the sun under the sky

1047 B.N. - APRIL 16

Time flowed in the Land of the Moon with a gentle yet determined rhythm, growing more intense with each passing day.Giotto hadn't returned to the kingdom because of the young King Tenji, but because of the little girl named Aino. There was something about the nine-year-old that reminded him of the girl who had once been his fiancée when he —under another name and another life— lived as Luciano Gravina, deep within the dark folds of the Sicilian mafia.

He had been eight years old then. And although in that era such age wasn't a barrier for a reserved engagement, now, with the clarity of time and two lives behind him, he understood it hadn't been the right moment.

Aino reminded him of that girl. Innocence gleamed in her eyes, and Giotto, bearing the wisdom of two lifetimes, wanted her to grow up safe —free from rushed bonds that might one day shatter her soul.And yet, an instinct whispered to him: something was wrong.

A Vongola cannot afford to ignore such a feeling. Not a head of the family.

And so, a full month passed within Tenji's royal mansion. The days flew by, filled with solemn dinners, strolls beneath the cherry blossoms of the court, and quiet talks by torchlight under the moon.Giotto harvested more than goodwill: he earned an alliance with the moon... and with his system of rewards. He had obtained the Seed of the Lightning Guardian and that of the Sun Guardian—prizes tied to his mission to expand the foundations of his hidden network in this new world.

And then, the time to depart arrived.

Outside the City of the Moon

Tenji stood waiting beside the crumbling gates that opened into the valley, flanked by his two main advisors and his personal guard, Ren. The young girl, Aino, stood quietly at his side. The air was crisp—perfect for a farewell laced with nostalgia.

"Giotto‑sama, it's a shame that you're leaving," said Tenji, sincerity woven into his voice. "Your friendship has been a balm amid my burdens. I believe you're the first true friend I've had in this world."

Giotto paused and gently shook his head.

"I'm grateful, Lord Tenji," he replied with composed elegance. "But I'd prefer you not see me as a friend. Think of me as an ally. It's not that I would ever betray you—a Vongola never breaks an alliance."

Tenji lifted his hand, almost pleading.

"Even if you deny it, Giotto… to me, you are a friend. My only and best friend. This month has been filled with laughter and purpose, even within my duties as king. Without you, courtesy turns to routine."

Giotto inhaled, jaw tightening. He didn't want a friend—because Tenji reminded him too much of someone who had left a deep scar in his past life.A comrade. A rival. A man whose fiancée—beautiful and seductive—he had stolen in a single night of reckless desire. A memory still etched in his soul… her voice echoing in his mind, sultry and unforgettable.

"That woman was fine as hell," Giotto thought to himself with a smirk of dark nostalgia.

As Luciano... no, as Giotto—he had dared. He had betrayed. He had lived. And part of him still thrilled at the idea of repeating those delicious old mistakes.

Tenji waited a second more, eyes glassy with emotion. Giotto felt a sharp pang in his chest.

"We'll meet again, Tenji," he said at last. "Take care of Aino. I've grown fond of that girl. I'll write to her every month… from the Land of the Loin."

Tenji offered a melancholic smile and extended his hand.

"And I'll await your letters," he replied. "Our families, and all those future pacts, will not drift aimlessly. The correspondence we start will be the first stone of something great."

Giotto climbed onto the carriage, drawn by two strong horses, accompanied by Takeshi, Reijiro, and Haru. Aino stood beside it, arms outstretched, wishing she could hold them back. As the wheels began to turn, she raised her voice:

"Giotto! Take care!"

He turned around and smiled softly, with melancholy in his eyes.

"You too, Aino. Be brave. I'll be close."

The little girl simply nodded, tears sliding down her round cheeks.

As the scenery shifted, Giotto fell deep into memory.

He recalled how, as Luciano Gravina, he had seduced a comrade's fiancée.It had been an act of audacity that defined his hunger for power and his descent into deception. The illicit passion had led to a marriage—one he himself had arranged. And yet… he was convinced that the daughter from that union wasn't his.A tangle of lies and betrayals that had stripped him of all innocence.

Years later, meeting Aino felt like an anchor. A path to redemption.He would protect her—not conquer her.

Suddenly, the carriage's inner system hummed softly:

[System Notification: Seeds of Lightning and Sun available. New links unlocked.]

He nodded. Time to lay down new foundations.

From the courtyard behind, a faint cry echoed as Giotto's carriage faded into the distance. Tenji stepped forward, watching it disappear over the hill.

"Do you think it will be worth it?" he asked quietly.

"Yes," Ren replied, standing tall at his side. "Giotto's departure reshapes the balance. We'll have time to strengthen our bonds, and this alliance will become powerful… on the battlefield, and beyond."

....

1047 B.N. – APRIL 29

After visiting the Land of the Moon, Giotto arrived in the Land of the Back and took some time to rest before consulting the system about his ongoing missions.

Main Mission: "Rebirth of the Will"

Goal: Build the foundations of the underworld.

Description: Recruit future agents, secure a secret base, and impose your own rules.

Progress: 20%

Rewards: Summoning of your six Guardians and beasts, along with other items (granted progressively as mission advances).

He sighed as he saw the progress bar. This was by far the hardest mission—progressing only 5% per year, and every 5% gave him a Guardian Seed.

The trade alliance with Tenji's country had only boosted the mission by 6%. He understood well that the further it progressed, the slower the growth. Reaching 100% would likely mean having a publicly acknowledged enterprise and a highly structured secret mafia, only recognized by true allies.

As the economic market expanded, his underworld would blossom from the shadows, with Giotto pulling strings behind the curtain.His presence would stretch across the land—unseen but essential—secretly influencing every major event without revealing himself.

Daily Mission: "Forging the Temple"

Goal: Train the body for at least 3 hours.

Description: Strengthen your body. Regain the power that once upheld the mafia.

Progress: 52%

Rewards: Increased resistance to fire, progress toward the passive "Iron Body," and +0.1% Final Will (Flames will slowly synchronize).

Total Flame Synchronization: 12.1%

The mission had stagnated after reaching 45%. Routine training no longer provided any progress. Giotto discovered that only by training under Dying Will Mode could he push it further.That state seemed to break physical and mental barriers that normal exercise couldn't. Dying Will Mode pushed his limits, both physically and mentally, taking him 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 limited his advancement in the second mission as well.

☁️ Objective 2: Physical, Mental, and Energetic Adaptation to the Sky Flame

Description: Actively use the Sky Flame and train with it consistently, so the body can adjust, reducing internal resistance and improving compatibility.

Progress: 20%

Reward: Hyper Dying Will Mode (requires 50% on this mission).

This was one of the toughest challenges. He had to train with the Sky Flame—but couldn't go all-out, since his body could only tolerate 12.1% synchronization.

Yet, he managed to push it to 20% by combining a mixed training method:"I once taught Daiki with a 50/50 method—50% theory and 50% practical application in administration and chemistry. What if this works the same? 50% physical adaptability and 50% practical usage in how I wield the flames?"

That idea brought him a 7.9% progress boost—not physically, but mentally.

Still, he hadn't used his flames in actual combat—there weren't any flame-wielders in this world yet—and he hadn't trained with G or Ugetsu either. Perhaps tomorrow, he'd try with his Guardians.

At times, Giotto thought this world was too weak… that no one could stand up to his flames.A dangerous underestimation.

At Dawn…

Ugetsu led Haru and Giotto to the outdoor dojo. The young boy carried his training sword, and the dew-soaked air shimmered with morning light.

Giotto looked around—many boys and teens trained diligently, each hoping to earn a place in the Vongola organization.

—"Giotto," Ugetsu called. "Come with us. I want you to see how Haru is learning to move like the rain… without using flames."

As the Guardian trained the child, Giotto recalled the scars etched in his spirit.He watched carefully: Haru's breathing aligned with the rhythm of the falling rain—his movements slow, yet precise.In that moment, Giotto realized something.

"In my old world, Haru might've been a natural-born Dying Will Flame genius…"

He stepped closer to Ugetsu.—"This is how I need to be… as calm as the rain itself."

Ugetsu nodded.—"Let your flame be as natural as water. Let it flow. Don't force it—let it become part of you."

Later, in the common room

Daiki presented his report on the organization's internal affairs.

—"Urban trade has reached 45%. We've recruited 30 new orphans for the organization's future."—"400 orphans are already active in patrols—well-trained and eligible for Vongola's 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%."

Reijiro nodded.—"Reaching 100% is possible—but only if we strengthen the structure first."

Giotto walked in, and everyone fell silent.

—"Advance the recruitment phase," he commanded. "Start promoting the older, more loyal orphans—those ready for true responsibility."

The room grew heavy with anticipation. They all knew this was an important step: consolidating every arm of the organization—the bank, the mint, the escort company.

Giotto turned toward Sana.—"Sana, how's the spread of our currency—the Gravina—across the country? And what about foreign merchants?"

Sana unrolled a scroll and spoke:—"60% of the country already uses Gravina as currency. The remaining 40% still trade with bartering. But even traditional merchants exchange through the Mint. Both local and foreign traders now buy and sell in Gravina. Foreign merchants exchange currency at the Mint and store their wealth in the Vongola Bank."

Giotto nodded, pride swelling in his chest.—"Soon the entire nation will use Gravina. And no one will suspect the absolute control I hold."

Summary

Day by day, Giotto trained his body, refined his flames, consolidated recruits, and reinforced alliances.Each Guardian Seed bloomed: Rain and Sun awakened their powers.Trade expanded. The base became more hidden.

The system reported:

Main Mission: 25%

Daily Mission: 60%

Sky Flame Adaptation: 28%

And Hyper Dying Will Mode had become available.

....

1047 B.N. – May 1st

With the arrival of May, Giotto received a new message from the system.

Notice: The seed of the Sun will sprout this month…

"Knuckle… this month?" he murmured in surprise, squinting up at the clear sky. "So, the Guardian of the Sun 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 with the breeze. The warm scent of the sun blended with the cool fragrance of spring.

G, visibly impatient, flopped 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's too perfect for a nap."

Ugetsu gave a soft smile and nodded.—"Can't blame him. Silence invites sleep… but fate rarely lets us rest for long."

Giotto clasped his hands in his lap, still looking toward the sky.—"The system notified me that this month, we meet the conditions to summon the Guardian of the Sun. Knuckle will be joining us… before May ends."

Ugetsu nodded thoughtfully, slowly opening his fan.—"May… when the sun stands highest. No clouds, no rain—only the sky above to shelter us. Knuckle… I remember his words. Though I follow the Buddhist path, his faith was warm, like the very sun he embodied."

G cracked an eye open and scoffed.—"Knuckle, huh? I would've preferred the bratty thunder kid. That 'Word' of his? 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 begged for a second chance. We clashed often, sure, but in the end, we always stood beneath the same sky."

Giotto smiled faintly, nostalgia filling his voice.—"Then you'd better brace yourself, G. The next one might just be that impulsive little brat… Lambo."

G shot up like he'd been hit by lightning.—"WHAT?! Lambo's next?! No, no, no! I was just starting to feel some peace! Now I've gotta babysit that walking catastrophe again?! He's going to drive me insane!"

Ugetsu chuckled quietly behind his fan.—"A young bolt of lightning will always be faster… and brighter… than an old one, G."

A vein popped on G's forehead, his temper rising.—"Shut it, you discount monk! Always mocking me with your weird poems no one understands!"

Without hesitation, G lunged at Ugetsu, grabbing him by the collar of his kimono and shaking him as if trying to shake out every last verse stored in the man's head.

—"Stop with the metaphors and speak like a normal person, you damn fan-wielding poet!"

Giotto burst out laughing, clutching his stomach. His grin stretched from ear to ear—but not just because of the spectacle.

His heart felt full.His old family was returning, one by one.

Like the colors of a rainbow after a long storm, his Guardians were coming back to him… and with them, his home was being rebuilt.

...

The warm breeze of May drifted gently through the courtyards of the old mansion. Under a clear sky, Giotto, Ugetsu, and G shared a peaceful afternoon, surrounded by the scent of blooming flowers and the soft songs of birds.

Not far from there, five younger members of the household had gathered in an upstairs hallway, crouched near one of the large windows overlooking the garden.

Haru had just finished her sword training. Sweat still clung to her brow as she wiped her neck with a towel. As she turned the corner of the hall, she stopped when she spotted Takeshi, Daiki, Reijiro, and Sana—hunched like amateur spies, eyes glued to something outside.

She approached with such silent steps that none of them noticed until she spoke.

—"What are you all looking at?"

The four jumped at the sudden voice behind them. Sana let out a small startled squeak, while Takeshi spun around like a spring.

—"Haru!!!" —he exclaimed, clutching his chest—. "You scared us! I almost had a heart attack! Don't sneak up like that!"

—"Quiet," —Daiki hissed—. "They'll hear us!"

—"We're spying on the Boss," —Reijiro added in a low voice, eyes still locked on the garden view.

Sana nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

—"I asked them to come with me. I want to know more about the Guardians. They're not normal people, right? They're… special."

Haru leaned forward, placing one hand against the wall as she peered through the crack in the window. From there, they could clearly see Giotto standing with G and Ugetsu in the garden.

—"They're part of his family… but not like us," —Reijiro muttered, more to himself than the others—. "It's like… they come from another time. You can see it in their eyes, in the way they move."

—"Is that a bad thing?" —Daiki asked.

—"No," —Reijiro replied—. "But it's definitely not common."

Takeshi leaned his arm on the windowsill, eyes narrowing as he observed the three men talking among the trees.

—"G looks impatient... is it because of Ugetsu-sama?"

—"Ugetsu," —Sana whispered—. "I like how he speaks. His words sound like poetry."

—"What about the Boss?" —Haru asked—. "Does he always smile like that when he sees them?"

—"Yes," —Reijiro said, narrowing his eyes—. "It's a different kind of smile. Like… he's home again."

They all fell silent, caught between admiration and wonder.

In the garden below, Giotto narrowed his eyes. His calm expression didn't change, but his gaze slowly drifted toward the upstairs window—without turning his head.

A familiar sensation ran through his body, like an invisible thread vibrating in the air. The breeze had shifted. The silence had a different weight.

They were being watched.

Without turning, Giotto closed his eyes briefly.

Takeshi, Haru, Sana… they're growing too, he thought.They're no longer just apprentices. They have the spark. The potential… and the same curiosity my old friends once had.

Ugetsu, still fanning himself and adjusting his kimono—recently tugged by G—murmured as if reading the Boss's thoughts:

—"A leader without disciples is like a river without a course… and a future without roots cannot bloom."

G shot him an annoyed look.

—"You and your damn verses again?"

But Giotto didn't answer. His smile softened slightly, and deep inside, his intuition confirmed what he already knew:

The next generation was watching… and they would witness the rebirth of a legend.