It has been a very busy time. I will attempt to update another chapter by the end of this week.
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN KHR
Dear diary,
Just when I thought there would be some peace in this town, things start to get wild again.
"It's almost dinnertime, I should get going." Michiko said, packing her bag. She had spent another few hours at Tsuna's house helping him with his homework.
"Why don't you stay for dinner?" replied Tsuna, as the pair exited his room and made their way downstairs.
She shook her head. "No it's getting late. I don't want to impose."
They entered the kitchen to see a lavish feast prepared and Nana who was joyfully cooking more.
"Dad's coming back after two years." she gleefully announced.
The look on Sawada's face was unbelievable. He had a huge outburst thinking his dad had disappeared and recently been found. Apparently his dad wanted to look good in front of his mom so they fed him some ridiculous excuse. I can see why Sawada is how he is, definitely some daddy issues buried underneath that mess.
Noticing his discomfort, Michiko decided to change the topic. "I'll stay for dinner, there's no way you guys can finish this much food on your own."
Tsuna gave a halfhearted smile in her direction. "Yeah sure."
On her way to school Michiko's phone began vibrating. Upon checking the caller ID it was Yamamoto. Who else besides him would call her this early in the morning? She contemplated whether she should pick up or not. He knew that she was more into texting than talking, so it should be considerably important if he was making a phone call.
"What?" Michiko asked, answering the call.
"Hey Kobayashi!" he greeted. "We're gonna go hang out, so I wanted to know if you wanted to come along."
"You do know we have school today right?" she questioned. He couldn't have been that dumb.
He laughed. "It's just prep today, so we figured it'd be fine. Tsuna looked down, so we figured we should help him take his mind off of it."
"Do you know what he was upset about?" His expression from last night after hearing about his dad flashing through her mind.
"His dad is coming back home after a while and he doesn't seem too excited about it."
Unsurprisingly her assumption that it was about his estranged father was correct. "Sure I'll go. Where are we meeting?"
Sawada may have loved to wallow in his own misery, but it didn't stick around this long usually. He shouldn't be worrying about things like this when he's got other things to do.
At the shopping center, the group ended up separating into smaller faction. Michiko knew Tsuna would want to take this opportunity to be with Kyoko, so she thought it would be best to help him out. After all, she did agree to help him over a year ago, though the relationship hasn't progressed much since.
"Sawada I'll take care of Lambo, so go hang out with Sasagawa." she said nudging him closer towards Kyoko.
Helping Sawada win over Sasagawa was the basis of this relationship in the first place. Besides being with her would definitely get his mind off of whatever family business he had going on.
"Lambo-san is thirsty!" he cried out.
"Yeah, yeah. I'll go get you something from the vending machine Lambo." Michiko responded, leaving him at the table.
Kyoko appeared beside her with Tsuna, the latter to who she threw a questioning look.
"What are you two doing here?" she asked.
"It didn't seem right to just leave the kids with you while we all had fun." explained Kyoko.
Michiko nodded, while Kyoko went back give the drink to Lambo. "Did you really throw away an opportunity to be with Sasagawa to babysit?"
"I couldn't say no to Kyoko-chan. And she was right about it feeling weird to leave you with Lambo."
"You have to be a lot more selfish if you want to make things work between you two, but thanks I suppose? Babysitting Lambo alone is always a handful."
The two headed back to the table with drinks in hand for everyone. As Michiko settled onto the bench, an explosion occurred and a person slammed into Tsuna. Both girls hurried over to check on the boys, shortly followed by Gokudera and Yamamoto rushing onto the scene. While they all struggled to help Tsuna and the boy, a threatening man with a sword appeared. Reborn told Michiko and Kyoko to evacuate immediately. Michiko nodded, grabbing Kyoko's hand and leaving.
"So what exactly was that?" Michiko thought aloud.
"Do you think Tsuna-kun will be okay?" asked Kyoko, her voice dripping with concern.
Honestly, Michiko couldn't say for sure without going back, but what could she even do to help? She didn't do much for them during the battle with Mukuro. If they're severely injured, they'd need more than what a first aid kit has to offer. Still, it felt wrong to leave them behind, especially when she was filled with uncertainty.
"Sasagawa, you go on ahead."
Michiko released her hand and fled before Kyoko could protest. Just as Michiko turned around, she bumped into another figure.
"You have to be more careful, Kobayashi." said a familiar voice.
She grimaced. "Dino? Why are you here?"
He smiled. "To help out Tsuna of course, but you really shouldn't be rushing back there. It's dangerous you know?"
That phrase is really overused at this point. If I had to count how many times someone has said that to me in the past month alone…
"Yes I know. Can you just go over there and save them? I'll wait in a corner or something."
"Good girl." he replied, patting her head.
God I hate that man.
After waiting five minutes, Michiko decided everything was in the clear and she was safe to walk around as she pleased. Arriving at the scene of the crime, Dino instructed her to follow Tsuna and the unknown boy to a hospital they had prepared. There, he explained what the man was after. Tsuna quickly ran away when faced with the choice, but Michiko stayed behind.
"He wanted this box of rings?" she questioned, with a raised brow. "They're don't even look like complete rings."
"The Vongola Rings are split into halves and when you put the two halves together they become the official ring." explained Reborn.
"So that guy has the other half and wants to put them together. What exactly happens when it suddenly becomes official?"
"The rings are proof of the next generation of Vongola. Whoever has them are considered the head of the family."
"I thought you said Sawada was already the 10th boss anyway?"
"Tsuna didn't get the popular vote, he was just the last person standing."
"So whoever is trying to get these rings wants to take control of Vongola and get rid of Sawada. What should we do?"
"You should go home and leave it to Tsuna and the others. You can't fight, so you'd get in the way." replied Reborn.
Michiko frowned. "Isn't there anything else I can do? Like gathering information or something?"
"We have limited information as is. I don't think you would be able to get any further knowledge considering who the enemy is." said Dino.
"Am I just supposed to go home and pray for the best then?" she asked, clicking her tongue.
They both solemnly nodded.
Bullshit.
The following morning Michiko arrived at school. She had a tendency to be earlier than the trio, so it was no surprise when they weren't found in the room, especially considering yesterday's event. However, as the homeroom teacher entered and she still saw no sign of them, she grew confused.
It was time for lunch and they still hadn't shown up. They must just not be coming today? Odd. A quiet day is something I haven't had in a while.
When the day came to an end, she packed her bag and decided to stop by Yamamoto and Tsuna's houses to drop off the notes and homework. She had figured Gokudera would do fine without the material, but the other two definitely didn't have any leeway with the condition their grades were in. Arriving at the door, Michiko saw a sign posted saying the restaurant was temporarily closed at the moment.
Guess I'll just have to stuff the work under the door.
She headed to her next stop, expecting Nana to open the door instead to be greeted by an unkempt blonde haired middle-aged man. Michiko eyed the man suspiciously before remembering Tsuna's dad was supposed to return home.
"What's a cute girl like you doing here?" he asked with a grin.
Why are old men always like this?
"Just here to drop some work for Sawada because he wasn't in school today." she replied curtly.
"A friend of Tsuna's? Why don't you come in and stay a bit?"
She held back an uncomfortable grimace. "No really I don't want to impose."
"No, no I insist." he said, pulling her into the house. "Come, take a seat."
He ushered Michiko to the sofa, taking a seat across from her. "So I haven't had a chance to properly introduce myself, I'm Tsuna's father, Sawada Iemitsu."
She bowed her head, introducing herself as well.
Why did he force me in here? What am I even supposed to talk about?
"So what do you think of Tsuna?" he asked, staring intently at her.
She blinked several times, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "What?"
"As his friend you must know a lot about him. I was just wondering how his life has been going since he doesn't really say much to me…" he let out an embarrassed chuckle. "I haven't been around for a while, so our relationship hasn't exactly been the best."
"Oh." Michiko nodded. "Wouldn't it be better to sit down with Sawada then?"
"He's been a bit preoccupied lately…It's fine if you don't want to say anything, I just thought it wouldn't hurt to ask." he smiled.
She hesitated, feeling guilt in the pit of her stomach. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to mention something."
"Really?" he brightened up.
She opened her mouth, before pausing and rethinking what she could possibly say. It wasn't exactly appropriate to tell him that Tsuna was mostly incompetent or that his few good qualities had come out when fighting or being involved in mafia activities.
"Sawada is progressing?" she spoke, unsurely.
"Progressing?" he repeated.
"I think he's grown a lot since we first met. He compassionate and even though he's scared of almost everything, when it comes down to it he's pretty reliable." she nodded with her response, mentally applauding her improvisation ability. "I guess that's not exactly what you asked though?"
"No I think that was what I needed to hear. It's good to know he's growing up well."
Michiko politely excused herself claiming she had an urgent task awaiting her. There was no way she would survive anymore impromptu questions.
Next time I am so leaving the work in the mailbox.
"Wow, look who finally came to school." Michiko remarked, straight faced.
"Hey, Kobayashi." Yamamoto smiled. "Thanks for all the notes."
"If you're truly grateful, using them and actually passing your exams would be the best form of reciprocation."
"I think the tests will have to wait for a while." he chuckled.
"You guys have been gone for a week, has there been any sort of resolution about the rings?"
Yamamoto explained the showdowns that were supposed to happen, but it felt like he was reluctantly leaving out some details. Everything feels a bit too vague. Does he really not have that much info or is it this idea that I need to be protected again? Why is it the one time I want to willingly place myself in the situation everyone leaves me out of it? A year with these guys and I'm still not a part of all this secretive mafia business. "Too dangerous" they say, maybe they should've thought of that before dragging me into the den of a teenage murderer. That was just fine, but observing a group of murderers is suddenly a problem. Why do they think they can handle this situation when they can barely handle their daily lives?
Once the sun had set, Michiko departed from her house with one destination in mind, school. They may not have wanted her actively involved, but they couldn't stop her from watching. They had stated she should support them after all and what better way than to watch from a "safe" distance.
When Michiko arrived at the school grounds, she saw the rest of the group gathered in a circle.
"Ryohei fight!" cheered Sasagawa.
"Wow…" she solemnly nodded. Of course the older Sasagawa did a solo cheer for himself, but the whole image was just a bit pitiful from a third person perspective.
"Kobayashi-san?" questioned Tsuna. "What are you doing here?"
Michiko crossed her arms and glared. "For a week I didn't question anything that was going on, am I not even allowed to support whatever madness this is?"
"T-that's not what I meant." he cowered at her glare. "I just don't think it's safe to be here."
She rolled her eyes. "I'll live."
Three words. Teenage murderer's den.
"Besides is that the thanks I get for delivering a week's worth of work to your house everyday?"
Tsuna withdrew any further complaints much to her satisfaction. As the battle began, blindingly bright lights flashed on. Michiko attempted to shield her eyes with her hand, grateful when Reborn handed out sunglasses to everyone. To everyone's irritation, Sasagawa was not allowed sunglasses because it would be considered outside interference and invalidate the match.
"Why do they get to play dirty?" Michiko muttered with discontent.
The match progressed, Sasagawa getting thoroughly beaten with little chance of a turnaround. With every hit, Michiko turned her head away, realizing why they had warned her to stay away. The opponents were merciless and the matches were disgustingly violent. Sasagawa was covered in bruises and blood. Michiko stared at the ground, not wanting to see much more of the gore fest.
Sasagawa eventually landed a hit on his opponent and brought the tide of the match partially onto his side, but the chance of winning was still far off. A scream of agony followed his second punch, ultimately injuring his other arm. With all hope lost, Kyoko arrived, but what surprised Michiko was the arrival of Tsuna's father.
So everyone knows about this except me?
With his sister's presence, Sasagawa gained encouragement and delivered a final winning blow. The match had ended with the enemy attacking their own ally. Michiko was sickened.
1. How is handing out sunglasses considered outside interference, but shooting your teammate isn't?
2. How do you shoot your own teammate? This is Mukuro all over again, no respect for the bodies of people who work for you. Aren't evil people supposed to have some kind of moral code too?
With the end of the match, Michiko felt queasy. All this gore was not good for her, not to mention the next round they were sending out Lambo. No way was she letting him go out there to get killed.
"Sawada as many questions as I have about your dad knowing about this stuff, I have to say this right now. There is no way you are letting Lambo into that ring tomorrow."
"Yeah I really don't want to." he replied.
"It's not about wanting to, it's about not doing it. You saw how badly Sasagawa senpai got hurt. Lambo may be used to getting kicked around, but these people are out for blood."
Tsuna clenched his fists, looking intently at the ground.
Michiko sighed. "I'll be going then. Just make sure you get enough rest tonight."
I could not sleep a bit. They really don't expect to put a five-year-old child in a death match do they? It's horrifying. It can't be real? Sawada isn't that demented. He just can't be. The one thing he does care about is other people.
Standing in the rain all Michiko could think to herself was how fitting the forecast was. Gloomy, dreary, and pouring with the occasional thunder clapping in the background. Her heart was heavy, body stiff. Tsuna had brought Lambo who was clueless and splashing around in puddles.
"You're really going to do this?" Michiko asked bewildered.
"I wonder if there's some way we could withdraw." he muttered.
"Withdraw? Yeah how about you don't let him enter in the first place!" she shouted. "Since when did you stop caring about others' safety?"
"Don't worry." interrupted Yamamoto. "If anything happens we'll jump in."
The others vocalized their agreement, only to be told that rings would be forfeited for whoever wanted to interfere.
"So rings matter more than someone's life." she muttered.
The next match took place on the rooftop. The group shuffled up the stairs only to see the rooftop had been remodeled into an electric death trap.
"Nope, nope." Michiko shook her head. "Lambo is forfeiting. Let's go home."
"Lambo-san wants to do that!" he ignored her remark, rushing towards the battleground.
She reached out to pull him back. Holding him up to her face she spoke. "Lambo it's really dangerous. If you go there, you'll get hurt."
"Don't you know Lambo-san's invincible? When Lambo-san comes back you have to buy grape candy."
"I'll buy you a bunch of grape candy if you don't go." she pleaded, trying to coerce him.
He merely jumped out of her arms and proceeded with the team cheer. Michiko watched Tsuna give him the choice of not going, only to be shrugged off.
"Great effort." she mumbled sarcastically.
Three seconds in and Lambo had already been electrocuted. Michiko felt a lump growing in her throat as she clutched onto the sleeve of Tsuna's jacket. Noticing her uneasiness, Yamamoto slid his hand into hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. When Lambo had finally cried out in pain, Michiko sighed out in relief. The tension had been growing since before the match had even begun. There was no way she'd be able to stomach the whole thing.
When the opponent harshly kicked Lambo, Michiko instinctively turned away. She forced herself to open her eyes, rage filling her with each hit.
How could someone openly abuse a child? He's obviously much stronger. He doesn't even need to do any damage, just enough of a distraction to get the ring away from Lambo. He wholeheartedly deserves whatever karmic retribution comes his way.
With a puff of smoke she watched as the child disappeared and was replaced with a teenager. Before she could question the sudden change, the referees explained he was summoned from ten years into the future.
Mafia? Sure. Time travel? Okay I guess? I mean they allowed it to happen, so it has to be legit. I did just see it happen. As long as Lambo is safe am I really going to complain?
Michiko now watched as teenage Lambo got attacked, only to mimic his younger self's actions and use the bazooka again. When a much older male replaced the teen and brought about a reversal, she finally felt some of the tension melting away. Just a bit more was all he needed. Unfortunately, that was not what he got.
Child Lambo has returned, taking the brunt of the damage from the colliding attacks. He was no longer moving.
Gokudera, Sasagawa, and Yamamoto readied themselves to jump in, but Reborn intervened. Michiko clenched her jaw, prepared to run in. Maybe she'll get lucky and not get electrocuted.
Yamamoto had released her hand earlier, but seeing her lean forward he grasped it once more, holding her back.
"Let go!" she protested. "You're all worried about your rings, so just let me do it."
Michiko struggled to undo his grasp, feeling her eyes tear up as Lambo's opponent hovered over him. "If someone doesn't do something he's going to die."
She looked up at their uneasy expressions, finally turning to look at Tsuna. Her voice was small, barely a whisper as she begged him. "Do something, please."
"I'll protect him." he responded, running towards Lambo.
Everyone watched in amazement as the lightning rods toppled over and Tsuna appeared from the steam.
"No matter how important they are said to be, the Vongola rings, the position for the next boss, I can't battle for such things. I don't want my friends to be hurt!"
Despite his touching show of camaraderie, Sawada was quickly pushed aside by the opponent boss himself, Xanxus.
He meaninglessly taunted them, enraging the group. Michiko, however, had more important business to attend to. Noting that Yamamoto's hold on her loosened, she headed over to Lambo. Scooping him into her arms, she checked whether he was still breathing. Thankfully he was, but his physical injuries were extensive.
How could people be so sick…
"I wonder, if it was okay for me to interfere in the match at that time…" commented Tsuna as the group walked home.
"It was." Michiko stated. "You stepped in, so Lambo is still alive."
"You did well." responded Reborn. "Vongola doesn't need a boss who abandons his men."
As the group split up, Michiko continued walking on with Tsuna and Reborn.
"Your best quality. Want to know what it is?"
"Huh?" he questioned, looking up at her.
"It's that you care about others. If you ever have any doubts about yourself it's not your empathy that makes you weak, it's your indecisiveness."
She stared at him blankly expecting any sort of response, but he meekly nodded. She didn't intend to make him feel guiltier than he already felt, but the day had taken its toll on her.
When Michiko entered her house, her phone buzzed, notifying her of a new message. Opening it. she noticed it was from Yamamoto asking if it was possible to call her. She replied back with confirmation that it was okay. If he was calling, it must have been urgent enough especially with the current events taking place.
"Hello?" she answered.
"Hey, I just wanted to make sure you got home."
"I didn't think you needed to call for just that." she scoffed.
"Yeah, it's a bit more serious than that. After today I just think you shouldn't come to the battles anymore."
"I understand why you would say that, but if I were to stay at home I'd be more worried."
"Regardless, I think it's for the best if you stay behind."
"I'm really not in the mood to argue about this Yamamoto. I know you think you have to protect me from the world or something, but I'm not a child."
"You were crying today. When Lambo was hurt. You were trying to hold it back so I didn't want to say anything. It's a given that we're going to get injured in these fights and I don't want to see you cry every time one of us gets hurt."
"I'm tired, we'll talk later." Michiko sighed, hanging up on him.
He's right. I talk big, but there's nothing I can do to help. I can't physically fight for them, I can't get information, and I can't even give them support at this point? Am I exhausted because of what I've witnessed or because I've finally realized how I'm just so powerless?
I hope the chapter is enjoyable. Let me know if there's anything that seems odd, I'm updating at almost 4am because I wanted to get this chapter out (RIP proofreading).
