KHR: Decimo Primo

The hum of the private jet engines was a constant, soothing backdrop as Tsuna gazed out of the window. The clouds drifted lazily below, and the faint outline of Japan was already visible on the horizon. It had been three years since he left his home in Namimori to study at Mafia school. Now nine years old, Tsuna was on his way back, having just completed his student exams for his fourth-grade education. His heart felt a mixture of anticipation and unease. Returning to Japan, even temporarily, stirred up memories of simpler times, times before his life was engulfed by the Mafia world.

The Vongola jet, one of the fastest in the world, made the journey from Italy to Japan feel fleeting. The luxurious cabin was spacious, but Tsuna's focus was on the letter in his hands. It was an official document from the school, detailing his assigned internship. The black ink stood out sharply against the parchment, and as Tsuna read through the lines, his brow furrowed slightly.

The letter explained that his placement had been carefully chosen. His internship would involve working with an organization called the True Cross Order. Over the past two years, Tsuna had heard of this group—an immensely powerful organization affiliated with the Church, specifically the Vatican. What struck him was the intentionality behind this assignment. According to the letter, his placement wasn't just a routine decision but a strategic move. Tsuna was to act as a bridge between the Mafia and the Church, facilitating future cooperation between the two groups.

The letter went on to outline that during his internship, Tsuna would be primarily based at the Kyoto Branch of True Cross Academy. The Kyoto Branch was known for its deep ties to the spiritual and supernatural, and the idea of being stationed there was both exciting and nerve-wracking. Despite the outward antagonism between the Mafia, the Church, and the Government, Tsuna had learned a significant truth from Nono: behind the scenes, these three organizations maintained an alliance. Their shared goal was to protect the world from various supernatural threats a crucial alliance, albeit hidden from the public eye.

As Tsuna set the letter down, he noticed another section he had skimmed over earlier. It stated that in the coming days, before his internship officially began, Tsuna would have a brief respite to adjust to his return home. A representative from True Cross Academy was scheduled to visit his accommodation in Japan to discuss the finer details of the cooperation and his responsibilities for the next few months. The thought of meeting someone from the academy added another layer of curiosity and apprehension to his journey.

Tsuna leaned back in his seat, his fingers tracing the edges of the letter. The responsibilities placed on his shoulders felt heavier with each passing day, yet he couldn't ignore the spark of determination within him. This internship wasn't just an assignment—it was a testament to how far he had come in his training. It was also a reminder of the intricate web of alliances and conflicts he was now a part of. The world he was growing into was vast and complex, but with each step, he was learning to navigate it.

Looking out at the steadily approaching landmass of Japan, Tsuna let out a small sigh. He would be home soon, if only for a short while.

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Looking out at the steadily approaching landmass of Japan, Tsuna let out a small sigh. He would be home soon, if only for a short while.

The private jet landed smoothly at the airport, the Vongola insignia discreetly hidden to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. Tsuna gathered his carry-on bag and stepped off the jet, greeted by a few polite bows from the crew. Before leaving Italy, he had made an important decision—he wanted to experience a semblance of normalcy, at least for a short while.

"I want to live like an ordinary person while I'm here," Tsuna had declared firmly to the Vongola guards. "No swarms of bodyguards trailing me everywhere. I need some time to breathe."

While the guards reluctantly agreed to his request, Tsuna's finely honed instincts told him otherwise. As he walked through the airport, he could sense several presences hidden in plain sight—guards disguised as travelers, airport staff, even a few "random" passersby. Tsuna sighed to himself. Their devotion was admirable, and while he couldn't entirely blame them for being protective, he couldn't help feeling a twinge of frustration.

Adjusting his scarf, Tsuna made his way through the terminal, glancing around the bustling airport. When he reached the meeting area, his eyes lit up. There, standing with a beaming smile, was his mother, Nana, eagerly waving at him.

"Tsuna!" she called out, practically bouncing with excitement.

Next to her were two familiar faces—Haru and Takeshi. Haru waved enthusiastically, her voice ringing out in delight. "Tsu-kun! Welcome back!"

"Yo, Tsuna!" Takeshi greeted, his ever-cheerful smile bright as he raised a hand in a friendly wave. "It's been a while!"

Tsuna's heart warmed at the sight of them. He hadn't expected to see Haru and Takeshi here, but their presence made his return even more special. He quickened his pace, his usually tense shoulders relaxing for the first time in days.

"Mom! Haru! Takeshi!" Tsuna greeted, his voice filled with genuine happiness.

As he reached them, Nana pulled him into a tight hug, her arms squeezing him with all the love she had been saving for three years. "I missed you so much, sweetie! You've grown so much! Look at you—so handsome!"

"Mom!" Tsuna protested lightly, though he couldn't hide the smile tugging at his lips.

Haru joined in, her usual enthusiasm unbridled. "Tsu-kun! You're even cooler than before! Did Mafia school make you some kind of secret agent or something?"

"Not exactly," Tsuna replied, scratching the back of his head sheepishly.

Takeshi laughed. "I bet you've got some crazy stories, huh? We've got a lot to catch up on."

Tsuna nodded, feeling an unfamiliar sense of ease settle over him. It had been so long since he'd been able to interact with his friends without the constant weight of the Mafia world looming overhead. For the first time in years, he felt like he could just be Tsuna—a boy reconnecting with his childhood friends.

As the four of them walked toward the exit, chatting animatedly, Tsuna caught glimpses of a few "ordinary" people discreetly trailing behind them. He sighed inwardly, shaking his head. Even here, the Vongola's reach was unavoidable. Still, as he listened to Haru's rapid-fire questions and Takeshi's cheerful banter, he realized it didn't matter. For now, he was home.

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As the four exited the airport, the crisp air of Japan greeted them warmly. Tsuna pulled his scarf tighter around his neck, savoring the comforting familiarity of home. The gentle chatter of Haru and Takeshi filled the space around him, their energy a stark contrast to the calculated and stoic atmosphere he'd grown used to in the Mafia world.

"Man, Tsu-kun," Haru started, bouncing slightly with excitement, "I can't believe it's been two whole years since your birthday! You've been off doing all kinds of mysterious Mafia training stuff, haven't you?"

"Yeah," Tsuna admitted, his voice laced with a mix of nostalgia and amusement. "It's been...intense. But I've learned a lot. What about you guys? What's been going on here in Namimori?"

Takeshi grinned as he casually tossed his duffel bag over one shoulder. "Not much has changed for me. I'm still playing baseball, though our team didn't make it to the finals this year. But, uh, I did start working with my dad at the sushi shop recently. Just a few hours here and there."

"Wow! That's so cool, Takeshi!" Haru said, her eyes sparkling. "It must be nice learning the family trade."

Takeshi rubbed the back of his neck, chuckling. "Yeah, it's fun. My dad's pretty serious about it, though. I've got a lot to learn if I'm ever going to be as good as him."

"What about you, Haru?" Tsuna asked, genuinely curious. "Still doing gymnastics?"

"Of course!" Haru replied proudly, puffing out her chest. "I've been practicing nonstop, and guess what? My dad got a job teaching at a new girls' school. I'll be transferring there next year! It's going to be a big change, but I'm excited."

"That's great, Haru," Tsuna said, smiling at her enthusiasm. "I'm glad things are going well for both of you."

Haru nodded eagerly. "What about you, Tsu-kun? Mafia school must be crazy, right? Are there secret missions? Hidden dungeons? Super intense duels with other students?"

"Uh...something like that," Tsuna replied with a nervous laugh, deciding to keep the more harrowing details to himself.

As their conversation flowed, they arrived at the curb where a familiar car was parked. Takeshi's dad leaned against the driver's side door, waving warmly as they approached.

"Nana-san, Tsuna! Good to see you again," Takeshi's dad greeted cheerfully.

"Thank you so much for helping us today, Yamamoto-san," Nana said with a bright smile.

"No problem at all! It's been a while since I've seen this guy," he said, ruffling Takeshi's hair affectionately before turning to Tsuna. "And you, Tsuna, you've grown a lot since the last time I saw you."

Tsuna bowed politely. "Thank you for picking us up, Yamamoto-san."

The group piled into the car, with Takeshi sitting up front while Nana, Haru, and Tsuna squeezed into the back. The journey home was filled with more lighthearted stories, laughter, and the occasional good-natured teasing.

"So, Tsu-kun," Haru said, leaning closer. "Now that you're back, even if it's just for a little while, we've got to make the most of it. Let's do something fun together!"

"Yeah!" Takeshi chimed in from the front seat. "It's been way too long. We should hang out, just like old times."

Tsuna nodded, the corners of his mouth lifting into a soft smile. "I'd like that."

As they drove through the familiar streets of Namimori, the weight of his responsibilities seemed to lift, if only slightly.

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The summer heat in Namimori was almost overwhelming, but for Tsuna, it was the perfect backdrop to his brief escape from the chaos of the Mafia world. Over the next few days, he immersed himself in the simple joys of everyday life, reconnecting with his mother and friends. Each day brought a new adventure, and Tsuna relished every moment.

The first morning after Tsuna's return, Nana woke him up with a cheerful smile and a plate of his favorite breakfast.

"Good morning, Tsu-kun!" Nana sang as she placed the tray on his bedside table. "You've got a big day ahead, so eat up!"

"Thanks, Mom," Tsuna mumbled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

After breakfast, Tsuna met Haru and Takeshi at the local park. The lush greenery and chirping cicadas instantly brought back memories of simpler times.

"Tsu-kun!" Haru called, waving enthusiastically as she ran toward him. "Let's play a game! How about tag?"

"Tag?" Tsuna blinked. "Isn't that more for little kids?"

Haru pouted. "Come on, Tsu-kun! Don't be such an old man. It's summer! Let's have some fun!"

Takeshi chuckled, tossing a baseball in the air and catching it. "I'm in. But let's make it interesting. Whoever gets tagged first has to treat us to ice cream!"

"Wait, what?" Tsuna started to protest, but Haru was already counting down.

"Three, two, one—go!"

Before he knew it, Tsuna was running for his life, Haru hot on his heels. Despite his protests, he found himself laughing as they darted around the park, weaving between trees and benches.

After what felt like an eternity, Tsuna finally collapsed onto the grass, panting. Haru stood over him triumphantly.

"Gotcha, Tsu-kun!" she declared, pointing dramatically.

"Fine, fine," Tsuna said, catching his breath. "Ice cream's on me."

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The next day, the trio visited the Namimori Shrine. The long staircase leading up to the shrine was a challenge, but the view from the top was worth it.

"Takeshi, don't run up the stairs!" Haru scolded as she followed behind him.

"Why not? It's good exercise!" Takeshi called back, already halfway up.

Tsuna, bringing up the rear, shook his head with a smile. "Some things never change."

At the top, they each took turns ringing the shrine's bell and making wishes.

"What did you wish for, Tsu-kun?" Haru asked, tilting her head curiously.

"It's a secret," Tsuna replied, a faint blush dusting his cheeks.

Haru grinned. "Fine, but I bet it's something boring, like 'world peace' or 'getting stronger.'"

"Hey!" Tsuna protested.

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On the third day, they decided to visit the beach. Nana packed them a hearty lunch, and the three of them spent the day splashing in the waves and building sandcastles.

"Takeshi, stop throwing water at me!" Haru shrieked, shielding herself with her arms.

"Come on, Haru, it's just a little water!" Takeshi laughed, tossing another handful in her direction.

Tsuna, who was trying to stay dry, ended up getting dragged into the water fight.

"Why am I always caught in the middle?" he groaned as Haru and Takeshi ganged up on him.

Later, they sat on the shore, watching the sun dip below the horizon.

"This is nice," Haru said, her voice soft. "It feels like everything's the way it used to be."

"Yeah," Takeshi agreed. "It's good to have you back, Tsuna."

Tsuna smiled, feeling a warmth in his chest that had nothing to do with the summer sun.

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On the fourth day, they visited a festival in a neighboring town. The streets were lined with stalls selling food, games, and trinkets.

"Tsu-kun, let's try the goldfish scooping!" Haru said, dragging him toward a stall.

"Do I have to?" Tsuna asked, but Haru was already handing him a scooping net.

"Come on, Tsu-kun, it's fun!"

After several failed attempts, Tsuna finally managed to catch a goldfish.

"You did it!" Haru cheered. "See? I told you it was fun!"

Takeshi, meanwhile, was busy trying his luck at a ring toss game.

"Watch this," he said, tossing a ring with precision. It landed perfectly, earning him a large stuffed bear.

"Nice!" Haru said, clapping. "You're so good at this, Takeshi!"

The night ended with a fireworks display. As the colorful explosions lit up the sky, Tsuna couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for moments like this.

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On the fifth and final day before Tsuna's scheduled meeting with the True Cross representative, the group decided to take it easy and spend the day at Nana's house.

"Tsu-kun, you've been so busy these past few days," Nana said as she poured everyone glasses of iced tea. "Make sure you get some rest too."

"I will, Mom," Tsuna promised.

The four of them spent the afternoon playing board games and reminiscing about the past.

"Remember when Tsu-kun tried to climb that tree in the park and got stuck?" Haru said, giggling.

"Hey, I was like six!" Tsuna protested.

"It's still funny," Haru said, sticking out her tongue.

"Don't worry, Tsuna," Takeshi said with a grin. "You've come a long way since then."

As the sun began to set, Tsuna felt a bittersweet pang in his chest. These past few days had been some of the happiest he'd experienced in a long time.

"Thanks, you guys," he said quietly.

"For what?" Haru asked, tilting her head.

"For everything," Tsuna replied, his voice full of sincerity.

That night, as he lay in bed, Tsuna stared at the ceiling, a soft smile on his face. For the first time in years, he felt truly at peace.

Tomorrow, the responsibilities of his internship with the True Cross Academy would come knocking. But for now, Tsuna was content to hold onto the memories of this summer—a reminder of the life he was fighting to protect.