1 April 1 - New Beginnings

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During Decimo's time, the Vongola Famiglia changed a lot. It is not anymore the notorious and brutal organization that is feared by many, but a well-respected organization that helped and supported those who are in need, abused, and troubled. It was exactly the Vongola Famiglia that Primo had in mind, and Decimo had not failed him.

The sun brightly shined on the sky, and the flowers bloomed perfectly in the Vongola Headquarters. It was a peaceful April first on the headquarters except for its people. Everyone is busy running all around and was stressed trying to make everything perfect. They want to ensure that all of the preparations are ready for this special day that will be remembered throughout the history of Vongola.

"Is everything really really really in place?" for the nth time, Haru worryingly asked her most trusted associate who is in charge of doing all of the preparations.

The associate nodded, "Yes, Haru-sama."

"Are you sure?" she asked again for insurance.

"Yes, no need to worry Haru-sama, both Chrome-sama and Kyoko-sama are also doing their best in welcoming the visitors; meanwhile, Hibari-sama is also watching out for troublesome members to prevent them from doing stupid fights."

"Good," she commented trying to calm down, "The preparations for the succession ceremony are already polished by me. Everything is in place. I got nothing to worry about. I should really calm down now because it is not good for my blood pressure."

"Would you like some tea, Haru-sama?"

"No need. I should probably go down and join the others."

"Let me help you," the associate offered her hand, and Haru's wrinkled arm gladly accepted the support of the younger associate to aid her walk.

Haru brushed some strand of her silver hair away from her face and tucked it in behind her ear.

"Without realizing it, our time passed instantly," she started as they left her room and walked together in the halls of the headquarters, "I can clearly remember the time I became part of the Vongola and served as its adviser for seventy years. This place is filled with treasured memories. I feel sad leaving this place, but look," she paused while staring out at the window they passed by, "Today is a beautiful day of spring. It is a mark of new beginnings. I wish them strength and happiness."

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Vongola Decimo smiled as he felt nostalgic while observing a photo of him and his friends that were taken years ago, back when they were still young and complete.

He succeeded. He succeeded in destroying the old Vongola, and he had built a tower of success for years. He never expected all of that, especially his fourteen-year-old self. He never became the failure everyone expected him to be. He believed in his will to accomplish things. There are rough times in his life, but with Reborn's guidance, his parents' love and support, and his friends' encouragement and trust, he was able to pursue his goals. Now, the story is ending. He is leaving the stage and entrusting the spotlight to another.

He sighed. He gently and carefully put down the frame of the photo on his desk, trying to prevent it from falling because of his shaky wrinkled hand. He went to the windows of his office to open it, letting the spring breeze in.

He cannot hide the worry towards his successor. If Vongola Famiglia went back to its old ways, Decimo will greatly regret the decision he made.

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You nervously sighed as you stared at the leaves of the tree above you. You wished to be the same as the leaves, feeling peaceful and not troubled like you. No matter what you try to divert your mind on other things, you cannot remove the fear of failing as the next head of the Vongola Famiglia. Being the next boss of the famiglia is a big responsibility every decision you will make will affect everyone in the family. You know that everyone has great expectations from you, and a lot are willing to compare you to Decimo. You know that cannot be like Decimo. He is far too great.

But... you want to serve the family as he did. He was wise, committed, honorable, and just. You have been watching him ever since you were a child. He was the hero you looked up to and wanted to be.

"Hey! Quit staring or you'll end up forgetting your speech later. Remember not to soil Vongola's great name," once again, Nario appeared to nag you.

Feeling annoyed, you glared at him, "Nah... I'll forget it because of the sight of your face."

"Teme...!" he said while forcing his raised fist not to hit you in the head.

You stick out your tongue along with a middle finger to annoy him more. This is the only thing you like as the next successor; you have the power to boss someone older than you. Well, it is an abuse of your authority, but you only use it on him.

Nario has always been like an older brother to you, more likely a mother. He goes all day nagging you around and watching your every move, so you won't do something stupid to embarrass the family. Yeah, he is an annoying perfectionist, but when you get in trouble, he was always out there to support and help you. You know that he always wanted the good for you and the famiglia.

A lot have their eyes set on the downfall of Vongola Famiglia. The underworld considers them now as enemies since they have always stopped their cruel plans. It is a battle you cannot handle alone, and you need all the help you can get.

You are glad that Nario is always here by your side. Just like his grandfather, the Smokin' Bomb Gokudera Hayato, you have chosen him to be your Storm Guardian.

You gave him an ensuring smile, "You worry too much, Nario. I'm not worried because my right-hand man will always be out there to give me strength."

He raised an eyebrow, "Woah! Such a hypocrite, earlier you are blaming my handsome face, now you are stating how much you need me."

You raised back an eyebrow, "Did I even say it's you?"

"Tsk!"

You stick out your tongue while enjoying his about to explode face.

"What's up with the funny face competition? Can I still join?" the bubbly Aki asked as he joins you two under the shade of the old tree.

"We are definitely not having a funny face competition!" both you and Nario chorused.

"Awww... That's bad. I'm willing to show mine," he then showed off his funny face causing you two to laugh hard while rolling on the grassy ground. As usual, Aki is there to break the endless and pointless argument between you two.

Aki is the same as Nario. You have chosen him to be your Rain Guardian, just like his grandfather, Yamamoto Takeshi.

"Y/N!" a little girl shouted your name, which caused you to immediately fix yourself. You rose and removed the grasses caught all over you. You glance in the direction of the girl rushing toward your direction while holding a stuffed toy.

"Aida!" you called back her name and openly prepared your arms to receive a hug from her. Aida is just one of the precious grandchildren of Enma Kozato, who is still the current boss of the Simon Famiglia.

"I missed you, onii-chan/onee-chan!" she said, jumping out to give you a tight hug.

"I miss you too, Aida."

"Did you miss me too, Aida-chan?" asked Aki.

"Hell no!" she answered straightly, and Aki petrified, trying to maintain his stability.

"Tsk! What a brat!" Nario commented.

"Hey! Pea brain, that's kind of mean towards a child," you said while covering Aida's ears to protect her.

"She's the mean one!" he rebutted.

"It is not my fault that she has favorites. Admit it, you're jealous. I promise that I won't tell a soul," you teased while crossing your heart.

"By the way, where are the twins?" asked Aki, whose soul successfully returned to Earth.

"They decided to stay with grandpa. They said they won't play anymore because they're adults now," Aida sadly replied, "You guys too will be busy since onii-chan/onee-chan is the next boss."

"Psh! Adults!? They're just a bunch of thirteen-year-olds," Nario laughed.

"Said by someone who imitated his grandfather at the age of seven with a lollipop as an imaginary cigarette," you teased, and he blushed in embarrassment.

"I will still play with you, Aida," said Aki.

"That's right! I am the next boss, so no one can tell me not to play games," you proudly said.

Aida's eyes shined amazement, "You're always so cool, onii-chan/onee-chan!"

"I know," you said, brushing your hair up.

You heard Nario clicked his tongue. You smirked at him, then silently spelling out jealous and saw his temporal vein popped out in anger.

"Oi!!!" another loud call from afar caught everyone's attention. There you saw your Lightning Guardian, Rafaelle, Miura Haru's grandchild, waving his hands up in the air.

"There you guys are! We have been looking everywhere!" he shouted, then he gestured to the people behind him that he has found everyone. Following him is the Sun Guardian, Cira, Sasagawa Kyoko's granddaughter, who has a cute smile like an angel, but dangerous as a devil; and Mona, the strong, smart, and dependable Mist Guardian, Dokuro Chrome's granddaughter.

"We can't believe you guys are having a secret meeting without us. As a family, we should always be together," Rafaelle pointed out.

"Childishness is not needed in Vongola!" Nario strictly stated.

"I think sticking out together is not childish and stupid, Nario. We need each other to protect the famiglia. Am I right boss?" then Mona glanced at you.

You nodded in agreement, and you sincerely looked at everyone with full determination, you said, "As the next head of the famiglia, I admit that it is scary, but with everyone around me, it will give me strength in facing the challenges ahead. Today, I'm asking you again, please serve me with all your loyalty until the last day I am boss."

"It will be our pleasure!" everyone said, and they kneeled before you.

"Hey! You do not have to kneel!" but everyone was too stubborn.

"I will also be at your side onii-chan/onee-chan," Aida also promised as you carry her in your arms.

You sighed with a smile, and suddenly a pink peony was dropped before you. Good thing your reflexes are fast, so you caught it before it fell on the ground. You immediately looked up. You sharpened your eyesight as you search for Faust above the tree, but you spotted no one. Faust was your Cloud Guardian, Xanxus's one and only grandchild, and you swear that Faust is a ghost or something. You literally only saw him twice in your lifetime and only for a few seconds because he immediately vanishes like a wind, but he confidently communicates with you through letters and reports to you any problems that he notices. Faust is always out there, silently observing everyone.

"What's that, onii-chan/onee-chan?" asked the curious Aida.

"It's a peony. It means honor and good fortune," you explained.

"It's beautiful," she commented.

You stared at the peony, "Thanks, Faust."

You felt confident, "Hey, everyone, let's head now to the reception room. I don't want everyone any longer."

"Hai, Boss!" they said altogether and they happily followed you.

As you walked out of the tree's shade, you welcome the blue sky with a smile, and the spring wind blew towards everyone. You are now ready to face the new beginning.

You felt a sensation that someone is watching you, so you looked in that direction. You were surprised to see Decimo watching you with a warm smile on his face.

"I will now trust everything to you," Decimo whispered. His worries vanished as he saw you and your guardians.

You nodded at him as if you heard what he said. You and Decimo are different. You cannot be like him. You have your own way of leading the Vongola Famiglia. Both of you wanted what is the best for everyone. You are now ready to be the next boss.

But during that peaceful moment, suddenly shock covered your face, and the world went upside down. A bullet sharply passed straight towards Decimo's heart. You screamed as you saw him fall down while tightly covering Aida's eyes from the horror.

After that shot, more gunshots echoed all around the headquarters, but you and everyone were all shocked by what you have witnessed and failed to respond instantly to the situation. You were all happy earlier, how did it come to this?

"Snap out of it! We are under attack! Protect the boss now!" said Faust, who suddenly appeared. Thanks to him, you all went back to your senses.

"No! Protect the others first!" you ordered, "Aki, protect Aida for me!"

Aki carefully took Aida away from you. The poor child was still frozen in shock.

"I'm heading to Decimo!" you proclaimed.

"No! It is too dangerous," Nario went against you.

"For the first time, I have to agree on him, Boss," Mona said.

"I can protect myself. Go focus on the others! We are wasting our time here!"

"Boss is right! Let's now go to protect the others," said angel Cira while preparing her crossbow and box animal.

"Be careful, boss," she said before dashing ahead of everyone to the fight.

Everyone lastly exchanged glances and nodded in agreement before heading in different directions.

'Be careful, everyone!' you said, running towards Decimo's office.

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You did not take a time off when you reached Decimo's office, even if you took a flight four floors to reach him. You immediately run towards his body that is lying cold on the floor. You tried to feel for his pulse, but it is already getting weaker each second. You tried your best to stop the bleeding but was not enough.

"Boss!" you tried to call him, and tears fell in your eyes.

"Grandfather!" you called out again in frustration.

You felt hopeful when you heard him trying to speak.

"Everything will be fine," you assured, "We have not started the ceremony yet. Today's a busy day, right?"

You leaned closer to him, trying to listen to the words he is trying to say.

"Happy April Fool's Day clowns," then he smirked.

You gladly slapped the old Tsunayoshi Sawada.

CUT! Let's go back to the original plot. Do not do this in real life!

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You did not take a time off when you reached Decimo's office, even if you took a flight four floors to reach him. You immediately run towards his body that is lying cold on the floor. You tried to feel for his pulse, but it is already getting weaker each second. You tried your best to stop the bleeding but was not enough.

"Boss!" you tried to call him, and tears fell in your eyes.

"Grandfather!" you called out again in frustration.

You felt hopeful when you heard him trying to speak.

"Everything will be fine," you assured, "We have not started the ceremony yet. Today's a busy day, right?"

You leaned closer to him, trying to listen to the words he is trying to say, but he failed. That was his last breath. That's how Decimo's chapter ended.

"Grandfather!" you called out to him plenty of times, waiting for a response while shaking aggressively his cold lifeless body in the hope he might wake up.

You felt angry. You felt angry for not hearing what he has to say. You felt angry for things ending this way. You felt angry at the people who killed him.

You were about to be blinded by rage, but you felt a warm sensation on your forehead. It was the dying will flame. You know what you have to do. You wiped your tears away, and you closed Decimo's lifeless eyes. You took the Vongola Ring and kissed his cheeks goodbye.

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