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Act III

Scene III

~X~

Vongola Decimo was never a morning person. Dating way back into his childhood and late teens, Sawada Tsunayoshi would refuse to get out of bed unless his mother or Reborn used some tortuous method to wake him up. So as many would imagine, dealing with the Vongola boss at five in the morning was not a good idea. And for Rocco, it was basically a suicide mission to walk into the boss's private residence at such an early hour and kneel before the grand canopy bed.

"Decimo, sir."

Hidden behind the thick woolen curtains, Tsuna's eyes fluttered open. He stared at the darkness for a brief second, allowing for his Hyper Intuition to slowly kick in, "What is it?"

Rocco got up onto his feet, "We've just received news from the Rain Guardian," he announced, "The situation in France is not looking well."

"What happened this time?" the Vongola boss frowned, carefully perching himself into a sitting position.

"An ambush."

Tsuna's lips pursed into a thin line, "Yamamoto was ambushed?" he demanded, "How?"

His butler gave a small mumble, "We're still not sure, sir," Rocco replied, "But everyone is getting nervous with all these secret attacks."

Vongola Decimo paused to think. Something told him that the incidents beginning from Gokudera, leading to Hibari and now Yamamoto were somehow linked together. Someone has been tracking the movements of the Vongola, getting information directly from their home base. Finally, Tsuna released a sigh.

"Help me get dressed," he ordered, "I want a message delivered to my guardians immediately."

~X~

Gokudera Hayato sat rather stiffly in his office that morning. The wound on his waist still hurt, but the pain was manageable. A cigarette hung loosely from the Storm Guardian's lips as green eyes flickered across the note sitting before him. Despite being on service leave, Gokudera still received news and information from his subordinates. And for the past few weeks, things weren't looking good for the Vongola.

"Hayato."

There was no reply.

Masako frowned, "Hayato," she tried again, reaching forward and pulling the cigarette out from her husband's mouth.

Gokudera jolted and shot his head to the side, "Oi woman!" he scolded, "What do you think you're doing?"

His wife sighed, pressing the cigarette into the nearby ashtray, "How many times do I have to tell you, Hayato," she lectured, "These things are a killer to your health."

"Che, like I care," the storm guardian argued, turning back to his paperwork, "Leave me alone, woman."

Masako raised a brow but didn't waiver. Instead, she stood perfectly still and watched with amusement as her husband twitched with annoyance. Finally, after a minute of endurance, Gokudera turned back to face his wife.

"Seriously Masako!" he yelled in frustration, "What do you want?"

The latter chuckled, "Oh darling," she teased, "We really need to look into this anger of yours."

"What!"

Masako laughed again before folding her arms and smiling, "Alberto called this morning," she announced, "He says that Vongola Decimo wants to see you."

Gokudera's eyes bulged, "J-Juudaime?"

His wife nodded, "All the guardians are called," she insisted, "But he wants to see us personally."

The storm guardian was already on his feet, ready to dash out the door at any second. Yet, he stopped when Masako spoke the final sentence. Gokudera pulled a frown, "Us?" he challenged.

"Us," Masako confirmed, looking a little hesitant, "Your boss wants to see me as well."

So this isn't about the Vongola then, Gokudera thought, eyebrows knitting together. He slowly glanced back at this wife.

"Get ready then, woman," he scoffed, gesturing at her casual jeans and shirt, "You can't go looking like that."

Masako blinked and gazed down at her clothes, but her husband pressed on, "And don't say or do anything stupid," he added, "We don't play games in the mafia."

~X~

"That's all I have to report on, sir."

Sitting behind his expensive mahogany desk, Vongola Decimo gave a slight nod, "Thank you, Kusakabe-san," he ushered, "I hope Hibari-san is doing well."

The cloud subordinate respectfully lowered his head, "Kyo-san is resting," he declared, "The wound on his arm is not severe, and should heal in a few days."

"That's a relief to hear," Tsuna beamed as a soft knock was heard.

Quickly strolling into the office with his head bent low, Rocco gave both Tsuna and Kusakabe a small bow, "Sir, the Storm Guardian and his wife have arrived."

"Alright," the boss turned back to the cloud subordinate, "Please take care then Kusakabe-san, and send Hibari-san my best wishes."

"Yes sir."

Back outside in the rear foyer, Masako waited most patiently for her and her husband to be called into the Vongola boss's office. She glanced back at where Gokudera stood, currently muttering a few orders to his subordinates. The creaking of the famous oak doors was soon heard and Masako turned around just in time to see Kusakabe Tetsuya walk out. Quietly, she approached him.

"Kusakabe-san."

The cloud subordinate looked up. Upon seeing Masako, he stopped and bowed, "Gokudera-san," he addressed

Masako returned the greeting with a dip of her head, "It's lucky to see you here today," she announced, "Did you see the boss?"

"Yes," Kusakabe replied, "Just some reports to hand over."

The latter managed a small smile as she gazed down at the thick manila folder Kusakabe clutched. Suddenly, the smile on Masako's face dropped as she caught a glimpse of a raw scar running across the cloud subordinate's palm and through his fingers.

"Kusakabe-san," she ushered, "Are you injured?"

Realizing that Masako was looking at his wound, Kusakabe immediately jerked his hand back, "N-No," he stuttered, quickly pulling down the sleeve of his blazer, "I was clumsy the other day and mishandled Kyo-san's tonfas."

"Oh," Masako nodded, "Kusakabe-san should be more careful next time."

The cloud subordinate awkwardly bowed, "Yes," he agreed, "If there's nothing else, I should really be on my way, Gokudera-san."

"Of course."

Kusakabe quietly excused himself and disappeared through the foyer. Masako stared after him for a brief second before turning to her husband. Up until now, Gokudera had paid full attention to what was going on.

"Hayato," Masako began, "That wound-"

Gokudera scoffed, "Was certainly not made by Hibari's tonfas."

The two glanced at each other, but was nonetheless interrupted when Rocco stepped into the waiting room. The butler offered a warm smile and nodded approvingly at the couple.

"Sorry for the long wait," he remarked, "Vongola Decimo is ready for you now."

~X~

Out of the entire Vongola Mansion, there was not a second office that could match Tsuna's. Located on the second floor with surveillance operating twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, this was the most secure place out of the entire mansion. And as Masako obediently trailed after her husband that morning and knelt before Tsuna, she felt all the security cameras suddenly turn towards her. After all, she wasn't a regular visitor here in the boss's office.

"Gokudera-kun, Masako-san," Tsuna beamed and quickly ushered the couple to stand up.

"Juudaime," the storm guardian breathed, bowing again, "I apologize for not being able to work for you during the past few weeks. It's honestly shameful."

The Vongola boss clapped his right-hand man on the shoulders, "It's alright, Gokudera-kun," he assured, "You needed to rest after that dangerous mission."

"I-I" Gokudera knelt onto the floor again, "I'm so grateful, Juudaime!"

Masako followed her husband's lead and dropped herself onto the ground again. She was quiet, and held herself at a lower position to avoid attracting any unnecessary attention.

"There's really no need for this, Gokudera-kun," Tsuna rushed forward and picked the storm guardian back up, "Come and have a seat instead."

Shuffling towards the nicely decorated sitting room, the Vongola boss ushered for his subordinate to sit down against a fine set of leather couches. Tsuna took the opposing seat and Masako soon made herself comfortable on a corner next to her husband. Tea and cakes were also promptly served.

"I'm sorry to call you out so unexpectedly, Gokudera-kun," the Vongola boss began, "But there's just this slight issue that I wanted to discuss with you."

The storm guardian nodded, "There's no need to hesitate, Juudaime," he remarked, "I'll help you out with anything."

Tsuna smiled and picked up his tea. He took a small sip, "Last week, I received word that my father will be tiring from his position as head of CEDEF," he announced, "The successor will be Basil-kun."

"J-Juudaime's father is retiring?"

"Yes," the boss agreed, "But during this time, I'm hoping you'd do a favor for me."

Masako slid her eyes to the side. She watched her husband carefully, "I know I shouldn't ask any more of you, Gokudera-kun," Tsuna pressed, composing a nervous look, "But I was wondering if you'd take up the position as my Consigliere."

The storm guardian's eyes widened, "J-J-Juudaime!" he stuttered, feeling a swell of pride starting to build in his chest, "It'd be a honor!"

Sitting next to him however, Masako attempted to conceal her displeasure. She forced herself to look grateful and smile when the Vongola boss turned to her. But inside, she was screaming, screaming for Gokudera to say no.

"Masako-san," Tsuna gently ushered, "What do you think?"

Suddenly, all the attention in the room was turned to her. Even Rocco, the butler who stood quietly in the corner, stared at her with curious eyes. Masako felt an uncomfortable lump starting to form in her throat, but she swallowed and pulled her lips up.

"I'm just a housewife, sir," she insisted, bowing from her seat, "What do I know about the mafia?"

~X~

Later that night, Masako couldn't get a wink of sleep. She rested her head against the goose-feathered pillow and stared at her husband. A line of glowing candles lit along the window seal casted strange shadows around the room, as if demons from hell came to haunt her.

"What's with that look?"

Masako blinked, realizing that Gokudera was actually awake. She shook her head, "Nothing," she whispered, brushing a few fingers across her husband's cheek, "You should sleep, Hayato."

The storm guardian made no movement to close his eyes, "Then stop tensing."

"I'm fine," Masako mumbled, feeling a warm hand hold her by the waist, "You can let go."

But the hand didn't move, allowing the latter to sigh, "Hayato," she paused, voice softening, "Are you really going to be the counselor?"

"Yes, it's Juudaime's wish," her husband muffled back, "Problem?"

Masako bit her lower lip, "No problem."

The hand on her waist finally disappeared, and Masako allowed for a shaky gasp to escape her throat. Slowly, she turned around and forced her eyes to press close. It was going to be another sleepless night.

~X~

Exactly two weeks later, on a rather sunny autumn's afternoon, the Vongola Private Garden fell into silence as members of varying families gathered to witness the crowning of Vongola's new Consigliere. Standing beneath a mesh parasol and dressed in her finest lace gown, Masako watched nervously as her husband treaded carefully along an expensive red carpet. He was the centre of today's attention, and everyone in the garden peered at him with intrigued eyes.

Perched on the other end of the carpet was the one and only Vongola Decimo. He smiled at his storm guardian and at the audience. His father, the famous Sawada Iemitsu and chief of CEDEF stood to his left while Xanxus, the Varia leader stood a little to the right. Both men were called upon to attest to Gokudera's new promotion.

"Vongola Storm Guardian."

As if catching the cue, Gokudera immediately crossed an arm across his chest and knelt down before the three men. His subordinates followed the lead and did the same. Tsuna soon stepped forward to speak.

"Gokudera Hayato, as Vongola Decimo and leader of the Vongola family, I deem you worthy of becoming my Consigliere," he declared, "Do you, bound by the omerta- the code of silence, offer your service and loyalty to this family?

Masako stiffened and lowered her eyes, she couldn't bear another minute of this. Standing close behind her, Bianchi sensed an uncomfortable tension and quickly placed an assuring hand on her sister-in-law's shoulder. The two girls shared a small fond smile before turning back to the main event at hand.

Yet, just a few feet away from Masako and Bianchi, the Cavallone boss watched rather amusingly at what just happened. He took a sip of his champagne and turned to his subordinate.

"That girl standing next to poisonous scorpion," he gestured, "Who is she?"

Romario glanced in the direction his boss just spoke, "Not sure," he replied, giving a shake of his head, "Never seen her before."

Dino frowned and was just about to say something when a round of applause erupted around the garden. Reluctantly, he waved Romario away before joining in with the clapping.

Standing back onto his feet with a black cloak pulled around his shoulders, Gokudera Hayato at the age of twenty-two, proudly succeeded the position as Vongola Consigliere. This role, although new and unheard off, would later become the prominent key to the welfare of the Vongola.

~X~

"I'm congratulating you to the extreme!"

Masako chuckled, "Thank you, Sasagawa senpai," she ushered

The sun guardian shamelessly gave her big thumbs up, "Now you just make sure octopus-head doesn't blow the mansion up!" he joked before moving away, "Take care!"

Just meters away from Masako, Dino Cavallone sculled down the last bit of his drink and eyed Ryohei carefully. Placing the glass back against table, the Cavallone boss slowly approached Masako.

"A fine day, isn't it?"

Hearing the sudden voice, the latter turned around and blinked, "Y-Yes, certainly."

The bucking horse smiled, "I'm Dino Cavallone, " he offered his hand.

Masako's eyes widened and she immediately bowed, "Don Cavallone."

"Oh?" Dino seemed impressed, "You know who I am?"

"Frankly yes," Masako lifted her head, "You're the Cavallone boss who saved my husband's life last month."

A small frown appeared across Dino's face, "Your husband?" he muttered, eyes flicking to where Gokudera stood.

Masako nodded, "I couldn't thank you enough."

The Cavallone boss waved it off, "No need, its-"

"Masako! Hayato is looking for you!"

Dino's eyes slid back as the latter managed an apologetic look, "I'm sorry, Don Cavallone," Masako ushered, "Excuse me."

Watching wearily as Masako hurried away, Dino couldn't help but to smirk, "Masako, huh?" he whispered, "Interesting."

~X~

"What?" Vongola Decimo turned away from his window, "What do you mean?"

Leaning against the cool wall, Yamamoto Takeshi folded his arms, "That's what the database in France said," he confirmed, "I've been investigating on it."

The music from the garden party downstairs could be softly heard, but Tsuna was in no mood of going back there. Instead, he lifted his head and stared at the Rain Guardian. After the mission in Paris, a new scar had found its way onto Yamamoto's chin.

"But that's impossible," Tsuna muttered, "No one would that."

The rain guardian looked pained as well, "I understand, Tsuna," he pressed, "But the information stolen had nothing to the alliance families," Yamamoto paused, "Everything came from the Vongola, someone's been selling information directly from this mansion."

"So you're saying that-" Tsuna frowned, "There's a traitor in my family?"

His guardian numbly nodded, "There's a mole in the Vongola."

~X~

"There's a mole in the Vongola."

The figure smirked and pulled out the earpiece. Throwing the clear rubber onto the pebbled ground, the figure gave the listening device a heavy stomp before turning around and heading back into the party. As he walked, he brushed past another awaiting shoulder.

"The Storm Guardian," he croaked, "Frame him."

-End of Scene III-

~X~

A/N: Reviews are always loved!

Preview for Next Chapter:

"This device can trace any information in the Vongola," Giannini boasted, "We'll find the mole in no time!"

Tsuna nodded as his team of guardians looked on, "Please hurry then, Giannini-san."

With a determined nod, Giannini set to work. The machine he created buzzed and hummed as the mechanic tapped away. A few minutes later, the equipment beeped and Giannini's face lit up.

"We found the mole!" he cried

The Vongola boss immediately stepped forward ,"Who is it?"

Moving his hand to the keyboard, Giannini pressed another button. Suddenly, the mechanic paled- as if a ghost just popped up on the screen. He breathed and gulped uneasily.

"Giannini-san, who is it?"

The latter looked up, "T-The Storm Guardian."

~X~

"Wait!" Masako cried, "What're you going to do with Hayato?"

Rocco smirked, "Vongola Decimo's orders," he replied, showing her the scroll, "The Storm Guardian is under investigation for espionage and betrayal."

Masako scrunched up her face with panic, "Hayato would do no such thing!" she exclaimed, watching as a group of men tugged her husband away, "Where's the evidence?"

"What evidence?" Rocco retorted, raising his eyebrows in amusement, "If Vongola Decimo says he's guilty, than he's guilty."

Turning around, the butler calmly made his way out the villa door. Left in a hopeless mess, Masako scrambled to her feet and chased after the group.

"No!" she yelled, "You can't do this!"

~X~

"Bianchi-san," she sobbed, "Bianchi-san!"

The poisonous scorpion managed a sad smile and pulled her sister-in-law into a tight embrace, "Don't cry, Masako," she ushered, "Don't cry."

But the tears won't stop streaming down Masako's face, "They took Hayato," she wailed, "How can they do that?"

Bianchi sighed, "This is the mafia, Masako," she replied, helping the latter sit down, "They can do anything."

Her sister-in-law wiped her eyes, "I have to save Hayato," Masako determined, choking on her own breath, "Even if it costs me my life!"