"I'd like to see what kind of guy he is."
Bete rubbed the bruise on his cheek, still sore from Gareth's "lesson." He couldn't help wondering what kind of newcomer would make Finn single him out like that.
"His situation's a bit special," Finn said evenly. "Loki only brought him into the Familia today."
With that, Finn decisively brushed aside the whole "Loki's bathhouse intruder" incident.
If Tsuna had really broken into Loki's bath, there's no way the goddess wouldn't have noticed. And since Loki herself had invited him to join the Familia, it was clear the kid had just been an ordinary person before this. As for why Loki hadn't said a word about the bath situation—well, that meant there were things they weren't supposed to know. Finn understood that perfectly, so he left it at that.
"A total newbie, huh."
Tiona's eyes gleamed with interest. That spark alone made her blurt out the next question.
"So, what makes him special?"
Everyone perked up their ears.
Finn had no intention of dodging the question. In fact, he'd planned to address it properly. Given Tsuna's unique circumstances, the Familia needed at least a basic understanding of what they were dealing with.
"His ability is… very unusual," Finn began. "Unlike most people born with innate talent, he's what you'd call a self-awakened type. Before Loki gave him a Falna, he already had his current powers. The Falna just made them visible as stats, nothing more."
That "just" and "only" carried a very deliberate kind of modesty—the smug kind.
Still, Finn's words set the tone for the newcomer: a completely different breed of talent from the rest of them.
"Wait, isn't that even more amazing than Ais?"
Tiona blurted it out before anyone could stop her.
This idiot… Bete shot her a glare. The dumb amazon never knew when to shut up or read the room.
Still, he couldn't say she was wrong. Judging from what Finn said, the kid's innate talent probably outshone even Ais's. Just the fact that he'd awakened on his own was a massive advantage.
If the guy's ability matched that potential, then yeah—he was definitely something special. No way Finn would make such a big deal over an average rookie.
"Ais…" Finn murmured thoughtfully. "Once he learns about her, he'll probably develop a power that specifically targets her."
The image of Tsuna's ability flashed through Finn's mind, and he couldn't help being impressed—and wary. That sort of power needed precise intel to function at full capacity.
Ais's strengths were easy to identify: exceptional magic and incredible combat instincts. Once those were confirmed, Finn had no doubt Tsuna could design a monster-like ability that countered her perfectly.
It wasn't that Finn had an overactive imagination. Tsuna's ability was just that absurd.
"Target… Ais?"
Tiona blinked, confused.
"The captain means the newcomer's ability," Tione explained, catching on immediately. But she frowned a little.
"Still, Captain… if all he needs is someone's information to make a counter ability, isn't that kind of overpowered? If he can do it to Ais, then doesn't that mean he could do it to anyone?"
Exactly. Bete's expression hardened. If the newcomer could craft abilities based on intel alone, then theoretically he could counter anyone. All he'd need was the right data.
If that were true… yeah, Bete could finally understand why today's mood was so damn tense.
"You're right," Finn admitted. "But countering isn't the only thing he can do. If he manages to dig deeper into his power, I believe he'll become one of our greatest assets in the Dungeon."
He wasn't dodging the question—he was dead serious. Tsuna's potential could bring enormous benefits to the Familia, especially in Dungeon expeditions.
"Still, he's a rookie right now. His ability's outstanding, sure, but he's got a lot to learn. Until he's stronger and more experienced, he won't be joining any Dungeon expeditions."
"So Riveria will be in charge of his training."
"Really?" Ais's eyes lit up instantly.
Right now, Riveria was the biggest obstacle keeping her on a leash. If Riveria started supervising the newcomer instead, Ais couldn't even imagine how much freedom she'd gain. For the first time, she found herself excited about a new recruit.
This kid's thoughts are way too obvious.
Riveria had been keeping an eye on Ais's expressions, and the instant those golden eyes brightened, she caught it. The realization made her sigh and roll her eyes in exasperation.
Does she really think being her babysitter is easy? Riveria could already feel her temper rising.
"Tiona, Tione," Finn said, his tone firm. "Since Riveria will be busy, I need you two to keep an eye on Ais for a while. Especially in the Dungeon. The next expedition's already entering its preparation phase, so she needs to stay focused and not run off on her own."
Just like that, Finn shattered Ais's short-lived celebration and nailed her freedom to the wall. Her Dungeon privileges? Revoked.
Why?!
Ais's usually blank face twitched—quietly, but full of devastation.
She'd thought that with Riveria distracted, she could sneak into the Dungeon again. Instead, now she'd have two amazoness babysitters and a strict no-entry order. Her eyes flicked toward Bete.
"Then why can Bete go?"
Huh? Bete froze, completely blindsided by the sudden attack.
"Because Bete's not as reckless as you are," Finn replied without missing a beat. "You always push too far—diving into the lower floors without rest, ignoring your limits, burning through your magic until you can barely walk."
How does he even know that?! Ais stared at him, wide-eyed. For a moment, it felt like Finn could read her mind.
"How do I know?" Finn smirked faintly. "Because that's exactly what you always do."
Honestly, he was embarrassed even saying it out loud. Ais's training habits were ridiculous—she'd do anything to get stronger, no matter the cost.
"Anyway," Finn continued, "during this preparation phase, you're not allowed to enter the Dungeon. Use this time to rest and adjust. You've just advanced to Level 5, and there's still a lot you need to stabilize. Understood?"
Faced with Finn's firm, commanding tone, Ais wilted like a scolded cat. She knew better than to defy him—otherwise, Riveria's wrath would come next.
"…I understand."
Her voice was small, deflated. The kind that said she'd given up—for now.