Chapter Forty

"That was a bummer, huh?" One of the Great Five, Araki Teppei said while pointing at Nagisa, Sugino and Okajima who got tensed with the sight of the five behind them. "I knew it, that last time was a fluke!"

"There was no need to crush them in the Boutaoshi." Seo Tomoya added, adding more fuel to the fire and making the three affronted but unable to retort.

"Speechless, eh? Well obviously." Koyama Natsuhiko mocked.

"Grades are everything at this school, those below has no right to speak to those on top." Sakakibara Ren dismissed.

"He-h." Karma said beside Tsuna while waving his test paper in the air. It caused the five A's to look back as the other three E's lighted up a little. "Then, that means you guys can't say anything to me, right? Well, either way, our homeroom teacher... He'll probably spew out something like 'you weren't first place, so that won't do'."

"Do you think he'll consider mine?" Tsuna queried, ruffling his now short hair as he looked over his test papers as well. "I was able to take a good spot-on Math and evened out the line between me and Asano-san by scoring off from his weak subjects."

"You cheat." The redhead accused. "You went lenient again."

"What? I had no time to review except that one time I met with Nagisa and borrowed his notes. I was absent for three weeks." He defended, causing the Great Five to be the one speechless this time around.

Karma chuckled as they pressed forward. "Figures. Man, we two were the only ones serious this time around. Everyone else in Class E held back for these guys. Don't you see, you five? They said you guys would lose face if you lost all the time."

"But we're going all out next time." Tsuna said as he faced them, walking backwards. "I mean, third semester is the most important exam we needed think about, right, Karma?"

"Yeah. When the third semester comes around, our lessons will change, since we have to take high school entrance exams, and you guys are in the escalator system. The next exams will be the last we're under the same conditions." Karma faced the Class A as well, with Tsuna stopping just beside him. "The second semester finals in two months, let's settle everything there."

"Tch." Seo Tomoya tutted, equally scowling as the rest of the Great Five. "Sounds good."

Tsuna turned his back on them and took Nagisa's hand as Karma said, "Let's go."

"T-Tsuna!" Nagisa exclaimed and squeezed his hand. "Y-You got first place again?"

"Yeah." He answered with a small smile. "A huge feat for me since I was only able to review what I taught you two days ago. Good job being in fiftieth spot, by the way. It makes me think I did a good job teaching you."

"Eh. That's kinda unfair, Tsuna." Karma sang as he walked alongside them. "You should've taught us too."

"Let's do that in the next two months." He promised, smiling easily at Sugino and Okajima who eyed him with surprise. "In that way, we can beat Class A."

The two brightened up as well and started to say more about how hard their past weeks were. Tsuna listened, slightly missing and surprised with how they easily opened on him. He was only gone for three weeks. Okajima lamented the fact that Tsuna wasn't with them to stop them from doing the accidents. The teen apologized to him, knowing the brunet wasn't able to study with Koro-sensei as well because of what they have done. Sugino apologized as well. Tsuna assured them that it was fine. Not like he has time to do so.

Karma accompanied him to his usual works, getting excited to see who's managing the shops. Well, the newspaper company was being managed by Rabbit and Dragon. They even accompanied Tsuna in delivering them, just to see how he worked. The restaurant was being manned by Mio. Figures, since she was the wife of the owner and the Division Leader of Horse. She was so delighted on seeing him again that he was asked to bake first. His fellow chefs were the same, greeting them with their own kind of enthusiasm. It's like he never left Tokyo for a while.

Speaking of leaving, Kozato- Or Enma as what the redhead wanted to be called by him, messaged him that he had met Reborn and the hitman agreed to teach him in order to protect his own family. He said Reborn was really strict and scary, but he could see what Tsuna meant after assuming that he disappointed Reborn, only to get an excited teacher who pulled out bombs and all these rubber ammos to give 'motivation'. Tsuna could only laugh and express his sympathy to the redhead. Great journey ahead for the tenth boss of Simoun Family.

Well, the family got accepted in Namimori under Varia's protection. As Tsuna asked to his uncle, Xanxus told everything to Reborn, censoring Tsuna's presence to everything and saying Spade was tucked away in a safe place (Although knowing the Sun Arcobaleno, he'd never think that Varia did the deed alone). By all means, Reborn was 'kind' of the mayor in Namimori. If he said one could stay, that one could stay. Especially if they piqued his interest, and Simoun family's own version of elements, a sub-category of Tri-ni-sette, made them interesting to the hitman. Also, because of Tsuna's assurance that they'd be safe there, Kozato family was so grateful to him that they gave him their numbers, they said just in case he needed something from them. The guardians were a little suspicious, but with Rauji's lead, they thanked him too. Enma hugged him tight and asked for his LINE and personal number. He didn't mind giving them away.

Right now, he has Xanxus on Messenger app (because the man doesn't know how to use LINE), Class E, and Enma on LINE, while his personal number has Enma's, Koro-sensei's, Karma's, Itona's, and all core Varia members' numbers. He also has Karasuma-sensei's and Irina-sensei's, his three swords', and Asano Gakusho's. He's planning to put Nagisa's and Ryouma's, but that's a thought for another day.

"Eh?" He couldn't help blurting out as he stared at the First Division Leader on his usual place behind the counter. "Ota-san? What are you doing here?"

"Manning my shop." The man answered, flipping through his JUMP magazine.

Tsuna stared at the man before stepping in completely, with Karma in tow. "You didn't restock the shelves again, did you?"

"Isn't that your job?" The man asked back.

"That's also your job." Karma retorted for him, going under the counter and sat on his usual seat. "I miss hanging out here."

Tsuna left the two there and walked for the storage room where his apron was, and some of the boxes for supplies were stored.

"Don't get too used to it, Akabane." Ota remarked. "You aren't even permitted to come and hang out here."

"I am when your shift ends, and it did five minutes ago, so go away. Be careful on the way." Karma shot back, probably already settling in as he opened the registrar and put a hundred yen already like he usually does.

"Oi. Why are you putting money there?" Ota questioned. Tsuna took the first box of supply. He has a feeling he needed to restock the fridge.

"Advance payment." He heard the redhead answer as the brunet started to do his job. "Don't worry, Manager-san. Tsuna has it all counted to the last penny."

"Oi Kid! You let this guy on our registry?!"

Tsuna looked back to the two just when Karma yelped. Ota had the redhead in a headlock. The brunet blinked at how normal it looked. It couldn't be helped that Ota was more of a kid at heart. "Yeah. He usually helps when there are a lot of customers."

"Don't go stealing on me, Akabane!"

"I have more money than you, Old man!"

Tsuna left the two to their devices. It appeared as if the reigns on both became thin enough to bond over the brunet's own kind of idiosyncrasies in the convenient store.

Ota went out by nine, telling Karma to look after Tsuna since he's a trouble magnet. Tsuna wrinkled his nose at the two. After that, Tsuna proceeded to retell Karma all of what he did back in Gunma and that time he got back. Well, Itona was surprised when he came home that seven in the evening, the Simoun and Varia just departed by then to go to Namimori. Koro-sensei was delighted and ate dinner like usual with a happy talk. The next day, he took the exams and then spent the whole weekends cleaning the apartment.

Since then, Daemon hasn't woken up, asleep for the adjustment of his new body. He let in Koro-sensei to this fact (not Itona because the kid is a civilian) since the teacher was knowledgeable about the underground. He also informed Karma about it. The redhead wanted to meet the Mist, but Tsuna promised that he would the next day. He kicked the redhead out by ten, as usual. He was greeted by the shifty, who cried in relief after seeing him well and alive (so endearingly emotional).

When he got home, Koro-sensei was greeting him with Spade by the door, as Itona eyed the doll with contemplation when he came out to greet as well.

"Uhm... I'm home...?" He announced, eyeing the three of them.

Koro-sensei beamed while Itona looked at him funnily, like asking why was he hesitating. "Welcome home." They greeted.

Tsuna toed his shoes off and exchanged his bag to the doll when he picked the latter up. "How do you feel, Spade-san?"

"I feel well rested, thank you." The mist answered as they started to walk for the dining room. "How are you then?"

"I'm fine too." Tsuna answered as he settled the doll on the table. He went for the fridge to get a box of milk while Itona went for his own spot and Koro-sensei took something from the kitchen. "Sorry if we're going to eat without you."

"It's fine." The doll assured as the brunet went for his respective seat with a glass already on the table. "I don't really need nutrients since I am a living ghost."

"Have you met my companions?" He asked as he inspected the table. Mexican cuisine. How nice.

"Please do introduce them to me." Spade answered, eyeing Koro-sensei and Itona.

Tsuna theorized that being an old soul has some benefits for Spade. The fact that he was able to bond with Itona about technology advancement while he went on about military tactics with Koro-sensei in all chronological order until recent was just plainly amazing. He felt like he did something that shouldn't, but felt right either way. Anyway, Spade would have more fun by the next morning.

When he went out for school the next day, Karma met him by the intersection. Since he already gave a warning to Spade that he's taking the latter to school for safety purposes, the man took the redhead's presence in a stride. With all honesty, Karma went wide eyed when Spade talked as he hanged on the side of Tsuna's bag, looking over the side scenery of the road. He could shift on his own anyway, face any direction he wants. And Karma was surprised to that fact.

They talked. It wasn't that kind of conversation that was all pleasantries. It was more on threats, snide remarks, sarcasm and disguised insults. Tsuna didn't try to understand any of them. They sounded like Karma was miffed at the fact that Spade attacked Tsuna for something stupid, while Spade implied that if Tsuna didn't mingle with his plans, none of the chasing and intend to kill would've happened.

When they got to class, they came up with the class formed around Isogai and Kataoka. They beckoned them to come closer. Nagisa, who knew about Spade in a doll, greeted the man who perched himself in Tsuna's arms. It was rather a big doll. A teddy bear-like but, more human and scarier. Some of the girls pointed it out and cooed at how adorable the doll was (and how adorable Tsuna was for having one in class albeit unknowingly from him). The guys didn't really mind. More of concern if someone gave the doll to Tsuna as a safe keeping. Nagisa and Karma told them that it was a safe keeping so Tsuna couldn't leave it at home cause it might be taken any time.

After having all of them complete, the two representatives led them to the faculty room where the two teachers should be. Tsuna could feel Spade's curiosity since he did brief the man about the class's mission, and who were teaching them assassination. He was greatly fascinated with the idea.

"... We're sorry for causing you trouble, Karasuma-sensei." Their representatives chorused after half of them were able to assemble inside.

"This is part of my job too." The man replied in a calm voice while typing away to his computer. "Don't worry about it."

Tsuna hummed from his position outside, leaning on the wall beside Karma while having enough space to see the P.E. teacher.

"How do you guys feel?" They stared at Karasuma-sensei who asked that out of the blue. "I think this last incident was a huge loss in terms of both assassination and studies. Were you able to learn from it?"

Tsuna scanned the class as silence of contemplation settled in.

"I thought that becoming strong was for your own benefit." They all turned to Nagisa who spoke up. "That acquiring abilities to kill was for prestige and money. That acquiring knowledge was for grades. But the abilities we acquired, I remembered that it can be used for others, too. If we acquire the abilities to kill, we can save the world. If we acquire knowledge," He glanced at Karma who perked up. "We can help someone else."

Karma shrugged a 'who knows' with a soft quirked smile.

"We won't use them recklessly anymore," Okajima promised with a small grimace, like he was unsure if they won't use their abilities improperly again. "Probably."

"We'll be careful." Maehara seconded with a soft look. "About Everything."

Tsuna sighed in relief as the teachers smiled in acceptance.

"I understand your thoughts well." The class brightened up. "However," Karasuma-sensei stood up slowly, black eyes surveying them. "We can't restart intensive training with the way you are now." They all perked up at that, then turned to the thing that the teacher dumped on the table. "I mean, look at this."

Tsuna pushed himself off the wall to look over. It was a torn pair of jersey. Their jersey. It has so much burnt parts, some stains, even some irreparable tears on the sleeves and legs.

"A torn-up jersey..." Okajima remarked before pointing at himself when he realized it. "Ah! It's mine!"

"Training and assassination will become difficult." The man said as he walked towards them. The students gave way as he went straight for the door. They followed him, curious, as he continued his lecture. "The strength of the school jersey will no longer be able to hold out. If they get worn out, parents will become suspicious as well. And foremost, they can't keep you guys safe."

They glanced at each other as some of Karasuma-sensei's coworkers came in with boxes in hands.

"This is a present from our country." Karasuma presented, gesturing to the boxes. "Today marks the day, where all of you, will become stronger, in both mind and body."

Tsuna almost pouted when his classmates rushed over to see what that 'gift' was. Being one of the short guys gives him a pretty good disadvantage. He couldn't even take a peek, unless the crowd dispersed or they showed it to him. Although it didn't even take a minute for someone to hand him a pile of clothes with a pair of combat shoes on top. Karma stirred him to the locker rooms with the same clothes in hands, humming excitedly to see what the new P.E. uniforms felt like. Tsuna admits he was too.

For boys, the uniform used black long-sleeved undershirts. On top was a camouflage buttoned up T-shirt with pockets on both breasts and on front sides. It has removable hoodie and a closed collar with sticky grip; at front was a letter 'E' that indicates their section. The trousers were quite fit, with the usual pockets on the front, back and big pockets on the outer sides of the thighs, protective pads on the knee and the combat boots. It also has a pair of black gloves and a black buckle.

The girls' were a little fashionable. Black long-sleeved undershirts and tights. They have the same design as the upper uniform, except theirs was almost a buttoned up short-sleeved crop top with breast pockets. It also has a removable hoodie. They have shorts as bottoms, with additional side pockets from the usual ones. Their knee pads were black, coding with their tights.

Tsuna tried to feel himself. He felt a little conscious with the suit, since they fit. At least covered though. For some reason, he didn't feel any weight on him, although he was sure that the upper shirt has some things on them, as well as the hoodie.

"Interesting craft." He turned to Spade who said those. The doll gave off a curious, fascinated aura. "A great suit for your assassination mission."

"You think so?" He hummed back, putting his black wristbands on. Good thing the sleeves match with the bands.

"You will still put those on?" The mist asks.

He caressed the bands with a small wryly smile. "They keep me safe."

He didn't acknowledge the heavy stare of the doll as he picked him up again to meet with the others who were excited with their new gears.

"Starting today, Physical Education will be carried out wearing that." Karasuma-sensei smirked proudly. "I'll say this beforehand; you won't find P.E. clothes tougher than that in the whole world."

Apparently, the uniform has reinforced fiber which was jointly developed by the military and a corporation. It was shock resistant, stretch resistant, severance resistant, and fire resistant. Every factor of it was globally cutting edge. According to the teacher, the dye in the clothes react to special volatile substance. It could change color by utilizing all the variegated colors, thus it could display a camouflage effect. It also has shock absorbent polymer effectively protects the shoulders, back and waist. If the hood was worn and blew air in it through the collar, the head and neck would be fully defended as well. It's pretty light; lighter than their jersey, and the shoes were pretty bouncy as well.

In summary, they could execute dangerous assassinations without receiving injuries. And since it was newly developed and the government were looking for performance test monitors, it was safe to say it was only made for them.

"Wh-What is going on?!" Koro-sensei cried after Karma's and Isogai's assault, destroying the 'art' he was making. "I don't even have time to breathe!"

Tsuna hugged the doll tighter to his chest as Karasuma-sensei explained. "It's new equipment, so I told them not to show off their skills, but it seems they wanted to show you the usage of their new abilities."

"We respond to your lessons with assassinations. That's how we do things here." Ryouma stated firmly.

"Since we were just in trouble, we have to reply with serious assassinations." Fuwa seconded. "We promise, Koro-sensei, these abilities of ours, we won't use it outside of our goal of protecting someone."

Koro-sensei's grin went bright. "That answer receives full points. Starting tomorrow, we will resume our regular lessons."

The class cheered with that announcement.

"You don't want to kill him, do you?" Spade said, looking up to him.

Tsuna crouched on the tree branch he's perched at. "'As the white of the sea and the clover of the rainbow ease the pearl of the clam, the elements of the lion will slowly settle in. However, the lion's suns will need his blessing as their sands get washed. The Earths are nearing as well. Despite his decisive choice from the game, his plan will change all living things. Keep in mind, he does not have to take the sin. He does not have to take the ring. He is the greatest as we deemed. Taught by a crying lady. Nurtured by a lonely old man. Helped by sharp swords. Cared by a sorrowful reaper. Accepted by his truthful elements. The limit is where you are said to end. Scheme wisely.'

"What do you think of that riddle, Spade-san?" Tsuna asked to the doll as he watched his classmates follow Karasuma-sensei to the field. "It was relied to me by my friends, from an Ancient One who looks over the system the two of us know so well."

"You are saying that man in octopus' skin is the other sun?" Spade gawked.

"Probably." He shrugged as he eyed Koro-sensei who has backed away from the windows.

Tsuna waited for the man to say anything. "How peculiar. I deem it that he knows?"

"He heard the riddle, but he didn't decipher it as fast as I did. He probably thought about it too, but he's not technically part of the mafia."

"This is hilarious." The man cackled. "And here they thought the rightful heir is with them. Who knew it is you?"

He huffed. "I am given a choice not to inherit and clean up the mess you made, Spade-san. They can sit on that throne all they want. In the end, it is Primo who will name the right owner of the rings."

"Yes. Of course. Giotto's idealistic views will forever be alive."

"Remember," Tsuna called out. "It is those idealistic views that made the two of you friends."

He chuckled when the doll turned its head away with a harrumph. He jumped down to the ground when Karma and Nagisa spotted them. The redhead poked the doll and teased it of sulking. Although Nagisa was still weirded out with the fact that a doll was possessed by a man he saw, he interacted with the mist as well.

The day went on shortly. Tsuna was resting from the cooking he did when he read the messages exchanged in the LINE group chat. Nagisa asked him if he knew that Irina-sensei's birthday was four days prior. He said 'yes' and even greeted the lady. The class exploded and asked him why he didn't inform them. Before he could even answer, Karma (who was sitting next to him, wearing white chef's uniform because Mio asked him to) reminded them that both parties were busy. And since he greeted Irina-sensei, he was put on the shopping committee to get something that Karasuma-sensei won't be embarrassed of giving to the blonde lady.

Tsuna argued with Karma about the plan as they made their way to the convenient store. Spade supported his appeal too, knowing more of how to please ladies. Their plan was simple: get Karasuma-sensei present a gift to Irina-sensei for her belated birthday. Knowing Karasuma-sensei's personality, Tsuna thought Irina-sensei's ego would be bruised, largely. She'd think the class was toying with her or some kind. It wouldn't help the two's relationship.

Well, Karma got his point, but their problem was to raise it to the class. Tsuna did raise it. He asked if it would be a great idea. Some said that it would be, relating to their past experience. Since majority wanted to go, Tsuna gave a warning that the blonde teacher was informed the last time, unlike their new plan. He didn't dwell on giving off the killjoy vibe. At least he tried to raise his opinion on the matter and tried to warn them.

Tsuna was stocking a shelf when his phone rang up. Karma, who was entertaining the doll, perked up and turned to him. The brunet pulled the device out of its hiding and checked who it was. It was Squalo.

"Good evening, Squalo-san." He greeted, putting the flip phone on speaker so he could continue his work.

"Not. They found another one."

Tsuna paused from what he was doing and looked up to the phone. "How bad is it?"

"The usual."

He glanced at Karma then continued his work. "I see. Thank you, Squalo-san."

"Same old.- Eh? Is that Tsuna-chan?- Ushishishi! Sharky, you're monopolizing Baby Boss.- Oi! I am not- -"

Tsuna jerked when he heard gunshots before some rustles and shouting.

"Oi Brat."

"Good evening, Xanxus." He greeted as well. "How's the Simoun?"

"The Arcobaleno is training Kozato more than the Decimo."

"Oh?"

"Saw them running awhile ago."

"That's good." He nodded. "Be careful though. Not that I don't trust Enma, nor I don't know how patient Reborn is."

"Yeah. You too. That imposter will surely target you as a whole."

He couldn't help the snicker that went out of his mouth. "He can do a lot of tricks, Xanxus. But he can never replace the original."

"Well, the people you have took and nurtured to health are some of the proofs." Karma chimed in as well. "Amateur, isn't he?"

"Very." Tsuna nodded.

The phone call dawdled until the rest of the evening.

That midnight, Tsuna's intuition started to tingle painfully.