KHR: Decimo Primo

It had been a week since the chaos of the coup, and Tsuna was finally beginning to recover not just physically, but emotionally. The injuries he had sustained during his encounter with Mammon still ached, but they no longer weighed as heavily on his mind. Something had shifted within him during those harrowing moments. He couldn't quite explain it, but the fear and doubt that had once dominated his thoughts were starting to give way to a newfound resolve.

Lying in bed in the mansion, Tsuna replayed the events of the coup in his mind. It was impossible not to. The betrayal, the chaos, and the sheer powerlessness he had felt all lingered. Yet, for the first time, he didn't let those memories paralyze him. Instead, he thought of how he had survived, how Vongola Nono and his Guardians had fought tirelessly to rescue them, and how he had managed to remain conscious and aware even amidst the fear. At the same time, Mammon's illusions had overwhelmed everyone else.

Reborn had called that an instinct—a Vongola's instinct—and though Tsuna still wasn't sure what that meant, he felt a spark of pride in himself for holding on.

The aftermath of the coup had been a whirlwind. CEDEF, led by Iemitsu, arrived just in time to subdue the rogue Varia members who had attacked the Vongola Branch Headquarters. With efficiency and precision, they contained the situation, prevented further casualties, and restored order. However, the damage to the branch headquarters was extensive. It was no longer suitable to house the injured or serve as a safe location for the visiting Mafia school students and banquet guests.

As a result, the injured were moved to various hospitals, including Tsuna, who was taken to a temporary hospital zone before being allowed to return to the Vongola mansion to complete his recovery. Claudia, the branch boss, issued a public apology to all affected by the coup. She acknowledged the failure of her branch's security and the embarrassment it caused the Vongola in front of the other Mafia families. To repair the branch's reputation, Claudia offered compensation to all banquet attendees and their groups.

The compensations were extravagant, ranging from monetary sums that could sustain an ordinary person for life to high-quality weapons and rare items. For Tsuna and his friends, who were still recovering from their injuries, Claudia had arranged something unique: Dying Will weapons tailored to their respective fighting styles.

Raul received a sleek black revolver, intricately engraved with flame-like patterns, capable of channeling and amplifying Dying Will Flames for precision shooting. Naito was given a pair of lightweight gauntlets reinforced with rare metals that could withstand and project bursts of Dying Will energy, enhancing both offense and defense. Lunga obtained a compact, dual-bladed dagger designed to maximize agility in close-quarters combat, with an edge that could be imbued with Dying Will Flames to cut through reinforced materials. Pantera, the most physically inclined, was gifted a heavy, flame-powered chain whip capable of mid-range attacks, allowing her to dominate a battlefield with control and force.

For Basil, who already wielded his signature Metal Edge, Claudia provided an experimental item: Dying Will Pills. These pills, as Reborn later explained to Tsuna, were a highly specialized Vongola invention.

"These pills allow the user to enter Dying Will Mode," Reborn explained, gesturing with a tiny hand. "One pill gives you a temporary boost in physical abilities and focus, much like the effects of your Dying Will Flame. If you take two at once, you enter Hyper Dying Will Mode, unlocking an even greater level of power and clarity."

Tsuna blinked. "Wait... so that means the state I was in back during the fight with the Irregolare Boss... that was Hyper Dying Will Mode?"

"Exactly," Reborn confirmed, his smirk growing wider. "But back then, it was raw, uncontrolled instinct. You didn't know what you were doing. It's like a baby stumbling into a weightlifting competition. Lucky you didn't snap in half."

Tsuna's face turned pale. "S-Snap in half?!"

"Which is why," Reborn continued, completely ignoring Tsuna's outburst, "I had originally planned to use a Dying Will Bullet on you as part of your training when you were older. You know, to bring out your full potential."

Tsuna sat up straighter, alarm flashing in his eyes. "Wait, what?! You were going to shoot me with one of those things? you just said that if I didn't have enough will for something I will die!"

Reborn tilted his head innocently. "Of course. It's the best way to push you into Dying Will Mode. Instant results. No pills required."

"Th-That's insane! And painful! Do you even care about my well-being?"

Reborn's smirk turned absolutely devilish. "Relax. I said when you're older. Right now, your body's too weak to handle the strain of Dying Will Mode, let alone Hyper Dying Will Mode. If I used a bullet on you now, you'd probably turn into a puddle of goo."

"A puddle of goo?! That's not helping, Reborn!" Tsuna shrieked, clutching his blanket as if it would somehow protect him from the terrifying mental image.

Reborn leaned back, clearly enjoying himself. "Consider this your incentive to get stronger, Dame-Tsuna. The stronger you get, the less likely you'll become goo."

"Y-You're terrifying," Tsuna muttered, burying his face in his hands.

"Thank you," Reborn replied smugly, tipping his hat. "I do my best."

Reborn smirked. "Good but remember These pills can help in emergencies, but don't rely on them. A true Vongola boss should be able to reach that state on their own."

Despite Reborn's usual sadistic humor, Tsuna couldn't deny the truth in his words. That truth became even clearer when his gaze fell on the gloves resting on his nightstand. Claudia had called them a replica of Vongola Primo's gloves, crafted with utmost care and tradition. As Tsuna picked them up, their smooth, warm surface seemed to hum with untapped potential.

Reborn leaned forward, observing him intently. "Claudia was going to give you something generic, but the old man insisted on those. Apparently, Vongola Nono sees something in you—something that reminds him of Vongola Primo."

Tsuna blinked in shock. "Nono personally requested these? But why? I'm nothing like Primo."

Reborn's sharp gaze softened ever so slightly. "Not yet. But you've got the potential. During the coup, you stayed conscious when Mammon's illusions overwhelmed everyone else. That's not something just anyone can do."

Tsuna hesitated, gripping the gloves tighter. "But these… they're so heavy. Not literally, but… they represent so much. I don't know if I can live up to that."

Reborn smirked knowingly. "Of course you don't. That's why you've got me. Those gloves will only be as strong as you are, so you'd better start training."

Despite Reborn's usual sharp tongue, Tsuna felt a faint smile tug at his lips. For the first time, he didn't feel like running away from the responsibility. He slipped the gloves on, their snug fit almost reassuring.

"They feel warm," Tsuna murmured.

Reborn's smirk widened. "Good. That means they're reacting to your flames. Keep training, and maybe someday, you'll be worthy of wearing them."

The thought sent a mix of excitement and dread through Tsuna. But for the first time, he felt something else, too a quiet determination.

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The following day began with a quiet intensity that Tsuna could feel in the air. The early morning sunlight streamed through the car windows, but its warmth did little to soothe the tension that clung to the occupants inside. Tsuna sat in the backseat of the sleek black vehicle, Reborn perched as always on his shoulder, his sharp eyes watching everything with practiced precision. Iemitsu sat beside him, his usual jovial demeanor replaced by a grim seriousness.

For once, Tsuna didn't fidget nervously or shrink into his seat. The events of the past week had left their mark, but they had also ignited something within him—a flicker of resolve that he hadn't realized he possessed. He wasn't sure what awaited him at Vongola Headquarters, but he intended to face it head-on.

Still, the silence was unnerving. Tsuna glanced at his father, who had been unusually quiet since the journey began. "Dad, why are we heading to Vongola Headquarters? Did something happen?"

Iemitsu's hands tightened on his lap, the faintest flicker of hesitation crossing his features. He sighed deeply before speaking, his voice low and deliberate. "Tsuna, this isn't just any visit. Vongola Nono specifically called for you today. He…" Iemitsu paused, choosing his words carefully. "He's taking your presence very seriously."

Tsuna blinked, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "Me? Why?"

Reborn cut in with his usual bluntness. "Because you've proven yourself, Dame-Tsuna. Whether you like it or not, you've shown the instincts of a Vongola boss. Nono isn't the type to ignore that."

Tsuna's hands unconsciously clenched into fists. He thought back to the chaos of the coup, the overwhelming fear he'd felt, and the way he'd managed to push through despite it. Was that really enough for Vongola Nono to take notice?

"But why now?" Tsuna asked, his voice steady despite the storm of questions swirling in his mind.

Iemitsu's expression darkened, and for a moment, the weight of his position as the leader of CEDEF became apparent. "Because the coup changed everything."

Tsuna's eyes narrowed slightly. "The Varia… they were behind it, weren't they?"

Iemitsu exhaled slowly, his gaze fixed ahead as if lost in thought. "Yes. The Varia… they've always been dangerous, but their betrayal during the coup was… unforgivable."

The weight in his father's voice made Tsuna's stomach twist. "What happened to them?"

Iemitsu hesitated before answering. "Nono made a difficult decision. After the coup, he formally severed the Varia from the Vongola Family. They're no longer part of our organization."

Tsuna's eyes widened. "He… disbanded them?"

"Not exactly," Iemitsu clarified. "The Varia still exist, but they're now an independent faction. They're no longer under Vongola's protection or authority. It's a statement—to them, to us, and to the entire Mafia world. Betrayal has consequences."

Reborn's voice broke through the heavy silence. "It's also a reminder to everyone else that loyalty to the Vongola isn't optional. The Varia crossed a line, and they paid the price."

Iemitsu's gaze softened slightly as he continued. "The core Varia members—Xanxus, Squalo, Lussuria, Levi, and Belphegor—have been placed under strict supervision. They're bound by Dying Will Contracts to ensure they can't act against the Vongola. As for the rogue members who actively participated in the coup, many have been sent to Vindice Prison."

The gravity of those words wasn't lost on Tsuna. The Varia had always been a formidable force, their ruthlessness and skill unmatched. To be cast out from the Vongola Family was a punishment that went beyond mere exile; it was a loss of identity, a stripping away of everything they had once stood for.

"But why spare them at all?" Tsuna asked. "If they're so dangerous…"

Reborn answered with a smirk. "Because the Varia, as much trouble as they are, are a necessary evil. They handle the jobs no one else in the Mafia world would dare take. Eliminating them completely would leave a hole that could take decades to fill. This way, they're contained but still useful."

Tsuna nodded slowly, the pieces beginning to fit together. The Varia's betrayal was a lesson to everyone, and yet their utility couldn't be entirely ignored. It was a delicate balance, one that underscored the complexity of the Mafia world he was being drawn into.

Iemitsu's voice turned quieter, almost reflective. "But that's not the only reason Nono called for you. Tsuna, you've proven something that few others ever could. During the coup, you showed the instincts of a true Vongola heir. Nono sees that in you, and he's… considering his options."

"His options?" Tsuna echoed, his brow furrowing.

"For the next Vongola boss," Iemitsu said quietly. "Nono… he's always planned for succession, but things didn't go as expected. Xanxus was his original choice, but after what happened during the coup, it's clear that Xanxus isn't fit to lead. Even Nono's own sons… they've never been considered for the role. But you…"

Tsuna's heart skipped a beat. The weight of his father's words settled over him like a heavy cloak. "Me? But I'm not… I don't even know if I'm ready for something like that."

Reborn's smirk was sharp and confident. "That's why we're here. To see if you're ready. And if you're not, you will be. Because you don't have a choice, Dame-Tsuna."

For once, the usual sting of Reborn's words didn't faze Tsuna. Instead, he straightened in his seat, a quiet determination settling over him. "If Nono thinks I'm ready to hear what he has to say, then I'll listen. I'll face this, no matter what it is."

Iemitsu's lips curled into a faint, proud smile. "Good. That's the spirit, Tsuna."

The rest of the drive passed in thoughtful silence. As the car approached the grand gates of Vongola Headquarters, Tsuna couldn't help but feel the weight of what lay ahead. 

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As the car rolled to a stop at the grand gates of Vongola Headquarters, Tsuna found himself momentarily stunned by the sheer scale of the estate. The towering iron gates, adorned with the Vongola crest, creaked open slowly to reveal a sprawling complex that resembled an ancient castle blended with modern luxury. The headquarters sat atop a hill, its high walls and turrets giving it the air of an impenetrable fortress. Surrounding the structure were immaculately kept gardens, with fountains and statues honoring past Vongola bosses scattered throughout.

The car drove along a cobblestone path lined with tall cypress trees, finally stopping in front of the main entrance. A team of sharp-suited Vongola staff stood in perfect formation, bowing slightly as Tsuna, Reborn, and Iemitsu stepped out.

Tsuna glanced up at the imposing double doors, their intricate carvings depicting scenes of Vongola history. His hands tightened into fists at his sides, the enormity of the moment beginning to sink in. This wasn't just a meeting—it was a crossroads.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Iemitsu said, clapping a hand on Tsuna's shoulder. "I remember my first time here. Couldn't stop staring."

"Still can't," Reborn quipped, earning a small chuckle from Iemitsu.

Tsuna nodded silently, his gaze darting to the staff members who watched him with curious but respectful expressions. The air seemed heavier here, charged with the weight of centuries of tradition and responsibility.

They were led through the grand foyer, its high ceilings supported by marble pillars. Crystal chandeliers hung overhead, their light reflecting off the polished floors. Along the walls, portraits of previous Vongola bosses stared down, their gazes seeming to judge anyone who walked past. Tsuna couldn't help but linger on the painting of Giotto, the First Vongola Boss, whose golden eyes seemed to glimmer with an otherworldly light.

"Come on, Tsuna," Reborn said, nudging him forward. "Nono's waiting."

As they moved deeper into the headquarters, the grandeur only grew. They passed through hallways lined with gilded mirrors and tapestries, each depicting key moments in Vongola history. Servants bustled quietly, their movements efficient and purposeful. Despite the opulence, the atmosphere was one of solemnity, a reminder of the power and responsibility that the Vongola Familia wielded.

Finally, they arrived at a set of massive oak doors guarded by two burly men in black suits. They stepped aside without a word, pushing the doors open to reveal a spacious office filled with warm, golden light.

Timoteo, the Vongola Nono, sat behind a large mahogany desk. His silver hair and gentle smile made him look more like a kindly grandfather than the leader of one of the most powerful Mafia organizations in the world. He rose slowly, his cane clicking softly against the floor as he moved toward them.

"Ah, Tsunayoshi," he said warmly, his voice carrying a depth of kindness that immediately put Tsuna at ease. "It's good to see you."

Tsuna bowed deeply, his nerves making his movements stiff. "It's… it's an honor to be here, Nono."

Timoteo chuckled softly. "No need to be so formal, my boy. Come, sit." He gestured to a comfortable seating area near the large window, which offered a breathtaking view of the Vongola estate. "You too, Iemitsu. And of course, Reborn."

The three settled into plush armchairs, and for a moment, the atmosphere was disarmingly casual. Timoteo asked Tsuna about his journey, about his studies, and even about his favorite foods. His gentle questions felt more like those of a doting grandfather than a Mafia boss.

But the warmth in his eyes gradually gave way to a somber gravity as he leaned forward, his hands resting on the polished table between them. "Tsunayoshi," he began, his tone firm yet kind, "you may have guessed why I called you here today."

Tsuna straightened, his nerves returning. "Yes, sir… I think so."

Timoteo nodded, his gaze unwavering. "The events of the coup have forced us to reevaluate many things. The Vongola Family cannot afford uncertainty in its leadership. After much deliberation, I have come to a decision."

The room seemed to grow quieter, the weight of his words pressing down on them all.

"From this day forward, you are an official candidate and the leading successor for the position of Vongola Decimo."

Tsuna's breath caught in his throat. He stared at Timoteo, his mind racing. "Me… the successor?"

Timoteo nodded solemnly. "Yes. The Vongola Family needs a leader with strength, wisdom, and compassion. During the coup, you demonstrated these qualities, even if you yourself do not yet fully see them. You have the potential to guide the Vongola into a new era."

Iemitsu's expression was a mixture of pride and relief as he placed a hand on Tsuna's shoulder. "This isn't just a title, son. It means the resources of the entire Vongola Family will now be dedicated to preparing you for this role. Under Nono's guidance—and with Reborn's help—you'll be shaped into the boss you're meant to become."

Reborn smirked, adjusting his fedora. "And don't think it'll be easy, Dame-Tsuna. This is just the beginning."

Timoteo's gaze softened once more as he reached out, resting a hand on Tsuna's. "You may have doubts, Tsunayoshi, and that's natural. But know this—you are not alone. We will support you every step of the way."

Tsuna swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest. The weight of the moment was almost overwhelming, but beneath it all, there was a spark of determination. He met Timoteo's gaze and nodded. "Thank you, Nono. I… I'll do my best."

Timoteo's smile returned, warm and encouraging. "That's all I ask, my boy."

As the meeting concluded and the sun began to set over the Vongola estate, Tsuna stood at the window, staring out at the vast grounds. The path ahead was daunting, but for the first time, he felt a quiet resolve take root within him.

This was his future, and he would face it head-on.