KHR: Decimo Primo

The week following the joyful reunion with his parents passed in a blur of warmth and growth for Tsuna. Each day brought new opportunities to bond with Nana, who stayed by his side to ensure his winter break remained filled with simple joys. From baking together to cozy evenings by the fireplace, Tsuna cherished every moment with her. Iemitsu, on the other hand, had returned to his usual hectic schedule after a few days, claiming that work had begun piling up and could no longer wait. Despite his brief stay, his departure was lighthearted, punctuated with promises to visit again soon.

During the evenings, Reborn's relentless training sessions resumed, ensuring Tsuna's winter break was anything but idle. These sessions were grueling yet transformative, a testament to how far he had come since transferring to Mafia school. The fight with the kidnappers had awakened something in him, sharpening his instincts in ways he hadn't thought possible. His reactions were faster, his decision-making more precise, and his ability to predict movements in combat had taken a significant leap forward.

Tsuna's control over his Dying Will Flames also improved noticeably during this week. He could maintain his Sky Flames for longer periods, surpassing the mere minutes he could manage before. Though his Mist and Sun Flames were still works in progress, he had begun to grasp their nuances better, laying the foundation for more advanced techniques. The progress wasn't easy, but it was tangible, and even Reborn seemed marginally impressed—a rare and cherished acknowledgment.

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The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the training field behind the mansion. Tsuna, drenched in sweat and breathing heavily, staggered backward, his hands resting on his knees. The sparring match had been intense, with Reborn's unrelenting attacks pushing him to his limits as always.

Reborn, standing atop a wooden post with his arms crossed, tilted his fedora upward and smirked. "Not bad, Dame-Tsuna. You lasted longer than usual."

Tsuna groaned, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand. "You call that a compliment? I can barely stand!"

Reborn's smirk widened as he hopped down from the post, landing gracefully. "You should be grateful. If I didn't push you this hard, you wouldn't have made the progress you have. Admit it, you're stronger than you were a week ago."

Tsuna couldn't argue with that. Despite the exhaustion, he could feel the difference in himself—his control, stamina, and instincts. All of it had improved. "Yeah, yeah," he muttered. "What now? Another round?"

Reborn shook his head, his expression turning uncharacteristically serious. "Not tonight. You've done enough for today. But I do have something to tell you."

Tsuna straightened up, his curiosity piqued. "What is it?"

Reborn crossed his arms. "I've arranged a special trip for you. Tomorrow, you'll be spending the day with Dino."

"Dino?" Tsuna repeated, his eyes widening. "Why?"

Reborn's smirk returned. "Because you need more than just my training to grow. Dino's a seasoned boss, and his experience will be invaluable to you. Besides, he's eager to help. You'll be learning some leadership skills—and maybe a few tricks you can't pick up from me."

Tsuna swallowed nervously. Dino's reputation preceded him; he was known for being both charismatic and highly skilled. But Tsuna also knew that Dino tended to become clumsy without his subordinates around. The idea of learning from him was both exciting and daunting.

"Do I have a choice?" Tsuna asked hesitantly.

Reborn chuckled darkly. "Of course not. Be ready at dawn."

Tsuna sighed, already dreading the early wake-up call. But as he trudged back toward the mansion, a small spark of anticipation began to take root. Training with Dino would be another step forward, another chance to prove to himself that he could handle the responsibilities of being Vongola's next boss. And despite his nerves, Tsuna couldn't deny that he was starting to believe in his potential, little by little.

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The next morning came too quickly for Tsuna's liking. As he finished his breakfast, he glanced at Nana, who was bustling around the dining room, gathering her belongings.

"Mom, do you really have to leave today?" Tsuna asked his tone heavy with disappointment.

Nana paused, turning to him with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Tsuna. I wanted to stay longer, but something came up at home that I needed to take care of. I promise I'll come back as soon as I can."

Tsuna nodded, trying to hide his disappointment. "I understand. It was nice having you here, though."

Nana walked over, placing a gentle hand on his cheek. "It was wonderful seeing you, too. You've grown so much, Tsuna. I'm so proud of you."

He managed a small smile. "Thanks, Mom."

As Nana finished packing and prepared to leave, Tsuna helped carry her bags to the car. They shared one last hug before she got in, her warm smile reassuring him.

"Take care of yourself, okay?" Nana said, her voice full of love.

"I will," Tsuna promised, stepping back as the car pulled away.

"I will, Mom," Tsuna replied, trying to sound more confident than he felt. "You'll be okay traveling alone, right?"

She laughed softly. "Of course. I'm your mother, after all. Now, go on. You've got a big day ahead of you."

Tsuna gave her a final hug before stepping into the car that would take him to his first destination. However, as expected of Reborn, nothing was ever straightforward.

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Tsuna stepped out of the car, clutching the strap of his backpack as the driver handed him a folded map. The sleek black vehicle had brought him to the edge of a dense forest, far from any signs of modern civilization.

"Wait," Tsuna protested, glancing nervously at the forest trail. "Isn't this the wrong place? Shouldn't I be meeting Dino somewhere... safer?"

The driver merely tipped his cap and drove off without a word. Tsuna turned, staring after the car as it disappeared down the winding road, leaving him alone with nothing but the sounds of rustling leaves and distant birdsong.

A shadow loomed above him, and Tsuna looked up to see Reborn perched high on a tree branch, his trademark fedora angled just so.

"You didn't think I'd let you get there the easy way, did you?" Reborn said with a smirk. "This journey is part of your training. You have the map—figure it out."

Tsuna groaned, unfolding the map to reveal a crudely marked path that wound its way up into the mountains. "This has to be a joke."

"No joke," Reborn replied, hopping down to land gracefully beside him. "The sooner you start, the sooner you'll stop embarrassing yourself."

Resigned, Tsuna adjusted his backpack and started down the narrow trail. The air grew colder as he delved deeper into the forest, the towering trees casting long shadows that swallowed the daylight.

Hours passed, each step testing Tsuna's stamina and determination. The trail alternated between rocky inclines and treacherous descents, forcing him to focus on every footfall. His legs ached, his breaths came in ragged gasps, and his clothes were damp with sweat despite the chill in the air.

"This is insane," Tsuna muttered, clutching a tree trunk for support as he climbed over a particularly steep section. "Why couldn't Dino just come to me?"

His complaints were met with the chirping of unseen birds and the occasional rustle of bushes. Despite his fatigue, Tsuna pressed on, spurred by the thought of proving himself—not just to Reborn, but to himself as well.

By midday, he reached a narrow mountain ridge. The path was barely wide enough for one person, with sheer drops on either side. Tsuna's hands shook as he carefully made his way across, each step measured and deliberate.

Halfway across, a gust of wind swept through the ridge, forcing him to crouch low for balance. His heart pounded as he clung to the rock face, his mind racing with every possible worst-case scenario.

"Calm down," he whispered to himself. "One step at a time. You've got this."

Minutes later, he finally made it across, collapsing onto solid ground with a relieved sigh. He lay there for a moment, staring up at the sky as his pulse gradually returned to normal.

The final stretch of the journey brought him to a series of natural stone steps leading up to the clearing. His muscles burned with every step, but the sight of the valley beyond spurred him forward. When he reached the top, the view took his breath away: a vast expanse of forested peaks stretching as far as the eye could see, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun.

By the time Tsuna finally reached the top of the steep, winding trail, his legs felt like jelly, and his breathing came in ragged gasps. He doubled over, hands on his knees, sweat dripping down his face as he tried to catch his breath.

"Made it," he wheezed, looking up to see Dino waiting for him in the clearing.

Reborn, perched casually on a nearby tree branch, glanced down at him with his trademark smirk. "Barely, Dame-Tsuna. If that little climb almost did you in, you've got a long way to go."

Tsuna glared at the tiny hitman, too exhausted to muster a proper retort. "You... could've at least warned me..."

Reborn hopped down from the branch, landing with his usual effortless grace. "Warnings are for amateurs. You should always be ready for the unexpected."

Dino stepped forward, offering Tsuna a hand and pulling him upright. "Good to see you made it, Tsuna. That trail isn't easy, but it's all part of the training."

"Training?" Tsuna repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief. "That was more like torture!"

Reborn tipped his fedora, his smirk widening. "Torture, training—it's all the same when it comes to building a strong boss."

Before Tsuna could protest further, Reborn adjusted his fedora and turned to leave. "I'll be heading out now. Caio, Dame-Tsuna. Don't disappoint Dino—or me."

"Wait, what?" Tsuna exclaimed, straightening up despite his fatigue. "You're leaving? Where are you going?"

Reborn waved a hand dismissively as he walked toward the edge of the clearing. "I have an important meeting to attend. Unlike you, I don't have time to waste. Dino will handle your training for today."

And with that, Reborn vanished into the trees, leaving behind only the faint sound of his footsteps and an exasperated Tsuna.

"Does he always leave like that?" Tsuna asked, rubbing the back of his head.

Dino laughed, clapping Tsuna on the shoulder. "Pretty much. You'll get used to it. Now, let's focus on the task at hand."

With Reborn gone, Tsuna turned his attention to Dino, his nerves creeping back in. Whatever awaited him in the Cavallone headquarters, he knew it wouldn't be a walk in the park—but he also knew he couldn't afford to back down now.

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Dino led Tsuna to a log bench at the edge of the clearing, motioning for him to sit. The older man's cheerful demeanor radiated a sense of ease, contrasting with the grueling climb Tsuna had just endured.

"You know, I've been where you are now," Dino began, taking a seat next to Tsuna. "Back when Reborn started training me, I thought I wouldn't survive a week. He's strict—relentless even—but he knows what he's doing."

Tsuna looked up at Dino, his curiosity piqued. "Really? I mean, I knew Reborn was tough, but it's hard to imagine you struggling."

Dino chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Oh, I struggled all right. There were days I couldn't lift my arms after training, and nights I questioned if I was cut out to lead the Cavallone Family. But Reborn never gave up on me. He pushed me past my limits, and that's how I became the person I am today."

Tsuna considered Dino's words, a flicker of hope sparking in his chest. "So you're saying all of this is for my own good?"

"Exactly," Dino said with a nod. "Reborn sees potential in you, Tsuna. And he's not the type to waste his time on someone he doesn't believe in. Trust me, if you stick with him, you'll come out stronger than you ever thought possible."

Tsuna smiled faintly, the weight of Dino's encouragement lifting some of his self-doubt. "Thanks, Dino. That... actually helps."

Dino grinned, clapping Tsuna on the back. "That's the spirit! Now, about today's training..."

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Dino stood and gestured toward the dense forest beyond the clearing. "Reborn left your training to me for a bit because he has an important meeting to attend. Something came up that couldn't wait, so he pawned you off on me."

"P-pawned off?" Tsuna stammered, his confidence wavering again.

"Don't take it personally," Dino said with a laugh. "Reborn's like that. Anyway, today's training is going to be a little different. Instead of combat, we're focusing on something just as important: learning how to interact with the Mafia."

Tsuna blinked, taken aback. "Interact with the Mafia? You mean... like talking to other families and stuff?"

"Exactly," Dino confirmed. "You might be the next boss of the Vongola, but being strong isn't enough. You need to know how to navigate the politics and relationships that come with leading a family. That's what today is about."

Dino pointed toward a hidden path that disappeared into the forest. "We're in Cavallone territory right now. My family's main headquarters is hidden deep in these woods. It's not easy to get to—only reachable by air or through a secret passage. That's where we're headed."

Tsuna's eyes widened as he processed Dino's words. "Wait, we're going to your family's headquarters? Isn't that... dangerous?"

"Not at all," Dino assured him. "The Cavallone Family is one of the Vongola's closest allies. You'll be safe with us. And besides, this will be a good chance for you to see how a Mafia family operates up close."

Tsuna swallowed hard, his nerves kicking in. "I guess that makes sense... but what if I mess up?"

"You won't," Dino said confidently. "And even if you do, that's part of the learning process. Just be yourself, and you'll be fine."

As they set off down the hidden path, Tsuna's mind raced with questions and concerns about what lay ahead. The forest grew thicker around them, the towering trees casting long shadows that made the air feel cooler.

Dino led the way with ease, his relaxed demeanor putting Tsuna at least somewhat at ease. "You'll love the headquarters," Dino said as they walked. "It's built into the side of a mountain, with secret tunnels and rooms that only a few people know about. It's practically a fortress."

Tsuna tried to picture it, his imagination conjuring images of sprawling underground chambers and heavily guarded vaults. "It sounds... intense."

"It is," Dino admitted. "But it's also a place where we take care of our own. That's what being part of a family is all about, Tsuna. You'll see."

As they continued their journey, Tsuna couldn't shake the mix of excitement and apprehension building inside him. This was more than just another training session—it was a chance to learn, grow, and take one step closer to becoming the leader Reborn and Dino believed he could be.