After such a declaration, Tsuna blinks once. Twice. Thinking she misheard, she asks, "Come again?"
Maybe it's a prank? Satoru is a little shit more often than not, but if it was the case, her friend wouldn't be so nervous so he's telling the truth. She just never thought she would hear "Satoru and kids" in the same sentence from him. Or from anyone else, for that matter.
Still, Satoru repeats the words per her request. It shows how serious the situation is that he doesn't tease her for her shock. "I need help with raising the kids."
"Okay, I can see you're serious about this," she notes as her shock passes. "But to help you I need context, you know. What kids and how did they end up in your care in the first place?"
Gojo laughs nervously in response. "Well, it's kind of a loong story and kind of connected to who I am. And the last part is kind of a work in progress. "
"Which means the others would like to know too," the brunette muses. "Unless you would like to keep this between us?"
"No, I trust them. You too." And Tsuna knows he does, his words are sincere. Satoru is someone who hides behind a mask and fake smiles; his trust isn't something that can be earned easily, so to know he trusted them with this matter and his secret, whatever it was, shows the strength of their bond as well as bring a warm smile to Tsuna's face.
"Good to know," her smile wanes slightly as she says the next words. "But, Satoru, trust goes both ways. If you'll tell the truth about yourself, you'll know about me and the others, and that's… dangerous."
"What, you're a criminal or something?" Satoru tries to joke, but it falls flat, so he asks another question instead. "Where are they by the way?"
"Reborn took them to train at the Namimori shrine."
"Oh, a secret meeting place," Satoru drawls excitedly, clapping his hands like a child that was included in the important secret. Considering the current circumstances and Satoru's personality, the analogy is pretty accurate.
Oh, the irony of her life.
"Kind of," Tsuna agrees with amusement. "Last chance to back out, Satoru. Are you sure you want to know everything?"
"Whatever it is, I can handle it," her friend smiles cockily. "After all, I'm The Strongest."
Knowing there is no stopping Satoru once his mind is set on something, Tsuna chuckles, standing up, "Don't say I didn't warn you then."
Taking it for the invitation it is, Satoru follows after her.
"Mom!" Tsuna calls her mother once the two of them are downstairs. "Satoru and I are going to meet up with others."
"Oh, okay then," Nana agrees easily. "Would you like a snack to take with you?"
"That would be great, thanks!" Tsuna turns to Gojo. "Do you mind waiting for a bit, Satoru, while I help mom?"
"No problemo!" he gives them a thumbs up. "Nana-san's cooking is worth waiting for. I'll talk to the kids while you cook," with that, Satoru turns around and goes to the living room. "Hey, rascals, whatcha doin'? Wasup, Bianchi-chan?"
"Is Gojo-kun alright?" her mother asks softly las they start making snacks. Voices are heard from the living room — from the sounds of it, Satoru's bickering with Lambo as per usual, with I-Pin, Fuuta, and Bianchi joining in, — so it's unlikely said person in question would overhear their conversation. "He seems… troubled by something."
Tsuna spares a glance at her mother and wonders how much she should tell her. Sawada Nana was absent-minded and airhead most of the time, but ever since they told her about the mafia, the revelation bringing them closer, Tsuna saw that it was merely a mask — a way to deal with her husband's absence, — and she could be quite observant when she wanted to be. She was similar to Satoru in that regard. Birds of the feather flock together, so to speak. Still, this wasn't her secret to share.
"Satoru has a problem he needs help with," the brunette says eventually, settling on the half-truth. "But don't worry, we are going to help him."
"I know you will," having no doubt in her daughter's abilities, Nana passes her the ready snacks. "Here you go, sweetie."
"Thanks, mom. I'll go get Satoru then," carefully holding the boxes, Tsuna goes to the living room. She enters just in time to hear Lambo say: "We can totally keep a secret!"
"What's this about keeping secrets?" Tsuna asks, looking everyone over: Lambo's face is angry red as he glares daggers at Satoru, who only smiles at the boy in amusement; Bianchi looks bored, used to Satoru and Lambo's interactions by now. I-Pin and Fuuta are standing near the two, ready to drag them apart if necessary.
Hearing her question, her Lightning Guardian moves his attention from Satoru to her.
"Tsuna-nee!" Lambo exclaims. "Tell this white-haired baka what we can keep a secret, so we can go to the shrine with you!"
"Ah," realizing what this is about, Setsuna gives Lambo an apologetic smile."I'm sorry, Lambo, but I don't think this is a good idea. The things we are going to discuss are serious. I don't think you should be present."
"We're nine, Tsuna-nee, not five!" the nine-year-old reminds her. "We already heard serious topics before!"
Setsuna has to admit her Guardian made a good point. Lambo was five when he was chosen, and regardless of his age, had to be in the thick of things, despite her best efforts to minimize his involvement. Since then, Lambo matured and learned when not to say anything.
But as she said before, it's not her place to make this call.
Decimo glances at Gojo, who looks relaxed, not a hint of a previous nervousness. "What do think, Satoru? Your call."
Her friend shrugs carelessly, but she can see he's pleased to have his opinion asked nonetheless. "They can come if they want," he lowered his glasses to look at Lambo. "Satisfied, brat?"
"Why you—!"
"We better be going then!" Tsuna cuts in, preventing another argument. "Do you want to come too, Fuuta, Bianchi?"
"Thanks, but we will stay to keep Mama company," Fuuta declines softly. Pre-teen smiled at Satoru. "Don't worry, Satoru-nii, we got your back!"
"Aw, thanks, Fuuta, you're the sweetest!" Gojo ruffles Fuuta's hair, causing the boy to blush. Tsuna smiles at the sight before calling out to Gojo: "If that's all, we will be on our way then. C'mon, Satoru, the shrine is not far."
"As you wish, my lady, lead the way," Satoru proclaims proudly, taking some of the boxes from her hands because he may be a menace, but he refuses to burden Tsuna further, considering the weight of his request. The others smile warmly at his antics. "We're off, everyone!"
"Good luck," Bianchi wishes a goodbye.
"Be back in time for dinner!" Nana adds after them.
"Of course, Nana-san!" Gojo promises charmingly. "I refuse to commit the crime of missing out on your food even under the threat of death!"
And with that, their quartet is gone.
True to Setsuna's word, the shrine turns out to be pretty close to her house. When they reach the top of the stone stairs, boxes in arms, his Six Eyes are greeted by the sight of the familiar colorful bubbles and what looks like some kind of training. There's Reborn, of course, and his bright yellow bubble that looks like the sun, languidly but keenly overlooking the teens. Kyoko, Haru, and Chrome sit by his side commenting on the spectacle.
There's Takeshi, who has a sharp and focused look in his eyes as he goes against his opponent, a part of his power on display, coating a katana. Satoru knows it by heart now — it's blue and fluid like water and has a very calming effect. His opponent is unknown to Gojo, on the other hand. He has dark indigo hair that resembles a pineapple, and heterochromatic eyes — is that a kanji for six in one of them? — and his bubble is the same as Chrome as well as the weapon of choice — trident and indigo mist. There is a difference between his and Chrome's bubble though; the guy's feels like the nastiest curse he ever encountered — and he has met a lot in his profession. It feels like hell. But other than that, the guy could pass for Chrome's twin. And a creepy one at that.
Must be one of the few he hasn't met yet, which will be fixed soon.
Not far from Takeshi and the creepy guy, Gokudera and his bubble of red, angry storm with different streaks thrown in, faces off against the muscular guy with white hair, and silver eyes, scar on his brow; his cocoon is the same color as Reborn's, and unlike Hayato, only has gloves as a weapon.
Must be Kyoko's older brother, he notes, seeing the resemblance and recalling Kyoko's stories of her Onii-chan, and moves his gaze to the last person present.
He was fairly tall with black hair and silver eyes, dressed in some kind of uniform that made him look like a delinquent or yakuza; his cocoon is also unfamiliar one — purple and constantly changing shape akin to a cloud. The guy stands away from everyone else but watches over them like a protector.
Man, what an interesting crowd.
"Maa, Setsuna-chan, what eccentric crowd of friends you have," he can't help but speak the thought aloud. "A swordsman, a boxer and all have interesting fashion choices. What's next?"
"You're one to talk, Satoru," Tsuna teases back. "Mr. Cosplayer. Need I remind you of your costume choices? You even beat Haru in that regard."
"Hey, cosplay is fun and Haru supported my choices! "
At that point, their playful banter draws everyone's attention and the training stops.
"Hey, it's Tsuna and Gojo with I-Pin and Lambo!" Yamamoto waves to them in greeting. His sword became an ordinary wooden shinai. "And they brou—Hibari!"
Hearing the alarmed shout, Satoru turns his head to see the yakuza guy rushing at him, tonfas at the ready. But the weapons never strike their intended target, for they come in contact with his infinity. Satoru sees the guy's eyes widen a fraction in disbelief, and without looking, knows the others are stunned too. He pouts for effect.
"It's rude to attack without a reason you know," he tells his attacker conversationally, completely at ease. "Tsu-chan and I went through all the trouble to bring the food to you, and here you are!" Satoru shakes his head in disappointment like a teacher that chides an unruly student. "You should have introduced yourself first, at least. Good manners and all that."
"Kyoya, back off!" Tsuna orders, having found her voice at last. "He's a friend!"
The yakuza guy — now known as Hibari Kyoya — grunts in displeasure at the order, but backs off with reluctance and turns to look at Tsuna.
"Who's he, Setsuna?" the guy demands. "I never met him before, but he's strong." Satoru preens at that. Of course, he's strong! He's The Strongest!
"I'm aware that he's strong," Tsuna informs the guy dryly, not at all taken aback by the demanding tone. "As for who he is, I was planning to introduce him before you rushed at us! Seriously, Kyoya, have a little patience."
Hibari looks away, not able to withstand Tsuna's gaze. Satoru gets the feeling — he also can't look in Tsuna's eyes sometimes, especially if she's disappointed. Disappointed Setsuna is scary.
The others decide to join the conversation at that moment.
"Typical Kyoya-kun, kufufu." so the creepy twin has a creepy laugh as well, besides the red eye and the curse feeling. Wonderful. "So barbaric."
"Says the guy with a pineapple hairdo," Lambo mumbles under his breath, but they hear him anyway.
"Have to agree with the brat here," Satoru nods in agreement, ignoring Lambo's protests, looking the guy over critically. He's not impressed. "Fruit hairdos are so last season. Chrome-chan, you really should consider changing the role model," he informs the girl casually, who looks like she doesn't know whether to laugh or to defend her idol. "Choose me. I, obviously, have the better taste."
"Kufufu," that creepy laugh again, but there's subtle traces of annoyance in it. Satoru feels petty satisfaction at managing to get him. "You have quite the nerve. How about I get some holes in you? It's the new fashion."
"Try me," Satoru dares him, yawning. "Kyoya-kun tried it and failed as you saw."
"Stop it you two," Setsuna cuts in before the pineapple guy can make good on his threat. "We came because Satoru needs help. Mukuro, back off. Satoru, stop rilling Mukuro up."
"Not my fault he gets riled up so easily," Satoru comments with a shrug, but both he and Mukuro concede for Tsuna's sake.
"Finally," the brunette grumbles, looking completely done with their antics. Whoops. "Now, can we sit down and talk like adults, please?"
"You want to bring him in?" Reborn speaks up for the first time since their arrival and correctly guesses their intention. Satoru's not surprised. The guy is sharp and knows Tsuna better than anyone.
"Yes." Tsuna nods in confirmation. "In order to help Satoru, we need to tell him who we are."
"Bringing another civilian in?" Mukuro asks with amusement. "Oya, oya, how bad Setsuna-chan."
Tsuna rolls her eyes in response. "Trust me, Satoru's anything but a civilian. The fact that Kyoya couldn't hit him just confirms it. Now let's sit down and eat."
Everybody nods and they sit down on the ground, forming a circle. Satoru ends up being seated between Tsuna and Kyoko.
"Well," Tsuna says, once everyone is provided with a snack. "Let's start with introductions first, to those that don't know. Guys, this is Gojo Satoru, he's a friend."
"Pleasure," he says charmingly. He catches how creepy twin's — Mukuro's, he corrects himself — eyes flash at his name. Hm. Could he be part of the Jujutsu World or, at least, be aware of it? Possibility, given his reaction. "Satoru, the guy sitting beside Chrome is Rokudo Mukuro, a menace and a pain in my ass."
"Kufufu, what hurtful words, Setsuna-chan; how can you say them after all we've been through?" he jests, but he nods at Satoru in acknowledgment nonetheless, which he returns.
Ignoring him, Tsuna introduces the yakuza guy next. "This is Hibari Kyoya, our resident policeman. Be careful not to break any rules, or he'll bite you to death."
"I look forward to fighting with you," the guy says, a bloodthirsty grin on his face. "You're strong."
Satoru mirrors the grin. "Sure, sounds fun!"
Tsuna sighs, most likely already regretting this acquittance and sensing future trouble. She says the last name. "And you probably heard about Onii-san from Kyoko-chan."
"It's nice to meet you to the EXTREME!" the guy says. "I'm Sasagawa Ryohei! I heard about you from Kyoko and Sawada!"
"Good things I hope?" Satoru asks with a grin. He likes Ryohei. His enthusiasm is genuine and infectious, and he likes it. All their reactions are sincere, and it's like a lungful of fresh air, compared to what he's used to.
"Yes! Welcome to the team to the EXTREME!"
"So what brings you by, Gojo?" Takeshi asks around a mouthful as introductions end. "You kinda disappeared for a while; we started to worry. We're glad you're fine, but what do you need help with?"
He looks at Tsuna. "Should I or should you?"
"Go ahead."
Taking a deep breath, he makes an announcement, "I'm about to become a parent, and Setsuna-chan's going to help me!"
Silence meets his words. Then…
"YOU'RE WHAT?" they shout at once.
Whoops. Maybe he should have given them context beforehand.
Oh well.