Fantasia Parade

"Alright everyone thanks to Porlyusica's help Master will be just fine," Mira said. "He managed to make it through the worst of it with her here, so the parade will be tomorrow night!"

The guild hall, most everyone covered in some form of bandages or injuries, cheered, raising drinks in celebration at the announcement.

"Thank goodness," Lucy muttered. "I was worried."

"Come on he's not that old to kick the bucket," Gray stated.

"Well he's still old," Erza muttered. "Any added stress to his heart could significantly impact his health. I understand your concern Lucy. Everyone be on your best behavior okay!"

"Aye sir," the guild called, in too much of a good mood to argue. Still Erza knew they would heed her warning. Everyone cared about the master, and any undue stress towards him that could be so life endangering wasn't something anyone in the guild would play with.

"It's not just that though," Lucy stated. "I don't know if it's a good idea to the Fantasia Parade after everything that's happened."

"Master wants us to do it," Mira stated. "Besides, it's the best way to cheer everyone up after all that...brawling."

"I can't wait to see what you all have in store for the parade," Juvia stated.

"You're gonna be in it with us too little lady," Cana stated, a cunning grin on her drunken face. Juvia blanched, shock on her face before Gray stepped towards her.

"I never got the chance to thank you," Gray stated. "My name is Gray, Gray Fullbuster. Thanks for saving me back there against Chuck. He's a powerful mage, probably one of the most powerful Fire Magic user's in the entire country and you were willing to take him on just because I was a member of Fairy Tail. I won't forget that."

Juvia just blinked, surprise on her face. "Of course. Gray-san is a member of Fairy Tail it only makes sense to want to help."

Gray smirked, and was going to respond only for Natsu to smash into him. "Oi, stripper when did you get back and why ain't ya tell anybody!"

"I got back earlier today Natsu," Gray muttered, shoving the Dragonslayer off of him. "It was during the battle. I saw what was going on and tried to help out. I ended up fighting that Chuck guy back from Galuna Island."

"From back there," Natsu stated, curious. "How did he know to come here?"

"From what I could gather from Freed," Levy stated. "Laxus had him send out invitations to several notable fighters in Fiore in advance. They were all coming and knew the date to be here. They thought Fairy Tail was doing some big battle to test their strength or something of the sort."

"Tch, they'd send criminals and unaligned mages here to fight when civilians are around? How shameful," Erza muttered. Natsu shrugged, not particularly caring for the danger. He had gotten a good fight out of it. He knew where he ranked know. He still had a lot higher to climb but he felt it, he was getting stronger. And him getting stronger meant him getting closer to finding Igneel.

"Either way," Natsu stated. "I gotta wonder Gray...how strong did you get? Think you can defeat me now!"

Gray snorted. "Natsu I'd freeze your flames in a second."

Natsu snorted, fire bursting alongside his first. "Oh really?"

The two glared at each other, eager to begin the brawl until Erza grabbed both of their heads and smashed them against a table. "What did I say earlier?"

"No stress," the duo called out at the same time. The guild erupted in laughter, causing the redhead to smile.

'It's good to see everyone getting along again. Especially after what we were just forced to endure.'

Erza didn't think the good mood could be quelled, until he walked in. The entire guild froze, pure rage on their faces as they saw him. The audacity of this man knew no bounds.

"Laxus," Warren hissed. "What are you doing here?"

"The old man," Laxus stated, his body covered in injuries. "Where is he?"

"What the heck, you think you can just barge in here and ask to see the master," Droy called.

"We're not telling you," Jet roared.

Erza sighed, shaking her head. "Quiet everyone!" The guild went silent, glancing at the redhead. "The master is in the infirmary."

"Erza what's wrong with you," Jet called. "We can't trust him!"

Laxus said nothing, walking passed Erza towards the infirmary. The woman's eyes darkened as he walked by but she said nothing. Laxus was only stopped by Natsu who looked him dead in the eye. Laxus stared back at Natsu, the Fire Dragonslayer eyeing Laxus up and down.

"Next time it won't be such an unfair fight. You won't be tired or anything at all, just me against you," Natsu stated softly. "And when that happens I'm gonna win."

"Wait but why is he saying that," Lucy muttered. "Didn't you guys beat him," she asked, looking at Gajeel. Gajeel shook his head, a frustrated look on his face as well.

"No, it was more of a draw than anything else I'd say. I mean sure we beat him, but it took Erza, Natsu, and me going all out to do it. And look at what it's done to us. Erza's covered in bandages, Natsu still hasn't recovered completely from all the lightning flowing through his system, and even I'm tired from the blows and I got the least amount of damage. If that guy was around when Phantom Lord invaded...it wouldn't have even been a contest. If I'd fought him I'd be six-feet under right now."

Lucy blinked, her eyes wide. "No way."

"Tch, and apparently Naruto and Sasuke are stronger than him," Gray muttered. "Fucking monsters."

Laxus snorted, walking by Natsu, causing the Dragonslayer to pause. He whirled, prepared to hurl another claim at Laxus only for the blonde to waive back. Natsu's eyes instantly softened, watching the faux-Dragonslayer walk into the infirmary where Makarov waited. Clenching his fist Natsu nodded. Erza patted his shoulder, ignoring the wince of pain Natsu let out.

"Already. Show's over everyone, it's time to get ready for the Fantasia Parade!"

A cacophony of cheers erupted in the hall.


The two Dreyar mages sat in a room silently, neither bothering to look at one another. Laxus lay against a wall, covering in bandages, a frown on his face while Makarov lay staring at the ceiling as though pondering something. The sounds of the rest of the guild members roaring and preparing for the parade could be heard through the stone wall.

"They're a rowdy bunch aren't they," Laxus muttered. Makarov breathed out, slowly rising and standing as he stared at his grandson.

"Laxus I don't think you realize the seriousness of what you have done." Laxus stared at the ground. Makarov would have none of it. "Look me in the eyes young man." Laxus slowly turned, slightly put off by Makarov's intensity. The elderly mage was staring him down, and felt much larger than his small frame would let you believe. "Fairy Tail is a place, where friends can gather. Wizards can find work, and children who have no place to call home can feel like they're part of a family. It's not something that can be owned," Makarov stated, shaking his head. Laxus grit his teeth but was quiet.

"It's important that each member not only be loyal, but also trustworthy, otherwise no bonds will be formed and the entire guild will eventually fall apart. Your actions have proven that you lack both of those qualities. You threatened the lives of you comrades, and that is unforgivable."

Laxus, for all of the shame on his face that was visible, stood his ground, staring Makarov in the eye the entire time. "I'm sorry sir." Laxus clenched his fist. "Honestly I never meant to hurt the guild. I just...wanted to make it stronger."

Makarov sighed, shaking his head. "You're just as high-strung as I am truly," the man muttered. "You'd better relax or you'll end up in here with me. Take some time to smell the roses, if you do you'll be able to see things you couldn't see before. And you'll hear things you've never been able to hear. Life can be a lot of fun if you want it to be."

Laxus was silent.

"Over the years I have watched you grow into the man that you are today. Where did we go wrong? What lesson did you not learn?"

Silence.

"But the past is the past. I am left now with only one choice."

Laxus was silent, a culmination of pain and fear filling his body as the words he dreaded filled the air. He had known this would happen if he didn't succeed. He had thought he had come to terms with it.

"Laxus. You are hereby expelled from Fairy Tail."

He was wrong.

"I understand," Laxus spoke softly, much of the strength he previously had disappearing. "Thanks for everything," the man stated, turning on his heel to live the room. Makarov turned as well, looking out into the window, trying to think of brighter, happier days with his grandson.

"Goodbye, grandpa," Laxus muttered, before he closed the door.

Yes, Makarov knew it was a good idea to think of those better times. Anything to keep him distracted from the tears falling down his face.


"You must be joking!" Evergreen called, causing Laxus to wince. That was loud. "Why would he kick you out and not the rest of us?"

"Yeah I mean we're just as guilty as you are," Bickslow muttered.

"Guess the old man doesn't see it that way," Laxus stated, a somber acceptance in his voice. The incoherent sounds of Bickslow's dolls muttered, floating in small circles behind the mages back. Laxus watched them idly, a faint smile forming on his face.

"Well if you're leaving the guild then I'm leaving too," Evergreen called.

"Why should we stick around if you're not gonna be here!"

"You guys can be such a pain in the neck," Laxus muttered, rubbing his neck for emphasis. "Can't you just say goodbye and be done with it?"

Freed shook his head. "I don't understand. We're at fault too so why are you taking all the blame? I just as easily helped with my runes and forcing the guild mages to fight each other. I also assisted in the defeat of Fairy Tail mages, and I was the one who sent out those letters."

"You're all wrong. You can deny it all you want, but I know each of you are more attached to this guild than I am. Freed you're just the most obvious. You trained Naruto in runes, you have a friendship with him. Evergreen you still want to surpass Erza, and Bickslow this is where you get your dolls from. And that's just the surface. You all grew up in that guild, surrounded by them as family. It's the only thing you know."

"If we talk to the master we can probably get him to change his mind," Evergreen stated.

"Yeah, and Natsu and Gray respect you so they'll come with us," Bickslow chanted. "He loves those two I'm sure he'll listen to them!"

"Tch I'm not so sure about respect," Laxus muttered. "Especially after the fight Natsu gave me. I think he's mentally realized that he's much closer to closing the gap between us than ever before."

Freed frowned, clenching his fist but looking at Laxus with a solemn acceptance. "You're really leaving..."

Laxus smirked and turned, a sack on his back as he walked away from the trio. "Take care of yourselves. Next time we meet you better be stronger."

"Laxus wait," Evergreen called, but the man did not turn, continuing his march towards the city limits. Freed stared at the man's back a small smile of acceptance gracing his face.

'I'm sure we'll meet again...Laxus.'


Fireworks burst across the night sky, the multi-colored display causing excitement from the crowd that had gone to watch it. The event that caused Magnolia to be known around the world, and part of the reason why despite Fairy Tail's destructive nature they were so incredibly popular. The Fantasia Parade. Cheers erupted from the crowd as a giant fish, some Fairy Tail members inside, strolled down the street, other giant constructions following behind it. Girls and guys doing acrobatic tricks, mages causing light shows with their magic, people dressed in exciting costumes, the parade had it all.

Cana smiled as she looked down at the crowd, her cards rotating around her, all of them surrounded by pink hearts. She heard the cheering, the joy caused by her display and couldn't help that feeling that erupted in her gut.

Elfman stood not far behind, being carted forwards in one of his Souls. The crowd cheered as they saw him only for him to let out a frightening roar that silenced the crowd. Elfman almost panicked, until more excited cheers erupted, the crowd impressed at the display of power.

Lucy, Bisca, and Levy all followed on their own raft, dancing with batons in hand to a fast-paced song, all dressed like cheerleaders. The display continued, seemingly never ending until Gray and Juvia appeared, a pool of water on their raft. With a wave of her hand Juvia brought the water into the air, Gray smirking all the while. With a dramatic gesture that he did not require half of the water morphed into a beautiful icy castle, rivulets of water flowing in the air before it. The light from the decorations reflected against the ice, causing a dazzling effect that made it shimmer. The duo were not done however as Juvia made the streams spin in a circle, Gray creating the title of Fairy Tail on the streams as they replicated the guild hall.

Soon Erza could be seen, her blades spinning around her as she twirled, a small smile on her face. With a brief flex of her magic various elements danced across the blades, causing the crowd to erupt in cheers.

It wasn't long before Natsu followed, flames licking his heels as he blasted the letters for Fairy Tail into the sky, the flaming letters searing themselves into everyone's minds.

Makarov watched, a pleased look on his face as he saw his cart beginning to take off.

"Hey Master."

Makarov turned, surprised to see the other Dragonslayer that called Fairy Tail home there. "Oh, you won't be in the parade Gajeel?"

"I don't like being in the spotlight," Gajeel muttered. Makarov snorted.

"That can't be true, if memory serves of your singing..."

Gajeel blushed, irritation clear on his face at the insinuation. Rolling his eyes the Dragonslayer pulled out a slip of paper, handing it to the Master.

"This is for you. Sorry it took so long to get it to you. I finally tracked down your son Ivan."

"Good work," Makarov stated, accepting it. "I'm sorry it was so dangerous. From your brief report I got earlier the situation quickly got out of hand."

"Don't worry about it was actually kind of fun. If I didn't have to leave so soon he'd have no idea I was a double agent."

However, before Makarov could respond the cart began to move. Makarov grinned. "Sorry my public needs me!"

"Is that the master?"

"Woah, look at that outfit!"

Makarov roared with laughter as he waved to the civilians, moving with speed that shouldn't exist with such age.


"What, you're watching from the sidelines for the Fantasia Parade this year," Laxus asked, the young boy standing at eye level with his short grandfather.

"Because this is your big moment. So I'll be watching from the sidelines."

"When I look into the crowd how will I find you?"

"Forget about me, today you're the star."

"If you say so," Laxus muttered,until he snapped his hands a look of wonder appearing on his face. "Oh I know! In the middle of the parade I'll do this!" the young teen roared, shooting his pointer finger to the sky with his thumb extended. "You can see that right?"

"You'll raise your hand?"

"It's a message. When you see me holding up my hand like this, it means even though I can't see you I'm looking your way!"

Makarov couldn't help the tears that came to his eyes, the look of a proud parent taking over him. "That's my boy."


Makarov shot his hand into the sky.


Laxus shuddered. The man stopped walking, turning from the stony path on the outskirts of Magnolia to glance back down at the guild. The Parade was happening now, that much was obvious. But why did he have this feeling? As though there was a message being sent his way. Suddenly the message felt stronger, as though more and more people were doing it before he saw it, the massive gout of flame that shot into the sky in that same familiar hand gesture. The one he had created as a young boy. He remembered it clear as day. Pointer finger towards the sky with the thumb extended. The massive flaming hand called out to him. Tears formed on Laxus' face, a smile breaking his stony guise.

"Grandpa..."

Laxus couldn't help it, slowly he raised his hand to the sky, lightning gathering around his palm before he shout his own blast into the sky, the lightning forming the same sign.


Makarov stared at the lightning hand that slowly began to fade, a faint smile on his face. He was happy the message had been received.

'I may not be able to see you. There may be a hundred miles between us. But I'll always be looking your way. I'll be watching over you forever, I promise.'


Laxus walked, clenching his fists as he passed the border of Magnolia. "I know," he whispered.

'Thank you grandpa!'


Naruto grunted as he used his wind to carve the material into the right shape. This was the last piece. Once properly welded both Sasuke and himself would be done with reconstructing the Domus Flau. Naruto grunted. He had briefly talked to the King upon their arrival, and while the man had seemed slightly off there was no denying the fact that the man seemed to finally get a better grasp for the strength of the mages that participated in his tournament. The new Domus Flau was made of much stronger material, and actually had magical wards that Naruto himself helped set up to make sure the audience was safe from any possible attack that missed or was off the mark.

For a King he sure didn't seem to understand that the safety of his civilians came first.

Naruto gently lifted the material onto the crane, the machinery doing the rest of the work. Naruto stretched turning to his Uchiha friend.

"You ready?"

"To fight again? Yes."

"You know what I mean. Do you think you can win?"

Sasuke frowned, flexing his hands. "I'm not sure," he muttered. "Without my full strength and without access to my eyes the Nibi is a difficult opponent. Hell I wouldn't want to fight her even with my full power at my disposal. To win I'd need...creativity. My Arc of Embodiment will be the true deciding factor on if I win or not. I don't think my sheer offensive firepower can defeat the Nibi as is. I'll have to trap it and create a weak point."

"I'm sure you can do it," Naruto muttered. "And even if you fail I'm here as back up."

"If you can even defeat Jura."

"Are you seriously questioning me about whether or not I can beat Jura?"

Sasuke snorted. "You don't have your full power either."

"I'm more than capable of defeating him without it that much I assure you."

The Uchiha rolled his eyes, walking away. "Whatever you say Naruto. Just know that if I fall the Nibi will be difficult for you to take down as well, and it will be impossible for Jura."

"It sounds like neither of us can truly afford to lose."

"It seems that way," Sasuke muttered.


"What the hell gramps," Natsu roared. "What'd you have to go and kick him out for! Couldn't you have just...I dunno sent him to his room or somethin'!"

Lucy groaned. Natsu could really be an idiot sometimes, however he did have a point. The entire guild was looking at Makarov expecting an answer. Few had were around when Jose was initially kicked out of the guild and have never seen what could have pushed the Master so far. Especially towards his own flesh and blood. To say many disagreed with the decision, despite their anger towards Laxus, would be an understatement. Of course, there was those that agreed as well.

"Aren't we supposed to be a family," Natsu roared.

"That is quite enough," Erza stated, her voice booming across the guild hall. Natsu grit his teeth looking at the girl.

"But now that he's gone I may never get the chance to fight him again!"

"Is that really all he cares about," Levy whispered to Lucy. Lucy sighed.

"It doesn't surprise me."

"Boys will be boys I suppose," Cana interjected.

"Come on, I know I'd be strong enough to beat him next time! I closed the gap so much and I can't even fully control my Drive yet. Just wait till I can!"

"Enough! Erza stated. "Can't you imagine how the master must feel? Do you think he expelled Laxus because he wanted to?"

Natsu was silent, looking at the ground. Makarov did not look at the boy, his eyes closed through the entire altercation.

"I just can't believe he ended up being a Dragonslayer," Happy stated.

"No," Makarov stated. "Laxus was never a real Dragonslayer. He was not raised by a Dragon like Natsu or Gajeel."

"What...what do you mean? How the hell do you become a Dragonslayer without being raised by a Dragon? I mean it makes sense, there's no way he could have been, but that just makes the entire situation more confusing," Gray muttered.

Makarov sighed. He couldn't exactly go into the details, the entirety of Project D2 was still classified even if the participants were walking around among mages today. And to even mention that man's name around his family was something he would prefer not to do.

"Growing up," Makakrov began. "Laxus was always a sickly and frail child. He didn't even possess that much natural magical power. His father was ashamed and tried everything to make Laxus stronger. Including implanting a lacrima into his body. That lacrima..."

"Contained Dragonslayer Magic," Natsu muttered.

Makarov nodded.

"What kind of parent would do that," Lucy questioned.

"The demented kind."

"I have a more important question I'm afraid," Gajeel asked. The entire guild zoned in on him making him feel slightly uncomfortable but he went along anyway. "How the hell can you make a lacrima that contains Dragonslayer Magic? It's a Lost Magic for a reason, it shouldn't be possible to do that. The number of known Dragonslayers in the world are limited to me and the idiot over there. So how are they creating these lacrima, and perhaps more importantly, who the hell has the power to do that?"

Makarov clenched his teeth. He knew the question was coming but there was no way he could truly answer it. To do so would put the entire guild at risk. Defying the Magic Council was never an intelligent decision.

"I can't tell you that information."

"That's bullshit," Natsu hissed quietly, getting the entire guild to stare at him. Licks of flame surrounded his body as he glared at Makarov. "You know how they're doing it and you know who is doing it! And you also know that Gajeel and I are looking for our parents! What if this person knows how to find them! How could you keep that information from us!"

"They do not know!" Makarov roared, silencing Natsu's growing anger. "Trust me they do not know of your parents, and even if they did you would wish they wouldn't. That is the end of this discussion."

Natsu and the rest of the guild were silent. Makarov sighed. The conversation was clearly not over, but at least for the time being he could come up with something. He could only hope that no one in the guild ran into the other participants of Project D2.


Makarov frowned. It had been three days since the Fantasia Parade and the guild was just slowly beginning to return to normal. Makarov had hoped it would stay that way. After everything that had happened the guild could use some normalcy. Mages taking on request, making money. The basics. The essentials. But he supposed that was too much to ask. According to the letter from the King, Naruto and Sasuke had finished reconstructing the Domus Flau which meant that the tournament was going to start soon.

Meaning they were going to have to face Mito Uzumaki and her band of Bijuu once more.

Makarov clenched his hands. He didn't want to bring the entire guild along. That woman was dangerous, as were her guild mates. He hadn't forgotten how one of her creations had attempted to murder Erza. The redhead would be dead if Naruto and Sasuke had not rushed in to defend her. But Naruto and Sasuke didn't have their full power anymore, and the Bijuu was still in the tournament. There was no way that Naruto or Sasuke could defeat it without it. He should demand the duo be pulled out immediately. He should bring his top mages to defeat the woman and her guild. He should tell the Magic Council about her.

But all he could do was have faith in Naruto and Sasuke.

Makarov sighed. That didn't mean he was going to bring the entire guild along. In case anything kicked off it was better for him to bring the most elite members of Fairy Tail for the protection of the remainder of the guild. Of course convincing the other guild members of this would be practically impossible, but luckily enough for him they didn't have to know about what was going on. The short elderly man left his office, glancing down at the guild members who were bickering down below. These were his mages, his responsibility. It was his responsibility to protect them, especially given what he was about to do once they reached Crocus.

"Erza, Gray, Mira, Natsu, and Gajeel come to my office immediately," the elderly guild master said. The five mages blinked, slightly confused as to why they were being called but nodded nonetheless, beginning to walk up the stairs. Makarov frowned however. Mito and her Bijuu had defeated the entirety of the guild before, why would only these five be able to change the tables combined with him, Naruto, and Sasuke? But he couldn't anyone else at risk, and with the Magic Council's help they may just be able to put her down. Everyone had grown more powerful since then. Hopefully enough to close the gap. But he just wished he had a security blanket. The elderly man's eyes gazed over the mages before his eyes rested on one untested member sitting by themselves.

"Azuma!"

The man blinked, looking up at Makarov.

"You too."

Azuma blinked but nodded, walking towards the stairs as well. Once the group had assembled Makarov led them inside of his office. The man took a seat on his chair before he looked over his mages. He sighed.

"As some of you are aware there was a tournament held by King Fiore to decide who the most powerful S-class mage in the country was."

The group nodded, including Azuma despite not being a member of the guild at the time. Many of them are uncomfortable looks on their face. Gajeel remembered his crushing defeat, while Natsu, Gray, Erza, and Mira remembered the clash with Mito after the tournament had ended. The defeat suffered at her hands, and the powerlessness they felt at the hands of the Bijuu.

"It was temporarily disbanded due to Naruto and Sasuke having a...disagreement," Makarov muttered, still slightly annoyed the duo had destroyed the Domus Flau. "However the reconstruction of the arena has been completed. The invitations for the tournament to resume have been sent out."

"Mito..." Erza whispered. "And Matatabi..."

Makarov nodded. "Indeed. They will be there. I plan on putting a stop to them, however it will have to be after the tournament as to not draw too much panic and attention to ourselves which means we can't bring the entire guild. With everyone there I can't stop everyone from instigating a situation with them, and because - if we get the Magic Council to label them as a Dark Guild like we wish - we may need a strike force to defeat them."

"That strike force is us I assume," Azuma stated. "That's fine by me. As long as I get a good battle."

Gray glared at the taller man. "This isn't a game Azuma! Last time they defeated the entire guild by themselves and severely weakened Naruto and Sasuke! This isn't a battle, this is a battle with a Dark Guild! They're threats to the entirety of Fiore!"

Azuma wanted to snort. He knew what battles against Dark Guilds were like more than they did. And he definitely knew just how much of a threat Mito Uzumaki posed to the civilian populace of Fiore. He wasn't underestimating the power of her group, more so he was excited that he'd finally get to fight one of these so-called Bijuu. If he couldn't fight the 'Divine Duo' as Naruto and Sasuke were starting to be called in Crocus, then he would settle for them.

"I understand," he muttered.

"But why a strike force this small Master," Mira stated. "Like Gray said they beat the entire guild last time. Shouldn't we bring more people even with the added risk of fighting them too soon?"

"No," Makarov stated. "We need power on this mission and you all are the most powerful members of the guild currently here. Frankly, having Laxus and Gildarts here would be ideal, but Laxus betrayed the guild and Gildarts has yet to return from his mission. Still, we have Naruto and Sasuke even if they can't fight at full power. Plus, if we can convince the Magic Council, then we'll also have some of the Generals supporting us."

"The Generals," Erza muttered. "Why would they be there?"

"Two of the Generals were assigned to the tournament to watch over Naruto and Sasuke," Makarov stated. "It was stated in the letter we received. The duo have attracted some attention. Plus, due to the attack on Era at the last tournament the Magic Council is making a show of force. They want to make sure no Dark Guild believes themselves powerful enough to defeat them."

"So a three way brawl between us, Mito Uzumaki, and any Dark Guild that decides to show up," Gajeel muttered. "That sounds fun."

"This is no game," Makarov stated. "The battle will likely be in the streets of Crocus. And of course I cannot guarantee the appearance of any member of a Dark Guild. Frankly I hope none appear and wouldn't bet on it. Two Generals is a lot of firepower after all. Focus on Mito Uzumaki first are we clear?"

"Yes Master!"

"Good."

"One question," Erza stated. "Are Naruto and Sasuke still going to fight in the tournament? Even with all of this going on?"

Makarov nodded. "Yes. I will not tell them. Them knowing would be too obvious. I can't have them trying to kill Matatabi during the tournament. They'll already likely be trying to cripple the Bijuu, which will be beneficial to us. If either one of them defeats it, then all the better."

Erza clenched her fist, worry etched on her face. She was the only person in the room who had fought a Bijuu. It was...terrifying. Still, Naruto and Sasuke had both done it in their past lives. She had to have faith in them.

"Any further questions?"

Silence.

"Then you're dismissed. We leave tomorrow morning. Tell no one else in the guild of this. To them we're going on a business trip."

"Understood."

As they filed out of the room Makarov sighed in relief. So stressed he was about the upcoming battle that he didn't think about why Azuma hadn't questioned why they felt so threatened by Mito Uzumaki, and didn't ask what a Bijuu was.


Naruto and Sauske blinked as they looked at their so-called chaperones for the duration of the tournament. Naruto glanced down at the short elderly man assigned to him.

"Hi, I'm Naruto Uzumaki! Who are you?"

"Wolfhiem," the elderly man stated. "And I know who you are boy, I've met you both before."

Naruto blinked, confused only for Sasuke to answer this time. "He is a member of the Wizard Saints Naruto, specifically he is one of the Four Gods."

Naruto's eyes widened as Wolfhiem nodded. "It's good to see someone of your generation actually pays attention. Maybe one of you isn't as dumb as I assumed you to be."

Naruto turned to Wolfhiem. "You're one of the Four Gods! That's so cool! You must be so strong! I've always wanted to fight one of you, you must be even stronger than the old geezer! Is it ok if we have a spar?"

"The audacity of this children," Woflhiem muttered underneath his breath. "No we cannot spar boy! I am here to watch over your idiocy not be your personal trainer. If you do not remember allow me to remind you, the last time you were in Crocus you destroyed an age old coliseum over...what exactly?"

Naruto and Sasuke glanced at each other, embarrassment forming on their face. Wolfhiem snorted. "If you had just waited patiently and won your individual fights you could have fought each other in the finals."

"To be fair Wolfhiem, they did let us know how out of date the coliseum was," Draculos muttered. "The civilians were in danger and the new modifications has made it significantly safer."

Naruto nodded, an excited look on his face. "See!"

"Perhaps," Wolfhiem stated. "I suppose good can come from the actions of idiots. Then again maybe he was just afraid to fight against another Wizard Saint."

"Jura," Naruto questioned, blinking. He snorted. "Sure, he's strong, but he's not even close to my level. I can handle him no problem. Just you watch in three days old man!"

Wolfhiem growled clearly annoyed at Naruto's behavior but let the action go. He glanced at Draculos. The man shrugged, glancing at Sasuke. His ward seemed much easier to handle.

"Draculos Hyberion. General of the Magic Council."

"Sasuke Uchiha. Wizard Saint."

The duo nodded and that was that. Naruto rolled his eyes. "Well are you guys supposed to just shadow our every move cause that's boring."

Neither General bothered responding. Naruto groaned, just walking away.

"Where are you going," Sasuke questioned.

"To get some ramen!"

Wolfhiem rubbed his forehead. "The damn devil's food."

It was as if a nuke had exploded right then and there. Naruto was instantly in Woflhiem's face, rage on his face.

"You take that back!"

"No."

Let it be known that the duo did not get along.


Next chapter the tournament begins again.