*All of the italic parts happened on the same day as chapter 18 aka the last chapter.
Reborn watched for the third time that day as Tsuna ran around with only his boxers and nothing else, chasing after something with a wild fervor.
Later that day, Tsuna would complain of his body muscles aches and Reborn would simply ignore him. Tsuna was ignorant of the threat but now that Reborn learned of Mukuro and his accomplices' presence in Kokuyo, which was only a town away from Namimori, he could not ignore it.
Reborn would have taken care of it himself, but… Reborn's jaw silently tightened. Tsuna and his guardians weren't ready to take Mukuro on yet – not even close, in fact – but Reborn received his orders.
"Reborn," the Ninth had said over the Leon-webcam. "You so rarely contact me through technology. Is something of the matter?"
"Mukuro and his accomplices are near Namimori," Reborn said grimly.
A look entered the Ninth's eyes. "So you've noticed," the Ninth murmured, almost to himself. The Ninth glanced at Reborn. "I've sent out a letter regarding this yesterday."
Reborn blinked, the only indication of his surprise. The Ninth knew but didn't inform Reborn immediately? A threat like Mukuro, powerful enough to even escape the Vendicare Prison, could surely bring harm to the Vongola heir if not properly taken care of. The Ninth was usually so protective of those he considered Family and Tsuna was undeniably both Family and family, so why…?
A letter.
A letter was slow. It would take too long to reach Namimori from Italy, so why choose a letter? Reborn rarely contact the Ninth and vice versa through means of technology because whatever conversed between them would undoubtedly be highly confidential and they didn't trust the line to be secure. Only through Leon could they speak without worries, but Leon was an organism despite his shape-shifting abilities. He can only act as a webcam for about five minutes.
Five minutes would be long enough for the Ninth to concisely give Reborn the information and his orders, so why a letter?
Because it's a formal indication of an order, Reborn thought. It would be an order from the Vongola Nono, completed and sealed with his Sky Flame. Only the Vongola Decimo's Sky Flame could open it then.
Something was brewing within the Family.
"What happened?" Reborn asked, instead of inquiring after the Ninth's orders. Reborn could see it for himself when it arrived, but this was something the letter wouldn't contain.
Something like surprise flickered across the Ninth's expression, before he smiled, pleased. "I shouldn't be surprised. You're as sharp as ever, Reborn," he said. His smile faded as he confided, "The Family is starting to doubt, Reborn. Somehow, a photograph of Tsunayoshi was leaked. It was quickly contained, of course, and his location and personal information is still largely unknown, but…"
The Ninth quirked a tired smile at him. "Our Tsunayoshi looks so unassuming, don't you think?"
Reborn couldn't help but snort at that. "He looks like an innocent baby rabbit that hides behind someone at the first sign of trouble."
The Ninth chuckled softly at Reborn's description. "But you're training him, aren't you, Reborn? I have faith that you would make Tsunayoshi into a great Boss, like you did with Dino."
Reborn's eyes unwitting softened at those words, despite his best intention. The Ninth had that effect on everyone. "He still has a long way to go," Reborn said. His voice turned serious when he gazed back at the Ninth. "He still needs time."
The Ninth shook his head ever softly, mournfully. "Time is a luxury we don't have, Reborn," the Ninth intoned, gently setting the news down by Reborn but giving him no room for any protest. The Ninth looked directly at Reborn. "They need proof."
Worry flickered across Reborn's expressions for a split-second. "It's too early for the Ring Battle."
"I know," the Ninth said gently. He waited, like a teacher waiting for a pupil to come upon an answer, and it didn't take Reborn long to.
Reborn's eyes widened at the conclusion he came upon to. "You want Tsuna to fight against Mukuro."
"That would pacify the dissenters for now and demonstrate Tsunayoshi's strength," the Ninth said."Vongola needs to appear strong, Reborn, so you cannot help him either."
Reborn's mind quickly scanned through the Ninth's logic and found it to be sound. It would be an enormous boost to Tsuna and Vongola if the to-be Vongola Decimo, at the tender age of fourteen, defeated someone skilled and notorious enough to escape from the Vendicare.
It could also be disastrous, however, if Tsuna couldn't defeat him. News will eventually spread, however contained and closely guarded it was, about how the Vongola Decimo was arrogant, someone who perpetually bit off more than he can chew. That wasn't a good image for the Decimo to have, especially considering his actual personality.
As Reborn gazed at the Ninth, Reborn found that the Ninth knew that already. There were the slightest doubt in his mind and worry in his eyes, but he made his choice as the Vongola Nono. His head wasn't flickering with his Sky Flame, but Reborn knew resolution when he saw it. What Reborn needed to do now wasn't to give the Nono advice; it was to support his decision.
"I understand, Vongola Nono," Reborn said.
Timoteo nodded at Reborn's reply and a burden seemed to be lifted from his shoulders right before Reborn's eyes.
"Thank you, Reborn," Timoteo said, trust and warmth in his voice that told Reborn he believed Reborn wouldn't fail him in regards to Tsuna's training. His image fuzzed on the screen for a second, and then it blacked out. Their five minutes were up.
Reborn silently stood and became aware of the burden that settled painfully onto his shoulders.
The letter the Ninth sent them had arrived later that day. Reborn didn't show it to Tsuna, since he never did cope well with fear. Letting him know that an escaped prisoner was in the area would equate to setting him free to panic and be skittish. It'll also tell the enemies that they know of their presence.
No, it was better for Tsuna to remain in the dark until Mukuro showed himself. Meanwhile, Reborn would accustom Tsuna's body to the Dying Will Mode so there would be an actual chance that Tsuna could enter the Hyper Dying Will Mode. Getting Tsuna to control his untamed flame would be a crucial part of the battle.
Besides, with all his running around while in Dying Will Mode, Tsuna could train his body as well, and Reborn would get a chance to torture him.
Reborn smirked, before his gaze drifted to the teenager running beside Tsuna – always on his right – and thought back to the conversation they had.
"Reborn-san, you must send Juudaime away," Gokudera shouted, hurrying up to the world's strongest hitman the moment he was alone.
Reborn simply looked at him and raised an eyebrow, a sign for Gokudera to elaborate.
"Rokuduo Mukuro escaped from the Vendicare a week or so ago and now he's here in Namimori!" Gokudera exclaimed.
Reborn hid it well, but he couldn't help but be slightly surprised. How did Gokudera know? "What makes you think so?" he asked.
So Gokudera started explaining that a few days ago, he became aware of the increasingly amount of canary birds around Namimori. He didn't think much of them at first, but they were always watching him wherever he went, so he became suspicious.
Reborn had to admit he was a bit impressed with Gokudera and a bit annoyed with himself. Impressed because of Gokudera's insightfulness, annoyed with himself because he hadn't even considered the possibility that someone else would use animals (canary birds, in this case) to spy.
After being at the top so long, was Reborn finally losing his sharp edge and dropping his guard?
No. It was more correct to say he neglected to pay attention to minor details because he was distracted by something more worthy of interest.
As Gokudera spoke of how he realized the increase of canary birds in the area related to Mukuro Rokudo , the object of Reborn's distraction was mentioned. Of course.
"Yusuke helped out at the bar and when I commented about the canary birds in the area, he mentioned that Mukuro Rokudo escaped from the Vendicare, along with others and a man named Birds," Gokudera said, manipulating the truth.
Gokudera: a prideful boy who didn't want anyone to find out about his financial issue, but accepted the help of Urameshi, whose hand was extended out to Gokudera before Reborn even know there was an issue, on the very day Reborn was busy with surveillance.
Reborn silently watched Gokudera sweat as he wondered if Reborn realized his lie. Reborn let the moment stretch a second too long – I know you lied – but spoke before Gokudera caved in.
"Don't do anything for now," Reborn said. Gokudera's financial problem was something Tsuna would have to take care of as a boss. It wouldn't do for Reborn to mollycoddle Tsuna or his guardians, after all.
Surprise surfaced on Gokudera's countenance. "What…?" he said, not comprehending . A second later, he froze when he realized he questioned Reborn and bowed deeply. "I apologize, Reborn-san! I'm not doubting you. It's just…"
Here, Gokdera finally raised his head and Reborn approved of the loyalty and concern Gokudera showed for Tsuna. The Vongola Decimo didn't need someone who would follow blindly; he needed someone who could honestly speak his mind, not afraid to ask questions – not to be defiant, but for understanding and clarification– when appropriate and remain loyal.
Tsuna couldn't have asked for a better right-hand man. Gokudera had all the characteristics and potential, although his reverence for Tsuna could go too far at times. He just needed polishing, although Reborn would never tell Gokudera that. That will just end with Gokudera floating on cloud-nine from the compliment and possibly getting himself killed from his distraction, or he would let the compliment get to his brain and no longer strive to improve. Reborn wanted neither of that to happen.
"You're asking Tsuna to run," Reborn said. "Is that the type of boss you wish to follow?"
Gokudera flinched and it was all too easy for Reborn to see his internal war: a conflict of his protectiveness of his boss and Gokudera's personality and beliefs regarding fights.
Gokudera was the storm. Protectiveness may cause him to send his boss away from danger, but Gokudera would always be the one to charge ahead into battle.
"I…" Gokudera said, struggling.
"You want to protect Tsuna," Reborn said. "But this is something he needs to face."
Gokudera's shoulders slumped at those words.
"But not alone," Reborn added. Gokudera's head shot up. "Mukuro Rokudo has accomplices. When the time comes, Tsuna will need help."
A small fire within Gokudera slowly grew to a bonfire. "I understand, Reborn-san! I'll start training immediately!" Gokudera exclaimed. He bowed in Reborn's direction – "Thank you very much!" – before hurrying off.
Reborn watched him go, before letting out a noise and extending a finger. The ladybug landed a moment later.
"Find out Urameshi's location for me," Reborn said.
xxx
"You decided to turn to burglary now?" Urameshi said as soon as he stepped through the door of his apartment.
Reborn scoffed at Urameshi's words, not even surprised that Urameshi wasn't surprised at seeing Reborn in his own apartment. "Hardly. It'll be a waste of my skills."
Urameshi laughed. "Of course it would be beneath the world's greatest hitman," he said, throwing down his keys.
"I'm not the first person to have picked your lock," Reborn commented, head gesturing to his door.
"Oh, that's 'cos I'm the first," Urameshi said. At Reborn's raised eyebrow, he added, "I gave my keys to Gokudera the first day. I don't keep spare keys lying around, so I had to pick my own lock to get in. It's kinda sad, really." Urameshi pointed to his keys lying on the table. "I just got that a few days ago, but that's not why you're here, right?"
Reborn hmmed.
"Gokudera told you," Urameshi prompted, referring to Mukuro's presence around Namimori.
"He did, but I already knew," Reborn replied.
"What are you going to do?"
"That's my question to you."
Urameshi's lips quirked. "More like you have a demand for me."
Reborn's mouth curled slightly at Urameshi's comment, before he turned back to business. "Don't interfere with Mukuro Rokudo ."
Urameshi's eyebrow shot all the way up to his hairline. "Reborn, you already know that we don't make claims like that. It's first come first serve. Besides," Urameshi said, his tone transitioning to what sounded like a petulant complaint , "it's so calm here. This is the first interesting thing in ages ."
"Calm," Reborn deadpanned. "Even with Tsuna and his guardians as its inhabitants, you call Namimori calm?"
Urameshi was startled into chuckling. "Okay, maybe not calm. Peaceful is more of the word. I mean –" Urameshi froze, before turning to glare at Reborn. "Hey, don't get me off topic!"
"Touché," Reborn said with a smirk, not bothering to pretend. Urameshi huffed.
"I'm not trying reserve Mukuro Rokudo for myself," Reborn said a moment later.
Urameshi gave Reborn a doubtful look. "Really," Urameshi said, the doubt in his voice conveying just how much he believed that.
"I want Tsuna to fight against him," Reborn revealed. There was no point of hiding it, especially if all things go well, the news of the to-be Vongola Decimo's victory against Mukuro Rokudo would be all over the Underground. "He'll need the experience."
"Tsuna against Mukuro Rokudo," Urameshi said blankly and that was unfortunately Reborn's exact thought. "No offense, and I'm not doubting Tsuna or anything, but really? That's like throwing a cute rabbit to the snakes. He'll need a miracle to pull that off."
"He'll defeat Mukuro Rokudo and come out much stronger," Reborn corrected, letting none of his uncertainties show.
Urameshi still looked largely doubtful. "And Tsuna agreed?"
Reborn couldn't help but snort at that idea.
"Oi, oi, you're forcing him into this?" Urameshi said, shaking his head disapprovingly. "What a waste. You might as well let me have a go at Mukuro instead."
"No," Reborn rejected bluntly. He didn't mention Vongola Nono's order, because that was like handing over a weakness to the enemy.
"Stubborn bastard," Urameshi uttered and Reborn raised an eyebrow at Urameshi's choice of word. Urameshi caught the look. "What?"
"You shouldn't be allowed near any kids," Reborn said, tone indicating 'any kids' meant Reborn himself.
Urameshi snorted. "Oh please," Urameshi said. "Like you haven't heard or said worse."
Reborn did, but that didn't mean he had to admit it.
"And stop trying to get me off topic," Urameshi added. "Didn't work the first time, not gonna work the second or third or whatever time."
Reborn hmmed. "Pity," Reborn said. "Would you like to fight me then , in exchange for letting Tsuna fight Mukuro first?"
Urameshi's eyes widened. "No way," Urameshi said. When Reborn made no move to retract the offer, Urameshi let out a short incredulous laugh. "Seriously? That's such an uneven deal."
"For whom?" Reborn prompted.
"For you! I –" Urameshi paused, thinking over Reborn's offer, before glancing back over at him. "You're really tricky, aren't you?"
Reborn raised an eyebrow, all ignorance and innocence.
"That's not gonna work on me," Urameshi said. He huffed, a little miffed. "And here I thought I was gonna benefit the most, since compared to Mukuro's strength, yours is on a whole other level."
Although Reborn long knew it was true, it was gratifying to hear Urameshi say that aloud.
"But that's not it, right?" Urameshi continued, narrowing his eyes at Reborn. "You just want to fight me."
Reborn evenly returned a look of his own. "And you don't?"
There was a long moment, before Urameshi suddenly grinned. "True. It's a deal, then. I'll leave Mukuro Rokudo and his cronies alone and you'll fight me afterward."
"Deal," Reborn said, extending a hand out. His body, mind, soul, blood tingled at the thought of finally fighting Urameshi, a worthy adversary.
"Deal," Urameshi said, reaching out for his hand. A bloodthirsty gleam was in his eyes and the energy that swirled around him suddenly so tangibly only made Reborn's blood sing.
Their hands met and it was electrifying as both of them gazed at one another, the same thought racing through both of their minds.
I'm going to take him down.
