Notes: Sorry for the hiatus! I didn't mean to take this long to update. I struggled with this chapter so much, it's ridiculous. Words have long since lost all meaning for me, so if stuff doesn't make sense, that's why. Felt like I was writing a particularly grueling essay, and much like then, I'm all but throwing this at you and hoping for the best bc there's nothing more I can do. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Will fix any mistakes later (& I get the feeling there's more than one ugh). Speaking of mistakes...

Warnings: There are threats that involve bombing a school and committing suicide via bombs strapped to one's chest, as well as discussion of someone's suicidal tendencies. No children or school staff are ever in any real danger, and main characters are only in danger of canon-typical violence. [I couldn't decide if this was horribly inappropriate or par for the course in a fic involving Mafioso, and if it is a problem or in poor taste, then please let me know. I will rewrite it.]

Thanks for your lovely feedback last chapter! Please enjoy the product of my blood, sweat, and tears.

I.

Hayato has never had friends, nor has he belonged to a true family, Mafia or otherwise. He had precious little time with his mother, but-

But he's been down that road enough times to know it only leads to more boiling anger and bitterness and no satisfaction whatsoever, so he puts the stray thought aside, treating it as dynamite, an explosive ready to go off at the tiniest upset, and tucks it away safely in the corner of his mind where he won't trip over it again.

Back to his point. Hayato has been on his own for a while, never mind his worthless father's insistence on keeping an eye on him and his sister's occasional meddling. He's used to looking after himself, has hardened and wisened up after plunging full force into the Mafia, after taking jobs and witnessing the cruelty and mercilessness of this world that he's now forever a part of firsthand, after tirelessly working hard to make a name for himself.

Hayato has never had illusions as to the true nature of this life (not since his father-) and knows that friends can smile and party with you one day and then stab you in the back at the first opportunity. He grows up in it, surrounded by people who would use him for his connections and money, who watch him for weakness, who pretend to be friendly, hoping for some advantage, and those who don't bother, sneering at his heritage.

He learns how to read people, how to find trustworthy sources, learns which jobs to take and which to avoid at all costs. Learns how to shut out his emotions and soldier on anyway when avoiding isn't an option. Learns how to put his name out there and reel in better money and better clients.

Some of it is freely given advice ("Never trust anyone fully, Hayato. Give too much, and you'll leave yourself vulnerable. Give too little, and you'll find yourself with more enemies than allies.") and most of it is through trial and error.

Hayato knows he is lucky that he has never stepped on the wrong toes or taken his temper out on the wrong person (because his sources are not perfect or all-encompassing, and his sharp mind has a way of failing him when his anger gets the better of him.) He's lucky to have survived so long in such a bloody, unforgiving business, knows it's all due to luck and his own effort - because his father doesn't care, and Bianchi believes the best way to learn is to figure things out for himself - and things are fine like this. Hayato is fine.

Then he gets unbelievably lucky again when Reborn - the world's strongest hitman, one of the Arcobaleno! - calls him for a job, and he comes face to face with Vongola's next boss.

The first thing he thinks without bias or judgement is that Sawada Tsunayoshi is bright. Not in the sense that he's intelligent, though Hayato has been briefed and knows he's far from unintelligent. It's just that he's so bright as to be blinding. It's all Hayato can do not to squint, not to look away because Sawada is like a star or a small sun. A bright, blue, inviting sky that draws you in as soon as your eyes adjust and before reason can warn you away.

He's dangerous . It's something his mind knows, but alarmingly, his instincts all but scream to trust Sawada, to open himself up fully and without reservation, and is this the charisma of a Sky? Is this the allure of harmony? If so, Hayato can see why he's been deemed worthy of leading Vongola, aside from being the last viable heir. Can see it almost instantly, and a small part of him wonders whether Hayato's part in evaluating him is even necessary.

Hayato wouldn't be worth anything in the Mafia world if he gave up on a job part way through - or worse, before even trying to complete it - however, and this is Vongola , so he hangs back and continues to observe from afar, gathering as much information as he can with his own eyes and puzzling over his role for the next few days before making a move.

Inevitably, he spots the problem. 'Problem' is a strong word, though, and not entirely accurate. Rather, he understands why there are some concerns regarding Sawada despite his being a perfect fit at first - and even second - glance.

He's... the antithesis of a Mafia boss.

Sawada is kind. More than that, Sawada is good. Like, dashing hero, fairy tale prince, white knight in shining armor good. Hayato hasn't necessarily met that many Mafia bosses, but he's heard things and can extrapolate for himself that Sawada can't be Mafia - can't be Vongola Decimo - without also occasionally being cruel and merciless. Not evil, exactly, but- Vongola Nono is as close to 'good' as a boss can get, but even he has innocent blood on his hands. Even he has weighed lives and sacrificed others and made impossibly difficult decisions.

Sawada... It's a truth that could break him, and well- Hayato understands what he has to do.

II.

Simple enough to plant bombs around the school when he only really has to keep an eye out for the Hibari. Hayato's a professional, after all, and bombs are his specialty. As for Sawada, he only goes after bullies, and Hayato has already scrapped his half-formed plans of pretending to be one in favor of his new objective. He's not even on Sawada's radar.

Not yet, but he soon will be.

Before school, Hayato slips a note in his shoe locker, short and to the point, and as he'd predicted, Sawada comes barreling out of the building not long after the bell rings, signalling the beginning of both class and Hayato's scheme.

"Took you long enough," Hayato sneers around his cigarette, eying Sawada who comes to halt a few meters away and watches him warily right back. He's got his shinai with him, but it's a close range weapon, and Hayato's a long range fighter. The distance between them is more than enough of an advantage, but Hayato's not aiming for a fight.

What he is aiming for leaves a bad taste in his mouth, but this isn't the first mission that's forced him to go against his very few morals, and it won't be the last. So he sucks it up and does his damn job.

Face pale but focused, Sawada asks, quietly, "So you're the one who left the note?"

"See anybody else here?" Hayato snaps, rolling his eyes, but before Sawada can respond, he yanks open his jacket, revealing the explosives strapped to his chest and answering his question more immediately and more effectively than words ever could.

The sight makes visible panic flash on Sawada's face before he swallows it down forcibly and glares at Hayato, mouth a hard line. "Who are you?"

"They call me Smoking Bomb," Hayato reveals, and he's not surprised when Sawada doesn't recognize the name. Sawada is a civilian and has only recently discovered the Mafia. He lets the small bit of derision he feels at the thought show through the curl of his lip. "You can probably guess why."

Sawada's eyes flick down to the bomb before meeting his again. "So this is Mafia related," he concludes, grimly.

"Obviously," Hayato sneers, biting down on his cigarette. "Your right to inherit has come into question. I'm here to judge your worthiness."

Sawada makes a complicated expression, full of frustration and bewilderment and something else Hayato can't name. "And this is the way you're going about it?"

"Me or your Family," Hayato agrees, blithely. "A Boss has to prioritize his own over anyone else, especially enemies. Useless sentiment will get you killed. Worse, it'll get them killed, and you'll have nothing to show for it."

Sawada's face hardens, his opinion on the matter loud and clear, but- his next words are baffling. "What about you? Shouldn't you prioritize your own life over a test?"

"I was always going to die doing this," Hayato tells him, and this, at least, is the truth. "This mission is a gamble, but no matter what you choose to do, I'll get recognition. I don't care about anything else."

He doesn't want to die, obviously, but he's also realistic. What are the chances that he doesn't die on some other job or facing some other target? What are the odds he ends up dying of old age of all things? There's always someone stronger out there, always someone smarter or faster or better prepared. He doesn't like it, doesn't usually let himself admit it, and he intends to go down fighting regardless- but he knows what he signed up for. He's already accepted it, and he doesn't like the way Sawada has gone all sad and intent and contemplative upon hearing him say as much.

"Recognition?" Sawada repeats, and his tone is not mocking or derisive, but there is some judgement there, and it makes Hayato bristle. "From who? Your Family? Friends? The Mafia world in general?" Hayato doesn't answer, doesn't react beyond a slight grimace, but Sawada must take something away from it anyway. Even so, he doesn't comment. "Doesn't seem like something to lose your life over," he says instead, and it sends a prickle of rage through Hayato's chest.

"What would you know about it?" He snarls, and he doesn't have to fake the anger this time, the indignation, that small bit of envy-fueled irritation. "Your life is practically perfect already, and now you're being handed the opportunity of a lifetime on a damn silver platter." His grip on the dynamite in his hands is white-knuckled, but they're too well made for such a small thing to set them off. He still eases up, loosens his grip because Hayato's a professional, and pros don't risk damaging their own weapons, especially not at such a crucial stage.

"Someone has to make you work for it," Hayato spits, shaking with repressed emotion, a bomb on the verge of exploding, and Hayato's always preferred dynamite for a reason. He can relate to the build up, the pressure, the sudden, controlled release. His fuse is shorter than most. As it is, he's always only needed a spark to ignite.

Somehow sensing as much, Sawada hesitates noticeably before speaking. It's certainly not because Hayato's making him reconsider his own ideals.

"I can't argue with that," Sawada allows, and at least he isn't denying it. "But at the same time, it's not my fault I was born privileged. I have been trying to use my own circumstances to help those less fortunate than me, as you must know if you've been watching me." Here, he pauses again, and conviction steels over his face, bright and burning as he finds Hayato's gaze and holds it and says, "With or without Vongola, I will continue to do so. Vongola is an excellent opportunity to gain more influence and resources, to gain the power to help even more people, however, and I refuse to apologize for seizing it with both hands."

He's not saying anything Hayato didn't already know about him, but still, seeing Sawada's resolve for himself soothes the rage-envy-resentment coiled within his chest, loosens a bit of the tight hold it has on his throat, and his next words come easier. "If you believe that," he says, even though Sawada's belief is clear, his compassion so obvious, and... his weakness a glaring target, "if you're so determined to save people, then you've got a decision to make, and it's not a difficult one."

Sea-green eyes flash burnished red-orange, and the look Sawada gives him- like he's seeing right down into Hayato's soul, expression calm and knowing - It takes considerable effort not to look away, even as his confusion mixes with indignant anger.

"What?!" He snaps.

"Your life is worth no less than any of the children in that building behind me," Sawada says, and the panic has somehow edged out of him, replaced by cool certainty. "Your life is precious, Smoking Bomb, and I'm... furious with those who convinced you it wasn't." His words are trembling with that fury, his mouth pulled down under it, his eyes a steady red-orange that doesn't seem to be fading away this time, flickering with rage-fueled resolve.

"You-!" Hayato starts and just as abruptly stops, having had no idea what he was going to say. Sawada makes no goddamn sense! "There's a limit to how fucking fairy tale you can be, Sawada, and worrying about the guy who's threatening to bomb your school is way over it." That's entirely too far in the realm of stupidity, and Sawada isn't stupid. Just- ridiculously compassionate, which isn't exactly a trait Mafia bosses are known for having. And it's not something Hayato appreciates being wasted on him. He doesn't need it.

"The bombs are fake," Sawada says, confidently, with no room for doubt, and Hayato can't help the shock taking over his face at the revelation. "You never intended to harm a single innocent, and regardless, I had my friends quietly evacuate the school as soon as I read your letter. Everyone has been sent home by now," he admits, and-

Hayato had accounted for that. He'd just planned to go forward with 'blowing himself up' anyway to hammer his point in because evacuating the building was Sawada prioritizing his Family's safety over Hayato's and thus was a clear choice. That plan's shot all to hell now, though, because somehow, Sawada figured out none of them were real to begin with.

"What really concerns me is that your disregard for your own life is all too real," Sawada continues, and he definitely looks concerned and maybe one step away from marching over and hugging him, which- why? "I'd like to help you if I can," he says, earnestly, and he means it. He really wants to help Hayato, really cares about him despite having only just met him, despite what Hayato tried to force him to do, cares in a way no has since his mother-

It's too much. It's too much and far, far too late. Hayato has a job to do, and he's going to do it, no matter what. Swiftly lighting the dynamite in between his fingers, Hayato yells, "Shut up and die!" and carefully doesn't think about anything but the ever-burning anger beneath his skin as he throws himself into the familiar rhythm of ignite-throw-dodge.

Fighting in such a haze, it's not really a surprise when he messes up, and there's just resignation as his own bombs threaten to explode at his feet.

What is surprising is that Sawada risks his life to save him. In the face of such a thing, of such selfless heroics and bravery, in the face of this unpayable debt, the only thing Hayato can do is swear his life and service to this boy.

(It doesn't take a genius to realize Reborn-sama was testing him, too, vetting him for a potential Family member, and considering Hayato is, well, it's possible he makes the connection a little quicker than most.

It's also possible Juudaime isn't the only one whom Hayato owes a great debt.)

III.

There's something going on with Juudaime. Hayato wouldn't dare claim they were friends - he respects Juudaime too much to be so casual with him, and even the thought makes him a little lightheaded - but as his right hand man, it's Hayato's job to know Juudaime inside and out, and it's becoming increasingly obvious that something has happened.

Juudaime isn't loud and constantly yammering like that Turf Head, nor does he rudely butt in on conversations and make inane statements all the time like the Baseball Idiot. But he's not usually this quiet and withdrawn, either. Ever since his (utterly unnecessary) apology, Juudaime has spoken a bare handful of sentences, most of them to Reborn-sama, who has a connection with Juudaime no one else has managed.

(A fact that, if he's being honest with himself, makes Hayato burn with jealousy.

Almost as bad is the way Yamamoto's cheerful disregard for personal boundaries and easy, companionable nature has clearly won over Juudaime whereas Hayato's reverential behavior and aggressive proactiveness in regards to his safety only makes Juudaime exasperated at best and inexplicably sad at worst.

Hayato has had a scant few months to make a place at Juudaime's side, but it seems impossibly difficult at times when he looks around and sees that so many have already come before him and accomplished it with such ease.)

"You noticed, too," Yamamoto says quietly next to him, and when Hayato shoots him an annoyed look, he finds Yamamoto's demeanor uncharacteristically serious, eyes narrowed in thought in Juudaime's general direction and lips pressed together tightly.

The whole picture is so wrong that Hayato can't help the uneasiness coiling in his gut in reaction, the slight concern, and pissed - Yamamoto ruins every-fucking-thing, even being worried about their damn boss - Hayato scoffs, falling into their usual banter with a dismissive, "It has nothing to do with you, dumbass."

"Tsuna's gotten…" He pauses, ignoring Hayato altogether as he tries to figure out what exactly he wants to say. Frown deepening, Yamamoto settles on, "Tsuna's gotten sad ," and it's clear that's not exactly what he means, but Yamamoto is an idiot, and that's only to be expected.

The problem is that Hayato knows what he's trying - and failing, so damn horribly - to say.

Juudaime has always seemed larger than life, a being assailed by great purpose, and that's something Hayato greatly admires about him. However, the higher one's aspirations, it seems, the heavier they weigh on one's shoulders. Juudaime has also always been rooted firmly to the ground, both held up and held down by his noble dream, never once unaware of its presence and never once caving under its immense pressure.

Now, though- Now, somehow that weight has gotten heavier. Now it's obvious, and even though Juudaime's back is still straight, and his head is still held high, it's as if he's more aware of the enormity of the task before him, the gravitas. As if he's fully realized he's at the foot of a mountain, its peak disappeared behind a barrier of clouds, and that he has a long, long journey ahead - a journey fraught with strife and obstacles to overcome and an entire world that likes things just the way they are and won't be content to sit back and let Juudaime change things for the better.

Hayato has admittedly worried for Juudaime's soft heart. As much as he believes in Juudaime's fierce determination and unwavering resolve, Juudaime has lived a relatively sheltered life here in Namimori, and as such, he has a... naivete about him, a belief that there is good in just about everyone and that villains are the only ones capable of doing truly evil deeds. And- that may be true of civilians, possibly, but the Mafia is different.

Hayato thinks back to Vongola Nono, a good man who has undoubtedly dirtied his hands, who has committed 'evil' acts or else ordered his men to in order to protect his Family and allies, and knows that he would do the same without hesitation. Has already done the same to protect himself, and he doesn't regret it. Can't because this is the life he chose, and he's never wanted to do anything else.

Juudaime is a much better person than Hayato could ever be, is the best person Hayato knows, and he wouldn't change him for the world, but-

But in their world, things aren't always so easy. Sacrifices must be made, even if that means occasionally sacrificing one's morals. No one in the Mafia can be wholly good, and not everyone is wholly evil. Hayato has been wracking his brain for a way to make Juudaime understand this at the same time he's been putting it off and dreading Juudaime finding out on his own. But-

Somehow, it's happened without him even knowing. Somehow, Juudaime has gained that understanding. Somehow, some of the innocence in his eyes has gone, their light dimmed, his faith in humanity shaken, and-

And it's heartbreaking. God, but it hurts just looking at him. But that's not all.

Juudaime looks at them like they're a miracle, an unexpected treasure, an awesome gift he can hardly believe exists, and Hayato can't help becoming utterly pissed every time those sea-green eyes land on him.

Because Juudaime has no reason to ever look like that. Because the only reason someone would is because something happened to make them believe that such friendship and loyalty has to be treasured. Something like losing both. Something like betrayal.

(Something Hayato is intimately familiar with.)

He doesn't know when it happened or how. Doesn't know the circumstances or time frame, even if Reborn-sama seems to. His only question is- The only thing Hayato needs to know is this:

Who does he need to kill?

Yamamoto's expression grows grim and faintly murderous upon seeing his own, and even without any words between them, he knows Yamamoto agrees with him. In this, at least, Hayato will welcome the help.

IV.

As he watches one of his closest friends go toe to toe with a master of martial arts, with an Arcobaleno, cheerful and determined and not even a little bit perturbed that she keeps getting tossed into the dirt, Tsuna finds himself thinking that Haru is amazing.

He knew that already, of course. She's fierce and proud and tough, doesn't give a damn what people think, forges her own path with an unbreakable will and an unwavering belief in herself, and is all the stronger for it. She knows her flaws, plays to her strengths, and refuses to apologize for the kind of confidence that comes with knowing one's self so intimately. Tsuna wishes he was half as strong as Haru is, or that he was even marginally as comfortable in his own skin.

He hadn't quite managed it before, but now-

Now that he's had time to sort through everything, now that he's not clinging to any semblance of composure and on the verge of a breakdown, it's actually more difficult to distinguish himself from his past self. A good sign, he hopes, because trying to separate the two felt uncomfortably like tearing himself in half, and it never lasted long. He's Arthur and Tsuna, and rejecting that part of him probably isn't remotely healthy. Certainly not if the intense headache he gets every time he tries means anything. The last one was so bad, he couldn't stop himself from clutching his head in pain, and the panicking and borderline aggressive nursing he had to endure afterwards was more than enough to evoke a change in mindset. Tsuna has no wish to give his friends even more reason to worry, after all.

(And no wish to endure Ryohei's terribly efficient and downright frightening mother-henning.)

It's not easy accepting Arthur's lonely, pained existence, and his death will surely haunt Tsuna's dreams for some time, but- There was more to Arthur than betrayal and heartache and sorrow. There was more to his reign than backstabbing and anarchy and pointless death. There was peace and prosperity and family and friends who loved him.

(The memories of laughter and merriment are ones Tsuna holds onto in the midst of all the recrimination and regret, those precious people held just as dear as his friends and family here and now. Their bravery and camaraderie and loyalty will never be forgotten, no matter how many lifetimes he lives to see. Arthur as Tsuna could do no less for those who held faith in him to the very end.)

With acceptance comes understanding, and suddenly, Tsuna gets things he'd not quite grasped before. Suddenly, he's thinking like Arthur.

Arthur, who was a formidable tactician and leader of a country for almost a decade, who fought and bled and died beside his men on the battlefield, who fought for and believed in honor and glory and the codes of chivalry.

Arthur, who looks at Tsuna, at his near misses and close calls and clumsy attempts at plans and effortlessly comes up with strategies that would have minimized danger and guaranteed success. Who gently corrects assumptions and points out details Tsuna had missed, things he hadn't accounted for or even known to look for with the wry attitude of one who has been in Tsuna's position before and understands completely.

(Merlin, Tsuna thinks- or remembers. Mentor, grandfather figure, old friend.

There's pain there, lingering regret for things left unsaid, for not seeking Merlin out for counsel on matters he really should have, for not keeping in touch with the man those last years of his reign, so convinced was he that he needed no help.

But for the most part, he thinks of Merlin and remembers joy and laughter and the old man's odd sense of humor and odder fondness for the strange and mystical. Remembers adventure and magic and fun. Remembers gentle admonitions, rants turned tangents that dragged on and on, Merlin's steadfast belief that Arthur was a worthy student and the rightful king.

He misses Merlin most of all, truthfully, misses his friend who never would have betrayed him, who taught him and guided him and made him, who knew more than anyone that Arthur was hardly a man without emotion, despite Arthur trying so desperately to pretend that he was, despite everyone's belief that he was. Misses him with a fervor he'd not thought himself capable of there at the end.

But Arthur is dead, and Merlin is out of reach, and Tsuna is getting used to sadness and grief and regret. Getting used to it and hopefully getting over it. He's got great friends and family and a new mentor who knows and understands him, after all.

All he needs now is time.)

It's not as though there's another voice inside his head because those thoughts are his, but it is strange to feel both sheepish of and amused by himself, as if he's a grown man looking back at childhood memories when in fact the events he's ruminating on are quite recent.

Tsuna hadn't quite realized that he was being reckless with his own life, but now, he can't help but look back at his past actions and cringe. He was... cocky, he supposes, confident in his hard-earned skills and utterly committed to putting them to use. He accounted for risks, and he never jumped into a hopeless situation, never stepped in and helped when his efforts would be for nothing, instead leaving the matter to the police or to Kyoya and his Disciplinary Committee, all whom have more manpower and have trained for such things. But perhaps, he could have done with a little more caution, a little more planning. A little more than determination and faith and the hope that his resolve would see him through.

Reborn has yet to go over strategy with him, focusing instead on training up his body and instincts and sword skills, on stuffing European history and everything Mafia and Vongola into his head. And for all that he's studied about knights and warriors, for all that he's been fighting for years, Tsuna is still a civilian child. Battle tactics are not something he's been able to learn on his own.

It's fortunate, then, that the entirety of Arthur's knowledge is now Tsuna's too. Fortunate for his friends, at least, who apparently had more than enough reason to worry about him and his lack of self-preservation. He... probably owes them another apology, doesn't he?

Speaking of friends who worry about him, though- his eyes stray back to Haru, who is eagerly nodding at whatever Fon is saying, excitedly adding her own comments here and there with wild gestures and more exuberance than could possibly be contained in one body, never mind her bruises and the dirt all over her.

The sight of her makes part of him conflicted, a piece of Arthur that rubs Tsuna the wrong way and is likely why it hasn't been assimilated like the rest of him. Because of chivalry, the code he lived by, and the time period he grew up in, one in which women would never have been allowed to pick up arms and fight, in which they were to be kept away from harm along with children and protected by men, even untrained ones. Treated like porcelain glass and wives to be won over by knights and little more than property by those Arthur has always found despicable.

Part of him wants to protest, wants to put his foot down and impress upon her the danger she's unknowingly putting herself in, wants to reassure her that he'll keep her safe and that she doesn't need to worry about grisly things like battles and blood and fighting to the last man.

Every bit of Tsuna is wryly wondering whether Arthur actually thinks his words would do anything but piss her off. Tsuna's already been the sole focus of Haru's wrath, and he's not about to bring that upon himself again, especially not now that she's being formally trained- and certainly not for this.

Maybe it's because his mom would never stand for it, or maybe it's because he's been surrounded by badass women his whole life, Kyoko and Haru included, but Tsuna's never bought into the whole 'women are weaker' thing. It's never made sense to him, and he's never seen evidence of such nonsense. It reeks of misogyny and sexism, of men as a whole attempting once again to subjugate, to make themselves feel superior to everyone else, and there's nothing Tsuna likes less.

Quite simply, it's bullying on a large scale, and Tsuna is no bully. He doesn't want his friends to get hurt, and that extends to all of them, not just the girls.

Tsuna really admires the intent behind the codes of chivalry, behind knighthood. Protecting people because it's the right thing to do - and without expecting compensation in return - will never be wrong, but Tsuna's not interested in saving damsels. He wants to protect everyone equally, absolutely anyone who needs his help, and not just women and children. As good as the intentions might have been at the time, lumping women in with children who genuinely can't protect themselves, who are too young and inexperienced and need saving- it's demeaning and infantilizing. It's an awful way to treat a grown adult who can make their own decisions and learn to fight as well as or better than any man.

It makes him angry that people can't see that, that they're blinded by prejudice and society and unable to tell truth from lies- in some cases, willfully so. Makes him angry and upset and fiercely, supremely proud of all of his friends for not succumbing to that kind of toxic mindset. Because agreeing with 'the way it's always been' is easier than disagreeing. Because submitting is easier than fighting. It's the coward's way of thinking, and not a single one of his friends are the cowardly sort.

Haru and Kyoko and even I-Pin once she's older- If they're dead set on fighting, on protecting others, well, Tsuna will happily point them towards Reborn and encourage them with everything he has.

He would love to set Haru on his enemies. Honestly, he's not entirely sure there would be anything left of them afterwards. Haru is terrifyingly vicious. Combined with Kyoko, who can be just as cheerfully unforgiving and merciless… The two of them could take over the world, and it would be easy. Tsuna considers himself lucky they're content to stick to Namimori and to use their many talents to aid him. Lucky and utterly humbled by their kindness and dedication.

(In the back of his mind, he feels that conflicted bit of Arthur fade, appeased, and with it the knot of anxious disapproval in his stomach.

It makes him hopeful that eventually this feeling of being of overfull and fit to bursting will fade, too.)

V.

"Haru-kun is a remarkable student," Fon comments, sipping his tea with a serene smile on his face. He looks over at Reborn and says, "I was surprised when you asked for my assistance in this matter, but now I understand."

Reborn tugs his hat down, making a noise of agreement but not saying a word on the subject otherwise.

He doesn't like calling in favors, especially when it comes to a job he should be capable of completing on his own and even more so when the help in question is another Arcobaleno (there's a reason they go decades without even speaking to each other), but in this case, it was necessary. Haru's anger is too uncontrolled, too volatile. The fact that she loses all sense of reasoning when under its influence is not a good sign. He's almost surprised she's not a Storm, but Lightning is a good fit, too.

Reborn has never had a problem controlling his own anger. Has, in fact, never experienced any sort of drop in skill even under cases of extreme emotion. His emotions have never ruled him, and thus, he'd be next to useless teaching someone whose every action is dictated by what she feels at any given moment. Fon, on the other hand, is a master of fueling his corrosive anger into every strike, every movement, and is all the more deadly for it. He appears to be calm and unruffled because he suppresses his emotions lest his own flames run wild, and in all the years Reborn has known him, his control has only ever slipped once.

He hates to admit it, but Haru needs to learn that same control, and there's no better teacher. The fact that he knew Haru would excel in hand to hand combat, that which Fon is also a master of, was another consideration. Haru's a potential Guardian and a member of Tsuna's Family, and Reborn will mold her into just as much of a threat as the rest of his students are shaping up to be. To do anything less would be entirely unacceptable.

Unfazed by his silence, Fon continues, smile more genuine, "I-Pin is glad to have a fellow pupil."

And she is. Reborn hasn't seen the girl this happy since the last time Fon visited. Haru has taken to her role as I-Pin's senpai with the same enthusiasm, never mind that she's technically below I-Pin in skill. He's sure that won't be the case much longer, regardless. Haru's a hard worker and a fast learner.

"Though it seems Lambo-kun is not happy with this state of affairs," Fon says, amused, likely remembering this morning when Lambo burst into angry tears and traded places with his and I-Pin's older selves when he didn't get his way, resulting in a chaotic five minutes Reborn had no hand in and that left him sorely tempted to put a permanent end to the fifteen year old Bovino's crying, potential backup Guardian or no.

Not wanting to dwell on that headache, Reborn speaks for the first time, narrowing his eyes. "I didn't expect you to agree so quickly." He plans to call in Colonello to train his two Suns as soon as they're healed and able to train, and he knows that conversation won't go nearly as smoothly, even if he'll obviously get what he wants in the end.

"Hm." Fon returns his gaze to the window, eyes going distant. "I owe your student for taking such good care of I-Pin. Not many would accept a child, let alone a child assassin, into their homes without hesitation or compensation, but he did so with open arms." He sets aside his tea and glances at Reborn. "His generosity is not his only notable quality, however. I noted in our first meeting that Tsuna-san has the makings of a great leader."

"Tsuna's not my worst student," Reborn allows, and wonders where Fon is going with this. Nowhere good, considering he's changed from his vaguely genial smile to his I'm-being-pleasant-but-also-divulging-some-bad-news smile.

"He had excellent potential," Fon says calmly before finally getting to his point. "Imagine my surprise that after only two months, that potential has been more than realized."

Reborn meets his piercing stare head on, not cowed in the least. He'd suspected that's what this was about, but he hadn't expected Fon to confront him directly. Usually, Fon is content with observing and making idle comments and only going the direct route once he has all the facts and is ready to corner his prey. In this case, though, there's little chance Fon has discovered Tsuna's secret. Even for them, it would be hard to come to such a conclusion - and harder to believe without undeniable proof in the form of a gleaming holy sword and unshakeable trust in Tsuna himself.

"Tsuna still has a long way to go," Reborn rebuffs, and it's true. Reincarnated king or not, Tsuna has barely scratched the surface of the Mafia, and regardless, he's still struggling with an identity crisis. He has faith Tsuna will get everything under control eventually, and luckily, he has time to do so while he and his Family are recovering. After, well...

Fon smiles knowingly, and it grates. "I don't expect you to divulge anything, Reborn. Extracting information from you is much like pulling teeth. I'm simply warning you. I won't be the only one to find it strange that a civilian child with less than a year of training has the bearing of a seasoned boss."

He doesn't grimace, but he does tug his fedora down again. He doesn't need the warning. He's already well aware Tsuna's new demeanor is a cause for concern in just about everyone around him. His Guardians have definitely noticed, and Tsuna's reassuring smiles are doing nothing to lessen their worry.

Reborn hadn't lied when he'd given Tsuna excuses not to reveal the truth to anyone, but he hadn't let on his primary reason. Tsuna is afraid of their reactions and at the same time doesn't want to burden them with his problems. Knowing what Reborn does about his life as Arthur, he'd opted to let Tsuna come to terms with everything first and then gather his friends to explain later once he felt capable of doing so. Right now, forcing Tsuna to tell them could possibly be the worst thing for him. Not to mention, Reborn is leery of doing anything that might be considered betrayal, even something as small as putting Tsuna through another one of his tests. He has to tread carefully.

Nevertheless, he does grudgingly appreciate Fon looking out for Tsuna. Tsuna needs all the allies he can get. Now more than ever.

"I'll keep that in mind," he says, which might as well be a thank you coming from him.

Understanding as much, Fon smiles and says, "I'll hold you to that. I-Pin would be heartbroken were something to happen to her Tsuna-nii."

End Notes: Hope I didn't get Hayato's character horribly wrong. :/

- I wanted Hayato to have a role outside simply being a potential guardian, and assuming Hayato lied about him becoming 10th if he killed Tsuna or else knew Reborn was lying & it didn't work like that (& assuming Reborn was testing both of them), then we have Hayato hired to "test" Tsuna in any way he sees fit (or perhaps with certain criteria?) in canon. So KA!Tsuna gets a different test bc he has a different main weakness.

- Hayato could have blown himself up without covering himself in fakes, but he went with a more dramatic and immediately alarming visual. Plus, less dangerous for him. That he didn't even threaten to after being found out is bc he was rattled by Tsuna's insight & sincerity, and his temper got the better of him, leading to a similar scene in canon.

- Hayato's suicidal tendencies are a canon trait and something Tsuna would find alarming & try to fix. (Plus he was stalling for time.) I think it ties into issues of self worth and insecurity, & that's kinda what I've based his chapter around.

- Hayato is a genius, and he's been betrayed before (or so he thinks; he believes his father had his mother killed; and if I'm totally wrong on that, whoops), & ofc he pays closer attention to Tsuna than anyone else. Just made sense to me that he'd figure something out. I hc Yamamoto as being super observant about his friends & able to read and change the mood, so he picked up that something's super wrong, too.

- I might be leaning into Fanon territory with Tsuna's Hyper Intuition being so strong & helpful, esp. before being unsealed, but Tsuna is very, very good at reading people without it. The Intuition just helps him make leaps of logic that lead to better insight. It's all very instinctual.

- Merlin was long gone by the time of Mordred's betrayal (still working out how I'm going about this & what parts of different explanations/legends I'll be using), & I'm going with Arthur chose not to contact him. But yeah, he couldn't even if he tried.

- My take on Merlin is inspired by his portrayal in Disney's The Sword in the Stone, which I loved. So this is not Fate's Merlin, just to be clear, who I don't know much about aside from he's apparently young-looking & pretty. This Merlin is an old, lovable crazy grandpa type.

- As for Tsuna, here is my attempt to explain why he's seen as stupidly selfless to the point of recklessness. He's got good instincts, but had no one to teach him proper strategy/planning, whereas Arthur was taught from a young age. Unlike Emiya Shirou (who I'm really, really not trying to emulate here; feel free to keep calling me out on this), he will not recklessly throw himself into a dangerous situation, esp. if there's no point, no matter what his friends might think. He values his life & needs to stay alive if he wants to complete his dream.

- Did anyone guess Haru's tutor might be Fon? Hopefully didn't butcher his character lmao