Chapter Sixteen

A/N

Sorry for the wait. Got a job, been busy, and then hit a massive writer's block. Haha, Covid is still not fun. Hope everyone's safe and happy. I know I need a little pick me up.

Return to Japan

Xara had never been fond of the little island nation of Japan. Petty as it may be, the place still left a bad taste in her mouth. With time, she had learned to hide her distaste, but that didn't mean she hated the place any less.

If there was one thing Xara hated more than the island itself, it was the tight-fitting garments she had to put on for the negotiations.

"Loosen up the collar."

"But-"

"I don't give a shit about old prudes and their lack of self-restraint to a woman flashing so much a naked ankle at them. So, as I said. Loosen. The. Damn. Collar."

"Hiiiiiie!"

Normally Xara would have shown a little more restraint, but she had already been stressed out enough. She didn't need a disrespectful maid to add on to that pile.

The kimono sat loosely on her figure but none of Varia even batted an eye as they had seen her in many scantily-clad dresses. It had seemed none of the Hibari clan agreed to this sentiment as many dared to make their displeasure known.

"To think. That Vongola be so bold to dare send a bastard to negotiate with us."

"It is funny. When the bastard you are referring to can easily wipe out your pity excuse of a famiglia."

"Watch your tongue, girl."

"I would watch your own, signore. For there is a reason I am here in the stead of Nono."

As a warning, she let a show of flames dance around her fingertips. It was a warning many did not take kindly to by the sudden unsheathing of weapons. Someone had even dared try to point a blade towards her. Unluckily for them, Varia did not take kindly to threats against their leader.

As this was indeed a 'negotiation' Xara hadn't seen the need to draw blood. She had instead, opted for the mutation of said attacker's offending limb.

"MY ARM!"

With one swift movement, the arm was engulfed by flames. Not hot enough to touch the bone, but just enough to melt the flesh. In any normal circumstances, this would have been the end of any negotiations. However, nothing that involved the Hibari clan had ever been normal.

"Hahahahaha. I see you have a bite that matches that bark of yours. I would ask you to forgive my grandnephew. But seeing as it was you who first drew your weapon you cannot blame him, can you?"

"As much as you cannot blame me for defending myself against his attack. I assume."

A show of strength. Proof you are worthy to sit amongst the strongest of the Hibari warriors was needed with each negotiator. While most found this part of the Hibari traditions distasteful, Xara found she quite liked it.

'At least, it seems like I found at least one thing I like about this damn island.'

Negotiations between the Hibari clan were quicker than most but still took longer than Xara would have liked. Five whole days.

Five.

Whole.

Days.

It took for a renewal of borders and alliances for the next 10 years. Usually, it would have been longer but with how old Nono was the Hibari clan was taking no chances.

"Renegotiations will be needed, should his successor be chosen in between those 10 years."

"I will be glad to stand watch should that time come."

"I am curious as to why you don't see yourself in that situation."

Xara let out a loud snort at the clan leader's question. Not the most respectful of choices but with how ridiculous the question was Xara let herself this small transgression.

"I have no desire to fight over a seat I hold no interest for."

"Are you sure, Xara di Vongola."

"Varia."

As the clan leader dared smirk at her correction, Xara dared smile back in return as she corrected him once more.

"Xara di Varia is my title. As I will be the negotiator between your clan and Vongola for the unforeseeable future…. I think it would be easier for everyone if you remembered my proper title."

With a glint of amusement in his eyes, Hibari Hiraku stared down at the bold Italian and thought it was a pity the girl held no ambition towards, what was considered to most, her birthright.

'I can only hope her replacement is at least as competent as her.'

Unfortunately, he was to be disappointed in the coming years.