SMILE

Looking ahead at the now halted avalanche with a large portion of its midsection burnt and broken.

Looking at the steam rising behind it, slowly disappearing. The shadows in the steam becoming clearer and clearer.

Everyone watched with bated breath.

Finally, the shadow took form. A huge partially meted ice structure stood. Behind said structure was Aurora in front of the weakened Isabella.

Seeing that the danger had passed. Aurora turned to Isabella with a cold and indifferent look as though she were an insect. She said

"I see. Prepare yourself."

With that, she walked away, care little of Isabella's current condition or feelings.

Isabella sat on the floor despondent and shaking. She knew what was going to happen when she got back. Aurora wasn't called the Ice Demon for nothing. Her training camps could be called hell, and everyone would agree. People had to sign weavers to attend.

"I can't believe he won. And against a candidate trained by Aurora too, you know." Ezio groaned in disbelief.

"Obviously, he won he's my grandson. Of course he won. It's only natural." Said Giovanni with a boisterous laugh.

Hinata nodding proudly in the back.

"Weren't you the same guys that voted against him?" Ezio pointed out.

"I don't know what you are talking about. Sebastian, I have got some important meetings to attend, so I will leave Dante to you. Clearly, he passed." Giovanni said hasty before making his quick escape.

Dante approached the shaking Isabella. He had ended his transformation now, and he was back to his reddish brown hair and burning golden eyes with a relaxed smile.

"Are you alright?" He questioned.

Looking up at him, Isabella didn't know what to do. This was the reason she was about to go to hell, or that's what she wanted to believe, but she knew better. This kid was strong, too strong. Stronger than her and her experience couldn't make up for that.

"Yeah, kid. I'm good." She said, not in the mood to tease him anymore.

"I'm guessing you will want a rematch someday?"

"Fuck that, there's nothing to gain. Why would I put myself thought that much hustle?" Isabella spat.

Stunted at her answer Dante stared deeply at her.

"You should probably leave, I think I might be falling for you." He said.

Isabella chuckle while getting up.

"Oh really?" She said leaning in close.

"Watch closely" She whispers in his ear.

She then turns around and walks away in most sensual way possible. In full view of Dante, giving him the show of a lifetime.

When she finally disappeared into the distance. The smile on Dante's face falls. Not because it was the end of the performance. With what he had experience through his training, while he did feel lust, angry and other such emotions. He wasn't controlled by them.

His smile fell because this past years he had pushed himself past his limits again and again and a fucking again. All while dreading this day, dreading that he would fail. That it would all come crushing down. That he would meet a foe he could not defeat. Restless and sleepless. Constantly pushing himself. Never truly stopping. Always anxious.

All that work for this?

"Disappointed?" Said Sebastian emerging from a shadow behind him.

"Not quite what you hoped for or what you thought it would be, is it?"

"I'm uncertain whether it is that you underestimated the Vongola or you overcomplicated us."

"I am however certain of one thing. You are too hard on yourself. Though, that may not necessarily be bad." He paused.

"Do allow me this query. What is the point of a journey if one does not enjoy it?"

"Or does one just hope to find fulfilment at their destination."

With that he left. Merging back into the shadows. Leaving Dante alone standing on the field in contemplation. Trembling.

After what felt like an hour Dante let out a heavy sigh.

He knew Sebastian was right. He pushed himself too much and put too much pressure on himself. Even during his training when he doing the book clubs and adventure groups he did so out of necessity not desire for friendship. He did it for his training, everything else was a byproduct. This day was always at the back of his mind.

"He's right what is the point of all of this? Pushing myself. Doing training that would kill the average superhuman. If I don't enjoy it. Although I want to be a hero. This is not how I want it. There is no guarantee I'm going to enjoy being a one. I might as well enjoy the journey." He declared firmly from the his very soul.

The air rippled and trembled. The ground beneath him shaked and cracked creating webs. His [Conqueror's Haki] had presented it self subconsciously with Dante oath and unruly reeked havoc on the surrounding sparing none.

The haki declared boldly to the world, to nature, to the elements, to existence that HE, Dante will do his best, be the best. He will walk his path and will reach the TOP.

But no matter where he is on his path, be it the beginning or the end. No matter how much his sees, feels, hears, changes. Experiences.

There will be one constant throughout.

HIS SMILE.

No matter what. No matter where. No matter when. He will enjoy this journey.