Chapter Fifty-Three

Tsuna hummed as he put a canned coffee on the blond's desk before going to his merry way. He chuckled at Kastuki's grumble as he sat on his seat. He too is sleepy, but he has music to keep him awake while the other has not. Damn Reborn for being free. He was hogging the bed when Tsuna came in after breakfast. Like yesterday, he put a note, tugged the blanket higher and kissed the noiret's head before going out.

He actually feels lighter. He was kvelling silently when the international news covered what happened to the Vongola castle and its whole compound. Yup. The whole world is on uproar because of what happened to the largest and richest company in the world. Well, he just has to do it. Before they went back to Japan, he destroyed everything and created a big ice in there to encage the raging fire and the damage. He could've done more, if only Katsuki and Reborn didn't stop him. Katsuki even blamed Reborn for his trigger happy tendencies, that his tutor didn't deny and even gloated about it. Case closed on that.

But before that, they had a little fun. Katsuki and Xanxus had a hate at first sight. He was laughing when the blond started cursing the Varia commander with the Italian he taught him with. They went on and on until Xanxus' face lit up and stated 'quality' that Tsuna had to intervene and take his friend back. Mitsuki will kill him if her son became an assassin. What he was glad about is when the Arcobaleno talked with Reborn. They tried to get to know him, and his hitman didn't shy away. He indulged them. Massimo was just watching, contented himself by sitting next to him and watched everyone talk with Byakuran.

(He did do more things tho. He asked Vindice to transport them to places where Vongola's big estates are and pulvorized them. Reborn was pretty supportive, reminding him everytime that he has no paperworks to take care of, while Katsuki was exasperated and let him had it because the brunet deserves the satisfaction.)

(Every part of the world is surprised with this sudden attacks on Vongola. From Europe to Asia and America. Tsuna doesn't need to know that a lot of people are seeing this and fearing something that is not entirely unknown. Well... He did promise that he'll make the world mourn with him.)

(He gave Massimo a tip on how to reduce his paper works. He hopes it helps.)

(Another form of punishment to them.)

"Morning."

Tsuna blinked his sleep away when his Dad came in. He straightened up and took a quick glance on Katsuki. At least the blond is awake. The day went on as it is. Instead of eating lunch, he slept his lunch away with Katsuki. At least he had a quick nap for supplementary while he kicked the other to sleep the rest of the afternoon. Katsuki obediently complied.

He was nodding off by half of supplementary. If he didn't knock his head on his table, he won't wake up. His supplementary classmates laughed at him, even his Dad 'pft'-ed before asking if he's alright. He gave an ok sign and told them to go on.

"I saw the news." His Dad said when they went out for the teachers' building, the four students leading the way. "You destroyed the compound."

"If Reborn and Katsuki wasn't there-" He stifled a yawn, causing him to get a little teary. He wiped them off. "-I would've done more damage in Italy without anyone getting hurt."

"So you did pull Bakugou." His Dad said in a disapproving tone.

"He wanted to come. I let him. I explained things, but not the out-of-this-world things." He answered as he blinked. "Lal and Colonnello are getting married next year. Reborn is the best man, and we're invited. It will be a quick trip since the Vindice agreed to give transport again."

"Why so? It's not like you know each other like you do in your old world."

He shrugged. "They're probably grateful that the Arcobaleno system is being contained as long as I'm alive. I think I need to talk to Talbot-jii-sama about the container so it won't spring up again. They even seem to get along well with Uncle Kawahira since they were informed about me. I'm waiting for him to visit me though."

"About Nighteye's bones though."

"I can visit today." He answered, thoughtful. "After that, we can eat dinner after so you can meet Reborn again. They're same, but he knows me like the back of his hand instead of trying to figure me out."

"Alright. Ah." He peered at his Dad who made a grimacing expression. "The Hero Billboard Chart is out."

"Yeah?"

"I'm not really inclined to tell you this but, don't be surprised if some people talk to you about it." Shouta gave an exasperated glance at him. "I'm so lamenting the fact that you grew as a heartbreaker."

He gaped at the man as they entered the building. "What does that even mean?!"

"Tsuna-nii!" His attention went for the small bundle of joy. Eri gave him a smile like everyday after she learned how to do it. "Welcome back!"

He grinned back at the girl who is getting some hairdo from Hadou. "I'm back, Eri-chan!"

"E-Eh?! You know, Tsuna?" Izuku questioned in shock.

"I was with them when Dad broke it to Mirio-sempai." He grinned cheekily.

"UA has been entrusted with her care." Shouta informed, gesturing to Eri who smiled happily.

"I didn't think I'll see you so soon!" Izuku exclaimed after getting over it. "How did this development come to be?"

"It's Eri-chan! Yay!" Uraraka cheered.

"Hi Eri!" Kirishima greeted with a friendly smile.

"Nice to see you again!" Eri greeted back.

"You remind me of my sister!" Asui gushed while looking at the girl who craned her neck curiously.

"It's not like she could have stayed in the hospital forever after all!" His Dad answered to them.

Tsuna flopped down beside the girl as Shouta called out the four to go outside with Mirio and Amajiki. "Eri-chan."

"Yes, Nii-san?"

"Nii-san is tired." He held out his hand with a pout. "Can you give me energy?"

"S-Sawada-"

He winked at Hadou as Eri put her hand to his. "Charging."

Eri giggled. "Nii-san is funny."

"Aren't I?" He cooed before curling his hand around the small ones. He misses holding those small hands of those children in his family. "It's good to have a cute little sister."

"What's a sister?" Eri questioned in child wonder to him and Hadou. "Froppy said the same thing."

He and his upperclassman looked at each and the latter took the job to explain. "A sister is someone you see as a family and a friend. Like a brother."

"Oh. Nii-san?" Eri looked up to Tsuna who smiled weakly.

"Yup." He answered as he closed his eyes and laid his head to the rest. "Like I taught you, when someone older like me, you call them Onii-san or Nii-san. If it's a girl, you call them,"

"Onee-san!" She answered enthusiastically.

He opened an eye and nodded to his senior. "What do you call her?"

"Uhm..." The girl hummed in thought. "Nejire-onee-san?"

Hadou's face lit up. "Yes?"

"Nejire-nee-san!" She exclaimed, correcting herself.

Tsuna chuckled and gave her a pat on the head. "Good job, Eri-chan. You're learning." He opened his hand and imagined a red butterfly clip. Mist flames worked it's illusion and with a little more of it on the edges to define it, it went solid. He showed it to the girl. "Here. A reward."

"Oh!"

"Do you know what it is, Eri-chan?" Hadou asked as she took it and showed it to the girl. "This is a butterfly."

"What are those?" She asked while tracing the intricate designs of the wings. "It's beautiful."

"It's the wings of the butterfly." The lady answered with a smile. "They make the butterfly fly."

"Oh."

"Let's put it on you?" Hadou asked, getting an eager nod. "Tsuna-nii taught you a lot, didn't he?"

"Yes! Nii-san, Reborn-san and Aizawa-san teach me things! So many things!" The girl responded as the clip get attached to her hair. He made a mirror for her to show the clip. Her red eyes twinkled, making him smile appreciatively. "Thank you, Nii-san, Nejire-nee-san."

Hadou smiled widely at the adorable girl. "You're welcome, Eri-chan."

"Getting efficient with your mist flames?" He looked back as he let the mirror disappear. His Dad and the other two are coming in without his classmates. "I made them go back. You have visitors later."

His caramel eyes blinked slowly in exhaustion. The three upperclassmen are talking with Eri so he gave his full attention to his Dad. "There are?"

"Maybe you should forgo visiting Nighteye tonight?" Shouta suggested, crouching in front of him and eyed him worriedly. "You look terribly exhausted."

He blinked. "Maybe I need a power hug?" His Dad gave him a deadpan that he laughed at. "It will be fine. I'm just not adjusted with the late nights. I'm more worried of Katsuki since he usually sleeps by nine, and he really woke himself by eleven when he heard me walking around."

"Worry about yourself, idiot." He pouted at the reprimand. "Don't drink aspirin later if you get a headache."

"I won't." He smiled before squeezing Eri's hand and letting it go. "I'm going. I'll be back later to tell stories to Eri-chan."

"Get a rest, will you?" His Dad asked as both of them stood up.

"Roger, Dad." Then he draped himself at his Dad and murmured 'power hug' before letting go with a big smile on his lips. "Energized! I should get Reborn and request a power hug too. And Hitoshi. Need to hug Hitoshi."

"Should I alert Nezu about him now? He's been staying with you for months." His Dad suggested.

He checked his intuition and winced. "I don't think so? It will be bad."

"Okay." His Dad nodded, contemplative. "Let's let them figure it out."

He bid the others goodbye and promised Eri that he'll come back later. The girl held on it. When he arrived at the Alliance, he greeted his classmates with a smile before going for the elevator. Arriving to their floor, he checked Katsuki first, who was curled and asleep, before going for his room. He closed the door behind him, dropped his bag after putting his shoes to the right place, and went for Reborn. He raised the blanket and slipped in, taking refuge to the hitman's back. He sighed at the comfort and let himself sleep away.

He was shaken to consciousness by six-thirty. He blearily blinked at Reborn who is staring at him worriedly. He smiled at the other and tried to inspect himself. He doesn't feel that tired anymore.

"You were having a nightmare." He blinked twice at what Reborn said. "What were you dreaming about?"

His brows furrowed. Did he have a nightmare? "I don't remember? I'm not even sure if I was dreaming anything." His tutor frowned. "It's okay. Probably I did but I don't want to remember." He rolled off and sighed. "Accompany me to the hospital?"

"For Nighteye?"

He nodded as he stood up and walked for his closet. "Dad will be the one who's going to cook tonight, so we're free to go out, as long as I have you beside me."

"Alright. While you greet your visitors, I'll dress up." He eyed Reborn as the latter sat up and started to make the bed while he removed his shirts. "Good thing I showered earlier."

"Thanks." He expressed and put on a new colored shirt. "Do I look tired?"

Onyx eyes inspected him. "A little. You're slouching. Maybe you should forgo visiting Nighteye for tomorrow?"

He smiled as he pulled on his pants. "You and Dad said the same thing. But really, no. Today is the mark of the end of the month. You know I don't like breaking promises."

"Fine."

Tsuna went out with the thought of coffee in mind. He was greeted by the others when he got down. Katsuki was up, but he went straight for the coffee machine. Satou came near him and suggested chocolate drink instead to keep him warm and steady. He took the request. He was already drinking it when the Pussycats came knocking. He chuckled at their entrance. It's always comical.

He patted himself of candy when he saw Kouta. Blinking, he put his mug down and went for the cabinets. He was sure he put some jars of candies there in all compartments. It was to have something to munch on when he wants to sleep by the living room couch, and doesn't get caught by the others. How many times did he sleep there? Five? Six? He doesn't remember.

His eyes glimmered with happiness when he saw the jar of candies. He took it out and put it by the counter. He was taking a lot when someone tugged the end of his shirt. He looked down to see Kouta.

"Kouta-kun! Hi!" He greeted before offering the other two candies in different colors.

"You look tired." The kid pointed out while taking the candies.

He grinned. "I'll be fine."

"About Ragdoll and Pixiebob in the summer and Tiger," The kid shyly looked down to his feet. "thank you."

Tsuna can't help himself from crouching down and taking those small hands with his. "It's my job to make sure everyone is okay, Kouta-kun. You, being safe that time, is already a payment. It's already enough for me. You were really strong too, for enduring that event. So thank you too, Kouta-kun."

The boy blushed and nodded.

"So Izuku, huh?" He teased, recalling what he heard awhile ago. The boy blushed heavier. "Yie."

He caught the incoming punch with a laugh as Kouta gave an indignant grunt. "Shut up."

"Sawada!" He stood up to greet Pixiebob who was smiling energetically and gratefully. "Thank you for saving me."

He waved off as he ushered Kouta to Izuku. "It was my job to take everyone to safety, so please don't mention it."

"About Ragdoll, how did you know?" Pixie-bob questioned. "That someone was going to steal it?"

"Ah." He blurted when he remembered. "I didn't mean it will get taken. I was thinking that her search quirk will be troublesome if it comes to the wrong hands. Villains can vary in quirks." He took Satou's offered cup of tea and placed it in front of Pixie-bob before taking his mug of chocolate. "They can have someone who has hypnotics or someone who can control your mind after you hear his voice. Ragdoll's quirk is very important since it can pinpoint a person's location and see the weaknesses of that person. Leave it to the villains to use, there will be no more pro-heroes around. If it's troublesome to them, what more to you?"

The blonde's eyes widened as he took a gulp of his drink. "You're so perspective."

"Thank you?" He laughed before drinking the last of his drink. "It was nice to see you're all alright and doing a comeback. I'm not settled that some of Dad's friends aren't alright."

"People needs us." Pixie-bob relied as she stared at her drink. "It's the least we could do."

"What we all do." He smiled and turned for the clock. "I should probably get going."

"To where?" The lady asked.

"I have to meet someone in the hospital." He answered as he put away his mug. "I have a patient there."

"Pixie-bob! We're going!" Mandalay called out. "Ah! Sawada!"

"Mandalay-san." He acknowledged. "I should probably come with you outside. I'm going out."

"You are, Tsuna?" Fumikage asked, surprised as the others.

"I have some unfinished things to do with Sir Nighteye's health." He informed as he walked for the foyer. "I'll be quick. But I'll be eating dinner with Dad, so I won't be back till ten." He slipped on his shoes and smiled at his classmates. "You know the drill."

"We'll keep the door open if we go up early." Iida assured.

"Don't get yourself kidnapped." Katsuki called out, making him laugh.

"I won't." He assured. He watched them say their farewells to the Pussycats before the six of them went out.

"You sure are busy, Sawada." Mandalay chuckled as they approached the end of intersection to Class B dormitory and the way for the gates.

"Not really." He denied. "I just want to finish some unfinished things before the year ends."

They stopped walking as the group halted. He squeaked when all four of them bowed, causing Kouta to do the same.

"We can't thank you enough to what you did for us, Sawada." Mandalay said gratefully. "You did not save one, but three of us."

Tsuna was about to say 'don't mention it' when he realized that it wasn't the right thing to say, so he bowed back. "You're welcome. Happy to be at your service."

Tiger put a hand on his shoulder. "You'll be a great hero, Sawada. Although we all know you'll remain as a vigilante."

"It can't be helped." He chuckled.

"Ah. We heard something from the Hero Billboard Charts about you." He blinked at Mandalay. "Your approval rate is really high that you reached the top ten hero ranking."

"If you were a registered pro-hero, they could've put you there. You'll be surpassing the winged hero, Hawks at the age of sixteen." Ragdoll added before giving a loopsided grin. "But knowing you, you won't care. You'll even be absent for the ranking."

He puffed an irate sigh. "Not interested."

The four heroes laughed.

"The people rated you nicely because of what you have done for them, Sawada. You've been at the charts for a long time, since three years ago with an alias as the vigilante hero because no one knows who you were." Mandalay assured. "But now that they know what to call you, they cannot hesitate adding you to the list, however, they also expressed how they don't want you to take on the ranks because they respect how you want to stay low. The HPSC didn't want to anger the people, so they respected their wishes."

"Rest assured," Pixie-bob remarked with a cheer. "they will continue like that as long as you want to, Sawada. You are a vigilante after all."

He sighed before smiling. "Thank you for assuring me." Then he remembered what his Dad said, causing him to grumble. "That Eraserhead. He could've told me what was with the Hero Billboard chart when he mentioned it awhile ago."

"We all know you'll react that way." Mandalay grinned and ruffled his hair. "Keep up the good work, Sawada. As much as people need us, they need you too."

He relented. "Yeah. Thank you."

He gave some more candies to Kouta before they bid their goodbyes. He was a little relieved that the kid learned to rely on his aunt, since he saw him take Mandalay's hand when they were walking for Class B. Tsuna ran for the gates to meet up with Reborn. The hitman is there, with a steaming paper cup of espresso in hand. At least he's wearing a thick jacket to prevent the cold from entering their system like him.

Like he said, the day marks the second month of his promise. Recovery Girl's group of doctors had been monitoring Nighteye's organs and every movements, even the walking practice. While they do that, he focused on training his mist flames with the previous Reborn. The late hitman had suggested telling stories to Eri with illusions at first. He took it and practiced his imagination. The first tries were kinda off, so every time he made a stupid picture, the hitman will kick him so he can fix it. By the end of the month, he was able to conjure illusions without having any second thoughts.

The solidification part was a hard task. Both him and Reborn were slumped to how to solidify a mist flame. The only one he knew who could do that are all in his original world, so he was hapless. Reborn, on the other hand, has connection that he does not want to use. It took a lot of sighs, whining over being stumped, and pouts for the hitman to give up his pride and call Mammon and Byakuran. Not that the former has mist flames since her quirk is information gathering, as what Reborn said, but she can at least give some infos. And Byakuran can at least ask his mist, Tarakaboto.

For the two of them who should've known a lot about this, they didn't think that the way to make an illusion concrete is to put a dot on the details and apply a little more flames, and voila! A solid object. They pointed at each other and called out 'idiot' before trying it out. It was a grueling two weeks for them to figure out how can he do it at will. God. He was able to solidify guns after staring at Reborn's magnum by just thinking all the details. Don't even start him with the other things. Good thing the hitman never minds him and even encourages him to do more until his mind overworks and stops itself. How supportive.

Eventually, he was able to do it before Reborn's death. He remembers how the man stared at him with a pride when he was able to solidify a live butterfly at will during a story time with Eri, while all others were illusions.

Entering the hospital, Tsuna inquired at the nurse station. He was directed to the usual room. He pulled in Reborn as he went. He knocked and waited for an answer before he opened it. Nighteye is reading a book while sitting. The hero closed his book when he caught sight of him.

"Since you're here..." Nighteye trailed off, watching him get in and letting Reborn close the door. "It means you are ready?"

Tsuna took a deep breath while removing his jacket. "Yes. But," He glanced at Reborn before saying what he wanted to say. "I also want you to see my future."

Surprise crossed both stoic men's faces.

"I know what I've said before." He admitted as he sat on the provided chair. "I know I refused, but I think I have to know what it holds."

"Tsuna, you know future is never set." Reborn reasoned while moving for the window. "One move, and everything changes."

"I feel like I'm gonna implode." Both eyes stared at him. He looked down to his warm hands and winced. "I have been feeling weird and restless since I did your surgery, Sir Nighteye. What's more worrying is the fact that my intuition is not as accurate as it is."

"My death wasn't your fault." The hitman growled.

"I still feel accountable." He insisted. "Since I came here, my intuition has been on point. It can tell me the reason why I have to do something, why a certain tweak was made. It may have alerted me about Italy, but it didn't give me a reason. What's more," He grimaced. "it didn't alert me of your arrival or if Katsuki was awake."

Silence hung in the air.

"Bermuda said I'm bottling my flames in me. I know it has to be the lack of harmony. There are no active flame users here, nor do I want dormant ones to suddenly come out. With all regards, I don't want to harmonize anyone and pull them to all the troubles I will put myself into. One lifetime is enough." He breathed a sigh. "I don't want to do something I will regret, so I'm taking all the chances I have now to at least be of help when something happens to me in the future. The future is never set. I know. Especially with me. But those who are involved with me are. If I can change mine, I'll change theirs too."

Onyx eyes reflected his orange ones before they concede. "The plan is for me to hear it too and help you change them."

He grinned. "Yes."

"I don't follow?" Their patient queried.

"You will know what we're talking about once you see my future, Sir Nighteye." He assured before giving the man a leveled stare, eyes turning orange in graveness. "But what you will know must not, and will not be able to go out in these four corners, Sir. I will terribly appreciate it of you have any advices, but please, promise me you will never speak to anyone what you will know in my future until everything happens."

"You have my word."

"All right." He sighed before closing his eyes. "I'm gonna solidify your bones first. Ready, Sir?"

"Yes."

His eyes snapped open, and instead of usual orange, they were indigoes. Tsuna put finer details on the spinal cord and slowly solidify it. Sir Nighteye stifled a groan of pain, causing him to reach out for the free hand with a rain flame, and slowly let the blue tendrils enter the man's system to numb the pain. The hero panted and slumped on his headrest, as the brunet continued to do his work. His rain flames switched to sky flames to check the spinal cord. Once he got satisfied with how the nerves got more attached, he went to the arm and hand.

Like what he did to the spinal cord, he made the bone there go concrete in a slow manner. It was how the late hitman told him to do so the body won't get shock with the sudden addition. That, and to inspect it for perfection. He blinked and let his flames retract after he finished with the finger tips. He smiled apologetically to the man who was grimacing.

"Sorry. I didn't know it was going to be painful." He apologized.

"It's alright. Your blue flame was able to comfort me." Nighteye waved off.

"Can you stretch or at least flex them?" He asked.

"Let's see..." Nighteye sat straighter and brought his arms up then stretched. His and the teen's eyes widened when they heard loud 'pop's from the back, and the arm and hand. The hero slowly lowered his arms and blinked. "It's fine. They didn't collapse or hurt."

Tsuna chuckled nervously. "That scared me a little."

"Worrywart." His hitman sighed before he got rewarded with a proud smirk. "Good job."

He blushed. "Thanks." Then he eyed Nighteye. "No discomfort? Tingling or numbing?"

The man flexed his hands. "No. Nothing. My back is as it is, it's like the pain awhile ago was a wrong bent of muscle. My hand is as it is. It doesn't feel any weird. More importantly, I feel great that I think of walking."

"Woah. Not without any supervisions, Sir." He placated with a laugh. "I'm just a student. I'm not really a healer or a doctor. Although..." He winced. "You'll find out when..."

"Alright." The hero assured and removed his glasses before staring at him direct in the eyes. "Ready, Decimo?"

Tsuna glanced at Reborn, who nodded, before answering. "Yes."

If there was anything to go by, Tsuna got more tired that night.