Belphegor and the languid Shamar both looked over at the same time, but he turned his face away.
At this moment, Gokudera Hayato had left the family and had made a name for himself in the Hidden World.
The Ninth Generation said benevolently, "He looks like a lonely child."
The Storm Division subordinate looked as if he wanted to say something, but due to Yamamoto's status, he held himself back.
Yamamoto sat in the car and asked, "What was this mission again? That guy Gokudera Hayato brought me back from the front lines in Italy without saying a word; it's truly frustrating."
The subordinate replied immediately, "Understood, Guardian. The mission this time is that the Tenth Generation wishes to establish friendly diplomatic relations with the Port Mafia. To this end, members from the Storm Division and the Rain Division have been transferred to Yokohama to build a base.
But the local forces in Yokohama do not want us to establish diplomatic relations, they have attacked our strongholds multiple times recently. Because the preliminary work mainly involved confirming details and various interests with the Port Mafia, we did not bring enough manpower, resulting in a shortage of combat strength. We are in urgent need of reinforcements.
Yamamoto nodded and summarized, "In other words, someone here wants to make Tsuna unhappy."
Is that so? The subordinate suppressed the urge to complain; thinking about it carefully, that was indeed the case.
This is the Tenth Generation's wish; if it cannot be fulfilled, he will be unhappy, won't he?
So the subordinate nodded. "That is correct."
Yamamoto maintained a smile on his face. "I understand. Tell Gokudera that I will resolve this as quickly as possible; I certainly won't let the news here trouble Tsuna."
The people belonging to the Yokohama factions were on high alert. Mori Ogai revealed a hint of joy: "Oh, I didn't expect the first faction to appear to be our Port Mafia. If it's about establishing diplomatic relations, I am very much in favor of it."
A flash of gloom crossed the depths of his eyes; it was simply that some ungrateful people always loved to ruin his good mood.
“Dazai-kun, who do you think wants to make things difficult for us?”
Dazai Osamu lounged listlessly, swaying from side to side; he didn't look like a member of the Port Mafia, but rather like a mischievous student: "Mr. Mori, you're getting older and more forgetful. You know better than anyone which organizations have an eye on us, so why bother asking me?"
Mori Ogai looked dejected, as if he had been struck: "I'm not quite old yet, am I?"
Ozaki Kureyo added with a chuckle, "But as for you, Lord Mori, your age is certainly no longer young."
Fukuzawa Yukichi's already stern face furrowed even deeper. "Ranpo, do you think the addition of Vongola will disrupt the stability between our three parties?"
Edogawa Ranpo had somehow dug up a calico cat and was cradling it in his arms, teasing it idly. "It's fine, Director. It might even be a good thing."
Nakahara Chuuya closely protected the sheep's companions, who were daydreaming: "Chuuya, if we join Vongola, would we be able to go out into the light in Yokohama openly?"
Or we could join the Port Mafia, their influence is huge too.
They argued excitedly about which one to join, ignoring Nakahara Chuuya's hesitant expression.
But aren't we sheep? We are people with an organization, so why should we go somewhere else?
"Shut up. It's not 'as soon as possible,' it's 'solve it for me right this second.'" A harsh, irritable voice suddenly rang out within the empty space of the car, carrying a hint of electronic distortion.
The subordinate's hands were steady; even after hearing the voice, the car continued straight ahead without a single wobble.
He was just very surprised: "Gokudera Hayato, why are you.."
The vehicles used to receive the Guardian's car were all professionally handled, the communications inside were set to confidential mode, preventing outsiders from connecting.
Tsk, I could hack into this kind of technology whenever I want. This garbage encryption needs an upgrade. Once we get back, tell the technical department to do a comprehensive inspection of the communication lines and then upgrade them.
Even though the other party couldn't see him, his subordinate replied with a determined gaze, "Yes!"
Gokudera Hayato, on the other end of the communication, didn't hear Yamamoto's words and said in a bad tone, "Scapula, what are you doing?"
The subordinate took a bold glance through the rearview mirror, only to find that Yamamoto was actually rummaging through the seat leather. After he finished, he sat back in his seat and mused, "Gokudera, since when did you learn magic? Hahaha, that was some high-level magic, I didn't even see you do it."
Idiot, are you a moron?
How could I possibly be in the car? Needless to say, continuing this conversation with you will only lower my IQ. My brain is meant to be used for the Tenth Generation until the day I die; I can't afford to waste brain cells on you.
Haha, my sword is the same; it will be used for Tsuna until the very end.
Shut up! Don't just repeat everything I say!
Gokudera Hayato was being pestered by Yamamoto, he said irritably, "The Tenth Generation places great importance on this diplomatic ceremony, I cannot tolerate even the slightest mistake. If it weren't for the unfinished business here, do you think it would be your turn to handle it? Damn these barbarians! I want to hurry back and work for the Tenth Generation! I haven't seen the Tenth Generation's smile in five days already. Damn it, damn it, damn it!"
Ahhh, Scapula, don't you dare slack off on me! Once I've finished up here tonight, I'll rush over. Before I arrive tomorrow, you must deal with those opposing organizations; you absolutely must provide the Tenth Generation with a perfect diplomatic ceremony!
Yamamoto spoke in a lazy tone: "Gokudera, it sounds like there's some noise over at your place."
Oh, I know. It's a bunch of fools who don't know what's good for them. I've said what I needed to say, so make sure you remember it. Alright, I need to go deal with these people. I'm hanging up.
Silence fell on the other end. Yamamoto looked at the buildings of Yokohama and the trees rapidly receding outside, said in a low voice, "As for Tsuna's matters, I take every single one to heart."
Yamamoto's emotions were complicated.
He knew Sawada Tsunayoshi; he was a classmate and was very famous in school.
However, this kind of fame was derogatory. He often heard that the other person was late, forgot to bring homework, scored only a dozen points on exams, or failed physical education again.
Sawada Tsunayoshi was quite timid, a constrained smile often hanging on his face. He had noticed more than once that the other person was being bullied, he spent almost half of every month performing cleaning duties.
But Yamamoto didn't intervene, because he felt this was the other person's own business; whether it was weakness or an inability to resist, it was all part of that person's life.
He could intervene once, but could he intervene for a lifetime? It would have been better to just ignore it from the very beginning.
But those were all superficial impressions; in reality, Yamamoto's good impression of Sawada Tsunayoshi came from two unexpected incidents.
Sawada Tsunayoshi saw the Yamamoto Hayato from ten years in the future and smiled. It was wonderful; Yamamoto and Gokudera Hayato were so full of vitality, their relationship was as good as ever.
Sawada Tsunayoshi also thought of Yamamoto.
He had always envied Yamamoto Takeshi; he was enthusiastic, cheerful, helpful. Once, when Tsuna's ball was knocked into a pond, it was Yamamoto Takeshi who went to retrieve it.
Yamamoto remembered one time, he had only just stepped out of the school gate when he realized he had forgotten something; as he turned back toward the classroom, he heard two people whispering about him.
That Yamamoto Takeshi, what is he acting all high and mighty for? He looks like such a pretty boy. Why does Sakurako like someone like him? He's clearly a playboy, unlike me, who is so low-key and down-to-earth.
Hmph, what kind of star athlete? He can only act proud at our school; I wonder how he'll act once he's out in the real world.
Exactly, I can't stand him either.
“Tsuna, you hate him too, don't you? After all, with one of you being from heaven and the other from earth, hahahaha! If you hate him, we can go out together after school; it'll be the perfect chance to chat about how Yamamoto is such a poser.”
Leaning against the wall outside the classroom, Yamamoto felt a bit bored and possessed a slight streak of mischief.
He thought, if he went in right now, the expressions on the people inside would surely be very interesting.
He thought that these people were far too boring and too incompetent, only capable of badmouthing others behind their backs.
He thought that if they joined in, he would have friends too, haha, after all, being all alone and lonely all the time was just too pitiful.
But Yamamoto is just really amazing. I don't think he's pretending either. Yamamoto is good-looking, kind, warm, helpful; you all might just have a misunderstanding of him.
The last sentence was spoken timidly; perhaps the words spoken before had already exhausted his courage.
Those two found it boring, so they casually said a few words and handed the duty over to Sawada Tsunayoshi, making an excuse that they needed to go buy study materials.
Chapter 11: Day 11 of the Livestream
Sawada Tsunayoshi still remembered a time when he wasn't on duty, because he couldn't find an exam paper, everyone else in the class had already left, forcing him to listen to two people badmouthing Yamamoto.
He hid under the desk at that time, not daring to come out.
Oh no, he'd get beaten up if he was heard like this. Should he come out or not? This is so embarrassing.
The more he thought about it, the more awkward he felt. His table was pushed forward a little, he was discovered by the two of them.
It was unclear whether they were caught up in their conversation or were simply desperate for validation, but they pulled him into the discussion. At that moment, his mind was entirely focused on leaving, so he just offered a few casual responses.
Speaking ill of others was absolutely out of the question; while he did sometimes feel jealous of Yamamoto's talent and popularity, that was no reason for him to slander him.
Sawada Tsunayoshi knew that Yamamoto's achievements were all earned through hard work. Once, when he went out in the morning, Yamamoto was already doing his morning training, drenched in sweat; his achievements were built through sheer effort.
Unlike him, he wanted a good physique, but he went to bed late every single day.
Thinking of those things, Sawada Tsunayoshi plucked up his courage to speak well of Yamamoto, his heart thumping as he spoke. He wondered if they would feel unpleasant after hearing these words and try to beat him.
If he were really going to be beaten, should he crouch down and let them bully him, or would it be better to run? And if he runs, how can he prevent himself from tripping on flat ground? By the way, he scored only 27 on today's exam again; although his mother won't ask, he must have lost face in front of his classmates.
Sigh, he really was quite funny. Why would a bottom-tier student like him have to worry about the campus prince? Other people wouldn't have these kinds of troubles.
Lost in thought, by the time he snapped back to reality, a broom and a dustpan were already in his hands; the two students on duty had already run off.
Well, he was asked to do duty again.
Just do it; it's not like it's the first or second time.
Less than two minutes later, Yamamoto entered with an embarrassed smile, walking on his tiptoes as he said, "You haven't started mopping yet, have you? Sorry, I forgot to grab something. I won't get the floor dirty by coming in now, will I?"
Wow, Yamamoto is here.
Yamamoto saw Sawada Tsunayoshi trembling like a startled little animal, his hair standing on end and his large eyes darting around; it was obvious he had something on his mind. "Ah, hahaha, Yamamoto! It's nothing, it's nothing, I'm not even lagging behind yet."
Yamamoto walked in, Sawada Tsunayoshi leaned in specifically, asking stutteringly, "You just arrived, right, Yamamoto-kun? I wonder if you've seen any of our classmates, haha, I'm just asking casually."
After saying that, Sawada Tsunayoshi wished he could give himself a good whack. Good heavens, what was he even saying? It was so weird.
"He really is so cute." Yamamoto felt a bit of regret; how had he not noticed Tsuna was this cute before?
He maliciously spoke the names of the two people who had just been badmouthing him.
Look, Tsuna's hands were dancing even faster, his gaze began to wander.
He asked with a smile, "Why are you on duty alone? Where is your partner?"
Sawada Tsunayoshi stammered, unable to find his words. Yamamoto saw the situation and decided to cut it short, saying, "Anyway, I don't have much to do today, so I'll do the mopping. That way, you can head home early too."
That day, the two of them did their cleaning duties together, after that, Sawada Tsunayoshi kept saying thank you, his face turning bright red. His eyes were large, watery, clear, making him look incredibly cute.
Yamamoto suddenly remembered these past events and suddenly felt that if the other person were Tsuna, he would be able to play with him.
With both the Mafia and baseball, such a future seemed quite interesting.
Gokudera Hayato, Gokudera Hayato remained silent, his mind merely repeating the words he had just spoken on the screen over and over again.
It had only been five days, yet there was that sense of urgency, that restless impulse, that desperate effort to make someone smile.
He pressed his hand against his chest, feeling the violent pounding of his heart.
No, don't think too much; the more you think, the more disappointed you will be when the time comes.
There will no longer be a place for him in this world.
Yamamoto said helplessly, "That guy Gokudera is being too impatient."
The subordinates did not dare to interrupt; he never dared to discuss the affairs of the Guardians.