Disclaimer: Katekyo Hitman Reborn does not belong to me. All rights and purposes are credited to the author.

Warnings: This fic is set in the future. Violence, blood and mafia themes will occur.

Also, there is a lot of information in this first chapter, so bear with me? Please do leave a review at the end and tell me what you think. Ideas and suggestions are most welcome :D

Act I: Preludio

Scene I

~X~

You are a warrior. You will be one whether you dress in steel or lace.

~Unknown

~X~

Situated in the beautiful island of Sicily was the notorious Vongola Mansion. Standing tall and grand near the rising Mount Etna, the building with its Renaissance style interior and ravishing spring gardens overlooked the city and people of Catania. Usually quiet with only a few maids and gardeners strolling around the palace, the mansion today- was nonetheless filled with men in black suits and all the notable bosses from Italy.

At the age of twenty-two, the young and ambitious Sawada Tsunayoshi stood behind a thick wooden door guarded by two Vongola men. He heard chatter and laughter from the other side. Sending his home tutor, the sun arcobaleno one last glance- the twenty-two year old stepped forward as the rich oak doors opened. The room instantly fell silently, and nothing was heard apart from the tapping of his shoes against the marble floor and the occasional tinkle of ornaments that were embedded on his cape.

Arriving at the front of the majestic throne room, he was immediately acknowledged by his guardians. Each dressed in a black suit and colored shirt that reflected their element, all seven of them joined their boss and ascended onto a platform. Taking his seat on a Vongola crested throne, Sawada Tsunayoshi turned around to look back at the path he had just taken and all the men who stood below him.

Moving a gloved hand over his chest, a golden flame suddenly erupted from both his glove and his forehead- demonstrating the power of the Vongola line. He closed his eyes before carefully re-opening them.

On this day, Sawada Tsunayoshi and his guardians succeeded the Vongola Famiglia- officially marking the tenth generation of family members who have sworn to protect the people of this city and of this country.

~X~

Twenty minutes north of the Vongola Mansion sat a comfortable Italian villa. Designed in the late nineteenth century with round archways and grape vines that adorned the walls of the building, the villa offered spectacular views of the Mediterranean ocean and the rolling plains that laid out behind the green gardens.

Akiyama Masako at only twenty-two years of age and recently married, stood at the parlor of her new home. She glanced up at the painted roof- saints and sculptures stared back. With the arched windows open, a gentle breeze suddenly blew in the scent of the sea that over took the smell of newly whitewashed walls.

"Si, Si."

Masako turned around at the utter of Italian. She offered a smile when Bianchi appeared through the doorway and entered the parlor. Behind her, an elderly lady followed.

"Masako, this is Signora Castrati," Bianchi introduced, "She's the previously owner of this villa and will be around if you need any help."

Turning to bow at the old lady, Masako was taken back when she was instead welcomed by hugs and kisses on the cheek. Signora Castrati muttered a string of Italian to her, and Masako could only offer kind smiles back. Bianchi laughed and said something to the old lady before she was finally able to let go of Masako.

"Don't be too surprised," Bianchi coaxed after Signora Castrati left, "Italians are quite friendly."

A slight chuckle was heard, "I'll be alright, Bianchi-san," Masako assured, "So there's no need to worry."

The poisonous scorpion gave the girl a thoughtful stare before melting it into a smile, "Well, since it's your first time in this villa," she moved towards an archway, "Why don't I show you around?"

Nodding eagerly, Masako trailed after Bianchi- and the two disappeared deeper into the villa.

~X~

Hidden behind the great walls of the Vongola Mansion was a maze for rooms and offices. Located across two stories, the mansion not only served as the main headquarters for the boss, his guardians and external advisors, but is also the home to many maids and guards. Yet, amongst the fifty or so rooms that the mansion held- Sawada Tsunayoshi, or more commonly known as Tsuna, found himself in one of the most prestigious rooms that overlooked the city below and the ocean ahead.

"Juudaime," a knock on the door made the Vongola boss swivel around on his chair.

The door to the office carefully opened, revealing a twenty-two year old Gokudera Hayato. Newly appointed as the right-hand man to Vongola Decimo and taking upon his role as the rightful Storm Guardian, the twenty-two year old gave a respectful bow to his boss.

"Ah Gokudera-kun," Tsuna acknowledged with a smile, "Is everyone settling in alright?"

The storm guardian nodded back, "Yes," he replies, "Apart from Hibari who demands for his office to be separate from the mansion."

A gentle laugh was heard, "Tell him that Kusakabe-san is flying over tomorrow," Tsuna insisted, "Then they can work things out themselves."

"Yes sir," Gokudera looks back up and takes a pause, "There is also news from our External Advisors."

"External Advisors?" Decimo echoes, "Basil-kun and them?"

Carefully pulling out a piece of folded paper from his breast-pocket, Gokudera quickly unraveled the news, "The Vongola external advisors along with members from the Lusardi, Magnotti and Pizzano family would like to meet with boss," he read out, "A formal meeting is scheduled tomorrow at noon."

Tsuna taps a finger against his expensive oak desk and scans his eyes over the note Gokudera just recited, "Reborn said that the external advisors don't step in until the boss has fully settled," he mutters, "What's with the rush now?"

"Juudaime," Tsuna turns back to face his right-hand man, "We can call this meeting off if you're not ready."

"No, it's better to get these meetings over and done with," he lifts up his head, "Report back to the external advisors and say I agree to see them tomorrow."

Gokudera nods, "Should we call the guardians to serve you as backup?"

"You and Yamamoto will do," Tsuna pulls an apologetic smile, "I hope Masako-san is alright with you working tomorrow."

The storm guardian bows, "Not at all, Juudaime!" he chirps back, "I'm sure she'll understand."

~X~

"What?" Bianchi spat into the phone, "What do you mean you're not coming home tonight, Hayato?"

She heard her younger brother sigh, "There's still a lot to do in the mansion," he replied, "Juudaime needs me around."

"Can't Tsuna wait till tomorrow?" Bianchi argued back, "All the other guardians get the night off."

Carefully glancing to her side, Bianchi eyed the girl who stood outside the parlor entrance. With the golden sun setting behind her, Bianchi watched with a disappointed heart as Masako happily admired a nearby apple tree before moving further into the garden.

"Aneki, did you hear what I just said?"

Bianchi frowned, "You better apologize to Masako," she scowled into the phone, "This is your fault."

"What? Oi-"

Slamming the phone back against the receiver, Bianchi sighed before turning to face the sunset. Taking slow steps, she passed the silky curtains and exited the parlor. Outside, the warm Italian sun greeted her along with the scent of newly budded roses and honeysuckles.

"Masako," she called out to the girl whom currently knelt to admire a series of strawberry bushes.

Hearing her name, Masako popped her head up and waved to her sister-in-law, "Over here, Bianchi-san!" she responded

Bianchi offered a fond smile, "What're you doing here?"

Quickly smoothing the creases from her pants, Masako beamed as she presented Bianchi with a handful of freshly picked strawberries, "I never knew they grew strawberries here," she chuckled.

Watching quietly as Masako attempted to blow some dirt off the strawberries, Bianchi's lips twitched at the smile she was trying to hold, "Hayato called," she suddenly admitted.

Hazel-green eyes flicked up, "Did he?"

"Just a few minutes ago," Bianchi answered, "Things are still busy in the Vongola mansion-" she paused, "So he won't be coming home tonight."

Masako stood silent for a second, before managing a small smile, "Let him be," she insisted, "I'd image he has a lot on his hands."

"Masako-"

"I'll make some dinner for him," she continued, "Bianchi-san, do you mind sending it over?"

The poisonous scorpion blinked, "O-Of course," she stuttered back before being pulled back in the direction of the villa.

Staring as Masako pulled her along, Bianchi could only hope that the kind smile on her sister-in-law's face would last a bit longer.

-End of Scene I-

~X~

A/N: Please leave a review and tell me what you think. I'm open to suggestions if anyone has ideas that can make this story better.

Until next time!