Chapter 60

Outside the arena, everything was quiet in town. Taking advantage of the absence of Wild Hunt, the population was monopolizing the markets, aiming to do their shopping, before the end of the event.

However, when relaxation was finally at hand, an explosion was heard. Directing their eyes to a single place, everyone could see an area of the palace explode, before two figures came out to fly high in the sky.

" Snotty smelly. " Roared Budo, throwing several spheres of lightning at Natsu.

Seeing them, Happy began to make a multitude of loops to avoid them, before coming to a stop so that Natsu found himself in front of Budo.

" FIRE DRAGON'S ROAR ! "

" THUNDER TRIDENT'S ZEUS ! "

Hitting each other in this way created two explosions which somewhat repelled the two adversaries. However, while they seemed to be of equal strength, Natsu got tired much faster than Budo, while he suffered in his chest.

" Abandons. " Budo ordered him. " You can see that you are no match for me. "

" Why ? asked Natsu. " Why are you doing this? You are not a bad guy! So why are you turning a blind eye to the Prime Minister's actions ? "

" Tsss! A kid like you can't understand my reasons! My family has protected the empire for several generations! It is my duty to protect his majesty and the empire! My current priority is to eradicate the revolution that threatens the empire! But don't worry, as soon as I'm done with you, I'll take care of the Honest case! "

" Indeed, I don't understand you. " Replied Natsu. " You know what it does and you do nothing to stop it! "

" You dare to say that we are evil? " Asked Happy. " Well, if the Prime Minister hadn't done all of these bad things, Night Raid would never have happened. "

" Whatever ? " Budo asked him.

" I don't mind taking power! suddenly informed Natsu! I don't care about the history of this kingdom! I don't care if the emperor of your kingdom is just a kid! All that matters to me is one thing ...! "

Staring at Budo, he said.

" If someone like you had taken care of Honest, from the start, thousands of people would still be alive. "

This time, Budo remained silent. Truth be told, he didn't know what to say when faced with Natsu's words which were both true and also disconcerting. He didn't expect that from the mouth of a rebel.

" Kid…! " He said, dropping to the ground. " I admit that I am at fault in this matter! Even though he is protected by Esdeath, I have had hundreds of occasions to kill this man! But still, I did nothing! When I saw how important he was in the life of the emperor, I always refrained from killing him! "

" Tsss, you speak of an excuse. " Retorted Happy. "You just let him handle it more! "

" You said you wanted to protect the emperor and the empire? " Asked Natsu. " Sorry to tell you, but apart from Honest, you didn't protect anyone! "

This time, Budo frowned at them, while Natsu, in turn, put one foot on the ground.

" You have no idealist or even the knowledge to make up your mind. "Affirmed the mage. " As a warrior, you are worth nothing. "

Hardly had he had time to pronounce this sentence when he was struck in the stomach. Then spitting a trickle of saliva, he ends up being sent against a wall, which he crossed.

" You say that as a warrior I am worth nothing? Budo wondered! If so, tell me where all the power I have acquired comes from? With it, don't I have what it takes to qualify as a warrior? "

" If you think that strength alone is enough for you to be a respectable man, you are even more blind than I thought. "

Coming out of the hole in the wall, Natsu started walking towards Budo despite his injuries.

" Did you say I was blind? " Budo wondered.

" Yeah, or just stupid. " Roared Natsu. " You don't even understand who your enemy is! However, Akame, she understood it! Bulat understood this! Wave understood this! And even Seryu has come to understand it! So why can't you do it? Why do I feel like I'm not in front of the great general that Night Raid is so afraid of? Why am I in front of an empty shell? "

Staring at him, Budo strangely smiled.

" You have a hell of a cheek! To tell the truth, I don't know how to consider you! On the one hand, I want to make you one of my men, while being certain that nothing could divert you from the right path! But on the other hand, I want to crush you, Fairy Tail and you so much! And trample on your unbearable pride! "

" Oh, more pride? " Natsu wondered, daring to smile at him. "As for you then? "

Gritting his teeth, Budo ends up forming revolvers with his fingers, before firing electric shocks.

" End of laughter! THUNDER GUN! "

Seeing a veritable volley of projectiles firing towards him, Natsu ignited his fists, before turning on himself.

" FIRE DRAGON'S WING ! "

Thus striking the projectiles, he disintegrated them, before running towards Budo. The latter did the same, while his fists were covered with electricity.

" AHHHH! " Shouted the two men, before hitting themselves with dozens of punches.

Backing off as for him, Happy could see them hitting blocking blows dodging counter-attack… the two men followed the actions in order to gain the upper hand on the other.

Finally, Natsu ended up doing a back somersault to back up, very quickly followed by Budo.

" You won't escape me. " He said, throwing several electric spheres at her.

Seeing them, Natsu multiplied the antics to avoid them one by one.

" It's not by running away that you will manage to defeat me. " Replied Budo, finding himself behind his back.

Not even having time to turn around, Natsu got hit in the back of the head and Budo's force forced him to fall to the ground. However, managing to remain crouched using the force of his legs, Natsu managed to make a splendid rotation before directing his foot towards the face of Budo.

" FIRE DRAGON'S CLAW ! "

Struck like this, Budo was forced to back away, while Natsu replied.

" Don't make me laugh, your punches are nothing compared to those of Laxus! Do not imagine winning against me! "

Then, igniting his fist, he shot straight at Budo before hitting him in the face.

" I will show you the power of a dragon! FIRE DRAGON'S FIST! "

Arriving at this moment, many soldiers could see Natsu hitting Budo in the face, before sending him flying several meters further.

" That … ? General Budo? "

" That guy just defeated him? "

However, despite the fact that he was lying on the ground, everyone could hear Budo say.

" I must admit that you are not bad. "

" Yet, from what I've heard, you are the most powerful soldier in this country, right after Esdeath! noticed Natsu! I doubt that this punch will prevent you from getting up! "

" Oh, I see that you have inquired. " Budo noted, daring to smile.

Eventually straightening up, he got back on his feet, while affirming.

" This fight is far from over! Trust me ! "

" Finally, I might be fighting a real warrior. " Natsu remarked, returning his smile.

Then, resuming their fight, they let Happy and the soldiers watch them as they punched and kicked each other again. At each impact, the audience had the impression of seeing and feeling shock waves.

" This type ... he has the same level of attack as General Budo. "

" That's a lot of power. "

But what no one saw was three figures, hidden behind a wall, also watching the fight.

" Natsu-sama? " One of them wondered, recognizing the mage fighting.

" AHHHH! " Cried Natsu, before he managed to hit Budo in the stomach.

Clenching his teeth, the general pointed his feet in the ground to stop his flight backwards. Once done, he ran his hand over his chin to feel a trickle of blood running down it.

" You start to get angry slightly, kid. "

" You, on the other hand, I have the impression that you are not behaving like the opponent that I would like to face! noticed Natsu! If what you have shown me is your true power, then Laxus is ten times more powerful than you! "

" Grrr, that damn Laxus again. " Growled Budo.

Suddenly, a cloud of lightning charged above his head, while static electricity took place around him.

" Do you want to see power? No problem ! LIGHTNING CRUSH! "

Dozens of lightnings still fell to the ground, before approaching Natsu.

" Shoot yourself and fall for good. "

However, he was surprised to see Natsu stay calm. Watching each of the lightning bolts fall in front of him, while getting closer, Natsu seemed to analyze the attack in detail, and even to detect a breach in which to sneak.

" Find. " He said.

" What? "

In response, Budo saw Natsu running towards his attack, before slaloming at full speed. Penetrating in the rain of lightning, he dodged each of them, while following a course allowing him to advance straight towards Budo.

" But how ? "

" He is overcoming the power of the general! " A guard feared.

" I can't believe it. "

" No matter the power we have in front of us, if we can visualize the flow of our energy, there is nothing to fear. " Natsu said, finding himself in front of Budo.

And before the latter could react, Natsu ignited his fists before hitting him.

" FIRE DRAGON'S WING ! "

Feeling a torrent of flames touching his chest, Budo couldn't help but cry out in pain.

" FIRE DRAGON HORN ! "

" FIRE DRAGON'S SWORD ! "

" FIRE DRAGON'S CLAW ! "

Going back to back, Natsu hit Budo unrestrained, while the latter could only cash. Finally, throwing himself back again, Budo stood up in rage, as he asked.

" What is happening? Normally, I'm stronger than this guy! "

Meeting Natsu's gaze, he couldn't help being frozen for a brief moment. He saw in his eyes only a will and a determination of steel. Whatever happens, Natsu would give everything he has to win this fight, even if it means giving up his life.

"What the hell is this kid from ? "

" Grrr, it cannot continue. " He said, standing up. " I couldn't bear to be humiliated like this! LIGHTNING CRUSH! "

Recreating a cloud of lightning, he placed it over Natsu and lightning immediately fell on him. Remaining motionless, Natsu was hit several times, while electric shocks managed to destroy the ground at his feet.

Seeing him disappear under the assault of the attack, several guards began to exclaim.

" Yeah, the general managed to defeat this shabby. "

However, as he was about to rejoice, Budo widened his eyes, seeing the silhouette of Natsu, still standing in front of him. Having raised his body temperature to the maximum, Natsu had created a real wall of flames around him which had protected him from attack.

" What now ? How did you survive this? "

" Eh eh. " Sneered Natsu. "When a heat is too high, it is able to make electricity disappear! Did you ignore this? "

This time, completely losing his temper, Budo roared.

" You think you're invincible, huh? You know what ? Finally we look alike, you know. "

" We are alike ? " Repeated Natsu, with a tone showing that he felt insulted. "Don't make me laugh ! Compared to you, I would never side with a rot that is responsible for the deaths of thousands of people! "

" Here firm! I forbid you to criticize me! You don't know anything about me! Nothing at all ! You make me mad just talking! Before, my family was known to be the most competent bodyguards ever found! We have made it our mission to protect the royal family, day and night, whatever the situation! And you had to come from I don't know where and suddenly attack the palace! Do you dare say that Honest is a murderer? On this point, I agree! However, if the empire is in this state it is also because of Night Raid! "

" You say it's because of Night Raid? " Natsu wondered, controlling his anger badly.

" You have caused panic because of your crimes as well as an incalculable number of rebellions and revolts! All of this has only created chaos in this country! In this story, you are as wrong as Honest! But that, I bet you can't understand it! "

" No, indeed. " Said Natsu, looking down. " And I'm not even going to try to understand someone as cowardly and stupid as you! You dare to say that we are alike? "

Suddenly looking up to show his anger, Natsu cried out.

" It is an insult. "

Then suddenly disappearing, he ended up in front of Budo, and hit him again.

" ARRGH ! "

" You're wrong. " Roared Natsu. " We have put all our strength into battle to fight our enemies! We trained night and day so we could defeat opponents like you or Esdeath and overthrow the government! And to realize our ideals, we will not back down, under any pretext! "

Hitting Budo again, he continued.

" You, on the contrary, you did nothing to defend your people and you let them sink into darkness without lifting a finger! I have nothing to do with a guy like you! "

Feeling back, Budo cried out.

" Why are you doing all this? If I understood correctly, you are not from this empire! So why helped Night Raid? "

" Budo! When you were with the emperor, during all these years, did you really feel like fulfilling your role? "

"Yes, indeed. "

" It is impossible to be able to follow his ideals, while allowing your enemy to realize his own. " Retorted Natsu. " The true strength of a warrior is to always face his responsibilities and fight with honor. "

" What? "

" It is thanks to Fairy Tail and Night Raid that I can affirm it! Even when an enemy stands up to your ideals, you must not stop but on the contrary go for it to realize your dreams! This is the spirit of a true warrior! My friends taught me that a strong mind is what keeps you up to anything and everything! "

" Grrr! But are you going to close it? " Roared Budo, trying to hit him.

Dodging his charge, Natsu then counterattacked with a heel strike in the face, which broke the general's nose.

" As long as I have friends who will believe in me and who will always be there to support me, I will never lose hope! Even if I fall, I can always count on them to get up! That's the big difference between you and me, Budo! By betraying the hopes of your people, you found yourself with no one but yourself to support you! And because of that, you can never win against me! "

Seeing him charge again, Budo tried to attack him with a shower of punches. However, compared to the start of the fight, Natsu could easily take the advantage and struck the general's body continuously, until he fell backwards.

Crushing himself on the ground, he began to breathe with difficulty, while he was in pain everywhere.

" Damn it, I'm weak! I am weak ! "

Looking up at the sky above his head, he couldn't help but mumble.

" Is my determination worth it only? Am I such a pitiful warrior? Am I a real loser? "

" General! Get up! "

Suddenly widening his eyes, Budo saw one of the guards who had attended the fight take a step towards them.

" Stand up! I know you can do it! "

" Yes, general! You are the most powerful man in the empire! "

" Don't listen to this lousy! You are not alone ! You have our support! "

" We are with you, general. "

" General! General! General! "

" G ... Guys? " Budo wondered.

" We don't care that you worked under Honest! We know what an incredible man you are! "

" Yes, if we remained under your orders, it is because you are a model for all of us. "

" Yes, you are the great and invincible General Budo. "

Listening to them, Budo didn't know what to say.

" Compared to you, they continue to believe in the person you are. " Remarked Natsu, staring at him. " How long are you going to betray their trust again? "

"Do I still have something?" Budo wondered. " Do people still believe in me, even after all this? "

Suddenly thinking of Makoto, as well as the presence of Honest who was constantly at the Emperor's side in order to manipulate him, Budo ended up closing his fist, while roaring.

" I have to stop this! Even if this no longer represents anything, I must defend the little that I still have! "

Straightening up then grimacing, he fought the pain, while he affirmed.

" I don't need this stupid title of general or an army to defend myself! To hell with my family and its history, I can clearly choose my own path myself! I, Budo, have given myself only one goal in life! "

Then standing up, he roared.

" I will restore peace in the empire! From now on, I would protect the Emperor of Honest and destroy him and Wild Hunt. "

" Yeah, general. "

" But before that … " Began Budo, staring at Natsu. " I will end this fight. "

" Do you still plan to fight? " Natsu wondered.

" Of course ! However, this time, I will not fight you by considering you as the enemy of the people! No, if I am fighting, this time against you, it is for my own reasons! You are my opponent and I refuse to lose in front of you! No more question of wiping out the little pride I have left! From now on, I will start all over again, and defeating you will be the first step to allow me to become a real respectful man again! "

Listening to him, Natsu ends up smiling, while warning himself.

" It's not too soon ! I finally have the man I wanted to face in front of me! On track ! FIRE DRAGON'S FIRE ! "

" LIGHTNIGH PUNCH ! "

A collision noise was then heard as each of them struck the other in the face, with all their power. However, uttering real battle cry, none of them wanted to back off, preferring to push the other's face further back.

Finally, lifting one of his legs, Natsu managed to strike Budo in the chin. Feeling he takes a step back, Budo restores his balance in time, before aiming at Natsu.

" LIGHTNING TRIDENT'S ZEUS ! "

Creating a powerful lightning trident, Budo launched it before exploding when it struck Natsu. Backing away, Natsu had to put all his weight on his legs to stop, while smiling.

" Yeah, that's a real fight. "

" I will finish you here and now! " Budo assured him, concentrating all his lightning around him.

Seeing this, Natsu ran backwards while exclaiming.

" Happy. "

" Aye, sir. " Affirmed the blue cat, grabbing its clothes before making it fly.

"Whatever you do, you can't escape this attack. " Replied Budo, while an electric sphere materialized in his hands.

For his part, covering himself with both flames and lightning, Natsu swallowed the latter, while preparing a powerful roar.

" LIGHTNING FIRE DRAGON'S… "

" ADVENT OF THUNDER… "

" … ROAR ! " Roared Natsu, throwing a gigantic pillar of fire.

" ... EMPEROR ! " Imitated Budo, propelling an immense sphere of lightning.

Thus, the two men had the impression of reliving the end of their last fight. Crashing against each other, the two attacks made a perfect tie, while each tried to repel the other. The other shock produced made most of the soldiers back away, while the others found themselves watching the duel, dumbfounded.

" In… Incredible. "

" AHHHHH. " Cried Natsu and Budo, as they used all their power to defeat the other.

However, a piece of sparkle does move. Grimacing in pain, Natsu lowered the intensity of his attack, while putting his hand on his heart.

" Natsu! "

Seeing this, Budo attacked with more rage, which allowed his sphere to gain the advantage over Natsu's attack.

" Give up, Natsu Dragnir! This time, I will win. "

Feeling the pain increasing, Natsu could not concentrate on his fight, while he had the impression that each beat of his heart looked like knives being planted in his body.

" It hurts. "

Seeing Budo's attack go to him, he wondered.

" I'm going to lose ? "

"Natsu, we need you. " Suddenly reacts the voice of Tatsumi in his head. " You are the only reason we still have hope. ''

"I refuse to continue serving for the empire. " Had scream Wave. " From now on, I'm leaving the Jaegers team! ''

"Natsu, I'm counting on you to take over and protect Night Raid! " Lubbock had told him before he died.

"Natsu, see you in two days ! " Wendy greeted him, trying to hide his sadness and fear, behind a smile.

Thinking of each of his friends, Natsu looked up to face Budo's attack. Then suddenly his own attack regained volume. This increased his pain in the heart, but he didn't care. He had to win ... for his friends. He had no right to lose. Not now. He had to push his limits, again ... and survive. After Budo, he still had to defeat Esdeath.

" AHHHHHHH! "

Finally, its roar swept across the electrical sphere and disintegrated it. Then, taking advantage of the clear path, Natsu covered himself with flames before dropping towards Budo.

" But how ? "

" I am the proud son of Ignir. " Roared Natsu, while spitting blood. " It is not a piece of radiance that can stop me! FIRE DRAGON'S HORN! "

" THUNDER GUN! " Cried Budo, swinging several lightning projectiles.

Dismissing them with a simple movement of the arm, Natsu managed to make them disappear, before hitting Budo with full force, with the top of his skull. Vomiting blood immediately, Budo felt his diaphragm and the like being destroyed. Then, skidding on the ground, his feet left the latter before his body fell backwards, to the horror of his men.

Finally his back crashed to the ground, while his pupils had disappeared. The man had just lost to Natsu.

" Ge… General? "

" I don't believe it ! The general has… lost? "

Standing up, Natsu had trouble catching his breath. No doubt this new fight had further degraded his body. And as the sun went down in the distance, Natsu knew that his heart could never survive until tomorrow.

" I have to go back home. " He remarked, taking disorganized steps.

" Gamin. " Suddenly called him a voice.

Looking down, Natsu was surprised to see Budo regaining consciousness. However, he had nothing to worry about. Conscious or not, Budo could no longer feel any part of his body and was unable to get up.

" In the end, you're really dumb as a guy. " Noticed Natsu. " You're really a real warrior, when you want! "

Returning his smile, Budo wanted to know.

" Tell me just ... this Laxus with whom you have often compared me ... is he that strong? "

Smiling at his question, Natsu said.

" You have no idea. "

Then he ran away. Still, stopping along the way, he cried out.

" I count on you. "

" Hein? "

" You said you were going to bring peace to this kingdom, right? I can not wait to see it ! Good luck ! "

Bewildered, Budo saw him leave without saying anything. Gritting his teeth, he could only be angry. Natsu was a stupid foolish unconscious man who went head first in any situation was stubborn… in short. He had a lot of flaws. Still, seeing him go, Budo couldn't help but cry.

" Why ? he wondered! Why am I crying ... while wondering why this boy didn't become the Prime Minister of this empire? Why was it not he who learned the importance of life for the emperor? "

" Hey, asshole! Stay here. " Ordered a soldier, seeing Natsu flee.

" We will make you pay for what you did in general. "

" Come back there if you're a man. "

" STOP! " Immediately ordered a voice.

Then stopping, the group of men turned to Budo. Observing the latter ends up asserting.

" I am sorry. "

" Hein? "

" You are my men and yet, I did nothing to help you! I did nothing for you except to give you orders! However, I have nothing incredible! Take a look for yourself! I am not a general! Just a failure that is by no means invincible! "

" Don't say anything, general. "

" You a failure? If that's the truth, what are we supposed to be? "

" You were impressive. "

" Even if you've lost, I've never seen such an incredible fight. "

" General Budo, I beg you! Train me again and again! I also want to be able to look like you! "

" Me too, general. "

" Me too. "

" Me too. "

Smiling then, Budo mumbled.

" Bunch of morons! Don't believe in a utopia! Help me take me back to the palace instead! When I resume your training, I will slaughter your bodies until you become elite men! "

Then, looking at them, he cried.

" Guys ... help me change the empire. "

" Yes, general. "