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Chapter 6 - The Rise of the Vongola

Year 1049 A.N.

September 7th…

Giotto returned to the abandoned mansion accompanied by G, his newly summoned Guardian and childhood friend. Upon arrival, he introduced G to Haru, Sana, Daiki, Takeshi, and Reijiro, his companions and future Guardians. The atmosphere filled with surprise and uncertainty at the sight of this new member arriving with the boss. Though still a child, G carried a mature and firm presence, much like Giotto.

"Who is this boy?" asked Daiki, eyeing the red tattoo on G's right cheek with curiosity.

Giotto smiled and stepped forward to explain:"This is G, my second-in-command. He will represent me when I cannot be present. His duty will be to transmit my orders and safeguard the future of our organization."

The kids exchanged confused glances, but Reijiro, the most mature of the group, spoke up with a firm smile:"So, Giotto, are you saying G will be in charge when you're not here? Does that mean he's our leader?"

Giotto shook his head."Not exactly, Reijiro. You, Haru, Sana, Daiki, and Takeshi—you will remain the direct administrators of the organization, and the pillars of this family. G will be a vital support, and soon, five more Guardians will appear," he said solemnly. "They too will have important roles, and together, you'll form the true shield of the Vongola family. Do you understand?First comes me, then the Guardians, and then you—third in the hierarchy."

The children nodded, understanding the gravity and responsibility that came with it. The idea that the Vongola family would grow stronger with more Guardians filled them with excitement and determination.

The next day, everyone gathered in the mansion's courtyard at Giotto's call. He wanted to show them something special—a mysterious power like his own: the legendary Storm Flame.

The five children, along with G, stood in silence, watching closely. G focused deeply, as if searching within himself. His hands began to emit a faint glow, and suddenly, a flame core appeared between them.

"Look," Giotto said softly. "That's the Storm Flame. But it's different—unique to G."

The core was a deep crimson, almost scarlet, surrounded by a pale pink hue, and its edges shimmered with a dark, vibrant light. To demonstrate its power, G launched one of the flames at a nearby tree. The impact was instant: the trunk disintegrated into cold, dark dust, and the tree collapsed with a chilling crash.

"Wow!" Sana exclaimed, impressed. "That was amazing, G."

But G didn't celebrate. Instead, he stared at his hands with a thoughtful, slightly frustrated expression. Giotto approached and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"What's wrong?" he asked softly.

G sighed and replied:"Primo… I feel strange in this body. The Storm Flames come from my soul, but when they pass through my body, it doesn't absorb them properly. It's like I don't fit… just like in my previous life."

Giotto nodded with understanding."I felt something similar at first. My body couldn't produce Sky Flames—not like now. That's why I knew I needed to adapt and evolve. That's why I use the template system—to gradually unlock my powers and recover my true strength."

G frowned, trying to grasp it."Template system?" he asked.

"Yes," Giotto explained. "It's a mechanism that allows me to gain rewards, skills, and powers by completing missions and challenges. That's how we grow stronger. You can use it too, G. You're not alone."

A spark of conviction lit up G's eyes."Then, Primo, I'll fight to regain my strength and help you bring Vongola glory again—just like in our other world."

Giotto smiled and gripped his arm."That's the spirit, brother. Together, nothing will stop us."

That night, as the mansion slept under a starry sky, Giotto and G sat by the fireplace. The flame danced and reflected on their faces, reminding them of the fire they carried within.

"G," Giotto began, "do you remember when we were kids, running through the forest without fear?"

"Of course," G replied with a nostalgic smile. "You were always the leader. I just wanted to follow you and protect you."

Giotto chuckled softly."And you always did protect me—even when I didn't understand the danger. I'll never forget when we faced that creature in the woods, side by side, without hesitation."

G nodded, his eyes glinting."That was the first time I felt the power of the storm. It was like nature itself called me to defend you."

"I felt the same with the flames," Giotto said. "Sometimes I believe our bond is stronger than any magic or power."

"It is," G replied. "We're family—beyond time and space. That's why I'll fight with everything I have to make the Vongola name shine again."

Their conversation lasted for hours—filled with laughter, memories, and promises. They knew the path ahead would be harsh, but they also knew that together, they could weather any storm.

Several Days Later…After securing control of the old mansion and summoning the Guardian of the Storm, Giotto began a new phase of his plan: forming the foundation of a powerful, hidden organization with a structure to defy time itself.

He was no longer just a boy in a strange world. He was Giotto Luciano Vongola Gravina, a reborn soul of an Italian mafioso and a legendary leader. With G's support, he began shaping his new "family."

The first steps were quiet. Using Luciano's cunning and the diplomacy of the Vongola Primo, Giotto began recruiting orphans from nearby villages. Abandoned children, lost kids in a cruel world. He offered them more than food—he offered them purpose.

"I won't promise you riches," Giotto said softly to a group of eight shivering children, "but I promise you'll never be alone again."

One boy, dark-haired with a suspicious gaze, raised his hand."Why should we trust you? You're just a kid like us."

Giotto gave a serious smile. He stepped forward and, with a spark of Sky Flame, ignited a small explosion on the ground."Because I will shake the world to protect you."

The children's eyes widened. That night, they decided to follow him.

As days passed, more and more orphans joined. Some came for food. Others for revenge. But all, without exception, came to admire the seven-year-old boy with the soul of an emperor.

The training was harsh. G, Takeshi, Haru, and Reijiro took turns teaching tactics, combat, map reading, surveillance, and basic tool use. Mornings started with runs through the forest; nights ended with defense simulations.

"Another lap, you useless brats!" Reijiro would yell with a sadistic smile.

"They're not useless—they're my future commanders!" Giotto would call down from the balcony, arms crossed.

Even the skeptics couldn't deny there was something inspiring about Giotto. His presence brought confidence—as if everything made sense when he spoke.

"How can someone so young… have that look in his eyes?" Sana murmured one night.

"Because he's lived many lives…" G replied softly.

G observed everything. Though cruelty wasn't his way, he couldn't deny Giotto needed that darker edge.

"Your Luciano side… it's scary sometimes," he confessed one night as they trained with flames.

Giotto, sweating with a worn-out glove, paused."I know. But… if I had been this way before, the Mist Guardian wouldn't have betrayed us. And the Cloud Guardian… might've bowed his head."

G nodded. He understood."Then I'll use my coldness… to protect what I love."

A year passed.The mansion had become a secret operational base. The orphans, trained day and night, were turning into squad captains. They were organized into cells by age, skill, and temperament.

"Children's loyalty is worth more than adults' submission," Giotto said while watching training from a high terrace.

Takeshi smiled admiringly."Boss… you're building something legendary."

Meanwhile, the bandits were used as shock troops and scouts. Giotto didn't trust them, but knew how to make use of them.

He drafted secret manuals, codes of honor, and even set up a patrol calendar. The organization had a military structure—but a familial soul.

The next step…Giotto implemented an escort system—protection for wandering merchants. In return, they paid with a special Vongola coin.

"A coin?" asked a suspicious-looking merchant."Yes," Giotto said with a smile. "Just one. But if you want it, you have to come to us."

At first confused, merchants slowly adapted. Before long, the "Vongola coin" began circulating. There were banks, mints, and secret records.

Sana, helping with accounting, explained:"We don't just offer protection. We store their money, reduce their burdens. It's more efficient."

It was in this context that Silvio Maretti appeared—a middle-aged merchant with a shady past, a sharp tongue, and genuine loyalty. He became Giotto's main informant and external contact.

"Signor Vongola, there's a gemstone shipment leaving the eastern region… unprotected," Silvio whispered on a rainy night."And who's moving it?" Giotto asked."A noble family… greedy and short-sighted. An alliance with them could open doors."

Giotto nodded. He liked the man. Silvio had a business instinct and a nose for opportunity."From now on, you'll handle the northern routes. Nothing comes in or out without your knowledge.""It will be an honor, signore."

With Silvio managing trade, Vongola influence expanded—without firing a single arrow. Clans began to take notice.

During that year of expansion, the system rewarded Giotto. The old versions of the Sky Ring and Storm Ring awakened. His body could now generate flames without excessive effort, and G was showing impressive growth too.

"Look at this, Primo!" G shouted, launching a crimson blaze that disintegrated a whole log."Incredible… You've advanced quickly.""Thanks to you. Your system… it's helping me too."

Besides the rings, the system granted a pair of low-quality X-Gloves. Though rudimentary, they helped channel the flames without harming his body.

"The bodies in this world… aren't made for our flames," G explained."That's why we use weapons," Giotto replied. "So the flames don't destroy us from within."

But the greatest reward was something else:"A new seed…""The Rain Seed," Giotto whispered, feeling its calm, steady energy.G looked at him in awe."He'll come soon too…"

To be continued…

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