In the depths of her dream, Saya sensed two points of Lightning Flame within the starry galaxy. Beside her was a small spark of lightning, tiny but crackling with restless energy. The other took the shape of a bull—not a fierce one, but a playful creature running around like a child.
Suddenly, the green bull faded, replaced by a soft blue-navy light. A delicate, pure flower appeared, covered in morning dew. However, it was encircled by thorny vines, and a vast field of lotus flowers began to bloom around it. As Saya watched, a figure emerged from the Mist.
It was the man she recognized, stepping out from the Mist Flame. The tall man with cold, piercing eyes wasn't wearing his Kokuyo uniform this time, but a simple white shirt and jeans.
For the first time, the flame in her dream took a truly human form.
Saya's heart fluttered. She wasn't sure whether to run or stay. She didn't leave her dream, and he didn't leave his domain, but the Mist lotuses expanded until the entire galaxy around her was filled with flowers and fog. They stood still, facing each other, before Mukuro gave a chilling smile and spoke without a sound—though Saya could feel how cold his words were.
"See you soon, my little rabbit."
Saya's navy-blue eyes snapped open. At the same time, she felt a strange sensation; the pain and injuries from the Lightning discharge felt lighter. It was as if something cool, damp, and gentle was stroking her wounds, soothing the ache.
As she tried to sit up, a wave of dizziness hit her. Looking out the window, she saw a thick fog settling in. Her bracelet glowed with a soft Mist Flame, though it didn't erupt from her body.
Rokudo Mukuro. The memory of his smile in the dream made a shiver run down her spine. She instinctively hugged herself, only then realizing she wasn't alone in the room.
Looking down, she saw Rinji sleeping with his head against the bed, still loosely holding her hand. Naoka was snoring on the sofa, while Yamamoto and Tsuna had replaced Dino and Romario, leaning against each other in sleep. Jinnai sat meditatively on the other side of the room.
The clock showed 6:00 AM.
Rinji stirred as he felt her hand move. His eyes fluttered open, his clear blue gaze meeting hers through a haze of sleepiness. "You're awake?"
"Yes, Rinji-senpai," she said. Rinji noticed the purple-blue flame on her bracelet had replaced the green lightning. "The Cursed Lightning Day has passed. It's all thanks to you."
"Mm," he grunted, letting out a long yawn. "Are you getting out of bed?"
Saya nodded. "I feel better today. I want to go for an early walk."
"Naoka and I have practice this morning, but we'll visit again this evening," Rinji said, standing up to call Jinnai. However, Jinnai was already there, holding a shoebox.
"I had Jinnai go buy these last night. You can't practice in those ruined cleats, Senpai," Saya explained. Though his soccer cleats were insulated, they couldn't withstand the heat, as Gokudera had warned. The soles had literally melted onto the floor.
"Thank you for your time in helping My Lady, Rinji-kun," Jinnai said, handing over the box. Rinji opened it to find the exact same brand, size, and color—a brand new pair. He was stunned; these were a limited edition model that had been discontinued for over a year. "If there is anything else I can assist you with, please do not hesitate to ask."
Rinji put them on; they felt exactly like his old favorites did on the first day he bought them.
"Do they fit?" Saya asked. Rinji nodded and looked at her.
"Thanks."
"It was nothing," the girl replied with a sweet smile. He watched her for a moment before turning to wake the slumped-over Naoka.
"Huh? Whadizzit, Rinji…?" Naoka mumbled groggily. When Rinji mentioned morning practice, the two-toned boy protested, wanting to stay with Saya, but Rinji dragged him out by the collar anyway. "Rinji! Let go! I wanna stay with Sayaaaaa!"
"Oh, is Rinji gone already?" Yamamoto woke up from Naoka's shouting, yawning and stretching. Tsuna rubbed his eyes, only to find Jinnai already standing there, offering a warm, damp cloth with both hands.
"Thanks," Tsuna said, taking it to wipe his face. Jinnai bowed slightly and did the same for Yamamoto.
"Relax, Jinnai," Yamamoto said with a broad grin. "You don't have to be so formal."
"I understand, Yamamoto-kun," Jinnai replied with a small smile. Tsuna handed back the cloth and looked at Saya.
"That's right, Saya-chan. Today is your birthday, isn't it?" The girl nodded.
"Yes. I planned to have a small celebration in this room. I actually want to invite Chrome-chan, Ken, and Chikusa too. I want to get to know them better, and I want to thank everyone for helping me."
Yamamoto and Tsuna exchanged a smile. "Then let us help you!"
"Oh… it might be a bother…"
"Not at all! It'll be fun with more people helping," Yamamoto insisted.
"…I understand," Saya said gratefully. Jinnai watched the boys before turning to his mistress.
"My Lady, a birthday only comes once a year," he said softly. "Everyone in Vongola wants you to have a wonderful day, just as I do. Think of it as an opportunity to welcome new friends from Vongola, Cavallone, or even the Varia."
"Wow, Jinnai, well said!" Tsuna praised. Jinnai bowed out of habit, then caught himself and offered a gentle smile instead.
"Thank you, Sawada-san."
"I understand, Jinnai," Saya smiled at everyone. "Then let's get started on the party!"
After securing space in the hospital cafeteria, Dino, Romario, Kyoko, Haru, and Hana went shopping with Jinnai and Ryohei. Yamamoto, Gokudera, and Tsuna handled the tables and decorations. As for the Kokuyo group, Reborn tasked them with monitoring Saya's Mist Flame, which had begun to flare up. Chrome immediately ignited her flame and took Saya's hand; within minutes, the symptoms faded.
"The Mist Flame isn't your primary element either, just like Lightning," Reborn noted. "The reaction is nearly identical."
Squalo and Lussuria joined in as well. Squalo's arm was in a cast after he swung his sword too hard at the suspicious flowers, and Lussuria had a muscle tear from dancing, but Lussuria's Sun Flame had healed them enough to help out.
"Why am I doing this?!" Squalo barked, lifting a heavy table with one arm while Tsuna and Yamamoto carried another.
"Thanks for helping, Squalo-san!" Tsuna said.
"I'm not doing this because I want to!" Squalo roared.
"Oh, stop it. It's better than catching salmon or cod in a waterfall for the Boss, isn't it?" Lussuria teased before turning to Saya. "Besides, I've been waiting for this day!"
"Huh?" Saya was confused as Lussuria pulled out a complete hair-styling kit.
"I was going to use this on Squalo-chan's hair!" Lussuria huffed, swaying with excitement. "Look at this horse oil from Italy! I'm going to use it on Saya-chan tonight! Let's get you dressed up!"
At the mention of horses, Dino—who was out shopping—suddenly sneezed. He scratched his nose with a wary look. "Is someone talking about something weird involving horses?"
"Hey! You're slacking off!" Squalo swung his sword, accidentally splitting a table in half, while Lussuria hummed.
"Being the host is important!" Lussuria began bickering with Squalo as everyone watched. Tsuna sighed and tried to intervene, only to get blown back in the crossfire.
"Haha, they're so energetic," Yamamoto laughed. Gokudera continued moving tables and asked Chrome, "Hey, is this position okay?"
Chrome nodded. Ken and Chikusa helped until everything was in place. Once everyone returned with the food, Chrome pulled out her trident.
"Let the Mist Guardian handle the decorations," Chrome smiled at Saya. She tapped the butt of her staff against the floor. Saya felt the floor ripple like water.
The simple cafeteria began to warp. The ripples expanded until the plain room transformed into a grand hall decorated with elegant carpets and beautiful ice swans.
The wooden tables turned into luxurious teak, and a fountain appeared in the center of the room. The entire space glittered with light from crystal chandeliers. Saya stood mouth agape, her navy-blue eyes reflecting the magical scene.
Chrome watched her reaction with pride, a soft blush on her cheeks. "It's beautiful, Chrome-chan. Am I dreaming? Are you a fairy godmother?"
The girl giggled at the compliment. "This is the power of the Mist Flame—the power to create illusions."
The cafeteria was now a ballroom fit for a hotel, complete with a Vongola crest hanging on the stage curtains. Even everyone's outfits had changed to suit their tastes through Chrome's illusions.
"What kind of dress would you like?" Chrome asked.
"A red dress would be lovely," Kyoko suggested. She was wearing a pale yellow dress that shimmered like sunlight.
"Yes! Red would be perfect!" Haru added, currently wearing a green dinosaur mascot suit, making Saya giggle. After some discussion, Chrome changed Saya's hospital gown into a stunning backless red dress.
"Do you like it?" Chrome asked. Saya noticed Ken blushing behind Chrome while Chikusa adjusted his glasses and looked away. Saya gave a shy smile. "If you don't like it, I can change it."
With a thought, Chrome changed the dress into a more modest V-neck red gown that reached her knees, paired with brown flats. Saya spun around and smiled.
"I'll take this one! It's beautiful and easy to walk in."
"My pleasure, Saya-chan," Chrome replied, her innocent smile brightening the room. "Have fun today! …Is Mukuro-sama coming?"
"Perhaps," Chrome said, though her expression shifted slightly when mentioning him. Saya wondered if there was tension between them, but she also noticed how similar they were. Are they siblings? she wondered. "He hasn't contacted me."
Mukuro-sama? The relationship is more complex than I thought, Saya mused. She wasn't close enough to ask yet, and she figured Tsuna, as the Boss, should handle his own family members.
"…I see," Saya said, but she couldn't help worrying about Chrome. Even if she felt uneasy about Mukuro, he was part of Vongola. Ignoring him didn't seem right, and she didn't want Chrome to bear the brunt of his moods. "Chrome, I'll have Jinnai pack some cake for Mukuro-sama as well, just in case he returns tonight. Delicious cake can soften any heart."
"…I understand," Chrome said, sensing Saya's kindness. "…Mukuro-sama has acknowledged your intention."
"What would you like to eat first? My Lady, Chrome-san, Kyoko-san, Hana-san, Chikusa-san, Ken-san," Jinnai asked, now in full butler attire. Saya was taken aback. "As for my defeat against 'that person,' do not worry. Shamal has hypnotized me so that I may focus entirely on serving sweets to My Lady and everyone today."
"Oh!" Saya turned to see Shamal already sipping wine. He gave her a small smile.
"I'd like some cake, Jinnai-kun," Kyoko said, followed by Haru, who wanted plenty of pudding.
"I'll have shaved ice and nama chocolate," Saya said. Jinnai bowed and moved with grace to fulfill their orders.
"Alright, let's start Saya-chan's birthday party!" Reborn announced, appearing on stage in an Elvis Presley outfit. Beside him, Skull was dressed as Michael Jackson, moonwalking against a backdrop of exploding fireworks. Everyone cheered as the festivities began. Rinji and Naoka joined in later.
"Happy Birthday, Saya-chan," Naoka handed her a red gift box. Rinji had one too—smaller and dark green. Soon, the table was piled high with gifts.
In the garden, two people remained outside the party. Hibari and Tetsuya were near a tent. Tetsuya was roasting sweet potatoes while Hibari sat on a tree branch, Hibird perched on his shoulder singing the school anthem, blending with the birthday music from the cafeteria.
"They seem to be having a lot of fun," Tetsuya noted. Hibari ignored him, closed his book, and looked down as two figures approached.
Saya and Jinnai arrived carrying a tray of Japanese sweets—red bean jelly, manju, dango, yokan, and daifuku—along with two pots of hot green tea. Tetsuya rushed to take the tray.
"Thank you so much, Saya-san, Jinnai-san. And Happy Birthday!"
"Thank you, Tetsuya-san. I heard Hibari-san doesn't like crowds and prefers Japanese sweets, so I prepared this especially," she said. Hibari jumped down from the tree and looked at her.
"…Are you recovered?"
Saya blinked and replied, "Not fully, but I'm much better."
"Good. Because I want to fight your servant again," Hibari stated. Jinnai's eyebrow twitched, but he maintained his stoic composure.
Saya glanced at Jinnai. She didn't want them to fight; the last time was too violent. "Jinnai is still injured. It wouldn't be a fair or fun fight if he isn't at 100%, right?"
"Then… when will you be at 100%?" Hibari asked.
"Today I must attend to My Lady's party. Tomorrow Reborn has an appointment with me, and I must look after My Lady until she is well. But if My Lady orders me to fight, I will," Jinnai replied formally. He knew that if Hibari used those strange weapons again, he stood no chance, but he didn't understand what Hibari wanted from him.
"I'm interested in your fighting style," Hibari said.
"…It is simply a hybrid style," Jinnai explained. "I studied many disciplines but could never master the 'essence' of any. Eventually, I blended them into a style that only I understand."
"Wow. Interesting," Hibari said with a faint smile, but Jinnai saw the spark of battle-lust in his eyes. Jinnai recognized that look; Hibari Kyoya was the same type of person as him. "Now I definitely have to fight you."
This man is too dangerous to be around My Lady, Jinnai thought.
"Well then, please enjoy the sweets, Hibari-san," Saya intervened with a smile. She bowed politely and walked away with Jinnai. For a split second, Jinnai couldn't suppress a flash of killing intent, nearly causing Hibari to draw his tonfas, but it passed in an instant. Saya continued walking, seemingly unaware of the tension.
"You didn't give it to her," Tetsuya noted, looking at Hibari's left hand, which was clutching a small velvet box tightly. "And it's her birthday gift, too."
Hibari didn't answer. He shoved the box into his pocket with an annoyed expression and went back to his book.