KHR: Decimo Primo

Tsuna, Naito, and Pantera stepped out of the chaotic arena, still catching their breath from their intense team battle. Their uniforms were singed, and exhaustion clung to their movements, but their spirits were high after their hard-fought victory.

As they exited, an instructor waited for them at the edge of the battlefield, clipboard in hand. He nodded approvingly. "Good teamwork. You've passed the team battle. Your next and final task is the one-on-one match against a senior. The location has been marked in your schedules. You'll need to report there in two hours. Rest up."

With that, he handed them a slip containing the coordinates of the next venue and walked off briskly.

Tsuna glanced at the slip and then at his teammates. "So... this is it. The final test."

"Yep," Naito said, flopping down onto a bench nearby. "Man, that was intense. Those guys didn't hold back, huh?"

Pantera remained standing, her eyes scanning the horizon as if contemplating their next move. "We should use this time to recover and strategize. The senior battles will likely be even harder than what we've faced so far."

The three of them settled onto the bench, enjoying a brief moment of calm. Tsuna leaned back, staring at the sky, his thoughts swirling with anxiety. "Do you think we're ready for this? I mean, the seniors are on a whole different level."

Naito shrugged. "It's not like we have a choice, right? We just gotta give it everything we've got. Though... I can't help wondering who we'll be up against. Some of those seniors look downright terrifying."

Pantera crossed her arms. "Terrifying or not, they're still human. And besides, we've grown a lot since the start of the semester. This isn't about whether we can win it's about proving how far we've come."

Tsuna hesitated, his mind wandering to Basil, Lunga, and Raul. "I wonder how they're handling all this."

Naito grinned. "Basil? That guy's probably acing every section like it's nothing. He's so calm and focused all the time. I bet he's already analyzing every possible strategy for his senior match."

Pantera nodded in agreement. "Basil is methodical. He doesn't waste energy or time. If he's worried, he won't show it."

Tsuna sighed. "Yeah, Basil's amazing. I just hope I don't embarrass myself too much in comparison."

"Lunga, though…" Naito mused, scratching his head. "That guy's a wildcard. I can't figure him out half the time. He's either gonna pull off something incredible or completely crash and burn."

"Lunga is unpredictable," Pantera said, her tone neutral. "But that unpredictability can be dangerous. If he channels it effectively, he could surprise us all."

Tsuna smiled faintly. "Lunga's always so confident. I wish I had even half of that."

"And then there's Raul," Naito added with a mock shudder. "You know he's treating this like some kind of grudge match against the entire school. That guy's intense."

Pantera smirked slightly. "Raul has the drive to win at all costs. But that can also be his weakness. If he gets too focused on domination, he might overlook key details."

Tsuna exhaled, feeling the weight of his rivalry with Raul. "I know Raul's probably looking forward to this. He's been training like crazy ever since the combat practice tournament. He probably thinks this is his chance to prove something."

As the conversation turned back to their own predicament, Naito stretched his arms, his usual carefree grin softening. "I mean, let's be real—we're all nervous, right? I know I am. But hey, we made it this far. That's gotta count for something."

Pantera leaned against the bench, her voice thoughtful. "Nervous or not, the only thing we can do is face it head-on. And honestly, we've already shown we can work as a team. No matter who our opponents are, we've got the skills to hold our own."

Tsuna nodded, though the knot in his stomach didn't loosen. "I just hope I don't let you guys or myself down."

Naito slapped him on the back, almost sending him tumbling off the bench. "Relax, Tsuna! You've been crushing it lately. Remember that flames test? You blew everyone away! Just keep that fire burning, and you'll be fine."

Tsuna smiled weakly, appreciating the encouragement but still feeling the pressure mounting.

The group fell into a comfortable silence, each lost in their thoughts as they prepared for the final hurdle. Somewhere in the distance, the sound of other teams battling echoed faintly, a reminder of the fierce competition they were about to face.

As Tsuna stared at the slip of paper in his hand, he couldn't shake the feeling that this last test was going to be unlike anything they'd faced before. And if the rumors about the seniors' skill levels were true, they were in for the fight of their lives.

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The trio made their way toward the test area, their footsteps echoing in the crisp afternoon air. Despite the relative closeness to the academy grounds, the area felt isolated, adding to the growing tension.

The testing site was a sprawling compound with several designated arenas, each cordoned off for individual battles. At the entrance, an instructor waited, clipboard in hand and a sharp gaze scanning the incoming students.

"Tsuna Sawada, Naito Longchamp, Pantera," the instructor called, motioning them forward.

"Yes, sir!" Tsuna replied, his voice cracking slightly from nerves.

The instructor gave each of them a slip of paper with their assigned locations. "These are your battle zones. Follow the markers, and you'll meet your opponents. Your test begins as soon as you arrive. Good luck."

The trio exchanged uneasy glances, realizing that this would be the last time they'd be together until the exam was over.

"Guess this is it," Naito said, rubbing the back of his neck. He forced a grin. "Don't die out there, Tsuna!"

Pantera smirked faintly. "You've got this, Tsuna. Just stay focused."

"Y-yeah," Tsuna stammered, clutching the slip of paper tightly. "Good luck, guys."

With quick nods of farewell, they parted ways, each heading toward their respective arenas. Tsuna's heart pounded as he followed the markers, the path winding through a small grove of trees before opening into a wide, walled-off courtyard.

As Tsuna stepped into the courtyard, he was immediately struck by the figure standing in the center. A boy, tall and lean, stood confidently, his golden hair catching the light. He looked about 14 years old—roughly eight years older than Tsuna—but what stood out even more was the entourage surrounding him.

Several men in black suits, unmistakably bodyguards, stood at attention around the boy, their expressions cold and unreadable. They didn't appear to be part of the test; they were clearly there for protection.

The boy noticed Tsuna's arrival and turned toward him, his sharp features breaking into an easygoing smile. "Ah, you must be my opponent," he said, his voice smooth but tinged with amusement. "I've been looking forward to this."

Tsuna blinked, unsure of how to respond. "Uh… y-you're the senior I'm supposed to fight?"

The boy chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "That's right. Dino Cavallone. And don't worry, I won't go too hard on you... unless you give me a reason to."

"Dino Cavallone?" The name sounded vaguely familiar, but Tsuna couldn't place it.

Dino tilted his head, studying Tsuna with a curious expression. "You look nervous. Don't be. This is just a test, right? Nothing to lose—except maybe your dignity." He laughed lightly, though the playful glint in his eye hinted at a deeper confidence.

Tsuna felt a bead of sweat roll down his temple. "I… uh… I'll do my best."

One of the bodyguards stepped forward and whispered something into Dino's ear. Dino nodded, then turned back to Tsuna. "Well, no time like the present. Let's see what you've got, little guy."

The bodyguards moved to the edges of the courtyard, creating an impromptu boundary for the fight. Tsuna felt his legs trembling slightly, but he clenched his fists, summoning his courage.

"Okay," he muttered to himself. "I can do this… I think."

Dino's easygoing demeanor shifted slightly as he adopted a ready stance, his movements fluid and practiced. "Show me what you're made of, Tsuna Sawada."

The final test had begun.

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Tsuna clenched his fists, summoning his Dying Will Flames as they flickered to life around his hands. Dino stood calmly, observing him with a faint smile. His golden hair shimmered in the light as if reflecting his effortless confidence.

"Not bad," Dino said, his tone light and teasing. "You've got the basics down, but let's see how you handle the real thing."

With a swift motion, Dino stepped forward, closing the distance between them in an instant. Tsuna barely had time to react as Dino lashed out with a precise kick aimed at his midsection. Tsuna managed to block, but the force of the impact sent him skidding backward.

He's so fast! Tsuna thought, panic surging through him. Is this what it means to fight a senior?

"Keep up, Tsuna!" Dino called, his tone almost encouraging. But he didn't give Tsuna a moment to breathe. Dino's movements were fluid, transitioning from one strike to another, each one testing Tsuna's defenses.

Tsuna did his best to hold his ground, parrying Dino's strikes with shaky precision. His flames flared brighter as he concentrated, managing to land a glancing hit on Dino's shoulder.

Dino stepped back, looking surprised for a moment before laughing. "Not bad! You've got spirit, I'll give you that. But this isn't just about spirit—it's about control."

As he fought, Dino couldn't help but think back to the conversation he'd had with Reborn earlier that week.

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Dino's Flashback

It was late in the evening when Dino returned to Mafia School after completing a mission Reborn had assigned him. The task had been grueling, but nothing he couldn't handle. Reborn, as usual, was waiting for him in the main hall, sipping espresso with that ever-present smirk.

"Welcome back, Dino," Reborn said, not looking up.

Dino slung his bag over his shoulder and sighed. "I take it you're here to give me more homework?"

Reborn chuckled. "Not this time. I've got a special assignment for you during the final exams."

Dino raised an eyebrow. "Special assignment?"

Reborn's smirk widened. "You're going to fight a freshman named Tsunayoshi Sawada. It's part of his test. I want you to evaluate him but don't go easy on him. Push him to his limits."

"Tsuna, huh?" Dino echoed, frowning slightly. "I've heard the name before. Isn't he the one you've been mentoring on the side?"

"Exactly," Reborn said, his voice carrying a rare note of seriousness. "He's rough around the edges, but he has potential. I want you to see how far he's come and give him a taste of what it means to fight a real Mafia boss."

Dino hesitated, knowing Reborn's requests were never simple. "Fine, but if he's that important to you, why not test him yourself?"

Reborn's gaze sharpened, and for a moment, Dino felt the weight of his mentor's expectations. "Because this isn't about me. It's about him learning what it means to rise to a challenge, even when it feels impossible. And you, Dino, are the perfect person to teach him that."

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Back to the Present

Dino snapped back to the fight, his eyes narrowing as he watched Tsuna struggle to keep up. He's got potential, but he lacks confidence. Let's see if I can draw it out of him.

With renewed determination, Dino pressed his attack, his movements a blur. Tsuna tried to counter, using his flames to augment his speed, but Dino's experience and precision overwhelmed him at every turn.

"Come on, Tsuna," Dino said, his voice firm but not unkind. "You're holding back. If you keep hesitating, you'll never improve!"

Tsuna gritted his teeth, frustration bubbling inside him. He's right. I'm so scared of messing up that I'm not fighting at my full potential. But how do I even stand a chance against someone like him?

In a burst of desperation, Tsuna summoned all his energy into a powerful flame blast, aiming it directly at Dino. The flames roared forward, but Dino sidestepped effortlessly, dodging the attack with a graceful spin.

"Not bad," Dino said. "But it's time to end this."

Dino raised his hand, summoning his own Dying Will Flames. They burned bright gold, radiating a warmth that seemed to fill the entire courtyard. The bodyguards at the edges of the battlefield watched with quiet respect, clearly familiar with what was coming next.

"Let me show you something," Dino said, his tone turning serious. "This is called Cavallone Charge."

With a swift motion, Dino leaped into the air, his flames forming the shape of a golden whip. The weapon crackled with energy as he swung it downward, creating a massive shockwave that reverberated through the arena.

Tsuna tried to brace himself, crossing his arms to block the attack, but the sheer force knocked him off his feet. He hit the ground hard, his flames sputtering out as he gasped for breath.

When the dust settled, Dino stood over him, extending a hand. His expression was calm but not unkind. "You've got potential, Tsuna. Don't forget that. But you've still got a long way to go."

Tsuna hesitated before taking Dino's hand, allowing himself to be pulled to his feet. Despite the pain and exhaustion, he felt a flicker of determination reignite within him.

"Thank you," Tsuna said, his voice quiet but sincere.

Dino smiled. "Don't thank me yet. This was just the beginning."

As Tsuna staggered out of the courtyard, his thoughts were a mix of frustration and resolve. I couldn't win, but I learned something today. If I want to protect the people I care about, I need to get stronger.

From the shadows, Reborn watched the scene unfold, a satisfied smile on his face. "Not bad, Dino. Not bad at all."

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Tsuna sat on the ground, panting heavily as the aftermath of his battle with Dino settled over him. The courtyard was eerily quiet, save for the distant rustling of leaves and the soft murmurs of Dino's bodyguards. His limbs felt like lead, his flames had long since sputtered out, and his pride had taken a considerable hit.

Dino approached him with an easy smile, extending a hand to help him up. "You did well, Tsuna. For a freshman, you've got some real potential. But…"

Tsuna took his hand, standing shakily as Dino continued.

"You're hesitating in critical moments," Dino said, his tone now instructional. "Your flames are strong, but you don't trust yourself enough to use them effectively. You're too focused on defense and not enough on taking initiative. That'll get you into trouble someday."

Tsuna looked down, clenching his fists. "I-I know. I just…"

"Relax," Dino interrupted, placing a hand on his shoulder. "The fact that you made it this far says a lot. You're going to improve. Trust me."

Dino's grin widened. "By the way, I suppose I should properly introduce myself. My name's Dino Cavallone. I'm Reborn's disciple. He was the one who trained me back when I was just a clueless student like you."

Tsuna blinked, the words slowly registering. "R-Reborn's disciple?"

Before Dino could elaborate, a familiar voice cut through the air.

"And clearly, he still hasn't learned how to teach properly," Reborn said, his sharp tone followed by a swift kick to Dino's back.

Dino stumbled forward, rubbing his head sheepishly. "Ouch! Reborn, you didn't have to do that in front of the kid!"

Reborn stood on the courtyard wall, looking as composed as ever, Leon perched on his hat. He leapt down with a small flourish, adjusting his fedora.

"It's my job to teach Tsuna," Reborn declared. "Your role was to test him, not take over my lessons. Don't get carried away, Dino."

Reborn then turned to Tsuna. "By the way, you've just met one of the least intimidating Mafia bosses I've ever trained."

The bodyguards around the courtyard stiffened slightly, but Reborn's sharp glare made them scatter like leaves in the wind. "Leave us. I need to demonstrate something important."

Once the guards were gone, Dino's demeanor shifted completely. The confident, composed figure from earlier melted away, replaced by a nervous young man who looked like he'd just been caught cheating on a test.

"R-Reborn, c'mon! You don't have to expose me like that in front of the kid!" Dino whined, scratching the back of his head. His tone was lighter, less poised, and almost clumsy.

Reborn smirked. "This is the real Dino Cavallone, Tsuna. Without his bodyguards around, he's about as reliable as a wet paper bag in a rainstorm."

Dino groaned. "I've gotten better, okay? Besides, you just congratulated me on completing that last mission!"

Tsuna couldn't suppress a laugh at Dino's flustered expression. Seeing someone else treated like this by Reborn was oddly comforting.

Reborn crossed his arms. "Speaking of that mission, you did well, Dino. And you helped Tsuna learn an important lesson today, even if you overstepped a little. As a reward, I've prepared something for you."

Dino's eyes lit up. "A reward? Oh, please tell me it's Leon! I've been asking for him since I graduated!"

Reborn snorted. "Not a chance. Leon is mine, and you'd probably lose him in a day."

Dino pouted. "You don't trust me at all…"

Ignoring Dino's complaint, Reborn gestured to Leon, who leapt down from his hat. With a soft glow, Leon began to transform, stretching into the shape of a small egg.

Tsuna tilted his head, confused. "An… egg?"

Reborn smirked. "Not just any egg. It will hatch when Dino faces a crisis, and trust me, that'll happen sooner rather than later."

Leon shimmered again, forming another shape—a golden bullwhip, crackling faintly with energy. Reborn handed it to Dino, whose face lit up with a mix of awe and gratitude.

"Your signature weapon," Reborn said. "A bullwhip suited for someone who can't fight properly without a little extra reach. Use it well."

Dino beamed, testing the whip with a few expert flicks. "This is amazing, Reborn. Thank you!"

"Don't thank me," Reborn said, his tone turning sharp. "Prove you deserve it. And remember, Dino—this isn't just about you anymore. You're the head of the Cavallone Family. Act like it."

Dino's expression sobered, and he nodded. "I will."

Reborn turned back to Tsuna, his smirk returning. "As for you, Tsuna, get ready. This was just the first step. The real work begins now."

Tsuna gulped, feeling a mix of dread and determination as the sun set over the courtyard.