1. Bucking Horse Stampede

Prologue

It was a desolate and perilous place in the deep woods.

The sun had already set, and in the darkness of the woods where moonlight and starlight could not reach, two human-shaped "beasts" were battling.

CRACK-!

A whip broke the silence, wrapping itself around the weapon in the hands of the black-haired teenager - a tonfa.

".............."

The teenager relaxed his entire body.

Devoid of hesitation or worry.

"........"

Even though his figure was enshrouded in darkness, one could still obviously feel the owner of the whip's intent waver.

In an instant, the teenager burst out of the trees.

On this terrain that no normal person could traverse in the darkness of night, he made a beeline towards his prey.

BAM!

“.....!"

The tonfa was aimed directly at the head of the brown-eyed young man, who blocked it fervently with his forearm. He felt the tremors ripple through his bones, and his expression tightened, but his smile remained relaxed and easy-going.

"You really don't hold back!"

"Do you want me to?"

"Hah."

The young man's long legs that rival his whip swung to kick the teenager's side. He calmly blocked it with one tonfa, but it was all according to the young man's plan. Using the counterreaction of his kick, he distanced himself from the teenager, releasing his whip from the tonfa it was wound around.

However, the teenager didn't even give him a second to catch his breath, for he had immediately lunged, forcing him to engage in battle again with his black whip, as if in a dance.

The two, with the weapons they had mastered, attacked each other's bodies, but held back their blows at the precise moment to avoid fatal injuries.

Blood and sweat were everywhere, yet the two, as if emulating performers with stunning dance moves, continued their death match.

They were evenly matched.

In the stillness of the dark, the warriors, engaged in their fearsome spar, seemed to forget the need to breathe --

"♪ Namimori, surrounded by greenery~

Not big, not small, but just right~ ♪ ♪ "

"...... Oh?"

The sudden leisurely tune startled the young man.

On the other side, the teenager, with a calm expression, took out his cell phone and pressed the receive button.

"Yes."

"What, that's your ringtone..."

What a buzzkill. (1) With a dumbfounded expression, he put down his whip.

"Alright, that's all. I was just about to call the end of this training session, anyway! Romario."

The man with a slightly too-large moustache dutifully procured a towel.

"You worked hard, Boss."

"Mm."

The young man took the towel with familiar ease.

This man named Romario hailed from somewhere far away from Japan, and was a member of the mafia family Cavallone. Every person in the Familglia respected and was loyal to the young man, who was in fact the young tenth boss.

His name is "Bucking Horse" Dino.

He was adept at using his mighty black whip, and his youthful looks made it difficult to remember that he was a force to be reckoned with, making him renowned as someone not to be underestimated in the underworld.

And the black-haired teenager fighting with him, was of course no lowly inferior of his.

"Hey, Kyoya. So training ends here, alright? I have some business to attend to, so after you rest a while --"

Beep--!

The teenager hung up his call, silently turned his back onto Dino, and walked off.

"Ah... Hey, where are you going?"

The teenager completely ignored the young man's presence.

In an instant, he vanished into the night.

"Seriously..."

Dino looked utterly defeated.

At this point in time, Dino was still unaware. The call that the teenager had received, was from the Discipline Committee of Namimori Middle School. And it was to report to him what had occurred to his beloved school.

The teenager's name is Hibari Kyoya.

He was the Head of the Discipline Committee, who loved Namimori more than anyone else. But he was also more aloof than anyone, a man who craved fights, and that was not exactly aligned with the "good".

The Namimori Middle School main building was currently transformed into the battle stage for the mafia.

The Vongola Ring Conflict.

To determine the next successor as boss for the most powerful mafia Famiglia, the "Vongola", the 2 candidates and their subordinates were now fighting for the 7 rings, proof of the next successor, a never-ending nightly battle.

One of the supporters of Tsuna, a candidate in this conflict, was none other than the amiable Dino, who became Hibari's "home tutor", in-charge of training this ally of Tsuna's. Although Dino wanted to simply fight alongside Tsuna, but due to the alliance between Cavallone and Vongola, he was unable to openly show his preference for either candidate. Hence, training Tsuna's ally was the only thing he could do and the most he could provide as a supporter from the side.

By the way, Hibari did not actually know that his beloved school was the site of the battle. Though Dino knew, he was afraid Hibari would value the school over his training, leaving to watch over the school. So, he hid this fact from him.

Unfortunately, his concerns became reality. Having been informed of the situation by his underlings, Hibari made a beeline for Namimori Middle... Dino only found out about this after arriving a step later at Namimori.

"In the end, this guy's really not cute, nor easy to teach," sighed Dino, rubbing the arm that had just bore the brunt of a tonfa.

To be honest, if the tutor wasn't Dino, to find someone that were to be willing to teach this "difficult student" would be nearly impossible.

Not only did he not listen, it was impossible to discern what he was thinking, and his thirst was battle was insatiable, even towards his home tutor Dino.

"Now Boss can understand how Mr Reborn feels, huh?"

"Ah?"

Reborn... He was Dino's home tutor in the past that trained him in the ways of the mafia. He was a hitman from the mafia whose mere mention of his name sent ripples down people's spines, but his real identity was a "baby". Regardless, he was a very special individual.

Now, Reborn was Tsuna's home tutor, and due to this, Dino supported Tsuna.

"'How Reborn feels' referring to...?" Dino shrugged. "Don't joke around, in what way am I like Kyoya..."

-- No.

Dino affirmed his words in his head.

Indeed, the Dino in the past, although distinct from Kyoya, was also a problem child.

However, he has already changed.

All because of... that unforgettable lucky occurrence.

'Romario...'

Dino looked at his second-in-command, always at his side.

'No, not just Romario. Everyone in the Famiglia trusts me, and as long as they trust me, I will repay that trust no matter what. Yes... That is my resolution!'

He lightly touched the tattoo emblazoned on his left wrist.

It was an oath.

When he was the same age as Kyoya, he decided to carry the Cavallone Famiglia, and so became "Bucking Horse" under that oath.

1

On a verdant mountain along the Apennines, the spine of Italy.

On a hilly area far away from the nearest grazing sites used by shepherds, in a thick forest where seemingly no one would ever go ---

"Yargh-------!"

A sheep was being chased by a pack of wolves.

After Western Europe entered the Modern Era, the population of wolves had been decreasingly steadily, and there was almost a time where, like in Japan, the wolves were at risk of extinction. But thanks to effective conservation efforts, the wolves were now able to energetically bound across the hills in the wilderness.

To the sheep however, this was an extremely troublesome affair.

"Uwah----! Don't come, don't come closer! I'm not tasty at all! I swear---!"

Hm, but this scene is a little different from the typical life and death situations you see in nature.

The sheep that was being chased could apparently speak, and was even bipedal like a human.

WHAM!

And it could even run into a branch like a human, and faceplanted hard into the ground like a human too.

The ravenous wolves wouldn't let such an opportunity slip by, and surrounded the sheep.

"No running, Dino!"

Upon hearing this voice, the sheep's face twitched.

"... You, you're... Reborn! Where are you? You little punk---!"

"I'm right here."

"!"

The sheep looked down past its nose.

Right in front of its eyes stood a baby wolf... No, it was a baby in wolf's clothing. For some reason, there was a chameleon standing on his head.

This is Reborn.

Well, the wolf's costume wasn't very convincing, but he was currently the home tutor of the tenth successor of the Cavallone Famiglia, one with a long and rich history.

As for said successor....

"Hey, Reborn, you should at least explain why am I in such a get-up!" the teenage Dino, who was forced into wearing a sheep's costume, yelled angrily.

But Reborn peacefully replied, "It suits you a lot."

"I'm not asking about that! I meant, why am I dressed as a-"

BANG----!!!

"Ahh!"

The bullet bore into the ground right by Dino's feet, leaving him pale in an instant.

"No talking back to your home tutor. My job is to train you into a formidable mafia boss."

"Ah... Ahh..."

Dino's legs were jelly. He didn't even have to strength to retort. Even though Reborn was a baby, he was first and second in terms of strength in the mafia. Dino was very clear of the fact that he would never be able to actually fight him.

"There, there's no way... How can I... defeat those wolves..."

"I never asked for that."

"What?"

A glimmer of hope sparkled in Dino's eyes.

"What... Don't scare me, okay! Suddenly asking me to wear this, then attracting a pack of wolves to threaten my life, I had thought that..."

"I didn't ask you to defeat them, I wanted you to make them your family members. This way, they won't attack the sheep in the ranches. It's a good method that kills two birds with one stone."

"Yeah, making them my family members... is that it."

Dino's smile dropped immediately.

"That's just impossible-------!"

His anguished screams continued without rest, resonating with the howls of the wolves across the tranquil hills.

"Huff... Reborn, that guy..."

When Dino returned to the hostel, the sun had already set.

His school had hostels to accommodate students that lived far away, Dino being one of them.

---- Even though he didn't like it.

"Hey, Dino."

Someone had called him as he was passing by the main hall, stopping him in his tracks.

"..........."

Dammit....... Dino bit back his tongue to prevent his thoughts from slipping, reluctantly forcing an unnatural smile.

"....... Oh, hi, Zucco." (2)

From the main hall walked a chubby and large-sized teenager. His face was full of pimples, his smile appeared uncouth, and his eyes were held high as if in challenge; one look at him and one would know that he was a teenager that did not get along well with the world.

The people snickering at them in the main hall, were more or less the same as Zucco... No, it should be said instead that in this hostel, every single person was cut from the same cloth.

They were all like Dino, children with ties to the mafia. Though they hid it well on the surface, the school they were studying in was not like any ordinary school. With all the "problem children" gathered in one place, this school was very special indeed.

In this school where fights broke out over the smallest thing, Dino stood out from the crowd.

Although he was the only child of the current Cavallone boss, brought up since infancy as a successor, due to the tender loving care of his Famiglia, he was overprotected, and grew to despise fighting.

The 9th Cavallone boss eventually realised that if this were to continue, his son would not be able to become the next boss.

Hence, Dino was sent away from the Famiglia's island to this distant and dangerous school all on his own, in hopes that he would become a slightly better "man" before returning.

However--

"Hey, Dino. Looking pretty good today, huh!"

Zucco looked Dino over from head to toe, and walked over to his side. Having just hung on to his life from wild wolves, his clothes were torn to shreds from their claws and teeth.

"It really suits you, this get-up of yours."

Laughter came from the bystanders in the main hall, and of course, Zucco was holding onto his big belly, guffawing non-stop.

"............"

Dino's face twitched upon hearing these familiar utterances, but he didn't even think about retorting. He knew that if he crossed the leader of the delinquents in his year, their countless ways to make him look pathetic awaited him.

“You talk too much, swine bastard."

The laughter stopped instantly.

Zucco's eyes spun around, landing on Dino, who was right in front of him.

"What did you say, Dino?"

"Ah? I, I didn't..."

"I hate guys like you, all dirty and sticky with sweat. Go die, boar bastard!"

"Ah, hey, Reborn--!"

He didn't know when it happened, but there was already a baby standing by his feet yelling and scolding. Dino's face turned green.

"Dino said all that just now, you know."

"Don't lie! You were the one that said all that."

"I, I..."

"You wanted to say, "Not only are you obese and have fat everywhere, you're dirty and sticky, you all-fat charsiu (3) bastard!"

"I never went so overboard! I only said the part about being obese and having fat everywhere, and with a dirty face to boot..."

"Is that so."

"!"

Zucco's voice trembled with anger. Dino regained his senses and hurriedly shut his mouth.

"Ah, no, Zucco, that was... um, an accident..."

"I want to let you see what happens when a frog-face is accidentally crushed."

"Reborn! You punk!"

Zucco, the threat on his lips, picked up Dino by the front of his shirt, raising him high.

"Stop, it was a misunderstanding!"

"I can't bear to watch, Dino. How can the tenth Cavallone boss let this kind of ruffian strut about? Defeat him at once."

"Can you not always say such impossible things?"

Zucco's raised his other hand, forming a fist.

"Ah!"

Dino thought: why must I end up in situations like this? It's all my Dad's fault for sending me here, and then sending some baby hitman with a questionable history after to be my tutor!

"Go di- Ack!"

"Uwah!"

SHIK!

The sound of flesh being impacted.

But--

"............"

After a long while, Dino did not feel the punch of a fist, and so dared to gingerly opened his eyes.

Suddenly, the hand that fisted Dino's shirt released him, and the large body carelessly fell onto the ground.

"Eek!"

Before Zucco stood a teenager.

His hand held a sword that dripped with Zucco's fresh blood.

"Hmph, you're in the way."

"!"

The teenager's muttering caused Dino, who was now seated on the floor, to frantically make way.

"...................."

Dino only dared breathe properly after the sound of footsteps disappeared upstairs.

"....W...What.... what was what...."

His back having borne a slice from a sword, Zucco was half alive. He was hurriedly brought into a room, and the other bystanders rushed to find a doctor. In mere seconds, there was a cacophony in the main hall.

"One slash and Zucco's down?! That Squalo is no joke."

"That's his first time doing this kind of thing, right?"

"But it's impressive nonetheless! Looks like the rumours that he killed those swordmasters one by one are true!"

His ruthlessness caused these teenagers, who were already accustomed to crime, to cower in fear. Not to mention Dino, he had shrunk into a ball out of terror.

"What are you scared of? How embarrassing. You think you can become a great leader like this?"

"H, hm..... hmp..... h....."

Dino didn't even have the strength to quip back. Reborn sighed broodingly, much unlike an infant. But the present Dino didn't have enough soul inside of him to think too much about that.

'To kill, or be killed, are you kidding me...... I definitely don't want this..... The mafia, the tenth successor...... who on earth could stay here?'

Whenever he was lonely or in pain, he would recall the scenery at the port city he called his hometown.

There was the Adriatic Sea that glimmered like a jewel under the sun's rays, the cooling breeze blowing from the lush mountains, and the warm welcoming smiles of the townspeople---

'A place to call mine..... A place to call mine.....'

Due to the day's events, Dino had finally decided.

To these hellish days, he was going to say farewell.

2

Dino fervently planned his escape, and set it into motion immediately.

To Dino, this could be a gamble with his life... so failure was not an option. The congregation in these school halls was not made of good people, instead they were all successors for the mafia, not to mention the scariest home tutor Reborn, who would most definitely not approve of his getaway.

Even so, he was unable to stay a single second longer in this sort of dangerous place. The image of Zucco being slashed in the back was clear as day in Dino's mind, fueling his determination to focus even more on his escape.

To the teenage Dino, this was a bet on his lifespan. And he had emerged a winner.

"Ah..."

On his way downhill, when Dino saw the streets of his hometown past the dense treetops, he couldn't help the tears that flowed.

So as to not be caught by his pursuers, he forwent the crowded modes of transport like the train, and walked the unpaved and unknown roads. He endured failure after failure of hitchhiking, and even braved the elements for the first time in his life by camping outdoors. Finally, he had arrived.

"Ah... Grr... Uwahhh-------!"

His exhilarated shouts resounded from his belly.

He truly couldn't resist the desire to shout: I made it! I finally escaped from that hellhole of a school and that demon of a baby---

"Dino!"

Still crouched in the position right before he was about to yell, his entire body froze.

"No... no way."

He was too careless.

He was already here, was he about to return to those nightmarish days?

"It really is Young Master Dino! What are you doing here?"

"...Ah?"

Young Master---? Dino jolted, and quickly turned his head.

"Romario!"

Standing before Dino was a face he was familiar with ever since he was young, a member of the Cavallone Famiglia, Romario. He was the same as always: moustache, glasses and donning a black suit. Upon seeing him, Dino breathed a sigh of relief.

"What, it's just you! Don't scare me like that!"

"I don't think I did anything to scare the Young Master."

"Huff..."

Dino furiously tried to keep his breathing in check, the fact that he was running away from school must be kept secret. If his father, the 9th boss, found out, he would be forcibly returned for sure.

"I should be the one that is shocked. How did Young Master end up here?"

"Th-that's because...... Yeah, one of those anniversaries or the like! Something about the founder's birthday or something!"

"Oh..."

"Anyway, what are you doing here in the outskirts?"

"I was just about to ask--"

Romario's words were cut short.

This was one of the omens that warned of the tragedy that will soon take place.

"Nothing big, just some work matters. But, I never thought I would bump into the Tenth here..."

"Hey, don't call me that anymore!"

"'That'?"

"Calling me the 'Tenth', I haven't decided if I want take over."

"Still saying things like this, you really haven't changed, Tenth....."

"Hey!"

"Haha... Forget it, welcome back, Young Master Dino."

Having said this, Romario smiled serenely.

The corners of Dino's mouth also curved into a smile.

How long has it been, for him to smile voluntarily, instead of being forced by those around him? Dino wondered, mulling over the reality of him returning home.

Pushing open the big old doors to the restaurant, the combined aroma of fish and oil entered his nostrils.

"Dino? Eh? Isn't that Dino?"

The eyes of the middle-aged woman who was cleaning the tables lit up the moment she saw Dino.

Dino greeted her affectionately.

"Yo, long time no see, Auntie."

"It really has been a long time. You haven't come for so long, I had thought you were poached by some other store!"

"Hey now, how can I be disloyal? There's nowhere else in the world that makes pizzas better than the ones here, you know."

"Ahahaha! You say stuff like this every time to make me happy!"

The lady boss of the restaurant grinned until her eyes become crescent moons, and she yelled towards the kitchen:

"Hubby! It's Dino! Young Master Dino has returned! Start making this child's favorite pizza."

The sound of ingredients being combined in the kitchen came as a reply. That sound alone was enough to get Dino salivating.

"Big Brother Dino!"

"Dino! It's Dino!"

The children that were passing by the restaurant's doors caught a glimpse of Dino, and in a flash, they were surrounding him.

"Oh, Marco, Leo, Lala, Louis... Have you guys been well?"

"Of course!"

"Big Brother, welcome back!"

"Big Brother, Big Brother, so? Are the mafiosi from Chicago really strong?"

"Ah? Chicago......"

"Idiot, not there! Dino went to the Caribbean Sea to be a pirate!"

“Big Brother, show us the Bunshin no Jutsu! (4) Didn't you go to Japan to train?"

"Hey, hey, hey..."

To these kids with their tall tales, Dino could only smile bitterly. Seeing how they so naively looked up to him, Dino knew their words held no malice.

"I'm going to tell my Mama that Dino is back!"

"Me too! Me too!"

The excited children pushed and shoved each other in their mad race home, vacating the restaurant. In a small port city like this where everyone was as tightknit as family, the news of Dino's return soon spread all across town.

And then----

When the sun had set, the restaurant was filled to the brim with customers. Most of them had come to see Dino who had returned home. When the mafia is mentioned, a regular person may feel apprehensive and dare not approach, but the Cavallone Famiglia has insisted on not doing immoral things since their inception, and kept to their principle of protecting their streets. As a result, they were trusted in the community, and even Dino, the next successor, was treated as family ever since he was young.

'Ha... this is it, this is what I want.'

The table crammed with dishes that never seemed to end, and the smiles all around him... The way everyone on the streets would greet him with sincerity, that warm feeling Dino was feeling was surely bliss.

'After everything, indeed, it's here! I can't fathom a life that's not like this!'

Dino was so moved, he shouted loudly:

"Alright! Tonight, everything's on me!"

"Young Master, what are you saying..."

"it should be us that's treating you!"

"It doesn't matter who is treating, as long as we eat to our hearts' content!"

Hearing this, everyone lifted their glasses in celebration of Dino coming home, and so the rowdy and joyful party began.

"Hey, what are you doing just standing there? Let's feast, Romario!"

Each platter that was carried out seemed to vanish one after another. Dino brought a dish over and set it in front of Romario, who was beside him.

But Romario looked conflicted.

"Is this okay? Young Master. You have yet to let the boss take a look at you."

"Mm."

Like remembering an unpleasant memory, Dino's face quivered. He had betrayed his father's expectations by running away from school, in these circumstances, he really does not want to meet him.

"It, it's fine, we can worry about my Dad after we fill our stomachs."

"If that's what Young Master says, then let's fill our stomachs first."

"Hey... you're doing that on purpose! You're doing it on purpose, right? But anyway, where are the other members? I had a hard time coming back, you know?"

"Actually, about that..."

"Ah, forget it. Whatever it is, eat up now! Your food's getting cold!"

Dino's hearty appetite seemed to be renewed, but Romario sighed indiscriminately.

As time passed, the number of people in the restaurants seemed to increase steadily. It looked like the party was going to last until supper time.

"But, Dino has really become more impressive, huh."

"Mmhm, he went away to train after all!"

"Ah, yes..."

On that topic of conversation, Dino was at a loss of what to do, and so gave half-hearted replies to fake his way through it.

"If that's the case, then we and the Cavallone Famiglia will be able to have a peace of mind for the rest of our days!"

"Of course! With Dino back, those guys won't be able to walk around like they own the place!"

"This is Cavallone Famiglia territory, no matter what, we will support Dino and the Cavallone...."

At this very moment----

A wail pierced through the merrymaking atmosphere.

Everyone fell silent, causing the restaurant to become quiet.

Their eyes were on the few men wearing extravagant tiger-print suits standing at the entrance of the restaurant.

By their gazes one could tell they were dangerous, and the soft laughter from the corner of their mouths revealed their intent, only discernable by seasoned mafiosi.

Everyone in the restaurant held their breaths, eyes locked onto the men. Only one person still hadn't figured out the situation.

It was Dino.

"Eh? What's happening? Hey, are those guys new? Romario."

"No, they're...."

"First time meeting you, huh, Cavallone's tenth boss."

The leader of the tiger-print group removed his hat and bowed. On his face was one of the smiles that Dino hated the most - a condescending, mocking smile.

"Who are you guys......"

"We're from the Irregolare Famiglia (5), here to say hello."

"Irregolare.....?"

He had never heard of this family name before, surprise was written all over his face.

"What are you doing on our territory?"

"Heheh... nothing major."

"Dino, it's them!"

At this moment, one of the children that had been intermingling with the adults stood up, and with hurt and rage, pointed a finger at the tiger-print suit-clad men.

"It was them that made my dad get really hurt!"

The child, upset and crying, described the scene, and others began to chime in with their own grievances towards the men in the tiger-print suits.

"Stop showing up here! This is Cavallone territory!"

"Yeah! Don't think you can continue doing whatever you want!"

Amidst the increasing agitation, Dino finally understood what was going on.

These men wearing weird suits that appeared out of nowhere, they seem to be in direct opposition to the Cavallone Famiglia.

If that was the case, then to them---

"Dino, Dino!"

The pulling on his sleeves by the children broke him out of his thoughts. They looked at him with pleading expressions.

"Come on, get them! You came back because of this, right?"

"Ah....."

Being singled out like this, Dino's face turned pale green.

"Dino!"

"Go, Dino!"

Everyone's expectant gazes fell upon Dino.

Meanwhile, the men from Irregolare seemed to be enjoying the show, indulgently watching. To these grown-up and fit men, a fresh-faced boy like Dino was no reason to fear.

"Ah... Um... You have a point..."

Why did it turn out like this.... Such troublesome matters occurring in his beloved hometown, Dino didn't know what to do with this sudden incident.

He couldn't beat them. But confronted with the expectations of the townsfolk that he had a solution, he simply was unable to say the words "I can't" and hightail it out of there.

Dino was completely cornered.

"You can do it, Dino!"

"We will support you!"

"Help us crush your dad's enemies!"

"Dino! The you that has become stronger..."

"You're not allowed to mess around here!"

Dino yelled all of a sudden. The excited crowd quieted down.

Dino slowly raised a hand--

And pointed at the men in the tiger-print suits.

"I don't care if you're from Irregolare or whatever, this is Cavallone territory, not somewhere you filthy punks can come."

The smiles on the men's faces fell.

Right then, cheers erupted from the crowd.

"Well said, Dino!"

"You're not welcome here!"

Elation was on everyone's faces.

But, in direct opposition--

'Oh god...'

Dino was freaking out on the inside.

'What the heck did I just say... Saying something like that, if these people get angry......"

"You really dared to say that, huh, Mister Tenth Boss?"

The leader slowly approached Dino. Though he was smiling, his eyes were obviously filled with killing intent.

Dino felt like his life was in danger, and started to come up with excuses, all while breaking out in cold sweat.

"Ah, uh, hold on. What I meant was, this isn't something that can be discussed with you..."

"Ah, so what do you have in mind?"

"I plan to... uh, have a good talk with your boss, and whatever it is, right now...."

"What!? What the hell are you mumbling about?"

The man dropped the gentleman's façade and lunged viciously at Dino.

But his powerful fist met not with Dino, but with Romario, who had inserted himself in front of Dino and blocked it.

"Hey."

Unlike how he was usually during interactions with Dino, Romario's stare was cold.

"Who do you think you're laying a hand on?"

"Uh.... Wha..."

Sweat formed on the man's face as he desperately tried to pry his fist from Romario's palm, but it didn't budge.

Romario had always been the right-hand man of the Cavallone head, and was adept in many fields, even in these rudimentary competitions of strength, his was far superior to the average man.

Romario's expression was nonchalant, as he smoothly lit the cigarette in his mouth with a single hand.

"The Young Master said he wanted to talk to your boss."

The one most shocked at Romario's words was Dino.

"Hold on... I was just, I mean, I should say that I was too arrogant..."

"Did you not hear what the Young Master said? Harh?"

"Hm-hmph... That sort of kid..."

"Did you not hear what he said!"

CRACK!

"Yarghhh!"

The bones in the man's fist were shattered, leaving him screaming in pain.

"Scram! And tell that guy what the Tenth said!"

The tiger-print men gathered up their hurt comrade and stumbled out of the restaurant.

"Do-don't get cocky! Whatever, you're all screwed!"

The men threw down a retort and ran away, but for Dino, who was severely regretting his actions, had no extra energy to even watch them go.

'Crap.... What the heck did I say? I came back here because I hate this kind of stuff! Why......"

"You really gave me a fright, Young Master."

Romario, who knows if he actually knew what Dino's true feelings were, happily patted his shoulder.

"I didn't think you would say that kind of thing, is it the product of your training overseas, or that home tutor......"

"Hey, Romario! What do those guys even do? Why are they showing up on our turf? And that 'you're all screwed' talk......"

"They're not kidding."

Romario's tone was solemn. Dino inhaled deeply.

"They've been around for a month, many of our members have been ambushed by them."

"Ah..... Re-really?"

"They seem to have been discretely getting in contact with a weapons dealer, though they're a young Famiglia, their firepower is not to be underestimated. Their surprise attacks are completely unscrupulous, our own forces have been weakened as a result."

"Hey, what about my dad? As the boss, he wouldn't have let it slide, would he?"

"Of course he sent some young members to their turf, but......"

"............"

"Romario!"

Dino repeatedly shook the unspeaking Romario.

"Tenth!"

The serious exclamation caused Dino to turn around in shock. He faced the crowd who were looking at him with fervour.

"Those people are all bad apples. They open fire without care about who the other party is, even if it's a civilian."

"Not only that. My store was also wrecked, but of course I would never pay them the protection fee."

"Honestly, I can't stand their antics on our street. Dino, we can only rely on you now."

Everyone inched closer, pleading with their eyes.

The townspeople's emotions formed a massive invisible wave that slowly swallowed the poor teenager.

"Dino!"

"Dino!"

"Dino!!!"

And then ---

After an unbearable silence ---

"...... I understand, leave it to me," Dino said.

Saying this was all he could do.

"Ah, it's impossible---!"

It was the night of the altercation in the restaurant.

Having not returned home in a long time, Dino tossed and turned on his bed.

In the lavish mansion, he used to always see various members of his Famiglia about, but currently the atmosphere was completely different. it was obvious that the situation was severe.

Against the Irregolare that were born as soldiers and accustomed to battle, they were outmatched. If this carried on, their territory could very well be taken.

"Why did I have to come back at a time like this.... sigh..."

"Are you awake, Young Master?"

Romario knocked on the door before entering. Dino looked at him with a exasperated expression.

"You can see for yourself. Why are you here?"

"Boss is looking for you."

"!"

Dino immediately pulled his blanket over his head, and began to groan.

"Hoo... Wow, sorry, Romario. I think I ate too much, so my stomach really hurts."

"...... is that so?"

Romario wasn't going to expose this shoehorned lie, and turned around solemnly.

"Boss... his body isn't doing well."

"!"

His parting sentence made Dino's eyes widen.

'Dad, he......?' (6)

The health of Dino's father, the current head of the Cavallone, had been erratic ever since he fought a serious illness a few years ago. The challenges he put Dino up against were also because of his health. Moreover, right now, he was not about to let the Irregolare's transgressions go.

"Dad..."

Dino's gaze wavered.

Because he got sent away, Dino had been holding a grudge towards his father, but he definitely did not hate him. He understood the expectations a father holds for his son. Even so......

'I still don't like it. Having seen what it's like after my time outside, I'm more sure than ever that being in the mafia world... I don't belong here. Hurting others, being hurt...... I don't like all these things......'

Dino buried his head deeper into his bedsheets, wallowing in his frustration and misery.

3

Later---

Finally, a week after the incident at the restaurant, the location for the talks between the Cavallone and the Irregolare was decided.

The head of the Irregolare called for a ceasefire himself, and set his lavish boat as the location for the meeting. The date and place were decided by them, as if they were trying to prove which Famiglia was the more powerful one.

"Hey...... Do I have to go?"

On the day of the talks, while being surrounded by the suited members of his Famiglia, Dino couldn't help but ask the question.

The ninth Cavallone boss had deteriorated health-wise ever since the day Dino came home, and now even had problems with his memory, a complete mess. He had asked for Dino, but Dino had refused to meet him, up until the current day. The father-son pair had not even sat down for a good conversation.

Hence, as the candidate for the position of the tenth Cavallone boss, as well as the instigator of these talks, Dino was a key figure. And so, he was going to the meeting, accompanied by members of his Famiglia.

Led by Romario, everyone was nervous, as no one could guarantee that the meeting would go well. Being in the enemy's home turf, they were very likely to be offed. But if they continued this, Cavallone, who were inferior in terms of fighting power, would be wiped out sooner or later. So, they could only focus on the tiny sliver of hope that these talks would end the territory war.

"You can do it, Dino!"

"Show them the Cavallone spirit!"

The people they passed by on the way offered encouragements and well-wishes. The children waved until their hands nearly fell off.

The mafiosi that people fear, would usually never witness such a scene. This proved how much these townsfolk relied on and supported Cavallone, and as a part of their streets, loved them as well.

To dispel everyone's uncertainty, the suited men raised a hand in response, but only Dino kept his head low, being unable to lift it.

"You wave to them too, Dino."

"Ah, mmhm, yes...... I have to wave too."

Dino answered Romario lifelessly, and lightly waved, this was the most he could muster. His heart was fluctuating between feelings of anticipation and unease.

Then...... they finally arrived at the docks.

"We waited a long time, everyone."

The Cavallone men's nerves returned tenfold.

The dock was already filled with waiting swaths of men dressed in the Irregolare's iconic tiger-print suit.

"Hey, what's the meaning of this?"

"Wasn't the meeting meant to take place on the boat?"

Unlike the antsy Cavallone members, the representative from the Irregolare smiled an exceedingly cloying smile and said:

"Aiya aiya, we were just tasked with receiving you all. If anything happened to the Cavallone successor, it would be such a shame, so our boss sent us to protect him, naturally."

All the tiger-print men simultaneously took out their guns, not to take aim at Dino or his men, but just to show off their considerable gunpower.

"Come along, we'll lead the way."

On the surface the tiger-print men were very well-mannered, but their eyes evidently showed how they would not allow the Cavallone to have a say in anything.

"This guy......!"

"Hold on!"

Romario swiftly held back his comrades that couldn't stand the ridicule, their hands on their own holstered guns. If a shootout were to happen here, whatever meeting they planned would go up in smoke. But it was obvious that the difference in power was immense, and the pride of the Cavallone men was greatly hurt. Even Romario was truthfully at his limit---

"!"

It was at this moment......

Standing head-on to the gun-toting Irregolare, one person took a step forward.

"I'll go."

It was Dino.

"I'll go alone, you guys wait here."

Dino's words surprised everybody, including Romario, and their faces paled.

"Young Master, what are you saying!"

"How can we let you go alone?"

"We can't hand over the tenth Cavallone boss to people like this....."

"Enough!"

The men quietened down.

If one saw Dino's face from the side, they would see that his face was pathetically green.

The responsibility of being the Cavallone representative, as well as the desire to not put his important family members at risk, filled Dino with miraculous bravery.

"..............."

Dino didn't say another word, and followed the Irregolare onto the docked ferry.

"...... Young Master!"

Romario couldn't stop himself from running forward, but he was stopped by the few tiger-print men still remaining on the dock.

Dino boarded the enemy's boat, which made off into the Adriatic Sea.

"No wonder you're the tenth Cavallone boss, even though you're a little squirt, but you've got guts."

Although the men escorting him made conversation, Dino still kept his head lowered and said nothing. The men didn't care, and continued:

"Cavollone is a Famiglia that's already past its time! If you obediently give up your territory, Boss won't do anything reckless. But if Boss doesn't like the look of you, then I dare not guarantee anything!"

"......................"

"Hey hey, you still scared? I've been talking to you for so long, at least say something......"

"....... I still...... can't make it."

"Ah?"

"Everyone....... I'm sorry!"

All of a sudden, Dino bolted upright, frightening the men. He charged forward, and before the men could react---

SPLASH!

Dino jumped into the ocean.

When he opened his eyes---

He could hear a small bird chirping from somewhere in the yard.

The gentle light through the window shone on his bedside.

Naturally, the corners of his mouth curved upwards.

"Is this...... what I was protecting?"

"Mm, it is."

He had thought that there was no one else in the room, but a voice answered his question.

It was Reborn.

"You've lost weight, Ninth."

"Yeah, how embarrassing!"

His speech was weak, and he looked like death.

"The Vongole Boss is worried. Regarding the Irregolare, he's ready to help anytime."

"Hah, how chicken of us. This is Cavallone turf, to not bleed for it like some sort of outsider and then be proud of it, it's not something we can do!"

"You've not changed a bit."

The corner of Reborn's lips lifted slightly, his external appearance and his age were evidently very far apart, but there was a feeling of trust between the two men.

"Ah yes, what's the matter? You're surely not here to just visit a sick man?"

"Nothing much, I am here to visit a sick man."

"Is it about Dino?"

He was too careless.

Even as an hitman who has always kept his cool, Reborn couldn't hide the shadows on his face.

"So it is."

The Cavallone Ninth, sighed heavily as if he had already understood everything.

"I know he went to talk with the Irregolare. I've been hearing the subordinates talking about it the last few times I've woken up."

"................"

Reborn maintained his silence.

The Ninth knew this was Reborn's kindness, but in the face of cruel reality kindness could only weep, as was their world.

"----!"

The sound of gunshots made Reborn's brows furrow.

"Let's go, Ninth, I'll clear the way for you."

Reborn hopped off the bed, holding the Ninth's hand. But it was released gently.

"Thank you, Reborn. But, I can't do what you ask of me."

His controlled movements didn't look like those of a sick man. He got off the bed, took out the suit from the wardrobe, and began to change into it.

"As the boss of the Cavallone....... And, and as a father, I can't run away."

When his frail upper body was revealed, the tattoos lining his left shoulder to his wrist seemed to shine in the light. That was the proof of a Cavallone boss, as well as the pride of a man who maintained his morality and compassion after a long stint in the mafia world.

But now, he was deeply moved by the emotions of a father.

"Dino failed, hasn't he? Or...... he ran?"

"............"

"It's my fault from the beginning. After my wife died, all I had was this son of mine, I just couldn't help but spoil him. But, don't be mistaken, I still feel, to raise a child into someone liked by everyone, with a kind personality....... it's such a good thing."

The holster on his hip carried a gun with the Cavallone crest.

"The problems caused by a child should be cleaned up by their father, if possible, I really wish for him to be the tenth boss........ but he should walk his own path."

The Ninth held onto the doorknob.

Reborn stared at the back of this man who was unblinking, and ready for war.

"Ninth......."

"That child...... I entrust him to you."

These were the last words said between the two men.

Dino escaped to an embankment with no trace of human activity, and checked multiple times that he was not being followed.

The shores of this port city was Dino's playground ever since he was young, and so he knew the places where no one would find him.

Having fled from the ferry, Dino swam for his life to here. From the looks of it, the Irregolare weren't on his heels. The only thing that had followed him was his inner voice mocking him for his timely getaway and his cowardice.

"Damn it......."

It was too embarrassing, Dino's forehead heated up.

But, he really couldn't do anything else. When he came to his senses, he had already jumped into the sea. Before he even finished his thought of 'This is the time to run'....... his body was one step ahead of his brain.

"This is why I said I couldn't....... I said I couldn't......"

No one was asking him, but he still felt the need to say it.

"How could I possibly negotiate well...... If I made things even worse, then what......"

Of course, if it was possible, he wanted to do something for the townspeople and his Famiglia. However, he was well-aware that he did not have this ability. Dino was scared, scared to death. He was afraid he had let everyone down, he was scared that everyone would know about how humiliating he looked.

"So...... so......"

"So you ran away."

"!"

This voice in the breeze was like a knife into Dino's chest.

"Reborn......"

In front of his eyes stood a little baby.

But his shadow became bigger than the biggest wall, and stopped Dino in his tracks.

"Uh........."

Dino's legs became to tremble, he had a feeling that next, the home tutor would punish him, right?! Also, the last thing he wanted was for him to see this ultimate betrayal, but it happened anyway.

"N-no. Listen to me, Reborn, I......"

"You don't need to say anything. I saw everything."

"Ah....."

"It's impossible for you to escape from the palm of my hand. However, bringing you back just like that is no fun, so I was watching to see what you were going to do."

"What, what are you saying......"

If it's Reborn, it was indeed possible, the chameleon Leon on his hat could transform into all sorts of things. To not be found out by Dino was as easy as lifting a finger to Reborn.

"Then..... why......"

Dino asked, looking like a mouse chased into a dead-end.

"Why didn't you do anything? Weren't you by my side the entire time? Aren't you a formidable hitman? Not only that, you're my home tutor! Why didn't you say anything? Why didn't you teach me what to do? Reborn!"

"How long are you going to whine for, idiot."

"!"

His serious tone heavily impacted Dino.

"Not just to me, but to your Famiglia, to the townspeople, to your father...... Were you not just whining the whole time?"

"But...... I didn't......"

BANG!

"Eek!"

"That was whining."

Reborn held a smoking gun, staring sternly at Dino.

"The question isn't what you can do, but what you want to do. And then, what did you do? On these matters, your father knows them all."

"! M-my father? How's my father doing?"

".............."

"Hey, Reborn!"

"The Cavallone Ninth........ is dead."

This was the biggest blow he had ever experienced in his life.

This wasn't something that could be described as "pain", Dino felt like a hole had been punched through his body. His strength completely left his body, he knelt lifelessly on the ground.

"......... You're...... lying, right?"

".........."

His silence spoke volumes about the validity of the statement and the importance of the fact, far more impactful than any explanation.

Why did his father die? Dino knew immediately.

Revenge.

Because Dino ran away from negotiations, so the Irregolare had an excuse to conduct a full-out attack on the Cavallone.

Most of the younger members had followed Dino to the harbour, so the Cavallone Ninth who was in the home when the attack happened was left defenseless, wasn't he?

He should have known from the beginning that this could happen, but he still fled. The cowardly him....... just ran away like that......

“It's all my fault...... Everything's my...... m-my......"

"This is great, Dino."

"!!!"

Dino reactively grabbed the front of Reborn's shirt.

"What's great! Tell me what's so great! Tell me!"

"Like this, you won't have to be a mafioso anymore!"

"!"

"The Ninth used his own body to protect his subordinates and allow them to escape. However, most of the men are actually being held by the Irregolare, waiting to be executed. The Cavallone Famiglia is over."

"How can this be......"

"You always wanted this, didn't you? You don't want to be the tenth boss of the Cavallone, nor a mafioso. This way, your wishes have come true."

"......................................"

The hands holding onto Reborn loosened their grip completely.

"...... Yeah! Exactly! I don't want to be a mafioso, not even a little bit. Hurting people, killing people, I don't want any of that. Like you said...... My dreams...... have come true."

Dino slowly stood up.

And soon after---

"Uwahhhhhhhhh!"

He ran like he would die if he stopped.

With his fists tightly curled into fists, he howled with both grief and rage.

4

The head of the Irregolare, Tigre (7) was in really good spirits.

His just-right figure was clad in his favourite tiger-print suit, his hair was combed back - when this fashionable man was happy, he looked physically sickening.

"Heheheheh......"

Right now he was on an extravagant full-length 170-metre passenger ship, watching the port city that was Cavallone territory. Although it was a small place, after today, it would be the premier step that he and the Irregolare Famiglia would take into mafia life. At the thought of it, he couldn't hold back his laughter.

"This really is a nice place, huh. You think so too, right, Romario?"

"................."

Being surrounded by Tigre's subordinates, Romario could only glare angrily at Tigre in silence.

After Dino made his escape, he and his comrades were captured by the Irregolare. Then, only Romario was brought onto this fancy boat.

"Aw, don't look at me like that, Romario. It can't be helped! Survival of the fittest, the new generation must take over the old, hasn't this always been the case in history?"

Saying this, he affectionately patted Romario's shoulder.

"Oh, I remember how we were like when we were young with nothing to lose, fighting to climb the ranks. I'm really grateful to you, if it weren't for the amazing you by my side, I would have died out there in the wilderness."

"............."

"Oh yes, Romario!"

Tigre came closer to Romario's face, so close that their noses were nearly touching. He looked intently into Romario's eyes.

"Cavallone's now finished, come join my Famiglia?"

"How many times do you want me to repeat myself? My answer is the same as a week ago."

A week ago, it was the day Romario was coincidentally reunited with Dino. On that day, Romario was called out by his old friend Tigre, from back when they were both orphans, and invited him to his Famiglia in the same fashion as today.

"The Cavallone Ninth saved my life, when I was thrown into the ocean by a hurricane...... the same day you left me to die!"

Rage burned like an inferno, but Tigre maintained his smile.

"Hey hey, let's not mention things that happened back then! Haven't I told you many times before? I had to! I also suffered after that, it's not easy befriending Navy higher-ups, and it took me ten years to reach the position I have today. However......"

Heheh...... Tigre laughed a throaty laugh.

"I would never have thought, you were in the trashy Famiglia that I first decided to target."

"What did you say......"

"Don't waste your life here. I want to buy you, and anyway......"

Tigre's lips quirked upwards meanly.

"Didn't that Tenth kid also leave you all to die?"

"!"

Romario's face contorted in pain.

"...... The Young Master was right. He was never suited to this world...... I knew...... but in the end, it was us adults that continued to rely on him."

"Hahahaha...... forget it, it's a happy ending, let's move on and talk about what's going to happen after this."

Tigre's wild eyes bore through Romario, as if what he said was unimportant.

"Become one of my Famiglia, Romario. If you do, I'll let the Cavallone go, but naturally, the territory all goes to me."

"..........."

"If this carries on, once we reach land I will kill all of your comrades, even the poor sickly old boss won't be spared! It's all up to you."

".........."

"Romario!"

"......I understand."

A sentence devoid of life.

He's convinced...... Just when Tigre was about to confirm it......

"!"

In an instant......

Romario's gun was held to Tigre's forehead, the men around couldn't even react in time. Only late by one step, everyone aimed their guns at Romario, but they could tell, that at the same time they pulled the trigger, their boss would also be shot, if not earlier.

"...... How impressive, Romario."

Tigre's face twitched, breaking out in cold sweat.

"Where in the world did you hide that? This is exactly I don't want to have you as an enemy."

"Call off your men from the streets, now!"

"I-I got it. Either way, they're just about done."

"What......?"

Romario faltered just a bit, and Tigre's men of course did not let the opportunity slide, pressing Romario to the ground swiftly.

"The Cavallone boss is already killed. And the other small fry should also be taken care of very soon."

"Y-you!"

"Sigh...... there's no other option, if this is how it is."

Tigre pointed the barrel of his gun straight at Romario's forehead, and without hesitation, pulled the trigger.

"Goodbye, my friend."

BANG!

The sound of gunpower bursting resonated in the air---

"Uwah!"

But the one that held his shoulder, kneeling, was Tigre.

"Are you okay, Romario!"

"!"

It's difficult to believe...... But, this voice is one he could not have mistaken. Romario lifted his head.

"Young Master!"

At the bow of the ship stood Dino, who should have already gotten away. The slender hands gripping the gun were shaking, simply because it was his first time doing this sort of thing.

"So you're the tenth Cavallone boss? Not bad."

Tigre let out an enraged grin, finger pointed at Dino.

"Kill him!"

The subordinates on deck all opened fire.

Logically, Dino should have become a beehive instantly.

"Woahhhh!"

But he was in an all-out sprint along the edge of the boat, dodging the rain of bullets. Despite the gentle water surface, it was impossible for the boat to not bob between waves. Between the rocking boat and the very narrow boat's edge, Dino's balance was comparable only to a circus performer's, as he continued running for his life.

"Don't let him get away! He's just some punk, get rid of him!"

Dino was already at the stern of the boat, followed closely by Tigre and his men.

At that moment......

"Uwah!"

"Uwah!"

The men holding Romario down starting to go limp one by one.

"Mr. Reborn!"

Reborn incapacitated the men before they even had time to scream, after which he offered a hand to Romario.

"Hello, Romario."

"Ah, hello...... Now's not the time for hellos! If we don't hurry, the Young Master......"

"Wait."

Reborn stopped the charging Romario.

"We still don't know if he's the real deal, we have to let him fight till the end to know, no?"

"Ah?"

Romario was lost.

On the other side, Dino at this time......

"Wheeze....... Da-damn it......"

"You really cost us a lot of effort, huh, brat? Playtime's over."

Several of the armed men surrounded Dino, he was already forced to the very end of the ship. But Tigre didn't intend to ask his men to kill Dino. His pride wouldn't allow him to let the life of the person who injured him in front of his men to end by someone else's hands.

"What's wrong? Can't jump into the sea this time?"

"..............."

"Such arrogance from a brat, haphazardly barging into the world of adults, I really must show you what happens to kids like you."

Tigre's shoulder was still bleeding as he approached Dino with malice all over his face. Seeing what a tender youthful face this brat that had hurt him had, Tigre only grew more and more incensed.

"Oof!"

The leather shoe drove into Dino's stomach without mercy, causing him to fall to his knees, but Tigre kicked him relentlessly, with more force each time.

"Brat! Brat! It wasn't easy to get me in such a good mood, and you just had to show up halfway to mess things up!"

"Uwah! Ah! Ahhhh!"

Dino curled into a ball, trying his best to endure the pain.

But Tigre's rage had not subsided.

"Hey, get up, I said get up, brat!"

Dino's hair was grabbed, and he was pulled up by it. His face was covered in blood and tears.

"Hu...... hic......"

"I have something to ask you, if you don't answer, I'll kill you, if you do, I'll make your death a little quicker."

".................."

"Why did you come here? Surely you know you'd be killed?"

"................."

"Oh? No answer. Then......"

SPIT.

"!"

Dino's red-tinted spit landed squarely on Tigre's face.

"Heheh......"

"Y-You!"

"I'm a hopeless good-for-nothing, even I don't know why I came back...... But!"

Dino glared daggers at Tigre.

The teenager that was trembling in fear mere minutes ago, unexpectedly gained the aura of a hero. Tigre was slightly threatened, and let go of Dino's hair.

He had originally thought Dino would have fallen without his strong support, but he was still holding on, and said loudly:

"Even if I'm an idiot, there are times where I can't be an idiot! My most precious thing was hurt, how can I keep running away?"

SHING!

"Eh......"

Blinding light flashed, Dino's left wrist was burning up. The sudden occurrence caused Tigre's men to sense that the situation had become dangerous, and they encircled their boss to protect him.

Pure white flame --- very similar to the legendary "Dying Will Flames" that the mafia keeps secret.

When the flames died out, tattoos stretched from Dino's left shoulder to his wrist, exactly the same as those on his father, the ninth boss.

Seeing all the changes on his body, Dino was also utterly confused.

"Wha-what's this......"

"This is proof."

"!"

"You've inherited the pride and soul of the Cavallone."

Dino raised his head and Reborn on this mast, wind blowing through his jacket.

And at his side......

"What......"

Or more accurately, is that a piece of mochi stuck on his eyes and nose? Dino pointed at the mystery object that had one string wrapped around the mast and said, "Hey, Reborn! What is that thing......"

"It's Leon."

"Leon!?"

"When my students are about to face a challenge, the Shapeshifting Chameleon Leon will form a cocoon, and then......"

Leon's mouth was moving non-stop, then he spat something at Dino.

"!"

It was a sturdy and powerful black whip.

"This is......"

"That belongs to you. It's not just for defeating enemies, more importantly...... it's for whipping your soft heart into shape."

"!!!"

A hurricane started up in Dino's chest.

A soft heart......

To protect that which is precious to him...... This is a wall that he must climb.

"...... Thank you, Reborn."

The whip promptly unraveled in Dino's hand.

"Get them!"

BAM!

Dino kicked the deck to propel his jump into the air.

"S-Shoot him!"

Tigre returned to his senses and hastily barked out orders, the crowd shot at Dino without rest, but Dino did not run.

"Hyaaa!"

SHOOM!

"Ah!?"

The whip was a black whirlwind.

The wind bounced away the bullets, not a single round even touched Dino.

BAM!

Landing in the midst of the crowd, Dino again used his whip to create a whirlwind.

CRACK!

SMACK!

CRACK!

These fully armed savages, some of whom were soldiers, were now falling one by one.

The slightly-too-late Romario rushed over only to see a scene that stunned him completely.

"I would have never thought, Young Master Dino......."

"It's nothing to be surprised about."

Reborn landed lightly next to Romario.

"He is after all a student I trained. Although he didn't notice, his fighting ability has already reached a certain standard, but still, to uncover that side under his idiot exterior, it really cost too much."

"Boss......"

Romario remembered what Tigre had said just now, and worriedly chewed on his lip.

Dino let out a battle cry. (8)

The whip he was brandishing seemed to grow stronger, like a savage beast charging towards Tigre's subordinates. Although everyone tried to retaliate, by the time they took aim, Dino was nowhere to be seen. His dexterity was like that of a wild animal, speedily galloping across the deck, and with a lethal crack of his whip, the tough mafiosi were taken out one by one.

"B-Bucking Horse......"

Seeing Dino's graceful movements, Tigre couldn't help but mutter---

"!"

Of the tiger-print suited men on the deck, only the boss Tigre was left.

"H-hey...... How is this possible, he's just a little brat, all the money and time I spent amassing these troops....."

"That just shows that you will always be at that standard."

"!"

Romario strode forward, his words further twisting the expression on Tigre's face.

"The men that you gathered without sincerity, are the same as worthless trash!"

"Sh-shut up!"

Tigre threw down his gun and reached into his suit jacket.

"!"

Dino hurriedly ducked, but Tigre didn't take out a weapon, instead it was a small remote control. He pressed the button without hesitation.

RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE......

"Ah......!"

With a shudder, the stationary boat started to lurch forward.

Towards the port.

"Hey, Tigre! What the hell did you do?"

Romario grabbed Tigre's collar, but Tigre smiled victoriously.

"Hehehe...... I got this boat from the military, it's filled with explosives. On impact, I can guarantee everyone on the streets will turn to ash."

"What.....!?"

"You can't prevent it, this boat can't be stopped."

"You bastard!"

Romario pummeled Tigre in rage.

"Why are you the same as before? Once you're angry, you lose all reason! You're going to die here, too!"

"This is my boat...... I went through so many pains to get it, my castle...... I won't lose to anybody...... I won't give up this boat to anybody...... Do you get it? Brat!"

Fire was nearly shooting out of Tigre's eyes, but Dino sniffed coldly.

"...... Lame."

"What!"

"I really hate mafiosi the most after all, no one thinks straight. What's the point of this? Will blowing up everything make anyone happy?"

Dino was irate, one could not even see an inkling of the coward he was not too long ago.

"Romario! Take a small boat and get to the streets, find a way to get everyone far away from the harbour!"

"But, Young Master, you......"

"I'll find a way to stop the boat."

Dino had no doubt in his gaze.

"I can't face Dad in the afterlife like this...... I want to protect our land! Here is what I want to protect!"

"Young Master......"

"Hurry! Romario!"

With that, Dino rushed into the boat.

"Hey."

"!"

Reborn was blocking Dino's way.

"Reborn, move! If we don't hurry up, the streets will......"

"Calm down, dummy. An outsider like you going in there won't help anything."

"If we don't try, how do we know! I can't not do anything now like I did before......"

--- PEW.

Reborn pointed to behind Dino.

"?"

Dino turned his head.

And saw---

"Kuooooo!"

"Woah!"

After a ferocious roar, from the choppy waves, blocking out the sun now and again, rose a massive turtle.

"Th-this is......"

"That's called a sponge turtle, after it absorbs water, it can grow to massive proportions."

"There's got to be a limit to it growing!"

"That, like your whip, was born from Leon, it's your power."

"Ah? M-my......"

"Yep. Not to destroy, but to protect your loved ones even if it's a gamble with your life...... that's your heart."

CLUNK!

The turtle, later named Enzo, easily stopped the huge passenger ship, following which it opened its mouth and began to eat it.

"................."

Dino could only stare dumbly at the scene in front of him.

"...... It's over."

"Ahh...... Wait! There are explosives on this ship! If that turtle eats them, then......"

"He was born from your heart's resolve, is it so weak?"

Reborn looked at him without a care in the world, and the words died on Dino's tongue...... All he could do in the end was sigh quietly and cover his face with his hands.

"Really...... You really fool around a lot!"

"Sometimes."

"Come on, at least admit it, hey!"

"Ah, sorry to interrupt, but if this goes on, we'll become turtle food."

"Ah!"

At Romario's words, Dino and Reborn looked at each other.

"You guys should hurry and get out of here."

With a wave of Reborn's hand, the cocooned Leon fell into the sea. Its body spasmed, instantly changing into a boat.

Dino and the others got on and quickly left the lavish passenger ship that was already one-third consumed.

"Haha...... ha......"

The half-dead subordinates jumped into the sea in quick succession, Dino could only laugh at the sight.

He wasn't willing to admit that this road he opened up with all of his effort, ended up being something he couldn't even begin to understand.

--- CRASH!

Like this, Tigre vanished with the boat of his dreams into the stomach of a turtle.

5

On a hill with a view of the sea.

Dressed in black funeral garb, Dino solemnly placed flowers on his father's grave.

From behind him came the sounds of men weeping, not only were the members from his Famiglia present, the townsfolk that revered the Ninth also came to his funeral.

After the failure of their boss Tigre, the Irregolare Famiglia had quickly perished. But the suffering they had brought to so many people was not something that could be so easily healed. Because the Ninth had laid down his life, many members were saved, but it was an unavoidable fact that the Cavallone were seriously weakened.

Moreover......

"...... Everyone, I'm really sorry."

Dino turned around, and silently made his decision before speaking.

"It's all because of me that Boss is dead, I don't deserve to inherit the Cavallone name."

"...................."

A stillness descended upon the crowd.

Most of them did not think so, but they were unable to express it with words.

And because, they knew that Dino was burdened with a very heavy cross.

"After this, I'll hand it all to you, Romario. If it's you, the Famiglia should be able to continue protecting this place. Compared to me, you are more like a Boss."

Dino patted the shoulder of the expressionless Romario, intending to walk past him.

"Well, goodbye."

At this moment---

"!"

Just as the two brushed past each other, Romario grabbed onto Dino's arm.

"Romari......"

Immediately after, Romario's fist expertly struck Dino square in the face. The merciless blow sent Dino flying.

"Hack...... cough......"

Dino's face scrunched up in pain, and he glared at Romario.

"Wh-what are you doing!"

"................"

"Hey! Say something......"

Just then, Dino noticed that Romario was looking intently at his wrist.

"!"

Due to Romario's tight grip, when Dino flew, the left sleeve of his suit tore, revealing his upper arm, where the tattoos that showed up during his latest fight could be clearly seen, having not disappeared.

"The sun, water, and life...... These tattoos are medals held only by those who have the ability to protect all men, as well as the sign of the Cavallone boss."

".................."

"Dino!"

Romario was still holding on tightly to Dino, and for the first time, Dino saw that behind his glasses, Romario's eyes were brimming with tears.

"We only have you, Dino!"

When he finished his sentence, everyone rushed forward as if a dam had been broken, and surrounded Dino. No matter mafioso or civilian, male or female, young or old, they all gathered around.

"Don't go, Dino!"

"You inherited the soul of the previous Boss!"

"Is this not your home? Are we not your family?"

"Big Brother, don't go! Big Bro Dino!"

Everyone's eyes were wet.

"You guys......"

Unable to control the surge of emotions welling up in his chest, Dino quickly looked towards the sky.

"Really, you're crying?"

"Sh-shut up......"

Only Reborn was speaking as usual. Dino hastily wiped his tears with the back of his hand.

"Don't worry, Dino. I'm your home tutor, after today I will also be training you well to make you into a competent Tenth."

"...... Ah?"

Dino's jaw dropped, eyes wide.

But those around him erupted into thunderous cheers.

"Fantastic, that's our Dino!"

"If that's the case, then we and the Cavallone Famiglia will be able to have a peace of mind for the rest of our days!"

"You have to work hard for the late boss, Tenth!"

"Tenth!"

"Tenth!"

"Tenth!!!"

Taken aback by everyone's huge expectations, Dino took a step back.

"W-wait a second, everyone, that's...... Forget about being the Tenth, rather, wanting me to continue training under Reborn......"

"Don't stand on ceremony, hey!"

THUMP!

It's hard to believe that with such a small body, Reborn's kick packed that much power when it landed on Dino. Compared to Romario's punch, Dino flew much further, directly soaring off the cliff and straight into the sea.

"Uwahhhhh---!"

SPLASH--------!

"Achoo! Y-you, Reborn! I didn't say I wanted to......"

"Look out, the sharks are coming. If you don't defeat them, you'll die, you know."

"Uwah! Why are there sharks here......"

"I called them here."

"Spare me~ Wahhhh!"

Dino's anguished cries intermingled with the townspeople's laughter, resonating into the sky, reaching the other side. (9)

⯁

Many years after that---

Under the leadership of the Tenth boss Dino, Cavallone has improved leaps and bounds.

The Famiglie who looked down on the young leader came one after another to attack the Cavallone, but they were all forced to retreat by Dino. After occasional assimilations due to their kindness, Cavallone grew to become a massive Famiglia of 5000 strong.

To become the boss of such a huge Famiglia, Dino continued training under Reborn. It allowed him to emerge as a man truly like a leader.

In his heart, Dino thought, 'I really received a lot of care from Reborn. Compared to him, becoming a home tutor as I am now, I have barely scratched the surface.'

Recalling so many things, Dino renewed his determination and stood up.

"It's about time to go, Romario. Hey, Romario?"

Not hearing a response, Dino looked behind him in confusion, but the Romario that was supposed to be there was nowhere to be found. Left alone in a dark forest, Dino could only scratch his head.

"Really, just where did that guy run off to. Hey, Romario, I'll make a move first...... Uwahhhh!"

Dino had only taken a single step, but he had tripped over a tree root, sending him rolling down the slope.

"Woahhh!"

THUNK!

At last, Dino smashed into a tree trunk. Stars were forming in front of his eyes.

"Hey, what's wrong, Boss? Boss!?"

Hearing the yells, Romario came running over, and saw Dino splayed out on the ground. He covered his face in embarrassment.

"Boss, you really are something, without us, you end up like this."

"Sh-shut...... shut up......"

Dino staggered to his feet, this pathetic state was not something he wanted his subordinates to witness.

The desire to protect his Famiglia, the desire to protect the beloved townspeople. Because of these Dino had grown, but these conversely also became one of his weak spots. As long as they weren't by his side, Dino reverted to the "idiot" that he had been before.

"If not for this, Boss would've been a perfect boss."

"Idiot, I feel like this is already pretty good."

Dino shook his head, pretended like nothing had happened, and continued walking.

--- Yep, he felt that this was good.

Gaining the power to fight for the sake of protecting his loved ones, this was exactly the power he wanted.

"What's the power you want...... Kyoya?"

Mulling over the future of his student, Dino descended from the hill, towards Namimori where the battle was never-ending.