he forced you to do it...

- Unfortunately.

- But I thought you were a first class assassin, they say you were even considered by the Varia, even being a drunken womanizer, against Reborn I'm sure you could find a way to refuse if you want. - He put in a sharp tone. - Then why?

- Let's say I owe that demonic baby some favors. - He said simply. - But it's not about my misfortune I came to talk.

- So what's the point, cut the chase. - Put impatiently.

- Simple, I've been studying the brat's situation through blood draws sent by Reborn in secret, but it's been taking up so much time that I could be doing something more important like flirting, and I'm not getting anywhere, and I'm fed up with the Mini Demon's threats, so I thought: The mad scientist studies flames. I let the scientist with the idiot name help me with the investigation. We share information, and rub our findings in Reborn's face! - He listed with his fingers, skipping his index finger and double counting his pinky. - It's the perfect plan for me to get rid of this shit. Two minds work better than one after all.

Verde just looked at the taller with arrogance, as if talking to a lesser being.

- Great plan, Doctor, but what makes you think I would share an important investigation like this for free? Especially with someone I don't trust. - The Ex-Arcobaleno ironized.

And the Mist's equally arrogant smile made the Lightning shiver.

- You're smart, Professor Verde, I'm sure you've noticed that Reborn is creating, without even realizing it, a protective tendency for the Vongola Brat, like all his guardians, with the exception of the Cow. - He declared, circling the mouth of the empty bottle with his index finger disinterestedly. - Although the boy is a monster on the battlefield, he is very innocent, trusts people easy, it's a matter of time before someone takes advantage of it. As long as Reborn doesn't train that part, or the little man learns the hard way that trusting the Mafia can be deadly, anyone who tries to take advantage of the kid will be the target of the Sun's fury.

Verde didn't respond, remembering how Reborn had thrown him through the kitchen window the day he'd only suggested to do some experiments on Tsuna in front of him.

-…You might be right. - And then there was the threat of Fon, anyone who in the future tried to betray or take advantage of this boy would know the worst of hell. - He actually seems to care more openly about the Vongola's boy than he showed about Cavallone's leader, but I still don't see how that would make me help you.

- Hey, I have the blackmail here you garden dwarf, accept my terms or you'll be fucked in Reborn's hands.

- What?!

- Work with me, or I say you've doing experiments with the hidden boy's flames.

- But I have Tsuna's authorization to study them!

- Oh Holy Shinchuu, you're already falling into the Brat's graces too, you even call him by the diminutive, soon you'll be taking care of him too. - Shamal added with pity. - All the charisma he doesn't have with girls, he seems to have with mafiosos.

- I'm not falling into anyone's graces! - He was exasperated. - But you must know that the boy is dangerous, it is better to be on the good side of him than the bad… - He said with a slight tremor that did not go unnoticed by the doctor. - That is all.

- If you say so, Uncle Verde. - He shrugged, irritating the smallest one. - Anyway, it's no use having Brat's endorsement and not his father's to continue with your research without getting a bullet in the head.

- I don't think Sawada Iemitsu would go that far.

- Who is talking about CEDEF? - He questioned as if the other was an idiot. - That animal was a mistake like Hayato's father, no, we're talking about Reborn here, remember? Without his permission, no one touches his son. If you think I'm wrong, I'll now let him know that. - He said getting to his feet, but stopped when an exasperated Verde took his arm.

- Okay, I understood, I'm not going to risk my head with any of Tsuna's minions. - He recoiled, swallowing hard. - I've had enough evidence that this place is a nest of assassin wasps defending their queen. - He finished sighing, wondering why everyone had threatened him lately, he was beginning to understand how Skull felt. - What do you want me to do?

- Now you're proving to be smart. - Said Shamal, and to the surprise of the scientist taking another alcohol drink from his lab coat.

- How many drinks did you bring?!

- The sufficient. - He shrugged. - If you find out anything about the Brat's peculiar flames, come to Namimori's infirmary, and don't forget to always knock on the door, you never know what I might be doing~ - And ignoring Verde's disgusted expression, he got up very awkwardly and went to the Cavallone table, which seemed to be having a strange movement, asking for empty chairs from other tables scattered around the garden.

Verde sighed.

- Doctor Shamal, this man is dangerous, both in murder and in connections, I would like to know what someone like him owes someone like Reborn. - He said to himself as he pulled out of his lab coat a notepad, a pen and his new cell phone, since Fon had done him the favor of breaking the old one.

If he had to spend the whole night at this party, he would at least be productive.

-.-.-.-

Gokudera was still yelling to let him talk to Byakuran when the latter sat at his family's table, stealing a flushed Zakuro's drink as he recounted what had happened inside the house, all under the influence of his White Applause.

- Hey Boss! That's mine! - The redhead muttered at least five minutes after the robbery, pointing accusingly at Tazaru who just ignored him willing to listen to the words of the Gesso.

- So you mean that Sawada kicked you out? - Ironized Gamma, eating the last salmon crepe on the plate, Torikabuto staring fixedly at the empty recipient, not having eaten anything.

- Actually, I would say more that he is defending his big brother, which in this case is me. - He put the last part pointing at himself. - I would be careful if I was CEDEF, the last time I remember hearing an "I won't forgive you", my other self turned to dust. Literally. - He said, taking a sip of his wine. - Honestly, even after witnessing so many different dimensions, some even quite absurd, I never thought that in any of them, Tsuna would end up defending me like that.

- But this is very good. - Uni joined, taking the hands of the eldest and uniting them with hers. - Even though it only happened today, our brother is already keeping his word.

- You're right, little sister. - The Gesso smiled, stroking the girl's hair.

- I told you to stop calling the princess that! - Thundered the Lightning enraged, stopping when seeing the irritated, and supremely adorable, expression of his Boss.

- But one thing Brother Gamma is right. - Tazaru followed, drinking his wine glass in one go and wiping the excess that fell on his goatee with the back of his hand. - Isn't this brother thing of yours going too fast? I mean, you took that oath today and Sawada already defends you like that.

- That's Tsuna's way. - Uni considered with affection. - When my future version asked for help, he also accepted promptly and without hesitation. Even Squalo from Varia quickly defended me when he saw which side the Tenth, even though not from his time, was on.

- This Sawada seems to be a good person. - Assessed Nigella, finishing his own glass of wine, also blushing. - The Princess arranged, a good brother, isn't it Princess? - He animated making a caress on Gamma's head.

-...I'm not the Princess. - Said the Lightning. - And stop drinking if you can't stand alcohol, you useless! Even this Mask is drunk and it doesn't even have a mouth! - He pointed accusingly at Torikabuto who was now beating his hidden face against the empty plate of salmon crepes. - How is that even possible?!

- There are more mysteries between Sky and Earth than our vain philosophy dreams of. - It was all Kikyo offered, who along with Byakuran, Gamma and Uni were the only ones really sober.

- Didn't I tell you not to let Zakuro drink too much? - Wanted to know Byakuran seeing how his Storm now argued with the empty bottle of wine as if it were Gamma, while glaring at a random person from the party.

- He only drank one glass, Boss.

The albino sighed.

- He forgets that he no longer has the resistance of the future.

The conversation was interrupted, however, when Shoichi and Spanner began to approach.

Byakuran watched them from the corner of his eye, and it was only when the redhead made the Funeral Wreaths hand gesture to his chin that he discreetly clapped his hands, nullifying his White Applause.

- Sorry for the delay, it was difficult to get rid of CEDEF. - Said the Sun in a grateful tone, standing up for the lack of chairs.

- And the Irie Family. - Added the mechanic. - Especially his sister, Akiko, she seems very interested in you.

- Oh yes? - He said with a smile turning around, or trying, because the scientist held his face preventing him.

- Do not look! - He exclaimed, embarrassed. - And anyway, leave that aside, we have something important to talk about.

The albino huffed in disappointment, but nodded, activating his protection against curious people again.

Seeing that the subject was serious, Kikyo stood up, offering his seat to Irie, which Spanner ended up sitting down without hesitation. For that, the Cloud just kicked the drunk Zakuro to the ground and this time he offered the seat to the scientist who accepted awkwardly, while the Storm cursed on the ground.

- Let me guess, did CEDEF try to extract information from you? - Wanted to know the Sky-Mare while his right arm standing at his side.

- Yes… - He confirmed with a low tone. - But Spanner helped me to handle the situation and thanks to Basil we managed to get out of it. - He explained taking both hands to his stomach.

Byakuran took a deep breath.

- It seems that even with Tsuna's good will, they won't give up easily.

- What do we do? - He wanted to know distressed, bending more and more in pain from the nervousness. - I'm not a good liar or an actor like my future version, it's a matter of time before they start demanding answers about Cervello from me too, after all, they don't know how much I remember about them.

- Thank you for the effort to help us. - Uni said with her gentle smile, which somehow made even his ulcer look better. - What do we do now, Bya?

- BYA?! - Gamma exclaimed in shock at the nickname.

- All we can do for now is to stay close to Tsuna. - The albino considered, putting a hand to his chin. - As Vongola's successor, even CEDEF will tiptoe around him, as I told Old Man Coyote, it's not wise to piss off your supposed future Boss, let alone one that can be even more dangerous than Xanxus when pissed off.

As if to answer his doubts, a scream from the head table rippled through the entire garden.

- I EXTREMELY WANT EVERY MORNING!

- You can only have one, Boxing Idiot!

- BUT ONE DAY HAS ONLY ONE MORNING, AND I WANT ALL OF THEM!

- It seems that Tsuna's Guardians are euphoric, this is our perfect excuse to keep close and away from the curious ears of CEDEF, shall we Uni? - Asked the Gesso, already getting up, the young girl smiled and also got up, even though she needed to take a little jump to reach the floor. - Come too. - He continued, pointing at shoichi, Spanner and Kikyo. - Let's leave this table to the drunks.

- Sure, Boss. - The Cloud replied, taking with him his glass of wine which still half full.

- Finally it looks like we'll have some explosions.

- How can you talk about it like it's a good thing?!

- I'm not drunk! I will go with you! - Gamma exclaimed, irritated, even if staggering slightly when getting up.

- I don't remember inviting you. - Mocked the Sky-Mare, being followed by the other Sky, the Sun, the Cloud and Spanner.

- Damn you! - Grumbled the Lightning, then followed them.

Remaining on the "table" only Zakuro, unable to get up off the floor by himself, Torikabuto, Tazaru and Nigella.

- So… - Started Tazaru, who was the healthiest drunk in the group, trying to bring up some topic. - Do you by any chance know how to play poker?

- Did you say poker? - Everyone, with the exception of Torikabuto, jumped when Romário simply appeared on the table, completely blushing, with his tie tied around his head, and an unconscious Kusakabe on his right shoulder. - We were really looking for some people to play with, want to join us?

- Who kicked me? - Zakuro said finally.

-.-.-.-

Every table was filled with delicious food, plenty of drinks and ongoing conversations on various topics. Although many of these conversations were more like arguments that may turn into fights, the atmosphere, in general, was full of happiness.

Unfortunately , for the only earth flame user, that wasn't the case.

- "Damn it." - Thought Kozato Enma.

Everything had started well.

He was with his family, at a party organized by his best friend, in a place where they were welcomed and not just tolerated. Also, there were many and many delicious plates that can satisfy their stomachs. He was even able to get to this point in the party without falling on any table or spilling anything and end up embarrassing himself!

This Christmas was supposed to be perfect, like the long-forgotten ones he probably had in his childhood.

But everything had been ruined the moment that person arrived.

Sawada Iemitsu.

Head of CEDEF.

The Father of his best friend.

The man who had plagued his nightmares for years, and even now, showed up sporadically in his most terrifying dreams. The moment he saw him, he felt his body fill with fear and anger.

His stomach churned, with a nausea that almost made him vomit, it was as if it had turned into a stone, preventing him from eating anything. Adrenaline coursed through his blood, at the same time his heartbeat increased and his hands began to shake, to the point that he had to close them..

Felling that made no sense.

Since the man who had entered the house was not responsible for his misfortune. He wasn't the murderer of his parents, nor was he responsible for the death of his beloved little sister, much less had anything to do with all the pain the Shimons went through for years.

But anyway..

It was no use to think logically.

His subconscious reacted to seeing the face of the one he had related to the loss of his family for years, starting his suffering. He was so distracted in his misery that he jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

- Enma, take this. - Adel said while giving him a glass of ice water and a handkerchief that he honestly didn't know why he had acted this way.

He whispered a little thank you to her as he accepted the glass of water with shaking hands. Perhaps if he hadn't been in shock, he would have noticed the faint trace of her Flame on the glass. But he was so tense that he didn't even notice when he finished his glass in one go and that she even poured him another one. His mind was focused on trying to calm himself by staring at the table, avoiding any eye contact.

- Are you feeling better? - Asked the Glacier Guardian, watching him do some breathing exercises to calm down.

Although he wanted to lie so he wouldn't worry his family anymore, he knew he sucked at it and that even if he wasn't, they knew him too well not to see through it.

- No. - He said sincerely, giving his family a weak smile.

Everyone, except Julie and Aoba, returned the smile somehow, although he felt a light tap under the table, as a sign of support from the Desert and a punch in the left arm from the Forest.

- Do you want us to leave? - Rauji questioned him in a whisper.

Enma looked down again, seriously considering the question, while thinking how upset Tsuna would be to hear of the abrupt departure.

- No. - He said with certainty after a few seconds. - There's no reason to be afraid, I just need a few more minutes to center myself.

- Very good. - Adel declared with a proud smile. - Although I think Sawada could have warned us that his father would be home.

- Don't blame him! - The Earth defended vehemently. To which the eldest raised an eyebrow, making Enma blush. - I mean... There's no reason for Tsuna to tell me that his father was coming, after all he didn't do anything for us and I didn't ask either. He apologized and looked away.

Adelheid opened her mouth to possibly object, but was interrupted by Kaoru, in a rare moment of speech, which only denoted how worried everyone was.

- It also doesn't seem to me that Tsunayoshi knew his father would come or even gets along with him. Did you see his face when Sawada Iemitsu arrived?

All the Shimons stopped to consider the matter for a moment.

Enma had definitely noticed. Tsuna's face made it clear that the visit had been a surprise.

And not a good one.

- Maybe he doesn't have a good relationship with his father. - Shitt P suggested with interest as she sipped a cup of peach juice with her pinky finger raised.

Enma blinked in surprise at that suggestion, never really considering it, although he was pretty sure he heard something about a fight between the two during the Representative Battle.

- Anyway, that's none of our business. - Aoba ended up, eating desperately again. - But I still think we should be careful. As much as Daemon was directly responsible for our misfortune, for me Vongola had never properly investigated what happened, even though the CEDEF leader was the main suspect in a massacre, in the end it's as if they knew we were being chased and even then they had never raised a finger to help us.

- Maybe... - Julie thoughtfully supported him, while drinking something that smelled suspiciously of alcohol, that's when Enma noticed the slight glow of the ring on the Desert's hand, apparently the eldest had formed a mirage so that they could talk about the delicate topic without being noticed. - But even if that was the case, that would be a Ninth Generation thing. And our relationship is with the Tenth. - He declared as he drank, leaning back in his chair.

- Oh sure! - Mocked the Forest accusing the Desert with a finger. - You're just saying that so you don't have to get away from the girls in that group!

- But of course! - He replied without caring himself. - Why would a man like me stay away from those cuties? - He said as he hugged the air and gave several kisses to an invisible being of his imagination, ignoring the dangerous expression that was outlined in the Glacier Guardian. - But as Adel always says. - He spoke again in a serious tone, facing everyone. - We have to respect the will of our boss, who is the one who wants us to maintain a good relationship between the Shimon Family and the 10th Generation Vongola in the first place.

Everyone turned to Enma, even Aoba who snorted beside him, the redhead shifted uncomfortably in his seat, but still nodded.

- And if with that we can get along very well with such beautiful girls, it would just be a bonus. - He declared while leaning on his hands and smiling like an idiot, but that smile soon died, finally noticing Adelheid's angry look.

- You try to look cool, but in the end, you're just a big pervert. - Scolded Aoba

- Like you're the one to talk. I've seen the half-naked, muscular men magazines you have in your room.

Koyo's expression turned to one of disgust as he stood up and pointed his finger at the Desert screaming.

- They are boxing magazines, you sick!

- Yes, of course, if you say so.

"Fortunately we are protected from the prying eyes." - Thought Enma. when he saw those two starting another fight. Curiously, the fight between them is helping him to calm down, probably because it's such a familiar environment.

A little more relaxed, he turned to Adel, who looked like she was about to hit the two loud ones, and the pair just weren't unconscious on the floor yet due to the Christmas promise not to hit anyone.

- I don't need to go talk to him, do I?

The young woman watched him intently for a moment, ignoring the fight to focus on her boss.

- This is not necessary - She declared, calming the redhead. - He's not the real Head of the family, so there's no reason to interact with him. Now as to your problem with seeing him, it's up to you to decide. If you want to face it or not, it's your decision.

More relaxed, Enma nodded, feeling how all the stress was slowly disappearing from his body.

- I'm going for a walk. - He got up with the intention of looking for Tsuna. Suzuki just smiled, a smile that trembled slightly because of Aoba and Julie's increasing screaming. - Please, Adel, try not to cause any scandal. - He ended with a sigh as he left the table seeing the posture of the eldest.

''My family can be very agitated sometimes.'' - He thought with affection and a little exasperation, leaving the table surrounded by the mirage of the Desert, he doubted that it would last much longer. - "Nothing like Tsuna's, but still quite agitated."

Walking through the garden, he watched the people around him, but no one seemed to be paying any real attention to him, even if someone had noticed Julie's power guarding them, that didn't mean they would be able to see what was beneath it.

As he walked away, he continued to analyze everyone around him. The party was pleasant enough, despite the CEDEF leader's mishap, he just hoped he had time to talk to his best friend.

However, he soon realized that this would be very difficult, as seeing the "head table" where Tsuna's Guardians and his mother were, he could overhear the screams of what appeared to be an intense discussion about how they would divide the sky's time between them, Gokudera seemed to advocate that everyone had a single day, with the exception of himself as he was his "right hand", while Ryohei claimed that he needed every morning due to his morning runs, even the girls seemed in an intense debate for the brunette's attention.

He sighed.

It was hard to be friend with someone as popular as Sawada Tsunayoshi.

Although he got along very well with the Sky, and he felt that the two of them had a different connection than the brunette had with the other members of his family, honestly they didn't have much time to spend together.

"Maybe it's time for me to expand my circle of friends." - Kozato thought again looking around the party. Looking for someone else he could talk to, only to be disappointed after a few seconds.

Despite the great diversity of people in the place, he didn't see anyone whom he could form a new friendship with. Not that he understood much on the subject since Tsuna was his first and only friend until then.

In the garden there were several mafiosos, but he honestly preferred his new friends to be more like normal people than terrifying killers. Therefore, the table members of the Albino's family with wings were discarded.

As if anticipating his movements, his eyes met that of the other redhead at that table, and they had barely made eye contact when the guy stared at him with a terrifying expression.

He looked away immediately. No, that group was definitely ruled out.

Then he looked at the table where there were several men in suits from the… Horse Family? Adel would be angry if she knew he'd forgotten the name of such an important family, even though it seemed the kind blond boss was absent. He couldn't understand why, while they were clearly mafiosos too, they were less scary than most of the young people present. In fact, they seemed friendly by the way they are having fun, but there was too much age difference to consider a friendship with anyone on that table.

He sighed again.

Should he limit himself to Tsuna's closest friends? He looked back at the head table and looked between the adults and the babies, he already knew most of them, but now he reconsidered them in a new light.

The girls were clearly discarded. Since, with the exception of Shitt P and Adelheid, he was still too shy to talk to girls his age.

"Also, they are interested in Tsuna or Tsuna is interested in them." - He thought when he saw the young Sasagawa, even for the little they got to interact at school, he knew she was very friendly, and she sure likes cats, but he couldn't betray the bond with his friend that way, so he decided to stay away from her.

He watched Chrome Dokuro for a moment, she in turn didn't seem as interested in the Sky as Sasagawa and Miura, or at least not in the same way. But even with the little approach, he knew they were both too shy for that friendship to flourish.

He took a sip of the new drink he'd brought, pondering.

On the other hand, Sasagawa Ryohei was someone who was very considerate, reminding him of Rauji's kindness with Aoba's intensity. Although he could get along well with the Sun, he didn't believe he had enough energy to have a friendship that went beyond casual conversation now and then, and he doubted they had much in common.

That left him with basically two options, he considered seeing where Tsuna's Rain and Storm were, each on either side of an empty chair.

He didn't understand how the three of them got along so well being so different, but he definitely doubted he could have a similar relationship with either of them. Gokudera kept giving him sour looks when he made a mistake, although he wasn't as acidic as he was with other people, at least not in front of Tsuna. And Yamamoto, although he was nicer, he didn't believe they had anything in common besides the affection for the brunette, besides all that, his own Guardians, Shitt P and Kaoru seemed quite interested in them. So that was also a no.

He turned his gaze to another table, this one is empty, where Hibari Kyoya should be sitting.

Another one that was definitely a no.

His eyes then fell on another redhead, who luckily wasn't that idiot Tomaso.

Paying more attention, he saw that they were the pair of scientists with whom he had talked to during the girls' training, they didn't look scary, which was no guarantee they weren't, Tsuna was the supreme example of that, but at least they didn't look so... Unique, like the rest of Vongola's friends.

They seemed to be the only mafiosos who didn't need to lie or hide things and civilized enough not to start a fight. As long as they weren't mad scientists wanting to tie him to a table to experiment with his flame, he supposed they were the best option, and hopefully they'd have something to talk about.

As he worked up the courage to approach and start a conversation with them, he saw someone approaching.

- They finally let me go. - The ash-blond young man from CEDEF sighed tiredly, walking quickly away from the table that was his goal.

Seeing how tired he looked, he simply offered him the glass he had in his hand.

- Do you want a drink?

Basil didn't hesitate to take the glass, but leaned over to give an exaggerated bow of thanks.

- Thank you very much, Boss Kozato. - Then, the rain took a long sip.

Enma blinked in surprise at the honorific, before smiling at the other's formality.

- Are you okay? Are you by any chance tired? - He questioned, seeing the other sigh in relief after drinking the whole drink.

- Yes, thank you very much, the trip here was a bit tiring, and young Irie's mother is a bit… - He stopped, looking for a word that would describe his situation, which wasn't rude to the mentioned one.

Smiling at the other's empathy and rare formality, he realized he had ended his search for a new friend.

- Don't worry, I understand you. - He mentioned while looking at Irie's parents talking in a very excited way with those who were certainly the other subordinates of Tsuna's father. And what looked like a tormented Shoichi among them trying to escape.

Yes. It was probably for the best to postpone his conversation with the teenage scientists.

He then turned to the youngest member of the Vongola intelligence entourage. Although he didn't know him very well, despite having fought together, he knew he was fully trusted by Tsuna, which honestly wasn't something very difficult to achieve, the brunette himself had told him that at least half of the guests had already tried to kill him at some point, including himself.

But considering that he hadn't heard anything like that from the blue-eyed young man in front of him, and since he'd helped them a lot in the Representative Battle, he decided he'd probably succeed in striking up some sort of conversation with the other.

- So... Beautiful day right. - As soon as those words left his mouth, he wanted to slap his own face.

Had he just talked about the weather?! Is his brain that torn between finding a solution or staying silent forever, the other boy smiled.

- Yes, it definitely is. Given how intense the weather is in Japan, I thought the party might not be celebrated because of the snow. - He replied with a smile that helped to calm the redhead's anxiety. - Although I've always loved the placid seasons of Europe, there's something about the strength of the eastern climate that draws me in.

Enma simply gaped at the Rain's vocabulary.

Forget the formalities. This boy certainly came from another time.

Didn't Tsuna say something about his friends traveling through time? Maybe they caught him at one of their stops, it was the only thing that occurred to him when faced with such archaic language that is used by someone so young.

- Yes… The weather is very good.-

Basil nodded, smiling, but his expression quickly changed to one of concern as he looked around, as if to make sure no one was watching them. Enma promptly felt the other's nervousness, also looking around, but finding nothing, the sound of the Cavallone table started to become too loud for anyone to hear anything.

- Sorry to mention this so abruptly, but… I saw that you were very tense when we arrived. - This triggered all the redhead's internal alarms, but he didn't have time to do anything before the Rain followed. - I'm not sure if I'm getting it wrong, but… I wanted to tell you that my master is a good person! - He stated firmly looking him in the eyes.

Earth's stomach turned to stone, just staring at the other without knowing what to say.

- I just wanted to tell you that, without any doubt, my master is one of the kindest people I've ever met in my life, he's as kind as the honorable Sawada! Although Daemon Spade took my master's form to harm you, he would never harm civilians, but above all, he would never intentionally harm children.

Enma felt how all the symptoms of stress that had practically disappeared before, spread out again in his body at a frightening speed, while he could only stand there, listening to what Basil was saying.

- My master always taught me never to involve civilians and never hurt innocents. I know if you talked to him you would see that he is really…

- No! - He exclaimed in a low, but harsh tone.

The other swallowed, and stopped talking immediately. The redhead raised a hand to his face, trying to reassure himself, but his voice was still scathing.

- How… Why… - Although he tried to question basil, his mind had simply gone blank.

He tried again to control his breathing to get out of that near-panic state. After all, why did Basil have to bring this topic up again?! And so suddenly?!

He almost choked when, in the middle of an inhalation, he felt an alien flame in front of him. He opened his eyes only to see a tiny Rain Flame just centimeters from his face.

- Excuse me for exalting you, will you allow me to help, Boss Kozato? - He asked in a whisper as faint as his flame.

The other didn't respond, just kept staring at him.

Taking the silence as permission, Basil passed a light soothing flame over The Earth's head, in a gesture as casual as if he was tucking a loose strand of hair behind his ear.

Immediately, Enma felt his body relax.

Honestly, he should have thanked him, but instead he took the moment to use his own Earth Flame, equally in a minimal amount as to not alert anyone in this sea of different flames.

Thanks to his training with Adel, and possibly the morning runs had something to do with it too, he managed to keep them at a low level, and even then he almost went into his Hyper Mode. Like Tsuna, this state helped him not only to find balance physically, but also mentally, nothing like the absurd difference in personality that Tsuna showed, going from a desperate and insecure person to someone confident and even a little arrogant, but it was enough to feel that the tension and doubt had completely dissipated, allowing him to control himself better.

- Why did you bring up this subject so suddenly? - He asked in a serious but low tone.

Sensing the seriousness in the other's voice, Basil continued to look him in the eye, clearly tense with the situation he had caused. Enma had to admit that the blond had fiber.

When he replied, sincerity simply dripped from his every word.

- Because I was informed about what Daemon did several years ago, and I know how painful it is to lose a family. - He confessed, for the first time averting his gaze to the floor. - And it was precisely the master who helped me when I found myself alone in this world, so if I could I would like to avoid any problems for him and his family, as well as for you too, Boss Kozato. - Then he started bowing enough to show his regret, but not enough to get the attention of whoever was watching them. - Sorry, I see that I just made the situation worse, I didn't mean to bother you.

Enma stared at, what seemed to be a genuine regret gesture, as the other's words about losing his own family danced in his mind.

- Straighten up. - He said, finally switching off his own flames. - I accept your apology.

Basil rose again, giving him a genuine glowing look of thanks.

- Thank you very much Boss Kozato. I promise to remember your magnanimity.

The alluded one put his hand to his head, messing up the hairstyle he had tried to do before arriving at the party.

- How about you thank me by stopping talking like that? - He said more to himself than to the other.

- Sorry?

- No, nothing.

- Still, I truly regret the inconvenience I caused, Boss Kozato. I… - But he stopped because the other raised his hand, asking him not to continue.

- It's okay, don't worry, just… This is my thing, okay? I know Tsuna's father had nothing to do with… - He swallowed hard. - The murder of my family, I know it was just Deamon impersonating him, but it's still a traumatic memory, okay? It's not something that will disappear overnight, much less an issue that you, him, Tsuna or anyone else can solve. It's my thing. Do you understand?

The blue-eyed young man had a hint of sadness on his face, but he nodded.

- Yes. I understand, Boss Kozato.

Enma smiled gratefully.

- And please stop calling me that, right? Would you like me to call you… - He tried to remember the other's last name without success. Luckily, the Rain interrupted him, saving him the embarrassment of forgetting.

- It's to show my respect, Boss Kozato! Even though I knew before your position as Boss of the Shimons, I treated you very informally, but I have learned a lot from my superiors, so I want to make amends for my mistakes. - He explained simply.

Enma felt a little embarrassed with CEDEF's words, while looking at him with disbelief.

Everyone in the Mafia was very strange.

- But it's weird that you call me that, call me by my name, please. It's what everyone calls me.

- I can not do it! It would be disrespectful.

- Oh come on Basil, good friends must be called by their names. - Added Nana, who approached them with an empty tray in hand.

The boys, so immersed in their own conversation, jumped in surprise at the sudden appearance of the matriarch.

- A-ah… Tsuna's mother.

- M-Mrs. Sawada.

The surprised due said almost in unison.

- Oh come on. - The woman complained, pouting. - Why do you have to be so formal? Enma, I already said that you can call me Mama.

The Earth flame user felt awkward again, looking away, looking at his family's table for a possible rescue. However only half of the members were there. Missing Adel, Koyo and Julie. Something told him that the two guys were probably facing a "reprimand", leaving only Kaoru, Ooyama and Shitt P at the table, who were engaged in conversation with one of Dino's men who had approached them.

Realizing he couldn't get help from that side. He turned again to Tsuna's mother, who was still waiting for an answer. It was mere informality for him, but using that word again, even for a moment, brought a strange feeling to the Earth's stomach.

- Mama. - He said, clearly embarrassed.

She smiled at him delightedly, and stroked his hair.

Maybe he shouldn't, but he couldn't help but feel happy for the gesture. For a few seconds, it was like returning to his childhood.

- And you can call me that too, Basil. With all the time my husband took care of you, now I also feel like you're my son too. What a happiness to have three beautiful boys! - She exclaimed to herself, while the other teenagers blushed with embarrassment. - But you should call Enma by his name too, I don't want you to be as formal and stubborn as my Tsu.

- I couldn't Mama Sawada, it would be a lack of respect for Boss Kozato. - Argued Basil.

In turn, Nana, with a gesture of her hand, didn't give the importance of this matter.

- Again with that Boss story? Don't say those things, you two seem to get along so well, I keep telling Tsuna that it's normal for friends to call each other by their names.

Basil again shook his head as he gestured with his hands, trying to find words to express his disagreement.

- Friends? N-no, we aren't… - Then his gaze met Enma's, who smiled nervously, nodding his head.

- Look, Basil, you really helped me and Tsuna when we needed it, just like all my family, even if you didn't have any obligation to do that.* I know we only talked for a moment before today, but... I wish we could be friends.

The other looked at him in surprise, embarrassment and happiness painted on his face.

Nana just smiled happily, realizing that she has witnessed the beginning of a great friendship.

- Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go and search for my husband, as well as more food for everyone. - She apologized, leaving just as she came.

There was then a moment of awkward silence as the Hyper duo found themselves alone again. Basil looked a little nervous about looking up again.

- Are you sure it's okay for us to be friends, Boss Kozato?

Enma couldn't help but see something of himself and Tsuna in that young man so nervous about the possibility of making friends.

- But of course! - He exclaimed with an unusual confidence.

The blue-eyed boy smiled at him delightedly.

- But as M-mama said, now that we're friends, you can call me by my name, okay?

Faced with that, Basil nodded.

- But of course it is, honorable Enma.

"Honorable Enma?!" - The redhead was about to correct him, but changed his mind when he saw the blinding smile of his new friend.

Well, honorable Enma was a breakthrough, wasn't it?

He looked back at the rest of the garden. Noticing how half of his family was smiling at him, he couldn't help but return the gesture, while wondering if anyone else had seen this little moment of the two of them, no one in particular seemed to be watching, but he soon realized it didn't matter.

It was Christmas and he had one more friend, any problem that came up he would solve it in the future.

- So… - He spoke again looking at the ash-blonde. - Do you like cats?-

And that made the other grin at him.

Yup. This looked like a perfect Christmas.

-.-.-.-

- What are you doing? - Gokudera already turned around to answer grudgingly, until he realized that the question had come from Miss Uni, who was looking at the intrigued group, Gamma and Byakuran backing her, with Kikyo, Shoichi and Spanner right behind them.

- We're working on the Tenth's agenda. - The Storm explained as politely as he could, ignoring the Lightning's glare who didn't think this was treatment worthy of his princess. - After that parasite kidnapped the Tenth today. - He continued pointing at the Albino who just smiled innocently. - I realized that we need to spend more time with him, to prevent something like this from happening again.

- That's overprotection. - Spoke Kikyo irreverently drinking his wine. - You'll end up suffocating him.

- Who asked for your opinion?! - The Storm demanded to know.

- And you, Marshmallow Maniac! Will you tell us once and for all what did you do with the Tenth?!

- I already said that I ate him, didn't I? - He put it on like it was nothing, ignoring the Storm's curses and looking at the sheet full of names.

- Do you have his consent to do something like that? - Asked Spanner with disinterest.

"That's what I was trying to tell them…" - Chrome said in a low tone, her brow slightly furrowed.

- We haven't talked to him yet. - Yamamoto admitted, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. - But we all agree that Tsuna has been very busy lately, and that he can't pay attention to all of us at the same time.

- But Gokudera wants to be with him every day! - Accused Haru. - As long as we're left with just one! That's not fair.

- Haru is right, we all want to spend time with Tsuna.

- That's right! Octopus Head is being extremely unfair!

- I already said it's because I'm his right-hand man!

- And? I am his future wife! Wives have more rights than the "Right hand man." - She exclaimed, taking the Storm's paper and trying to write her name.

- That's just in your head! - He replied, taking the paper back.

- You're being selfish Gokudera… - Kyoko joined in stealing the paper in turn for the guardian's distraction with her friend. - I want to have Tuesday, in addition to every morning with my big brother.

- That's right, the morning is the one for the extreme Suns! - Defended Ryohei receiving the paper from his sister and writing his name in big letters every day.

- Give it back to me, idiot! - He got impatient, taking it back, just making Saturday and Sunday a mess because the older one was still writing. - You get Sunday morning at most! As the right hand man my decision is absolute!

- And I'm his big brother!

- You are? - Byakuran got interested, stretching his hand back blindly, to which Kikyo obediently offered him a pen.

- This is interesting…

- If Sasagawa takes Sunday, I'll take Wednesday! - Yamamoto joined in, swiping the scribbled paper that was now in front of him due to Ryohei and Gokudera's dispute, each one sitting on his side.

- Stop scribbling on the Tenth's agenda! - He yelled, taking the pen from the Rain who stared at him with a frown. - Where are you guys getting so many pens from anyway?!

- How many considerate brothers does he have anyway? - Wanted to know Gamma in turn, watching impatiently out of the corner of his eye as Poison Scorpion distributed pens across the table to amplify the chaos. - As a future Mafia Boss he shouldn't go around promising brotherhood to just anyone.

- I'm not just anyone! - Exclaimed Ryohei, offended. - I'm his Sun guardian, and one of his best friends!

- What are you discussing? - Enma wanted to know, approaching the table, Basil by his side, and then noticing the state of the Cloud Arcobaleno, hidden by the seat of his chair. - Huh?! Skull, what did they do to you?!

- Help Enma… - He put it in a plaintive tone, making the youngster one promptly go to free him, under Colonnello's huff of frustration.

- Christmas balls Attack! - Haru exclaimed using her flames on the ornaments of her tree, multiplying and launching them in the direction of the Storm, preventing him from taking the agenda again.

- Ouch! You idiot girl, what are you doing?! - He exclaimed, defending himself, allowing Yamamoto to nimbly pass the sheet to Byakuran.

- I agree that Sawada is being very approachable. - Lal said, stressing the last word, facing all the people in that chaotic table.

- And why not all Tsuna's lovers share one day? - Suggested Bianchi making both Haru and Kyoko blush, thus stopping the attack of Christmas ornaments on Gokudera, who spit out an ornament that hit his open mouth, thus returning to look for who the paper was with. - It would be the Tuesday of flaming love.

- That's a big bullshit.

- Love is not bullshit! - Haru defended taking the paper offered by a satisfied Byakuran who seemed somehow familiar. - Chrome, do you want a day too?

- W-well… - She started awkwardly, not wanting to get involved in this, but also not wanting to be without seeing her Boss… - Maybe Monday?

The military-CEDEF snorted seeing that her remark was completely ignored.

- For someone with a reputation for being useless, he's quite popular. - Colonnello joked.

- Too much, if he keeps expanding the family like this, it's only a matter of time before he's betrayed by someone. - Followed his fiancee. - After all, even the Roman Empire fell because it was too big.

- Hahi! We would never betray Tsuna! - Haru claimed firmly, frowning.

- It's true, Miss Lal. - Confirmed Kyoko. - After all, everyone here sees him as a great friend, right?

- This coming from his secret lover is definitely very sad. - Mocked the Rain-Arcobaleno in a whisper.

- I'll have to agree with the kids on this one. - Tsuyoshi joined, who was avoiding eating by a greater force called Bianchi, he was limited to observing the entire discussion from afar. - If anyone even dares to do something to this boy, he will practically have a mountain falling on his head.

Several nods confirmed this, making Lal roll his eyes, even if she smiled a little.

- But of course! a traitor would be blown to thousand pieces! - Exclaimed Gokudera, picking up some of his dynamites.

- Why are you looking directly at me? - Byakuran wanted to know, with an innocent smile, returning Kikyo's pen.

- You know very well why! - And then when he had looked at the paper, he exclaimed. - Damn Marshmallow! Why did you take every afternoon?!

- I'm just making the division fairer.

- How is that fair?! - He shouted as he saw that his name had been crossed out every day. - Aren't you forgetting anyone?!

- You're right! - He agreed, clapping his hands together. - Kikyo and Gamma, you've run out of days, haven't you? Want to keep Thursday? - He asked to his guardian directly, who just chuckled at the hateful expression that was forming on Gokudera's face.

Gamma was going to complain, but seeing Uni's smile with the whole situation, he just said:

- I give my day for the princess.

- I think it would be good to improve ties with the Boss' new brother.

- YOU TWO DON'T EVEN HAVE THE RIGHT TO EVEN HAVE ONE DAY! This is a family affair! You Millefiore stay out of it! - He yelled to Gamma and Kikyo.

- WE ARE NO LONGER MILLEFIORE!

- Byakuran took even more time than Gokudera took from us! - Yamamoto noticed looking at the paper that is now firmly stuck in his friend's hands. - He even took all the Friday!

- I didn't take anything from anyone, I've already said that as a right-hand man it's simply my duty to spend more time with the Tenth. - Then he frowned at the agenda where Byakuran's and Uni's name were scrawled everywhere. - Now you, you bastard, why do you think you can occupy the Tenth's agenda like that?!

- Well, why couldn't I? - The albino Wanted to know, taking a hand to his waist while looking at the younger with arrogance. - If Ryouccio can stay with him every morning because he's Tsuna's brother, it's only fair that Uni and I stay with him the afternoons, after all, we're also his brothers.

- Ryouccio…? - Asked Ryohei confused.

- What?! - Followed Gokudera in disbelief. - You are brothers, don't make me laugh! - His patience is already running out with the eldest.

And he was not the only one surprised by such a bold statement.

- I said he was very approachable… - Lal grumbled, pouring herself another drink.

- When did this happen?! - Asked Shoichi surprised. - You didn't tell me any of that this morning!

- Oh, it's because it all happened during the afternoon. - Uni replied excitedly.

- How could you let something like that happen?! - Gokudera demanded to Gamma.

- In case you don't remember, I was looking for them with you⁵! - He replied annoyed.

- Is that really true? - The Extreme Sun wanted to know, watching from Gesso to Giglio Nero.

- Of course-

- NO! - Exclaimed Gokudera, slamming his hands on the table. - Don't be fooled so easily, Lawn Head!

- And how are you sure it's a lie, Octopus Head?!

- The only way to confirm this is to wait for Tsuna to arrive and ask him. - Offered Yamamoto in a pacifying tone.

- Haru approves this idea! - Cloud cheered up, raising her hand and with that dropping one of the costume ornaments in her best friend's glass. - So Uni would be my sister-in-law!

- Sister-in-law? - She put it with curiosity casting a sideways glance at Kyoko who seemed too focused on taking the ornament out of her glass. - I would love to be a friend's sister-in-law.

- You see?! - She exclaimed victoriously, while the Storm Guardian cursed again.

- If that's really true - Colonnello followed with interest seeing how Byakuran was limited to covering his ears in front of Gokudera's screams, while Uni laughed. - It would mean an unprecedented union of Vongola with the Giglio Nero family, and even Gesso, something much bigger than the Representative Battle.

- It is undoubtedly something unprecedented, not seen in any dimension I've ever been to. - Considered Byakuran with a mysterious smile.

- I do not want to know! That's no reason for you to mess up every afternoon of the Tenth!

- Mess up?! - Gamma said exalted. - Are you insinuating that the Princess gets in the way?! Your Boss should be flattered to have her around!

- C-calm down Gamma! - Tried Shoichi to calm them down when the Storm got up with dynamite in his hands. - I'm sure Gokudera didn't say it with that intention!

- And if I that is what I intended, what are you going to do, Gamma?! - He affronted the Lightning, to the despair of the Sun-Scientist.

- Ah, finally some fun. - Appreciated Spanner while Gokudera lit his dynamites.

- YES! AN EXTREME FIGHT!

However, to the misfortune of the mechanic and the boxer, in a quick movement, with a miserable knife from the table, Yamamoto cut the dynamite's fuses.

- I really don't think Tsuna would appreciate us starting a fight like that at Christmas. - Offered the Rain, standing between the other two.

- That's it my boy! This is how to stop a fight! - Encouraged his father, only managing to make the younger one awkwardly.

- You are setting up an agenda for Tsuna, is that it? - Enma wanted to know confused, and stopped trying to release Skull, after almost having suffocated him three times.

- Yes, do you want a day? - Offered Kyoko friendly, returning to take the paper from Gokudera. - Saturday would suit you?

- W-well, I…

- Enmaaa! - Skull struggled in his place, making the chair squeak.

- Oh! Sorry, Skull! - The Earth became exasperated, helping him again until he freed himself. - It's just… I want to know how it all got to this point…

- It's just that yesterday we all looked for the Boss - Informed Chrome penalized by the turn of the situation. - But he spent the whole afternoon with Miss Uni and Mr. Byakuran, and now Gokudera is jealous and decided to divide Boss' time between us.

- I AM NOT JEALOUS! - He yelled as red as a tomato, making Chrome, who didn't think she would be heard, let out a silent scream and almost disappear in the Mist, or hide behind Haru's costume, whichever was faster.

- Well, Hayato, I thought Tsuna had already scolded you for the way you yell at Chrome. - Bianchi provoked. - He would be so disappointed if he knew.

- I didn't yell at her! I just… I raised my voice a little! - He defended himself, still embarrassed.

- It's the same thing! - Haru defended hugging her friend, or trying, with her costume. - Gokudera just doesn't admit that he's a selfish person who wants Tsuna just for himself!

- I'm not selfish!

-You have to start being more sincere with your feelings. - Followed his sister. - It's normal to want to spend time with the people we love after all.

- I-it's just my duty to make the Tenth's life more organized, that's all! - He replied red-faced, decidedly ignoring his earlier argument with Gamma, who huffed as Shoichi sighed in relief at the avoided fight.

- But without Tsuna's consent? - Enma wanted to know, getting some food for Skull who had tears in his eyes for finally being freed. - Shouldn't you ask him what he thinks about it first?

- But Mr. Gokudera is right. - Reinforced Basil walking to stay close to Colonnello and Lal Mirch. - A Boss must always have someone to help him organize his busy schedule. At CEDEF, Oregano always fulfills this role.

Such an argument only made Storm's certainty deflate.

- Or try. - Added Lal Mirch. - Usually he just ignores her.

- Family Rule 18, Vongola never follow schedules. - Joined Colonnello with an arrogant smile. - You, as right-hand man, should know that.

- I-I…

- On second thought, I think I've heard Coyote mumbling that even Nono doesn't follow him. - Said Byakuran pensive.

- Serious? He looks like such a well behaved old man.

- DON'T TALK LIKE THAT ABOUT THE BOSS OF VONGOLA, BASEBALL MANIAC!

- Yes! I'm pretty sure he was an old extreme!

- Old extreme? You're definitely talking about me!

Everyone at the table, without exception, jumped at the sudden new presence, even those with years of training behind them.

However, former Millefiore members, Lal, Colonnello, and Bianchi soon relaxed when they saw who it was.

Verde, on the other hand, stopped taking notes to pay attention to the new addition, resolving to silently approach the table to follow the new endings.

An elderly man with a hunchbacked appearance, dark skin, and a peculiar tall red Mohawk approached with slow steps, leaning on a cane made from the skeleton of a bird.

If his looks weren't eccentric enough, he still wore a tight black blindfold over his eyes, a large brown poncho-style cape that covered most of his curved body, leaving only his thin, bandaged legs showing, and he wore three necklaces around his neck, one that appeared to be composed of teeth, another much larger that resembled bear claws, and finally, a circular pendant composed of a dark-looking decorated mirror.

- Ah, you're that old blacksmith who helped us with that extreme machine! - Ryohei was the first to put everyone's thoughts into words.

- Have more respect for Mr. Talbot, Lawn Head!

- But you called him Mummy yourself!

- That was before he saved us all, you imbecile!

- Hohoho, don't worry, I'm used to it! - Put the craftsman with his toothless smile. - Sorry for the delay, I was taking care of my dear sheep, it ended up taking a lot longer than I thought.

The old man then continued with his small steps, and then Kikyo, closest to him, offered to help him.

- That's very kind of you Cloud-Mare, but although I'm a few centuries old, my body is still that of a 128-year-old! - With that he sat down on his own chair that Nana had reserved next to her for her husband, facing Ryohei and next to a curious Haru.

- Looks like the table is getting pretty full. - Considered Tsuyoshi getting up. - I'll see if I can get some more chairs.

And without further ado the adult walked inside, due to the attention focused on the newcomer, no one really seemed to notice the serious expression on his face.

- Hahii, what a cool costume you have! - Haru put in, more impressed by his appearance than anything else. - You even have a face cloth, I see you are also dedicated to the art of cosplays!

- I believe he is blind, Haru. - Considered Kyoko in her friend's ear, who immediately blushed for her rudeness.

- Hahi! I'm sorry sir! I didn't mean to be insensitive! I just-

- Don't worry, young lady, I wouldn't have that beautiful topknot if I didn't want to stand out in the crowd. - He said proudly running his hand through his pronounced hairstyle.

- It's really eccentric hair. - Offered Shitt-P approaching along with Adel, interested in the newcomer.

- Thank you, young lady, but it is certainly not as exciting as yours. - He put it with conviction that made Shimon smile.

- What about the boys? - Asked Enma worriedly, approaching the two with a relieved Skull in his arms, to make sure he wouldn't suffer any more mistreatment.

- Adel knocked Julie and Aoba unconscious, so that Cavallone mafioso offered to take the boys out to play cards. - Said the Swamp with simplicity. - Adel only accepted to get rid of them.

- What? But Adel, I thought you promised not to hit them at Christmas! - Enma argued with a worried face.

- I didn't hit them. - She said, crossing her arms. - My ice made them hit their heads against the table, it's different. - She concluded to the exasperation of Earth.

- Sorry, but who would you be…? - Haru offered, still embarrassed, but still giving the boys angry looks for apparently having hidden something else from them.

Yamamoto only apologized with a nod of his head, Gokudera simply snorted, both however returning to their seats after Uni politely refused the Rain's seat.

- Let's say I'm a friend of the family, young lady. - He just smiled sympathetically. - By the way, these foods smell delicious, do you mind if i serve myself?

- But of course not, sir, you can eat all you want. - Offered Chrome returning the smile, passing a plate of salmon crepes to her friends, for them to offer to the oldest.

- Hello, grandpa~ - Byakuran greeted excitedly, unceremoniously taking the place that would be Tsuna, turning the chair and leaning on the back. - It's been a long time.

- HEY! YOU FOOL! Don't sit in the Tenth's place!

- Byakuran, it's been a while my young man, how are you?

- I'm great, grandpa!

- Do you know him, Byakuran? - Questioned Yamamoto curiously, even Lal and Colonnello frowned at that.

- This shouldn't be possible as you were taken to the hospital before the end of the Representative Battle. - Considered the military.

- Ah, but I knew him before that, or in this case, in another time. - He continued smiling his faithful fox smile. - My future self ordered Genkishi to kill our good old man here.

- Ho Ho indeed, I hope you let me live this time.

- I'll do my best, grandpa~

Despite the friendly conversation, an expression of horror formed on the faces of Kyoko and Haru, as they looked fearfully at the figure seated in front of them.

Before the albino could say more, Uni gave his head a gentle flick.

- Bya, you're scaring my friends. - She grumbled with an adorably frown.

- Oh my, sorry, sorry. - He said, raising his hands in redemption. - It was not my intention here to scare anyone, after all they are all things from another time. Even though I've always been curious about Ginger Bread's entrance as soon as Genkishi managed to complete his quest, who knows, maybe it was the beginning of my other self's doom? The Arrival of the "Herald of Destruction." - He questioned to the old man who just smiled mysteriously.

-...Now that you mention it, are you really that man who did all those bad things in the future?* - Asked Haru, taking her friend's hand in hers, Talbot by her side, smiling as he felt her ring light up in response to her feelings.

- Hmmmmmm yes and no, it's more complicated than that~ - He hummed supporting his chin with his hand. - Short version: I am younger and prettier than any other Byakuran that you have known, besides, I have no intention of dominating the world at this time. Perhaps, only the Japanese construction market per hour. Maybe have my own brand of Marshmallow!

The girls just watched him with a mixture of disbelief, and grace in Kyoko's case in the face of this simplistic answer.

- If you try anything, we and the Tenth will kick your ass again! - Imposed Gokudera with arrogance.

- Well, frankly, you didn't even manage to defeat Gamma, do you think you would have any chance against my Boss? - Kikyo mocked, rolling his eyes.

- WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT!? - Said Lightning and Storm in unison, to then face each other again.

- P-please don't fight! - Irie was interceding again.

- Let them Shoichi.

- But Spanner…!

- YES! MEN UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR FISTS! - Ryohei shouted, getting to his feet and punching the air with his good arm.

- Noisy. - Adel grumbled.

- The Vongola are always full of energy, aren't they. - Considered Shitt P..

- I swear that if your former student screams one more time… - The instructor threatened.

- Calm down Lal, he's just like that.

- Not if I break his teeth…

- Th-that would be a bit much, Miss Lal… - Basil hesitated.

- Boss wouldn't want us to start a fight… - Chrome tried to give an opinion.

- Chrome is right! We can hold on a little longer, can't we? - Suggested Yamamoto pulling Ryohei back to sit on his left side. - Remember how much Tsuna tried to make this party!

- My dear little brother is very excited today, the poor thing must already be getting hungry. - Considered genuinely worried Bianchi taking a plate of food from the table, which suspiciously started to melt, and gracefully approached the younger, while Gamma, wisely, took a step back. - Come on, eat a little.

- I-I'm fine sister, d-don't worry!

- Why are you refusing? The food looks wonderful. - Asked Enma innocently.

- Glad you think so! - Exclaimed the Poison Scorpion happily, pushing Spanner and Irie to approach the redhead, in the process almost stepping on the Verde head standing between the two. - I helped Mama make this dish myself, with lots of love~~!

- DON'T EAT IT! - Skull exclaimed in panic in Enma's arms, even before Adel or anyone could even warn Earth of something, throwing a punch that threw the dish of unidentified food towards the tree at the end of the table.

-...Wait…! Is the branch melting?! Trees melt?! - It put the Earth in a panic seeing the place hit.

-...My food made with love... - Bianchi started to say, her hair starting to flutter dangerously, in an almost supernatural way, making the redhead swallow hard, while Adel and Shittopi ran to his side, and all the color Skull's face was gone. -…MY FOOD IS-

- Very delicious, young lady! - Several incredulous faces turned to Talbot, who had simply stretched out his plate to pick up the food that had just melted off the branch, only to eat it like it was no big deal. - I would just reduce the salt a little, and increase the dose of the black mamba, it would balance the flavor better.

Everyone who knew Storm's food looked at the older man in complete disbelief.

- Are you really well…? - Gokudera was the first to put everyone's shock into words.

- Of course, when I was younger, the wife of someone very important to me cooked in a similar way. - He sighed, eating another forkful with a nostalgic air. - I ended up getting used to the taste, actually it's funny, but I even missed it, even though your cooking is even better than hers.

Poison Scorpion's eyes shone radiantly, completely ignoring Enma and Skull's offense, the Storm then went to where she was sitting before to get some plates and went around to hand the mister two more platters of something unidentifiable.

- You can eat as much as you want~ - She said, totally happily. - And whenever you feel like it, I can do more!

- Oh, that would be very kind of you! - He put it on with a toothless smile, and continued to eat despite the shock of the audience that watched him. - Oh sorry, do you want some?

- No! - Said almost everyone at the table at the same time, just making him laugh.

- Well, well, what a sudden silence. - And then the girls turned, who were also looking at the food with some trepidation. - As for Byakuran, don't worry, as he said, that was in another time, and either way, according to the few memories I received, my other self already knew that this would happen after having helped the Tenth of that time to destroy the Rings.

- SO IT WAS YOU?! - Said Gokudera in shock, coming out of the stupor caused by someone tasting his sister's food.

- Well, who else could do that without damaging the balance of the world, if not who forged the rings in the first place?

- WHAT?! - Several of those who knew the importance of this revelation shouted at the same time.

- That's why your choir worked so well, you have a great sync. - He laughed to himself. - The most important thing is that the Byakuran of this time is a good person, I'm sure of that.

- I knew this old man knew more than he appeared! - Verde muttered, frowning.

The albino, in turn, being one of the few not to be shocked like most of the others with the girls and the Shimon in front of this revelation, couldn't help but smile at those words.

- Thank you grandpa, this is important to me.

- I am just being honest, young man.

- But how can you be so sure?! - Questioned Gokudera, feeling that his head was about to explode with questions.

- Oh that's easy, his ring told me, look how comfortable he looks. - He said pointing to the object hanging on the neck of the Gesso. - I've never seen him like this in centuries. It's the same feeling I get from the Vongola Ring, and even from the Pacifier Miss Uni wore.

- How could you have created the rings, this would have happened much longer than Vongola exists, how old are you really? - Inquired Lal Mirch, who along with Colonnello and Gokudera were the few who seemed to follow the whole subject.

- We'll talk about it later, after all, we're at a party, it wouldn't be complete without our Little Shining Star. - And with that, he pointed at the door of the house, from where the figures of Tsuna, with a calm face was present with Reborn on his right shoulder, following right behind were Hibari and Fon, the Chinese in turn was sitting on his left shoulder, while both kept their usual neutral expressions.

- TENTH!

- Tsuna!

- LITTLE BROTHER!

His friends exclaimed when they noticed his arrival, however, Tsuna's only reaction was:

- Mister Talbot! You came! - The brunette one said happily, approaching the table with long strides, soon stopping beside the man who smiled.

Hibari, for his part, proceeded to his own table with disinterest, while Fon jumped over the shoulder of a surprised Yamamoto to follow the new developments.

- Of course, I would never refuse free food. - The old man replied, chewing the last part of his plate, which the Sky realized with horror that it was Bianchi's food.

- Hiiiie! You shouldn't be eating that!

- Well, don't be jealous Tsuna. - The Poison Scorpion reproached, holding a plate that made the Sky-Vongola cover his nose and mouth with the strong odor. - You can have Mama's food this time.

- Eh…? - He questioned, clearly confused, because it was the first time he remembered the Storm not trying to force him to eat her food. - What's going on here?

- We are as confused as you are, Tenth. - Offered Gokudera with a frown. - It seems that Mr. Talbot is immune to my sister's Poison Cooking...

- How is it possible? - The question came from Reborn, who watched with a slightly frowned brow as the eldest ate carelessly.

- Maybe it's Trinisette, maybe he's developed a strange immunity to poisoned food. - He shrugged without caring.

- Or he'll die in 20 minutes. - Said Gokudera in a dark tone, but when processing the tutor's words he exclaimed. - Mister Reborn! You won't believe it, Talbot just told us he was the one who fashioned Trinisette's rings!

- WHAT?! - Tsuna exclaimed in shock, again turning astonished to the mister. - That's true?!

- I already suspected. - Put the assassin in turn, jumping to the table. - Talbot has literally been the craftsman in the service of Vongola since Primo's generation, and he was able to effortlessly rebuild the family rings even after they were destroyed by the Shimon during the Inheritance Ceremony.

Enma shifted uncomfortably in his place with those words, Adel placing a hand on his shoulder in support, while casting an angry look at the Hitman who simply ignored her.

- Well, no wonder the Earth rings, after receiving the Sin, were able to destroy the Vongola Rings. I followed Heraclitus' principle to make them, just as Giotto and Cozzato asked me to do. - He commented as if it were nothing, willingly eating all the food that a happy Bianchi offered him. - They are, modestly part, the perfect antithesis of the Vongola Rings, they may not be made from the Trinisette, but they were crafted from the gemstones that surrounded the region where the Trinisette was located, where the Earth Flame originated in the first place. - Then he turned to Bianchi. - Can I have more?-

- I can get more if you want~ - She said radiantly.

- If you don't mind.

- Reborn dear, I just found the godfather at our wedding! - She put it already getting up.

- I'd rather be the priest, if you don't mind. I wouldn't want to steal the position of Young Vongola and Cavallone as godparents. - He commented with a smile.

- What?! Me, godfather? And wait… Are you a priest?! - Tsuna questioned while the scorpion returned home happy, and Nana returned from inside it, distributing food between the tables. There was no sign of Tsuyoshi or Iemitsu next to her. - And much more importantly: The Rings of the Earth were the work of Giotto and Cozzato?! What?! How?!

- Why do I feel like everyone is looking at me? - Asked the eldest, taking one of the few bottles of sake from the table, then noticing how, with the exception of the girls who looked a little confused, everyone turned to him with different levels of disbelief. - Did I say something strange?

- Are you basically saying that Earth's rings were created to be able to destroy the Vongola? - Put Enma in shock, seeing the ring on his hand. - And that this was Giotto and Cozzato's idea?

- Oh, didn't you know?

- No! Why would they do something like that?! -He was exasperated. - I thought that the oath they had sworn before Vindice was that their families would never fight with each other, so what's the point of that?!

- The rings were thought before this oath, as a security measure, in case the Vongola rings fell into the wrong hands, something would be needed to stop them, don't you think? - Asked Talbot immutably as he grabbed some farfalles and ate less excitedly than before. - Sepira had told Giotto how important and dangerous they were, so he trusted his best friend with the power to neutralize them if he needed to.

- But this is… - Followed the uncertain Earth, looking at his best friend who seemed equally speechless.

- That's why I was able to rebuild them after your little disagreement, they weren't really destroyed in the Inheritance Ceremony, the Earth Rings just nullified their power by shattering their form. Why do you think Primo's Mist was fixated on taking them for himself? Or did Cozzato seal and hide them? Only a strong emanation from the Trinisette could bring them back, think of it as a sign that something had gone wrong and that they needed to act.

- The earthquake. - Tsuna concluded, opening his eyes in understanding. - It was caused by Trinisette!

- Ho ho ho, you're definitely not the useless the rumors say. - He joked, making the brunette blush. - Yes, that's exactly it. The action of the Arcobalenos from Future has unbalanced our time enough for the seal to break. Cozzato could never have imagined that time travel would exist to prevent the seal from reacting to another Trinisette.

- I don't blame you for that. - Offered Verde with a sigh. - Even I find it hard to believe how time travel is possible, and your technology is still in the hands of a family as useless as the Bovino!

- This is all insane nonsense, but I think it makes sense. - Observed Gokudera turning the improvised paper where they set up the Sky's agenda to make notes of what the craftsman said.

- I'm extremely not understanding anything!

- Honestly I'm confused too. - Followed Yamamoto scratching the back of his head.

- Reborn explained a little about Trinisette to us, but Haru honestly didn't understand much about it.

- Me neither. - Joined Kyoko.

- In a simple way. - Followed Byakuran getting up. - Giotto, afraid of the future of the rings, trusted his friend to be plan B in case everything went wrong. It's like cooking two marshmallows over the fire, in case the first one falls.

- What?! What kind of comparison is this?! - Demanded Gokudera.

- Ah, now I understand. - Concluded the Rain.

- Now it makes much more sense!

- You are two idiots!

Is that why my ring reacts to Tsuna's? - Wanted to know the redhead, looking back at the object. - Why are they somehow opposite but complementary?

- You can think like this, the feeling at the time of creation greatly influences the result of the work, although this probably has the influence of the Director of Vindice as well. - He concluded, smiling sideways. - After all, his Flame of Night has guarded the bond of your ancestors for decades. This dark flame that has the strongest determination among all existing ones, is probably what allowed Giotto and Cozzato's feelings to mingle, even though that may not have been Bermuda's intention in the first place, eventually resulted in what you know as the Flame of the Oath.

- So the Flame of the Oath is also formed by the Flame of the Night?! - Asked Adel worried, remembering what the power of this thing was capable of.

- Only as a conductor, after all, the Black Flame is the one capable of opening new paths, even for those abandoned by life and swallowed by regret. - And seeing that the Glacier's expression didn't improve, he added. - Don't worry, it's harmless, besides, it's just my theory, I could be wrong. - He put it in a mysterious tone. - The point is that only the Shimon Rings would be able to give the necessary boost for the Vongola Rings to find the right path, in that case, reborn.

- But if Giotto knew they were so powerful and dangerous. - Followed Tsuna with a strangely dark expression that did not suit him at all. - Why did he allow Secondo to stay with them when he returned to Japan? He was the one who led Vongola to the path it is on today, wasn't it?

Faced with this, the craftsman's smile widened.

- That I don't know, but who knows, maybe one day you will find the answer on your own? - He offered simply. - There's a lot left unsaid about Secondo and Primo's relationship.

With that he got up walking with the help of his crutch, going around the table without difficulty reaching where the Earth was, and then taking his face with something brusqueness.

- You, my little troublemaker, look a lot like your ancestor. - Talbot said while squeezing the smaller's face painfully. - Just like Tsuna reminds me of Giotto. - He put the last part smiling with some nostalgia. - Except for one thing, Cozzato was the soul of the party, that man radiated a charisma comparable only to mine. For example, I was late to the party and you're not even dancing drunk on the table yet.

- WHAT?! C-Cozzato did that?! - He exalted himself, his face as soon as it was freed, exploding red like his hair. - Are you serious?!

- That can only be a lie! - Claimed Adel pulling the Earth closer, as if she wanted to protect him from the old man. - Besides, Enma is just a child, he would never touch a bottle of alcohol without my consent! Right?

-...Eeh...

- Now the conversation is getting interesting. - Said Shitt P taking the wine from Kikyo's hands, who frowned at her, but remained unchanged under Byakuran's warning gaze about retaliation. - Come on, drink, I want to see what happens. It would be great if you lost your shyness.

- WHAT?!

- Don't you dare, Shittopi!

- Now let's put all this complicated talk aside and enjoy the party? - Offered the old man returning to his place again without problems. - After all, it's Christmas!

- Is it Christmas already? - Tsuna questioned surprised, wondering how long he had been inside the house talking to his father.

- Yes, it's past midnight. - Considered Reborn turning Leon into a watch. - So it's officially Christmas.

- But I still have so many questions! - Exclaimed Gokudera exasperated. - About Trinisette, the rings, and especially about Vongola Primo! I would love to know firsthand what he was like!

- He was like that. - Offered Talbot holding Tsuna by the shoulders. - But blond with blue eyes, and taller.

- Ehh… - Tsuna didn't know what to offer in the face of this.

- That's not what I was referring to! - The Storm was exasperated while the Rain laughed.

- But he's right Gokudera! Remember the future?! They are really the same!

- It was an EXTREME resemblance!

- I agree with the noisy Sun on this one. - Joined Spanner who had sat on the floor with Verde over his head, to not be trampled again. - He looks more like his father than your ancestor.

-...It's not for that much... - Tsuna replied embarrassed.

- Sasagawa is right Boss, you are very similar.

- Do you think so too, Chrome…? - He put it awkwardly, remembering the adorable smile that the eldest had, his life would be much easier if he had something like that. -…I honestly don't think so…

- But I was talking about personality, Mr. Talbot! - Gokudera was exasperated again.

- Ho Ho so why weren't you more specific? - He questioned starting to knead the face of the youngest with his hands. - Let's see, they're not very different in that either, but Giotto was calmer, and less innocent by the world and time he lived. However, what sets them apart the most is undoubtedly the impetuosity of the young Vongola here.

- Impethuojity? - He tried to repeat with his cheeks being crushed.

- Oh yes, Giotto was a pacifist to the last hair.

- I-I am too!

- Yes, but when his family was threatened, he possessed a cold, but contained fury, now when you go through that, you become a Wild Animal capable of burning whatever you have in front of you if necessary.

- What?! B-but I'm not-

- It definitely sounds like the Tenth.

- Haha he's right Tsuna.

- He gets EXTREMELY furious!

- The Boss even scares me.

- What?! You can't be serious! - He said looking for someone to support him. - I'm not like that, am I? - He asked to the Fon, still sitting calmly on the swordsman's shoulder, attentive to all that conversation.

- I'm sorry. - Said the Chinese with an apologetic smile. - My opinion is the same as your guardians.

- B-but… - He looked for someone, anyone who disagreed with that.

- I can't help you with this little brother. - Said Byakuran raising his arms in surrender. - You know that isn't wrong.

- Stop calling the Tenth that!

- Don't think of it as a bad thing, Tsuna, you're just overprotective like Gamma. - Animated Uni.

- I don't know if I feel happy being compared to this uncontrolled one. - Offered the Lightning, crossing his arms

- U-uncontrolled?!

Everyone else at the table agreed, even Lal, Colonnello, Skull and Enma, much to the younger boy's exasperation. Including the girls! Although he already wondered why Haru thought that of him now.

- What do you think, Reborn? - Wanted to know baffled Tsuna.

The Ex-Arcobaleno seemed to ponder for a second before answering

- Do not worry about it. - Said as usual. - You are your own person, not just a copy of Giotto, it's normal to be different

This made the Sky-Vongola sigh in relief, unable to stop thinking that these words were similar to the ones Giotto himself had said in his dreams.

- Oh my! Why are there so many people standing? - Asked Nana with a frown, seeing everyone around the table, including Spanner on the floor with Verde. - My dear and Mr. Yamamoto still haven't come back with the chairs? They must not have understood where they were... - Just then noticing Talbot's presence. - Oh! Hi! I don't think we've met yet.

- It is a pleasure to meet such a beautiful lady. - Greeted the eldest returning to sit in the old place of Iemitsu.

- Well, well, Tsu, I didn't know you knew such a kind gentleman! - She said happily. - I'll be right back with more chairs and food, after all, it's Christmas, and you don't seem to be having fun!

- Mama is right. - Followed Reborn as soon as the matriarch returned inside. - We're at a party. We can talk about other matters later, now, we should party like Vongolas does. - He ended with his smile that promised chaos

Which was basically what followed.

Tsuna was simply dragged by Gokudera and Yamamoto to sit between them, while Byakuran squeezed to share his chair with the embarrassed brunette, with Uni on the albino's lap, much to Gamma and Gokudera's exasperation.

- Get out! This is the place of the Tenth!

- How dare you treat the princess like that!

- I already said, as an older brother, it is within my rights to be close to my new little brother. - Byakuran defended himself with his fox smile. - Brothers have priority.

- This is all bullshit you made up, isn't it Tenth?! - It made the guardian apprehensive. - Tell him it's nonsense and that you're not brothers

- Yes. We are brothers now. - Put Tsuna with an uncharacteristic firmness, in addition to a strange seriousness.

Gokudera seemed to have choked on his own words as he watched the Marshmallow Maniac in horror

- See, I said~ I think you should treat your boss's little brother with more respect from now on~

- NOW YOU! You're just taking advantage of the Tenth's kindness!

- If brothers have priority, I should be sitting closer! - Put Ryohei taking advantage of the Storm's distraction to steal his chair. - But does that mean that now that we are brothers by association?

- If you want, I don't mind. - Byakuran replied. - So now I'm your big brother and Uni your new little sister

- THIS IS EXTREME! I never thought about having an older brother!

- Well, now you have~

- Does that make me and Uni sisters too? - Concluded Kyoko excitedly.

- Haru wants to be Uni's sister too!

- That depends. - Provoked Reborn going to sit with Bianchi when she returned with at least seven other dishes in hand, all for Talbot. - Do you want to be sisters of Useless-Tsuna?

- No! Definitely not! - Replied the mentioned before they could say anything, then embarrassing himself for being so obvious. - I-I mean, it's not that I don't l-l-like you two! It's just that there are already many brothers...

- You're right. - Kyoko smiled radiantly. - We're already great friends.

- YES! And Haru is already Neo Primo's future wife!

- Yeah… - He was disappointed because of the redhead's answer, but at the same time relieved by Haru's, it was the first time she had said something like that again since their training had started.

His expression should have been very obvious because…

- Hey, very subtle, Sawada.

- Subtle as an avalanche.

- Eeeh?! Are you at this table too?! - Surprising himself not having noticed the presence of Colonnello and Lal, who were silent since their arrival, just listening to Talbot's information.

- SAWADA! I thought Reborn trained you better than that!

- Hiiie! EXCUSE ME!

- Maybe I should be the EXTREME right-hand man now! Brothers in charge!

- DON'T THINK ABOUT IT, LAWN HEAD!

- Yes, this is already my place

- SHUT UP, BASEBALL MANIAC!

- DO NOT MOUTH FEED THE PRINCESS LIKE THAT!

- But isn't that how a princess should be feed?

- C-calm down Gamma!

- I already told Shoichi, leave them.

- You all are barbarians…

- Here my dear Reborn, open your mouth, I'll feed you too~~

- Why don't you have some wine to calm down Gamma?

- As if I would drink something offered by any of you!

- Gamma! Do not be rude!

- The table definitely became lively with the arrival of the Honorable Sawada.

- If by lively you mean total chaos, I have to agree. - Reborn considered smiling sideways as he saw how Gokudera and Byakuran pulled each of Neo Primo's arms, while little Uni sitting onto his lap, while Yamamoto tried to calm the mood and Ryohei to inflame them. - The kind of chaos that I like.

- Ho ho ho Looks like he's the center of attention now, doesn't it? I'm almost jealous. Good thing I have good food to keep me company!

- Eat as much as you want~

- YOU WILL BREAK MY ARMS!

- You are disturbing the princess! Princess, please get out of there, it's not proper.

- But Byakuran said that brothers share the chair.

- WHAT ARE YOU TEACHING HER, BYAKURAN?!

- Well~ Just cute brothers stuff.

- CHROME, ENMA, HELP! - Yelled the brunette when Ryohei raised his chair, with Uni along, demanding his right as a brother.

Enma, who was trying not to drink and stop Adel's lecture on alcohol and irresponsibility to him and Shitt P, ran to help his best friend, along with the fearful guardian who tried to calm the mood, although she was not heard by anyone.

The Mist then created an illusion of fog over everyone, giving her Boss the opportunity to escape under the table with Uni, who found the whole thing extremely amusing.

In order to dispel it, Gokudera used his dynamite, which flew in all directions due to Ryohei's erratic and very strong punch. Fon, who had jumped onto the table when the whole mess started, was quick enough to dodge them all and avoid getting hit by the table and the food, but that also meant other people and things were new targets.

Skull ended up flying away along with Enma, much to Adel's exasperation who ran after both of them. Yamamoto managed to put out a few more dynamites with a meat knife attached to one of the plates, while Spanner, who looked very pleased, fled along with Shoichi and Verde.

Only to come across Tsuna, who was approached by Tomoko, a few meters away from the main table.

- I only want an autograph from someone so famous! - She said excitedly with her daughter beside her, and a paper and pen in hand.

- What? B-but I'm not-

- Quick, Boss! They've already noticed you've left! - Alert Chrome appearing in a cloud of mist next to him, to the applause of Tomoko and even Akiko for the trick.

- Oh, shit, shit, shit, why does it always have to end like this?! - He became exasperated by taking the paper and signing it anyway, and then trying to take a happy Uni with him, only to be stopped again by his friend's mother.

- Actually I want everyone's autograph! - She said offering the paper to little Giglio Nero whose eyes sparkled at the prospect.

- M-mom! Is this necessary?!

- Of course it is, they are famous people! - The lady continued, moving the paper now to a confused Chrome. - Those autographs could end up paying for your and Sho's university one day, you know?

- He is there! - Reborn pointed, over Bianchi's shoulder, holding a Leon-Fan that dismissed the rest of the fog, allowing the whole table to see the Boss' escape.

- HIIIE! REBORN!

- Tenth! Where are you going?! Tell these idiots I'm your right hand man!

- Tsuna! You just arrived and you're already leaving?!

- Little brother! Running away is not extreme! As your new Right Hand, I tell you that you have to face the challenges to the EXTREME!

- YOU ARE NOT HIS RIGHT HAND!

- Gokudera is right Sasagawa, after all, that's me!

- NOR IN YOUR DREAMS!

- PRINCESS!

- Oh~ Tsu, it breaks my heart that you have escaped without me like this. - Muttered Byakuran flying under all the chaos.

Tsuna took advantage of his guardians' fight over who his right arm was, the fact that Gamma had grabbed Byakuran's leg, thus helping his princess to escape his clutches, while Kikyo intercepted him with his plants, to apologize to Tomoko, pull Uni with one hand and grab a blushing Chrome with the other.

- It is not fair! Haru wants to run away with Tsuna too! - The Clound exclaimed shaking her costume, making balls fly everywhere, but not getting up for some reason.

- Now it feels like our kind of celebrations. - Added Kyoko with a smile.

- Of course. - Reborn joined, jumping in front of the girls. - That's what a Christmas in Vongola Style is all about. - Then his smile widened. - Now there are only two details left.

Tsuna didn't go far, however, a very blushing Romario, and for some reason wearing only his underwear, hugged him preventing him from escaping.

- Well, well, brother of the Boss, look there. - He offered, pointing to a long table mounted together, which it had from Dino's men, to Shamal and the boys from the Shimon family, with the exception of Enma, and even the other members of the old Millefiore, where everyone was wearing underwear, with at most Shamal and Brutus in shirts, with Julie and Torikabuto being the only ones fully clothed. - Why don't you come play with us?

- Hiiiie! What happened here?! - Wanted to know in panic seeing everyone's situation.

- Is not it obvious? These amateurs play very badly. - Ironized Julie passing the finger by the brim of his hat. - We're playing Strip Poker.

- But it's the middle of winter! - Tsuna was exalted seeing how everyone seemed to be hugging their own arms and sneezing, Aoba even seemed on the verge of having hypothermia.

- I can't believe I ended up half naked with a bunch of men, this is worse than the carnival of 1993. - Shamal said with a metaphorical cloud over his head.

- TENTH!

- HIIE! Sorry about that, Romário. - He regretted stepping on the Brazilian's foot, an act that Uni repeated happily without achieving any effect, only Chrome's trident hit on the man's knee, without the pointy part, was really effective to free them.

Again they didn't get far when a blast of dynamite, Solar Flames, and something that looked a lot like Skull, hit Tsuna in the back, making him fly and release the other two.

However, by "luck" he ended up falling on something soft, along with a thud of something breaking.

-…It seems that everyone is more energetic than ever! - The brunette muttered, only to realize where he was.

The impact of the explosion had taken him straight to Hibari's table, throwing him right into the lap of his terrible Guardian, who was now lying on the floor on the wreckage of the chair he had been sitting on seconds before.

- Little Animal… - Genuine fury was imprinted in those dark eyes with those words.

- HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

- They're having so much fun~ - Hummed Nana, while her husband, who looked genuinely tired, and Tsuyoshi left the house bringing more chairs, which frankly wouldn't be used anymore.

- That is a Christmas in Vongola Style. - Said the Boss CEDEF smiling. - Reminds me of my childhood.

- AAAAAH! DON'T BITE ME, IT WAS AN ACCIDENT, AN ACCIDENT! - Tsuna shouted, escaping the furious Cloud, passing through all the tables, while the biggest one tried to hit him with his left tonfa. - HELP! REBORN!

His guardians soon came to his aid, which only served to add to the disaster and destruction.

Shoichi was hit on the head by a plate that flew from one of the tables broken in half by Hibari, forcing Spanner to drag him safely to the living room of the house.

Reborn instead of helping, approached Chrome, who didn't know what to do to save her Boss, and whispered something in the guardian's ear

Romário was trampled by Ryohei, Yamamoto and Gokudera who came forward to save their boss from Hibari's wrath, finishing the three of them beaten in a short time, as they couldn't use their flames in front of civilians and Yamamoto was without a sword.

Iemitsu had to be quick to protect his wife from the dynamite, and pieces of crockery and tables thrown towards the main table, as he lamented his home being destroyed again and the cost it would entail.

Until Zakuro had the brilliant idea of becoming a drunk semi-dinosaur in front of everyone for zero reasons, which amazed Tomoko.

- They even hired theater artists!

Even the Funeral Wreaths got into all that trouble when Gamma, Kikyo and Byakuran's fight became very intense, but when trying to help his boss, as Chrome had done before, Torikabuto tried to use his illusions, only to start raining tuna on the main table.

- Oh my! - Nana exclaimed seeing the fish that fell in front of her. - Christmas is really magical!

- Ho ho ho! I'm sure Cozzato would be proud of the descendant of his best friend, he's undoubtedly become the lifeblood of the party like him!

It was at this instant, however, that the chaos had a new addition, courtesy of Reborn.

- Are these flowers? - Wanted to know the curious Nana seeing how a holly just appeared floating between her head and Talbot, who had stolen her husband's seat, forcing him to sit behind her, as Haru was on the other side trying to get free of her seat with the help of Kyoko, because the costume had stuck in the chair.

- Ah, it's a Nordic tradition that spread across Europe, dear. - Said Iemitsu approaching his love. - If you are under one with another person, you have to kiss~

- Excuse me then. - Said Talbot taking Mrs. Sawada's hand and kissing it. - It's an honor to be able to kiss such a lovely lady~

- Well~ - She put it flattered, putting a hand to her cheek.

- HEY! That was our kiss. - The CEDEF grumbled childishly.

- What? Are you jealous of a bag of wrinkles? - Ironized the craftsman.

But they weren't the only ones for whom holly appeared.

- This is the Vongola-style Christmas kiss. - Announced the Hitman with a megaphone Leon, under Chrome's shoulder, almost deafening her. - Whoever stays under the holly and doesn't kiss, dies.

Soon several illusory Christmas holly appeared around the garden, in random spots.

Taking advantage of everyone's distraction, Reborn jumped off a stunned Chrome's shoulder and walked over to the table where the other two CEDEF members were.

One of the targets being between Shamal and a Gamma who had been thrown away by Kikyo's hair, breaking the old gambling table in yet another part.

They both looked at each other in disgust, and Shamal preferred to kiss one of the liquor bottles on the table.

Kikyo didn't have much luck either, having landed gracefully, after launching the Lightning away, right behind Iemitsu, with the innocent flower between them.

- I prefer death, you're definitely not my type. - He spat contemptuously before the blond could even say anything.

Only for the next second to be hit by Poison Cooking, courtesy of Bianchi, falling backwards to the ground with a coughing fit, as the assassin approached Chrome.

Seeing the danger, Tsuyoshi smiled shyly and also kissed the hand of an embarrassed Oregano, both further away from the commotion, along with Irie's family and Turmeric who frowned slightly, but said nothing.

- You two. - Said the assassin, drawing the attention of the CEDEF duo as soon as Tsuyoshi walked away from anyone to avoid further embarrassment. - I need to talk to both of you for a second.

Skull, slumped against the wall of the Sawada House next to Koyo, who had no idea how he ended up in that situation, promptly got up.

- The Great Skull won't kiss who he doesn't-Aaaah! - He exclaimed, receiving on his shoulder something that looked too much like a real shot from the best assassin in the world.

It was not difficult at all for Byakuran to come down from the sky, where a holly was chasing him, to kiss his little sister Uni on the cheek, who was beaming with all that festivity.

Gokudera, who had managed to get up from the bundle he had formed with the other guardians, would rather be hit by his sister's Poison Cooking than kiss an unconscious Ivan in an alcoholic coma lying on what was left of the gambling table.

Kusakabe and Zakuro also looked too drunk, under the wreckage of the same table, half dressed and half dinosaur, to even understand what was being asked of them, but Bianchi hit them anyway.

Shitt P, who had offered to help Haru and Kyoko unleash the former's fantasy, didn't bother to kiss the tree-human and the young red-haired girl on the cheek when a holly appeared under the three of them, making the pair blush awkwardly.

Kaoru just stared at Torikabuto's curved form, hugging an illusory tuna on the ground and just accepted his fate, being hit by poisoned food as well.

Spanner, returning to the garden with his best friend holding an ice pack over his forehead, broke the rules when one of the plants appeared between him and the Rain Guardian, simply sharing one of his lollipops with Yamamoto, who sighed in acceptance, at least it was better than being poisoned.

Romário looked awkwardly at Adel, when they were also targeted, and was about to accept the venom rather than touch the young woman, when she cleverly created an ice copy of herself, which the Brazilian kissed her cheek laughing, until his lip was trapped by the icy statue.

Julie was even overjoyed when one of these appeared between him and Bianchi, but the Storm hit him squarely with her Poison Cooking before the other could even try anything.

More and more Christmas holly appeared all over the garden, leaving party-goers between embarrassed and knocked out by the Storm and the Sun as the night wore on.

Until finally one appeared on Tsuna, wounded on the ground by a slightly calmer Hibari, who would never admit that he escaped as soon as he noticed a figure of the plant appearing between them.

- Are you okay, Tsuna? - Wanted to know Basil worriedly, in the midst of chaos he was the only one who managed to approach the brunette, the others were either running away from the holly, or had been hit by Reborn and Bianchi.

- I will survive. - He said simply getting up. - Thanks. - Just then noticing the plant hovering over them. - What's that over your head, Basil?

- Ah, it's a Vongola tradition, kiss or death. - He explained as if nothing, ignorant of his friend's panicked "Hiiie" in response. - We will have to kiss or else we will be punished.

- WHAT?! DO WE HAVE TO KISS?!

More than one stopped in front of that scream, Haru seemed to want to run there, but was subtly held back by Kyoko. Enma, taking cover under the children's old table, watched with a blush as Basil slowly approached Tsuna.

Nana, like Tomoko, looked like they were about to see the end of their favorite series, watching expectantly as, ignoring the brunette's panic, the ash-blonde leaned his opposite back into a more comfortable position.

Akiko was the only one, still conscious, who didn't seem to really care about the scene, having a clear goal in mind.

- What?! N-no, Basil, I don't-! - Tsuna tried to say, purple with shame in front of his friend's approach. - I ALREADY LIKE A GIRL! - He screamed at the top of his lungs, forcing himself away from the other before he could do anything, only to realize embarrassingly and belatedly that Basil's only objective was his hand.

More specifically, the hand of the Vongola Ring.

The Rain, kneeling on the ground, had bowed with grace, taking the opposite palm gently and placing a kiss on the voluptuous Ring of Sky, leaving Tsuna completely confused without knowing what the hell was going on.

- Affido la mia vita alle lei cure d'ora in poi, mio Capo.

- Congratulations Tsuna. - Reborn greeted, approaching this time on Bianchi's shoulder. - This gesture symbolizes enormous respect for a Mafia Boss.

- EEEEEH?! - He exclaimed in shock, blushing even more when he realized the whole scene he had made, and especially, that he had already confessed to liking someone in front of the girls. - But I'm not…

- AKIKO!

His speech, however, was cut short by Masatsugu's scream, causing the entire group to turn to Irie's father, and more precisely the cause he had screamed.

It wasn't for less, Shoichi's older sister had simply taken advantage of one of the holly to pull an astonished Byakuran to her and steal a kiss on the mouth in front of everyone at the party.

- Oh my! - Tomoko exclaimed, putting a hand to her mouth. - It's just like in the movies!

- SISTER! - Exclaimed the Sun-Scientist, even redder than Tsuna, abruptly separating the couple, Byakuran just stood there still in shock, Uni poking his sleeve in an attempt to wake him up. - What are you doing?!

- What? - She questioned as if it was nothing, taking a hand to her waist. - I kissed him.

- That I noticed! But why?!

- I've heard that European men like women with attitude. - She shrugged. - Did you like it, Gesso? - She said turning to the Albino who seemed to come out of his stupor.

In response, Byakuran brought both hands to his cheek, slightly blushing.

- I think I'm in love~

- See? He liked.

- YOU DON'T KNOW EACH OTHER! - Exclaimed the scientist in panic, squeezing his belly tightly.

- This is so exciting! We will have a famous son-in-law!

- WHAT?! - While his father did the same, equally panicked about his family.

And that was just a part of the night, the party was almost over but it continued in chaos until the end, even more so when the children went down to eat dessert, Tsuna was already internally regretting knowing that his room would be in chaos when he went to sleep.

-.-.-.-.-

And how right he was.

There were people thrown all over the Sawada Residence, between poisoned, shot, in an alcoholic coma, half dinosaur, or just sleeping from exhaustion, they made every room and space possible.

Some, like Shamal, had managed to go to their own house, or almost, since the doctor had half woken up in the middle of the chaos, and simply wandered aimlessly through the streets of Namimori, confusing his house with one of the Sawada's neighbors, ending up sleeping on someone's couch.

Others like the former members of Millefiore remained in the house, scattered among the hallways, Nigella had even ended up sleeping in one of the bathrooms with Kusakabe, only Gamma and Kikyo seemed more decent, sleeping with the kids and Bianchi, much to their exasperation. Zakuro and Torikabuto were without a doubt the worst, the former for some reason slept hugging the statue of an elephant on the stairs that led to the second floor, only in his underwear and still half a dinosaur.

While Torikabuto was resting in the midst of all of Dino's men in the hallway that led to the genkan, more than one wondered how he slept in the first place. He still had his illusory tuna that Byakuran didn't have the heart to take from him.

Even Nana and Iemitsu had to share their room with other people, both surprised by how many people ended up sleeping in their house.

It certainly wasn't comfortable, but at least the owners of the house had the decency not to let anyone in the garden freeze.

Talbot, on the other hand, was the only one who chose to stay in the kitchen, just him and his memories.

-.-.-

Things were only slightly better in the room

- That was an extreme party. - Ryohei said amazingly in a low tone, with a cold compress on his head. - Hibari was really angry.

- I don't even have the strength to go home. - Accompanied Yamamoto massaging his right shoulder. - Not after all this chaos.

- Is the Tenth really all right? - Insisted Gokudera, with a cold cloth over his forehead, seeing the desolate figure of his boss arranging futons all over the room, which apparently his mother was stocking up.

The room was being divided among his guardians, with the exception of Chrome, Hibari and Lambo, in addition to the Shimon, where only the girls and Enma were still awake, some of Dino's men who didn't fit in the hallway and what was left of Skull.

-...Everything destroyed, the TV, the PlayStation... Even the GameCube! - He grumbled almost like a zombie, ignoring the Storm while he packed everything together with his mother. -...There's nothing left...

- But I managed to get the kids in the other room with Bianchi. - Nana informed, reentering the room with several blankets, taking care not to step on Dino's men scattered along the way. - You'll at least get a good night's sleep!

-...But my video games...! - Continued the minor unhappily.

- I just don't know how they burned the floor in Bianchi's room either, the kids were definitely excited…!

-...All ruined...

- Ah, if Tsuna's room is free, can I sleep there with him? - Enma wanted to know shyly, approaching the owner of the house. - I feel a little uncomfortable with so many people...

- Don't be impolite Enma! It's already a lot for us that we've been offered a place to sleep, even more having gone to the trouble of moving all the furniture that way! - Adel scolded, making the redhead shiver slightly.

-...Even my controls, ruined...

- But Tsuna's room is big! - Yamamoto cheered up. - I'm sure we could all fit there, we could even have a sleepover!

- Weren't you the damn thing who said you didn't even have the energy to go home?!

- I've never participated in a pajama party... - Tried Enma with his best begging tone, making Adel's determination waver

But before anything else could be said, the sliding door leading to the hallway was slammed open, revealing the figure of Byakuran, wearing an open white hakama, holding a pillow in his right hand, Uni at his side, wearing an identical hakama, but much more closed.

- I'm sorry, kids. - Said the albino entering the occupied room and then taking the Sky-Vongola by the arm. - But Tsuna's room is already reserved for one night only between brothers.

- WHAT?! - Gokudera yelled, getting up, but soon falling down again due to the weakness of his legs due to poisoning. - Are you going to start with that again?!

- You already have Tsuna with you all the time, so we as his brand new brothers have preference. - He said while dragging the Sky without reaction towards the corridor. - And blessed Trinisette, the three of us really need a restful night's sleep. So… Good night and Merry Christmas~ - He finished singing, closing the door before any more arguments could be said.

- That bastard! - Exclaimed Gokudera punching his futon. - If he does anything to the Tenth, I swear I'll kill him!

- Don't worry Gokudera, he won't do anything… - Yamamoto said, although he looked disappointed just like Enma, and then he turned to Ryohei confused. - Sasagawa, won't you demand your brother's right too?

- Extreeeeeemeeeee… - Muttered the aforementioned, with the arms outstretched and mouth open, clearly sleeping. - Extreeee... Meee...

- I can't believe this idiot says that even in his sleep! - Gokudera got angry, taking the pillow and hitting the boxer face who didn't even move.

In turn, Nana just laughed, giving the last blankets to Shitt P, who was sleeping on her feet, and then headed out of the room.

- Have a good night, and Merry Christmas! - She wished with a sincere smile.

Even though it all fell on deaf ears from all the shouting.

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

Snow was slowly falling outside the old wooden house. The harsh winter had even frozen a small pond in his garden, making it impossible for his bamboo fountain to continue beating with the water, preventing the house from being flooded with the constant sound that conveyed calm and harmony.

All that existed in that dark evening were the clouds that covered the sky, declaring that a storm would soon be announced, the sound of the rain was sharp, interrupted only by the distant lightning that promised to remain throughout the night's veil, preventing the sun from showing the next morning among the dawn mist.

- If it continues like this, it will soon snow. - Commented a young man with dark skin and spiky black hair as he added more wood to an indoor fire surrounded by sand, inside the largest room of the traditional residence. His eyes were grayish, almost white, that glowed orange as he stared into the embers. - You have to improve until then Giotto, remember that you promised me that we would see the first snowflakes together…?

His gaze then fell on a tall man of advanced age, he was leaning on a futon next to the fire. His eyes were covered by a cloth that still gave off some steam, thus hiding his tired expression. There were bands covering his entire body, especially his torso, a stain protruding at the level of his stomach, revealing that there was the deepest wound.

- Talbot… - The mentioned jumped at the sound of the frayed and slurred voice, almost knocking over the small cauldron of water that he was mounting over the now replenished fire.

Without waiting for a new call, the man hurriedly got up when the injured figure tried to get up.

- Do not do it! Your condition will get worse! - He claimed, as gently as he could, pressing the shoulders of the man named Giotto, gently forcing him to remain lying down. - Damn Hibari Yukimura, even young still managed to cause you a wound that still lingers despite the years!

A husky laugh echoed.

- Don't curse the dead Talbot, Nobushige was an honorable man to the end. - He commented removing with clumsy movements the blindfold over his eyes, thus revealing a pair of tired sapphires. - His clan will be even more legendary than him. To be able to die the way he did, standing tall, with pride and no regrets, I sincerely envy him.

- Don't say such a thing, Giotto! As if… - But the next words died on the craftsman's lips before they were spoken. -...Without you... I don't… - Tears began to invade his eyes, making them shine like glass. - You are the family I have left.

- Talbot, That's not true, and you know it. - He smiled his kindest smile. - When we met, still in that antique shop*, I told you that you were still young, that you still had your whole life ahead of you. At the time, I had no idea that you had already lived a much longer life than mine or anyone else. - The old man closed his eyes for a moment, as if lost in distant memories. - I just wanted to make a watch for my friends, as a proof of our friendship, I never thought that I was the person you waited for centuries, to be able to inherit such an important treasure.

- When I saw you entering that shop, I knew that you were the Sky that my master Sepira was looking for. - Followed the young-looking man. - The one capable of carrying one of the twenty-one parts, the most important of them, along with the Sky Pacifier and the Mare Ring of the Sky. You are special Giotto, your soul is unique.

- And even then I couldn't fulfill your expectations, with Sepira's expectations...

- Please, do not say that! I know you'll still make it, it's your soul, your flames I've seen in my vision, of that I have no doubt. The one who, together with the flame daughter of Sky and Earth, will again unify all the power of the Trinisette. - The tears flooded his eyes. - Which will help me free my former Benefactor.

- Forgive me Talbot, but you who can see the future as Sepira could, know that I won't live much longer... - He raised his hand, his movement thus preventing the other from cursing again, gently wiping away his tears with a gentle gesture of his fingers. - You've always been watching over me in the shadows. Now I know that even Bermuda offered to keep my promise to Cozart thanks to your interference, not being able to repay all you've done for me will be another regret I'll carry with me.

- Giotto… No, don't think like that! I refuse to see anything in the future other than your recovery, I will never predict anything else if it doesn't! - The dark-haired man grabbed that fragile hand, hugging it as if it could stop him from leaving. - Please, please, I'm tired of losing everything and having to start over! My parents, Bermuda and Mähne, Glauco and Parvento, even Sepira! I can't lose you too! Forget the fate I told you about, just don't leave me alone again…

There was no answer as the spiky white haired man's breathing became softer.

-...Giotto? GIOTTO! - There was no more answer, the hand he held losing strength, the young man got up, stumbled, ending up kicking the cauldron, spilling all the water that was starting to heat up, thus putting out the fire and some splashes still sliding across the wooden floor. - UGETSU! NOBUKO! - He yelled, not paying attention to the disaster, slamming the sliding doors that led to a narrow hallway. - UGETSU! COME QUICKLY! GIOTTO! GIOTTO IS! HE IS-!

A couple of hurried footsteps were heard, but Talbot ignored them as a terrible cough ripped through the older man, making him turn back to him as he recognized his name between the gasps.

- I am here! I am here! - He reinforced returning to kneel beside the dying man.

- Forgive me, it seems that it will take longer than I imagined before we can see the snow together. - He commented with a thread of voice when another gentleman burst into the room along with a lady with long white hair, followed by other people carrying small bowls and towels, readily willing to treat the sick.

- I'll wait for you, no matter how long it takes! Just be well!

Everything was opaque and distant for the dark-haired young man, who only focused on the one who had become over the years his second Benefactor, his friend, his Sky.

-...The flames that you spent studying Talbot, once told me that they manifested as if they were a last will of the bearer, the last wish to be fulfilled so that one can die without regrets. - Crystalline tears formed in those clear eyes as several hands holding him, and even though they administered a liquid through his lips and his voice was no more than a whisper, the dark-haired young man could hear every word clearly, even Nobuko's pleas for the Sky to safeguard his strength seemed only a distant echo, as distant as the rain that had already stopped falling. - And even after using my flames for so long, I have so many regrets… Cozart, Daemon, Vongola, the Trinisette… How can I die in peace when I could do nothing to avoid their fates?

Horrified, the young man saw how the brightness of those eyes was lost, while a pure orange flame shone on his forehead.

-...My last will…

- Mr. Asari, we can't do anything else, he doesn't respond to medicines anymore.

- GIOTTO!

"...Fix my mistakes..."

- Please, Giotto, my love, can you hear me?!

- Giotto! My friend, please don't give up! We still need you!

"...Oh please Trinisette, give me a second chance, I won't fail you this time..."

-...I'm sorry Mr. Asari, Mr. Giotto can't answer anymore...

- No, not that...!

"...Only then can I die in peace..."

-...Giotto… - His voice sounded unrecognizable to his own ears as he fell to his knees, not knowing if the preaching he had heard was real or just a figment of his imagination.

Feeling his feet touch something icy, he mechanically turned to see the reason, then noting that the water in the cauldron he had dropped earlier and spread across the floor had simply frozen on contact with the cold wind from the garden. Apparently some priestess had left the door open in her desperation to help the sick.

That's how he could see that it had started to snow.

And like the pure snow that fell without haste, his vision whitened, allowing him to see a time far away from this, where a child with orange brown eyes smiled with eyes so familiar.

-...Oh... Giotto… - He cast one last look at the now inert body, while one of his best friends closed those sapphires with great delicacy, so different from amber, and yet so alike.

Misery gripped everyone to such an extent that he was the only one to really notice how the finger that formerly carried the Vongola Ring seemed to glow, as if tied to a thread, white instead of red, but no doubt still tied to its destiny.

His Sky's wish, his last will, had been granted.

- I'll wait, Giotto, I'll wait… As long as it takes, me and Trinisette…

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

- Mr. Talbot? - A shrill voice, which had not yet left childhood behind, called his name, making him turn to the end of the stairs that led to the entrance of the house and gave a clear view of the kitchen, where he was at that moment. - Did something happen? For you to be awake so early…?

The Vongola had to jump over the bodies of at least three of Dino's subordinates who were sleeping next to the genkan, and even a huddled black figure that looked suspiciously like Torikabuto, to then make his way to the kitchen that, surprisingly, was no one sleeping, the only regular being the old man, sitting at the kitchen table drinking something hot.

It was not yet dawn, the sky was still dark, mainly due to the absence of stars.

- Ho ho I say the same, young boy. - The old man provoked, following with his head the small figure that was approaching, closing the door of the room as he passed so as not to wake up the people in the hallway. - But in my case I'm just an old man from the countryside, who enjoys slowly watching the sunrise, although this cloudy weather apparently thwarted my plans this time. How about you? What got you out of bed so early?

- W-well. - Sawada Tsunayoshi replied, clearly embarrassed to give personal information to the eldest. -...I kind of had to go to the bathroom, but the hallway is so cold that I ended up losing sleep.

- You don't handle the cold very well, do you?

- I know it's a little ironic, being a Sky and all that… - He started scratching the back of his head as he went to the sink as if looking for something. - Although I like snow very much, I think that since I was a child I always felt very cold.

- I see. - He confirmed only with a mysterious smile.

- Would you like a coffee?

- Hooo, do you know how to make one? I thought the Japanese weren't very adept at this drink.

- Well, yes, I don't drink myself, but I learned recently because of one of the Christmas presents, although I'm still not very good at making it… - The brunette considered picking up the teapot, staring at it for a long second as if thinking of something.

- I also think you'll make it this time without the gloves.

- What? - He questioned shocked, turning to the older one. - You can read my mind like Reborn?!

- Ho ho, no, that would be scary! - He joked, making the youngster sigh in relief. - But the voices tell me you're considering whether you can use your flames without your gloves.

- The voices… - He considered. - You already told me that before when we met. You said you could hear the voice of the rings.* - Then his eyes widened in understanding. - Can you hear the spirits inside him?!

- Aah, looks like you already figured that out, very well. And yes, I can hear just a small echo, impossible to identify who they belong to, not always understandable. That's why I call it the "Voice of the Ring". However, I do not believe that the souls in it are fully aware of this ability of mine, after all, talking to the past is not my responsibility.

-...What do you hear right now? - Wondered curiously, staring at the jewel in his hand.

- What I said, he also believes that you will make it without gloves like he did yesterday, you just need to focus on a specific point, and start with few flames.

- Sounds pretty specific for a distant voice! - He was exasperated, to which the eldest just laughed.

- It seems that one of the seven that still inhabits your ring is really trying hard to communicate with you in some way.

- One of the seven? - He repeated strangely. - Wouldn't it be eight?

The older man's smile took on a nostalgic tone.

- No more. But let's focus on your hands for now, they say Christmas is the time for ghosts after all. What better than this peculiar day to try to make contact? - Having said that he raised his hands as if expecting something.

Understanding the message, Tsuna approached and offered the ring hand to the old man, who very gently ran his fingers over the cold surface of the metal.

-…Let the power flow through your body, then try to focus your flames in the center of your palm. - Then he released him. - That's what I can hear. Now, in addition to the Representative Battle, and yesterday, have you tried doing this any other time without being in Hyper Mode?

- Yes. - He said, looking back at his hand. - I soon lost control over my flames, they even almost burned the ceiling at the time! So I felt… - He swallowed hard, not knowing whether to go on or not.

- Don't worry, I won't tell anyone if you don't want to. - He reassured.

- It's just that I don't want to alarm anyone, but at the time… - He kept, remembering what happened the day he explained about the flames to Kyoko with the help of Irie and Spanner. - I felt as if my flames were coming out through an open crack, but soon I felt a pain in my chest.

The older man's expression became grave.

- So the time is really coming…

- Eh? Time? Time for what?

- Just follow the instructions I said, you can take advantage of that crack you said. However, it is important that you allow just a little flame to come out, even if the crack is already bigger.

Noticing the gravity of the opposite expression, Tsuna swallowed, but nodded, closing his eyes and concentrating as he had done that fateful second time.

As Talbot had said, it was as if there was much more than a crack, a veritable slit in the metaphorical wall that seemed to hold him back. So when guided, he only let a spark go out.

And when he opened his eyes again, he was surprised to see how two tiny flames glowed in his palm, barely larger than the one produced by a lighter.

- I achieved!

- I believe this will make it easier when you want to use only small amounts of flame, but don't overdo it, okay? After all, without your gloves you don't have a conductor that allows you to better condense the flame, which makes it much more volatile and unstable to your emotions.

-...Yes. - He confirmed remembering how, at the end of the previous day, due to his anger against his father, the flames had gone out in a really wild way. - Thanks for the help Mr. Talbot! This will be very helpful.

With a new resolution in mind, he picked up the teapot again.

The old man studied the youngest's movements as he started to work, and then added:

- But you don't have to address me so formally, "Uncle Talbot" as you used to say or even "Grandpa Talbot" is already great.

A shiver clearly ran down his spine, making him have to hold back his laughter at how obvious the other's discomfort had been.

- I-I couldn't do that! - He exclaimed, almost spilling hot water from the coffee maker, being much more awkward now that he did the whole process without being in Hyper Mode.

- Well, why not? If I gave you permission. "Old" is what everyone calls me after all.

- Yes, but… After you saved everyone, I think I owe you a little more respect. - He swallowed hard.

- I'm no longer a stranger since we spent Christmas together, don't you think? That to me is more than enough for a little intimacy.

-...R-right... I'll think about it. - That was all he managed as he focused on finishing the drink.

Once ready, he offered the bottle to the eldest while making himself some tea. The old craftsman was polite enough to wait for the young boy's drink to be ready and then pour himself his own.

- So what do you want to ask me? - He spoke again, smiling invitingly.

-...Is it that obvious? - He wanted to know awkwardly, to which another just confirmed with a nod -...Reborn always complains to me about how easy I am to read.

- And then...?

-...Well, you said you liked to watch the sunrise, but... You're not... I mean... - He hesitated, not really knowing how to put it into words without sounding rude, so he just pointed at his own eyes, waiting to see if that would generate any reaction.

- Blind? - And he laughed at the Japanese's embarrassment. - Oh no, I see very well despite my age. - He guaranteed, surprising the youngest. - These tracks are just to stop unwanted things from jumping into my vision. - Seeing the confused expression he received, he added. - The eyes are the mirror of the soul, the soul the jewel of life, and life the sword of time. Those, like me, who have the gift of sight and can lift the sword of time, they prefer to just dull their blades.

- Ahh… Right. - Clearly he didn't understand anything. However, that ceased to matter when, as he turned his gaze again to the garden window, his attention was called by something. - Oh! It's snowing, it's a snowy Christmas!

The older one seemed to twitch slightly at these words, mechanically turning in the same direction as the brunette one, thus seeing in a blurry way the first flakes of snow falling from the sky.

-...It is true. - That's all he said.

- Even though the sky is still dark, it's a very beautiful sight! - Offered Tsuna getting up and walking to the window.

-...Certainly.

- Lambo will be so happy, maybe we can all go out and enjoy it like at the beginning of the year! Surely the Snowball War would be even more chaotic with all these people.

The eldest watched silently as the young boy made plans for the snowy morning, leaving what little intimacy they had behind as he rambled on with a sweet smile on his lips. A warmth filled the craftsman's chest, one long forgotten.

- Tsunayoshi.

- Ah. - He turned to the older one. - Tsuna is fine, my full name is a bit dense.

- Tsuna, it's very good that now you can also start using your flames even without your gloves, but have you ever wondered why they, when deactivated, have the form of wool mittens?

-...Eh? - He tilted his head considering a moment, finding it strange to return to the subject so suddenly. - Yes… Actually yes, I even asked Reborn, but he said that it wasn't him or Leon who decided the shape.

- It was I who provided Leon with the food that allowed him to forge your gloves.

- Reeeeally?! - He asked surprised.

- Yes, they are just one of the little things I discovered throughout my long life. Weapons forged by a special animal like Leon usually take the form of something that represents some aspect of the soul of the bearer.

- Aspect of the soul… - Tsuna repeated, flanking his head, facing his hands and then the falling snow. -...Is it just because I like the snow? Could it be for such a simple reason?

- Who knows. - He smiled mysteriously. - Nor do I know all aspects of the human soul.

- Hmmmm… - He mused and then questioned again. - What was the disabled shape of Primo's gloves? You said you worked with him. They should have one too, shouldn't they?

- Yes, they were Mitenas. - He replied simply and promptly. - A kind of gloves that don't have the fingertips. Giotto wrote a lot of letters, so his finger sensitivity was important.

- I understand, I think it makes sense…

- It's funny that you two wear gloves, you know, back in Europe, around the twelfth century if I remember correctly, handing a glove to a man meant the same thing as entrusting him with a mission. It suits you two a lot.

- EH?! - He exclaimed, disconcerted. - But I have no mission! I've told Reborn several times that I don't want to take on anything big like a mafia family! I just want to be a normal student! - Deliberately chose not to mention Byakuran's conspiracy plan against Vongola.

- I see. I hope you make it then, Little Sky. After all, you definitely don't fit in with the Mafia. Your heart is too kind and generous for the darkness of this world.

Tsuna opened his mouth, but closed it again, not sure what to say to that, although he felt relieved that someone else seemed to understand his point. It was quite liberating to be blunt.

However, something in the older man's phrase made him consider.

- Mr. Talbot, you knew Bermuda, didn't you? - He said in a whisper as he approached the craftsman, as if he feared being overheard. - When you showed up at the end of the Representative Battle, you called him a Brat…

- Because he's a Brat, Grumpy, Hardhead, Arrogant, Stupid, Brute, Idiot, and definitely of a Tough Guy. - He frowned, while Tsuna was limited to feeling apprehensive about how Uncle Talbot could say such things so openly like that about Vindice. - But yes, you can say that we've known each other for a while.

-...Right. - He continued hesitantly. - Would you know how to find him? I entered a portal to Vindice once with Reborn, but honestly I have no idea where it took us.

Talbot stared at him for a long second, his expression slightly creased.

- Why do you want to know where that old hunter lives?

- W-well… - He continued hesitantly, walking to the side of the eldest, and timidly saying in his ear in such a low tone that even close the craftsman had to strain to hear. - I don't think Reborn and the others would approve, they think Vindice is dangerous, but I'd like to thank them for keeping Trinisette and sparing us all, so I made them a gift. Yesterday we managed to deliver the gift to Mr. Kawahira, but I don't know how to deliver theirs, much less if what I did is appropriate…

Talbot blinked at least four times under his blindfolds, processing what the younger had said in a whisper, as if to make sure he understood, and then, much to Tsuna's dismay, he started laughing.

- Shhh! Please Mr. Talbot! They will listen to us! - He exasperated, at least grateful that the other had a rough and low laugh.

- Sawada Tsunayoshi, you are able to surprise even an old man who has seen and heard as much of the world as I have, it's simply fascinating! - Before the brunette could plead something to "his defense", the eldest got up. - This will be hilarious, alright, I'll help you get to Vindice, if we're fast and we do it right, they won't even notice our absence.

- FOR REAL?! Is Vindice Prison that close?! - And then he covered his own mouth due to his exclamation, which made the older man laugh again.

- No, but don't worry, I'll dodge the cameras and wiretaps in this kitchen for a moment, it should give us some freedom. - He said, between his several rings, lighting one with an indigo flame. - First a little Mist.

- Are you a Mist?! - He exclaimed surprised, although in a way that made sense in his head, all the Mists he knew had a certain taste for eccentricity after all. - Wait! Is the house wiretapped?!

- Among other things.

- Among other things?!

- I find this habit of you Japanese people to repeat things so funny. - He joked, lighting another ring, this time green. - Now a solid little push for our little copies.

Tsuna had to cover his mouth from screaming when on the table in front of him there simply appeared a perfect copy of him and Talbot himself, real enough to pour themselves coffee as if they were the most real thing in the world, when they shouldn't even be able to hold the cups.

- Solid illusions?! - He whispered as much as he could. - Wait! This is just like what Torikabuto did!

- A little Rain to numb the senses and facilitate our little theater. - He continued lighting this time a bluish flame. - Confuses the senses and helps the illusion to be more convincing.

-...T-this is impressive! I didn't know it was possible to combine flames like that… - He put it in sincerity, seeing how the blue flame disperses through the kitchen. - How many flames do you have?!

- Let's erode Reborn's recordings a little, I hope he doesn't mind. - Said the older man smiling, enjoying the younger's reactions, and following his orders, a red flame appeared in another ring, jumping as if it had a life of its own, hitting ten different points in that room.

- He had that many?! - He was exasperated.

- On the other hand, Activation, Activation… - He said, opening his huge coat full of trinkets that made Tsuna always remember the Merchant of the recent Biohazard released earlier that year, passing one by one the items with his long and wrinkled fingers, his sharp nails sliding through each one. - Here it is! I thought I lost! - He said, picking up a small irregular white stone. - Moon Rock*, it helps to expand the ability of small flames, used with Activation, expands this to all others.

- What?! - He was shocked, his intuition telling him that it no longer mattered whether he screamed or not. - How, where… WHAT?! How can you have FIVE FLAMES?! I thought only Gokudera could do that.

- Ho ho ho, make no mistake, young boy. - He put on closing his coat, not before taking out two small purple boxes. - I'm bad at all of them! - And he only laughed more in front of the younger's disbelief expression. - That's precisely why I need the Moon Rock, to try, along with the Sun's flame, artificially create something minimally decent.

Despite claims to the contrary, the feat did not seem less impressive. Gokudera would surely freak out when he found out.

- Now, lean on the back of your illusion and act as if you were transferring some of your flames to it. So it will be as if we never left here.

-...Is this all really necessary? - He put it uncertain, feeling extremely strange to touch his own back.

- Considering the number of powerful people in this house, that could give us half an hour, if we're lucky, without being discovered.

- Just half an hour?!

- I said my flames are shit. - He laughed again, and then threw one of the purple boxes to Tsuna. - Come on, this is a Cloud storage box, they are quite rare because they are a lot of work to do. The interior expands so it's almost like a big portable suitcase, you can put gifts inside.

-...Right. - He said still unsure, but even so heading to the fridge and doing as he was told, surprising himself in how, when activating it with his Ring of the Sky, it suddenly assumed the size of a shoebox. - But how are we going to get there and back so fast?

- I know a shortcut. Bermuda gave it to me a long time ago. - He said, taking a necklace from his neck that looked like a small dark-looking pocket mirror. - A mirror with the properties of the Night Flame, is what Vindice uses to see what happens in the rest of the mafia world. We call it the Black Mirror.

Then, as Skull had done before with his motorcycle, he enveloped the mirror in Cloud Flames, enlarging it, over Sky's shocking exclamations, to a size that closely resembled the very portals Vindice used.

- SIX?! IS IT SIX FLAMES?! - Definitely Gokudera would freak out.

With his toothless smile, the eldest pointed the way.

- Skies first.

Tsuna swallowed hard, his heart racing at the absurdity of the situation, but his Hyper Intuition in contradiction never seemed so quiet, as if it didn't want to tell him what he would find on the other side.

And then he took a step forward, feeling an icy sensation run through his body with every step he took, which only increased as he crossed the surface that looked like water.

He himself didn't understand why he wasn't afraid at that moment, disbelieving himself because, deep down, he was above all excited.

-.-.-.-

Tsuna couldn't even believe his eyes with the white sea of snow that greeted him when he reached the other side.

- Where are we? - He wanted to know, hugging his own arms, realizing only now that he was going to see Vindice in his pajamas.

"Well, at least it's better than underwear." - He considered with slight bitterness as he watched Talbot walk through the portal and shrink the mirror to its necklace size again, reattaching it to his neck.

- Near Vindice's headquarters. Here in this region eternally covered by snow, it used to be home to many bears due to the region's cave complex. Many years ago, after hearing the prediction of a seer, apprentice of a guide shaman, that fourteen parts of the Trinisette would end up in the hands of mafia families, he decided to organize his own army in this place, the guardians of the laws of the underworld, while he was waiting for the day that Checker Face would reappear. - Recited the eldest, his blindfolded gaze lost in the horizon.

- Yes… Atchim…! - Tsuna confirmed with a sneeze. - He told this to me and Reborn when we were alone. To this day I still don't understand where he found a seer… It seems to me such random information. Uni told me that even she couldn't be considered a seer because her vision of the future was limited.

Instead of answering, Talbot just smiled.

- This world hides very mysterious things, Tsuna, you should already know. - And then he opened his coat again, taking another storage box, this time from the Storm. - There's a coat inside, look, this visit is for you to talk to the Vindice, not freeze to death and become one of them.

A little shiver ran down the brunette's spine at that comment, so he promptly lit his ring and opened it.

- W-wait! This coat is… - He was shocked to recognize the black and heavy fur suit, with a prominent collar. - It's precisely the Vindice uniform! - Even the chains on the front were present. - Why do you have it? You're not a Vindice either, are you?

"On second thought, he really does look kind of weird." - Couldn't stop thinking.

- Ouch! - Only to take a cane to the head, which Tsuna no longer wondered where he had taken it from.

- Of course not, I'm a human like you. Just with a lot more sense of style. - He said, brushing his tall Mohawk back.

- Oh… Right…? But how then…

- It was a thank you gift from a little friend, as a retribution for the machine that now controls the power of pacifiers. If you don't want it, you can return it to me. - The craftsman spoke, stretching out his bony hand.

- N-no, it's ok… - He finally accepted, because the uniform looked decidedly warm, besides having a size close to his own.

"Although I definitely never thought I would wear this outfit." - He thought as he sighed in relief at the heat that immediately showered him.

- Where are we going now, Mr. Talbot?

- Actually I don't know, I've never used this passage, and this place has definitely changed in the last few centuries. - He said turning from one side to the other, then pointing to a random pile of snow. - This pile was definitely not here.

- WHAT?! SO ARE WE LOST?! - He panicked. - If I disappear like this on Christmas Day, Reborn will kill me!

- Well, if he kills you you will at least be dressed for the occasion.

- Mister Talbot!

And the eldest started to laugh, and then took another of his boxes from his coat, an indigo color, very old and worn.

- Don't worry, you really have a powerful throat, not even Giotto beats you in that. - He observed scratching inside his ear with his huge nails. - I may not know the way, but my dog definitely does.

With that said, he opened the box, out of which emerged a huge, thin white dog with a wide muzzle, whose paws were engulfed in flames from the Mist.

- Come on Iro, show the way to the Brat. - He announced, to which the big dog barked happily.

In turn, Tsuna opened his eyes in disbelief.

- Wait one moment! That dog... I know that dog! I've dreamed of him! - He exclaimed in shock seeing the animal that just tilted its head at him curiously.

- Oh, I didn't know you liked dogs so much to dream about it, if you want, I can make a box of one for you. - Suggested the eldest with a toothless friendly smile. - Iro here has been my companion for longer than I can remember.

- Eh?! No, that's not what I'm talking about! - He denied shaking his hands vehemently. - It's just these days I-

But he couldn't finish, as the dog suddenly pointed in a direction to the west and started running towards it.

- Come on, activate your Hyper Mode, and take me on your back behind him, before we lose sight of him. - He guided and Tsuna didn't have much choice than just following the instructions, it was that or getting lost in the snow.

They didn't have to fly for long until they stopped in a clearing in the middle of a forest full of snow, the Vongola descended slowly, noticing that the dog had stopped in front of what looked like a torch in the middle of the dark night.

Everything was covered in snow, with the exception of a fireplace made of stone, which despite having nothing to protect it from the cold, wind and snow, it was somehow still lit with an intense flame.

- How is this possible?! - He said while crouching on the floor in front of the fire so that the old man could get down from his back, which, to his surprise, he just did jumping like it was nothing.

- What? Never seen a fireplace? You need to get out of the house more. Any day I'll take you camping.

- It's not that! - He was exasperated. - How can it be lit in these conditions?!

- Look closely and you'll know.

Tsuna nodded, then carefully approached, and it definitely didn't take him long to understand.

- It's a Sky Flame! - He put surprised.

- As long as there is someone who replenishes the wood, and as long as its owner continues to feed it, it will never go out. - He explained crouching in front of it. - As long as the soul lives, the flame is not extinguished.

- It's really very pure. - He said, also crouching down to observe it more closely. - Whose flame is this, Mr. Talbot? Do you know?

- Of a Sky that was consumed by the Mafia's darkness. - He said getting up. - But even falling to the lowest level, he never stopped looking out for his own. - He followed as if looking for something in the sky, some snow falling on his blindfold. - They arrived.

Tsuna only had time to get up when, like shadows in the night, in the midst of a fog that froze the bones and seemed to steal the air from his lungs, eight figures began to appear around him holding chains in their hands.

The sight that terrified anyone who had been born into the Mafia and had heard the stories.

This was definitely not the case for Sawada Tsunayoshi.

- Oh, glad we found them! - He exclaimed, relieved to recognize the smaller figure, wearing his faithful top hat. - I was worried that we wouldn't make it in time!

- What are you looking for, Sawada Tsunayoshi? - Declared Bermuda, the bandages covering his body loosening of their own accord and falling to his feet as he approached the Vongola, except for a few over his face which looked slightly crooked. - This sudden visit is very strange to me. - He said, casting a suspicious look at Talbot who just smiled, at the clothes the brunette wore.

- Ah, sorry if I disturbed something, I don't even know what time it is here, or what place it is here… - He considered nervously. - But I just wanted to deliver your Christmas present. - He put it at last, taking the Box that Talbot lent him from his coat, opening it, revealing to the Undead several small pots of…

-...Sweet? - The comment came from Jaeger, also approaching and managing to see over his boss.

- I-I don't know if all of you still eat! - Tsuna defended himself. - Neither Byakuran nor Uni knew either, but as I don't know what you guys like, that's all I could think of!

-...What? - It was the only reaction that the director of the most feared prison of the Mafia could express, staring at the teenager in front of him as if two heads had come out of him.

-…Does that mean you don't really eat? - The Sky regarded with regret. - I-I can think of something else!

- I told you it would be hilarious! - Exclaimed Talbot, sitting back against the fireplace laughing, his dog lying down beside him. - Just look at his frog face.

And the laughter did nothing to assuage the brunette's embarrassment, who was about to close the box when another of the Vindices stepped forward.

- Hey Hey! - Small Gia also undid his bands, revealing his more human body than most of his companions, throwing his coat over his shoulder, thus without realizing it fastened one of the chains in her extremely ruffled hair. - What sweet is it? I loved sweets!

- Tiramisù, an Italian coffee sweet. - Tsuna replied awkwardly with a hint of hope. -…Do you want yours?

The Vindice accepted, looking at the package from all angles, then opened the lid, only to find another one with cocoa powder on top.

- Oh! That was Reborn's idea. - The Sky explained, taking another Tiramisù and opening it. - He said that if you put the chocolate right in the candy, it would be dark and ugly. So you take that second lid and turn it over the candy when you're going to eat it.

- Oh, like a powder topping?

- Yeah!

- Reborn helped you cook this?! - Asked Bermuda in shock, still standing in his place.

- Ho ho ho! So hilarious!

- Let me see this. - Alejandro stepped forward too, unlike Small just taking the bandages off his face revealing his long, light hair and sharp teeth. - I'm a candy expert, you know. My puppets don't take the name they do for anything. - He argued accepting a pot too.

- Were you a cook? - Tsuna wanted to know with sincerity, Small Gia tried to throw the chocolate powder in his, dropping more than half on the floor in the process.

- I worked in my parents' candy store in my home country when I was a child, before getting into organized crime.

- Serious?! Where are you from?

- Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. - And when Small Gia surreptitiously tried to pick up his pot, he quickly lifted it much higher than the smallest one could reach. - Have you got yours.

- But I dropped the topping!

- That's not my problem.

- Do not be selfish! Give me yours, or I'll shoot you in the head!

- I want to see you try!

Tsuna, more used than he should with this kind of thing, simply walked away while the two members started fighting each other, to ask if the others wanted too.

Bermuda, in turn, sat next to Iro, watching in disbelief as his men approached one by one and took their respective gifts, and as the brunette chatted randomly with each one, in a disconcerting way much more linked to shyness than to the absurd fact of giving Christmas candy to a bunch of the undead.

-…Reborn must have hit him on the head very hard. - Finally declared the Director. - Even Giotto was skittish when dealing with us, I don't see how his reincarnation can be so different.*

- They may be the same soul, but they are not the same person, they had totally different lives, and that made them different people. - Talbot took a long breath, staring at the night sky from which a few snowflakes were falling. - But the hearts of both are equally good and sincere.

- And I thought that Giotto was already very naive.

- My Sky died full of regrets and pain about what he ended up creating and the path his family, his best friends followed. All I want most is that this second chance things will be different for Tsunayoshi. - He reached out, taking one of the flakes in his palm. - If I could, I would even spare you from your fate.

- But neither you nor anyone else can deprive you of that. - The director seriously followed, even if a small smile painted on his lips now as the young boy helped the only woman in the group, to taste her gift, holding the pot for her to eat while she held her broken jaw. - Glauco was killed, Parvento has gone crazy, you are the only guardian still alive who knows about such a key to access Trinisette's real ability. When are you going to tell the boy what you've never even told me?

- When he reaches his full potential, Trinisette himself will show the way. - He decreed simply. - Apparently it's already started. It's only a matter of time before he takes on the role of Sepira's guardian, even though he's a human.

- He still has more potential?! - Bermuda exasperated, taking a hand to the bands on his face.

- Ho Ho you can't even imagine, his flame grows every day.

- And when the body can't take it anymore? - He wanted to know, frowning. - It wouldn't be different from what happened to us. Flames bursting from the inside out, a load greater than a cursed body could handle. Undead trapped by a last earthly desire.

- If the worst happened. - Followed the blacksmith. - Would you take care of him?

Bermuda snorted, watching as Jack tried to stop Alejandro from cutting Small Gia's head off again.

- But isn't that what I've done all my life? Keep the fireplace lit so the troublemakers don't freeze to death in the woods. The Plan E of the Desperate.

- You're right. - He agreed, stroking the head of a sleeping Iro. At his sight he turned to the director who saw how the Vongola needed to use his gloves to reach Big Pino. - When we meet again after the curse. When I broke my oath to Sepira and revealed Trinisette's fate to you, did you imagine we'd end up like this? The Arcobaleno system destroyed by the stubbornness of a teenager who carries the Trinisette of the past, all to save his beloved tutor?

- When you found the true and only bearer of the Trinisette of the Past in that antique shop*, did you imagine that one day he would be the Sky that I could never be for you?

- That's the problem with seers, they can't predict about their own lives.* - He ironized smiling slightly. - But… In the end, even though it took a long time, we managed to destroy the Arcobaleno system.

- Yes. Their story will be different from ours. - The director considered, still looking at his men with a thoughtful expression.

"Now I just need one last mission." - Thought the old craftsman staring sideways at the undead beside him. - "The promise I made to myself the day I was exposed to pure Trinisette and acquired my gift."

- Sure. - However, the words that came out of his mouth were very different. - Even because Reborn is not an annoying and arrogant Brat like a certain Benefactor.

- Nobody is keeping you here, you can leave whenever you want, shit smith. - Bermuda countered, turning to him in a bad mood.

- Hey! Do you dare say that after I created the machine that stabilized Trinisette?!

- That crap is so poorly made it will probably break in less than a hundred years.

- What does a shit hunter like you know?!

Tired as an argument started, Iro got up and walked between yawns to Jaeger, the only one not to be approached by Tsuna or look for him, keeping faithfully close, and at the same time at a respectful distance from his boss.

- Are they arguing again? - The deputy director wanted to know, with a sigh. - There are things that don't change, right? - Then he raised both hands in front of the dog. - Paw, paw?

And with a bark the dog got up on two legs, easily repeating the movements of the taller one.

- You're still a good boy, aren't you? - He commented when the animal returned to the ground, while stroking between its ears.

- Do you like dogs? - Tsuna wanted to know, looking with some fear for the animal. For some reason he had the only female Vindice clinging to his arm while Small Gia whimpered something deep inside with a hand on his heart and Alejandro laughed at his expense. - They all seem to hate me…

- What are you doing, Emily? - The vice principal demanded to know instead of answering.

Instead of words, the woman made a gesture with her hands, which made Jaeger frown.

- You can't marry him, you're already dead. - He said rigorous.

- W-what?! Marry?! - Tsuna exclaimed in panic. - I thought she was just grateful!

- You should have suspected when she took that branch and tied it to your finger. - Jack offered in a casual tone. - Now you are engaged, Scarface was even the witness. - He said pointing to one of his companions, with spiky black hair, who was completely smeared with cream, yet he shook his head, only to let his roll to Big Pino's feet, who just watched, unable to reach out to take it even if he wanted to.

- WHAT?! NO WAY!

- That's right, I'm going to marry her! - Demanded Small Gia.

- If she didn't want you in life, what makes you think she will in death?! - The puppeteer followed provocatively. - You were officially thrown out.

Jaeger snorted, bringing a hand to his face.

- I swear I don't know how it happened! - The brunette was trying to defend himself.

- Aren't you afraid of us? - Jaeger wanted to know in a serious tone, enough for Jack to quickly unlink Emily from the brunette and walk away along with Small Gia and Alejandro, the latter finally returning Scarface's head in the process, causing everyone to return to their original semicircle, waiting quietly in the distance… - Even disgust?

Tsuna was surprised for a moment, not only by the retreat of the others, but also by the words of the man much bigger than him. Yet he replied:

- Since I found out the truth about you, I can't help but think that everyone was once like Reborn. - The smaller one followed, putting a hand on the chains around his neck. - You didn't choose to become what you became. If I was disgusted with any of you, it's like admitting that I would have done the same if this had turned out to be the fate of Reborn and the others. And I would never do something like that.

The taller one stared at him for a few more seconds, then sighed in defeat. And then he stretched out his hand.

- You didn't give me mine.

- It's going to cause a huge mess with the huge hole he has in his chest now. - Small Gia mocked, only to have his mouth covered by Jack.

- Argh! Don't lick my hand, you disgusting!

- I can't get my tongue inside my mouth, you idiot!

- Ehh… - Tsuna followed embarrassed, handing the penultimate pot. - Sorry about that? - He wanted to know in reference to the injury resulting from his fight in the past.

- Forget it.

- Very well Tsuna, time to go home. - Named Talbot getting up, who for some reason seemed to have even fewer teeth, while calling Iro back to his box. - Before your friends realize you're gone and they sink into Japan looking for you.

- Oh yes. You're right. - Then he turned to the director. - Do you want your present?

Bermuda stared at him for a long second before he decided to accept.

- You are crazy, Sawada Tsunayoshi. - And then he smiled. - I like it.

Then without further ado, he replaced his sashes, his fellas soon following, as a portal opened behind them all.

- And Merry Christmas~ - Said goodbye who suspected Small for trying to untangle the chains from his hair.

And they all disappeared in the cold of the Night.

- Very dramatic, don't you think? - Talbot scoffed even though he had a smile on his toothless face.

- A little. - The younger one replied, looking back at the fireplace. - But most of my friends are like that.

And under the mister's laughter, they made their way home together.

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END OF SEASON.

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