After a few seconds passed, Hajime was approached by the sleeping girl who had been one with their floor only mere moments ago. Despite his awareness of her identity, he was comfortable to listen to the girl introduce herself to him; it was a clear showing of respect (or so he hoped), especially since he was the owner of the house. In Japan, that type of deferential behavior was a lifestyle that was one of, if not, the first lesson taught to children, unlike the seemingly dying morals in other countries such as America. [b]"Protection for your family, huh?"[/b] the man repeated, looking down at her extended hand that awaited for his acceptance.

The Vongola Famiglia had been built upon the principles of protecting the people, and Hajime was not an exception of that knowledge. He knew that, if requested, that they would have done so anyway, but personally, he was humble in her display of admiration for her own family. Practically exchanging a portion of her life to dedicate herself to the Vongola just for them to provide the service that they were already known for doing from their selfless hearts was something that he could relate to; he, too, had done the same, many years ago, yet... [i]I still haven't forgotten, Satomi. I was powerless...[/i]

Hajime decided to shake Artemis' hand. [b]"Of course,"[/b] he replied, his bored expression unchanged. [b]"You pass."[/b]

Even then, Hajime was inevitably suspicious of the girl. Any person with mediocre intelligence that could rival an empty peanut jar would be able to deduce the possibility in potential subterfuge, but for men like him, he was smart enough to recognize the deception before it would begin. He knew of the girl's background; how she was a budding expert in cracking through technology, how she had used it for her own criminal exploits in the past. [i]Though, a number of people in the Vongola were formerly criminals, as well..[/i]

 And even then, they already possessed a number of men and women within the Vongola that possessed such skills that had much more experience with technology, and their connections to other families, notably the Bovino, was more than enough. [i]Who knows. Maybe Giannini or Irie need an assistant.[/i] [b]"But you'll be sticking around with the other kids,"[/b] Hajime advised, letting go of the handshake and folding his arms as he turned back to the table. [b]"You're all still too inexperienced to be considered part of the Vongola, anyway."[/b]

As if on cue, another person walked up to him; this time, it was Cyril. [b]"It's not an issue,"[/b] Hajime replied flatly, sighing. [b]"The real issue that needs to be discussed is last night's incident. I'll speak more when the rest arrive."[/b]