Yoshiaki sat restlessly as he took a sip of his drink, eyeing the treats set before him. He glanced over to the right, passed the wandering heads of locals and tourists alike at a pair of men before looking away. “I’ve got eyes on the target.” He spoke in a hushed tone, only picking up by the receiver he was wearing to let the others know of his presence. They were on an intelligence gathering operation at the moment, first and foremost. Communication was key, or so he’d been told. They were not to engage. Of course, that was the hardest part for the young man. He figured he could handle the two guys and get any information that they needed, but it was decided that it’d be smarter to observe them, get a feeling for their patterns, and maybe follow them to the hiding place of their boss.

He picked up a danish and took a bite before saying, “Gimme a status report.” He wanted to see how the rest of the team was. Where they were in relation to him. They couldn’t all be at the same cafe... right? No, he'd have noticed. They were posing as tourists after all. Some variety would have been smart. That's why they'd paired up. Yoshi could have done without the damn brat Cyril with him though. Probably could have saved some money if Cyril hadn't gotten hungry too. He stared across the table at the younger boy, his eyes narrowing as Cyril stuffed his face.

“And lemme know if you guys see any other possible targets,” he added with a huff before taking another bite of his danish and a sip of his drink. The past 3 or so months had been a world wind of events. The training, in particular, had been grueling and annoying, but there was still something so exciting about it. It was unordinary, not his usual routine. Plus, god knows how many people were there that he couldn’t take out easily. He chuckled at the thought for a moment.

Still, this was different. It wasn’t a training exercise and it wasn’t sparring. This was a mission. A mission that important for their standing as boss and guardian candidates. People were already talking too. Talking about how the Caligari famiglia had attacked and stolen from a Vongola weapons cache.

This was a bitch though. He hated all the sneaking around. The importance had basically been beaten into him over the course of the last few months. But even then it felt like it would be more fun than this. At the thought of his boredom he couldn’t help but yawn. “Dammit, you’re laziness must be rubbing off on me,” he grumbled to Cyril, before noting that the men were starting to move. “Guys, there on the move, heading East. Somebody please tell me they’re around that way and can get eyes on them.” At the very least somebody might have found other Caligari members that they could keep track of and observe.

Yoshi tried to think of who'd be around that way. Akari and Veronika maybe? Catty and Kurune? Fuck all if it was Ren. He wasn't sure what to think of that guy. He was odd. At least with Catty he could get the notion that she didn't like him in the slightest, even if he wasn't sure why. He could trust Akari. Veronika was a bit worrisome since he couldn't tell how she'd do with the stealthier part of things. Kurune was a bit of a wild card. Catty... well it wasn't like he could trust her really. She could stab him in the back at any moment. Ren... Moving on. And then there was Cyril. The little shit was likely to hold him back. Leaving him behind wasn't an option though.

Yoshi groaned. He was hoping this would be a simple endeavor. Then they could at least get to busting heads sooner than later. But here they were. He was getting bored out of his mind. He just wanted to storm their based, take them down, and get back what they'd stolen. But that wasn't a damn option if they couldn't find the base. "Somebody get me something that we can use," he grumbled getting more annoyed as the time went on.

Kurune slowly took in everything in her surroundings as she strolled with Caterina. The mission was in fact, for the most of the time, not even on her mind. Like an actual tourist, Kurune just took her sweet time observing and enjoying every little detail in this foreign place. Being teamed up with Caterina was a little worrying to her, since there seemed to be a high chance that Caterina would restrict Kurune's actions. Fortunately enough, it seemed like all the gawking was still within acceptable behaviour range for the time being. Peeking over at Caterina who was right beside her, it seems she was rather into the whole 'tourist' act, and was rather accurately replicating the image of a frivolous young woman on her vacation.

Caterina's ability to pretend and to behave like someone else was rather intriguing to Kurune, since she found them both to be quite similar in that aspect. Perhaps pairing up for this mission could even be considered a stroke of luck, if anything, for giving Kurune a much better chance at a closer range to try to figure her out. A good whole minute passes and Caterina picked up on the excessive staring from Kurune. Turning to her, she flashed a questioning smile. Kurune simply smiled back.

In the next moment, Yoshiaki's order came through the receiver. "We're in Piazza d'acero," Kurune reports and glances over at Caterina for confirmation that she's doing it right. "No suspicious individuals or activities spotted so far." She ends her part of the report without much issue and her eyes twinkled ever so slightly with excitement. Being a 'good girl' her entire life, all this sneaking around is proving to be rather thrilling and exciting. She repressed all other visible signs of excitement to not get into trouble with Caterina under the crime of not taking the mission seriously, but surely, this was going to mark the start of something far more than just the word 'thrilling' could cover for Kurune.

Akari adjusted her sunglasses and gave herself a good look over in a mirror on the shop floor. This wasn't what she had in mind when advised to gather intelligence, but in the end it made perfect sense to go somewhere 'classy'. She was just hanging out with Veronika, acting the part of a rich tourist in a renowned clothing store and tailors. Mafioso dressed well outside of battle, and sometimes in battle, and it had to be expensive for them. It was the Sun Candidate's strange hope that they might be able to spot an outstanding figure, or someone shady after some quality threads. Of course, this was quite fun for her as well! ...Not that she'd let Yoshiaki know she was using the incognito opportunity to browse the store. Then again, he might know her to get sidetracked at times.

And of course, there was her current companion, Veronika. She couldn't help but keep pointing out suits, fit for business or formal occasions. They were in line to become real mafia, so looking the part wouldn't hurt! The stuff in here was awesome, and Akari felt the need to try and get her new pal to try things on, even if she was met with constant refusal she'd persist. Still, there was work to do. And on that note...

The blonde scratched at her cheek, discretely unmuting herself for the team's comm channel as she stepped into a changing room.
"We're checking out a top-brand clothing retailer, some way up the street from you guys," she said, clearing her throat before continuing. "Nothing out of the ordinary in here. You want us to shadow the ones on the move?"

Veronika sighed as she straightened out her knee length black skirt as she tried to maintain a sense of dignity despite everything. Her partner for today was oddly excitable it seemed though Veronika saw nothing wrong with that. Who in her elation kept suggesting suits for both formal and business attire. She accepted each suggestion that was made while keeping a eye out for anyone that may fit the subject of who they were looking for. She saw nothing wrong with her current attire in line for a important position or not she was not going to go around wearing a suit everywhere. It may work for her beloved father but not her she would much rather avoid that thank you very much.

"There is nothing on this end bossu" Veronika replied as she brushed a stray hair from her face her very appearance like that of a rich heiress from her knee length black skirt to her form fitting white blouse and shawl. Each piece of clothing chosen for this situation giving her the appearance of someone who wouldn't look out of place. "Maybe something a bit more ladlike?" She said turning to Akari looking at a dress that was black paired a elegant jacket giving it a more professional appearance than anything. She was uncomfortable not used being up in the public and being forced to interact with others like this. Her father and bossu would pay for this affront she decided as she shook her head as she started to formulate a plan she had important research she was conducting after all!

Caterina was almost unrecognizable as she strode beside Kurune. The dulcet brown of her hair replaced by a rather impressive looking blonde wig(though she still had a green highlight dye applied to the bangs that contrasted nicely with the fierce amber of her eyes. Her outfit was a casual thing, a light blue skirt that just skimmed the top of her knees matched with a dark aquamarine top and an olive half jacket to pull the whole thing together. There were already several bags held in hand over her shoulder as she seemed to be in the middle of a call with someone, chatting and giggling about something or other before hanging up the call with a pantomime kiss and a tap of her thumb. She did indeed catch the other girl's glance, placing a free hand on her hip as she returned Kurune's smile with a sly wink as she blew a little kiss her way.

Before she could say anything, however, Yoshi's voice crackled through their earpieces to inform them of the change in the situation. rather than respond to her "boss's" cry for info, Caterina merely grinned as she stepped up to Kurune, taking her hand with a girlish chuckle as she pulled the violet-haired girl along.

"Come on Kurune, I heard there was a boutique this way that was utterly to die for. Plus," A this point Caterina seemed to take over-dramatic pause, looking this way and that before leaning in to whisper into her partner's ear. . . or at least that is what it would seem to onlookers.

"Me and Kurune are keeping an eye on them, no need to get out of sorts Mr. Bossman. Oh, and Cyril? Fall asleep on this mission, and you and Kurune are getting double training afterward for the next two weeks, okay?" Quickly pulling away, she'd mime a kiss on either side of Kurune's face before backing away with a giggle that seemed to hold a little bit more malice than her other ones. She continued to pull them in the general direction of their targets, talking idly about nothing as she kept stopping at every store along the way so as to better hide their tailing.

Long after everyone had finished speaking, their receivers crackled to life. For a few seconds, there was nothing but dead air, but from the ambient noise of wind and traffic came a voice at last. "Caterina: excuse me," it said, "Please say 'over' when chatter's, err, over. Over."

Renato Guerra dropped the channel and, free from anyone listening in, finally started breathing again. These types of missions were the least optimal type for someone like him: known and impatient, a combination which typically had one consigned to a hotel room peeping or operating increasingly arcane machinery. Of course, playing to his weaknesses was likely the reason this had been assigned to them. This was as much a test for him, the alleged instructor, as it was for the other six.

He reached forward and split the closed curtains of the window overlooking the cafe just enough to see, but not be seen. Peering through the gap with his binoculars, he saw Yoshiaki and Cyril seated at a table, watching something or someone out of his angle of sight. Looking further down the street, he saw the storefront of the tailor Veronica and Akari were investigating on suspicions of extortion, laundering or some other vaguely-defined "mafia activity". While Renato couldn't see the other two at the mall, he could only assume Caterina was being professional (threat of encroaching on his teaching position notwithstanding) and guiding Kurune on the proper path.

It was after shifting his gaze back on Cafe Dumont that Renato noticed something. He angled the opening so he could see further down the street to confirm his suspicions: there were two SUVs. Both were the exact same make and model, one commonly used for armored vehicles. Both had somebody waiting in the front seat. Both were positioned where they could overlook the locations of the Vongola members. The only notable difference was that the vehicle in front of the tailor was merely idling.

Renato immediately reactivated his receiver, switched to Yoshiaki and Cyril's channel, and spoke: "Sugihara, Leggieri: they're watching you. Don't look... _{Um, Sorry.} Don't look, please. It's the SUV further down the street, at Leggieri's nine O'clock. Over."

He switched the channel. "Russo, Sokolov: stay there please. They might be inside. Over."

---

Much like Akari and Veronica had assumed, the tailor was involved with mafia activity. Unlike what Renato had assumed, their matters here were not necessarily hostile towards the two spies. The two mafiosi who had entered earlier shortly before Renato passed on that warning were indeed here only to acquire goods.

Just not clothes, however.

Rather than peruse any clothing options or speak to a tailor, the two individuals - a tall man and a shorter, scrawnier one with glasses - went straight for the attending clerk. Shortly after, an older man, the apparent owner of the store or some other form of upper management, came out of the back to greet them. After a brief exchange, one in hushed whispers, the group of three went to the back of the store.

At the same time...

"Sokolov, Russo: did you two do anything?" Renato's voice suddenly came through the receiver. "Their vehicle is on the move. It appears to be backing into the alley parking behind your shop. I can't see it anymore. You're solo. Um. Duo. Over."

Fortunately, their new objective was clear: figure out what was going on in the back of the shop. There was no way those two events were coincidental. And now there were plenty of openings; the store was, for the most part, unattended. The clerk was busy helping a civilian customer in one of the measurement stations, administration was doing who knows what with the two mafiosi in the backrooms of the establishment. Meanwhile, their target's transport no longer had eyes on the interior of the storefront.

Who knows, maybe it was as simple as just... walking in and taking names? Or perhaps waiting until it was done and interrogating the owner? Maybe even following the SUV after it leaves. The possibilities were endless.

---

Contrary to what his message to the girls had suggested, Renato was not worried in the least. Frankly, he was a bit relieved; one SUV taking independent action meant that they weren't there because they knew there was someone watching. Unfortunately, the ones at Cafe Dumont definitely did know that someone was watching. Still, as long as they were just watching it would be--

"Sugihara, Leggieri: they're exiting the car, and they're armed." Renato was already out of the room before he had even finished his first sentence. "Wait for my signal please. Over."

The SUV near Cafe Dumont had let out three individuals: two from the back and their driver. Two were armed with firearms - stolen Dying Will Guns from the Vongola, perhaps? The last was armed with something much scarier: a green box. Fortunately, the crowd would delay their approach, if only somewhat. That bought Renato time to get down to the bottom floor. The fact they chose to regroup with the two Cyril and Yoshiaki were spying on earlier bought him time to get close enough to the cafe to...

"_{Ah... um...} AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

That, evidently, was the signal, if Renato's thumbs up was anything to go by. To his credit, the sight of a particularly notorious mafiosi issuing an apparent war cry from the down the street struck fear into the hearts of Cyril and Yoshiaki's five targets; they started to run in the opposite direction.

As their targets attempted to flee, Renato coughed into his receiver: "....Um... That was the signal. I will secure and search their vehicle. Please make good use the runners. Over."

Chasing down a group of three and a group of two wouldn't be too rough for the two, Ren figured.

---

Meanwhile, Kurune and Caterina continued their tailing-cum-tourism in peace despite the disturbances going on outside, just around the corner. While getting too deep into the act in a place as big as a mall might have been a detriment to their hunt, they were able to keep on target for the most part due to Caterina's influence.

But maybe it was her familiarity with mind altering phenomena. Maybe it was because of how into the tourism thing she was. Regardless, Kurune was the one who had noticed it: they were walking in a cyclical path. Their targets weren't doing business; they were on patrol.

And, of course, it didn't take a genius to realize that something was up once the targets started acting a lot more paranoid (which, not coincidentally, happened shortly after a certain someone was sighted at Cafe Dumont). They turned around and began walking in the girls' direction, but it didn't seem like they were coming at them specifically.

It was then that Caterina's intuition detected something. The atmosphere in the mall had shifted. No, it was more than that. The 'intent' had shifted, and it wasn't coming from the ones they were following. It was coming from above. Based on the shadows cast by the skylight sunbeams, it was two things. What they were was unclear, but there were definitely two of them and they were both ready to make a move if anyone tried anything funny.

The situation was as followed: two-man(?) rooftop patrol watching, a two-man ground floor patrol approaching, a maze of shops and other shopping center trappings, and of course, all the civilians spending their day working or shopping.

Initiative was theirs to do as they saw fit.

Yoshiaki had assumed that the best course of action would be to play it cool. The only members of their troupe, after all, that would likely be known in any capacity were Caterina (who he assumed wasn't a big name outside of the Vongola as of yet) and Ren who was fairly well known. Of course, with the sudden turn of events he couldn't help but growl when he heard Ren's "battle cry," if you could call it that. The fact of the matter was he could have waited a bit longer, but if Yoshi was being honest, he was glad things turned out this way. He'd been getting bored and if he'd had to spend another moment watching Cyril doze off or stuff his face with sweets, he would have started a fucking riot.

Still, in the minute that changed the mood of the entire day, in the moment that felt like an eternity, he snapped back to reality and immediately jumped up from his seat. "Fuckin' hell!" The second his feet hit the ground Yoshi ran across the table. If you were to assume he would let Cyril follow him, you'd be wrong. There was simply no time. That coupled with Yoshi's impatience and clear annoyance with his partner led to his following actions.

"Get a move on Sleeping Beauty," Yoshi paused briefly, not missing a beat as he slipped his hand into the collar of Cyril's shirt at the nape of his neck. "We've got work to do!" The young mafioso tightened his grip as yanked his companion up out of his seat. He was using his own strength coupled with his momentum to try and get a jump on the goons before them. It was possible that a distraction would be necessary for Ren, but more than that, this was just gonna be fun. "We're goin in guns blazin!" Yoshi turned as he moved forward, adding to his momentum, swinging Cyril through the air like a rag doll until he finishing the rotation of his spin and launched Cyril through the air in the direction of their targets. The statement he'd made had been to help prepare Cyril, but more than that, it was to his comrades so they knew what he was doing. If it was necessary they were given full permission to do the same.

Yoshi meanwhile was charging towards them from below. He was confident that Cyril would keep himself safe, somehow, and more importantly he banked on the men focusing on him. He was moving somewhat unnaturally fast compared to what the more experienced men were likely to expect. Yoshi was also hoping that the sudden call to action and the sudden throwing of his comrade coupled with his with his subsequent charge would throw them off enough to let him get close and begin his real attack. They were armed. And there were more in the area. Was this the best course of action? Maybe not. But that wasn't stopping the future Vongola boss.

Veronica noted and treated the radio with silence they couldn't afford to let their cover slip. "Akari gotta play this cool can't let them know we are onto them" She whispered discreetly hoping the message was received as she grabbed a few clothes to head to the dressing room to avoid looking to suspicious. Thankfully the dressing room was in the back allowing her some of the things that was going on. She wasn't much for stealth but she couldn't complain now not when things was this close.

"Oh, you found something! I'll help you get changed, dear!"

Akari made sure to follow quickly after Veronika, to end up in the same dressing room with her. From here, they might be able to faintly hear what the mafia were discussing. Despite following the decision to go sneaking around, she kept her hand stuffed in her handbag at all times - a gun ready to draw on anyone who came snooping toward them. She itched a little at the pistol's safety... Without giving an update to the others, this was all in their hands.

"I wonder what this is all about?" She whispered, trying to listen closer to the men. "...I kinda wanna go slash their tyres..." she mused.

Something was amiss. Their targets' movements were almost too rhythmical, too cyclical. Kurune stiffened a little upon realising this, and was about to turn to let Caterina know when suddenly, the targets started moving towards them. While keeping on the tourist act, Kurune managed to flash a few glances at the targets without acting too suspicious. Judging by their line of sight, she reached the conclusion that they were not heading directly for herself and Caterina, and discreetly let out a sigh of relief.

"Hey Cat," she nudged her partner a little and gave her a meaningful look, hoping that she would catch onto it. Fortunately, Caterina's sharp instincts worked fantastically and she returned the look, smiling. Something in her eyes hinted to Kurune that they were in more trouble than they had both caught onto by themselves. "Cat, I'm so thirsty and tired, do you think you could get me a drink?" Kurune whined dramatically, dragging out each syllable and maximizing the jumps in intonation. If they could move separately for a while, Caterina could probably swiftly take care of the trouble she had discovered, and the same applies to herself. She quickly drew up multiple plans in her mind as she waited for Caterina's reply.