Gokudera Hayato, whose words had been nothing more than normal social pleasantries just a moment ago, was like a volcano on the verge of eruption, needing only a single spark to ignite. His arms were braced against the table, his gaze was terrifying: "Do not mention the Godfather."
The corner of the Lati Family's mouth curled into a smirk. "Heh, as expected of the Godfather's most loyal hound."
She suddenly changed her tone, her smile becoming radiant. "Actually, I was just joking with you just now. I know this power was obtained improperly, so I have always intended to return it. I just haven't found the right moment, but it seems the time has come."
She spoke clearly, "It just so happens that you have arrived, so I will hand over the power directly. However, the family is not under my sole authority; there are many elders, they are not of one mind with me, nor do they approve of my decisions."
Lati looked at Gokudera Hayato.
Gokudera Hayato signaled, "So, what do you have in mind?"
Mr. Arashi is a straightforward man, so I won't beat around the bush either. Since the Family doesn't want me to just hand over this power to you for nothing, then you'll need to make a small contribution—one that will force everyone to shut their mouths.
A few grasshoppers have arrived in that small place called Japan, they are quite arrogant. They actually dare to attempt to provoke the Lati Family, unfortunately, they possess miraculous abilities that cause us a great deal of trouble.
As long as you take care of them, I will return control of the port to Vongola without a second thought.
After hearing this, Gokudera Hayato said nothing more: "Give me the address."
Lati was very pleased to hear that and repeatedly called Gokudera Hayato a straightforward man, as he had provided detailed intelligence on the enemy, including their numbers and strongholds.
Before leaving, Lati said with feigned kindness, "You must arrive before 12 o'clock tomorrow; the old men and I finally managed to agree on this time."
The one who answered her was Gokudera Hayato's cold back, followed by the orderly and firm footsteps of the Vongola subordinates.
Lati looked at them, a flash of malice crossing his eyes.
Feng said leisurely, "He was likely tricked; Lati clearly has ulterior motives and was well-prepared, otherwise Gokudera Hayato wouldn't have laid out these conditions as soon as he arrived."
Reborn had put on his sunglasses at some unknown time, holding a coconut in his hand. "The Lati and Di Ne families were once a single family decades ago. Later, due to disagreements between brothers, they split up, with each side taking half of the personnel to develop their own new families."
Then they must have been in contact secretly for a long time. The fate of the Di Ne Family is their end. If they truly wanted to build good relations with Vongola, there might have been a way for them to survive, but clearly, they aren't sincere.
Reborn let out a half-sneer. "Clearly, once a person gets a taste of power, they don't want to let it go."
He seemed to be commenting on the Lati Family's actions, but in reality, he was thinking of Sawada Tsunayoshi; he was also thinking about how Sawada Tsunayoshi didn't want to be a boss at first, but ultimately became one anyway.
He knew better than anyone just how massive the Vongola cruise ship was. As time passed, would Sawada Tsunayoshi still be able to hold true to his original convictions?
After receiving the information, Gokudera Hayato continued his journey without pause. He traveled by car and then by boat, finally stopping on a small island.
On the way, one of his subordinates, a flower-selling girl, urged him to take a break, as Gokudera Hayato had not rested for two days and two nights.
Gokudera Hayato's gaze remained locked on that isolated island, motionless: "No need for rest; the Tenth Generation's will is the highest command. You all wait for me outside; do not come in and hold me back."
Yes.
Gokudera Hayato opened the door and stepped out, but suddenly paused. "By the way, did those people fall for it when you spread Yamamoto Takeshi's information?"
The young girl took a step forward. "The Agent received word that the other party has already learned of the Rain Guardian's weakness and is preparing to make a move."
Yeah, not bad.
After walking out and finding himself alone, Gokudera Hayato opened his phone with a grim expression and dialed a number.
Hey, Scapula, I've already spread the false news. You must handle this perfectly, or else I'm not done with you.
Alright, alright, I'm done talking to you. Ah, do you think I actually wanted to call you? It's only because I'm afraid the Tenth Generation would be heartbroken if you died.
Ah, do you want to fight? Of course my position in the Tenth Generation's heart is more important; who do you think you are?
Without knowing what was said over there, Gokudera Hayato clicked his tongue. "Fine, you got off easy this time. I'm done talking; I have a guest arriving on my end."
Heh, of course I can handle this alone. As the Tenth Generation's right hand, if I couldn't even manage something this small, I might as well be dead.
The so-called guests were nothing more than a group of ill-intentioned people surrounding them.
Some were from Japan, some from France, others were locals from Sicily.
At some unknown time, he was surrounded by people wearing different masks, Gokudera Hayato easily parried an assassination attempt.
Heh, you think just because you're wearing masks, I won't know where you come from? Word of your arrival has already traveled on the wind. The Lati Family has certainly spared no expense to kill me.
However, what I meant was, this will be your grave regardless.
No one can stop me from completing the Tenth Generation's mission.
Chapter 19: Live Stream Day 19
Yamamoto Takeshi was a bit stunned: "So, you're saying that in my role, the information the enemy knew was actually exposed by me to lure them in?"
A flash of satisfaction crossed Lal's stern eyes. That was more like it; if even a minor faction could dig up private information about the Vongola Guardians, then everyone in the intelligence department might as well just commit suicide on the spot.
But if it were a scheme, that would be a different story.
Anyway, Lal is very satisfied with the Tenth Generation's Guardians. Although they are a bit clingy and their words are strangely skin-crawling, their closer physical proximity is a sign of trust and intimacy.
Mm, super great.
Kawarihei also nodded with affected solemnity: "I see, I understand perfectly now. So that's how it is; the bond between Sawada Tsunayoshi and Yamamoto is so strong. I am extremely moved."
Sawada Tsunayoshi silently covered his face. Big brother, this really has nothing to do with you.
[Everyone witnessed a battle of complete and utter dominance.
From Gokudera Hayato's famous bombs, one can see that in battle, he believes the more explosive and violent, the better; his grand, sweeping movements also reflect his intelligence.
While choosing weapons with high lethality, he must also leave himself room for thought.
He is the Tenth Generation's right hand, the Godfather's closest confidant, the Godfather's public face. He requires not only rigorous thinking but also intimidating combat prowess; both are indispensable. Or rather, from the moment he chose to become a Guardian, he forced himself to be perfect.
Slaughter, he does not fear.
Conspiracies, he does not fear.
Schemes? He welcomes them.
As long as he could bring victory to Sawada Tsunayoshi, he could face anything.
It was impossible to tell how much time had passed, until the sky turned dark and the stars began to twinkle in the heavens.
The scent of blood from the bodies strewn across the ground was so thick that even the birds had gone silent; the animals craving the scent of raw meat huddled in the corners, not daring to approach.
It must be a monster. It's impossible, not with so many of us here.
Gokudera Hayato's overwhelming lethality inspired a sense of dread, causing the sole survivor to retreat continuously; he stepped into a patch of mud and turned to flee.
The flames soared into the sky with unstoppable force, the last person also collapsed to the ground.
"Not worth mentioning." Gokudera Hayato released his weapon, dismissively summarizing their strength.
It was still early before dawn, so there was plenty of time to get some good rest and wash the scent of blood from his body.
Gokudera Hayato looked back, an unexpected person was standing there.
A pure white dress, gentle, silky long hair, that unforgettable face.
That person smiled gently. "Have you been doing well all these years, Gokudera Hayato?"
】
"Impossible!" Gokudera Hayato jumped up abruptly, his eyes filled with disbelief, followed immediately by overwhelming rage.
Mother is already dead and cannot be resurrected; the one standing before him now must definitely be the work of someone else. In order to break down his mental defenses, they actually dared to toy with the soul of a deceased person.
Belphegor's expression and gaze were equally terrifying. "Lati, you're looking for death."
Gokudera Hayato's body stiffened in place, staring at that figure in disbelief.
What's wrong, have you forgotten your mother, Hayato?
The woman smiled gently, her body emitting a soft white light. "It has been many years; you have grown so tall, taller than Mother. Mother is very happy."
It's hard to describe what that feeling was like; Gokudera Hayato knew full well it was a trap, yet his feet simply wouldn't move.
His lips trembled as he wanted to call out that name.
That's wonderful, Hayato. Even without Mom by your side, you're still growing up healthy and strong.
Gokudera Hayato calmed down.
His fingers traced the patterns on the ring, its cold touch gave him confidence.
Gokudera Hayato took a deep breath: "Mom, it's been a long time."
Outside, Gokudera Hayato was fuming: "Are you an idiot? How can you not see such an obvious scam? She is tricking you! That isn't Mom—how can you call a fake thing 'Mom'?"
Ahhh, I'm so angry! Why is the grown-up me so foolish? Dammit, this is infuriating!
He was fuming with rage, but Shamar said, "Now you can rest easy."
Belphegor: "Hmm, I'm sufficiently relieved now."
The woman waved at Gokudera Hayato: "Come here, my child. I want to know if you have been doing well all these years? Have you held any resentment toward me for leaving you so early?"
Gokudera Hayato shook his head, being inexplicably well-behaved at this moment: "No, Mother, I have never hated you, I have been doing very well all these years."
Actually, he had let these things go long ago; even though the illusions were just illusions, he still wanted to speak of them.
Mom, I am now the Storm Guardian of the Tenth Generation of Vongola. The Tenth Generation is wonderful; he is someone I wanted to support from the moment I met him, I will follow him for the rest of my life.
The woman smiled and said, "I understand, child. That's very good. Come here and let me get a good look at you."
Gokudera Hayato shook his head. "Actually, when I first met the Tenth Generation, someone as foolish as me failed to see through his noble heart, I did something that I can never forgive for the rest of my life. Even now, when I wake up from a nightmare at midnight, I break into a cold sweat. My lifelong dream is to build a time machine just so I can go back and knock my past self unconscious."
The woman's smile stiffened slightly. "It's alright, child. As long as you recognize your mistakes and can change, that's all that matters. Come back here and let me see you."
Gokudera Hayato continued relentlessly, "And then, you know, when I tried to challenge the Tenth Generation, I was being overconfident and used power that wasn't mine. I was on the verge of self-destruction, but the Tenth Generation was so magnanimous to forgive my insolence and sacrificed himself to save me. It was so touching; even now, thinking about it still brings tears to my eyes."
And then, then, the Tenth Generation is so perfect, his combat prowess grows so quickly; he used only a tiny bit of strength to send that guy Rokudo Mukuro packing.
】
Rokudo Mukuro:? Why is his business being discussed here?
Alright, alright, I understand. The Tenth Generation is wonderful, he is truly wonderful. So, can you come a little closer so you can introduce him to Mommy in more detail?
The woman gave a very forced smile.
Gokudera Hayato remained unmoved, instead, he grew more and more excited as he spoke: "During the Ring Battle, I went up against Bell. I was just about to get the ring, but the Tenth Generation said I was more important than the ring, so I gave up the ring and shamelessly crawled my way out of the battlefield."
And there's more, there's more! There are so many, many stories; I couldn't finish telling them even if I talked for three days and three nights.
After finishing, Gokudera Hayato stopped talking and stood where he was.