Haze
Chapter 4
~ Mafia School: Preparation for the game ~
A teacher with long maroon hair and striking emerald eyes stood in front of the podium. She cleared her throat to gain everyone's attention.
"Ahem…If everyone didn't know, I am your house head, Satsuki. It was just announced this morning that the houses will compete in Rip the Tag inter-house tournament." "Make sure to hear out the game rules carefully." Satsuki declared, sweeping the students with her eyes.
"First things first—safety" She emphasized. "No maiming, killing is allowed. To avoid all these, the regular anaesthetic is recommended to knock down your opponents. The other alternative is to make them surrender." Her serious gaze pierced the students in the hall.
"Now I'll start explaining the game; hear carefully. Everyone will have a nametag that will be attached to the back of the clothes that the committee will provide. This nametag is special, able to emit flames like the bracelet. Once the game starts, everyone will be in the base, which is the safe zone to light up their tags. This will indicate what team you are. Regarding the only haze user, you will need to have an escort to help you light up your tag and others. Inform the committee on who you want your partner to be."
"Okay, back to the topic—every opponent in the field becomes your targets except your housemates. Basically it's an all-out battle." She grinned deviously. "Everyone becomes defender and attacker at the same time. You have to defend your nametag from being ripped, and also rip out the other houses' nametags to win. When you rip the other's nametag, the opponent will freeze from the having their nametag taken from them in 5 seconds. Use this time to light the nametag and then paste it back onto the opponent. With that, the opponent's nametag is successfully changed to our element. When the opponent unfreezes, he/she will be free to move but will be unable to tear off their own nametag that is not their element.
"Hence—the catch is this. The opponent is still able to rip off other opponent's nametags but not the house that caught them. This gives the house that changed the most nametags to their element the fastest a higher advantage. What this means-." She paused and her eyes lit up fiercely. "Is that time is important here. The house that is able to transform the nametags to theirs the fastest will be able to hold their ground. After one hour, the game will end and the house that has the highest amount of tags belonging to them will be the winner." She smirked. "I believe this game will be interesting. Anyone with any strategies or ideas may come forward to me. I'll hear you out and choose the strategist, and leaders for each team."
Excited whisperings spread across the floor when the presentation finally ended.
Naomi herself was excited at the prospect of the game. Despite not wanting the garner attention, she immediately went forward the stage towards the house head's table, with the plan she had formed in her head after the speech.
The house head raised an eyebrow and studied her curiously.
"I have a plan—which revolves around my existence in this house." Naomi proposed and paused, eyeing Satsuki whether she could continue.
"Go on." Satsuki probed.
"Just now you said, the nametag, once ripped and attached back to the enemy's back; cannot be ripped again by oneself." Naomi pointed out.
"That's right." Satsuki nodded.
"That's because the element does not belong to the individual who had his/her nametag ripped, right? And so, what if? There exists someone who has all the other elements, excluding sky?"
The woman's emerald eyes immediately brightened up with interest. "I assume you're talking about yourself. So you have mastered all the other elements then." She mused.
"That's right." Naomi smirked and nodded. "My nametag will still belong to my element even after having being ripped. Hence I thought of this idea—that I'll be the bait."
"Hoh…" Satsuki, the house head tapped her chin as she grinned deviously. "I see where this is going."
"Yes." Naomi grinned in response. "We'll be stalling time at the beginning waiting until all the other houses have come out of their bases. Once they're out, I'll be the first one to go out of the base. Since I'm invulnerable to the whole name tag ripping thing, I can knock many house players unconscious in one go. Using the five seconds, the rest of our house that was hidden will immediately change their nametags to sky flame. Executing this plan at the start of the game gains a huge advantage over the other houses, and also would take very little time."
Naomi added, "Moreover, I would be able to instil fear into the other houses, to make them fear me." Satsuki grin kept growing larger as Naomi spoke.
"It's a good plan." Satsuki admitted impressively as she shifted her position on the couch. "However—" she frowned and looked at Naomi straight in the eye, "I foresee that the renowned fighters from the upper batch that may prove to be a challenge."
"You do not have worry about my fighting prowess." Naomi smirked in confidence. "I will only deal with the small fries at the beginning to conserve my energy and once the shock value is over, I will be targeting individual fighters with prowess. I fight better alone, but in this case I have no choice but need a partner to help me light the nametag with sky flames. Ah, by the way, I would like my partner to be Sawada Tsunayoushi."
Satsuki looked intrigued at her choice but nodded without any questions. "Okay. I'll take note of your partner. Now, with this plan, we will be able to rack up the points to our advantage. We may have a chance to win this year." She said eagerly, not hiding the elation that showed on her face.
Hearing Satsuki's tone, Naomi was curious. "May I ask who has been winning these past few years?"
Immediately, Satsuki's mood took a drastic change as her lips tightened and irritation showed on her face. "The cloud house; led by Hibari Kyouya. Ever since that man came to this school, he has single-handedly won the tournaments through his direction and force." She snapped out, biting her lips in discontentment.
…It seemed like he even defeated teachers.
"Putting that aside," Satsuki glanced at Naomi with eagerly. "Would you be the strategic leader for this game, since you are the creator of this plan?" Satsuki proposed, "I think you'll be great for this position."
Naomi pondered a while. She did not want to attract attention, but her plan would make her the centre of attention anyway. At least for this tournament. She would hate to endure the constant screaming. So why not? Afterall, she might be able to attract Hibari Kyouya's attention and approach him.
"I would love to." She agreed.
Satsuki held out her hand, piercing Naomi with keen eyes. "I hope this year, with you on our side; we can end that winning streak."
"I think we will." Naomi spoke with conviction as she shook her hand back readily. "I'll perform my best."
"Then, it's settled!" The house head gave a big smile and went towards the stage, announcing Naomi's strategist position.
Once Naomi she came down the stage after the announcement, her brother immediately came up to her and bugged her with questions. "What did you talk about with the house head? Are you up to something again?" Dino frowned slightly.
A cryptic smile was given in response. "Brother, you worry too much." Naomi said dismissively. "I merely proposed my plan for this tournament."
Dino raised an eyebrow in response. "Normally you wouldn't do something that makes you stand out." He pointed out.
"That's right." Naomi smirked. "But now I've changed my plans—to make myself stand out."
"Huh?!" Dino shrieked, hearing his sister's nonchalant words. "You know how much I've suffered from all those fangirls following me around? I don't want you to experience that!" he said exasperatedly, his face grimacing as he thought of what he had been through.
Naomi merely chuckled in response. "That's because brother doesn't know how to deal with them. With your character, I bet they just take advantage of you."
Dino's eyes widened in surprise. "How do you know that?"
Mirth lighted in Naomi's eyes as she laughed. "Because I'm your sister. You'll need to make a statement that makes them not want to follow you." She tapped her chin and said quirkily, "Like Hibari."
Dino immediately shook his head. "I can't ever be like Hibari. Really, I don't know what's in that head of yours." He sighed.
A faraway voice suddenly interrupted them. Naomi could faintly hear someone calling her name. From the direction of the voice, Tsuna came running towards them. "You suddenly went up the stage without a word and talked with the house head and then she announced you were the strategist. What's going on?!" he rushed his words out frantically while approaching.
"Ah—Sorry did I interrupt your conversation?" He halted in his steps, seeing Dino at Naomi's side.
Dino regarded Tsuna curiously. He was one of the people his sister was interested in.
"Tsuna—this is my brother, Dino." Naomi introduced.
"Nice to meet you, Naomi's brother, Dino-san." Tsuna bowed slightly.
"Nice to meet you too." Dino smiled and did the same.
Naomi turned towards Tsuna. "In response to your question, I simply proposed a strategy for the game. The head liked it and so she made me the strategist." She then paused and smirked. "I asked her that in turn, you'll be my partner, accompanying me to aid lighting up the nametags with your sky flame since I'm unable to."
Tsuna's hazel eyes widened. "So I'm your partner for the tournament?" His voice was laced with surprise. "Why did you choose me?"
Naomi raised her eyebrows. "Are you not comfortable with it?"
"No…" Tsuna replied quickly. This might actually be a chance for him to experience what it is like in battle.
"I'm okay with it. Just that I'm…"He stuttered nervously.
"Ah—that you have no fighting skills?" Naomi interrupted.
Tsuna head jerked at that and stared into her eyes, wondering how she knew. Naomi eyed Tsuna for a second. "I can tell from your movement. You have no wariness whatsoever." she answered frankly.
Tsuna bit his lip, "But—"
"It's alright. You have the potential." Naomi interrupted, "As long as I start training you from now onwards." Her eyes glinted with said anticipation. Tsuna could not help but feel a chill down his back at those words.
"Tch…This place is sure lavish." A silver haired boy clicked his tongue as he eyed his surroundings disdainfully. Receiving the bracelet at the dorm counter, he proceeded to the dorm to drop his belongings.
"Ahh?" He eyed the dorm door that displayed the blaring words of "ATTENTION". Gokudera rolled his eyes and tapped the screen in annoyance.
"How troublesome." He muttered and made his way to the school field.
The teacher that was on the field looked up and stared at him in the eye as Gokudera approached the field. He looked like he was busy in discussion with a bunch of students in front of him, yet he had noticed his presence. The man's mouth quickly shaped into a scowl.
Gokudera could sense that he was one not to be trifled with.
"Gokudera Hayato, nicknamed Hurricane Bomb." The man addressed him as he stood. "You may have reported your excuse for being unable to attend the opening ceremony due to a mission you undertook, but I do not condone such actions. Your actions tell me that you show a complete lack of regard towards the school." The man sneered, his onyx eyes darkening.
"Wha-" Gokudera stood rooted to the ground, unable to comprehend his words. Initial shock immediately turned to blazing anger. How dare the teacher insult him, and moreover right in front of his house mates.
Gokudera gritted his teeth and clenched his fist in anger. But just as he was about to rebuke, he felt someone gripping his shoulder, restraining him. He turned around and saw Shamal shaking his head at him.
"Don't. I knew this was gonna happen." Shamal's mouth twisted into a grim line. "You see—Lavaister, your house head hates latecomers." Shamal sighed as he rubbed the back of his head. "This is going to be troublesome."
Shamal looked up at Laviaster and called out. "Laviaster, I sincerely apologise for the actions of my disciple. Can you let him go for once?" He thought of something and added, "In return, you can make him go to the front-lines of the tournament."
Laviaster looked surprised. "He's your disciple, Trident Shamal? Hmm…" His eyes narrowed and had a calculative expression. "Since you asked, I'll drop the matter. Make sure he doesn't do it again."
"I owe you one." Shamal replied gratefully. At the corner of his eye, his disciple looked like he wanted to protest at his actions.
"Haha…It's fine." He ruffled Gokudera's hair. "Welcome to Mafia School." Shamal gave a small smile.
"Dr Shamal…" Gokudera murmured ruefully, his gaze cast downwards. "Thanks for the help."
"No problem. Now, go and discuss with your house head about the tournament."
"Got it." Gokudera responded unwillingly and he took small, draggy steps towards the front of the field.
Lavaister took a real look at the youngster up close. Intense emerald eyes with a firm jaw, aristocratic features and silver shoulder-length hair. In contrast to his looks, his clothes were worn shabbily, and he carried himself in an undignified manner. However, his talent was acknowledged by Trident Shamal. If Gokudera is truly talented, he would be an asset to the tournament, especially with the scarcity of elite fighters in his house.
His eyes lighted in anticipation, completely putting what happened earlier to the back of his mind as he started plotting battle strategies.
The whole week was dedicated to training the students especially for the tournament. Teachers and committee members alike were busy organising and planning. For the sky house, Naomi being the strategic leader discussed over her proposed strategies with the other committee leaders, and rectified it with game simulations revealing its flaws and boons. The rest of her time was spent with her training Tsuna.
She sighed as the boy in front of her, once again was unable to light up the tag. His face was scrunched up like a chipmunk, trying to exert his willpower into the tag. For some reason, his willpower was not enough to light up the tag. Maybe he did not exert the right willpower, for different people have different type of willpower. She contemplated curiously what it could be for his case.
"Tsuna" She called. He ceased his actions and looked at her, questioningly. "What do you think when you are trying to light up the tag?"
Tsuna gave a blank look, and scratched his head. "Um…just wanting the tag to light up?"
Upon hearing his answer, Naomi reinforced her suspicions. But at the same time, she had no idea what was his willpower at the moment. Maybe more observation would help her find the answer.
"You can stop trying to light up the tag or now." Naomi suddenly voiced. "For now, you'll focus on physical training. Go to the field and run 5 laps!"
"Ehhh?!" Tsuna exclaimed, his brows furrowing in distress. "Why so suddenly?"
"I've decided to put lighting the tag on hold." Naomi explained. "So right now, use your time to build your stamina. You will need it to run around the forest during tournament."
Like a forsaken puppy, Tsuna had a downcast look on his face as he strode towards the field. Showing no pity, Naomi barked out countless orders for him to hurry.
The fact that Tsuna could not light up the tag had a big impact on the boy. Not only that. He was below the others for they had already known about the Mafia before they even came to this school and prepared for it, whereas he had remained ignorant to the whole Mafia thing, thinking he could leave it when it came. Hence he never started training. This led to his current situation. He had no one else to blame but himself for his poor stamina and skills.
A surge of uselessness encompassed his whole being.
Tsuna let out a heavy sigh as he approached his dorm door. Once again, he was disheartened as he failed as he tried to light up his bracelet. He wondered if Naomi would give up being his partner for being so useless. This caused a small stabbing pain onto his heart, for despite her Spartan training, she was his second friend upon coming to this school. He never had someone close to him before, not in middle school, and not in junior high.
Suddenly, the door in front of him opened, and Yamamoto's head peeked out of the small opening. His infectious smile brought a smile onto Tsuna's face.
"Yo, Tsuna! Glad to see you're back. I thought I saw a shadow in front of the door." Yamamoto greeted rambunctiously.
"Ahh…I'm back." Tsuna's heart flittered as he spoke those words. Having a close friend was really comforting.
Yamamoto frowned as he saw Tsuna's unsteady expression.
"How's your day?" He asked.
Tsuna let out another sigh. "It was no good." He said as he flumped onto his bed. "I didn't manage to meet Naomi's expectations. I bet she's disappointed in me."
Yamamoto raised an eyebrow at that. "Don't go assuming things, Tsuna. You just were just introduced to the Mafia. Naomi knows this, doesn't she? And I don't think she's the type to think that way."
Tsuna turned over and stared into Yamamoto's unwavering onyx eyes.
"What you said might be true, but that is because I didn't put any effort into trying to train myself. I'll…give my best from now on." He said with determination, clenching his fist.
"Alright! How do you light your bracelet, Yamamoto?" Tsuna asked brightly, eyes lighting up in curiosity as he looked at Yamamoto who was at the opposite of the room.
"Ehh?" Yamamoto was caught off guard with Tsuna's sudden question. "Uhhh… I just think of a flame and then, project that flame onto the bracelet!"
Tsuna sweatdropped at that plain answer. "That's how you do it?"
"Yeah! Imagine the flame and project onto your bracelet!"
"Yeah…" Tsuna looked at his bracelet and tried as Yamamoto said. It didn't work.
"Hmm…Maybe it needs some kind of activation to work?" Yamamoto mused. "Intent, I heard my old man said before. For my case, my dad says I'm really simple-minded so maybe that's why I can light it instantaneously."
Tsuna nodded, convinced at the answer. "But what intent should I have?"
Yamamoto shrugged. "You'll have to find it yourself."
Tsuna glanced down at the field, hands clutching his legs as he curled up in a fetal position. He was bored, waiting for Naomi to begin training him. She was currently on the field, her hair unusually tied up into a ponytail and wearing a whistle. He could hear her barking orders, even at this distance.
For simulation, many a times the catching game was rehearsed where one had to protect his/her back while aiming for others. This was the training for most people. However he was different for he was her partner. She had specially requested the house head for a personalised training for him.
Of course the house head agreed and he was singled out. He sighed and placed his hands onto the grass, feeling the grass and glanced towards the sky.
Tsuna cracked open his bleary eyes as he heard the sound of impending footsteps. He had inadvertently fallen asleep in this nice weather. Stifling a yawn, he glanced towards the origin of the footsteps, and noticed several people staring right at him with narrowed and disgruntled looks.
Seeing that they looked like they wanted nothing but trouble, he immediately sprang to his feet.
One of the guys approached him. "Oi, I've heard you're Naomi's partner." He rudely asked. "Is it true?"
"Y-Yeah" Tsuna stuttered out.
Giving a lookover of Tsuna's appearance, they snorted and laughed. "Someone of like you doesn't deserve to be her partner." He spat. "Right guys?" He drawled purposefully and wore a hideous smirk on his face.
The others behind him agreed successively, like a broken chord. All their faces had a similar expression – a look of contempt.
Tsuna could feel the palpitations of his heart increasing with every growing second. "What do you want?" He asked, his voice almost a whisper.
"Hah? Say that again?" The leader mocked in derision as he took an aggressive step forward, breaching his comfort zone.
Tsuna steeled his nerves, and clenched his fists in a show of courage. "What do you want?" He asked more strongly this time, and his eyes flashed with resolve.
The boy did not like that look. "Hah? Looking down on us?" He raged, "I'm telling you, you should not be Naomi's partner!" Eyes blazing with contempt, his fist rose up and aimed towards Tsuna. Tsuna knew he was about to get hit, but he felt powerless, unable to respond to the swift punch that was heading his way—
"Enough" A firm, commanding voice resounded clearly. Before he knew it, someone was standing in front of him. All he could see was the black hair in his face; it was as if time froze. Sound restarted when the person in front of him swiftly took out his tonfas and without comprehending what had happened, the group of students immediately crumpled to the ground like dolls.
Gaping, Tsuna could not find any words to say at the scene. The black-haired boy turned around, and narrowed his eyes at him. "Sawada Tsunayoushi." He intoned, "What have you done to cause this trouble?" His hand waved towards at the group of boys.
"I did not do anything!" Tsuna defended in a flurry. "They were saying about me being Naomi's partner…" He trailed off, not wanting to elaborate further.
"Ahh…That Dead-Accurate Naomi?" His gaze sharpened, and mouth curled up into a chilling smirk. "I see." With that, he walked away.
Meanwhile, Naomi had watched everything that had transpired from afar. So her two targets, Hibari and Tsuna had met for the first time. A bit of progression, she huffed, than none. And, she noticed Tsuna had displayed conviction, despite being only for a brief moment. She stepped out of the field, approaching the brunette.
"Tsuna" She called. The poor boy jumped, startled at her voice. "I saw what happened." She pursed her lips. "Be strong, Tsuna, to not fall prey to those bullies." she said, with hardened eyes. "Follow me, and I'll make you strong."
Tsuna nodded jerkily, with a convicted face. All these while, in school he was bullied, called names, and suffered under them. Regardless whether he was in normal or mafia school, the only way to avoid this was to become stronger, and stronger.
A/N: Tsuna may seem a bit OOC, but I think it is unavoidable in these circumstances. Unlike the original story, the Tsuna here knows about the fact that he was going to attend Mafia school, so he is prepared to accept his fate.
Anyways, R&R if you like!