The Other Me

A Katekyo Hitman Reborn Fanfiction

Disclaimer: I do not own KHR or its characters. All rights go to Akira Amano and her publishers.

Chapter Eight: Man Hunt

Just a few moments ago, Tsuna had agreed to fight for candidacy to be boss of an Italian crime syndicate. The brunette had not been lured in by the incentive of money or power, but a simpler reason of protecting the innocent. He heard from Reborn that the other candidate was ruthless enough to harm him and anyone he held dear. Tsuna just couldn't allow that. Even if he was the biggest coward in the world, Tsuna didn't want the deaths of his family or friends on his conscience, merely because he was foolish enough to run away. Running away never solved problems it only escalated the issue until you were brave enough to clean up the mess.

"First, you must pass a test." Reborn said after Tsuna's acceptance. He watched the brunette's eyes widened slightly at the word of being tested.

"A test?" Tsuna questioned.

The older man peered at the brunette and explained. "If you can get rid of the Hitman shadowing me, then I will give you the items you need to train."

Tsuna frowned at this. He was under the impression that Reborn had come here to help him, and at a time like this he decided to administer tests. He didn't have the time or the patience for what the older man proposed. Not to mention he was terrible at test-taking. "But I thought you were going to help me?"

"Nothing in this world is given unless earned." The Hitman stated. Reborn wasn't going to make it that easy. It was one thing to accept the inevitable, but this brat had another thing coming if he thought he'll baby him. That wasn't how he went about his business, and Tsuna was going to learn the hard, grueling way as his other pupils once did.

Tsuna groaned inwardly, he did believe that things should be earned, but when it came to something so crucial, he wasn't sure. Did he really have time to do this? And to go after a Hitman, even? "Why do I have to get rid of a Hitman, aren't you more suited for something like that?"

"If he isn't dealt with, then he'll get in the way of your training trying to kill me." The Italian gave a very sound reply.

Tsuna gave in. There was no getting around this, in order to protect everyone; Tsuna had to pass this test. He sighed heavily. "Okay. What does this Hitman look like?"

"Oh, you can't miss him." Reborn started. "He'll be the one with murderous intent, pointing a gun at my back."

Tsuna frowned at Reborn's sarcasm, it was obvious what the Hitman would be trying to kill him, but it would be helpful if he was given more distinct features to look for. Tsuna didn't know if Reborn was deliberately being secretive to make this harder or making him look stupid, but he had accomplish the latter. "I'll keep a look out."

Reborn looked down at his sleeve and pulled it back to reveal an expensive silver watch. For a few moments he studied the time and then looked back to Tsuna. "I'll give you till this time tomorrow to catch him."

"That's not a lot of time!" Tsuna exclaimed.

The Hitman shrugged his shoulders, showing how little he cared about the time constraint. If Tsuna was truly worthy of being a candidate for Vongola, then he could at least do this. Reborn did not relent. "If you can't do it, then it can't be helped. You were destined to die."

What?! Tsuna exclaimed in head.

Ietsuna's words were a bit more colorful. Tell him to go fuc-

Ietsuna! Tsuna reprimanded.

"This is where I'm staying." Reborn offered Tsuna a white business card. The hotel was located in Roppongi. "He'll probably be around there as well."

"Okay." Tsuna said accepting the card. Thankfully, there was no school tomorrow. He would have all day to track this person down. After this Reborn left. The Italian said nothing more than advising Tsuna to sleep early tonight. Tsuna took the other's advice, already knowing it would be a long day. A very, very long day.

As Tsuna settled in for the night, his mind was still thinking of the things he was told. Now he was heir to an Italian mafia family. It seemed unreal. He still couldn't believe it.

I still say you should have kicked that bastard out .

Goodnight, Ietsuna Tsuna said as he went to sleep. Somehow it was really soothing to know Ietsuna didn't have a high opinion of Reborn. There wasn't much about Reborn that could make Tsuna dislike him, but since the Hitman had the unfortunate task of leading him into the world of the Mafia, he seemed antagonistic. Maybe, when he got used to the idea that he was a mafia boss in training, the Hitman would grow on him. But at least, he had Ietsuna with him to express the things that he was too self-conscious to say or believe.

"VOOOIIIIIIII." A long haired man yelled as he entered the threshold into the Vongola headquarters. Clad in black, from head to toe and his straight white hair billowing after him like a cape. The maids and servants averted their eyes from the assassin as stormed through the mansion in search for someone. Finally, his heavy steps lead him to two large doors. The doors were old fashioned, heavy, and yet were effortlessly pushed opened as if they were made of air. The long haired man peered into the room, which was dark. The only light coming into the room was from the windows. He stepped in without a second of hesitation, maneuvering in the dark like he had the room memorized.

"Are you in here, asshole?" The swordsman said as he looked around in the dark for a certain person.

Something shifted behind him and he swiftly turned around, managing to cut an aimed projectile in half. The item used to be an armchair, probably antique. But such things didn't matter to the thrower or the person who cut into them out of self-defense.

"You're noisy, trash." A voice came from the side where the chair had been thrown from. It sounded annoyed and tired. The swordsman heard more shuffling as if someone was getting up from a chair and now he could hear heavy boots walking over to him. The red eyes of the one he sought were the first thing he saw. It was usually the thing the assassin looked at first. Those crimson irises held so much revulsion for anyone he laid eyes on, it was almost awe-inspiring. Not that he would admit this to the bastard. "I see, Gregorio didn't kill you."

"Bastard." The swordsman growled. Right now Gregorio was swimming with the sharks, literally. However, it could have been him and not Gregorio. He didn't know how he survived, but he'll be damned if he died in such an unsightly way. Especially, if it gave this bastard any fucking satisfaction. Xanxus sent him, knowing it would be one against twenty. He was under the assumption that he was doing a simple assassination mission to eradicate some scum that was acting as a mole for a rival family. Yet, when he arrived at the designated spot, he was the one being targeted. It was then that he knew he had been deceived and fought every man there was to stay alive. That was why he was so damned pissed off.

"That mole was giving information to our rival family, but if you died in the crossfire, then it'll be hitting two birds with one stone." The Italian said as he sat in another chair, not intimidated by the man wielding the sword.

"You'll love to get rid of me, but you can't. I'm harder to kill than a cockroach." Squalo boosted with a smirk.

Xanxus grinned back. "Yes, you are a cockroach."

"Why you-?" Squalo started again.

"Squ-chan, Xanxus-sama, are you two fighting again? What will I do with the both of you?" A man with neon green hair and sunglasses sauntered in.

"This shithead tried to get me killed again!" Squalo screamed as he glared at Xanxus, who uninterestedly gazed out a window.

Another person walked into the room, his blonde bangs covering his eyes and a silver tiara on his head. "Ushishi, I guess I lost to Mammon again. You actually came back in one piece."

"You owe me 300 euro." A hooded figure told the prince as he materialized into the room.

Another stepped into the room due to the commotion. "You'll get him next time, Xanxus-sama."

Squalo turned to the newcomer. "Fuck you, Levi, always kissing the bastard's ass."

"Shut the fuck up!" Xanxus yelled making everyone become silent. All eyes were on Xanxus, and no one dared blink an eye. "We're leaving to Japan , tonight. So get your shit together by eight or we'll leave your ass behind."

"To Japan ?" Squalo started and his blue eyes narrowed, "So it's been decided, then."

Xanxus didn't acknowledge if it was a yes or no, but he didn't need to. They were going to Japan, and that pretty much said it all, Xanxus had to fight to keep his title. The swordsman was divided on how he felt, on one hand, he thought it was about time for the bastard to get off his ass and actually work for something. The Italian threw his title around selfishly, making people move mountains for him. However, Squalo felt this was Xanxus's birthright to become the next boss, it was owed to him. Nonetheless, Squalo turned to the rowdy lot not expressing his inner conflict. "You heard him, trash. Get to it."

What are they doing here? Ietsuna asked Tsuna.

The brunette rode in between Yamamoto and Gokudera. The two had seen him on his way to the train station. Gokudera was on his way to his house to see if Ryohei had hurt him and Yamamoto was coming back from a morning delivery for his father's Sushi restaurant. Accidently, Tsuna slipped that he had to go to Roppongi and the two volunteered to go with him. Tsuna didn't want them involved, but they were insistent in accompanying him, so the brunette gave in. The more the merrier. However, Ietsuna wasn't pleased.

To help, I guess. Tsuna told his alter-ego.

Then, are you going to tell them about the mafia stuff, too? Ietsuna questioned.

Tsuna frowned. They are my friends, but I don't want them involved in something dangerous.

His alter-ego teased. Don't you mean love interests?

The brunette fought back the heat rising to his face. There was some truth to what Ietsuna said. Yamamoto did kiss him and confess that he didn't want to be only friends and Tsuna was currently going out with Gokudera. The brunette was in a quandary; he never imagined a person like himself would be in. Then again, did most people have another personality living in the same body? Probably not. Right now, Tsuna was trying to forget about his love life problems and focus on the task at hand; he had to stop Reborn's Hitman. He needed to pass this test in order for the Italian to train him and if he didn't pass, he was royally screwed.

"Tsuna." Yamamoto called the brunette back to earth. Once Tsuna turned to look at him, the baseball fanatic continued. "Where are we going again?"

Tsuna opened his mouth to speak, but Gokudera interjected. "Roppongi, you idiot."

Despite, Gokudera's insult, the baseball captain continued to smile brightly. "I know that, but where in Roppongi?"

Tsuna pulled out the business card in his pocket and read, "The Ritz-Carlton."

The silver haired bomber raised his eyebrows at this. "That expensive hotel?"

"Yes, I have to follow the person that lives there." Tsuna said, hoping it didn't sound as weird out loud as it did in his head.

"What is he a millionaire or something?" Yamamoto inquired, curious about the person the brunette would be following. Roppongi was well known in Tokyo for foreign expats and U.S. naval visitors. Sometimes even celebrities were spotted there.

"No, he's my…" Tsuna tried to think. The freshman didn't want Gokudera and Yamamoto to know about the Mafia stuff, so Tsuna couldn't say Reborn was a Hitman. But what could he say that would be acceptable and not bring up any kind of suspicion?

Say, home tutor. Ietsuna suggested.

"My home tutor. He's from Italy." Tsuna lied, thanking Ietsuna mentally for his save. He would not have figured it out otherwise.

"I didn't know you had a tutor." Gokudera said to Tsuna. The bomber was mentally scolding himself for not knowing this piece of information.

"Well, my grades are pretty bad and there isn't a cram school close by, so my mother hired one to come to my house." Tsuna further stretched the truth, but it was believable. He did suck at school and his neighborhood didn't have any cram schools.

"So why do you want to follow him?" The baseball athlete asked.

"There's this other student who wants him as their tutor, so I wanted to talk to him." Tsuna continued his untruth.

"Don't worry, tenth. I'll take care of it." Gokudera volunteered, but knowing the bomber's method of dealing with people, he would opt for violence, instead of something diplomatic. Then again they would be dealing with a Hitman, maybe that way was appropriate.

"Tenth," Gokudera said softly, getting Tsuna's attention. It was funny how little he knew about Gokudera, but how he could determine when the other had something very difficult to say. It was easier for Gokudera to sling insults, then to actually be nice. Tsuna braced himself. "Maybe we could go see a movie afterwards?"

Tsuna stared blankly at Gokudera, was he asking him on a date? The bomber looked expectantly at the brunette. Tsuna believed he had every right to, they were going out and it was expected that they did things like that together. However, the brunette was having trouble, giving Gokudera an answer. "Um…"

Yamamoto chimed in. "A movie? That'll be fun."

Gokudera's kind emerald eyes darted to the grinning baseball idiot, pinning the dark haired boy with a blood curling glare. "I was talking to the tenth, not you!"

"But you didn't say I couldn't come." The athlete added playfully. Unfortunately, Gokudera was very serious.

Gokudera spat back. "I'm saying you can't come, stupid!"

Tsuna frowned, he felt like he was being pulled to either side. Gokudera was pulling him one way and Yamamoto was testing him, pulling him in another. He couldn't deal with this right now; his life was hanging the balance.

"We probably won't have time anyway." Tsuna dismissed, but the brunette didn't like how he handled that. He was running away and that would only cause more problems down the line. Tsuna had to figure out what he wanted. And what he desired was…

"But maybe we could go tomorrow, just the two of us." Tsuna offered Gokudera. In the end, he wanted to be fair. The bomber made a move on him first and he hadn't really given their relationship a chance. It wouldn't be fair to him or Gokudera, if he didn't see this through. Yamamoto would have to respect that.

"Sure, tenth." Gokudera was very pleased by this. To the point where he gave a slightly smug glance over to Yamamoto.

"Maybe next time, Yamamoto." The brunette offered with a slight smile. He hoped Yamamoto would understand and not take this to the heart.

The baseball captain gazed at Tsuna with some understanding as he leaned into his seat. "Next time, then."

And of course, Ietsuna needed to add his two cents into the mix. His little baseball heart is breaking. Great job, Tsunayoshi.

I feel bad already, but fair is fair. Tsuna resolved. He was being just, but it still cut him deep. Yamamoto had confessed to him, placing his heart on the line for him and he shut him down. He knew how hard it was to tell someone you liked them. He never had the courage to tell Kyoko how he felt. But he couldn't just jump into someone else's arms just because they confessed to him; it would compromise Gokudera and himself.

The rest of the train ride was pretty awkward. Yamamoto was uncharacteristically silent and Gokudera was a blissful trance. The silence was killing Tsuna, so he shot up from his seat as soon as the train pulled into the station. "This is our stop."

The trio left the train and started towards Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Within minutes they were nearing the front of an impressive high-rise building. It was very rare to have buildings so high in Tokyo, mainly because of the frequent earthquakes.

"That's him." Tsuna pointed out at a man wearing an expensive dark suit and black fedora with an orange strip.

"That's your home tutor?" Yamamoto questioned as he observed the older man walking down the street. The Hitman had a certain air about him, a mix of deadliness and grace wrapped in a very handsome packaged. "He looks kind of scary."

"He's very strict." Tsuna commented as he watched with Yamamoto.

Gokudera is surprisingly quiet through Yamamoto and Tsuna's banter. The bomber noticed the man right off the bat. Gokudera knew he was no home tutor; he was much more dangerous than that. He was a Hitman. However, he decided not to disclose his thoughts in front of Yamamoto for now. When he was alone with Tsuna, then he would tell him.

"Where is he going?" Yamamoto questioned as they began following the Italian.

"How about you pipe down? He'll hear us." Gokudera barked at Yamamoto's brainlessness. They were supposed to be following the tenth's home tutor, not getting themselves caught.

Yamamoto chuckled. "Oh yeah."

"Baseball idiot." Gokudera sneered, but the athlete seemed like his normal self. Tsuna was relieved to see that the baseball captain wasn't too disheartened. It was as if nothing had ever happened between them.

Reborn's destination was at a local Starbucks, where he sat down to have some coffee and read the Japanese and Italian newspapers. The trio discreetly watched the Hitman from a distance, by a table by the entrance. While they were in the coffee shop, they saw no signs of anyone approaching Reborn. Some woman would regard the Hitman from afar, ogling his features and contemplating the size of his wallet, as well as, other things. But other than that, Reborn was pretty much left to his own devices.

Then the Hitman moved to the Roppongi Hills, walking around and browsing around shops that were too expensive and so far out of their league. Tsuna was started to get tired of following Reborn. Last night, the Italian made it seem like this hostile Hitman was fiercely out to kill him. For some reason, the brunette was expecting to find this opposing Hitman diving for Reborn's throat as soon as they arrived, but that wasn't the case. Perhaps, there was more patience involved in assassination, lying in wait for the perfect opening. Either way, Tsuna wasn't enjoying this venture and time was running out. It would soon be lunch time; he wouldn't be any closer to passing Reborn's test.

Tsunayoshi… Ietsuna cautioned his host. Usually, when his alter-ego did this something was going to happen. His honey irises looked over to his "home tutor", Reborn was still window shopping and the area around him seemed normal. No one approached Reborn. The mousy adolescent than noticed something a few feet away from the Hitman. A shadowed figure was hiding behind a pillar. Tsuna watched as the lurker observed Reborn.

Could that be? Tsuna wondered, watching the shroud person.

Suddenly, the mysterious lurker pulled out something from his pocket and tossed it. The object flew towards Reborn in a blur. The object is about to hit the ebony haired male, when the Hitman nonchalantly lifted his hand up to yawn, the object was parried away from him and took to the air. Soon after the small object exploded, causing an earsplitting blast. Chaos sprung out in the shopping area, people screaming and racing to safety. However, the three boys were awestruck by what occurred.

"D-did he just deflect a bomb?!" Tsuna cried out in astonishment.

However, the bomber was doing calculations in his head, measuring the speed of which the grenade was going, matching the timing of Reborn's parry seemed pretty remarkable. Plus, Gokudera knew from dealing with explosives that they were very sensitive, especially when dealing with grenades, sometimes the slightest tap had the potential to blow your face off. Such fearlessness in the face of potential danger and excellent precision executed by the Hitman did bring about awe in the young student. But still Gokudera didn't trust the bastard. The only composed one of the trio was, of course Yamamoto, who had a big grin on his face. The whole thing was like an incredible performance by highly trained professionals. No danger here. He then praised Tsuna. "Your tutor is awesome!"

"Y-yea." Even Tsuna had to admit it, Reborn was incredible. If he wasn't dreading this whole mafia thing, he would have been glad to have someone like Reborn to assist him. He watched as Reborn dusted off his clothing, from falling debris, the Italian was fine. When Tsuna turned back to the place the lurker stood, he found that the person was no longer there. Tsuna's eyes returned to his tutor and realized the ebony headed assassin had blended into the crowd. "Where did Reborn go?"

The brunette left his current position, racing over to the panicky crowd to find the Italian assassin. He had to keep an eye on Reborn, or else the Hitman could get him, when he wasn't near.

"Tenth!" Gokudera called after Tsuna as he saw the other enter the crowd.

"Tsuna! Wait up!" Yamamoto attempted to stop the brunette.

However, their cries had fallen onto deafen ears. Tsuna was already well into the crowd and all he could make out from was hysterics from the crowd and the calm directions from people assisting the panicked shoppers.

For a good hour, Tsuna wandered about looking for the Italian Hitman. However, Reborn was nowhere to be found, he hadn't even left a trace behind. The brunette didn't even see any signs of the dark haired boy that was after Reborn. From what he glimpsed at, the other Hitman had to be about his age or younger. Tsuna wondered why someone his age would be hunting Reborn. Didn't he have school? Wouldn't his mother scold him for taking up such a dangerous lifestyle?

"Nice seeing you here, Tsunayoshi-kun." Tsuna jumped as he heard Mukuro's voice. The brunette whirled around and saw the blue haired delinquent a foot away. The blue haired delinquent was unexpectedly dressed in a dark suit, white dress shirt with the top three buttons were open, showing a glimpse of his chest, and a dark tie loosely swinging around his neck. Tsuna had the admit that Mukuro seemed less treacherous dressed like that, but knowing what the other was capable of, he didn't allow himself to forget that the delinquent had claws.

"What are you doing here?" The brunette questioned.

"I direct that same question to you. You don't seem like the type to be here." Mukuro questioned as he shortened the distance between them, walking over to the smaller boy.

"I'm looking for someone." Tsuna answered, tensing up as the blue haired teen came closer.

Mukuro raised an eyebrow at the brunette's answer. "Your boyfriend, perhaps?"

Tsuna's eyes widened when he realized that Gokudera and Yamamoto were not with him. They must have gotten separated during the chaos. He was so caught up in finding Reborn that he had forgotten them. He then realized how vulnerable he was, he had no one here to protect him except Ietsuna, but Mukuro was too suspicious of his alter-ego already.

"Or are you running away from him?" Mukuro smirked, leaning a bit forward. So close that the brunette had a whiff of Mukuro's cologne. It smelled of something earthy like sandalwood. There were also hints of alcohol and cigarette smoke.

Pineapple creep, better keep his hands to himself… Ietsuna threatened in Tsuna's head.

Tsuna stepped out of Mukuro's reach, out of both precaution and fright. "Don't touch me."

"You know, Tsunayoshi-kun, you still owe me?" Mukuro said, still keeping close to the brunette.

"For what?!" Tsuna inquired with a slightly raised voice.

"For letting you off the hook that morning." The heterochromatic teen informed. Mukuro's reputation at school was very important to him. It took a lot of hard work to get him to where he was and he wasn't going let Tsuna ruin it. He then added. "And if it wasn't for me, Hibari would have finished you off."

Mukuro's words registered in Tsuna's head and gradually he placed two and two together. The reason why Hibari came after him was because Mukuro stopped. "It was you?"

The blue headed delinquent grinned wolfishly in reply.

Ietsuna replied adamantly. You don't owe, Pineapple creep, anything. You never asked him to help you.

I know that, but…Tsuna started, but he couldn't finish. Mukuro was intent on blackmailing him, he just didn't know why. It had to be more than his reputation, the blue haired delinquent wanted something from him, but it was unclear to Tsuna what that was.

Mukuro grinned. "Or should I tell everyone about your secret?"

His fiery alter-ego tried to convince his host. The pineapple is lying.

He knows something. Tsuna disagreed with Ietsuna. He figured something out about them, it was clear the last time they met. Mukuro knew something, maybe he hadn't figured out the truth yet, but the illusionist was bent on finding out what that was.

Just then a black car stopped beside the two teenagers and the shaded window rolled down. Inside the car was dark, which was weird given that it was broad daylight.

"Hey." A deep voice came from the dark car. Tsuna peered inside the car and saw dark eyes looking back at him. It was Reborn.

"Reborn, how did you get there?" The brunette asked.

"I walked." Reborn answered sarcastically. "Anyway, I'm going to Asakusa."

"What?! What about the guy tailing you?" The brunette questioned, gripping the edge of the car's open window. Did the Hitman forget that he was nearly killed just an hour ago?!

"He'll be there, but more importantly, you better get there." Reborn rolled up his window, causing Tsuna to quickly retract his fingers before they were caught. The black car then sped off. Tsuna watched the car disappeared into ongoing traffic.

"Who was that?" The heterochromatic delinquent inquired, still looking at the spot where the car merged into the traffic.

"My home tutor." Tsuna told Mukuro unintentionally. At the moment, the brunette had too much on his mind to worry about giving away such a tidbit. He was trying to figure out a way to find Yamamoto and Gokudera, and also get to Asakusa fast.

The illusionist watched the brunette silently panic over his current situation. He didn't know why, but he was compelled to help him. "I could take you to Asakusa."

Tsuna turned to Mukuro, his honey eyes full of distrust. "You?"

Mukuro was amused by the russet adolescent's doubt, but it was to be expected with his repertoire. He knew he wasn't the type to offer help to others, but he wasn't doing it as a kind gesture. His generosity was simply a means to figure out the mystery behind the brunette's weird behavior. The blue haired teen explained. "I have a friend who could drive us there. It'll be faster than taking the subway."

Though the offer was appealing, he didn't trust Mukuro. Plus, he needed to find his friends. "But Gokudera and Yamamoto are still here, I can't leave them behind."

"It sounds like you don't have much time. Your home tutor is almost there and probably the man tailing him is close behind him. You could miss your chance." The other insisted, using what he heard from the brunette's conversation to add emphasis. The brunette damned him for it, because he was right. And the devilish teen smirked at him, knowing he was Tsuna's only option.

Tsunayoshi, don't go with him. Ietsuna pleaded.

Tsuna was at a loss. But, he's right. Reborn will get there in no time and by the time I get in contact with Gokudera and Yamamoto, he probably would have left or gotten killed by that Hitman.

I don't trust him. His alter-ego stated

The brunette thought, reasonably. Neither do I, but time is running out. It'll be dark soon.

Ietsuna sighed heavily and then he offered a compromise. Fine, but if he tries anything funny, I get to kick him where the sun doesn't shine.

Tsuna held back a snicker. Deal.

"Okay." Tsuna finally agreed and Mukuro immediately hopped onto his phone. When everything was confirmed, he felt a bit better about his decision. The delinquent was keeping his word and he appreciated that, but he knew this whim of benevolence will only be added to his list of things to black mail him with.

As they waited for Mukuro's friend to arrive with the car, Tsuna decided to talk with other. He was still interested in what the other was doing here. "You never answered my question. What are you doing in Roppongi?"

"I just killed someone." The illusionist said with a deadpan expression.

"What?!" Tsuna cried out, believing his blue haired schoolmate's words.

Mukuro laughed softly and revealed the truth. "Of course, I was at work."

"You work?" Tsuna repeated, surprised that the delinquent was so responsible. He had considered Mukuro as someone who gained money corruptly, not something as honest as a job.

"Yes, I work at a host club." The other revealed.

Tsuna's image of a sincere working Mukuro was then tarnished. He had to say working at a host club seemed more like the delinquent's forte. "So, you charm woman out of their money."

"Only the willing." Mukuro grinned shamelessly.

Although, Mukuro's clients were freely paying for his services, it still seemed wrong. Then again, who was he to judge? He didn't have a job or didn't have a reason for one. As Tsuna pondered the illusionist's morality, as well as how critical a person he was, a silver 2008 Toyota Crown Hybrid came up to him. The brunette was surprised at how fast the vehicle arrived. The passenger side window lowered, revealing a man with sharp dark eyes, a scar starting from his right cheek to his chin resembling claw marks and dark unruly hair, seating on the driver's side.

"This is Lanchia, my whipping boy." Mukuro introduced the driver to the brunette.

Lanchia's dark eyes menacingly averted to the blue haired teen. "Call me that again and we'll see who's whipping who."

I like him. Ietsuna commented and Tsuna had to agree, there was something very likeable about Lanchia. Tsuna couldn't bring himself to think badly of the other, even though he looked like a vicious club bouncer.

"Where are you going?" Lanchia asked, turning back to the wheel.

"To Asakusa." Tsuna told the older man.

"Got it. Get in." The brunette followed Mukuro into the backseat of the car and as soon as the car door was closed, they started moving.

"Tsunayoshi-kun would make a good host." The illusionist began, but he didn't look to Tsuna when he spoke. Mukuro wasn't speaking to anyone in particular, but he did leave the statement hanging up in the air for debate.

"No, I wouldn't." Tsuna retorted. He would feel too guilty lying to people. Telling them they were beautiful, when he didn't think so or slipping a compliment so they could buy another drink. Plus, he didn't have that attractive appeal.

The delinquent looked over to his schoolmate. "Lanchia could tell you himself that women like your type."

Tsuna looked to the driver, and after a moment, Lanchia looked back at Tsuna through the rearview mirror. "They like the harmless ones."

You make them sound like ravenous wolves! Tsuna thought to himself.

Perhaps, Tsuna had put women on pedestals, but he never thought ill of any girl. Mainly because his mother could take the form of Yamato Nadeshiko [1], but even with his former crush, Kyoko, he only saw her good qualities instead of her flaws. She was kind, smart and considerate but, he was sure even she had her vices. Speaking of sweet girls, Tsuna wondered about Mukuro's adopted twin sister, Chrome. She was also one of those girls, who he couldn't picture doing anything wrong. Although everyone knew Mukuro and Chrome as the dreaded Twins, Tsuna only considered her older brother as the culprit behind Chrome's bad rap. "Where is your sister, Chrome? Don't tell me, she's a host too."

"No. They'll devour my sister." The delinquent responded. Tsuna noted how Mukuro freely called Chrome his sister. Everyone knew they were not related by blood, but it seemed endearing to the brunette that the delinquent believed that she was his sibling. The blue haired teen then added offhandedly. "She works as a waitress at a cafe."

Tsuna was relieved that timid Chrome wasn't selling herself to middle-aged business men. Then Mukuro raised an interested eyebrow. "What? Are you interested in my sweet little Chrome?"

"No!" The brunette blushed at the claim and pointed a reproachful finger at the other. "I was just wondering if you corrupted her."

"What kind of brother would I be if allowed Chrome to do that?" Mukuro said as he leaned forward to the front and placed on the radio. Messing with buttons to find a good station to listen to, the constant switching of channels distracting the disgruntled driver.

"I didn't say you could touch my radio." Lanchia grumbled as he took his eyes off the road, to glare at the delinquent.

"Tsunayoshi-kun wants to listen to music." Mukuro threw in as he continued his search for a suitable station.

"No, I don't." The brunette spoke up.

"Don't be shy," Mukuro looked over his shoulder at the petite boy. "Unless, you want to keep talking to me?"

"Music's fine." Tsuna said quickly, earning a chuckle from Lanchia and a frown from Mukuro. The blue haired delinquent finally settled on a station and music flooded into the car. Mukuro rested back to his seat, staring out the window and the brunette mirrored his action. Tsuna was surprised that Mukuro left him alone after that. Possibly, he had pegged the other wrong. The delinquent wasn't such a bad person, he had offered him help and now he was giving him distance.

Somewhere along the highway, Tsuna drifted off to sleep, having a very bizarre dream about being chased off a cliff by a group of animals consisting of a liger, a shark(that could remarkably walk on land), a peacock, a snake, a sting ray, a mink and a giant fly. It was so strange and horrifying that Tsuna was thrust back into consciousness. His brown orbs looked out the window and noticed they were no longer on the highway, but in a metropolitan area.

"We're here." Lanchia announced over the music.

"Thank you…" Tsuna said as he fully woke himself up. "I'll get out anywhere."

"How are you going to find your home tutor?" This was from Mukuro.

The brunette looked over to the delinquent that sat on the other side of the vehicle. He had almost forgotten he was there, but Mukuro's attention was not focused on Tsuna, his mismatched eyes were glued to the world outside of the car. Lanchia stopped by a curb and Tsuna opened the car door. "I'll figure something out."

"Wait…" Mukuro called out. Tsuna froze with one foot already outside of the car. The russet headed teen peeked over his shoulder to his schoolmate. The delinquent was still looking out the window, watching the people and cars go by the glass. "My guess is that he'll be at the temple."

"The temple?" Tsuna questioned.

The illusionist turned to Tsuna and explained. "He's a foreigner, correct? He'll probably want his fortune told."

Ietsuna interjected, actually agreeing with Mukuro. That may be true, it seems like he's doing some tourism.

"Thank you." Tsuna said with a half smile to Mukuro.

"Good luck." The delinquent wished with a mesmeric grin, before turning away. Tsuna closed the door and watched the car drive off. For a second, Tsuna thought the other's words sincere. But that couldn't be, Mukuro wasn't sincere about anything. Perhaps, he was using his host club persuasion on him. When the car was out of his field of vision, he started to walk.

Don't tell me you're starting to like, Pineapple creep? Ietsuna commented.

Tsuna began heading toward the Sensoji temple, it was one of the biggest tourist trap in Asakusa and there was a very large chance that Reborn was there. On the weekend, the largest groups gathered there and it would be like finding a needle in a haystack to locate Reborn.

No, why would you say that? Tsuna wondered. He didn't think he'd done anything to seem like he was fond of the delinquent.

Must I remind you, Tsunayoshi, that I know you better than anyone? Ietsuna replied I especially know when you're gay for somebody.

Tsuna rolled his eyes that couldn't be true. Although, Ietsuna had been right about Yamamoto, but that was a horse of a different color. Mukuro was someone he would not be attracted to, the guy scared him and he would never feel comfortable around him. It doesn't matter anyway, I have Gokudera.

Ietsuna snorted. Igive you guys two weeks, before you're jumping into bed with Pineapple.

Tsuna was appalled by Ietsuna's words. He would not do that to Gokudera, let alone himself. Plus, he had to worry about finding Reborn right now, or else he was good as dead. Tsuna crashed into the huge group of visitors. It took him awhile to pass through the main gate, where tourist were taking pictures to commemorate their visit. He began searching the many stands and shops that were established before one could reach the main temple.

"Why did Reborn have go to a place with so many people?" Tsuna complained as he squeezed by a throng of people lining up to buy hot food.

Good cover. Ietsuna pondered. If I was a Hitman I would avoid being in secluded areas.

That seemed liked what Reborn was going for. Roppongi wasn't that busy at all, it was certainly not as crowded as this. Finally, Tsuna made it to main shrine, but exhausted for having to push pass several people along the way.

Tsunayoshi…Ietsuna alerted him to something in front of him.

Tsuna looked up and noticed a familiar man with a very expensive suit. It was Reborn; he was causally walking around the small shops that sold charms. The brunette's eyes followed the Italian as he walked up the steps to the main shrine. Tsuna unhurriedly trailed behind, keeping his eyes out for the other Hitman. He saw nothing, but he had a feeling the other was here, somewhere.

"Extremely bad luck!" Someone roared from near him, Tsuna jumped at the boisterous voice.

"Calm down, Onii-san." Another voice consoled.

At the edge of the stairs to the temple were Ryohei and his younger sister, Kyoko. Even they decided to visit the shrine, today of all days. It seemed that Ryohei had gotten a bad fortune and was taking it pretty hard. Tsuna moved to hide; if Ryohei and Kyoko noticed him then they'll distract him. He couldn't afford to be unfocused, Reborn could move in a flash and he'll be back to square one. The brunette panicked as the Sasagawa siblings headed in his direction. He needed to move! As Tsuna turned to run, he accidentally bumped into someone, dragging the person down to the floor.

"I'm sorry." Tsuna began apologizing, his eyes closed from hitting the floor hard. The person he ran into groaned with frustration. The brunette opened his eyes and the first thing they captured was cow print.

"Yare, yare. You should watch where you're going. It's dangerous to bump into people." The cow print wearing stranger reprimanded the teen.

Tsuna quickly got off the other; bowing lowly at his hip observed the stranger he had collided with. The person was much younger than him, probably still in junior high school or his last year of elementary school. However, the other seemed to have a mature demeanor about him. He had short, wavy black hair, bright green eyes—wait—one of his eyes didn't open! Tsuna started to panic thinking that he had injured this young boy. "Hiiieeee! D-did I hurt your eye?!"

"My eye?" The stranger gave the brunette a weird look and after a few seconds he understood what Tsuna meant. "Don't worry, you didn't do this."

"Oh?" Tsuna breathed with a sigh of relief.

The ebony haired teen got on to his feet. He shifted his one emerald eye to the direction of the shrine. The brunette turned to the shrine, remembering about Reborn. The two watched as the Italian left the shrine and began to head down another street away from the main crowd. The young foreigner frowned, watching his target walk off. "Yare, yare. He's getting away."

Tsuna was shocked to hear this from the stranger. The brunette wondered how the foreigner knew of Reborn, and why did it matter to him if he was leaving or not?

Tsunayoshi! He's the assassin after Reborn. Ietsuna clued in his very dense host.

Tsuna couldn't believe it; the foreigner was much too young to be a hired gun. Around Reborn's age was acceptable, although people shouldn't kill each other, the brunette felt this occupation was much too cruel for the foreign youth. The cow print clad stranger turned to Tsuna, giving him some kind of salute with his hand. "I've got to go, be more careful next time."

Before the young stranger could leave, Tsuna grabbed onto his cow print shirt. "Wait! You're after Reborn."

The other didn't answer him or react to the brunette. Instead, the stranger exploded into a run, breaking himself from the highschooler's hold. Tsunayoshi, don't just stand there! Ietsuna yelled to his host. He's getting away.

Tsuna jolted to action, racing after the other Hitman. The teen followed the dark haired assassin as he raced down a small strip, lined with shops of eateries and souvenirs. Reborn strolled ahead of the two boys, unaware that the Hitman was coming for him.

"Reborn!" Tsuna yelled out, trying to warn the older man. However, the Italian didn't respond and ambled nonchalantly down the strip.

The assassin, ahead of him, had wiped a rocket launcher, trying to aim the weighty firearm at his target. However, running and aiming were too difficult for him, the foreign youth decided to stop running, so he could effectively take aim. Tsuna used this time to catch up.

"Sawada!" Someone roared from behind, when the brunette turned around he saw that Ryohei was racing towards him. The other managed to catch up to him in a matter of seconds without breaking a sweat or even losing any air.

"Sasagawa." Tsuna said with raspy voice. It was hard to talk, let alone breathe at this pace. The protagonist's chest was burning and his legs throbbed.

"Are you in an extreme marathon or something?" The upperclassman asked.

"No." Tsuna answered shaking his head.

Tsunayoshi…Ietsuna called to his host, giving Tsuna an idea. He didn't like to lie, but if this made him pass the test, Ryohei would forgive him, hopefully.

"He stole my wallet. I'm trying to get it back." Tsuna lied, pointing a finger at the assassin.

"What?!" Ryohei yelled as he ran passed the brunette and tackled the foreigner to the ground before he could make his shot. The impact caused the hired hand to lose his weapon. The weapon sliding out of the other's reach, posing no threat to anyone as of yet. "Give it back!"

Tsuna reached the assassin and the boxer, "Actually, Sasagawa-san, I think it was the man in the red hat."

"I'm extremely sorry." Ryohei apologized to teen with the cow print shirt. He then turned to the brunette. "Don't worry; I'll get it back to the extreme."

"Thank you very much." Tsuna said as he watched the boxer sped off towards anyone with a red hat. The brunette turned to assassin, who was getting up from the floor. "I've got you."

"Couldn't you have done that without breaking every bone in my body?" The assassin questioned with an aggrieved expression.

Tsuna started to feel bad for being so rough with him. Maybe, he shouldn't have listened to Ietsuna's advice. Once the one eyed teen was able to stand up, he dropped a small black ball on the ground. The ball exploded engulfing the area in a cloud of smoke. Tsuna's eyes began to water and he began to violently cough. The brunette's cough died down once the smoke did, but the young assassin was no longer there. Tsuna looked down the stripped through his blurred vision and saw no one. Not even Reborn. "They're gone."

"Sawada!" Ryohei approached waving a brown wallet in his hand. "I got your wallet back."

Tsuna wiped the water away from his eyes and shook his head. "Sorry, Sasagawa-san I had my wallet the whole time."

Ryohei paused and turned around to give back the wallet that he apparently stole. "I'm sorry to the extreme, old man! Don't call the police!"

The train back home was empty and Tsuna thought this was good; he could wallow in despair without curious eyes looking in his direction whenever he blew out air. The brunette was hunched over, staring at the shoes on his feet.

I'm good as dead. Tsuna thought. He still couldn't believe that he was so close to catching that Hitman and he slipped from his fingers. There was no justice in the world. None.

Are you really okay with dying a virgin? Ietsuna teased, in a way of consoling his host.

That's not funny, Ietsuna. Tsuna spat back as he leaned into his seat. His brown eyes watched the scenery fly by. The sky was starting to darken. It was almost time for the deadline. The distraught teen closed his eyes; he didn't want to think about it.

Look, Tsunayoshi, you still have time. Don't give up.

Tsuna sighed heavily, hunching over again. I may have a little time, but where can I go? I have no clue of where Reborn has gone. It's hopeless.

It's not hopeless, we don't need Reborn. His alter-ego began, gaining Tsuna's attention. Now that we know that they are coming, I could train with Ryohei until they arrive.

But, we don't know anything about the mafia. Tsuna added his concern. It was one thing to train, but it was another to run into a fight with an enemy they knew nothing about.

The teen's split personality declared adamantly, It doesn't matter if I'm up against aliens, I'll find a way to protect you!

Tsuna blushed at this declaration. His alter-ego's words warmed him from his toes to the top of head. Wasn't it weird to be affected this why by your split personality? Ietsuna…

Plus, you were chosen as a heir for a reason. Believe in yourself. Ietsuna encouraged his host.

That was true; Reborn had come all the way from Italy to help him. If the Hitman didn't believe in him, he wouldn't have bothered. But Reborn decided to give him a chance; maybe the older man did see something in him that he didn't see in the other candidate. Thanks to Ietsuna, the adolescent felt more confident. As soon as the train stopped at his station, the brunette jolted up, yelling. "It's not over, yet!"

He dashed out of the train cart and headed out of the station. Do you even know where Reborn is?

After Ietsuna's prep talk, Tsuna had this weird idea. Maybe, he was hopeful or had become conceited in the short period of time, but there was something bizarre about the whole day. It doesn't matter; he wants me to accomplish this. I don't know if it's my well wishing, but I believe when I got lost in Roppongi, he actually looked for me before he went to Asakusa. And in Asakusa, he picked an area that was well-known, not because of the crowd, but he knew I would go there. Maybe, just maybe, he led the Hitman close to my house. Knowing I would come back here.

Even Ietsuna thought the brunette's belief was a bit improbable. Are you really sure about that?

I just have a gut feeling. Tsuna admitted and he hoped his intuition was correct.

The brunette raced into his neighborhood. Although the sun was going to set soon, the streets were empty. Usually people were returning from work or their day out about this time. He was almost close to his house, when he recognized a man lounging a block from his home. The man leaned on the fence, the rim of his fedora over his eyes and his arms crossed over his chest.

"I found him." Tsuna said triumphantly to himself.

Reborn heard the forthcoming footsteps and looked up. His eyes narrowed on the Tsuna's face and sneered. "What took you so long?"

"I took the train." Tsuna said bashfully, but he was relieved that his wacky hunch was correct. In a nonchalant way, Reborn had planned this.

The Italian got off the wall and looked as if he was preparing himself for an attack. "I'm giving you one last shot, so don't screw up."

"Reborn!" The dark haired assassin leapt out of a nearby tree, his emerald eye set on his target. He then noticed Tsuna was there as well. "You again?"

Let me switch with you, Tsunayoshi. Ietsuna asked his host, Tsuna allowed his alter-ego to take over, since he had messed up earlier. The brunette's honey eyes changed to blazing amber, distinguishing the two personalities. "If you want to get to Reborn, you gotta go through me first."

"If you're going to get in my way, then I have no choice." The hostile teen sighed as he took out something from his pockets. He then placed something that looked like horns on top of his head. As soon as the horns were placed on, it drew electricity from the currents in the nearby power lines. The electric surges wrapped around the other's weapon like a finely tied bow. "Thunder set!"

"Elettrico Cornota!" Ietsuna braced himself as the raven headed assassin came charging at him with high powered horns. Reborn noted how calm the brunette seemed when faced with someone who could fry him. When the horned boy came close enough, Ietsuna implemented his attack. He swiftly lifted his foot up and squarely kicked the annoying bastard in the face. He had wanted to do that all day. The fiery persona held his stance, until the other collapsed onto his knees from the blow.

The charged horns dropped to the ground on impact and with a tear stricken and snotty face, the assassin ran, blubbering as he distanced himself from Ietsuna. However, Tsuna's alter-ego was not going to allow the other to escape, not after what he put his host through today. He chased after the coward, yelling: "Come back here, you wimp! You're not all bad ass without your grenades!"

In the middle of the chase, the gutless assassin pulled out a purple bazooka. At first, Ietsuna thought it would be used to shoot him, but instead the dark haired coward blasted himself with it. There was a bang and then everything was covered in a pinkish smoke. "What did he just…"

"That's the ten-year bazooka, be careful, the idiot shot himself with it. He'll be switched with his ten year older self." Reborn warned as he waded through the pink smoke to where Ietsuna stood.

Ietsuna whirled around to face the Italian Hitman. "Is that even possible?"

"See for yourself." Reborn told him, gesturing with his head over to the spot that the assassin once stood.

The haze cleared and a new figure stood in front of him, except, he was much smaller than what Ietsuna anticipated. Instead of a ten years older assassin, a five year old child was jumping up and down, obviously high on sugar. "Gwahahaha! Lambo is here!"

Ietsuna rudely pointed a finger at the child in cow print clothing. "He turns into a baby, ten years for now."

"There must be a glitch." Reborn replied indifferently, turning his back on the annoying child. "Its last five minutes, so just ignore the child."

"No." Ietsuna grabbed the child, holding the squirming pest against with an iron grip. He turned to Reborn. "I caught your Hitman, so does that mean I pass."

The Hitman studied the fiery brunette and then he dipped his head. "You pass."

Ietsuna is pleased with the answer and switched back with his host. Tsuna returned to his body to find a strange child in his arms, fighting his grip for release. "W-who are you?!"

"Lambo, the ruler of the world." The child introduced himself. "Are you here to play with me? Do you want to buy me candy?"

Ietsuna informed his host of Lambo's identity. That child is the assassin; he was so scared of me that he turned himself into a baby. In all honesty, it's a perfect fit for that pansy.

Will he turn back? Tsuna asked as he looked down at the child, he was currently blowing his nose on his shirt, rubbing snot and salvia all over his clothes and arms.

Five minutes or so…His other replied.

Tsuna was then brought back to the present by Reborn's announcement: "Training starts tomorrow, bright and early."

"You've got to be kidding me." Tsuna whined as Reborn told him the bad news. For that comment, Reborn smacked on the back of his head, causing the brunette to drop the child on the floor, so he could tend to his head. "W-what are you doing?"

"Insubordination has to be dealt with swiftly and immediately." Reborn said sternly, his leveled voice instilling Tsuna with obedience and fear. "If I'm going to train you, I don't want to hear any lip from you. Understand?"

Hitman or not, I'll kill him. Ietsuna growled within the dimensions of Tsuna's head.

No, we need him and everything we did today will be for nothing.

Ietsuna stubbornly argued, but, he hit you! He doesn't have a right to lay a hand on you!

Until this whole thing is over, I'm going have to deal with it. Tsuna sighed.

Fine, but tomorrow I'll make sure I get a few shots in for you.

That'll probably make things worse. Tsuna thought frightfully.

"You don't have time to rest; I have a lot of work to do with you. "They were pressed for time, but at least he was able to find out if Tsuna was worthy, among other things. He pulled two objects out from his suit jacket and presented them to the brunette. "You'll need these."

Tsuna looked at the items and he was surprised by how ordinary they were. A pair of white mittens with the number 27 on them and what seemed like a broken half of a ring. "Mittens and a ring?"

"Those mittens are your weapons." Reborn stated.

Against what…the cold? Ietsuna joked, but Tsuna couldn't revel in the humor. He was afraid that if he cracked a smile in front of this Spartan assassin, he would be physically punished.

"That half ring represents your candidacy as the next heir to the Vongola family. The other candidate has the other half." The Hitman explained, "Guard it with your life."

Tsuna looked at the half ring with some awe. For part of a ring, it still seemed to be majestic in a way. Tsuna could feel the power this ring possessed, by allowing it to sit in his palm. The brunette knew this was something precious.

"Lambo wants to see! Lambo wants to see!" The child Lambo cried, jumping up and down, to get a better look at the items Tsuna received. As Tsuna lowered his hand for the child to see, there was a pop and a cloud of pink haze. Guardedly, the brunette closed his hands over the ring to ensure nothing would happen to it. When the haze cleared, the teenage Lambo was sitting in the spot, his child counterpart once stood.

"What about him?" Tsuna pointed to Lambo.

The Spartan teacher shrugged his shoulders, and coldly said. "You can kill him, if you want."

"Kill him?!" Tsuna said incredulously.

"Every Hitman knows that if you are caught, you're either dead" Reborn revealed the inevitable fate of most hitmen."Or you can be spared by joining his family."

"Well, I don't want him to die." Tsuna frowned, looking to Lambo.

"So, you're accepting him into your family?"

The brunette shrugged his shoulders lightly. "I guess so."

"Thank you, boss." Lambo smiled kindly at Tsuna.

"Boss?" Tsuna made a distasteful face at being referred to as Boss; he was more comfortable by being called by his name. "Call me, Tsuna."

Reborn glared at Lambo, wondering what the brunette could do with such a hopeless person. Then an idea came to him. "Maybe, he'll be of some use to you." The ebony headed Spartan said cryptically.

He took out a handful of half-rings, about six in total. The Hitman threw them in the air, the silver rings raised into the sky, basking in the moonlight. Instead of falling to the ground, the small trinkets levitated in the air and began to emit different colored lights. The ring with half sun symbol glowed yellow, the ring with half rain drop symbol was blue, the ring with the half thunderbolt symbol beamed green, the ring with the half cloud symbol was purple, the ring with a half cyclone symbol shined crimson and the ring with a half mist symbol glowed indigo. Finally, the half ring in Tsuna's hand began to glow a bright orange.

Suddenly the ring that glowed green shot towards Lambo, squarely hitting the boy on his forehead and knocking him out once more. Reborn observed this, shaking his head disappointedly. "Just as I thought."

The other rings in the sky dispersed into different directions, streaking the sky with their lights. Tsuna looked to Reborn. "What just happened?"

"The rings are finding their owners."

The adolescent's eyes bugged out. "Owners?!"

"The ones who will help you fight against the other candidate. The heir of Vongola must have six guardians backing him up. Usually, the heir chooses his guardians, but since we're pressed for time, I allowed the rings to make that decision for you. Plus, that was how it was done traditionally."

Tsuna groaned dejectedly as he threatened to pull the hair out of his skull. "So I have to bring people into my fight?!"

"You can't fight it alone." Reborn simply said.

Tsuna felt better about having company, but he also hated the fact that he was bringing in innocent people into this conflict. He was even more upset about his guardians not having a choice in the matter. Lambo, a teenage Hitman, was now involved. Who else will the rings pick to be his guardians? The Tsuna was a bit nervous to find out who the rings had chosen.

Later that night,

Nana thought she heard something downstairs. It wasn't a loud noise, but soft. She was surprised she could hear it, even over her husband's snoring. The woman figured that it more an intuitive nudge than anything else. Everyone had turned in for the night, especially Tsuna, who as soon as he walked in went to his room. His son hadn't even come down for dinner, but was sound asleep. Her husband was also in a deep slumber, so Nana decided to check out the noise herself. She quietly walked down the stairs, and then she heard a sound from the kitchen. As she approached the entrance to the kitchen, she saw a small light. As she stepped further into the room, she saw what looked like her son, sitting at the kitchen reading a book by the illumination of a flashlight.

Tsuna's mother watched for a bit, before the floor creaked underneath her, alerting the brunette that she was watching. The brunette turned to the brown haired woman, his pale blue eyes glowing in the darkness. He shut the book he was reading and turned off the flashlight he had been using, surrounding them in darkness.

Immediately, Nana realized this boy was not her Tsu-kun, neither her second son, Ietsuna. This boy had icy blue eyes and seemed more somber than the other two. If it was her first son, he would have been flustered. And Nana thought Tsuna wouldn't be reading a book at this hour, maybe a comic book or playing video games, but the book this newcomer was reading contained too many pages to hold Tsuna's attention. Not that she was belittling her son. Plus, Ietsuna didn't seem like the type to this do either.

"We haven't met." She greeted, walking into the kitchen with a bright smile. Who wouldn't be happy to have another son?

The blue eyed brunette watched her intently. Nana noted how calm and attentive the other was, a stark contrast from her second son, Ietsuna, as well as her first born. He then finally opened his mouth. "You know that I am not, Tsunayoshi or Ietsuna."

Nana bobbed her head pleasantly. She wanted to give credit to her woman's intuition, but she noticed distinct traits between her sons. Their eyes were all different and each of them had different behaviors. It was easy to figure out who was who if you looked closely. "Yes, but I would like to know who you are. What is your name?"

"Tsunashige." The other said flatly.

"Tsunashige?" The thrilled mother blushed. "Wow, what a strong name! Just like my other sons."

Tsunashige smiled a little from his host's kindness. "Mrs. Sawada…"

"Don't be so formal, you're my third son, right? So, call me mom." Tsuna's mother insisted.

"Mom." Tsunashige said awkwardly finding it weird to call this woman by such an intimate name. Then he turned to the brown haired woman who marveling over him. "I didn't mean to disturb you."

"You didn't, I was just thirsty." Nana assured the other. Then suddenly Tsunashige's stomach growled. "Hungry?"

Tsunashige nodded his head.

"You must be. Tsu-kun went to bed without anything to eat. He was so tired." Nana said enthusiastically as she went to the fridge to fetch some leftovers. She was literally bouncing off the walls with excitement.

"Tsunayoshi and Ietsuna are both asleep. It was a very tiresome day for them. That was how I was able to take full control." The alter-ego explained as he observed Nana's bounce in her step. Tsunashige wondered if the root of her elated behavior had to do with fixing him something to eat.

Nana thought it was really interesting for Tsunashige to come about only when her first two sons were asleep. That was probably the reason why that psychiatrist only noticed one of Tsuna's personalities. She began reheating some food, before she inquired. "Does Tsu-kun know of you?"

Tsunashige shook his head. "No, but he will be aware of me over time. Ietsuna knows of me, though."

Nana stirred a pot full of miso soup and began to pour some into a small bowl. "Do you and Ietsuna get along?"

"No." Tsunashige rolled his eyes, with a slight glower. "He's always smothering Tsunayoshi and has his nose in every aspect of his life. It's disgusting."

"He's just overprotective of his brother." Nana said sweetly as she placed a full course meal in front of her firstborn's second alter-ego.

"More like a nuisance." The blue eyed brunette muttered as he began to eat the food that was prepared for him. "Thank you."

Nana smiled to herself, happy that Tsuna had brothers that were so concerned over him. She was also pleased that her house will be a lot livelier. Ever since, her second son showed up, the house seemed to be filled with more life. And she could only hope that things at home will be a lot more interesting with the addition of Tsunashige.

Nana sat down in front of Tsunashige with a cup of hot tea. "Eat as much as you like. You're eating for three."

Tsunashige turned his nose up at this. "Ietsuna can starve."

Chapter End

Notes:

Yamato Nadeshiko – represents the ideal Japanese woman. Chaste, polite, sacrificing wife, mother or sister…I think Spanner said in Haru's Haru Haru Dangerous interviews that he looking for such a woman, and Reborn broke it to him that such woman don't exist anymore.

Author's Note: So I decided to add another personality. His name is Tsunashige. I decided to name him this because I found out that Tsunayoshi and Ietsuna Tokugawa had a middle brother (not so well known) named Tsunashige. I think Ietsuna and Tsunashige will be Tsuna's only personalities (anymore would be confusing). As you may notice, Tsunashige is not as aggressive as Ietsuna; he's calmer, but not less protective of Tsuna. Anyway, I hoped you liked this chapter and enjoy the following chapters to come, as well the previous chapters. Please review, it gives me power (as well as encouragement).

Answered Questions-

mugiwara-shinigami xD – Well this is fanfic in an alternative reality, so a lot of things are not how they are in canon. Plus, I prefer Reborn in adult form. That's the main reason why I chose him as an adult instead of his baby form. On a side note, my latest Hungry for Tsuna chapter is really long, I have a lot of stuff to cover. But it should be out in May, hopefully. I also like 10027, so you check out my new story, Kitsunetsuki. 10027 is the main pairing (sorry for self advertising).

Shino – Yes, this chapter featured Lambo and soon the other characters will show. Dino maybe next.

kitsunekiri – There is possibility for a R/27/72 ( Reborn/Tsuna/ Ietsuna pairing). I'm pretty open to a lot pairings, so I haven't really decided, but it would be interesting.

Idiots-Rule-The-World- Rest assure, this is a Yaoi fanfic. And for those authors that switch from Yaoi to Yuri or heterosexual, they are teases and very cruel.

Nestly – Tsuna's guardians in the canon will still be his guardians here. As for Byakuran, he's coming, but towards the end of the fanfic…I probably wouldn't go pass the future arc (heck, they wouldn't even go to the future).

copycat-capycot – I'm excited about Ietsuna's interaction with Xanxus as well. They both have anger issues and like to abuse people. They have a lot in common, just as long as Xanxus doesn't try to put the moves on Tsuna; I think Ietsuna will be tolerant…to an extent.