Chapter 14: Encounter!

Something that might interest Yuuko? Now that was truly a surprise for Kurama. In fact, ever since the last incident where Mokona sensed an aura reminiscent of the Earth Ring but the matter ended inconclusively, Kurama had stopped holding out much hope for such things—most of the items he could imagine Yuuko being satisfied with played pivotal roles in the forthcoming events. As long as Kurama didn’t wish for Tsuna to get hurt as a result of his own reckless actions, it was unlikely he would brazenly seek out those items.

So, once he’d come to this realization, Kurama found himself rather indifferent to whether he’d be able to find something to trade with Yuuko before leaving this world. Who could’ve guessed that just as he decided to let things take their natural course, Mokona would unexpectedly hand him a—not too big, not too small—surprise?

“What is it that Mokona’s talking about?” Kurama blinked, lowering his face close to the little creature’s soft body so their conversation would escape the notice of Basil, who was currently standing guard over Tsuna and Reborn with utmost vigilance.

Mokona quite enjoyed Kurama’s closeness. He squirmed and rubbed against Kurama a few times before whispering into his ear, “Kurama’s seen it too, you know~ It’s the little pill that person ate earlier!”

As he spoke, he cautiously gestured in Basil’s direction.

Kurama couldn’t help but be both amused and enlightened. Enlightened that he had actually forgotten about the Dying Will Pill, such a crucial weapon in the early stages of the story, and amused by… the way Mokona referred to it.

Calling it a “little pill” invited all sorts of unsavory associations…

He rapped the little fellow on the head, but didn’t intend to say anything more—he knew Mokona meant nothing by it. Mischievous as the creature was, this sort of joke was beyond him.

“Can Mokona sense something special about those pills?” Kurama swiftly shifted the topic, subtly turning his body to make it even harder for Basil to notice their exchange.

Mokona matched his seriousness. “That pill can trigger the state where a person is surrounded by that wondrous flame—just like Reborn’s Dying Will Bullet. It’s something well worth researching.”

The white bun paused thoughtfully before carefully describing his feelings to Kurama. “Kurama knows, whenever Tsuna enters that flame-bursting state, the energy I can absorb is hundreds or even thousands of times greater than what I usually draw from ambient energy. But when someone uses the pill to enter that state, their flame feels much calmer than Tsuna’s, yet every time they move, the energy they shed surpasses even Tsuna’s. Just from those few battles, I absorbed as much energy as I would in three or four months under normal circumstances.”

The comparison was truly astonishing.

Kurama had never imagined that the Dying Will Pill would be such a formidable thing. He stood in silent thought for a while before speaking again. “So Mokona thinks Yuuko might be interested in it?”

The little white bun nodded earnestly. “Yuuko loves anything whose underlying principles are unknown, but which yields astonishing results—just like the flames of this world.”

Though they hadn’t been in contact with Yuuko since arriving, based on Mokona’s understanding of her, she would undoubtedly be fascinated by the unique power system of this world.

So, in theory, anything connected to the Flames should interest Yuuko; it was just a matter of degree.

Kurama nodded in understanding. “Got it. I’ll see if I can get my hands on some Dying Will Pills through Reborn’s connections. After all, we’re allies now, aren’t we?”

Scheming against Tsuna was something Kurama couldn’t bring himself to do, but when it came to someone as equally—equally?—cunning and devious as that demonic infant, Kurama wouldn’t hesitate in the slightest!

Besides, if he remembered correctly, hadn’t the Dying Will Pill been specially developed by Tsuna’s own father for his disciple?

Since it was all in the family, there shouldn’t be any problem asking for a “few” to be set aside for him, right?

Kurama thought with a clear conscience.

＊＊＊

When Reborn and Tsuna awoke, dusk had already begun to fall.

Still not fully recovered from his efforts to absorb and comprehend the principles of Zero Point Breakthrough in the mental training space, Tsuna sat up in a daze, only to be startled by the plush comfort of the blanket slipping from his shoulder.

He looked up immediately, and without hesitation, offered Kurama a shy but grateful smile. “Did you put the blanket on me, Kurama?”

The red-haired fox simply nodded, handing him a set of clean clothes he’d prepared in advance—ever since Tsuna’s last ambush, Kurama had gotten into the habit of keeping a few sets of clothes for him in his own spatial storage, given Tsuna’s alarming destruction rate of his attire.

As Tsuna still hadn’t outgrown his tendency to lose his shirt in battle, his clothes were often left in tatters—not a pretty sight.

Kurama’s gesture made Tsuna’s cheeks, already rosy from a good rest, flush even deeper. He accepted the clothes in silence and hurriedly changed, fumbling so badly he nearly put his shirt on backwards a few times.

Kurama didn’t rush him. “How did the training go? Were you able to grasp the principles Reborn taught you?”

He asked casually, his relaxed manner helping Tsuna to relax as well. The future boss’s movements grew more natural.

“There are still some things I don’t understand. Reborn said he’ll help me again tomorrow…”

“No need to be so formal. I’m free every day anyway.”

Kurama waved a hand and glanced at the sky. Seeing that Tsuna was already dressed, he smiled and suggested, “It’s getting late. Let’s call it a day. Besides, if you don’t get home soon, Mama Nana will start to worry.”

That last remark struck a chord with everyone. Even in Reborn’s heart, gentle Nana carried great weight—no one wished to trouble her.

So, they all headed home without further ado. On the way, Basil explained to Tsuna the origin and function of the Dying Will Pill.

Kurama seized the moment to quietly make his request to Reborn. Given that this concerned the recovery of Kurama’s abilities, Reborn agreed without much hesitation.

“But it’ll take a little while to actually get them. We have to wait until the Ring Battles are over.”

Kurama understood. After all, Sawada Iemitsu was surely focused entirely on the Ring Battles right now; there was no way he could spare the effort for anything else.

In any case, being able to get the Dying Will Pill was already gratifying enough for Kurama. He wasn’t in any rush to leave, so waiting a few extra days didn’t matter.

Thus, they returned home in high spirits. Kurama, in an exceedingly good mood, enjoyed watching the long-awaited moment when Tsuna learned the truth about his father’s identity—a scene he had been looking forward to. He had to admit, Tsuna never disappointed.

Tsuna was the perfect combination of “King of Expressions” and “King of Retorts.” How could a child be this adorable?

Watching Tsuna’s exaggerated and unreserved reactions, Kurama maintained a calm and composed exterior, but inside he was barely able to suppress his laughter.

Reborn shot him a look of disdain from the side.

Only a fool like Tsuna would still think this thoroughly black-hearted guy was gentle and harmless.

Tsk! What a disgrace to Vongola’s Intuition! The demonic hitman grumbled inwardly.

But soon, both Reborn and Kurama sobered. Intelligence from Iemitsu indicated that the Varia’s vanguard had already arrived in Namimori, and were likely about to attack Tsuna’s Lightning Guardian at the Infinite Military Base.

“By the way… who exactly is ‘Lightning’?” Even as they were being hustled out the door, Tsuna remained utterly confused.

He only knew four of his Guardians so far—Storm, Rain, Sun, and Cloud. As for Lightning and Mist, Reborn had never mentioned them.

Kurama, walking out with him, gave a small shake of his head. In truth, he could understand Reborn’s reasoning. Tsuna was so gentle that even having friends like Gokudera and Yamamoto as his Guardians made him uncomfortable. If he’d known in advance that a child like Lambo had been chosen, things would have become even more complicated.

Even now, having just learned from Reborn who the Lightning Guardian was, Tsuna’s reaction was hardly positive; he was simply too pressed by the urgent situation to object.

In truth, Tsuna had long since developed the awareness and resolve to become a family boss—he just didn’t realize it himself.

Kurama sighed, putting aside his musings on fate and inevitability. Ever since meeting Yuuko, he felt some of his thoughts had become rather mystical.

＊＊＊

Kurama and the others barely managed to find the isolated Lambo, I-Pin, and Fuuta just as the attack began.

To their relief, the other Guardians also arrived in time, which let Tsuna breathe a huge sigh of relief and finally show a faint, comforted smile.

But Kurama knew things were far from as optimistic as Tsuna believed. The moment Lambo and the others came into view, Kurama sensed not one but several murderous auras locking mercilessly onto both himself and Tsuna!

The Vongola Assassination Squad truly lived up to its reputation.

Kurama, inwardly admiring their skills, gripped a seed in his palm, ready to act at a moment’s notice. Yet before the vanguard, who had set their sights on them, could make a move—

“You dare trick me… You damn brats!!!”

Accompanied by an earth-shaking roar that was impossible to forget, a striking youth with long, beautiful silver hair appeared before Kurama, Tsuna, and the others.

The Varia, Vongola Ninth’s direct assassination squad, had arrived!

Author’s note: Collapsing here… Period pains are the worst, I just want to sleep all day and still feel tired no matter how long I sleep. [Yawn, so sleepy, I just want to sleep orz]

So, Mokona’s discovery this time is actually the Dying Will Pill. In the early part of the story, this thing really is an overpowered weapon—take one and instantly enter shoujo mode! It’s so handy! Plus, you don’t even have to worry about losing your shirt anymore—it’s a must-have for home or travel… [Hey!]

Ahem! Anyway, Kurama definitely won’t leave this world empty-handed. Even if the Dying Will Pill doesn’t recover much demon power, every little bit counts, right? [Turns away]

So, the illustration for this chapter is the last person to appear—my beloved silver-haired beauty!!! Marry me!!! [Control yourself＝＝＋]

…Ahem, and as always, here’s a preview for the next chapter: Battle! With nightfall comes the Varia! The Twentieth Boss is finally about to appear! (Xanxus: …＝＝＋) The plot takes a critical turn at the most dangerous moment, leading to a showdown between Kurama and Xanxus…?! Stay tuned for the next chapter of "Kurama the Demon Fox": Battle!

PS: Thank you to dear Sunflower for the landmine! Hugs and kisses! =3=