KHR: Decimo Primo

Chapter 4: Target 3: Mafia School- Flames of Power



The day had already passed its halfway point, and Tsuna found himself sitting in the bustling school cafeteria, staring down at his tray. Beside him was Basil, who seemed completely at ease in this chaotic environment. The food was strange mostly Italian dishes with a mafia twist and Tsuna had barely made a dent in it, distracted by the odd group sitting across from him.

Naito, the loud and over-the-top transfer student, was chatting animatedly as usual, practically bouncing in his seat. Pantera, sitting quietly beside him, barely touched her food, her expression as unreadable as always. Lunga, on the other hand, was busy fiddling with his electric guitar, his beady eyes occasionally glancing up, but otherwise indifferent to the conversation.

Tsuna absently chewed on a piece of bread, his mind drifting back to the earlier moments of the day.

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Flashback

In class, after Naito had introduced himself so dramatically, he'd immediately zeroed in on Tsuna. The moment he found out Tsuna was also from Japan, Naito had practically jumped out of his seat, grinning wide.

"No way, you're from Japan too?!" Naito had exclaimed, leaning over the desk, his voice loud enough to make the entire class look their way. "Man, I knew there had to be someone cool around here! You're a fellow Japanese, right? We've gotta stick together!"

Tsuna, who was already feeling out of place, had nervously agreed, but Naito didn't stop there. He kept talking, rattling off about all sorts of random things that barely made sense. From food in Japan to his thoughts on the differences between Italian and Japanese mafia families, Naito's words came out in a rush, making Tsuna dizzy.

He had tried to politely nod along, but Naito wasn't the type to notice when someone was overwhelmed. "We'll be best buds, Tsuna! You and me, we'll make the best duo! I'll teach you how to be a real mafia guy!" Naito had grinned, not waiting for Tsuna to respond.

Tsuna had managed a shaky smile, unsure of how to get away from the conversation. Naito was relentless, asking question after question about Tsuna's life back in Japan, his family, and anything else he could think of. At one point, Tsuna found himself trapped in a whirlwind of questions, trying to keep up in broken Italian and minimal responses, until he had finally managed to escape when class had ended.

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End Flashback

Tsuna snapped out of his thoughts as Basil's voice broke the silence, pulling him back to reality. He glanced up to find Basil eyeing him with an amused expression, seemingly aware of Tsuna's distraction.

"Hey, Tsuna, daydreaming again?" Basil said with a chuckle. "You're gonna have to pay attention now. Next classes aren't like the usual ones."

Tsuna blinked, unsure what Basil meant. "Next classes?" he asked, his curiosity piqued. "But… we just had English and math. What could be next?"

Basil leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as if what he was about to say was top secret. "Well, this is where it gets interesting. The next classes? They're not your typical subjects. This is a mafia school, remember? We're learning about the family business—the future of the mafia. You'll be taking 'Mafia 101' next, followed by 'Combat Strategy,' and then 'Family Leadership.' It's all about what it takes to lead and protect your family. They'll teach you everything you need to know."

Tsuna's stomach twisted at the thought. "Wait, what? That sounds… kind of intense."

"Oh, it is," Basil confirmed with a grin. "But don't worry. You're not alone in this. You'll learn a lot from the older students. They'll teach you the ropes. And trust me, once you get into it, you'll understand why this school is different from anywhere else."

Tsuna sank back into his chair, processing Basil's words. Mafia school wasn't just about academics; it was about survival. Learning how to navigate the dangerous world of mafia families, understanding strategy, combat, and leadership. It was everything Tsuna had been avoiding, but now there was no escape.

Naito, ever the loud one, suddenly leaned forward, his eyes sparkling as he interrupted Tsuna's thoughts. "Hey, Tsuna! Are you ready for the mafia classes? I'm gonna be the best mafia guy ever, and you're gonna be right there with me! We're gonna be unstoppable, just you wait!"

Tsuna forced a smile, his mind still racing. It wasn't just Naito's enthusiasm that was overwhelming it was everything. The weight of his new reality was beginning to settle in, and Tsuna felt a sense of dread creep up again.

Basil's voice was calm as he continued, "You'll get used to it, Tsuna. I know it's a lot to take in at once but just remember every day here is a step closer to understanding your role. It won't be easy, but if you put in the effort, you'll grow into it."

"Right," Tsuna muttered, not sure whether to feel comforted or more stressed out. "I'll try my best."

As the conversation shifted to other topics, Tsuna found himself once again surrounded by the trio—Naito, who was still chatting loudly about everything under the sun; Lunga, who seemed mostly indifferent, his eyes never fully focused on anyone; and Pantera, who was still quiet, her gaze locked somewhere in the distance.

The rest of the meal passed in a blur for Tsuna. Naito continued his endless chatter, while Basil answered Tsuna's questions, offering some reassurance and advice. But the thought of the upcoming mafia classes weighed heavily on Tsuna's mind. He couldn't shake the feeling that everything in this world the world of mafia families was completely foreign to him.

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When the bell finally rang, signaling the end of lunch, Tsuna felt a knot form in his stomach. The next lesson, Mafia 101, would be the start of his real journey into the mafia world.

Tsuna sat in the classroom, his hands slightly clammy as he waited for the lesson to begin. The teacher, a stern-looking man with a sharp gaze, stood at the front of the room, scanning the students with a look that sent an immediate chill down Tsuna's spine.

"Welcome to Mafia 101," the teacher began, his voice low and commanding. "In this class, you'll learn the true power of the mafia—our legacy, our strength, and the essence of who we are. Everything we do is influenced by the Dying Will Flames, a special power unique to our world."

Tsuna's heart skipped a beat. Dying Will Flames? He had heard bits and pieces of the term, but hearing it in this context felt overwhelming. The teacher continued, not giving Tsuna a chance to ask questions.

"There are three categories of Dying Will Flames: Sky Flames, Earth Flames, and Sea Flames. Each category represents a different aspect of our world. Sky Flames are the rarest and most powerful, often associated with leadership and dominance within the mafia families. Earth Flames represent natural forces, while Sea Flames are about adaptability and change."

The teacher's voice was steady as he detailed each flame category.

"Dying Will Flames of the Sky consists of seven distinct types: Sky Flames of the Dying Will, Storm Flames, Lightning Flames, Cloud Flames, and others, each with unique attributes. In particular, the Sky Flames are used by the leaders, and the heads of our families, and are rare for a reason. The Sky Flames are not something everyone can awaken. It takes a special individual to master them. These flames are also the symbol of our Mafia as we specialize in using them to represent the freedom that was founded by our ancestors. 

There are seven types of Sky Flames:

Sky Flames (Harmony)

The core of the Sky Flames represents balance and unity. Sky Flames are the essence of leadership, the ability to bring together different forces and elements. These flames help the user create harmony in chaotic situations, whether it's leading a group or resolving conflicts. It is considered the most vital of the Sky Flames, as it embodies the principle of leadership itself.

Storm Flames (Disintegration)

These flames are destructive in nature, embodying the power of disintegration. They are chaotic and violent, breaking down anything in their path. While they can cause great destruction, they can also be used strategically to weaken enemies or break through difficult obstacles. Storm Flames are the force of rebellion, revolution, and uncontrollable change.

Sun Flames (Activation)

The Sun Flames are associated with vitality and activation. These flames represent the energy that sparks action and brings things to life. They are often used to enhance physical abilities or to trigger a transformation, making them essential for activating latent powers or starting new projects. The Sun Flames are known for their dynamic and forward-moving energy.

Mist Flames (Construction)

Mist Flames represent construction and creation. These flames are associated with the ability to build and form new things, whether physical structures or abstract concepts. Mist Flames help the user to manifest plans and ideas into reality, making them crucial for strategic planning and organizing. They are often linked to ingenuity and problem-solving.

Cloud Flames (Propagation)

Cloud Flames are linked to the propagation and spreading of influence or power. These flames allow the user to extend their control or influence over a larger area or group. Cloud Flames are used to expand one's reach, influence allies, and organize large-scale operations. They symbolize the spread of ideas and the extension of control.

Lightning Flames (Hardening)

Lightning Flames are a force of hardening and solidification. They provide the user with the ability to strengthen and solidify their surroundings, their body, or their will. This flame is used for fortification and creating defenses, making it crucial in both combat and building resilience. Lightning Flames are linked to the ability to stand firm and endure through adversity.

Rain Flames (Tranquility)

Rain Flames represent peace and tranquility, bringing calm to turbulent situations. These flames are the essence of emotional control and inner peace. They help the user stay focused and composed, even under pressure. Rain Flames are particularly useful for keeping a clear mind, maintaining calm in battle, and healing emotional wounds.

"Earth Flames represent the forces of nature. They have practical and sometimes brutal applications—freezing, gravity manipulation, and controlling the earth itself. These flames can be used for defense, offense, and everything in between. These flames are often used by religious groups as their flame specialization due to their connection to nature just like us the mafia specializes in using Sky Flames "

There are seven types of Earth Flames:

Glacier Flames: These flames are associated with freezing and ice. Users of Glacier Flames can manipulate the cold, freezing objects or create ice-based barriers and weapons. This ability grants them immense control over temperature and can turn the tide in combat by immobilizing opponents.

Earth Flames: Representing gravity and density, Earth Flames are powers that manipulate the force of gravity. Those who possess Earth Flames can alter the weight of objects or even crush their enemies under immense gravitational pressure, making them formidable opponents in both offense and defense.

Swamp Flames: These flames are tied to fermentation and decay. Those with Swamp Flames have the ability to accelerate natural decay processes, decomposing materials, and even biological matter. This can be used to break down enemy armor, weaken their defenses, or induce sickness in opponents.

Mountain Flames: Representing tuning, Mountain Flames are linked to control over natural structures and matter. These flames allow the user to manipulate the very ground beneath them, often using the earth itself as a weapon. Those with Mountain Flames can shift terrain or even cause localized earthquakes to disrupt their enemies' movements.

Desert Flames: Associated with hallucinations, Desert Flames allow users to create vivid illusions that distort their enemies' perception of reality. This flame type is perfect for manipulation and confusion, making opponents question what is real and what is not, leaving them vulnerable to attacks.

Forest Flames: The flames of realization, Forest Flames give the user insight into the environment around them. Those with Forest Flames can attune themselves to the natural world, understanding and manipulating plant life, the terrain, and even the flow of water and wind in their surroundings.

Taiga Flames: Representing severing, Taiga Flames are perhaps the most brutal of the Earth Flames. These flames can sever connections, whether it be physical ties, such as cutting through objects or enemies, or even intangible bonds, such as breaking someone's will or focus. Those with Taiga Flames are often feared for their destructive power to sever and isolate.

The class absorbed the details with wide eyes, each student keenly aware that these flames were an essential part of their future in the mafia world. Tsuna, for a brief moment, let his mind wander—his thoughts still swirling around the significance of his own Sky Flames. But before he could fully drift off into his thoughts, the teacher's voice brought him back to attention.

"Sea Flames, on the other hand, are adaptable. These flames are less about direct power and more about survival and manipulation—creating whirlpools, healing, and even controlling the balance of energy. They are the flames of the future, of change, of those who live in the shadows and undercurrents of society. These flames just like the other two are also specialized by the government to suppress threats and of course, battle the Mafia. "

The teacher began his explanation of the Sea Flames, laying out the seven types in detail.

Sea Flames: These flames are all about adaptability. Users can adjust their abilities to suit different environments or situations, making them highly flexible and resilient in combat or in situations requiring quick thinking.

Cyclone Flames: Representing whirlpools and vortexes, Cyclone Flames are tied to movement and chaos. Those with Cyclone Flames can create powerful gusts, tornadoes, or whirlpools of energy, using them to disrupt enemies or escape from dangerous situations.

Ebb Flames: These flames are about balance and transition. Ebb Flames allow users to control the flow of energy or even emotions, often making them excellent diplomats or strategists. They can also use their flames to counterbalance the effects of other flames or energies in combat.

Coral Flames: Linked to life and protection, Coral Flames have the unique ability to create barriers or shields to protect others. These flames are associated with growth, providing users with the power to heal or create protective constructs. They are ideal for those with a nurturing or guardian-like nature.

Tsunami Flames: These flames represent destruction and force. Tsunami Flames can unleash powerful waves or surges of energy capable of overwhelming opponents. Those with Tsunami Flames are often aggressive and intimidating, using their power to dominate their enemies.

Abyss Flames: Associated with darkness and depth, Abyss Flames are the most elusive and dangerous. Users of Abyss Flames can manipulate shadows and darkness, becoming almost invisible in certain environments. They can also use these flames to conceal their presence, making them masters of stealth and surprise.

Brine Flames: Finally, Brine Flames are tied to poison and decay. These flames have the ability to cause sickness, rot, or even slow poison to their enemies. Those with Brine Flames are feared for their ability to undermine and weaken their enemies over time, making them deadly in prolonged battles.

The teacher paused after explaining all the flames in the Sea category, allowing the students to digest the information. Tsuna, though overwhelmed, found himself drawn to the intricacies of each flame. It was hard to fathom how all these different types of flames would come together in the chaotic world of the mafia, but he knew one thing for sure: they were all essential.

As the class began to wind down, the teacher introduced the final part of the day's lesson: mutations.

"Now, while each student may be born with the potential to possess a specific type of flame, there is also the possibility of mutations," the teacher explained. "A mutation occurs when a student's flame evolves or changes due to an extraordinary event, overwhelming emotions, or intense training. These mutations can sometimes combine different attributes or result in a completely new form of flame, but they are rare and unpredictable."

Tsuna listened closely, his curiosity piqued. Mutations? That was a whole new level of complexity.

The teacher continued, "Some rare individuals have even been known to possess multiple types of flames, though this is extremely uncommon and typically requires years of training. But, whether you possess one type or many, your flames will be your greatest strength in the mafia world."

After the lengthy speech about the three categories of Dying Will Flames and its flames in detail The teacher then walked over to a large, mysterious device at the side of the classroom, and turned back to face the students.

"We will now test your potential with this device," he said. "It will measure the attribute of your Dying Will Flames. Pay attention, because this will tell us which flames you are most attuned to. Don't worry if the results seem strange. Some of you may awaken multiple attributes, and others might have no awakening at all."

Tsuna watched as the device hummed to life. One by one, students stepped up to place their hands on it. most students who were tested before Tsuna had regular results many having flames of the Sky Category possibly due to their lineage as Mafia specializing in Sky Flames. However of course this did not mean some didn't awaken some other flames of other categories a few unlocked from earth categories mainly one of Naito's attendant Lunga who had an affinity for Swamp Flames.

When it was Tsuna's turn, he hesitated, but Basil gave him an encouraging nod. Tsuna placed his hand on the cold surface, and the device flickered to life.

In a flash, the machine displayed his result: Sky Flames—the brightest, most vibrant glow among the class. It pulsed, glowing brighter than any of the other students' results.

The teacher, looking mildly surprised, nodded and glanced at Tsuna. "You have an extraordinary affinity for Sky Flames, Tsuna. Very rare. However, there are traces of Sun and Mist Flames in you as well—minor, but noteworthy."

The class murmured at the unusual result. Tsuna felt a heavy weight settle in his chest as the reality of his newfound power began to sink in.

When all the tests were completed, the teacher shared the results.

Basil had a strong affinity for Rain Flames. 

Naito had a strong affinity for Storm Flames and Sky Flames.

Pantera had a faint but noticeable trace of Cloud Flames.

The teacher nodded, satisfied with the results. "You've all begun your journey. Some of you have rare talents, others will need time to develop their skills. But all of you are here because you have the potential to grow into powerful individuals."

Tsuna was still absorbing the weight of it all when the bell rang again, signaling the end of the session.


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