The Great Sun and the Great Sky

SakuraSamuraiGirl

Chapter 7: Alliances Made and Broken

Katekyo Hitman Reborn and its characters belong to Akira Amano

It was two o'clock in the morning when Tsunami woke up between Hayato and Takeshi. Hayato was asleep. His mouth was open and his breath passes over his teeth. Tsunami squeezes her eyes close thinking of her fight. It still bothered her so much for losing to her father. Why did it bother her so much? She didn't understand why it was bothering her so much! She whines. Strong arms tighten around her waist and she is pulled into Takeshi's chest. She closes her eyes as she feels his lips against her ear. He hums into ear. Tsunami leans against him and relaxes a little. Hayato whimpers. Tsunami huffs with a small smile and pulls him gently against her. He cuddles even closer and makes a happy sound.

Tsunami thought she heard Takeshi laugh in his sleep.

The second day of Tsunami's surprise, Enma's familgia had suddenly changed their minds and they all decided to support Skull in the battles. Their change of decision came from when they learned that Skull saved Enma from being ganged up on by the Varia. Tsunami was surprised and a little upset that the entire Varia squad tried to take down Enma. Then again, Enma was fairly strong and they had seen what he can do at the ceremony a few months ago. She supposes that was fair in a way and decides not to have a talk with Squalo or Xanxus. Touching his hand and intertwining their fingers together, Tsunami looks him over. He had new bandages all over him. Band-aids wrapped around his fingers. Looking up from her inspection she looks onto Enma's face. His face was red and he was looking down on his desk. Giggling she tugs on his hand to make him look at her.

"Please be careful next time, Enma-kun."

Enma nods quickly.

The bell rings and all class take their seats. They all realize that their teacher for this period had yet to arrive. Murmurs begin to fill the classroom and grow. There was a loud crash outside the door that makes it rattle. There was grumbling behind the door. The door slides open and Tsunami, her guardians, Enma and Kyoko become stunned! In through the door walks in Dino! Tsunami has a sense of déjà vu from the time Squalo walked in as a teacher! Really! Wouldn't the school be suspicious that have young Italian teachers being employed every time? Tsunami wasn't surprise to see the hearts in her fellow female classmates' eyes (minus Kyoko, who knew Dino from their trip to the future together).

School ends quickly and thankfully, nothing happened after school. Reborn decides to take advantage of a few moments for them to do a little intel.

Reborn has Tsunami and her Storm and Rain to visit a rented mansion. Tsunami didn't know that a mansion could be rented. The mansion was in the upper-crust neighborhood of Namimori. In fact, it was a few sprints across a couple of large courtyards away from the creator and die-hard fan of the Tsunami-Idol site, Mei. Thankfully Reborn took an alternate route away from Mei's neck of the woods. It must be important whoever they were meeting at this mansion that Reborn would skip an opportunity to torture Tsunami. The mansion was pure white, like a modern museum with flowers decorating over every surface giving it a "welcome home" vibe with a variety of trees and bushes.

As they entered the courtyard, one of the double doors on the veranda opens. Everyone smiles with delight when a tiny, young Yuni dashes out.

"Hey everyone!" Yuni greets.

Tsunami rushes up to the girl and catches her within in arms in a hug.

"Yuni! It really is you!" Tsunami giggles. "Ah, you're so small!"

Yuni giggles along with Tsunami. She takes her guests to the tea room where a lovely set was waiting for them and…

"M-M-Mei-san?!" Tsunami gasps.

"Tsu-chan!" Mei stands from the table, in a modern Victorian attire with a great big hat with layers of flowers and ribbons. "What a delight to see you! It's been so long!"

"So long? We came back from that school trip only a few weeks ago…" Hayato mutters.

Mei had heard about her new neighbor, Yuni and had decided to give a warm welcome to the neighborhood visit. She had brought tea and cakes and had it prepared by her ever-constant companion and butler, Isami.

"I see your special guests have arrived so I will take my leave. It was a pleasure, Yuni-san! A great pleasure to see you again, Tsu-chan!" Mei flutters her lashes. "We can let ourselves out! I don't want to take up of you and Tsu-chan's time. Good bye, Yuni-san."

Yuni waves good bye. Tsunami sighs as she takes a seat, "Uh…she didn't mention anything about her online business…did she?"

Yuni also takes a seat next to her. "Yes! I ordered the photo book and the alarm clock!"

Tsunami moans while Yuni giggles. As they settled into their seats, Tsunami notices at the door from the outside were two small children. When they were spotted they makes faces and dash off.

"Was that…?" Tsunami blinks.

Yuni nods, "Yes, that was Bluebell and Nosaru! I've gotten to know them in this time. So will you!"

Tsunami smiles, "They're kind of cute when they're not trying to kill you."

Yuni continues talking about her team. From Checkerface's report, several people from Yuni's team had been taken down by Verde's team. Those individuals that had their watches destroyed were Tazaru, Torikabuto and Daisy. Gamma was having difficulty accepting Byakuran into the team. Besides the events of their future encounters, Gamma didn't like Byakuran personality in general. In return, Byakuran doesn't like taking orders from Gamma.

"Ah, speaking of Byakuran, Tsunami-chan? He's been acting a little weird since he had returned with our offer to form alliance a few days ago."

"Weird?" Tsunami pauses in drinking her tea.

"Mm! He was…floating…literally! Later he had the fit of the giggles and was blushing."

Tsunami blushes herself.

"I knew it! Something happened and you're the source! What happened?" Yuni insists.

Tsunami sets her tea down and runs her finger about the rim of the cup. Her blushing goes further as she stutters about the kiss she gave Byakuran out of gratitude for saving Takeshi a few months ago. Yuni gasps and claps her hands over her mouth. The shock goes away in seconds and Yuni giggles and laughs.

"Byakuran has a crush on you now!"

"D-does he now?" Tsunami's face was inflamed.

Takeshi chuckles.

Hayato was dazed, "Hime's love…is so powerful! There's no stopping it!" He blushes himself. "I am…unworthy of such…"

"Don't start that!" Tsunami scolds.

Tsunami pouts but she behind her embarrassment, she was happy to hear Yuni laugh and talk. She was here, alive and well. After everyone settled down, a thought came to Tsunami. Since Yuni was definitely a part of the Representative Battles, her curse of her short lifespan would be…

"Yuni…um…your curse…"

"As you're aware, my curse affects me differently from the other Arcobaleno."

"So if you win…"

"Don't!" Yuni shouts.

Tsunami jumps away from the fierce expression on Yuni's young face.

"Don't even think about it! Please fight for Mr. Reborn with all your strength." Yuni's speaks firmly as she smiles gently. As quickly as the smile appeared, Yuni becomes solemn.

"Don't start worrying about other people in this fight…in this next battle…two teams will be eliminated," Yuni prophesies.

Stunned faces were all around the table. Reborn's eyes widen a mere margin.

"Do you know which two teams will be eliminated?"

"No, I don't know specifically which teams would lose, but I know that two will be defeated in the next battle today."

Yuni's predictions are never wrong. When Yuni predicted events while in the future, they all came true...

"Sorry to keep you waiting~!"

Byakuran's voice sings through the air, destroying the tense atmosphere. Entering the tea room, he arrives with an enormous bouquet of red roses wrapped in white paper and white ribbons. Byakuran makes a beeline for Tsunami and kneels on one knee at her feet. He presents his gift to Tsunami.

"For you, my dear!"

Tsunami blushes and takes the flowers, only to hide her face from Yuni's Cheshire cat grin. She mumbles her thanks. Gamma had been right behind Byakuran groans and face palms into his hand. Takeshi chuckles and stands from his seat. He thanks Byakuran for saving his life. Byakuran laughs and approaches Takeshi to swing an arm around his shoulder and turns them away from the group as he whispers in the baseball player's ear.

"Ah, that was just luck! I had no idea that the healing was going to work so well!"

"S-seriously?!" Takeshi hisses in shock.

"But, let's keep that between us…Tsu-chan and I are on a good roll, if you know what I mean?" Byakuran winks.

Takeshi sputters and laughs aloud. He nods in agreement, "I understand…all that matters is that it worked and I'm still here and Tsu-chan's happy!"

"Exactly!"

Takeshi grins slyly, "But, I should warn you that you're going to have to share…Tsunami is my lover too, along with some of the other guardians and some others!"

Byakuran's eyes widen, "You don't say?!" He looks over their shoulder. Gamma was apologizing to Tsunami for Byakuran's behavior. Tsunami smiles and waves it off. She looks down on her bouquet and smells the roses.

Byakuran smile softens, "Well, I guess it's understandable how desirable she is….she has this something that makes you wanting for more no matter what...or who."

Takeshi sighs and looks at Tsunami lovingly, "Tell me about it!"

Reborn brings everyone back to the topic of the upcoming battle. How Team Verde was able to dominate over so many opponents. It was agreed that Team Verde was the top most powerful. Gamma took out a gun and placed it on the table before them all. It didn't seem out of the ordinary. Reborn identified the gun as a glock, an Australian made pistol.

"This gun was created using illusory powers." Byakuran reveals.

"An illusion? But the way it feels…it's got to be real." Reborn was in disbelief.

"Verde has created a machine that can turn illusions into reality."

Byakuran picks up the gun and on closer inspection tells everyone that the illusion was falling apart bit by bit; but all day from the previous day it was real. It wasn't just the machine that made the team strong. Mukuro's new recruit, his apprentice Fran was quite talented for a child.

"Well, that's that! Enough bad news!" Byakuran chirps.

Bluebell races into the room carrying bags and bags of marshmallows.

"Let's eat!...Tsu-chaaan~, they're really soft! Let's share a bag together!"

Gamma and Hayato couldn't believe Byakuran's disregard of the situation! They yell and insist that a game plan was needed. But they were both ignored at Byakuran pulls Tsunami onto a loveseat. Tsunami was stunned by his behavior. This Byakuran was very different from the Byakuran from the future. Very, very different. Of course, she knew that when he came to visit her at her house. She knew next to nothing about Byakuran other than his future self. Byakuran waves a fluffy marshmallow in front of her face. She tried to take it from his hands but he would draw it away. Realizing what he wants she huffs and opens her mouth. A marshmallow was popped into her mouth. She chews and blinks a few a times.

"…Melon-flavored?"

"Really?" Byakuran looks at the bag. "Ah, I wondering why it was green."

"It's…pretty good!"

Byakuran grins, "Say, stay for the evening. Dinner made by Yuni is delicious…aaand, I'll tell you about our countermeasure."

"Countermeasure?"

Byakuran nods, "Fight genius with genius, fight machine with machine. Oh, there you are!"

The door to the tea room opens again and Tsunami stood with a bright smile on her face. In walks Shouichi and Spanner, hand in hand. At this Byakuran, Gamma and Yuni raised their eyebrows. Reborn smiles while Hayato and Takeshi were a bit confused on their confusion.

"Hey, Tsuna!" Shouichi breathes with relief. "Didn't expect to see you."

Spanner goes to Tsunami and gives her a large bag of homemade candy. Tsunami giggles seeing that the lollipops were in the shape of spanners.

"It's been a little bit since the robot contest! How have you two been?"

"I…I still can't believe that…we're together!"

"Every time I kiss him or hug him it's a surprise to him. It's still amusing to me," Spanner smirks. "Also more amusing, is how his voice started to break when we started dating."

"Spanner!" Shouichi's voice breaks.

He blushes terribly and Hayato and Takeshi snicker. Tsunami had to bite her lip to keep from grinning. Shouichi quickly breaks the subject when he reveals that he had been researching a way to nullify the effect of Verde's machine. It would take only a day or two. Until a solution was found, the teams would have to avoid Team Verde. But it would be difficult, if Team Verde targeted them.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

All darted their gazes upon their watch!

"1 MINUTE UNTIL BATTLE COMMENCES."

Byakuran's guardians and Yuni's enter the room. Gamma orders them to take their positions. Reborn turns to Yuni.

"It's Team Verde isn't it?"

Yuni nods. Tsunami stands with a determine expression. There was no question. She and her Rain and Storm head outside. It was pitch black with the night. There was concern of not being able to see anything, especially a solid illusion. Byakuran summons his wings and white dragon as he takes to the sky.

"I'll keep watch from above. I can lure out the enemy easily from here."

Tsunami slips on her gloves and pops in a pill. Her gloves transform and flare and she blasts into the sky, joining Byakuran. Byakuran grins.

"I never thought this day would come."

"I'm counting on you to watch my back! I'm giving you my trust!"

Byakuran looks over his shoulder at Tsunami's back to his. "…Thank you, Tsuna-chan." His voice was sincere.

"BATTLE HAS COMMENCED! THE BATTLE PERIOD WILL LAST 30 MINUTES."

Byakuran and Tsunami kept their eyes around their surroundings. It was three minutes into the battle, yet an attack had yet to be launched. Byakuran calls out to Tsunami.

"Tsuna-chan! I thank you again for giving me your trust. Such trust for someone like me who has the face of the person that destroyed your future self and all she held dear."

"…You've must have gone through quite a change. Yuni chose you to help her, even though you were the one that killed her. She's forgiven you and has placed her at her side. If she can do that…so can I. Especially for what you did for Takeshi."

"I owe this second change to that child. I'm giving it my best~!"

Bluebell was on the roof when she cries out at the sudden multiplication of telephone poles! The poles outline all around the mansion. Tsunami gasps! She didn't sense any mist flames at all! This was the power combined with Verde's machine.

"Verde's machine converts illusions into reality." Byakuran reminds Tsunami. "But it puts stress on the illusionist. They've got to have him hidden inside a shelter somewhere….ah~!"

There was a van on the street. It wasn't their previously. Byakuran sets his dragon upon it. The dragon dives onto the van and it explodes. A man, a civilian, scrambles out of the car slightly singed and very alarmed!

"Byakuran!" Tsunami scolds.

There was whistling through the air. From the trees, several dozen missiles shot out from every direction, bearing down on the mansion. Tsunami prepares her gloves' flames.

"No, no. We've got to make sure we protect your boss watch, Tsunami-chan."

Before Tsunami question him, the missiles were within range. She gasps. The missiles go off on the roof. Each member of Team Yuni and Reborn did their best to repel the missiles with their flames. To some of their surprise, the attack power was a lot less than their dangerous appearance, but they had to be alert for other dangers.

"Be on the lookout…the moment you let your guards down, they'll try to destroy the watches," Kikyou speaks to Zakuro. "Team Verde has a very skilled tactician on their side."

Zakuro punches his ring into his box weapon transforming his body into his humanoid-dinosaur form, which darkened his skin with dark scales, growing fangs, claws and a leathery tail.

"Don't go rushing off!" Kikyou grabs Zakuro's wrist….and crushes it!

"What?!" Zakuro roars.

"Kufufufu…I told you, didn't I. To keep your eyes opens!"

Mist spreads away from Kikyou's form and reveals to be an illusion covering Mukuro! Zakuro roars and moves to attack.

"Hold it! That's against the rules! No, no! Ho, ho!"

The Man in the Iron Hat's assistant, Tsunomichi, was on the roof! "Once your wristwatch is broken, you're no longer a representative and can't participate any longer. If you continue to interfere, your team will be disqualified and lose!"

After the reminder, Tsunomichi bounces off the roof, leaving Zakuro cursing and roaring. Tsunomichi lands on the ground and runs pass…another Tsunomichi. The Tsunomichi running turns to mist and reveals Fran. Tsunomichi giggles and shrugs his shoulders. His job was already taken care of!

Mukuro also makes his way on the roof. When he lands on the ground, he immediately leaps away from the swipe of Tsunami's Sky flames.

"I didn't expect you, Tsunami."

"Mukuro! I'm still mad at you!"

Mukuro sweats lightly, but keeps his smirk.

"Hmmm, are you sure that I am the one you're mad at, my dear? I have heard about your fight from yesterday!"

Tsunami snarls. Her next swipe roars with golden flames and Mukuro barely dodges that attack.

"Master!" calls Fran from a hidden distance. "I don't think it's wise to get your girlfriend even more mad at you!" Byakuran flies in.

From the forest, Ken and Chikusa watch the battle. They look at each other. Chikusa sighs and Ken grumps.

"Should we help?" Ken asks.

"…With Sawada in her current mood, I'm sure Mukuro could handle it somewhat…but just in case and so we don't get into trouble. We should move."

"…fine," Ken leaps out of the bushes and darts after Byakuran.

Chikusa leaps into the fray using his weaponized yo-yos. At their appearance, Gamma guards Byakuran's back, deflecting the Chikusa's needles. Kikyou, the real one, also arrives; he opens his box weapon and summons his box animals. The long-necked dinosaurs reach for the sky. Seeing the great beasts, may those that had fought against them, were relieved that they didn't have to face them again. Fran was also impressed, but he responds with another barrage of missiles.

"INCOMING!" he yells.

Tsunami stuck close to Mukuro, swiping and kicking at him. She knew that she was stronger than Mukuro! She fought him before and won! She fought against Daemon who was using his body! Yet, Mukuro seem to be dancing around her. He did tell her that they had to fight seriously. He knew that Tsunami's pride was still sore from her defeat with her father. Tsunami sees an opening and throws her fist at him! Mukuro was wearing a dark glove with wires over his hands and a small rounded-rectangle on the top of his hand. Mist appears and forms a great shield that protected his entire body. Tsunami's fist met the shield with a klang. With a push from Mukuro's flames, she was thrown back with a shout.

A great beam of light streaks across the sky! It wasn't Fran's missiles! It came from a far greater distance with a roar of a fighter jet. The beam was one then broke down into smaller beams. Everyone's attention was drawn towards it. The light beams filled the sky filling the area with light. Each beam lands a hit on several individuals! Mukuro, Fran, Ken, Chikusa, Gamma, Kikyou and Byakuran were struck. Tsunami was shocked.

"Are you hanging in there, Tsuna-chan~!? Since you didn't come back home yesterday…your mom was worried that we might have had a fight, you know?" Iemitsu voice rings through her headset.

"D-dad?!" Tsunami yells.

"That strike jus tnow was a bullet from a curse-released Colonello. We're aiming from a location 5 kilometers away. Since we plan to take a second shot soon, will you take Gokudera and Yamamoto and get away from there immediately?"

"…A second shot?!"

"Mukuro and Byakuran will be taken down with the next hit…I don't want you guys, our allies, to get dragged in as well."

"Take down Mukuro and Byakuran?!"

"If it's Colonello, it can be done. Don't worry." Iemitsu assures.

"That's not it! We have formed an alliance with Team YYuni too! Mukuro an dhis team are enemies, but I can't just stand by and let he and Byakuran get eliminated!"

"That has nothing to do with my team. We're in a rush so get out of the way already…"

Tsunami growls, "I refuse!"

"…Is that so…" Iemitsu sighs bored. "Wellll~ it can't be helped then~…it that's that's the case, we hereby terminate out alliance with Team Reborn. We'll make you our targets as well."

Tsunami was trembling with rage. Her father was attacking her friends, though they were enemies, it was not a fight of life or death! It merely friendly competition, that was slight bit rough. Her father was holding nothing back! Her flames swirl around her as he grinds her teeth together. Natsu snarls and gnashes his own teeth, reflecting his mistress' feelings with his tail waving in irritation.

Down below, Yuni and Reborn walk outside and asset the situation. Yuni steels herself and turns to Reborn.

"Uncle Reborn, I have something to tell you…"

"What is it?"

"I'm the same as Uncle Reborn. In this Representative battle, Uncle Reborn's team cannot afford to lose! We think of different ends, but our goal is nonetheless the same. That's why…"

Reborn's eyes are filled with understanding. From a far, Gamma overhears their conversation. He frowns in confusion, trying to understand what Yuni was saying. Byakuran hovers near by and smiles.

"Yuni-chan wants to protect Team Reborn. In other words, she does not desire to crush Tsuna-chan's boss watch."

Tsunami's gloves transform to the next level, Mitenna di Vongole Primo!

"Everyone! The second shot it coming! Take care of yourselves!" She warns both allies and enemies.

Byakuran looks up at her, "She can't stand seeing his allied teams get killed. Tsuna-chan is still as soft-hearted as ever. But, if I could say just one more thing, I can't defend those hard parts of that gauntlet. In addition, if it would afterwards come to the wristwatch with its terrifying accuracy, a part of it will be destroyed for it to be protected. We'll get even more hurt if we have the will to protect something. Tsuna-chan doesn't want herself not being able to protect someone."

Gamma realizes Byakuran's intentions, "Byakuran! If your boss watch gets destroyed, the Princess' curse won't be released!"

"That is also the case…" Byakuran shrugs and flaps his wings, "Well, later…"

"I'll go!"

"Gamma!" Yuni calls out.

"It'll be instant death at your state."

Another shot is fired and it shrieks across the sky once again! Tsunami lifts her gauntlet ready to deflect. Byakuran narrows his eyes, losing his smile. Reborn moves across the courtyard and bounds up into the air. He couldn't allow Tsunami to go down. She got points for ambition but she was risking a lot. A hand softly presses down on his head. He sees wings and feathers filling his view. Tsunami's view was also filled with wings and feathers and the broad back of Byakuran.

"Byakuran!?"

"You can't lose here…that is Yuni's wish."

Byakuran's blocks the beam and takes the blow for Tsunami. Tsunami's eyes widen. Feathers, splattered with blood fall around them.

"In a dream, I had defeated you and cleared the game; all that I wished for came true…but I forgot the true objective, and it became 'nothing'. From the start, I had that personality that doesn't want any connections…whatever….wherever I may be…I've only waited for death. But, she had come a long way for my sake. Yuni-chan worried about me from the bottom of her heart. At times when my feelings are from her, she will always approach me. That warmth…has given me life…that girl's kind heart has connected me to reality. I'll protect Yuni-chan's heart."

He smiles at Tsunami, 'And also…I realize the possibility of gaining an even more precious heart.'

"Go defeat father!"

Tsunami shoots away when Byakuran's boss watch shatters.

"TEAM YUNI'S BOSS WATCH HAS BEEN DESTROYED – THEY ARE DEFEATED."

Byakuran's wings disappear and he begins to fall, "Give it your best, Tsuna-chan…"

Tsunami looks behind her and sees Byakuran fall. She hopes and prays that he'll be all right!

"Damn you, Dad! I'll never forgive you for this!"

Tsunami heads to the direction her father had informed her of. Iemitsu and the rest of his team that were still in play were on a tall plateau. Iemitsu orders Colonello to stand down. He was to handle his daughter. Tsunami was right in front of them and Iemitsu's flames flare. Tsunami's fist collides into Iemitsu!

Tsunami's pushes her father against the rock. Iemitsu's back creates a crater but before hitting the rock he had blocked her punch. He kicks Tsunami away causing her fly away with a loud cough. She holds her stomach from the terribly, powerful kick.

"You haven't improved at all!" Iemitsu jeers.

"Shut…UP!"

Tsunami throws her hands back and flame-propels herself towards her father and slams both hands into him. Iemitsu smug grin doesn't leave his face as he grabs her wrist. He swings his daughter across from him and slams her back onto the ground beside him. She groans and curses.

'Why!? Why am I still no match for him?...That bastard…who abandoned my mother and me in that house alone forever…that embarrassment of a man…who, on the are occasion he did stop by the house, would just snore his ass off passed out or talk about bunch of meaningless bullshit!'

"This is boring," Iemitsu's voice snaps Tsunami out of her thoughts.

Looking up, Tsunami sees her father, casually sitting on the ground in his suit. Knees up and his feet planted on the ground. His arms were resting on his knees. There was a bored, lazy expression on his face.

"Fighting with you is boring."

Tsunami's flames died instantly. She trembles over her feeling so helpless. She hadn't felt so helpless since the time before Reborn even existed in her life. She opens and closes her mouth, her mind was asking so many questions but she was unable to ask her father of those questions.

"Take off your boss watch. I'm going to smash it."

"W-what?!" She draws away from him.

Iemitsu digs his hand into the earth and he stands with a huge bolder. The boulder's shadow overwhelms Tsunami and she screams backing away further away until her back hits the wall of the rock. Colonello (back in his cursed form) and Lal Mirch were watching the battle from a distance. Lal believed that if Iemitsu really wanted too he could have broken Tsunami's watch a long time ago.

"Iemitsu wants to tell Tsunami something…he's just terrible at stuff like this…" Colonello explains to Lal.

Iemitsu tosses the boulder. Tsunami screams and covers her head. Colonello and Lal couldn't believe that that he would do such a thing! Tsunami's dying will flames had deactivated. She wouldn't be able to defend herself at all in such a state!

Several shots ring through the air and every bullet tears down the boulder piece by piece until the rock debris forms into a word…"chaos". The rocks fall around Tsunami but none of them hit her. Tsunami was shaking when it all becomes quiet. Tsunami flinches when she hears footsteps approach her. They stop when they were near.

"Chaos."

That voice wasn't her father. Tsunami lifts her face and gasps seeing a man, a very handsome man. The most handsome man she had ever seen! She stares at him stunned and swallows. A blush spreads across her face and she forgets her fear. The man goes down on one knee resting a pistol over his knees and smirks.

"Looks like you're in a rough fight. It's lesson time. No-Good Tsunami."

Tsunami blinks…how did he know about that name?! She notices his fedora…the color of the band. The color of his shirt, his dark, soul piercing eyes and his super, curly sideburns.

"….R…r…reborn?" she whispers.

"Good girl. You recognize me. I was afraid that you would be naïve and wouldn't be able to connect my true form to my cursed form. Women do have an eye for detail than men."

Reborn reaches out and rest a hand on her cheek. Tsunami shivers and her heart races. Oh! So this is why Bianchi practically trips over herself over someone like Reborn! His hand was cool and large, almost comforting.

"Reborn…"

"Is that all you can say to me, No-Good Tsunami?"

"I…I love you."

Reborn's eyes widen, "What?"

Iemitsu chokes in the background. Above, Colonello and Lal's mouths drop at the same time. Tsunami reaches for the hand that had jerked away when she gave confession. She gently holds it.

"I love you, Reborn…and you love me."

"How long have you known?"

"My older-self left me a letter…she told me that you had confessed to her…"

"Huh, the you of the future is quite the tactician. She'd vowed to win me over whether in the past or her future. When did you realize your love for me?"

"…I…started to have a crush on you when we were in Italy. I began paying more attention to you and I realize that you care for me more than just a student."

"Oh, so you noticed the subtle hints."

"They were very subtle…if my future self hadn't given me a hint, I would have never realized it."

Reborn reaches across her cheek into the thick of her hair reaching around the back of her head. Tsunami whimpers in anticipation and closes her eyes. Reborn closes his eyes and tilts her head back. His breath intertwines with hers and he whispers.

"Why now? Why tell me how you feel now?"

"Would you have believed me if I told you I love you when you were a baby? You didn't believe my older self."

"I love you, Tsunami."

"HAAAAAH?!" Iemitsu falls over in shock.

His only daughter and the greatest hitman in the world were kissing with great tenderness. In the two's hearts there was a great flood of relief.