(Please add it to your Library! Please send Power Stones! Thank you!)
Afternoon.
At the indoor gymnasium of Namimori Middle School, the air was filled with loud cheers as Tsuna and his team secured a victory in the volleyball match for their class.
Meanwhile, Ace had acquired another new bullet from Reborn...
- Name: Jump Bullet
- Source: Unknown
- Effect: Striking the target's knee with this bullet grants superior jumping ability.
- Appraisal Value: 1 point
Clearly, compared to the highly valuable 'Dying Will Bullet', the 'Jump Bullet' wasn't worth much.
But for Ace, a novice investigator, every new item added to the Transdimensional Compendium was a symbol of honor!
...
As the sound of the school bell echoed through Namimori Middle School, signaling the end of the day, a pleasant melody accompanied it—the favorite sound for every student.
"Finally, school's over!" Ace thought with a grin, watching the students pack their things.
Today had been eventful—not only had he learned more about the workings of a school in this new world, but he had also successfully collected two new items for the Transdimensional Chamber of Commerce.
While the 'Jump Bullet' might just serve as a filler item, the potential of the 'Dying Will Bullet' was what truly excited Ace!
In this peaceful world, the 'Dying Will Bullet' might not seem like a big deal. However, in the world of pirates, where battles raged constantly, a special bullet that could grant someone immense power right before death would be a highly sought-after treasure!
With just 10 points, someone could potentially turn the tide in a life-or-death struggle. Who wouldn't want such an item?
It was at this moment Ace began to fully appreciate the incredible benefits of the Transdimensional Chamber of Commerce—how it continuously explored and integrated the powers of different worlds to produce such unique results.
Breaking free from your own world's limitations was the only way to truly grasp the larger truth.
Thinking this, Ace felt even more grateful to Leo for granting him the position of an investigator.
And to repay Leo, Ace knew he had to train Tsuna even harder! The sooner Tsuna became the Vongola family's 10th boss, the sooner Ace could complete his mission for the Chamber of Commerce.
...
As the students began to file out of the school gates, Ace's eyes were already on Tsuna, ready to take him on a 5-kilometer run around the playground before dinner.
However...
Just as he was about to put his plan into action, someone intercepted Tsuna first.
"Huh? That kid again?" Ace murmured, watching Hayato Gokudera approach Tsuna.
Ace had already learned earlier in the afternoon that Hayato was also a member of the Vongola family. Although Ace didn't fully understand why Hayato was so hostile toward Tsuna, he did notice the mischievous grin spreading across Reborn's face.
Seeing that smile, Ace knew something interesting was about to unfold. He wisely chose to stay quiet and observe from the shadows.
From past experiences, Ace had learned that whenever Reborn smiled like that, something entertaining was bound to happen.
And sure enough...
It turned out that Hayato had come all the way from Italy, dissatisfied with Tsuna being chosen as the 10th boss of the Vongola family. His plan was to take Tsuna down.
However, things didn't go as planned.
Instead of defeating Tsuna, Hayato found himself impressed by Tsuna, especially when he witnessed Tsuna in 'Death Mode'.
...
"Jūdaime! You're amazing!!" Hayato exclaimed.
With a newfound sense of respect, Hayato knelt before Tsuna, pledging his allegiance. "I swear to follow you and help you become the next boss of the Vongola family!"
At that moment, not only Tsuna but even Ace, who had been watching from a distance, was taken aback.
One moment, they were at each other's throats, and the next, Hayato was on his knees, bowing and pledging loyalty. The sudden shift was so abrupt that even Ace couldn't help but chuckle.
"This is... truly fascinating!" Ace thought.
Much like his younger brother Luffy, Ace had always enjoyed chaos and the unexpected twists that life brought.
...
With Hayato now sworn to support Tsuna, everyone quickly realized that all of this had been orchestrated by Reborn.
Hayato, now fully devoted to Tsuna, vowed to stand by him and help him rise to the top of the mafia world as the leader of the Vongola family.
And just then, Takeshi Hayato, who had been standing on the sidelines, walked over to Tsuna. Laughing heartily, he wrapped an arm around Tsuna's shoulder.
"Ahahaha, Tsuna, you're so funny! You're really aiming to be a mafia boss?" Takeshi asked, his eyes sparkling with innocence. "Can I join too?!"
Clearly, Takeshi had mistaken the serious conversation between Tsuna and Hayato for some sort of fun game.
At this moment, Takeshi had no idea just how much trouble his casual request was about to bring him!
...
...
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Just as Tsuna was about to tell Takeshi that this wasn't a game, a sharp sound of applause suddenly echoed from nearby.
Ace, now dressed once again in his usual attire, walked out from the corner with a broad smile on his face.
"Hahaha, that's fantastic, Tsuna!"
"I didn't expect you to find two partners so quickly!"
Watching the interaction between Tsuna, Takeshi, and Hayato, Ace couldn't help but be reminded of his own adventures with the Spade Pirates.
At that moment, the corners of his mouth lifted even higher.
Ace continued:
"Whether you're a pirate or a member of the mafia..."
"Good partners are the key to success!"
"Someone without partners can't accomplish anything!"
"Welcome to being part of Tsuna's team! I hope you can support him and help him become the world's top mafia boss!!!"
"Yo!!! Amazing!!!"
"Of course!!!"
Although they had no idea what Ace was talking about, Takeshi and Hayato were fired up, their spirits soaring with excitement. The two of them cheered loudly.
However, neither of them noticed that the moment Ace appeared, Tsuna's face went deathly pale.
But just then, Ace's smile faded slightly as he looked at the setting sun on the horizon. Slowly, he said:
"Well..."
"It's getting late. Before dinner, let's complete the first phase of your training!"
Suddenly—
A red light flashed.
A heroic figure of Growlithe appeared in front of them.
Takeshi's eyes, with his usual simple-minded curiosity, immediately brightened.
"What is this?! Is this some kind of new magic?!"
"It's incredible how a puppy could suddenly appear!!!"
A lover of dogs, Takeshi excitedly squatted down to pet the Growlithe.
But just then, Tsuna urgently stopped him and shouted,
"Wait, no!"
Unfortunately, it was too late.
'Pffft!!!'
A bright flame erupted from the Growlithe's mouth, completely engulfing Takeshi.
"Woof!" Growlithe barked before walking off, looking rather pleased with itself.
"Ahem, cough, cough..."
"What... what was that?!"
"A fire-breathing puppy?!"
Though Growlithe had controlled the intensity of its flames, merely intending to scare Takeshi, it still left an impression. Takeshi, usually tough-skinned, began to sense that something strange was going on.
On the sidelines, Hayato noticed Ace standing beside Reborn and, wisely, refrained from making any sudden moves.
Clap, clap, clap!!!
Ace smiled, clapping his hands to draw everyone's attention.
The spot Hayato had chosen for his duel with Tsuna was spacious and quiet—ideal for a pre-dinner workout.
"So… you three…" Ace teased with a playful glint in his eyes.
"100 squats, 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups… Let's get started!"
"Only those who finish can head home for dinner!"
"Eh—!!?" came the collective response from the three of them.