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Thank you everyone whose been supporting this new story of mine! Thank you also to the people who came from my other OC story, Wind Beneath the Sky. I'm sorry it took so long so without further ado...the new chapter!
Summary:
What would happen if the gentle sky of the underworld and the arbitrator of the overworld meets? Now, five years later, how will Tsuna change as the true face of the mafia stares into his soul? Will he break into the abyss or will he emerge stronger with his beacon of light? Will the irony of his life pull him backwards or forwards? 5YL. Slight AU. Perspective changes from CC to OC
"Speech/Dialogue"
'Thought'
Warnings: Slight AU, slight OOC, Change in Perspectives, Un-betaed
All credits go to their respected owners.
Previously:
Unknowingly, both Tsuna and Renata were thinking about each other from different sides on the land. The sky met the space it desperately wished for, as the space bonded to the now vast sky.
Fate had connected them and in their respective places, they stopped walking when they realized one thing:
"I didn't even get his/her name!"
Chirp! Chirp!
'Ughh… Quiet…'
Chirp! Chirp!
'Fucking birds…'
Renata groggily woke up yawning as the morning birds of Venice sang their tunes. With a brand new day signaling her, she reluctantly left the comfort of her covers as her foot flinched at the contact of the cold wood.
Feeling a breeze, she quickly made her way into the bathroom where she got ready for the day. Turning on the faucet, she dowsed her face in warm water and soap to get any grim off her . One hand held her phone watching the morning news as the other was brushing her teeth. After thoroughly caring for her dental hygiene, she rinsed her mouth, phone still in hand.
She wiped off any liquid with a fluffy white towel- including the droplets of water that she smudged away on her phone during her morning routine. She took a deep breath as she walked out of the restroom and wore her uniform.
A simple, yet elegant business-casual black blazer partially covered her white button-up dress shirt that was neatly tucked into a matching pencil skirt. She adjusted her navy tie that hung loosely off her chest.
Going back into the restroom, she applied thin layer of make-up and brushed her hair- which she tied into a low ponytail. After checking herself one more time, she snatched the bag off the nightstand next to her bed containing her valuables.
Renata's small home was nothing to be amazed or disappointed about. It was fairly normal for a single woman to have. One medium-sized bedroom with a bathroom attached to it, a small kitchen, and an equally small living room. The outside was covered by vines and shrubbery and the bricks were old yet still held true to the times.
One thing the house had over most other houses was location. Whilst most people would base their homes off of the view (they were in Venice after all), Renata was much more logical. She wanted a place nearby many stores and work, but still refused to be living in an area full of crowding people.
So as such, her home was just perfect. Small and cozy and away from majority of the civilization, her house was surrounded with wild life. Though the one drawback would be the little critters near her home, specifically those puffy yellow birds that invaded all throughout Venice about a year ago.
Renata opened the window as a little passerine bird flew in. It landed on its perch, already made by Renata since it started to come into her house.
She approached the bird with little bag full of meal worms. "I hate that you are a part of my morning routine," she said whole-heartedly.
The bird chirped in response as she smiled. "Ren! Ren! Ren!"
Renata suspected that this little bird was a species cousin to a parrot or something because of its vocals. Although it was highly unlikely through its bone structure, Renata shrugged off what species it was because she didn't care what it was. It only said little words, sometimes only one syllables. It was a wild bird that would never be quiet but nevertheless she cared greatly for it.
She waited until the bird ate its meal and fly out of the window. Before it left, it sang a little tune in appreciation.
"Ren! Ren! Ren!"
She gave a little wave in response. "See you tomorrow."
Closing the window, she slipped into her heels and left her house, locking the door behind her. She walked towards her workplace, a law office. She was an intern at a nice post with seniors who were all kind and good people. But like the rest of humanity, they worked mainly for money, not that she were to complain. She was also just barely financially stable herself. But what she loved about her work wasn't the pay, but her boss, Evan Montique.
Love, in a platonic way, Renta adored her boss's charisma. He bowed down to no one only except when the truth denied him. He held law and order just above everything else and didn't tolerate immoral behavior. Perhaps a bit of a slave driver, Renata still held high respects for him.
She arrived at work as she went into the building that read, 'Montique & co's Law Office.' She climbed the stairs as she opened the secondary door that led to the office. A small chime from the bell (attached to door) was heard as she was greeted by her co-workers.
The office wasn't big or small. The front had a large glass coffee table with three leather couches circling around it- above a beautiful embroidered carpet. The room was also filled with bookshelves, an office desk with a wheeled chair, and many file cabinets.
Across from the desk was a black oak door that led to Montique's office. Adjacent from his office door was another oak door that led to the meeting room and other necessary rooms such as the bathroom or research room stock full of books and technology.
Renata, after saying her mornings to her fellow workers back, headed towards Montique's office. She knocked on the door three times as she turned the knob.
"Boss? It's me, Renata. I got your message yesterday. What's so urgent you needed me to handle it?"
The door opened to reveal a mature and handsome young man in his thirties sitting on an office chair in a refined and dignified manner behind a large cherry wood desk. He wore a slick black suit with a matching black tie perfectly framed on his toned figure. Not a single wrinkle in sight, all the buttons and clips were decorous and perfectly rested on the fabric. His curly slick blonde hair clashed with his metallic cobalt eyes radiating his power and elegance.
He spoke in a deep, yet smooth bass voice. "The suspicions of an international smuggling ring that surfaced within the rankings of an infamous company in Naples."
Renata took a seat in front of the cherry wood desk as she widened her eyes. "N-Naples? Boss if I may, why would they ask for help here, near on the other side of Italy? There must be numerous other law offices closer than here."
Montique's brows furrowed as he sighed. "A rather close client of mine informed me of this news just yesterday. He did request the services of our other offices closer to Naples, but he wanted us specifically to take charge. Not only is the ring located in Naples, from the information that I have gathered, I believe it may involve the…Sicily incident."
Her mouth gaped hearing of the mere mention of the name. "S-Sicily!? Boss, you don't mean-"
"Indeed, I believe that the Sicilian mafias are coordinating the smuggle ring," he said nodding, "the locals obviously cannot lift a finger against such a powerful organized crime syndicate."
"-And the police are bribed to keep everything under wraps… No doubt coercion is also involved. The Sicilian mafia aiding the operation in Naples… The Sicily incident… Boss, are you speculating that the two incidents are somehow connected?"
He closed his eyes in silent agreement as he rested his chin on his fingers above the chair's armrest.
"This assignment is to never leave your lips outside of my office unless I give the authorization to. It is crucial that not even the souls of the afterlife hear of this. I trust you, Renata. Will you take on this assignment?"
Despite the fear of the unknown creeping on her skin like a vine, her righteous soul burned through the feeling. She had a face full of unwavering confidence covering her uncertainty.
Renata smiled, her eyes fiercely flaring in resolve. "Of course, boss. I promise not to disappoint you."
Montique had a faint smile on his lips as his eyes reflected in fondness. But then the expression faded as his eyes shifted into slight worry. "Renata. This case will require utmost caution. Are you prepared? You may as well lay down your life now. You are treading into hell against the devil himself."
Despite his words, Renata's will didn't waver for a second. "Boss, I would have never started working here without knowing the dangers. I know I'm only an intern, but you giving me this chance is an absolute honour."
He sat up straight as he gave a short chuckle through his nose. "Thank you Renata, but flattery is unbecoming of you."
Renata frantically shook her head as she slightly pouted. "Boss! You know I'm not like that! The reason why I came to this office specifically was because I was inspired by your unyielding resolve to uphold justice."
Montique graced a smile on his face. "And thus, the reason why I trust you and the others Renata. Your sense of morality may differ from mine and the others, but just as I, you hold the law close to your heart. You do not waver at the sight of greed-"
"Boss," Renata said her face lightly shaded, "I get it. Flattery is also unbecoming of you."
The pink leaving her face, she turned serious. "Anyways, who else besides me are included in the case? I'm positive that you wouldn't have entrusted the entire case to just me. I doubt this litigation would be on such a small scale either, provided you call me personally yourself."
Montique stood up and walked towards a painting hung on the wall. "Indeed. I'm exceptionally proud of your observational skills."
His nimble fingers slid the painting to the right to reveal a concave hole. Inside was a large locked titanium safe with multiple security systems attached to it. There were multiple DNA carbon scanners, pass codes, and various personal recognition softwares protecting it.
"I've contacted the others in our department to investigate this matter. I've contacted other offices as well. This will be a joint assignment," he said disengaging the locks, "I shall also personally be aiding in this case myself."
"You too boss?" she replied surprised, "I see, so this case is that serious."
Montique took a black file out of the safe and closed the hatch, reengaging all the traps. "Like I said, you will be dancing in the devil's playground."
Renata received the ominous file from him as he sat back down. "Boss. This file, can I…?"
"I implore you to read it here. Like I mentioned, nothing will escape this room. My office is the only place I can assure myself that there will not be any inquisitive vermin with prying eyes."
Renata nodded as she took out the contents of the file. There were several papers, newspaper clippings, three separate USBs, a Bluetooth, and candid photographs. The papers contained the information and request of the client as well as some research notes.
The newspaper clippings told its story on the infamous company in Naples- some even dating back to three years previous. It contained every lawsuit, suspicion, frauds and cover-ups, and even some independent journalists' research- which contained more detailed information about the company's dark side.
This case specifically was about how the infamous pharmaceutical company in Naples, Il Picco di Sirene, smuggled in illegal substances with their usual shipments of medical drugs. Exporting and importing them, they were in cahoots with multiple Sicilian mafias.
Il Picco di Sirene's president was known to throw extravagant parties and charity banquets that quickly turned very lustful and heated if you were a VIP. But they were also known as one the cleanest and safest company to trust in the eyes of the public.
Built over two hundred years ago, the company held strong, but Renata knew not to trust the papers too much or at least the wrong ones.
Renata wondered as Montique's words never left her mind. 'The Sicilian Incident…' She also took a look at the amount of USBs in the file.
The USBs were all black but had three different colours of string attached to them- something Renata knew it was this office's code. Grey containing the client's information and research, Black containing evidence, and the unsuspecting white for emergency or 'final will.'
Contrary to many people's beliefs, Montique's law office was not for the average attorney. Known as the La Scala di Puruel in the underground world, his office was only for the people who laid down their lives finding the truth. Even the lawyers who worked solely for money in his jurisdiction sought after cases they knew the defendant was innocent. And to get all these information, they rarely hired private investigators. Instead they were their own detective, journalist, and informant. Thus was the reason why the USB with the white string was always attached to their files.
The white USB was finely coded like the silk threads of a king's robe and nearly indestructible and untraceable. The information inside would be ones that would never leave Montique's office as it served as both as the remembrance of a fallen comrade and their dying wish. In the history of their company, the white USB was only ever used one- in Sicily.
The Bluetooth almost served the same function and purpose except with the obvious, communications. But the most vexing to Renata were the candid photos.
The first photo was of the first president and founder of Il Picco di Sirene dating back to roughly two hundred years ago. He was chatting with who seemed to be a handsome young man in his twenties that wore a long black cloak with many gold trimmings on it. He seemed to have a clam insignia embroidered on his cloak.
'Such a strange emblem… seems kind of familiar…'
Unfortunately, a large patch of flowers blocked most of the man's head. Behind the photo were hastily scribbled notes in invincible ink (with a translation next to it, courtesy of Montique). But a few words were notably bolded, 'BE AWARE OF THE SIREN!'
The second photo was dated about three years prior. It was a slightly blurred photo of Il Picco di Sirene's drug smuggling operation. Renata squeezed her eyes to try and decipher the words on the crates.
"I apologize, I have forgotten my reading glasses at a nearby meeting place so I haven't had the time to decipher the words on the crates," Montique said apologetically, "Do you mind if you translate it in my stead?"
Renata smiled and nodded. Squinting her eyes, she read the blurred words. "I believe it says…Holy shit."
Montique narrowed his eyes. "Proceed."
"It says Benzoylmethylecgonine, Desomorphine, Analgesic, and Hyoscine hydrobromide. Boss, what are these substances?"
Montique 'tsk'-ed as his nails dug into his palms. "Cocaine, Krokodil, Heroine, and… The Devil's Breath."
'He forgot to mention Hyoscine Hydrobromide in his report,' Montique thought concerned.
Renata almost dropped the photos as she flinched. "T-The Devil's Breath? I thought that was an urban myth."
"Its effect has been vastly exaggerated in the media, nevertheless Hyoscine Hydrobromide, or Scopolamine is an anticholinergic medication. The proper use is to aid in motion sickness and such with a low dosage. However it is now more commonly used to take advantage of unsuspecting citizens as it has amnesic effects."
"But aren't the effects from The Devil's Breath still debatable? I heard it's nearly impossible to trace."
"Perhaps… Debatable, even I do not know of the specifics. But this case is definitely within Lucifer's grasp."
Both parties sighed in agreement. Renata gathered all the crucial evidence and placed them back into the folder.
"Boss, I'd like to start now if you don't mind. I know you dislike late reports and procrastination, but I'll sign all the legal forms later, please?"
Renata handed back the folder as Montique nodded. "Very well. You are dismissed." She bowed in appreciation and left the room as silence filled the air.
Montique stared down at the folder and sighed. "Renata, please be careful. I do not wish to lose another comrade again…"
Sawada Tsunayoshi was just…livid. After he was dragged off by Reborn back to the base again, he got an earful from all of his guardians (It took the entire night convincing Gokudera to stop blaming himself for Tsuna's disappearance) even Hibari and Mukuro. But of course as Tsuna's most anti-social guardians, they showed their concerns with physical contact or in other words, Tsuna had to endure six hours of non-stop tonfas, flames, and illusions.
They chased Tsuna from the entrance of the Vongola mansion to the training room. But on the way, Tsuna had to defend himself from the fury of his two guardians while protecting the mansion from when the two were fighting each other.
"Never let your guard down Dame-Tsuna!"
Tsuna snapped out of his drowsy state as he just barely dodged Reborn's Chaos Shots. Oh yes, did he forget to mention that right after his Cloud and Mist guardians, Reborn started to attack him as punishment?
Tsuna panted as another barrage of bullets just barely missed him. "Reborn! I-I really can't go on like this! I've been at this for over eight hours! Let me sleep!"
Reborn cocked his gun reloading ammo. "Shut up and take your punishment like a man."
The training room was littered in the remains of battle. The flame-resistant metal infused titanium walls were dented and scorched. The once smooth white tiles were uprooted and the floor looked like a spiky death trap- almost as if Hibari's box animal, Roll littered the floor (which at one point it did).
Tsuna felt his lungs rupture as a flaring inferno set ablaze in his core. His muscles were sore and his poor abused legs were jello. His breath was raspy and uneven, his trachea tearing apart at every sharp intake of breath.
His mind was just barely focused thanks to his Hyper Intuition, but his drowsiness was pulling him down. Darker circles formed underneath his eyes overlapping his old ones as his eye twitched and dilated every second.
He constantly limped and slipped on his lazy footwork, almost as if his younger self possessed his body. His Hyper Dying Will form faded as his orange eyes shifted back into his chocolate ones. "R-Reborn! I told you I was sorry! Please let me take a break!"
Reborn saw Leon tugging at his fedora and he nodded. Reborn elegantly placed his foot on the floor as he put his gun away. "Be grateful Dame-Tsuna. Leon reminded me of some previous engagements."
Tsuna sighed as he instantly dropped to the floor. 'Can't believe he's calling me by my old nickname again…'
Reborn shot a bullet that glided next to his head. "Dame-Tsuna!" Tsuna's eyes widened in slight fear as his attention were now on the Hitman again. "You let your guard down. Again."
Tsuna gave a nervous smile. "C-Come on, Reborn. I was fighting Mukuro and Hibari at the same time! I had to fend them off and protect the mansion from their own dispute!"
Of course, the two problematic guardians would never fight with each other unless one was using the other as a human bat or meat shield. Probably even then, they would fight each other.
"And besides, I was finally outside! I'm already reaching my twenties Reborn, I don't need this much protection."
Reborn smirked a sadistic smile as he walked towards the exit. "Fine, if you want to run around so much, for your negligence as the boss of the Vongola, you need to run one hundred laps-"
"What!?"
"-around the Vongola mansion."
Tsuna's mouth gaped as he cried for mercy. "R-Reborn!"
"What? You wanted to go outside right? Now you'll have enough fresh air to last you three sessions with me later. If you even think of running away from your punishment, you've dug your own grave."
With that said, Reborn left Tsuna in the aftermaths of their battle. Tsuna cried silent tears knowing his doom was approaching in a high speed Leon train.
After the Vongola medics and Ryohei came, Tsuna was put into a gurney and wheeled into the medical wing of the mansion. By getting out of his Hyper Dying Will mode, all the pain he was holding back rushed into his body.
On the way, they bumped into Gokudera and Yamamoto in the halls as they followed their injured boss.
In the medical department, Royhei used his Sun flames to heal as fast as he could as Tsuna silently punctured his lips with his teeth, exposing blood trickling down his chin.
"OI! SAWADA! I'M EXTREMELY HEALING YOU AS FAST AS I CAN!"
Tsuna choked in pain as he smiled. "Thank you Onii-san, but please control your volume."
"OH? SORRY 'BOUT THAT! BY THE WAY IF YOU WERE SPARRING YOU SHOULD'VE INVITED ME! LET'S HAVE AN EXTREME FIGHT AFTER YOU'RE ALL FIXED UP!"
"Onii-san… I didn't fight because I wanted to and I-"
"Oi! Sagasawa! Shut your damn mouth! Juudaime's tired from the two bastards and Reborn-san's training!" Gokudera interrupted.
'More like punishment,' Tsuna thought bitterly.
Of course Yamamoto laughed, including his own opinions. "Haha! I agree with Hayato, sempai. But Tsuna, you really had us all worried."
Before Tsuna could splutter out his apologizes, Gokudera got pissed. "Oi! Yamamoto, how many times did I tell you...don't call me by my first name!"
"Mu~ Hayato, c'mon! Lighten up!"
Tsuna watched the two's usual routine of cat and dog spat. Featuring Gokudera as the tsundere cat and Yamamoto as the smartass dog.
"You little piece of-!"
"LET'S ALL SETTLE IT WITH AN EXTREME SPAR!" With the guest star (sun), Ryohei.
Tsuna blocked out their banter again as he concentrated all his thought on going to sleep.
In the white medical room, specially made for Tsuna and his guardians, Gokudera was screaming at Ryohei about his idiocy. Tsuna laid in bed, having multiple concentrated Sun flame tablets he ingested work its course in his body (including Ryohei's flame albeit manually).
His wounds healed in no time, but the strain of his sore muscles gripped his body in a vise grip. After calming down Gokudera and Ryohei, Tsuna was about to sleep but of course the world hated him.
Through his heavy eyelids, he saw a wrathful Reborn stomping towards his bed with a Leon mallet.
'Oh that's never a good sign…' he thought.
Reborn slammed down the mallet with all his force which broke the bed, but Tsuna just barely dodged thanks to his hyper intuition.
Tsuna sighed at the sight of another broken equipment. 'I thought Spanner and Shoichi remade these beds… Well, that's another work request form I have to sign…'
The medical room Tsuna was in was made specifically to accommodate the entire guardian's unique set of…assets. For example, Hibari's and Mukuro's rooms were located in different areas to not anger them. All the rooms came with flame-resistant and ultra-hard equipment (courteous of Spanner and Shoichi as the designers of course) because of the constant property damage that came from these violent guardians.
"Dame-Tsuna," Reborn said, his voice seething in venom, "just who was the lovely young lady you met yesterday?"
Tsuna flinched as everyone in the room looked at him. "I-I have no idea what you're talking about."
Reborn's gridded his teeth as he sensed his student's bullshit. "Dame-Tsuna, you have ten seconds to tell me why you talking to a potential Apostle of La Scala di Puruel."
The room was so quiet; one could hear the sound of a pin drop. No dared to speak as they stared fearfully at Tsuna- who in turn, gave him them equally confused look.
La Scala di Puruel was an infamous name in the underground world. They weren't a famiglia, no; they were judges of the over world. Operating in small agencies stationed around the world, the groups were secretive and anyone who dared to go against them had their faces on the papers by next morning.
Only one face of their members ever surfaced (though not for very long), but even then the target famiglia was raided the very next morning. Calling each individual as an 'Apostle,' they used the celestial hierarchy of angels, dubbing themselves the arbitrators of the over world.
Perhaps the only family they didn't go up against was the Vindice. No one in the mafia world knew why, perhaps because they were two forces that upheld the laws of both worlds. Either way, La Scala di Puruel's motives were unclear. They didn't go after every mafia family, or the largest or richest ones.
But if for unfortunate reason they did, they had a system called, 'Choirs.' The Third Choir was the messengers. They scout out the target famiglia and report to the higher Choirs. From the layouts of the buildings to each individual member, they would find everything. They also served as a warning towards the famiglia.
The Second Choir is their more physical wave. They were the powerful defense against the famiglia's retaliation. The Second Choir acted as the second and final warning for the famiglia but if for stupid reason, their useless Mafioso pride doesn't heed their warnings, the Second Choir will mercilessly purge their defenses via technology with viruses and worms. Shutting down all their communications, sources, and any forms of technology- they isolate the famiglia to thoroughly liquidize them.
The final and highest, The First Choir, is so elusive that it was once thought of as a myth. Not even a single glimpse was ever shown of this sector and once the famiglia reaches this stage, they are ruined forever. The public and media will get wind of all their deeds ranging from extortion to murder and other crimes. No amount of bribes or threats from the police would cover it up. Not much else was known in this Choir as they never show themselves in public or otherwise. This sector is also known as the most secretive of all the Choirs.
Tsuna spoke the truth. "I have no idea what you're talking about Reborn. Why would I talk to an Apostle?"
Reborn 'tsk'-ed as he got annoyed by the slowness of his student (he'll have to fix that later). "Who the hell do you think I'm talking about? Who. Did. You. Speak. To. Yesterday."
The gears in Tsuna's sleep-deprived brain started to turn as a tsunami of realization hit. "Y-You don't mean-"
Reborn round house kicked Tsuna's head. "What the hell were you thinking!?"
Holding his head, Tsuna spoke carefully. "W-Wait, La Scala di Puruel… How did you manage to even find out she's potentially a part of it?"
"I'm the Number One Hitman in the World," Reborn said, digging his heels into Tsuna's spine, "I was unsure until I had one of my sources tail her."
"Oh, wait, what!? You tailed her? Why!?" Not that Tsuna wasn't thankful for his ex-tutor's precautions, but why would he randomly spy on a person!?
"Because knowing you, my idiotic student, you'd spill something about the mafia. You should be thankful I did. This could be the only crack we'll ever get to find out what and who La Scala di Puruel is."
Even though the Vongola's name and status would rise significantly with this information, Tsuna felt his chest tighten at the prospects of lady he'd met tortured and dead by the hands of the mafia. Although Tsuna wasn't aware of the exact details he knew the basics. Without mercy, every bone and muscle in her body would be torn and pierced repeatedly day after day. Their minds would be probed in the most gruesome way possible and they would even force the victim kill their loved ones to break them. And when they finally manage get information, the victims were killed and scavenged for their organs or sold off to the filth of the underground world.
He stood up, his eyes digging into Reborn's. "Reborn, don't hurt a civilian. Don't tell anyone of this."
Gokudera reluctantly spoke. "Juudaime, but she's-"
"I know Hayato-kun. But I don't wish to see her hurt. But I definitely don't want our family to get raided."
A silence crept its way in the room as the appearance of Hibari Kyoya tamed it. "Herbivore."
Everyone turned their heads to the Cloud guardian as they wondered how and when he got there.
"Hello Kyoya-san. It's not like you to be here by your own will," Tsuna greeted bewildered.
He closed his eyes in recognition and faced Reborn. "Hn. Baby, you owe me."
Reborn took the file off of Hibari's hands as he left. Reborn skimmed through the contents and burned the contents with a Leon lighter.
'Well Tsuna, looks like you have to choose between your family and your friend soon…' Reborn tugged his fedora down as he silently walked out of the room.
Sensing an ominous aura around Reborn, Tsuna stopped him. "Reborn! Please wait. How about I...treat you to some coffee?"
Dusk made its way onto the sky it bid the sun goodbye and welcomed the crescent moon. Cold gales made its rounds through the city of Venice as Renata sat at the café where she met Tsuna.
She sat in the corner (near an exit), away from all the people. Over ten hours of research later and still she found nothing new. She knew of Il Picco di Sirene's horrible dealings but she didn't find enough evidence that'll convict them for good. With the entire Naples police force on their side, not to mention the Sicilian mafia, taking down this company would be no easy feat.
But something didn't sit quite right with Renata. One question was plaguing her mind since she got her report. Why did they need The Devil's Breath?
The other drugs were easy to understand why they would need such things. All of them were addictive and sold quite expensively to the right people. They had horrible side effects but the ecstasy one would feel would transcend their guilt- or so Renata has heard.
But The Devil's Breath was like a date-rape drug. An amnesiac. Although the extensive research she had on the substance was nothing new, she questioned why the company would need it. It could be that they used it on the competition and/ or police force for tax evasion, extortion, and other illegal crimes. But Renata knew better than to think the obvious. If that theory were true, the company would've been already under fire for distributing drugs a long time ago.
'Think, Renata, think! Why would a company need these drugs and how would they have used it for so long without anyone noticing?' she desperately thought sipping her coffee, "Tasteless. Why did I even get this blend? It's mediocre at best… Oh, it's the same kind that boy bought for me yesterday…"
She put her cup down on the saucer as she leaned back on her seat. She sighed as she nipped at her cream puff. As always, the café was quiet with no interesting events happening. Perhaps that's why she sought after the monochrome. It was quiet and isolated from the world, yet at the same time free.
She shook her head of her repetitive thoughts as she went back to thinking of a reason why The Devil's Breath was required.
The night's chill got to Tsuna. To try and appease his pissed Consigliere, he offered to take him out to coffee after he took a nap. Unfortunately, he overslept and it was already dusk when he was woken up by Reborn (with no mercy).
Now he was walking up the path to the monochrome café with Reborn beside him. A few trees and city lights later, they finally reached the café called, 'Sorte & Diletto Caffé.'
Tsuna sighed as he realized his mistake: He'll have to get coffee with Reborn while he nags him about his mistakes as boss. But for some reason, his disinterested and reluctant feeling suddenly went away as he got closer and closer to the café.
Renata was on her phone researching as she had multiple books scattered on the table in front of her. With one earphone in her ear, she didn't notice Tsuna and Reborn coming in.
Tsuna ordered a cup of his previous blend as Reborn ordered his. After roughly about three minutes later, they got their coffee and set off to find a seat. Tsuna wanted to seat near the fire place with the stuffed couches (if he was going to get yelled at, might as well be comfortable) but Reborn went to the very back.
Reluctantly following him, Tsuna nearly dropped his cup when he saw her again.
No matter how much she tried, Renata couldn't come to a conclusion. She found numerous reasons for the other substances but not a single logical one for The Devil's Breath. She slouched, her hands cupping her cheeks.
"A lady should never slouch."
She flinched and followed the voice that belonged to a boy that looked about ten years old holding a cup of coffee. He wore suit but took it off and draped it over a chair perpendicular to her. He sat down and crossed his legs as he took a sip.
"Ciaossu Miss Ammisceo."
Renata didn't know what to do. The child wasn't bothering her, but he just came and sat in front of her. Not to mention he knew her last name. She was suspicious but nevertheless, she cleared her books away, giving the child some space to set his saucer down.
She was about to speak when she heard a familiar voice. "R-Reborn! Don't be rude!"
She smiled at the voice and saw the boy from yesterday except without his glasses and blonde hair. She ignored that fact (since she already knew they were fake) and invited him.
Tsuna gave a silent glare to Reborn as he just smirked deviously back at him. He pulled a chair from anther table and sent her an apologetic look.
"Well, I certainly didn't expect to see you so soon," Renata said, "is this your little brother?"
Tsuna frantically shook his head horrified at the very thought. "Of course not! He's-"
"-I'm his ex-tutor," Reborn interrupted.
Renata tilted her head in confusion. "When you told me that your tutor was a baby, I didn't think you were so literal."
"R-Reborn!" Tsuna turned his head towards Renata as he bowed slightly. "I apologize for our rudeness… Ammisceo?"
"That's not my given name. Please call me Renata." She held out her hand as he shook it.
"My name is Tsunayoshi but everyone calls me Tsuna."
"Looks like we finally introduced ourselves," Renata said chuckling, "what are you doing here?"
Reborn put his cup down as he folded his arms. "Dame-Tsuna promised me some good coffee, but this blend is mediocre at best."
Renata looked dubiously at Tsuna. "I can't believe you came here for the coffee."
"He has such immature tastes." Reborn and Renata nodded in silent agreement.
"Reborn! Don't you try and squeeze me out of this conversation! And Renata! You're way too calm!" Tsuna's nervousness leaked out as he was both excited to talk to Renata, but was afraid of Reborn's unpredictable actions.
Renata gestured a hand, telling him to sit down. "Calm yourself Tsuna. You won't get answers from being so jumpy."
Although she had to agree with Tsuna. She was both marveled at the fact that a child was so respectful and gentlemanly but still felt a chill down her spine telling her to run away as far as possible.
'Something about this child is not…right…' she thought, staring at Reborn.
Reborn internally smirked as he noticed her behavior. She was able to hold her own and observe him without being too obvious (but she can never fool the eyes of The Greatest Hitman).
Ignoring his student's whining, he stared intensely at Renata. "Just what were you researching Miss Renata?"
She met his eyes straight on. "Some material for my work. I'm afraid everything else confidential Reborn."
Tsuna sipped his coffee nervously as he felt the souls of two clashing forces collide. It was like Mukuro and Hibari at the dinner table together without the illusions and tonfas (getting them in the same room was hell resurfaced).
Reborn observed Renata as she dodged every question he threw at her with both logic and confidence. He had researched her background beforehand but didn't come up with much. Nothing was out of the ordinary. She was a citizen of Italy, bilingual, and had rather high marks (just higher than the average however). She pursued in law but none of her cases ever matched La Scala di Puruel's tracks. She worked at 'Montique & co's law office' but Reborn didn't find anything out of the ordinary.
Reborn thought long and hard while talking to this girl. 'Either she's as good as La Scala di Puruel's name dictates, or my suspicions were wrong…'
His Hitman Intuition was telling him that she was involved and yet, at the same time she wasn't. From experience he knew to trust his intuition- it's what made him who he is after all. But he also knew not to assume many things- especially if it had to do with the safety of Tsuna and the Vongola family.
He may be Tsuna's Consigliere, but nevertheless he was still a free man. A Hitman for hire. Even Dino, his other idiotic student, didn't have this much influence on him and yet Tsuna managed to tie him down. So it was no wonder why he took extra precautions with Renata. That meant that he wouldn't let her control the conversation.
It was a wonder to Tsuna that Reborn was reserved with her. Usually he wouldn't hesitate to announce that he was a Hitman. Or act like an innocent child (of the devil). So it unnerved Tsuna to see him so secretive and calculating towards Renata.
Feeling the tension in the air Tsuna bought cream puffs for them to enjoy- which Renata happily obliged to. Eating her cream puffs, she ran multiple questions through her head.
"By the way, Tsuna."
"Yes Renata?"
"I thought you said you were always trapped at work. How did you get out?"
"He promised me good coffee," Reborn interrupted, glaring at his nearly full cup, "though look how that turned out."
Renata tilted her head. "Is Reborn someone so important that your overprotective family would just let you go?" 'Just who is this child?'
"Like those idiots can do a thing to me."
Tsuna sighed and shook his head, sending apology stare at Renata. "Oh that's right! Renata, why are you here? I thought you despised this cafe...?"
"Because of two factors my dear cinnamon roll. For one, the coffee here may be atrocious but the pastries are delicious. And two, I can't concentrate on my work at home. Well, more like the birds near my home refuses to let me work."
Tsuna quirked a brow as he heard Renata had troubles with birds. To him, it was odd. A strong person like her letting birds takes up her time.
'If she ever met Hibari…' Tsuna thought as he shook his head, getting that mental image out of his head. "Oh yeah, you said something about working at a... law office right?"
Renata was surprised that Tsuna remembered and smiled. "Yes. I finally got a case but I'm afraid everything is confidential so I can't tell you."
Tsuna's thought trailed back to what Reborn said before. 'She can't be a part of La Scala di Puruel... She just can't...' "Oh I see, that's completely understandable. So were those books for your research?"
She shifted in her spot as she shot him an apologetic look. "Tsuna, please don't ask me anymore. I feel as if I need to tell you everything. It's feels oddly calming and unnerving at the same time."
Reborn quirked a brow at his student. 'Must be because of the Sky flame's harmonizing factor. But I've never seen him use it outside of his battles and guardians before...'
"Please, I wouldn't want to force you into anything." Tsuna backed off as he smiled. "Is your research going well?"
"I haven't found anything I didn't already know of," she said sighing, "I know I'm missing something crucial but my brain can't piece it together…"
"Have you tried looking at the big picture?" Tsuna tried comforting her but to no avail.
"That's practically what I've been doing all day."
She bit harshly into her cream puff squeezing the filling next to her lips. She thanked Tsuna as he handed her a napkin. Renata tried to reach for it but Tsuna gave her a gentle smile and wiped the cream off her cheek for her. She rose a brow but paid no mind to it.
Reborn watched as Tsuna not only handed it to her, he offered to wipe the cream for her. It was so obvious what his student was trying to do, and from years of experience with the boy, Reborn knew that Tsuna himself did it unconsciously.
'Dame-Tsuna… A relationship between two worlds is never a good thing,' Reborn thought pitying Tsuna, 'especially with a personality like yours.'
Besides Reborn observed Renata's actions carefully and it was obviously that she had no interests in Tsuna. Perhaps a friend or little brother at most. Unlike Bianichi, Reborn was a charmer not settler. So having seen the broken hearts of many, he knew that Tsuna would probably get rejected anyways.
This wasn't like the silly times with Sagasawa Kyoko or Miura Haru. Renata wasn't something as fickle as blind love and first loves (not that Reborn believed in those). She was cunning and held an air of independence- the coming qualities of a great Mafioso. But unfortunately she belonged to the law and the worst one of all, La Scala di Puruel. Not that it was hard to convince one to the Vongola, many would jump to get the chance, but if she indeed was an Apostle, then the Vongola would be ruined.
But still, he would have to make a good impression on her. Or at least enough so she trusted him. From Reborn's perspective, the only reason why she hadn't figured out they were a part of the mafia was because she was inexperienced. Hypothetical theories and academics could only get you so far in life.
Swiping a cream puff off of Tsuna's plate, Reborn smirked. "You're thinking too broad. Sometimes the problems lie within itself."
Renata tipped her head as Reborn's words ignited a spark in her brain. She shot her hand in her bag and took out a notepad as she clicked her pen that was in her breast pocket.
She furiously wrote notes as her pen was drained of its ink. 'The company as a whole isn't in on the operation. I'm an idiot! If… yes… and then… yes… that would make sense!'
A flicker of enlightenment clicked in her eyes as she gave a broad smile. "Thank you Reborn! I can't believe I was such an idiot for not figuring this out sooner! Thank you!" 'My case is practically closed thanks to this child!'
Renata jumped out of her seat, scaring Tsuna from the sudden movement. She quickly packed in all her belongings as she stuffed the remaining cream puffs in her mouth. Tsuna, with a napkin in hand, wiped the cream off her choking face.
"Tsuna, I need to get home. I promise to return the favour some other time," she said handing him a note, "my phone number. I hope God's mercy will let us meet again when we're both free from our respective duties. Arrivederci Tsuna, Reborn."
Renata gave a quick bow as she fled out through the door, grinning ambitiously as Tsuna just smiled and waved goodbye.
Turning his head back to the table, he saw Reborn with a smirk on his devilishly adorable face. Then Reborn proceeded to throw a fork at him as it glided swiftly right next to Tsuna's neck.
"What was that for!?" Tsuna exclaimed holding his neck.
"Shut up," Reborn said as his smirk dropped, "and don't even think about it. It'll never work out."
"What? What are you talking about?"
"So slow…" Reborn sighed, petting Leon, "Don't you have more pressing matters to occupy yourself with?"
His eyes flashed orange as his family oriented side surfaced. "Reborn! I just realized but, why did you give her a clue!? I'm sure you know she's an intellectual person! Isn't this going to danger our friends and family!?"
Reborn threw another fork at Tsuna as he silently communicated with Leon. "Shut up Dame-Tsuna. That's not what I meant and try to figure it out yourself for once."
''I don't know why, that's why I'm asking you! Stop throwing forks at me!"
"Would a spoon be better than?" Reborn rolled his eyes as Tsuna frantically shook his head and leaned his back against his chair. "It's Lesson Time, Dame-Tsuna."
Tsuna internally cried hearing Reborn's tone. It only ever meant two things. One was the promise of more paperwork and the other was an explanation of something he couldn't catch because he was still 'no good.' Either way it only ended it disappointment and more work.
"There are two reasons why I chose to aid her in her investigation. One, was to gain information."
"H-How did you do that?" Tsuna clenched his core, preparing for a projectile hit.
Reborn sighed (at least he ran out of silverware). "When I gave her a clue, what did she do?"
"Renata was really surprised and then she had that grin. You know the one Xanxus has after a nine hour drinking spree with Flame infused Polish Vodka."
Ignoring his student's idiotic metaphors, Reborn glared at him for his incompetence. "And?"
"A-And… she took out a notebook-" Tsuna's head went bright as realization hit him. Wait. That was Reborn- this time with spoons.
"Took you long enough Dame-Tsuna. It was only for a brief moment but that was all I needed. I saw all her notes and even a flash at the books she had."
Holding his sore spot, Tsuna replied. "So? What was it? What was she researching?"
"Il Picco di Sirene."
"Isn't that a pharmaceutical company in Naples? I think I remember Hayato-kun saying that some of our imports came from them."
"Put two and two together for once. You aren't fourteen anymore," he huffed, "And even then your cognitive abilities were lacking."
"Oh! They're part of the mafia! Then that means Renata is exposing Il Picco di Sirene for their trade. Since they're drugs, they must be also importing and exporting illegal medications too."
Reborn graced a smile. "Now you're using your brain. As for my second reason, it was to obtain trust with her. By making her indebted to me, her suspicions of me will slowly decrease and she'll willingly give me information."
"Reborn, don't drag her into the mafia," Tsuna said with pleading eyes, "this isn't Namimori anymore where everyone was weird, quirky, and too accepting."
"She's a suspect as an Apostle of La Scala di Puruel."
"B-But you aren't sure!"
"Do you dare doubt my intuition Tsuna?"
"No… but-!"
"Tsuna that's enough. Like you said, we aren't in Namimori anymore. Years passed and you've matured. And likewise, you'll have to face the true visage behind the façade soon as you take the mantle of Vongola."
Tsuna went silent as he gridded his teeth. Sure, he may be slow, but he wasn't a complete idiot. He knew that he'll have to face hardships that he never could've even dreamt of. But still, he refused to be overtaken by the mafia. He was Vongola Decimo on trial and Neo Vongola Primo at heart. He wanted the Vongola to be what Giotto truly envisioned- where they fought for the weak as vigilante justice. And he wouldn't sacrifice his morals by ruining the lives of others.
He wouldn't…
His bangs shaded his saddened eyes as he numbingly shook his head. He had his resolve to always protect and fight solely for his friends, but the world has repeatedly challenged him on that. And this time, he had a feeling that something in his life, for better or for worse, would change…drastically.
His mind wondered off to his friends and family as his insecurities surfaced again. He thought of all the innocent lives he would have to inadvertently take to achieve his goal. He didn't want to. He wasn't like Hibari, Mukuro, or Xanxus where they would sacrifice anything to achieve their ambition.
Not come off as arrogant, but Tsuna knew of the power his status held. He knew that instead of just valuing his friends, he also had to value himself. It was just that he could never act upon it. Every time he saw someone in need, his flames beckoned him to help the other. Even his greatest foes became friends in one way or another. But this time, he was up against the mafia. Even as the most powerful Sky to date, Tsuna knew that he wouldn't be able to change all the hearts of the underworld.
The problem wasn't power but how one would act in the appearance of a moral challenge. Tsuna is powerful with powerful allies to aid him in any battle. But if a hostage situation were to happen, what would he do? What if they had two hostages where only one would be set freed?
Would he be able to act fast enough?
Would he sacrifice one of them for the other?
Would he be able to make a decision?
Or what if the situation was turned around? Would sacrificing his own life be selfish of him and robbing others of their leader?
So to Tsuna, the question was simple:
'Should I abandon my morality to save my family and friends? Or is me trying to preserve it selfish?'
Tsuna snapped out of his thoughts as he felt a warm hand roughly shuffle his hair. He looked up and saw Reborn staring down at him. Reborn's eyes communicated sympathy and understanding but still held true to his Hitman nature.
Reborn stopped when he saw the light return back to Tsuna's eyes. "You're over thinking yourself again."
Tsuna gave a faint frown. "Reborn, I'm just… I don't know… If Renata truly is a part of La Scala di Puruel, then she might be a danger to the family. But I really don't want to hurt her. Besides, she really seems like a civilian. Just like Kyoko."
Reborn sat back down in his sit and rested his cheeks on his fingers using the arm rest. He thought back to what challenge Tsuna had to overcome as an individual- his first break up. It was about a month or so after the Representative Battles of the Rainbow. Reborn finally got Tsuna to shut up and ask Kyoko out on a date- which brought Haru down, nevertheless she was happy for them. Instead of hatred, she felt resolve to do better. Much to Tsuna's distress, she became involved in the mafia as one of his strategist. As for Kyoko, she never changed. She was still the oblivious innocent girl with the kind heart.
But that's why Tsuna couldn't handle it. He was afraid to go further, he was afraid to hurt her. So to relieve her of challenging her moral obligations to him or herself, they had a mutual break up. Tsuna was in shambles for weeks but eventually brushed the incident off as he realized his love for her was out of moral obligation to himself and Ryohei.
But unlike Haru who already chose to be involved with the mafia, Kyoko is still a civilian so they kept her out of the mafia. Whenever Kyoko tried to help, Ryohei wouldn't let her. She was his one and only sister- and he would die before letting her fall into danger.
"Even so, Tsuna don't over think yourself. I may be your ex-tutor but you're my student until the day I stand before your grave."
"Thanks Reborn." Tsuna frown lifted. "But really, let's not go overboard with Renata okay? I don't want to see her hurt. She hasn't done anything…yet."
"And she does? What will you do?"
"I'll talk to her somehow. I'm sure she'll listen to me if I ask her to."
"Tsuna, that's saying to give up a part of yourself. You should know by just looking at her. She won't just give up everything so she to be with you. Besides if she did, would she be 'Renata' anymore?"
"…No. Reborn, I just don't know. I've known her for a collective two days and I feel so much pressure towards her. I don't want her involved, but I also don't want her away from me. I want to talk to her. She's my friend."
'This clueless idiot.' "Tsuna I'm saying this because you'll regret it later. Those unrealistic love stories about forbidden love are nothing but fantasy. You or she will suffer sooner or later."
"She's my friend Reborn. I may have known her for a collective twenty one hours, but I still care for her."
'He didn't deny it. This idiot is in love and he doesn't even know it.'
Tsuna clenched the paper in his hands. "Like any of you, I won't give up a friend Reborn. Please…"
"Tsu-" Reborn stopped talking when he saw the resolve flaring in Tsuna's eyes. A deep orange pierced his onyx ones as Reborn sighed. He lifted Leon to his Fedora and removed the coat from his chair.
Sliding his arms in the sleeves, Reborn looked back at Tsuna. "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you."
Still holding the strength in his eyes Tsuna replied confidently. "I'll handle the responsibilities and the aftermath myself."
Reborn tucked his fedora down as he walked away from the table towards the exit. "I'm your Consigliere Dame-Tsuna. I won't let you make stupid decisions by yourself."
Tsuna's brain lit as he realized what Reborn was implying. 'Does that mean he'll support me?'
Tsuna broke out into a smile and quickly cleaned up after himself, chasing Reborn. Reborn didn't look back but had a faint smile on his lips as he watched Tsuna overjoyed. His fondness quickly turned into worry as he thought of the future.
'I hope you stay that way Tsuna. Achieving happiness in the mafia will be difficult… I believe that you'll pass this trial.'
He watched as Tsuna fumbled to catch up with his pace. 'You have to after all, I'll be there supporting you.'
Inside Renata's home, Renata was hastily connecting her research together. Papers littered the floors as every inch of he complex was covered in research and piled high with books. The smell of wood pulp and ink filled the air as the sound of wind clacking was heard tapping on the outside of her window.
Her face was finally lifted as she held her notes up in the air. "Finally! I got it! I have to tell Boss!"
Reaching over the monstrous amount of her analysis, she grabbed her phone, sending a text to Montique describing her findings.
[FROM] Renata
[TO] Boss
Boss, I finally found everything I need to know, however I would like to discuss it with you tomorrow if that's fine. I'll bring my papers and analysis so please inform me when you have time for a discussion. I would also like to request to do some field work- however the proposition may take a long time. Since I have no deadline, I assume it is fine, however I would like your consent.
Sent 1:43 a.m.
[FROM] Boss
[TO] Renata
Very well. We can arrange a meeting when you arrive at my office. I have also found some crucial evidence regarding this case. As for your proposal, alert me tomorrow on the details.
Received at 1:46 a.m.
Seen at 1:47 a.m.
Quickly rushing over to the sink, she washed her hands that were stained in ink and carbon. Drying her hands with a towel, she cleaned up her home; stacking the papers and putting them into appropriate files and putting the books she bought into boxes. She put her finalized research in her work case as she opened the window to let the air circulate. After half an hour or so later, Renata closed the window and set off for bed.
But what she didn't notice was a particular bird watching over her.
*Used Google Translate for the Italian, I apologize if any of it is wrong*
Translation:
Apostle- An supportive disciple that advocates a particular idea, cause, policy, religion, etc
Il Picco di Sirene- The Peak of Sirens
La Scala di Puruel- The Scale of Puruel
Sorte & Diletto Caffé- Fate and Pleasure Cafe
Goodness, I apologize for such a late chapter! Certain things are happening in my life so I couldn't write all that much. With it it distracting me, I also ran into a writer's block quite a lot of times.
Anyways, please leave a review and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
