It's clear that Tsunayoshi Sawada isn't exactly top-notch material. He's clumsy, devoid of talent, and head-over-heels for the school idol Kyouko Sasagawa, who is way out of his league. His classmates have dubbed him "Loser Tsuna," which pretty much sums up his situation in life. However, things take an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Reborn, a hitman from Italy's strongest Mafia family. Assigned to prepare Loser Tsuna for the role of successor to the ninth boss of the Vongola family, who is retiring soon, Reborn has quite the task ahead of him. Despite his limitations, with the help of his new criminal associates and a peculiar tutor, Loser Tsuna may just have what it takes to rise above his mundane existence.