Everyone always knows about the East; The Land of Fire, Villages hidden in clouds, rain and mist that have been fabled to weave the very elements through handsigns, manipulating the very world around them and moulding the energy that comes from all living things: Chakra. Those that were exceptionally good at following this path and fought for their homes or their beliefs were referred to as Ninja, they sought to follow the legacies left behind by their ancestors and they followed those traditions to this very day.
The Western Continent however was a place of modern commodities and innovation, their ideals were different as they allowed themselves to grow into a place where they could use guns and not kunai, powerful Flames fuelled by their life force instead of elemental manipulation and the creation of gadgets/weapons in order to even out each other. In it's place however were the more powerful people who could manifest and wield these flames on their bodies ended up forming Mafia groups in place of Ninja; At the top of this pile were five of the most powerful families who were permanently sat in a cold war.
The Vongola: One of the original famiglia that had existed since the very beginning and were the first innovators of the Dying Will Flames.
The Varia: The Vongola's splinter group that had set up as their own following a schism but remained in alliance with them as a top grade assassin group.
The Millefiore: While the Vongola remained one of the strongest due to the Purity of their Dying Will Flames, the Millefiore were the first of the old famiglia to embrace technology alongside their own flames and were the first to start using a mysterious set of boxes as weapons.
The Vindice: The Mafia's Justice of the Western Continent, their sole purpose is to act neutrally and bring justice for crimes between the families but they had a habit of extremity in their retributions.
The Yoshida: The first modern family to earn their place in the five sided standoff and remain there for years, they may not have been the biggest family but their ability made them formidable to compensate.
Despite remaining in this stalemate for generations, tensions grew and grew until it exploded into all out war; civilians and family members alike weren't safe from anyone, homes and safehouses were incinerated and both sides of the feud ran out of options as their Famiglia that numbered in the thousands were reduced to a fraction...The only survivors that managed to escape were ones who had to fight hard to get across the sea.
"So that's why you've asked for amnesty here?" A young Hiruzen Sarutobi asked the group of people sat in his office as he addressed the numerous westerners that had managed to escape the conflict albeit begrudgingly.
"That's right…" Makoto Yoshida explained as he kept a firm gaze on the group though more specifically on a pair of officials who turned their noses up at the prospect of the mafia coming to their village. "My family and I…We all barely managed to escape the blood feud in the West and we…We needed to get out before we lost completely in the power vacuum."
An elderly man who had been the ninth head of the Vongola leaned on his cane as he decided to put his word in as well; "Mr. Yoshida is correct, we managed to win against our enemies but at a drastic cost…With the Millefiore gone and the Vindice having changed sides to act as the law on the Western Continent, there is no place for us in our old homes anymore." He explained as he looked to the others, "Only a handful of each famiglia remain thanks to this needless fight and all we want is to disappear into obscurity…No more fighting and no more bloodshed."
"Lord Third, this is absolutely out of the question!" Homura huffed as he glared at the scarred teen who equally glared holes back at him. "These people are Mafia…There's no telling if they will keep their word and even less reason to believe that they pose no harm…These honourless brutes will more likely continue their work here an-"
"VOI! You wanna say that again, old timer?" A white haired man yelled as he cracked his neck and bared some vicious looking fangs; "Because I'll sooner knock your teeth down your throat before you call us honourless!"
"You see this?" Koharu sneered as she found herself and Homura validated at that outburst. "The moment that they decide to not follow our village's rules will be the day that these thugs burn it down!"
"How about I just burn your house down instead, you uppity piece of trash?" The scarred teen growled as he glared right at the two. "Because right now, Yoshida and the old man decided to come here and you have the nerve to look down on us when you know exactly who we are?"
"You Mafia types are all the same both in and outside of our land…You'll come here with the intent to help but the moment that our backs are turned, you'll stab it." Homura spat at them before looking to the Third Hokage. "Lord Hokage, the moment that we let these brigands and murderers in will be a repeat of what happened with Orochimaru."
"I'm getting sick of you and your bile, you really want to pick a fight? How about you show us what ninja really are before I turn you int-"
"ENOUGH!" Both the Vongola Head and the Hokage yelled to break this growing argument and stunned both sides into silence and resumed their seats, the only sound that broke that cold quiet was the Third Hokage puffing his pipe.
"It's clear that there is a lot to be discussed." Hiruzen mentioned as he pinched the bridge of his nose; "I understand that you all have your reasons for leaving and for seeking asylum, whether they are true or not is to be seen."
"I understand that it may be hard to trust our words when you know our circumstances…And where we come from." The Ninth agreed as he decided to opt for a more peaceful discussion before his son decided to make things worse. "We can come to an agreement if you desire but all we want is a place to live away from the meaningless and extreme violence that we escaped from."
With multiple protests against him, the Third Hokage decided to acknowledge this; "Very well…I can grant you and your families a place to live but on these set conditions…You will granted citizenship on the condition that you live alongside the Uchiha, our resident police force so that we can ensure safety and security."
Yoshida nodded as he got the agreement from his own family; "That makes sense, we'll accept that."
Hiruzen nodded as he carried on; "Secondly, I will ask for the heads of each family to come here and discuss what it is that you all are capable of."
"What?! You want to know our secrets and techniques?! How do we know that you're not just going to try taking it for yourself if you decided that you want it!" The Scarred teen yelled as he realised the term.
"Xanxus, that's enough!" The Ninth snapped as he looked to his adoptive son; "Remember our history and remember what you have been taught, what we are capable of cannot be replicated by them just as we can't replicate what THEY can do."
"Correct, I seem to have heard rumours about the Western Continent's Flame Melding technique and while it would be intriguing to learn about…There's too much that's different about it that any of our ninja can potentially copy it." Hiruzen explained as he looked to them. "Lastly…And this is a requirement for all Clans and notable houses in our village; If the Village is ever in any danger by enemies, natural disasters or otherwise then you will contribute your part in helping to protect it…It is your home too now, after all."
It took a lot of discussions between the handful of Varia, the Yoshida and the Vongola to come to an agreement but the triad of families decided to make a decision since they all had nothing left to lose.
"We accept…"
With the paperwork finished and filed away for the now minted Vongola, Varia and Yoshida Clans to make their way to a new home, it was just the Hokage, the two officials and now a fourth face made his appearance; "It is a rather bold move of our Hokage to make…Letting notorious Mafia families live amongst our own simply because they want to…"
"War is a horrific thing, Danzo…You of all people should know that." Hiruzen pointed out as he finally decided to take out his pipe for a smoke. "Everyone deserves a chance for peace, that's why this Village is as it is."
"Still…The Western Continent has many differences that haven't made themselves known on our side of the world…You'd do best to interrogate them and find out what they're hiding...They could have any number of tide turning weapons if they are as prolific as they claim to be." Danzo reiterated, his myopic morals on full display with the ideas of the Mafia and their pool of secrets hiding in their village.
"I will discuss this with them at length…Alone." The Third Hokage belaboured as he glowered at Danzo; "And before you three complain about this, need I remind you that Clans can disclose their secrets in full to the Hokage, anyone outside of that is their discretion."
"Then obviously they need to disclose their abilities to us if they intend to live within our village." Koharu said as she kept firm on her beliefs; "As Homura explained before, it'll only be a matter of time before those duplicitous mongrels turn on us."
"I don't want to hear any more on this matter, this meeting is over…" Hiruzen stated firmly as he got up from his chair; "As of tonight, the Vongola, Yoshida and the Varia Clans will be made part of this village. They are under surveillance and will be monitored by the Uchiha while they stay here… But I am not treating them like innocent civilians, they will earn their place here and work."
Years would pass as Takeda Yoshida and Tsuna Sawada, the youngest members of the Vongola and Yoshida clans were now being indoctrinated and taught about their way of life as Mafia despite being Ninja Clans; "Alright you brats, listen up!" Superbi Squalo, the swordmaster and Varia Number 2 had been placed in charge this time for their training as future Clan Heads/operatives of the Mafia they were assigned in. "Today's the day you show me what you got with your combat skills that Lussuria has been teaching you, I wanna make sure you got this down right….Especially the case for you, Sawada!" He barked aggressively at the two boys who shrank a little under the white hair man's intensity.
Most of the adults were put to work as additional help for the Uchiha police force and added security with the likes of Vongola Nono, Xanxus who had become the newly crowned head of the Varia and Makoto Yoshida helped to advise the now out of retirement Third Hokage on their matters along with who best to aid them.
Turned out that the Varia Clan were right at home with the ANBU Black Ops and helping to maintain their status as assassins but had to compromise in expanding their skills to fit more that just covert killings.
The Vongola and the Yoshida clans ended up becoming security for the markets and the stores due to their more amiable nature though they were certainly capable of throwing down if someone caused trouble about prices or they just felt like starting a fight on that day.
Which left only the off-duty mafioso to help train up the up and coming generation after returning from the Ninja Academy in order to take the reins once they became old enough. Xanxus had no desire nor had he disclosed who his next in line for Clan head would be but there were two brown haired heirs in the making who needed to be molded into the ideal leaders.
Tsunayoshi Sawada was the son of Vongola's primary advisor Iemitsu Sawada and future heir to the Vongola Name, although his timid and non-confrontational nature made it hard for a unanimous vote for him to inherit it, eventually catalysing in the schism between the Ninth Vongola Head and his adopted son Xanxus. The fight between the two back on the Western Continent resulted in the split and him forming the Varia clan to secede, even though the position was to wait until Tsuna became of age when he would be eligible to accept.
Takeda Yoshida on the other hand was a more simpler case; His father was Makoto Yoshida and this meant that he HAD to become the next Head and as a result, the lazier boy was compelled to take his training more seriously though the two still had a problem that had yet to be overcome.
"Sawada! You demonstrated that you CAN learn what there is about the Dying Will Flames, you have that sickly drive and the power to help others in the family but at the same time, you're too much of a damn coward to do anything to fight on your own….Whether it's with a sword, a gun or even your damn fists!" Squalo barked at the young boy who seemed to flinch even when he was complimented by the taller man's drill sergeant like demeanour.
"I-I'm sorry…" The gentle natured seven year old said with a quavering voice as he tried his hardest to not run away.
"And as for you, Yoshida!" Squalo yelled as he directed his attention to the other kid who seemed a little more composed but only by a little. "You're the exact opposite! You've demonstrated great potential in combat both armed and unarmed…And your abilities with a sword definitely show promise but you severely lack the knowledge about anything regarding the Flames and how to wield them! So how about you both tell me where you seem to fall short?"
Both of them were hesitant for different reasons: Tsuna was flaky and scared about the world of the Mafia but he desperately wanted to just live a normal life despite all of the expectations surrounding him, Takeda on the other hand was more interested in the physical aspects of their training than anything else, the only problem was that this fixation on learning side of things was that he was rather lazy and unfocused with everything else.
After waiting for a second, Squalo finally heard the two mumbling a response. "Igniting your flames! That's what you two keep failing at!" He barked as he demonstrated it for them as he made a blue flame ignite on his arm mounted blade that flickered and shimmered in the breeze like it was made of water. "Even the most basic of footsoldiers in our families can summon up these Flames with the help of a Bullet…However you two are future Clan Heads, as much as I dread the idea of seeing you two brats in charge…You must be able to summon these Flames on your own without aid."
"S-So how do we do it?" Takeda asked as he felt a little more drive in him after being given a rather roundabout pep talk. "About summoning them?
Squalo smirked a little but then pointed his blade at the two; "You need to push yourself to your utmost and the only way to do that is hidden in the name…You need to move, to fight and to struggle with every ounce of your Dying Will." He then turned around to show them a giant obstacle course.
This "Warm up Exercise" was something out of a mercenary's nightmare; All manner of ramps and obstacles for them to run through, each stop having interference that had a wide range from footsoldiers with kunai, swinging weight bags and dozens of traps set that looked like this would normally be expected for hardcore specialists. "So we'll start you off on the basic warmups and I'll make sure to time you." Squalo stated with an almost sadistic glee like he was a shark that smelled blood in the water. "And if you fall off or I think you're not trying hard enough, you start over."
The Varia Compound was currently being occupied by Xanxus and his group, the Heads of the Vongola and the Yoshida Clan along with Iemitsu Sawada but the whole purpose of this was not for a simple meeting, rather for something more integral to their roles. "So you think that there is something more to this?" Vongola Nono asked Xanxus as they finally began talks.
"I don't think…I know." Xanxus said bluntly as he kept his usual dour expression but then reiterated. "You've heard how people have been talking ever since that Giant Fox demon attacked the Village…..They've started to keep closer watch on the Uchiha, I've even noticed someone watching us once or twice in the ANBU."
Levi A Than nodded as he mulled over everything; "Even though we've been able to help damage the Fox enough to get it put down…Everyone's placed half the blame on our families for not protecting the Fourth Hokage and his family during the assault, they also seem to believe the rumours that the Uchiha had a hand in this too due to some weird power."
"The Uchiha were helping to fight back the Fox and yet the thanks that we both get is more suspicion? I would have much rather they pay us more for the work we did to save those ungrateful idiots." Mammon/Viper mentioned as they lamented being treated so poorly and not getting enough to compensate for it.
"Regardless, we need to stay on alert…All of us." Vongola Ninth stated plainly as he began laying down some authority; "Until myself, Iemitsu and Makoto can convince the Hokage to keep pushing for a more diplomatic approach, we need to watch our backs…" He explained before giving out their tasks. "Xanxus, have your group see what you can find out in the ANBU to find out what can be discerned if the Uchiha are indeed planning something." He said as he dismissed everyone but him, Makoto, Iemitsu and Xanxus remained, once the door shut to leave the four alone. "With how much they're pushing, we could very well be looking at a coup if this continues to escalate."
"We already know a little something…But we don't have the full story." Xanxus explained before going into detail about Itachi's recent changes in behaviour; His standoffish nature which lead to Shisui watching him and then his outright hostility to his own Clan. "Itachi's a little brat but he's still a talented ANBU Captain…If anything was to happen then it could spell trouble if he decides to side with family."
Makoto sighed as he finally spoke up; "If they do follow through on this, we could very well see a bloodbath regardless on who strikes first." He said as he looked to the Map of Konoha and pointed to the Uchiha Compound. "If the Uchiha attack first and rise up on Konoha then we could see not just everyone who leads the village die but they might also target us if they think we've been passive and therefore an accessory to their ill treatment."
The group nodded but then it was Xanxus's turn to fill in the other side. "But at the same time, we know that if the Council decide to form either a countermeasure with the ANBU or if current company has me suspecting…They would find a way to deflect all of their dirty laundry on us."
Iemitsu crossed his arms as he took a drink from a cup. "The Uchiha aren't gullible, nor are they idiots…They're not gonna instantly turn on us if something were to happen, our Clans and the Uchiha work together so they have little reason to think we have something behind it."
Xanxus scoffed as he heard that as he faced Iemitsu; "You really cannot be that naive to think that." He sneered and then looked to the Ninth. "Ever since we got here, those wheezing trashbags on the Council have had it out for us from the beginning…They will sooner pin the blame on us since we have people working alongside the ANBU then admit anything…Who else do you think would tell people that we were the reason that the former Hokage, his son and his wife died? Because I sure fucking didn't!"
Makoto then sprang out of his chair as he glared at Xanxus while he stormed out; "And you think that we aren't aware? All three of us have tried time and time and TIME again to assure everyone that WE are not the problem." He argued as he then looked to Iemitsu after the door shut; "Believe me, I tried to get that message across but those two always stick in their ways."
"Whether they believe us is one matter…But until we can have the Uchiha and the Council come to terms for a peaceful negotiation, we shouldn't take direct sides in the matter unless we can be sure both sides are willing to discuss…" Vongola Ninth explained as he looked to Xanxus and Makoto. "But if I may be frank…Something about this doesn't feel right…"
However outside of the building was a rather hidden ANBU Ninja watching the room with a careful air about them through a yellow Crane mask; Their task was simple, spy on anyone associated with the Uchiha including the former Mafia who housed with them. "Yes…They're talking with the Heads of the Clan and they're starting to get suspicious."
"Suspicious towards who…Crane?"
"They've noticed that the Uchiha are being watched, The Vongola and his advisors who sit in with the Hokage are talking about trying to reiterate a peace talk." Crane said into his mouthpiece as he kept his eye trained on them. "They don't know anything but Xanxus and his group in the ANBU are dangerous so we need to approach this carefully."
"What else can you tell me, then?" Xanxus's voice was heard from behind Crane to signal his presence, the silence was deafening until he slammed the side of Crane's head into the tree, smashing the communicator under his mask and rendering the ANBU unconscious. "I think you and I need to talk, Crane."
After the Varia Head returned to the room with the others and having the ANBU slung over his shoulder, he explained everything about what he found out. "So now that our friend is awake, we can probe him for more."
"I don't intend to say anything to you…Crime lord scum." Crane growled before Xanxus slammed his ring covered fist into the ANBU's head.
"Good, because we've got all night to find out about your plans…So who's been asking you to spy on us." Makoto said with the emotionless mask that a mob boss could wear with dignity. "Because none of us appreciate our private talks being listened in on…Especially when it's regarding family matters."
"I…Won't say." Crane repeated as he kept his eyes focused on the bosses. "No amount of torture or interrogation that you can think of will work for a member of the ANBU."
"That's pretty interesting…" Xanxus smirked as he then lifted his hand up again to make a peculiar orange flame ignite on the tip of his ring before spreading to his entire hand. "Because after our transition and constantly being looked down on, I've got some shit to work out with you people…And I can assure you that being Varia makes me very creative when you don't really know what we can do."
Crane felt his body tense as he saw this display without so much as a handsign. "So the rumours about you are true…"
"Talk…I'd rather not have this resort to violence." The Ninth Vongola Head admitted as he clutched his cane tighter.
The staredown between bloodthirsty assassin's was intense but the one to blink first was Crane, once he realised that Xanxus was entirely serious, the plan was revealed from what he had been told: Monitor the Uchiha and the allied Mafia Clans to find out what their allegiances truly were before the Uchiha attacked.
"Who…Who is the one behind this?!" Xanxus growled as he brandished his flame closer to Crane, though he backtracked when he saw Crane began talking but then started convulsing and fall from his chair.
"Shit! Check him!" Iemitsu yelled as he and Makoto examined the shaking Crane but the Yoshida head noticed a number of intricate marks on the ANBU's body running along and faintly blinking around his neck until finally…The ANBU mouth started to bleed from under the mask before he stopped moving altogether.
"Should've guessed that he'd bite his own tongue." Xanxus huffed as he sat back down, now visibly on edge after being told that they were seen in a completely different way.
"No…That looked like a Sealing mark on his neck." Makoto mentioned as he took another look at the now dead Crane. "I don't know what it was that was put on him but whoever did it…They really wanted to make sure no one cracked them."
"We can't just ignore this anymore….Even you know that, old man." Xanxus mentioned as he looked to his adoptive father. "You and the others need to talk to the Hokage about this and tell them that someone's spyin'."
"It's too late for this now, we'll talk to him tomorrow…" Iemitsu explained as he looked more tense now. "So we now know that the Uchiha are planning an attack on the Village Council…But when?"
"The most we can hope to do is convince the Third that a peaceful talk is the only way to avoid bloodshed." Makoto pointed out as he then looked to the three. "Ninth, we don't know if the Uchiha suspect us of anything but we can't allow this tension to put everyone else in the alliances at risk…The Cavallone, the Bovino…If we're not careful then we could end up dragging the kids into the crossfire too."
What the four Clan heads didn't realise in that night was that they were already too late for a backup plan…