Chapter 23: Entrance

Disclaimer: I don't own Katekyo Hitman Reborn

A/N: Merry late Christmas and Happy late New Year

World 25- Mira (Goal)

"Battle kaishi!"

Tsuna didn't move, letting his opponent take the first move. Gale took the bait and leapt forwards, his knuckles decorated with steel plating. Tsuna easily batted away Gale's attacks, alternating between blocking with his sword or arm. Gradually, he noticed the attacks pick up speed. When he watched closely, it wasn't the attack that was faster; it was a blur of dozens of fists leaving trails of Nuvola flames in their wake.

He was using the cloud flame's propagation technique to create a barrier of punches backed by steel. Tsuna smiled, it sounded like something Ryohei would do, except through pure willpower and strength, instead of flames.

With one sword, Tsuna deflected all the attacks. He sheathed the second one and slipped on a single glove. Orange flames came bursting out, vaulting him over Gale's head and behind his opponent. His back was exposed, something many hand-to-hand combat users suffered from.

Deftly, he slid the tip of his sword against Gale's neck. "Surrender."

For a few seconds, there was no answer. Then, Gale ducked his head and spun on the balls of his feet. Using the momentum of his spin, he struck a solid punch against Tsuna's chest.

Tsuna barely had time to block but thankfully; his sword had absorbed most of the power behind the attack. Nonetheless, he was send skidding backwards and winced slightly when he felt a sting in his stomach.

"Guess I'll have to settle this by force." Tsuna muttered, taking his sword with both hands. He lunged forward but his blow was parried. Twisting, he struck downwards and left a light cut down Gale's side. Before his opponent could react, he quickly made another move, thrusting his arm forward to stab Gale. His hand silently thrummed with Cielo flames, sending out a wave of orange down the sword.

The flames entered the wound Tsuna had inflicted on Gale so he carefully withdrew his sword, sheathing it across his back. Jumping backwards, Tsuna watched with satisfaction as his flames slowly encased a struggling Gale. Starting from the stab wound, hardened stone began to spread across Gale's body until he was frozen in his rock, his expression frightened.

Tsuna began to walk away, heading towards his party. "Don't worry about him," he called out to Apprendista della Morte, "the petrification will wear off in an hour or so."

The crowd erupted in cheers and claps. On the field, the Cervello were checking the stone statue for any signs of life. A moment later, he was declared unable to battle, giving one more win to the Vongola X.

Back with his friends, Tsuna was met with a hearty pat on the back from Yamamoto, a thumbs-up from Gokudera, a nod from Mukuro, a shout of 'EXTREME!' from Ryohei, a stuck-out tongue from Lambo, and silence from Hibari.

Smiling, Tsuna picked up the youngest of their group and held him up. "Guess what Lambo? We're going on to the finals!"

Lambo laughed. "Gyahaha! Of course we are! It's because Lambo-san dominated his fight!"

"Tch, no you didn't, Ahoshi. You were the only one that lost!"

Lambo made a face, "Lambo-san won his battle, Bakadera was the who lost."

"Why you—!"

"Now, now." Yamamoto interrupted jovially. "The last battle is about to start, why don't we watch?"

They all fell silent save for the hostile glares Lambo and Gokudera sent each other once in a while. With a hush, the player Xanxus stepped onto the field to face his opponent. As soon as the Cervello began the match, he took out a pair of guns and shot Cielo flames from them. The battle was over within a second, leaving spectators blinking in astonishment for most hadn't seen what had happened.

Yamamoto whistled. "That was cool, huh Tsuna?"

Tsuna nodded nervously in response. "Y-yeah. He's really strong."

Yamamoto laid a reassuring hand on the other's shoulder. "Don't worry, we're up against the Varia next, right? I bet we'll do fine, nothing to fear!"

Despite his friend's words, Tsuna couldn't help but still feel uneasy. The Varia were the favored party, the one expected to win the tournament. The Vongola X however were unknown apart from some relatively famous members known for their exploits in the first 30 or so worlds.

"Waaah!" Tsuna cried, messing his hair up in frustration. "I don't know what to do!"

"It's okay Juudaime!" Gokudera smiled, "I'll think of something so we can beat that b*stard's *ss!"

"Language, Gokudera-kun." Tsuna sighed, "and thanks, but I think we could train some more to help improve our techniques."

"Right away Juudaime! I'll train as much as I can even if it kills me."

"There's no need to go that far." Tsuna said exasperatedly, holding his hands up in a placating manner. "Even a little bit is enough."

"Shh!" Lambo pouted, "they're going to announce the competitors in the next round, Lambo-san wants to hear his name!"

"Sorry Lambo." Tsuna apologized while Gokudera whacked the child on his head, igniting the beginning of another fight between the two.

The Cervello twins walked to the middle of the playing field, waiting for the crowd to quiet down.

"The two parties that made it to the final round are…"

"The Varia with a perfect score of 7 points."

"And the Vongola X with a score of 6."

"The final battle will take place two days from now."

"This will allow for competitors to train for their match."

"Until then."

On that note, the Cervello walked away, leaving behind a noisy crowed, swelling with the sound of bets taking place on who would win or lose and claps congratulating the winners.

Meanwhile, the Vongola X cheered.

"Ne, ne, does that mean Lambo-san gets candy?" Lambo asked, eyes shining in excitement.

"I'LL BUY YOU ALL THE CANDY YOU EXTREMELY WANT LAMBO TO CELEBRATE OUR VICTORY!" Ryohei shouted, pumping his fists and throwing experimental punches. "THEN I'LL TRAIN TO THE EXTREME!"

Tsuna smiled, "Let's go then! It's your treat, right, Onii-san?"

"Oi, Sawada, I never said I was buying candy for you."

"Hmm, I didn't hear that. I clearly heard 'ALL THE CANDY YOU GUYS EXTREMELY WANT!"

"OH, I EXTREMELY SAID THAT?" Ryohei laughed, clapping Tsuna on the back. "SORRY, I EXTREMELY FORGOT!"

Smiling devilishly, Tsuna followed Ryohei and Lambo to the nearest shop with the rest of his friends (except Hibari) following behind.

Tsuna yawned as he stared up at the artificial moon that decorated the sky. After an exhausting party with everyone, he decided to stay in the virtual world of Sette Fiamme Mondiale for a while after everyone else had left.

He could train, with nothing to distract him from it. On the other hand, he was too tired to do anything. Flicking his wrist, he scrolled to the logout button, his finger hovering hesitantly over it.

Closing his eyes, he dropped his hand and let the screen fade away. He never had though that being in a full party of 7 plus Chrome would be so… eventful. At first with only Gokudera to battle alongside and talk with, it wasn't too bad. But now?

Well, he wasn't complaining. He had to admit it was pretty fun. After the tournament ended he could take them journeying through the different parallel worlds, hunting and conquering the bosses of each world. That way, they would be closer to reaching the last world.

Tsuna grinned at the idea. But first, if he wanted to do anything, he'd have to battle for it. Tons of powerful players would block the path to the title 'Boss' and he'd have to be strong in order to protect his friends. Also meaning, it was time to start training.

He frowned at the time on the clock the home screen showed. It was late. Really late. But he wouldn't let that stop him. He'd stayed up past midnight lots of times fretting about homework that he couldn't understand. Tonight would be just the same, except for the fact that he was doing an activity slightly different. Slightly.

Jumping to his feet with renewed enthusiasm, Tsuna ran off to find a good spot to fight some monsters at a suitable level. But before he could make it anywhere, he was stopped by a sudden tingling feeling on his neck. Slowly, he turned around to look around.

Finding nothing in the murky night, he slowly resumed a slow walk.

A soft chuckle halted him in his steps once again.

"I've been watching your progress, Oozora."

"Who's there?" Tsuna called out, nervously inching backwards. "I can fight!"

"Oho? I'm sure you can." A gleaming yellow orb appeared from the darkness.

Tsuna gulped. Was it a monster with intelligence? He had heard rumors of them before.

"Don't know who I am?" The voice teased, sounding low and dangerous. "You should know; I used to be pretty famous."

He shook his head. "No, I don't." Cautiously, he slipped on of his hands behind his back, feeling the smooth hilt of his dagger slide down his arm and into his grasp.

With a gleam of yellow, the figure stepped out of the shadows, revealing a baby dressed entirely in black apart from a yellow pacifier that dangled from his neck and a yellow-orange stripe that decorated his fedora. The baby's onyx black eyes shone mischievously and a small smirk decorated his mouth.

"Ciaossu! My name's Reborn and I will be your tutor from now on."

Score:

Varia: 7

Vongola X: 6

Apprendista della Morte: 3

Chiavarone: 3

-Surge-: 2

Ken: 2

A/N: And Reborn makes his entrance!

Not proofread or anything, you guys have waited long enough. Tell me if you see any mistakes.

Ok! Now's the time you've all been waiting fooooooorrrr! The answer to the previous I'm-A-KHR-Maniac question is…Vongola Nono! Everyone who guessed him is correct!

Now, it's time to play I'm-A-KHR-Maniac! Here's this chapter's question: Can you name 10/20 of the Mafia Famiglias mentioned in the KHR series?

Rules: You may use any Famiglia from the manga, anime, or game series. But, don't use the Internet or use anything related to KHR. Only your brain is allowed. Last, don't forget to become one with KHR!

Before you go, I published a new story a while ago called Atarashi Mirai e and I like it better than SFM, go check it out if you haven't yet and tell me what you think!

P.S: Sorry the chapter is so short