The Marriage Proposal (Tokyo Revengers FanFic)

63.

"Yes, Capo," Gio replied with measured calm. "It's true. She's married to the head of Bonten, and they have a child."

'A child... huh...' The elderly man thought.

The old man's gaze did not waver from the picture, but the slight twitch in his brow showed that the information had not fallen on deaf ears. The name 'Bonten' wasn't unfamiliar to him—no, he had long kept his pulse on global affairs, including the darker corners of Japan's underworld. But for this to be the organization tied to his granddaughter? That was something he hadn't expected.

"You must be shocked by such news, Capo," Gio added, breaking the silence as his keen eyes closely watched his grandfather-like figure's reaction.

The elderly man, Don Alessandro Lombardi—the Capo of one of Italy's most feared and respected families—let out a low hum. It was hard to tell if the sound was an acknowledgement of the statement or simply the noise of deep reflection.

"When that child asked me if she could visit and stay in Japan," Don Alessandro began, his voice tinged with reminiscence, "I thought it was because she was in her rebellious and adventurous phase... just like her father." His eyes flickered with a memory of a time long past, a trace of a smile gracing his lips. "So I let her."

The Capo placed the picture frame carefully on the polished desk, the sound of it resting on the wood seeming louder in the quiet room. He steepled his fingers and leaned back, continuing to speak as if to no one in particular.

"She stayed for a year instead of six months," he said, his gaze shifting to a faraway point as he recalled the time. "I thought that was it—she returned, quieted, perhaps satisfied with her little adventure. But just a few months later, she announced she would return to Japan once again." His eyes sharpened, the warmth in them dimming as the weight of the situation settled in. "This time, dragging your sister along with her."

Gio allowed a small smile to pull at his lips. His sister, Guini, had always been close to Den, their bond unbreakable since they were children. It was only natural for Guini to follow wherever Den led. Even if the older man wasn't surprised by their continued friendship, the risk his sister had now become a part of was not lost on him.

"Guini and the young lady have been friends since their toddler years," Gio offered gently. "And they are very much alike. It's no surprise to us that Guini would tag along, Capo." He straightened his posture, his voice respectful but firm, choosing his words carefully as he added, "Besides, we could not let the lady stay in a foreign place alone."

Don Alessandro let out a long sigh, his fingers tapping slowly on the desk as he mulled over Giovanni's words. He understood loyalty, especially in his family. They were bound together by blood, duty, and history. Guini would never abandon Den, just as Giovanni would never abandon Lombardi. And yet, this revelation about Bonten—the notorious criminal syndicate in Japan—was a bombshell. One that was now entangled with his granddaughter.

He looked back up at Gio, his eyes hard again but not unkind. "So, she married the leader of Bonten," he said, his voice quiet but laced with incredulity. "And she is raising that man's child as hers. A daughter."