It had been a very, very long time since Skull had found himself a King. Someone he considered worthy of devotion and respect and love in that way. Someone he would follow unquestioningly wherever he led.

Skull had watched Tsunayoshi Sawada from the very beginning. Had watched him struggle and scream and thrash as he was dragged into the Mafia. Had watched him stand again and again in defense of his people even as he dreaded and hated it. Had watched as Tsuna stood firm in front of those who should have, by all rights, defeated him and win.

Had watched as Tsuna had realized he would be dragged into the dark one way or another no matter what he did.

And Skull had watched as, upon having that realization, Tsunayoshi had decided to and succeeded in bringing Vongola to its roots. Had watched as Tsuna fought, cried, sweated and bled for that belief, and had become a shining light in the darkness of the Mafia. Watched as Tsuna did the impossible.

Skull had watched, observed and judged and Skull had found that for the first time since the days of his childhood in Atlantis he did not mind bowing his head to another person.

He found that he thought someone was worthy of that respect. Had found someone who had earned that protection and regard without trying to do so. Had earned that right simply by being himself.

It didn't even have anything to do with Tsuna breaking the Arcobaleno Curse.

Tsunayoshi had earned Skull's regard through all his other actions.

For the way Tsuna was a True Sky the likes of which rarely ever graced the Earth. (And Skull would know considering how long he had roamed it)

For his stubborn refusal to let go of his morals and beliefs despite where he stood.

For the steadfast loyalty and devotion Tsuna gave to those who followed him.

For the way he protected all who came to him in need of it, even if that person didn't know they needed protecting.

It had been a very, very long time since Skull had found someone he considered worthy of being his King, but Tsunayoshi Sawada had earned it.

(Skull finds he is very grateful for the choice he had made a year ago when the Arcobaleno Curse was first broken and he chose to follow Tsuna and give him his loyalty. That choice had shown Skull that Tsuna really was a good King after all.)