AN: Sorry for the late update! I've wanted to perfect this chapter first to my taste. Though, I'll try to be quick about my updates. I'm really thankful about those reviews and encouragement. Thank you for liking my story! I'm happy that people like this crossover as much as I do. Anyways, it was nice reading those reviews about how I made their day with this story. Thank you again.
Warning(s): A little OOC. And there are some OCs that I've used, but they aren't mentioned much in this chapter. This is going to be slow. I'm going to maximize Kuroko's two month quota. Another is that this chapter is kind of sombre, but there are still light-hearted parts.
Pairing(s): None. I'm going to make this GEN.
Disclaimer: I don't own Kuroko no Basuke or Katekyo Hitman Reborn
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[Chapter Three: Act of Will III]
To his relief, there was a cafe near the market district that sold vanilla milkshakes. He had meant to look for a stall that had vanilla milkshakes in their menu with Ihara on their way home but with the other boy hospitalized, Kuroko had no choice other than to go alone. Still, he had been about to give up on his venture since none of the fast-food joints in Namimori seemed to have vanilla flavored milkshakes and appeared to favor chocolate, strawberry, or even watermelon flavors instead.
So, it had been a surprise when his last option turned out to be a café that sold confectionaries and a variety of coffee-flavored deserts. Kuroko was pleased since he knew that Ihara would love the place with the other boy's fixation on sweets.
Sipping his vanilla milkshake leisurely as he entered their apartment, he instantly went to the refrigerator to store the slices of vanilla torte and lemon meringue pie for him and his roommate. Kuroko had also bought a box of manjū and daifuku for Sawada and Kamiyama tomorrow. Though, he also had Yamamoto and Fujishima in mind when buying the Japanese sweets since he knew that he would be handling them tomorrow as well. He would've preferred Ihara to be with them but the other boy would be discharged around tomorrow evening.
Just as he sat down on the couch, his phone rang.
Without looking at the caller ID, the teal haired teen answered the call just as he finished his vanilla milkshake.
"Hello?"
"Kuroko!" An enthusiastic voice boomed from the other line and Kuroko winced at the loud volume. "How are you? You're not in Tokyo right now, right? You idiot! Why didn't you tell me! I had to know from your grandmother, you know!" The owner of the voice babbled excitedly and rapidly.
"I'm glad to hear from you as well, Ogiwara-kun," Kuroko deadpanned dryly.
"You're an official tutor now, huh? I called you back at your house last night since my cell phone's dead and granny informed me about your little trip," The voice became sly at this and the teal haired teen could almost feel his friend's curiosity bubbling. "Wow, I'm so envious right now. Though, I'm a little put off that you didn't tell me," There was no accusation in the other's tone despite the words and Kuroko instead heard the playful timbre that Ogiwara seemed to prefer.
"I apologize since the preparations kept me busy," He answered calmly but there was sincere guilt in his tone. "Yes, I've just met my students today," He informed as he leaned back on the couch comfortably.
"So…" Ogiwara trailed off almost innocently, a grin in his voice. "Do I have to call you Kuroko-sensei now?"
"If that is how you prefer it," Kuroko answered grimly and trying to keep the smile from leaking into his voice. "In fact, Ogiwara-kun should've started addressing me that back in elementary as I've been helping you from failing your math tests," He remarked almost serenely.
This time, he didn't stop the smile from creeping up his lips as he heard Ogiwara's indignant sputters from the other line.
"You really don't play fair, Kuroko," Ogiwara whined with a huff of laughter. "Okay, you got me with that one. Still, Namimori, right? What's it like there? No one's bullying you, yeah? Because if there is, I'll teach them a lesson," His voice sounded genuinely menacing but Kuroko was only amused.
"No one is bullying me. Ogiwara-kun doesn't have to worry," The teal haired teen merely placated gently. "Namimori is peaceful and beautiful as well. It's a small town so the people around here seemed to know each other very closely. I came here with a schoolmate who's also a volunteer. I think you will like him but, unfortunately, he isn't here right now as he is admitted in the hospital when his student accidentally fed him with something that he's allergic to,"
If his childhood friend was here, Kuroko was certain that he would be wincing in Ihara's behalf.
"Ouch, that's, uh, unlucky?" Ogiwara chuckled nervously. "That's really mean. Well, we'll see if I'll really like him then when I meet him. The reason that I actually called you right now was because I was so excited!" He exclaimed enthusiastically.
Kuroko became suspicious as he processed the other's words carefully.
"What do you mean?" He queried cautiously.
"Mochida Kazuki, our captain, planned our team's training camp next week. Guess where we're headed~?" The other boy sang out mischievously.
The teal haired teen frowned.
"Don't tell me in Namimori–" He started to say with trepidation.
"Nope! But close!" Ogiwara cut him off cheerfully. "You see, our coach knows this dude who owns a hot spring establishment in Takayama. And, Takayama's like, practically next to Namimori! So, imagine how awesomely happy I was when I heard from granny that you're in Namimori! I already got permission from the team to visit you there for an overnight! Isn't that just great? Huh? Huh? We'll see each other next week!" He sounded like a child on sugar high, Kuroko thought.
Kuroko sighed exasperatedly at the other's exuberance.
"Well, I'll be looking forward to it then," He responded with something close to fondness in his voice. "And I'm grateful that you've thought to warn me about this. I would be able to accommodate your arrival then," He continued with subtle relief in his voice.
"I actually thought of surprising you," Ogiwara admitted sheepishly with a snicker. "But then, I thought that I might just get lost there if no one knew I'd be there."
Kuroko's eyebrow twitched slightly in annoyance at the unabashed admission.
"If you did do that, I would pretend that I didn't know any Ogiwara Shigehiro," He deadpanned wryly, voice dangerously flat to convey that he wasn't joking.
"Hey, that's kind of cold," Ogiwara hummed and Kuroko wondered how he could hear the pout in his friend's voice. Though, before Ogiwara could continue his complaints about Kuroko's supposed 'cold treatment', there was high-pitched yelling that could be heard from the other line and sharp raps on the door. "Yeah, yeah! Well, that's mom, I need to be down for dinner. Anyways, it was nice talking to you, Kuroko. Don't forget to email me this time, alright? I really want to know how you're doing there,"
"I understand," Kuroko acquiesced easily. "Then, I'll see Ogiwara-kun next week,"
"Of course!" Ogiwara vehemently insisted. "Until next time then! We'll celebrate my birthday next week too~!" He hastily reminded, voice still as bright, as he hung up.
With that, the line was cut off and Kuroko breathed out slowly as the conversation ended, even if it had been rather abrupt. Now, he felt somehow excited himself that he'd get to see his childhood friend once again. The last time they saw each other had been during the Nationals in their second year. And Ogiwara had been upset about losing against Kamata West. At least, his friend seemed to be in high spirits once again as Kuroko didn't like hearing his friend cry.
Though, now that Ogiwara mentioned it, his friend's birthday was on August 10th. But, if the other boy would arrive next week, the celebration would be a belated event by then. Maybe he should prepare something instead?
Still, he had no doubt that Ihara and Ogiwara would get along.
Day Two - XXXX
Waking up to an empty apartment made Kuroko feel a bit lonely.
He wasn't aware that he had grown accustomed to Ihara's presence that fast. Though, he woke up a bit earlier than normal to do a morning jog around the residential area of the town. It wouldn't do for Akashi to suddenly call and be forced to inform his captain that he hadn't started any form of exercise to keep up his training. So, dressing in a simple gray shirt and black sweatpants that he rolled up just below his knees, Kuroko stepped out of the apartment in his white sneakers at the peak of dawn.
It was cold and slightly foggy. Kuroko took this as an opportunity to know the residential area better. At this time, most of the people were still asleep since only few could be seen out and about and most of them were elderly people. He set his pace for a light jog to regulate his breathing first before quickening his speed. He knew that his stamina wasn't the most ideal but Kuroko could run numerous laps as long as he didn't overexert himself.
The park wasn't actually that far from their apartment and there was even a nearby street court directly across from it. Thankfully, his mother had thoughtfully sent him his basketball and equipment after him which would be arriving tomorrow. She said that it was to keep himself busy since he had been somewhat focused on the sport too much.
Upon passing it, he resolved to do another two laps before stopping there to do some light stretches. Kuroko knew that this was actually light compared to the training regime that Akashi dished out to their team. So, it hadn't been actually that much of a big deal even if a lap here seemed to equate to five laps around Teikou's gym. Still, just as he was about to reach the park and finish his last lap, he hadn't expected to be bowled over by someone.
Sometimes, he actually despised his low presence since there were times, just like this, that proved to be an inconvenience.
"Eh?" Someone voiced out in wonder. "There was someone there? I am EXTREMELY sorry!"
Kuroko winced slightly, he had scraped his elbow when he had fallen on the ground, as he stood up. As soon as he did, he flinched at the face that was too close to his for his own comfort. He took a step back to distance himself from the white haired teen.
"Wow!" The other exclaimed, gray eyes wide. "You're EXTREMELY invisible!" He loudly commented.
Kuroko didn't take offense to the comment. Already accustomed to it.
"I apologize for being in your way," Kuroko bowed slightly, despite the obvious being that it had been somewhat the other's main fault.
"So you're taking a jog as well?" The white haired teen asked with a wide grin. "That's admirable! It's actually rare to see someone out this early!" He continued to talk in that loud voice and Kuroko started taking notice of the speech pattern of the unknown boy.
For some reason, this person reminded Kuroko of Kise who had consumed too much sugar: excitable and extremely loud. The other was dressed in red sweatpants with a red jacket, though, he didn't seem to be wearing anything other than the jacket that exposed his well-built stature. His hands were wrapped in bandages and he also had another one taped on the bridge of his nose. He was slightly taller than Kuroko but his presence was so overwhelming.
"Then, I'll be on my way," He politely tried to excuse himself but the other boy seemed to have other ideas.
"No, no!" The other boy frowned as he raised a bandaged hand to Kuroko's face, effectively stopping him. "You should jog with me!" He declared abruptly.
"I'm sorry but I already finished my laps," Kuroko couldn't help but deadpan at the other, slightly perturbed that the other teen was practically willing to pull along a stranger with him. "I will have to respectfully decline," He refused courteously because, despite the somewhat outrageous offer, the other had been actually honest about it.
"Then, are you, by any chance, EXTREMELY willing to join the boxing club?" The unknown teen was practically yelling with how loud he was being.
"No," Kuroko shook his head sharply at this.
At his answer, the teen deflated, obviously dejected, before brightening once again as his eyes seemed to burn with literal fire. Kuroko briefly wondered just how many more times he would be hearing the word 'extreme' from the other. It seemed to be a verbal tic or a catchphrase.
"Then, tell me if you change your mind! My name is Sasagawa Ryohei! To the EXTREME!" His voice was now booming and slightly deafening.
The teal haired teen looked around them and was inwardly surprised that there weren't any people yelling at them for being too noisy. Or, they already knew about this loud teen and were, therefore, grudgingly used to it.
"My name is Kuroko Tetsuya," Kuroko bowed at the other.
"Then I'll see you around, Kuroko!" The teen, Sasagawa, pumped his fist in the air as he ran forward, leaving a very bewildered Kuroko behind.
What an odd boy. Though, for some reason, his name sounded familiar.
Shrugging off the strange encounter, he proceeded to the empty street court for his stretches. He couldn't wait to tell Ihara about this development.
When he got back, he took a quick shower to refresh himself before going to school.
After that, he did his morning routine and carefully checked if he had everything he needed for today. Especially since he would be officially attending his classes. Looking down at the new form that Nanako-san had given them yesterday, it was for them to choose which club they would join. Apparently, despite the temporary transfer, they still had to fulfill the school's own requirements and club hours had been included.
Fortunately, they had been given a week to decide especially since the choice had been limited unlike the numerous ones back in Teikou. Kuroko was hesitant about joining this school's basketball club. It might be loyalty to his team back in Teikou but he didn't think that he would be joining it here.
Looking through the list given to them, Kuroko thought that he might join the literature club.
As usual, he had stopped by the convenience store to buy his packed lunch.
When he reached the gates of Namimori Middle School, the first thing that Kuroko instantly noticed was the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee leaning on the wall just beside the gate. The dark haired teen's glare seemed to penetrate through the nervous students who immediately scampered into the campus.
Taking heed of Ihara's advice, he calmly strolled into the premises and paid no attention to Hibari Kyouya.
For some odd reason, the other seemed to think otherwise as he blocked Kuroko's way with his arm, holding that strange metallic weapon from yesterday. If Kuroko was surprised that he had been noticed today, he didn't show it and opted to eye the weapon warily.
"You're a strange herbivore," Hibari remarked flatly but his eyes were gleaming with something that put the teal haired teen on his guard.
Kuroko had no idea what the other was talking about. While he favored vegetables, he ate his share of meat. So, he didn't really understand why the other was addressing him as an 'herbivore'. Come to think of it, this teen had also addressed Ihara the same way. This had been the first time that he had met someone who referred to other people by their food preferences. But, he wasn't stupid as to actually voice this out. Hibari struck him as the kind of person who took offense to many things as an excuse to fight.
Deciding that he needed to tread carefully, he nodded to the other politely.
"Good morning, Hibari-kun," He greeted as amiably as he could as he closely watched the other.
The other's eyes narrowed at him sharply.
"The principal told us about you since our unpleasant encounter yesterday," Kuroko answered the unvoiced question, not wanting to provoke him. Though, they were actually warned but he wasn't that cruel as to sell out the school staff to this admittedly fearsome teen.
Before he could say anything, the dark haired teen grabbed his elbow and abruptly spun him on his place. If he had been able to look at the other's expression as Hibari did this, then Kuroko would have been wary and even disturbed at the interest in those predatory eyes. In fact, the students, who were witnessing the spectacle once they got over their own shock at Kuroko's sudden appearance, had pity written on their expressions.
Kuroko stumbled as he regained his balance and he was actually annoyed by the other's action.
Once he noticed the attention that currently centered on them, the teal haired teen decided that he had enough and proceeded to use misdirection. For a moment, he thought that it wouldn't work on Hibari but judging the way the other's countenance had stiffened (and was obviously trying to appear unaffected), his technique was still versatile and Kuroko used that opportunity to finally enter the grounds and into the school building.
Students who had watched him disappear were murmuring to themselves and tried to frantically look for him.
He knew that there would be hell to pay for later but it didn't mean anything if Hibari wouldn't see him.
Morning classes had been uneventful. His current homeroom teacher, Hajime Misaki, had been flustered after he had been about to mark Kuroko as absent when the teal haired teen had been in front the whole time. His classmates were in awe of his 'ghost-like' powers and Kuroko exasperatedly wondered what else the rumors had made up about him. Though, his supposed powers' relation to his earlier encounter with Hibari was now suspiciously absent from the mill, as well as Ihara's.
The classes had been fine, though, some of the teachers were obviously nervous and pressured. Evidently trying their best to impress him. That had been expected and he had opted to monitor his classmates' progress instead to make a more astute observation. The others understood the lessons and class order was observed very well.
Still, if rumors were to be believed (there was a large niggling doubt at this, Kuroko thought wryly), there had been a fraud who had forged his credentials in order to be a teacher last year. The man was said to be biased and always played favorites, while putting down students he had deemed useless to society.
The only indication that had supported the rumor was a student in his class who had just recently come back to school after being terrorized into temporarily quitting by said teacher.
Kuroko was not an idealist. At least not by choice. So, he couldn't be blind to the fact that this case was actually common and he knew that this wouldn't be the last. Even Teikou had gone through the same painful process before (to which Aomine had been targeted during their first year). Still, he couldn't judge the school's system based on one class and he had a lot of things to learn before he could even criticize a single thing.
As lunch time finally came, Kuroko went through the motions of silently packing his things when someone barged into the classroom.
"Kuroko-senpai!" A familiar upbeat voice called out.
Looking at the doorway, Yamamoto Takeshi was standing there as his head swiveled around the class in an obvious search for him. The other teen didn't seem bothered by the stares and some of his classmates had even come forward to either exchange greetings or to simply just call out to the younger teen.
"Good luck in your game next week, eh, Yamamoto!" One of the third years stated as he patted Yamamoto on the shoulder.
"Ha-ha, thanks, senpai!" The dark haired teen grinned genially. "Anyways, have you seen Kuroko-senpai?" He queried as his eyes peered around curiously.
Kuroko sighed and silently made his way to the doorway.
"Eh?" The third year, whom Kuroko remembered to have been introduced as 'Nohara', replied in confusion as he followed Yamamoto's example. "He was just here a while ago," He muttered in stunned perplexity as he failed to spot the teal haired teen.
To Kuroko's own surprise, just as he reached them, Yamamoto had been quick to notice him.
"Kuroko-senpai!" Yamamoto beamed at him.
Nohara and their other classmates who had been closed by all jumped in surprise, eyeing Kuroko with wide terrified eyes. Yamamoto, though, was merely grinning at him. Usually, people didn't notice him until he had announced his presence. But now that he thought about it, the same had occurred a while ago with Hibari, who had glared at him darkly when he had been about to enter the school. He wondered what changed.
"Hello, Yamamoto-kun," He nodded to the younger teen. "Did you need something?"
"Yeah," The dark haired teen nodded eagerly. "I'm inviting you to have lunch with us! Well, I figured that since we're friends, let's eat lunch together!" Yamamoto declared cheerfully, already stirring Kuroko out of the room by lightly pushing him as he waved back to the still stunned third years left behind.
"But–" Kuroko tried to protest.
"Hey, don't be like that," Yamamoto chided him good-naturedly. "Without Ihara-senpai around, surely it must be lonely, ne?" This time, there was a subtle intensity in his gaze when he said this as they walked along the slightly crowded halls.
"I'm sure that Ihara-kun appreciates your efforts," Kuroko deadpanned at him.
"Really?" The other returned thoughtfully before smiling widely. "I'm really glad then! Though, it's too bad that he's allergic to seafood. You see, my family owns a sushi shop a few blocks away from school and my dad's good at his thing. It's a shame since he wants Ihara-senpai to come over after what I did," He laughed as he scratched the back of his head.
Kuroko was amused.
"It's just Ihara-kun's luck for his student to be a seafood-oriented person," He remarked rather wryly. "Thankfully, I've discovered something that would certainly lift up his mood," Kuroko revealed calmly, thinking about the café from where he managed to buy his dose of vanilla milkshake.
"That's good," Yamamoto sighed happily but the relief on his face could be easily read. Then, he suddenly started to grin slyly at Kuroko as they reached a stairwell that, if Kuroko's assumption was correct, led to the rooftop. "Still, I heard about how you ditched Hibari this morning. They said that you literally disappeared on him! Kuroko-senpai is hard to keep track off but Hibari's on a whole other level. So, what you did was very cool," He praised with awe and, if Kuroko wasn't mistaken, glee.
Well, now that he was reminded of that encounter, if Kuroko didn't know any better, Hibari had been waiting for him. The dark haired teen had been aware of his presence (just what changed? Yesterday, the teen had been about to lob his head off for appearing out of nowhere on him) and they had caught each other's eyes before Kuroko used his misdirection on him to get out of harm's way.
And he was glad that he did. Though, he hadn't been aware that the incident had made its way into the rumor mill. It was a wonder why Hibari hadn't hunted him down. He certainly seemed like the person who would actually do that kind of thing, if Kuroko had to honestly think about it.
Now that Yamamoto mentioned it, there was something that had been nagging Kuroko.
"How did you see me?" He asked curiously, staring at the other blankly. "I have a very weak presence to the point of invisibility. No one actually notices until I made my presence known."
Sadly, that was the case. In the end, it had been a set of circumstances where people either became unaffected overtime, could appear unbothered despite the scare or surprise, or was plainly shocked out of their skin. The second condition obviously applied to Hibari Kyouya.
Yamamoto appeared to be confused by his query.
"I didn't think it was that bad…" He admitted quietly, voice unreadable. "Well, as for your question, that's actually hard to explain. I just know Kuroko-senpai's there! Isn't that strange? Since when I met you at the hospital, I didn't know you were in front of me until you called my name! Ha-ha, but now, it's like tingly or something," He chuckled sheepishly at this, offering the teal haired teen an apologetic smile.
Tingly? Kuroko thought with inward disbelief.
When they reached the rooftop, Kuroko had to squint his eyes at how bright it was. It was actually his first time having lunch in this part of any school. When he had been in elementary and during his first days in Teikou, he only ate lunch in the classroom since he would stay unbothered with how people didn't easily take notice of him. When he became part of the basketball club, Akashi had demanded that he ate with the team in the cafeteria where the captain proceeded to monitor his meal, making sure that he ate more than he normally did.
Now that he thought of it–
"Say, Yamamoto-kun," Kuroko started as he looked around. "Aren't you supposed to eat lunch with your friends? Like Sawada-kun?"
The dark haired teen smiled sheepishly at him.
"Well, Tsuna and Gokudera are supposed to eat with us," Yamamoto was obviously stalling as he rubbed the back of his head. "But, well, they got in trouble with Ikeda-sensei a while ago. So, they're in the faculty room right now. But, maa, maa, don't worry about it! I'm sure that they aren't in too much trouble," He waved off with a grin as he sat on the ground. "It's too bad though, Gokudera really wants to meet you!" He beamed.
"Is that so?" Kuroko merely hummed as he sat across the younger teen.
"Yep!" The dark haired teen nodded. "But, I guess that he'll just have to meet you some other time," He shrugged his shoulder as he undid the knot of the cloth wrapped around his bento.
Kuroko observed Yamamoto for a few seconds before bringing out his purchased packed lunch from the convenience store and a pair of chopsticks. The taste wasn't as flavored as his mother's cooking but it wasn't bland either, so, he guessed that it would have to do. Maybe after they had settled into town much better, he and Ihara could allot some time into preparing their own lunches. Even if he wasn't a stellar home-cook, Kuroko already had his own experience in preparing his own bento and how he preferred it.
Just as he took his first bite of his tonkatsu and rice, Kuroko felt a weight settle on his shoulder.
"Ciaossu!" A squeaky voice greeted.
Kuroko tilted his head and stared. And really stared. Because, unless his eyes were deceiving him, he was looking at what appeared to be a two year old at most standing steadily and securely on his shoulder, a sort of graceful balance on the toddler's posture. Oddly enough, he was dressed in an all-black suit save for the red dress shirt. On his head was a large fedora hat with a thick orange stripe running across its sides. The other peculiar things on his person were the lizard-like creature on the brim of his hat and the round yellow pacifier fastened around his neck.
Also, were children even allowed in school?
"Hey kid!" Yamamoto greeted cheerfully, wiggling his chopsticks about. "Are you here to have lunch as well? I have sushi!" He offered amiably.
"I already had lunch but the offer is appreciated, Yamamoto," The kid tilted his fedora hat in acknowledgement before looking Kuroko directly in the eye with wide beady black eyes.
For a moment, Kuroko got the impression that the child was surprised. He had that spark in his eyes that said he already knew what to expect, but whatever he saw on Kuroko's face, he still hadn't been entirely prepared for it. Though, as soon as the teal haired teen caught that glimpse, it had been quickly concealed and replaced by unabashed curiosity.
Somehow, he had this feeling that he shouldn't step out of line with this boy.
He had been a fan of the supernatural along with mysteries ever since he was a kid–a trait that he shared with Ogiwara. And he knew that he was in the presence of one because one look at those intelligent eyes and taking note of that grace no two-year old should be in possession of told Kuroko enough. He had already heard of child geniuses before but there are some things that just couldn't be put into perspective so easily. Especially the fluency of speech despite the childish tones.
Not to mention, that hum of power that he only ever encountered on Hibari Kyouya so far.
This is no ordinary boy…
"My name's Kuroko Tetsuya," Kuroko introduced impassively. "A pleasure," He dipped his head politely.
"You're Tsuna's tutor," The boy pointed out bluntly, smirking. "I'm Reborn and it's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance as well," There was an odd undertone in his voice, the one that his mother seemed to usually take up around unknown people she met just for the sake of formality.
"And he's also Tsuna's tutor! He's really smart!" Yamamoto put in. "Just like Kuroko-senpai!"
What?
"Sawada Tsunayoshi is going to be the Tenth Head of the Vongola Famiglia, the most powerful mafia famiglia in all of Italy." Reborn declared straightforwardly and rather confidently. "And I'm going to ensure that he'll be strong enough to take the mantle one day." The child then smirked as he hopped off from Kuroko's shoulder and gracefully turned around to face the bewildered teal haired teen.
"Yeah!" Yamamoto cheerily agreed. "Tsuna's involved in this kid's game! And I'm already a member of Tsuna's family," He grinned at this, but for such a careless and seemingly oblivious statement, Kuroko didn't miss the momentary clenching of the younger teen's hand over his chopsticks.
Mafia. That was something he hadn't heard in a while. Though, he was outwardly calm, he was actually in a state of disbelief on the inside. Because, no matter how sincere they had sounded about their words, Kuroko just couldn't wrap his head around the idea that these teenagers were involved in that kind of business. But, thinking logically about it, if he did believe them, that would mean that he was in a precarious territory.
"And," Reborn drawled as he tilted down his fedora hat, a noticeably dark smirk on his cherubic face.
Kuroko didn't like the sound of that as he stared at the other cautiously.
"I have a proposition for you,"
"Due to the incident yesterday," Kuroko started as normally as he could. "I've been allowed access to one of the consultation rooms once again. Seeing as we hadn't finished the evaluations, we will spend the entire afternoon finishing this so we can officially start tomorrow. I know some of you are chagrined but this is one of the effective ways to make this arrangement work," As he announced this, he distributed the copies of the questionnaires from before. All blank.
"A-Again?" Sawada squawked in horror.
Kuroko lowered his gaze to the coffee table, not meeting his student's gaze.
"Yes, Sawada-kun," He replied softly with a sigh.
"It's all right, Sawada-san," Kamiyama placated with a pale face. "I know your pain," The well-built teen muttered under his breath.
They were situated on the couches of the consultation room. The wide windows were left open and while the three teenagers sat comfortably on the long couch, Fujishima was positioned near the window and quite a distance from all the males in the room. While the Kamiyama and Sawada were confused by this behavior, Kuroko had been understanding and merely handed over the necessary papers from a reachable gap between them.
She also hadn't spoken a word since she entered but Yamamoto had amiably greeted her and didn't say anything with regards to her behavior so Kuroko had to assume that the boy had some idea as to what her situation was. At least, what she preferred for the rest of them as she continuously fidgeted in her seat.
While Kuroko had been better at hiding it with the occasional flinch and twitch, he noticed that Yamamoto had been jumpy every time a loud noise was heard. It seemed that he hadn't been the only one left uneasy with the encounter a while ago. Though, he had to say that Sawada had a penchant for sensing their tension from his concerned glances. The teal haired teen knew that while Yamamoto was aware of Reborn's potential, the dark haired teen hadn't been that prepared.
"Uhm, Kuroko-senpai," Sawada suddenly called and, this time, Kuroko met the brunette's gaze blankly. But, he hesitated before shaking his head. "N-Never mind," He mumbled quietly before going back to scribbling on his papers quietly.
Yamamoto was eyeing Sawada quite intently at that before frowning and also going back to his task.
To distract himself and resisting the urge to look over his shoulder, Kuroko rummaged through his folders and grabbed a blank information sheet. For a few moments, his mind seemed to be going elsewhere.
Mafia. That was something he honestly hadn't heard in a while. He and his family, to Kuroko's point of view, were living normal lives. Especially in the present. But, when he had been younger, he and his family moved a lot due to his father's job. It hadn't been until he reached third grade that he discovered that his father had been unintentionally caught up in mafia affairs and had truthfully been running away from certain people for years.
Kuroko remembered the fear and his mother's shaky insistence that everything would be fine.
His father is an honest man but also a genius who particularly thrives in science.
The man had studied in varying universities from different countries before meeting his mother in Yale University, taking his courses in biomedical engineering, microbiology, and neuroscience. Some years after that which they had been dating, his parents had married and had him a year after that.
Though, when they finally settled in Tokyo, his father had confessed that he had been scouted to work for a science laboratory located in Venice, Italy just a few months after his marriage to Kuroko's mother. The man admitted that he had enjoyed his job there of almost six years and even worked to have his family transferred to Italy. But that was until the man started to have doubts regarding some of their activities and eventually discovered that the institution he had been working for had actually been a private society under the mafia.
Continuing the story, the man had wasted no time and left the society for his family in Japan. Kuroko wasn't exactly clear on the details about the men after his father or why exactly they were after him but they had moved around Japan a lot. It's a wonder they hadn't even been caught but his father just tiredly stated that he wasn't a genius for nothing.
He also didn't know what had happened when they finally stayed in one place in Tokyo. But, his father had been absolutely certain that they wouldn't have to run anymore. His father was currently teaching Mathematics and Physics in Tokyo University and his mother was a doctor in a hospital located in Shibuya. While he and Midorima weren't particularly close, they sometimes had to see each other when Kuroko's mother and Midorima's father, who were colleagues, planned conjoined family dinners.
It was because of his fully accomplished parents that pushed Kuroko to try harder in his studies. While he was no genius like them, he eventually earned himself a scholarship in Teikou Junior High, the number one middle school in Tokyo. His parents didn't pressure him and they also didn't say anything about his taking up of basketball.
But Kuroko felt that he owed them at least that much.
Still, after finally settling in one place and living with his parents and maternal grandmother, Kuroko had actually been content with his normal life and hadn't even thought of his father's previous inadvertent involvement with the mafia. In fact, he almost forgot about it because it had been already five years since then.
Until a particular baby hitman had appeared before him and threatened him at gunpoint.
Shaking his head to clear those thoughts, he finally concentrated on the information sheet before him. Somehow, he didn't feel as light-hearted today compared to yesterday. For now, he wouldn't let it bother him and focus mainly on accomplishing his task as a tutor.
After all, that was the real reason why he was even in Namimori in the first place.
Date: August 8th of 2XXX
Day: Two
Academic Volunteer Personnel: Kuroko Tetsuya (黒子テツヤ)
Student under Tutelage: Sawada Tsunayoshi (沢田綱吉); Kamiyama Takumi (神山 拓実)
Temporary: Yamamoto Takeshi (山本 武); Fujishima Mei (藤島 めい)
School: Namimori Middle School (134 Suburbia Street, Namimori, Gifu Prefecture, Japan)
Activity: Orientation & Assessment (part ii)
Remark:
(Namimori is pretty accurate on their curriculum and the teachers in my class have displayed proficiency in their designated subjects. Students weren't necessarily assigned study groups similar in Teikou but teachers always raise it as a suggestion. The students can keep up with the lessons and they also showed promise in terms of dedication and hard work. However, there are still those who laze in class but they had enough presence of mind not to disrupt lessons.
Most teachers are nervous and showed signs of anxiety due to the obvious presence of a student from Teikou. Also, it has been confirmed by my homeroom teacher that Namimori Middle School has also encountered unpleasant people under their employment. Such is the case from just last year. It seems that no school is immune to this kind of obstacle when it comes to hiring their teaching personnel.
The students in my class are forthcoming and helpful when it comes to questions regarding the school. One thing that I've easily noticed is that the students in Namimori are particularly closed-knit to the point that they know almost each other's issues from everyone in the school. And those who had escaped this scrutiny had rumors following after their heels. This is the situation that Ihara-kun and I have to deal with on our first day as we are technically the unknowns.
So far, none have actively approach me yet but I have been warned by the boys in my class that it is only a matter of time before my partner and I are overwhelmed by the student population's curiosity.
Namimori Middle School's students have also no qualms about believing in the supernatural as seen by their rather blasé attitude and subsequent interest on my 'ghost-like' powers as part of the phenomenon that comes with my weak presence and utilization of a basketball technique called 'misdirection' on them. The teachers don't seem to have any problems with regards to this and it only points in the direction that this school is, somehow, highly affected by strange occurrences to support this speculation.
Student Observations:
Kamiyama Takumi (神山 拓実) is late to the session, similar to Yamamoto, due to sports club activities. While I am a bit concerned that his exhaustion might affect his performance regarding the tutorial sessions, he had admitted that his captain was giving him some time off to focus on his studies so he wouldn't be left behind. Kamiyama-kun is obviously upset about this but he has assured me that his captain did it so that his low grades wouldn't hold him back from still being part of the club.
It wasn't also until Kamiyama-kun spoke of his captain that I remembered. Sasagawa Ryohei is the captain of the boxing club. And I met him this morning during an early jog around the neighborhood. While it is quite displeasing that I've forgotten this important detail, I finally got a glimpse of the person that one of my students idolizes. Sasagawa-kun seems to be a pleasant, albeit very loud, person. But even I have seen his dedication to his chosen sport just from that first meeting.
At least, I am now very certain that Kamiyama-kun's enthusiasm and commitment stems from Sasagawa-kun's own steadfastness.
Checking some of the papers that he and Sawada-kun have already answered, I am quite perplexed that all of the math problems, which had been the first category on the questionnaire, have all been left blank by Kamiyama-kun. Though, so far, he seems to have a higher aptitude for social studies. Seeing as he didn't get to finish answering, I would still have to wait and see if it was truly the subject he excelled in.
Sawada Tsunayoshi (沢田綱吉) has lost some of his nervousness around me. Even though he is still hesitant when addressing me, I'm relieved that he didn't actively shy away from me either. I have… confirmed that Sawada-kun has been under another person's tutelage before this arrangement. While that person is obviously intelligent and knows his material well, I can safely deduct that his methods in teaching might be similar to the late Spartan method that is still used in some of the traditionalist schools. But I can't confirm that much seeing as I have no idea what exactly his methods are.
I have learned from Yamamoto-kun that Sawada-kun often gets into trouble with most teachers. While I find this a bit disconcerting, Yamamoto-kun insists that Sawada-kun is merely unlucky and sometimes takes punishment with their other friend, Gokudera Hayato, seeing as said friend has some problems with adults and authority figures in general. Though initially worried, Yamamoto-kun has assured me that Gokudera-kun is loyal to Sawada-kun and has even warned me that their friend might be overzealous seeing as I am now in an influential position with regards to Sawada-kun, which I find a bit befuddling.
Similar to Kamiyama-kun, I have checked Sawada-kun's papers and am surprised to see that he, unlike Kamiyama-kun, has answered the math problems. It has been easy to see that he has some problems with regards to answering judging by the continuous erasures of the solutions. Even though most of the answers are incorrect, Sawada-kun displayed some knowledge when it comes to theory and only has some holes that needed to be fixed.
The other categories, though, were answered randomly. Some questions were left unanswered but it was apparent that he skipped certain questions he didn't know. I was informed by Sawada-kun's previous tutor that Sawada-kun had vastly improved, even to a minimal degree. That is why that while some answers are incorrect, Sawada-kun displayed some confidence in other questions that required explanations, even if lacking.
Though, I have to say, he and Kamiyama-kun are bordering on dramatic when it comes to tests and I am starting to suspect that this will be a constant occurrence between us.
Temporary Observations:
Yamamoto Takeshi (山本 武) is my temporary student until Ihara-kun is released from the hospital later this evening. Together with his laidback personality, I have quickly become aware of his perceptiveness when I had the pleasure of spending my lunch hour with him this afternoon. While he is ignorant regarding some things, he can be frighteningly observant on some cases and there are things that barely escape his notice then.
He is quite content on the temporary arrangement and has displayed a great guilt about Ihara-kun's situation–)
Again, he was cut off from continuing his writing when the door to the consultation room was slammed open. This felt a lot like déjà vu and Kuroko almost dreaded facing the door just in case his misfortune actually continued throughout his second day.
To his surprise, a little boy was standing on the doorway. But remembering his encounter this afternoon, Kuroko's guard immediately went up.
"Where's Dame-Tsuna?" The boy demanded petulantly as his large green eyes surveyed the room. He was dressed in a full body cow suit and his hair was styled in a very fluffy looking afro with horns placed on the sides, effectively making him appear as cow-like child.
"Lambo?!" Sawada shot up from his seat and screamed upon sighting the kid. "What are you doing here?" His eyes were wide with panic as he approached the door, obviously trying to stop the other from entering.
"Play with Lambo~!" The boy, Lambo, whined as he instantly latched onto Sawada's leg when the brunette was close enough.
Sawada was sweating as he nervously met Kuroko's eyes.
"Hey, Lambo," Yamamoto was quick to intervene with a wide grin. "You and Tsuna can play later. You see, we're a bit busy right now," He tried to mollify the boy.
"No!" The other denied as he stuck his tongue out. "Dame-Tsuna will play with Lambo!"
Kuroko stared at Kamiyama and Fujishima who appeared to be as lost as he was about the sudden strange situation. Though, he breathed a sigh of relief as he became certain that, unlike Reborn, this Lambo was actually a child. He didn't know what to think about the other but his proposition still made Kuroko wary and that encounter still made him and Yamamoto feel a bit troubled with regards to it. Even if he had heard of the mafia, it had never felt so real to Kuroko as it did that afternoon.
Standing up, he approached Sawada who was trying to calm down a complaining boy.
"Lambo, please, just this once–" The brunette was outright begging by this point, it seemed. "I'll even buy you grape candies!"
"Really?" The boy asked in awe before slowly letting go of the other's leg. "Fine but Dame-Tsuna also has to buy Lambo ice cream!" He declared haughtily, a pout on his lips.
"Fine," Sawada sighed resignedly.
"Is everything all right, Sawada-kun?" Kuroko asked curiously as he stared at them.
The brunette shrieked at his sudden appearance while Lambo screamed as well.
"GHOST!" The boy cried out in fear. "Dame-Tsuna! There's a ghost! Make it go away!" Lambo had frozen in his place as he stared at Kuroko with extremely wide, almost white, eyes. "G-Gotta stay… calm…" The boy muttered under his breath as he brought his thumb to his mouth, his eyes tearing up.
Kuroko's eyes widened. His encounter with Reborn might have made him forget that children were easily intimidated by his low presence–
"W-Wait, Lambo–" Sawada suddenly stepped in with alarm evident in his voice.
Lambo then brought out a pink object from his afro almost mechanically.
"HIEEE!" Sawada screamed and backpedalled hastily at the sight of it. "Lambo put that down!"
None of them noticed that even Yamamoto had stood up at the sight of it.
The boy ignored him as he threw the pink object at Kuroko and the brunette.
"Stay away from Lambo!"
Everything went bright and Kuroko heard panicked screams before his own world went dark.
So much for second day.
Watching the ruckus from the rooftop, two individuals could be seen standing near the fence. The first one was a tall brunette man dressed in a crisp white suit with a dark dress shirt underneath and a purple tie. While the other one was noticeably smaller in stature, barely reaching the man's knee.
"So," The brunette man whistled. "That's his son, eh?"
"I wonder why he agreed to send the boy here in Namimori," The smaller one stated thoughtfully. "After all these years, we both know that he's not that careless. Not to mention, there's something wrong with that boy," He continued his speculation contemplatively.
The man sighed ruefully at this.
"Let me guess," He drawled with apparent dread. "You want me to look into this. You know I hate dealing with men, Reborn," He grouched as his eyes narrowed.
"Of course," The reply was sly and the smirk could be heard from the squeaky voice. "Who doesn't?"
.
.
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AN: Now, before most of you explodes about the last revelation, I am going to explain certain things.
While Kuroko is aware of the mafia and his dad is previously involved with it, he has no actual idea as to what the mafia pertains. He only grew up moving around a lot but he didn't encounter anything related to the mafia. Second, knowing that his father is involved is one thing but really seeing it with his own eyes is another. Because, even if he knows about this, he still views his father as a normal person, albeit, a genius one. I repeat, this doesn't mean that Kuroko himself has previous dealings with the mafia. It just happens that one of his parents had.
Also, even if it was revealed to him that Tsuna is a mafia boss, since he didn't really have any personal dealings with that world, Kuroko can't bring himself to really believe this yet. He will be in a state of acceptance but truly doesn't realize just how true it is. Not just yet. Especially when Tsuna's younger than him. He isn't aware that children can actually be part of the mafia and he's still innocent regarding some things.
Another point of this story is that, if Kuroko hadn't been assigned to Namimori, the KnB series will continue as it is and he will eventually forget about his father's association to the mafia. But, since he was, it will obviously change some of the storylines.
I know that I haven't fully introduced Fujishima yet but I promise that she will make her debut in the next chapter. And Ihara isn't kicked out either but Kuroko is dealing with the school alone for the time being (which is only one day).
And, no, just because one of Kuroko's parents was involved with the mafia doesn't mean his friends are directly involved as well (maybe through relatives or unknown family members that they didn't know to have some connection with the mafia). And, also no, Ogiwara doesn't have anything to do with it either.
Lastly, for those who are confused, this is happening after daily life arc and into Kokuyo arc. From what I learned, not really certain, Kokuyo arc happens around September and, with the two month length of the STA program, Kuroko will still be around by then.
Sorry if this chapter isn't as fun or humorous but I needed to get this story and plot going. Like in KHR and KnB, while there are moments of silliness, the important details will always be the grave news or issues.
Thank you for reading this, I'll try to update faster. Leave a review when you can.