Chapter Sixty-Seven
(Day Eight: Old World)
Tsuna stretched like a cat before gazing further to the sea. For one, the sky is so blue with no sight of rain clouds. The sea water reflects it so clearly that he can see some sea floras from his spot. It wasn't even that hot and he felt like he's so free with how fresh with a mix of salt the air smells.
"Tsuna-kun!" He eyed Yuni who was gesturing him come with a big smile.
"I'll be there!" He shouted back before looking back to Aeturnus who is lagging behind. "Are you seriously against this? You can stay by that bar if you want?"
The hitman grumbled something under his breath before shaking his head. "I'm not."
"But you're sulking." He pointed out.
The other glared at him. "I am not."
"If it makes you feel better," He took the other's fedora where Leon is resting, and exchanged it with his straw hat. "We can 'drink' something while here. A vino or a soda."
"Can you?"
"I'm legally sixteen." He grinned with all teeth while he wears the black hat as twinkles shone in those grey eyes. "You can take every alcohol in the bar later. We'll go binge drinking."
"You just made my day." Aeturnus announced, putting an arm around the brunet's shoulders and ushered him to where the five skies are lounging.
"Remember when you were fourteen and you asked me if you can drink alcohol. I said no, but the next time you came to me, you were drunk and said Reborn made you drink a lot." He recalled.
The young hitman winced visibly. "I remembered how much you scolded Papa for it. He was all nonchalant but I knew he was flinching whenever you broke something or when you glare."
He nodded. "But still, he started to train you with it after all I said. I should probably ban your Papa on taking alcohol."
"He hadn't for ten years." Aeturnus defended.
"Won't stop him now." He shrugged.
He didn't say that he had fun interrogating the kid that time. He remembered the slurred speech, the dazed eyes and dreamy smile. Aeturnus was so excited to talk to him that he was out of his character; literally skipping and jumping and smiling so widely. It was also the first time he heard the fourteen year old call him 'Dad'. It shocked him to the core that he didn't respond right away. It kinda made the kid upset and tear up outright with the thought that he didn't like being called 'Dad'. So he made the other sit beside him on the couch and talked to him that he liked- loved being called 'Dad' by Aeturnus and he's happy that he sees him as his other father. It was the first time he saw Aeturnus beam since the latter was six.
Aeturnus confessed that whenever he and Reborn talk, he calls him 'Dad'. He also said that he likes having his both parents' attentions on him. He loves it when Tsuna ruffles his hair, pats his shoulder, hugs him tight and kisses his forehead. He said he likes cuddling up with the brunet because he's so warm and cozy. And when he's cuddled up with Tsuna, Reborn will be nearby and watching over them. He also confessed that he misses their bed time stories, late night talks, sneaky midnight snacks and stargazing. He said he's jealous when Tsuna has his attention to the other kids, and get hurt when the brunet doesn't pay him attention. He apologized for declining his offers to have fun sometimes, because sometimes he's so mad at Tsuna for giving his time to others instead of him. And he felt unwanted when Tsuna does that.
The brunet never felt so crushed until that moment. The twinkle in those grey eyes were a mix of happiness and sadness. For the first time, he doesn't know what to do to ease up the teen's feelings except to hug him. When he gathered what he wanted to say, he talked to him in a deliberate manner, making him understand that he will always, always love Aeturnus no matter what happens, that he's sorry for not giving him the attention that he deserves and that he should've known when he's upsetting the teen. Aeturnus denied that he's a bad parent, stating he and Reborn are the best ones that can be given to him. Even if he's not really a 'baby', Tsuna loved him with all his heart when he can just toss the kid to Reborn. The vigilante leader cried that time, and the teen consoled him.
"So I've been thinking of tossing Xanxus in the middle of the sea." He voiced out when they got near.
"I can lend you some flames." Enma instantly volunteered from his laying spot.
"Just try, Trash! I'll shoot you to oblivion come!" The Wrath threatened.
Tsuna looked at his best friend and nodded. "Let's go."
"No." Aeturnus denied and pulled the brunet to the spread blanket where Byakuran, Dino and Xanxus were laid. "You said you wanted to do something. So here we are."
"But we should be swimming!" He whined before standing up and pulling the other with him after he carefully put Reborn's, now Aeturnus's, hat on the blanket and patted Leon's head. "Come on! Enma! Yuni! Leave those old men!"
"That's just mean, Tsuna." Dino rebutted, getting up.
"Watch out for arthritis." Aeturnus called out to the three before they ran for the water when Xanxus got up and aimed his twin guns on them.
"You fuckers!" The ex-Varia boss yelled before shooting at them.
Tsuna laughed and splashed water to Enma who spluttered as he dodged the bullets.
"Tsuna!" The redhead chided, blinking away the water.
"Aw. We love you too!" Yuni giggled, causing Enma to jaw drop.
"Who corrupted Yuni?!" Enma questioned in a horrified face.
Tsuna stared at his best friend. "Enma," He gestured to all of them except for Yuni who doubled over. "we all did."
He laughed when Enma splashed him water.
When he met Enma on his first day in his old world, the redhead gave him Leon who won't go for Aeturnus. He talked to the chameleon that Aeturnus has no intentions of replacing his father (although Tsuna has no idea what's the noiret's name in the underground business). They talked a little more before Leon apologized to Aeturnus and stayed with him. He and Enma talked a lot too, some things about life after he died and apologizes for not being their for each other, then Tsuna went to see the other Earth guardians. They were pretty surprised with his sudden appearance that he waved off, saying he's only there temporarily.
(He ignored the pain that flashed on Aeturnus's and Enma's eyes.)
Like what Aeturnus said after their visit, they ate dinner first before Tsuna got his large parfait. They went back to the mansion, to the hitman's man cave through the inner channels, undetected by anyone. The next day, they kidnapped Satsuka (Hayato's second daughter) and Yuu (Kyouya's second son) to explore the amusement park. The two twenty-two years olds were so surprised that they almost lashed out, if he didn't point out how grown up they were from the last time he saw them and what were their antics when they were kids, ten years old when Tsuna died. In the end, they spent the whole day in the amusement park, worrying nothing other than how to survive the rides.
(Satsuka and Yuu were able to meet their uncle who taught their Dads and Moms so much.)
(They realized how much of an encompassing sky their uncle is, even though they're almost complete strangers from each other.)
Yesterday, Tsuna and Aeturnus took Himari (sixteen; Ryohei's daughter), Lavena (fifteen; Lambo's daughter) and Haru (nineteen; Lavena's older brother) and took them to Disney land. Haru, much to Tsuna's amazement, remembered his warmth and identified him rather quicker than the girls. The teenager pointed out that he can remember the brunet crooning him softly to sleep and from their family portraits in the museum. The two girls blinked before 'ah'-ing, as if they remembered something and called him 'Tsuna-nii' with Haru.
(The three pulled Tsuna and Aeturnus everywhere with them in the Disney Land. The usually reserved Haru went all out, wanting to savour the feeling.)
(It's not everyday that they can be with Tsuna and see Aeturnus going with their antics.)
So when Enma called Aeturnus's through Leon and said he had told the news to Xanxus and Dino, Tsuna decided that they're going to the beach the next day with Byakuran and Yuni. Aeturnus's expression was so priceless that the brunet laughed and assured the young hitman that it will be fine.
Tsuna sighed as he received the can of beer Aeturnus passed him. It's already three in the afternoon, and they had just finished playing in the water. Right now, they're under their tent, relaxing there with the others. He opened the tab before taking a swig. He chuckled at the burning feeling on his throat as the liquid passed through.
"I'm so glad I'm in Italy instead of Japan." He pointed out. "I'll be damned if they let me drink at this body's current age."
"It feels surreal too." Dino murmured, glancing at him. "To see you this young and alive. If I didn't know how absurd the tri-ni-sette I won't believe it."
"Believe me, I can't believe it too." He stared at his can. "I thought I'll never see you again. All of you. My world there is so different from here. There is still mafia. But it didn't bring me the same people I had here." He looked up and met those eyes staring at him. "Although I didn't want to pull your counterparts to my troubles, it still hurts not seeing you."
"Your Byakuran there is willing. Especially when 'that' happened." The white head hummed. "You could've burned them, you know. The whole mafia will mourn."
He glanced at Xanxus. "Other than I have a civilian with me, I don't want him to feel the same feeling he got when he heard everything. What more if he saw it with his own eyes?"
"What are you talking about?" Yuni queried.
"His Reborn there died under the order of Federico de Vongola and Enrico de Vongola." Byakuran said, gaining all eyes, especially Xanxus's. "Of what I saw and gained, Tsu-chan was the last person who talked to the Reborn there before he died with a head shot. Tsu-chan was able to contact the Varia boss by chance. Xanxan's counterpart got there when our Reborn exchanged with his other self and gained consciousness, right before those mooks can take away his body. Of course, the Arcobaleno were furious when they heard the news, but knowing Tsu-chan is their Reborn's sky, they waited for him to make a decision."
"I didn't kill the two." He assured Xanxus who stared at him. "Your counterpart was there. I couldn't make you feel what your brothers made me feel when they took Reborn away from me. Massimo was there too. So the Vindice offered their service instead. They'll be back by April, I think. And like I said, I had a civilian with me."
"You should've did the same, Tsunayoshi." Xanxus growled without any heat. "It's mafia."
"What could I do?" He shrugged. "We're family." Then he turned to Aeturnus who is carrying two bottles back. "And if it didn't happen, I won't have our Reborn with me there. Lose-win situation."
"Then what do you plan with the mafia there?" Dino asked, curious.
"Purge them at the age of twenty-one?" He suggested as he murmured 'thank you' to Aeturnus who sat beside him and placed the bottles on the blanket. "I can just perish them all, then voila. Done. No more mafia."
"What about allies?" Enma questioned.
He inclined his head to the side and blinked innocently. "Hmm? I only have my family. I should probably persuade Reborn to make another test tube baby. Instead of Aeturnus, I'll call him another name."
"Why don't you?" Aeturnus retaliated.
"Nah. My genes are too precious." He joked before hugging the hitman. "And besides, isn't it great? You're my only one."
All adults laughed at the deadpan the hitman gave him.
"You pedophile." Aeturnus accused.
"What?! I am not! I'm technically your father!" He denied.
"The same thing pedos say before they give in." The hitman pointed out.
He gaped. "How did you know?"
He laughed with the others when the young man blushed.
(Day Seven: New World)
Shouta pulled the blanket higher to Tsuna's neck before sitting on the chair. He just finished washing the brunet's body to keep him clean. Same with the sheets too. He sighed as he stared at the teen. He wanted to move Tsuna to the dorms, but given the circumstances and the possibilities, they did not permit. Even Reborn was agree with him, but the hospital insisted.
He thought it was for publicity, but Doctor Narazaki explained that the hospital is grateful for all the things Tsuna did for the city. All expenses for Tsuna's health will not be paid by Shouta and Reborn, but provided by the hospital. All for the lives he had saved when there were disasters and villains' attacks. Shouta wanted to decline, but Reborn gave him some good points about it. Since Tsuna is being taken care of the hospital, the patients will feel assured that their 'vigilante' will live after seeing the brunet getting wheeled inside the building six days ago. They can also come and go anytime they want, have people visit with less limitations and be relieved that Tsuna is safe inside, and it's somewhere near and easy to respond if something happened while they're in Yuuei. He had no choice but to relent.
"Aizawa-sensei?" He turned to the door to see Midoriya coming in with Bakugou, Todoroki and Hitoshi.
"Visiting again." He commented and eyed the bento box being carried by Bakugou.
"The idiot will whine if we don't see to it that you take care of yourself." The blond grumbled as he put the bento box on the side table. "Sinclair-sensei has his share in there."
"Thanks." They all turned to Reborn who came in with a mug of steaming liquid. He went for the couch and lounged in there. "I get it you finished your loads this week?"
"Just like we promised." Todoroki nodded.
They were given a smirk before the lips got covered by the rim of the mug. "Good. Feel free to stare at Tsuna until then."
Shouta took the bento box and carried to where Reborn is while the four surrounded Tsuna to talk about school stuffs. As he opened the clothe wrapped around the box, he remembered how the hitman, now UA Math teacher, made the four promise.
When he came back after watching the fireworks and washing his face to rid of the dry tears, Bakugou expressed his wants to stay beside Tsuna every night, right when he entered the room. Even without saying anything, he knew the other three wanted to do the same. The only thing he was able to voice was 'why?', instead of 'no'. He could already guess Reborn laughing at him when the hitman looked away and made a 'pft' sound while the four looked at each other.
Midoriya reasoned out that he promised Tsuna to repay him for all the things the latter did for him since they met. Shouta remembered the greenet's bad case of bullying that Tsuna had told him and some other cases his son had helped with, so he pointed out that he can just help by getting the brunet some notes he missed in school.
(Midoriya pouted.)
Todoroki said Tsuna had been there with him since the Sports Festival, kept on giving him equal treatment like the others, and encouraged him to do things for his own and not for others (pertaining to Endeavor). Shouta remember Tsuna talking about bad parenting cases, that time the brunet went out because Todoroki asked him for some company to visit a 'family', the kiddie drawings and more. He pointed out that the red-white head can just wait in the dorm and assure their classmates that Tsuna will be alright.
(Todoroki slumped.)
Hitoshi's reason was he's a friend of Tsuna. Three looked at the purple head, but the latter stood his ground as of his reason is enough. Well, it is enough. Shouta knows that regardless of the scarce communication between Tsuna and Hitoshi since they transferred to the dorms, their bond is still strong. Hitoshi even mentioned that he looks more of Shouta's son instead of of Tsuna, as what the brunet enviously motioned. Well, if it wasn't for Tsuna who approached the purple head much earlier, the bond between him and Hitoshi won't be 'friends' and just teacher and student. So in a sense, he can't rebutt anything to that.
(Hitoshi preened.)
Bakugou's reason was different. He said he's an element of Tsuna. His eyes certainly widened at the indication and turned to Reborn who snickered to the side. The three stared curiously at the blond, but Bakugou was determined. He did see how the two became close, especially when Tsuna told him that Bakugou stated that they're friends and getting pulled out of his comfort zone a lot as he does to the blond. It took him seconds before he deadpanned Hitoshi and Bakugou that their reasons were not valid.
(Both grumbled.)
So Reborn gave a proposition. They can visit Tsuna once or twice a week if they finish all of their homeworks, activities and loads. He blackmailed them how Tsuna will be so disappointed if he founds out that the four flunked their academics just to stay with him in the hospital. To add salt to the injury, he described how harsh it is when the brunet is disappointed and angry with himself and them. He will never be seen, approached or be heard from for a month or so. All of them looked at each other, knowing well enough what Shouta suffered during that one month of 'misunderstanding' and 'space'. They immediately agreed and promised. Problem solved.
"I think the X-surge is second to X-burner." Midoriya said, gaining their attentions. "If you think of it in terms of flame output, hard flames are much destructive than soft flames. Although Tsuna can use X-surge in more desperate situations, the disaster it can make is far undesirable. It does not choose who to petrify nor attack. It can wave off anyone. Unlike X-burner though, Tsuna can minimize its damage, probably just wall to wall or three walls away. He said the more uncontrollable it is, the weaker the result."
"It's all the same." Bakugou waved off with a scowl.
"It's not." The other three argued.
"I wonder what happened though." Midoriya voiced. "He was pretty happy the past few days."
"Don't you think it's his flames?" Todoroki suggested. "He had been using it less since we went back to school after a week in Endeavor's office."
"I asked him that, but Tsuna said he wanted to practice his second quirk." Midoriya recalled.
Shouta stood up with the empty bento and went over to the side table, just behind Bakugou who is sitting on his previous seat. "Thanks for the meal, Bakugou."
"I didn't cook it." The blond grumbled.
"I know you cook." He assured as he put the box on the table. "Tsuna tells me a lot of things about you four almost everyday."
"This idiot." Bakugou remarked.
"I think it's not that bad." Midoriya placated. "We weren't be here if it wasn't for him too."
"Such a child."
All of them turned to the window as indigo flames formed there and a man stepped in the room. He has this white shaggy hair, purple eyes, and round specs. He's wearing green yukata with white strips. He's pretty normal in terms of physique, although he doesn't look like a Japanese though. His eyes are a lot cloudy too, full of wisdom and exhaustion. Almost akin to what Tsuna looks whenever he's in his own world.
He, Bakugou, Todoroki, Hitoshi and Midoriya extremely tensed up at the sight of the man though. Although he looks harmless, there's this ominous feeling that he looks powerful than he presents himself. With the way he casually appeared and stood there with confidence screams power.
"Seriously, he knew the problem yet he's so adamant on not harmonizing with anyone." The man sighed as he pinched his nose bridge, making his glasses rose a little. It's as if he's figuring out how in hell did everything happened. "If this continues, the balance will crumble, and the Arcobaleno will turn in their cursed forms again. For someone who is the savior of your world, your student is quite an idiot, Sun Arcobaleno." Indigo eyes turned to Reborn who is sitting prettily at the side with his espresso. "You could've prevented this if you tried. Given how he listens to you and his patriarch."
"He wanted to see him." The hitman answered, as his eyes met the man's. "And he does not want to affect the imminent even if it's tempting. As much as I wanted to oppose to his considerations, I also want the kids to grow without his help. He had done his part, he trusts their judgements and believes that they will do the right thing. He is, after all, our version of All-Knowing."
They tensed up a little when the man cackled, sounding pleased and in disbelief. "I almost forgot how great of a person one Tsunayoshi Sawada can be."
"How do you know Tsuna?!" Bakugou growled, ready to attack.
"Ah. The rain." The other regarded, making Bakugou relax a little, before hiding his arms to his sleeves and gave a small bow. "Greetings, I am Kawahira, the administrator of the tri-ni-sette." Then he straightened up. "I am also the one who knows why Tsunayoshi-kun is in coma right now."
Silence.
"He's a friend." Reborn assured. "Tsuna loves him as much as he loves you, don't worry."
"We aren't worried about that!" Bakugou shouted.
"His rain this time is a feisty one. Storm personality but a rain. How curious." The man said as he started to walk. Hitoshi and Todoroki stood in front of Tsuna. The man stopped and raised his hands in a surrendering manner, but with a chuckle. "Yet the cloud and mist are as protective as always."
"I won't want to make a scene, Checkerface." Reborn warned. "Those five are formidable individually and by group."
"Yes yes. To assure you, I want to check what's happening to Tsunayoshi's flames. I can provide balance to keep it from decreasing further." Kawahira explained.
Shouta gauged the man before turning to the two. "Let him through."
"Sensei." Hitoshi argued.
"It's fine." He gave in. "If it can save Tsuna, it's fine."
"Not that I'm underestimating you, but I'm more scared of the Sun Arcobaleno." The man said as he came through and sat beside the sleeping brunet. "An element of the sky is a monster for the safety of its home." They tensed a little when he took Tsuna's hand with an indigo lit hand. "Hm. Why can't you two just push your bonds? This is frustrating."
"What is he saying?" He turned to Reborn.
"You and I-" The hitman gestured to both of them. "-are Tsuna's suns."
"Ha?"
"This kid," Kawahira pointed a finger to Midoriya who jumped. "is a lightning. Given your hair, your reckless behaviour of heading to a fight head on, thinking strategies on the spot and being the ultimate defense and offense at the same time. A lightning with a sky's personality. He-" Then he nodded to Todoroki who blinked. "-is a mist. Not because you can make things from nothing and make nothing from something, but with the reason that you know how the sky and your fellow elements feel in a certain situation and you know the things that has to be said to ease them. Something you learn after being released from the pain that is killing you. A mist with a cloud personality.
"Hitoshi Shinsou, Tsunayoshi's sense of normalcy. The cloud who can ease the sky with his silence and sense of solitude. The only one he did not see as someone who has a potential to hurt him. The silent protector." Then purple eyes turned to Bakugou who looks like he can understand everything that is said. "You should be a storm, but with how you washes away the worry, sadness, anger and tears of the sky makes you a rain. With the way you assert yourself in his life, you give him a solid ground to trust others as he makes you trust them too." Kawahira then looked at him. "As far as I know, the suns are the pillars. You became his sanity in his mind full of madness. You know what I mean, don't you, Shouta Aizawa?"
He nodded, well-verse with the flames and their personalities. "Yes." But it doesn't mean he... Should. Right?
"Wait! What are you talking about?!" Hitoshi exclaimed.
"I think I know a little." Midoriya uttered, eyes wide in realization. "It's related to Tsuna's different colored flames. Tsuna explained to me all of his flame types and talked as if they have personalities. Like what Kawahira-san said, he sees Kaachan as a rain because when he's fighting, he's calm. I think he singles out the sky because that's the main house of the elements. It's where everything starts. Just like how Tsuna made us gather here." Green eyes flitted to them. "I'm correct, right?"
"Yes." Reborn confirmed. "Since we already explained this to Bakugou and Aizawa, come here you three and I'll explain to you what we were talking about."
They kept quiet as they listened to Reborn explain everything to the three. He omitted the mafia, the other world and its origin. Just the general idea of each elements, it's pros and cons and the whatnots.
"It can't be seen because you're dormant." Reborn added. "Right now, it's only Tsuna and Kawahira who can wield them."
"You said the sky completes the elements, the elements complete the sky." Todoroki worded carefully. "If Tsuna is slowly completing us, then who is completing him?"
"That's the reason why I'm frustrated." Kawahira sighed. "Tsunayoshi had woken up his flames at the age of four and didn't harmonize with one, even a dormant, element up until now. His body should've given up at the age of nine, but his flames tried to keep the body together until they formed the other types in his body to at least balance it."
The kids looked at the man in confusion.
"It's like having a phone with a full charge." Shouta stepped in. "Think of Tsuna as a cellular phone with a hundred percent battery. Whenever Tsuna is using his flames, their overall 'battery' decreases a little, an example is point one percent. For some reason, it tipped off the usual balance, instead of by point one, it started to decrease by solid one to twenty to thirty. Like I said, like a phone battery. The more you use it, the more the battery goes. And Tsuna- Well, let's just say he needs to charge up because he's low in battery, at twenty percent."
"Then what tipped it?" Hitoshi queried.
"Flame exhaustion." Reborn answered after sipping his coffee. "His main element is sky, but he uses a lot of sun to heal others. Especially on the operation to save Eri. He healed Kirishima, three heroes, two seniors and then Nighteye. Nighteye's operation took almost ten hours to be completed. No one can do it except for him. Do not blame the child. Blame Tsuna for being a dame."
"Yes. Blame Tsunayoshi for being too compassionate." Kawahira seconded and stood up. "I made some bonds for him. I advice you to push your bonds to him, Sun Arcobaleno, Shouta Aizawa. It will create a big difference and shorten his sleep."
"Tsuna will hate you if Aizawa become active."
"He won't." Midoriya winced. "Tsuna speculated that our 'Dying Will Flames' manifested as our quirks. Aizawa-sensei 'activate'-ed his flames when he got his quirk. Well, I think half of it, since Tsuna has two quirks."
"On point as always." Kawahira chuckled. "To shorten it further, I advice you to gather elements, Sun Arcobaleno. As he gets his main ones, the more he gets back here. He is there because his bonds are there."
Shouta's heart thumped. It means Tsuna's 'soul' is back to his original world? "What will happen if we don't?"
"He will get stuck there." Kawahira stated. It froze him and Reborn. "But knowing him, he'll find a way. As he said, do the right thing, but with your own will in it. Anyway, I'll visit again to keep it in check."
Midoriya stood up and bowed. "Thank you, Kawahira-san."
"Oh child. Such politeness. No wonder Tsunayoshi is so fond of all of you. You're all different in any ways he likes." Then he disappeared.
"I've been thinking." Bakugou voiced, glaring at Tsuna. "Who is the guy Tsuna wanted to see again?"
"Ah. His name is Aeturnus." Reborn replied, placing his empty (cracked) cup.
Shouta blinked when he remembered how Tsuna gushed and bragged the name. From what Reborn told him, Aeturnus is-
"He's Tsuna's son." Reborn finished off.
"What?!"