Authors Note:

Standard Disclaimer Applies.

There. Now this chapter fought me tooth and nail and I really can't figure out why. Seriously. It took me days just to get it out and it still doesn't feel quite as right but if I don't send it out—I will never get to the parts I do like.

Oh well…I hope you'll enjoy this latest installment. The next two will be filled with shorter and hopefully more amusing stuff. And well…don't kill me okay? And I do apologize if this thing seemed populated by nothing but OC-hey I had to make some okay?

THE SEVEN GUNSLINGERS OF THE APOCALYPSE

"You can learn a lot about a person if you just take the time

to inject them with sodium pentothal."

-Anonymous

Namimori Town

Tsunayoshi's Apartment

Saturday

Tsunayoshi was staring at his ceiling. He has been doing so for the last four hours. Idly, he notes the grumbling of his stomach but he dismisses the gnawing sensation as immaterial. He has something much more important to contemplate. Such as the truly shitty state of his life. He wonders for a moment if he should ask his mother if he was cursed as a child or if any of them (his father most definitely being the only ultimate bad-luck in human form) ever offended a deity, ghost or even just an enchanted mushroom.

Certainly its one of those supernatural things that goes beyond human knowledge and interpretation. Or perhaps it's one of those once-in-a-millennium coincidences that just happened to convene at the exact moment of his birth and so it was written in the stars as a means of maintaining the over-all balance in the universe.

Because as sure as he was that his innards has started protesting and contemplating cannibalizing itself due to his deliberate inattention—his life has taken a turn towards Shitsville.

If Fate and Destiny decides to get married and then ends up in bitter divorce—then he is most definitely their kid. He seems to end up in the weirdest and certainly the most annoying, curse-worthy situations anyone could ever imagine.

No, scratch that. No one sane could ever imagine his life. If Salvador Dali could paint my life—it would be a mural that would stretch longer than the former Berlin Wall and be just as loathed and feared. Fuck my life.

"Are you done moping yet?"

Chagrined, Tsuna turned towards Reborn in affronted horror, sitting up from his bed to glare at his still smirking tutor who was nonchalantly sipping a cup of his usual morning brew. "Moping?! I am not moping! I am communing with the universe and trying to find out who fucked up and misfiled my life under the label 'Punish with a shitty life'. I need a redo and a refund and a passport out of this madness."

Reborn stared at his sulking student before giving out a dismissive snort. "Yeah well, when you're done moping like a Class-A Drama Queen, you need to move your ass because I am getting a bit deaf with all the racket your stomach has been making since ten minutes ago and if that gets any louder your neighbors will be filing a domestic disturbance report on you."

Tsuna glowered balefully at his clearly unsympathetic tutor, muttering gloomily, "Oh let them. With the way my luck is going someone is going to mistake it for domestic abuse and they'll find you and think I'm a weirdo that's been neglected by my clearly older, questionable looking partner."

"Are you done?" Reborn deadpanned.

"Not even close—!"

"You were saying?"

Tsuna glared balefully at his tutor who continued to stare at him unsympathetically.

"You're no fun. Anyways, I need to vent or I may just contemplate what massacring a bunch of whiny mobster would do to my Karma."

"Get over it. The situation isn't hypothetical anymore and all the moaning and moping in the world isn't going help you. Time to buckle down and just do the damned job. Consider this as the worst type of internship you will ever have."

Tsuna groused as he wrenched his mop of autumn colored mane in frustration "Internship? This—this isn't an internship—this is a death sentence to the seventh levels of hell and I'm not even getting paid for all this misery!"

"If it's the pay you're after—maybe we can swing it. There's no reason why you shouldn't reap some kind of compensation for this job. I'll talk with the old man—no need to suffer without any benefits and no one but a saint or a fool works for nothing."

"I'm not a fool!"

"Good. Cause I refuse to train one." Reborn took another sip of his coffee and then cocked an inquiring brow at his disgruntled charge. "Well?"

Tsuna's lower lip thrust out even more even as his eyes narrowed in temper, "That's beside the point! Who decided on this two week-long trial anyways! If I go through this I wouldn't have the time to find a good summer job and I need to prepare funds for the next term."

"Don't pout—that was only mildly permissible when you were ten and don't fuss anymore about the payment or the time frame as you can be assured I will insist they put some form of financial remuneration on the actual contract. Besides you're the one who insisted you didn't need an entire month."

"I didn't think they'd actually agree. I thought they'd scrap the whole idea if I couldn't spare the expected time."

"As you so generously pointed out you're not a fool, so stop giving me a reason to doubt that assertion and as I sure as hell wouldn't qualify for sainthood no matter if I get the blood-quota required for an actual sacrifice of epic proportions."

Tsuna raised his hand, his features twisted in horror. "Please don't use the terms blood, sacrifice and epic in any configuration whatsoever!" He gave a shudder at the mental picture the words elicited in his mind and he gave another shiver. "The images those things are generating when you're the one saying them is giving me chills in the midst of this oppressive heat."

"Don't be so melodramatic, Idiot Student. I refuse to consider that after all this time you are succumbing to your sire's unfortunate propensity for being a drama queen."

"Bite your tongue!" Tsuna yelped in righteous anger. "I am becoming no such thing!"

Reborn gazed at his flustered and frustrated charge and decided that he has wasted enough time. With an imperious gesture, he directed Tsuna to get himself ready before walking out to wait in Tsuna's tiny living room.

The young man grudgingly rose from his bed and started dressing, muttering occasionally as he rummaged through his dresser for something comfortable and appropriate.

When he appeared in his living room, Reborn shoved a cup at Tsuna before extending another hand, this time bearing a small plate that contained two neatly trimmed sandwiches. Grateful for the meal, Tsuna gave his tutor a short nod and promptly devoured his meal.

"Chew, swallow and breathe Brat. I need you healthy, alert and most of all, alive for this mad venture."

Tsuna nodded again and slowed down his frantic chewing. "So, does this mean I'd have an actual contract for this thing? Think I could maybe get it read by a lawyer or something?"

"A lawyer?" Reborn snickered at Tsuna's bewildered stare. "You'd be laughed out of any law office and thrown out on your silly butt sooner than you can say 'client confidentiality'. While there is actual paperwork that will be involved, think of it more like a verbal agreement signed in blood."

"Is that even possible? Or even passing legal?" he grumbled.

"This is the mob, little Tsuna-fish—do you really, honestly expect us to be moral, legal or even normal?"

Tsuna took a sip of his tea, wondering if he's going to regret actually eating. "Are you supposed to even tell me that?"

Reborn smirked. "Do you want me to lie?"

Tsuna snorted derisively. "You lie to me all the time!"

"I don't lie to you. I expertly navigate conversations through the skillful application of segues and euphemisms. At times I withhold sensitive materials until a more opportune moment appears."

"In short you tell me what you want, when you want and unless there's no other option left on the planet save death or near apocalypse. Otherwise, you give me the usual bullshit and test me if I could figure it out."

Reborn gave Tsuna a look before his hands lifted and slowly and deliberately straightened his cuffs. Tsuna watched the ritual with dawning horror.

"So why do you expect something different then? Fine. That'll teach me to consider your feelings."

"Reborn—don't! Please! You being all altruistic on me is giving me hives. Just tell me what's in store for me, okay?"

"Fine, fine. The contract stimulates that within the given two-week period you must deal with situations as they arise. They can literally be anything under the sun—financial concerns down to territorial disputes to hiring appropriate personnel. There, as I've told you many times over—I never lied to you."

Tsuna battered away the guilt-trip with the casual grace of familiar ease. "Reborn—never mind your usual mind games—I was just hoping you'd spare me from the usual blather the sheep here suffers from."

Reborn gave Tsuna a grin. "Not willing to consider yourself trainee for being head shepherd, little Tuna?"

Tsuna snorted at his tutor before bestowing upon the man an unabashedly sly smile. "That would be decidedly weird considering your moniker for me. I have a pretty good imagination but I really can't picture sheep running away from a no-good tuna."

At this Reborn finally laughed, clapping an indulgent hand upon his student's unruly mop of hair. "Ah, but that is precisely what you need to do. Be someone truly unexpected. This job is not for the faint of heart and certainly not for an innocent, earnest young man who would only end up consumed and devoured by the bloodthirsty predators that swim the waters you will soon be swimming in."

Tsuna nodded, allowing himself a few more moments of being petted before he swatted his mentors hand from his head to displace it.

"Then wouldn't it be best that you get me a good swimming instructor then."

"What else do you think I am doing?"

"Being mean like your usual self. Tell me, Reborn, is my goal to become cold inscrutable and absolutely annoying like you?"

This time Reborn didn't pat Tsuna's head. Rather he gave the young man's temple a quick, sharp rap. "Dame-Tsuna, are you forgetting yourself, talking to me that way?"

"Hiee!"

"Oh my dear idiot child, one must learn to walk first before one attempts to leap into the unknown. Now, remind me, what is your course in University again?

Rubbing the sore spot and glaring helplessly at his smirking teacher, Tsuna replied dourly, "I-I was planning to go into general education—preschool teaching, actually."

Reborn gave a sharp, assessing look at his student before sighing. Confused at the man's display, Tsuna asked defensively, "What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Interesting, Dame-Tsuna. A noble idea, truly—the idea of leading and developing the minds of the future—it's certainly a worthy goal for a hard-working young man. Well, thank god I save the lot of them from your influence"

"Hey!What the heck does that mean?!" Tsuna sputtered in indignation.

"Never you mind that. Thankfully your training will come in usefully when dealing with the members of our world. You have had time what with your dealings with those minions of yours."

Tsuna snorted. "They're called friends not minions. So the mob is very much like dealing with my friends then?"

"Indeed. You could say that dealing with the mob is not unlike your desired profession."

Tsuna stared at his tutor incredulously. "Are you telling me that dealing with the mob is not unlike dealing with rambunctious recalcitrant toddlers?"

"Worse."

"Honestly!" Tsuna threw his hands up in exasperation, gesticulating at his mentor, "Just how can that be worse?"

"Well because it is very much like dealing with rambunctious, recalcitrant gun-toting foul-mouthed often psychotic and definitely violence-inclined toddlers." Reborn deadpanned.

"That's—no I can't—that's incomprehensible! How am I supposed to do that?"

"You've already done much of it before you even learned that you needed to. You intuited it. Time to refine the process and make sure it would become automatic and second nature to you. You have two weeks to hone that particular talent. That's what this test is all about."

"WHAT!"

"And stop gaping like a damned landed guppy Dame-Tsuna. You still need to pack. There is no way in fucking hell I'm staying in this shoebox you call a home. I can feel hives forming on my skin just with the idea of resting against this mismatched, kitschy nonsense you call furnishings."

"W-wait—what?!Reborn! What the heck are you talking about? I am not going back to Italy—I have a job to do—wait! Reborn! Where the hell are we going?"

Namimori Town

Vongola Japan Stronghold

"Morning Reborn."

"An interesting more to you as well, Idiot Tsuna. I've been informed that your nannies are here."

Tsuna nearly spit out the tea he had just taken a sip of at the declaration, glaring at his tutor who displayed the man's evident enjoyment at his near miss.

"Bloody—! You did that on purpose."

Reborn nonchalantly picked up a sterling silver coffee pot and poured a measure into an antique bone china cup. Lifting it to his lips, he took an appreciative sip of the scalding brew before granting his student a snort of acknowledgement.

"Of course I did. Now, mop up your spilled tea and change out of those ratty, shoddy things you insist on calling clothes—take a bath, too—we have the time. It's unseemly for a Boss to look so sloppy so early in the day. You might as well begin learning now that you must maintain an image just like everyone else."

"I wouldn't look this way if you haven't surprised me so. And my clothes are not ratty or shoddy! Just because I don't wear clothes that have a five-figure price tag does not make sloppy. What do you mean by 'nannies' anyways?"

"They are the Internal Observers assigned by the council and Vongola Nono to act as witnesses during the duration of your trial. They will be the ones providing you with tasks that you will need to accomplish within a given time frame."

"So they're really more like tutors than babysitters?"

"More like task-masters. Come, you should meet them. Your week will begin tomorrow and we need to make sure you understand what each task and goal entails."

Tsuna stared at the remains of his breakfast and sighed. He barely had two bites and now his appetite has completely fled him. With another sigh, he took a final sip of tea and rose to his feet.

"Might as well. I don't suppose Nono has any intentions of calling this whole thing off and tell me this is just one elaborate prank?"

"Nono displays many fine qualities in a man and leader but being a prankster alas is not one of them. He can be remarkably cunning and ruthless when it comes to allies and foes. The man can also be remarkably dense and utterly blind when it comes to his sons. Ah well…few men learns to curb such flaws."

Tsuna stared incredulously at his mentor who continued to languidly sip his coffee as if he hadn't just insulted the man that ran the biggest and strongest mafia famiglia in the world.

"R-reborn! This is Nono—this is the man that controls the strongest Mafia Famiglia in the world! You can't say things like that to him—can you?"

Reborn gazed at his gaping student from beneath the shadow of his thick lashes before drawling lazily, "Who's to say things that I can or cannot do? Do not concern yourself with petty things idiot-student." He took a last sip of his morning brew before placing his cup unto the lace-covered breakfast table and walking back the way he came. "Come on idiot-student. I will pick up something for you to wear so you won't embarrass yourself. Time to deal with the tasks of the day."

They walked out of the private wing of the mansion that the Vongola maintained in Japan since the founder, Vongola Primo's, retirement to the island. The Vongola Japan mansion was an interesting blend of east and west with its austere, minimalist furnishing combined with wide airy spaces and high vaulted ceilings.

The men that stood in front of them couldn't have been farther from the idea of nannies and baby-sitters as could be possible while still considering that they're still beings of flesh, blood and intent. They were all clad in somber-hued, expensively tailored suits that bore the Vongola seal proclaiming not just their affiliation but their prosperity as well. Tsuna couldn't help but wonder if the excellent tailoring is a necessary evil one must grow accustomed to while employed by the Underworld. They were also the most physically varied bunch of people he has had a chance of being presented to considering his less than stellar interactions with the members of the famiglia.

It's like they sent me the Seven Gnomes of Vongola. Good gods, what am I suppose to say to these people? I'm afraid they'll bite my head off if I open my mouth. They're like Reborn—I wonder if they're what's produced when Reborn gets wet...? I suppose the Varia's what Reborn is like when he eats after midnight then…gods what is wrong with me—I think all these black suits making me lose my mind!

Damn it Tsuna—get a hold of yourself! You CANNOT go bonkers just yet—this is your future on the line! Get a grip and just keep your head. There, now take a deep breath…everything will be okay. Just think positive. Just think positive!

"Oh look Dame-Tsuna, I was right in picking up the white ensemble. Nono decided to bless you with seven nannies, just like Snow-White ne?"

If Tsuna had less than a decade of conditioning in his arsenal, he might've lashed out—kicking and screaming at the idea of being compared to a fairy tale princess. As it was he took another look at his unwanted task-masters and amended that their sinister aura looked more than mere evil gnomes.

I am so thoroughly screwed. Nono sent me the Seven Gunslingers of the Vongola.

Keeping in mind that this, much like any other interaction he was destined to have with the Underworld, was means of learning [i.e. TORTURE] for his tutor, he quickly schooled his features to a polite mask, keeping his internal monologue at bay.

The oldest of the lot didn't look like he could last another two days let alone two weeks. The man looked as if he has been around since ancient times. The others he would peg at around the same age as his father or a bit younger than the current Vongola Head. Only one of the seven was even remotely close to his age, Tsuna pegging the man to be a year or two younger than Dino-Sensei.

Tsuna paid note to the first man that stepped forward. This one was a bit closer to Nono's age than his own father though he was surprisingly shorter than either man. The man has the carved, aquiline features of a true Italian, with smooth tanned skin and dark hair. His smaller stature and slight build creates an image of fragility and his sole concession to age seemed to be the faint wrinkles around his eyes and the faint taint of grey hair at his temples. His eyes were startlingly light—a cool, pale grey-blue that reminded Tsuna somewhat of the eyes he once saw in a pair of snow wolves he was fortunate to see during one of those torturous death relays Reborn insisted on calling training camps.

Reborn gestured a hand at the man and murmured quietly, "This is Giocondo Calfucci, Head of the Vongola Legal Division. Gio, this is the Vongola Heir-Apparent, Decimo."

Tsuna blinked to clear his thoughts and looked once more at the aristocratic looking man, allowing his senses to get a final read on the man, before bestowing a small smile and a short bow. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance Signor Calfucci."

Tsuna did not expect the man to come up close to him and he was startled when he felt the smooth, cool hand cradle his chin, forcing him to straighten from his bow and meet the man's cool, assessing gaze.

"You have very interesting eyes Decimo. Eyes like sun-struck cinnamon diamonds...very alluring."

The smooth, deep baritone surprised Tsuna and he found himself blushing at the startlingly captivating voice that came out of such a slight, short man. It took him a few minutes to realize the man was stiff effectively caressing his jaw and he retreated a few feet back with understandable alacrity.

"T-thank you sir."

"I've heard rumors that they can become even more arresting during interesting situations. I would be thrilled to see such a thing."

"I-i…so they tell me Signor…"

"And modest as a newborn foal!" The old man nearly purred, his voice dipping into an even lower register, sending a frisson of sensation down Tsuna's spine. "Hmm…how cunning you are dear Arcobaleno, hiding from us such a jewel. A rare one…Nono is right to be so jovial of late."

Reborn's sharp eyes noted his student's reaction and smirked. "He has always displayed a rather disturbing sense of joy that is quite unbecoming for one so cunning."

Giocondo Calfucci cast a teasing wink and grins at Reborn before his eyes swept back towards Tsuna. "Ah…but that's what makes Nono such a formidable leader. He smiles so genially whilst twisting your arms and threatening you with complete surrender. Such an entertaining scoundrel of a man."

"Your fondness is showing Gio. You were always so inordinately indulgent of Nono." Reborn returned the old man's smirk with his own as he glanced at his clearly flustered student.

"You're still blushing idiot-student?"

"I-I am not!" Tsuna sputtered in chagrin, causing the older men around him to titter in amusement.

"So you're naturally the color of a ripe tomato? Lord, child but you're easy to rile." Reborn turned to the clearly delighted Calfucci. "You still flirt incessantly Gio. No wonder you go through wives like most men go through cars."

Calfucci snorted delicately, waving a languid, beringed-hand, "I have more discerning tastes than that, old friend. But alas—my heart—it doesn't allow itself to be tamed so easily, no? It is fortunate that I am very well versed in the working of the law otherwise I would be a pauper for sure."

"Signor Calfucci has been handling the legal needs of the Vongola Famiglia like his family has done for the last century and a half. He has been born and bred for the service of the famiglia."

"My dearest Reborn, you are making me sound positively ancient. Please, Decimo, ignore this disagreeable man. I assure you, I am very much at the prime of my life. I have more than enough years left in me to train you quite thoroughly."

Tsuna couldn't find it in himself to deflect the man's words without sounding either like a complete fool or a painfully prude. Still, he wondered frantically, how does one turn down a blatant proposition from a man that's older than both of your parents without causing an internal strife within his would-be famiglia?

He cast desperate, beseeching eyes at his mentor and couldn't even blame the man when he gave him a thoroughly amused look that declared he will end up with quite a stiff penalty. He gave a frantic nod and held his breath, facing the still grinning Signor Calfucci.

"S-signor, I am very glad that you are in perfect health and I am thankful for any instruction you might be willing to share. My tutor taught me many things, Signor and one of those lessons include the belief that one ventures into the unknown—one must bring a wizened and knowing guide."

For the first time the flirting glint in Giocondo Calfucci's eyes sharpened into the cunning blade that must've stood the man in good stead when he in turn hunted the legal web that comprised of the Underworld.

"Astute as ever, Arcobaleno."

"I do my best."

Giocondo turned once more towards the Vongola Heir who watched the exchange with clear, guileless eyes. He wondered if the young man would say anything more but to his surprise Decimo simply gave him another of those oddly appraising looks, before awarding him a gentle smile and a nod.

Reborn however was fed up with the cryptic exchange and prompted attention by cocking his Beretta and allowing the click to echo loudly.

"Gio, for fuck's sake stop flirting with a boy that's younger than your youngest grandson from your youngest kid and just tell the brat what the hell it is that you actually do."

"You said he was the head of the legal department, right? So, he's kind of the lawyer the famiglia goes to when there's legal problems right? Like lawsuits and stuff?"

"Broadly speaking. But frankly, dear boy—who in their right mind would bother suing us? Can you really imagine some self-righteous busybody dragging us to court with our reputation?"

"I suppose that is foolish…but then, if not lawsuits—are you concerned with contracts and wills then?"

"For the most part Decimo I am the one that broker deals that would allow the Famiglia to get the best of any deal. Barring that, I do dabble occasionally in the process of ensuring that the Famiglia doesn't get screwed over by boring, pesky legalese and various international and local authorities."

"Is that even legal?"

"Legal as death and taxes my boy. It's all a matter of knowing the rules and making it work for you. What is it that they say—you need to know the rules of the game so that you can break them effectively. That's essentially my job description." Giocondo flashed another smile and Tsuna noted that it was all teeth. "They make those lovely rules and I spend all my time finding ways and means to beat them at it."

Reborn snorted in wicked glee and Tsuna couldn't help but stare at his tutor in question.

"False modesty Gio? It doesn't suit you. I suggest you stop trying before you hurt yourself."

Giocondo actually pouted. "You hurt my feelings Arcobaleno."

"You don't have them. You sold them to the devil remember?"

"Oh hush, that's a trade secret."

"Idiot-Tsuna time to pay attention. Gio is the most skilled contract writer in the Underworld. He is also the most devious contract breaker in the Underworld. If it could be circumvented, evaded, amended or retracted Gio will find away. If Adam and Eve had him in their corner, they probably would've thrown out God and his angels from the Garden of Eden."

"R-reborn!"

"His contracts are absolute works of art—more secured than most countries constitutions and filled with obscure annoying legalese than could be found in most Draconian civilizations. He could write a contract that would make you pay him for making you a slave and be grateful for it. Rumor has it that he apprenticed under Mephistopheles himself but even Gio isn't that dumb to fall for the Faustian foolishness."

"Pshaw. People will say whatever they want—unless I find reasons to slap them a lawsuit and a restraining order."

The smile the old man gave Tsuna reminded him quite forcefully of Reborn's allusion that he would have to learn to swim with sharks. The old flirtatious man that stood before him now felt more like a damned barracuda more than a genteel, old barrister. But oddly enough, Tsuna found himself liking the wily old flirt and he gave another deferential nod towards the man.

"I'm sure you do an excellent job at your post Signor. I beg that you will be indulgent of my lack of knowledge and experience."

Giocondo found himself placing a hand against his breast and giving the young Decimo a grave bow. "You have my word that I will guide you to the very best of my abilities."

Tsuna straightened his stance and gave a bow of equal gravity. "You have my eternal thanks Signor Calfucci."

Tsuna gave Reborn a look even as the tutor turned towards the next Internal Observer in the line-up. He noted his mentor's lips turning up the smallest bit and wondered if the man could make a vague guess at the thoughts running through his head. Turning his head, he noted the next set of strangers and paused to blink. And blink again.

Nope. Not dreaming. There really are three of them. Goldilocks had three bears. I have three black-suited scarecrows.

The men were dressed in the same dark suit as Signor Calfucci but that's where the similarities ended. They were rail thin, dark hair slicked back with clearly liberal application of pomade. Bemused, Tsuna noted that one parted his hair to the left, the other to the right and the one in the middle has his hair styled to sweep back his high arched brow, displaying a well-defined widow's peak. Their features were sharp and angular; thin nose and thin lips completed the image of men serious nature. Their sharp dark brown eyes intense beneath arched bushy brows displaying intelligence barely concealed even behind the clear glasses one of them chose to wear.

"Decimo, these gentlemen are the Di Forli brothers. It is a rarity even for an organization as expansive as the Vongola to hire the services of brothers in so a closely tied up division, but the triplets have proven themselves invaluable to the famiglia. They are, all of them, quite brilliant."

"Ah Signor Arcobaleno, you flatterer—you say the nicest things." The man with the left-side part turned towards Tsuna and gave a short nod. "Terzago di Forli, Head of Finance."

The man with the right-side part and an oddly placed mole beneath his left eye snorted at Reborn even as he nodded at his sibling. "My brother is right—you remain cheeky as ever. I told you, you will not get that clause through us no matter how you try and charm us." The man then, like his brother, turned to Tsuna and gave a similar short nod. "Tebaldo di Forli, Head Auditor for the famiglia"

The third brother gave a stiff sniff before bowing to Tsuna who in turn, bowed back automatically; a small, shy smile painting his lips who eyed the man with interested assessing gaze.

"I am Teofisto di Forli, Head of Treasury. A pleasure to finally meet you Vongola Decimo."

"The honor is mine, Signor. Again, I would like to extend my apologies for any inconvenience this situation has brought you."

Teofisto eyed the young Vongola heir and something in Tsuna must've gained some approval in the serious man because he gave a nod and his stance eased just the tiniest bit.

"And since both my brothers lost sight of why we are here, I will endeavor as best I can to explain our profession. My brother Terzago creates and spends the funds that fuel, support and sustain the running of the Famiglia, my brother Tebaldo audits what the famiglia spends and acquire. I, as fate would have it, have the unfortunate task of guarding the treasury to ensure that one of them doesn't spend too much and one of them has enough to do whatever is needed. In short, Decimo," at this Teofisto and his brothers leveled an implacable if vaguely amused dark gaze at the bewildered-looking Vongola heir and spoke as if they spent endless hours practicing just for this moment. "We hold the purse-strings that keep your entire Famiglia solvent and wealthy beyond measure. It would be very good of your to remember that fact."

Tsuna gulped and nearly fainted at the sight. He couldn't help but glare at his tutor, knowing somehow the man was utterly amused by his current situation.

Oh great gods…I am so cursed. I have the Three Terrors of the Vongola breathing down my neck over something as crucial as money. I think it would be easier to pry money out of the hands of stone than this lot.

Tsuna gave the three brothers a short nod and murmured quietly. "I understand Signor. Money is a delicate and serious matter no matter what type of organization you run—especially one as diverse and expansive as the Vongola."

The three brothers gave Tsuna another triple gimlet stare before nodding and with another admonishing finger at Reborn, turned to leave the room, muttering continuously about not wasting time since time is after all money and they don't have 'all day to waste doing a meet and greet and all the other nonsense that 'lazy sodding bastards' seem to enjoy on a daily basis'.

They continued on muttering even while they crossed the threshold, talking and arguing with one another amicably until the door finally closed behind them. After the brother's rather noisy and eclectic exit, Tsuna released a relieved breath and waited for the next set of Observer to be presented to him. Reborn simply flashed him an amused glance before waving a hand to call forth another man forward.

And what a man it was. Whereas Giocondo was a smooth, sleek elegant man that seemed to easily slide and flow through any conversation and the Di Forli brothers a formidable wall of efficiency and cutthroat sense of efficiency—this latest newcomer was more of a mountain than a man.

"Decimo, I present to you the Head of Security for the Vongola Stronghold, Lodovico Baroncelli. Vico, this is the Vongola Heir-Apparent, Decimo."

Lodovico Baroncelli gave Tsuna a silent, contemplative look and Tsuna found himself looking back in contemplative awe. The man stood nearly an entire foot above Tsuna's head, with enough musculature bulging beneath his straining black suit to put a body-builder to shame. The man was like a bronzed statue come to life with sharp chiseled features roughly hewn in the unforgiving material, his visage saved from conventional handsomeness by a scar that bisected his face from his left eyebrow down to his cheeks. His eyes were an unusual shade of blue so arresting that they seemed almost like lit sapphires artfully embedded within the over-all reddish hue of his skin. His hair was a dark auburn that blended well to give the man an aura of a warrior of old come to life.

"Decimo."

The man's voice was rough and deep, it came rumbling out like from deep cavern that's hardly ever used. Tsuna has no doubt that the man speaks only when he needs to and seldom raises his voice beyond an expected, measure timbre. He clearly has no need to shout to make himself heard.

"I am honored to meet the young man that's being considered to be my next leader."

Tsuna found the man, oddly enough, to be unthreatening. There was something about the huge, imposing figure that seemed so peculiarly comforting to his senses and he gave the man a warm, beaming smile and a genuine spark of interest in his citrine-bright eyes as he bowed his head.

"I am pleased to make your acquaintance too, Signor Baroncelli. I hope that you will forgive my inexperience while I learn from you during this testing period. I am eager to learn all I can from your guidance and care."

The older man blinked and turned towards Reborn who was shaking his head in amusement.

"He isn't playing with you."

Tsuna lifted his head and tossed his tutor a questioning look.

"He's wondering why you're not scared of him."

Tsuna turned towards the silent Head of Security with an inquiring tilt of his head before replying in clear bafflement.

"Should I be? He looks—I mean, he seems very kind—so why should I be scared?"

Lodovico blinked again before rumbling, "I am scarred Decimo."

"It's not that bad. D-do—do they bother you a lot Signor Baroncelli?"

"Call me Vico. No they don't bother me but people tend to get wary of someone who looks like they've been to war."

"Have you been? To wars, I mean? "

"Countless times."

Tsuna gazed at Signor Vico for a moment before shrugging and giving the man another sweet smile. "That only makes you better doesn't it? It means you've survived a lot so that means you're good at what you do."

Lodovico flicked a glance at Reborn and a deep, intense silence passed between the two men before Reborn smirked and Lodovico gave a nod before reaching out to clasp the intrigued Tsuna's shoulder. Surprised at the warm of the man's hand, Tsuna looked up at Lodovico's face unflinchingly and waited for the man to speak.

"I eagerly await your residence at the main house Decimo."

"Uhm…thank you Signor Vico."

With a sharp nod, the man turned and settled back into one of the sofa's that were placed in the receiving room. Tsuna wondered at the smug look on his mentors face but decided not to question it for the moment. When they're alone, Tsuna decided, he would have his answers but not until then. Reborn has taught him that much.

With another deep sigh, he turned his head to meet the next man in the line-up of guests for the day. This time, he found himself looking down at a man that looks more like an ancient hermit than a man that serves the Underworld's most powerful Famiglia.

"You're staring young man."

Tsuna blushed and sputtered in his haste to apologize. "I-I am sorry Signor. I don't mean to be rude."

"I guess you're surprised by the way I look. Do I look old to you, young master Decimo?"

Old? Is that even the word? Tsuna wondered hysterically. The man looked like he's been around since Moses high-tailed it out of Egypt, traipsed through the desert and descended the mountains with a pair of stone tablets.

The old hunched figure in front of him seemed more than just merely old. Reborn spoke smoothly beside him, and Tsuna wondered for a moment if Reborn could possibly know what was going through his mind.

"Decimo, I am pleased to introduce to you a man so rarely seen by others in the famiglia they consider him almost a myth. Galeazzo Saltarelli, Head of Administration and Archives for the Vongola Famiglia. He has been serving the famiglia for a while now."

How long exactly is a 'while'? This man looked like he was old when dinosaur's roamed the planet! Should he still be allowed to wander off without support? He looks like a strong wind might knock him down.

However to Tsuna's eternal surprise, brilliant dark orbs met his and flashed for the briefest moment with the hue of a banked candle flame. Chagrined, he chanced another glance at his smirking tutor before turning back to the old man that now watched him as eagerly as an expectant predator watches prey.

The old figure of the man stood steadily enough but the white hair and the liver-spotted hands that trembled slightly atop the ebony walking stick the man was clutching were faintly alarming. His build was slight but he stood with imperious grace as if he was unaware of his age. The hot Italian sun has imbued his skin tanned and wrinkled with the expected crags and lines of a man that has lived under a punishing sun and even more demanding occupation. The only concession to age Tsuna was sure the man was unwilling to concede was the fact that the ancient looking man had eyes as dark as pure onyx and just as startlingly intense. Tsuna debated how to answer when the man gave out a loud guffaw and Tsuna found himself just staring in surprise.

"Forgive me Signor, I didn't mean to offend. Merely I was intrigued by your age and wondered what it is."

The man waved a dismissive hand and cackled again. "You speak wittily enough, young Master. Proof of your Arcobaleno's tutelage, I've no doubt. Your father—bah! I doubt if he could charm his way out of a bag, that annoying chatterbox of a fluffhead. Now, to answer your question—I am very old—how old, you will find out when you've finished your task. Do we have a deal?"

Tsuna gave the old man a small smile and bowed respectfully.

"Yes, Signor Saltarelli, we have an accord."

"Good, now I'm too old to remain standing so why don't you go over here and lend me hand while I try to sit down Decimo. These old bones of my aren't like they used to."

Sputtering, Tsuna darted forward and gently led the older man towards one of the sofas. Settling the old man, he waved towards one of the hovering SP's that Reborn insisted would be beneficial to have around. A quiet instruction to fetch refreshments for his guests and with a brief inquiry towards Signor Saltarelli's comfort and a promise of a continuance of their conversation, Tsuna proceeded to meet the very last of his supposed observers.

Turning, he was startled when he met hostile, piercing blue eyes glacial in their intensity.

Ice-blue, his mind dutifully supplied. The eyes that were staring at him reminded him of those he once found in a pair of feral timber wolves during Reborn's many sojourns that he euphemistically calls sight-seeing. And they were just as fierce and unforgiving as those wolf-eyes too.

Reborn watched the exchange with a blank look on his face but his eyes were speculative. Here, he figured, was the true test of Tsuna's unfathomable charms. For years he has watched his student interact with people in varying degrees of comfort, enthusiasm and warmth. He has grown inured to the fact that Tsuna could find genuine connection with young children since there was innocence to his young charge that easily resonated with those like him. He also didn't question Tsuna's apparent blindness towards men who looked fearsome but were generally of a kind and gentle disposition. No matter how he did it—Tsuna always—always managed to hone in on those that bore those two characteristics—a scarred mind, body or heart and a hidden well of kindness.

However, the man that was in front of Tsuna right now is none of those things. The young man was five years older than Tsuna's eighteen. And at the mere age of twenty-three, he has been assigned as one of the Stewards of the Vongola Household. It was a position of great responsibility for it was the Stewards alone who had frequent contact with the private rooms and lives of the Famiglia. They undertake the everyday running of the famiglia stronghold.

And if he was accurately reading the situation, the youngest Steward of the House was less than impressed.

"Decimo, meet Jacopo Albertini, Steward of the House of the Vongola Famiglia. He is their newest recruit."

Jacopo was clearly not impressed with the tutor's introduction but he beyond the brief tightening of his thin lips, his figure and form betrayed no other reaction. He was tall, taller by a handspan over Tsuna and has the creamy skin that could be rarely found in an active young man. His hair was thick, wavy and shined with health. His figure was lithe and he carried his clothes with innate refinement. His handsome face was set into stony resolve and his eyes alone displayed his dismay at his current location.

"It is an honor to meet with the Vongola Heir Apparent. I hope that we will be able to work well together."

The words were polite and well-rehearsed and Tsuna felt no warmth from them. His gaze turned from shy and intrigued to calm and solemn. He lifted his chin and stared directly at the man than was looking back at him with ill-concealed ire and wondered briefly how to handle such a young man that so eagerly displays his feelings of mistrust for someone he has never met.

"Signor Albertini…have we met before?" Tsuna murmured softly.

"I do not think we have had the pleasure Signor Decimo."

Tsuna pursed his lips but his gaze never wavered from Jacopo's. "If that is so, then explain to me your hostility, Signor. I am intrigued that you find reason to be antagonistic to me when before this moment, we have not laid eyes on one another."

Jacopo broke away from Tsuna's gaze and looked away for a moment, his eyes landing on the smirking Arcobaleno who was watching the exchange with clear amusement.

"Forgive me, Signor Decimo, if you have interpreted my words as being hostile in any way, shape or form. I mean no offense."

Tsuna shook his head and murmured softly, "You need to hide your disdain better Jacopo—if that is the extent of your skill."

"I beg your pardon?!" Jacopo hissed in an incensed huff. "You cross the line with your accusation Signor Decimo. Or does your arrogance know no bound?"

Tsuna leveled a look at the clearly agitated man and inquired gently. "Am I arrogant Signor? How so?"

If his eyes could spit fire Jacopo would've incinerated Tsuna where he stood.

"I would not stand here and have you cast aspersions on my character, when you have clearly impugned my honor by calling upon me last of all."

Tsuna pondered the man who was growing more excitable as the minutes pass, puffing up like an injured cockerel over some imagined slight. Drama Queen. Chancing a glance at the clock that revealed that he has spent more than two hours in this meet-and-greet and genuinely finding himself exhausted with the man's uncalled for menace, Tsuna closed his eyes for a minute and debated his course of action. After a moment or two, he opened his eyes and turned towards his tutor.

"Reborn?"

"Yes?"

"Can I?"

Reborn chuckled and waved an imperious hand. "Go ahead. I am looking forward to today's luncheon. Cook promised it will be satisfying."

Tsuna grinned and then faced the smirking Jacopo who thought he has gained the upper hand in dealing with the self-important young lord.

That will put him in his place, Jacopo thought smugly. He raised his chin and waited to the moment when the young heir would face him again. It was a moment he would recall for all remaining the days of his life.

Tsuna gazed steadily at Jacopo, unaware that his eyes were quickly shifting from its usual autumn brown to more sun-struck-citrine causing Jacopo to feel a shiver move slowly up his spine. When Tsuna's soft voice reached out to him, it was all Jacopo could do not to quiver.

"Jacopo."

Jacopo found it took an effort to form words but he mustered his control and swiftly gained back his composure. Still, he found his voice, and indeed his entire body fluttering in awareness when that voice washed over him.

"Y-yes Decimo?"

He didn't note that he has stopped employing the term 'Signor'.

"You have been invited to come and observe me while I carry out tasks ordered by Vongola Nono, correct?"

"Y-yes Decimo."

Tsuna's cinnamon-gold eyes pinned Jacopo in place and his words, though whisper soft felt like they were being branded against Jacopo's very skin.

"You will do this task to the very best of your ability Jacopo, won't you?"

Jacopo would've sooner cut of his own hand than disagree. "Y-yes D-decimo."

Tsuna beamed and Jacopo felt like he could breathe once more. Startled, he nearly jumped out of his skin when he left Decimo reach out and take his hand gently into his. Jacopo found himself looking down into eyes that bore all the hues and shades of a dying Italian sun and felt like he was drowning in warmth. Mutely, he allowed himself to bask in the kindness of Decimo's regard and knew that a blush was suffusing his cheeks in a tell-tale fashion.

"Thank you Jacopo. Would you like to sit and have some tea, then?" Tsuna asked softly.

He was, in turn, surprised when Jacopo seized his hand and bestowed a kiss on his knuckles before declaring passionately, "I-I will love to have you and tea Decimo! I would be honored to have it for the rest of my life!"

Tsuna blinked when Reborn merely chortled.

"Well that was unexpected."

"Eh?!"