KHR: Decimo Primo

2 Years Later

Unknown Port

The night was cold and quiet as Tsuna crouched behind a stack of crates, his breath steady in the darkness. It had been a few hours since the mission began, and now, they were close to their target. Tsuna, along with Basil and several other CEDEF agents, was currently tailing a shipment of illegal cargo suspected to be tied to a subordinate famiglia of Vongola. The family had been under suspicion for weeks, accused of secretly smuggling valuable Vongola tech to enemy forces. Tonight, Tsuna was part of the team sent to uncover the truth.

"I don't like this," Basil muttered, his sharp eyes scanning the dark alleyway where they hid. "This feels off. Too quiet."

Tsuna nodded, his own unease creeping up. The mission had gone too smoothly so far, and it made him wary. The enemies they were tracking were known for their cunning, and the last thing Tsuna wanted was to walk into a trap. But he had learned, over the past two years, that hesitation could cost lives. He had to stay focused. His Sky Flames flickered faintly around his fingers, though he kept them suppressed to avoid detection.

"Stay sharp," Tsuna whispered back, his voice low but steady. He had grown used to speaking in these quiet, dangerous moments. The boy who had once been a timid child had long since vanished, replaced by a version of himself who had learned to be both patient and ruthless when needed.

Basil, now ten years old, was no longer the hesitant, nervous kid Tsuna had met all those years ago. He had grown into a formidable agent, sharp and decisive, his instincts honed through countless missions. But even now, there was a hint of caution in his voice, a reminder that the world of the Mafia never let anyone truly relax.

"Right," Basil replied, his hand on the hilt of his weapon. "We're closing in. They'll be unloading the cargo soon. Everyone in position?"

Tsuna checked in with the rest of the team, his heart rate steady, as they continued to maintain their surveillance from different vantage points. The mission was delicate, requiring precision and coordination. They couldn't afford to make any noise, couldn't afford to tip off the enemy. The tech they were tracking wasn't just valuable; it was dangerous, and in the wrong hands, it could tip the balance of power in the Mafia world.

"I've got eyes on the loading dock," one of the agents murmured through the comms. "No sign of trouble yet."

Tsuna kept his focus on the alley in front of him, watching for any signs of movement. The streets were eerily empty, save for the occasional car passing by, unaware of the dangerous game unfolding in the shadows. The uneasy feeling in Tsuna's gut grew stronger, and he couldn't help but wonder if they had missed something, if they were walking right into a trap.

"We're getting too close," Basil muttered under his breath. "I don't trust this."

"Agreed," Tsuna whispered back. "Let's move in and confirm. Quietly."

With a series of nods, the team began to move, slipping through the shadows like ghosts, their steps soundless as they approached the loading dock where the cargo was being offloaded. The tech was reportedly being transported by a trusted subordinate of the Vongola famiglia, but Tsuna couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. Why had it taken so long to uncover this? Why had no one warned them about the potential risks?

The team gathered behind a row of crates near the dock, each agent in position. Tsuna's eyes darted between his teammates and the unloading process. The shadows from the tall buildings around them made it difficult to see everything, but he could hear the faint hum of machinery and voices drifting from the loading dock.

Basil leaned in close to Tsuna, whispering, "Watch the man in the red jacket. He's the one in charge of the shipment."

Tsuna nodded, his gaze narrowing in on the figure. The man in the red jacket was tall, broad-shouldered, and spoke with authority to the workers unloading crates. The movements were swift, efficient—but Tsuna noticed the way the man glanced over his shoulder from time to time as if making sure no one was watching.

"There," Tsuna muttered under his breath. "Something's off."

Just then, Tsuna noticed something strange. One of the crates being loaded had markings on it that were almost identical to Vongola's confidential tech shipments—yet it wasn't labeled correctly. The crate's labels were hastily applied, but underneath, Tsuna could make out the familiar Vongola insignia.

"Basil, the crate... it's Vongola tech," Tsuna said urgently, his voice tight. "But something's wrong. These markings aren't official."

Basil's expression hardened, and he turned to the others, signaling for them to prepare for the worst. "Everyone, get ready. We've got a situation."

Tsuna's heart raced as he felt the weight of the situation pressing down on him. This was no ordinary mission. They were dealing with someone who wasn't just smuggling tech—they were betraying Vongola itself.

Suddenly, a loud noise echoed from the dock—metal scraping against metal. A door slammed open, and the red-jacketed man stepped away from the cargo, speaking sharply into a phone. Tsuna strained his ears, catching fragments of the conversation.

"You didn't think we wouldn't notice, did you?" the man growled. "The Vongola's tech is already on its way. The shipment's been rerouted. We're sending it to them now."

Tsuna's blood ran cold. This wasn't just a smuggling operation—it was a full-blown betrayal. The man was in league with enemy forces, and the Vongola tech was already being redirected to an outside faction. Tsuna exchanged a glance with Basil, and they both knew what needed to be done.

"We need to stop that shipment before it leaves," Tsuna said, his voice full of determination. "We can't let them get away with this."

Without hesitation, Basil nodded, his expression grim. "Agreed. We'll need to move fast."

Tsuna's Sky Flames flared to life, illuminating the night with a soft, warm glow. His resolve was clear now. No more hesitation, no more second-guessing. This was his mission, his responsibility—and he would stop the enemy at all costs.

As the team moved into position, Tsuna felt a spark of confidence, the fear that once plagued him fading into the background. He had learned over the years that his strength came not only from his flames but from his determination to protect the Vongola and the people he cared about. This mission was just another step on his path as their future leader.

And he wasn't going to fail.

Tsuna's mind raced as he assessed the situation. The team's position was precarious, and the enemy had a head start on rerouting the shipment. If they didn't act swiftly and decisively, the Vongola tech would fall into the hands of their enemies—a disaster they couldn't afford.

"Listen up," Tsuna said, his voice calm but commanding. The agents turned their attention to him, their expressions reflecting a mix of respect and urgency. "We don't have much time. Basil, take two agents and secure the main dock exit. Block any trucks or boats trying to leave. Use the suppression gear if you have to."

Basil nodded without hesitation. "Understood." He motioned for two agents to follow him, and they slipped away into the shadows.

"Everyone else, we're splitting into two groups," Tsuna continued, his Sky Flames flickering steadily around his gloves. "Group A will create a diversion near the cargo to draw their attention. Group B will infiltrate the area and secure the tech. I'll lead Group B."

One of the older agents hesitated for a moment, glancing at Tsuna. "Are you sure, sir? This operation is—"

"I'm sure," Tsuna cut in, his tone leaving no room for argument. "The enemy leader is focused on overseeing the shipment. If we hit fast and hard, we'll catch them off guard. Stick to the plan, and we'll minimize risks."

The agent nodded, silenced by the resolve in Tsuna's voice. It wasn't the voice of a boy—it was the voice of a leader. Over the past two years, Tsuna had proven himself time and again, not just through his combat prowess but through his ability to think critically under pressure. Missions with CEDEF, combined with the grueling tasks and advanced education at Mafia school, had sharpened his instincts and honed his strategic thinking.

"Group A, move now. Make it loud," Tsuna ordered.

Two agents broke away, creeping toward the cargo's perimeter. Moments later, the sound of crashing crates echoed through the night, followed by startled shouts from the workers. The red-jacketed man barked orders, sending his subordinates scrambling to investigate.

"Let's go," Tsuna whispered, signaling Group B. They moved swiftly, keeping low as they approached the loading dock. The diversion worked perfectly—the majority of the enemy's attention was drawn to the chaos, leaving the cargo area lightly guarded.

Tsuna's heart pounded as they reached the crates. Up close, the markings on the mislabeled container were unmistakable. This was the stolen Vongola tech. He motioned for the agents to begin securing the crate while he kept watch.

"Be careful," Tsuna cautioned. "The tech could be rigged or unstable. Scan it first."

As the agents worked quickly, Tsuna's eyes remained on the red-jacketed man. He was pacing near the dock's edge, barking commands into his phone. Tsuna's instincts told him the man was stalling for reinforcements.

"They're calling for backup," Tsuna said, his voice low but firm. "We need to end this now."

He activated his Sky Flames, the brilliant orange light illuminating his determined expression. With a quick nod to his team, Tsuna stepped out of the shadows, his presence immediately drawing the enemy's attention.

"Hey!" the red-jacketed man shouted, spinning around. "Who the hell are you?"

"Your worst nightmare," Tsuna replied, his voice steady. The confidence in his tone belied the storm of nerves bubbling beneath the surface. He had learned to bury his fear, to let his flames speak for him when words couldn't.

The man snarled and motioned for his guards to attack, but Tsuna was ready. His Sky Flames flared as he launched forward, weaving between the guards with agility born of countless hours of training. With precise strikes, he disarmed the first two attackers, his movements fluid and efficient.

"Keep loading the cargo!" the man barked at his workers, but Tsuna wasn't about to let that happen.

"Basil, now!" Tsuna shouted into his comm.

From the shadows, Basil and his team emerged, cutting off the dock's main exit. The workers froze, and their escape routes were blocked. The remaining guards hesitated, clearly outmatched by the coordinated effort of the CEDEF squad.

Realizing he was cornered, the red-jacketed man reached for a concealed weapon. Tsuna reacted instantly, his Hyper Intuition kicking in. In a split second, he closed the distance, slamming his flame-imbued fist into the man's weapon hand. The gun clattered to the ground, and Tsuna followed up with a precise strike to his chest, knocking him flat.

"It's over," Tsuna said, standing over the defeated man. His Sky Flames flickered brighter for a moment before settling. "You're not taking this tech anywhere."

The man groaned, his confidence shattered. The workers and guards surrendered one by one, realizing there was no escape.

"Secure the area," Tsuna ordered his team. "Check every crate and scan for hidden devices. Basil, contact CEDEF headquarters. Let them know the tech is safe."

"Yes, sir," Basil said with a nod, already pulling out his communicator

As the team worked to wrap up the mission, Tsuna allowed himself a brief moment to breathe. He looked around the dock, taking in the scene. It had been a close call, but they had succeeded. For all the challenges and doubts he had faced over the years, moments like this reminded him why he had chosen this path.

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A few hours later, at CEDEF Headquarters

The bustling halls of CEDEF headquarters were quieter than usual as the team returned from the mission. The secure facility, hidden beneath layers of reinforced concrete and advanced security systems, exuded an air of calm efficiency. Tsuna walked through the corridors, his steps steady, though fatigue tugged at the edges of his focus. The mission had been a success, but his mind was still racing with unanswered questions.

As they entered the debriefing room, Iemitsu stood at the center, his usual laid-back demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness. The stolen tech had been returned, and the captured smugglers were being interrogated, but something about the situation didn't sit well with Tsuna.

"Great work, Tsuna!" Iemitsu said, his voice booming with pride as he clapped his son on the shoulder. "You handled yourself like a true leader out there. The Vongola would be proud."

Tsuna managed a small smile. Compliments from his father were rare, and while he appreciated the acknowledgment, his curiosity about the stolen cargo overshadowed the moment. "Thanks, Dad. But... I have to ask—what exactly was that tech? Why would someone go to such lengths to smuggle it?"

Iemitsu's expression darkened slightly, and he motioned for everyone to sit. Basil, Lal Mirch, Moretti, Turmeric, and Oregano joined them around the large table, their faces reflecting a mix of interest and unease. Lal leaned back in her chair, her sharp eyes fixed on Iemitsu as if waiting for him to spill a secret.

Iemitsu sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "That tech was something most people wouldn't recognize at first glance. It's old—very old. A relic from the era of the Ninth Boss, Octavio, when the Vongola worked with the Italian government on... experimental projects."

"What kind of projects?" Tsuna pressed, his curiosity piqued.

"Mech armors," Iemitsu said, his voice heavy. "They were called the Moska models. Giant, soldier-like machines powered by Dying Will Flames. The idea was to create a new line of defense, but the project was scrapped decades ago. The prototypes were unstable, dangerous even. The government locked them away, and only a handful of people even remember they existed."

Lal Mirch frowned, crossing her arms. "If the project was scrapped, why would anyone want them now? That tech is outdated and unreliable."

"That's the question," Iemitsu replied, his tone grim. "Whoever planned this heist had specific buyers in mind. They weren't just taking a gamble—they knew exactly what they were after."

Tsuna's mind raced. The Mosca models were a relic of a bygone era, yet their potential as weapons was undeniable. If someone managed to modernize the designs and stabilize the technology, the consequences could be catastrophic.

Basil chimed in, his youthful face serious. "Sir, do we have any leads on the buyers? Or why they'd risk exposing themselves for something so risky?"

Iemitsu shook his head. "Not yet. The smugglers aren't talking, and the leader we captured is tight-lipped. But we'll find out. For now, the tech is back where it belongs, and that's what matters."

Tsuna leaned back in his chair, his thoughts drifting. The mention of the Mosca models reminded him of a particular memory—a conversation he'd had not long after joining CEDEF. It was his first meeting with Lal Mirch, a strikingly capable woman who bore a striking resemblance to Reborn, the Arcobaleno who had turned his life upside down.

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Flashback: Tsuna's First Day at CEDEF

Seven-year-old Tsuna stood in the CEDEF training room, his small frame dwarfed by the towering adults around him. Despite the nerves fluttering in his stomach, his year of training with Reborn had instilled in him a newfound confidence.

Lal Mirch, her sharp eyes appraising him, crossed her arms and frowned. "So, this is the new recruit?" she asked flatly. "Doesn't look like much. You sure he's ready for this?"

Tsuna met her gaze with surprising steadiness, his voice calm as he spoke. "I'm ready to learn and do my best. I've already been training for a year."

Lal raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback by the boy's composure. "You talk a good game, kid. But training with Reborn and working with CEDEF are two very different things."

Iemitsu, standing beside Tsuna, grinned sheepishly. "Take it easy on him, Lal. He's still just a kid."

"Doesn't matter," Lal retorted, her tone firm. "If Basil here could handle my training at seven, this kid can too. Being the boss's son doesn't mean he gets any special treatment."

Basil, then only slightly older than Tsuna, offered an encouraging smile. "Don't worry, Sir Tsuna. Lal can be... intense, but she's a great teacher."

"'Intense?" Lal repeated, narrowing her eyes at Basil. "You make it sound like I'm some kind of drill sergeant."

Moretti, lounging nearby with his signature smirk, quipped, "You're not? I'm shocked."

Turmeric snorted. "You're going to scare him off before he even starts, Lal."

Oregano joined in with a grin. "Yeah, if you break him now, we're the ones who'll have to deal with Reborn's wrath. And I don't know about you, but I'm not signing up for that."

Lal shot them all a sharp look. "I'm training him to survive, not to hold his hand. If he can't handle this, he doesn't belong here." She turned back to Tsuna, her expression firm but not unkind. "Well? You still think you're ready?"

Tsuna hesitated for only a moment before nodding, his small fists clenched with determination. "Yes. I'm ready. Whatever you throw at me, I'll do my best."

Lal studied him for a long moment before straightening. "We'll see. Just don't expect me to go easy on you."

Moretti gave a low whistle. "Bold kid. Let's hope that confidence lasts."

"It will," Tsuna replied softly but firmly, earning surprised looks from the room.

Iemitsu laughed and ruffled his son's hair. "That's my boy! Looks like Lal's not the only one with a tough streak."

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As the debriefing about the stolen goods came to a close, the tension in the room eased. Tsuna, though tired from keeping up with the discussions, felt a strange sense of accomplishment. The work was tough, but he was starting to understand why people in CEDEF took it so seriously.

Iemitsu rose from his chair, commanding the room's attention once more. "Alright, one last thing before we wrap up. Tsuna." His father's gaze landed squarely on him, making the boy sit up straighter. "Next week is your final exam for the 4th year students in Mafia School."

Tsuna blinked. "Next week already?" He had almost forgotten with everything else going on.

"That's right." Iemitsu nodded with a small grin. "And there's more. As part of the school's tradition, the summer vacation task will be a bit different this year." He paused, letting the curiosity settle among the CEDEF staff. "Instead of a simple errand or mission, all students will be interning with Mafia families around the world."

An excited murmur spread among the CEDEF members. Even Tsuna couldn't help but feel intrigued. "Interning?" he repeated.

"That's right." Iemitsu's grin grew wider. "You'll get firsthand experience working with different Mafia families. It's a big responsibility, and it counts for half of your 5th-year first semester grades."

Tsuna nodded slowly. It sounded daunting, but at least it was something he could look forward to—until Iemitsu continued.

"Now, knowing how much you've missed your mom," Iemitsu said, his tone softening, "I've pulled a few strings." He leaned back in his chair. "Your internship will be held in Japan, near Namimori."

Tsuna's eyes widened. "Really?! Near Mom?"

Iemitsu nodded. "You'll be staying there for the summer. This also means you'll be taking a break from CEDEF duties until you return. You've been working hard these past three years, and you deserve it."

The room was quiet for a moment as Tsuna processed the news. A wave of relief washed over him, followed by excitement. "Thank you, Dad," he said earnestly.

Iemitsu chuckled. "You've earned it. Besides, your mom will be happy to have you around for a while."

The meeting dispersed soon after, and Tsuna found himself surrounded by the familiar faces of CEDEF.

"Japan, huh?" Basil said, patting Tsuna on the shoulder. "You'll get to enjoy the summer with your mom. That sounds great."

Tsuna smiled. "Yeah, I've missed her so much. It'll be nice to go back for a while."

"And don't forget," a senior CEDEF agent chimed in with a smirk, "to bring us back some souvenirs!"

Everyone laughed, the atmosphere warm and relaxed. Tsuna felt a pang of gratitude for the people he had come to know in CEDEF. Even though the Mafia world was tough and often dangerous, moments like these reminded him that he wasn't alone.

As the laughter died down, Tsuna excused himself, eager to start preparing for the days ahead. His heart swelled with anticipation at the thought of seeing his mom again and spending time back in Japan.

Little did he know, his summer internship would bring more challenges and surprises than he could imagine.