Greetings, readers:
Thank you for reading this fan-made work...
"I hope you enjoy today's chapter." I, Wissumi Wizaki, wish you a happy reading
Year 1048 B.N. – August 29
In the heart of the growing City of Lomo, where spring made life bloom with its warm golden glow and sweet fragrances, a silent revolution was beginning to take shape. It was neither a war nor a revolt, but rather an enterprise: the rise of the most influential organization in the Land of Lomo.
And its boss was a child with a mind from another world.
Giotto Luciano Vongola Gravina, barely seven years old, had witnessed decadence, injustice, and inequality during his stay in the capital. The nearby towns and villages. From devastated fields to lawless villages and foreign merchants, he understood that true power did not lie in violence, but in the structured control of the economy and security.
With that conviction and the necessary organization, he founded the Vongola Bank of Currency and Order, accompanied by a group of child prodigies like himself… there were five consigliere and his two Guardians.
The idea arose on a rainy afternoon during a conversation with Ugetsu, when they were talking about how to improve society, since civilization was still immersed in instability. Giotto, with the fused memories of Luciano Gravina and the First Vongola, understood the need for an economic pillar to structure this great village.
It was not enough to repel bandits or control those who had submitted over time, nor was it enough to simply organize the market: what was needed was a financial center, an institution that inspired trust and regulated the flow of capital, land, and contracts.
—If we don't control the gold, someone else will —Giotto said during that secret meeting at the old inn, while the fire crackled in the fireplace.
Beside him, Takeshi (a boy with a carefree smile and superhuman reflexes) played with a coin, tossing it into the air.
—What if we start it ourselves? —Ugetsu suggested, his eyes shining. Although his face was calm, his mind was as sharp as a sword.
Sana understood. She had already become an administrative genius, with an innate talent for numbers. She had spent several months organizing the local markets since they had arrived in the city.
—The people already respect us —G added, with a deep voice and an imposing posture, even though he was only nine years old—. They only need a structured plan and a new organization.
—Then we'll start with the basics —Giotto concluded—. Security, currency, and credit.
…
Year 1048 B.N. – September 29
It was Giotto, the most methodical leader and head of the group, who proposed the name: Vongola Bank of Currency and Order. According to him, the name had to reflect something more than the accumulation of wealth; it had to represent stability, law, and control.
—We don't want to be rich, G. We want to be essential in everyone's social life —Giotto said as he drew the first plan of the building on the ground.
G nodded. He never imagined that working in that bank in his previous life, in that contemporary Japanese era, would lead to this.
Giotto had already chosen the location: the intersection of five secondary trade routes, an ideal point for controlling caravans of goods and services. He ordered the bank to be built with limestone and oak wood, strong and noble materials. The doors were forged from black steel, and the Vongola emblem, with its flames engraved in bronze, was placed high on the building as a symbol of respect.
Security was one of the first challenges. That was where Reijiro came in. Although he was only nine years old, Giotto carefully trained him in defensive tactics and surveillance.
Alongside Takeshi, his inseparable companion, he became versatile in forging the coin seal under Giotto's instructions, making it almost impossible to counterfeit.
…
Sana, brilliant in mathematics and calculation, adapted to an accounting system based on reciprocal trust that Giotto taught her. The first credit and loan contracts had conditions based on loyalty, not only on interest.
The currency they created, the Gravino, bore a seashell on one side and the word Vongola on the other, representing clarity and leadership.
—We are not just bankers. We are the financial order of the future —Sana said as she taught other children how to keep their own accounting books.
The currency was minted from noble wood and infused with a special ink developed by Ugetsu, G, and Takeshi, using all their knowledge in that field. Each Gravino was impossible to counterfeit: the ink reacted to body heat, subtly changing color if the person holding it was its rightful owner.
…
Year 1048 B.N. – November 15
They soon understood that security was not only necessary inside the bank, but also on the roads. Trade caravans were constantly attacked. Thus was born the second great Vongola institution: the Vongola Escort Company.
Giotto appointed G, his Storm Guardian, as its first commander. Loyal, lethal, and always willing to fight for his honor, G organized the strongest members of the group into mobile protection squads.
—It is not enough to protect what is ours. Let us also protect what belongs to others... and they will belong to us by their own will —G said during the inauguration ceremony.
Sana, with her talent for medicine, if she was not in the bank, was monitoring the medicine factory. She was placed in charge of the escorts' medical supplies. Her healing tonics and wind-flower bandages allowed even severely injured escorts to return to service within a matter of hours.
Haru took charge of logistics: routes, rest and supply points, as well as communication. Crows and other messenger animals were developed for instant communication between the escorts and the caravans.
Reijiro watched from the shadows, making sure that no spy or traitor infiltrated.
Despite their young age, the group behaved with maturity thanks to Giotto's Vongola system.
Giotto presided over the meetings in the Hall of Will, a circular chamber inside the bank where each member had a seat made to fit them, with five seats for the consigliere and five for his future Guardians.
He also arranged for the construction of an underground area for safety in case of danger, without having an aesthetic purpose in one part of his life.
—Our age is just a number, guys —Giotto said once, while calmly drinking tea—. What defines us is the will to create something eternal.
From that hall came decrees that regulated trade, established fair rates for farmers, interest-free loans for widows, and emergency funds for orphaned children.
Soon, the bank and the escort company became inseparable.
No one trusted transporting goods without Vongola protection, nor keeping their money without contracts signed by Giotto.
…
Year 1048 B.N. – December 18
As time passed, other cities began to adopt the Vongola system. First came Sand City, then the Valley of Heaven. Branches were opened under the supervision of Haru and Takeshi. The Gravino began circulating as the official currency in the three main settlements of the Land of Lomo.
Although he knew that the country had still not surpassed one million inhabitants, Giotto understood that those merchants would make his organization grow in the future.
Giotto did not smile with pride, but with the satisfaction of continuity.
With responsibility.
—The difficult part was not founding it. The difficult part will be keeping it clean —he said one night to G as they watched the bank from the terrace.
G nodded, with a faint flame burning at the tip of his index finger.
—You'll achieve it, Giotto. Because you weren't born in this world… you were brought here to change it.
Giotto sighed and nodded…
Lesuya Sawada Luciano Gravina — Founder and President. Visionary of Order.
Takeshi Yamato — Head of Treasury and general operations of the bank, responsible for the economy and credits for merchants.
Daiki — Head of Security for the bank and escort company.
Reijiro — Counterintelligence.
Haru — Head of Communications, overseeing logistics.
Sana — Medical Logistics and Accounting Treasurer.
G — Head, administrator, and Founder of the Escort Company.
Although he held these positions, he was also responsible for the affairs of the Vongola family.
Thus, from the innocence of childhood and the ambition to change the world, was born the institution that would define the future of the nearby countries and even the continent itself. And at the heart of it all burned the silent flame of a child who barely reached the edge of his desk.
Because some are born to obey, others to rule… but very few, like Giotto, are born to build empires.
Trade bustled with activity. Sunlight entered through the tall windows of the main building, as it did every spring, reflecting off the meticulously polished mosaic floors, framed by austere structures of wood and stone.
In the center, inside the main office of the Vongola Bank of Order and Power, a seven-year-old blond boy sat in a chair far too large for him. His legs did not reach the floor, and his elbows barely reached the edge of the carved oak desk, made to measure so that his small body could reach it with dignity. Despite the almost comical image, no one dared to laugh… except G, his newly summoned Guardian.
The boy, his eyes shining with concentration, wrote with absolute dedication. His head barely rose above the desk, and yet he radiated the bearing of an experienced leader.
—"Someday I'll grow…"—Giotto Sawada repeated in his mind like a mantra as he signed documents with a pen three times larger than his hand and stamped parchments with the official Vongola emblem.
Daiki burst out laughing from a corner, his arms crossed. He couldn't contain his laughter. That small tease was enough for Takeshi and Reijiro to exchange knowing glances. Although they remained faithfully stationed in opposite corners of the room as his personal bodyguards, even they could not suppress a smile, except G, who was serious about everything Giotto did.
Giotto shot them a sidelong glance without being fazed. The respect they had for him was unquestionable. He did not need to raise his voice for the world to obey him.
—We'll see who's laughing when I send someone to clean the eastern latrine for a week —he said with complete serenity.
The laughter ceased instantly.
Within just a few months, his name and the Vongola security seal were known throughout the Land of Lomo. The "protection fee" they charged temples, villages, and traveling merchants had established a network of influence and security throughout the region. Although formal taxes did not yet exist, tradition dictated that a portion of every harvest be given to the local daimyō. However, now a considerable portion also ended up in Giotto's hands through "voluntary donations" in exchange for protection. The power of the Vongola had grown so much that even the feudal lord of the region could no longer ignore it. The Vongola mark had become synonymous with order, justice… and fear.
And that day, the feudal lord finally came to visit him.
...
The atmosphere became tenser when the lord of the region was announced with all the pomp: three carriages, twelve guards, and two personal advisers. He entered the bank as if it belonged to him, his footsteps echoing through the marble corridors. He walked with his chin held high and a stern gaze. When the double doors of Giotto's office opened, the entire entourage stopped. Upon seeing Giotto—so small, sitting solemnly in that enormous chair—the lord frowned.
His eyes silently swept over the room's strange and captivating decoration: handwoven linen carpets from the south, tapestries with ancient symbols hanging in asymmetrical patterns, a Yayoi-period oil lamp casting an amber light over a wooden-carved map of the country. Everything seemed to come from different eras, and yet it combined into an undeniable harmony.
Inside, the soldiers, the advisors, and even the feudal lord himself could not help but silently admire the uncommon elegance with which the office was decorated. It possessed an almost arcane solemnity, as if time itself had stopped to pay homage to its young occupant.
One of the advisors broke the silence with a skeptical tone.
—Could I see the owner of this place? —asked the first advisor, a man with an elongated face and a nasal voice.
—Where is your master, boy? Call your father… or the man who actually runs this… incredible place —demanded the second advisor.
Giotto raised his eyes from his documents with a serene expression. His voice was firm, without the slightest hint of annoyance.
—You're looking at him —Giotto said without moving.
The second advisor, shorter and with drooping cheeks, let out a mocking laugh.
—We didn't come here to play with children. We want to speak with whoever runs this bank. Perhaps your father…
The first advisor looked at him as if he had just heard a bad joke. He took a step forward and frowned.
—Don't be insolent. We're talking about an organization that has generated enormous wealth in barely a year. No childish little voice could have accomplished something like this.
The tension increased. G crossed his arms behind Giotto, amused. Takeshi and Reijiro were already on guard.
The second advisor stepped forward with an air of superiority.
—They have many sources of income: banking, escorts, protection… there are even rumors that you trade food between villages. The time has come for you to share that wealth with the lord of the land to which you belong.
Giotto casually cleaned his ear with his little finger, as if the man's words were nothing more than noise. When the advisor finished speaking, he simply replied:
—No.
The room fell into an icy silence.
The feudal lord of Lomo, who until then had remained silent, began to sweat beneath his robes. He had come to impose his authority, but deep down, he only wanted to return to his palace and enjoy his concubines. He had left politics in the hands of his advisors… and now he regretted it.
Giotto narrowed his eyes. He had heard the rumors: that lord was nothing more than a puppet with a crown. If his advisors were the true power, then Giotto would become the new puppeteer.
With a small gesture across his neck, Giotto gave a signal.
Instantly, Takeshi and Reijiro, who had silently moved behind the group, drew hidden knives and slit the throats of the daimyō's two guards. The bodies fell without making a sound.
The advisors stood motionless, pale and speechless. One tried to scream, but Giotto silenced him by calmly raising a hand.
—Don't bother. It's useless. There's no one outside coming to help you. This is my house.
He climbed down from his enormous chair; his feet touched the floor with softness and dignity. G laughed again, subtly imitated by the escorts who maintained their martial posture. Giotto walked toward his "guests," his face slightly flushed because of his short stature, while already planning a joke to get revenge on G later.
G held back his laughter. Reijiro scratched his head, pretending to be confused.
Giotto approached the group, thinking about a small revenge against G. But for now, he regained his seriousness. His outfit had been specially designed for him: a mixture of fabrics from the late Jōmon period and the Yayoi era, adapted to the style of the Italian mafia. Although rustic, it was elegant, with a collar reminiscent of a tie. Despite his size, he radiated the authority of a true leader.
—And here you are —Giotto said coldly—, walking through the doors of my bank to beg for crumbs.
—I don't like repeating myself —he added in an indifferent tone—. I am the boss.
He scratched his ear again and yawned, covering his mouth with his sleeve.
The second advisor stepped forward, red with fury.
—Insolent! What you've done in the presence of the feudal lord is a crime! You're playing with fire!
Giotto didn't even flinch.
—Very well, I'll speak… but not with circus clowns —he said while stroking his chin with a playful air.
Then, with a cold smile, he raised his right hand again and slid his finger across his neck.
In an instant, Takeshi and Reijiro drew their daggers again.
The advisors barely had time to react. It was already too late.
Two flashes.
Their heads rolled across the woven carpet.
Silence reigned.
—Remind me not to kill people on the carpet again —Giotto murmured with a sigh—. Weaving carpets in this era is ridiculously expensive, and cleaning the blood is a nightmare for the cleaning girl.
He turned toward the feudal lord, who had fallen to his knees, pale as wax.
Giotto sighed in exasperation.
G burst out laughing.
—Next time we'll put down a sacrificial carpet, boss.
—Don't give me ideas —Giotto replied, raising an eyebrow.
Then he turned his gaze toward the feudal lord.
—Now then, Lord of Lomo… from this moment on, things will be done as I say. Until you pay for this attempt at extortion, your role will be to serve me. With absolute loyalty.
The feudal lord nodded, trembling like a child being reprimanded by his father.
And that was how Giotto became the true ruler of the Land of Lomo.
He headed toward a side door and called Haru and Takeshi, who had matured rapidly during that year.
Although he was still a child, Haru possessed a ruthless side and an unsettling smile that made him the perfect reminder of the power of the Vongola.
At that moment…
A cheerful-looking boy with a mischievous gaze appeared in the hallway. Haru had a sweet voice and an innocent smile that concealed his crueler side when it came to the family's enemies. Loyal, with the heart of a hero and the mind of a killer.
—Haru, take care of the lord of this country —Giotto ordered—. Make him feel "comfortable" and keep him happy. Make him understand, delicately, that we are the ones who truly rule here, and what the true power and reach of our family are.
Upon hearing the direct order, Haru reacted instantly. He brought his legs together with a sharp click of his boots and firmly placed his right hand against his forehead, adopting an impeccable military posture before his young leader.
—Understood, boss! —he exclaimed enthusiastically, giving him an extremely innocent smile overflowing with happiness.
That expression, far from conveying warmth, sent a visible shiver through the chubby sovereign. The feudal lord of Lomo shifted uncomfortably in his seat; there was something deeply disturbing about seeing a child radiate such pure joy while accepting the task of watching over and subjugating him. The nobleman's intuition told him that this angelic facade was far too perfect to be real, and when he shifted his gaze toward Giotto, any trace of hope in the innocence of childhood evaporated completely. The coldness and control in the eyes of the eight-year-old ruler left no room for doubt: he was trapped.
Giotto observed the nobleman's reaction and then turned back toward his subordinate.
—Also, Haru, you're going to rotate with Renji —he added in a calculating tone.
—Huh? What? Me with Renji? —Haru asked, tilting his head in genuine surprise.
—Yes, you. You'll share the care and supervision of this lord with him. When you're free, Renji will take over the position, and when Renji has to attend to other matters, you'll take charge. You'll work in perfect harmony to keep this man under absolute surveillance.
Giotto paused briefly, fixing him with a stern gaze that emphasized the importance of the following directive:
—Any matter that arises, any report, request, or correspondence concerning him or the administration of this territory, will pass through our hands first. We will evaluate it, and only after it has been approved will it reach him. Do you understand the implications?
Haru's joviality transformed into absolute seriousness as he assimilated the web of control they were weaving over the Land of Lomo.
—Yes, boss. Perfectly clear —he replied firmly.
—Good, that's all for now —Giotto concluded with a slight nod, bringing the audience to an end while his mind had already begun plotting the organization's next moves on this new game board.
At Dawn…
Takeshi presented his report on the organization's internal affairs.
—"Urban trade has reached 45%. We have recruited 30 new orphans for the future of the organization."
—"400 orphans are already actively participating in patrols; they are well-trained and suitable for the Vongola Escort Company or other branches."
G frowned.
—"We need more loyalty and control. The public front is vulnerable. I recommend increasing internal trust to 51%."
Ugetsu nodded.
—"Reaching 100% is possible, but only if we strengthen the structure first."
Giotto entered, and everyone fell silent.
—"Proceed with the recruitment phase," he ordered. "Begin promoting the older and more loyal orphans, those who are almost ready to take on true responsibility with Bravar's guidance, who still helps us greatly."
The room grew heavy with anticipation. Everyone knew this was an important step: consolidating every branch of the organization: the bank, the mint, and the escort company.
Giotto turned toward Takeshi.
—"Takeshi, how is the subtle expansion of our currency, the Gravina, throughout the country? And what about the foreign merchants?"
Takeshi unrolled a scroll and spoke:
—"60% of the country already uses the Gravina as currency. The remaining 40% still trades through barter. But even traditional merchants conduct exchanges through the Mint. Both local and foreign merchants now buy and sell in Gravina. Foreign merchants exchange their currency at the Mint and store their wealth in the Vongola Bank."
Giotto nodded, feeling pride swell in his chest.
—"Soon the entire nation will use the Gravina. And no one will suspect the absolute control I possess… well, that's all. End of the meeting."
Everyone left the room, and Giotto went to complete his daily mission.
Day after day, Giotto trained his body, perfected his flames, consolidated recruits, and strengthened alliances.
....
1047 B.N. — February 2nd
The year 1047 progressed with an apparent calm. In his office, Giotto—who in this vast and complex world barely appeared to be eight years old, despite the immense responsibility on his shoulders—was enjoying an unusual moment of peace. Sitting at his desk, he gazed absentmindedly out the window, watching the carefree flight of a bird that landed on the windowsill.
The silence was broken by a soft knock on the wood.
—Come in —Giotto said without taking his eyes off the window.
The door opened, and Takeshi entered with firm steps, holding a scroll formally sealed.
—Boss, I'm sorry to interrupt, but I've come to deliver this to you —Takeshi announced, extending the document—. It's an invitation that has just arrived from abroad. It was originally addressed to the sovereign of the Land of Lomo, but as you know, all correspondence and information concerning the sovereign passes through our hands first, as you ordered.
Giotto turned, took the letter, and broke the seal. His eyes scanned the lines with analytical attention.
—Hmm... I see. Apparently, it's an invitation from the prince of a neighboring country located just north of here —Giotto explained aloud, assessing the political weight of the words—. It's for Tenji's coronation ceremony. His father died a few months ago, and now they are requesting our presence at the festivities. What do you think about this, Ugetsu?
Ugetsu, who was in the office reviewing some reports, closed his fan with a sharp snap and adopted a thoughtful posture. He knew perfectly well that the neighboring countries, although not superpowers unless it was the Land of Fire, but all the others were insignificant territories, lived in constant and tense conflict with rival nations. Every move on the international board mattered.
—Considering that the legitimate king is not in a position to act and that you, Giotto, are the one who truly pulls the strings of the high nobility's external information, this is a golden opportunity —Ugetsu analyzed calmly—. To secure and weave good diplomatic ties for the future, I think it would be ideal for you to formally attend with King Kaki. You could travel in a royal carriage to maintain appearances… and, of course, I will accompany you to supervise the details.
From the other side of the room, G, who until then had been standing with his arms crossed and his brow furrowed, stepped forward, visibly indignant.
—Hey, what about me? —G complained, pointing at himself—. Are you really going to leave me out of this?
Ugetsu glanced at him from the corner of his eye, showing a sly smile and a deliberately provocative tone.
—Not you, G. You're simply not suited for the subtleties or protocol of the high nobility. Your... manners would scare away the diplomats.
—Oh, really?! And are you suited for it, damn Ugetsu?! —G retorted, a vein bulging on his forehead as he stomped his foot.
—Of course —Ugetsu replied with exasperating calm, opening his fan again to cover half of his smile—. Elegance and diplomacy are my specialties, unlike a certain person who prefers to solve everything by shouting.
—What did you say?! Repeat it if you dare!
—Enough, stop fighting —Giotto intervened, raising his voice just enough to assert his authority and put an end to his subordinates' daily comedy. The little boss sighed, rubbing his temples—. It's decided. Ugetsu will go with the official entourage. And the next one who will come directly with me... will be Haru.
G and Ugetsu stopped dead in their tracks. In one corner of the office, Haru blinked in surprise, pointing at his chest.
—Me, boss?
—Yes, you're coming with me —Giotto confirmed with a determined smile—. Ugetsu and the king will keep the attention of the front in the carriage, while we will move lightly, quickly, and precisely along our own route toward that country. It's a safer strategy.
Giotto looked at G, who was still standing with his arms crossed and a frustrated pout.
—And you, G... will be in charge of absolutely everything here while we're gone. You'll be the acting boss of the base.
G changed his annoyed expression into one of overwhelming pride, puffing out his chest.
—Ha! Did you hear that, Ugetsu? The boss knows who to trust with the important things. Yes, Primo, leave it to me. Everything will be under perfect control —G declared smugly.
Ugetsu ignored G's ego and returned to the main matter, looking at the scroll.
—And when is the celebration scheduled?
—According to the document, it's scheduled for October of this year —Giotto replied.
—Hmm, there's still quite a bit of time —Ugetsu commented, calculating the months in his head.
—Yes, there's still plenty of time, but in politics, it's better to stay ahead —Giotto concluded, handing the letter back to his messenger—. Takeshi, send them a formal response confirming our attendance.
—Hai! Understood, boss —Takeshi nodded with a bow before turning around and hurriedly leaving to carry out the order.
When the door closed and the bustle of the discussion faded away, the office fell silent once again. Giotto turned toward the window again, resting his elbows on the desk. His eyes fixed once more on the birds crossing the spring sky, letting his mind fly far away, becoming lost in his own thoughts and in the political intrigues that lay ahead.
"October..." Giotto thought, a spark of anticipation in his eyes. "Let's see how interesting this trip gets."
...
1047 B.N. — May 1st
With the arrival of May, at dawn Giotto received a sign, an intuitive sensation.
—"Knuckle... will it be this month?" —he murmured thoughtfully, narrowing his eyes toward the clear sky—. "Then, the Sun Guardian will be the next to return."
It was midday. In the backyard of the old mansion, Giotto, Ugetsu, and G sat together beneath the shade of a cherry blossom tree, watching the leaves dance gently in the breeze. The warm scent of the sun blended with the fresh fragrance of spring.
G, visibly impatient, dropped onto the wooden deck, sighing as he closed his eyes.
—"Boss, if you're going to drop the news, just do it already. This day is far too perfect for a nap."
Ugetsu smiled softly and nodded.
—"I can't blame him. Silence invites sleep... but fate rarely allows us to rest for long."
Giotto clasped his hands in his lap, still looking toward the sky.
—"I think the conditions to summon the Sun Guardian will arrive this month. Knuckle will join us... before May ends."
Ugetsu nodded thoughtfully, slowly opening his fan.
—"May... when the sun is at its highest. No clouds, no rain; only the sky above us to shelter us. Knuckle... I remember his words. Although I follow the Buddhist path, his faith was warm, like the very sun he embodied."
G opened one eye and snorted.
—"Knuckle, huh? I would've preferred the thunder brat. His mercy was through faith… It's a blessing and a curse. I remember one time... we argued about a group of prisoners who had harmed civilians. I called for punishment; he pleaded for a second chance. We clashed often, that's for sure, but in the end, we always stood beneath the same sky."
Giotto smiled faintly, nostalgia filling his voice.
—"Then you'd better prepare yourself, G. The next one might very well be that impulsive little brat... Lampow."
G shot to his feet as if he had been struck by lightning.
—"WHAT?! Lampow is next?! No, no, no! I was just starting to feel some peace! Now I have to babysit that walking catastrophe again?! He's going to drive me crazy all over again!"
Ugetsu chuckled behind his fan.
—"A young bolt of lightning will always be faster... and brighter... than an old one, G."
A vein appeared on G's forehead as his temper rose.
—"Shut up, proper monk! Always mocking me with your strange poems and phrases that nobody understands!"
Without hesitation, G lunged at Ugetsu, grabbing him by the collar of his kimono and shaking him as if trying to shake every last verse stored inside the man's head out of him.
—"Enough with the metaphors and speak like a normal person, you damn sword-wielding poet!"
Giotto burst into laughter, clutching his stomach. His smile stretched from ear to ear, but not only because of the spectacle.
His heart felt full. His old family was returning, one by one, bringing back that faint desire to laugh again.
Like the colors of a rainbow after a long storm, his Guardians were returning to him… and with them, his home was being rebuilt.
...
1047 B.N. – May 20th
The morning had that particular quality of days that start well: clean air carrying the smell of wet earth, sunlight filtering through the treetops in golden bands that moved slowly with the breeze.
Giotto had been training with Shōgan for hours.
The bear was not an ordinary opponent, and that was precisely what made him valuable. He had learned to anticipate patterns, not fall into the same trap twice, and use his weight and endurance in ways that made each session slightly different from the previous one. He fought with increasing cunning, and that forced Giotto to grow as well.
Dying Will Mode burned on his forehead at the low percentage his body could still tolerate: enough for his muscles to respond faster than those of a child his size should, enough to keep the exchange going. His shirt had given out from the very beginning, as always. He had stopped being surprised by it.
Everything was going well.
Until he launched the jass.
The spinning thrust with his right arm was clean at the beginning and wrong in its execution: too much rotation at the moment when his body was at the limit of what the active percentage could sustain. The tear came before his mind had finished processing that something had gone wrong. A sharp pull in the shoulder muscle, followed by numbness spreading up his arm with a speed that gave him no time to prepare.
The transformation collapsed.
The side effects came all at once, without order or consideration: the weight of the exhaustion accumulated during an hour of intense combat falling all at once upon a body that no longer had the flame to distribute it.
Giotto let himself fall.
The wet leaves and twisted roots of the forest floor received his weight without ceremony. He lay there for a moment, staring at the sky visible between the branches in irregular fragments, feeling his pulse racing in his temples and his arm aching with that particular throbbing sensation of muscles that had demanded more than they could give.
Shōgan approached. He sniffed him once, with the direct and unpretentious assessment that animals possessed.
—That's enough for today, Shōgan —Giotto said, without moving yet—. Go rest. I'll do the same.
The bear looked at him for a second. Then he turned and disappeared among the trees with that silence of his that still seemed incongruous for something of his size.
…
At the Vongola Mansion
G, who always used his free time in his improvised workshop, was diligently crafting a high-quality wooden bow.
—Hmm... —he muttered—. I need to keep it from breaking too easily. I'll slowly imbue it with my Storm Flames to strengthen it without destroying it.
He positioned himself and firmly grasped the arrow, concentrating energy into it.
—Let's see if my bow can withstand the fury of the storm...
He aimed at a straw dummy. The string tightened. The flames roared. He released the shot. The arrow flew... and then disintegrated in midair, consumed by its own energy. A second later, the flame enveloped the dummy and reduced it to nothing.
G frowned, analyzing the failure.
—Maybe my flames see the arrow as prey... I need to recalibrate my intent. If I had the bow my father gave me... maybe it wouldn't disintegrate.
It was then that he heard a faint growl.
Lesuya emerged from the bushes, dragging his tired body. Haru, who had been training nearby, saw him and ran to help.
—Another hard training session, boss —he shouted as he helped him lean against him, eventually falling asleep on his shoulder.
G approached Giotto to assess his condition.
—Heh, heh, heh. Shōgan, I'll treat you a little more kindly this time, boss. You're so tired that you ended up falling asleep.
—Haru —G said calmly—, Giotto isn't as bad as he was last week. He'll be fine as long as he sleeps. Take him to his room and tell Sana to put some medicine on his bruises.
—Yes... maybe he pushed Dying Will Mode to its limit again —he added—. I knew all that strength and agility were too good to be true.
He bent down to pick him up as if he were a sack of rice.
—All right. I'll take the boss to his room.
When they arrived at the room, a large window covered by heavy curtains greeted them, and shortly afterward, Sana arrived.
Sana stepped forward with her healing knowledge and began applying medicine to Giotto, while Haru watched Sana attentively.
Hours later…
The bed shifted slightly. Giotto woke up. His eyes were still hazy, but his voice was firm.
G closed his eyes in relief. Ugetsu sat on the edge of the bed, Sana sat beside him, and Haru slowly approached. They all gathered around him in silence. Daiki and Reijiro waited motionlessly, while Takeshi crossed his arms, waiting for his answer.
—I'm sorry, everyone...
He sighed and then spoke clearly and slowly:
—I don't think I ate properly today... The training was very hard.
—I'll train more carefully —Giotto replied, meeting his gaze—. Don't worry, you won't see me like that again. I'll take precautions.
—Well... I need to rest —Giotto said—. Everyone, leave... except G and Ugetsu, please.
The others nodded and left the room, leaving the three of them alone.
Silence settled in. Only the soft creaking of the wood and the breeze passing through the curtains remained.
—My eight-year-old body won't improve much. I think I'll wait until my adolescence. It can't withstand that pressure for very long. That's why I collapsed. It wasn't a defeat. It was reaching a limit for a short time this time.
—Like in the old days, G —Giotto replied.
G nodded as he remembered those training sessions from the past.
Ugetsu moved his fan and said softly:
—There is plenty of time to grow... like a tree, Giotto.
—You're right, Ugetsu —Giotto nodded serenely.
Daily Mission: "Forging the Temple"
Objective: Train the body for at least 3 hours.
Description: Strengthen your body. Recover the power the mafia king once possessed.
Attendance: 100% (no days missed)
Rewards: Greater resistance to fire, progress toward the passive "Iron Body", and +0.1% Final Will (the Flames will slowly synchronize).
Total Flame Synchronization: 12.1%
The synchronization had stagnated after reaching 12%. Routine training no longer provided any progress. Giotto discovered that only training under Dying Will Mode could take it any further.
That state seemed to break the physical and mental barriers that normal exercise could not overcome. Dying Will Mode pushed his limits, both physical and mental, beyond his current capabilities.
What also complicated this mission was the low compatibility between his Sky Flames and his current body: only 12.1% synchronization. That percentage also limited his progress in the second mission.
Objective 2: Physical, Mental, and Energetic Adaptation to the Sky Flame
Description: Actively use the Sky Flame and train with it consistently so that the body can adapt, reducing internal resistance and improving compatibility.
Progress: 20%
Reward:Hyper Dying Will Mode (requires 50% in this mission).
This was one of the most difficult challenges. He had to train with the Sky Flame, but he couldn't give it his all, since his body could only tolerate 12.1% synchronization.
Even so, he managed to bring it up to 20% by combining a mixed training method:
"I once taught Daiki using a 50/50 method: 50% theory and 50% practical application in administration and chemistry. What if this works the same way? 50% physical adaptability and 50% practical use in the way I handle the Flames?"
That idea provided a 7.9% increase in progress, not physically, but mentally.
Still, Giotto thought that this world was far too weak... that no one could stand against his Flames.
A dangerous underestimation that began with him fighting a bear.
...
Four Days Later
The song of birds intertwined with the gentle breeze that drifted through the courtyards of the old mansion. It was another day under the reign of the sun, not a single cloud in the sky, as if the heavens themselves respected the slow rhythm of that place, secluded from the world. For four consecutive days, that radiant sun had not ceased to shine, offering a constant warmth, a perpetual light that seemed to bless the silent land surrounding the building.
There, sitting at the center of the main courtyard, was Giotto Luciano Vongola Gravina. With his legs crossed atop a stone platform surrounded by tall vegetation, he maintained his meditative posture with the stillness of a windless lake. The breeze brushed against his golden hair, and his breathing was so slow that it seemed to blend with the environment. His aura, however, was impossible to ignore: a mixture of calm authority, restrained strength, and such profound serenity that everything around him seemed to harmonize with him.
Exactly four days had passed since his last mission. Since the system had activated the next phase of its development, he had dedicated every dawn to meditation, seeking to stabilize the energy growing inside him. The Flames of Will were still not directly accessible as they had been in his past life, but the system was guiding him. He knew something was coming.
And then, it happened.
A subtle vibration ran through his skull, and he slowly opened his eyes. There was no surprise, but rather an emotion difficult to describe. As soon as he opened his eyelids, an intense light forced him to close them again.
He touched his pocket and realized that he no longer had the Sun Seed in his possession…
The sky... had been torn open.
A massive sphere of light floated among invisible clouds, growing as if the sun itself had descended to Earth. It was warm, radiant, blinding. Giotto raised his right arm to shield his face and squinted as he focused his gaze.
—«The Sun Seed…» —he murmured—. «I didn't notice when it moved away from me…»
As if responding to his words, a figure began to take shape at the center of that celestial glow, suspended between sky and earth.
From inside the mansion, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed. One after another, the sliding doors burst open as the mansion's inhabitants rushed into the courtyard, drawn by the unprecedented phenomenon.
Takeshi, Sana, Haru, Reijiro, G, and Ugetsu arrived with varying degrees of confusion. Some ran, others approached cautiously, and a few froze in place upon seeing the light.
—«What is that in the sky?!» —Haru exclaimed, shielding her eyes with her hand.
—«It feels… like something pure! But it burns at the same time!» —Reijiro exclaimed.
—«Master Giotto!» —Sana stopped beside him, panting.
G and Ugetsu, however, remained silent. They knew exactly what was happening. Their eyes showed no fear or doubt, only reverent anticipation.
—«He's about to arrive,» —G whispered.
—«Knuckle…» —Ugetsu solemnly confirmed.
The light began to descend slowly. Its intensity diminished, revealing a silhouette at its center. A childlike figure, suspended in the air, as if descending in slow motion on a ray of sunlight. When he finally touched the ground, the glow gently faded, as if it had never been there.
What appeared before them was a boy of about eight years old. He wore a priest-like robe tailored to his size, with golden and black trimmings that shimmered softly under the sunlight. Around his shoulders, a red scarf flowed gracefully, swayed by the breeze. His outfit combined tradition and simplicity: a white sleeveless shirt underneath and long black pants reminiscent of the Kofun period. A white bandage crossed his nose. But his eyes… his eyes were the most striking feature. They held a warm, kind, unwavering glow. A light from within that seemed to pierce the heart.
The boy smiled.
—«Oh…» —he said, his young voice filled with emotion—. «Primo, it's been so long. A miracle from God…»
Giotto remained motionless for a moment. He recognized that voice. Although it was much higher-pitched than in his other life, there was something unmistakable about the way he spoke.
—«Knuckle…» —he whispered.
The boy nodded.
—«I've come to help you, just as you helped me when I was lost… when you inspired my boxing career… and my faith. I've come to fulfill that promise, Primo.»
He waited no longer.
Giotto stepped forward and knelt before the boy. He looked into his eyes, as if seeking confirmation of something he already knew. In his past life, Knuckle had been one of the noblest Guardians: a man who balanced strength and faith in equal measure. Now he was here… younger, but with the same spirit. The same heart.
Without another word, Giotto embraced him.
Knuckle stiffened slightly, surprised, but then his small body relaxed. He closed his eyes and firmly returned the embrace.
—«I never forgot your light, Knuckle…» —Giotto murmured.
—«And I never forgot your example, Primo,» —he replied.
The others watched the scene, not fully understanding it, but not daring to interrupt.
Haru leaned toward Takeshi and whispered:
—«That kid… is he a Guardian?»
—«A Guardian of what? He looks more like a weird monk in those clothes…»
G and Ugetsu, however, remained silent, knowing that this boy held more power within him than many adult warriors combined.
After a few moments, Knuckle pulled away slightly and straightened with the expression of someone ready to fulfill a mission.
—«As the Sun Guardian,» —he declared—, «allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Knuckle. Destroying the misfortune that attacks the Family with my own body, I become the Sun that shines brilliantly upon you… I am here to protect Vongola Primo… and all who dwell beneath his sky.»
The breeze swirled through the courtyard, and the sky returned to its normal appearance, as if the summoning had restored balance to the surroundings.
But Knuckle wasn't finished yet.
He turned toward everyone present, still smiling.
—«From now on… this place will become brighter, stronger… and more tested. Remember, light can heal, but it also reveals what hides in the shadows.»
Giotto calmly stood and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder.
—«Come, I'll introduce you to everyone.»
Knuckle nodded, and together they began walking toward the others.
But no one spoke. All eyes remained fixed on the new figure—a child who had descended from the heavens, carrying the presence of an eternal sun.
And in Giotto's heart, something lit up.
It wasn't just power.
It was hope.
…
At the Mansion
Knuckle stepped forward, his robe fluttering softly, a faint glow tracing his childlike silhouette. The heavy, expectant silence was broken only by the distant chirping of a bird flying away.
—«Allow me to show you the power of the Sun Flames,» —the boy announced in a steady voice, though it was still tinged with innocence—. «This isn't ordinary fire… it's activation.»
Giotto raised an eyebrow. He understood what that meant, though the others didn't, so he explained:
—«First of all, guys, Knuckle is referring to his power. Activation through the Dying Will Sun Flame is the ability to stimulate the body's cells and heal it.»
The boys remained silent for a moment, processing the information, until Daiki's face lit up.
—Ah, I know! —he said enthusiastically—. I think you gave us a lesson about that before... about cells. They are like small living bricks that build our entire body, right? I imagine that flame awakens them so they can repair themselves quickly.
Knuckle nodded.
—Exactly —he whispered. He took a deep breath and gathered a small flame in his hand. Its core glowed pure white, surrounded by yellow layers that sparkled with tiny bright specks, like little stars dancing in the palm of his hand. The temperature increased slightly, but the heat it radiated was comforting rather than harmful.
—The Sun Flames don't inflict damage because of their healing nature —he continued—. They stimulate blood flow and accelerate cellular regeneration. They strengthen muscles, joints... but using them constantly in battle can be lethal if they aren't controlled. Basically, they are support flames.
Reijiro stepped forward cautiously:
—Could you... use a little to heal me, Knuckle-san? Sana said I have some old injuries in my right shoulder...
Knuckle nodded without hesitation. He placed his hand on Reijiro's shoulder, allowing the flame to envelop the area. A soft light spread out, and the region lit up with white sparks moving like a river of energy. Reijiro closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, the discomfort that had tormented him for so long had disappeared; the pain was gone.
—Wow! Thank you! —he exclaimed, surprised.
—This is activation —Knuckle explained—. Sana... perhaps you can see how it works in more complicated cases.
Sana approached, an expression of amazement on her face as she watched the glow in his hands.
—It's incredible... you have a gift, Knuckle.
Knuckle nodded, lowering his gaze.
—I can't use more than 20%. I can barely maintain it for much longer without exhausting myself.
—Looks like you won't have to split your time as a healer anymore, Sana. Now you can focus entirely on the bank —Daiki said with a triumphant smile.
He said it because he preferred training rather than working at the bank with all those scrolls. Now that Knuckle was here, Sana's responsibilities at the Vongola Bank and Treasury would increase... and his would decrease.
Sana puffed out her cheeks in annoyance. Who likes having the most stressful job in the organization?
G rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
—Expand the flame a little... that way you'll see the true limit of your body.
Knuckle obeyed. The flame grew, producing more intense heat. The gentle breeze stopped, and the sun seemed to reflect that heat. However, his legs began to tremble, and the flame suddenly diminished.
—No... that's enough —he said, breathing deeply.
He stood up, his cheeks flushed.
—I could barely endure it.
Giotto stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder.
—You did well —he encouraged him.
—G, you knew Knuckle couldn't do it... you only asked him to do it to bother him.
G shrugged and said nothing.
Knuckle smiled at Giotto, relieved and proud, but gave G a slightly annoyed look.
…
Back in the Main Hall
Knuckle walked beside Giotto.
—Are you okay? —Giotto asked the boy.
—Yes... it's just that... it feels different being "small" again. The flames feel heavier.
—You'll get used to it with time.
They sat at the table where scrolls and maps were spread out.
—We need to integrate your role into the organization, Knuckle —Giotto said—. Your presence was anticipated here. We can use activation to heal the recruits and improve their performance during training, not only medically for their injuries, but also in combat training. You'll teach some of them boxing... something that doesn't exist in this world yet. But don't expose yourself too much to outsiders. I know very well how much you like helping people.
Knuckle nodded with determination:
—I'll train to become like I was before... and I'll train the recruits. I'll also help in combat... within my limits.
Giotto smiled. He knew Knuckle didn't like hurting people.
—That's the spirit. Welcome back to the team, Knuckle.
Daiki approached curiously:
—So, can I ask you to heal me if I get hurt? —he asked shyly.
Knuckle looked at him with a brotherly expression:
—Yes. As long as the injuries aren't too serious, I can heal them completely...
The afternoon continued with Haru training under Ugetsu's supervision. Haru practiced thrusts on the gravel, and after each attempt, Knuckle applied a pulse of Sun Flames to his abdominal muscles to speed up recovery. Sana, with a small kit of bandages and herbs, helped while observing the accelerated rate of healing. She truly loved taking care of others; she always did her part as a traditional healer.
Giotto supervised from an interior balcony:
—This is how the world changes —he murmured—. A flame that heals, that motivates... but that same flame can strike when the time comes to protect the family.
To be continued...
...
Hello everyone! I hope you are all having a great day.
I truly hope you enjoyed this chapter. As you might have noticed, it turned out quite a bit longer than usual! It was originally supposed to be about a chapter and a half, but in the end, I decided to release it all as one single, massive update so it wouldn't break the pacing. I hope you enjoyed the long read!
Just to let you know, this current arc is scheduled to end exactly at Chapter 20. I had actually written past this part before (up to Chapter 23) in an older version, but I wasn't happy with how the story was turning out. This time, I'm back with a much more powerful and solid approach. It was crucial for me to lay out Giotto part perfectly, ensuring no important details were left out, as they will be vital for the future of the plot. Remember, the next arc will take us straight into the Tenth Vongola in the Warring States Period!
On a more personal note, I wanted to share a bit of what's been happening behind the scenes. I've been quite busy with life lately. Even though I'm on break, I've been splitting my time between picking up the violin again—which really helps me de-stress—going out to the movies by myself to clear my head, and balancing work alongside hanging out with my colleagues. Keeping up with everything at once is definitely a challenge!
On top of that, I've been putting a lot of effort into my other project: my Hunter x Hunter fanfiction. As I mentioned before, it's proving to be quite a challenge to write because, while there is one main protagonist, he forms and leads an entire brigade. You can probably imagine how complex those dynamics are going to be!
All I ask is for a little bit of patience with the updates. Enjoy the rest of this arc up to Chapter 20, because I promise you things will shift completely once we hit the next stage.
That's all for now! Thank you so much for your ongoing support.
Happy reading! Bye-bye!
— Wissumi Wizaki
Until the next chapter!8