Chapter 54 Grand Yet Empty

No one knows what Yao Chuanling did in Yuni's room that day. The surveillance footage at 32 minutes and 51 seconds showed that his expression was normal when he entered and exited the room.

But since that day, she has fallen into a deep sleep again.

While she was off guard, Bai Lan played with her hand.

But this attempt was ineffective.

The purifying effect is only effective when she is conscious.

He listlessly let go of the elf's hand, tucked the blanket in carefully, closed the door, and left.

Bai Lan was suspicious and watched the surveillance footage from that day from beginning to end.

There seemed to be nothing unusual.

He grabbed a handful of cotton candy and stuffed it into his mouth.

In seven days, it will be time to deal with some of the rats hiding in Milofiore.

"Kufufufu, so you knew all along."

Having his disguise exposed, Rokudo Mukuro simply reverted to his original form.

If Yao Chuanling were here, she would realize that he was the kind person who gave her directions.

Leo, Byakuran's assistant.

"After all, it's quite amusing to watch you carefully disguise yourselves."

The wicked marshmallow spirit smiled slyly.

"Alright, tell me quickly, what exactly did you ask Xiaoling-chan to do with Xiaoyuni?"

Although he had visited Yuni, he still sat lifelessly in the chair.

But he always felt something was wrong, that he must have done something that would affect the course of the battle.

"Little Spirit?" Rokudo Mukuro said, "That's disgusting how you call her."

No other meaning intended, purely malicious.

At this point, he was unaware that a former Mafia member in another world was using an even more saccharine moan.

Bai Lan's face turned cold: "How annoying. I have no interest in you without the ring. I might as well send you to your death sooner rather than later."

He raised his hand, and the Marai ring on his finger suddenly shone brightly.

"Whoosh—"

The elf, who had been asleep for five days, suddenly got up, threw off the covers, and hurriedly ran outside.

The sound of heartbeats and footsteps resonated together, as if countless butterflies were taking flight together.

She sensed that Mukuro was in danger.

When they were children, she gave him an indigo gemstone pendant. When she was in danger, she would sense it and follow the gemstone's guidance to find him.

Is Mukuro also in Millefiore now?

Running barefoot on the ground makes a lot of noise, and the closer you get, the louder the sound becomes.

Bye-bye~

The Mare Ring emitted a white light, heading straight for Rokudo Mukuro's head and face.

At that moment, someone approached, and both of these intelligent people knew who it was.

Bai Lan didn't mind whether Yao Chuan Ling disliked him or hated him.

Regardless, she had to obediently follow his plan and become the catalyst.

The gem placed on my heart was burning hot, and my skin, along with my heart, was scalded by the heat.

Ten years later, when he saw her in her true form for the first time, it was such a disheveled scene.

He clutched his bleeding wound; she was barefoot and looked panicked.

Yao Chuanling moved very quickly, setting up a protective shield in front of him.

"Little Sunflower!"

Rokudo Mukuro's pupils dilated, and he leaped forward to catch her.

The elf was forced to awaken from its slumber, its power not yet restored, and it was in a weakened state.

Bai Lan's attack broke through the protective shield and struck her directly.

"Long time no see, Mukuro."

Yao Chuanling bent over and coughed a few times, then smiled.

Even when he was injured, her eyes always held joy when she looked at him.

It's hard not to be moved by such a gaze.

Rokudo Mukuro's gaze was gentle, yet filled with worry: "Little Sunflower, you should leave first."

While Milfiore was in hiding, as the leader's assistant, he had much more freedom of movement than others, and he naturally knew that the elves had fallen into a deep sleep.

Her current strength is not even as great as it was in childhood.

Although things didn't go as expected, the green-haired frog's apprentice was waiting outside to help him escape.

"See you next time."

Hearing this, Yao Chuanling felt relieved and smiled at him again.

He dared to say that because he must have made thorough preparations. Because the Rokudo Mukuro she knew would never allow himself to perish in such a place.

However, seeing Bai Lan watching the amusement with great interest, she thought for a moment and then pulled him away.

"Come on, let's talk."

She had always wanted to find time to talk to Bai Lan about his real purpose in contacting her.

Distracted by her, Rokudo Mukuro took the opportunity to de-materialize and slip away.

Bai Lan knew this would be the outcome after Yao Chuanling arrived. Since she hadn't dealt with him before he came, she could only blame herself for making a poor move.

"You like Mukuro-kun?"

He asked curiously.

Being able to completely disregard one's own life and stand in front of him, unwilling to let him die or get hurt, must mean she likes him, right?

Yao Chuanling nodded: "Of course, we've been friends since we were little."

She has always been very protective of the people she likes.

Because that's how her mother treated her, she learned from that to be unconditionally good to the person she loves.

"It's really touching."

Bai Lan's eyes flashed, and she sighed.

As far as he knew, Yao Chuanling had been like this since middle school, and it seemed that he hadn't changed at all during the years he had disappeared.

He's a fool.

Such people are the easiest to take advantage of.

She is simple, innocent, and soft-hearted.

What exactly is your purpose in contacting me?

She went straight to the point.

She didn't believe that all the trouble they went to keep her in Milfiore was simply because they wanted to see her.

"You do not belong to any of the eight trillion worlds, so I think there must be a much broader realm besides the seven three worlds."

Elves, monsters, gods—the world of non-humans always evokes curiosity.

Bai Lan rested her chin on her hand and looked at her ear.

Her pointed ears, which she could not hide due to her weakness, indicated that she was a non-human being born without any modifications.

It's different from the real six-flower ornament.

“You’re lying,” Yao Chuanling said bluntly. “You’re clearly thinking that this extraterrestrial visitor is the condition for me to unlock the next level.”

He was taken aback at first, then a smile gradually spread from the corners of his mouth to the corners of his eyes, and then throughout his entire body.

Unlike his usual casual smile, this time his smile seemed much more genuine and relaxed.

She wasn't easily fooled; she saw through him first.

"To me, this world is nothing more than a grand yet empty game."

He said, "I am just a wisp of consciousness trapped in the game, and no matter how hard I try, I can't integrate into your world."

He said, "I'm very confused."

Named after Byakuran Gesso, he refreshed this boring dungeon again and again.

"This is the last 73 world that I haven't destroyed yet. After I finish the game, I want to try out the new dungeon."

That's why he was so looking forward to her arrival.

After listening to the troubled child's inner thoughts, Yao Chuanling said "Oh" and said truthfully, "If you want to go to my world, there is only one you there. There is no information about parallel worlds, so it is very dangerous for you."

The gods who have long resided in Takamagahara would never allow anyone or anything to disrupt the balance. The powerful box weapon is not even worth a second glance from the great demons or gods.

However, according to his plan, he first needs to defeat the Vongola and collect all the Vongola Rings.

"I don't think Tsuna will lose to you."

Sawada Tsunayoshi's enemies were all once confident of victory and full of pride, but the final result was often contrary to his expectations.

Byakuran asked, "What kind of spell did Sawada Tsunayoshi cast on you?"

Even after witnessing his power, she wholeheartedly believed in Vongola.

Why?

Yao Chuanling is a smart person; he doesn't believe she can't see the advantage.

"No, Tsuna and the others are my family."

Family is always my first and foremost choice.

She looked out the floor-to-ceiling window, her eyes filled with the entire sky.

"Sawada Tsunayoshi's will is my will."

It wasn't the Tenth Vongola, but Sawada Tsunayoshi.

It was Tsuna who laughed with her, fought with her, and watched fireworks with her.

In the sunlight, those eyes, like glass marbles, shone brightly.

"But I can take you to other worlds to explore."

—What kind of spell did Sawada Tsunayoshi cast on you?

Rokudo Mukuro also wanted to ask this question.

After escaping the Millefiore base, Rokudo Mukuro found a miniature version of the Yuni doll in his pocket.

She took the opportunity to let him bring out something, and Rokudo Mukuro instantly understood her intention.

This is the real Uni.

The one in the room was a substitute she created using her spiritual power.

No wonder she fell into a deep sleep again after that day.

"Master, you were saved by a beauty!"

The green-haired boy wearing a frog headgear spoke calmly, but his words were infuriating: "Xi Xiu's look of reminiscence is giving me the creeps."

The next second, three holes appeared on the frog headgear.

Stop being so cheeky.

Rokudo Mukuro pressed his trident against his head, threatening him with a smile.

Fran raised his hands in surrender.

A wise man knows when to yield; though he has a sharp tongue, he has always been a clever illusionist with keen insight.

"This is the first time I've seen a living elf! She's even more beautiful than in the photos."

The family photo taken back then still hangs in the castle at the headquarters of Valia.

After Mammon's death, Fran took over as the Mist Guardian and came to Varia. The first thing he saw in the hall was a group photo.

One of them had blonde hair and green eyes, and wore a crown, looking like a princess from a fairy tale.

He had asked, but the Fallen Prince said the princess was in another world, which he thought was a euphemism for her passing.

Rokudo Mukuro remained noncommittal.

He himself felt that the sunflowers in real life were more vibrant than those in the photos.

"Damn Mafia, how dare they deceive Little Sunflower's feelings."

He gripped the doll tightly, intending to contact the Disciplinary Foundation to send it over.

If it weren't for the despicable mafia, she wouldn't be in such a weak state.

Fran whispered to himself, "Someone keeps saying 'I hate this,' 'damn this,' but when it comes to work, they're more enthusiastic than anyone else. I dare not say who it is."

Pineapple-headed Master worked diligently for the Vongola, but he didn't learn a single thing from his apprentice's slacking-off skills.

"Master, I feel pain too."

Fran took a step forward, just managing to dodge Rokudo Mukuro's trident attack.

The master doesn't feel sorry for his diligent apprentice who is digging the base. Is it because children who don't cry and make a fuss don't get candy?

Considering Fran's performance today, Rokudo Mukuro finally softened and withdrew the trident.

Fran may have a sharp tongue, but he's still a kid, and it's normal for kids to have a bit of a "chuunibyou" (middle school syndrome).

"Fran, relay the intelligence back to Varia. We should act soon."

He needs to go to the Vongola area in person.

He was so devoted to this cause because only he could destroy the Mafia, nothing more.

*

Irie Shoichi found clues about Cavallone.

Neon lights, Namimori Town.

What's even more surprising is that the Tenth Vongola Boss and his Guardians are also here.

Millefiore had a base under Namimori, and he secretly passed information to the Vongola, where he drafted a battle plan.

"Tsuna, your chance for real combat has come."

Ten years later, the door consultant, who had not forgotten his duty as a teacher, tugged at the curls at his temples.

Since the existing moves have been countered, let's create new ones.

The successor of the Shiyu Cangyan School said so.

Sawada Tsunayoshi looked at his gloves: "I had a vague feeling when I fought my senior brother, but it seems I still need to practice more."

X BURNER requires the simultaneous release of flames of different natures from both hands, and the intensity of his flames has reached a terrifying level.

It is extremely powerful, but difficult to control.

Just like the person who inspired him to create this trick.

First, he said that Varia would fully support the Vongola, then he angrily called him a useless piece of trash, and finally he unilaterally ended the conversation by slamming the communicator.

Over the years, XANXUS has always disliked him, but with Varia's help this time, the pressure of the battle has eased considerably.

The infiltration of the Millefiore base went smoothly.

Upon learning that the second-generation Mosca did not require anyone to operate it, Sawada Tsunayoshi smiled with relief.

"Very good."

That way, there's no need to worry about anyone else being inside.

He could never forget what happened back then, nor did he ever abandon his so-called naiveté.

The tutor felt helpless yet gratified.

Behind the electronic screen, Spanner opened his eyes wide, his cat-like gaze fixed on Sawada Tsunayoshi's movements.

X...BURNER?

This move destroyed four special attack type Moskas, but it's not quite at its most perfect state yet, is it?

"Xiao Zheng is indeed amazing."

Xiaozheng had previously suggested that he go to the Vongola, but he refused.

Milofiore is the most advanced organization at present, and he can conduct his research here with peace of mind. He has no plans to leave for the time being.

This idea was overturned after meeting X BURNER.

Xiao Zheng can actually predict the future.

Spana emerged from the wrecked Moscari, his eyes burning: "Vongola, I'm going to help you complete X BURNER."

Sawada Tsunayoshi felt a jolt when he saw someone inside the machine. He subtly observed the person and only relaxed when he saw that their life was not in danger.

If this continues, he'll develop a phobia of Mosca.

Sawada Tsunayoshi silently complained.

"I am Spana, and I am a technician."

The blond youth took out a piece of paper, wrote something in Japanese, and handed it to him.

“I know you, the genius technician that Irie-kun mentioned. You said you were willing to join the Vongola, and I believe you.”

There are always people in this world who are willing to give everything for what they love.

Spana is an example of this.

Sawada Tsunayoshi's judgment of people is never wrong.

The Vongola boss smiled gently and said, "I'll be relying on Mr. Spana from now on."

Having agreed to the other party's application for employment, he naturally trusts him wholeheartedly when hiring.

With a major battle imminent, he urgently needed to improve his strength.

"Leave it to me, Vongola."

Spana looked confident.

The Tenth Vongola is indeed a charismatic person.

He will not betray such trust.

“The Vongola people are all very interesting, you are, and so is Miss Ling.”

The Yao Chuanling he saw was like a bug that suddenly appeared in a normally functioning program; she wandered around happily, looking left and right before finally waving her sleeves and running away.

He made artificial roses, intending to give them to her the next time they met.

"Have you seen Ling? Is she alright?"

To avoid arousing Byakuran's suspicion, Sawada Tsunayoshi had little contact with Irie Shoichi and obtained very little information about Yokawa Rei.

"I only met Miss Ling once. I remember she was very energetic when we met."

At that time, she was standing in the corridor outside the technical department, looking eager and ready to do something mischievous, like a cat about to do something naughty.

Later, in order to test the power of the second-generation Mosca, he went on a field mission with Xiaozheng.

Just as Sawada Tsunayoshi was about to say something, the Meloni base started moving again.

He and his companions were separated because of the change in the base layout, but he never expected that the second reorganization would bring them all together.

"Tenth Generation, are you alright?"

Gokudera Hayato quickly stepped forward and asked.

He was the first to separate from the group, and encountered many difficult characters along the way, but fortunately, he managed to resolve them smoothly.

What kind of competent right-hand man is he if he can't guarantee the safety of his leader?

Sawada Tsunayoshi shook his head reassuringly, "I'm fine."

Not only were they fine, but they also recruited a technician to the Vongola, which solved the X BURENER problem, much to the boss's satisfaction.

But who exactly is pulling the strings behind the scenes?

Sawada Tsunayoshi felt a vague unease.

Few knew of his plans with Shoichi Irie, and this meeting, which was made public, seemed more like Byakuran's doing.

That Mara Dakong was blatantly telling him: I already know your scheme.

"Tsuna-kun, and Masashi-kun, it's been a long time~"

Sure enough, Bai Lan's image appeared in the air, sitting under the blue sky with cotton candies neatly arranged on the table.

The person behind the scenes casually greeted the people in front of the screen.

"Lord Byakuran!"

Irie Shoichi looked surprised, as if he hadn't expected his appearance.

No, he should have discovered it after the base was disrupted for the second time.

"I never imagined that I would be betrayed by the subordinate I trusted most."

Bai Lan sighed with regret.

No matter which world Xiaozheng was in, he ultimately betrayed him.

Xiao Zheng always looked at him with a negative gaze.

"Tsuna-kun, we don't have much time left. I look forward to fighting you."

The shell that carries the weight of time has been activated.

Judging by the days, it's about time to make a deal with my enemies.

Sawada Tsunayoshi chuckled: "Me too, Byakuran Gesso."

The two leaders of the Vongola and Millefiore were locked in a tense standoff. The Guardians stood silently behind Sawada Tsunayoshi.

"Where is Sister Ling? What did you do to her?"

Lei Shou, the youngest, couldn't hold back and was the first to ask a question.

Lambo was pampered by his older brothers and sisters as he grew up, and after all these years he is still a childish kid and an old man like Lambo.

Fifteen years old is a time when one is full of energy and vitality.

"Little Ling-chan is sleeping."

Ignoring Lambo's offense, Byakuran answered his question politely.

As Bai Lan walked around, the scene gradually changed, and they arrived at Yao Chuan Ling's room.

"This guy..."

When Gokudera Hayato saw his actions, he gritted his teeth with a cold expression.

Takeshi Yamamoto, who was standing next to him, looked unwell.

Taking advantage of Yao Chuanling's unconsciousness, he boldly pinched her cheek.

"Xiaoling-chan has been asleep for five days. I also want to know what she's been up to."

It goes without saying that it's related to the Vongola and Masato.

Takeshi Yamamoto unconsciously stroked the hilt of his sword.

During middle school, Lambo accidentally hit her with a ten-year-old rocket launcher. The Yao Chuanling they saw back then was exactly the same as she is now.

A sense of powerlessness arises spontaneously when looking through the screen.

"Tsk." Gokudera Hayato frowned. "Who knows if it's just one of your tricks."

This person is cunning and deceitful, making it difficult to discern the truth from the falsehood. They, the healthy Vongola members, turned into this in Millefiore—who would believe it wasn't Byakuran who did it?

And then there's Irie Shoichi, who betrayed us so easily; it might be a conspiracy between Byakuran and him.

"So you didn't know about Tsuna-kun's right and left hands?"

Bai Lan smiled slyly, trying to sow discord: "I was almost fooled by the secret plot between your leader and Xiao Zheng."

The hand wearing the Mare ring gently brushed aside the stray hairs on Yao Chuanling's cheek, then slid down, following her side profile, jawline, and stopping at her neck.

“But it’s alright, she’s still here, my dear non-human lady.”

The most important part of the plan, and also the role he most looked forward to.

Sawada Tsunayoshi demanded, "Byakuran, what are you trying to do?"

His super intuition told him that this guy had ulterior motives, but hadn't acted on them yet.

He regretted bringing Yao Chuanling to the treacherous banquet, and he shouldn't have let her go to Milofiore.

"Tsuna-kun, we're enemies. Do you really think I'd answer every question?" Byakuran waved Yoruichi's hand away. "Time to deal with that annoying brat hiding behind someone's face. Bye-bye~"

He ended the communication without hesitation, and the huge Meloni base was uprooted and taken away.

Sawada Tsunayoshi: ...

Stingy.

"The person Bai Lan mentioned who 'hides behind other people's faces,' the boss, I suspect is..."

Chrome looked worried, the name almost slipping out of his mouth.

She contacted Rokudo Mukuro a while ago, and he said he was doing something extremely dangerous, which she guessed was probably this.

Sawada Tsunayoshi comforted him, "Squalo called me yesterday to complain that Varia is already short-handed, and Mukuro even took Fran away. With Fran's reinforcements, Mukuro will definitely be fine."

Although Squalo believed this was Fran's excuse for wanting to slack off.

Before the dust settled, he hoped that the turmoil of worry that welled up in his heart would not be shared with anyone else.