A/N: READ. THANKS. EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. Ok, many of you might wonder why I've deleted my letters or notes, whatever you wanna call it, but as you know those things are against the rules. I know that but I just had to make my point, so for those who have yet to read those letters, I posted them on my profile instead :)

This chapter was supposed to be posted on my birthday, along with the rest of my updates, but! I needed to post just one to tell everyone that I finally have an Archive of Our Own account! It's because of the invite of one angel, PoisonandSugar. Thanks dear! Now, I don't have to wait till December weee~ Also, for those who want to be a part of that site, just give me your email address via PM and I'll see if I could invite you since that site is still under construction or something.

I received the invite the day I posted my second letter and so, I've posted most of my stories in Archive of Our Own. My new stories are already posted there, so just look up amethyst_ice22 and I'm sure you'll find me. Anyway, toodles for now everyone and see you on my birthday :) You can review this chapter, or you do not review, the decision's up to you. All I know is I already did my job, so please enjoy everyone!

Three days after the incident...

Tsuna was torn between worrying himself to death and just resting till his eyes fell off. His cell had been ringing for quite sometime. Definitely, his employer was dying to get his hands on him, and maybe wring his neck in the process. It wasn't his fault he was confined in the hospital, nursing several injuries, which Reborn had so kindly informed him, would take at least three months to heal.

A day off was already their maximum in his line of work, what's more for a three month leave? It wouldn't be surprising if Tsuna would be fired before he could blurt out his excuse, no matter how valid it seemed. His employer was not called a slave driver for nothing. For his stout boss was the definition of a monster, not to mention, an evil overlord. The brunet sighed, his hands grazing the windowsill of his hospital window.

Come to think of it, it had been quite sometime since he was driven to this state. To a point where he was completely bed-ridden for countless days. To be precise, his last encounter with these white walls and overwhelmingly disgusting smell of antiseptics were about seven years ago. Back when he was still under the tutelage of none other than his ex-tutor, Reborn.

Reborn's ways, one could say, were brutal at the least. If anything, normal people would die on their first day of training. Tsuna was exaggerating, but he was speaking from experience here, and he couldn't be blamed if he still felt a sliver of fear whenever in his tutor's presence. The brunet never understood why his mother, or even his father, even agreed that he be taught by a complete sadist.

There were a couple of times, Tsuna wanted to run away from home when the pressure and torture had been too much to bear. Reborn, however, always knew where he was, where he would go, and where he would most likely think of going. It was safe to say that his childhood years were not as fantastic and as carefree as most teens thought theirs to be.

Most of Reborn's teachings centered around self-defense though. Academics and other matters were already things Reborn drilled into him through countless late night studying. However, training the body was a completely different matter. Tsuna wouldn't dare deny the fact that his body was as fragile as any pathetic loser out there, as well as weak as a delicate china. Tsuna was a loser, an imbecile, a dead-last and other demeaning insults Reborn could think of.

Therefore, his ex-tutor made it his goal to toughen him up to the point where Tsuna was capable enough of defeating ten thugs in one go or more if he tried. The brunet never used his abilities though, for he believed that his forced-to-be-acquired-skills were only used when absolutely necessary.

Tsuna flexed his fingers, slowly trying to ease the tension from his left hand. His right was still as numb as it was the first day he woke up in the hospital. The thought of not being able to use his right hand was not a particularly scary thought, since none of his bones were crushed. The muscles from his right were just ripped and his wrist was fractured. They weren't as bad as Reborn made it out to be.

What bothered him was the 'proposals' Reborn had mentioned prior to his second wakening. It was a mere joke, wasn't it? Besides, those kids he saved looked as adorable as any of the kids he sees in his life. It would be too much of a coincidence for them to be royals. The mere thought of such bad luck was laughable to Tsuna. He shook his head slowly. It's just impossible.

Tsuna looked outside his window once again. His room was situated at the fifth floor, and his view overlooked the beautiful sienna and rosewood trees planted around the hospital. From his periphery, he could see the countless people buzzing about, going inside and outside the hospital he was in. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, and it seemed as if his 'heroic and idiotic deed,' as Reborn loved to point out, was a mere remnant of a past gone by.

Well, Sawada Tsunayoshi had no regrets though. Even if the damage on his body was quite critical, he was still able to save the lives of two children. And within his books, knowing that they were safe and sound was already a reward in itself. He could ask for nothing more.

There was just one thing bothering him. It was the strange fact that both I-pin and Fuuta were dangled from that high of a position. It was impossible for children to just fall off the way they did. The only way for them to get to where they were that day he found them, was for someone to have purposely place them there.

Tsuna's irises narrowed, his eyebrows furrowing in concentration. That was the only possible conclusion he could think of. The next question would be is who would do such a thing? And for that person to put up a flashy and psychotic show, it was definitely no ordinary man. What that perpetrator did was still a crime, and a very severe one at that. No outright sane person would endanger children the way, whoever he was, did.

A sudden click from the door alerted him of someone entering his room. Turning his attention away from the falling leaves, Tsuna glanced towards the door, expecting one of the nurses. His door opened fully and a smile formed on his face, his eyes shining in delight. He wasn't expecting them, but who cares?

"Fuuta! I-pin!"

...

One day ago...

Seven people in total surrounded the furnished oak table, their attention on the screen where a video was being played. Everyone's eyes were intent on every movement, every word, and just every single detail they saw and heard. It was abnormally silent, the only noise heard was from the static of the television and the sounds from the video. A minute passed and the screen blacked out. The show was over but the tension in the air was thick and suffocating.

"Quite interesting, wouldn't you say, gentlemen?" Mukuro spoke first, every word painted with amusement. Truly, an event such as that was not what he, or anyone else for that matter, expected in Japan. It only served to amuse him more than he thought possible. Maybe, this time, the annual UNF meeting would not be the only thing he does in Japan.

"Is it entirely possible that he is not in league with the perpetrators?" Basil, a fateful servant of the Vongola, inquired. He along with Giotto's personal guards arrived that morning. They were not so ignorant as to be unaware of what transpired the other day.

Someone had clearly tried to kill Fuuta, the fifth in line for Italy, and I-pin, the third in line for China. It sent royals all over the world on edge. A threat such as this will not be ignored, and both countries would not rest until the perpetrators were put to their deaths.

"Yes, he could just be putting up a show!" Gokudera, another one of Vongola's finest guards and tacticians, implored. Who knew what kind of schemes their enemies could be cooking up? It would not be invalid to say, that at the very least, aside from the inner circle of the royals, no one could be trusted. For even among the entirety of the royal families, traitors and spies were snooping around.

"It is quite unfortunate, but we must have him under surveillance." Giotto stated grimly, his regal features troubled at the prospect, yet it must be done. They could not possibly take chances, especially with what happened to his cousin. His sapphire blue eyes narrowed. He would make sure that he finds them. They will suffer the consequences of hurting my family.

"Tetsu is already investigating the herbivore. He will be here within the day." Hibari intoned coldly, as he leaned back on his chair. This matter was giving him a headache, and over a single a herbivore, which he hated to admit was admirable to be able to save his niece in such a situation.

Everyone else seemed to be on the same boat, thinking of all the possibilities that this 'heroic man' could be a criminal in disguise. It was silent for a while, each one engrossed in their own thoughts, until the clink of the china disrupted the peace, followed by a soft laugh.

"For all your grievances, the irony of the situation is quite amusing." Fon smiled calmly, even as his statement had guaranteed the attention of everyone in the room. The Emperor of China leaned back, and regarded them with an aura of serenity.

Giotto raised a delicate eyebrow in question, suddenly intrigued. "What do you mean?"

Fon chuckled, his eyes opening slightly, a small smile on his lips. He turned to Giotto, opting to answer. It seems that everyone else is interested in this matter.

"It is wise to keep an eye on this young man, but unnecessary caution would weaken our defenses, gentlemen. He is of no harm to us." It was uttered with all the authority and intelligence an emperor should have. They stared at the Chinese monarch, as if he had grown another head. It was strange that out of all of them, it was Fon who was being most lenient, when he was the most ruthless when it came to strategies and tactics.

"What is the basis of your conclusion, Fon?" Dino, who had been silent for quite some time, asked. It was not as if the blond Italian was doubting him, it just felt as if Fon knew something that they don't. And with the incident being partially all their fault, it is only fair that they know as well.

"I know the young lad, and besides, I don't think Reborn would take it lightly if we step on his territory." Fon leisurely sipped his tea, not minding the indignant and incredulous stares directed at him. He had said it as calmly as he was stating the weather, which was quite unfair, given the shock that everyone else was experiencing.

"R-Reborn? You mean the Reborn of Vongola?" Gokudera spluttered, his back straight and his eyes wide as he directed his stare at Fon. What the hell?

Fon smiled, amused. Placing his cup down, he crossed his legs, and leaned forward, his face cradled by his intertwined fingers.

"Is there any other Reborn, aside from him?" The emperor replied, a little tinge of laughter in his voice. They stared at him, clearly unable to process this sudden piece of information. Giotto suddenly sighed and leaned back on his chair. As he let his hand cradle his face, he directed his gaze at Fon.

"If that is true, then, we finally know why Reborn disappears once in a while without letting anyone else find him. Such a crafty man he is, as usual." The conversation had taken a lighter route, the tension in air suddenly uplifted.

"If I may ask, your highness. Who exactly is the lad you are pertaining to?" It was something everyone else was dying to know. Did Reborn just take this young man under him on a fleeting fancy or something else? This was still a grave matter for Reborn had never taken in apprentices outside of the royal family. If anything, he previously taught only two royals, namely Giotto and Dino Vongola.

In all actuality, the name Reborn, is known all over the world. He was also known as the greatest hitman to have ever existed. It would be safe to say that his reputation preceded him and many others have tried to have him on their side.

However, the hitman had never worked for anyone else besides the Vongola. It was no wonder that the Vongola family stood as one of the most powerful authorities around the world. They had the backing of not only one, but three of the famed Arcobaleno.

The Arcobaleno, one could say, were legends. In terms of military prowess and intelligence, they were renowned as the strongest warriors of their time. Each individual possessed a certain skill, which they were a master of, and until today, no one has yet to defeat them. Along with that particular 'skill,' they were likened with an attribute of the sky.

Fon, the ever kind emperor of China, was one of them. He was known as the Storm Arcobaleno and he excelled in all forms of martial arts. Reborn, the feared hitman and assassin, was the Sun Arcobaleno. He had the best grasp of the concept of 'the art of killing.'

Five others were given the titles of Arcobaleno, and for almost a century, these titles have only been handed to the 'strongest individuals.' A ceremony of some sort is done in private, before these individuals were presented to the royal family as the Arcobalenos.

It is still unknown how these people are chosen, but if it is within the jurisdiction of the Vindice, no one else dares to argue. The Vindice was after all, the oldest and wisest royals of their time, aside from being the enacting police force that protects all the royals of every nation. The Vindice were both the guardians of the royal family and enforcers of the law.

Aside from the Storm and the Sun, there was the Thunder, Mist, Cloud, Rain, and of course, the one and only Sky. The 'Sky' was their leader, and contrary to everyone's belief, the Sky was not as strong as the others. The Sky was the chains holding these beasts down, and this particular title is only given towards the person all the other Arcobalenos deemed worthy to protect. Meaning the 'Sky' Arcobaleno was always chosen last, and with undying loyalty and professed love, the Arcobalenos followed the Sky's will religiously.

Their obedience to their Sky was absolute, and if their Sky wills the destruction of a nation, and so it shall be. Therefore, only a handful knows the true identity of the Sky, for this person holds immense power that every single royal, monarch, and country would die to obtain.

It was a hierarchy inherent to these individuals, and many nations are threatened by this. Such as the birth of the UNF, and this annual meeting of royals all over the world. To make sure that the Alliance was in fact still intact, and to let the others know, that the Arcobalenos would never turn against them.

"Hmm...good question, Basil-kun. Let's see." Fon paused in thought, and everyone else in the room quietly awaited his answer. Anyone, and any one for that matter, will not pass up a chance to know something about the Arcobalenos that others have yet to know. Besides, it was the first time they knew of something like this. It was definitely unprecedented, more so than coincidental. As the saying goes, "Coincidences do not exist, only the inevitable."

"If I could sum it up simply..." Fon trailed off, his eyes closed in concentration before a smile settled on his lips. His kind and calm features only made him look all the more regal and beautiful. One would not think that he was an expert in battle, and barely showed mercy towards the enemy.

"Sawada Tsunayoshi is the one deemed as Luche's favorite." The reaction was instantaneous, as everyone stood from their seats, all sporting incredulous looks of disbelief. Gone was the usual propriety and decorum every person in the room possessed, as they stared aghast at the smiling emperor of China.

"L-LUCHE?" Fon sipped his tea, his eyes closed, unaffected by the explosive response. It was to be expected for Fon knew, that every single person in the room knew who Luche was. Luche is none other than the current 'Sky Arcobaleno.' However, it was also a known fact that the current Sky Arcobaleno is dying, and it won't be long before the Arcobalenos make their move and find their next Sky.

"Yes, Luche. Tsuna-kun is like her grandchild, thus, gentlemen..." The last of his tea was drained from his cup before settling the China on the table. He fixed them all with his gaze, his eyes now open, and if it weren't for the fact that they were all trained since birth to act accordingly, they would have ran and fled from Fon.

"Anyone who harms Sawada Tsunayoshi would be waging war against us, the Arcobalenos."

...

Present...

"Nii-san! Can we visit you again?" A pair of adorable doe eyes stared up at him, and Tsuna could only smile. Gently, he ruffled Fuuta's hair, and patted I-pin gently on the head.

"Of course! Just make sure you don't go alone, ok?" Both children nodded, their grins of joy lighting their faces as they played with the toys they brought with them to make him feel better. To be honest, it was very touching of them to visit him again. What bothered him was the fact that they were able to visit him. How were they able to find him?

Tsuna's gaze slid to the right where he could see a shadow of a man standing outside his room. A bodyguard, no doubt. Knowing this, it had him on edge. It's not possible that what Reborn said was true, right? Tsuna knew that he shouldn't take Reborn's words for what they are, he was always tricked when he was younger. It would be a blow to his pride if he's still as naive as before. A knock on his door interrupted his musing, and it was no surprise to see Reborn standing there.

"Reborn, were you the one who brought them here?" Tsuna gestured to the children, and Reborn only smirked. His eyes glinted with unknown promises that it had Tsuna suddenly on edge. The children on his bed didn't mind the sudden entrance of the unknown man, if anything they only continued playing among themselves, and it was a small relief that they weren't afraid of Reborn. Usually, children fled at the sight of Reborn, or cry even. The brunet couldn't blame them, knowing Reborn all these years had not lessened his fear of him.

"Do I look like someone who would be babysitting children?" Tsuna let out a nervous laugh. Guess not.

"Oi Tsuna, someone came to visit you today." Tsuna stared at his ex-tutor curiously as Reborn moved from the door and another person came in. Tsuna's auburn eyes widened, and a smile quickly formed on his lips. It's been so long since the last time he saw her. She was, after all, like family to him ever since his parents died years ago.

"Luche-baachan!" Said person gently smiled, her steps quiet as she approached him on the bed. Carefully, she sat down on the chair beside him, before taking his left hand in hers.

"It's been a while, Tsuna-kun."

...

Reborn quietly stepped out of the room, his cell in hand. He leaned against the wall before answering.

"What?" The person on the other line grumbled.

"Nice greeting, Reborn. Grumpy as always." Reborn tsked in annoyance, his eyes showing his annoyance.

"Get to the point, Colonello." The man sighed, before shaking his head. As always, his 'comrade's' temper had not mellowed down after all these years.

"Fon confirmed it. He was the one who informed the others." Reborn tightened his hold on his handheld. His anger simpering to the surface. For years on end, he had been hiding this one fact from all of the royals of the world, even to the royal family he was devoted to. Fon just had to be honest at the most crucial time.

"I see. Tell them about this. Also, Luche is here with me in Japan." From the other side, Colonello nodded, his expression grim.

"Got it, see you then." The line was cut and Reborn shut his phone. This was not part of his plans. It's no wonder that the royal families were becoming restless. No doubt those brats again. Another five proposals came in today and for the life of him, he couldn't understand, they did know Tsuna was a man, right? Well, no matter, all members of the royal family had a screw loose, anyway.

On the plus side, it would just make everything all the more interesting. He'll just have to make sure that not one one of them would slip from his watchful gaze. Not that he had anything to worry about. Reborn was not known as the greatest hitman in the world for nothing.

By far, none of his targets had escaped from his hands. Not one was walking the earth today, rather, every single one of them were rotting six feet under. He did feel a twinge of sympathy for his former student though, but it was unavoidable. He knew it from the beginning, ever since he had met the pathetic and weak Sawada Tsunayoshi. This revelation was a means to an end, and perhaps, it would be the one force that would revolutionize the corrupt intricacies of the royal family.

To be continued...