Ages:

7 – Lambo, I-Pin

11 – Fuuta

14 – Tsuna, Ieyasu, Gokudera, Yamamoto, Chrome

15 – Ryohei, Hibari, Basil

16 – Gingerbread, Belphegor, Mukuro

17 – Dino, Squalo

18 – Arcobaleno minus Luce, Bianchi, Leviathan

19 – Luce, Xanxus

20 – Lussuria

This chapter will complete the ring fights and this part of the arc. Last part of Utopiosphere. Prepare for a long read.

…

PLEASE NOTE. This is not the end of the story; the story will be continued on in One Leader Part Two – a separate 'story.' Find it through the search tool, profile page or recently added stories.

…

Mukuro often pondered about how his life could have been different. If that girl had never sacrificed her time and effort into saving him and everyone else from the Estraneo. Of course, this topic had been often discussed by himself to himself many times before. As he sat in the main hall in Kokuyo Land, the munching from Ken and silent footsteps of Chrome and Chikusa's rhythmic yoyo practices strangely uneased him. It had been a few days since he had last heard from the brown haired girl, mainly because she had redirected the Sun Arcobaleno's attention away to the battle that was still unknown to him.

Their unsettling peace was finally disrupted by the appearance of a teenager with striking blue hair and eyes. It alarmed Mukuro that he had not sensed their presence until he saw him enter the premises in the corner of his eye. He gritted his teeth, bringing his trident in front of him and pointed it at his throat. Everyone had been on alert since they last saw Tsuna. They hadn't been reported on anything happening and the group were still technically in hiding from the mafia and had avoided going out. The only one able to travel out without gaining any attention was Chrome, who would usually go out to purchase food.

"Oya? Who are you and how did you get in here?" Mukuro continued to threateningly point his trident at the other teenager. Expecting and cold eyes stared down at him, as if degrading him and thinking lowly of the illusionist. The cold and frozen atmosphere warmed as soon as the blue haired teenager smiled and laughed warmly. Mukuro noticed some sort of mist appear as it revealed two separate bodies. Tsuna and some small being that he assumed was the Arcobaleno of Mist, Viper, who was now known as Mammon. The one who taught him how to use his illusions.

"Sorry for alarming you guys," said Tsuna. She clasped her hands together in apology and also apologised for her delayed visit. "I've been caught up in this Vongola business."

"Not surprising though," said Mammon. The Arcobaleno folded her arms and floated above, staring down at Mukuro with a calculative look.

Mukuro raised an eyebrow at his ex-teacher. "And, this is Viper?"

"And you are Mukuro?" she asked, wanting to confirm the teen's identity.

"Yes. Please refer to her as Mammon," said Tsuna, answering both Mukuro and Mammon's question.

"And does she remember?" continued Mukuro, still eying the Arcobaleno. Tsuna glanced to Mammon and returned her attention to Mukuro before shaking her head. Mukuro nodded in acknowledgement. "I presume that the blue haired male is something you both made out of interest?"

"Well, of the sorts. We're posing as the Cloud Guardian for the Varia," said Tsuna. "We can hide my presence since it's both an illusion and a mix of my flames."

"You will have to teach me that. Even I as an illusionist couldn't see through that." Tsuna laughed.

"You are an illusionist?" asked Mammon, intrigued. Perhaps this wasn't a waste of her time. She had wondered why Tsuna had wanted her to follow her to some shabby place in the outskirts of town.

"Now, now, we're not here to fight," said Tsuna, noticing the unrest between the two illusionists. "But I'm confident that Mukuro is a good illusionist, considering that you were once his teacher."

"What?"

"You do not remember this but I believe that before you were cursed, you specifically went to Japan just to teach Mukuro."

"Kufufu. And of course, I have become much stronger. Perhaps our styles differ," said Mukuro, twirling his trident around.

"An illusionist who also wields a physical weapon… preposterous."

"Which is why I have a request for you Mukuro. You might not take it nicely, however, it'll provide you an opportunity to go against Mammon."

"You wish for me to pose as your… brother's mist guardian?" said Mukuro. He was smart, and it doesn't take much besides logic to figure out what Tsuna wanted. Tsuna nodded. Mukuro laughed. "It will not matter much to me. I'd like the opportunity to go against you, Mammon."

"Mutual." Tsuna swore she could see some sort of smirking contest and an intangible form of a narcissism contest. Well, like teacher, like student.

"Just some precautions, Chrome will most likely have to pose as the representative." Tsuna explained the circumstances required. Reborn wasn't fully aware of what sort of relation the illusionists had with Tsuna yet. It would be advantageous for Chrome to gain some insight into the situation and build up her own experience as being a part of the 'mafia.'

"I am up for it," said Chrome. "I am an illusionist too. Mukuro-sama and I are tied so it will make it easier for all of us."

"Mu, I look forward to our battle then. Well, that is, if the Varia haven't won by that point. But we can always fight on the side," said Mammon, a smug grin tugging at the edge of her lips. She was already a bit hyped up. She didn't necessarily know why, but she seemed to have some more energy after being tired out by being around the girl.

"Oi, what about us then?" asked Ken. Chikusa agreed on a silent note.

"I was thinking that you guys move to where I am staying. We're at Sky Hotel. I'll be calling Dino, the Chiavarone Boss, so that he's aware of your arrival and can make some arrangements for all of you guys. It's only going to get harder for me to visit you guys, so please make sure to disguise yourselves when you go to the hotel," Tsuna explained. "Alright, with that settled, you should go."

"Go where?" questioned Mukuro.

"To the Sawada residence. Just appeal to Reborn with a deal and off you go." The Kokuyo gang looked at each other before Tsuna and Mammon disappeared and there, was replaced by the blue haired teen. In the deep voice that this entity, 'Sora,' had, he said, "what are you guys waiting for? Let's go!"

…

Reborn and Fon were currently discussing some issues regarding Sora. Fon had been occupied with the supervision of Ryohei's training and was of course, proud of his protégé's win. He, however, was slightly bitter at Reborn for permitting the child Lambo to go against an experienced assassin, since his student, I-Pin was the same age as Lambo. He was aware that they had the upper hand with Lambo's 10 year bazooka, but that was obviously not enough in the Lightning Ring fight. He was grateful that Ieyasu had stepped in but it had costed him his half of the Sky Ring.

"That boy is not what he seems," said Fon. The way that Sora could address the Varia despite being a 'new' recruit as the Cloud guardian was overly familiar and somewhat controlling.

"No shit." Fon was a bit concerned for the Sun Arcobaleno despite how entertaining it was, to see the world's greatest hitman get irritated.

"You are getting far too frustrated," said Fon in his trademark calming tone.

"And why should I care?" Reborn knew not to underestimate their enemy. The Varia were renowned for their out of ordinary and spontaneous decisions and actions. He, as the world's greatest hitman, was usually aware of their movements, but their previous cloud guardian was originally someone or something else. Considering how quickly they were replaced, their strength was undeniable superior in some ways. Varia quality was nothing to look down on.

"Because it seems to be from some stranger that the Varia hired. It shouldn't be that concerning," said Fon. "Kyoya will win if he goes against him." Reborn raised an eye brow at that last statement.

"I'm aware of that. But why do you seem so familiar with Kyoya?"

"He is distantly related to me. Do we not resemble at all? Your senses have dulled, Reborn." Fon said, shaking his head.

"Tch. Either way, we have no idea where Sora came from. He also possesses Dino's whip." With Dino's disappearance it was likely that Sora had took it from his ex-student, forcibly.

"And what do you deduct? We don't have anything to base off their identity besides their affiliation with the Varia."

Something seemed to snap into place. "Is Tsuna with the Varia?" It was random, unlikely but it was reasonable. When they had met the Varia in Japan, they had been carrying the girl around, as though she was luggage, but they made no comment on that. The Varia were not elegant people.

"You don't mean to say that that girl is with the Varia?" It did make sense in a way. She would have been able to hide from the public's eye.

"It can also explain why she is missing."

"Ah, we can help with that, kora." The Rain Arcobalenos joined the scene. It was quite fascinating that the majority of the Arcobalenos were all within a main area. Now, it was just Verde, Skull and Luce missing. It was rumoured that Verde had holed himself somewhere to work on his research on who knows what and that Skull had created his own famiglia and gained followers. It was just Luce who seemed to have hidden from every other Arcobaleno. Either she was dead, or simply really hidden well. Since there hadn't been a shift of the Sky Arcobaleno (since they would have noticed) she was definitely alive.

"And how would you? Have you even, let alone, met her?" asked Reborn.

"Of course," smirked Lal. She found it hilarious that no one remembered the girl after the curse. She was a bit of a hypocrite when she meant that since it pained her to see that Tsuna had suffered and been haunted because of it. They had all lived together once. And that relationship just crumbled from the moment that damned Checkerface brought 'Arcobaleno, the strongest seven,' a whole new meaning.

She was somewhat glad she was only partly cursed.

She had been annoyed at Colonello for an indefinite amount of time due to his sacrifice to her, but she couldn't even start to imagine how on earth the bimbo male would even convince that they, the strongest in the world had been living together with the Vindice with some Japanese girl they bore no blood relation to. "If you wondered how, it was because I met her in Italy."

"And when was this?" questioned Reborn.

"A long time ago." She wasn't quite sure of the exact date anymore. Her life just moulded with the girl's in that time.

"And you know of this, Colonello?" asked Fon.

"Kora, of course. If Lal says it, then it's true. C'mon, we all know she ain't lying." It was true. There was no hint of deception in Lal's voice. She simply looked smug.

"Um, sorry to barge in, but I'd also like to listen to this." The Arcobaleno all turned to face Basil who entered the room. He was also accompanied by Ieyasu with a stern face.

"It's probably best that everyone knew what was going on right now," said Reborn. "Where is Iemitsu?"

"He is sleeping," said Ieyasu. He couldn't care less at this point.

"Deserved rest," said Reborn. Lal almost snorted at that statement. Reborn seemed to have noticed that, but he made no comment about it. They all knew that he had randomly been drained of all his flames. By Tsuna nonetheless, who else?

"We met quite randomly. Actually, not really. Luce introduced me to her." She hadn't lied so far. As long as she didn't lie, and left out specific details, she could be as smug as she wanted to be. Lal noticed the rising question on Reborn's face. It was the first time the Sun Arcobaleno had been so transparent. "Why would she do that, you ask? Maybe because we'd run into her one day again. And here we are."

"And how did Luce know her?"

"Her visions. We all know well," said Lal, a bit distant. Even she did not know whether Luce was exempt from the memory loss. She hoped that she was exempt from it considering how attached the elder female was to Tsuna.

"I'm sorry, but who is this Luce person?" asked Basil. He merely wanted to listen so that he could get more information on Tsuna.

"She is the Sky Arcobaleno," said Fon. "Our leader." The entire group had not seen the female since when they were cursed. The Sky Arcobaleno disappeared without a trace, as though she ceased to exist in the world. She was still alive because the rest of the Arcobaleno had not felt any disturbances from their curse.

"Ah…"

"And how did Tsuna get to Italy?" asked Ieyasu. He was genuinely curious as to what influential person his sister had managed to get a hold of and travel half way across the world.

"They were some influential figures in the mafia. They took her to Italy."

"And who were they?" asked Reborn. Lal debated whether she should tell or not. She decided not to.

"Ask Tsuna yourself," shrugged Lal. It was better if Reborn just confronted the girl rather than just trying to figure it out himself. But then again, the girl also made it difficult for the hitman to do that. Lal didn't know what Tsuna's intentions were, but she wouldn't be surprised if the girl just wanted to move on from the incident. Too much time had passed and the girl had moved onto a different course of action.

"That doesn't-"

"Calm, Reborn. Lal might not know who," said Fon. It was always strange how the Storm Arcobaleno was responsible for calming the Arcobaleno.

"By the way, kora, that Sora kid looks spunky," said Colonello. "He had that Chiavarone Boss' whip as well!"

"That's why we're concerned. Dino has been out of contact but I'm unsure if it's on purpose," said Reborn. "But I also have my suspicions that Tsuna has a factor on this."

"And how does Tsuna know him?" asked Ieyasu. It frustrated him how his sister just had be right in the middle of the conversation no matter what they talked about. Just what was it about her that brought everyone's attention to her? Of course, she was special, but it wasn't everyone's right to just talk about her. That was his right. "Besides, if she's met you, then she's affiliated with the mafia. Then she's probably aware of the Vongola and her possible position in it."

"…" Reborn was almost surprised that he had been so blind this entire time. Of course. There wasn't any need to question it. Despite not seeing her in so long, it appeared that the girl's brother was still very familiar with his sister.

"I'm not incorrect, no?" Ieyasu tapped his foot impatiently with the lack of reply.

"… No. You're right baka-Ieyasu." Ieyasu almost wanted to punch Reborn for calling him that nickname again. "She's technically able to compete for the position, but it's not possible when she doesn't have a set of guardians."

"Dino was well affiliated with Tsuna, no?" said Fon. He recalled having a brief discussion with him and Reborn about the girl. "I've been wondering this, but why is it that you and Tsuna are so distant?" Ieyasu pointed to himself, a bit surprised that the question was directed to him. He didn't realise that he made it seem that way.

"She left the house when she was younger. With, you said some mafioso, and it didn't concern us at that time."

"And you just let her go? She must have been really young," said Lal. She was a bit pissed but she didn't want to pressure Ieyasu since she didn't know his side of the story. To everyone's surprise, Ieyasu started to cry. They weren't sure why but they were utterly silent towards the crying boy. No one was able to console him, so Basil attempted to do so. The mood immediately changed, a terrifying glare directed at the rain user.

"There wasn't anything I could do about it. Besides, what are you going to do to my sister when you find her? Kill her like that man downstairs told you to?" said Ieyasu.

"That idiot ordered you to kill her?" asked Reborn. This was new. He noticed that Colonello and Lal Mirch did not react to the news. Since they were also CEDEF, it was likely that news travelled. It was also new to Reborn that Ieyasu had in fact, such a weak side to him. It seemed that all this time, the strange influxes in Ieyasu's character were most likely due to his attachment to his sister that he had not met in many years. Familial love or some sort of sister complex. He wasn't quite sure what to label it.

…

Their conversation was eventually cut short when everyone was aware that everyone else was tired from the entire ordeal and was not worth extra discussion when it was simply just reaffirming their suspicions. As everyone returned to their rooms to stay in, Lal Mirch and Colonello had gone into Tsuna's old room. Their flame being rain, had always allowed the two be the most composed, contradictory to their enthusiastic personalities. They greeted Fuuta, I-Pin and Lambo who had been napping and chatting to each other. There was nothing that remained that would have been a 'memory' of Tsuna – but that was to be expected.

Lal had been experiencing some sort of change in her flames. She was predominately rain, but there had always been something else that she had. And now, she finally knew. The sudden manifestation of a teenager with a strange pineapple resembling hairdo had resonated on a similar wave length with her. It was an illusionist. And obviously, a mist user. But it wasn't the mist Arcobaleno no matter how similar it was.

"Kufufu, how do you do Arcobaleno?"

Lal was unsettled by the appearance of the illusionist. Both she and Colonello stood their ground.

"Sorry for the sudden appearance, but this is just an illusion. I am currently waiting downstairs with my partner. We don't wish to alarm anyone, so please answer the door." Lal nodded. The two rain Arcobaleno made their way downstairs and opened the door for them. Iemitsu was still asleep, so the two made sure not to wake him. Nana welcomed Chrome, having recognised her as that nice girl who had visited previously. She had welcomed Mukuro all the same, figuring that the two were siblings and friends of Reborn and her son.

"I see you've grown, Mukuro," said Lal. Both physically and in terms of power.

"And you have… shrunk." Chrome looked at the two, not as familiar with the two's association with each other. "I believe you are exempt from the curse?"

"That's true," said Lal. "Perhaps I was lucky this time." Lal smirked. She quite liked the kid. Even though he was creepily cheeky back then. Mukuro simply smiled at the statement. Besides, maybe she could get some pointers from the mist flame user with her newly found mist flame.

"Where is the Sun Arcobaleno?" Mukuro questioned, glancing around the room.

"I am here." Reborn entered the room. "Have you finally decided to join?" Mukuro laughed his creepy laugh. Chrome sweat dropped at the laugh.

"We both wish to be the Mist Guardian for Ieyasu however… we have a condition," said the girl, timid in nature but strong in word choice.

"We do not swear loyalty to the Vongola," said Mukuro, completing Chrome's statement.

"That won't do," said Reborn. "You know that-"

"We swear loyalty to Tsuna alone," said Chrome. It was the first time she had affirmed something so stubbornly. They were technically exposing themselves as associates with her, which might have endangered their conditional relation with the Vongola but it was a risk she wanted to take. "We are here out of our own will and out of Tsuna's request. We will answer your questions if we feel fit to. Is that enough?" She turned to Mukuro for some confirmation since she did technically go out of her way to enforce the condition.

"Chrome."

"Yes Mukuro-sama?"

"Nothing." Mukuro just wanted to say that he was somewhat proud of her. But that was a bit too much out of character for him.

Reborn hesitated. There was too much they were still unsure of, and the chance to find out more just presented itself like that… he had to accept. "… Yes, that will do. I will inform Ieyasu of this later. What are your names?"

"Ah yes, I forgot that you forgot," said Mukuro, chuckling. He liked being cryptic in a way. He refused to answer Reborn's persistence in getting any information regarding why Mukuro always starkly answered him. "I am Rokudo Mukuro. This is my dear Chrome. Don't worry, we know your names well."

"Chrome, you said that you would answer my questions. So how did you meet Tsuna?"

"I met her in Namimori."

"Is that all?"

"Yes."

"And you?" asked Reborn towards Mukuro. The teenager chuckled.

"I'm disappointed to know that I am… indebted to you and Tsuna," said Mukuro. It almost made him want to spite Reborn's existence. Of course, it was Tsuna who had convinced Reborn to save him, Chikusa and Ken, but that still didn't mean that Reborn had no part in saving them.

"And how so?" Reborn figured that he wouldn't get a proper answer from the illusionist but clues were enough for now – no matter how annoying they were.

"Do you have knowledge about the Estraneo?" Mukuro noticed Chrome wince at the question, as though she was saying whether it was necessary to bring up the topic.

"They are no longer active currently. They were known to have experimented on children. Their facility had been blown up a few years ago."

"True, and who by?" questioned Mukuro, smirking. Chrome watched on worriedly. She was sometimes concerned how much of a superiority-complex her respected partner had.

"It's unknown," said Reborn.

"You had a part in it, but you do not seem to remember. Truly unfortunate," said Mukuro and sighed. "Any other questions?"

"What do you know about my memories?" pushed Reborn. He had enough of not knowing anymore. Lal seemed entertained and Colonello could only simply stare at the rare occurrence of Reborn's cluelessness.

"The fact that you lost them? Ah, I do not feel comfortable telling you~"

"You-"

"Kufufu, it seems like our time is up." Before Reborn could stop them, Mukuro and Chrome disappeared in a blanket of mist.

…

He was quite sure he was the only one in the world with as many existential questions that he had. Perhaps a 'living doll' was the only title he deserved throughout the centuries he 'lived' as the apprentice of Alejandro, a Vindice member that had single handily eliminated entire famiglias with his assistance.

The time he spent 'alive' was just as a puppet. His master never batted an eye at what he did as long as he did his job - and that was to serve him as a weapon. And that never changed for many, many years.

Sure, having a 'self-consciousness' changed him. But that'd make him no more than just an animal of intelligence. What had been the influence of his first existential question was after Tsuna made him alive. Not, that movement and consciousness 'alive' but that emotion and judgement ability alive.

Alejandro, his master, had taught him how to see himself as valuable. Not only to him, but to other people and himself. How a 'doll' like him, could value his own life and see himself as a living entity.

And so, 'What do people think of me as?' was his first existential question. He had never asked the question directly, just because at that time of being alive he only had his master and Tsuna. They were his 'world' where 'things' existed. Not the most ordinary world considering one was a man who had lived for centuries and killed rule breakers and the other was a girl who looked innocent enough to never be associated with such a dark place such as the mafia.

Alejandro had taken the indirect question from Tsuna's point of view, considering the two's closeness. If a real and living being wasn't enough, a friend would do. If not, then Tsuna's placements of value would not have lied on Gingerbread. Gingerbread knew how to believe in himself since then, that he was alive.

The second question soon came after. It was when he first heard of Tsuna calling Bermuda, the 'father' figure of her life in the Vindice manor.

'Do I belong to a family?'

Tsuna had always confided her thoughts to Gingerbread. The two were inseparable at that time and the Vindice had no qualms against their friendship. They were essentially the two children of the Vindice 'family.' He knew that Tsuna had not considered her blood relatives as her family. She even feared them – this confident and sly girl was afraid of something. It had surprised him back then. So did that mean that family was not limited by blood? Gingerbread had never had someone to rely on, besides his master. But that was because he was created by him. That question was silently answered as Tsuna had ever so often, grasped his hand, professing her love to him (as a sister to her brother).

Sure, he still had a lot of unanswered questions regarding his existence, but they often silently passed his mind as he constantly reminded himself as his purpose as Tsuna's friend and Alejandro's 'living doll.' Living doll was no longer just a literal meaning. It was just a title for him as one of the strongest weapon within the Vindice that just so happened to be alive.

And so, we get to the question, that was not necessarily a question regarding existence and purpose but personal confusion.

When Tsuna was no longer welcome in the Vindice manor, she left without his knowledge. He found himself so horribly empty and 'lifeless.' Alejandro had never made a comment on the behaviour change. Gingerbread felt like he was reverted to the simple 'business only' living doll, Gingerbread.

'Why do I feel like this?'

Loneliness. The lack of entertainment and mischief that happened in the manor. The disappearance of a friend – a precious sister. The broken 'family' that never spoke up against the one who started it all. Anger at that certain one.

It wasn't like he could have done anything to prevent Tsuna from leaving. Despite her somewhat indecisive nature, when it came to others, she always knew what to do. It wasn't always for the best, now that Gingerbread thought about it, but the girl was always so aware, almost conscious, of what and how others thought of her considering that she grew up with such influential and powerful figures of the underground scene. From a normal person's point of view, it was almost scary how awfully calm the girl always was.

The Vindice had gone back to their normal routine, without Tsuna in it. Gingerbread didn't bring up the question about whether the Vindice members missed the girl, because the distinct lack of life already proved it so. Besides, it wasn't his position to do anything when he was just a 'doll.'

"That's where you're wrong, Gingerbread."

"Really? Tell me something I don't know."

"You're my best friend."

"Psh, I already know that. You've told me that like a million times."

"You still seem surprised by it every time."

"Whatever."

…

He liked the hug. The feeling of another's warmth against his 'lifeless' limbs was so endearing to him. Tsuna never minded that discomforting physical feeling of the lack of warmth because the Vindice were never much better with their corpse-like bodies.

"I missed you," said Gingerbread.

"Me too."

Squalo kept to himself. He had only ever heard about the two's friendship. The two were always together back then, according to his sources. It was probably his cue to leave.

"Ew, it's the silver shark man woman," said Gingerbread. Just as Squalo was about to exit the room, he turned back, disbelieving his ears.

"What did you just call me?"

"Wow what's this party?" The blond intruder entered the room the moment Squalo turned away from the door. With the crown adorning his head, it was none other than Belphegor. Now, with all three of the troublemakers gathered in one place, Squalo gave in and promptly left the room without another word.

"That wasn't very nice," pouted Tsuna.

"Who's this?" asked Belphegor, staring at Gingerbread. The two had similar personalities, self-centred, mischievous and quite attached to the girl called Tsuna.

"The name's Gingerbread, your royal highness," said Gingerbread.

And without a moment's hesitation, Belphegor said to Tsuna, "I like this peasant friend of yours." Unknowing to Belphegor, it was just a ploy of Gingerbread's. Gingerbread disliked Belphegor, not being too biased since he pretty much despised everyone around Tsuna. Both Belphegor and Gingerbread would eventually learn how to work around each other.

…

The Storm ring battle was furiously intense, disliked by both the 10th Generation and the Varia. Gokudera was warned by Tsuna beforehand that the situation was most likely his lost. He was better off alive without a ring than dead with a ring. He learnt Belphegor's fighting style and what tactics he used. In the end, Belphegor had seized the ring. The Varia were now in possession of three rings and Ieyasu and his guardians, only one. The next battle was announced to be the Rain's fight.

"Hey Squalo, don't go easy on him," said Tsuna.

"What made you think that?"

"He reminds you an old foe probably. It's kind of obvious."

"Or, you just knew that because of your intuition."

"If you ever get the chance, ask Xanxus. He notices these things as well," said Tsuna, removing the fault of herself possessing the Vongola's famous intuition. She had avoided going outside, knowing that her life would probably be at stake if she did. Someone was after her life and she wasn't risking it when everyone was fighting with their lives on the line at the same time. Precautions would save her the time and effort. She just hoped she wouldn't be forced out of hiding or reveal a secret a moment too early. She had been warned by him as well.

Just as Squalo left along with the rest of the Varia, Tsuna stayed at the hotel, waiting anxiously. She received a call from Dino. Hearing his voice already reassured her.

"Hey, it'll be alright. My men have it covered," said Dino.

"Don't get caught," said Tsuna.

"Trust me, I won't." She could almost see the smile from the other side of the line. She smiled as well and hung up the phone, then contemplating calling another number. She was about to dial the number before Gingerbread entered the room.

"Who was that?" asked Gingerbread.

"Dino."

"Oh… that guy," he said, with a contemplating look.

"What?"

"Do you like him or something?" A dangerous look surfaced on his face.

"Not in that way," said Tsuna, knowing what the other was thinking. "Jeez, and Squalo was the one who asked about it as well."

"Ugh."

"Don't be like that." She stood up and patted down the creases in her clothes.

The two had met up with Ken and Chikusa on the floor below, and had dinner together. As time ticked on, Tsuna knew something was up. The moment Xanxus burst into the main room in the penthouse in a fit of rage, Tsuna knew it was Squalo had lost. She knew that Xanxus, no matter how angry he was, was concerned for those around him. He was aloof, of course, but such a relation with Squalo didn't mean nothing.

The rest of the Varia had trickled into the suite, all with visible irritation. They all shut themselves inside their respective rooms. Only Squalo was not present.

Tsuna called Dino.

"He was injured heavily by that boy, but he's in a stable condition. I think you might want to visit," said Dino. "I managed to get a private ward in the hospital with the help of Hibari, but I can't afford to get found out by Reborn that I'm helping you."

"I understand," said Tsuna. "Thank you for all that you've done. Really."

"I would have done it either way. I'm actually quite close to Squalo," said Dino.

"Alright, I get it. You've got friends," said Tsuna. Just as Dino was about to voice his response to her comment, she hung up the call. She was relieved that Squalo was okay.

"I'll come with you," offered Gingerbread.

"No, it's okay," said Tsuna.

"What if that person comes to get you?"

"No, I think it's okay now," said Tsuna. Either way, she felt like there wasn't much point at this rate for the person to still be trying to find her. And she was right.

…

She had managed to arrive at the hospital without being noticed. One of the staff members had guided her to the ward under the order of Hibari.

Hibari wasn't present in the ward, but someone else was. It was Yamamoto Takeshi.

"Funny you're here too," he said, not surprised by Tsuna's visit.

"Are you with anyone else?" asked Tsuna, suspicious. If he was here, then maybe Reborn was as well. Yamamoto shook his head.

"I came alone. Hibari-sempai was nice enough to let me visit him." The pair looked at Squalo laid on the hospital bed.

"You beat him, huh."

"Yeah, I did," said Yamamoto with a grin. "He's really strong."

"Of course he is," said Tsuna a bit hot-headedly. She expected Squalo to win, but sometimes the swordsman was too naïve.

"So, I'm guessing you're Ieyasu's sister?" he asked.

"Yeah."

"You're that girl that Hibari-sempai was chasing before," said Yamamoto. That was new.

"What?"

"At school, you went from the roof to the classroom and then disappeared," he said. Tsuna was caught off guard by the male's light-hearted nature, but this was no time to be joking.

"…"

"Don't worry, I'm not gonna tell anyone," said Yamamoto. The Rain never failed to calm. She trusted him. "I heard that Basil was looking for you."

"He's looking for me so that he can kill me," said Tsuna. It wasn't hard to piece together. An unfamiliar name who was looking for her.

"Why would he do that?" asked Yamamoto, his eyebrows furrowed together.

"Dunno," shrugged Tsuna. She knew, but it was a stupid reason. Who knew Sawada Iemitsu could hit a new low?

"Well… right."

"You two… yapping away…" The pair turned to the one immobilised. Squalo had woken up. "Can't even get a moment's rest."

Tsuna hugged Squalo. She was glad beyond belief. The swordsman accepted his fate and let the girl do so. She already lost so much, she just didn't want to lose anything again. Understandable.

"You should rest until you're fully healed. You know when you get back, Xanxus is gonna just beat you harder than this guy here," said Tsuna.

"Don't know about that, since, Xanxus is kind of a softy."

"He'd kill you if he heard you say that," said Tsuna, smiling.

"You guys close?" said Yamamoto. "So it's true huh."

"What?"

"You and the Varia are associated," said Yamamoto with a smile. There was something alarming about how the jovial teen addressed the situation.

"Um, Yamamoto, right? Do you know what you fought for?" asked Tsuna. She just wanted to confirm something.

"The Vongola."

"Do you know what it is?"

"It's a family."

"That relies on fighting to the death? Doesn't that concern you?" asked Tsuna.

"I'm indebted to Ieyasu. He saved my life," replied Yamamoto. "If I get to repay that debt then I'm happy."

"But… are you really happy with yourself?"

"Hey girl, don't impose on him," said Squalo. He was meant to figure it out for himself.

At this rate he wouldn't – Tsuna glared at Squalo.

"It's… I don't know."

"Look, I'm sorry for being pushy but I'm just worried."

"No it's okay. You and Ieyasu are quite alike. You guys are always so worried for those around you."

"Really?" That was a first. Being like Ieyasu. It seemed as a compliment but she wasn't sure what to make of it.

"Yeah."

"I see. Just don't tell anyone about meeting me," said Tsuna.

"Yep." Yamamoto soon left. Tsuna then farewelled Squalo. The night was late.

On her way out of the hospital, she was called over by a man with a pompadour hair style and was then met by Hibari Kyoya. He was seated in the back of a car. The driver was the man she was approached by, called Kusakabe Tetsuya, offering a ride back to the hotel to remain discreet on the road.

"You will be fighting me in the ring battle?" asked Hibari.

"I guess."

"You're a sky." Like Dino.

"I'm aware. But it's not like they can tell," said Tsuna. The ring battles were a joke, but necessary if they wanted to progress.

"You are Sora."

"I am," said Tsuna. She just thought of something. "Would you let me win?"

"No."

It was worth a go. She pouted.

"Alright."

The conversation cut short when they arrived at the hotel. When Tsuna was making her way into the hotel, she felt someone follow her. When she reached the elevators, she sectioned herself off from the crowd, knowing the person was still close behind. She stopped walked and called out. The person behind her stopped as well; the malicious intent disappeared.

"Are you Basil?" she asked.

"Y-yes." He sounded apprehensive but curious.

"So the one sent by Iemitsu to kill me?" She turned around. In front of her, a few metres away, was a boy around her age. He was thin and quite feminine looking.

"I do not wish to hurt you."

"So, you're here to spy on me now," she said. Information nowadays was far more powerful than anything else, considering that Reborn lacked so much of it.

"We suspected that thou were related with the Varia."

"And you're correct."

"R-right."

"Are you scared of me or something?" she was a bit confused at the distance between them as they spoke.

"Just cautious. Thou art different to what thy has been told."

"Think what you like. You can only judge from your own eyes," she said, amused, both at the response and dialect.

"I see. You know, your brother is fond of you," said Basil, ditching the Shakespearean additions to his speech.

"I never knew." She really didn't. The boy stared at her before giving in.

"You've affirmed my decision. I will not kill you as per my master's order."

Master? Was that man really that egocentric to make a boy that was his son's age to call him master?

"Sorry for the trouble. I will still report my findings."

"No issue," said Tsuna. They didn't know that Sora wasn't a separate person to her yet. And this 'Sora' would play a key part to the ring battles.

The boy left and she was left by herself again. She went inside the elevator and to the top floor.

…

The anticipated Mist Ring Battle came. It was obvious how excited the illusionists of both the elected Vongola and Varia were. A teacher student battle was always the most exhilarating, although, no one knew about it except for those who remembered.

"So you've shown yourself," said Reborn.

Tsuna showed up to the fight. She wanted to see it. It was going to be eventful. Both sides would be damaged, she figured, considering the different fighting styles.

"Since you found out, I figured there was no point hiding," said Tsuna glancing at Basil who stood at the side. Iemitsu was not in sight. She avoided eye contact with Ieyasu, who stood there fixated on her.

The fight began, taking place in the school's gym, with Chrome starting out. It was tag team battle for Mukuro and Chrome, being able to switch out whenever they wished. But only once. Chrome started out first since their goal was to put off Mammon in their differing fighting styles.

Chrome, more of an intelligence and knowledge based fighter, noted key techniques and illusions Mammon used and certain thought procedures the Arcobaleno most likely had in response to certain moves that Chrome used. Since she was significantly weaker, physically, she had to give in and let Mukuro take over. There was enough intel for Mukuro to work with. It was astounding how the two worked so well together. Tsuna knew it from the instant she saw the two together. Besides their uncanny similarities in looks with the hairstyle, they were exceptional partners.

"The girl put up a good fight. Let's see how you do," said Mammon.

"Let's see how much stronger you've gotten from that curse." Mukuro used the same illusion that Chrome used. Surprises wouldn't work. The more familiar the illusion was to the Arcobaleno, the higher chance of using it against them was. As Mammon got cocky from the weak illusion, she was caught off guard when a secondary illusion caught her.

"Please remember, I can also use a weapon besides illusions," said Mukuro. He swiftly approached the other illusionist. Mammon managed to break through, making sure she kept in check what was reality and what was not.

The kanji on Mukuro's eye changed to six, allowing Mukuro to cast himself as a 'real illusion.' It allowed him to distract Mammon and gain advantage, capturing Mammon whose illusions were dropping in strength and mental state getting dizzied.

It was his win. The fight was drawn to a close by the Cervello's announcement of the next battle, the decider of whether the Sky Ring battle would occur.

"The next battle will be the Cloud Ring fight - Hibari Kyoya and Sora."

…

Ieyasu didn't like the way that his family functioned. The two parents had originally cooed over the twins, loving both children equally. It was obvious that the male of the twins was more adept and Iemitsu was the one who pushed on the bias.

When he was younger, it worked to his advantage since he could gain the attention of both his parents, easily moulding the two adults to his childish mischief. But it never made Tsuna concern herself over him. Sure, he was harsh, but how else could he make her feel reliant on him?

The plan, back then childish and naïve, was to make her, not necessarily suffer, but to force her to depend on him. Almost dote on him. He knew he was partially at fault for her being thrown out of the household but why didn't she come crawling back? All her troubles would disappear if she just asked, begged, him to just stop back then. His younger self was foolish for thinking that way. Back then, the girl was 'useless,' after all.

Over the course of time, it was more apparent that the girl had clearly found someone, or worse, people, to rely on. He refused to believe that she had perished along the way of being abandoned. He always had that gut feeling.

Reborn's arrival only confirmed that he wasn't incorrect about his strange 'gut feeling.' The Arcobaleno had called it an infamous hereditary characteristic that only the descendants of Vongola Primo had. So that meant that both his father and sister had it.

Vongola provided an opportunity for him to gain power and influence to control those around him. A pretentious quality that Ieyasu had. He wanted to be the one pulling the strings. Reborn only infuriated him when he had to rely on the infant to gain such a title. He lacked strength in terms of the mafia, and knowledge. He had a few ideas of what he wanted to do when he was nominated as the Vongola Decimo. He wanted to put Iemitsu out of power. A familial member, especially directly related, would just get in his way. The man would stop him if he came to knew what he wanted to do. He was said to be reliable, second in command, in the Vongola Famiglia. That alone made Iemitsu a risk.

Ieyasu admitted that he was selfish. But wasn't that just an innate quality of humans? It justified most of his actions. With this intuition and novel power as Vongola Decimo, he could find his sister. Bring her back into his life and entertain him while the others lowly bowed before him.

An extreme kind of love that was repulsive to the majority. And, Ieyasu couldn't care less.

…

Everyone had been badly hurt from their respective ring battle. The Cloud Guardians had been placed in a field where mine explosives, sensory Gatling guns and barbed wire fences were placed across the area. It was to prevent outsiders from interfering with the battle, but neither side would require to. Hibari Kyoya was the ace of the 10th generation and Sora was the wild card.

Tsuna knew the outcome would be her loss. She wasn't a valid participant because she possessed no cloud flames. But a fight would satisfy Hibari, allow her to have some fun while she could and probe the opposing team. She glanced over at Gokudera who worriedly looked on. She had caused a terrible amount of trouble for the silver haired boy and could only nod her head in apology.

"Finally." Hibari readied himself, in an active stance. Sora (Tsuna) eyed him. The field was no match for either of them, one with enhanced senses from experience, and another from training and intuition. The only danger was the other opponent. Sora smirked at the other. Everything was a planned loss. She could only feel Xanxus' glare on Sora's back. Mammon had to step out since she was weakened by her fight. Mukuro and Chrome had stepped in to help, replicating Mammon's real illusion perfectly, mending their mist flames with Tsuna's sky flames to create Sora.

The Cervello was clueless, as of the moment, but they would be shown later the discrepancies that Sora had.

Reborn was intent on observing Sora. There was something amiss. All Arcobalenos watched on with interest, some with vexation. The Sun Arcobaleno focused on the whip in Sora's hands. Did Dino betray them for Tsuna?

The two clouds had begun their fight, eager to begin. This time, Tsuna's energy levels were at an all-time high. It had been a while since she last messed with Reborn. She only grinned to herself thinking about her childhood mischief that she incurred on the teenager, now turned infant.

"You're not focused on the battle," said Hibari, throwing his arm with precision into Sora's chest.

"Don't be afraid to hurt a girl," said Sora. Sora latched his fingers around the tonfa. He was still hurt by the impact, because Hibari hit hard, but he had blocked most of it.

"Hn." Sora tried to disarm the other but the other male had drawn back his weapon in the same instance, twisting his lower half of his body to hurl a leg at Sora's side.

Sora took the chance to distance himself from the other, using the whip to draw the other's attention away from attacking and to defending. Sora had a larger hit area than Tsuna. He was also using the same fighting style as Dino. But that meant that Tsuna was just letting Hibari win.

"Fight seriously," he said.

"Don't worry, I will." In the same moment, Hibari noticed Sora's Adam's apple move down and then back up. He (she) had swallowed something. Cloud flames hid the sky flames that flared on Sora's head as it coated the whip in hand. Sora's eyes glowed a deathly purple colour opposed to the actual golden orange sheen. "Dino told you about this huh." Tsuna was referring the way the flames were circuited through the weapon. The other smirked. Now it was getting fun.

"What is that?" asked Fon.

"He… is in Dying Will Mode." Reborn turned to Basil. "I thought you just talked to Tsuna."

"I-I did!"

"Then why does he have those pills?"

"Only master has them."

"Then, the time that Tsuna confronted Iemitsu…" said Fon, trailing off. The answer presented itself.

"Sora is able to enter Dying Will mode without the pills," said a new voice. They turned to find Dino standing beside his men. "Except it takes a toll on his body when he does it for a long period of time."

"Dino, you betrayed the Vongola," Reborn warned.

"No, I have not." Not yet, at least.

The ex-teacher and ex-student stared at each other and gave in to each other. They returned their attention on the fight, one too tired to deal with the situation and the other, confident with their decision.

The loud crack of the whip indicated a miss. Hibari jumped forward, closing in on the distance. Sora grunted, propelling himself to the edge of the field, avoiding land mines and the Gatling guns. Tsuna felt the mist flames weaken the instant Hibari landed a hit on Sora's body. Mukuro and Chrome quickly scrambled to fix the illusion, but that was a part of Tsuna's plan.

Satisfied, Hibari continued his pursuit. Sora struggled to stay out of Hibari's range but was getting cornered into an area of landmines. He had to stay in position or he would be pushed into the land mines.

Sora guided the whip to his other hand, skilfully changing the fighting style to catch Hibari off guard. In the heat of the moment, Tsuna channelled a portion too much of her flames into the whip. The sky flames were visible for a moment before being covered up by illusions.

Everyone noticed it, whilst Xanxus sat on the side, entertained. The Varia Boss was confident he would win his Sky Ring Battle and trusted Tsuna with whatever plan she had in store.

"Crap." Sora clicked his tongue. Hibari didn't mind the blunder and, instead, took his speed up a notch.

Tsuna was struggling to stay within a safe range on the field. She just needed the right opportunity to disclose the fact she was not a valid participant of the battle.

"Why are you not stopping the fight? Those were illusions covering up sky flames," said Reborn to the Cervello.

The Cervello watched fretfully. They couldn't stop the rampage the two 'clouds' had and the landmines were not deactivated until the cloud ring was assembled.

"My win." Hibari smirked as Sora was in the specific area of the field he had wanted to avoid. It was so obvious how the other wanted to evade it.

"Then I should just surrender," said Sora. Hibari frowned. No, that wasn't what he wanted. He wanted an ending to their fight, a genuine victory. The ring was the last of his worries. Sora struck the whip at the centre of Hibari's chest, allowing him to block it easily. In his bout of confusion of the easy block, Sora had leapt a split second after the strike, face to face with Hibari.

Sora only smiled as he kissed the male on the lips.

…

"The fuck?"

Tsuna never told anyone her plan. It was devised with the help of an old friend but she had yet to disclose that fact. Everyone just trusted her and assumed it would end the way she said. Hibari's win.

"I forfeit," said Sora, hands up in surrender, nonchalantly. "I'm not a cloud either way."

Lost for words, the Cervello fervently nodded. "T-the ring parts must be fixed or the field will not deactivate."

Sora tossed the ring at Hibari who caught it. In his daze, he put the halves together, an audible beeping noise signalled the deactivation of all the bombs and machinery in the area.

"The win goes to Hibari Kyoya," the Cervello announced. The ring was then thrown at the Cervello. One of the females caught it, questioning the action. Hibari declared that he wished to fight against Xanxus as Sora (Tsuna) had not delivered.

"I didn't find it pleasant either," said Sora, wiping his lips. Hibari glared at Sora before turning to Xanxus.

Xanxus ignored Hibari. The Sky Ring Battle was going to be held the following day. He didn't want to waste his effort on the younger teenager.

Gokudera and Colonello gawked at the scene whilst Lal laughed to herself. The kid was always full of eye-opening talents and mischief. Reborn noticed the shift in mood that his ex-student had. He may not have remembered everything as he had been told, but he still knew Dino well. And Dino showed a fraction too much concern towards this Sora that no one had ever heard of. Dino was not the type to entrust his whip to anyone else. The closest person to him, as suggested by Dino's conversations with the Sun and Storm Arcobaleno, was Tsuna.

Reborn moved away from the confusion, towards the ones that were eerily calm. He watched Chrome and Mukuro make their move, their focus was on Sora. As Mukuro turned around, he stared, contemplating something before smiling.

'Something doesn't feel right, Reborn.'

Reborn stopped in his tracks. Whose voice was he hearing?

'They're experimenting on kids like me.'

'That's rather normal.'

He responded to it?

'Normal?!'

Mukuro only leered at Reborn confused by his own memories. Just sharing a little bit wouldn't hurt. After all, he had a debt to pay back to the hitman.

…

Tsuna has a very valuable possession called her laptop. It contained media and files that was enough to prove the existence of Tsuna in the Vindice manor. Although it was seldom used to update herself on the current situation, Tsuna made sure she had backups of the data.

"It's useless," said Xanxus.

"Coming from you, it sounds worse than that," said Tsuna. Xanxus left, tending to his relaxation time before the battle. She was uneasy with the outcome the Sky Ring Battle would most likely have. She had meant to tie the end to her plan earlier in the day, but something told her that it wasn't yet time. After the ring battles, there were a few suspicions and insights confirmed.

Tsuna was directly involved with the Varia. In the form of Sora.

Dino had not technically betrayed the 'Vongola' that involved Ieyasu and his guardians, but had supported the 'Vongola' that was Tsuna who was without guardians.

Hibari disliked Tsuna for being kissed by a person, who was also male (although an illusion).

Tsuna was strong enough to handle herself.

Ieyasu's position as Vongola Decimo was no longer threatened by outside factors.

There was something amiss all this time. Tsuna had known far more than she was able to gather herself, and without the assistance of this one person, she would not have made it so far. The lack of his presence only hinted so. Their help allowed her to continue on with a simple push of dignity and confidence. Without her prized laptop, it would not have been possible.

"It worked," said Tsuna, smiling at the face on the screen.

"Of course. My calculations are precise."

It was unrealistic to think that Tsuna would had been able to execute a perfect plan. No matter how many times she had done it before, large scale moves like this – involving herself in the Vongola and Varia conflict, confronting different parties and getting their trust for the second time; there were too many risks that she had to take.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. If only I could see Reborn's reaction."

"Your sadism is showing."

The green haired scientist scoffed. "It is contradictory for you to say that."

A feared intelligence only a mad scientist could possess. Who better than Verde, the Lightning Arcobaleno?

…

Verde had gotten in touch with Tsuna in the middle of Tsuna's laments. Tsuna had managed to remove herself from the society, finding somewhere to stay in hiding. Community libraries and shelters allowed her to move around discreetly. She had gotten in touch with Gokudera who wanted to support her on her way, making sure she could play her cards.

She called it a form of depression. The inability to feel as though she had a purpose and to do anything to change how she lived. It was overwhelming and it halted her in her tracks. She had been so disconnected to the world when she lived with the Arcobaleno and the Vindice. She lacked the 'common sense' of the world that she was now thrown back into.

Verde knew what were lies and what were not. Technology had always been so irrefutably reliable to him, that it was unsatisfactory for him to have been rid of a portion of what made him believe so. A curse can only affect the world and its people. The creation of man, technology, could not be changed from a curse.

Tsuna.

The name was in almost every log that existed in his database.

There were names he had not recognised, but were revealed to be the names of the feared, the Vindice.

There were names he knew, the Arcobaleno, and photos that inarguably portrayed every named person in their light reflective forms as an image.

Both Verde and Tsuna were disengaged with the world and it drew Verde to contact this 'Tsuna' who joyously smiled in every photo taken of her. And, no matter how much he thought he doubted the pictures, the Vindice and Arcobaleno, who were in their un-cursed forms, were gathered together to create the family that once existed in the pictures.

Tsuna had thought it was a dream when Verde first contacted her. A good dream made reality.

Verde, the most cemented in reality, had found her. It was enough of a jostle to let her get back on track, allow herself to formulate plans for her own future.

In excitement, she told Verde everything. Beginning to end. The Lightning Arcobaleno had dumbly taken in the 'stories' she told. They seemed so natural and familiar and the girl, Tsuna, was so fascinating. It felt like it wasn't the first time he had been so captivated by her.

Verde had warned Tsuna that not everyone would take her life story easily. Even he had some trouble, but his data said otherwise and he could only rely on it after the curse. Tsuna seemed to be aware of it and promised not to bring it up too much. She was the one who had first suggested to move on. Verde pushed on the idea to move one - starting anew was never bad. It would cause some discomfort but it was for the better considering that the girl had no ties with anyone, anymore.

The world changed at its own pace. A bit fast for some, a bit too slow for others. Verde wanted to have his part in the change. And for some reason, he wanted Tsuna to be there too.

…

Tsuna didn't tell Xanxus that he was technically not allowed to take ownership of the Vongola Ring. Xanxus didn't have the blood to ascend to that throne– the blood of Vongola Primo, the original king.

Everyone was at their weakest state. No one was unscathed. Those who were the least damaged were Hibari and Tsuna. The poison wasn't enough to immobilise the two. Hibari was hard-willed (pretentious) and Tsuna possessed the blood of Vongola Primo. The two had freed themselves from the poison first, knowing that nothing good would come from a battle in the current situation. Hibari still itched for a fight but not when his opponents were weak. The Varia members were slowly cured with Tsuna's assistance. No one wanted to get overconfident.

Tsuna moved onto unlocking the watches on the elected 10th generation, but kept the rings for herself.

Gokudera had dutifully helped her and followed her to the Varia's side, where Xanxus and Ieyasu fought.

"Kid, you knew." Xanxus was at his knees, grasping at the ground in rage and the revived pain of the ice that once encompassed him.

Tsuna closed her eyes. "I'm sorry."

"Sorry was never enough!"

Gokudera, Dino, Gingerbread and Xanxus were the ones who hoped that the girl would return. It was chaotic without that pillar of hope.

"I know." The Varia and the 10th Generation stared on at the scene in silence.

Not even Reborn said a word when the victory was announced to be Ieyasu's.

…

Iemitsu, albeit proud of his son's win, was restrained from showing his glee. Not when Tsuna had rendered him exhausted. Nothing had gone his way. Basil had finally decided to be independent at the worst of times and Reborn had threatened to force him back to bed if he dared to leave the house with ill intent against his daughter. It was an unexplained prejudice the man had against the girl and neither Ieyasu or Reborn knew exactly why.

Ieyasu had convinced Reborn to mellow Iemitsu's power within the Vongola, but since Ieyasu had not gone through a proper Inheritance Ceremony yet, Ieyasu didn't have enough power to remove Iemitsu from his long-standing title as the Young Lion of the Vongola and the leader of CEDEF.

Reborn was collecting his thoughts.

What Mukuro showed him was when he had apparently first met the boy. It was unmistakable, seeing his teenage body instead of his stubby little fingers and legs. He was partnered with a girl, younger than him by a few years at that time. The two were well affiliated, considering that they exchanged a conversation without any threats. They didn't argue, they didn't disagree, they didn't refuse to listen to the other. They were not 'associates' as Reborn would have normally called it, but 'family.' That recognisable intangible form of love that only 'family' would have.

He, at best, only sought any form of love from Luce. But that girl was not Luce.

Tsuna never lied when she said that the two had met before.

The Sun Arcobaleno walked mindlessly. How would life be different with that girl? From the very beginning, she just brought trouble to him and those around him. There was a gap in his memory that he had never attended to since when he first got cursed because it wouldn't have helped him get out of his situation. The past stayed in the past.

"Reborn."

"What is it baka-Ieyasu?" Reborn snapped out of his thoughts.

"Something… is off."

"You're going to be the Vongola Decimo. Fix your own issues."

"No, I think this involves you." Ieyasu didn't want to gamble with it. His intuition grinded his cores, so much that it hurt. The pair were only walking home from their trip from the stores, so what was endangering them?

The atmosphere grew stiff, suffocating the two. Neither could move.

"What's happening?" Ieyasu tried to move against the force.

Dread stirred throughout Reborn's body. He watched as the purple metallic tube slowly descended upon him. The shadow of the ten-year bazooka swallowed him whole.

…

..

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"Bermuda, Bermuda, Bermuda. A mystery amongst all," echoed the voice.

"You dare to appear before us."

"You should pay attention to those you hold close. You'll just lose them like that," he said, snapping his fingers. "Oh, I forgot that you don't remember anymore."

"Checkerface. Leave this instance."

"Perhaps I will share some great news! The Sky Arcobaleno is safe and sound. Wonderful, right?"

The Sky Arcobaleno was key to finding Checkerface's weakness. She would be able to foretell the future and point out key losses that they could avoid. His infantile body could do nothing against the man in front of him. Bermuda held his tongue, knowing the chance would not come again. His hatred burned him but the situation could prove advantageous if he listened.

"I'll take that as a yes." Checkerface smiled happily to himself. "She's waiting to be found before she passes away from her curse. All you have to do, is say that you want to find her."

"Bermuda, do not concern yourself over us," said Jaeger. He knew what his boss valued at this moment. That was his priority.

Bermuda faced each Vindice member. He nodded, transferring his flames to his retainers.

"Alright, say your farewells," said Checkerface. "You'll want to."

A distorted portal of Checkerface's doing appeared. It was a one way road and no turning back.

What made Bermuda trust Checkerface?

Nothing.

His body moved on its own, and stepped through the portal.

The movement never stopped until he arrived at the new location.

"So, it's time." The woman's face was so faded in Bermuda's memory, it was as though she were a ghost in real life – a ghost who was still alive. She was shorter than him, but she was in her normal adult form.

Confused, Bermuda looked down at his hands and then his body.

"What is this?" exclaimed Bermuda. He wasn't cursed, or was he? He was still bounded by the pacifier. The Sky Arcobaleno was as well.

"We are in the future where we shouldn't be," said Luce, sombrely. "A parallel world."

"This doesn't make sense."

"Then, please, take a seat. You have a bit to catch up on." Luce paused, staring into the distance knowing that many others had arrived in the dying world. "Perhaps we should start with a story about a little girl."

"That holds no relation to this." Bermuda was impatient and irritated.

Luce winced and grimaced. "Unfortunately… it's the reason we are all here and how it all began."

…

Quandary – a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation.

…

This is the end of 'Utopiosphere' but not the end of the story. The next instalment will be a sequel story (the next chapter).

PLEASE GO TO MY PROFILE, GO THROUGH RECENTLY UPDLOADED OR SEARCH UP 'One Leader Part Two' FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER.

I've decided to use this as a chance to make the 'sequel' stand-alone (not requiring the reader to read the first part of One Leader) considering how messy this story was. Back in 2015, it was a simple dream of mine to make this work. Compared to when it was first planned out, the plot has changed drastically to what it is now and for the better.

Thank you for your support so far and I hope that you will continue to read it in the next instalment of One Leader Part Two.

Zaira Swift.

Guest Reviews:

Guest (December 5 2017- Chapter 27) – They are horrible parents with shitty qualities. I didn't really know how to explain it but I want to move on from it. They were never required in the first place.

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Last updated: December 3rd 2017.

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I'm truly grateful for all your support. This story documented the change of my writing style throughout my early teenage years. It's not my proudest work, but really, these three years were amazing.

Please continue to support me with One Leader Part Two.