KHR: Decimo Primo

The sun shone warmly over the Cavallone estate, its rays casting long shadows across the remnants of the battlefield from two days prior. While the landscape bore the scars of the recent conflict, the estate itself buzzed with a sense of renewal. Cavallone soldiers moved with purpose, clearing debris, repairing damaged structures, and tending to the lush gardens that framed the estate's iconic grandeur.

For Tsuna, it felt surreal. Only days ago, he had faced life-or-death situations alongside Dino, fought enemies with raw instinct, and witnessed a giant turtle's rampage. Now, the echoes of normalcy seemed almost jarring.

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Tsuna sat on a stone bench in the central courtyard, Enzo nestled in his hands. The once-mountainous turtle was now a palm-sized creature, curiously blinking up at him. "You've caused a lot of trouble, you know," Tsuna murmured. Enzo let out a soft squeak, seemingly unbothered by the comment.

"Talking to turtles now?" Dino's voice came from behind, carrying its usual upbeat tone. Tsuna turned to see Dino approaching, his trademark grin in place but tempered with a subtle weariness.

"You've been busy," Tsuna replied, nodding toward the distant scaffolding where soldiers worked on rebuilding.

Dino shrugged. "Part of the job. Can't let them see the boss slacking off, right?" He sat down beside Tsuna, letting out a soft sigh. "But you, my friend, deserve a break. You did great out there, even if you don't believe it yet."

Tsuna scratched his cheek, embarrassed. "I just… did what I could. Honestly, it still feels like I just got lucky."

Dino laughed, ruffling Tsuna's hair. "Luck's part of it. But don't sell yourself short. You've got something special—more than you realize."

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As they sat in companionable silence, Dino's gaze wandered to the mansion's highest balcony, where the room of Cavallone Nono, his father, was located. The light in the window flickered faintly, a reminder of the man's fragile state.

Dino's smile turned bittersweet. "I guess I should tell you—Father's condition isn't great."

Tsuna glanced at him, startled.

"The bullet he took during the attack…" Dino continued, his voice quiet. "It didn't kill him, thank God, but his health has taken a bad hit. The doctors say it's going to take months—maybe longer—for him to recover."

"That's…" Tsuna struggled to find the right words. "I'm sorry, Dino."

Dino waved him off, his grin returning, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Hey, don't look so serious. He's alive, and that's what matters. But in the meantime, I've had to step up. Officially, I'm now the Cavallone Decimo boss."

He chuckled, trying to inject some humor into the moment. "Guess I'm finally in the same club as you, huh? Decimo candidates sticking together."

Tsuna managed a small smile, but his eyes lingered on Dino's face. The older man was trying too hard to appear fine, and while his cheerful demeanor might fool most people, Tsuna could see the cracks in his armor. Dino was worried—about his father, his family, and the immense weight of responsibility now on his shoulders.

But Tsuna said nothing, deciding to respect Dino's attempt at keeping things light.

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As the afternoon wore on, Dino took Tsuna on a quiet tour of the Cavallone estate, pointing out areas under reconstruction and sharing anecdotes about his family's history.

In the training yard, Cavallone soldiers practiced drills with renewed vigor, their laughter and shouts of encouragement cutting through the stillness of the recovering grounds. A few waved at Tsuna and Enzo, their smiles a stark contrast to the tension he had felt just days ago.

"You're popular," Dino teased, noticing the soldiers' approving glances.

"I think they just like Enzo," Tsuna replied, holding up the tiny turtle.

Dino laughed. "Fair enough. He's a hit with the family already."

But the lighthearted moment soon gave way to a heavier reality as they walked farther.

As Tsuna turned a corner near the medical tents, the weight of what had transpired began to sink in. Injured Cavallone soldiers lay on stretchers, their wounds carefully tended by medics. Some had burns or deep gashes from the battle, while others appeared weak and pale, their injuries less visible but no less severe.

Tsuna's gaze lingered on one soldier who sat on a bench, staring blankly ahead. His arm was in a sling, and his face bore scars that would likely never fade. The man's expression was one of quiet resignation, his eyes heavy with the knowledge of how close he had come to death.

Nearby, a grieving family knelt beside a row of covered bodies. A woman sobbed into her hands, flanked by two young children who clung to her desperately. Their muffled cries pierced through the otherwise quiet atmosphere.

Tsuna froze, his chest tightening. The reality of the mafia world was laid bare before him—not the glamorous power or wealth he had always imagined, but the cost of violence and conflict.

"This…" Tsuna whispered, unable to finish his sentence.

Dino placed a hand on his shoulder, his voice gentle but firm. "This is what it means to lead a family. Every choice we make, every battle we fight—it comes with a price."

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Reborn's voice cut through the air, cold and sharp. "This is the world of the mafia, Tsuna."

Tsuna turned to see the hitman standing on a nearby ledge, his presence as commanding as ever. Reborn leaped down, landing gracefully and adjusting his fedora as he approached.

"This world is built on violence, war, and death," Reborn continued, his tone devoid of his usual teasing. "It's a cycle that's existed for centuries. And as long as there's a dark side to society, the mafia will remain its keeper."

Tsuna's hands clenched into fists. "Then… what's the point? If it's just pain and suffering—why does it even exist?"

Reborn's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, his expression softened. "Because someone has to bear the burden. The mafia exists to manage the darkness the government and the church cannot. Without us, chaos would spread unchecked. Monsters, demons, ghosts—things that would terrify the commonfolk—are kept in line because of the balance maintained by the three factions."

"The three factions?" Tsuna echoed.

Reborn nodded. "The mafia, the government, and the church. Together, they handle the dangers that the average person must never know about. And at the center of it all is Vongola. The Vongola Famiglia isn't just the most powerful mafia family—it's the pillar that keeps the balance. Without Vongola, the dark side of the world would spiral out of control."

Tsuna's breath caught. He had known that Vongola was powerful, but hearing it framed this way made the weight of his potential role feel even heavier.

Reborn stepped closer, his piercing gaze locking onto Tsuna's. "That's why Vongola must always be strong. Not for wealth or power, but to ensure that the common folk—the ordinary people—can live their lives in peace, unaware of the dangers that lurk in the shadows."

"But at what cost?" Tsuna asked, his voice trembling. He looked back at the grieving family, the injured soldiers, the destruction all around them. "How can anyone bear that responsibility?"

"You'll learn," Reborn said simply. "You're not ready yet. But one day, you'll understand why this role exists and why it has to be you."

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As the day wore on, Tsuna couldn't shake Reborn's words. The pain and loss he had witnessed were etched into his mind, a stark reminder of the stakes in this world.

Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, he found himself sitting alone on the terrace, Enzo perched beside him. The turtle let out a soft squeak as if sensing Tsuna's unease.

Dino appeared, his usual cheer subdued but still present. "Heavy thoughts?"

Tsuna nodded, his gaze fixed on the stars. "I just… don't know if I'm cut out for this."

Dino sat beside him, his expression thoughtful. "You're not alone in feeling that way. Every boss questions themselves—every good one, anyway." He smiled faintly. "Even I'm not sure if I can handle this."

"You mean…" Tsuna hesitated. "With your father?"

Dino nodded, his eyes clouded with worry. "His health isn't great. And now, with him unable to lead, it's up to me. Cavallone Decimo." He chuckled, though it lacked its usual warmth. "Guess I've joined the club, huh? Decimo candidates sticking together."

Tsuna could see the strain Dino was trying to hide, the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. But he didn't say anything, choosing instead to respect Dino's attempt at staying optimistic.

"Whatever happens," Dino said, placing a hand on Tsuna's shoulder, "we'll figure it out. That's what family is for."

Tsuna managed a small smile. "Yeah. Family."

Dino's hand lingered on Tsuna's shoulder, a subtle but reassuring presence. The evening air grew cooler as the stars slowly took their place in the sky, but the warmth from their conversation kept the chill at bay.

"I meant what I said earlier," Dino continued, his tone serious for the first time that evening. "You've got the instincts, Tsuna. You don't have to be perfect, you just have to care enough to try."

Tsuna nodded, still processing his mentor's words. It wasn't much, but it was the kind of reassurance he needed. He wasn't alone. Not in this fight, and not in the battles to come.

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The following morning was unusually calm for the Cavallone estate. The sound of soldiers working was softer today, as many had finished clearing the debris and focused on the rebuilding process. Tsuna found himself wandering the estate with Enzo, the little turtle nestled comfortably in his hands. The sun bathed the grounds in a golden hue, casting long shadows from the recently repaired buildings.

Tsuna sat by a fountain, feeling the weight of everything that had happened slowly lift from his shoulders. He needed this moment of quiet to collect his thoughts. He couldn't help but feel the overwhelming sense of responsibility growing within him.

"Big boss today?" Dino's voice broke the silence, and Tsuna looked up to see Dino approaching, carrying Enzo's food in one hand.

"I wish," Tsuna chuckled softly, setting Enzo on the ground to crawl around.

Dino grinned. "Well, you might not wear the title yet, but you've got the heart of a leader. Don't think I didn't see that in the last fight." He lowered himself onto the stone beside Tsuna. "I've been meaning to ask—what's been on your mind? You've been quieter than usual."

Tsuna sighed, turning his gaze toward the horizon. "I'm just thinking about what comes next. I don't know if I'm cut out for all this. The responsibility, the pain..."

Dino placed a hand on Tsuna's back. "You know, I wasn't cut out for it either. At first, it felt like I was always behind, trying to catch up. But you learn. One step at a time."

Tsuna was quiet for a moment. "I guess..."

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Later that morning, Dino decided to take Tsuna on a tour of the estate. He wanted to show him more than just the architecture or the gardens—he wanted Tsuna to see the heart of the Cavallone family: the people who made it all work.

As they walked through the estate, Dino pointed out various training areas, administrative offices, and rooms where Cavallone soldiers were learning new skills or strategizing. "Look around, Tsuna. Every one of these people looks to me, to us, for guidance. But it's not just about giving orders. It's about earning their respect. And sometimes, the best way to do that is by showing them who you really are."

Tsuna took it all in, his admiration for Dino's leadership growing with each passing minute. "Sounds like a lot of work."

Dino smiled. "It is. It's not all fun and games, but it's worth it. Let me tell you a little story—when I first started out as the heir, I was a mess. I didn't know the first thing about running a family. My first mission? It was a disaster."

Tsuna raised an eyebrow. "A disaster?"

"Oh yeah," Dino grinned, a nostalgic gleam in his eyes. "I had to escort a diplomat, and I—well, I kind of left him in the hands of an enemy family by accident. Needless to say, it was... a big lesson for me."

Tsuna chuckled despite himself. "That sounds like something I'd do."

Dino gave a half-smile. "Exactly. That's why I'm saying—everyone has to start somewhere. No one is born a perfect boss. But you've got what it takes. Trust me on that."

Dino had noticed Tsuna's subdued mood. As a senior disciple and the newly crowned Cavallone Decimo, Dino knew that in times of crisis, the people needed someone to be strong. But even Dino wasn't immune to the weight of leadership. Despite the pain he carried inside—pain from his father's condition and the casualties his family had suffered—he made sure to wear a smile and offer guidance to Tsuna, knowing that the younger boy was absorbing everything around him.

When Tsuna's silence grew too heavy, Dino decided to break the tension with a little distraction, taking Tsuna to the training yard. It was supposed to be a simple sparring session, something light to get Tsuna's mind off the somber reality of the day.

But as Dino tried to demonstrate a simple move, something unexpected happened. Tsuna was just about to prepare for his turn when Dino, focusing too much on giving instructions, tripped on the now-infamous Enzo, who had wandered too close to Dino's feet. In a flurry of arms and legs, Dino ended up sprawled on the ground, his usually composed demeanor shattered in an instant.

Tsuna couldn't help but let out a surprised laugh at the absurdity of it all. "Dino, are you okay?"

Dino, his face flushed with embarrassment, scrambled to get up. "I... I'm fine, I'm fine!" he stammered, trying to maintain his cool. But the sight of the usually graceful boss lying on the ground, entangled in the little turtle, was enough to lighten Tsuna's mood. It was exactly what he needed—a reminder that even leaders had their moments of clumsiness and vulnerability.

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The day progressed with Tsuna continuing his lessons under Reborn's watchful eye. While the lessons had been laid out for him in advance, today marked the first time Tsuna actually put them into practice. He learned the importance of effective communication, how to read people's body language and the art of maintaining calm in the face of chaos. He was shown how to help with the management of the estate, taking on small tasks like overseeing the repair teams and interacting with Cavallone soldiers who looked to him for guidance.

While much of it felt overwhelming, Tsuna couldn't deny the satisfaction he felt as he saw the improvements around him. He wasn't yet a leader, not by a long shot, but he was learning what it meant to step up and contribute, even in the smallest of ways. He began to realize that leadership wasn't always about making grand decisions; sometimes, it was about the little things—the moments that showed people you cared.

By the time evening came Tsuna was exhausted, physically and mentally. He had seen the inner workings of the Cavallone family—how they were rebuilding after the attack, how they worked together to support one another—and he felt a deep sense of responsibility growing inside him. He might not have been ready for all of it yet, but for the first time, he felt like he could handle it.

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Tsuna sat on the edge of the bed, his legs hanging over the side as he stared up at the ceiling, the weight of everything pressing heavily on his chest. The day had been a blur of activity, filled with lessons he hadn't asked for and interactions with people he barely understood, all under the shadow of the daunting reality Reborn had presented to him. The mafia world was dark and painful—a truth Tsuna now saw more clearly than ever. But it wasn't just about power and control; it was about balance. And sometimes, balance came at the expense of others.

Despite everything that had happened, Tsuna couldn't shake the memory of Dino's earlier words—the things he had tried to convey, hidden behind a playful demeanor that Tsuna had quickly learned to see through. Dino's mask of confidence was carefully constructed, a shield to guard against the weight of the situation, especially with his father's condition hanging over him. But Dino had chosen to keep moving forward, facing the challenge of leadership with a strength that Tsuna admired. He wasn't perfect, but Dino had learned to wear the mask of the boss, something Tsuna wasn't sure he could ever master.

As Tsuna lay back on the bed, hands folded behind his head, he reflected on what he had learned that day. The mafia world wasn't just about being strong or being a great strategist—it was about being there for the people who trusted you, for the soldiers, the family. It was about offering them hope, even if it was just a fleeting moment. Dino had shown him that, in his own way. But how could someone like Tsuna—small, inexperienced, unsure of himself—possibly offer that to others?

The gentle squeaks of Enzo, Tsuna's pet turtle, broke his thoughts as the little creature waddled across the floor. Tsuna smiled faintly, distracted by the turtle's antics. Maybe it wasn't about having all the answers, he thought. Maybe it was about trying—about showing up for the people who needed him, even if he didn't have the slightest idea of what to do next.

In the quiet of the room, Tsuna's thoughts wandered back to Reborn's words. The hitman's voice echoed in his mind: You're not ready yet. But one day, you'll understand why this role exists and why it has to be you. Tsuna closed his eyes, trying to piece everything together. Reborn had spoken about the balance the mafia maintained, about how they were the protectors of the world's darkness, keeping the dangers that lurked in the shadows away from the lives of ordinary people. But Tsuna couldn't stop thinking about the cost of that balance—the lives lost, the suffering endured.

Yet, Dino's words still lingered in his mind. You're not alone in feeling that way. Every boss questions themselves—every good one, anyway. Tsuna opened his eyes and glanced at Enzo, who was now curled up peacefully beside him. It was a small, simple comfort, but it grounded him.

He didn't have to be perfect. Maybe he wasn't cut out for it all just yet. But Dino had shown him that the strength of a leader didn't come from doing everything alone. It came from the willingness to try, to learn, and to carry the weight of others on your shoulders, even when the burden seemed unbearable.

The world wasn't black and white. The mafia wasn't glamorous. But maybe, just maybe, Tsuna could find his way through it all. Even if it was only one small step at a time.