Tokyo in April was pretty.

It was now spring and the perfect time of the season for cherry blossom gazing. Said trees were in full bloom, allowing many pink flowers to blossom all around the city and parks or alleys that hosted one of those famed trees. The pink petals fluttered with the wind, swirling and twirling before gently falling to the ground and littering the pavement and dirt, transforming the roads into a carpet of pink.

It definitely was a sight to behold. With the bustling activity of the streets that the Spring school holiday provoked, the city breathed vitality, making it one of the most famed times to visit and appreciate the scenery.

Sadly, Koro was not there to visit— unlike Byakuran, who vanished when he got his hand on pocket money.

The white head sighed at the memory of his younger brother barging into his room and picking up his wallet. It took the younger a mere ten seconds to check his credit card and chose which one he wanted to borrow for the day. Like a whirlwind, Byakuran picked the Platinium American Express. Not so surprising, this one was a Charge Card, meaning there was no spending limit on it; the card wouldn't get blocked no matter how wild the white head got.

For this, Koro thanked his successful career within the Varia and the high rate commissions he got in the Underworld.

As for one day getting a Centurion American Express, the famed "Black Amex," Koro was not in a hurry to get there. Firstly because he did not feel like he needed it, except for flaunting purposes, maybe. Secondly, waiting to get an invitation from the board was a type of bold lettered NO. And lastly, 550$ a year was enough, he did not want to spend 2500$ instead when he could buy food with this same money, thank you very much.

He heaved a sigh, leaned into the quilted black leather of the car, and closed his eyes. It was now three in the afternoon. Since eight this morning, Koro had been riding this car, only getting out to enter another Yakuza hideout before getting back into the car and driving to another. Of course, with how vast the Vongola network was, it was nearly impossible to visit each compound. Therefore tonight was a grand banquet organized by the most prominent of their allies within the Kanto region. Throughout Japan, a representative from each allied Yakuza was invited to partake; Koro expected a great attendance for tonight.

His professional phone vibrated. Koro took a look. One of his subordinates had sent him the list of attending guests for tonight. Each attending Yakuza or Mafia was recorded in the first column. The attendee's name and position were situated next to the first column with the prepared gift (if any) noted. Within the list, Koro spotted a few other foreign Mafia, Chinese, Korean, most of the prominent Asian allies had sent a representative.

It was a sign of respect toward the Vongola, of course. But also toward Koro as one of the top executives of the Varia. Evidently, none of the attending Mafia sent a small fry to attend the banquet. It was an opportunity to show their bond with the Vongola and forge new ties and alliances within the community. An event that reunited this many influential figures was noteworthy. Not attending would have been a foolish mistake or an act of useless pride.

Back to the matter at hand, as he quickly read through the normally final list, Koro mused over whether he should also take some time to visit their future big Boss. Otherwise named Sawada Tsunayoshi. The teen was not part of the attendee, not that he was invited, and Koro felt more or less compelled to give his greetings.

Being part of the Varia had lots of perks, but being one of the higher-ups had many annoying things going on. Protocol, for instance. Varia did not follow protocol the most already. Some way or another, Koro was part of those who followed it the most from the start. Big mistake, now he had to do everything every time he went somewhere.

Belphegor and protocol? Prepare for a kids' party— long live the Prince!

Squalo and protocol? Oh my, the shouting feast, the courtesy!

Leviathan and protocol? Well, if the Boss hadn't said anything, poor chances of the Lightning being there.

Mammon and protocol? At least the gifts were great, as was the entry fee.

All in all, it most of the time resulted in a battle royal.

Maybe he exaggerated they knew how to behave. The problem was, they didn't need to, so they didn't.

The car pulled in front of another building. Unlike the previous one, it had no ancestral or traditional flair. The building was an estate in the outskirt of Tokyo, the large gate pulled open, and the car drove in, following the path to the resplendent fountain. Koro observed the Sakura trees that boarded the pathway, creating a beautiful carpet of pink.

Well, although he couldn't enjoy Hanami, he had the opportunity to admire the cherry blossoms in those posh and highly secured estates.

The sleek vehicle came to a halt. The chauffeur, in his Varia Cloud division getup, opened the door with a bow.

::

Sunday came without any hurdle.

The night of the banquet had been a huge success. Each attendee came and went, satisfied by their host and the activities. It also allowed a type of break for Koro, a window of fresh air before he dove straight into the "Koro-sensei case," as he liked to call it in his mind. He wasn't sure just yet of how he'd feel working near his former self and students. Still, despite his great mental fortitude, Koro knew that he wasn't shielded from potential weaknesses.

Especially in the face of those students, he had watched grow.

Koro carded a hand through his white locks of hair, taking this small moment of peace to contemplate when he should dye them. He felt the car pull and park. Koro straightened his posture, he picked the flower bouquet up. It was an arrangement of flowers specifically ordered— Koro did not want to care for seasonality, merely thinking of which flower would best fit.

Composed of three different varieties, the fame Forget-me-not being one of them, Koro delicately picked up the bouquet and made his way out of the car and into the large alleys of the cemetery. Probably because it was Sunday and Hanami was still in full swing, there were quite some people, with a large part carrying bottles of sake and snacks for the festival.

With confident strides, Koro walked through. He remembered the layout with ease, the information coming to his mind the moment he asked for it. His fingers gently stroked the burgundy petals of the Zinnias before he picked one and rearranged it with the differently colored Zinnia flowers. The Sweet Peas seemed extremely cute with its size, allowing a smile to grace Koro's nostalgic features.

He advanced down the pathway, soon reaching his desired grave.

Yukimura Aguri

He reverently laid the flowers down, purple eyes forlorn and glinting with light only he would understand. There was guilt, longing, and sadness that swirled in his stomach. It bubbled and reminded him that it was his ignorance, his incompetence, that prevented him from stopping this tragedy. Yet he couldn't help the relief that also washed over him; he wouldn't know how to face her if she were still there, and that part was probably what he felt worse about.

He brought his hand together in prayer before leaving his limbs to fall at his side. His purple eyes gazed at the grave one last time, his eyes swept over the flowers he left and then the epitaph before he began to walk away. He'd probably never come again. He didn't have the right to.

A Beloved Daughter and Sister

Later, his students would add: A Benevolent Teacher, Koro never had the opportunity to see this part of the message in his previous life.

Lost in his contemplation and what was to come, he failed to notice the nostalgic pair of hazel eyes that spied at him from one corner of the cemetery.

The chauffeur opened the door to the backseat for him and took his seat in as the driver. The man adjusted the rearview and side mirrors as per usual, checking to see if there was any suspicious behavior going on. Assured of the security, his gaze lifted to the rearview mirror to look at his superior.

"Where to, Yucca-sama?" he asked.

Koro did not answer. He stared out the window in thoughts, musing over everything and nothing. The chauffeur did not ask the question again, merely waiting for his next orders. He kept an eye on the streets and roads. After five minutes of somewhat peaceful silence, Koro blinked out of his pondering.

He gave a silent sigh, eyes drawing to the rearview mirror where he met his subordinate's gaze. He gave him a nod. "Back to the Condo," he ordered, voice less crisp than usual and plastic smile not as bright.

"Very well," the chauffeur executed the order. He pulled the car out of its parking place and the parking lot with flawless coordination before driving along the Tokyo roads and back to the Condo. There was no question asked, no interrogation voiced, only respect and loyalty— those were the only things expected from him apart from his skills.

The drive was fluid. Without a bump, the vehicle's quality made for an almost soundless trip, and Koro allowed himself some shuteye before he reached his current residence. It was a short nap, but enough and necessary for the still jet-lagged Koro.

The whitehead did not exit the car upon arrival. Taking another minute to collect his nerves and compose himself, he slowly inhaled and carefully exhaled before nodding at the chauffeur in the rearview mirror. On cue, the man went out of the driver's seat. He walked around the sleek car and, with practiced ease, pulled the back passenger seat's door open, allowing Koro to come out.

The chauffeur closed the door; retrieving the suitcase from the car trunk, he carefully handed it over to Koro before bowing at the male. "I wish you a pleasant evening, Yucca-sama," the man bade, still bending.

Koro hummed, his fingers laced over the hand of his suitcase he turned on his heels. "Yes," he acknowledged as he began to walk away. "You are dismissed," he waved, his pace languid and without hurry as his varnished shoes cleanly hit the pavement. He entered the apartment complex. His eyes drew to the concierge before flitting to the wall clock and sweeping over the entry hall.

It was the same concierge as yesterday, and this morning, he noted. It was currently five past ten, and the government officials were scheduled for six sharp. Apparently, they weren't there just yet, or at least they weren't waiting in the entry hall for the moment of their meeting.

It was a good thing. The whitehead wanted to rest for a bit before meeting the government officials, especially if the said official was Karasuma. After going to the cemetery, he simply couldn't muster the force and energy to deal with more people. He never realized how draining it was before, probably because he hadn't felt the need to go to the cemetery as Koro.

How lucky of him.

He entered the elevator, scanned his keycard, and pressed on the small 10. The button lit up, and the lift began its ascension to the top floor. Light music echoed in the confined space. Koro gazed through the elevator's glass window, floor-to-ceiling windows— a recurring theme within the complex.

Elevator music was elevator music. It was boring a repetitive, but it filled the silence nicely, making the trip seem shorter than it already was.

The clear ring of the elevator sounded, announcing his arrival on the tenth floor. He'd probably have a shower and change before the government's delegation's arrival. If he had some remaining time, he either nap or have a snack. A hot shower sounded extremely pleasant at the moment, the mere thought bringing a smile to his lips.

"Ah, Yucca-nii-chan!" a voice chirped as a head popped out from behind one of the pillars of the entryway. Byakuran wore a bright grin as he looked his brother over. "I'm making hot chocolate, do you want any?" he proposed, noticing the tiredness that washed over his brother's face. "I'm adding marshmallows~" he added, voice lilting.

Some of Koro's fatigue seemed to dissipate at the proposition. "Please," he agreed with a genuine smile dawning at his lips. "I'll just shower first," he said as he took his shoes off and slipped into his slippers.

"Okay, two hot chocolate coming~" the younger sang before diving back into the kitchen.

Flower lexicon:

Forget-me-not: memories

Sweat Pea: goodbye

Zinnia (burgundy): lasting affection

Zinnia (mixed): thoughts of absent friends

https://www.thespruce.com/the-language-of-flowers-watch-what-you-say-1402330

Σ(ノ°▽°)ノ

Since the first arc is the Exposition Arc, there's a bit of "world-building" to do, action will come in a bit later— as will class 3-E, but don't worry it won't take dozens of chapters to get there ;)