AN:

Len, so first the version you have to download is the one that also has Russian in it ( The squiggly lines for language.) Then you have to move onto the title screen and there will be a button on the right side. There are actually 4 buttons there, but the second button which has a circle with lines across and a big 'A' is the language setting. Click into that, and supposedly you should see three options. The second one is English. Click that, and it will either exit you out of the app or reload the entire game. The next time you open it the language should be in English.

That would be changing the language into English, however, if that doesn't work for the notifications, then I don't think there is another way. Maybe try emailing the company? I've done that a couple of times before with other companies and they would respond with a solution.

You know, when I saw the loading screen in that game say, "This is a Mafia world. The top family is- Vongola." I was like, "NOT ANYMORE!"

Also, to elshotafriky, yes, I have read solo-levelling and I agree, the manhwa was great! I don't think I can make him a cloud guardian though, because the cloud and mist are going to have deep ties to the overall plot. But thank you for the suggestion!

Anyhow, enjoy the chapter guys! I appreciate every comment that you leave.

Chapter 17

(⊙ω⊙) another timeline 10 years into the future...

Byakuran positioned him in front of Isago, staring at the hostage from above as he smiled at Isago once again.

"How about it, Isago-kun?"

Isago was in front of him, pushed down into a kneeling position as he stared up at Byakuran with cold eyes. The two men behind him gradually loosened their grasps on Isago's back when Byakuran gestured them to be gentle with his guest. Isago thought it was ironic. No matter how much he wanted the Vongola position, it didn't matter at all if Byakuran took over it.

"I'll help you slaughter all of the Vongola, you'll have the rings and the position. I'll even supply you with all the materials you need to rebuild the Vongola."

Byakuran's voice lit up with glee as the sun outside shone into the large windows. Isago smiled ruefully, knowing that Byakuran was just playing with him. Even if Byakuran were to give him anything that he promised, which Isago believed the man had the power to do so, that would just give Byakuran access to the Vongola rings to complete the trinette set.

Byakuran saw him as a character. A pawn. And Isago didn't sit well with it.

"I am not your toy, Byakuran."

"I fail to see that though, Isago-kun," Byakuran tilted his head with mild curiosity."You are an extremely interesting toy."

Isago took back his arms from the two guards, feeling the weight of the sprain in his wrist as he glanced back at Byakuran. It was by now that Isago concluded that Byakuran had toyed with his other-selves in the other timelines. Maybe tortured him to death in 140 different ways- Isago didn't know, but he did not find that guess to be extremely fond to think of.

"Don't worry, Isago-kun. I treated you very gently," Byakuran laughed, closing his eyes before opening them again. "In your other self, you had the same expression as you do now."

"Did I?" Isago stood up from his spot, feeling the two men behind him stiffen from his movements. He watched Byakuran's careful gaze, a bit amused at how much Byakuran had known. Did his other selves say something to Byakuran?

"Nee, Isago-kun, did you know that you only existed in a few timelines?" Byakuran's fingers twisted up to his hair with a gleeful chirp. "It was like Tsunayoshi-kun never had a brother to begin with!"

Now this was thoroughly conflicting.

Isago resisted the urge to furrow up his eyebrows and remained with a poker face as his expression.

"Truly interesting," Isago nodded, eyes flickering back and forth between the only exit and the window. Carefully observing the color and thickness of the panel hand, Isago concluded that they were flame-canceling ones. He felt Byakuran's eyes bore into his head as he turned his gaze back to the man.

"Life is interesting when you don't play it over and over again with the same tactics," Isago shrugged, gesturing to the couches that were in the middle of the room. There were two sofas, facing each other. They were black and seemed stiff by the way their skin was wrapped around each mattress.

"May I?"

"Of course, Isago-kun!" Byakuran beamed, dismissing his subordinates with a wave of his hand. They walked to the seats, Byakuran humming happily while Isago sat down on the seat with an air of nonchalance. To be honest, Isago couldn't care less about Byakuran's aura that was surrounded with a carefree jingle. Although it was condescending, there was something missing inside of Byakuran. And the eerie thing made the goosebumps appear on his arms.

"Byakuran, I really don't like you calling me Isago-kun. Just stick with my name, it's annoying."

Byakuran stifled a laugh, throwing back his head before rolling it back in place with a grin. His eyes were gleaming with life, seemingly finding his new favourite pastime just seconds ago. Isago was conflicted. Truly, this was not the reaction he was aiming for. Well, if that was the case, then might as well play with this guy. After all, Isago had all the time in his life.

"This is why Isago-kun is so fresh to see every time," Byakuran didn't change the way of his calling. Isago clicked his tongue in annoyance. Byakuran was smiling mischievously. "Shoichi is also interesting to see since he tries so many different ways to play with me, but Isago-kun, you're-"

"Nice to know. Tell me, did you also kill a version of me on this couch?"

Byakuran blinked then a grin soon surfaced on his face as he gestured to the spot Isago was sitting on.

"Right where you are sitting right now."

"Hm," Isago raised his eyebrow, curling a smile upon his lips before flickering his gaze at the man in front of him. "What did I do to annoy you in that timeline?"

"You destroyed one of my time machines," Byakuran said. "Tsunayoshi-kun had sent you on a sucide mission."

That was new. He didn't know about other timelines, but Isago knew that instead of breaking into Byakuran's base like that one, he was abducted from Tsuna's side when he was trying to protect his brother from Byakuran's fake Mare ring group. Whatever that group was called. He didn't remember their names.

Perhaps abducted wasn't the correct word to use here either. He was the one who calmly walked towards Byakuran's unit and gave himself up in order to exchange himself for Lambo and Kyoko. What a pain they were. With all honesty in understanding Reborn's choosing for Lambo since he resembled Vongola Primo's lightning guardian, Isago still couldn't agree with the choice. Lambo was too weak.

But the other thing was the time machine. Why did Byakuran want to create that?

"Tsuna must have been pressured," Isago came up, nodding at his own guess. "Most likely it was Gokudera or another guardian who still had suspicions about me."

"Ah, Gokudera-kun, huh?" Byakuran hummed and lifted his arm across the couch's back with a relaxed slouch. "I have heard that you were not on good terms with him. Must have been a very intelligent person on Tsunayoshi-kun's side."

"Did my other self also tell you that I wanted to take Tsuna's position?" Isago's voice was one filled with disbelief as he asked, leaning back into his seat before glancing at the large digital clock that was behind Byakuran's head.

"Of course Isago-kun," Byakuran smiled with a twinkle in his gaze. He shifted his head to the side with a playful crease around his eyes and hummed. "We were very good friends in the other timelines."

"What-"

Before Isago could say anything else though, Byakuran snapped his fingers and Isago's eyes snapped shut, body limp in front of Byakuran. There was no blood or any wounds on Isago's body and instead, there was a steady pace of breathing coming from him. The man clapped his hands with a satisfied chuckle.

"Interesting indeed."

*insert line break, change of pov lolol*

"Oh? Thank you for the hard work, Kamio-kun," Byakuran's voice was pleasant but his gaze remained eternally bored, his elegant fingers brushing through the test results that were just performed on Isago. His purple eyes shifted around before handing the papers back to his assistant and waving for him to leave the room in peace.

There was nothing special about the files, just the basic rundown of Isago's state and his bloodline. There was information about the type of sky flames that he had produced and the questionable theory that he was the key component that could prove that flames were not genetically inherited.

But Byakuran was not looking for that.

He was looking for something else. Something that was indicated in his blood.

"What a perfectly clean record you have, Isago-kun," Byakuran muttered through his mouth, then placed a cheerful expression to hide any signs of curiosity. Isago was lying across from him, limp and peaceful on top of the sofa after being lugged like a sack of potatoes by Byakuran's workers from the testing site to the room back again.

Seriously, couldn't they be more gentle with a test subject? Byakuran chuckled at his own thoughts.

Byakuran eyes whisked to the window, before sliding his hand into a bag of marshmallows and smushing them in between his fingers. He watched the sticky substance squeeze out from under his fingers and pulled them apart, pressing them towards his lips as he bit into it.

The first time Byakuran saw Isago-kun, he had thought that the man was the same as the others. Shoichi was more amusing to play with. From timeline to timeline Shoichi had found thousands of ways to amuse Byakuran. But that delight soon disappeared the more Byakuran won his battles. What was the purpose? He would win anyway. But when was it that Byakuran took interest in Sawada Isago?

Byakuran's eyes glanced upon the young male and smiled pleasantly.

Yes, it should be that time.

Shall we play a game, Byakuran?

That voice that echoed in his mind was still fresh and steady. At that time, Isago-kun had seen all of the deaths of his family members directly in front of him, yet there was no hatred or vengeance in that face. Those red eyes were shimmering with boredom that resembled his own, calm and calculating. It was almost as if the man did not fear death.

Isago-kun at that time, smiled ironically at him, the corner of his mouth twisting into one that was furtive. His silver hair fluttered in the air as Isago-kun's eyes flickered to the dead body of the Vongola boss. There was amused anger, but that was all that was contained on his face.

I have a secret, he said, lifting his head and locked gazes with Byakuran. One that not a single person in this world knows. You may use anything that you desire to find out, and I guarantee that the ending will be worth as entertainment.

Then it occurred to Byakuran that in one of the timelines when he had met Isago-kun was before he had gotten the Mare rings. They had met briefly at the university where Byakuran was just accepted into. Isago-kun was wandering around the area, seemingly as if to wait for someone. When Byakuran exchanged glances with him, Isago-kun smiled almost discreetly, but Byakuran's eyes were sharp and caught that movement.

Well then, Isago curled his lips upward sadistically before countless lasers bolted out into the air. Byakuran was on guard, eyes trained on Isago-kun before the lasers shot into the user's own body. Blood spurted out of the man's mouth, chuckling with a choked sound before mouthing his last words. I wish you luck.

"And while I was just getting bored of Shoichi," Byakuran laughed lightly, closing his eyes in glee. "An interesting toy appeared in front of me again."

\(-ㅂ-)/ back to the present

"Do you understand this part?" Isago uttered in the plane. Usagi beside him hummed, writing down a couple of her own notes on a separate piece of paper. "Here, try this."

He handed her a page from the workbooks and she immediately began to work on it. Isago turned his face away from the books, staring outside the windows as the white clouds blinded his vision. The plane was dark since everyone was still sleeping. They had left Japan at 1 pm, which meant that they would be in Italy in the late evening.

The wings of the plane stood still, drifting through the skies without any difficulty as the speakers broadcasted their destination, waking most passengers up. The lights were turned on as people yawned from all sides, sitting up correctly before waiting in anticipation for their arrival.

The plane landed an hour after that, Isago and Usagi taking their first steps into this unknown country. They had landed in Venice, and the scent of heavy coffee lingered underneath Isago's nose. The sky was beautiful, purple and orange setting in the background as they walked past the registration desk after filling in some forms. Isago flipped open his phone, dialing the number that he had saved under the name of 'dad'. It rang once, then twice, then at the third ring, someone picked up in fast Italian.

"[Hello?]"

Isago could instantly tell that the voice belonged to his dear dad.

"[Hello, dad.]" Isago yawned, stretching his arms as the line on the other end fumbled a bit.

"[Yo weirdo Isago! Boss's intuition was correct, haha. You in Venice right now?]"

Isago blinked in surprise, remembering that the Ninth had hyper intuition too. But how was it so accurate? Did hyper intuitions just tell the owners that something was about to happen?

"[Yeah, should I be waiting?]"

Iemitsu whistled, complimenting on Isago's Italian.

"[I'll be there in thirty minutes,]" Iemitsu said while Isago heard his dad's footsteps echoing in some sort of hall. Isago hummed, motioning Usagi to take a seat on a random table before bidding his dad farewell.

Usagi stared in awe at Isago before murmuring, "How are you so used to travelling?"

"Because I'm mentally older than you," Isago smiled playfully, gesturing to the workbook in Usagi's hands. "Have you finished this page?"

"Yep!" Usagi chirped, laying out the book as Isago continued his lessons, instructing on the next unit. It was exactly thirty minutes when his dad called again and told Isago the meet-up place. The two kids moved towards the 23rd exit down the doors and was met by several men in suits, his father standing at the end of the line as the man grinned.

"Greetings! Second successor!" The men bowed in unison as Usagi behind Isago blinked in awe. They spoke in Japanese, which was what surprised Isago the most. But this greeting made Isago want the seat more. The respect, the awe from everyone else, the power…

Vongola was truly a powerful family.

"[Pleased to meet you, everyone,]" Isago smiled kindly, earning some looks of surprise from the men as he walked down the road that they paved open for him. Iemitsu chuckled the moment Isago reached the end, ruffling his hair and whistling at the new hair colour.

"Haven't seen you in years and you've matured!"

Isago rolled his eyes, extending his arm for a hug as his dad turned to Usagi who was staring with a baffled expression at everything. Usagi's pigtails bounced the moment Iemitsu greeted her in Japanese.

"Who's this? Your girlfriend, Isago?" Iemitsu grinned naughtily as Isago smirked.

"In fact, yes. She's also my storm guardian."

Iemitsu's face didn't show an ounce of hesitation as he welcomed the girl. Isago studied his dad's every action before concluding that his father had already predicted everything to happen the way it did. Perhaps Timoteo had alerted Iemitsu to be prepared for the inevitable?

"Storm guardian, huh? A woman too." Iemitsu glanced at Usagi from head to toe before pondering a bit. "Maybe fire weapons?"

From his tone, Isago knew that his father wasn't judging Isago's choices of involving a woman, but he still minded that a woman was going to involve herself in the mafia. There was concern and disbelief flashing through Iemitsu's eyes before Isago boldly called his father out.

"Dad, being a woman does not mean that they can only be housewives."

Iemitsu instantly froze at his son's words, beaming brightly at his words before smacking Isago on the back. Isago flinched from the stinging sensation but ignored it. Usagi beside Isago smiled slyly, walking up with confidence and stretching out her hand.

"Usagi, no last name, at your service, father-in-law."

Iemitsu's hand instantly flew to his mouth, covering it as he grinned at the girl. He wiped his hands on his pants before shaking hers firmly.

"Ah, I see why Isago has chosen you."

Usagi gave Iemitsu an irresistible smile before hooking her arm onto Isago's.

"More like I chose him," she giggled before Isago flicked her on the forehead, smiling mischievously from her choice of words. Iemitsu nodded approvingly at the two before speaking up again.

"So what weapons?"

"Not sure yet, she hasn't trained," Isago shrugged after Iemitsu moved into the back seat and gestured to them to come in. Isago did, with Usagi soon following with bowls wide large eyes. The rest of the men went into the several cars behind them as if they rehearsed the whole scene for the hundredth time already.

"You've been expecting me?" Isago raised his eyebrows while Iemitsu chuckled lightly. The car started to move.

"The boss's intuition is always on point," his eyes glimmered darkly before turning to Isago. "He had predicted all of this, including the future battle between you and Tsuna."

Isago purposefully lowered his head, murmuring as if he was still salty about it.

"Tsuna didn't want me in his life," Isago closed his eyes and opened them, staring hard at Iemitsu. "I don't think two brothers can co-exist with a succession seat."

"I really-" Iemitsu groaned and leaned back into his seat. "I really didn't want things to happen like this. I didn't even want to include the both of you into the whole mafia business."

Isago shook his head, slightly smiling at his father's decisions. He was glad, actually, that Timoteo had to choose his successor between the two of them. He was extremely glad to be born as Tsuna's brother so that he was a direct bloodline of Giotto, Vongola Primo.

"Don't worry, dad," Isago patted Iemitsu on the shoulder. "Even if I fight with Tsuna, I doubt that we'd both go for the necks as our destination."

Iemitsu sighed, rubbing his hands over his chin then mulled over Isago's words before nodding. Isago snapped his fingers and traced the scar on his arm from the time that he was attacked by the dog with Tsuna. Usagi beside him stared at the scar, hands sliding over his scar and touching it gingerly.

"Usagi, what weapons do you prefer?" Isago's eyes flickered to hers as she jerked her head up.

"I'm not sure," Usagi swallowed and crossed her legs in the open space. The car was large, almost like a limo. Of course, there were two rows, the front seat and back seats but the space in between them was large, not to mention the heater and cooler were placed in front of them.

"Precise shots or out with a bang? Isago questioned.

"Uh-" Usagi was caught off guard. "Out with a bang?"

"As expected from a Storm flame!" Iemitsu laughed, giving her a thumbs up. "Bombs or firepower?"

"Firepower," Usagi nodded more firmly.

"So guns, huh?" Iemitsu pondered a bit before turning to Isago. "You guys will need a tutor. But before that, the Boss would like to see you, weirdo Isago."

Isago bobbed his head knowingly, "I wanted to talk to him too. How much time do I have?"

"Boss left his whole schedule open for you," Iemitsu laughed, scratching the back of his head. Isago smiled secretly, thousands of scenarios already forming inside his mind.

(⊙ω⊙)

The heavy office doors opened in front of Isago as he maintained his poker face, trying not to ogle at how expensive the mansion was. Oh god...Was it even a mansion? Shouldn't it be called a more modern-day castle? Isago held back the urge from calculating the value of this property that he was standing on.

Outside the castle, there was a large garden with a fountain in the middle. The bushes were cut clean and shaped perfectly when they passed them inside the car. Rose bushes formed a circle around the garden. Inside, it was more lavashing than Isago had ever imagined. Each room had its own wallpaper and colours, not to mention chandlers

Timoteo sat inside his office, hands grasped together and placed under his chin when Isago entered the room. Behind Ninth, there was a large window that had the curtains pulled across for privacy. Timoteo smiled at the boy, welcoming him and Isago returned the gesture politely, bowing with his arm under his stomach.

"You learn fast, my boy," Timoteo chuckled before his gaze glanced at Iemitsu who was still in the room, a bit uneasy compared to Isago who seemed chill as a cucumber. "Iemitsu, please give us some space."

Iemitsu nodded stiffly, wavering his gaze back to his son before exiting out of the room and closed the door quietly. Timoteo gestured to the brown leather couch on the left of the room and stood up himself, his staff in hand as it supported him. Isago followed Ninth, watching the elder sit down first before plopping comfortably onto the couch. Timoteo wore a black clean suit, his hair turning grayer than the last time that Isago had seen him. He was getting old, almost time for the succession then.

"Isago Sawada," Timoteo called out gently as Isago answered to his name. "Do you know why you were not chosen as the successor?"

"Because my ambition can serve as a threat to the Vongola," Isago replied without hesitation. "Between my brother and I, he is the more stable choice if you want to select an heir."

Timoteo's eyes shimmered under the lights, clenching his staff in his hands while Isago's eyes trailed towards them, noting down the weapon which Timoteo used in the anime. The staff had a gold sphere on the top, diamonds embedded in that gold and the rest was made out of what seemed like metal. The design was intricately carved while it glimmered with its own unique aura.

"And after that, you still want to compete in the succession?" The ninth's voice was dark as Isago opened his mouth to speak.

"The seat is power, grandpa," Isago started to pull the strings of Timoteo's old nickname that Isago used when they were four. Like he had expected, Timoteo's eyes softened, the dark shimmer lightening up only a bit.

"As you have seen on my profile, I have everything it takes to become a suitable leader for the Vongola." Isago lowered his head respectfully. "That is why I plead to you to not favour Tsuna or me. Let us prove it to you in succession."

Timoteo was silent, staring at the boy as he let out a slight chuckle.

"I will be fair to both successors," Timoteo said. "But you must promise me that no matter the result that I choose, you must step back if you do not win."

Isago's face ticked, placing on his expressionless poker face before raising his head to look at Timoteo, slightly curling up his lips as if to look relieved.

"Of course," Isago said lightly, grazing his tongue ever so slightly over his teeth. "I will promise you that, grandpa."

After that, they talked about the tutors that Isago needed. Since Vongola was the most prominent family in history, getting the top tutors was no big deal to them. Isago's purpose was solely to take advantage of what was placed in front of him. Timoteo gave him a relaxed smile the whole entire time as Isago tried his best to appear like he believed everything that Timoteo said. Like a gullible 13-year-old.

Of course, Timoteo was a fair grandpa in all. He was also generous and gave Isago anything he wanted. Be it resorts, plane tickets, or money, Timoteo had provided them all without blinking an eyelash. When the talk was over, it was already 4 am in the morning. Isago bid Ninth farewell before exiting the office, a frown carved intensely on his face before he raised his eyebrows.

Outside, his father greeted him with a grin, patting Isago on the back as a 'well done' gesture. Isago laughed back as he followed his father in the direction of his room.

Ninth wasn't giving him the seat no matter what.

Despite everything he said, Isago had a feeling that his thoughts were correct. Ninth was still afraid that Isago's ambition would destroy them all. Ninth gave him the chance to participate in the battle, but at the end, the result would still be decided by the rings and Timoteo himself.

Even if he won, Timoteo would choose Tsuna, making some excuse that Isago was lacking something that his brother had. Why? Did there not exist anyone who could use ambition to protect the family? Could one not control their ambition? Was it that hard to believe?

Isago's eye twitched again when they reached his room.

"See you tomorrow morning then," Isago yawned, the corner of his eyes getting a bit moist. "If Usagi wakes up, please show her to the tutor."

"Weirdo Isago, you know that I'm proud of you no matter what?" Iemitsu relaxed his arm muscles and ruffled Isago on the head with a keen smile. "Get some good rest. See you tomorrow morning."

And with that, Iemitsu left Isago's room.

Isago turned to study his room. The floor was lavishly made out of green carpet, those kinds that weren't loose and fluffy. The walls were decorated with gold, along with a beige coloured wallpaper with golden designs running from top to bottom. The bed was a queen-sized bed, four poles that extended up to the ceiling like those luxurious beds that you could find in movies.

There was an open window across from his bed, showing the extravagant rose garden and fountain located directly outside of his door. The sky was still dark, a bit brighter while Isago took off his sweater after finding his suitcase against the wall in an easily spottable place. He took his clothes out, then brought them to the wardrobe to see a bunch of white collared shirts and training uniforms inside already. There was a section of pyjamas that Isago raised his eyes at.

Did Iemitsu choose this? Isago stared at the banana patterned blue PJs before smirking a bit. It reminded him of Reborn's quirky outfits.

"Thank you, papa," he whispered before throwing them over his head and pacing towards his bed, jumping on the soft mattress before directly knocking himself out.

(⊙ω⊙) A certain timeline 10 years into the future...

When Isago awoke, his first instinct was to make the living hell for Byakuran. There was a very large migraine at the back of his head, pulsing with dull aches that racked through his bones. He resisted the urge to groan as he sat up, turning his head towards Byakuran who was on his couch lazing around with a bunch of files in his hand.

"Oh? You're awake, Isago-kun?" Byakuran stifled a laugh and took his eyes off of the papers, sliding the entire weight of his two legs off the cushions to look like he was checking the files in a normal and formal way. But what was the point if Isago had already caught the guy sitting in a lousy way?

"Are you done with me, Byakuran?" Isago said as he narrowed his eyes at the white-haired man who popped a marshmallow into his mouth with ease. The man smiled, left hand tossing the papers behind him and the sheets swayed in the air, slowly weaving through the empty space before falling down to their inevitable destination. Byakuran raised the bag of food in front of Isago with a sweet smile.

Isago raised his eyebrows, although suspicious, he really had no reason to not take it. He was hungry, not to mention Byakuran did say to himself at home. If Byakuran wanted him dead, then Isago would be dead in seconds.

"Thank you," Isago said slowly, reaching out into the bag without taking his eyes off of Byakuran who still had a carefree and relaxed slouch. He pulled a single one out, staring at it suspiciously before popping it inside his mouth. He did not like how the thing soaked up his saliva almost instantly, not to mention it was too sweet. He could see marshmallows being used in desserts, but just simply eating them?

"Gosh, this is awful," Isago muttered before chewing on it. It sunk like a pillow in his teeth, melting at an extremely fast rate before he swallowed. Now, Isago loved sweets. That was inevitable from his past life, but this was just too sweet for his own tastes. He looked up at Byakuran who dug his hand into the bag again, cutting the soft square in half with his teeth. The man hummed, not minding that Isago was staring at him.

"Another one, Isago-kun?"

"Sure."

Isago studied Byakuran's appearance as he ate, noticing the shimmer that was on Byakuran's hand. One look from it and Isago could tell that it was the sky mare. In the middle of two white wings, there was a gem that was placed carefully. The two wings, instead of protecting and enveloping the gem, were extended outwards, showcasing the gem's radiance.

"Are you interested in my ring, Isago-kun?" Byakuran casually called out as Isago's gaze snapped towards him.

"I can't say I'm not," Isago said while tilting his head innocently. "Mind if I take a look at it?"

"This is a very important thing to me, Isago-kun," Byakuran chuckled before pausing for a moment to look at Isago. "But I guess a good boy needs to be rewarded."

A few seconds later, he twisted the ring off his middle finger and tossed it at Isago. Isago was surprised, eyes widened a bit before catching it with one hand in the air and lifted his eyes from his fist that was holding the ring.

"And you say that this is an important object," Isago rolled his eyes, opening his palm to examine one of the trinisette set items. The gem was orange, bright orange as it represented the ever blazing sky flames. In Isago's hands though, the light dimmed a bit, showing nothing but its cold back. He traced the ring with his finger, feeling the intricate design that did not seem to fade despite the decades that this ring was hidden from hindsight.

He felt the smooth base of the ring that formed a loop, tempting Isago to slide his own finger inside. Suddenly, the sky mare seemed so familiar to Isago. But it was natural, after all, he had seen them countless times in the anime. But this feeling was his hyper intuition trying to tell him something. He could feel it in his gut. The stone was still dark like it didn't have a soul inside it.

Isago tore his eyes off of the ring, noticing that Byakuran was staring at him intensely. There was still a pleased smile on his face, but this time, it was condescending.

"Nee, Isago-kun, would you like to try it?"

That made Isago freeze.

"Byakuran, I've heard that the Mare rings choose their owners," Isago said with a smooth voice, smiling with a sardonic curve. "It has already chosen you. Is there a need to boost your ego in this way?"

Byakuran laughed with a breezy air in his tone before opening his glinting eyes.

"Why don't you try it to see if you're also a chosen owner? You have an excellent sky flame."

Isago had to admit that he was also curious. But was it truly wise to test it out in front of Byakuran?

"It was your idea, not mine," Isago eyed the original owner before slipping it onto his index finger. Nothing happened. The gem was dull and Isago had to admit that he was a bit disappointed. It was human nature though. He couldn't help it. But it was understandable.

The Mare ring owners had to be chosen, not to mention the sky mare required the owner to have the ability to travel through different timelines and attain knowledge from that world. It was no wonder. Isago took his gaze off from the ring and shrugged, Byakuran chuckling before Isago pulled it off.

But it was just that moment.

The instant when Isago removed there was a flash of blue and orange sprouting from the ring. It was gone the next moment though. So fast as if it was never there in the first place. He paused for the slightest moment, tossing back the ring to Byakuran in the same manner that he received it. Byakuran's eyes were glimmering, also catching the same flame flicker as Isago did.

"Filled your curiosity, Byakuran?"

"Of course," he slid the ring back onto his finger, the gem blazing up with orange before Byakuran glanced back at Isago who had an expressionless poker face. Isago had the urge to punch that guy who just casually showed that he could light the ring up.

"By the way, Byakuran," Isago started, not even hesitating. "Am I allowed to kill you?"

Byakuran blinked, his body shifted casually on the couch with a very wide smile.

"Absolutely."

(⊙ω⊙) Present

Isago woke three hours later, not knowing what to do with the extra time. He blinked groggily and stared at the garden outside. The birds were chirping without care outside of the mansion as Isago's head pounded with a large migraine. At least he still had 21 hours.

Well, not that Isago would actually use those 21 hours for rest. Isago sat up from his bed, hair all messed up as his mind started running. The Vongola position was Tsuna's for sure. No matter if Isago's guardians win or not, Timoteo would choose his brother because of Primo's will. Then Isago would use the succession battles as training practice for his guardians.

Not to mention that the Vongola could become his enemy in the future. The Vongola Rings were a no-go at all. Isago's eyes hardened, radiantly shimmering with his new goal. It didn't matter if he didn't get the Vongola position. At first, he wanted the Vongola seat because it was the center of the anime, but all Isago wanted was power and authority.

"The Mare rings," Isago licked his lips as his foggy mind flew over the information. Isago wasn't able to remember most of the plot from the anime anymore, but he was sure about one thing. The Mare rings, Vongola rings, and the acrobarano pacifiers were part of the Trinisette set. Well, whatever that set was.

Originally, the Sky Mare owner, Byakuran was chosen and his objective was to rule all the timelines by collecting the Trinisette set. Isago wasn't that greedy though. With too much power came the whole world chasing after his neck. Of course, unless Isago could turn the whole world around to obey him.

But that was a thing for later. Right now, Isago had to prioritize the gathering of his guardians. Even though he couldn't remember how to attain the Mare rings, Byakuran wouldn't get the rings after three years or so. He had time. First, he needed power.

Isago stood up and got himself ready for breakfast.

(⊙ω⊙)

Iemitsu had surprisingly already prepared for Isago's early wakening. There was a guard that stood outside of Isago's room, already on duty and showed Isago everywhere he needed to go.

"Iemitsu couldn't have his son wandering the halls in the early morning," the guard chuckled when Isago asked how they predicted his moves. The guard introduced himself as Adriano. He was a tall man, a bit tanned with a buzz cut and a suit.

After Isago's breakfast, which was eye-widening to Isago from the different cultures, they paced forwards to the training room where Usagi had already fallen unconscious on the ground. Usagi's face was down on the floor, and her arm seemed as if it was twisted in a very inhuman way. Her hair was now messed up, ponytail matted with sweat as it slipped limply over her shoulders. She wore a tight-fitted gym suit, but that was not the thing that mattered the most right now.

The cornetto and cappuccino queased inside of Isago's stomach when he saw the instructor who had a large scar over his eye and hands at the back of his body like some kind of captain from a military division.

The instructor kept his frown upon his lips as he glanced towards the two new people in the room, square jawline clenched before he walked towards Isago, introducing himself in Japanese. His name was Mateo, their instructor for strategy and battle training.

"Although you are one of the potential successors," Mateo narrowed his brown eyes at Isago. "I will not go easy on you."

"I hoped that you wouldn't," Isago said with a small smile, extending his hand as Mateo gripped it firmly. "That wouldn't stand up to your achievements in teaching then."

The twinkle in Mateo's eyes lightened up as he frowned deeper, but was obviously beginning to like Isago. Most people would have said something about going easy on them, but Isago knew better. He was serious about learning everything he could scrape from the ground. He didn't care if he had to break an arm or a leg. As long as the results were what he wanted…

"Adriano, I want you to take the Storm guardian and give her the basic training for newbies after she wakes up. Make sure she spends 6 hours without breaks on the machine." Mateo turned to look at Adriano as the guard nodded and scooped Usagi up and disappeared through the door.

"Now," Mateo lifted his eyes from the door. "Come at me with all you've got."