The Story of Lightning and Wind

by Kuma Akuma

Naruto and Sasuke died in a battle with an unknown murderer. However, as they head to heaven, they come in contact with something they thought they would never meet. An angel. The mysterious girl sends them to the world of Fiore to relieve their lives as a Mage. What better place for them to land except Fairy Tail?

67. Crocus At War

Before the chapter begins I'd like to address something. Last year was been trash. You guys are aware of my longer update times because I try and keep you all updated on them, but this one was especially long. I won't go into too much detail, but last year was been rough. It was rough for everyone. And it killed my motivation for writing. I was considering just dropping a timeline of what would have happened in all of my stories and ending it there. Not because I don't love the stories or you guys, but because this year burnt out all of my motivation for writing. School, COVID, family drama, work, and more burnt me out. And even as I update this I still can't honestly say I know that I'll be able to pump out chapters. At least, not for every story. Which is why I won't be updating every story. That's impossible at this point. I plan on finishing the Story of Lightning and Wind, and focusing entirely on it until it's done. The other stories would be on hiatus until then. I just don't have the time or energy to really work on them anymore. Frankly speaking, I'm not quite sure if I'll be able to finish this story. If someone wants to adopt my others and keep them going, you have my full blessing, just let me know so I can read and advertise it (I also have story challenges on my Profile that I'd like to read). I'm sorry to those of you that are fans of my other stories. One day I do hope to continue them. But for now, I can't.

With that being said.

Crocus At War

Wolfheim ducked underneath a blast of acid just as it speared through where his head once rested. The elderly man grit his teeth, flame swirling around his body. Suddenly jets of emeral flame appeared behind his back, knees, and underneath his feet. In a wave of heat he vanished, the flames acting like thrusters to increase his speed. Mito's eyes widened at the sudden increase in speed, Wolfheim's knee cratering into her stomach. Spit flew from the woman's mouth although it instantly evaporated due to the sheer heat. Wolfheim wasn't done yet, a jet of flame appearing behind his elbow. His arm rocketed forwards, the punch slamming into Mito's temple, sending her flying.

The woman flipped in midair, landing on shaky feet. She glared up at the man, preparing to charge only for her legs to falter.

'What!'

Wolfheim caught the weakness and capitalized, rocketing forwards with his extreme speed, although this time flame covered his entire arm.

"King's Rage!"

Mito grunted, barely manging to bring forth Isobu's shell before the blow connected. The explosion forced everything not rooted to the ground into the air, yet the shell did not crack. Wolfheim grunted, raising his arms up to bring them down in a double axe-handle only for the shell to suddenly disappear, Mito's legs covered in thick muscle. With a thrust of her powerful legs her arm, also covered in the thick muscle, smashing into Wolfheim's stomach. The mighty General wilted.

Mito capitalized, the muscle on her arm disappearing in favor of an army covered in a thick acid. She grasped Wolfheim's neck, the man hissing in pain as it bit into his thick muscle. Mito grinned, ink swirling around her other arm in a preparation to seal away Wolfheim's mighty power only for a conflagration of flame to push her away due to Wolfheim's magic power.

"Tch. You're an annoying opponent."

Wolfheim did not acknowledge the compliment.

'She's still quite capable even when pushed onto the defense. I can't give her any opening. She could seal me like she did Jiemma. The fire pushes her back, I have to keep it active.'

Mito smirked.

"Well if you won't go forwards, I will."

Mito shot forwards, chains flailing behind her like three serpents. In a flash they lashed out, only for Wolfheim to raised his arms, deflecting the chains as if they were dulled blades.

'His scales!'

Wolfheim snarled, firing off a beam of red energy with a roar. Mito grunted, bringing her chains up in a thick wall, managing to weather the blow. They were unable to hold the follow-up however, as Wolfheim's punch barrelled directly through the now-shattered chains. Mito's eyes widened as Wolfheim brought his other arm forwards, a sphere of energy in his hands.

"Planet Cracker!"

Mito snarled, bringing forth Isobu's shell once more around her other arm as she reached out, grasping the sphere. The energy detonated, forcing a wince of pain to appear on her face. Still, when the smoke cleared there was not a scratch on the shell. Wolfheim snarled, bringing his arm upwards in a devastating uppercut that cracked the woman on the jaw. She stumbled backwards, only for the elderly giant to reach out and grasph her head. With a roar he threw her into the ground, red energy crackling inside his throat.

A tower of red energy exploded into the sky with a bang, illuminating the area. When the energy dissipated all that could be seen was a shell underneath a mountain of a lizard.

A cracked shell.

Wolfheim snarled, only for a razor sharp whip of acid to shoot forwards, forcing him backwards as it bit into upper chest. The man hissed, only for the shell to be forced apart by Mito as she shot forwards. Thick, muscular arms drenched in acid slammed into Wolfheim's body. Their force, usually just blunt force trauma, imprinted themselves onto his body due to the weakening effects of the acid. Wolfheim heaved, his body crumpling under the weight of the blows, causing Mito to grin. Uncaring of the flames surrounding him she reached out, preparing to burn a hole in his throat with her acid.

Wolfheim snarled, twisting his body as his punch soared, smashing Mito in the chin. The woman reeled, forced away from the sheer physical strength of the blow. The titan then stood, his full height dwarfing her own once more.

"Enough of this Mito Uzumaki," he muttered, flames swirling around his body. He gazed down at the injuries on his body. The woman was stronger than he had given her credit for. He had toyed with the notion before, but it was clear now. As he was, in a match with no assistance she would win.

As he was.

"It's time I show you the strength of a General of Fiore."

"Oh and how will you do that?"

Wolfheim took a deep breath, his massive body rising and falling with every movement. Mito watched quietly, intriguied by the confidence of the elderly mage. What could he be concealing that could defeat her?

The man focused, his mind no longer on the fight. No he was in the mountains again. Younger. Wild.

Less powerful.

(-Flashback-)

The Beast was impassable, that was what he had thought at the time. It's strength was far superior to his own. None of his transformations had any hope of defeating it in combat. Then the lucky shot came! A singular strike that wounded the Beast, forcing it back. And then it happened.

The Mark of the King.

Animals and monsters alike charging him, forcing him backwards and unable to capitalize on the advantage he had painstakingly achieved. Forcing him further and further away from victory. The Beast howled, taking advantage of his lapse in concentration. He could tell the second he saw the orb of energy in it's scaled claws. He would die if that hit him. He couldn't defeat it in a straight fight. So he did the only thing he could think of.

"Beast Soul!"

The Mark of the King was his.

(-Flashback-)

That's right. The soul he had gained despite not desiring it. It had become his strongest weapon. And yet he hadn't unleahed it's full potential in the fight. The only way he could possibly beat the impressive mage before him.

The Mark of the King.

Crimson energy exploded off the body of Wolfheim. Mito frowned. Was it just an extra boost of power he was-NO! Mito grit her teeth, suddenly regretting the decision to let the man focus. The air was oppressive, weighing down on her. It felt as though she were moving through quicksand.

'What is this!?'

The very environment was pushing her down, demanding her to kneel. Her subjugation. How? How was he doing that? What was this strange energy?

"Tell me Mito Uzumaki," Wolfheim stated, staring at the woman.. No, not staring. Not glaring. Looking down on her. As though she was lesser than him. Nothing to be concerned about. On his chest, a small tattoo formed depicting two pairs of black horns extending from a demonic looking head.

"Have you ever met a King?"

---

Cobra grit his teeth as he dodged the flashing weaponry, barely able to avoid the lethal attacks. The redheaded fairy was proving to be more of a challenge than he had anticipated. She had stopped concealing her thoughts from him, but in return she had unleashed an attack that he didn't think was possible. An attack that possessed one of the qualities to beat him.

Limitless attack options.

Cobra grit his teeth, deflecting a blade off of his tought scales before he leapt forwards, poison trailing from his body.

'Let's try this on for size, Poison Dragon's Scales!"

Erza's blades flashed forwards, glowing with power, only to be met with a barrage of poisonous spheres, the attacks completely negating one another. Cobra wasn't done though, dashing forwards in a burst of speed to appear in front of Erza. The woman braced, bringing the Mugetsu-Ryu up to defend, only for Cobra to grab the blade, completely unafraid of its lethal cutting edge. Erza's eyes widened as Cobra pulled, shattering her defense with a punch to the stomach. The woman heaved, but was unable to counter. Cobra followed up, his arm shrouded in poison before he slammed it into Erza's cheek. The S-class mage flew, skidding across the ground as she slowed to a halt.

Cobra smirked, only for his eyes to widen as he desperately leapt from the onslaught of blades that shot from the ever circling portals.

'What the hell are those!'

Cobra leapt away, dodging the blades only for his eyes to widen as one of those portals flickered into existence above him. A massive hammer dropped down, a kanji glowing a bright red emblazoned on it. Cobra grit his teeth, snapping his fingers. Sound waves raged, slowing the hammer down enough for him to leap up and grab the hammer. With a grunt he hurled it at Erza, only for the woman to easily snap her fingers and have the hammer go back to her pocket dimension. Cobra frowned.

'Guess that won't work.'

The man shot forwards, clasping his hands together as poison leaked off of his body. In a flash they separated, poison coating hands more claw-like than anything else. With a grunt he threw his arm forwards, attempting to run the woman through only for the Mugetsu-Ryu to appear, blocking the strike. Cobra wasn't done yet though, his other arm sweeping towards Erza's head. The redhead dropped, the claws only cutting through strands of her hair. The female mage grunted, raising an arm as a portal appeared between them, lashing out with a spear that tried to pierce Cobra through the stomach only for him to catch it and swing it back at her. Erza didn't even bother raising her blade to block, mentally sending the weapon back to her pocket dimension. Her blade swung through the air, the Mugetsu-Ryu all but audibly crying for blood.

It would not get it.

Cobra had heared it all, easily dodging the blade by ducking his body in, quickly getting inside Erza's guard. In the cramped space one might think that despite having the advantage he would be unable to put his full force behind his blows.

They would be wrong.

Cobra's arm snapped up in a devastating uppercut that sent Erza stumbling backwards. The man was quick to capitalized, launching a kick that smashed into her stomach, keeling her over as saliva flew from her mouth and onto his pants. Cobra grunted, poison flickering on his hand as he created the Poison Dragon's Sharp Horn. The man would have launched the attack, if not for the storm of shuriken that flew towards him. The man deflty avoided them, barely moving his body and slashing out with his fist to destroy the wire discreetly attached to them via the portal.

'Her attacks are getting obvious, even with her options. She's getting desperate. Still...I see no end to this summoning.'

Cobra's eyes twitched downwards as they caught movement, his eyes widening as he saw Erza surging towards him, the Mugetsu-Ryu glowing a virulent red.

"Kaen!"

The blazing energy surged as Erza's blade attempted to bite into Cobra only for the man to casually avoid the strike. His eyes widened however as the rest of her strategy appeared in his head. Did she...think of that just now?

Portals formed in a circle around the duo, spears glowing with energy within them. Cobra grit his teeth. He wouldn't have the time to dodge this. The spears fired, and Cobra did his best to deflect them, but it didn't matter. The energy detonated. The man grit his teeth, raising his arms to prepare for the follow-up. He knew what came next. Erza's blade biting across his scales proved him correct. While the blade was incapable of cutting through his dragon-like flesh he was still sent flying back from the energy, smashing into a nearby slab of rubble.

The man grit his teeth, stepping out of the rubble.

'Usually I can still hear on the fly plans and react. But with a combination of how close I was and the amount of options she has available to her thanks to those portals there was nothing I could do. The question is how much of that was luck and how much of it was skill. Either way, impressive.'

Erza smirked, pointing her blade at him.

"I must admit, you are stronger than any opponent I've ever faced. Even with Laxus I never felt like I was consistently on the losing side of the battle. You are Cobra of Oracion Seis correct?"

A nod clarified her answer.

"I see. A Dark Mage who ranks in the S-class. For us both to be S-class and the gap to be this large...I never thought such a thing was possible."

Cobra sighed. "Do you really have the time to be analyzing me with poison coursing through your veins?"

Erza's eye twitched and she dashed forwards, spears glowing with energy in the portals around her body they fired. Cobra grunted, leaping over the first salvo. The man spun in midair, grasping another spear and swinging it into a blade, the explosion shrouding him in smoke. He did not use it for concealment though, racing forwards as more spears honed in on him. The man's room for error decreased, but it didn't matter, dodging every spear with the slightests of movements before the man and woman clashed. The Poison Dragon Slayer launched a fist as Erza's blade thrust forwards. The tip and fist collided, releasing a storm of magical energy that sent dust flying in every direction. Erza grit her teeth as red energy coated her blade, attempting to pierce through Cobra's fist. The man grit his teeth, poison swirling around his fist, the magical energy around the crackling. The excess energy cracked against the ground and rubble, leaving deep grooves.

Suddenly the balance was broken.

Erza grit her teeth as she had to take a step back, Cobra beginning to push himself forward in their clash. The man's eyes glowed with power as he began to push Erza back.

The man recognized the falter for what it was, acting quickly to capitalize. He forced his way through and with an explosion of magic sent her flying backwards. Erza skipped across the ground, managing to flip onto her feet just as Cobra prepared to rush her.

She was smiling.

Portals flashed into existence around the man.

Cobra grit his teeth as more weaponry shot forwards. With a snap of his fingers sound waves raged forth, deflecting the blades. The man frowned, only for the frown to turn into a grimace of pain as Erza appeared in front of him, wreathed in Flight Armor. Her blade swung downwards, another deep cut forming on his body. The man snarled, swiping at the woman only for her to blur away from him. Cobra snarled, releasing a Poison Dragon's Roar in her direction only for his eyes to widen as the woman raised her blade, red energy swirling off of it.

"Kamaitachi!"

Erza swung down, the destructive red energy bifurcating the tornado of poison. Cobra's eyes narrowed as he leapt away from the attack, taking into account the redhead that stood before him. She was clearly stronger than he had expected her to be. The poison was in her system, and yet she was fighting on par with him. It was impressive. Still, there was no way she could keep this up for longer than a few more minutes. Cobra grit his teeth, shooting forwards, his body all but a blur to Erza.

'He's fast!'

The woman had no time to think as a kick impacted into her stomach, dropping her to a knee. Cobra didn't wait to follow up, his knee snapping upwards and impacting with Erza's chin with a sharp crack. Just as he looked to press his advantage, her blades skewed downwards forcing him away.

'Those blades of hers are what's keeping this balance in check. I can't close those portals either. Tch. Annoying brat.'

Cobra shot forwards once more, narrowly avoiding the blades Erza sent his way as he neared his target. He would just need one blow to stun her for a moment. One blow to temporarily separate her connection to those portals. He could do that.

The man's arm shrouded itself in poison as he lashed out, the punch aimed at her gut. His eyes widened as where there was once an easy target there was now a shield. The weapon didn't hold, there was no way it could, but it was enough to blow his arm away. Out of position.

Defenseless.

The man heared her attack loud and clear, and was helpless to stop it.

"Baki!"

Erza's blade bled crimson energy as she swiped upwards, the blade biting deep into Cobra's body. The man hissed, leaping away from the bite of the steel blade as he inspected his injury.

'Deep. That's gonna scar.'

Erza stood, glaring at Cobra, despite her shaky feet. The man before her was a threat, that much was obvious. He outclassed her in speed, even with her Flight Armor, and had stronger attacks. It was her skill that was allowing her to fight on the same level as him. Her gate. Still, she was losing. The poison in her system would only move faster the more she moved, and with every blow the man before her landed she would grow weaker. More poison would be injected into her body. It was like fighting a snake, and every blow led to more venom being injected.

Cobra sighed, looking up to glare at the woman before him.

'Such a capable mage. Even in such a pitiful state she can fight me back. I'm being reckless. No more. This fight ends now.'

Their eyes locked.

"You asked me about the difference in a power. An understandable question, but it's the wrong question."

Erza's eyes widened, not expecting the man to talk. He hadn't talked much throughout the battle. She was forced to abandon that thought as Cobra shot forwards, punch at the ready. Erza grit her teeth, swinging the Mugetsu-Ryu at his midsection, aiming for the largest target so he would have little time to dodge. The man grabbed the blade, surprise on Erza's face as he did the impossible once again. How was he negating the cutting power of the Mugetsu-Ryu? She tried to push the blade forwards anyway, crimson energy flickering around the blade. Poison flashed to life around the man's arm before he pushed through, blasting Erza backwards in an explosion in magic power. The woman grunted, only for her neck to be grabbed by Cobra. The man snarled, a punch cratering into her stomach. Erza wheezed, blood flying from her mouth before Cobra began to spin, the redhead dragged along with the momentum.

"You see it's not a difference in our power or even technique that separates us."

The man released his grip, allowing Erza to fly into the rubble. The man didn't bother waiting to see what had happened, releasing a storm of poison in the form of a Poison Dragon's Roar directly at the woman. The blow detonated in a cloud of poison, enveloping the area.

"The difference that separates us is something much less visible. What separates us is...mentality."

Erza slowly stood, glaring at Erza despite her shakiness. It was obvious she couldn't fight any longer.

"That is why you are in that position and I am in mine. It is the difference between an A-class mage and an S-class mage. It's not strength that separates the two. There are many A-class mages that have the power of S-class mages. There are many with the technique. But there are few with the mentality of one. And that is why you lose. One cannot survive in the world of S-class mages with your mentality."

Cobra disappeared, appearing behind Erza in a flash, fist coated in poison. A Poison Dragon's Sharp Horn.

"The world of S-class mages is filled with monsters."

Erza swung her blade haphazardly at the man, the S-class mage ducking underneath it to smash the blow into her stomach. Erza heaved, stumbling backwards.

"If you try to venture into it as a human, you will die."

Erza grit her teeth, her vision already swimming. She had taken too many blows. That much was obvious. The fight had only gone on for a brief moment, and yet she was already about to fall. What about her training? Had it all been pointless? And what was this talk about mentality, monsters, and humans? She was an S-class wasn't she? She couldn't be this far behind him. He wasn't Naruto or Sasuke! This was an S-class mage before her, and she was about to fall? She had fallen to Laxus as well. There had to be something she could do.

She had no time to think about what exactly that thing was before the man charged forwards again. Her eyes blurred, raising the Mugetsu-Ryu. With a flash she brought the blade forwards in a thrust, her movements sharp as ever despite her injuries.

It didn't matter.

Cobra could hear it.

The man had dodged, his punch already poised to hit her stomach. She bent over, the blow cratering through her, blood and spit flying from her mouth. Cobra sighed, watching as she crumpled to the ground. With a raised hand he unleashed a storm of poison onto her, shredding the ground with its force. When the attack cleared, Erza lay on the ground.

Defeated.

Cobra sighed, cracking his neck.

"She was more of a challenge than I expected, even for such a quick fight. Fairy Tail is teaching its mages correctly. Soon she might be deserving of her title as an S-class."

With a sigh Cobra twitched his hand, watching as all of the poison in Erza's system left her body, instead going to rest on a slab of stone that it quickly ate through.

"Would be a waste if you died," Cobra muttered. "Now where the hell is everyone?"

Cobra had no time to react as a wave of magic washed over him, sending him flying in an explosion. He skidded across the ground, only managing to stop himself due to digging his claw-like nails into the ground. The man snarled as pain blared through his senses. He had dropped his guard. And now his back was burned because of it. He had taken an attack. But from who?

"Bold of you to talk like that to Erza when you're so heavily wounded."

Cobra looked up, surprise on his face as he saw what seemed to be a demon placing Erza gingerly on a taller building, away from him. The demon then appeared before him, white hair defying gravity as it shot into the air. He knew that face. He had thought she had retired from fighting however.

"Mirajane Strauss."

Darkness Magic exploded around Fairy Tail's demon, her eyes boring holes into Cobra.

"Allow me to get some payback for her."

---

Gray was confused. He had gone into this fight prepared to face difficulties. This was apparently a member of the Oracion Seis he was fighting after all. Him winning without struggling would be unrealistic. But this? How could anyone expect this?

The shrunken man leapt away from another piece of rubble Doriate had thrown at him, desperate to find some type of way to counterattack. With a burst of speed he hid behind a piece of rubble, slinking between multiple slabs for cover to approach Doriate to attack. He had to have a strategy though. Otherwise he would lose. There were important factors that affected that as well. How was he a child all of a sudden? What had he done to him? He was smaller and his casting was slower. But how had he done it? What magic had the capability to do that? Most importantly, what were its weaknesses?

"I already know what you're thinking," Doriate said. "How did I turn you into a child? Why is your magic weaker and slower? How can you defeat me?"

Doriate roared with laughter. "Don't bother! There's no way you can defeat me! I'm a demon lording over you miserable humans! The great demon lord Doriate." Doriate's grin deepened, a dark look appearing on his face. "Honestly, it's amusing. I could have killed you as an adult, but there's no fun in that. It's always more fun to see the light leave you eyes looking like a child. Something about that pure fear. It's the best."

Gray clenched his fist, trying to ignore Doriate's words. Just focus on the task at hand. The teen in a boy's body appeared at the top of rubble behind Doriate, a small blade of ice in his hands. Silently he leapt into the air, blade at the ready. It was too short and small to pierce the thick skull of the demon before him. But that wasn't the only way to win a battle.

With the quietest of grunts Gray stabbed the blade into the back of Doriate's neck, using his body weight and gravity to try and recreate the force he would have if he was in his fully grown body. He was aiming for the spine. If he could just sever it he could win regardless. Doriate hissed, a stream of blood leaking from his thick neck. But he did not fall. The demon reached up, grabbing Gray's head and throwing him to the ground before him. The demon hissed, stomping on the teen's head with his boot as he ripped the blade from his neck and shattered it.

"You annoying little twat," Doriate hissed. Doriate glared down at the smaller male, raising his fist. "I'll kill you!"

Gray panicked as the blow came down, but was unable to dodge as it cratered into his body, causing him to howl in pain. Blood shot from his mouth onto Doriate's arm, causing the demon to grin. Without hesitation it raised another fist, this one fully prepared to blow a hole through Gray's body, only for his eyes to stop.

Doriate frowned, tilting his head as if pondering an order.

'What the hell do you mean Deliora wants him? Why the hell should that matter?'

Doriate frowned, flinching away like he was being lectured. He turned to stare back down at Gray, all of his attention on the teen. Casually he lifted his boot off of the teen.

"Looks like you get to live...today."

Gray groaned, confused but thankful. He could live. But why? He was sure the demon had been prepared to kill him. So what had made him stop. No, that wasn't accurate. He stopped because he was ordered to.

Who had made him stop?

He wasn't able to think any further as Deliora stomped down on his head sharply and the world went black. The demon sighed, walking away with a frown.

"Damn ice bitch..."

---

Naruto didn't blink when Barakiel sent Matatabi staggering back with a blow directly to her forehead, instead slipping underneath the Bijuu to prepare his follow-up attack. With a grunt he raised his arms, his muscles flexing as wind coalesced. With another grunt the wind shot forwards, forcing the Bijuu into the air. Ging and Silva didn't need a suggestion to act, both leaping towards the Bijuu from opposite ends.

"Silvester!"

"Chemical Blast!"

Ging roared as his orange-shrouded arm smashed into Matatabi's side just as the two gigantic orbs of crackling energy sent by Silva did. The Bijuu howled as the two attacks landed, detonating and sending her flying to the ground. Barakiel smirked, magic welling up inside him. The beast before him was a being of fire. So he would snuff it out.

"Sea King Dragon's Roar!"

With a titanic roar Barakiel let his monsoon of water fly, smashing into Matatabi and pushing her further into the ground. Naruto, for all his surprise at Barakiel being a Dragon Slayer, didn't let this opportunity slip. He knew better than anyone that letting Matatabi get her footing would prove diastrous for them. They had to keep her surpressed with a continous barrage.

"Sky God's Bellow!"

Soon the monsoon of water became a virtual hurricane as the two attacks combined, smashing into Matatabi and keeping her pinned underneath the raging currents. Ging whistled at the sight, a grin coming to his face. The man clasped his hands together, orange energy crackling alongside his arms. The man grunted with effort, slowly separating his hands to reveal a small orb of orange energy crackling violently. Slowly he raised the orb above his head.

"Explorer Crash!"

With a roar he let the attack loose, the giant orb smashing into the hurricane and eventually Matatabi. A massive explosion shook the ground as it detonated, damaging the Bijuu, yet freeing her from the never-ending hurricane. That didn't mean she had time to catch her breath however. Silva was directly above her, a massive scythe made of energy in his hands. The man came down like a bullet, scythe crackling.

"Reaper."

With a grunt he swung the weapon down, slicing directly across Matatabi's throat. The man grit his teeth as he heard the beast hiss in pain. It hurt, but it wasn't enough to pierce the flames. Not enough for critical damage. Silva landed, leaping away from the falling Matatabi. Staring at the beast with irritation. The flames ability to resist attacks would be irritating, but nothing he had never dealt with before.

"Matatabi's flames operate like scales! Only certain areas on them are weak to assault. If you can find those spots target them! Everything else treat like bluntforce damage," Naruto yelled.

Silva nodded, immediately preparing to launch another attack only for his eyes to widen as Matatabi was ready to counterattack, a storm of flame pouring off of the beast and forcing him away. Barakiel didn't hesitate, willing to test his water against the beasts flames. He sent a torrent of water at the creature only for a jet of flame to shoot directly at the torrent. The two attacks collided, releasing a cloud of steam that cloaked everyone in the area, bar Matatabi. The beast was simply to big. Barakiel instantly capitalized, using his magic to thicken the mist before he shot in, followed closely by Naruto. Yet just as they neared another storm of flame occured, forcing them back and unable to reach the beast.

"She's using that flame of hers as a makeshift shield," Barakiel muttered.

"We can't break through like this," Naruto hissed. "And if we give her any room to get her bearings..."

The blonde was unable to finish that thought as a massive jet of flame shot towards the duo, forcing them to separate. Matatabi roared, the sheer force of it sending the mist away. The Bijuu turned to glare at it's enemies.

"That happens," Naruto grumbled, before he dodged another storm of flame. Ging frowned, shooting forwards in an attempt to capitalize on Matatabi's lack of focus only for his eyes to widen as he was batted away by her tail, burns forming on his arms.

'She's fast!'

Barakiel shot forwards, a spear of lightning in his hands. With a grunt it begun to rotate as he lunged at Matatabi's eyes, only for the Bijuu to swing her head backwards, avoiding the weapon. Barakiel spun, aiming the spear to launch it forwards only to be met with Matatabi's open mouth, a jet of blue flame surging forwards and catching in a blaze. Barakiel hissed in pain, transforming into lightning to get out of the conflagration before he returned to normal on the ground, burns covering his body. Matatabi had no time to attack him however as Naruto and Silva both shot forwards. The Bijuu hissed, before a wave of flames shot from its mouth. The conflagration turned into giant mice that charged towards the duo. Silva frowned, not bothering to deal with the mice as he leapt over them, eyes focused entirely on the creature before him. Naruto simply blew them away with his wind.

The mice proved to just be a distraction however as Matatabi shot forwards, her body wreathed in white flame as she collided with Silva, sending the man flying away. Naruto shot forwards, irritation on his face as he outstretched his arm, tapping into his new energy. He hadn't started using it since the fight began, preferring to save it for when it really mattered. But if Matatabi had regained her fotting it would be a requirement. Unlike the energy from back home he had more free flowing control of magic. He still couldn't absorb it from the environment while fighting, but he didn't have to use it in an attack if he didn't want to.

Now he did.

"Magic Sage Art: Rasengan!"

Matatabi snarled as Naruto approached, her tail whipping forwards to collide with the attack. A shockwave shot forth, sending dirt in every direction as the two fought for superiority. Just when it seemed like the two were effectively at a stalemate Matatabi roared and her tail broke through, smashing into Naruto's stomach. The blonde spat up silva, his body reeling in pain. The blonde was quick to attack however, slamming his hands downwards just before a paw smashed into his body and sent him flying into the ground.

Naruto rose, blood dribbling from his mouth and locked eyes with Matatabi. Silently two clones of himself appeared before him as he created a Rasengan, the clones adding the Dark Ericture. Matatabi snarled, sending a jet of flame to stop his preparation only for Ging to appear between the two, his body wreathed in an orange energy. The man's body surged with magic energy, seeming to be a whole size bigger as he raised his hands forwards. With a roar he parted the flames as they neared, diverting them to the sides of the blonde. With a grunt Ging spread his hands, parting the remainder of the flames, only for his hands to clench as if grabbing something. Orange energy enveloped the flames before Ging swung his arms forwards, the flames smashing back into Matatabi. The Bijuu stumbled backwards, but if the look on her face was any indication it was more due to shock than anything else.

Naruto was not going to let that opportunity go to waste.

He shot forwards, his clones disappearing in the process. The blonde soared towards Matatabi, the beast just not getting over the storm of flame Ging had redirected at it. He wouldn't get there fast enough to capitalize however. The attack simply took too long with stablization. The extra energy did that. Matatabi opened her mouth, the blonde watching flame build up behind it. With a grunt he prepared to throw his attack, only for his eyes to widen as Matatabi's mouth suddenly snapped shut, courtesy of Barakiel kicking down on the Bijuu's mouth. Barakiel raised his hands to his face.

"Eyes Naruto!"

The blonde, confused blinked, completely unprepared for the flash of light that covered his eyes. Naruto hissed, realizing what the warning meant now. But if he was blinded...

Naruto hurled his attack blindly. He knew her general area. She likely hadn't moved. This would hit. A howl confirmed his guess.

"Magic Sage Art: Dark Explosion!"

A titanic explosion detonated across the battlefield, Matatabi howling as she was enveloped. Naruto grit his teeth massaging his eyes as his vision returned. Barakiel landed next to him.

"My apologies, I thought you had enough warning."

"Not really," Naruto hissed.

"Yes, well I suppose we can't expect our teammwork to be flawless. It is the first time you've fought with us."

"You're not giving him enough credit," Ging said, appearing next to the duo. "He's keeping pace with us quite well. His teammwork is impeccable to. Doing all that on the fly isn't something to be understated."

"I must admit," said the approaching Silva, the man's shirt in cinders thanks to Matatabi, "you are impressive."

"You guys aren't too shaby yourselves," Naruto muttered, his vision restored. "I can see why your generals. Don't get confident though. That's not enough to put her down."

"You said we had to seal her correct? That her power would be to great to defeat otherwise," Barakiel questioned.

Naruto nodded. "Sealing her is the most permanent solution yes, but frankly speaking I'd rather avoid that if it came to it. Matatabi isn't normally like this. She herself said everything she's doing isn't up to her."

"Not up to her," Ging said, a frown on his face. "But if what you're saying is true then why do all of this?"

"Mito Uzumaki," Silva said. "She must be holding something over her head if she doesn't want to be doing this." He glanced at Naruto. "Relative of yours?"

"Grand aunt or something like that," Naruto muttered. "And technically wife in another life of mine or something like that," he muttered under his breath.

"There is no way she is your grand aunt looking like that. She doesn't look a day over thirty," Ging declared.

"We age well-Not the point!" Naruto stated, realizing they were getting off track. "Focus on Matatabi. This fight isn't over. I'd dare say it's just getting started."

Barakiel nodded, feeling the oppressive magic energy flood the area as the smoke from Naruto's attack cleared. Gone was the titanic figure of Matatabi, instead of the human Yui Nii stood before them, wreathed in blue flame, two blue tailsMM swaying behind her.

"She shrank her form to a more humanoid shape," Ging muttered.

"Fighting as a quadruped is likely difficult. No arms and close combat is difficult. And at that size? Even with her speed, she has more agility like this surely," Silva commented.

"Naruto?" Barakiel questioned. "You've known her longer than any of us."

Naruto frowned. "She's fought as a quadruped practically her whole life. And many of her fights have been against creatures that have had arms or humans themselves. Outnumbered. She's not unused to these types of fights. This...I've never seen this. It's completely new to me."

"So she has something even you've never seen," Silva stated. His eyes narrowed, a scythe of pink energy appearing in his hands once more.

Naruto nodded, tensing his legs. "Be cautious. I have no idea what she's capable of like that."

Ging grinned, orange energy burning off his body like a star. "This is gonna be fun."

Barakiel sighed as lightning crackled around him, his eyes glowing with power. "Don't hesitate. Regardless of intention this is still a life or death fight. Now...go!"

The group shot forwards, Naruto and Barakiel soaring through the air as Silva and Ging thundered across the ground. Matatabi watched them approach, her eyes sharp. Her legs flexed, and with a sound akin to the crack of thunder she exploded into movement.

---

Azuma groaned as his eyes blurrily opened. This kid was strong. Stronger than he had given him credit for. Still, this was nothing he couldn't handle. The man reviewed his discovery as he made his way out of the rubble he was sent into. He couldn't handle attacks of massive biological amount. Then again, of course he couldn't. That distortion ability of his had to have some limit, no matter how powerful it was. He was likely manipulating the vectors of the objects, meaning that he had to calculate the vectors and manipulate them in his brain to actually manipulate them. It wasn't just a natural force field his magic automatically erected. Which meant he could be overwhelmed.

Azuma glanced around his area, trapped in a rather large cavern underground. He had no idea how deep he had been sent, but the conclusion was clear. He was cut off from any help. That was fine though, this environment suited him. He could let loose his more powerful techniques without the need to worry about prying eyes, and he also had the ability to attack from blindspots again. Sending roots through the ground to surprise the teen was an option with their being a ceiling. Yes, this was a better environment for him to do battle in. With the kids ability to fly with those wings of his it would be a mistake to give up the aerial advantage and come down here.

And yet when Azuma felt the bloodlust descend from the tunnel he had just created he grinned. The kid either was an idiot or was overconfident. Either option worked fine with him. With a quick burst of magic his roots were already in motion. He would have to be patient, but that was fine. The kid couldn't take much punishment. A single massive attack would destroy him. As long as those roots got inside that radius of his, he had him.

Azuma grinned, bloodlust rolling off of him in waves. This was good. The kid was strong. The rest of this fight was going to be fun.

Midnight appeared from the opening in the tunnel, a small smile on his face. "I told you, I'm invincible." The teen raised a hand, an orb of Darkness Magic forming before he fired it directly at Azuma. The man didn't bother dodging, raising a hand in preparation.

"Bleve."

The explosion countered the attack, destablizing it and causing it to dissipate. Azuma smirked, leaping forwards towards Midnight, only for his eyes to widen as he saw the teen flick his hand. Thinking quickly the man generated explosions with his hands, leaping away from the ethereal blades that carved into the ground before he flung himself towards Midnight. The teen grimaced, sloppily raising an arm to block. Azuma didn't bother with a punch however, grabbing Midnight and flinging him towards the ground, pushing off of his chest to increase the force.

Midnight crashed into the ground, a frown on his face as Azuma fell to the ground in front of him. Without any hesitation the man launched another explosion forwards, only for Midnight's distortion to force the blast away from him. That wasn't Azuma's aim however as he leapt through the smoke, a grin on his face as he got close to Midnight.

'I'm within the range!'

Explosions ripped forwards from Azuma's hands, sending Midnight skidding backwards, burn marks on his chest. Azuma leapt forwards, prepared to capitalize only to force himself away with midair explosive-induced acrobatics as Midnight sent a wave of Darkness Magic at him. Midnight snarled, an orb of darkness swirling around in his hands before he sent it flying at Azuma.

"Dark Maelstrom!"

The orb grew in size, crackling with energy as it zeroed in on Azuma. The man grunted, clasping his hands together. A tree trunk rose in front of him, exploding in a violent shower of bark as the orb made contact. Still, it had served its purpose. Azuma prepared to shoot forwards only for his eyes to widen as he saw the dust produced by the explosion part. The man tried to move, but was too slow to avoid it completely. Instead of a lethal wound the blade only cut into his upper shoulder causing him to his in pain. He had no time to rest however, diving away from his position as more and more ethereal blades cut through the smoke, destroying the rubble behind where Azuma once stood.

The man hid behind a slab of stone, clutching his wound. The man grit his teeth, placing his hand on the ground and using his magic to create several roots that spread around the area. The man grunted, the very tips of the roots barely sticking out the ground. Midnight took a step forwards, causing Azuma to nod his head.

"Where are you?"

Slightly to the man's right, not that he needed to know that information. Several roots shot towards Midnight, tearing towards him. The teen whirled, Darkness Magic swirling in his hands before he fired, disintegrating the assault. Azuma wasn't done yet though, more and more roots swarming Midnight in an almost never ending wave. The teen tried to keep up, firing off several volleys of Darkness Magic, but whenever one root died three more appeared. It just wasn't enough. Eventually he was forced into the air from the onslaught. Midnight raised his arms, another Dark Maelstrom forming as he prepared to eradicate all of the roots below him before they suddenly exploded, blinding him in a bright flash of light. Midnight hissed, the energy above him destablizing and throwing him to the ground. That was when Azuma made his move, sprinting towards the teen as blood shot from his wounds angrily.

'Wings, wings! I gotta tear off those wings!'

Azuma threw his hands forwards, roots shooting forwards from below him to wrap around Midnight's wings. The man smirked, snapping his fingers.

"Chain Burst!"

Explosions traveled up the length of the roots before they detonated completely, Midnight's howls of pain echoing throughout the chamber. When the dust from the explosion cleared Midnights wings were mangled, completely unusable anymore. Still, the man was alive and kicking, that much was clear as Azuma was suddenly reintroduced to the vortex of distorted air. Azuma wheezed, dropping to his hands and knees as the attack ended, barely able to breath. The man grinned, glaring up at the blurry form of Midnight that was also on his hands and knees before him. The two locked eyes, one filled with righetous anger and the other filled with unsatiable bloodlust as they both slowly began to stand.

"You wounded me," Midnight stated. Darkness Magic exploded off of him in waves as he forced himself to his feet. The air around him twisted, a shrill shrieking filling the air as though it was being tortured. "You will regret that."

Azuma grinned, standing to his feet before cracking his knuckles. "No," Azuma hissed. "I don't think I will."

The ground itself glowed green as Azuma clasped his hands togethers, his hair flying backwards as green energy swirled around him.

"In fact, I think the fun's just getting started! So give me your best shot, Oracion Seis!"

---

Makarov hissed as he barely dodged another blow from the man before him. The small man tried to swing his leg around, only for Animus to catch it with ease. The man grinned, spinning around before he launched the elderly man like a top. Makarov grit his teeth as he crashed through the rubble, but his eyes remained locked onto Animus. It was good they were, otherwise he would never have been prepared for the burst of speed that put Animus used to get right next to him.

A blade of crystal appeared in the mans hand before he lashed downwards, aiming to spear right through the Wizard Saint. Makarov was quick to react however, a shining light resonating from his hand as he deflected the blade to his side. The elderly man grunted, his leg lashing out to kick at the man. It didn't matter, the blow impacting with force yet failing to force Animus back even slightly. Animus grinned, slashing his crystal blade to the side, forcing Makarov to transaform entirely to light to get away from the attack. Animus' eyes followed, unable to keep up with the man but easily able to predict where he would go. Makarov was directly above him, orbs of light floating around his body.

"I do not know who you are," Makarov muttered. "But you are clearly on the level of a Wizard Saint. A threat such as yourself Fiore can not afford."

Animus snorted, tuning out Makarov's speech. A threat on the level of a Wizard Saint? How impudent. He was far above the Wizard Saints. He was merely just having fun. He had found another human that could be useful. That Midnight child and now a Wizard Saint. If he could gather more, he could defeat him when the time was right. Of course there was the Dragon Slayer he had seen near the Magic Council, but he was weaker than the elderly man now. Special properties to his magic or not, he was not close to the level required to be useful, that much had been clear.

The man started paying attention just as Makarov called out his attack.

"Yasakani no Magatama!"

Animus saw the orbs of light descend at dazzling speeds, the sky exploding with light as the onslaught descended. It didn't matter. The man opened his mouth and let loose the staple attack of beings such as him. A tornado of crystal and wind tore through the air, destablzing any attack near him and forcing Makarov away, it's size dwarfing the elderly man several times over. Makarov appeared behind him, his fist flying forwards.

"Giant's Wrath!"

Animus turned and caught the blow, letting the destructive force wash over him as the ground around the duo exploded in a flash of light and destructive energy. Makarov's eyes widened at the brazen show of strength before he was lifted above the man. Before Animus could counterattack however, all of Makarov's body except his leg and hand transformed into light. His body suddenly rotated, bending at physically impossible angles to land a kick that smashed directly into Animus' face, forcing him to release the Wizard Saint as he took two steps backwards. Makarov landed on the ground, his body normal once more before he raised his arms forwards.

"Cosmic Flare!"

A beam of light shot from Makarov's hands, before splitting into five different beams, all of equal size as the initial one. The five beams of light surrounded Animus, the man frowning before they impacted. The beams exploded, the ground shaking with the force of the attack. Makarov wasn't going to wait to see what effect the attack had however, his hand opening as veins surged around his body. Helios formed in his hands before he concentrated, the veins in his arms bulging as light swirled around him. Around the attack several rings formed, other orbs of magic forming in each of the rings before the attack finished, looking like a miniature version of the solar system.

Makarov shot forwards just as the dust cleared, attack in hand. Animus was standing there, unharmed, as he watched Makarov approach. However his eyes soon snapped to Makarov's hand and his eyes widened.

'Impressive!'

Animus opened his mouth to let loose his tornado just as Makarov thrust his arm forwards.

"Solar System!"

The titanic explosion caused from the two attacks clashing blew away rubble and dust in every direction. A tower of dust flew into the sky. Civilians from the surrounding area, glanced at the explosion, shock on their faces. They had seen the two mages battling, but had managed to avoid any causalties, but that explosion disauded them of any idea that they could consistently do this. The battle was steadily growing more serious. It was a good thing they didn't have to worry about this problem as suddenly they were all far away from the battlefield, Makarov standing before them with his Wizard Saint cloak around his shoulders.

"Run."

The citizens didn't have time to respond as Makarov's body blazed into light and he moved forwards. A spear appeared in his hands as he shot forwards, the weapon spinning in Makarov's hands. Just as the dust cloud cleared Makarov appeared, lance thrusting forwards at Animus' jugular.

"Apollo's Lance!"

Animus snarled, bringing up a hand to block the strike, hissing as the weapon dug into his hand but failed to pierce the entire way through. Makarov didn't slow down his assault, having expected the attack to fail. The tiny man converted back into a human form as his arm grew in size. With a roar he launched the punch forwards, his fist now dwarfing Animus in size and smashing into the man. Animus grit his teeth as the blow landed, but stood his ground. With a roar that sounded strangely draconian the man blew Makarov's arm away. His fist lashed out, a backhand smashing into Makarov's cheek and sending him flying.

Animus shot forwards, grabbing Makarov and flinging him into the ground with a thunderous BOOM. The man appeared over the rising elderly man, hand outstretched. Tealish energy swirled around his hand before he loosed the bottled storm of energy, sending Makarov flying backwards as lacerations appeared all over his chest. The Wizard Saint groaned, trying to rise from the injuries only for Animus to appear in front of him.

"You have done well. That is enough."

Makarov grit his teeth, a bolt of light shooting forwards towards Animus only for the man to dodge it with ease. The man's knee shot upwards, cracking into Makarov's chin before he spun, his leg smashing into the man's temple. The world blurred for the elderly Wizard Saint as he flew into the ground, unable to move.

Animus walked forwards. "You have done enough. I will end this fight here and now. Our goal here was likely accomplished already with Zash on our side." Animus stood above Makarov, another storm of energy gathering in his hands. "Know this Makarov Dreyar. You have passed this test. When he returns...I shall come for you."

Makarov didn't pay attention to what the man was saying, gritting his teeth as he tried to focus.

'Damn it! Is this all this old body is capable of? That I can't handle some young brat!'

Words vaguely resonated in Makarov's mind, those of Animus. The elderly man shook his head, shaking off the distraction. 'There has to be something I can do. I'm not dead yet after all! I can still do this!'

Makarov's body surged up, but it was to late. Animus' attack was ready. However just as the attack was about to be launched a conflagration of fire smashed into the man, sending him skidding backwards. Animus snarled, brushing off the attack. It hadn't hurt, but it had been enough to make him aware of who he was facing. The properties of that magic. That heat had stung in a way that the Wizard Saint's magic had not. Those flames were from a Dragon Slayer. Makarov's eyes widened, shock visible on his face. That attack could only have come from...

Flames burned through the area, the temperature spiking as white flame melted everything flammable. The heat was oppressive, Natsu's eyes glowing with rage. A shower of white flame burned from his body, painting the area in a white hue.

"Bastard," Natsu hissed. "You lay another finger on the master and I'll turn you to ash!"

"Natsu, this opponent is too much-"

"That doesn't matter," Natsu hissed. "I'm not running away from here."

"Don't you get it," Makarov roared, rising to his feet. "It's meaningless! He's too strong for you!"

Animus smirked, his eyes locked onto the Dragon Slayer before him. "He's right boy. You stand no chance of defeating me, even with your magic's properties."

"What the hell are you talking about gramps," Natsu hissed, fixing the elderly man with a cold stare. "Meaningless? If the drive behind one's actions is the thought for another, then it's never meaningless. This was something that you taught us!"

Makarov's eyes widened at Natsu's words. Slowly, a small smile spread across his face. Of course it wasn't. The elderly man let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. What had he been thinking? He, the guildmaster, had forgotten all of the lessons he had preached to his children. How foolish he had been. Makarov turned to glare at Animus, his magic energy exploding forth. The elderly man glanced at Natsu.

"Follow my lead here Natsu. He's the most dangerous enemy you've ever fought. Capitalize on the openings I generate you hear!"

"Yes sir!"

Animus stared at the duo, a frown on his face. "You foolish mages. You know you cannot win and yet you fight on pretending that you can. I shall remove that false hope from you."

Makarov smirked. "That's the thing about us Fairy Tail mages. We're stubborn as hell."

"This is not stubbornness," Animus stated. "Your subordinate will die. You are aware of that correct? He is not on the level needed to stand before me."

Makarov frowned. "Natsu will be fine. To even get a chance to kill him you'll have to get through me. After all, it is the role of a parent to stand in front of their children and protect them even if their legs were to give out at any moment."

Animus' magic power exploded, teal energy creating a hue that clashed with the white one Natsu's flames generated.

"That can be arranged."

The two sides charged each other.

---

Mirajane shot forwards, Darkness Magic swirling around her. The energy swirled around her fist as she threw a punch forwards, only for it to only hit the air as Cobra dodged with ease. Mirajane didn't slow down however, flapping her wings to spin on a dime to lash out with a kick at Cobra's head. The man swayed backwards, avoiding the blow, an almost bored look on his face. Mirajane whirled to meet him, opening her mouth before letting out a screech of Darkness Magic. The wave of energy shot forwards, yet Cobra was prepared, leaping over it. The man landed behind the S-class mage, raising a hand in her direction.

"Orchestra."

Mirajane hissed as the sound crashed into her form, dropping to a knee as she lost her balance. She couldn't move, her head was pounding too much. But she had to fight through it anyway. Erza was counting on her! With a grunt Mirajane unleashed a storm of Darkness Magic that forced Cobra backwards and also cancelled his attack. With a grunt Mirajane stood, Darkness Magic swirling around her hands before her eyes locked onto Cobra.

"Evil Explosion!"

Twin storms of magic swirled around Mirajane's hands before she released them in a beam directly at Cobra. The man stared at the attack as it neared him, an unbothered look on his face. Then he moved, dodging the attack and cutting inside Mirajane's guard before she was prepared.

"Like I told the redhead. Don't fight me if you're not trying to kill me," Cobra muttered, his punch smashing into Mirajane's stomach. The woman bent over, coughing in pain. Cobra prepared to pull his arm away only for his eyes to widen. Suddenly he raised his other hand, poison coating it as he smashed it repeatedly onto the back of Mirajane's head. The blows came down like thunder, the desperation in Cobra's eyes growing with every blow.

'Let go! Let go! I need to get away!'

Mirajane grinned. "I don't know how you're dodging all of my attacks that easily, but you can't dodge if we're this close right?"

Cobra stopped the assault, realizing it would fail. The man snapped his fingers just as Mirajane's hand pressed against his chest, a storm of Darkness Magic blasting him backwards. Mirajane grit her teeth, sound waves assaulting her but fought on, the energy attack blasting Cobra backwards and into a building. She kept the attack up until the pressure in her head finally dissipated, allowing her to stand.

"Did that get him?"

As the smoke from her attack cleared she realized her hope was for naught as Cobra stood there, an annoyed look on his face. His chest was even more damaged now, an angry bruise covering its center mass. The Poison Dragon Slayer stared at the Satan Soul user, his eyes cold.

"Cat got your tongue," Mirajane stated, a smirk forming on her face.

Cobra closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. His magic was focused on Mirajane despite his eyes being closed. He would not be taken off guard. The man ignored his visual senses, focusing solely on his mind as he sent the message.

'I'm not allowed to kill right?'

'I do not have time for this right now,' came the response.

Cobra sighed, breaking the mental connection. He clearly had his hands full across the city. That was fine. He was fairly sure he knew what the response would be anyway. Still, that didn't mean he couldn't tap into his training more than he already had. As long as no one died.

Cobra's eyes opened, smiling as he saw Mira in her same place, watching him with caution. Good, she was nervous. She knew the threat he posed. That made things easier for him. The lacrima in his chest hummed as his magic swirled. His scaly arms pulsed with power before he crouched, his muscles swelling with magic energy. Poison began to leak off of them as it became too much for his body to hold, the excess forming the miasma. Cobra opened his mouth, poisonous fog spilling out from his mouth as he stared at Mirajane. The woman's eyes narrowed, taking off into the sky before the poisonous fog coul reach her. That was fine by him.

"You won't be an aerial opponent for long," Cobra muttered. "I just need to bring you down once."

Then Cobra moved, pushing forwards with his legs. The force cracked the ground as he zeroed in on Mirajane, her eyes wide at the speed he was moving at. Still, she was able to react, releasing a beam of energy towards Cobra. The man was able to avoid with a series of snaps however, the sound waves bouncing him around in the air. Mira's eyes narrowed, launching a punch only for Cobra to expertly tilt his head out of the way to dodge the blow. Mirajane's eyes widened but she was too late to react as Cobra's arm smashed into her neck with a lariat. The woman coughed, her body suddenly desperate for air as she clutched at her throat. Cobra wasn't done yet however, smashing his feet onto her back to force her downwards.

Despite her predicament Mirajane wasn't done yet however. Her wings snapped opened before she reached the poison before she flew away from the poison. She coughed, her throat slowly recovering. Still, she knew better than to talk until she could get it looked at. That blow had hurt. Was he trying to crush her throat? She didn't have time to think about it any further as suddenly scale-shaped masses of poison shot towards her from the ground. She grit her teeth, spheres of energy forming in her hands before she fired off a barrage of Darkness Magic to clash with the attack.

'Evil Shower!'

The attacks clashed, explosions detonating whenever poison and Darkness Magic collided, shrouding the area between the duo in smoke. Mira was not going to settle for having a smokescreen between her and an opponent of this caliber however, energy swirling around her body before she raised her hand. Her body tensed for a second at the unconventional use of this spell, but it worked nonetheless.

'Dark Deflect.'

The smoke parted, revealing the ground empty beneath her. Mira's eyes immediately snapped around her, looking for the man. He couldn't have gotten far, even with his impressive speed. The smokescreen had only been there for a second. But he wasn't in front of her or to her sides. The woman glanced upwards, wincing at the sun's light in her eyes. Where was...was that?

Mira immediately gathered energy in her arms but it was too late, Cobra coming directly in the path of the sun as his kick smashed into her cheek, sending her flying towards the ground. The woman tried to use her wings to fly away once more, but this time Cobra wasn't going to allow it, as a Poison Dragon's Roar spat from his mouth. Mirajane grit her teeth, managing to avoid the attack only for Cobra to shoot towards her, his hand gripping her face on his descent before he slammed her into the ground. Mirajane grunted, inhaling in her pain. Cobra grinned savagely as the poison flooded her body. The man raised his hand, a Poison Dragon's Sharp Horn ready only for Mirajane's fist to meet it on its way downwards. The explosion forced him backwards, his eyes locked on Mirajane. The woman stood, frowning as she realized she had breathed in some of the poison. Cobra's eyes widened and he shot forwards, his punch stopped by Mirajane's forearm. He had just barely been able to stop her from expelling the poison.

She had a technique that could do that? He couldn't let her make any space.

The man smirked. 'Maybe there was another weakness to my style I hadn't accounted for.'

Cobra grunted, keeping up the barrage of kicks and punches to delay her expulsion of the poison. Mira frowned, barely managing to keep up with the man's attack patterns. He was fast, far faster than anyone she had fought since she had regained her powers. But that didn't mean she couldn't find a way around it. Speed wasn't the only way to win a battle.

Mira waited until Cobra launched another punch, her hand snaking out to grasp at his wrist only for the man to push her hand away. Mirajane's eyes widened, not expecting the sudden move. It was almost like had expected her to try and counter instead of block. The woman's frown deepened, her wings extending as she prepared to shoot away only for Cobra to clap his hands together. The woman screamed with pain as painful sound smashed into her head, disorienting her. Cobra smirked, poison coating his hand before a Poison Dragon's Sharp Horn smashed into her stomach. Mira bent over, sucking in air desperately, poison flooding her body as she did so.

Cobra smirked. That should be it. He wouldn't let her expel the poison from her body and it was clear that she wasn't otherwised skilled enough to push him back. The fight was over. The man watched with mild annoyance as the woman crumpled to the ground, her breathing shallow. She was trying to inhale as little poison as possible, but that was hurting her recovery. Not that it mattered, if she breathed in more she would just accelerate her defeat. There was no winning in this situation. She didn't have the toolset required to defeat him.

At least that was what he thought. Before he had any time to react her wings exploded to life and shot her into the air, causing him to frown. 'Another level of speed? No, if she was that fast she would have showcased it during my barrage. That was thinking on the fly. Desperation.'

Still, Cobra knew exactly what she was about to do. He leapt towards her, desperate to stop her from expelling the poison. Yet he found himself to slow. Her body tensed before tendrils of purple poison leaked through her mouth and nose. The dark mage frowned but resolved himself, poison swirling from his legs as he prepared to lash out at the S-class mage only for the poison around her to suddenly swirl around her body and deflect his strike.

'What? I thought it was just an ejection, but it's a total telekinetic manipulation! She can control my poison!'

Mirajane smirked, Darkness Magic dancing around her hands. Cobra grit his teeth, snapping his fingers to use his sound waves to launch him away but Mirajane shot after him. Cobra grit his teeth as she appeared before him. No matter how had he tried there was no way he could outspeed or outmaneuver her in the air. Before she unleashed her attack there was one thought that went through his head.

'This was a mistake.'

The beam of Darkness Magic crashed into him, sending him flying towards the ground in an explosion. When the smoke cleared Cobra was standing, staring at the flying woman above him, an annoyed look on his face.

"I'm getting real sick and tired of this shit."

Mirajane smirked, not bothering to response as Darkness Magic danced around her form. Cobra clenched his fists, his dragonified arms bulging.

"Mirajane Strauss. I feel it's only fair to warn you here," Cobra stated, grabbing her attention. "I'm afraid that you will be losing to me. There's no way around it frankly speaking."

Mira snorted. "I think you're overestimating how much damage your poison did to me. I'm not the one on the ground covered in injuries."

"Of course you're not," Cobra stated. "But you can't compete with me regardless. You possess more of the correct mentality than Erza Scarlet, I'll give you that. That's quite clear with the force behind your attacks. No the different here is that, you just lack the talent to defeat me."

Mirajane's eye twitched, irritation clear on her face. "You're gonna regret that."

Mirajane shot downwards in a storm of Darkness Magic, but the move was direct. Obvious. It was a bluff. The woman stopped just before contact, an orb of Darkness in her hands. With a roar she sent the blast downwards towards Cobra, eager to see the look of surprise he had on his face.

There was none.

Cobra in fact was already preparing to release his own attack, and the tornado of poison carved right through her own attack. Mira barely managed to avoid the storm, only for Cobra to appear before her, grasping her head and throwing her towards the ground. Mirajane didn't bother trying to stop the descent, instead using Dark Deflect to scatter the poison fog beneath her before she reached it. She rolled to her feet, just in time to see Cobra approaching with a punch coated in poison. She raised a hand, catching the blow with Darkness Magic swirling around her arms.

The duo's eyes locked before they engaged in a flurry of blows.

---

Draculos disappeared from where he was standing the instance the waves of sand crashed down on him. The General appeared behind the three Bijuu, staring up at them with a mix of wonder and annoyance on his face.

'Such power. And these forms? What are they? They're clearly not human. But they're not like me either. Are they some type of unknown magic beast?'

Kokuo turned, glaring at Draculos before charging, head down ready to gore him. The mage raised his hand, black energy swirling around it before he lowered it a frown on his face. Instead he leapt into the air, watching Kokuo fly by him.

'Too strong to stop directly. They outclass me in raw power. Incredible.'

Draculos' eyes widened before he turned to face Son Goku, the beast grinning. A stream of lava burned through the air, preparing to spear him through. The man frowned, allowing the attack to smash into his body, boiling him before he collapsed to the ground. The steaming hole in his chest suddenly burst with blood before it healed, Draculos rising to his feet.

The trio were not done however, all turning to face Draculos. The man's eyes widened with realization as he saw their ploy. He was trapped. The three Bijuu suddenly raised their heads to the sky, black and red magic spheres coalescing in their mouth. The General frowned, watching the attack form.

'It's...dense. That much magic packed into such a small form...' Draculos wanted to laugh. They were going to try to atomize him. He had to admit it wasn't a strategy unique to them, but they were certainly the most powerful opponents to attempt such a strategy. Others just tried to bleed him with Light Magic. The three beasts bodies seemed to grow slightly larger as their muscles contracted before they let fly.

"Bijuudama!"

Draculos sighed. This wouldn't kill him, but it would certainly drain him. He wouldn't be useful for the rest of he fight. And he couldn't exactly let Wolfhiem get attacked by four enemies. For all their strategy the trio of beasts before him ignored one critical issue. If they had taken it off the board maybe they would have disposed of him for this fight.

Draculos disappeared, and the three attacks smashed together, each of them fighting for dominance. Wild sparks of magic shot from the collision, creatinhg grooves in the ground with their intensity. Draculos watched the entire thing from high in the air, above all three of his opponents. The man teleported once again as the attacks detonated, the titanic explosion going high into the air and reducing the ground to cinders.

Shukaku and Son Goku stared at the area, an eager look on his face.

"Did we get him?"

Kokuo frowned, shaking his head. "No. That would be to easy. We already saw him teleport. There's no way he would allow himself to get hit by those."

"If you were paying that close attention you should have done something about it beforehand," Draculos muttered, appearing next to Kokuo's head. Before the Bijuu had any time to react a beam of Darkness Magic smashed into its head, sending it skidding away. Draculos turned to look at Shukaku, sand rising up all around him as he did so. The man's arms extended in a flurry an orb of Darkness Magic swirling around him, stopping the attack. Silently he teleported away, appearing behind Shukaku.

The man snarled, firing off another beam of Darkness Magic that seared into Shukaku's back. The beast howled, swirling to face Draculos. With a roar it let loose a bullet of air only for Draculos' arms to extend once more, this time a cut appearing on his hand. Blood flew from his body as a shield formed in his hands that he used to deflect the bullet. Shukaku's eyes widened, not expecting the other magic but did not hesitate. The beast fired off more bullets of air, the barrage slowly pushing Draculos back.

The mage disappeared once more, this time appearing at the feet of Shukaku. The shield of blood transformed into a blade before he launched it forwards, the blade burying itself into Shukaku's chest. The Bijuu looked downwards, a grin appearing on its sandy body.

"Thanks for the meal."

Draculos frowned, dodging another bullet of wind via teleportation only to be instantly greeted with a storm of lava via Son Goku. The mage grit his teeth, blowing the attack away with Darkness Magic and regenerating, only for Kokuo to be before him, steam billowing around him. Draculos grunted, dodging the initial charge only for one of Kokuo's tails to smash into his body, sending him flying backwards. The General of Fiore flipped, smashing into the ground with a grunt before rolling to his feet. He had to teleport immediately as Shukaku's sand smashed onto where he once was, appearing behind all three of the Bijuu.

"Their teamwork is getting better," he muttered. The trio turned to face him, killing intent swirling through the air. Draculos breathed it in, the world becoming hazy. They were strong. One of the most dangerous opponents he had ever faced. Maybe this was justification? He could imagine it. Ripping them open to see what ticked underneath...yes...all he needed to do was be free! The world began to bleed red as primal instinct rose up. In the sky a circle of darkness formed slowly expanding as a red hue developed around it. For a brief moment the killing intent of the Bijuu's was matched, and the stench of blood saturated the air.

'Release Restr-.'

The iron wall sprang up.

'No.'

The thing shook it's head, it's red eyes dulling as the killing intent disappeared and the stench of blood dissipated. The circle in the sky shrank before completely disappearing. The trio before the thing stared, shock in their eyes. A simultaneous thought went through their brains.

'What was that?'

Draculos shook his head, calming himself. The mage glanced at his hands, realizing he was clenching his shaking arm so tightly he had drawn blood. Within three breathes the visible instability was gone, and he looked as calm as he ever was, staring down the Bijuu.

"You all are more impressive than I thought. Truly you are impressive. I'm afraid I cannot allow this fight to go on any longer."

"Hold it right there," Shukaku said. "I know killing intent when I sense it. You were just letting off something disturbing, even for me. What the hell was that?"

Draculos didn't respond, instead Darkness Magic swirling around his arms before he shot forwards in a blur. Shukaku frowned, a wall of sand raising before the three, only for Draculos to slip right through it as though it was not there.

"What?"

"Another one of his ever growing list of tricks," Son Goku hissed before the wave of Darkness Magic smashed into the three, pushing them all backwards. The wave only assailed them briefly however, as sand rose, halting the attack. Shukaku hissed, sand swirling around him before he sent a storm of the grains towards Draculos. The grains shredded through his body, blowing several holes in it before he regenerated.

Son Goku was not one to be discouraged however, his tails glowing red as lava shrouded them before he tried to bat Draculos from the sky. The man tried to move only to feel his body rejecting him.

'What?'

The tails smashed into his body, sending him smashing into the ground. Kokuo immediately capitalized, breathing forward a cloud of steam that boiled everything before it. The cloud covered Draculos, causing him to grimace as burns developed on his skin. It was only due to his regeneration that he wasn't completely boiled alive, but even then the regeneration could only keep him in a constant burn-covered state. Draculos tried to leave, only to find once again his body rejecting his commands. The man's eyes narrowed, but his attention was quickly diverted to the tsunami of sand sent his way. The man grunted as he was buried underneath the force. Shukaku grinned at he capture of his prey, placing his hand on the sand before unleashing a Sand Burial. The contracting sand leaked blood, causing Shukaku to laugh maniaclly as his sand began to absorb the liquid.

"I killed him, I killed him! Hahaha!"

"We don't know that yet," Kokuo stated drably. "He hasn't died to anything else that we've done, there's no reason to suspect that this will kill him either."

"Please, there's no way he survives that," Shukaku stated. "Even if he does, he can't dodge us anymore. My sand grains in his bloodstream won't let him move hte way he wants to. Eventually he'll run out of the magic that makes him regenerate, and then this fight is finished."

"So that's why I can't move the way I want to," Draculos stated. The trio turned, shock on their face as they saw his mangled body. He clearly hadn't regenerated, as scrapes of skin could be seen hanging from his face. Crushed white flakes floated to the ground where his left arm once was, likely crushed bone. He was a miserable sight. And he was still alive.

Blood leaked from his body, swirling in the air before it was flung forwards, his body then regenerating. The man gave a few test punches before he looked at the Bijuu with his textbook blank slate.

"I admit that is quite the strategy. But I'm afraid that won't be enough to defeat me."

"What the fuck!" Shukaku roared. "I killed you I'm certain of it! There's no way someone in this forsaken dimension can stand up to the might of three Bijuu!"

"I have to agree," Son Goku stated. "You are strong, that much is obvious. But to be seemingly fine after all of this is illogical. Surely you must have taken some damage."

"He could be hiding it with his regeneration. He may be physically fit, but his magic surely must be decreasing. Eventually he'll wear out. There's no way he has larger reserves than us," Kokuo stated. "We can win a battle of attrition."

Draculos smirked. "That's how they lose," the man muttered under his breath. "They always think they can out attrition me."

The Bijuu turned, each preparing an attack to overwhelm the man. With a roar they fired, only for Draculos to be prepared. The man teleported behind them, Darkness Magic swirling around his hands. With nary a thought he fired the beams forwards, the beams smashing into the backs of Shukaku and Son Goku. The two beasts hissed, whirling to attack the man only for him to disappear once more. The man floated above Kokuo this time, his hands glowing a deep black.

"Gravity."

Kokuo cursed as he was suddenly assailed by an increase in gravity, forcing him lower to the ground. Still, the beast was to strong to be brought to his knees by just a mere increase in gravity. Kokuo snarled, steam billowing upwards from his body, the heat forcing everyone away from him. Draculos grunted, teleporting away from the steam onto the ground, only for sand to begin to swirl around him. Shukaku grinned, the sand closing in to crush him only for Draculos to blast it away with a wave of Darkness Magic.

Shukaku's grin turned into a scowl. The Bijuu roared, another Bijuudama forming before he fired, causing Draculos' eyes to widen. The man teleported away, only this time to be met with an onslaught of steam courtesy of Kokuo. The Bijuu had no intention of letting him escape, smothering the air with his steam. Draculos grunted, teleporting back to the ground, just in time for Son Goku to slam his hands on the ground.

With a roar the ground began to glow red where the Bijuu's hands were, before lava surged from the ground. Draculos grunted, flipping away from the stream only for sand bullets to spear towards him. This time he knew better than to allow them to land however, and teleported away just before he was hit with the attack. The man appeared behind the Bijuu, the trio whirling to face him once more.

"You know, I'm getting real tired of this shit," Shukaku stated. "How the hell can't with beat his guy!"

"I'm inclined to agree," Kokuo stated. "What exactly are you?"

Draculos stood in front of them, his eyes revealing nothing. The man stood there, looking like he hadn't lost a single drop of magic or been touched at all in the fight. And for all intents and purposes, he hadn't. His regeneration had kept him in prime shape while he had been able to land consistent blows against three Bijuu at once. He was something they hadn't believed to have existed on Earthland. A man with power that could rival that of their homeworld. A man who was a genuine threat to them. The man opened his mouth to answer.

"Classified."

The Bijuu snarled, each of them preparing another Bijuudama in their rage. Draculos frowned, Darkness Magic flooding off of his body as he looked at the charging attacks. The man's energy swirled, fully prepared to capitalize on their attack only for them to disappear. The man blinked, before he relaxed, his magic dissipating.

"Interesting."

---

Mito's eyes flashed with worry as Wolfhiem shot forwards, fist raised to smash through her body. The woman tried to bring her arms up in a cross block to defend, but the movement was slow. Mito grunted, struggling to move as the air itself fought against her before Wolfhiem's blow smashed into her chest. The woman heaved, blood flying from her mouth before she flew backwards. Wolfhiem snarled, raising a hand in her direction. Mito grunted, suddenly feeling something pushing against her back. She turned, eyes wide as she saw grass formed a wall to stop her.

"What?"

The woman had no further time to ponder her situation as a blast of fire smashed into her, causing her to hiss in pain. The S-class mage was blasted through the wall of grass, gritting her teeth as she glared at Wolfhiem. The man stared her down, emerald flame swirling around his arms.

"I must admit this is a new predic-grh!"

Wolfhiem blurred forwards, smashing his fist into Mito's face before she had any time to react. The man snarled, opening his fist to grasp her head before he swung her into the ground. Emerald flame swirled around his mouth before he let a torrent of flame into the crater where she lay. Mito quickly created Isobu's shell, blocking out the flame. Still, it was a temporary solution. At this rate she would be boiled alive. But how was he suddenly moving so much faster? He was moving so fast it was like she was moving slower!

No.

Mito shook her head as she thought. He wasn't just moving faster. His certainly was faster than before but that wouldn't let him completely blitz her like that. It was more like she was moving through mud. The very world around her was fighting her movements, slowing her down. And it had all activated when that tattoo had appeared on his body.

'Is he asserting his magical presence into the very world around us? Like a magical zone?'

Mito snarled, before letting loose a blast of water of incredible intensity. The force made Wolfhiem take a step backwards, giving her the ability to leap from her crater, chains swirling from her back. With a grunt she loosed her chains, the weapons flying towards Wolfhiem, but they moved slowly. The elderly man easily dodged them, instead grabbing them and beginning to swing the woman. Mito grit her teeth as she was swung through the air. With a grunt she yanked her chains, launching her forwards before she made them disappear, allowing her to fly directly at Wolfhiem. Her arm swelled with muscle as she roared, prepared to smash the blow into his face only for the man to raise his hand and catch the blow. The man stared at her, a bored expession on his face, even as the shockwave from the blow shattered the ground behind him.

Mito's eyes widened, horror in her eyes as she saw her most physically powerful enhancement be so easily negated.

"What?"

"One cannot defeat a king through brute strength. The world exists at his beck and call."

"Shut up," Mito hissed, before spitting a lance of acid directly at Wolfhiem's face. The man managed to dodge, but his moment of distraction allowed Mito to escape his grasp and create some distance.

'This is a problem. His strength now superseeds that of Gyuki. I can't afford to use my full power right now either. Tch. I might actually need help to beat him. Where the hell are the Ichibi, Yonbi, and Gobi!'

Wolfhiem stared down his opponent, the dispassionate look irritating the woman before him. She was stronger than him. That much she knew. But she just couldn't show it. She had activated a Bijuu too recently. Even then, she knew Tartarus was watching. She couldn't afford to unleash her full power with his eyes everywhere. And with the Bijuu seemingly out of the equation.

The woman sighed.

"I suppose I've lost."

Wolfhiem frowned, tensing his legs. He was not a fool. He knew she wouldn't be surrendering. No one as powerful as she was did. The man shot forwards just as he felt her magical energy spike before she disappeared, gone without a trace.

Wolfhiem snarled, his irritation growing as he felt her magical power disappear far beyond his sensing radius. She was gone.

"Damn it!"

---

Naruto's eyes widened as Matatabi blurred forwards, smashing a foot into Silva's raised scythe. The man's face was desperate, as if he had barely managed to block the attack. Matatabi blurred once more, and when she stilled Silva was flying, likely batted away with another kick. Naruto's eyes widened even further as Matatabi appeared once more, this time in front of Ging. The man desperately ducked under her punch, orange energy swirling around him before he launched a counterattack. Matatabi gracefully weaved through the blows, eyes tracking the man's movements before she slipped underneath a punch, fist cocked back.

With a roar the Bijuu smashed the blow into Ging's solar plexus, the man spitting up blood before he was sent flying backwards, fire trailing after his form. Barakiel roared, rushing forwards as lightning swirled around his arms. The man brought down his attack, only for Matatabi to look at the attack with a bored look on her face. As the electricity neared her it fizzled up into nothingness.

"What?"

Barakiel had no further time to ponder the move as Matatabi shot forwards, a Bijuudama forming in her hands that she aimed to smash into the man's chest. Naruto's eyes widened as he sensed the dense magic forming, instantly teleporting. The Wizard Saint grasped Matatabi's tail, stopping the attack just short before he began to swing, ignoring the searing pain his hands were in. With a roar Naruto flung her into the sky, using his Sky God Slayer Magic to heal his hands just as he was no longer touching the flaming Bijuu.

"Give her everything you've got!"

Barakiel nodded, clasping his hands together. If lightning wouldn't work...

"Sea King Dragon's Roar!"

The monsoon of water smashed into Matatabi, a cloud of steam cloaking the air only for it to instantly dissipate with a gust of wind courtesy of Naruto. The blonde had no intention of losing the Bijuu. It was a good thing too, as Matatabi blurred forwards due to jets of fire at her feet, seemingly unharmed by the attack. Naruto grit his teeth, holding his hands together. The blonde glanced at Barakiel.

"Hold her still. This can't afford to miss."

Barakiel nodded, shooting towards the Bijuu. The duo clashed midair, fists letting loose a powerful shockwave that sent dust and dirt flying in every direction. Matatabi snarled, launching another punch Barakiel barely dodged only for her fist to open. The Bijuu grabbed Barakiel, pulling him in as her knee shot upwards, smashing into his chest. The man coughed, spit and blood flying from his mouth before Matatabi elbowed him in the back of the head sending him flying towards the ground. Matatabi launched towards the man, smashing her flaming fist onto his back, causing him to howl in pain.

As this happened Naruto pulled his hands apart, a black orb forming. Shadows from the surrounding area were pulled from their places before swirling into the black orb, making it larger. As the orb grew larger Naruto lifted it above his head, a small white dot forming in the center. Grass, rock, and dust swirled around the blonde, being drawn into the orb as winds swirled heavily around him. Naruto smirked as the attack completed.

"Magic Sage Art: Altaris!"

As the black hole-like attack shot towards Matatabi Naruto formed a Thunder God Kunai, slapping his hand on it.

'Dark Ericture: Anti-Gravity!'

The blonde threw the kunai in the opposite direction of the attack, the magic spell on it alloiwng it to fight against Altaris' graviational force. Then the blonde disappeared, appearing behind the Bijuu. Matatabi turned, blazing punch aimed directly at Naruto, but the intense gravity was enough to slow it down for him to dodge. Naruto grunted, pushing Matatabi forwards with a gust of wind. The Bijuu stumbled backwards, directly into the approaching spell. Matatabi howled, the intense gravity pressing against her. Naruto had no time to admire his handiwork however, as the attack continued forwards, threatening to engulf him and Barakiel. The blonde touched Barakiel just as the attack bore down on them both, teleporting away in a flash of yellow.

Naruto grabbed the kunai, Barakiel alongside him as they washed Altaris do its work, far enough away where it's gravity didn't effect them. Barakiel groaned, rising to his feet as he saw the attack.

"Nice trick," Barakiel muttered, blood spilling from his lip. "What's it do?"

"Think black hole," Naruto muttered, staring at Matatabi. The blonde was frowning, clearly not comfortable with the situation. Matatabi, she didn't deserve that. Naruto just had to hope that was enough to put her down and not kill her.

"Black hole huh," Barakiel muttered. "Can't imagine her living through that. You have a technique that powerful in your arsenal?"

"It's one of my most lethal spells," Naruto muttered. "I'm sure you can imagine why I don't use it that often."

"The legal trouble is large already being a mage, without even getting into the implication of a Wizard Saint being the one to murder," Barakiel stated. "I can understand. Most S-class mages have some spells designed to kill anyway."

Naruto didn't bother mentioning that he had a lot more than some spells specifically designed to murder. No point in bringing up the fact that the multitude of spells he modeled off his past life were perfectly adequate murder weapons. Every time he fought he was using extreme control to not kill his opponent.

The threat posed by Mito was clearly going to have to make him rethink that decision.

The blonde paused as Altaris ended, the attack fizzling out. The blonde reached out with his senses, frowning as he realized Matatabi was nowhere to be found.

"Where did she go," he muttered.

"Gone," came a call. The blonde turned, revealing Silva and Ging standing behind him. The two looked like they had seen better days.

"Her energy disappeared from that attack not long after you got out of its range," Silva stated. "She's nowhere near us. Neither are the threats near Draculos and Wolfhiem either. The only threats left are in the city."

Naruto frowned, double checking with his sensing. He nodded his head, glancing at the man for a brief moment. Did he have better sensing capabilities than even he did when he was in his Sage Mode? That was incredible. The blonde ignored the strange man, looking up at Barakiel. "He's right. There's only mages in the city now. And one of them is incredibly powerful."

Barakiel frowned, nodding his head. "Alright. Naruto I presume you won't run away when we try to talk to you after the battle judging by your actions?"

Naruto sighed, realizing that this was coming. He would have to explain himself somehow now that all of this had occured. They were already suspicious of him, and while him helping them defeat Matatabi had likely assauged them of some of that, they still had to treat him like a threat. Not that he could truly blame them.

"Anything you want to know I'll tell you if I have the answers. For now we need to save the citizens and-Master!"

Naruto blasted into the air, desperation on his face. Barakiel glanced at Silva but the man's face was pale, looking at Barakiel.

"Go."

Barakiel didn't need to be told twice, blasting forwards as a massive boom shattered through the area, both flying mages shattering the sound barrier.

Ging glanced at Silva. "What happened?"

Silva frowned, shaking his head. "If they don't hurry...Makarov Dreyar..."

"He could die."