KHR: Decimo Primo

The sun had long since dipped below the horizon, casting the mansion's grand dining room in the soft, golden glow of the chandelier above. The air was thick with the lingering aroma of roasted herbs and fresh bread, but the warmth of the meal did little to ease the knot in Tsuna's stomach.

He sat at one end of the long dining table, pushing bits of his food around with his fork. Across from him, Reborn sipped an espresso with his usual air of unshakable calm. At the head of the table, Iemitsu leaned back in his chair, recounting a story from his younger days with an enthusiasm that echoed through the room.

"...So there I was, surrounded on all sides—nothing but my wits and a broken shovel to get me out of there!" Iemitsu laughed heartily, slapping his palm on the table. "I tell you, those guys didn't know what hit them!"

Reborn's eyes flicked to Tsuna, noting the boy's blank expression. He set his cup down with a soft clink, the sound cutting through Iemitsu's tale like a knife. "Iemitsu," he said, his voice calm but pointed, "maybe focus less on your stories and more on your son."

Iemitsu blinked, his laughter faltering as he followed Reborn's gaze to Tsuna. "Tsuna?" he said, sitting forward. "You've been quiet all night. Something on your mind?"

Caught off guard, Tsuna hesitated before shaking his head. "No… not really. Just tired, I guess."

Iemitsu frowned the usual spark of mischief in his eyes dimming. For a moment, the room was filled with the soft clatter of Tsuna's fork against his plate. Then, Iemitsu spoke again, his voice softer this time.

"Tsuna… I'm sorry."

The unexpected apology made Tsuna look up, startled. "Huh? What for?"

"For everything," Iemitsu said, his gaze earnest. "It's been almost a year since I brought you here to Italy. I thought I was doing the right thing—training you to be a strong candidate for Vongola Decimo—but I realize I've left you to figure out a lot on your own. Back in Japan, Nana always knew how to take care of you. Here… I've barely been around."

Tsuna's grip on his fork tightened. The emotions welling up inside him were a confusing mix of frustration, sadness, and gratitude. "Dad… it's fine. You're busy. I get it."

"Too busy," Iemitsu admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "That's not an excuse, though. I've been a lousy father compared to Nana."

Reborn, ever the observer, interjected with a wry smirk. "Glad you're finally catching on."

Iemitsu shot Reborn a glare before turning back to Tsuna. He placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, the gesture surprisingly gentle. "I'll do better. Starting tomorrow, I'll make more time for you. Speaking of tomorrow, there's something you might actually enjoy."

Tsuna tilted his head. "What is it?"

"The field trip," Iemitsu said, his grin returning. "Your mafia school's going to one of the Vongola branch headquarters."

"The headquarters?" Tsuna asked, blinking in surprise.

"Yep," Iemitsu said, his tone laced with mystery. "And there's someone special who'll be there. Someone I think you'll want to meet."

Tsuna's curiosity was piqued, but Iemitsu's mischievous grin made it clear he wouldn't spill any more details.

Reborn leaned back in his chair, the shadows of the chandelier casting sharp lines across his face. "Don't waste your energy guessing, Tsuna. You'll find out soon enough. For now, let's talk about what's really bothering you."

Tsuna froze, his fork hovering mid-air. "What do you mean?"

Reborn's gaze was unrelenting. "The meeting with Squalo and Belphegor. You've been replaying it in your head ever since you got back."

Iemitsu's jovial expression faded, replaced with concern. "Squalo and Belphegor? What happened?"

Tsuna hesitated, glancing between Reborn and his father. Finally, he sighed. "It was… weird. Squalo was as loud as ever, and Belphegor…" He trailed off, his fingers tightening around his fork.

"Belphegor what?" Iemitsu prompted.

"He kept laughing at me," Tsuna said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Like he thought I was a joke. And Squalo… it felt like they were both trying to see if I'd crack under pressure."

Reborn folded his arms, his expression unreadable. "That's their style. Belphegor's chaos masks his sharp instincts, and Squalo thrives on intimidation. They're testing you, Tsuna."

"Testing me for what?" Tsuna asked, frustration creeping into his voice.

"For your potential," Iemitsu said, his tone serious. "They want to see if you're worthy of standing in this world. It's not fair, but it's how the mafia works. You need to be ready for anything."

Tsuna slumped back in his chair, the weight of their words pressing down on him. "I don't know if I can."

"You can," Reborn said firmly. "You've already proven it, time and time again. You just don't see it yet."

Iemitsu gave Tsuna's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "We believe in you, son. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise."

Tsuna managed a small smile, though doubt still lingered in the back of his mind. Tomorrow's field trip loomed ahead, filled with promises of surprises and challenges. 

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The silence in Tsuna's room was heavy, broken only by the faint ticking of the ornate clock mounted on the wall. Moonlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch endlessly across the polished floor. Tsuna sat cross-legged on his bed, the soft weight of the duvet bunched up behind him as he stared at the small, flickering flame of his bedside candle.

His mind buzzed with the words that had been thrown at him over the course of the day—his father's apology, Reborn's relentless challenges, Dino's unwavering encouragement, and even the sharp jeers of Squalo and Belphegor. They swirled together in his thoughts like a storm, leaving him with a heaviness in his chest.

"You're stronger than you think." His father's voice echoed.

"You've already proven yourself. You just don't see it yet." Reborn's words cut deeper than he wanted to admit.

Tsuna sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Stronger than I think, huh?" he muttered, his tone laced with doubt.

He leaned back against the headboard, his gaze shifting to the ceiling. Flashes of memories began to surface—scenes from the past year that felt so far removed from his old life in Namimori.

There was the first chaotic day at the Mafia School when he was thrown into a sparring match with Raul, a boy with a fiery personality. Despite how outmatched he felt, he'd managed to hold his ground, if only barely. He remembered Dino's frequent visits, where his clumsy mentor somehow always found a way to cheer him up, even when his advice seemed half-baked at first.

And then there were the missions—some simple, others downright terrifying. Like the time he'd been paired with Basil to retrieve a stolen artifact. The two of them had ended up being chased through narrow Venetian canals by a group of armed pursuers. It was terrifying, but in hindsight, it had been… fun.

"Fun," Tsuna murmured to himself, a small smile tugging at his lips.

He thought about how ordinary his life had been back in Namimori. Days spent avoiding bullies, coasting through classes, and counting down the hours until he could retreat to his room. It had been safe, predictable, and… boring.

But here in Italy, in this strange and dangerous new world, every day was an adventure. Even the most mundane activities seemed to carry a sense of purpose. He'd faced things that the old Tsuna—Dame-Tsuna, as his classmates used to call him—would have run away from without a second thought. And yet, here he was, still standing.

Maybe Reborn was right. Maybe his father was too.

"I've done things I never thought I could," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the ticking clock. "So why do I keep doubting myself?"

His gaze drifted to the window, where the stars twinkled faintly against the inky black sky. He thought about the field trip tomorrow, about the surprises and challenges that no doubt awaited him. A year ago, he would've dreaded it. Now, while the nerves were still there, he also felt a flicker of something else: anticipation.

Tsuna sat up straighter, a newfound determination settling over him like a warm blanket.

"Maybe it's time I stop waiting for others to tell me what I can and can't do," he said, his voice firming. "Maybe it's time I start believing in myself."

He clenched his fists, his nails digging lightly into his palms. The doubts and self-deprecating thoughts that had weighed him down for so long seemed to loosen their grip, replaced by a quiet resolve.

Tsuna thought again of his life in Namimori, of the person he used to be. Compared to that timid, directionless boy, the Tsuna of today had come a long way. Sure, he still stumbled, and he still doubted himself sometimes. But maybe that was okay. Growth wasn't about being perfect; it was about moving forward, even if it was just a little at a time.

A small smile spread across his face as he lay back against the pillows. The challenges ahead would still be daunting, but for the first time in a long time, he felt like he could face them head-on.

Tomorrow would be another step forward.

And for once, he was looking forward to it.

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The morning sun peeked over the horizon, casting a warm golden light across the sprawling grounds of the mafia school. It was a crisp, clear day—perfect for a field trip, Tsuna thought. But his nerves were already starting to creep up again as he stood outside the gates of the school, watching the flurry of activity around him.

Fellow students, ranging from first-year to twelfth-year, were already gathering in the courtyard. Groups of teenagers chatted excitedly about the upcoming event, their voices carrying through the air like a sea of buzzing bees. Some students were already in their uniforms, others dressed in casual clothes, all buzzing with anticipation. Tsuna felt a flicker of unease as he spotted a few upperclassmen laughing and joking around, clearly comfortable in the world of mafia politics. Tsuna, on the other hand, still felt like a fish out of water.

His gaze shifted to the grand vehicles lined up outside the gates. There were sleek, black limousines with tinted windows, luxury sports cars, and even a few buses with the Vongola insignia emblazoned on their sides. It was clear that this field trip was an important occasion. Tsuna felt a sense of surrealism wash over him as he watched the rich and powerful members of the mafia world arriving in style. It was hard to believe he was part of this world now.

"Hey, Tsuna!"

Tsuna blinked and turned toward the familiar voice, a small smile forming as he saw Basil, Raul, and Pantera approaching him. The three of them looked as nervous as he felt, their expressions mirroring his own unease.

"You're here early," Raul said, running a hand through his hair and glancing at the cars. "Looks like this field trip is going to be a big deal, huh?"

Tsuna nodded, his eyes scanning the courtyard once more. "Yeah. I didn't expect all the fancy cars… this is kind of overwhelming."

Pantera gave a small chuckle. "You're not the only one. I think everyone's trying to act like they're used to this, but they're probably just as nervous as we are."

Basil gave a small nod, glancing around at the upperclassmen chatting and laughing. "I heard a lot of people are excited about meeting someone special today. Apparently, someone important is going to be at the Vongola branch headquarters."

Tsuna raised an eyebrow. "Someone special? Who?"

Pantera shrugged. "No one knows for sure. There are rumors that someone from the Main Vongola family will be there, but I don't think anyone really knows who."

"I guess we'll find out soon enough," Tsuna muttered, feeling the butterflies in his stomach.

Before they could continue, Tsuna's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. He turned to see Squalo and Belphegor striding toward the group with their usual intimidating presence.

Squalo, of course, was still as loud as ever, his sword sheathed at his side as he muttered under his breath. "You brats better not embarrass yourselves today. It's a field trip, but that doesn't mean you get to slack off!"

Belphegor, his ever-present smile in place, shifted his attention back to Basil, the hint of amusement in his eyes never fading. "So, Basil," he started, his voice sweet with a touch of malice, "still feeling like you're above us after your little scuffle with Squalo?"

Basil stiffened at the mention of the previous fight, his hand instinctively going to the spot where the bruise from the encounter still ached faintly. "It was just a spar," he replied flatly, trying to sound nonchalant.

Squalo, noticing the tension, smirked, clearly enjoying the discomfort. "Just a spar? Is that what you're calling it now? Because last time I checked, you were the one who couldn't even keep up!"

Basil bit his lip, resisting the urge to snap back. The last thing he needed was another fight with Squalo, especially not today. Instead, he turned to the side, hoping to redirect the conversation. "Whatever. Let's just get this over with."

But Belphegor wasn't finished. He leaned in a little closer, eyes glinting with curiosity. "You know, Basil, I've been wondering. How come you're all so... special? You've got that interesting connection with Reborn, don't you?"

Basil's eyes narrowed. Reborn. Why was it always about Reborn? The hitman had been more than a little protective of them during their last run-in with the Varia, stepping in at the last moment to stop things from escalating. Basil didn't want to admit it, but it bothered him how much attention Reborn seemed to attract from the Varia.

"Reborn?" Basil muttered, trying to sound casual. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Squalo let out a loud, mocking laugh. "What? Did you think that we didn't notice? Reborn stepped in last time, protecting all of you. Don't think we've forgotten about that. Where is he today, huh? Too scared to show up? Maybe he thinks you're all too weak to handle this on your own!"

Belphegor's smile only grew wider, sharp, and knowing. "Oh, Squalo's right. Where is Reborn? I'm curious to see how you all fare without your little guardian angel watching over you."

Basil clenched his fists, the frustration bubbling up again. Of course, they would notice Reborn's absence today. Without the hitman by their side, they'd be exposed—vulnerable. It wasn't something Basil liked to think about, but he knew they were walking a fine line without Reborn's constant watchful eye.

Raul, sensing the rising tension, stepped in between the two Varia members, his voice low and commanding. "Enough. This isn't the time."

Squalo shrugged, uninterested in Raul's intervention. "Fine, whatever," he grumbled, turning away. "Just don't cry when things get real."

Belphegor, however, lingered a moment longer, still studying Basil with that unnerving, calculating gaze. "I'm watching you, Basil. I think you'll be the one to crack under pressure."

Basil stayed silent, but inside, a storm was brewing. He wasn't about to let them get under his skin, not now.

As the group made their way to the waiting vehicles, the luxury buses, and limousines standing in stark contrast to the usual chaos of their everyday lives, Tsuna looked back at Basil, sensing the unease in his friend. "You okay?" he asked quietly.

Basil forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'll be fine. Let's just get to the Vongola headquarters and get this over with."

The students were now gathering around the buses, excitement buzzing in the air as they climbed aboard. The journey ahead promised to be filled with surprises, but the anxiety of facing the Varia without Reborn's presence loomed heavily over Basil's thoughts.

As they settled into the bus, the tension was thick. Basil could feel the weight of Squalo and Belphegor's taunts still pressing on his mind. But there was nothing he could do about it now. They were on their own, and there was no turning back.

It wasn't long before the bus finally arrived at their destination. The Vongola headquarters loomed in front of them, an imposing structure that seemed to pulse with power.

The moment the doors opened, a thick, heavy atmosphere descended upon the students. And then, as if to seal the gravity of the moment, a figure stepped forward from the shadows.

Xanxus.

His cold, piercing gaze swept across the group, settling briefly on Tsuna and his friends before moving on. His presence was magnetic—unmistakable, oppressive—and it was clear that, just like the headquarters itself, Xanxus was a force to be reckoned with. The temperature seemed to drop several degrees as his glare lingered for a moment longer.

Belphegor's eyes sparkled with wicked delight as he looked back at the group. "Now, this is the real deal."

Squalo cracked his neck, his voice low and fierce. "Get ready. This is where it all begins."

And with that, the students were ushered into the Vongola headquarters, their nerves running high. It seemed it wouldn't just be a normal field trip after all.