*The Italian spoken in this chapter is provided by Google Translate. It's not the best source but I hope that I do not offend anyone for getting the translations wrong.

DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN KATEKYO HITMAN

Natsuki's POV

I stretched my arms above my head giving a little wail of pleasure. I trust fell onto my bed having Fangs resting next to the legs of my bed swishing his five coloured tail. After explaining the future events to Varia they had gotten use to the idea of Fangs being able to roam freely. 'How peaceful.' I thought amusingly.

It's been little over a month since we returned from the future. Fangs was an apparent gift from the Arcobaleno for all our hard work. No longer in box form, Fangs was able to take on a physical form without me needing to go through the hassle of getting his box. The main problem was that I couldn't control which flames to release for him now. Meaning that he was stuck with all 5 flames at the same time. In cases of treating wounds his Sun flames would mix with Storm flames that he would accidentally cut me further. A hectic complication if I were ever in a real life threatening situation.

There was, however, another problem that has risen since coming back. Since I was on probation after the Ring battles my job requests had been piled up. The requests continued increased during my time in the future. Good thing I completed the jobs I already accepted beforehand. If I didn't I probably would have been labelled AWOL. But since coming back my jobs continued to flood over me. Word had spread that I had a strength increase after my 'break' and a new mysterious 'pet' that people kept demanding my presence. At least I was gaining a better reputation. I finished the list of the immediate job list just this morning. Today was my well needed break.

I let my eyes drift close feeling a sense of serene wash over me. I didn't get the chance to fall asleep when someone knocked on the door. "Signorina Natsuki?" (Miss Natsuki).

"Puoi entrare." (You may enter) I sat up to greet the Varia member by the door. He bowed to me not daring to step in. I was holding back my glare towards him for bothering me. At least he knocked compared to the officers. "Segnalare."(Report).

"Boss vuole parlare con i leader nel suo ufficio ora." (Boss wants to talk to the leaders in his office now)

"Capisco. Ci andrò adesso, grazie." (I understand. I'll head there now, thank you.) I waved my hand in dismissal. The member left the door opened behind him. Not soon after I heard Squalo yelling from his room. The member was probably responsible for letting all top leaders know about Xanxus's summoning. I heard his door slam shut with a fumbling Squalo passing by my door with dripping hair and a towel around his neck. I quickly got up with Fangs following behind.

Squalo didn't knock when he threw open Xanxus's door. "VOOOOI YOU SHITTY BOSS! YOU WANT TO EXPLAIN WHY YOU HAD TO BOTHER ME WHILE SHOWERING?"

The rest of the group made their entrance laughing at his little outburst to which he retorted angrily. Xanxus didn't say much at them fighting until it dragged on for too long. "Shut up you stupid shark." From that one phrase Squalo shut his mouth yet still grumbled under his breath. Xanxus slid a sheet onto the table seemingly refusing to look at it.

Squalo moved over to his table taking the letter off. "WHAT THE HELL IS THIS SHIT?"

I took the courage to take it out of his hands. The first thing I noticed was the Vongola emblem and official wax seal on the envelope. I flipped the sheet over looking at the Varia crest. 'A bona fide document.'

"To Varia, Vongola's personal assassination squad,

These members are hereby invited to the coronation of soon to be Vongola Decimo, Sawada Tsunayoshi, in two weeks' time on the 21th of May in the year of 2009.

More information will be disclosed upon confirmation of attendance.

Sincerely, Vongola Nono, Timoteo di Vongola."

On the bottom of the sheet was a hand signed signature from Nono. "Looks like Tsunayoshi-kun is finally manning up. Honestly never thought the day would come." I immediately shut my mouth seeing the way Xanxus's scars started to move. I discretely took a few steps backwards taking the note with me.

I handed it over to Mammon and Bel. Bel gave his signature grin at the note. "Shishishi sounds fun. A bunch of commoners gathering towards one weakling."

"So what are we going to do Boss? Attend or deny?" Levi asked. Xanxus didn't respond. He wasn't thinking about it hard. It was more like he couldn't care less yet was still mad at the fact that this was the final straw to say he no longer had a chance to become Vongola Decimo.

"I deny. What you trashes do is up to you." In a way that was the same as giving permission in his own little lovable way. We didn't find any problems with attending ourselves. In fact it would have been fun considering that the other families were afraid of us. We had a name to up hold by attending.

'Good thing Lussuria couldn't decide on an outfit. I guess this is what people call a dramatic entrance.' We dropped in from the sky with Levi being the last one. Straightening myself out I took a look at the way the other families retreated. Those that didn't just stood in fear. I couldn't help but smirk at the way they shook. Dino and Tsunayoshi's family were the only ones that took the courage to come talk to us. I swerved around Squalo looking closer at Yamamoto standing next to Chrome.

"Should I not ask?" She shook her head no. I clicked my tongue under my mask for keeping information from Varia but held back from doing anything. If there was a reason for this then we couldn't pump them for information in such an open location. Squalo and Dino were blunter in asking though. Apparently I was not alone in recognizing the illusion's presence. Mammon came to aspect him then praised Chrome for her work. One day I hoped that we could have an illusionist's battle like Mammon and Mukuro did.

"Chi ti credi di essere, marmocchio?!" (Who do you think you are, brats?!) I looked behind Chrome towards two families fighting. One scrawny red haired boy covered in bandages was knocked onto the ground by a larger man in a suit. I scowled at the man speaking in Italian to the clearly Japanese family. Of course Italian was a must for being in the Mafia but as we attended a Japanese branch it was merely an expected courtesy to speak in the language of primary. A petty form of mockery to make the other family look stronger.

"I'll talk to you later." I raised one hand to signal Chrome off as I approached the group.

"Che cosa c'é? Non riesci a capirmi? (What's the matter? Can't understand me?)"

"We received invitations. You cannot attack us like this." Spoke the jet- black haired woman. She supported the boy somewhat shielding him from the Mafiosi. I caught her weapon to be a sharp metal fan folded under her skirt, resting on her thigh. She made no effort to reach for it to engage in combat. She was intelligent not to react. Despite wanting to beat up the man, she knew not to anger someone of higher class. She didn't even raise her voice.

I, however, didn't have that limitation. The man first put his leg in reverse, dropping it forward to the boy. Using my staff I stopped his ankle from advancing. I loved the way his smirk facing turned into fear when he noticed me. Applying the right amount of pressure I extended the end of my staff, flicking it upward to hit the Achilles' Tendon. Knocked off balance he roughly fell onto a few of his men.

"H-Haunting Shadows! What is the meaning of this?" 'Oh so now he speaks in Japanese.'

"This was supposed to be a momentous occasion. Instead you choose to start a farce for your own pleasure. If they are the guests of Vongola Decimo then what gives you the right to trample over them?" He used his hands to push himself further away.

"Y-you have to understand, they're the Shimon Famiglia. They have no status. Having a puny family attend is a disgrace on the Vongola name. I-I was simply thinking about Decimo's reputation. I can't even recall the name Shimon. Can you?"

"Yes I can." Shimon Famiglia. If he had asked me a few weeks ago I would have said no. The only reason why I knew was because I research every guest family. Shimon was the one that stood out the most. History dated back 400 years ago yet still vague. It was only known that the two bosses were close friends until the Shimon were wiped out in war. All records stopped there.

I looked towards the Shimon Famiglia. With exception of the bandaged boy, the rest of them were well fit. They stood close to one another as a comfort sign. No. It was a sign of asserting power in numbers. Coming here was on their part. They knew accepting to come would result in this discrimination. They didn't fear the man. Nothing more than hatred for him.

I took a few steps forward, shortening the distance between me and the cowering man. Leaning in, I brought my mask close to his face. "I'll ask again. What gives you the right to trample over them? Why should they be punished for your negligence?"

His mouth was open agape yet no words came out. I got annoyed with the man's attitude. He was all bark and no bite. I grabbed him by the collar of his suit throwing him to ground in front of Shimon. "As boss why don't you greet Decimo's guests?" I dug my heel into his spine making sure to hit right in the space between his vertebrae disks. He flailed his arms in an attempt to escape. I turned back to his men warning them not to interfere. Same with the other attendants who paid attention.

He grunted angrily under his breath. I lean into his face resulting in my leg pushing further into his back. "What was that? I didn't quite hear you."

"Gah! I-I'm sorry that I misjudged you! As guests of Decimo's I welcome you, the S-Shimon Famiglia!" I removed my foot letting him squirm away. I watched as the family scurried away from my line of sight.

"Thank you." The fan user said. I placed my staff into its rightful spot glancing at them over my shoulder.

"Enjoy the party."

'Those Shimon kids are really something.' I aimlessly wandered the halls getting away from all the noise. While the others could indulge themselves in mini appetizers and meaningless conversations, I had a mask on. It could be suffocating to wear this thing on in crowded situations. Some women even tried to flirt me to take it off. Saying sweet words of me probably looking handsome without it. Little did they know. I was smarter though. I realized their goals. Even though we were allies Varia was on top of the list to betray everyone. People had eyes on us, watching our movements. Getting to know who I was under the mask was just one part to ensure their own safety.

I stopped in my tracks seeing Vongola Kyuudaime heading in my direction with his Sun guardian, Nie Brow Jr., by his side. They conversed quietly giving just a second to acknowledge my presence. I bowed to them letting them pass me. They were clear down the hall when I heard rushing footsteps. I turned to see Tsunayoshi running towards me with Reborn sitting on his shoulder.

"Natsuki-san, there are you are." Tsunayoshi stood in front of me having Reborn jump down. Normally I would have scolded him for calling me by my name but seeing how he was going to be Vongola Decimo soon, I brushed it off. "I wanted to tell you thanks for helping Enma and his friends. I should have been the one to stop them but seeing you there really comforted me. I doubt the other families will give them grief after that show."

"Wait. You're actually friends with that Shimon kid? I thought they were just guests. Tsunayoshi-kun, are you really sure th-"

"Fia..." I stopped talking when I heard my name breath out. It was a silent whisper that echoed in the halls. I followed the sound to the source. Kyuudaime was at the other end of the hall standing stiff as a wall. 'Shit. He must have heard Tsunayoshi-kun "Fia."

Reborn looked between the two of us. "So I was right. I had my suspicions about you since I saw your eyes but to think you were actually alive. F-"

"No Reborn. You're wrong. Only Xanxus-sama calls me that vile name." I glared at the old man who looked like he was close to having a heart attack. "I'm not her."

Kyuudaime walked slowly. Nie Brow tried to support the man but he only brushed him aside. Raising a hand up him reached for my face. I slapped his hand away. His eyes widen. "Did you not hear me? I'm not her. She died 16 years ago."

"Fia. It's been so long since I last saw you. I really thought you died after the Ring conflict. I can't believe you survived all this time, hiding behind a mask in plain sight. I missed you." I balled up my fists.

"Don't start that crap with me! Who do you think you are? You lost your title when I was a child. You abandoned me at the age of 4. Not 4 years. 4 fucking days! I could barely see, let alone think, and yet I was labelled dead. It's all because of you that I had to deal with years of pressure and then get kidnapped by a crazy Mafioso family." Years I've spent in the dark for this man's convenience.

"I-I d-didn't mean for anything like that to happen. I wanted you to be safe."

I scoffed at him. "Safe? I would have been 'safe' with my true family. Oh was that it? Are you actually my family?" His eyes widen. "What was my mother? There's barely anything written relating to her besides being your wife. What was she? A prostitute? Whore? A drunken one night stand?"

He slammed his cane hard to the ground causing me to flinch but he didn't move. He clutched the head of his cane tightly turning his knuckles white. "Do not speak of your mother that way."

That's when I saw it. On his left hand was a single gold band wrapped around his ring finger. I reeled all the memories I had of him. Every time he appeared before me, he had a simple attire with the same ring on. It was Mafia practice not to wear such drastic objects of affection. Jewelry and other metals were supposed to be a sign of power and wealth.

In contrast was Kyuudaime who only don on a wedding ring. A show of love and affection. A show that he had a weakness to exploit. Whether it be in the form of hostage, blackmail or mind tricks, enemies could always use that information against him. Yet he still wore it. He loved the woman he married enough to risk his life.

"Then tell me. What happen to us on the day of our death?" He sighed running a hand through his hair.

"Please come with me." He started walking off hoping that I would follow. I knew that Xanxus wouldn't approve of me going. I couldn't help the curiosity that built up over the years though.

So I followed him. "Tsunayoshi-kun come along. It'll save me time explaining it later." He seemed hesitant until Reborn kicked him to come.

Kyuudaime lead us to a private room beckoning for us to go in first. He quickly instructed Nie Brow to guard the door as we spoke. We settled into the couch with Kyuudaime across from us. I removed my mask resting it on my lap. I decided against letting my hair down knowing that we would have to return later on. Kyuudaime stared at my hair and eyes before heavily sitting down. "Where should I even start? It's been so long since I thought about having this conversation."

"I suggest the beginning. Who was my mother?"

He fiddled with his ring. His eyes filled with affection. "Kasumi Akari was a lot of things. Beautiful, intelligent, generous but above all she was... incredibly brash. She was a member of the newly founded Yukaza group, the Celeste Famiglia under Secondo's reign. Despite us not being in alliance at the time it did not stop her from becoming Vongola's top mechanic, Giannichi's, apprentice. He saw potential in her that he could not waste. That's how we met. I remember that first time. Her little amount of gray hair was barely tied up in a ponytail with oil smeared on her left cheek. She tried to attack me with a wrench after thinking I was invading their workshop. Couldn't stand a chance."

He gave a small laugh at the memory. "After that Akari had made an exaggerated effort to avoid me. Didn't want to acknowledge that she attacked the soon to be Nono. But as time went on, we continued to meet. Whenever I had a break I would visit her while she worked just to bother her. Most of the time she would be too focused to notice me. Never had I met anyone so bold or passionate at what they did enough to challenge me. I loved seeing her work. The way she lit up while talking about her inventions. Even made this cane."

He rubbed the side of his cane affectionately. "Our second anniversary. Gold plating on the ends to withstand my flames. Light solid oak wood for support coated in a clear layer. Cravings in Italian and Japanese as a good luck charm. The head crystal took exactly 15 days and 5 hours to mold perfectly to my hand and to be soft texture wise. It was her pride to make a weapon for me specifically. Never stopped talking about it. I didn't tell her to stop though. In the end, Akari was the one to propose to me before I even had the chance. We had 4 beautiful children who would have been raised in the most prestige ways... Then that night came... Do you know why that raid happen?"

"Because I was born." That wasn't a question. It was a statement. Mammon had told me once but that was enough for me to place everything together. Heir Hunting Season. Being the top of the Mafia world there were obviously many enemies that they made. Everyone wanted a piece of the revenge. Most families had 2 or max 3 heirs. Vongola had 4. With the power that we had plus having 4 heirs meant that our reign would never end. Of course other families would hate that idea. So they thought to get rid of the weakest. The new born daughter.

"That fateful night 5 enemy allied families raided Vongola headquarters with a single goal in mind. We held them off as best as we could." His jaw tighten. "It still wasn't enough."

"What happen?" Tsunayoshi asked.

Reborn titled his fedora in condolences. "36 of our members died that day. Kasumi Akari was the most predominant death received that day. She was found 2.7 kilometers away from the base. Stripped, hanged and the body marred beyond recognition. Being in the forest there were no recordings of what exactly happen. Anyone could assume. The members who did it were never found but 5 whole families died no more than a week after. News claimed that both Akari and newborn daughter, Fia, died together."

Kyuudaime gave out shaky breathes. He must have seen the body from the looks of it. "Akari was the one to save Fia's life that day."

I felt my breath hitch. "Fia was found crying the next morning in a sound proof safe in the arms of her youngest brother. According to him, Akari found the two of you and pushed you into the safe, promising to return safely." He took a deep breathe in. "After we found you, you didn't stop crying. Some said it was because your Vongola Intuition told you that she was gone. Others said it was due to the atmosphere in the headquarters. I say it's because you're her daughter. That unbreakable bond was severed and was never repaired."

He propped his elbows on his knees hiding his face with his hands. "Everything was spiraling out of control. You wouldn't stop crying until exhaustion. Your brothers refused to leave their rooms. Akari... Akari was gone. It wouldn't stop. I just wanted to protect you. I just loved a woman and wanted to have a family. The only logical solution to me was to hide you. The plan was to erase you from the public eye until you could protect yourself. News was broadcasted that both you and your mother died. You were locked in a room with limited contact with people. The plan worked for a month. Fooled everyone but one."

I saw him smiling behind his hands. "Akari's second boss, Terzo knew better than the fake news. Said that Akari wouldn't have died without knowing that her children were safe. She couldn't have been more right. So we made an alliance that day. Your protection and theirs on the line. Terzo had just inherited her title and gave birth to a daughter of her own. She had the look of trying to blackmail me but in her eyes she was genuinely concerned for you. Intelligent and kind. I couldn't think of anyone better to raise you than her."

'Mistress Celeste...' I thought of every time she cared for me. She would beat the fundamentals into me but was the first to provide first aid. Strict yet loving. That was Celeste Terzo. That was my adoptive mother. Tears were brought to my eyes. "That was the end. Fia di Vongola died and Celeste Natsuki was born. After turning 18 and proving that you could handle yourself you were to learn about that night. Only a handful of people knew who you were. My guardians and I, Celeste guardians, your caretaker and... Your brothers."

I didn't fail to notice his hesitation. "My brothers? It's a shame I didn't get a chance to formally meet the three of them before they past."

"Four. You had four brothers. There was one more that knew of your existence."

"What? That doesn't make any sense. The only reason why Tsunayoshi-kun is even a candidate for Decimo is bec- Xanxus-sama." My mind clicked. That's the reason on how he knew about me despite Celeste and Vongola intervention. No matter how hard I was erased from records they couldn't change the facts Xanxus knew.

He nodded. "Though not by blood he is indeed your brother. Xanxus was the one that was holding you in the safe that night. He was the last one to see her. I never would have thought that he would have... resorted to those methods."

It must have been a big shock for him to learn that Xanxus using me as a hostage. He always viewed my boss as his own blood. To ensure my safety only a small amount of people were allowed to know who I was. And though it was inevitable that he knew, there was a trust that he would never lay a finger on his sister.

In a way I felt that trust. When Xanxus placed kyuudaime in the Gola Mosca I had felt the same betrayal. Learning that we weren't blood related made a lot of sense at the time. Even now I still don't fully view him in a brotherly way. But he took good care of me as a boss.

"Kyuudaime." His shoulders tensed up. I placed my hand over my locket hidden under my shirt. Close by was the Varia emblem on my jacket. "There were times that I wanted to run away. Away from Xanxus-sama. I hated what he did to the Celeste Famiglia. Over time that changed. I became Haunting Shadows. I earned his respect. He's my Boss now. He's deranged, alcoholic and power crazed but he's still the man that I choose to work for. I don't forgive him for what he did. It doesn't stop me in the end. I don't hate him."

"You really are her daughter." I saw the way his eyes glimmered from the tears refusing to fall. "She cared for Xanxus as her own and never discriminated against him. Or anyone."

"Kyuudaime don't forget that she has your eyes. A splitting image of the two of you combined." Reborn said. I looked into the mirror nearby. My eyes and hair were complimented by one another. I was a combination of both of my parents. 'I wonder if Xanxus-sama thought the same thing when I stood in front of him for the first.'

There was a knock on the door. "Boss, Gokudera Hayato is requesting to speak to Sawada-san." Nie Brow spoke behind the closed door.

"I'm sorry about that. Gokudera-kun must be worried after what happen to Yamamoto-san." Tsunayoshi stood up.

"I should get going as well. Staying here too long with the three of you will look suspicious. I'll escort you back to your group, Tsunayoshi-kun." I stood up straightening out my uniform. I raised my mask up to my face when Kyuudaime spoke up.

"Fia, what are we?"

I put my mask back on not looking at him. "I told you, your daughter died. Celeste Natsuki, as well, was killed in a Varia attack more than a year ago. My name is solely Natsuki and Haunting Shadows. Our relationship is neutral and only requires us to be professional for the sake of alliance. Even then it is my boss that will handle that." He nodded solemnly. "But about Kasumi Akari. I would like to hear more about her one day."

I didn't look back as I gestured Tsunayoshi to go out first. Behind my back I felt a warmth radiating close by. I recognized it as my father's flame. It was as warm as the day he visited me that day of training. Maybe even warmer at the thought that the relationship between the deceased daughter and unknown father was finally taking baby steps forward. The door closed behind us but it didn't stop the warm feeling in my chest.

"Wow, I knew you were special but I wouldn't have guessed that you had that kind of past." Now that we were out of the room Tsunayoshi knew not to speak out loud any specifics. I didn't give him much attention finally taking in everything that happen. I came here to celebrate someone stealing my life's preparation title. I ended up learning more than I ever would had imagined.

As we approached his family we saw them still talking with the Shimon Famiglia. I found Varia off to the side talking to each other while others kept avoiding them in fear. That was the group that I choose to follow. Gokudera and Mammon were the first ones to see us. I gave Mammon a reassuring wave telling him that everything was okay. Gokudera ran over to us screaming out Juudaime. "I almost forgot something. Those Shimon kids. I suggest you cut all connections with them. Low class families do not survive in the Mafia." Tsunayoshi looked at me confused. "You must have noticed them, Reborn."

He didn't say anything looking straight at the group. "What's wrong with Enma? They might be one of the weaker families but we've been getting along so far. He actually reminds me of myself a little."

I knew he couldn't see it but I glared under my mask. "I never said they were weaker, but if you think that you're friends then I won't stop you. Just know that I warned you."

They were more than they let on. I saw it in their eyes earlier. That kind of hatred is the result of years of building energy. Today was not the first time that someone had used their rank against them that was certain. With anger came strength. I couldn't tell if it was towards Vongola or another family but it was unstable to the point that only massive bloodshed could resolve it. That brought up the real question. Whose blood? The one attacking or the one being attack? In this case I feel like it would be both sides.

"I passed this onto to you, Decimo." We all watched silently as my father brought up The Sin. Word has it that it was a vial filled with the blood of Vongola Primo handed down to each generation. Tsunayoshi reached for the bottle when a loud screech rang out. The walls around us erupted causing everyone to rush out in panic. Through the smoke I spotted my father's guardians surrounding him and The Sin. There was a spike in flames coming off of them but it was quickly demolished by an unfamiliar presence.

"We're taking back The Sin. This blood belongs to the Shimon Famiglia." The earlier Shimon kid, Enma, stood in front of his family with the bottle of Sin in his hand. They explained how the Shimon name was dragged through mud due to Vongola Primo and this was the time for their revenge. Enma was stronger than imagined when he single handed threw Tsunayoshi's guardians around like rag dolls. Dino and us were about to intervene when icicles appeared dangerous close to our bodies, immobilizing us.

Without any sudden movements I wrapped my hand around one icicle. Even with my glove on it was still cold to the touch. I applied pressure on it testing its durability. The thing was as hard as rock. I expected for it to at least budge a bit but it was stable. The icicles completely surrounded us that it would take extreme flexibility and dexterity to maneuver around them scratch free. Once the Shimon were, I assume, a safe distance away they release us from the ice trap. None of us moved. We only reacted with anger of being held back while they were being trashed.

Squalo tried to get my father's approval for us to take on the Shimon but we were denied access. This was a matter between the two Decimos that we had no place to interfere. Our involvement stopped there. We were not allowed to attack the Shimon and Tsunayoshi was still recovering mentally on the ordeal. I swear that guy was too nice for his own good. He was lucky to survive after saving that Enma kid in the end. My father wouldn't shut up about how much Tsunayoshi grew up when he invited me to visit.