Chapter Twenty-Eight

Tsuna sat back before crossing his legs. He inspected every trees his eyes can see clearly with criticism. Every visible roots, bark, leaves and branches. He can't help being perfectionist when he was trained to be one. Blame it on his tutor. After minutes of staring, he sighed and let himself fall to his back. Heh. The sky is bluer than blue today, a good day to relax if he was any lesser or he doesn't have a quirk to enhance.

He has been at it for five hours since his classmates were woken up. More of, since four-thirty in the morning. He was able to cover his classmates with their blankets so they won't get any stomachaches when they woke up. He even got to see the Pussycats in their sleepwears when he was about to go out and have his regular exercise and run. His Dad was able to see him in the middle of his push-ups while Vlad King got him when he was about to run. He only stopped running when Class A and Class B went out of the house. After that, he started his training for controls.

It was well. He can do it without relying on his intuition. He had been idling when eight o' clock came. Before he knew it, he finished twenty-five trees, and all of them came out okay. Then he did the rest with conscious and unconscious mind. Maybe the practice in Kanagawa agency was fruitful too? He wonders. Either ways, he should probably tell this to his Dad. Progress is progress.

Standing up, he patted his pants of dirt before walking for the cave. The brunet can hear the shouts and groans from the inside. He chuckled before entering. Everyone is training harder, pushing their quirks to the limit to make them stronger. It is a plausible way. Since breaching the limit can put another set of limit to the power. It's like how the body works.

"Sawada." He looked at his Dad who is walking towards him. "Are you done?"

He nodded like a student he is. "Yes, Aizawa-sensei. I finished healing all the trees, from roots to the very last leaf."

"Then we should tackle your storm and rain flames." His Dad decided before leading him to the side where big rocks were stationed. "We need a bigger space to accommodate all of you,"

"So you want me to disintegrate all of this?" He queried as he stared at the rocks. With how efficient he is now in figuring out the flames in a constructive matter. Damn. He sounds like Verde or Hayato in a matter.

"Yup. If you get a hang of it, come to me. I'll make you do some rain flames training."

Tsuna bobbed his head in understanding, not even looking away from his target practice. "Got it. Thank you, Aizawa-sensei."

He didn't see his Dad's answer before barking at those who were slacking off. Tsuna sat on the ground, not minding the looks he got, and summoned his storm flames with both hands together. It was evident that it's starting to grow more with how chaotic his mind has been too, and with the help of the cliff climbing. Anyway, he'll start with putting too much.

To say the cave shook with how much he put on the rocks were understatement. He sheepishly looked back to those who cried in panic and apologized for startling them. Good thing he was able to stop the immediate spread of storm flames with his rain flames out of panic and instinct. He agreed he deserves those whacks on his head for almost giving them heart attacks.

It took him a couple of tries to get a hang of the storm flames without burning his hands. Putting too much causes self-disintegration, which was what his hands had suffered. He was able to heal them with sun flames though. Applying too little is like a slow reacting poison, it spreads throughout the rocks like cracks, penetrating the insides as it carves its way on the outside. And before he knew it, it crumbled in front of him and created a big dust. The balanced storm is like a fast reacting poison without any side effects on the user. And it took him three hours to do all of those before he used the last hours to carve his way to the cave. Shouta was satisfied how the cave got bigger.

By the time they were done, they were ushered to go for the baths and clean up so they could cook their supper. He was by the bathroom and showering with the others, when he felt his intuition give an intense warning alert. He had to cradle his head with both hands in pain, letting the shower head fall on the tiled floor. He had to tell himself to calm down while blinking his eyes from the blinding pain. It took him seconds to register that there are voices calling out his name. When he looked up, he saw Katsuki, Iida, Shouto and Izuku crowding around him.

"You okay, Tsuna?" Izuku queried, brows furrowed. "Do you need aspirin? I'll get you some."

"You've been cradling your head for minutes." Katsuki muttered, brows furrowed.

Tsuna opened his mouth to say he's okay, but his mind wondered. "What are we going to do tonight?"

"Test of courage, according to Pixie-bob." Shouto answered.

"Fuck." He closed his eyes when he felt an intense alarm again after the info. "I need to go."

"What do you mean, Sawada?" Iida questioned, confused with his answer.

He took a deep breath to keep the pain. "Just forgot something. See you in dinner, okay?"

He rushed out, but before passed by Katsuki, he ruffled the dump blond hair. He briskly went for the clothing area and went to get dressed. The moment he was out of the baths, he ran to search for his Dad. He saw him conversing with Vlad King. He was about to approach when his intuition warned him not to. He gritted his teeth instead before running to the boys' dormitory to get his gloves, put on another shirt for emergency and left his phone there. Knowing Mandalay's quirk, she'll be able to alert them.

Tsuna was taken by the girls when they saw him going out of their room. He went with the flow and helped them prepare for the meat and stew they're going to cook outside as the boys tinkered in. Every once in a while, he'll wince at the pain he's feeling, but he never showed it to them. That's his concern, not theirs. He just has to promise himself to minimize the casualty as much as possible.

After eating and cleaning up everything with the others, Tsuna's gut churned. The moment Shouta came calling in the remedial bunch, he took the man's arm and stared straight in those black eyes. He took a deep breath and let his intuition talk.

"No matter what happens, I'll lower the casualties." He uttered in a hushed voice. "I'll save as many people as I can and I'll have you hold the fort for me, understood Shouta Aizawa?"

His Dad's expression cannot be read.

"Please." Tsuna's voice trembled, almost begging. "Keep yourself safe, Dad. I can't lose you too."

"I-I..."

He smiled when he gathered enough courage to do so. "Trust me, yeah?"

Shouta nodded wordlessly.

"Go on." He whispered. "I love you, Dad." Then he joined the drawing lots.

Tsuna stared at the number four he got. Good thing he doesn't have any partners like how Izuku's number had been. He took a deep breath as he listened to the mechanics. Since those who draw slots are mostly Class A, it means the scare team is the Class B. That can be worked. Because his intuition is on high strung tonight, he won't be scared easily. All they need to do is walk around the loop in the forest with Ragdoll waiting for them at the middle part for checking.

As students go in pair by pair, Tsuna's pain gets crazier too. When it was his time to enter, he warned Pixie-bob to keep an eye on their backs. He doesn't know if the lady took in his advice. He only smiled at the scary stuffs. Some were entertaining, others were pretty scary. But he just couldn't. If he was Dame-Tsuna and he wasn't on high alert for the villains, he would've screamed his head off.

He was nearing the middle part when he felt his intuition ring. He immediately pulled his gloves on and ignited his flames as he got directed to a location. When he got there, his eyes widened at the scene. It was Ragdoll, being attacked by a mummy thingy who sprouts blade with his mouth. The moment the mummy villain struck to defenseless Ragdoll again, Tsuna moved. He propelled himself with a burst of flames and kicked the blade to break it with his enhanced strength. Then he turned to the pro-hero, took her into his arms and dashed away with a burst of his super strength on his legs.

"S-Sawada?" The lady called, weakly and shocked.

"At your service, Ragdoll-san." He whispered before he maneuvered the lady to his back as smoke filled in the forest. "Hold on tight. We're gonna fly."

Before some fucked up blade from that creepy guy can even reach them, Tsuna propelled himself to the sky. Ragdoll held in tight, breathing a little unsteady. The brunet didn't mind as he scanned the forest from his view. With the smoke, it's hard to see everyone.

"Everyone!"

Both perked up in Mandalay's voice inside their heads.

"Two villains have invaded the area! It's possible that there are still more lurking in the shadows! Those who are capable, head immediately to the facility! If you should come face to face with the enemy, do not engage them in combat! Continue your retreat!" Mandalay relied with urgency.

"Mandalay." Ragdoll called on her telecomm. "Got almost caught, Sawada saved me. We're currently flying for the facility... No. He only took me and we escaped. We're currently flying... Kouta-kun?... He's in his base with Midoriya and someone... I don't think it will be wise. Leave it to the kid."

"Can you rely a message for me, Ragdoll?" Tsuna breathed as he thought things through.

"Yes."

"Tell them there are nine enemies. I'll fly over to those who are injuried and lower the casualties as I can."

"Okay. You heard that, Mandalay?... She said she'll rely."

"Oh. And tell her to say don't do something we won't do."

Ragdoll chuckled. "Roger."

Tsuna boosted more flames to get closer to the facility. He saw his Dad started to run through the forest. Just as he was about to land, he noticed Iida, Ojirou, Mineta and Kouda were running inside the facility. He called out for Iida as they touched down. The class president turned around to them as Ragdoll went down from his back.

"Sawada! Ragdoll!" Iida called while running for them.

"Take care of Ragdoll-san for me." He asked as he helped the lady get to his classmate. "Don't let her out. They want to shut her out so she can't use her search quirk."

"Wha-"

"Keep everyone safe." He stared down at the president. "You have ten people in your hands. Aizawa-sensei is counting on you."

"I will!" Iida answered.

"Get inside. I'll help the others." He urged before looking at Ragdoll. "Use your quirk discreetly and stay close to them. Even though you're a pro-hero, we can't have you being taken away in any forms. As much, your quirk is dangerous in the wrong hands."

"I understand." The lady affirmed.

Tsuna nodded to Iida before he turned around and flew off.

"Tsuna!" He looked down to see Shouta looking up to him.

"Dad!" He called as he landed. "You alright?"

"I am. Almost nicked, but the bastard got away." Shouta grumbled. "You were with Ragdoll?"

"They almost got her if I didn't come in time. She's in the facility with Iida. I think she was the first to be attacked before the signal got in. Good thing my intuition got me."

"You're going back there?" His Dad asked, frowning at the thought the brunet is going to go through.

"I told you, I'm gonna lower the casualties as much as possible." He stated, eyes glowing. "With my dying will."

"Sensei! Tsuna!" They turned to see who called them.

"Midoriya-" Shouta cut himself off as both of them stared at Izuku's injuries.

Tsuna immediately rushed in, hands glowing yellow and started to heal the bruised arms. "What happened?"

"The one who killed Kouta's parents found him. I had to fight." The greenet answered immediately as Kouta slid off from the back. "There's so much to tell you. But before that, I have to talk to Mandalay."

"Dad can take care of Kouta-kun." He assured as he eyed the frightened child. He wanted to coddle him, but given the circumstances, he has to do it later.

"He has water quirk. He has to be protected." Izuku added on.

Tsuna turned to Shouta who took in Kouta. "We'll be going. I think the villains have decided to divide and conquer. If someone attacked you, he's there as a distraction."

"They're after Kacchan." Izuku said, causing to gain their attentions. The urgency and worry are evident in his face. "That's why I need to get to Mandalay."

"Fine. But tell her this, members of Class A and B. I, professional hero, Eraserhead, hereby authorize you all for combat." Shouta stated as he carried Kouta. "Got it?"

The brunet's expression went sour as he pushed Izuku to run. He understood the reason for the decision. "No other choice then. Make those people who will criticize you eat some dirt of their own, Dad. I'll back you up. Be careful on your way though!"

"Don't do something I won't do!" His Dad shouted for them as they took off to different routes.

"I will!" He yelled back before he turned to his friend. "How's the arm?!"

"Not painful anymore, and all healed up! Thank you!" The greenet answered. "Did you see Ragdoll?!"

"She's with Iida! I got her!"

"Thanks God!"

"You go for Mandalay, I'll try seeing who's injured!"

"Pixie-bob was brought down immediately! She has a head injury! The last time I checked, Mandalay and Tiger engaged the two villains who attacked us!"

Tsuna nodded as they entered the battlefield. "Alright! Go!"

While the greenet ran for Mandalay, Tsuna scanned the perimeter. He immediately ran for Pixie-bob when he noticed her, while taking out the shirt he put on before. He let the clothe hang on his shoulder as he assessed the injury. He slowly took the helmet off the lady's and checked for pulse. It was weak, at least there.

As he hears Mandalay rely Shouta's message, Tsuna focused on the task at hand. With storm flames, he disintegrated the hem before he started to tear them apart. He moved with precise and quick movements. Adjusting Pixie-bob's body, he lifted the head slowly before he put a pressure on the injury. The lady groaned in pain. He made a 'shh' sound and said assuring words as he started to bandage the head. He can use his rain flames for pain killers but that won't do. He can try healing the wound now, but there are more people to do. Even Izuku's arms were quick fix.

He suddenly remembered how he bandaged Iemitsu when he was four. That was one of the quickest things he had to do because of the intruder who was banging at the door that time. That was also the same event where he met Aizawa.

Shit. Bad omen.

As he heard Mandalay's voice talk in his head again about Katsuki, Tsuna carefully maneuvered Pixie-bob to his back. He made sure that the blondie's head is on his shoulder and her arms are around his neck, and with quick movements, he flew off. He balanced themselves in the air and flew for the facility. It was a moderate flight since he had to be very cautious. When he got there, he called out for Iida as an explosion took place. Tsuna sighed in frustration as he rushed to where the commotion is taking place.

"Kouta-kun!" He called as he skidded to a stop.

"Tsuna?!" Some people shouted from the room.

"Pixie-bob!" Ragdoll exclaimed in surprised as she rushes towards them.

"Pulse weak, head injury. I gave a first aid to the best of my ability." He slowly brought down the lady from his back with the help of Vlad King.

"Is she..." Kouta trailed off, tearing up.

"Shh." He appeased as he put a reassuring hand on the small head. "Pixie-bob will be fine. She's strong, especially now that she's in a marrying age. Don't you want to see her get married? We all want to see her get married, so she'll be fine. Don't cry, Kouta-kun. Everything will be alright."

The kid nodded his head in understanding.

"Where's Midoriya?" His Dad questioned, taking his attention.

"Looking for Katsuki." He reported as he stood up. "I'm gonna try and take students as much as I can from the forest."

"We want to help!" The other boys voiced.

"No." Father and Son stated in unison to the group.

"But-"

"If you want to help, call an ambulance, the fire department and the police." He stated. "You have to stay here and don't get injured. The more casualties there are, the more chances of us losing this battle."

"I told you, ensuring everyone's safety is our victory condition." Shouta scolded again before taking the brunet's wrist and pulled. "Vlad, take care of them. We're responding."

"Yes." The Blood Hero affirmed while kneeling beside Pixie-bob's body with Ragdoll.

"Do not go out from here! Protect Ragdoll-san, Pixie-bob-san and Kouta-kun!" He shouted. That made his classmates go alert. "That's an order!"

Then they started to run together out of the facility.

"You go fly over!" Shouta shouted as they entered the forest. "The faster you get there, the quicker the job!"

"Are you sure- Ack!" He groaned as a spike of pain entered his head.

The hero got the indication of the wince. "Go! I'll be fine!"

Tsuna let his flames burst and flew off to the direction he was being directed. The smoke in the forest was gone but it wasn't what his intuition is pointing. He lowered himself to the forest as what he was instructed to do and dodged trees. He made himself go faster as his gut churned with displeasure and anxiousness.

Hundred things ran inside his head as he thought why his intuition is making him hurry. It only arrived to Katsuki being taken away. God. He hadn't gotten to apologize to the blond yet. He will never forgive himself if he doesn't save Katsuki from being taken away.

Orange eyes perked up when he saw Black Mist's portal and Shouto at the side of it. Izuku is meters away, holding his busted arms. Shouji is on the ground too, while Yuuga is behind the bushes. His eyes widened when Katsuki suddenly appeared and slowly getting pulled in, as if the villains were teasing them go get the blond, and receive the retaliation they will get. Tsuna decided to zoom in with a burst of flames from his already torn gloves.

"Kacchan!" Izuku shouted, trying to get to the portal.

"Stay ba-"

"Don't fucking finish that sentence, Katsuki!" Tsuna shouted as he went past Izuku and outreached his arms.

Red eyes widened as the brunet reached the owner. He flared his flames to harmonized with the portal quirk and got swallowed in the mist too. Tsuna cradled Katsuki's head with his arms while the latter hugged him tightly by the waist as they rolled down. Skidding to a stop, Tsuna let his flames burst as a warning that he will incinerate anyone who will come closer.

He looked down to Katsuki who is still hugging him. He patted the blond hair in comfort. He eyed around to where they are before he slumped to the ground and held the blond protectively to his chest. They're outnumbered. He can take them on with his flames. Given Katsuki's volatile personality too, they can do it. But his intuition is telling him to stand down and wait. Like something interesting in the place will make him happy.

"Are you okay, Katsuki?" He whispered.

"I am." The blond whispered back. "You're fucking reckless."

"You're one to talk, stupid. Breaking Izuku's spirit just because of pride." He breathed as he looked up to Shigaraki who is staring at him with wide eyes. "Yo."

"Did you just say 'yo'?" The blond in his arms questioned in disbelief.

"Then what do you want me to say? Uh- Excuse me- Fuck all of you, sons of bitches?" He rhetorically questioned, cursing in English instead of Japanese. He doesn't like cursing, just for emphasis most of the time. He slowly retracted his flames. "Darn. Dad will kill me."

"That's your fault for jumping in." His classmate snorted as they parted.

"First of all, it was on impulse. Second, I had to at least save you. And lastly, I don't want you breaking my friend's spirit. Thank you very much." He answered after his flames vanish off. He raised his arms to the villains who are cautious. "Go on."

"Wha-"

Tsuna let himself get restrained by the long haired guy and the ninja turtle. He didn't struggle while Katsuki did.

"How did you even get inside?" Black Mist voiced, baffled with his entrance. "I was sure we're the only ones I was transporting."

He shrugged. "Harmony." Then he smirked. "Too bad I have experiences with mists, so controlling your quirk is as easy as saying one-two-three."

"Put them inside the room with that healer." Shigaraki ordered, eyeing him still.

"Bye bye." He bid as he gets escorted to the aforementioned room.

When he got there, the two started to put some rope around him. He hid how he rolled his eyes. Rope is one of the easiest things to escape from. Next is chains, then locks. Seriously, someone like him with 'flame' quirk shouldn't be tied. He should be sealed. Especially if he's someone who has been in this situation countless of times. But oh well.

His brows furrowed when Katsuki didn't follow. Must've been put to a different room. When the two went out, Tsuna slumped to the polished floor as he burned off the rope. He outwardly rolled his eyes as he sat prettily and was about to roam his eyes when he noticed someone.

Caramel eyes widened as he took in the spiky black hair, onyx eyes, black suit, leather dress shoes and the very prominent sideburn. All eerily familiar except for the untidiness.

"What are you staring at?" Familiar baritone voice snapped.

Tsuna opened his lips to say something or an excuse, but nothing would come out. He closed them and opened them again. And like a whisper, he uttered, "Reborn."