KHR: Decimo Primo

Two years had passed since Reborn left Tsuna to train Dino and attend to other matters. In that time, the bonds Tsuna had formed with his classmates and friends at Mafia school deepened, and the changes in each of them were apparent. Now nine years old, Tsuna was beginning to see just how much could change in two short years.

Life at Mafia school had not eased in the slightest. The rigorous training, relentless tests, and intricate lessons on the Mafia world remained ever-present. Despite this, Tsuna found a strange sense of comfort in the routine, and the presence of his friends helped him navigate the chaos. Today, as he entered the classroom, he noticed how much his classmates had matured in their own ways.

Lunga, once proud of his towering stature compared to his peers, now seemed mildly frustrated. His height had started to stagnate, and his growth per year had significantly lessened. He muttered complaints under his breath about being unable to reach the heights he had envisioned for himself. Still, he remained as stalwart and dedicated as ever, his Swamp Flames a testament to his determination.

Raul, who had once adorned himself with fake tattoos and dyed blonde hair to project an image of rebellion, had undergone a complete transformation. Now, he dressed sharply in a child-sized suit, resembling a young businessman rather than a delinquent. Though his appearance had changed drastically, his battle-hungry nature and aggressive tendencies remained firmly intact. He still challenged Tsuna regularly, always striving to surpass him in combat.

Pantera, Naito's stoic and calm childhood friend, had adopted a new aesthetic. She now sported a goth girl look with dark clothing and accessories that only enhanced her mysterious aura. Yet, beneath her calm exterior, her feelings for Naito had grown more intense. Over the past two years, her yandere tendencies had emerged, fueled by Naito's oblivious antics. Naito, ever energetic and rowdy, had developed a peculiar habit of constantly asking girls to be his girlfriend. To everyone's surprise, he sometimes succeeded, but the girls he chose didn't fit the stereotypical image of beauty. This behavior only served to heighten Pantera's jealousy and possessiveness, though Naito remained utterly clueless about her feelings.

Basil, on the other hand, had changed the least over the years. As Tsuna's coworker in CEDEF, he spent the most time with him outside of school. Basil had grown more knowledgeable and confident, his understanding of the Mafia world and his role within it becoming more refined. His calm demeanor steadied Tsuna, who often relied on him for advice and companionship.

Even Naito, despite his eccentric behavior, had begun to show flashes of maturity in unexpected ways. While his romantic shenanigans were bewildering to his friends, they couldn't deny that his Sky and Storm Flames had become more refined and potent. Though sometimes overwhelming, Naito's unwavering optimism and enthusiasm remained a cornerstone of his personality.

Tsuna smiled as he observed his friends, their unique quirks and growth bringing a sense of warmth to his heart. Despite their differences, they had all come to mean so much to him. The bonds they shared were forged through countless trials, and as he stood among them, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. The challenges ahead might be daunting, but with his friends by his side, Tsuna knew he was ready to face them.

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The classroom was abuzz with excitement that morning, not just because of their final exams but also due to the spectacle awaiting them later in the day. The graduation exams for the 12th-year students were the talk of the school. Barely a hundred students ever made it to this milestone, and today, they would face off against some of the Mafia world's most seasoned and powerful members in a grueling competition.

"Can you imagine going up against actual Mafia veterans?" Raul said, his voice laced with equal parts awe and anticipation. He adjusted his tie with a smirk. "That's the kind of challenge I'm living for."

Pantera, her chin resting on her hand, shot him a skeptical glance. "You've barely survived half the training matches this year. Do you think you'd stand a chance against someone who's been doing this for decades?"

Raul bristled but grinned. "It's not about survival—it's about proving you belong. Besides, Dino's graduating today, right? Reborn's senior disciple. That guy's a legend."

"Dino-senpai…" Tsuna murmured, a mixture of admiration and nerves in his voice. "Reborn always said he's one of the best. It's hard to believe he was once as clumsy as I am."

"Clumsy? That's putting it lightly," Naito chimed in with a laugh. "Reborn once told me Dino couldn't even hold a gun without dropping it when he started. And now look at him—he's one of the strongest in the Mafia world."

Basil nodded thoughtfully. "It's a testament to hard work and determination. Today's match will be a true test of Dino-senpai's abilities, as well as the other graduates. It's rare to see such a high-level event."

Lunga leaned forward, his expression serious. "I heard some big names will be watching. Even some Famiglia bosses are attending. This isn't just an exam—it's a showcase."

The group continued their spirited discussion, their excitement mingling with a sense of pride and determination. Tsuna listened intently, but his thoughts were also elsewhere. He hadn't spent nearly as much time with his friends as he did in his first year. These last two years had been a whirlwind of training, missions, and lessons. His work with CEDEF had kept him busy, and there were personal instructions from Vongola Nono that took up any free time he might have had. High society connections, lessons in diplomacy, and matters of leadership had quickly filled the void.

Lately, it had been difficult to balance his duties, and the few moments he spent with his friends felt fleeting. Even now, he realized just how much he'd missed these carefree moments with them. The thought of becoming the future boss of the number one Mafia group had made it easy for Tsuna to lose sight of those simpler times. He had a responsibility that weighed heavier every day, and the toll it took on his relationships was undeniable.

"Yeah…" Tsuna murmured, shaking himself out of his thoughts, as he glanced at Basil. "We haven't really had much time together lately. It's strange how quickly things change when you're busy with work."

Basil, who had been listening to the group but noticed Tsuna's distant expression, gave him a small smile. "You've got a lot on your plate, Tsuna. We get it. It's not easy, being a candidate for Vongola's boss."

"True," Tsuna admitted with a soft sigh. "But I wish I could spend more time with you guys. It feels like we're drifting apart with all the work we've been doing."

Raul chuckled and nudged Tsuna's shoulder. "I guess even the future Vongola boss has to deal with time management, huh?"

Pantera's lips curved into a faint smile as she looked at Tsuna. "It's not the same without you around. But don't worry, you've got us cheering you on. We'll make sure to celebrate once you pass that boss exam."

Naito grinned. "We'll need to throw the best party for you after all this is over. Just don't get too used to it, though. You'll be too busy running everything after you become boss."

Tsuna blushed slightly at Naito's teasing but smiled. "I don't think I'm ready for that yet."

Just then, the bell rang, signaling the start of their own exams. Tsuna took a deep breath and adjusted himself in his seat. The challenges of the day awaited them, but he felt ready. There were trials ahead, not just for the graduating students, but for him as well—challenges he had to face head-on as the candidate for Vongola's future boss. With his friends by his side, even from afar, Tsuna felt that the weight of his responsibility was a little lighter.

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As the bell rang signaling the start of their exams, the atmosphere in the classroom shifted from excited chatter to sharp focus. This year's exam was different. Unlike their first-year exams, which were designed to weed out those unsuited for the Mafia world through brutal, practical tests, the fourth-year exams were much more comprehensive and intellectually demanding. These tests not only measured their combat abilities but also their knowledge, strategic thinking, and understanding of the Mafia world's intricate dynamics.

Tsuna was no longer the nervous, unsure child he had been two years ago. After all the training with Reborn, missions with CEDEF, and personal lessons from Vongola Nono, he had grown confident in his abilities. He had become one of the top five students in his class, a feat he hadn't thought possible when he first arrived. His combat skills, leadership potential, and quick thinking had earned him respect, but there was one area where he didn't shine as brightly—academic subjects. Despite his best efforts, Tsuna still struggled with subjects like math, English, and science, where he was just decent, not exceptional. As a result, he wasn't at the very top of the class, but he was still proud of his progress.

The first portion of the exam was the Combat Exam, the most straightforward of the tests. This was where students were tested in physical confrontations, facing off with each other in mock battles using various weapons and martial arts techniques. The goal was to assess strength, agility, and instinct. Tsuna had improved significantly over the last two years, no longer the weak, clumsy boy who had struggled in his first year. He now faced his rival, Raul, in a one-on-one match.

Raul, eager to prove himself, came out strong, attacking aggressively with his fists. Tsuna, confident in his abilities, relied on his Sky Flames, using a more strategic and subtle approach rather than brute force. He dodged Raul's strikes with ease and focused on tiring him out. After a series of exchanges, Tsuna managed to land several controlled strikes, and Raul's relentless style began to falter. Tsuna won the match, though Raul still showed respect for Tsuna's resilience.

But the real surprise came when the results of the Combat Exam were posted. Tsuna was tied for first place with Basil. His calm strategy and efficient use of his Sky Flames had placed him at the top of the leaderboard, a far cry from the boy who once struggled with every fight.

The next exam was the Tactical Exam, designed to test each student's ability to think strategically, anticipate enemy movements, and make decisions under pressure. Students were given a simulation of a Mafia operation where they had to plan an attack, defend a position, or make decisions during a high-stakes situation.

Tsuna, having trained his tactical thinking over the years, felt at ease during this section. With Basil's help, who had been studying strategy alongside him, Tsuna was able to devise a plan that focused on outsmarting the opponent rather than engaging in a head-on fight. His decision-making skills were sharp, but in this section, he finished in fourth place. Basil's detailed knowledge and quick, decisive choices earned him the top score, followed by others who had an even deeper grasp of tactical warfare.

Next came the Dying Will Exam, a psychological and physical test designed to measure a student's ability to harness the full power of their Dying Will Flames. The exam forced students into high-pressure situations, testing not just their strength but also their emotional resolve. Tsuna approached this test with confidence. He had faced so many challenges in the past two years that his resolve had only strengthened. His Sky Flames flared brightly, but his control over the Sun and Mist Flames had also improved, giving him an exceptional edge.

When Tsuna faced the final challenge, a series of attacks designed to test the students' willpower, he harnessed all three Flames in perfect harmony. His Sky Flames gave him a powerful presence, his Sun Flames fueled his resolve, and the Mist Flames allowed him to adapt to shifting circumstances. Tsuna's performance was nothing short of exceptional. His control and strength in managing all three Flames impressed the instructors, and he scored first in this section, a clear standout in the class.

The Diplomacy Exam followed. In this section, students were tasked with negotiating with students posing as rival Mafia bosses or diplomats. They had to broker deals, secure alliances, and resolve conflicts, all while maintaining a calm, persuasive demeanor. Tsuna had spent many hours with Vongola Nono, learning about the delicate balance of power in Mafia politics, and it showed. His ability to remain composed and find solutions that benefitted everyone helped him excel in this section. However, Basil's innate charm and intellect still made him the top performer in the class.

Finally, the Mafia School Cultural Exam tested the students' knowledge of Mafia history, key figures, and the rules that governed the underworld. Tsuna had worked hard in this area, but despite his efforts, he was still just above average in terms of academic knowledge. He scored decently but was far from the top in this section. Lunga, who had immersed himself deeply in Mafia culture, earned the highest score here, followed closely by Pantera, who had a sharp understanding of both the history and the current dynamics within the Mafia world.

As the exams came to an end, Tsuna felt a sense of accomplishment. He hadn't scored first in every section, but his consistent effort had earned him solid marks across the board. When the results were posted, Tsuna was pleased to see that he had earned a top-five ranking. His combat skills, tactical thinking, and diplomacy all contributed to his high standing, and though he wasn't at the very top due to his struggles with academics, he was proud of how far he had come in just two years.

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As Tsuna and his friends gathered after the results were posted, a sense of camaraderie filled the air. They were proud of each other's progress and accomplishments, even if the exams had been grueling. Despite his struggles with academics, Tsuna had maintained a strong performance, especially in combat and strategy, which helped him secure a place in the top five.

After the exams, the real spectacle was about to begin. The group eagerly prepared to attend the 12th-year students' graduation exams, the highlight of the day. These exams were always a spectacle, and Tsuna couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anticipation. The graduates would face off against some of the Mafia world's top veterans, including Dino, Reborn's senior disciple. Tsuna's thoughts drifted to Dino, someone who he and his friends had already met several times over the past couple of years.

"Are you guys ready to see Dino-senpai fight?" Naito asked, bouncing on the balls of his feet. "It's always a show with him."

"Yeah," Tsuna said with a smile. "It's crazy to think that Dino-senpai is now the Cavallone Decimo. We've seen him around a lot lately, especially since the previous boss passed away. He's been really busy, but he still comes by sometimes, and it's always good to see him."

Basil nodded. "It's strange, though. He's not just a fellow student now. Dino-senpai's official. We've all been to that funeral together… it still doesn't feel real."

The reminder of the funeral cast a brief shadow over the group, but they quickly refocused. Dino, though newly crowned as the Cavallone Decimo, had made time to see them on occasion. Reborn, who continued to teach Dino, often had sparring sessions with Tsuna to test his growth during Reborn's time away. Those moments were brief, but Tsuna cherished them, knowing they allowed him to learn directly from Reborn.

"Yeah, he's always checking in," Tsuna added thoughtfully. "Reborn still teaches him occasionally, and sometimes I get to meet up with him, though it's mostly for quick spars now. It's not as much time as I'd like, but I think I'm finally catching up."

The group walked to the stadium, their conversation shifting to the upcoming event. As they neared the massive arena, filled with students, faculty, and various Famiglia bosses, the excitement of the day ahead reignited.

The graduation exams were underway, and Tsuna watched in awe as the 12th-year students faced off against Mafia veterans. Some of the graduates were familiar faces from Tsuna's own training, and he couldn't help but compare his progress to theirs.

When Dino's match was announced, the atmosphere in the stadium grew even more charged. Tsuna and his friends made their way to the front to get a better view. Dino stepped into the arena, his presence commanding respect as always. Though Tsuna had seen him several times in recent months, watching him fight still held an aura of reverence.

Dino, now the Cavallone Decimo, had matured into a composed, powerful figure. His opponent, a seasoned Mafia veteran, looked confident, but Tsuna knew better than to underestimate Dino. The fight began, and Tsuna was immediately struck by Dino's fluid, controlled movements. His mastery of his Flames was evident as he evaded attacks with ease and struck back with precision.

"He's just as impressive as I remember," Tsuna muttered under his breath, leaning forward in anticipation.

Basil, watching with the same intensity, smiled. "He really hasn't changed much, has he? Still the same Dino, always calm and collected in battle."

As the fight raged on, Tsuna noticed something… a small detail that seemed strangely out of place.

Dino, for all his power and confidence, kept glancing over his shoulder at regular intervals. And every time his gaze lingered, it wasn't the crowd he was looking at—it was a specific figure standing just behind him.

"Is he…?" Tsuna blinked. "He's looking for his subordinate."

Naito raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Every time Dino-senpai gets ready to make a move, he looks over at that guy," Tsuna pointed out, a smirk tugging at his lips.

Basil chuckled. "Oh, it's true. Dino's all confident and strong as long as his subordinate is close. But as soon as the guy steps too far away—boom! Dino's composure starts to waver."

Sure enough, during a particularly tense moment in the fight, Dino faltered just slightly as his subordinate took a step back. Dino hesitated, his usual confident demeanor faltering for just a second before he quickly regained his posture.

"Did he just—did he just look like he needed backup in the middle of the fight?" Naito laughed, barely able to hold it in.

Tsuna giggled, covering his mouth. "It's like he can't stand being without someone right next to him. He's not all that calm after all."

"Maybe he's still a little… inexperienced when it comes to flying solo," Basil teased. "Can't have the Cavallone Decimo wimping out, can we?"

The group burst into laughter, the sight of Dino, usually so composed and powerful, needing the presence of his subordinate to maintain his cool, adding a layer of humor to the already intense match.

Despite the occasional wobble in his confidence, Dino proved to be every bit the formidable fighter his reputation promised. The fight continued, with Dino regaining his poise and emerging victorious, but not without one last glance at his now-very-present subordinate.

As Dino left the arena, the group cheered, still chuckling over his brief moment of vulnerability. Tsuna smiled to himself, feeling a mix of admiration and amusement.

"I'll be like that one day," Tsuna said quietly, but with a firm resolve. "I'm going to keep getting stronger—maybe without needing someone right there to back me up."

Basil nodded, a knowing smile on his face. "You'll get there, Tsuna. Just don't forget your own backup when you need it."

The group stood together, watching the rest of the graduation exams unfold. Dino had already proven himself to be a legend in the making, but Tsuna knew his journey was just beginning. The exams may have been over, but the challenges of the Mafia world were just starting. Tsuna was ready, more confident than ever, to face whatever came next.

After Dino's match, the group made their way to congratulate him. The excitement from his fight still hung in the air, but it was quickly replaced by a sense of camaraderie and respect. Tsuna, Basil, Naito, Lunga, and Pantera approached him just as he finished talking with a few faculty members, and his face lit up when he saw them.

"Tsuna! Basil! You guys made it!" Dino greeted them with his usual cheerful smile, though Tsuna noticed a slight hint of weariness beneath the surface.

"Congratulations, Dino-senpai!" Tsuna grinned, giving him a thumbs up. "You did great out there."

Basil added, "Yeah, no surprises there, right? We all knew you were going to crush it."

Naito nodded, though there was a teasing glint in his eyes. "Yeah, just try not to look so weak next time without your subordinate around."

Dino chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Ah, you saw that, huh? I can't help it—I'm just so used to having him around. But thanks, guys. It means a lot to me to have you here."

The group shared a laugh, but it was clear that everyone respected Dino more than anything. His journey to the top had been hard-earned, and seeing him graduate today was both a celebration of his growth and a reminder of how much further there was to go in their own paths.

"Reborn told me you've all been making incredible progress," Dino said, his eyes glinting with pride. "I'm sure you're all on the fast track to greatness. Keep it up, okay?"

After a few more minutes of conversation, it was time for the group to head out. Tsuna, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, began to look ahead at the next phase of his life: the internship summer.

"So," Tsuna began, looking at his friends as they walked out of the school together. "Anyone know where they're going for their summer internships?"

"I'm headed to the Americas," Naito grumbled, a little bitterness in his voice. "I know it's supposed to be a big opportunity, but... it's so far from home. I miss Japan already."

"I feel you, Naito," Tsuna said sympathetically. "I'm lucky—I'll be near my hometown, so I'll be able to spend time with my mom."

Naito's eyes narrowed. "That's not fair. I wish I could go back home for a bit…"

Tsuna smiled, teasing him lightly. "Well, if you're so homesick, maybe you can take a detour through Japan before you head to the Americas."

Naito shot him a playful glare but said nothing more, letting the topic drop.

Basil, walking a bit behind, chimed in. "Well, I'm still going to be here in Italy, working at CEDEF. They said they need me around for a while, and you know—short staff and all that. They let you go for this vacation internship, Tsuna, but it's mostly just me continuing to work and learn. Guess I won't be going anywhere anytime soon."

The others shared a knowing look, and Tsuna couldn't help but chuckle.

"Poor Basil," Tsuna teased. "Stuck in Italy working with CEDEF while we get to travel."

"It's not like I had a choice!" Basil shot back with a grin. "Besides, it's not that bad. It's still a great opportunity. I'll be learning a lot."

Raul, who had been mostly quiet until now, spoke up. "I'll be going to Japan too," he said, his voice laced with the same competitiveness that had always marked his tone. "I'm going to be working with the Vongola's allies there—helping with some logistics and business negotiations. Should be interesting, though I was hoping for something more hands-on. Still, I'm gonna make the most of it."

Lunga spoke next, his voice calm as usual. "I'm off to Germany. I'll be interning with a few of our allies there, focusing on resource management and trade. It'll be a good chance to improve my tactical knowledge, though I'm not particularly excited about dealing with the bureaucrats."

Pantera glanced at Lunga before responding in her usual soft tone. "I'll be in France. I'll be working closely with a few families there to improve diplomatic relations. It should be a change of pace, but I'll be learning a lot about negotiation and the finer details of Mafia politics."

The others nodded, and Tsuna couldn't help but feel a little bit of envy. They were all going off to different places, each of them getting their own taste of what the Mafia world had to offer. As for Tsuna, he was going back to his hometown to work, but he'd get the chance to stay with his mom, something he hadn't done for a while.

As they neared the gates of the school, Tsuna felt a bittersweet pang in his chest. It was hard to believe that their time together at Mafia school was coming to an end, but he was ready for what came next. The exams were over, but their paths were still intertwined.

"Well," Tsuna said, turning to face the group one last time. "It's not goodbye, okay? We'll see each other again after our internships. No matter where we go, we're still friends."

The others nodded in agreement, each of them wearing a smile of understanding and determination.

"Exactly," Naito said, his voice light but sincere. "We'll be back before you know it."

Lunga gave a rare, small smile. "I'll be looking forward to it."

Pantera, her gaze calm as always, said softly, "No matter the distance, we'll always have each other."

Basil gave a quick nod. "Until then, guys. Take care."

Raul grinned, the competitive glint still in his eyes. "Don't get too comfortable, Tsuna. I'm coming for you."

With that, they all said their final goodbyes, parting ways with a sense of both excitement and certainty. Though their paths were taking them in different directions, Tsuna knew that their bond would remain strong. They had come this far together, and no distance could change that.

As Tsuna made his way home, his thoughts were filled with the challenges and opportunities that awaited him. But no matter where their internships took them, he knew one thing for sure: they would meet again, and their friendship would never fade.