"...Let's skip that topic for now."
Tsunayoshi wasn't mentally prepared to step onto that path—at least, not yet.
Finn wasn't surprised.
From Tsuna's past conduct alone, it was clear he was cautious. He never agreed to anything lightly.
But Finn wasn't worried either.
Tsuna had only just joined the Familia. Even if he didn't decide now, time would nudge him in that direction. It was only a matter of when.
"Then let's pick up where you left off," Finn said, smoothly steering the conversation back to the first topic.
"Lowering the environmental requirements of that training space is the best choice," Tsuna said. "Keep it at a level most of our people can tolerate, and start with low-level adventuring parties."
"Also, from now on, recruitment shouldn't be based only on talent—we need to weigh whether a candidate is trustworthy."
In the short term, Finn wasn't planning to add newcomers to the Familia unless they were worth it—and could be trusted.
"For example, the two you mentioned earlier," he added. "Sanjouno Haruhime and Cassandra."
They had been busy with the expedition; now it was time to gather information on those two.
"Going the elite route for now?" Riveria nodded slightly. "That's indeed viable."
As long as Tsuna could lead everyone onto a path of growth, the Loki Familia's current numbers were sufficient. If they kept expanding, the risk of someone leaking Tsuna's secret would rise. Halting recruitment for the time being was, in itself, a good thing.
"The next round of expansion should wait until our low-level adventurers take that most important step forward," Riveria said.
Even she had to smile at how absurd that would sound to other Familias. If anyone else heard it, they'd think she'd gone mad.
But this "crazy" thing really could be achieved with Tsuna's help—that was the truly laughable part.
"Are you sure you're not overestimating me?" Tsuna asked.
The Big Three exchanged a glance and all smiled.
"Not at all," Finn said. "It's exactly the right amount."
"Finn, do you truly think they can cross that line?" Riveria asked.
"Of course." Finn's confidence didn't waver. He looked straight at Tsuna.
"Every adventurer hopes to reach their goal someday. They all have their own reasons for becoming adventurers—and those very reasons are why we gather here.
"By chance or by talent, we made it up here while they're still circling below. But if they see a clear opportunity to grow, I don't think a single adventurer will let it slip."
Adventurers stuck at Lv.1 didn't choose to remain there. No matter how hard they worked, their stats rose at a crawl. Some even had enough feats, yet their parameters still wouldn't meet the threshold, and so the chance to advance never came.
What they lacked was an opportunity—not effort.
"You have your own reason for being an adventurer, don't you?" Finn added. "If they can keep pace with us, won't that help you too?"
He had a point. Tsuna didn't deny it.
No matter what, Tsuna knew a single person couldn't handle everything. Building up the Familia's overall strength would benefit him as well.
A blooming, well-rounded Familia made it easier for him to stay hidden.
Until he had enough strength, Tsuna had no intention of stepping into the spotlight. He needed more people to draw the gods' attention. While the deities puzzled over how these "miracles" were happening, he could use that time to go further.
And with a more complete lineup, they could push deeper into the Dungeon.
Far below lay the third of the Dungeon's Three Commissions—the seed of this world's doomsday.
Maybe, once he was strong enough and could sense those coordinates, he could simply walk away.
But Tsuna knew himself: he wasn't likely to do that.
He'd rarely made friends; back in his original world, he had almost no one. Since coming here, though, he'd met many people. Knowing this world was headed to ruin—knowing they would all die if nothing changed—he couldn't just leave.
At least not until he could solve the problem.
"Consider it a rehearsal for the mess waiting in my own world," Tsuna told himself, offering a perfect excuse.
If he gathered strength here, perhaps it could become aid for the future. And if the worst happened and he couldn't fix things back home… then at least he'd have a retreat.
"Since that's the case, we must lock down our rear," he said. "Completely."
"I don't know how much it'll help, but… I do feel a bit more motivated now."
Catching the shift in Tsuna's gaze, Finn relaxed. He couldn't see hearts like the gods did, but he wasn't worried. Tsuna had thought of something—something that gave him the will to act. Whatever that reason was, it was the best possible outcome.
"I can't predict what the end will look like," Tsuna said, "but Finn, you should be ready. How about we test the waters for a week first?
"Let them build confidence. Let them see results they can grasp. If that happens, they'll be exactly as you said."
"Good!" Finn laughed freely.
A week would be enough. Once everyone saw their harvest, they would reignite the ambition they once had.
"Riveria, Gareth—looks like we've got work to do."
"Hahaha! That's a good thing," Gareth grinned, unrestrained. He could already see a more interesting future. The road ahead was unknown, and today's decision would shape it. Leading everyone forward was the first step.
Riveria shook her head helplessly at the two men. "Men really are such creatures."
(End of Chapter)
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