Trojan horse.

Pov third person

'What?' Everyone in the room was stunted. Not expect this response.

Was he joking? Did he not fully understand the offer? Was there something wrong with the offer? Was he letting his little grudge blind him? Was he getting greedy, and how? Was he possibly dyslexic?

All kinds of questions were rushing through their minds.

Sebastian, Hinata, Giovanni, and even Ezio, who was usually observant and could predict most outcomes, was shocked by Dante's response.

'Was he actually getting greedy and wanted more? What could he even ask for? Did he not pick up on the signs? Did he really not like the idea of being away from his dear old dad that much? This was a great deal.' Ezio thought.

The Vongola negotiations were just a formality, a tradition to help the children in the family get accustomed to such tense situations and business procedures. Unlike most actual negotiations, this was always in favour of the child.

When the child says 'Yes'. The head walks them through the offer and helps the modify the offer to their needs. Dropping beneficial clues and tips along the way, educating the child and preparing them for such situations.

There have been instances where people didn't agree with the offer but they usually said something alone the lines of 'Yes, but I would like to make some changes' or 'Yes, but I would like to make a specific request.'

Yes, there have been children you flat out said 'No.' But those kids were never promising or geniuses. Just some kids who thought they were doing something by saying no.

Negotiation was opened to everyone in the family no matter the age, but the older one got the more serious it became. So even if Dante was stripped of resources and privileges, he could renegotiate for a second chance at a later date.

And as for the be in the top 5 by 30. He had access to almost unlimited funds, resources, and connections. If he couldn't do that, then he should give up.

Only someone truly incompetent wouldn't be able to achieve their goals.

Giovanni, resting his head in his hand, asked, "Is there a reason you rejected the offer?"

He did not believe Dante was blinded by greed, anger, or ignorance. Dante must have had a reason for his decision.

Dante Pov

As I looked at the old man looking at me, waiting patiently for a reason for my response like everyone else.

I couldn't help but think of a scene I had seen in Reborn's memories when I was sorting and organising the memories.

In a cold, dark, desolate field underneath the moonlight stood Reborn in his iconic black suit, orange formal shirt and black and orange fedora. With a CZ 75 (handgun) at the head of a kneeling man who was desperately shivering and begging for his life.

Now, what did this poor soul do to have the infamous Reborn behind him?

It's simple. He said "Yes."

This nameless, faceless guy was just your regular average Jo. A family man with a decent looking wife, two amazing kids, and one on the way.

During his youthful days, he had an encounter and during said encounter was given an offer. 'One that was too good to pass up'. Not being one to look a gift horse in the mouth, he accepted.

And now he was about to make his wife a widow and leave his kids fatherless.

Sometimes, it's really a trojan horse.