AN: Again, sorry for the late update! Thank you for all the rather encouraging reviews. Thank you very much. Though, as I've said in my other story, Trailing Blue, I've sacrificed my laptop some months ago for money in order to contribute to my grandmother's hospital bills. And I've just got my uncle's old one around a month ago. So, I had to make this chapter from scratch, to be honest. And I have to regroup my ideas about this story once 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. This chapter is kind of sombre again, but there are still light-hearted parts (I hope). Also, I'm integrating the KHR perspective a little more. While the KHR manga and story seemed a bit humor-filled in some parts, we shouldn't forget that this is the Mafia world we're talking about. And we're looking at this story from the point of view of someone, mostly, who was slowly getting involved. So, it isn't exactly pretty.
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 Four: Unravel I]
"Ahh, I did that, didn't I?" Lambo, the fifteen year old teenager, commented rather lazily as he eyed the exhausted forms of Tsuna, Yamamoto, and Kamiyama all seated beside each other on the floor with their backs against the wall.
All three were looking at him expectantly. While Kamiyama appeared more curious, Yamamoto's face held an uncharacteristic frown and Tsuna was staring almost sternly. Now, that obviously got the green-eyed teen's attention considering that two of the most placid people he knew at this time was now gazing at him in reprimand. Especially Yamamoto who was almost indulgent to him at every turn. Though, he couldn't actually tell if the frown was directed at him since Yamamoto didn't believe that he and his five year old self were the same people.
In a sense, they were different. But in the literal sense, they were both Lambo.
Inspecting his surroundings, he deduced that they were in the infirmary and it was only then that he noticed that Reborn and Gokudera were missing. The people who were mostly stuck to the young Vongola's side around this time, if he still remembered correctly.
As his gaze landed on the hospital bed, his eyes widened as he understood what Yamamoto and Tsuna must be upset about. Still, it wasn't as if he could exactly control his younger self's actions. And he totally understood their response as he gazed at the unconscious form of Kuroko Tetsuya. His eyes softened as he finally concluded that this was around the time that the teal haired teen had finally come to Namimori. It was about time, if he had anything to say about it. And it had to be around this time too.
His younger self really had no concept about timing.
"Long time no see, Tetsu-nii," Lambo stated quietly as he approached the slumbering older teen, voice holding a melancholic nostalgia as if he was greeting an old friend after a long time.
Which he supposed wasn't too far from the truth. If he had seen the other a year ago, Lambo might've a hard time controlling his emotions. He had already exhausted his tears and anguish back then and he didn't think the younger versions of the Vongola would appreciate his sentiments. Still, he wondered if their Tetsu-nii hadn't come to Namimori, even if it meant not having to meet him at all, would he have been still–
Right now, it was hard to imagine that this person would be one of the greatest scientists to exist just next to Verde and Innocenti.
"Y-You know him, Lambo?" Tsuna's soft voice reached his ears and he looked over his shoulder, taking note of the brunette's disheveled appearance now that he got a closer look. Of course, with Tetsu-nii's weak presence at this age, his younger self would certainly greet the other with a grenade to the face.
He tried to focus his green eyes on the younger version of Tsuna-nii and not swap the image with a weary-faced and forlorn man he had just met around two hours ago. There were a lot of things he wanted to tell the other – warnings, threats, or even just promises. But he knew what that would do to the time-space continuum and hadn't Tetsu-nii warned him about that countless of times already? Besides, he wasn't one to gamble to begin with and he wouldn't put anyone's life on the line just for the possibility of one positive outcome.
The mafia never worked that way.
And Tetsu-nii wouldn't have liked that anyway. He wondered what I-Pin would do to him once he told her that he met Tetsu-nii's younger self. She'd go batshit crazy and maybe even try to murder him. After all, she wanted to have this opportunity. One last glimpse, she had said, it will be enough, she had promised. But Tsuna-nii had forbade her from even attempting to use the modified bazooka Tetsu-nii had left behind, left untouched for the past six months for personal reasons.
"Of course, I do," He answered a bit defensively. "There's no one in the Famiglia who doesn't know of Tetsu-nii," His tone became a bit low in the end, latent feelings of bitterness that he thought he had already let go of resurfacing with a vengeance.
"Oh," Tsuna looked stunned at his reaction, fidgeting in place.
Before Lambo could say anything more, his five minutes were up. Pink smoke invaded his vision and he closed his eyes once again to remember the young faces of Kamiyama, Tsuna, Yamamoto, and especially Kuroko Tetsuya. Even though it unnerved him that he had come at a time when the other was asleep, looking so peaceful– He yelped as something painfully jabbed his side and he jumped to the side and came face to face with the amused face of the older Yamamoto Takeshi.
The dark haired man was holding his sheathed sword in front of him, obviously having used it to poke Lambo. He always did that, Lambo grouched mentally, especially on those days where he wanted to be lost in his memories. Even just for a moment.
"You're showing that face again," Takeshi-nii remarked with an exasperated shake of his head. "So, did you say hi to them for me?" He asked good-naturedly, voice deceptively lighthearted.
"I – no," Lambo snapped at the other as he crossed his arms over his chest protectively.
"So, what's going on then?" The man questioned gently, standing up from his crouched position on the ground. "You look really sad again and it doesn't really suit you, Lambo. Ha-ha, don't tell me you got ignored by Reborn-san again," He commented with a teasing grin.
"Who cares about that bastard?" The teenager griped half-heartedly, no real malice in his voice. "Besides, Tetsu-nii's already in Namimori," He continued quietly under his breath.
Takeshi-nii suddenly smiled but it didn't reach his eyes anymore.
"Yeah, your younger self wouldn't stop talking about a ghost," The dark haired man looked rueful as he said this, staring at the garden around them. "I figured it would be senpai. He's always been good at that, you know?" He chuckled quietly and Lambo fervently ignored the tightening of the other's fists.
"It was around the time I sent him to the infirmary," Lambo admitted hesitantly, almost embarrassed. "I don't think you were really happy about that,"
"I can't really remember that well," Takeshi-nii stated sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head. "Although, since I was looking after senpai in Shino-san's place, I don't think I'll be thrilled either. Especially after that talk with Reborn-san," His amber eyes narrowed at this.
"So, what did Tsuna-nii decide?" He finally asked what had been bothering him since the meeting this morning. He remembered storming out of the conference room, heedless of Gokudera-shi's angry demands to come back and Ryohei-nii's loud attempts to defuse the tension. Still, Lambo knew that the last time that he had been so angered had been a year ago. But, he couldn't stop the raw surge of emotions that overwhelmed him upon hearing Tsuna-nii's proposal, it wasn't right, it wasn't–
Takeshi-nii, who had followed him out here, sighed at this.
"He'd push through with the negotiations," The dark haired man answered as his eyes darkened, saying that while he wouldn't oppose their boss, he didn't exactly have to like it. "But, I do agree with Tsuna that we don't need pointless deaths on our hands anymore," His voice softened at this and grew grim.
Suddenly, Lambo felt sick.
"After what they did, we can't just let them–" He angrily started, clenching his fists.
"There's no guarantee that this'll even work," The swordsman interjected coldly, making the teen flinch. "In fact, even with this conflict, we should expect a war already knocking on our doors after Tsuna tried to go with the peaceful route. Lambo, Tsuna's not that naïve anymore," He remarked imploringly, ruffling the teen's messy curls.
Lambo tried to hold it in. But found that he couldn't and let the tears fall freely.
"Good," He choked out as he tried to gain some sense of control. "I will never forgive them. Especially that traitor–" His throat constricted by this point and he sniffled, not even embarrassed anymore that he was being a crybaby once again. Takeshi-nii wouldn't mind. Just this once. Then, then, then he'd go back and be one of Tsuna-nii's guardians because–
They shouldn't have trusted Tetsu-nii's friend after all.
Day Three - XXXX
"Are you sure that you're alright?" Ihara asked for what must've been the hundredth time that morning.
The other teen hadn't stop fretting over him the moment he knew what had happened yesterday. It probably didn't help when Yamamoto and Sawada insisted on accompanying him to the hospital to pick up Ihara on the way home. He thought that he had perfectly made it clear that by not bringing up the subject with his roommate, it wasn't supposed to be brought up. But, Yamamoto, that shrewd and cheerful boy, had told Ihara to take care of 'Kuroko-senpai' due to some fireworks that had set off at the consultation room.
Which, Kuroko knew, was a total lie. He played the oblivious role but he wasn't stupid enough to forget that afro-haired boy who had tossed an explosive to his face. Though, he knew that he owed it to Yamamoto. He'd never seen anyone react that fast in the face of danger. So, he did his part well, even if it meant having to deal with this disgruntled and worried Ihara who didn't trust Yamamoto or Sawada or Namimori as far as he could throw them. Even if Kuroko insisted that he was fine.
Still, he didn't think spending the entire afternoon in the infirmary due to having lost consciousness because of the impact of the explosion really helped his case.
"I'm fine, Ihara-kun, I appreciate your concern," Kuroko deadpanned at the other quite exasperatedly.
"But still," The dark haired teen insisted with a scowl, voice hard. "I'm only gone for a day and you get yourself into trouble. Not to mention, who leaves fireworks in consultation rooms? Don't those fools realize how dangerous that is? Especially with what happened yesterday, they randomly set off when the room is in use. This is unacceptable," He declared in frustration.
"It's quite alright," Kuroko placated, unwilling to get his student and Yamamoto into trouble. "What I'm more troubled about is that neither of us have finished our student's evaluation forms. And the organization head had specifically given us a deadline of two days. It seems that we need to make a recount of the unfortunate incidences that has hindered our work. We can't have our records indicating poor performance." He reminded the other whose scowl darkened at the mention of their deadline.
He wondered when Ihara had thought of him as such a good friend to worry over him excessively like this. Making friends didn't come as easily as understanding a mystery novel, tinkering with his laptop, or simply poking around his electronics. While he wasn't an expert, one thing that he would always remember from his childhood days was how his father taught him the value of technology, from basic circuitry to a little advanced mechanics. He could say that it was how they bonded as parent and child.
So, it sort of surprised him how simply he had gotten along with Ihara. Because Kuroko wasn't someone whom people would immediately take a liking to. Because by people's standards, his weak presence and blunt nature wasn't easy to get used to. The only people who hadn't reacted negatively from the start were Ogiwara and Aomine. But those two were basketball idiots who got along with people as long as they also loved basketball.
"Well, it can't be helped," Ihara sighed as he stood up from his seat.
They were currently in their dining table, having breakfast, since the two of them woke up a bit early. Ihara was up all night studying, reviewing his teaching materials, and revising some articles for the Newspaper Guild. Kuroko had already taken his morning jog and done his stretches and training a while ago and he was actually glad that he hadn't run into Sasagawa Ryohei again. He didn't think he would appreciate the loud volumes early in the morning when he hadn't had a good night's rest.
Kuroko wasn't able to get that much sleep last night. He had a lot of things on his mind. Such as Yamamoto and Sawada's odd behavior the moment he had woken up in the infirmary. Sawada was sending him these odd nervous glances and he didn't exactly miss the way how Yamamoto was much friendlier than before. Also, that odd person, Reborn, hadn't shown up again. The teal haired teen wouldn't call the other 'baby', not after how he had interacted with the other.
Then, there was that so-called proposition from Reborn.
"I want you to work for the Vongola," The two-year old in appearance hitman had said, conviction in his voice that told Kuroko that he wouldn't take no for an answer. "I know your father. Why would he send you to Namimori? This place has its own history with the mafia. Don't you think it's odd that he even allowed you to proceed with the Internship? For such a high profile person, you're not exactly safe out of his watch," Reborn had smirked and the gun poised in his hand said that he wasn't lying.
The moment he had tried to defend his father, the hitman had fired the gun and he remembered freezing in fear, that uncomfortable warmth that passed his cheek and ear where the bullet had almost grazed it, and the overwhelming presence of Reborn. And he didn't forget how the other mentioned that he was a 'high profile person' which would mean that his father had a significant history and credibility in the underground and it was something Kuroko didn't want to think about.
He didn't want to doubt his father. Not when his father had made it seem like he was someone forgettable in the mafia. Wasn't that the reason they didn't need to run anymore?
If Namimori was known to be involved, why would his father send him here? Why would he allow Kuroko to be in such close proximity? He didn't want to question the man's motives but it was hard not to when Reborn made valid points. Suddenly, he felt like a hostage in this place. As much as he wanted to back out, he didn't think Reborn would let him. High profile people usually meant it's an advantage. He even wondered if Sawada and Yamamoto were involved in this.
It probably didn't help that he hadn't contacted his father yet, afraid of the answers he'd get.
Suddenly, he appreciated Ihara's presence more. It meant that he wasn't completely alone. Even if his friend wasn't aware of the real situation. This shred of normalcy was what he probably needed to take his mind off of it.
"Leave the dishes in the sink," Ihara's voice snapped him out of his stupor and Kuroko blinked as he saw Ihara shouldering his school bag. "We'll clean up later since we need to go or we'll be late. Didn't I already tell you? I don't want to deal with that Hibari again," He declared in annoyance as he grimaced.
Kuroko shared the same sentiment.
"Of course," He agreed easily as he stood up from his own seat.
The walk to school was a lot more peaceful now with Ihara on his side. It meant a detour to the convenience store for their lunches and some sweets for Ihara. Now that Kuroko thought about it, in his haste to wave off Ihara's interrogation about the explosion in the consultation room, he had forgotten to mention the café that sold confectionaries and deserts. Well, he could simply surprise the other when they had to go home later since he needed to buy his vanilla milkshake.
To be honest, when they reached the school gates, Kuroko was afraid that he would have to encounter Hibari Kyouya again so soon. Not after his stunt yesterday, at least.
So, he breathed out a quiet sigh of relief when he noticed that the gates were devoid of any sign of the Head Prefect. That boy certainly chilled him. Almost the same way that the new Akashi did but, instead of the redhead's calculating stare that dissected him, Hibari's was one that reminded him of a predator observing his prey. One wrong move and it's the end. He wondered if Ihara felt the same thing considering how his friend practically tensed defensively in the prefect's presence.
Though, the moment they entered, gasps and murmurs followed them.
Kuroko was almost afraid that it was about his stunt yesterday against Hibari after all. The moment people jumped when they finally saw him and he saw their awed glances, he knew all too well that he hit the proverbial nail on the head. To him, it wasn't something to be proud of especially when he had a good idea of just how displeased Hibari might be.
"You know," Ihara suddenly started as they walked into the building. "I met someone in the hospital yesterday before you picked me up. I guess I forgot to mention him with all the commotion that's been going on," There was a hint of sheepishness in his tone that amused Kuroko.
"You don't say," He couldn't help but deadpan as he recalled all the fretting and interrogating that Ihara had submerged him to.
"A-As I was saying," The dark haired teen cleared his throat self-consciously. "I think both of you will get along. Like you, he's a bit into electronics, since I remembered how you mentioned that you've learned some programming and mechanics from your father. He was visiting a doctor due to some bad case of stomach cramp and since he's the only one around my age there, we got to talking for a bit. He's a bit on the meek side but has a good head on his shoulder," Ihara told him with a thoughtful expression. "Come to think of it, weren't you scouted by the Computer or even just the Multimedia Club?"
Kuroko blinked at the question.
"I sometimes give a hand to the Multimedia Club during cultural festivals and organization fairs." He shrugged as he remembered Momoi roping him into it since it was her friends who were part of the club. "But the Computer Club has been insistent that I join them until Akashi-kun confronted them. Since then, they never once mentioned about my possible membership into their circle again," Their captain has a very – persuasive approach, not that Kuroko wanted to know.
Kuroko never considered his skill with this particular field to be a close second when choosing a club. Because his father had warned him not to show too much, so to speak, but Kuroko could never turn down people who needed help so he might've demonstrated a thing or two. Besides, only Momoi, Midorima, and Akashi knew of his other interests. Kuroko's passion for basketball and his satisfaction in teaching someone surpassed his need to show off his programming knowledge. So, it rarely came up.
Still, it never meant that he had plans of giving it up. It was just that he prioritized other things. He had mentioned this side to Ihara when he was setting up his things in their apartment and Kuroko had to sort out through the various gadgets that he'd brought along with him out of habit.
"Well, if you're interested, the person I'm telling you about said he wanted to meet up with us later," Ihara went on. "He really wants to know how far you're into it. He's admitted that he's a science-nerd and he rarely has anyone to talk about it since his middle school doesn't really give much focus on this. And I might've told him that we're both from Teikou Junior High. So, he's somewhat eager to meet you," He gave a slight exasperated shake of his head at this.
Kuroko should've known. After all, Teikou Junior High held a pretty heavy name to the middle school circuit; either in academics or sports.
"I don't mind," He gave his consent since he had trust in Ihara's judgment.
"Try not to scare him too much, will you?" The dark haired teen demanded lightly. "Apparently, he gets stomach cramps when he's too anxious," Ihara gave him a look as they reached and entered their classroom, feeling all eyes on them, or mostly, on Ihara.
"I'll try," Kuroko shrugged, not promising anything. "Does this new acquaintance of yours have a name?"
Ihara merely shrugged at him.
"You'll know when you meet him," The dark haired teen stated just as their homeroom teacher entered the room.
"Ciaossu, Kuroko Tetsuya," A squeaky voice greeted him.
His back tensed as he looked up at the mirror above the sink from where he'd been washing his hands. To be honest, he was a bit suspicious on why this person had disappeared yesterday. Reborn gave him the impression that he was a very tenacious fellow until he got what he wanted. To the point that Kuroko actually expected him by his apartment by the time he and Ihara got back yesterday evening.
"Ohayou, Reborn-san," He inclined his head politely, watching as the baby stood on top of one of the cubicle walls.
"Dame-Tsuna needs your help," The infant stated as he jumped and did a graceful flip in order to land on the teal haired teen's head. If he noticed Kuroko flinch, he ignored it. "He lost some important papers and if he doesn't find it before lunch time, he'd fail his Japanese History project." His tone suggested that he wasn't going to accept any form of refusal and Kuroko had to count one to ten in his head for needed patience before he went out and blurted something stupid.
"I still have class," Kuroko deadpanned and tried to curb any annoyance he felt. "I've merely excused myself for a bathroom break. And bathroom breaks usually don't last a few hours until lunch time," He tried to reason out but couldn't help the slight irony slipping into his tone.
Reborn hummed before the chameleon on his shoulder crawled over to his hand and transformed into a green pistol. And pointed it on Kuroko's head.
The teen could feel the barrel of the gun digging into his skull.
"Your sarcasm is not appreciated," Reborn informed him gleefully. "But if you don't help right now, I'll happily put a bullet in here. You won't mind, will you?" There was a mocking undertone in those words and Kuroko felt himself go still the moment he saw the gun. Even though the threat was very much carried in his words, something told him that the other was merely testing him. For what, he had no idea but he got the impression that the other was purposely pushing his buttons.
"Let me ask a question," Kuroko quietly mumbled, eyes staring directly at Reborn's through the mirror.
The infant hummed thoughtfully.
"It depends," Reborn acquiesced with a tilt of his head. "Are you going to help or not?"
"What does my father have to do with all this?" The teal haired teen questioned tersely, his back going rigid at the question that had been plaguing his sleep last night. Subsequently, forgoing answering the other's demand as well.
There was a click that resounded in the restroom before he felt the weight of the gun leave his head. Kuroko didn't let himself relax even for a second. This person had proven to be quick on his hands and feet. He wasn't going to make the same mistake as the last time. Kuroko, at that moment in the rooftop, had known just how potentially dangerous Reborn was. He had no idea what the Vongola really was or what kind of situation he had unintentionally got involved in.
"You really have no idea who your father really is, do you?" The infant inquired with a bit of wonder leaking into his voice.
Kuroko frowned but remained silent, not denying anything.
"Let's make a deal," Reborn suddenly stipulated as he jumped off of Kuroko's head and flipped to land on the edge of the sink with the eerie agility of a cat. "I'll answer your question if you give a hand and help my student find his papers. During lunch. That should be sufficient time to give you some explanation," The other tilted his fedora hat and stared up at him with wide onyx eyes, amusement bleeding through that was his way of saying that he knew the teen wouldn't refuse.
Annoyance flickered within him at the thought.
Closing his eyes, he resigned himself. "Where should we start?"
"K-Kuroko-senpai!" Tsuna yelped at the sudden appearance of his tutor. "When did you get here?" He breathed out in slight shock.
"He's here to help us," Reborn answered, cutting in, from the older teen's shoulder.
Tsuna tried not to grimace as he sensed the tension between the tiny hitman and Kuroko. He also didn't miss it when even Yamamoto fidgeted in Reborn's presence. For someone as outgoing as his friend and seemed to get along with Reborn, that was already a sign that something wasn't right. Also, when they had brought the unconscious form of the older teen to the infirmary, Shamal had been there, without protest.
And, wasn't that an odd thing? He had to beg just so the doctor would even consider curing him from a life-threatening disease. Of course, that was after being pitied for never having spoken to a girl before until Kyoko.
He might've panicked a little bit at what Lambo had done that he hadn't really noticed it until Gokudera had brought it up. In fact, his silver haired friend had left as soon as Reborn and Shamal had disappeared in order to know what was going on. Gokudera had just profusely apologized this morning for losing track of them yesterday and having not uncovered anything.
So, he really shouldn't be blamed when he was currently feeling suspicious of Reborn.
There's also the fact of older Lambo's unexpected appearance. The five year old had thrown a tantrum when Tsuna had expressed his dismay at the kid's violent reaction towards his new tutor. Yamamoto, who took things so lightly and in stride, had even given the afro-haired child a look. Thankfully, Kamiyama hadn't thought too deeply at the older teen's sudden arrival in place of five year old Lambo. What probably shocked Tsuna the most was knowing from said teen that Kuroko Tetsuya had become involved with them in the future.
Involved enough to be well known in the Vongola.
Knowing Reborn's tendency to recruit almost anyone he interacted with, he wondered why he was even surprised in the first place.
After all this time, he had been so used to older Lambo knowing Yamamoto, Gokudera, and even Ryohei as part of his future ten years later that Tsuna might've taken it for granted. After all, he'd only met Kuroko two days ago and the other had even addressed Kuroko as 'Tetsu-nii' which meant some form of close attachment. The teen wasn't even surprised to be suddenly faced with someone who wasn't there before.
In fact, he even looked as if he'd finally seen the result of a particularly long wait.
His uneasiness about the incident came from Lambo's odd behavior and words. He knew bitterness when he saw it. From his earlier days as Dame-Tsuna, frustration at his own helplessness as he thought of the things he could've done and changed. And he saw enough of it from Nana to be able to identify the longing that lingered in older Lambo's eyes as he solemnly hovered over Kuroko like some ghost.
That couldn't mean anything good and he dreaded the moment when things finally made sense. Yamamoto treated that incident as proof that Kuroko was indeed their friend and even acted more open to the teal haired teen. They hadn't informed Gokudera and Reborn by some mutual unspoken agreement.
Maybe his friend had shared his apprehension too but it was hard to tell with the baseball player.
Before he could ask any questions though, five year old Lambo was back and said that a man who looked like Yamamoto didn't believe him about the ghost.
Thankfully, his mother and I-Pin had agreed to distract Lambo for today. He couldn't afford another repeat of yesterday.
"Where did you last see your papers, Sawada-kun?" The brunet was snapped out of his thoughts as Kuroko stepped forward with a concerned frown and despite the hesitancy that was obviously brought on by his tutor, Tsuna couldn't stop himself from being touched at the genuine help the older teen was offering him. They were currently just outside the left wing of the school and he was glad that Hibari had yet to catch up to their activities.
"Juudaime!" A loud voice cried out and they all turned to a silver haired teen running towards them.
"Gokudera-kun!" Tsuna called back. "Did you have any luck?" He asked with a bit of hope only to slump in defeat when the other shook his head.
"Just take mine, Juudaime!" Gokudera suddenly proposed as he thrust out a stack of papers toward him, bowing as he did so.
He squawked in horror.
"N-No!" He fervently denied as he pushed the papers back towards his friend. "I couldn't do that! What about you? You'll fail the project!" He flailed in panic since he didn't want Gokudera failing as subject because of him, he couldn't afford that.
The silver haired teen appeared as if he would push the matter until he yelped back when he caught sign of the teal haired teen.
"Who the hell are you?" Gokudera demanded rudely as he suddenly put himself between Tsuna and Kuroko, personality doing a complete one-eighty.
"He's my other tutor, Gokudera-kun," Tsuna brightly introduced as his cheeks flushed at momentarily forgetting about the presence of the older teen. "His name is Kuroko Tetsuya. And, Kuroko-senpai, this is my friend, Gokudera Hayato. He's also helping me look for my papers," He chuckled uneasily as he remembered how the other had easily offered him his project in place of his, he knew that he didn't have the best reputation, so what would Kuroko think of him now?
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Gokudera-kun," Kuroko bowed politely.
That was one thing that Tsuna noticed about his new tutor. He was polite. And considerate. He certainly wished that the other was his upperclassman in school. Never had Kuroko mentioned his infamous nickname 'Dame-Tsuna' once since they met and had only uttered encouraging words ever since they started the tutorial. Even after Lambo's stunt yesterday, the older boy never once accused him or even put the blame on him. He might not know the other so well but he already had his first impression.
After all, Gokudera had tried to kill him not even a day into their first meeting and, here they were, friends. Even if Kuroko had scared the living daylights out of him by appearing suddenly like a ghost, he sensed no malice from the other and it helped that Yamamoto seemed to genuinely like him as well.
Also, maybe he wasn't the only one who now really thought of Kuroko as his friend after that incident with older Lambo.
"Tch," His friend grunted as he cast suspicious jade eyes towards the other. "You better be teaching Juudaime properly or I'm going to blow–"
"Hahaha!" Tsuna laughed loudly, if a bit nervously, as he continued to cover the other's mouth from blurting out unnecessary things. "What he meant to say is, uhm, h-he's very glad to meet you too!" He continued laughing, bordering on boisterous, feeling a bit awkward as Gokudera continued to flounder in his arms and Tsuna tried to discreetly block the dynamites peeking out of Gokudera's sleeve away from Kuroko's eyes.
Kuroko didn't smile but his eyes shone with slight amusement.
"You only have two hours before lunch time, Dame-Tsuna," Reborn suddenly remarked as he hopped off to the brunet's head. "If you continue to waste your time like this, then, don't even bother showing yourself to class," The hitman ruthlessly went on.
"Hiiie! You're right!" Tsuna panicked at the reminder as he let go of Gokudera and turned to Kuroko. "Hibari-san chased us all over the school this morning for being late so I might have dropped them somewhere–" He sheepishly admitted as he scratched the back of his head.
"Don't worry, Juudaime! I won't let you down!" The silver haired teen saluted determinedly before turning to scowl at Kuroko. "And you! Make yourself useful by looking near the gym!" He ordered gruffly and, thankfully, understanding for once as he tucked his dynamites from view.
"You don't have to be rude, Gokudera-kun–" Tsuna started to scold the other, anxious about offending Kuroko.
"It's fine, Sawada-kun," Kuroko sighed before his eyes met Reborn's. "I need answers," He merely said before he walked off and disappeared from sight, making the two younger teens gawked in his wake.
"Holy shit!" Gokudera cursed with a bit of annoyance and grudging awe. "He really is a ghost!"
Tsuna didn't know if he should be worried at the almost thrilled lilt in his friend's voice. He had always known that Gokudera was interested in the supernatural but it wasn't like Kuroko was – was a ghost, right?
Reborn's smirk was not reassuring.
When Kuroko went to the gym, he instantly set on to searching for any signs of an orange expandable envelope. Reborn had explained to him that Sawada was a disorganized kid so he had to – persuade the brunet into putting any homework, test papers, or any important files into a simple casing as to avoid losing them. Still, what he probably hadn't accounted for was for the younger teen to lose said casing instead. But, Reborn didn't seem overly worried, for some reason.
Still, one would think that something as eye-catching, especially with the color orange, it wouldn't be that hard to find.
It wouldn't be a difficult search if said object was really lost during the skirmish this morning. He was starting to suspect that it might not have been lost after all. It would only be invisible from their attempts if it was intentionally hidden from them. And, aside from that one time Kise had pulled him out of class to assist him in a photo shoot, this was actually the second time that Kuroko had skipped class.
For someone like him, it wasn't exactly a pleasant experience. He didn't think this would go over well with Ihara either. At that thought, he winced as he imagined how he was going to explain this later on to his friend.
So, for the mean time, he dedicated his time into searching for said missing item. While he really wanted his explanation, Kuroko thought that he couldn't exactly leave Sawada alone either. Not when such a crisis was on the brunet's hands and he was already struggling with his grades as it was.
Nothing turned up from under the benches, possible dark corners, confined spaces, and even trash bins. As he'd thought earlier, for something as eye-catching as an orange envelope, it was difficult to track down and he was actually leaning more towards his earlier suspicion. Though, being alone gave him time to sort out his thoughts. He was almost certain that Reborn personally knew his father and it was something he truly dreaded–
"Herbivore…"
It was a low rumbling growl that had him freezing in his tracks.
"Good morning, Hibari-kun," Kuroko greeted with a nod as cordially as he dared, shifting his feet in case he needed to get away. While speed had never been his strong point, he trusted his agility to at least support him for a while.
Not that his confidence was high to begin with when it came to this particular person.
Steel grey eyes narrowed at him as tonfas came to sight. It didn't escape the teal haired teen's notice that the other was also appraising him.
"For skipping classes, I'll bite you to–" Hibari had started to say as he stalked towards Kuroko who had tensed at the incoming danger. Although, they both froze as a loud voice cut in and Kuroko didn't know if he should be relieved or exasperated.
"HIBARI!" Sasagawa Ryohei hollered as he came streaking out of the school building. "There you are! I've come to EXTREMELY challenge you once again!" The white haired boy raised his fists as he stood directly at the prefect as his eyes burned with fires of determination.
"Get out of the way–" The dark haired teen directed at the other darkly.
"No! That's what you said yesterday!" Sasagawa rebuffed with a little anger. "I EXTREMELY won't let you back out on this!"
"K-Kyo-san!" Another teen came into view, panting lightly, as he came out of the building that Sasagawa had just come from. "I tried to stop him but he just wouldn't–" Obviously, he had tried to chase after the white haired teenager and Kuroko looked at the newcomer curiously. After all, most members of the Disciplinary Committee bore the same hairstyle and this was the first person that he had encountered who reacted on a closer level to the Head Prefect.
"Kusakabe." Hibari's voice had gone terse and even Sasagawa paused at the dangerous edge in it.
"He just barged in into the reception room!" The teen, Kusakabe, informed them helplessly.
Then, before Kuroko knew it, the Head Prefect's full attention was now focused on Sasagawa Ryohei. Instead of being intimidated though, the white haired teen merely appeared to be eager as he firmed his stance–
"Come on, Kuroko-senpai," A hushed voice stated as Kuroko felt a pull on his wrist. "Sasagawa-senpai can handle him,"
It took him a moment to realize that he was looking at the back of Yamamoto Takeshi's head as they made an escape into the school building. Even if there was a lighthearted confidence in the other's words, he couldn't help but still slightly worry over the teen they had just practically left behind to deal with Hibari. And he didn't miss the slight inflection of sympathy in Yamamoto's voice as if it was a common occurrence. Which, now that he thought about it, probably was.
Now, he mused that he had underestimated Sasagawa Ryohei's tenacity.
Kuroko realized that they only had an hour left before lunch time when the subject Japanese History would end.
And, as of right now, they still hadn't found Sawada's project.
"This is terrible!" Sawada panicked as he pulled on his hair with a certain edge of hysteria to his voice. "After all the sleepless nights Reborn put me through into finishing that project, I can't just lose it! Waaaah! What did I do to deserve this? I'm going to fail and this is embarrassing! What would Kyoko-chan think–" He continued to mumble in anxiety as he crouched in the corner of the unused classroom that they had stashed themselves in away from Hibari.
"Don't worry, Tsuna," Yamamoto tried to console as he slung an arm around the brunet's shoulders. "I'm sure we'll find it! Don't give up just yet!" The dark haired teen encouraged with a grin.
"Yeah!" Gokudera heartily agreed as he shot the baseball player a dirty look. "And, if we don't, I won't pass my project too! I won't leave you alone, Juudaime!"
If anything, Sawada only wailed at the declaration.
Kuroko was, somehow, starting to get used to Gokudera quickly. He treated anyone and anything that wasn't Sawada with hostility, even–no, especially Yamamoto whom he always got on in a one-sided argument. While the dark haired teen would laugh all of the insults and curses off, happily including and acting friendly towards Gokudera no matter how much the other pushed him off rather violently. And Sawada was the person who kept the bridges of friendship between the three of them rather firmly.
When he had asked, Yamamoto had told him earlier that the project was to enumerate ten historical Japanese figures and site their history, accomplishments, and contribution to Japan. A project-report that consisted a minimum of three pages, handwritten or computerized, and that same references weren't allowed.
Still, ever since his suspicion had taken root, he had already started devising a counterplan instead.
Fortunately for Sawada, or not when he counted in Reborn's involvement (he was starting to think that this was always the case), Kuroko was rather well-versed in the subject of Japanese History and Literature, and Geography. He even lead a group back in his second year for a report regarding different figures of Japanese History and had earned themselves a well-deserved 'A' for their efforts.
This couldn't be a coincidence.
"Why don't we do a compromise instead?" Kuroko voiced out as all three teens paused and turned to him.
"What are you talking about?" Gokudera was quick to question him, distrust surfacing in his gaze, but there was also a searching tint to them that Kuroko was certain wasn't there before.
"Maa, maa, Gokudera," Yamamoto was quick to placate as he slung an arm over the other teen's shoulder which Gokudera shrugged off rather viciously. "Let's listen to what Kuroko-senpai had in mind first before we complain. After all, it's Tsuna's grade on the line," He cheerfully reminded and not minding in the least the rather fierce rebuttal from the silver haired teen at the physical contact.
How sly of Yamamoto-kun, Kuroko couldn't help but think as Gokudera instantly (predictably) deflated at the thought of failing Sawada.
"We can't depend on the fact that we will find Sawada-kun's papers," He started off calmly and raised a hand to silence Gokudera who was about to retort, receiving an extremely offended glare from said teen. "So, I merely deduced that while Yamamoto-kun and Gokudera-kun looked for Sawada-kun's project, I would help Sawada-kun start a new one. It's a good thing that one of the subjects I excelled in is Japanese History. While this may be a bit hard, considering that we're under pressure due to time, I'm going to ask for your full cooperation," Kuroko laid out to them and couldn't help but think off basketball strategies that he used to discuss with Akashi and Momoi.
Though, he made it very clear that this was an all-or-nothing plan.
He couldn't help but let out a faint smile when Sawada's eyes shined with hope as he nodded determinedly. After that, the other two easily agreed.
Well, he could now say that he didn't regret skipping class.
He really shouldn't have been surprised when Ihara had been furious at him when he came back after lunch. His class didn't really notice since they had decided that he really disappeared at random intervals. Kuroko supposed that his weak presence had its advantages.
Sawada had managed to recreate his project, albeit a hastily conjured one, but it was passable and it was better than nothing when Gokudera and Yamamoto had come back empty-handed. While the silver haired teen still didn't warm up to him, there was reluctant respect in his gaze as he grudgingly thank him for helping the brunet. Though, he had to decline Yamamoto's offer to join them for lunch since he had to talk to Reborn.
Kuroko certainly wished that he hadn't as he stiffly rubbed the back of his neck.
Suddenly, he contemplated that coming to Namimori might not have been one of his best ideas after all. His mother hadn't complained when she had signed the waiver but Kuroko couldn't tell if she had worked on this with his father. He knew from when he was very young that his parents kept things from him. It never really factored in because they loved him as he reciprocated the sentiment. It never really sunk in even if there were times that he felt that the only ally he really had when it came to that was his grandmother.
So, he had mechanically went through the afternoon through sheer effort. His classes served as a minimum distraction and he actually appreciated the careful watch Ihara had been subjecting him to after that vanishing incident and skipping of class.
Their tutorial that afternoon had consisted of finally finishing their evaluations.
("Really Kuroko-senpai? Really?"
"This is the toughest trial I have faced ever since Sasagawa-senpai made the club members stalk Hibari-senpai,"
"…"
"Please finish answering those so you won't have to repeat it and we won't have to go through this ordeal again."
"…"
"I'd rather answer this again and again than deal with Hibari-san,"
"I hope you don't really plan on doing that, Sawada-kun,"
"E-Eh? Of course not, Kuroko-senpai!"
"I thought so."
"Well," A pause. "I heard Sasagawa-senpai challenged him again this morning."
"Hieeee! Again? Is onii-san okay?"
"I think so since he showed up to club meeting this lunch. But, he certainly won't be challenging Hibari-senpai anytime soon."
"That isn't reassuring!"
"Eh, are you sure? Isn't it better if senpai can't challenge him now?"
"…"
"You know what? I think you're right, Sawada-san! I'd rather suffer here than be sent to the hospital again!")
Kuroko had even helped Sawada and Kamiyama on some of their homework. He could tell that Sawada was eager to return the favor by giving his full attention in the things that Kuroko had pointed out, keeping the dramatic complaints to a minimum this time, and Kamiyama had gotten competitive about it. Doing his job as a tutor somewhat gave him the needed diversion from thinking too deeply about his presence in Namimori.
("Are you sure the answer is 3x, Kuroko-senpai?"
"Yes, I am. Is there something wrong, Sawada-kun?"
"N-No! Nothing!"
A squawk.
"Eh? But the answer I got is 2x squared!"
"I think you might have forgotten to change their signs during transposing these values, Kamiyama-kun."
"Oh, you're right, thanks, Kuroko-senpai!"
"Hey, I-I think I got this!"
"…"
"…"
"I don't get it."
"Why does math have to be so hard?")
He still had some way to go with them but what was important was that they were willing to improve and Kuroko couldn't ask any more than that. He also noticed that they had gotten more talkative that afternoon and it wasn't until they were answering almost leisurely that he realized it was to dissipate the tension and to relieve some of their anxiety in answering questions or their apparent apprehension when he had been skimming through their evaluation tests.
They did a poor job about being inconspicuous about it.
Still, he appreciated the effort and was reminded once again why he had chosen to join the Student Teachers Association (STA). He paused in his report as he thought about it. He was in Namimori because had taken the responsibility of helping fellow students like him. He was in Namimori because he chose to be the tutor of two struggling students who were willing to amend their circumstances and he had already accepted the fact that he would do everything he could to help them.
That was right. He was in Namimori by his own choice because he wanted to do this.
Not because of Reborn, of his father, of Vongola, or anyone. When had he become so indecisive? The last time he had been so distressed at his wavering resolution was when the third string coach had ask him to quit the basketball club due to his inability to even advance to second string. This was not the time to show hesitation when Sawada and Kamiyama were depending on him, he couldn't repeat the same mistake that had held him back from helping his team back at Teikou.
At his situation, he reckoned that it was the best answer that he was going to get.
Date: August 9th of 2XXX
Day: Three
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)
School: Namimori Middle School (134 Suburbia Street, Namimori, Gifu Prefecture, Japan)
Activity: Orientation & Assessment (part iii)
Remark:
(Namimori's rules are followed almost religiously in school for the sole reason that the student body feared the Disciplinary Committee Chairman, Hibari Kyouya. I will have to say that their behavior is justified after having encountered said person various time in school. He uses violence as his main method of enforcing this discipline. His actions and way of handling the school aren't that dissimilar from the more traditionalist schools located in Kyoto.
Classes are normal for the most part and teaching regulations is enforced. I also found out very early on that the DC Chairman himself patrols the school grounds during class hours and had almost been subjected to the painful retribution. I will have to decline how I've come to this knowledge as it is irrelevant to the report.
Student Observations:
He stopped right there as he noticed the entrance of Ihara. Since they had somewhat finished late, Kuroko had decided to do his report at the café where Ihara had told him they would meet the dark haired teen's mysterious friend. Though, he was pleasantly surprised when he discovered that it was the same café that he had found during his hunt for vanilla milkshake. So, picking up the cup and taking a sip of his favorite cold beverage, he watched as Ihara collapsed on the seat across from him and a red haired teen lingered somewhat uncertainly.
"Well, this is the guy," Ihara tiredly gestured to the fidgeting redhead. "He's from Yumei Private Middle school so he should be familiar to you," Now, Kuroko knew that he hadn't imagined the amusement from Ihara's amber eyes this morning.
Kuroko hummed as he stared. There was something he was missing here.
"Waaah!" Dark eyes, widened with shock, stared at him from behind thick-framed glasses. "W-When did you– no, that frightened me," He suddenly whimpered as he held on to his stomach, face scrunching up in pain as his other hand clamped onto the table for support.
Getting a good look at the other's uniform, Kuroko's own eyes widened slightly.
Yumei Private Middle School. One of the middle schools to have ever defeated Teikou Junior High at something. To be more specific, at the middle school Machine and Circuitry Design Tournament last school year. He might've not personally known the winner but he knew that it could be the only reason why Ihara had been very particular about introducing this person. After all, the combination of Teikou's science and computer clubs were still smarting from that loss.
Ihara shook his head exasperatedly as he awkwardly patted the other boy's arm almost comfortingly.
"It's no use after all," The dark haired teen grumbled as he sent a look towards Kuroko who returned it with one of his own. "Well, as I was saying, maybe you'll get along. I know of him since the guild has written an article about him."
"Of course," Kuroko should've known, after all, Ihara didn't strike him as someone who befriended random people anyway.
His roommate rolled his eyes as he forcefully pulled the redhead to the seat next to his. Uncertainty now clouded the other boy's features as he stared at Kuroko but, at least, he didn't seem to be in immense pain as he did a while ago.
"Kuroko," Ihara waved a hand almost dramatically. "Meet Irie Shoichi,"
By the time lunch came by, Kuroko was actually tired and just waiting for Reborn to show up.
After all, for some reason, the other had the uncanny ability to be able to pinpoint the teal haired teen's location. Which, as of now, was in a secluded corner in the library where they weren't in danger of easily being overheard by anyone and to, he would shamelessly admit, hide from Hibari Kyouya. He wasn't exactly eager to visit the infirmary again so soon after having made the trip there just yesterday. It helped that he could pass the time by reading.
As if summoned by his thoughts, Reborn jumped down from a random shelf. This time though, he was carrying a cup of coffee, not a single drop wasted as he landed lightly on his feet.
"Ciaossu," The other greeted him.
Kuroko merely nodded in return as he stared at the other patiently, watching as he sat comfortably on the table, leisurely taking a sip of his coffee.
"Now, to start off, let me properly introduce myself," Reborn started as he tipped his hat slightly. "I am Reborn, the world's greatest hitman, and the Vongola Nono's most trusted assassin. As you are told, I'm Tsuna's tutor. I wasn't joking when I demanded you to work for Vongola." The baby continued indifferently as Kuroko found himself under a dark scrutinizing gaze that put him on his guard.
"And that is because of my connection to my father?" He couldn't help but question wryly.
Reborn scoffed at that.
"Partly," The assassin declared bluntly, not exactly a comforting thought. "You possess a unique talent that it seems even you are not aware of. And it's merely an advantage that you're related to that person. After observing you for a while, it certainly shows that you've got his brains and intuitive knowledge as well. I have no doubt that he has also pass on some of his techniques to you. He isn't a careless person. There's a reason why I think he deliberately chose to send you to Vongola territory," There was an odd glint in Reborn's eyes as he said this.
There was that confirmation again. Something that Kuroko dreaded to hear as he closed his eyes, book forgotten. Still, there was also something wrong about believing the person who had threatened him twice. But, Reborn had made it clear that it was his own speculation and not a stated fact.
"So, where does my father fit into all this?" He questioned exhaustedly and wondered, for the hundredth time, what his father's reasons were.
The baby tilted his head at him, a certain curious glint in his eye.
"Have you ever heard of the name Innocenti?"
.
.
.
Omake: Missing Project
"Oh! Tsuna-kun!"
Tsuna looked over his shoulder as Sasagawa Kyoko waved him over. Hesitantly, but happily, he trotted over to her. He had just currently finished the tutorial with Kuroko and he knew that his friends were waiting for him by the gate.
As of now, there were only a few students in school as it was a bit late and Kyoko was standing at the doorway of their classroom.
"What is it, Kyoko-chan?" He asked shyly, if a bit nervously.
The girl beamed at him. His heart melted.
"Oh, I just wanted to return something!" She happily informed him as she rummaged through her bag and brought out a familiar orange expandable envelope. "Reborn-chan asked me to keep it and give it to you after class. He said that it's his so I held it in my bag. You were in such a hurry a while ago so I waited for you." She handed him the envelope with a bright smile as he mechanically held it in his hand.
"Thank you, Kyoko-chan," He mumbled as he smiled weakly towards the auburn haired girl.
"It's no problem! Well, I need to go now, Tsuna-kun!" Kyoko waved as she walked to the stairway. "I'm running a bit late and onii-chan might worry. Take care and tell Reborn-chan I said hi!" She chirped merrily before disappearing from view.
Reborn. Kyoko had his project. Kuroko had helped him–
"HIEEE! REBORN, YOU JERK!"
.
.
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AN: Well, the last one was just so the chapter wouldn't end on a bad note.
Now, I know some of you are against Kuroko being directly related to the mafia. But, it was just too easy to take advantage of his background when nothing substantial was shown about his family as of yet. Now, I'm being rather careful here without harming his actual character too much.
And, before some of you will protest against me and possibly mentally burn me at a stake, this is my plot right from the start. About Kuroko's past, his father, that glimpse of the future, and "Kuroko's friend who betrayed them years later": ALL OF THIS IS PART OF MY ORIGINAL PLOT.
Now, let me remind you once again, if Kuroko hadn't chosen to go with the STA program's internship, then the KnB series would continue as it is. But his presence in Namimori, having met the Vongola Decimo and Tenth Generation, and gaining experience and different insights, would change a lot of things for both storylines in KHR and KnB. A small ripple then a tsunami and like that, can't remember it, really.
I also apologize about breaking my promise for not putting in Fujishima's debut in this chapter. But, since I reorganized my ideas again, I had to put it off from this chapter. Since certain things needed to happen, in my mind, at least.
Lastly, sorry that the entry isn't as detailed today but take into account that Kuroko is still thinking deeply about his day as he mused that a lot can really happen from such short hours. This chapter felt a little like a filler but, as I've said, this fic is going to be slow and not fast-paced. I'm going to take my time writing this one in order to carefully put in my ideas.
And, before I forget, sorry for the drama and slight angst but Kuroko gave me the impression that he's a teen who really thought deeply of things as shown of his resolution during Teikou Arc and after graduating middle school. So, if I wanted him to keep walking forward into this story and be the calm person we all know, he should, in my opinion, come to terms with some things. No matter how hard to swallow.
Anyway, thank you for reading this! Leave a review when you can.
*Fanart for my cover image is done by the great yukisnishika22~ (An absolute and extreme thanks!)