The single name made Dino look like a ghost. Even Squalo was quietly staring at me. Nikita is a powerful woman who made everyone who even heard of her go quiet. She'll kill as she please no matter the circumstance. She had political pull in multiple countries along with moles. I wouldn't be surprised if her men were keeping an eye on Squalo and Dino the second they arrived in Japan. This was her iron defense.

"How do you know that name?" Dino asked with a shaky voice.

"Are you scared of her?" I asked.

"She's terrifying. She's killed hundreds of men just for looking at her the wrong way. That doesn't even count the thousands she's had assassinated. Has she threatened you?" I tilted my head. Nikita would never hurt me but Dino didn't know that.

"She hasn't threatened me."

"How do you know her?" Dino asked. Squalo kept silent during this. He knew there was a good relationship between me and Nikita, but he didn't know how I knew her.

"I met her a little before the Tokyo incident. After that, she personally took care of me. To her, I'm her daughter." This surprised the two. "I had a feeling you were in the mafia because of the business trips and Xanxus getting hurt. I ignored it at first. I didn't want my hunch to be right, but then Nikita showed herself."

"And she confirmed your suspicions." I nodded to Squalo's comment.

"Those in the underground have only heard of her by rumor. However, those involved in powerful mafias know what she can do. She leaves most paralyzed with her presence alone. Besides, she wouldn't let me go with anyone that she knew couldn't protect me."

"Why did she take care of you?" Dino asked.

"She had her reasons, Dino. It's hard to know what she's thinking and I've known her most of my life."

The next day, Dino had a meeting. So, Squalo took me to a bar where he was instantly recognized. I knew the place from coming here with Syoko to pick her husband up when he got too drunk. We were put into a small booth.

"Get whatever you want." Squalo said.

"Alcohol?" I tested.

"Don't go overboard." I already knew what I wanted.

A man walked over. "What can I get you?"

"I'll take wine." Squalo replied. The two looked at me.

"Give me the same and put it under Kaoru's tab."

The man smiled at me. He instantly knew who I was. "Of course, miss."

Once he left, Squalo's eye twitched. "What?" I questioned cutely.

"Why did you do that?"

"He won't mind. He can't say 'no' to me and if he does, his mom will sort him out. Plus, he gets too drunk to realize how much he spends." I commented with a small chuckle.

"Shiori…"

"What is it? You look like you've wanted to say something since I arrived."

"Xanxus didn't want you to know about the mafia. His dad has been trying to persuade him to tell you, but he's stubborn."

"Why won't he tell me? It's not that big of a deal." I questioned with confusion.

"He's just worried about what you'd think of him. In fact, we're all worried what you'd think of us."

"Knowing you're all mafia actually makes me feel at ease in a strange way." I confessed.

"It does?" We got our drinks.

"I grew up around the yakuza and then Nikita took me under her wings."

"She just protected you, right?"

I took a sip of the sweet, bitter wine. "That's only part of it."

"Will you tell me the other part?"

"Don't tell this to Xanxus."

He swore in Italian and slammed his hand on the table. "You and Xanxus are the exact same. None of you want to talk to each other and it pisses me off."

"I have a reason for that, Squalo."

"What reason could you have other than being a pain in my ass?"

I gave a sigh. "I can't face Xanxus if I can't even face myself."

"Why tell me then?"

"You're one of the few I can trust. I do trust, Xanxus though. It's a little complicated. I feel safe when I'm with him and if I don't tell him everything at once, I won't be able to forgive myself. I still can't get over what happened in that place. I know that's what Xanxus wants to know the most. He needs to know everything from the beginning." Squalo was just silent. He took a few more sips of wine, soaking everything I said in.

"That's the first time I've ever heard someone say they feel safe with that shitty boss. I'm surprised someone like you can say that without faking it."

"Why are you surprised?"

"When you're in control, you're the least threatening looking person. You're the total opposite of Xanxus and yet you both understand each other on a level I'll never understand." I smiled thinking of him. It makes me want to get everything over with just so I can tell him. "So, what else did Nikita do that didn't pertain to protecting you?"

"Well, I was trained under her. It's another reason why I'm close to Yuko. They all taught me to protect myself and how to kill anyone."

Squalo let out a yell. "They what?!"

"Do you have a gun?"

"Yeah."

"Give it to me." He placed it on the table. I picked it up and stared at the marksmanship. I then started to take it apart.

"What are you doing?"

"Yuko taught me everything about guns. I can handle one almost to her caliber and do instant repairs." Once all the pieces were on the table, I put it back together correctly. I handed the gun over. Squalo inspected it before putting it back. "See? Whoever put this together was off by a little bit. That could have costed your life."

"If you're that skilled, why are they all protective of you?"

"I'm Nikita's daughter with no blood relation. It isn't a title to protect me either."

Squalo's eyes widened. "Daughter?"

"They all see me as that. She was the only one who made me feel better about the incident. We've both been scarred and have seen the evils of the world. Once I face my past, nothing will stop me from anything. At least that's what she told me. If it wasn't for you, I'd be in training to take over Nikita's place." Squalo choked on his wine. "Are you okay?"

"Don't give me surprises like that."

"It's natural that I'd take her place since I'm her daughter."

"Would you take her place even being with us?" Squalo questioned.

"I wouldn't. Sure, I'd be seen as the most dangerous woman in the world, but it wouldn't make me as happy as I am with you."

"I'm glad you don't care if we're killers. That takes a lot of stress off my shoulders."

"That's a relief."

"By the way, I've been wondering about something. Every time we've called, you've been in the middle of something. What is it?"

I let out an uneasy laugh. "Nikita really did show me the ropes to everything."

"Shiori." Squalo said in a tone a mother would when they wanted information. "What does that mean?"

"Certain individuals have tried to kill me. I took care of them and their bodies."

"Excuse me?"

"I have a personal garbage man that takes the bodies to auctions. Depending on the cut will depend on how much they're sold for."

"And you cut these men up?"

"Yes. It was my second job. The first job was to clean up everything where there would be no trace left."

"Do you go to these auctions?"

"I used to, but they mentally tire me out. There's a lot of screaming of agony and pleasure. It gave me massive headaches, but I was forced to go. I did steal a book that had all the names and their information the last time I went. If I want, I can blackmail each one and get whatever I want." I took my final sip of wine. The glass was empty.

"I take back everything I've ever told anyone about you. You'll be just fine with us. Though, you might not be able to go on missions if Xanxus has any say." Dino walked into the bar and saw us. He walked over. "How did the meeting go?" Squalo asked.

"It went as expected. They still don't have the money."

"Who are you trying to get money from?" I questioned.

"I can't tell you." Dino said apologetically.

"It's a yakuza family. They borrowed a loan from us and haven't paid it." Dino looked at Squalo with shock.

"You can't tell her that!"

"What family?" I asked.

"Tachibana." Squalo said, ignoring Dino.

My eyes sparkled. I put my hands together. I felt a switch flip inside of me. "Wonderful! Will there be another meeting?"

"You know something, don't you?" Squalo asked with a smile.

"Did you forget about what we just discussed? I have ways of making people talk and even better ways of persuading them."

"There's going to be a meeting tomorrow. Nono is coming for it."

"Nono?" I asked.

"Xanxus' father."

"Oh. I guess there's not much time to prepare. By the way, how much money do they owe?"

"Four million." I whistled. That was a quite a large loan. "Let's go, Shiori. Lead the way." We stood up and left with Dino trailing behind us.

"Wait! We can't involve Shiori." Dino said. He seemed really flustered.

"She's Nikita's family and has resources even the Vongola can't get their hands on." I couldn't help but giggle at Dino's reaction. That feeling was coming back.

The two followed me all the way back to Syoko's place. "Shiori! It's a surprise to see you. I see you brought friends."

"I'm on business."

She instantly turned serious. "It's been a while since I've seen this side of you, Shiori. Are you willing to pay the price?"

"I'd do anything for my family. You know that."

She let out a small smile. "I see you really are going with them. I guess I can waive the fee since you look too cute all serious."

I pouted. "I'm trying to be serious." She pinched my cheeks.

"I can't help it. So, what do you need?"

"I need info on the Tachibana family." Everyone in the restaurant froze and looked at me.

"What business do you have with them?"

"They took a loan and apparently don't have the money to repay us." One of the men stood and walked over to us.

"They haven't been paying anyone back."

"They must have hit rock bottom." I commented and put a hand on my chin.

"If they don't have any money, what will you do, Shiori?" Syoko asked.

"I have an idea, but I'm sure no one will like it as always." I took out my phone and messaged my personal garbage man and garbage boy. I put my phone back in my pocket and smirked.

"Put a scar over the left side of your face and you'd look exactly like Nikita. It warms my heart to see you like this. I'm proud. Though, I'm afraid we don't know much about the Tachibana's financials."

"That's alright, Syoko. It was still nice to see you again."

Once we left, Dino kept staring at me with uneasiness. "Miss." I stopped and saw the two I wanted to see. Squalo and Dino just stared. "Did you make friends, miss?" My garbage man asked with a smile.

"They're family. You two will respect them."

"Yes, miss." The two replied.

"Did you bring the book?"

"Of course." I was handed the book from the auction. It was a dark red velvet covered book. "Our target might be the Tachibana." I warned both of them.

"We'll wait for further instructions." I turned towards Squalo and Dino.

"We're done here. Let's go back to the hotel."

"You don't have anything to wear tomorrow." Squalo pointed out.

"Why would I need something to wear?"

"Don't you really want to make an impact? Once they see you dressed like how you are, they'll never take you seriously."

"Oh." I let out a sigh. "If you insist." I was reluctantly dragged into a clothing store. It was easy to tell everything was very high end. "Why are we here out of all the places in Tokyo?" It was too expensive for my taste. A woman walked over to us before Squalo could answer me.

"What can I help you with?" She asked with a smile.

"I need an outfit for her. It needs to be business professional and intimidating."

"I'll pick a few things. Come this way." We followed her to the back. She picked a few dresses out.

"Can it cover my arms?"

"Of course." She then disappeared to find more clothes.

"Scars?" Squalo asked. I nodded. Dino was just confused. He'll never get over that confusion for a while. At least, he wouldn't get over it for today. The woman shortly came back with an outfit.

"I believe this is what you'll be looking for."

I took it from her and went to try it on. I had a high waist black mini skirt that had a slit on the side. Thankfully I had on tights so my scars weren't visible. On top was a long sleeved white button up shirt. I walked out from the dressing room. Dino's mouth dropped.

"It's missing something." Squalo said with a hum. I took the ribbon I always wore out of my hair and put it around my collar.

"This?"

"Something else."

"What's missing then?" I questioned. He took off his jacket and hung it over my shoulders. He took a few steps back.

"Perfect."

"Almost." The woman said and walked over to me. She put my hair back, leaving out a strand on the right side of my face. "The hair makes it." I looked at myself in the mirror and was shocked with how I looked. I've never looked this pretty before. Squalo's jacket really made the look complete.

"Well?" They asked.

"I love it!"

"Good! It's your official welcome as part of the family." Squalo put his arm around my shoulder. "I'll let you use my jacket for now, but when you come to Italy, your very own will be waiting for you. Lussuria will make you a custom jacket."

"I can't wait."

Dino got a call. "Nono is here. I'll go get him while you two finish here." Once he left, the woman who helped me found a pair of black heels to finish the look. Squalo paid for everything and we left with my old clothes in a bag.

"Shiori?!" Kaoru shouted before running to me.

"It's nice to see you too, Kaoru." I greeted.

"What are you doing dressed like that? You look magnificent!"

"Thank you. I have a business meeting tomorrow. Did you not see your mom yet?"

"She told me about that which is why I was looking for you." He handed me a gift bag. "This is for you. I know I can't stop you, but I can help you protect yourself."

"Thank you, Kaoru. This will come in handy." He put a hand on the top of my head.

"You better not get hurt or I'll kill them all."

"I'll try not to." He walked away.

"What did he give you?" Squalo asked.

"You'll see." When we got back to the hotel room, we saw Timoteo. When he saw me, he couldn't help but let out a gasp.

"Shiori?"

"Hello."

"You look absolutely stunning. Dino said you'll be helping us tomorrow."

"I am as long as that's fine with you." He shook his head before walking over. He held my hands.

"You're family. I'd be honored if you'd help. With your experience under Nikita, you'll no doubt help us."

"Thank you. I'll do my best."

That night, I changed into my pajamas and went through the book I received. There were thousands of names written down. I marked down certain pages and lines. Timoteo was in the room with me reading a book he brought. Squalo walked in on his phone.

"VOI! She wanted to help!" I looked over. "You'll have to convince her yourself, shitty boss!" Squalo threw the phone at me. "Convince that idiot you can help." I picked up the phone.

"Hello?"

"Why are you being stupid by helping with a dangerous deal?" My finger twitched at Xanxus' rough tone.

"Excuse me?" I said dangerously. I could tell Xanxus froze up. Squalo did. Timoteo just put a hand over his mouth. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't go."

"I don't want you to get hurt." He said quietly.

"That's it?"

"I'm not underestimating your ability. I just don't want you hurt."

"You'll have to physically stop me, Xanxus." He groaned. "Let's make a deal."

"No." He responded. I grunted which made Squalo take a step back. Timoteo smiled widely.

"You let me go and I'll tell you everything you want to know the next time you're in Japan."

"Why can't you tell me now?"

"It isn't something I can just tell you without showing you." Squalo looked interested in what I said.

"You'll tell me everything? No running?"

"No running." There was a few seconds of silence.

"Fine but if you get hurt, your ass is coming back with Squalo and you're staying here."

"You say that like a threat but I'm sure you're just impatient." I teased.

"Shut up." I ended the call.

"Well?" Squalo asked.

"He accepted."

Timoteo knew Shiori was perfect for the Varia. The phone call proved it. She put Xanxus in place with only words. In fact, he remembered his own mother acting the same way with him and her guardians. Shiori is definitely Vongola material and depending on how she does tomorrow might give her an official position within the family. "He accepted the deal." She said cheerfully.

"What the hell did you do?" Squalo asked.

"I did what Nikita taught me. I've been in tons of negotiations with her. I know her methods very well."

"I'll be behind you one hundred percent whatever you do." Timoteo spoke.

"Are you sure?" She asked.

"I've heard of Nikita's negotiations and how deadly they can turn. As long as we get the money, I won't care what you do."

"That's good news. I can't wait." Shiori said happily. Squalo looked at him with unease. Timoteo smiled. It didn't calm Squalo's nerves.

Later that night, Timoteo went for a walk. Dino was with him. "What do you think of Shiori?" He asked Dino.

"I think she's a wonderful person, but I don't know if she can handle something as stressful as a mafia negotiation. The Tachibana are terrifying people."

"Why do you think so?"

"She doesn't seem the type to be assertive enough to even persuade a regular adult, much less a yakuza boss, to give us money."

"Is it because of her looks?"

Dino nodded. "She looks innocent and fragile like a glass flower. I'm just worried about her. She seems like she breaks easily." Timoteo looked at Dino solemnly. Dino immediately straightened up.

"Don't be surprised if someone dies tomorrow." Nono warned quietly.

"Why?"

"Just think of Shiori as another Nikita."

"How can I do that? Shiori isn't like that monster." Timoteo shook his head.

"You're mistaken, Dino. They're the same. Shiori just wants to fool others. She also has her own mission. She can't openly show that side of her like Nikita can."

The next day, I woke up and got dressed in my new uniform. I put my hair up like yesterday and looked at myself in the mirror. I didn't feel awkward like I usually did when I dressed up. Maybe it was because of the situation I was in. Timoteo walked in with Dino and Squalo. "Are you ready?" Squalo asked.

"Almost." I went to the bag I got from Kaoru and pulled out a gun holster for my thigh. It was a perfect fit. I then went to my bag and pulled out the box Nikita gave me back at the restaurant.

"What's that box?" Squalo asked. I opened it showing a beautiful silver gun with Nikita's family crest engraved on the sides. I put ammo in and put the gun in my holster. "What kind of gun is that?"

"It was mine when I was a kid. Nikita only returned what I left behind." Once I had the book in my hands, I smiled. "I'm ready now." Squalo put his jacket on my shoulders. We left the hotel and saw the garbage man and Kira. They followed us without causing any suspicion.

"Who are those two?" Timoteo asked me.

"Garbage men."

"I see. I've only heard of their existence. I've never seen them. Actually, I only believed them to be a rumor."

"They're very much real. If you do see one, you're pretty much screwed. These two are mine and work for me. You have nothing to worry about." I responded gently.

"That's good to know."

We arrived to a skyscraper. "This is our destination. They're waiting on the forty fourth floor." Dino told us.

"Double death, huh?" I said to myself. The three turned to me.

"What do you mean?" Dino questioned.

"The number four can be interpreted as death. It's used as a scare tactic for a lot of people in Japan."

"Shall I accompany you, miss?" Kira asked. I rubbed the top of his head.

"You can't just yet, Kira. You'll have to stay back with your teacher until I give you the signal. You must know patience."

"What if you get hurt?" He said with a pout.

"I'll be fine. I promise. If everything goes according to plan, I'll let you hack up someone by yourself."

"You mean it?" He said with excitement.

"Have I ever broken a promise?"

"Never."

"Good." The four of us entered the elevator.

"What did you mean by hacking someone up?" Dino asked.

"Don't worry about it."

"Shiori?"

"Don't bother her, Dino. She's getting herself prepared." Timoteo thankfully intervened so Dino wouldn't bother me. Thinking back, I never had any good interactions with the Tachibana. They've spat at me and cursed my name for the Tokyo incident. I honestly didn't want to even talk to them, but I'll be helping out Squalo and in turn Xanxus. Once the door opened, we were met with a few men. They instantly had their eyes on me.

"We weren't aware there was a woman with you. We'd have the best wines and cheeses."

"Bring us to the meeting." I demanded. They instantly shivered.

"This way."

'Keep your head up and shoulders back. Walk with purpose. Kill with your eyes and most importantly, detach yourself from all strings no matter who's in the room with you.' Those were Nikita's words when she trained me. There were even times where I was threatened and Nikita didn't seem to care. In those situations, she killed them after getting what she wanted. I took a deep breath. Right now, the people I'm with aren't family. They're my pawns. I could feel the feather calm me down. Xanxus wouldn't want to see this side of me, but I couldn't help it. After all, this is what I really am.