Chapter 13

Saturday came all too fast for Ienari's liking, and he was not looking forward to Byakuran and Irie coming over at the restaurant, since Reborn told him last night that indeed, he doesn't trust them to come in and leave the house without it being destroyed by 'clumsiness,' as he put it. But Ienari was half eager to know what happened in the month that he detached himself from society, and had allowed his father and the Ninth to spread some sort of rumor that would give the mafia world enough time to adjust for his return in an indefinite time.

Though detached he may be to the mafia world, he couldn't help but think that he was missing something crucial…

"You look a bit troubled today, Sawada," Hana commented as he watched Ienari as he served them.

Ienari smiled apologetically, "Ah, sorry about that. I was thinking about something…" he excused. He was currently at their table after Reborn all but stuck him in serving them during the weekends, saying" "You might get a guardian out of them. Do it or I will make you do it with your Dying Will."

That was not a phrase that he wanted to hear from his tutor, considering his last sentence sent him to remember a string of embarrassment concerning a bullet, and being half-naked.

"It's not good to think deeply while serving us, you know," Kyoko stated with a smile.

Ienari smiled at them, "Thanks for your concern, but I'll be alright." He then noticed that the lone male in their group was not around, "Ryohei-san is not with you today?"

Haru smiled, "Ryohei-san had to go to Nagi's place today to help her with the moving,"

"Um…can I ask, is she his girlfriend?" Ienari asked, remembering the girl from the other day.

Hana gave him a piercing look, "He would be dead if she was. By my hands."

It only took three seconds for Ienari to understand. "Oh! Sorry, I-I didn't k-know!" he started to stutter. Reborn was going to kill him if he heard him stutter again. Awkward situations with his peers always leads him to this if he wasn't in his 'formality mode' as Reborn put it.

"Hana-chan! Don't show your evil eyes!" Kyoko chided. Hana simply grunted.

Kyoko turned back to Ienari who was noticeably shaken by the evil eyes, and tried to explain further, "Nagi-chan was just finishing up the last of her things to move to her new apartment."

"Uhm…so how did Ryohei-san get roped in helping her move?" Ienari asked, wanting the scary atmosphere to disappear. He really didn't want to mess with Hana.

"He's too generous." Hana said with a sigh. "Even though Nagi said that he didn't need to trouble himself. That's how helpful the idiot is."

Kyoko giggled, "That's my onii-chan~!" she then remembered something, "Ah, Ienari-kun, do you mind if you come with me and Haru? We were planning something for Tsuna-kun, but we don't want him to know," she whispered.

Ienari raised a brow, "Ah, sure. When?"

"I was thinking tomorrow, but I think you would be showing your Italian friends off," Kyoko said.

"Then it's alright if we go after? Their flight is in the morning. We could go tomorrow afternoon," Ienari offered. If she was getting something from Tsuna, then that meant that something was happening without his knowledge. Not to mention he could ask Kyoko about her obvious crush on his brother—who was unfortunately taken by the scariest man Ienari has ever met, right next to Reborn.

"Wonderful~!" Haru said, "We can also show you the best cake shops around!"

Ienari couldn't do anything but smile.

"Nari-chan~!" Ienari's conversation with the girls was interrupted when he heard a familiar sing-song voice. The table on the second floor was near the stairs and the large floor to ceiling windows, so he could hear the teenager very well.

With a sigh, Ienari excused himself, "Sorry, but I need to cut our conversation short. My—ah, our visitors have arrived." He said as he went down the stairs to meet Byakuran and Irie.

He twitched when he saw Byakuran wearing a palm tree printed shirt of all things, which made him look ridiculous in his books.

"What the hell are you wearing?!" Ienari questioned as he looked at Irie who was also exasperated at the white haired teen.

Byakuran seemed unperturbed at the stares that he was getting. He simply spun around and smiled his foxy smile, "Isn't great? I bought this yesterday at the department store. I couldn't take my eyes off it so I bought it!"

Ienari sighed and covered his forehead with his hands in annoyance. He really didn't need this early in the morning. "You and Reborn almost have the same taste in clothes…" he muttered. "Well then, which seat do you like? We just finished with the lunch rush, so we have a lot of tables available on the second floor where Tsuna and I are assigned today."

Byakuran looked around the place and spotted Reborn at the counter. "If you don't mind, can I speak to your tutor for a while?" he asked.

"What for?" Ienari asked. A word with Reborn meant a serious talk.

"Just some things I'm not clear about the silence in your location, that's all," he stated cheerfully.

"What am I, a buried treasure?" Ienari questioned.

"You might as well be~ your face is too precious~!" Byakuran joked. But before Ienari could try to throw him out, he turned to Irie, "Well then, Sho-chan, you can choose the table. I have to talk with Mr. Reborn," he said as he sauntered to the counter and whispered something to the hitman. To Ienari's surprise, Reborn led him to the back of the restaurant where no one would dare interrupt them without the two knowing.

It might not look like it, but Byakuran can give Dino a run for his money when it comes to fighting, not just by using his already well-trained brain.

"I apologize for his eccentricities, Ienari-kun," Irie said.

"Seriously, how do you put up with dating that guy?" Ienari asked.

Irie smiled, "Can't you tell? He needs looking after," he stated.

"Basically you're just his minder?" Ienari inquired.

"Most of the time," the red head said. But Ienari could see the tell-tale signs of fondness when talking about Byakuran.

'What kind of dysfunctional relationship do they have?' Ienari asked himself for the thousandth time. But it seems that he would never get the answer in his lifetime. The two looked too smitten with each other, and it may come as a bit disturbing to Ienari when Byakuran tries to go all lovey-dovey to Irie—who does not appreciate PDA, but the main truth is that they would never leave the other's side. Shaking the thoughts away, he took out his notepad, "So, while waiting for that Marshmallow Lunatic, let's go to the second floor. Tsuna and I would love to serve you,"

Irie laughed, "Is this some sort of host club?"

"With the orders from Reborn for me to talk to most of our regular customers, and Tsuna being their favorite, I would say yes," he joked a he led Irie to the second floor.

…

At the back of the restaurant, Reborn and Byakuran stood, making sure that no one was listening.

"Does he remember?" Byakuran asked.

"He doesn't. His mind goes completely blank every time he tries." Reborn replied.

Byakuran cursed. "Damn it…and add to the fact that a lot of people are slowly believing that rumor…" he muttered.

Reborn raised a brow, "What rumor?" he demanded. He knew for a fact that the Ninth had left it to Iemitsu to spread the rumor about hiding Ienari somewhere in Europe in order for him to recover, but he didn't ask what kind of rumor the CEDEF boss had spread out.

"That Nari-chan is dead."

An enraged pair of eyes almost sent Byakuran running to Irie the moment he saw it. "What?"

Composing himself, Byakuran sighed and took out his phone, "Ever since Nari-chan was reported to be hidden by the Vongola, someone found out that he was rushed to the hospital in the middle of the afternoon. With nothing more to note, and his sudden withdrawal from the academy, the CEDEF boss might have found it beneficial to make the others think that Nari-chan is either hidden, or died by committing suicide." He started. "Of course, not a lot are eating that theory up, even believing that the Vongola is merely trying to buy time to train the next heir in line, which was Tsunayoshi-kun." He stated. "The first rumor was the most believed by them, considering that no one in their right mind would choose to end his life before inheriting a powerful family."

Reborn noted that he had to ask the Ninth if he approved of the little camouflage that Iemitsu had spread out. Chances are, he didn't. "And why didn't you believe the rumor as well?" Reborn said. "I figured you tracking Ienari's phone that fast was suspicious. I wonder what made you think that the rumors are all bull."

The foxy smile of the teen returned, "Ah, you guys still don't know, right?" he said as he showed him his left hand in order for Reborn to see what was on his left middle finger.

And lo and behold, the Mare Ring of the Sky adorned his finger like it belonged there.

The tutor's eyes became skeptical. "The Mare Rings are now in your hands? How did that happen? The guardian of the Mare Rings is the Famiglia of the Giglio Nero and its boss, Luce the Sky Arcobaleno. How did you make her give it to you?" he demanded, wanting to confirm that Luce gave the rings to Byakuran personally, and that it wasn't taken by force which contradicts to what Luce said to them about just 'giving it away' to someone. Personally, Reborn was starting to think that Luce has a bad taste in choosing the owners of the rings.

The teenager seemed to think a bit before answering with a cheeky voice, "Oh~ Luce-san gave it to me personally when I turned sixteen last year! She said that it would at least help me with things now that I have connected to the other Sky of the Trinisette~"

Knowing the properties of the Sky Mare Ring, and what kind of ability it gives the owner, Reborn was now compelled to believe that nothing will get past the teenager ever again. "Then I believe that you went along with that particular rumor upon coming here?"

"Of course~! The Vongola is not the only one who wants Nari-chan safe. More or less, even if he doesn't give the friend title, I still consider him as my friend." He stated as if it was obvious. "Besides, there is something else that bothers me about all this…"

"What about?"

The teenager's face turned serious, "…The Simon Famiglia has specifically investigated the rumor as well. It seems that they fell to that trap."

"And you coming here under your alias and your reason of stay being attending a funeral…"

Byakuran nodded. "Basically I solidified their belief that he's already dead. I could only imagine what their boss is feeling right now, looking for solid proof. But…the Earth still strives to reach for the Shrouded Sky."

Reborn fell silent for a few moments, thinking of the events these past two months ever since Ienari's reclusive tendencies returned, coupled with his suicide attempt. There was something that does not add up to any of their investigation about the reason. Nevermind if he couldn't recall it, but to forget certain parts of his life these past few years was a bit strange indeed. It was as if…

He sighed inwardly as he looked at the Mare Ring holder in front of him. Technically, in terms of power, the Gesso heir was superior, but experience wise, him, being the Sun Arcobaleno since he was twenty-three, was far more superior. But he felt that it was not for long. Luce did say to cooperate with the other holders of the Trinisette, and cooperate he would.

"For now, Ienari being oblivious to all of this is a must. At least until he could regain some useful snips of his memories." He decided. "He may not know it, but Tsuna noticed that he has been experiencing brief headaches. I know for a fact that he is starting to remember bits and pieces of what we are missing. A few days ago, Ienari started to see memories of him with two people." Reborn shared, "He knew the first person, which was Spanner, the son of a British Mafiosi, but he doesn't remember the second one. Take a good guess on who he is."

Byakuran didn't need to think who it was. "Kozato Enma, is it?"

"Bingo. Later that day, he asked me to search a person named Simon, or a mafia famiglia with the same name. It goes to show that he doesn't remember the Simon Decimo, not even his face and name."

"Considering what they've been through for two years, I'm pretty surprised." The white haired teen said with worry. "Add to that, with the kind of bond they shared, it all seems pretty tragic, him forgetting Enma-kun."

"I don't see the two of them have some sort of close bond,"

"It's a matter of angles, really," Byakuran stated.

"Enlighten me." Reborn urged.

"But it's not my place to say," Byakuran said with a pout. "If it was, I'd already be blabbing in front of you,"

"Sometimes I wonder which side you are on." Reborn said. "Luce did say that you are a peculiar one."

Byakuran gave off his normal smile, "I'm in any side I want to be~! And I help who I want to help. It just so happens that I adore my fellow Sky,"

The hitman contemplated the words of the Gesso heir, but he knew that his intentions were somewhat pure—even if his soul might not be. Just look at his childishness. "That's rather reassuring. Now, did you find out anything about that thing?"

"Ah~ about that…"

…

Tsuna was on duty on the second floor of the restaurant when he heard that Byakuran and Irie just arrived from Yamamoto who helped out today as one of their kitchen staff.

"Hu…and I was looking forward in serving Irie-kun and Byakuran-kun today, and I get assigned here at the second floor…" Tsuna sulked as he returned to the second floor counter where Hibari was taking care of the bar.

"And I thought you like the second floor," Hibari said as he was cleaning the shot glasses preparing for the incoming flow of morning shift workers looking for a drink.

Tsuna sighed, "Yeah, if you are lazy on the job or entertaining the old ladies. But today, I really wanted to meet Byakuran-kun and Irie-kun. They seem interesting enough,"

Hibari sighed, "As long as they don't disrupt the peace, them being here is fine. Though I don't like that white haired carnivore making a pass at you."

Tsuna didn't really get it, but he reveled in the prefect being jealous regarding him. "Aw, come on, did you see the way he looks at Irie-kun?"

"Had I not known that the carnivore was seeing that red haired herbivore, I would have bitten him to death the moment he hit on you." Hibari stated. "But that is not the case. Other than that, I feel like something is up with him…"

"Ah, you noticed too?"

"I'm not a herbivore not to." Hibari said, "And I believe that Gokudera Hayato and Yamamoto Takeshi also sensed it the moment they met."

Tsuna could only sigh. "Well~ we do know this, he's somewhat…linked to Ienari and the mystery around him. He may even have a link to another person."

"Your intuition is starting to scare me." Hibari commented. With little information Tsuna has, he could really hit the mark without trying.

"Hehe…" Tsuna simply smiled brightly. "It's what I'm good for,"

From the corner of Tsuna's eyes, he saw Ienari get up the stairs with Irie. Turning his head, he smiled, "Ah, Irie-kun! Welcome!"

"Thank you for inviting us here, Sumeragi-san." Irie said respectfully as he bowed to the brunette.

Tsuna simply smiled, "Ah, no worries~! And call me Tsuna. Calling me that makes me feel old…oh, that's right, Mom also wanted to meet the people who made Ienari's school life worthwhile,"

Just as he said it, the door to the office, which was just at the end of the counter slash bar opened. There Nana got out looking a bit lethargic, but somewhat glowing. Tsuna and Ienari took note of that.

When she caught sight of the small group, Nana put on her usual smile. "Ah, boys, is this our visitor?" she asked as she took a good look at the red head in front of her.

"One of them." Ienari said. "Byakuran is talking with Reborn now, but he will be up soon," he informed.

Tsuna raised a brow, "Why does Byakuran-san need to talk to Papa?" Tsuna wondered.

"Nevermind that now," Nana said, "You two, treat our guest with what they want!" she said gleefully. "I'm Sumeragi Nana, it's nice to meet you,"

Irie bowed respectfully at Nana, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sumeragi-san. My name is Irie Shoichi,"

"Please, call me Nana. Sumeragi-san makes me feel old," Nana said, not knowing that Tsuna said the same thing just moments ago, surprising Irie.

"Nana-san then," Irie said.

Ienari then pointed at the table just beside the girls, "Then, do you mind if your table is beside the girls?"

Irie turned to see the girls that Ienari spoke about, "We don't mind. Are they your friends?" Irie asked, but he already knew the answer to that, knowing Ienari's personality and his issues about the 'friend' title.

"Ah. No. They're Tsuna's friends and our regular customers," Ienari excused.

Irie laughed lightly, "You haven't changed at all, Ienari-kun, still hesitating." He commented. "Well then, that table is fine. Byakuran-san would complain about the light anyway," he said, not really paying attention to the surprised look on Ienari's face on his comment.

After Ienari and Irie left, Tsuna turned to his mother who was watching the blond with a fond face. "Mom, are you okay?" he asked worriedly.

Nana looked at Tsuna, "What do you mean Tsu-kun?" she wondered.

"Lately you've been a bit lethargic. Are you overworking yourself again?" Tsuna wondered. "We don't want a repeat of six months ago, you know." He said with a worried face. The last time his mother had looked like this, she had been overworking herself to the bone when she and Reborn had argued about something concerning Ienari. Stress working, Hana had said once before. To get her mind off of things, she distracted herself by working day and night and never stopping.

It led her to collapsing and being hospitalized for a week. Not even less than twenty four hours did Reborn storm through the hospital worried and blaming himself for what happened. That was the first and last time they ever fought seriously.

Now Tsuna was worried because it might be a different thing for her this time around.

Nana stared at her son and patted his head, "Ever the worrywart, Tsu-kun." Nana stated. "Don't mind me. I just got some issues concerning the accounts, and I just fixed it," she excused. "Now scat, don't make our customers wait~" she said as she shooed Tsuna away.

As she did, Hibari watched the entire thing from the bar. "You know Nana-san, you really shouldn't push yourself too hard," he reminded.

"You too Kyou-kun?" Nana asked with a pout. "You boys worry too much for me,"

"And Tsunayoshi worries too much for you as it is," Hibari said gently, "So please, take it easy."

Nana smiled genuinely at Hibari. Just thinking of her 'sons' being worried about her was very much reassuring.

…

Nakagawa Nagi's Apartment, Namimori, Japan

Ryohei placed the last of the moving boxes in the two-room apartment a few blocks away from Namimori High School, and looked back at the one who will be living in the said apartment.

"Good! Everything is inside now. Are you going to be fine unpacking on your own, Nagi?" Ryohei asked.

Nagi smiled at Ryohei reassuringly, "Yes. I'm sorry for the trouble, Ryo-nii," she apologized as she set down her duffel bag.

"It's extremely fine! I like helping out. Besides, you're like my sister too," Ryohei assured her. He could still remember the timid girl that he and Kyoko had met on when he was in third grade and Kyoko was in second. She had been rather distant, and always kept to herself and is always alone at the park. Kyoko had played with her a lot of times, until they both considered each other best friends.

Due to Kyoko's influence on her, she slowly got out of her shell. She lived alone the moment she entered middle school and worked as a part-timer at the Sumeragi family's restaurant, and just recently decided to move after a fight with her vindictive landlord.

"Thank you anyway. Would you like to have some sports drink before you go back home?" Nagi offered him. Usually, she would offer tea, but being the athlete Ryohei was, she knew that he preferred being offered sports drink.

"Ah, thanks, but no. Drinking sports drink at this time before eating dessert is a big no, and Kyoko might lecture me for it. She'll be home with my cake, and she might eat it herself if I did it."

"Alright then," Nagi said, "Then be careful on your way,"

Ryohei nodded as Nagi led him to the stairs down the apartment. "I'll be going then. See you on Monday Nagi!" Ryohei bid as he left.

Nagi watched as Ryohei disappeared in the road, and smiled softly. She really has a lot of fun in Namimori, and this time, she would be here permanently after managing to get out of Kokuyo.

"Ah…I forgot to ask Ryohei-san to give Tsuna the files…" she said as she took out the thick envelope from her bag which read:

TOP SECRET

Case Subject: Sawada Ienari

Contents:

Medical Record

School Record

Simon Famgilia Record

Gesso Famiglia Record

CEDEF Record

Vongola Record

Attached on the file was a note from the source:

You owe me big time. You have no idea what we had to go through to get the Simon files. Use it well. Be glad I did this without any charge.

-Viper

TBC

Hah. Done at last, but I'm not pretty happy with the outcome somehow…

This was supposed to be longer, but I decided to cut it and just maintain my less than 3,500 words a chapter to prevent spending too much time in a certain day like this one.

Now, I wonder what Tsuna wanted with these files, and how he made Viper get it…