Before Michael can fully put his plan into action, Don Vito Corleone dies of a heart attack in his garden. At the funeral, Michael makes it clear that the family will be leaving New York and will be based in Las Vegas in the future. It has been ten years since Connie’s wedding at the house. The next morning, Michael meets with Tessio, Clemenza, Tom, Rocco Lampone, Albert Neri, and Carlo Rizzi. They all know that, with the death of the Don, their political influence, which gave the Corleone family so much power, has waned significantly.

They all also know that Michael is not the new Don yet; he must prove himself to them. At first, they do not speak to him with the respect offered to the Don. He tells them to be patient for a few weeks, and then some decisions will be made. Tom stays after the meeting, and Michael admits that he needed more time to solidify his political connections before his father died. Tom admits that he thinks he understands the plan, and they talk about the fact that someone, probably Barzini, will try to kill Michael, and that someone close to him will betray him to set up the assassination.