now the son's disgraced he, who knew his father
Your Name: Character: Xanxus
Series: Katekyo Hitman Reborn!
Timeline: Chapter 229+ (TYL Arc)
Wiki Us a Bio/History: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Reborn!_antagonists#Xanxus
Elaborate, if necessary: Xanxus isn't a very prominent character in Reborn, so there isn't a lot of information about his history to be told. The Wikipedia does a good job summing up what's canon and due to the sporadic nature of the manga, I'm not going to try filling anything in in case something is later revealed.
PERSONALITY
Xanxus' personality isn't really something that can be explained in a few sentences, and probably can't ever fully be explained within a lifetime of words, either. The most important thing to know is that Xanxus has multiple layers to his personality, all potentially different and offering a different perspective to who he really is-but the one thing that shows through hard and solid (and does not dissipate with age) is his wrath (and the ever presence focus of said wrath towards Sawada Tsunayoshi's existence).
A lot can be said about Xanxus when we first meet him in Reborn versus the ten years older version of Xanxus we meet in the future arc. As much as TYL!Xanxus is a product of TYB!Xanxus going through ten years of various experiences, it's clear that events have molded him into something that is both really obvious for Xanxus' character and maybe not so obvious for him.
But, let's get one thing straight right now: Regardless of any hidden meanings or subtleties, Xanxus is not a nice person. He doesn't like, well, anyone. The closet people to him are the Varia and he treats them like they're piles of dog shit. Best part? He doesn't care, either. There's no deep dark underlying secret there where he wishes that he was a nice guy or has some tragic thing going on where he just can't express himself and comes off mean, instead. He's just an asshole (no matter what time period he's from). In fact, if Xanxus got pleasure from anything, he might actually get some from being a cock to everyone, considering the way he goes about it (between the ignoring to the outright violence). It's his core; No amount of time is going to change that.
Now that we got that out of the way...
From what we see of TYB!Xanxus, it's obvious that he's been spoiled throughout his younger years, although now the spoiled brat is more bitter than anything. Rightfully so, in a way, too, since he was locked in ice for eight years and just recently was freed and had what he deems is rightfully his taken away (the title of X Vongola Boss). We'll just leave out the part where he tried to overthrow the IXth Vongola Boss after becoming pissed upon finding out that he wasn't really his son, and then getting his ass handed to him and locked in said ice.
He doesn't speak much, although when he does it's often insulting and without tact (says what he wants when he wants to to whomever he wants to). He's cold, aloof, egotistical, stubborn (don't tell him what to do), has a rather foul mouth on him, is an absolute jackass to his subordinates (he beats the shit out of Squalo on a regular basis and his reactions to the losses the Varia suffer in the ring battles are good examples for showing his lack of compassion towards his group) and everyone else for that matter, not easily pleased or amused (and what does amuse him is often pretty fucked up), has a spontaneous fuse (it just randomly blows, there's no "short" or "long" to it-unless it's Tsuna, then there's no fuse, there's just rage everywhere), and has an issue that once he gets an idea in his head he just can't let go of it. If that means he wants something, it means he doesn't give up until he gets it.
Considering his mother told him he was the IX Vongola's son (and was taken in as such) only to later find out he was not (and then was not assigned heir), that last trait doesn't do well for him. It's his driving factor throughout his first appearance and meeting with Tsuna and the others, continuously until he reaches the end only to bitterly find out that all his effort is for naught. Supposedly, with the Sky Ring rejecting him as the Xth Vongola Boss, he finally understands he can't strive for this position any longer and accepts it. He gives up his ambition to become the Xth boss once and for all.
Or so we're lead to believe.
Because TYL!Xanxus says otherwise, showing that ten years later he still doesn't accept the existence of the Xth boss, having placed the Varia under the loyalties to the IX. It's unclear if something has changed Xanxus' mind-new information that has popped up within the ten years that has made him rekindle his interest in thinking he has a shot to become the leader of the Vongola-or he really never was able to let go despite everything that transpired. That somewhere in his mind he still believes that some way somehow he can still ascend to that position. Considering Xanxus' personality, either one is entirely possible. If nothing else, he's one determined son of a bitch.
That isn't the only "change" Xanxus seems to have gone through, however. If possible, he seems even more detached and even disinterested in those around him. He's matured on some scale, as well as mellowed out a bit (his wrath is still present, though, oh so present), but at the same time his hotheaded immaturity still shows through along with his ego. The spoiled nature actually seems to have dissipated because while he still is completely disrespectful to those around him (still treats everyone like shit and talks to everyone how he wants!) he seems to not only understand, but accept and even support certain ideals that wouldn't coincide with his past immaturity and bratty nature. (The biggest one being the concept that while the Varia still don't accept the Xth as Vongola Boss, thus suggesting the family strife continues, Xanxus seems to at least somewhat get over the resentment of being adopted and realize that regardless of circumstances, he is a Vongola now and he has a duty to the family. Whether he is leader or not, the family is a reflection on him as leader of the Varia as much as it is a reflection on the head of the Vongola Family. And fuck it if Xanxus is going to sit around and let people make him look bad and destroy the family with it (he still wants to take it over, afterall). [Classic example of a typical protective italian family, btw. Only they can beat one another up and insult one another :)]
His hate for Tsuna also doesn't seem to have gone anywhere, although that hate for Tsuna is something very special and very particular. While TYB!Xanxus wanted nothing more than to get rid of Tsuna, TYL!Xanxus realizes Tsuna is necessary in order to make the Vongola what he wants them to be.
Considering power is everything to Xanxus, a little bit of reform and acceptance of things (some temporary, some that's just how it's supposed to be) isn't all that surprising despite his stubbornness. His wants are more important than anything else, after all, although to say he'd do anything to get them would be a lie. He'll do just about anything, as long as it's within the playing field of him being in charge and staying on his side of that field (again, he is a Vongola and he quite vehemently rejects Siel's offer to side with Byakuren). Maybe it's him being prideful. Maybe stubborn. Or maybe he just has some morals in there, too, when it comes to the family and their feuds.
What are they bringing to Nuadoria?: Boxed weapon "Ligre Tempesta di Cielo", his two guns, some ammo, and some typical personal shit
Third-Person Sample: (prompt: Rasiel vs Xanxus ending recap interpretation)
It had to be absolute.
That was where most fell short (This poor son of a bitch is rambling-) where most never could ascend to (-stupid little piece of shit, why are you even bothering) in order to discern from the good and the best.
And in the eyes of the best, no one else but the "best" mattered. It was all or nothing. Winner or loser. Master or dog.
Xanxus was no dog.
Had he been in any better of a mood, he'd surely have cocked something of a smile halfway through this disgusting offer by now; thrown it back and shoved it down the other's throat far enough he'd have had the chance to shit it out the other end if he didn't choke on it first. An improvement over that smirk (because you think you got your ass covered, do you?) if nothing else.
Then again, maybe not. That sort of effort was hardly necessary for someone like this.
But, it didn't matter, because regardless he was listening, an expression on his face that he was sure had to almost resemble interest from the way the other still droned on. And, indeed, it was. It simply wasn't interest for the bullshit drooling out of that mouth. Oh, no. No. It was interest for the sole function of this individual: the way they had played their cards from the beginning right up to challenging him, all along so confident, daring to fathom they could-no, would-win. Now, it took a special kind of idiot-was a special kind of dumbfuck-to be able to think the way this one did. Such high asparations from the lowly scum of the world.
Maybe, in the poor excuse for a head of Rasiel's, he was a David taking on a Goliath. Take down the opposing side's "elite". Maybe even work his way to the top, eventually, past the one he served. Maybe, just maybe, King.
Too bad this little David didn't have any fucking stones to throw.
And after everything, was he really going on to assume that he still knew even remotely anything about the Varia leader to try and entice him with such trash?
Perhaps so, and because of this the feral, impatient look stayed until the very last word to the offer fell from his victim's mouth. Then the internal scale was tipping again (so worthless you can't even beg right); so many options, so many possible reactions
-but Xanxus couldn't even be bothered to have some form of facial expression accompany his reply.
"Fucking scumbags. I only want the Vongola when it's at its strongest."
Rasiel's reactions were all he was going to need for this. He continued to speak, never taking his eyes off the other. And the man watched the other crack and peel with each continuing word, as the realization was hammered down slowly that all things considered, Xanxus was loyal.
And that meant...
"Regardless of our internal strife," he brought the gun up to aim now, his first movements since listening, "in times of crisis-when attacked from the outside-we, the Vongola, are always-" he pulled the trigger and watched Rasiel shatter-the final image of shock on what had just conspired disintegrating-into a thousand pieces.
"-one."
A weak Vongola family was a disgrace. Power-that control-was everything. But, only when it was absolute.
And Xanxus would wait for it.
First-Person Sample:
[At first, the transmission-like most-statics and crackles, but eventually the receiver line connects successfully and the interference dissipates. There is silence, however, for several moments, and it's clear there is someone on the other end. Thinking, deciding, maybe even having listened to a few conversations over it prior. Who knows.]
...What a piece of shit.
[The distinct sound of the communicator smashing into the ground and clattering a few spaces away from its crash point is heard, reigniting the static. The only other sound is the faint thud of boots clicking against pavement as they pass on by before silence and the connection times out.]
Series: Katekyo Hitman Reborn!
Timeline: Chapter 229+ (TYL Arc)
Wiki Us a Bio/History: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Reborn!_antagonists#Xanxus
Elaborate, if necessary: Xanxus isn't a very prominent character in Reborn, so there isn't a lot of information about his history to be told. The Wikipedia does a good job summing up what's canon and due to the sporadic nature of the manga, I'm not going to try filling anything in in case something is later revealed.
PERSONALITY
Xanxus' personality isn't really something that can be explained in a few sentences, and probably can't ever fully be explained within a lifetime of words, either. The most important thing to know is that Xanxus has multiple layers to his personality, all potentially different and offering a different perspective to who he really is-but the one thing that shows through hard and solid (and does not dissipate with age) is his wrath (and the ever presence focus of said wrath towards Sawada Tsunayoshi's existence).
A lot can be said about Xanxus when we first meet him in Reborn versus the ten years older version of Xanxus we meet in the future arc. As much as TYL!Xanxus is a product of TYB!Xanxus going through ten years of various experiences, it's clear that events have molded him into something that is both really obvious for Xanxus' character and maybe not so obvious for him.
But, let's get one thing straight right now: Regardless of any hidden meanings or subtleties, Xanxus is not a nice person. He doesn't like, well, anyone. The closet people to him are the Varia and he treats them like they're piles of dog shit. Best part? He doesn't care, either. There's no deep dark underlying secret there where he wishes that he was a nice guy or has some tragic thing going on where he just can't express himself and comes off mean, instead. He's just an asshole (no matter what time period he's from). In fact, if Xanxus got pleasure from anything, he might actually get some from being a cock to everyone, considering the way he goes about it (between the ignoring to the outright violence). It's his core; No amount of time is going to change that.
Now that we got that out of the way...
From what we see of TYB!Xanxus, it's obvious that he's been spoiled throughout his younger years, although now the spoiled brat is more bitter than anything. Rightfully so, in a way, too, since he was locked in ice for eight years and just recently was freed and had what he deems is rightfully his taken away (the title of X Vongola Boss). We'll just leave out the part where he tried to overthrow the IXth Vongola Boss after becoming pissed upon finding out that he wasn't really his son, and then getting his ass handed to him and locked in said ice.
He doesn't speak much, although when he does it's often insulting and without tact (says what he wants when he wants to to whomever he wants to). He's cold, aloof, egotistical, stubborn (don't tell him what to do), has a rather foul mouth on him, is an absolute jackass to his subordinates (he beats the shit out of Squalo on a regular basis and his reactions to the losses the Varia suffer in the ring battles are good examples for showing his lack of compassion towards his group) and everyone else for that matter, not easily pleased or amused (and what does amuse him is often pretty fucked up), has a spontaneous fuse (it just randomly blows, there's no "short" or "long" to it-unless it's Tsuna, then there's no fuse, there's just rage everywhere), and has an issue that once he gets an idea in his head he just can't let go of it. If that means he wants something, it means he doesn't give up until he gets it.
Considering his mother told him he was the IX Vongola's son (and was taken in as such) only to later find out he was not (and then was not assigned heir), that last trait doesn't do well for him. It's his driving factor throughout his first appearance and meeting with Tsuna and the others, continuously until he reaches the end only to bitterly find out that all his effort is for naught. Supposedly, with the Sky Ring rejecting him as the Xth Vongola Boss, he finally understands he can't strive for this position any longer and accepts it. He gives up his ambition to become the Xth boss once and for all.
Or so we're lead to believe.
Because TYL!Xanxus says otherwise, showing that ten years later he still doesn't accept the existence of the Xth boss, having placed the Varia under the loyalties to the IX. It's unclear if something has changed Xanxus' mind-new information that has popped up within the ten years that has made him rekindle his interest in thinking he has a shot to become the leader of the Vongola-or he really never was able to let go despite everything that transpired. That somewhere in his mind he still believes that some way somehow he can still ascend to that position. Considering Xanxus' personality, either one is entirely possible. If nothing else, he's one determined son of a bitch.
That isn't the only "change" Xanxus seems to have gone through, however. If possible, he seems even more detached and even disinterested in those around him. He's matured on some scale, as well as mellowed out a bit (his wrath is still present, though, oh so present), but at the same time his hotheaded immaturity still shows through along with his ego. The spoiled nature actually seems to have dissipated because while he still is completely disrespectful to those around him (still treats everyone like shit and talks to everyone how he wants!) he seems to not only understand, but accept and even support certain ideals that wouldn't coincide with his past immaturity and bratty nature. (The biggest one being the concept that while the Varia still don't accept the Xth as Vongola Boss, thus suggesting the family strife continues, Xanxus seems to at least somewhat get over the resentment of being adopted and realize that regardless of circumstances, he is a Vongola now and he has a duty to the family. Whether he is leader or not, the family is a reflection on him as leader of the Varia as much as it is a reflection on the head of the Vongola Family. And fuck it if Xanxus is going to sit around and let people make him look bad and destroy the family with it (he still wants to take it over, afterall). [Classic example of a typical protective italian family, btw. Only they can beat one another up and insult one another :)]
His hate for Tsuna also doesn't seem to have gone anywhere, although that hate for Tsuna is something very special and very particular. While TYB!Xanxus wanted nothing more than to get rid of Tsuna, TYL!Xanxus realizes Tsuna is necessary in order to make the Vongola what he wants them to be.
Considering power is everything to Xanxus, a little bit of reform and acceptance of things (some temporary, some that's just how it's supposed to be) isn't all that surprising despite his stubbornness. His wants are more important than anything else, after all, although to say he'd do anything to get them would be a lie. He'll do just about anything, as long as it's within the playing field of him being in charge and staying on his side of that field (again, he is a Vongola and he quite vehemently rejects Siel's offer to side with Byakuren). Maybe it's him being prideful. Maybe stubborn. Or maybe he just has some morals in there, too, when it comes to the family and their feuds.
What are they bringing to Nuadoria?: Boxed weapon "Ligre Tempesta di Cielo", his two guns, some ammo, and some typical personal shit
Third-Person Sample: (prompt: Rasiel vs Xanxus ending recap interpretation)
It had to be absolute.
That was where most fell short (This poor son of a bitch is rambling-) where most never could ascend to (-stupid little piece of shit, why are you even bothering) in order to discern from the good and the best.
And in the eyes of the best, no one else but the "best" mattered. It was all or nothing. Winner or loser. Master or dog.
Xanxus was no dog.
Had he been in any better of a mood, he'd surely have cocked something of a smile halfway through this disgusting offer by now; thrown it back and shoved it down the other's throat far enough he'd have had the chance to shit it out the other end if he didn't choke on it first. An improvement over that smirk (because you think you got your ass covered, do you?) if nothing else.
Then again, maybe not. That sort of effort was hardly necessary for someone like this.
But, it didn't matter, because regardless he was listening, an expression on his face that he was sure had to almost resemble interest from the way the other still droned on. And, indeed, it was. It simply wasn't interest for the bullshit drooling out of that mouth. Oh, no. No. It was interest for the sole function of this individual: the way they had played their cards from the beginning right up to challenging him, all along so confident, daring to fathom they could-no, would-win. Now, it took a special kind of idiot-was a special kind of dumbfuck-to be able to think the way this one did. Such high asparations from the lowly scum of the world.
Maybe, in the poor excuse for a head of Rasiel's, he was a David taking on a Goliath. Take down the opposing side's "elite". Maybe even work his way to the top, eventually, past the one he served. Maybe, just maybe, King.
Too bad this little David didn't have any fucking stones to throw.
And after everything, was he really going on to assume that he still knew even remotely anything about the Varia leader to try and entice him with such trash?
Perhaps so, and because of this the feral, impatient look stayed until the very last word to the offer fell from his victim's mouth. Then the internal scale was tipping again (so worthless you can't even beg right); so many options, so many possible reactions
-but Xanxus couldn't even be bothered to have some form of facial expression accompany his reply.
"Fucking scumbags. I only want the Vongola when it's at its strongest."
Rasiel's reactions were all he was going to need for this. He continued to speak, never taking his eyes off the other. And the man watched the other crack and peel with each continuing word, as the realization was hammered down slowly that all things considered, Xanxus was loyal.
And that meant...
"Regardless of our internal strife," he brought the gun up to aim now, his first movements since listening, "in times of crisis-when attacked from the outside-we, the Vongola, are always-" he pulled the trigger and watched Rasiel shatter-the final image of shock on what had just conspired disintegrating-into a thousand pieces.
"-one."
A weak Vongola family was a disgrace. Power-that control-was everything. But, only when it was absolute.
And Xanxus would wait for it.
First-Person Sample:
[At first, the transmission-like most-statics and crackles, but eventually the receiver line connects successfully and the interference dissipates. There is silence, however, for several moments, and it's clear there is someone on the other end. Thinking, deciding, maybe even having listened to a few conversations over it prior. Who knows.]
...What a piece of shit.
[The distinct sound of the communicator smashing into the ground and clattering a few spaces away from its crash point is heard, reigniting the static. The only other sound is the faint thud of boots clicking against pavement as they pass on by before silence and the connection times out.]