Mokana’s Reserve Provisions 8

The little white fluff, Mokona, cheered quietly. Kurama noticed that although this little creature was lively and adorable, he was also well-behaved and clever. For example, when Kurama had become the focus of everyone’s attention earlier, Mokona hadn’t made a sound or shown any sign of disturbance. Now, once it was clear that Kurama had made decisions about the current situation and their future path, Mokona relaxed as well, no longer restraining himself so strictly.

—Truly, on a journey that might be long, almost interminable, with the end nowhere in sight, to have such a considerate and lovely companion by one’s side was a source of immense joy.

So Kurama’s gaze toward Mokona grew increasingly gentle and indulgent, nothing like someone who had only just met him.

“Do you like the scent of that flame?” Kurama asked softly.

The white fluff on his shoulder nodded, its soft body rubbing ticklishly between Kurama’s cheek and neck as it moved.

“I like it~” came the cheerful, soft reply. “It smells like ‘the world’.”

Kurama was taken aback for a moment at those words.

However, he didn’t press further; instead, he smiled and reached out to rub Mokona’s little ears, gently suggesting, “How about we follow that person later? If we stay by his side, even without deliberately absorbing, if he remains in that state often enough, Mokona will soon be full, and we can resume our journey again, right?”

The white fluff nodded again. “Kurama’s right. But…is it okay to leave so soon? Maybe there’s something here that Yuko wants.”

The witch’s standards were high, so not every world would have anything that caught her eye. As for whether each world would contain something to satisfy Yuko, Kurama knew that compared to Mokona, the “expert,” his own ability to discern was far inferior.

Mokona’s question wasn’t new to Kurama; he’d considered it before. But in his view, if there were anything in this world to attract Yuko’s interest, it would be the foundation stones and nothing else.

However, with Kurama’s current abilities, just surviving was an achievement. To seize the three great foundation stones? That was nothing short of fantasy.

So Kurama had resigned himself early, no longer coveting those things. Yet from Mokona’s words, it seemed there might be other items besides the foundation stones that could tempt Yuko?

His heart stirred, but now was not the time to ask in detail. Suppressing his curiosity, Kurama merely squeezed Mokona’s little paw and said, “We’ll talk about it later,” forcing himself to refocus on the battlefield once more—

By now, the theater had lost its initial, albeit dilapidated, completeness. The battle between Tsuna and Mukuro had affected every corner of the room; even the support pillars had shattered, testament to the intensity and danger of their fight.

When Kurama returned his attention, the battle was reaching its climax—Tsuna, against all odds, turned the tables, moving behind Mukuro and delivering a powerful punch that sent him crashing to the floor.

Mukuro lay sprawled in a giant hole smashed into the floor, looking as if he had no strength left to stand.

Kurama sighed silently, continuing to play the role of “unrelated bystander,” watching Tsuna and Mukuro engage in an argument reminiscent of his own blurry memories—“Kill me!” and “I won’t!” (though that summary definitely feels off!)—a dispute where neither could persuade the other. Suddenly, he felt an urge to smile.

—Because Tsuna was simply too endearing.

Even in his Hyper Dying Will state, this boy retained the deepest gentleness and conviction in his heart, making him seem strong at any moment—not only in power, but also in spirit.

Moreover, perhaps guided by Kurama’s earlier mysterious words and actions, Tsuna’s “talking skills” were clearly much improved compared to the original story.

Evidence lay in Mukuro, who had initially intended to make a desperate comeback and launch a final sneak attack as Tsuna relaxed. But as Tsuna repeated, “I’m not like you, Mukuro!” and “I won’t ever casually take another’s life!” Mukuro lost all will to retaliate, lying motionless, his expression subdued. Only when Inu and Chikusa struggled up and revealed their history as mafia family experiments did Mukuro lazily open his eyes to look at Tsuna, his gaze…

Kurama found it too complex for words.

Whatever Mukuro intended to convey with his gaze, Tsuna probably wouldn’t have a chance to confirm—because the visitors from Vendicare Prison had already pushed open the theater doors, entering with an eerie, ghost-like presence.

Kurama, holding Mokona, stood quietly aside, watching the “avant-garde” Vendicare agents bind Mukuro and the others in chains under Tsuna’s reluctant gaze, then lead them away. Soon after, the Vongola medical team rushed in, busily carrying the injured onto ambulances.

Kurama remained silent and composed throughout, until all medical staff had departed and only he, Mokona, Tsuna, and…Reborn were left in the room.

“All right. Can we talk now? Who are you, really?”

The black-haired baby ignored Tsuna’s startled cry of pain as he relaxed and felt his body’s aching weakness, turning around with dark, shining eyes locked tightly on Kurama.

In that moment, Kurama sensed an indescribable danger.

It was different from anything he’d felt during his adventures in the Demon World or in battles with various people and monsters. It was hard to describe, but being stared at by Reborn reminded him of his first encounter with Yomi—outwardly unremarkable, yet from deep within his soul came a profound sense of threat and trembling.

Kurama felt a chill in his heart. By now, the slight sense of security he’d felt upon realizing he was in the world of “Katekyo Hitman Reborn” was completely gone.

—It made sense.

Even if the story hadn’t reached its most dangerous stage, the person before him was the strongest among the Rainbow Children! He might even be the strongest in the entire Reborn universe. And Kurama…

He had already lost most of his power; how could he maintain such naive optimism in a world with a combat system as fantastical as a shounen manga?

Marking this lesson in his heart, Kurama pressed his lips together, quickly adjusting his attitude.

“Perhaps…even if I told you, you wouldn’t believe it.”

He narrowed his eyes, calmly meeting Reborn’s gaze.

The black-haired baby stared at him for a moment, then curled his lips into a strange smile.

“Well then…bring out evidence that will make me believe.”

He hopped down from Tsuna’s shoulder, strode quickly to Kurama, looked up, and said with an odd smile.

“……” Kurama sighed helplessly.

Facing Tsuna, who watched them with worry, Kurama offered a reassuring smile, bent down, motioned for Mokona to jump onto his shoulder, then extended both hands to hold the black-haired baby securely in his arms.

“This is quite an unbelievable story,” he said softly.

＊＊＊

When Tsuna woke again, he was already back in his own room.

The soft bed was so inviting that he rubbed against it, eyes closed, not wanting to leave. But soon, recalling all he’d been through, the boy sat up abruptly, jumped out of bed, and hurried out of his room—

Right! That gentle-smiling person!

The last fragment of memory was that person holding Reborn in his arms, looking serious as he spoke about something. Tsuna had tried hard to listen, but fatigue from overusing his body meant he couldn’t hold on; he quickly collapsed and fell asleep.

He didn’t know if Reborn had done anything rude to that boy afterward, or if that gentle person would ever be seen again…

A trace of regret flashed through Tsuna’s heart, and his steps slowed as he descended the stairs.

…Forget it. After all…he was just a stranger.

He thought gloomily. But just as he was about to reach the living room door, he heard cheerful laughter from within.

Has something good happened? He perked up at the thought and walked in—

“Mom, Reborn, what’s going…on…”

Upon seeing the elegantly seated red-haired youth, who wore a gentle smile as he amused Tsuna’s mother into laughter, Tsuna’s mind froze—

Wait, wait! How could he be here?!

Reborn, who noticed Tsuna’s arrival first, silently glanced at his clueless pupil and pressed down his hat brim—

Stupid Tsuna.

He’s considered you his emergency food supply (?!); if he doesn’t live in our house, where else would he go?

Twisting his curly sideburns, the ghostly home tutor mused to himself that it seemed his student’s training was still far from sufficient…→_→

Author's notes: r The Demon King’s final expression is none of my business! He’s always been that devilish! [turns away]

Congratulations to player Kurama for successfully triggering and completing the “Move into the Sawada Residence” plot mission. Reward: one soft, adorable Mokona snack source, 27-bunny. Please feed promptly and cherish your adorable companion =w= […hey]

In short, Kurama has now officially entered the main protagonist group—congratulations, congratulations~ [meaningful look]

The illustration for this chapter is the all-powerful (?), world’s number one assassin, Reborn-sama—

Ah, the huge contrast between his gentlemanly attire and his chubby baby face is so cute… [clutches chest] Even at the risk of being shot, I just want to give him a hug… rosy cheeks →●▽●

Finally, the usual preview for the next chapter: A restless night. The soft, adorable bunny princess is shocked to find Kurama in her home; Kurama, who has a fondness (?!), wants to form a friendship with the bunny princess; chaos ensues as other members of the protagonist group appear at the Sawada house… This night is destined…not to be peaceful? Please look forward to the next chapter of “Demon Fox Kurama,” A Restless Night!

Rolling on the floor qaq—do you not love me anymore? So few comments lately, not happy ┭┮﹏┭┮

Tearfully clutching my sleeve: tell me you still love me, sob sob…