"I've spent the past few years managing the CEDEF and watching you grow up. We have, that is." Iemitsu paused, a grin spreading over his face. "Me, Nana, and Reborn, your honorary uncle," he half-joked.
XXX
Italy
Nana sent him weekly letters. He used a PO box out in a small rural town to keep their correspondence secret.
Those letters were what kept him going on the days when the turf war of the century broke out. The Vongola Alliance were driven apart and many declared war on each other.
The balance had been shattered. A battle royale subsequently occurred. As Vongola was the largest Family, many immediately decided to go for them.
The blood encrusted clothes were cleaned if possible and burnt if not. Iemitsu lost his pairs of expensive leather shoes after each bloodbath.
The logical orders to send men to bolster the main Vongola force. 'To die', his mind whispered. 'They will die and you know it.'
The news of his agents being found out were always wretched. He felt a knife twist into his stomach as he thought, 'Not well trained enough. Not experienced enough. It's your fault for sending them. You give out the missions.'
He always attended the funerals. But the memory of the common events melded together into a long unintelligible sermon with muffled crying.
The nightmares were infrequent but usually ended with him almost burning the house down.
The letters that described the normal life Nana and Tsuna were experiencing became his escape.
The smiles and laughter shared between his men that had survived another day were his reward. He grinned at, laughed with, and happily encouraged them. Because if this was the life he was stuck with-perpetually hiding in the shadows and fightingthe scum of the earth-
he would make the best he could of it.
XXX
Basil passed regular recruit training at the age of ten. From then on he was instructed by Iemitsu and Lal Mirch.
Basil was kept away from any bloodshed as much as possible. Instead of fighting outright, he worked on stealth, communication, and information gathering. He took the jobs that were less risky.
He did dead drops in Florence, Venice, Rome. Did it multiple times in Palermo.
For him, the CEDEF upper echelons and agents were a big family.Cilantro was his teasing older brother who pranked the recruits and fooled around.Oregano his stern big sister who kept things running when Iemitsu wasn't there.Uncle Turmeric was usually stoic and seemed a bit scary at first, but always took the time to talk with him when possible. Aunt Paprika would give him tips on stealth. Her apprentices, Cumin and Parsley, would play with him. Lal Mirch was strict yet taught him how to use firearms and praised him when he did well.Iemitsu was the dad, he taught Basil lots of things, looked out for him, and encouraged him.
XXX
Basil's thoughts tangled together as Iemitsu spoke. He couldn't catch up to his own speeding thoughts right now, but he did know one thing.
Iemitsu halting explained, "...It's...a bit risky. By that I mean not safe at all if you're found out. But we're shorthanded with-"
"I want to go," Basil blurted out. He blushed slightly as Iemitsu's gaze landed on him, it was heavy and calculating. "Sorry for interrupting Boss," he apologized.
Iemitsu gave a small nod. "Anyways, if you take this job, you must promise me to be careful. I think you can handle it if you don't get cocky and stop paying attention to your surroundings. Understood?"
XXX
Basil returned from Rome with two metal suitcases, slightly dirtier clothes than before, and a handful of abrasions.
He knocked on the dark oak door. He needed Iemitu's permission to enter unless it was an emergency.
"Come in," came the familiar bass voice.
Basil opened the door and announced with a small smile, "I'm back." He put the metal suitcases on the desk. One was dented slightly in the middle and both had slight scrapes around the edges.
Iemitsu got up from his chair and walked around. He smiled at his apprentice, "How'd it go?"
Basil popped the suitcases opened to display the contents. "It went well, Boss. I got the money. There were almost a few snags but I made it out alright and without anyone knowing who I was." He gave a small smile.
Iemitsu nodded at the neat stacks of American dollars. A wide warm grin spread across his face and he ruffled Basil's hair. "Good job, Basil."
XXX
Iemitsu pulled out the letter. A small piece of paper fluttered to the ground. He picked it up and turned it over.
Tsuna's school report card for the end of the year had been included. He scored low in most subjects, aside from art.
Iemitsu sighed, yet kept a small smile on his face. That was Tsuna, it was just how the boy was. Perhaps he could consider suggesting hiring a tutor?
He slipped the report card back into the envelope and headed back to his car.
Iemitsu had come to pick up his mail since it was on the way. He had declined taking bodyguards this time. For one they would draw attention, and two, he didn't want others to know about the P.O. box.
Hopefully, negotiations would be successful. Otherwise, things could get ugly with the Tetarossa Family.
XXX
Frederico went missing. His bones were discovered a week later.
Iemitsu slammed his hand against the wall. The wood panel surrounding his fist cracked. The room shivered.
Thankfully he was alone. He didn't want any of his agents to see him like this.
XXX
They skirted around the topic for several minutes. It was the point of this meeting, but neither wanted to touch it.
Nono grew tired of it first and spoke up. "Tsuna is the next in line," he quietly stated.
Iemitsu's lips thinned. "Yes," he admitted.
"You are his father. You are the logical choice as to who his care will be entrusted to," Nono explained.
This meeting was for the purpose of Nono telling Iemitsu that he was going to reveal the existence of his family and name Tsuna as his successor. As well as reassure the Outside Advisor that Nono would support Iemitsu being in charge of Tsuna among the upper echelons. It was not much of a reassurance compared to the blow of his family being involved in the mafia. But it was all Nono could do at this point.
Nono frowned slightly. "Of course, considering your other duties, it would not be easy to teach him yourself."
"Of course," Iemitsu acquiesced. "I already have someone in mind for the job."
Surprise flitted over Nono's face. His grip on his cane tightened slightly. "Oh? Who is it?"
"If he accepts, I will tell you in a few days, Nono." Iemitsu paused. "Is that acceptable?"
Nono nodded. He softly agreed, "Absolutely. I place my full confidence in you for this matter Iemitsu."
For a split second, Iemitsu almost thought he saw an apologetic look on Nono's weathered face. He dismissed the idea immediately.
XXX
A baby in a suit with a black fedora and lime green cartoon lizard was an unsual sight. He walked down the street.
One could tell the few Mafioso in the area by their reaction to the small figure. The normal people simply ignored or tried to ask the toddler if he knew where his parents were. But the Mafiosos, the people in the know, the ones who and heard the tales of Reborn-both as a grown man and as a cursed child-paled and crossed the street to avoid him.
Reborn toddled his way to an apartment complex. There was a guard, who he avoided, and two locks, which he picked. "Chaossu," he squeaked as he entered Room 13.
Iemitsu sat at a small table. "Hello Renato. It's been a while."
The small hitman climbed onto the other chair and sat on top of a Leon booster seat. "Why did you contact me?"
"I have a job I need you to do."
XXX
Iemitsu now received two accounts of events from Namimori: Nana's letters and Reborn's reports.
Reborn always added small side notes to the otherwise entirely professional correspondence. What the notes were varied. Unusual quirks and weakneses of the Tenth Generation. Sarcastic remarks about a recent event in Namimori. References to past things that Iemitsu and Reborn knew about, past jobs, Reborn's training, etc.
Reborn included a report card. Tsuna's scores were better. That didn't make Iemitsu feel better however.
XXX
Japan
Iemitsu couldn't return to his home. No, he couldn't even visit, especially with more people targeting the heir opposing the Varia. He was in Japan for business.
He appreciated the shade of the tree above him, hiding him from the sun. The tea cup in his hands was pleasantly warmly, not hot. Iemitsu took a sip, enjoying the soothing chamomile tea that slid down his throat. "What is your opinion on the Tenth Generation?" He happily asked.The question cut through the lull in the conversation.
Ryuusaki Hibari's eyes narrowed slightly, his lips straightening from a slight smile to a thin line."I will attempt to stay out of the way," he stated.In other words, he was neutral.
Iemitsu gave a slight nod. His eyes wandered away, curiously inspecting the branches of the tree. There was a mild smile on his face, not the usual one that seemed to hold a warmth comparable to the sun.
"Unless, you know something I do not?" Mr. Hibari pried, cautiously. He knew Iemitsu's type, the man would not give information freely, or without some personal benefit.
"Your son is Tsuna's Cloud," Iemitsu bluntly revealed. He took a sip of his tea, the china hide his slight smirk. He did not offer any additional information. Like whether Tsuna, Reborn, or Iemitsu had been behind the choice of Kyoya Hibari. Honestly, it was a mix of all three.
Mr. Hibari almost choked, his eyes widened. "I knew nothing of this," he admitted. He hesitated. "I will not allow my son to die," he murmured. His eyes grew steely. "But I will stay out of it. If you son wishes to be Decimo, he must attain the position by himself."
Iemitsu nodded leisurely. "I am much of the same mind."
XXX
Iemitsu watched the shenanigans of the Tenth Generation from a distance. Aside from the strategic reasons of doing so, Tsuna had made it known to him that he was not wanted.
The few times he did participate in the goings on, it was amusing to see his son's shocked face. Especially during the Arcobaleno Representative Battles. Tsuna knew his dad was a high ranking Mafioso but didn't think he knew how to fight? Reborn needed to work on Tsuna's logic.
Admittedly, Iemitsu did hold back a good bit when facing Tsuna both times. But he was proud of far his son had come with Reborn's tutoring.Speaking of Reborn, Iemitsu needed get him back for that broken nose. The interference was appreciated as it helped Tsuna grow, but the nose and the Chaos bullets were a bit too much.
Then the Vendice showed, and tried to hurt Nana. Iemitsu got hurt instead and lost the battle, but it was worth it. As for the deal being lost, Colonello would understand why.
Iemitsu had a few unexpected visitors in the hospital while he was recovering. Most of the people he knew were focused on defeating the Vendice. Reborn, Lal March, and Colonello briefly stopped by. Nana snuck in at night to give him a dessert and kiss on the forehead.
Ryuusaki Hibari was the most surprising. He came by with tea, and they talked for a bit, until Iemitsu fell asleep again.
XXX
The memories of the future...were both blissful and agonizing. Future!Tsuna had kept him and Nana out of Byakuran's way with the idea of a prolonged honeymoon. Although...that meant they were also one of Tsuna's backup plan for the fall of Vongola. The remanants of the Vongola members would rally around the former CEDEF leader and father of the Decimo.
XXX
Iemitsu smiled as Tsuna rejected the position of Decimo. He caught the brief flicker of confusion on Nono's face before it smoothed into a neutral look. Iemitsu's smile stretched into a smirk for a brief moment at the sight.
Well, Tsuna wouldn't be able to escape mafia life, but he could definitely take his time in becoming Decimo.
XXX
With Tsuna slated to be the next Vongola Don in a few years, Iemitsu assigned Tarragon-a bright father of three children-and Paprika's apprenticesto handle the shenanigans of Tsuna's Gaurdians. The two young men would still regularly check in with Paprika of course.
The agents would cover for the Tenth Generation on the public legal side. As well as making sure knowledge of their whereabouts and blunders were kept from those aside of Vongola and it's closest allies.
XXX
Italy
CEDEF HQ
Colonello stood in front of Iemitsu's desk. He was an older child by now. His blond hair was shaggy and held back with a blue bandana. He was a soldier at heart despite his appearances, several guns and knives were hidden beneath his clothes and his hands were folded behind his back.
"So, not going to threaten me with death if I don't accept your application?" Iemitsu joked.
Colonello blinked at the blond man, confused. He shifted uncomfortably. Did he just get accused of wanting to kill his future employer? But Iemitsu had said it jokingly? "What?"
"Never mind." Iemitsu shrugged. A thoughtful look , "Well, you actually have threatened to kill me before. A few years back."
"I'm...kinda confused right now?" Colonello stared at Iemitsu. "What are you talking about?"
"It's a joke among the CEDEF Flame users. They've almost all threatened to hurt or kill me," Iemitsu explained. "It's... almost part of the expected hiring process at this point," he muttered.
"Wait...did Lal..?" Colonello trailed off.
"Yes, she did too," Iemitsu responded, a shred of amusement in his voice.
XXX
Japan
Verde found a way to return the Arcobaleno back into adults.
Iemitsu had seen Colonello and Lal Mirch as adults. They had directly gone to him to ask for two weeks leave as they had immediately planned a wedding and a honeymoon. He gave them his best wishes and the requested leave. They also gave him an invitation to their small private wedding.
Iemitsu knew it on an intellectual level that Reborn had taken the pill and had returned to being an adult. But seeing it in person was extremely jarring.
It was late at night when Iemitsu got home. None of the children were awake at this time. However, the living room was not empty.
"Chaos," Reborn greeted. His black suit was without a crease and his polished dress shoes without a smudge. Leon lazily sat on his shoulder, a normal looking lizard once again. Of course, the everpresent black fedora was perched on its owner's head as well.
"Hey Renato." A large grin spread across Iemitsu's face. "How is it being back to normal?"
Reborn smirked. "Very good. Tsuna fainted out of shock when he realized who I was."
Iemitsu snorted.
XXX
Italy
CEDEF HQ
It was rare that Iemitsu called his friends together. Unfortunately, some were still on missions and thus unable to attend.
They sat at a table in a conference room. The end of it held stack of various reports, maps, and lists.
Basil, Lal Mirch, and Turmeric sat on Iemitu's left. Basil was reading a book, something about World War I, but exchanging camauboe comments with Lal Mirch. Turmeric sat stoically, observing everyone around him.
On Iemitu's right was Reborn, Ryuusaki, Thyme, and Paprika. The first two were chatting amiably, except for the hidden barbs and slight signaling of a willingness to fight. Iemitsu might want to take care of that rivalry between them sometime. The other two were fine, Thyme and Paprika
Iemitsu sighed and casually revealed, "Tsuna plans going to be take on the position of Decimo. As for the when, it's supposed to be in three weeks, on his eighteenth birthday."
All of them heard Iemitsu clearly. A hush fell, and no one wanted to break it.
"Ahh, that's why. We get to be the planning committee?" Reborn drawled.
Iemitsu sighed. "Yes, this time we're in charge."
"Why didn't the the main branch want to do it?" Lal Mirch queried.
"Shimon Family-Daemon incident and the Rejection incident," Iemitsu deadpanned. "No one over there wants to touch it."
XXX
Iemitsu managed to pull off his act of 'no resentment' until Nono's death without a crack in his mask.
However, the night he got the news he grinned rather viciously, trying to ignore the small pit of sadness that sprouted for some reason in his stomach. The sorrow spread and curled into his throat. He choked on the feeling for a brief moment and frowned.
He was forced to admit that his thoughts on Nono were...complicated. A mix of bittnerness for the bane of his family's normality and fondness for an usually wise colleague.
Eventually he turned his thoughts to the future. Tsuna's Ceremony would need to be moved up.
XXX
This was the first Advisor-Don meeting with his son.
"I want to start moving Vongola into more legal business ventures," Tsuna announced.
"You plan to make Vongola a vigilante organization again?" Iemitsu politely questioned. Inwardly, he laughed, Tsuna had the same idea he had thought of for years. H*ll, he even accomplished part of it, the 'front companies' for the Vongola and CEDEF were already a bit more then fronts.
"Yes." Tsuna's eyes were defiant and tinged with orange. It was obvious he expected Iemitsu to object.
Iemitsu grinned. "I support your idea wholeheartedly," he calmly replied. "I have some suggestions of how it could be done. If you're willing to listen to them of course."
XXX
"So, that's my life." Iemitsu shrugged and spread his hands wide.
The room was silent for several seconds as everyone processed what Iemitsu had told them.
"I...had no idea," Tsuna murmured. Several people nodded in agreement and started whispering to each other.
Xanxus had a scowl on his face. It was darker than usual. As the story progressed, he had folded an arm across his torso and dropped his gaze to the table.
"Well, since I everyone is here, I might as well take the chance to announce something." Iemitsu paused, everyone stopped talking. He continued. "I am going to resign in a few weeks."
"Who's your successor?" Gokudera questioned. He narrowed his eyes and swept his gaze over those gathered.
"Basil, of course," Iemitsu replied nonchalantly. "He'll do the best job."
Basil blushed slightly as everyone turned to him. "Are you really sure, Boss?"
"Absolutely," Iemitsu reassured. He grinned at Basil and Basil gave a small smile.
"Congratulations, Oni-chan/kid/Basil," everyone else warmly said, with the exception of a majority of the Varia members.
"So..." Tsuna trailed off and looked at his tutor. "Um, Reborn, what were you doing when Dad was in the CEDEF? You didn't show up in the story at all during that time."
"Networking, stealing, killing, and traveling," Reborn smoothly rattled off. "Iemitsu could handle himself pretty well, I didn't need to hold his hand." He smirked as he pointed out, "Besides, I'm a hitman, not a babysitter."
Iemitsu smirked-those present noted that it was eerily similar to Reborn's-and spoke up, "He did keep in touch however. He had me check in with him about once every two weeks."
Reborn gave Iemitsu a look.
"I knew it, you're secretly a big softie," Colonello triumpthantly declared.
"Shut it Colonello, everyone knows Lal has you whipped," Reborn shot back.
At the entirely accurate insult, several bursts of laughter came from those gathered around the table.
Colonello rolled his eyes and grumbled something under his breath.
Iemitsu's smirk didn't lessen as he asked, "Any other questions?"
This was his life. It wasn't the one he wanted. He wasn't free from errors, or a righteous man. But this was the road he chose to travel. He would never regret the family and friends he created along the way.
Fin
A/N
My thanks to my beta Ash (TKDGirl17) for reading over this entire story and giving me feedback.
My thanks to all of my readers. I hoped you enjoyed seeing Iemitsu from a different perspective than what is prevalent among khr fan fiction.
A special shout out to ilovecartoonsgirl, Fatti-Chan, and foxchick1 who regularly reviewed. Your comments were much appreciated.
-Silver