KHR: Decimo Primo

The soft hum of the stove filled the small kitchen as Tsuna flipped a pancake with practiced ease. The golden-brown surface sizzled lightly, releasing a comforting aroma that reminded him of simpler times. It had been a while since he'd last cooked for himself—three years, to be exact. Ever since he'd moved to Italy to live with his father, Iemitsu, for his studies and training, a small army of live-in maids had taken over the kitchen. Back then, Tsuna had barely needed to lift a finger, let alone cook a meal. But now, standing in the modest kitchen of Neuhaus's dormitory, he found himself oddly grateful for the skills Reborn had drilled into him.

"At least I won't starve," Tsuna muttered to himself, sliding the pancake onto a plate. He glanced at the small stack he'd already made, along with a side of scrambled eggs and a few strips of bacon. It wasn't a feast, but it was decent—enough to fuel him for whatever Neuhaus had planned for him today.

As he sat down at the small dining table, Tsuna's gaze wandered to the fridge. A piece of paper was pinned to it with a magnet, the neat handwriting unmistakably Neuhaus's. Tsuna reached over and plucked it off, reading it as he took a bite of his pancake.

"Sawada,

I have an early meeting and won't be back until this afternoon. Review the notes I left on the desk in the study. You'll need them for today's tasks. Don't be late to the classroom—I expect you there by 8:30 sharp.

- Neuhaus"

Tsuna sighed, setting the note aside. Of course, Neuhaus had already left. The man was like a ghost—Tsuna hadn't seen him at all last night, and now he was gone before the sun had even fully risen. It wasn't surprising, though. Neuhaus struck him as the type who lived and breathed work, always busy with some exorcist task or another.

As he ate, Tsuna's mind wandered back to his time in Italy. The mansion he'd lived in with Iemitsu had been massive, with staff catering to his every need. It had been a stark contrast to his life in Namimori, where he'd often fended for himself. Reborn, ever the sadistic tutor, had made sure Tsuna didn't grow too comfortable, though. Long-term missions that required camping or survival skills had been a regular part of his training. Tsuna could still remember the first time Reborn had dumped him in the middle of a forest with nothing but a knife and a canteen. It had been miserable, but it had taught him how to take care of himself.

"Guess I should be thanking Reborn for this," Tsuna mumbled, poking at his eggs. The thought of his former tutor brought a mix of nostalgia and dread. Reborn's methods had been brutal, but they'd prepared him for situations like this. Still, Tsuna couldn't help but feel a pang of loneliness. He missed his friends—Hayato, Takeshi, Kyoko, Haru, and even Lambo. They'd always been there to support him, even when things got tough. Here, in this strange academy, he felt like an outsider, constantly playing catch-up.

Finishing his breakfast, Tsuna washed the dishes and tidied up the kitchen. Neuhaus's dormitory was sparse and utilitarian, with little in the way of personal touches. The living room had a single bookshelf filled with dusty tomes on magic theory, and the walls were bare except for a clock that ticked loudly in the silence. It wasn't exactly homey, but Tsuna supposed it suited Neuhaus's personality.

After cleaning up, Tsuna made his way to the study. The room was small but organized, with a desk piled high with books and papers. Neuhaus's notes were neatly stacked on one side, along with a few diagrams of magic circles. Tsuna picked them up, scanning the contents. The notes were detailed, with explanations of basic sealing techniques and their applications. It was a lot to take in, but Tsuna had always been a quick learner when he put his mind to it.

As he read, Tsuna couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement. Despite the overwhelming nature of the academy, something was fascinating about the world of exorcism. The precision and control required for magic circles reminded him of the intricate tactics he'd learned in the Mafia, but with an added layer of mysticism. It was challenging, but also… fun.

"Alright," Tsuna said to himself, setting the notes down. "Time to get to work."

He checked the clock—7:45. He had just enough time to review the notes and make his way to the classroom. Grabbing a pen, Tsuna began jotting down questions and observations in the margins. If he was going to survive this internship, he needed to stay ahead of the curve.

As he worked, the quiet of the dormitory was broken by the sound of footsteps outside. Tsuna paused, glancing toward the door. He thought it might be Neuhaus returning early for a moment, but the footsteps faded, leaving him alone once more.

Shaking his head, Tsuna returned to his notes. Today was a new day, and he wasn't about to let Neuhaus—or anyone else—see him falter. He had a lot to prove, not just to them, but to himself.

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The days at True Cross Academy blurred together in a whirlwind of lectures, practical exercises, and late-night study sessions. Tsuna had quickly fallen into a rhythm, shadowing Neuhaus through the labyrinthine halls of the academy and assisting him in his duties. While the workload was intense, Tsuna found himself growing more comfortable with the routine. Neuhaus, though stern and demanding, had begun to involve him more in the lectures, trusting him with small tasks and even allowing him to demonstrate techniques to the students.

Today, however, was different. Tsuna stood at the back of a classroom filled with first-year students from the Cram School, the section of the academy dedicated to training aspiring exorcists. Unlike the advanced classes he'd observed yesterday, this one was tailored for beginners—students who, like Tsuna, were still learning the basics of the exorcist world. For the first time since arriving at the academy, Tsuna felt like he was on equal footing with his peers.

Neuhaus stood at the front of the room, his sharp gaze sweeping over the students. "Today," he began, his voice cutting through the murmurs, "we will be testing your aptitude for the Aria and Tamer specializations. These are two of the five Meister classes, and understanding your strengths early will help you focus your training."

Tsuna shifted nervously. He had been assigned the Knight specialization due to his close-combat training and his primary weapon, a pair of gauntlets infused with Dying Will Flames. But today, he would be tested alongside the students to determine his affinity for Aria and Tamer techniques. The thought made him uneasy. While he had some experience with spiritual energy, thanks to his Mafia training, the structured and ritualistic nature of exorcism was still foreign to him.

Neuhaus's eyes landed on Tsuna. "Sawada," he called, his tone leaving no room for argument. "You'll be the first to demonstrate."

Tsuna blinked, caught off guard. "M-Me?" he stammered, earning a few chuckles from the students.

Neuhaus raised an eyebrow. "Unless you'd rather sit this one out?"

Tsuna shook his head quickly, stepping forward. "N-No, I'll do it."

The students watched with curiosity as Tsuna approached the front of the room. Neuhaus handed him a grimoire, its pages filled with sacred verses, and gestured to a small, intricate magic circle drawn on the floor.

"The Aria specialization relies on the power of sacred scripture," Neuhaus explained, addressing the class. "By channeling spiritual energy through these verses, an exorcist can banish demons or create protective barriers. Sawada, you will attempt to activate the circle using the verse on page 47."

Tsuna nodded, flipping through the grimoire until he found the designated page. The verse was written in Latin, a language he wasn't entirely familiar with. He took a deep breath, focusing on the words and the flow of energy within him. Closing his eyes, he began to recite the verse, his voice steady despite his nerves.

As he spoke, the magic circle beneath him began to glow faintly. The students murmured in surprise as the light grew brighter, forming a shimmering barrier around Tsuna. Even Neuhaus looked mildly impressed, though his expression remained stoic.

"Not bad," Neuhaus said simply. "Your pronunciation needs work, but your spiritual energy is strong. Next, we'll test your aptitude for the Tamer specialization."

Tsuna stepped out of the circle, handing the grimoire back to Neuhaus. The Tamer test involved summoning and controlling a minor demon, a task that made Tsuna even more nervous. He had seen students struggle with this during previous classes, their summons either rebelling or failing to materialize altogether.

Neuhaus handed him a small talisman and gestured to another magic circle. "Focus your energy into the talisman and call forth a demon. Remember, control is key."

Tsuna nodded, gripping the talisman tightly. He closed his eyes, reaching deep within himself for the familiar warmth of his Dying Will Flames. As he channeled the energy into the talisman, the magic circle flared to life, and a small, bat-like demon materialized before him.

The creature flapped its wings, eyeing Tsuna warily. Tsuna held out a hand, his voice calm but firm. "Stay."

To his surprise, the demon obeyed, perching on his arm without protest. The students erupted into whispers, clearly impressed by how easily Tsuna had controlled the summon.

Neuhaus studied him for a moment before nodding. "Your control is exceptional for a beginner. It seems you have a natural affinity for both Aria and Tamer techniques."

Tsuna blinked, surprised by the praise. "Really? I didn't think I'd be any good at this…"

Neuhaus's expression was unreadable, but there was a hint of something in his eyes—curiosity, perhaps. "Talent often manifests in unexpected ways. We'll need to explore this further."

As Tsuna returned to his seat, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to his abilities than met the eye. Unbeknownst to him, his latent potential was tied to his bloodline—a heritage he had yet to discover. His great-grandfather, Mephisto Pheles, was a nephilim, a being of immense power born from the union of a human and a demon. This lineage, though dormant, was beginning to awaken, granting Tsuna an innate affinity for spiritual energy and demonic control.

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The rest of the class passed in a blur as the students took their turns demonstrating their skills. Tsuna watched with interest, noting the different approaches and techniques. Some students excelled in Aria, their voices resonating with power as they chanted sacred verses. Others struggled with Tamer techniques, their summons refusing to obey or disappearing altogether.

By the end of the lesson, Tsuna felt a renewed sense of confidence. While he still had much to learn, he was beginning to find his place in this strange new world. As the students filed out of the classroom, Neuhaus approached him.

"You did well today," Neuhaus said, his tone as curt as ever. "But don't let it go to your head. Talent means nothing without discipline."

Tsuna nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I understand. Thank you, Neuhaus."

As he left the classroom, Tsuna couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. The path ahead was uncertain, but for the first time since arriving at True Cross Academy, he felt like he was moving forward.

As Tsuna left the classroom, the spark of excitement he felt earlier still lingered. The path ahead was uncertain, but for the first time since arriving at True Cross Academy, he felt like he was moving forward. The day had been a whirlwind of lessons, demonstrations, and small victories, and now, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Tsuna found himself standing in the academy's training grounds, waiting for Neuhaus.

The older exorcist had promised to teach him more of the basics of being an exorcist, and true to his word, Neuhaus appeared just as the last rays of sunlight faded. His sharp eyes glinted in the dim light, and his usual stern expression was softened slightly by the shadows.

"You're punctual," Neuhaus remarked, his tone as curt as ever. "Good. Let's begin."

Tsuna nodded, his heart racing with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. He had no idea what to expect, but he was ready to learn—and to prove himself.

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Neuhaus wasted no time. "Today, I want to see what you're capable of," he said, his voice carrying a hint of challenge. "You've been trained by the Mafia, but can your strength match that of an exorcist? Show me."

Tsuna's eyes widened. "Wait, you want to fight me?"

Neuhaus smirked faintly. "Consider it a practical lesson. You'll use your Dying Will Flames and those gloves of yours. I'll use my exorcist techniques. Let's see how you fare."

Before Tsuna could protest, Neuhaus raised a hand, and the training grounds shifted. The air grew heavy with spiritual energy, and several low-level demons materialized around them, their glowing eyes fixed on Tsuna.

"You'll face them and me," Neuhaus said, his voice calm but firm. "Begin."

Tsuna clenched his fists, the Vongola Primo gloves replica glowing faintly as his Dying Will Flames ignited. He took a deep breath, focusing his energy. This wasn't just a test of strength—it was a test of his resolve.

The demons lunged at him, and Tsuna moved, his flames flaring as he dodged and countered with precision. His movements were fluid, a testament to years of training under Reborn, but the demons were relentless. Neuhaus watched from the sidelines, occasionally stepping in to cast an Aria spell that disrupted Tsuna's rhythm.

"You're holding back," Neuhaus called out, his voice cutting through the chaos. "If this is all you've got, you'll never survive as an exorcist."

Tsuna gritted his teeth. He knew Neuhaus was right. He had been holding back, afraid of the strain Hyper Dying Will Mode would put on his body. But if he wanted to prove himself, he had to go all out.

Reaching into his pocket, Tsuna pulled out a Dying Will Pill and swallowed it. The familiar surge of energy coursed through him, and his flames erupted in a brilliant orange blaze. His eyes glowed with determination as he entered Hyper Dying Will Mode.

The battle intensified. Tsuna moved faster, his strikes more powerful, but the strain on his body was immediate. His muscles screamed in protest, and his breathing grew ragged. Despite the physical toll, he pushed forward, taking down demon after demon.

Neuhaus, however, was a different story. The exorcist moved with precision and efficiency, his Aria spells creating barriers and attacks that Tsuna struggled to counter. Even in Hyper Dying Will Mode, Tsuna couldn't keep up.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Tsuna's flames flickered and died. He collapsed to his knees, exhausted and defeated. The demons vanished, and Neuhaus approached, his expression unreadable.

"You've got potential," Neuhaus said, his tone softer than usual. "But potential isn't enough. You need discipline, control, and endurance. You're strong, but your body isn't ready to handle that level of power yet."

Tsuna nodded, too tired to argue. He knew Neuhaus was right. His body wasn't fully grown, and the physical burden of Hyper Dying Will Mode was too much for him to sustain.

As Tsuna caught his breath, Neuhaus spoke again. "Starting tonight, we'll duel every evening after classes. I'll teach you the techniques of an exorcist, and you'll learn to control your flames. But there's a price for this training."

Tsuna looked up, confused. "A price?"

Neuhaus nodded. "The Mafia made a deal with the Vatican to allow you to learn exorcist techniques. In return, you'll accompany Chairman Mephisto to a world meeting of the major factions. You'll be a symbol of the alliance between the Mafia and the Vatican."

Tsuna's eyes widened. "A world meeting? What does that involve?"

"Diplomacy, mostly," Neuhaus replied. "But it's also an opportunity to showcase your abilities. You'll teach some of the exorcists how to access their Dying Will Flames. Consider it a trade—knowledge for knowledge."

Tsuna hesitated, then nodded. "I'll do it."

Neuhaus's lips twitched in what might have been a smile. "Good. Now, get some rest. Tomorrow, the real training begins."

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As Tsuna made his way back to the dormitory, his mind raced with thoughts of the challenges ahead. The world meeting, the training, the responsibility of representing the Mafia—it was a lot to take in. But for the first time, he felt like he was truly part of something bigger.

The path ahead was uncertain, but Tsuna was ready to face it. With Neuhaus as his mentor and the support of his new friends, he knew he could rise to the occasion. The spark of excitement he felt earlier had grown into a flame, and he was determined to let it burn brightly.