DISCLAIMER: I don't own KHR or any of the associated characters aside from my OCs.

My test for the Tenth Generation Guardians began. The goal of catching Romario was totally feasible. Romario's an herbivore and he's totally unarmed. Furthermore, he's starting from the back corner of the top floor. They'll have plenty of time to catch him before he leaves the estate through the front door like Dino and I instructed.

My goal is to eliminate the idiots who do the worst possible things in a stealth operation. The first of those worst possible choices is to go straight for the door and wait for Romario to show up. During the real deal, the criminal will most likely have allies hidden and out in the open meaning the exit will be guarded.

As expected Sasagawa Ryohei came out of his hiding spot and made his way towards the door, screaming like the obnoxious herbivore he is and so I motioned for Dino to ruthlessly shoot him. Dino grinned and shook his head, clapping his hands together to plead for Ryohei's "life."

"Feh. Useless." I took it upon myself to rain paintballs over Sasagawa's head until he was screaming for me to stop, "You're out."

Dino, laughing, picked up the megaphone again, "Announcement! Sasagawa Ryohei was eliminated. Only six men remain."

Given the rules and the situation, I think the second stupidest thing these kids can choose to do would be to start panicking. The whole idea of a stealth operation is to keep yourself hidden and on the downlow. Panicking just means you're not suited to covert ops.

Lambo, being the child he is, randomly decided to search for Romario. He was wandering down the hall when I painted his shirt red with pellets. I snorted, motioning for Dino to make the announcement.

"Announcement! Lambo was eliminated! Only five men remain!"

Those that are left are the ones I put the most faith in when designing this preliminary exam.

Sawada is their leader. If he doesn't have a good strong grasp of what his Guardians are going to do, he'll fail. That's all there is to it. If he can predict their actions and locations, he'll definitely catch Romario.

Gokudera Hayato is the only one out of all of the Guardians who has previous mafia experience. It might not be in the covert department but he's definitely a strong contender for strategist amongst these kids.

Chrome is a wildcard. I have no idea how she'll react to the test. Illusionists are double-edged swords since they inflict those that are weak of mind with deceitful images. If she comes forward recklessly, she could do her team more harm than good.

My brother is incredibly intelligent when motivated. He'll definitely catch Romario if the flogging is something he wants to avoid. Then again, we did say I'd pick randomly. I think Kyoya might be debating on whether or not I'd have the balls to spank him. By the way, I do. So he's mistaken if he thinks he's got a free pass on the punishment.

Now, the last candidate is one I'm personally excited to see in action. Yamamoto Takeshi is the child who defeated Squalo at his own game-sword mastery. Yamamoto has been acknowledged by several professionals as a natural born hitman and I'm just dying to see those skills for myself.

"Kira, they're on the move." Dino handed me the tracking device, "All except Kyoya and Yamamoto are on the move."

I hummed, interested in the possible reasons for their lack of movement, "In Kyoya's case, it could be laziness but Yamamoto didn't strike me as the type to think a lot. Let's move towards Kyoya's tracker."

Following my instructions, he mused, "You seem to think something's up."

"My brother might've realized he's been tagged and removed the tracer." I told him, "Yamamoto might be the same but who knows."

True to my expectations, the location given to us by the tracking device wasn't Kyoya's hiding spot. It was the spot he had removed his tracking device. He had purposely put it here to throw us off.

I smiled proudly, "He's going for Romario but how is the question…"

"Are we going to check on Yamamoto too?"

I nodded again but the open window caught my eye and I realized what Kyoya's plan had become. He snuck out of the window and he was waiting outside for Romario. It was a genius plan.

No one would suspect a last minute capture. Nor would they suspect someone who was instructed to find a target inside the building to go outside of his own volition. It was something I had never expected from my adorable little brother but it was a solid plan.

Kyoya was crossed off the flogging list. I almost wanted to reward him.

To my utmost pleasure, Yamamoto's tracer was also removed. I grinned and bent to pick it up from the corner of the library but my instincts buzzed at me in warning. I spun, pushing Dino out of the way in time to narrowly dodge a frontal slash. In his surprise, Dino dropped the megaphone and stumbled away.

Yamamoto, our extremely creative attacker, picked up the mike and gave a loud, "I'VE GOT THEM CORNERED! GO FOR ROMARIO!"

Interesting. This is the man who defeated Squalo. This was a total one-eighty spin from his normally laid back personality. This was Yamamoto Takeshi, Vongola Decimo's Rain Guardian.

I don't know how I feel about him yelling during a covert operation but normally, they would've all been equipped with headsets for quieter communication. I'll let it slide this time. With the information he had been given, this was the optimal choice to make. If he can keep me and Dino here, Romario's got no protection as he walks towards the door.

I crossed Yamamoto off the punishment list but I gave him a round of shots just to see how well he could dodge them.

"Kira, they're flocking to Romario." Dino told me in a very proud 'told you so' kind of tone, "I think we're done."

Yamamoto grinned and let his guard down, thinking they had won. From point blank, I shot him, leaving a nice red print on his white shirt, "Idiot."

"Let's go." I took off running with Dino close behind me.

I wanted to push them to their limits. This was too easy.

From behind, I shot Chrome and Dino shot Gokudera. Sawada leaped towards Romario who was running in a dead sprint towards the front door now. I grinned. Romario had just managed to open the door and BAM! Kyoya's tonfa slammed into his face and sent him flying backwards into Sawada. My brother had effectively floored both of them.

Towering over Romario, he put his hand out, "Give me the USB."

Romario, rubbing his sore and bloody nose, handed over the drive, "You win."

I was pleased with the result. These guys had shown considerable amounts of teamwork and logical strategies in the short time they were given.

Another one of Dino's men brought his whip to us, Dino grinned and placed it in my hands, "Go for it."

"Yamamoto, Kyoya, and Sawada are exempt from flogging. The rest of you should get on your hands and knees and turn your asses this way. If you don't want me to whip you in the face, obey without complaint." I said and as Gokudera began to roar indignantly, I lashed him in the forehead hard enough to render him unconscious. I grinned, turning towards the rest of the kids who had fallen into horrified silence, "Anyone else?"

Dino went to Chrome, gesturing for her to stand aside, "Kira, Chrome is a girl so let's just let her off the hook, okay?"

"Unless you want to be flogged in her place, return her to the floor." I said, hardly even looking in Don Cavallone's direction as I whipped Sasagawa flat in the ass. I blinked in surprise when I turned to give Lambo the next lash and found Sawada standing there in his defense.

"He's just a kid, Kira-san! Let hi-"

I slapped Dino's whip into Sawada's face instead and turned for my last victim to which Dino sighed and turned around in resignation. I spun and let Dino's whip slap Sawada a second time before returning it to Dino's subordinate.

"What was that for, you witch?!" Gokudera was up and snarling at me for punishing his precious boss more than the others, "You should've hit-"

I grabbed the whip and slapped it into poor Gokudera's face again.

"Ah… He never learns…" Sawada groaned and then put his hands up, begging silently for mercy when I turned on him.

"The test is now over. With the exception of Lambo, I'll be using all of you as watchmen for Dino's turf." I told them, "I'm expecting a lot from you guys but for now, rest. We start tomorrow night."

I turned to go but Kyoya was right in my face, halting me with a threatening tonfa. I knew what he wanted but I was busy. I turned, glaring at a laughing Dino.

He grinned, "I think your brother wants you to stay the night."

"Kyoya, I'm a little busy tonight. Fight Dino instead." I didn't blink a single eye as I threw Dino under the bus, "If you beat him, I'll fight you as a reward."

I might've decided against giving him Chrome's portion of punishment but that's only because I don't believe in punishing the undeserving. This time, he deserves a thorough beating from Kyoya. I laughed quietly to myself as I took my leave. I have other work to get to.

O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O

When I returned to Varia HQ in the middle of the night, Squalo was the only one waiting for me. I assumed everyone else was either asleep or still out for business. The ever diligent Squalo-senpai felt responsible for his portion of teaching the Tenth Generation so he was waiting for my summary of tonight.

I shrugged, "They're not half bad. I gave them a basic attempt at stealthy operations and they all pretty much have their foot through the door. Especially Yamamoto Takeshi."

Squalo looked irritated from just hearing that boy's name, "So you're going to take them as your squad on Cavallone's business?"

"Yeah. I have no other choice." That and I think I'm eager to be working with some of them but he doesn't have to know that part.

"You've never led a squad before. Not even for us." He huffed, "Cavallone's got something over your head or what?"

"I never needed extra manpower before." I rolled my eyes at the very thought of Dino holding something against me, "Now, I need more eyes than I possess so I'm using them. There's nothing more to it."

"... And the boss?" He asked vaguely, "What about him?"

I didn't like his vague method of asking but I answered, "I'm not sure. Did you tell him I saw?"

"Yeah… But no one else knows." He muttered, shifting his eyes uncomfortably, "Was I not supposed to say anything?"

Feeling confused, I shrugged, "I don't care. He'd find out sooner or later and it's not like I saw him doing that because I wanted to see it. I saw it by accident."

"That's why I told you not to…" He trailed off when I glared, scratching at the back of his neck anxiously, "Then what?"

I didn't answer, only staring at him as if he was supposed to keep talking.

"I mean, it's none of my business!" He barked, "But I'm the one who paired you with the boss for six whole months and I feel like I've done you some sort of wrong since I already knew the boss thought you were special."

Now, I was actually staring at him in surprise, "You knew what?"

"Kira, I'm dense but I'm not stupid!" He snapped, "Stop messing with me! I know he shared a drink with you multiple times! He doesn't treat any of us that way so it was the logical conclusion!"

"Like I said, what is that conclusion? I don't know what you're talking about!" It's more like, I didn't want to know because it didn't make sense. It made my brain and heart ache. I started to physically flee since my verbal misdirection wasn't working on him.

Squalo snatched my arm up by the wrist, yanking me back to glare down at me from his towering almost six foot height, "I'm saying I knew he had feelings for you. I'm being honest with you so tell me, do you blame me for what happened?"

Now that was not the direction I expected this conversation to take. I honestly expected him to just say I should talk about it with the boss. I didn't think he felt responsible for my misery.

I couldn't hold in the laughter as I reached up and curled my arms around his neck, "You're such an idiot."

"W-Well sorry!" He grumbled sarcastically, one arm tentatively around my waist in a loose hold, "Sometimes you're just hard to read and I thought you were trying to avoid HQ by taking on the Cavallone problem alone."

"You can just say you were lonely without me, senpai." I grinned, wincing when he roughly pinched my side, "Or not."

"Cheeky brat." He huffed, turning to look over his shoulder, "Luss! What the fuck are you doing hiding around the corner like a stalker?"

"Ara~" Lussuria's voice echoed around the corner and he came into view giggling, "I saw something rare so I didn't want to interrupt. Are you all done with your crush slash best-friend talk?"

"What the fuck are you talking about?!" We shouted at him simultaneously and then we paused, staring at each other.

I laughed quietly, noticing how we were still practically stuck together, "Since we're being honest, I think I might've thought you were an ideal man, Squalo-senpai."

Embarrassed beyond anything, he gave me a rough one-handed shove and turned away. His other hand had immediately shot up so he could bury his nose in his forearm, "You don't say those things casually like it doesn't matter!"

"Translation~" Lussuria sang, "He means, he's all embarrassed because he always had a crush on you."

"Don't fucking joke!" He shouted over Lussuria's sing-song teasing, "Shut your mouth!"

"I wo~on't~"

"You fucking tranny!" Squalo roared, swinging his sword about to chase our poor companion away. He was still red in the face when he turned back, glaring at the way I had just laughed the whole way through, "Don't misunderstand. You're just the only woman I know on a personal level."

"I think you're the one misunderstanding all on your own, senpai." I shook my head when he grumbled a slew of curses to himself, "I don't think I could stand being with someone who likes his boss as much as you do."

It was a joke. That's the one thing I like about Squalo over everything else. Meaning, more than Squalo's strength, I appreciate his loyalty. It's really rare for me to think another quality is more valuable than strength but for Squalo, it just feels right to say he's loyal before I say he's strong.

"Yeah? Well fuck you too." He huffed, still embarrassed all on his own, "I liked you better when you were an embarrassed virgin."

"I can say the same about you." I paused for effect, "Oh wait. No I can't."

"YOU FUCKING BITCH!"

I broke into a dead sprint in the direction Lussuria had gone. When I spotted him still walking away from our spot, I shouted, "Run!"

Lussuria took one look at Squalo's furious face and we took off running together, laughing the whole way at Squalo's expense, "Tell your BF with an extra F to stop chasing us looking like a murderer!"

"I can't!"

We just kept right on running. I love these guys so much.

O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O

I was meeting with the Vongola Decimo and his Guardians at Dino's place. We had a lot to go over, meaning I just talked at them the whole time and expected them to get it. I didn't know how else to get it across but it seemed to work on most of them. Except…

"I extremely don't get it!" Sasagawa declared but he was strapping on his earpiece with the rest of them, "What's a steak got to do with catching people?"

Sawada laughed nervously, "She said 'stake out.' We're going to stake out."

I tried not to groan but my eyebrow was twitching like mad, "These incompetent fools."

"I also don't get it!" Yamamoto laughed, holding up his hand like a student in class, "What's priority candy? Is it something you eat first?"

"She said prioritize the candidates!" Gokudera snapped, "You're making us look bad!"

"Ahahah, sorry?"

I had high hopes for Yamamoto… but he's an actual idiot. I turned, my expression showing exhausting already when I looked at Chrome who just blinked back at me innocently, "Tell me you understood."

She nodded but didn't say anything. She was a quiet one and I'm actually not sure how much I can say I trust her comprehension of the situation.

"So we have to get steak and pretty candy?" Sasagawa summarized the situation.

I just wanted to hang myself on the spot as Dino laughed at my misery. I miss Squalo already. I groaned when Yamamoto nodded vigorously in agreement. They're all idiots. Every last one of them.

I clapped my hands together, calling them to attention. I glared at each and every one of them. This is the only part they were good at-being called to attention. I sighed heavily.

"Do you idiots even understand how serious this is? If we fail, you could all just die on the spot." I held their gazes one by one, slowly starting to become reassured of their skills, "Now, I'm counting on you guys so… Show me the new leaders for the Vongola Famiglia."

"Yes ma'am!" When their voices blended together, they sounded like proper mafiosos.

My expression softened just the smallest bit. They reminded me of the Varia when they were all in sync just like that. When we were young, no- even now, we always respond to the boss just like that.

"Yes, boss!"

Their voices echoing in my head, I turned, peering out the door to make sure Kyoya was still there. He refused to crowd in this tiny room with us so Dino had put a chair just outside the door so he could listen in.

"Do you understand, dear brother?" I received a nod in confirmation and sighed in relief, "Alright. Let's move out. Earpieces on and we'll do a mike check as we get in the car. Sound off. Sawada."

"S-Sound off?" He squeaked, voice catching on the mike, "What does that mean?"

"Gokudera." I didn't bother to answer his dumb question. I was already behind schedule.

"She means we're doing a mike check by talking one at a time." Gokudera's voice was also transmitting nicely.

"Yamamoto."

"Kira-senpai." He said my name back to me faithfully, smiling the whole way.

"Sasagawa."

"I'm EXTREMELY here!"

"You can't talk like that during the operation. Whisper." I ordered, "Chrome."

"Yes."

"You're too quiet. You be a little louder." I hate these guys, "And Kyoya?"

"If I don't get to bite someone to death, you'll pay the price, Kira."

"Be patient." I adjusted my earpiece and called to our last teammate, "Dino?"

"I thought I'd die waiting, my love." He chuckled and broke into a straight laugh at the way the rest of the Guardian gagged or made sputtering noises at his affectionate pet name, "Be safe out there guys. Call out right away if you need back-up."

Tech confirmed, we mounted separate motorbikes provided by the Cavallone Family. Locations in mind, we split up with Dino's voice in our ears to relay detailed information on the most recent locations.

I don't know what area my readers are from but currently, I am in an area where Shelter In Home is effective due to COVID-19 dangers. I'm safely in my home and I hope all of you are as well but yes, I am terribly bored so the last few updates have been timely. I hope anyone who finds themselves in the same situation as I am in can find some entertainment from my updates so I'm working hard!

Now, I have to ask, I previously got some reviews/messages requesting a third scenario where Kira ends up with Squalo. This story is maybe only halfway done (hopefully, I'll update bi-weekly or something and get close to an ending by the end of our SIH order but not sure) but I'm going to ask should I go for another parallel story where Kira ends up with Squalo? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you!