Game on

Chapter 20: Inheritance Arc 4

It was because of that, that Kazami, Reborn by her side like always, had spent the Friday evening at the Varia headquarter – and it had been interesting, to see a bit of the inner working of the organization rather than just their main team out fighting.
The newly inducted Shadow had explained more about their arrangement with the Vindice, and the Varia main members had admitted that while the simple fact that she had gone and negotiated with the terrors of the mafia world was completely mad, the end result was more than interesting.

As such, the next morning Kazami could announce to the Vindice that the Varia were now included within the Vongola X deal, something that worked just as well for the Vindice as for the Varia themselves – the first having more men ready to take up the "lesser" jobs while the took on the more important ones, the other with the boost in reputation they would gain by working both with the Vongola X and the Vindice.
Of course, as the Varia were still under Nono's authority, he had been informed of the new arrangement – and wholly approved, as it was a chance for the Varia to start working with the newest generation something all of the older Vongola would eventually have to do...

Arrangement had also been made regarding the guardians tournament, Nono, Iemitsu, and more surprisingly, Squalo all wanting to assist to the fights.
With Mizuki's help, viewing and recording spheres had been left with them just like during the Ring battles – and learning about the existence of recording of the ring battles, the Varia leader had asked for copies.
After all, they had been beaten by the Vongola X mainly because they underestimated them, so it could only be useful to view them again without being biased.

And the Varia assassins did pride themselves for their skills, that could always be honed better.
Understanding and analyzing a loss was but simple matter of logic for them.
As such, while the two guardian teams of the Vongola X were on their way to Simon's Island, the Varia were all busy reviewing the ring battles, an inactive sphere in easy view – it would activate before each encounter with the allied Famiglia. And in order to avoid the ninth generation rushing to their help, Kazami and Tsuna had explained a bit of the situation, so that they knew that everything was under control.

And the spheres activated, Varia, Nono and CEDEF head each turning toward them...

"Right on time, Vongola Decimo, Shadow."
As the two teams beached on the larger beach of the small island, they were greeted by luxurious vegetation, with a large stone stair reminiscent of that of a temple – and on top of the stair, the seven Simon's members.

It was easy to read in Enma's eyes that it didn't sit well with him to play the enemy with his friends – but the plan had been of his own making, and with Julie present, he would stick to it.
"Well, I had to protect my Famiglia's honor, hadn't I?" replied Tsuna in a falsely light tone "After all, you did imply that our Primo was responsible for your Primo's death."

True enough – even if it hadn't when Julie, or rather Daemon Spade, would think of. The way Tsuna worded it, it could have been during the ball, when the two young Boss confirmed the location and time of the fights, whereas of course it had been with the Vindice had shared memories of a time long gone with them...
"So, are you the one that called these ominous guard too?" casually asked Reborn

The surprise at the question wasn't faked – and as one, the Simon and Vongola turned toward a cliff, were three looming silhouette were clearly visible...
"Vindice..." muttered Adelheid "Seems like the guardians of the underworld have come to witness our revenge against you Vongola!" she mouthed off, getting back on track first
"We have come to complete the oath between Cozarto and Giotto." stated Jagger "The friendship between the founder of the two Famiglia was so strong that it was deemed that they never would fight. And shall the Vongola and Simon fight, then the loser will be imprisoned within the Vendicare forever."