To my reviewers, followers and favoriters:

QuietSilence: I can hear the fangirls shouting from the door. Don't worry, Hibari won't die XD

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Tabetaisu: Thank you for following this story!

Act III

Scene I

"When you come out of the storm, you won't be the same person who walked in. That's what this storm is all about."

~Haruki Murakami, Kafka on the Shore

~X~

The CEDEF, otherwise known as the external advisors, played a large role within the Vongola Family. Not only does the organization have the power to choose the next family boss, it's influence and professor demeanor around the Vongola is also highly recognized by the underworld. The current head of the CEDEF, Sawada Iemitsu, was said to be a rational and dauntless man. He, with all his authority and connection, was able to win his own son the crown position as Vongola Decimo. Feared and respected, Sawada Iemitsu resided over the CEDEF like it was his home.

This morning however, was a totally different scenario. The once called Young Lion of Vongola sat stiffly in his seat. Standing directly in front of him, his subordinate- Basil, also seemed a little sweaty.

"How on earth did this happen?" he demanded, looking up from the thick report he held.

Basil frowned, "We're not entirely sure, Master," he replies, "But we suspect it might be the storm guardian's doing."

"Gokudera?" Iemitsu echoed, giving a shake of his head, "When did the storm guardian get so much dynamite that it's enough to blow up a fifty-acre mansion?"

The latter fell silent. Iemitsu turned back to the report, "And Tsuna-" he ushered, "What does he say?"

"Sawada-dono says everything is under control," Basil answered dully, "There's nothing for us to worry about."

The CEDEF leader dipped his eyebrows. He wasn't like what he was hearing this morning. Nonetheless, Basil pressed on, "Although we received intel this morning that the cloud guardian is on the move as well," he adds, "He's in Florence right now."

Iemitsu scolded, "And Tsuna never informed us about this?"

His subordinate shook his head, "No sir," Basil insisted, "We only found out through our contacts in Florence."

Leaning back against his leather armchair, the Young Lion of Vongola sighed and swiveled around to face the window. Beyond the ground to ceiling length glass, the beautiful Mediterranean Sea expanded out into the horizon until it met with the skyline. A mixture of blues and greens reflected back into the CEDEF office.

"Master, what should we do?"

Iemitsu glanced to the side, "A meeting with the Vongola boss," he announced

"But we've already tried that, sir," Basil argued

"I know," Iemistu retorted, " But this time, I'm going myself."

~X~

Twenty kilometers south of the CEDEF headquarters, Sawada Tsunayoshi eyed the figure standing in front of him quietly. The messenger, who arrived this morning from Florence, was busily reading information off a clipboard and barely noticing the careful look the Vongola boss was flashing him. After everything was read out, Tsuna waved the messenger away before turning to his ex-tutor.

"Reborn," he started, "What do you think of this?"

The sun acrobaleno peered through his fedora, "About Florence?" he ushered, "Curious."

"You're curious about how my guardians keep on getting hurt?" the Vongola boss challenged.

Reborn smirked, "No," he replied, "I'm only curious on who's hunting us down."

Tsuna paused to think. He soon frowned, "The Bortolotti-Rosso Family has been annihilated," he proposed, "There shouldn't be anyone left."

"Perhaps," his teacher gave a small nod, "But that can't be certain. Some families have alliances."

The Don pursed his lips, "I'll talk to Gokudera-kun about this," Tsuna declared, "He should know all the details."

Learning across the coffee table, Reborn picked up his small cup of espresso, "Is he awake?"

"Yes, Masako-san is with him."

The sun arcobaleno took a sip of his caffeine while Tsuna pressed on, "In the mean time, I'm sending Hibari-san home," he announced, "It's not safe for any of my guardians to be in Florence right now."

"You know that Hibari will reject your request, don't you?" Reborn pointed out, "He won't come home unless he finds the person who harmed him."

The Vongola boss flashed a determined look, "It's my duty to protect this family," he demanded powerfully," Hibari-san is coming home."

His ex-tutor curled his lips. Finally after nearly ten years of teaching the so-called useless Tsuna, Reborn couldn't help but to be impressed by the Vongola Don's progression from being a child into a man. His thoughts however, were interrupted when Rocco, Tsuna's personal butler entered the office and bowed.

"Sir."

The boss slid his eyes to the side, "What is it Rocco?"

His butler looked up, "Our external advisors just called," he pronounced, "A meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow."

"The CEDEF?" Tsuna repeated, "What for?"

Rocco shook his head, "We're not sure, sir," he answered, "The external advisors just said it was a business meeting."

The Vongola boss breathed heavily. He rested his elbow against the armrest, "If they're sending Basil-kun, then it should be fine."

His butler looked uneasy, "Actually sir," Rocco bit his lip, "Your father is coming."

Tsuna's head shot up.

"They're sending the head of CEDEF- Sawada Iemitsu."

~X~

"Woman, what're you doing?" Gokudera growled, "That hurts!"

Masako lifted her eyes and glared, "Oh you big baby, Hayato," she argued, "Suck it up."

The storm guardian winced as Masako carefully dabbed a wound with an alcoholic swab, "Can't you at least be a little more gentle?" he protested

His wife looked insulted, "I'm hardly touching you!" she cried back, "If you keep on complaining, I'm sending that horrid nurse back in."

Gokudera scrunched up his face and glanced in the other direction. A minute or so later, the storm guardian slowly peered back at his wife. Masako, who was busily attending to his right-arm, didn't even notice her husband's green eyes grow soft. After the wound was cleaned and wrapped, Masako stood up and smiled. Her eyes met with Gokudera's.

"What're you looking at me for?" she blinked.

The storm guardian stared at her blankly, "The bandage is wrapped around the wrong way."

Masako glanced back down. She shrieked after seeing the shimmery white plaster of the bandage facing on the outside, "Sorry!"

Frustrated, Gokudera tugged on the binding, "Can you even do this properly?"

"My bad, my bad," His wife apologized, gently taking the arm back, "I studied law, not nursing."

Standing in the side of the room with a few men on his side, Alberto watched as the storm guardian scolded and threw some more harmless insults at his wife. Masako on the other hand, smiled as she began unwinding the wrongly wrapped bandage. This picture however, was interrupted when a sudden knock was heard on the door. Seconds later, Sawada Tsunayoshi showed him into the room.

"I hope I'm not intruding."

In an instant, Alberto and his men dropped onto their knees. Masako also turned around and lowered herself onto the floor.

"J-Juudame!" the storm guardian struggled to climb out of bed.

The Vongola boss quickly rushed to his subordinate's side and placed a gentle hand on the latter's shoulder, "Gokudera-kun," he expressed, "Don't hurt yourself."

"B-But sir-"

Tsuna smiled, "There's really no need, Gokudera-kun," he assured, kindly ushering his right-hand to lean back against the bed.

Gokudera seemed reluctant, but obeyed, "This is shameful," he muttered, scrunching up his face, "I can't show you respect."

Don Vongola waved the statement off and turned to his side. Bending down, he first helped Masako back onto her feet before gesturing for Alberto and his men to stand back up.

"I should be the shameful one, Gokudera-kun," the boss insisted, "I couldn't find a suitable gift to bring to you."

The storm guardian shook his head, "Not at all, Juudaime!" he exclaimed, "There's no need to bring me gifts!"

Tsuna laughed and took a minute to glance around the room. To his left, a vase of violet Iris from Chrome sat delicately on the dressing table. Next to the flowers was a get-well card from Ryohei. The sun guardian went to the extreme to make sure his writing was legible. Yamamoto also sent his best wishes through a box of sushi, which now sat half eaten on the coffee table next to Alberto. The Vongola boss however, raised an eyebrow when he spotted a greenish hand grenade sitting next to the bento box.

Lambo, he thought.

"Juudaime," Tsuna turned back to face his right-hand man, "Is there something you need from me?"

The Vongola boss smiled, "Don't worry, Gokudera-kun," he replied, eyes flickering to the side, "I've only come to see how you're doing."

Almost as if catching a cue, Alberto and his men bowed and exited the room. Masako also placed down her bandages and bobbed the Don a small curtsy before following Alberto out the door. The medical room was suddenly lonely and rather silent.

"Did something happen, Juudaime?" Gokudera urged, leaning forward on the bed.

Tsuna took a seat on a small stool, "Actually, Gokudera-kun," he pressed his hands together, "The situation in Florence is not looking well."

The storm guardian frowned, "But I destroyed the Bortolotti-Rosso Family," he retorted, "The boss is dead too."

"I acknowledge that, Gokudera-kun," the Don answered, "But have you ever wondered who was the one who shot you in that plane?"

Gokudera froze. Suddenly, the night from almost a week or so ago came flooding back. Tsuna pressed on, filling his right-hand man with details of what happened afterwards. His secret orders of sending Hibari to Florence was however left out. By the end of the story, Gokudera was in distress.

"Juudaime," he pleaded, "Please send me back into the field, I have to find this bastard."

Tsuna shook his head, "You're still recovering from your injuries, Gokudera-kun," he insisted, "I won't allow for it."

The storm guardian frowned, "But sir-"

Decimo raised a hand and Gokudera immediately fell silent. The boss urged on, "The doctors said that the shots you received were severe," he announced, "If you're not careful, your wounds would re-open," Tsuna took a moment to study the storm guardian's face, "Which is why I've decided to put you on service leave for the next few weeks."

The latter's green eyes bulged, "J-Juudaime!" Gokudera cried, nearly jumping off the bed, "The Vongola is in trouble! I can't just sit around at home and pretend nothing is happening!"

"Gokudera-kun," the Vongola Don patted the latter's arm, "It'll be alright," he assured, "I'll let your subordinates know if help is needed."

The storm guardian desperately searched the boss's face for an excuse, but Tsuna merely offered back a comforting smile. Dejected, Gokudera lowered his head and bit his lip.

"Don't look so sad, Gokudera-kun," Tsuna ushered in a calm tone, "You've served the Vongola more than well," he glanced at the door, "But now, it's time to go home and be with your own family."

~X~

Back in Florence, Hibari Kyoya was annoyed. Not only did some meddling 'herbivore' try to shoot him down, the Vongola boss was now sending him home. The cloud guardian glowered and stared down at his lightly plastered arm. Kusakabe who stood behind him, felt uneasy and chewed nervously on the end of a wheat stick.

"Kyo-san," the cloud subordinate began, "Sawada-san said the jet will be arriving tomorrow afternoon."

Hibari ignored him, "Did we find that herbivore?"

Kusakabe looked up, "Not yet," he replied, "Our subordinates are still tracking him down."

The cloud guardian scowled, "How long are they going to take?" he demanded

His subordinate didn't reply. Hibari's scowl turned into a harsh frown, "If they can't do the job," he declared, "Then I'll bite him to death myself."

"Kyo-san!" Kusakabe watched in utter horror as the cloud guardian ripped the plaster off his arm, "Kyo-san you mustn't!"

The sound of thick plastic tearing echoed through the room. A second later, Hibari Kyoya threw the gauze onto the ground before flexing his wrist. Kusakabe's mouth dropped open as he stared rather rudely at the long line of reddish raw skin where the bullet had grazed. The cloud guardian ignored the dumbfounded look his subordinate flashed and picked up his tonfas before heading to the door.

"Kyo-san!" Kusakabe called after him, "Kyo-san wait up!"

~X~

Further south of Florence, in a small but warm province of Siena, Nakimura Shinji ordered a cappuccino from a nearby coffee house and sat along the sunlit Piazza del Campo. Directly across from him, the famous tower house stretched across the plaza- casting a long black shadow across his face. The former officer took a sip of his drink and peered over his newspaper, checking if anyone was watching him. A group of tourists pulled poses and snapped photos across from him while an elderly Italian lady sold fresh fruits just behind him. Everything seemed normal- he took another sip of his drink.

"You're cautious as ever."

Nakimura's eyes flickered as a man sat down on the opposing chair. His client, dressed in a grey windcheater with black pants and a red scarf, peered back at Nakimura through a pair of tinted sunglasses. He lifted his hand, showing off a series of thick golden rings. The former officer reluctantly shook the client's hand.

"I never thought you'd come back here to Italy."

The client snorted, "I was born in Italy," he coughed, taking off his glasses, "Although the locals here alienated me since I'm only half Italian."

Nakimura stared at the man sitting before him. Accardi stared back, "But let's get down to the real business," he declared, making himself comfortable on the seat, "I heard the mission with the cloud guardian wasn't too successful."

The former officer pursed his lips together. He felt the cut in his calf beginning to sting. Who would've thought that a pair of tonfas could do so much damage? But Nakimura was a professional, and he wouldn't let a small injury like this get in his way.

"The cloud guardian was merely lucky," he insisted, "Or he would've ended up fair worse than the storm guardian."

Accardi gave a soft nod, "Are you confident enough to kill him next time?"

Nakimura didn't reply, but his client already knew the answer. Accardi tightened his lips into a smile, "You're a brave man," he acknowledged, "Brave enough to point a gun at the Vongola Cloud Guardian."

The latter sighed, "But as brave as you brand me to be," Nakimura muttered, "I wouldn't suggest going after the Vongola now."

A hunchback alley cat suddenly threaded its way between Accardi's legs and begged for food. He trapped the animal between his ankles and squeezed, slowly increasing the pressure, until the cat let out a strangled howl and scampered off. A mother and her daughter eating on the next table looked up in disapproval.

"How so?"

Nakimura picked up his cup, "The cloud guardian's men have been looking for me," he confessed, "I've seen their cars drive around Florence trying to hunt me down."

"He's observant."

But the former officer wasn't finished, "And besides," he added, "I have a relative living here in Europe. I'd like to visit her soon."

Accardi folded his arms and studied Nakimura for a brief minute. He then pursed his lips together, "Alright," he agreed, "But you'll come back to France with me for now."

"France?"

His client smiled, "I have an important meeting with a prosperous family in the next few weeks," Accardi answered, "After that, you'll be free to what you want," he glanced to the side, "Deal?"

Nakimura didn't reply. Whether or not he agreed to the deal didn't matter. There was no way out of this business now.

~X~

"How on earth did this happen?" Masako whispered

Treading carefully through the Vongola Gardens, Masako's stomach felt rather uneasy. The sun was unbearably hot that afternoon and there was no wind to help cool her down. Walking alongside her, Ryohei glanced up at the sky and released a sigh.

"We're still not sure," he replied, "But from what Sawada told us this morning, both the CEDEF and Varia aren't happy with us."

The two strolled forward, crushing dried pine needles along the way. Masako spoke, "What'll happen now?" she questioned

Ryohei frowned, "Well, the CEDEF has scheduled a meeting with our boss," he answered, "And I'll be leaving tomorrow to deal with the Varia in Rome."

Masako didn't say anything, and only focused her eyes on the ground. A moment later, the sun guardian stopped in his tracks and turned to Masako. It was the first time she'd seen Ryohei look so serious.

"Look Masako," he began, "Whatever happens, don't tell octopus-head about this."

The latter flashed a confused look, but Ryohei pressed on, "It's Sawada's orders," he declared, "We don't need the CEDEF and Varia being blown to shreds."

Masako wanted to laugh at this, but she only smiled, "I understand," she ushered, "I won't mention anything to Hayato."

The sun guardian gave a determined nod, "Sawada says he's injured as he is," Ryohei muttered, "There's no need to rub more salt into the wound."

As the duo eased on, they barely noticed the presence of the rain guardian. Leaning against the stone railing of his balcony, Yamamoto Takeshi watched curiously as the two figures disappeared around the rose bushes and olive trees. He turned to his side.

"Was that senpai and Masako-san?"

His rain subordinate nodded, "Yes sir," the young boy replied, "The sun guardian was instructed to give the storm guardian's wife the latest reports."

Yamamoto nodded, but mindfully watched on. His subordinate seemed a little nervous, "Sir, we should get going too," he ushered, "Our flight to France leaves tonight."

The rain guardian flashed a grin, "It's going to be an interesting mission," he chuckled, giving the two garden strollers one last glance before turning back into his office, "Who knows what we'll find."

"Y-Yes sir."

"Did you polish my sword?"

"Yes I did, sir."

Yamamoto nodded, "Good, we might need it soon."

Quietly and effortlessly, the rain guardian slowly emerged back into the darkness and disappeared into the mansion. After waiting for so long, it was finally he's turn.

-End of Scene I-

~X~

A/N: Thanks to all those fabulous readers who keep on reviewing each chapter. All your kind thoughts really do give me the energy to write! Of course, I'd love to hear from all of you. So don't hesitant to tell me what you think!

Bonus Preview for Next Chapter:

"Hayato!" Masako cried desperately, "What do you think you're doing?"

Leaning over a bathroom sink filled with bloodied water, Gokudera's green eyes darted to the side, "Stay away from me women!" he yelled back, "I don't need your help!"

His wife ignored him and rushed forward, "Stop this nonsense, Hayato!" she exclaimed, "You're hurting yourself!"

The storm guardian growled and pushed Masako back, "You don't understand anything!" he shouted, "So stay back!"

"Am I the one who doesn't understand anything or is it you?" the latter replied, "You need to stop hurting yourself for the Vongola!"

"Shut up!"

Masako frowned, "I'm serious, Hayato," she announced calmly from the side, "I know you're loyal to the Vongola, but this is going beyond any definition of loyalty!"

~X~

"Tsuna," Sawada Iemitsu glanced up from his teacup, "What do you think of this?"

The Vongola boss carefully stirred his coffee, trying his best to avoid eye contact, "I'm not entirely sure," he answered.

Iemitsu's face fell grim and the CEDEF leader reluctantly took a sip of his drink. It wasn't until Reborn, who sat perched on the edge of the Don's table, smirked and peered through his hat.

"Don't sound so pathetic, Tsuna," the sun arcobaleno chided, "This is a good opportunity for Gokudera. If he lives up to the position, then it shows that he's grown up."

Tsuna's eyes flickered, "And if he doesn't?"

Reborn's smirk widened. But after studying under the arcobaleno for nearly ten years, Tsuna knew that this wasn't a good sign.