Okay. Sorry for taking so long to update. I've been extremely busy and these chapters take forever to write. Depending on how I feel, I may or may not skip over a few battles. Updates are going to come little slow this week, because I'm so busy. I have a bunch of art projects that I need to finish. So I apologize for the inconvenience. But, I swear, chapters will be posted. I intend to finish this story.

Anyway, here is your long awaited chapter fourteen. I hope you enjoy.

I don't own any of Katekyo Hitman Reborn. All rights go to Akira Amano, except for the characters and things I have created.

[3rd Person Limited: Kuroi]

Over the next few days, Kuroi was forced to watch Hibari's extremely boring training. Occasionally, Romario would take her out to a store or a restuarant so that she wasn't so bored. However, whenever they get back, Dino would be tied up in his own whip, beaten and unconscious on the ground or worse. Appearantly, Dino was a terrific clutz whenever his subordinates weren't around.

The fights ended up destroying the roof of the school and were becoming much more fierce. Kuroi on the other hand was becoming more disinterested by the second. On a couple occasions, she would ask Hibari if she could go home to which he replied with a flat 'no'.

Her inattentiveness was increasing by the second until it got to the point where she finally decided to sneak away.

"Kuroi-san? Where are you going?" Romario caught her trying to escape.

She turned around and sheepishly smiled, "Well, you see... It's just that... I'M SO BOOOORRREEDDDD! So I decided to go see Tsuna and Reborn."

"I'm not too sure that is a wise decision..." He said uneasily.

"Why is that?" Kuroi cocked her head to the side.

"Well, for one thing, I'm pretty sure your Guardian over would be displeased if he found out that you ran off. And second, I don't think now is the right time to see Reborn..." He explained to her.

"Well, why can't I see Reborn?" Kuroi asked curiously.

"Just like how Boss over there is training Hibari Kyouya, Reborn is training Sawada Tsunayoshi," Romario seemed a little unsettled as to what would happen if she did go see them, "It would be dangerous to visit them since you don't know what their training is.

"Oh... Well, then what am I supposed to do?" Kuroi was disappointed in that she couldn't leave the torture chamber of uninterest.

"... *Sigh* Tell you what; you can go on ahead and see Reborn, but if Hibari over there gets upset, you're taking full responsibility," Romario negotiated with her.

"Okay!" She said and scampered off to go find Tsuna and Reborn.

As Kuroi ran through town searching for them, she wondered about what the training was for and how Reborn was even training Tsuna knowing how hopeless and useless he is. Was it like how Dino was training Hibari, or is it different?

Kuroi clouded her mind with so many questions and thoughts, she did not pay attention to where she was going and ended up getting lost... Again. Looking around for the signs that named what street she was on, someone tapped her on the shoulder from behind.

"What are you doing here?"

Kuroi turned around and saw Gokudera behind her. He was carrying a box, but she was too little to peer inside to see what was in it.

"Hayato!" She was relieved and cheerful at the same time.

"Why the heck are you out here by yourself?" He asked again.

"Oh... I was on my way to see Reborn, but I uh... Got lost... Again..." She said sheepishly and embarrassed.

"Man... You're hopeless," He said in a mixture of irritation and disbelief.

"Do you know where I can find Tsuna and Reborn?" Kuroi asked with anticipation for a good answer.

"Mmm..." Gokudera thought about for a minute, "I think he may be in the mountains..."

"Can you take me there?"

"Um... I guess so... I have to go there anyway," He reluctantly accepted.

"What for?"

"Training. I have some training to do with Shamal, that pervert."

"So what's in the box?" Kuroi's questions seemed endless.

He lowered the box for her to see, "Paper airplanes."

"How would paper airplanes help you with training?"

"Aiming."

"Huh...?"

"C'mon, I'm gonna be late if we don't go now," Gokudera said and started walking.

Kuroi gripped onto the side of his shirt and walked with him. The two of them walked down the street, heading for the mountains.

"So, why do you need to see Reborn-san and Juudaime?" Gokudera asked her.

"I got bored watching Hibari and Dino train, so I thought I'd see Tsuna, but you're good to see as well," She smiled up at him.

"Oh? So, how did you manage to get out of that bastard's sight without getting in trouble?" He asked her.

"I made a deal with Romario..." She smiled smugly.

It took a while before they ever reached the mountains in Namimori. Gokudera lead Kuroi through the forest and up some paths to a field where trees were scarce and the grass wasn't too tall. On top of a more elevated area, Shamal was laying down drinking... Something... And reading... Something... One could guess what he was reading and drinking...

As Gokudera and Kuroi approached, Shammal looked up at them.

"... It's the weird guy..." Kuroi hid behind Gokudera.

"Ah~ Hayato, you're back," He looked at his watch, "You're late. Were you out flirting with the young ladies? And without me!?"

"Nah- Hell no! I just did what you told me to do. Besides, I'm not some pervert like you! ... Bastard..."

"Oh...? So who is that hiding behind you?" Shamal smiled.

"Ah- um.. I was just escorting her. She wanted to see Juudaime and Reborn-san," He looked at her.

"I don't think you will be able to see them, my dear young lady," Shamal smiled his creepy smile, "Why don't you stay here with us for a while?"

"Shamal! You perverted bastard, what's wrong with you!?" Gokudera stood in front of Kuroi protectively.

"Nothing~ I'm just inviting the little lady to join us," His smile was too creepy for Kuroi to even look.

"Tch! Perverted, old doctor..." Gokudera mumbled under his breathe.

Gokudera walked up to where Doctor Shamal was and handed him the box of paper airplanes. Kuroi tagged along with him, but she stayed close behind Gokudera for she didn't want to go anywhere near the skirt-chasing, hopeless-romantic doctor.

"So, where is Tsuna?" Kuroi asked Gokudera.

"Um..." He held his chin in deep thought.

*BBOOOOMMMM* (in background)

Kuroi could see a large mushroom cloud behind Gokudera.

"I'm not sure..."

Kuroi looked at the explosion, then to Gokudera and then back to the explosion.

"Are you sure?" She asked in disbelief in that he couldn't tell if the explosion was related to Tsuna and Reborn's location.

"Yeah, I'm not sure exactly..." He was still thinking.

"Great use of your brain, Hayato. I'm sure that clever mind of your's won't fail you in the future," Doctor Shamal mocked Gokudera.

Kuroi couldn't help but laugh.

"Oi, little girl, I'm sure Reborn is in the direction where that explosion came from. Just head in that direction and you should be able to find him," Shamal informed.

"Um... Thank you," Kuroi ran off in the direction toward the cloud of smoke.

It was getting close to sundown before she spotted an area shrouded in smoke and dust. As the dirt, dust and smoke cleared, Kuroi was able to get a visual of Tsuna, Reborn, some guy about Tsuna's age and some other man.

Tsuna and the other boy were fighting, she could tell that much. What she didn't get was why Tsuna's clothes were missing, with the exception of his boxers.

Kuroi walked up to Reborn and the tall man.

"Reborn...?" Kuroi stopped walking, still confused about Tsuna's missing clothing.

Reborn and the man turned around to see Kuroi standing there by a tree.

"Sora? What're you doing here? Your are supposed to be with Hibari," Reborn said displeased.

"I... I got bored from watching him and Dino fight. I just wanted to see some of my-... I mean... Um... O-other people... I'm sorry. I'll go back," Kuroi turned around to start heading back, but Reborn stopped her.

"Wait a minute, please. Since you're already here, you might as well stay. I have someone I wish for you to meet," Reborn gestured to the tall man standing next to him.

Kuroi walked over to the two cautiously. She analyzed the man standing before her. He wore an orange jumpsuit, but didn't bother to put the top on, thus revealing his white muscle shirt underneath. He had short, spiky, blonde and a goatee-like beard. He also wore gloves and a helmet. He looked as if he were about to go mining.

When Kuroi got close enough, the man spoke.

"I presume you're the one Reborn's been talking about," He said to her with a smile.

"Huh...?" Kuroi tilted her head to the side in confusion, "Who are you?"

"My name is Sawada Iemitsu. It's nice to finally meet you," His smile never faltered.

"Sawada... You mean... You're Tsuna's father?" She asked him.

"Yes. Yes I am."

"So how do you know Reborn?" She continued to ask her questions.

"Um... We go way back..." He said vaguely.

Kuroi had a deadpanned look on her face.

"If you don't mind me asking, do you understand what the Vongola is?" Iemitsu was more serious now.

"Kind of..." She scratched her head.

"Can you tell me what you do know, then?" He pressed on.

"Um... I know that the Vongola is a mafia group and Tsuna is next in line for the position as Boss... Um... I know somewhat of the Dying Will Flame. And... I guess since it seems just about everyone is training, there must be some sort of battle going on... Or a battle that's about to happen... I don't really know, actually," She explained to him.

"You know more than I thought you would've known in the first place," Iemitsu seemed a little surprised, but he quickly recovered from it and knelt down so that he was at her level, "Um... Do you understand what the mafia is?"

"Yes. They're like gangs but more professional, and in the Vongola's case, they defend for the greater good. I think..." Kuroi looked up, pointing a finger toward her mouth, deep in thought.

"I guess that's one way of putting it. More or less, you get the idea. But, do you understand the dangers of a mafioso?" If it weren't possible, it seems that Iemitsu's demeanor increase its intensity level in seriousness.

"Uh..." Kuroi wasn't sure how to answer.

"May I...?" He reached down for her right hand, but he didn't touch her until she said so.

"Y-Yes..." Kuroi hesitantly rose her right hand and placed it in Iemitsu's rather large, masculine hand.

He analyzed the piece of jewelry that laid on her middle finger.

"I see... You were right, Reborn; it is her..."

"I told you it was," Reborn smirked.

"Haha, I guess I should've believed you from the start."

"What's me?" Kuroi interjected.

"You are the holder of the Inferno Ring; the Ring of Black Sky."

"Oh, I've heard of that. Reborn mentioned it once, but I have no idea what it is."

"It holds a very strong power... And, unfortunately for you, there are many people who wish to have that kind of power and would do anything to get their hands on it. That's why you are being protected," He blinked and turned to Reborn, "She is being protected, right?"

"Yup. And, by Tsuna's strongest Guardian, too," Reborn smiled.

"I see... Well, that's good," He turned back to Kuroi, "You need to make sure that you're with your protector at all times. Which means: no running off. Even if you're bored, you mustn't leave their sight. If you do, bad things may happen to you if you're not protected. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir..." Kuroi felt guilty now that she's left Hibari when she's not supposed to. She didn't realize how dangerous it was for her to not be protected at all times.

"Alright. Ja~ I'll escort you back to the school. Let's go," Iemitsu faintly smiled at her.

[3rd Person Limited: Hibari]

Hibari and Dino remained in battle for quite some time and nearly destroyed the roof. Hibari was intent on defeating Dino. He did not want to join any sort of 'family'; he just wanted solitude. Forming together and creating little groups was something that herbivores do, and Hibari definitely did not consider himself to be a herbivore. Ergo, he was not intent on joining any sort of group. Hibari remembers the deal that Dino made with him...

(FLASHBACK)

"Hey, Kyouya. Before we start today's training, I want to talk to you about the ring. Since it feels like I'm tricking you into something, it just doesn't feel right," Dino explained.

"It's all right. I don't have any interest in the ring. All I care about is biting you to death," Hibari responded, raising his tonfas up.

"Geez, you're troublesome," Dino scratched the back of his head.

"Hey, if you don't fight me seriously, I'll throw this ring away," Hibari threatened.

"Wha!? Wait! You bastard~~~~" Dino was anxious about Hibari's actions, "Fine, then, how about a trade. If I beat you in a serious fight, you have to join Tsuna's family."

"Fine."

Dino and Hibari readied their weapons and engaged in combat.

(END OF FLASHBACK)

Hibari was certain that he wouldn't lose to him. He was too strong for him to deal with.

Suddenly, he felt that something was out of place; something was missing. But, he wasn't sure what.

Dino and Hibari momentarily stopped fighting.

"What is it?" Dino lowered his whip a tad.

"Something's... Wrong..." Hibari still wasn't sure.

He looked around the area and scoped out for the cause of his disturbance. All he noticed was Romario casually leaning on the fence. Hibari's eyes widened a fraction. He walked over to Romario with an infuriated aura surrounding him.

"Where is she?" He demanded to have Rmario tell him her location in such a stern tone.

"She's not here, she's.. She uh... She went to see Reborn," Romario reluctantly revealed where she went.

"Where is he?" Hibari narrowed his eyes.

"I'm not sure. However, I know she wouldn't stay there that long."

Hibari was about to go on a rampage. Kuroi had just disobeyed him and on top of that, he has to deal with Dino. He didn't have time to look for her.

"H-Hey, Kyouya, calm down. I sure she's fine. After all, she is with Reborn," Dino tried to reassure him, but it didn't help at all.

Hibari walked up to Dino at a rather fast pace and rose a tonfa, about to strike Dino.

*CLICK CLICK* (horrible door impression, I know)

"Hibari...?"

"She stopped by for a little bit to chat. I hope you don't mind we've kept her from you, since you are her protector and all."

Hibari's eyes widened and he lowered his tonfas. Kuroi was standing in the doorway with a man he did not know.

"Who are you?" Hibari's sinister aura reappeared.

"Sawada Iemitsu. A friend of Reborn's," He smiled and turned to Kuroi, "I hope you've learned something from this."

"Yes," She smiled and ran off towards Hibari.

Kuroi gripped the cuff of his dress shirt, "I'm sorry I ran off. I won't do it again."

Hibari glared at her and then looked back at Iemitsu.

"I understand how important she is to you," He said to Hibari, "So, don't worry, I made sure she learned her lesson." Iemitsu winked at Kuroi and off.

Kuroi smiled and waved goodbye.

There was a moment of silence, until Dino broke it.

"Man, that guy..." Dino smiled to himself.

"You know him, Dino?" Kuroi asked him.

"Aa~ He's the External Advisor for the Vongola," He explained.

Suddenly, Hibari took Kuroi by the wrist and pulled her to the exit.

"Nah- W-Wait a minute! Where are you going!?" Dino shouted.

"I have business to take care of," Hibari stated.

"What about the fight?"

"I never said I wasn't going to finish it," With that said, Hibari and Kuroi disappeared from the roof, leaving Dino and Romario alone.

Hibari dragged Kuroi down to the Reception Room and sat her down on the couch. He wanted to scold her in any way possible. But, for some reason, he couldn't. His body just didn't allow him.

"Hibari...?" Kuroi called for him, unsure of what she should say.

Hibari looked at her. Without thinking, he rushed up to her and placed a fist down next to her head on the top part of the couch. To his surprise, she didn't flinch or even blink. She was motionless.

"... Don't ever run away again," He chided and took his hand away, "And, you are to stay here until I am done biting that herbivore to death."

Kuroi just looked at him with sullen eyes, repenting her past actions.

"... I'm sorry..." She couldn't look at him and kept her head down.

"If you ever do that again, I will bite you to death," He threatened.

"..."

Hibari turned to face the door and started to head back up to the roof. As he took a hold of the door to exit the Reception Room, he felt something encompass him. His eyes widened a fraction. He knew this feeling, he's felt it before... Whenever she repents... He feels it.

He tilted his had back to the side to get a better look. Kuroi was there, hugging him tightly. He could see a couple tears stream down her cheecks. He took a hold of her arms and easily released himself from her grasp.

He looked down at Kuroi and saw that she was staring down at the floor in a somber way. Unsure of what he should do, he rose his hand and set it on top of her head. This seemed to bring her back to reality. She shot her sight up at him. Hibari wasn't smiling, but he wasn't frowning either. He was content. He kept his hand there for a few more seconds and then allowed it to fall back to his side.

Kuroi stared at him in shock. Obviously she wasn't use to this kind of treatment from him, let alone anyone.

"Hmpf," Hibari smirked faintly and walked out of the room, heading back up to the roof.

As he walked, he stared down at his hand, wondering why he preformed those affectionate actions. It was unlike him to do anything like that. What was the deal with him? He wasn't a herbivore. Only herbivores have those kind of petty feelings. So, why was this little girl making him do this? He's never done anything like that before to anyone. She was changing him. That was all he knew...

[END]

YYYAAYYYYY! I finally finished this long awaited chapter! I hope you guys liked it.

The next chapter may or may not be posted for a couple of days because I'm so busy. :'( I'm sorry guys and gals! But I will update no matter what!

Anyway, tell me in a review what you think and let me know your favorite part and (or) quote. Until next time, I will see you in the next update.

POOF!