Anti-Mage

by LoserFinn

Naruto Uzumaki, an S-Ranked Bounty Hunter, is brought to the Ten Wizard Saints to replace the vacant seat of Jellal Fernandes. However, before he is allowed the honor, he is contacted by Fairy Tail to fulfill a must-needed job at the request of Makarov Dreyar. How will Fairy Tail's demise form a unsuspecting path for the mage? What is his purpose? Starts just before Time Skip.

4. Chapter 4

Hey Everybody!

I'm back and ready to get this next chapter underway.

To clarify on Naruto's appearance— his build is much like Metal Bat from OPM, and his face is r/Naruto/comments/7l95qg/how_adult_naruto_should_have_looked/ , just with the bandanna and earring.

Chapter 4: Fairy Tail's Abrasive Ace

Upon Christiana: One Hour Out From Fairy Tail

Fairy Tail's members were littered around the deck of the flying fortress of Blue Pegasus. Ichiya and the Trimen had lent a hand, recalling the news about anything and everything that happened in the last seven years since they'd disappeared. The other Fairies who'd stayed behind for the S-Trials had felt relief unparalleled in their lives as Fairy Tail mages. Their prayers had finally been answered— all of their family had returned from the grave, none less for wear. It was a miracle through-and-through, something they were beyond thankful for. Macao, Romeo, Wakaba, Vjeeter, amongst the others— were still waiting on the Blue Pegasus' rumors and if Tenroujima still existed. Makarov had seen to it that they wouldn't, wanting it to be a surprise for when they returned to Magnolia Town.

"Fairy Tail isn't number one anymore?" Levy McGarden asked Ichiya, who was sniffing Erza up-and-down admiring her 'nostalgic Parfum'. The Requip user blanched in disgust, pushing the Pegasus Ace into the cabin wall.

"Yes, unfortunately." The white-coated man shot up, clenching his jaw while perking his lips. "We missed you all dearly, and saw it upon ourselves to climb to the top in your honor. The magic world has been ever changing in your absence, Men…" He posed, twirling while giving the petite blue-haired Fairy a wink.

Gajeel, who stood in between Jet and Droy and their beloved Levy, interrupted the short S-Class Wizard. "So Blue Pegasus is First then? What kind of shitty guilds couldn't top you bums?" He snarked, causing Levy to turn a disapproving look on him.

Ignoring the jibe, Ichiya continued. "Oh, no handsome Gajeel. As much as I would love to claim the Number One Guild, I'm afraid we landed outside of the podium this past year." The Trimen sniffled behind him, mimicking the tears of their leader. "Blue Pegasus is Fourth in Fiore, Men!" Ichiya yelled in pride even as tears spilled from his eyes.

"So, Lamia Scale is first then?" Gray Fullbuster walked over, ignoring Natsu and Max who were going at each other with a plethora of insults. "With us gone, I couldn't imagine a guild with Lyon and Jura being anything but." He said with full confidence in his sibling student and the Wizard Saint who helped them with Oracion Seis.

Hibiki, the Archive Magic user, rubbed the back of head awkwardly. "Well…"

"Not them either?" The Ice-Make mage asked in confusion.

Eve laughed with a sweatdrop. Fairy Tail was definitely out of the loop, "They're still second… but not exactly Number One. That belongs to the new powerhouse, Sabertooth." He said in finality.

"Sabertooth?" Levy asked in puzzlement. "Are they new?"

Ren Akatsuki looked away from the Solid Script. "Sabertooth is a couple of years old. They've got a whole lineup of strong mages, five of them being S-Ranks now." He paused, "Sabertooth is practically the new Fairy Tail. I mean, not that we care, but Fiore has basically forgotten about you guys with them around." The tsundere male summarized.

The listening members frowned considerably after hearing the news of this new Guild. A Guild that had 5 S-Ranks, more than the current Fairy Tail had after Mystogan returned to Edolas. Master Makarov wasn't going to like that one bit, and given his current mood as well, that seemed a fairly likely circumstance.

The elderly Wizard Saint sat off to the side, allowing his guild members to reacquaint themselves with the one's they'd left behind. At first, he wanted to interject and ask Ichiya about Naruto Uzumaki instantly, but thought better of it. He'd allow his members to enjoy this moment for a bit longer, he could wait until reaching Magnolia to ask Macao what he wanted to know. No sense in ruining the cheerful atmosphere.

"Is everything alright, Master?" Mira, in her ever conscious self, saw through his brooding easily.

Lisanna and Elfman stood not too far away, laughing at Hibiki's attempt to flirt with Cana, only to nearly piss himself as Gildarts glared from her side. "For the moment, yes." Makarov sighed, feeling his old bones ache. "It can wait for another time, don't worry about me. Enjoy the reunion, Mira." He smiled up at his S-Rank mage.

The white-haired waitress frowned. "Does it have anything to do with the First Master?" She lowered her voice so that the others wouldn't hear.

Makarov's eyebrows raised. "Y-you… So you saw her take me aside then?" He shook his head downcastedly. "Did you hear anything that was said?"

"No, I respect you too much to eavesdrop like that."

The Titan Magic User nodded his head thankfully. "Good. I wish I could tell you, Mira, but it was something confidential between Masters of Fairy Tail. I cannot, in good conscience, betray the First Master's trust, she helped raise me after all." He held his head lower, unable to look his trusted Mage in her eyes.

None of them could know about Fairy Heart yet. Perhaps there would be a day in time when it would be necessary, but that day wouldn't be anytime soon. With all of the problems they currently had and will have, Fairy Heart would just be another kindling added to the ever-growing fire that was Fairy Tail's lists of enemies.

The look of disappointment broke his heart as Mira nodded reluctantly. "I understand, Master, at least I hope I do. I won't interfere, just let me know if you need anything from me, you know I'm always here to help." She said, smiling painfully before walking back to her siblings.

'I know you are.' Makarov turned away from her to look at the expansive sky. 'An old man like me can only dissolve one problem at a time… and, Naruto Uzumaki is the first of many.' His face betrayed the feeling of anger he felt as a snarl nearly protruded his features.

'I can only hope he doesn't mean harm. However, that sort of optimism has done nothing for Fairy Tail in recent months— or years.' His face darkened, a sense of self-deprecation rung forth. 'That optimism nearly got all of my members killed! At my age, I shouldn't be naive as I've regressed myself to…'

Mirajane returned to her siblings' side, absentmindedly greeting the Trimen and Ichiya with her placid smile. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Erza, Laxus, and Gildarts staring at the Master with the same trepidation. Leave it to the current S-Ranks to notice the old man's behavior. As good as he was at hiding it, Makarov should have known that his loyal guild members would worry for his well-being after what they'd been through.

The guilt he must've felt at not being able to protect them like he had done in the past… Mira knew that expression all too well. Much like her, Makarov got another chance to absolve himself of it, and from the way his emotions were stirring in the moment, she knew that the Wizard Saint would be fine in the end.

He was their trusted Master after all…

Fairy Tail Guild

Thibault, a member of Twilight Ogre, taunted Romeo as he raised his purple-flame coated fist in defiance. "You could train your whole life, and you'd still never beat me." His twisted smile grew as he raised his blunted club over his head.

The young Conbolt stood his ground as the club swung to deliver the devastating blow. "ROMEO, MOVE!" His father, the Fourth Master, bellowed readying his own magic to intercept.

Fortunately the blow never came to pass as the long-haired Ogre was sent flying into the nearest wall from a kick that bent him backwards.

The rest of the Twilight Mages turned in shock, not expecting the attack in the slightest. "What the hell?" The short goblin-looking man's eyes widened.

Instantly, the rest of the grunts were delivered a swift beatdown, sent straight to unconsciousness by the figures that appeared at Fairy Tail's doors. All the Fairies looked to the downed and groaning Mages then to the door in apprehension. However, that fear evaporated as they saw the surprise that met their sight. Breaths hitched and stuttering broke hysterically at the people who stood before them.

A salmon haired teenager, thought to be dead for seven years, swerved his dumbfoundedly. "What's with the tiny guild?" Natsu Dragneel asked impatiently, standing at the forefront of the Tenroujima Team.

'It can't be…' Macao's eyes began to water, looking over everyone that he already considered gone from their lives. 'How is this possible? I-I can't… Is this real?' He inched forward to where his son stared up at Natsu with his mouth drawn open.

Sidestepping the Fire Dragon Slayer, a man that could only be Makarov Dreyar stepped out with a pleasant smile, meeting Macao head on.

"Master? Is that really you?" He asked, placing a hand onto his son's shoulder while the other found itself attempting to stop his shaking.

"You've gotten old, Macao… or is it the Fourth Master now?" The Wizard Saint cloaked man pointed out the obvious, peering at the similar reactions of his forgotten Guild members. "And what happened to my Guild? I hate tiny buildings." His eyebrows raised at the tavern turned Guild Hall.

The purple haired Master felt himself short of breath, noticing the attention of all the Tenroujima participants. In the back, he saw the retrieval squad he sent with Blue Pegasus standing there happily, tears in their eyes watching the heartfelt moment. Silently, his face pleaded for this miracle to be true…

He received nods from each of them, a happiness in their faces he'd thought he'd never see again.

The Purple Flame Magic user felt tears hit the skin of his hand. Glancing downwards, he noticed the widespread smile of his son staring up at his hero in joy, tears streaming down his cheeks in glee.

Macao felt himself cry at the very same second. 'Romeo… he's-he's smiling!' His son, who hadn't smiled since the day they'd lost their comrades, was smiling!

He had almost forgotten what it looked like…

"Cool flames Romeo, good to see you!" Natsu rubbed the boy's head, gaining a delighted life in return.

"Natsu! It's really you!" The younger boy rushed forward, hugging the pink-haired Mage around the chest. "I can't believe it, this is amazing!"

The shaking man shifted his attention back to the short man in front, looking at the debacle with a content expression. "Master… this is- I'm so..." Macao struggled to find the right words, hiccuping as did the members behind him. "Welcome home…" He garnered the strength to smile tearfully as everyone ran forward to greet the Tenroujima returnees in pure excitement and ecstasy.

"You did well, Macao." Makarov praised, his hands gathering behind his back. "I'm sorry we couldn't have been home sooner. You must have struggled immensely."

"Thank you, Master." Macao rubbed his sleeve on his eye. "I don't care about all of that, all that matters is that you're here. I never thought I'd see the day… It feels great to be proved wrong." He laughed, letting go of Romeo's shoulders as the boy held onto Natsu like a lifeline.

The members all shared tear-filled hugs as cheering drowned out the moaning of the unconscious Ogres being pin-balled out the door by punches and kicks. Makarov smiled serenely, seeing his family reunited, even if it was only a small time for him and the S-Rank 'trialees', he understood the bittersweet feeling Macao and others certainly felt.

He raised his hand in the air, gaining the attention of those around him. "FAIRY TAILLL! LET'S PARTY!" The Third Master shouted, gaining a round of hollering from the like minded members.

Kinana immediately ran back behind the bar, Mirajane and Lisanna following closely behind. Minutes later, kegs full of their best booze was rolled out to the room, and glasses began to tinker as it was distributed throughout the room.

…Fairy Tail was back!

Later

As the sun began to fade into the night, the partying members of Fairy Tail slowly dwindled to a few. Kinana and the Strauss sisters cleaned the bar with a residual patience, smiling as they swept glass shards from thrown bottles. The Third Master had a stein in hand, sipping absent-mindedly as he read through the Guild's earning report.

Earlier, Macao had handed over his Master title without any hesitation— not that he could blame the man. He probably expected that they were going to return after the trials with new S-Ranks to boast about, only to be told of their 'demise' instead. So, he was reluctantly thrown into a major position without any preparation nor any idea on how to run a successful Guild. From what he heard— and saw— Fairy Tail struggled majorly those seven years they were locked within Fairy Sphere.

Makarov had refused to take the seat back, remembering his inability to protect his members on Tenroujima against Grimoire Heart, the former Master—Precht, and Acnologia. Instead, Gildarts was named the Fifth Master, something the newly-learned Father instantly disapproved of. And with this reluctant achievement, the Crash Magic user was escorted to their old HQ to get the 'official tour' of the Master Archives and the secret that lay beneath. He told Gildarts of the power of Fairy Heart, and the dangers it would cause in the future. The elderly Wizard Saint then related his conversation with the First Master and the telling of Naruto Uzumaki's involvement with his missions and the discoverance of Fairy Tail's biggest secret.

Of course, the reddish-brown haired man frowned frostily at the mention of the boy who'd left a bad impression on him during their introduction. And if that wasn't enough of a mood dampener, the man's expression intensified after learning of the boy's membership in Fairy Tail as the new 'Ace'. Makarov hadn't wanted to involve the former Ace, given his tendency for destruction, but it was his duty as a former master to relate the importance in which Uzumaki bullied his way into…

That was until Gildarts declared that his first motion as Fifth Master… was to resign and make Makarov his successor as the new 'Sixth Master' of Fairy Tail!

The Crash Magic user merely laughed at his plight, forcing himself past the Wizard Saint and back out into the streets of Magnolia. He ignored the pleas of Makarov's wanting of retirement, downing a flask as he strutted toward the party at the new Fairy Tail 'Guild', if he could call the small bar a Guild…

Makarov followed his loyal S-Class back with a mighty sigh, sagging his shoulders and dragging his pointed shoes across the pavement in despair. Finally back, Gildarts announced his decision, and for once… the Third Master held hope that his 'children' would see that he was beyond tired and weary. However, the Guild roared in excitement, seeing no point in disagreeing with the Ace's order, considering that they believed that no one could fill the shoes of the elderly man as Fairy Tail's Master.

…And so, he drank his sorrows away whilst forcing himself to stay on task and uncover the motivation in Naruto Uzumaki's reasoning in joining their Guild…

Browsing through the list of completed missions, he discovered that 'Naruto Uzumaki' appeared more than half of the time, all of them being S-Ranks. His brows furrowed with each passing Jewel amount. Sometimes the boy earned millions upon finish, which siphoned into the Guild's treasury. However, the amount in which his pay was deducted, puzzled the elder Wizard Saint.

His Guild's standard rate was 8.6% in Commision taxing, yet the S-Rank Mage was only paying half that. And even further perplexing, God Serena had signed off on all these jobs as completed affairs, not Macao. Meaning, the First Ranked Wizard Saint was circumventing the Guild Master commision law for the boy. But for what reason? The Magic Council would only be losing out on more money from Fairy Tail by doing so?

'These missions date back to the day after we disappeared…' Makarov's mouth thinned, 'God Serena was quick in replacing us.' He tossed the report aside, finding the current state of Fairy Tail troubling.

'God Serena used Uzumaki to fill the hole in the economy, even a fool like me could understand that. We left behind dozens of jobs of the highest caliber, so it's of no surprise that he'd find someone to complete them. Of anything, it probably would've been best to distribute those jobs amongst the remaining Guilds with S-Ranked members.' Makarov glanced down at the file of Naruto Uzumaki. 'Yet, he didn't… all of those missions were completed by Uzumaki, seemingly solo too…'

It seemed the more he delved into the records, Makarov believed Naruto Uzumaki could claim a work ethic unmatched by most mages. He completed more missions in a year than his S-Ranks normally did in two. With all of the jobs he completed, he wouldn't doubt if the boy had developed a small fortune by now. Even at the split rate of Commission fees, the blonde swordsman had kept Fairy Tail afloat, albeit barely… still, Macao depended on the boy's payments in order to keep the Guild open.

That dependency was easy to prey on.

'Was Naruto Uzumaki really after money? Gildarts' jobs and these reports would definitely state so, but that couldn't be the only reason… Maybe it is, even so, I can't be sure.' Makarov's eyes zeroed in on Macao waiting patiently at one of the tables after he'd asked the man to stay after the party was over. If he wanted to know what Naruto Uzumaki was after, he'd just have to ask someone who got to know the boy over the years…

The Wizard Saint nodded at the former Master, getting him to stand up from one of the wooden chairs with a groan. Quickly reaching behind the bar, Makarov filled his stein with his Magic before the man sat on the stool next to his own.

"Master, did you find what you were looking for?" The purple flame user asked with a glance at the disorganized mess of papers on the bar.

Makarov took a sip of his beer before responding. "Somewhat. I still have more questions than answers unfortunately…" He paused, turning to face his member, "I apologize for making you stay late, but I felt you'd be the best to talk about this matter."

Macao waved him off with a chuckle, "No worries Master, you're doing me a favor. My wife will have a fit once she learns that I let Romeo party with the Guild, this gives me more time to come up with an excuse to please her."

The white-haired man laughed alongside him. "I'm sure she'll understand the circumstances."

"Hopefully." Macao nodded before giving his Master a questioning look. "Anyways, what do you want to know, Master? I can't promise I'll have an answer, but I'll do my best."

Makarov hummed, rotating one of the reports upon the bar to face Macao. "What can you tell me about this young man, Naruto Uzumaki?" He asked, tapping his finger on the boy's pictured face.

"Oh, Naruto?" Macao's eyes thinned, "He's rather young in that picture, I hadn't realized I didn't update his profile…" He thumbed his chin.

"I'd assume he's rather grown up now." Makarov pictured the description the First Master gave him in his head. "About 20 or 21, I'd reckon… What's his story?"

Macao shuffled nervously, noticing the serious tone in his Master's voice. "Well, what do you want to know?"

"Anything you wish to share... According to the records, Uzumaki was the only Mage to join over the seven-year span and right after we disappeared." He paused, pitying the man's nervousness. "I'm just… curious about the Guild's new 'Ace'." Makarov said while taking a sip from his stein.

Reaching out for the member profile of the blonde S-Rank, Macao glanced over the minimal information. "Naruto is… an interesting character. I don't really know enough about him to give you more than what is on this paper. That kid is a real mystery."

"Why is that?" The white coated man probed patiently.

"Well, he wouldn't step foot in the Guild for years at a time, much like Mystogan used to do. He'd come in and grab whatever S-Ranks I could give him, sometimes A-Ranks too. Then he'd leave, send payments back to the Guild through the mail and we wouldn't hear anything from him unless he needed something from me. At first I had tried to reach out to him because he was underpaying the commission fees, but that situation was short-lived when God Serena's secretary notified me of Naruto's 'personalized payments'." Macao shifted in the stool to pick up the list of completed missions. "It sounded like God Serena practically forced him to join our Guild, and gave him incentive by allowing him to take our S-Ranks off our hands for a discounted fee. The letter made it pretty clear that if we didn't find the ordeal agreeable, that the Magic Council was unconcerned with Fairy Tail's foreclosure, knowing that our income couldn't match the fees to remain open. But, after a while it turned out okay because Naruto was completing S-Rank missions like they were run-of-the-mill side jobs. Money came in frequently and we never really had any issues until a few months ago." Pointing towards the Jewel amounts, it was obvious to the elderly man that the lessened payments still made up a massive percentage of Fairy Tail's income.

However, Makarov's eyes narrowed angrily at Macao's mention of God Serena's involvement. 'God Serena truly didn't care for my Guild's survival, and after everything we've done for them! He wouldn't have lost sleep over Fairy Tail's absence in the magic world.' The First Ranked Wizard Saint couldn't have made it clearer…

"Go on." The former Fifth Ranked Wizard Saint encouraged.

Setting the pay sheet back down, Macao cleared his throat. "Naruto had completed so many jobs that he was outpacing the influx of S-Ranks, leaving nothing to really go around. And because of that, we couldn't pay the bills and had to start taking loans from Twilight Ogre, especially after we lost the actual Guild. Naruto became increasingly fed up because I couldn't offer him anything… or I guess I didn't want to offer him the only jobs we had left—"

"Gildarts' Jobs." Makarov interrupted.

Macao nodded. "Right… and I wasn't going to hand them over because I couldn't stomach the thought of giving away any possessions you all had. I was certain that we'd solve our problems and forge ahead like we always did. Then, Naruto showed up one day, as I had expected he would." The purple haired man paused. "He had that same apathetic attitude as usual, wore a similar outfit and carried around that huge sword of his, but I knew from his expression that he wasn't happy with me. He confronted me in front of the others and I was ready to stand my ground against him, even if it meant lying to him. Yet, immediately his attention was drawn towards the two members of the Guild he hadn't seen before… little Asuka and my son." The Mage recalled the events.

Makarov's eyes darkened. "What happened?"

"Everyone in the room was tense when he pushed past me. Romeo wasn't fully aware of Naruto, nor was Asuka for that matter, because he'd never been in the Guild when they were there." Macao shook his head with a small, nearly invisible smile. "It was the damndest thing. I half-expected him to attack my son in spite of me, but he didn't… instead he greeted Romeo politely. He had a conversation with my boy, all pleasant, encouraging him even. It was something I'd never experienced with Naruto before. He did the same with Asuka— lowering himself to her level and took all her exuberance in stride with a grin on his face… Usually it was just simple stoicism and the occasional mockery, but he seemed completely at ease in the moment. It was like he was a completely different person…"

The Wizard Saint's eyebrows raised in puzzlement.

"When I looked around, I realized that everyone was smiling along with them, something which I hadn't seen for years… something I wasn't able to do." The Fourth Master's eyes lowered to his lap before continuing. "Before, I thought that Naruto Uzumaki was just another gump taking advantage of our Guild, some lowlife who only cared about himself. But, that day, maybe I saw the true Naruto Uzumaki… I'm not really sure, maybe he was acting, maybe I was kidding myself when I thought that he looked like he fit perfectly with that smile on his face. So… I told him where he could find Gildarts' jobs, so I could unravel the sort of person Naruto Uzumaki actually was…"

Makarov interrupted the Fourth Master with widened eyes, discovering Macao's decision. "Gildarts' jobs are from the Council, which means they have no commission fees…"

Macao bobbed his head."So I tested him without his knowledge. Would Naruto continue to pay the commission fees to the Guild, even though he didn't have to, or would he pocket all of the money and leave us to our own devices…" He confirmed, knowing Master Makarov had already put the pieces together.

"And?" Makarov placed his stein on the bar, folding his arms over his Wizard Saint coat. "Did he?"

"Yeah, he did." Macao smiled, "Enough to cover our expenses and the loan to Twilight Ogre, even though they raised the stipends… Naruto may or may not care about Fairy Tail, like I said, I could be overthinking it. Maybe he didn't know about the Gildarts' fees, or maybe he's deliberately making us lower our guards. Even so, I have a feeling that Naruto is more than just a money-grubbing Mage."

Leaning back in his chair, Makarov hummed in thought. He had assumed that Naruto was tormenting the Guild to take everything they could give him under the guise of a 'last resort' option for Fairy Tail. And like Macao said, maybe it was the true Naruto Uzumaki and he just happened to be good with kids or was faking that persona altogether. He had to meet Naruto Uzumaki again. Maybe he was paranoid himself, but he couldn't be a hundred percent certain. In the past, he let critical moments like these pass him by because he didn't want to see the devious deeds of other people, especially children. Even if Naruto was somehow a misunderstood person, or even an ally perhaps, Makarov would have to discover the truth alone. Mistake was his middle name and he continued to rack them up ungraciously, hopefully for once he wouldn't fuck it up.

Makarov hummed, turning to the bar to pick up his stein. "I hope it's as you say, that Naruto holds no true ill-will towards the Guild or has been using you all for his own means… However, I would like to be the judge of that." He pointed towards the updated Communication Lacrima. "If you could, I'd like to talk with him." Macao noticed his gaze, collecting the Lacrima from the bar to hold between them.

The Fourth Master snorted, "You can try, but I doubt he'll answer. Kids got a real nasty streak for ignoring my calls, I'd bet anything he'll tell me to fuck off unless I got more jobs for him."

Makarov looked contemplative before shaking his head. "I'm sure it'll be alright, I've got tons of experience with back talking little shits." He used his Magic, placing his hand onto the Lacrima in order to ring up the blonde.

It stilled for a few seconds…

The cloudy image began to clear, showing the blonde's one eyed face, walking with the Lacrima held out, an outstretched forest drawing behind him.

"Ah, Naruto, sorry to call, you free to talk?" Macao fumbled, not expecting the boy to answer.

The blonde's eyes narrowed, "Talk? Don't you have better shit to do then call me in the middle of the night?"

The Third Master blanched at the boy's rudeness towards Macao, a bit of anger inching onto his elderly features. "It'll only be a few minutes, I swear. I've got some news you might want to hear…" Macao tried to invigorate the blonde in hopes of getting him into contact with Makarov.

"No thanks, I'm good." The image faded instantly.

Both men stared at the Lacrima for a few seconds, eyes widened at the nonchalant behavior of the Guild's new ace. Not even Fairy Tail members of old would've been stupid enough to ignore him!

"Did he…?" Makarov questioned as if he couldn't believe what happened.

"Yeah."

Next Day: Near the Northern Border of Seven Country

Naruto strolled along a gravel road, leading away from the rocky terrain of the Country of Seven. His pockets slang heavily at the Jewels he had on hand. His eyes were closed, breathing in the summer air and feeling of the warmth of the sun above. His recent Job brought him close to the border. A job in which he was set to retrieve a stolen artifact from a bandit clan that hid within the mountains. With Cait Shelter gone, many criminals saw it as an opportunity to loot the indigenous area of any remaining treasures left behind by the extinct tribe.

Unfortunately, they managed to find a magical piece that allowed a user to transfigure nature into weapons. Thus, Naruto was bombarded by sticks crafted in spears, stones crafted into swords, and leaves crafted into arrows. The overly confident idiots thought finding the artifact would bring them an ultimate power, but in the end, sticks and rocks were just that… sticks and rocks.

Needless to say, he beat them all to within an inch of their lives. No need to kill them, no, the elements and the nasty creatures in the foothills would do it for him. In retrospect, it might have been a cruel thing to do, but Bandits preyed upon the innocent, and this clan was no stranger to taking advantage of the weak.

Just last week they'd raided a small village outside the mountains and killed a half dozen farmers. It was simply really, you take life from others and your life will be taken from you in recompense. No one, including himself was excused from this fact..

He was currently on his way to Clover Town to ship back his earnings, having been paid by a Council outpost. Most of it would go to the bank, and the small dribble of currency back to the little Fairies in their cliffside bar. Upon his arrival, he did as he wished before deciding to take a quick break at the local bar. Naruto browsed through the shadier part of town, or what the locals like to call the Red Light District. How cliche… like there wasn't one of those everywhere! Finally he stopped at a crooked-looking, Izakaya or Eastern-styled bar with low key lighting and short standing tables. Looked interesting enough, plus it was something he hadn't got to experience yet as far as bar designs went.

The blonde swordsman pushed through a revolving door to a pretty busy room. People ignored his large-standing frame as he made his way to a hostess desk near the actual serving station of the establishment. A cute, eastern girl with light Geisha makeup and black hair greeted him with a bow. "Welcome to the Rising Sun, will it be just you today?" She questioned politely, holding a clipboard in hand.

Nodding in return, she smiled and strutted past him, leading him towards a booth leaning against the darkened windows. Sitting down, Naruto passed his sword to the side, startling the girl who hadn't seen the weapon when he walked in. His eyes roamed around the room, observing the intricate delicacies and fancy drinks he'd never seen before.

Smiling nervously, the girl pulled out a notepad with a pen. "Can I get you started with anything, sir?"

"Mmm." He glanced down at a small menu before him, looking at the different beverages to choose from. "I'll take a Hiroshima Fat Lady and a Lolicon Mixer." The ex-Bounty Hunter laughed at the latter name as he ordered.

"Of course, those will be out in a minute." She sped away behind the bar, handing the sheet to a man in a blue and maroon yukata shaking a drink in a mixer.

Naruto pulled a cigarette from his pocket and stuck it in his mouth. Using his finger, he lit the cancer-stick with his magic and puffed away, leaving it to hang at the side of his mouth. The Fairy Tail Ace set his blonde locks back against the black-velvet booth, resting his head as he listened to the atmosphere around him.

A couple men in the booth across from him spoke adamantly amongst themselves, pointing at a newspaper article in the center.

"I'm tellin' ya, these Mage gals must use their magic to make their teets bigga." The bald man wearing a suit and unfastened red tie made a squeezing motion with his hands over his chest. "I mean, I've had my fair share of hookas, but even their fake jugs got nothing on the real deal!"

"Why do ya think I got tickets for the Grand Magic Games fo'?!" Another weasel looking man slapped the man shoulder, grinning perversely, "Jenny Realight is competing this year, I can't wait to see her thuggin' around those knockas! Maybe they'll do a tit measurin' battle!"

The final man in the booth knocked back his drink as the drunkenness flushed his dark skin. "HA! Are ya stoopid?! Mira-chan, the lovely big-tiddy nympho is gon' win. GOD the things I would do to get a handful of tha'" He grinned dreamily.

"Mira-chan?" The weasel man said puzzlingly. "You mean Mirajane Strauss, that Fairy Tail hottie? Hate to break the news bud, but tha' girl is very dead. The only measurin' they doin' is for how deep her casket is beneath the ground."

"Wha—" He stammered. "Nuh uh dumbass, look at the other page! Fairy Tail's members that died came back to life!" The drunken man slapped his hand down on the newspaper, throwing the front page open to reveal an article with a picture of the Tenroujima Team together.

Naruto sat straighter at that tidbit, listening intently to their conversation.

Browsing drearily through the newspaper, the remaining drunkards guffawed with each line they read. "Is this shit fo' real?! Those friendship nerds are alive?!" Baldy looked dumbstruck at the piece.

"It was confirmed by tha' Jason loser from the Sorcerer Magazine. This shit is authentic bro!"

"Shut the fuck up, they be lyin' all the time!"

"Hell nah, this ain't no SNN, SM is the real OG shit!"

'Are these fuckers actually that drunk off their ass.' Naruto scoffed, inhaling his cigarette deeply. 'It's obviously a memorial for Fairy Tail's seven-year anniversary for the disappearance.' Those idiots didn't have a goddamn clue in the world… It was kind of entertaining nonetheless.

The man in the middle gripped the paper excitedly. "If it's true… does that mean… I get to see even more sexy bitches at the Grand Magic Games?" Weasel-boy drooled at the corner of his mouth.

Baldy and Stupid glanced at each other, mouths open. "We have to get tickets too…" They muttered in sync.

"Fuck Yeah! MAGE TITTIES ARE THE SHIT!" Weasel roared, pounding down his drink.

Baldy and Stupid did the same before they all rushed out of the bar onto the street, drunkenly swaying to whatever merchant had tickets for the Grand Magic Games. Shaking his head at the spectacle, Naruto stood up from the booth to grab the newspaper. Those guys may have been retardedly intoxicated, but he couldn't say he wasn't a bit interested in what gave them that sort of reaction. He picked up the article from where it was left open, a few blotches of alcohol staining the corners.

The blonde swordsman read over the headline with widened eyes. 'Fairy Tail Returns! The Tragic Story turned Miracle!' The Tenroujima members stood in front of a camera, smiling at the cliffside bar alongside Macao and the remaining Fairies.

"What the fu—" He uttered as his eyes trailed down to the brief written section of Jason the Reporter.

Article by Jason

Fairy Tail was beloved several years ago, when they stood at the pinnacle of all Magic Guilds in Fiore. When tragedy struck the news outlets of their demise at the hands of a Mysterious foe, the entire continent of Ishgar mourned their loss… BUT, THEY'RE BACK! SOMEHOW, SOMEWAY THEY SURVIVED THROUGH THE USE OF THEIR SUPER COOOOOL MAGIC! I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Titania and Salamander, amongst the others, alive and well having not aged a single day! IT'S SO COOOOOL! FAIRY TAIL IS BACK! And from what they told yours truly, you should expect them at the Grand Magic Games in the Capital in just three months time!

Get your tickets below!

Naruto set the newspaper down in bewilderment… He raised his lone eye to take in the room around him, numerous pages being thrown around the room, all sharing the same image he'd just witnessed.

There was no way…

Was this for real? They all survived…? It shouldn't have been possible! Acnologia decimated the entire Island, nothing could've possibly survived that kind of magic!

'Is that why Macao called yesterday?' He thought, 'He did look less pussy than usual…' Naruto wanted to slam a hand to his forehead to squeeze his temples.

'To think that Fairy Tail's famous luck continues to pull through for them.' His mouth thinned, 'I can't believe it. They actually rose from the dead…'

The clacking of wooden shoes alerted the blonde to his approaching waitress. On a tray sat both of his drinks, lit up in bright colors and dressed with expensive accessories. "Here are your drinks, sir." She laid the tray down on his booth, setting the drinks before him.

"It's a real miracle ain't it?" She smirked.

Naruto snorted. "Definitely, I haven't ever seen luck so monopolized."

Her gray eyes trailed across the paper, instantly brightening at the chance for conversation. "You a fan of Fairy Tail then?" She smiled politely, pointing towards the picture.

Naruto chuckled, closing the bundle and tossing it off to the side. "No, not really. Too rowdy for my tastes." He grabbed the Lolicon Mixer and took a decent swig.

"Oh, I'd have to agree with you." She fanned herself with the pan, looking off to the side. "Those Fairies destroyed this bar about a decade ago. We were paid for it in full by that short old guy Makarov, so I guess it was fine. They were the shit back then, but now… Sabertooth is where it's at."

The blonde raised an eyebrow. "Sabertooth, eh? I'm not really familiar beyond the Grand Magic Games last year… What's their story?" He questioned. Although, Naruto supposed that was a popular answer nowadays, Sabertooth was beloved by Fiore as its Number One Guild after the last GMG.

"They've got a respectful bunch there. Doing their jobs the correct way without disregarding us common folk. Plus, they've got Minerva Orland, she's practically a feminine idol for women everywhere… Strong, Brave, and Beats the shit out of Men while looking beautiful." The girl rambled, hugging the tray to her chest. "What's not to like?"

Naruto merely smiled and nodded his head. Poor girl, that was just the front Jiemma Orland put up for the Country so that business ran smoothly for them. Jiemma was a burly prick, Minerva was a little girl who thought she was conniving— but in reality was no more cunning than a rodent, and from what he heard of the Guild's Twin Dragon Slayers— they were nearly as arrogant as Fairy Tail itself! Sabertooth was full of flaws, at least the pinhead Jiemma was competent enough to not show their true colors.

"Hmm, they do sound cool. Maybe I should go to the Grand Magic Games this year… Thanks Miss." He thanked the waitress, receiving a bow in return before she returned to the front of the establishment.

His eyes refocused on the newspaper as he drank. With Fairy Tail coming back, it changed everything for him. His S-Ranks would no longer be his and his alone, no, no mission in the Guild was his anymore. With the Tenroujima team returning to life, his role in Fairy Tail would become obsolete…

Once upon a time, he had said when Makarov returned he'd leave. But, did he really feel like leaving just yet? Naruto still had a couple of Gildarts' missions left, something to occupy his time while he made a decision. For some reason, he just wouldn't feel satisfied with departing. He was content with his current position, and the suddenly alive idiots were threatening his feels, so he'd have to do something about the whole ordeal.

'Or…' The sapphire eyed Mage glanced down at the emboldened words, 'Grand Magic Games X791', 'Maybe I can finally have some fun…'

Three Months Later - Crocus City

Tomorrow was the Grand Magic Games where the Top Guilds in Fiore would battle for the Number One spot. With over 115 Guilds participating, the X791 GMG were set to be one of the largest and most electric in the last decade of the Capital tradition. The competition was fierce as could be with Sabertooth's all S-Rank lineup, along with some of the Top Guilds in the country like Iron Mountain Jura's Lamia Scale, and the returning Fairy Tail led by Titania Erza Scarlet.

Thirty Million Jewels were on the line, which only eight teams would be able to fight over once the preliminaires ended. Many flocked to the Crocus City Sportsbook to place bets on their favorite competitors, where Sabertooth was currently the leading favorites. Jura, the Fifth Ranked Wizard Saint was leading the individual polls by solid odds, with Sting and Rogue from Sabertooth not far behind.

There were other miscellaneous bets like what competitor will lose their shirt first, how many time Quatro Cereberus says 'WILDOH' or even theq amount of times Ichiya and the Trimen will make a female fan in the coliseum orgasm… the fu—

Naruto looked up and down the Sportsbook odds, smiling faintly at the sight as a cigarette hung loosely from his mouth. He pulled a large roll of Jewels from his pouch to place a bet on Natsu Dragneel's Fairy Tail team to make it past the preliminaries.

The blue-orbed Mage had returned from his latest S-Rank, having disposed of a Dark Mage plot on the coast, nearing Bosco. Months ago, when he had heard of the return of Fairy Tail's S-Ranks and trialees, he'd sought God Serena for confirmation. In his ever dramatic fashion, the man laughed incessantly about the luck Fairy Tail conjured in the most troubling of times.

Naruto couldn't agree more in that sense. Fairy Tail's dumb luck was practically a Magic within itself, or some kind of charm that all members with the emblem seemed to gain. Perhaps he had some luck by affiliation then?

The Magic within Crocus was absolutely ridiculous at the current point in time, given all the Mages in their respective Inns and Hotels. Of course, it was more dense in certain areas like the Capitol where the King's Executioners resided, Sabertooth's Resort, and Fairy Tail's tiny inn. Not to mention, the strange object underneath the Castle which seemed to suck up any lingering Ethernano in the air. Naruto could feel the inanimate object's dormant state, nothing beyond a glorified metal sponge, but it was intriguing nonetheless.

He could sense the dense but aging magic of Fairy Tail's Third Master, Makarov Dreyar. Over the last few weeks, the man had become annoyed with the amount of calls he got from Macao about the old man wanting to have a talk with him. Maybe the fourteen year old awestruck boy who'd never seen the world as extensively as he did now would've jumped at the chance… But, now he didn't care for that all too much.

Plus, he was currently figuring out a way to get into the games through Fairy Tail's participation. There wasn't a possible way for him to enter their lineup without alerting the Guild Master or the actual team members, and with his stature currently, it wasn't like he could actually impersonate any of them.

Not to mention, many of the core members had seemingly doubled their strength since the last time he'd seen them. Of course, it'd been many years since he'd sensed their magical capacity so he might've been rusty, even so Naruto knew a tremendous leap in Magic ability when he saw it. It was almost as if Fairy Tail took some crazy steroids with the way Ethernano leaked from their Magic containers due to the sheer amount… that was definitely a reason for suspicion, not that he really cared…

Naruto wasn't too worried in the moment. Just like finding Gildart' jobs, he'd find a way into the games. And, whether that was through bullying his way into the lineup and revealing himself or creating his own Fairy Tail team, there wasn't much that could stop him.

The nightlife of Crocus skyrocketed within the confines of the city. Many passersby gazed at their surroundings, taking in the numerous attractions as they digested the exhilaration of the Capital's nightlife. A few people eyed him as he lit the cigarette in his mouth, no doubt for his Mage-like outfit compared to the dresses and casual wear of the common folk.

"… let's get some food already, I'm starving!" A girlish voice whined from the street he exited the Sportsbook onto.

"In case you haven't noticed, we aren't exactly in the food side of the city." Another face palmed.

The lone eyed Mage observed five women strolling adjacent to him, bundled up close together in a neat little pack. Dressed in ridiculous outfits, entirely too revealing in a couple cases; Naruto easily identified one of the competing Mage teams.

Their Magic levels weren't all too impressive, maybe a bit above average, but nothing extreme, thus confirming them as mages and not hookers… However… as he observed the last container, an S-Class level magic exerted from the leader of the group.

His lone eye stalked down his target. 'Not bad...' Naruto smirked, noticing the woman's stoic facade, ignoring the tugging cat-girl at her shoulder. 'Gravitational Magic… ooh… and so much anger, what a feisty one.'

She was a slim, large-busted woman, with long, straight black hair that fell to the middle of her back. She wore an elaborate blazer with gold lining, and a large collar, which was open to reveal a collared shirt and red tie underneath. The cuffs of her jacket were tucked into a pair of white wrist-high gloves. And on her legs, the Mage wore a pair of black tights, which were tucked into a pair of knee-high boots and sat under a short white frilled skirt. She wore a white headband with a white ribbon tied at the middle in a bow, pointing straight up. A sheathed sword sat on her hip, swaying with each step from her enchantingly sculpted body.

"Give it a rest, Millianna, we're literally on the way to the restaurant right now." The chubby, frilly haired Mage chuckled, gently pulling the big-breasted cat-girl from the swordswoman.

"Oh yeah… right…" The hooded Mage responded, laughing awkwardly.

The cat-girl was dressed in some kind of bondage outfit with a cape? Or was it just a fancy form of lingerie? The ex-Bounty Hunter inspected with a raised brow, curiously.

Naruto was so caught up in the ridiculously outfitted Mage that their leader turned to him with a frown, probably assuming he was checking this 'Milliana' out. "Do you need something?" She interrogated rudely, her eyes glowing dangerously. The other members of her team turned in his direction, surprised as to not noticing his presence before.

The blonde swordsman puffed a bale of smoke from his dart, causing some of the girls to waft it away with a collection of grimaces. "No?" He replied, retaining himself from showing amusement at her serenity. "Do you?"

The woman glanced at Milliana, who gazed back at her with a confused expression. "I suppose not." Her eyes returned forward, peering the tip of his Broadsword behind his head. "Are you here for the games as well?" She asked calmly, hands resting at her sides.

Naruto shrugged, putting his hands into his pockets. "Haven't decided yet. There's so many strong competitors this year that it's making me a bit… hesitant."

"You shouldn't let that stop you! Although the games can be competitive, they're still fun at the end of the day. Everyone should be able to enjoy them!" A redheaded, freckled girl at the swordswoman's side smiled, encouraging him.

"Hmm, I'm sure. It's probably enjoyable for you girls since you seem really strong." He smirked, continuing to eye the leader. "Beating up on small guild Mages like me must be a good time." A

The pigtailed Mage panicked at him taking her encouragement as a jest. "N-no, I didn't mean it like that!" She yelled all too quickly. The woman was so innocent that it was kind of cute. "I just meant that you should try your best even if you think you'll lose. You never know what'll happen, truthfully!"

Naruto laughed, leaning over to pat the Mage on the head. "I'll keep that in mind."

"What Guild are you from, cutie?" The spider-webbed, yellow dressed woman sauntered to his side, getting him to lower his head-patting off the now red-faced, pigtail Mage.

"It's a small one, you probably wouldn't know it." He deflected, glancing at the leader's sudden narrowing of her eyes.

"Oh, don't be like that… What's there to hide? I promise we won't bite." The light-green haired Mage bit her bottom lip, looking at the part of his abdomen that escaped the bottom of his muscle shirt. "Unless… you want us to." She giggled seductively, wagging a finger a hit midsection.

"Okay…" The chubby Mage grabbed the seductress's shoulders, moving her out the way. "Kagura, we need to go. I'm pretty sure we'll miss our reservation if we don't get a move on. Plus, you know, Bacchus might be around… so let's try to avoid the bars…" The leader's frame froze at the mention of Bacchus, shivering even.

Naruto's eyebrows raised at the name of the leader. It sounded awfully familiar…

The cat-girl's ears perked up at the mention of food, drawing her drooling face away from his midsection. "Oh! That's right!"

'Kagura' nodded in agreement. "I was just about to suggest so." Her hazel eyes never left his face, a suspicious gaze trailing in her features. "Lead the way, Milliana."

"Ok, Kagura-chan! Nyaa." She purred, passing the leader into a delighted skip. "Good luck, Blonde Sword Dude!" Millianna grinned, sending him a cute two-finger salute.

"Good luck, hottie!"

"Do your best!"

"Bye for now."

Kagura lingered behind as the others followed Millianna. She made to say something before closing her eyes and shaking her violet locks. Naruto stared at her with mirth, watching the woman walk after her team without uttering so much as a goodbye, or a wish of encouragement like the others.

He noted her hand relaxing on the butt of her sword, likely a Katana from the shape of the

sheathe… 'Oh.' Naruto blinked, 'What other S-Rank uses a sword in Fiore and is named Kagura… I'm an idiot…' The blonde smiled disarmingly.

"Good luck girls!" He said with a smirk, watching the women leave.

The S-Ranked Mage from Mermaid Heel paused in stride, her silk-like tresses flowing as she turned halfway around. However, as she glanced back, Naruto had already dipped around the corner, trying to find a local bar that Bacchus Groh wouldn't be at. He too was afraid of what the Quatro Cerberus Ace would rope him into.

Kagura glanced around the street, looking for the large blonde swordsman to no avail. "Kagura!" Beth yelled, motioning her to follow. The woman took one last look around, exhaling loudly before following her team in step.

Domus Flau: The Next Day

Fans in the tens of thousands waited for the arrival of the Final Team. Although it hadn't been shown who'd pass the Preliminaries, from sheer skill compared to the average Guild, Naruto assumed that the Finalists would be the same as last year. Sabertooth had fans nearly everywhere in the Domus Flau Coliseum, and the place was massive, beyond anything he'd ever seen before. And even though there were the occasional fans from other Guilds, Sabertooth had the popular vote won by a landslide. Even if Jiemma Orland was an arrogant dickhead, he sure knew how to garner positive interaction with his Guild. A smart business decision if nothing else.

Around the arena, the Grand Magic Games officiaters started to filter in the Guilds that passed into the eight separate Imperial Boxes, fit large enough to hold fifty Guild members. Naruto observed Makarov's magic container from high-up in the nosebleeds, leading his Guild members into one of the viewing boxes with a whistle and staff in hand. However, Makky's arrival wasn't the only thing that surprised him, he could also feel Mavis, the girl he'd met in the Archives, with the other members.

Plus, it seemed that another Fairy Tail team made it to the Finals…

Mato came over the mic, alerting the members of the crowd. "WELCOME TO THE X791 GRAND MAGIC GAMES!" He bellowed excitedly, Pumpkin Head shining in all the glory with his arms spread wide. Soon after the massive Movie Lacrima displayed in the middle of the arena, viewable from all sides. The crowd roared, standing from the stone rows to cheer with enthusiasm. Flags were waved erratically and signs were raised as Yajima, a former council member, introduced himself and Jenny Rearlight as the fellow announcers alongside the famous and renowned Chapati Lola.

Naruto stood clapping as Mato began to announce the teams that would be in the Finals. "Now the moment, you've all been waiting for, kabo! The Eight Teams that passed the preliminaries!" The screen flashed, zeroing in on the tunnel underneath Makarov's booth.

"Making their Finals Debut, in Eighth Place the bunch of Old School Mages, Fairy Tail!" Chapati Lola took over, displaying a black-swished wig. Hilariously—in Naruto's opinion— the crowd booed all across the Coliseum. Naruto laughed at the faces of Fairy Tail as they looked around in shock, expecting to have been cheered for as people had done in the past.

The blonde smirked, 'Fairy Tail isn't the trend anymore.' Their defeated expressions soon lifted as Fairy Tail's cheering section screamed their support, led by Makarov's sharp whistling.

They dressed rather cleanly in purple uniforms tailored to their fancy, Erza Scarlet looking as great as the day she'd left… The big-breasted Lucy Heartfilia too. Natsu Dragneel, Gray Fullbuster, and Elfman Strauss followed in a line, all of them looking determined to remind Fiore of their skills.

'I'm still stumped on their Magic…' Naruto narrowed his eyes, 'How could someone's container change so vividly… not so much the Strauss sibling, but the other four… Their magic power has completely doubled. There's no way that within three months that a Mage could ever double their Magic ability, is there?'

"In Seventh Place, the rowdy army of HellHounds, Quatro Cerberus!" Chapati continued along, unperturbed by the boo's sent Fairy Tail's way. Bacchus was not amongst the selected members for some reason. Considering the S-Ranks habits, he was probably still at the bars shit-faced or humping a poor woman.

The idiots yelled 'WILDOH FOUR!' marking the very first of many times they would in the coming days. It was sort of surprising that they even made it to the Finals considering that none of them felt all that strong. Naruto had always thought that Quatro Cerberus was strong thanks to Bacchus and Bacchus alone— guess that wasn't true to an extent.

"Coming in Sixth, this is a Guild built to the brim with the fairer sex, Mermaid Heel!" Chapati said excitedly, a blush coming to his round head. Kagura Mikazuchi remained stoic, stationed in the middle of her team. Men all over the stadium crooned, calling out the favorite members' names.

"Now in Fifth Place, the glimmer in the darkness— keep them away from the ladies, cause they'll steal yo' hoe or cop a sniff, Blue Pegasus!" Ichiya was down on one knee, crossing his arms in front of his face dramatically as the Trimen followed suit. Funnily enough, a man in a blue bunny suit seemed to be their final member, an Exceed by the way their magic container felt. Blue Pegasus was decently strong, no denying that, Ichiya by far the strongest, but nowhere near the strongest he'd felt before. Jenny Realight cheered from the booth, ignoring the commentator rule of unbiasedness.

"In Fourth Place, the God of Love and Strife, the Sacred Destroyer, Lamia Scale." Chapati roared, garnering a thunderous applause for the entering team. Lamia Scale was one of the favorites in Fiore, and their fans showed out due to Jura's last minute entrance. Lyon Vastia led the team of a dog-looking guy, a cute little redhead girl, and an ugly dude with massive eyebrows. They were probably the third strongest team here in terms of Magic Power. Jura though, definitely top three individually, if not first.

Ooba Babasaama yelled her misgivings at her Mages coming in Fourth Place as Chapati moved on. "Coming in Third Place, and what a shocker it is. Swooping in from a Midnight Dreary, this dark and gloomy bunch are making their debut, Raven Tail!" The cheers immediately ceased as 'Raven Tail' entered. They looked like Dark Mages, and probably were Dark Mages, but gained legitimacy having just entered the competition this year. Oh well, none of them were very strong, Fairy Tail would probably pummel them for the copying of their name. What a bunch of creepy looking losers!

They were led by Ivan Dreyar, Makarov's son. The Wizard Saint looked like he was going to go ballistic at the mention of his excommunicated son's Guild.

"Our first place runner-up is…OH WHAT A SURPRISE! This year's competition got a whole lot more interesting folks! It's Fairy Tail Team B!" Fairy Tail Team B walked out behind a giant Fairy Tail emblem constructed by Laxus' Dragon Slayer magic. Fairy Tail— Team A— pointed at the newcomers in surprise, obviously having not been told they'd be competing.

Mirajane Strauss, Gajeel Redfox, Juvia Lockser, Laxus Dreyar… and Mystogan…

'No…' Naruto's eyes widened, 'That's not Mystogan, that's… that's Jellal Fernandes! The fuck is he doing here?!' The blonde immediately widened his senses, his magic nearly exploding out of his core.

'If he's here, then…' A couple miles outside Crocus, in the hills overlooking the Capital, he felt her. 'Ultear…' His eyes closed in thought. 'What is Crime Sorceire doing here…?' That train of thought was soon lost as he focused on her Magic. The cloudy conjunction lost its anger and resentment, the guilt still withered, but it was an improvement. Ultears's magic felt almost as it did back then…

From inside the stadium, Naruto felt Ultear snap away at his Magic, having been trained on her container for too long, she had begun to sense his intrusion. Before he pulled away, he felt her franticness rise, but not before a sense of familiarity leveled in her emotional state, a sense of recognition in his magic…

Forcing himself to forget the beautiful violet-haired woman, Naruto traced his eyes back down to the field, where Mystogan—Jellal— was covered from head-to-toe in disguise. He was still trying to find a way into the games, thank the gods for Jellal! Naruto had a brilliant idea…

"Finally, the team that came First in the Preliminaries. That's right, you know 'em, you love 'em, now get on your feet for the most powerful Guild in Fiore, the one and only Sabertooth!" That announcement seemed to shut the Fairies up, as both teams collectively turned towards the arrival of the infamous Sabertooth. The Twin-Dragon Slayers led the pack, followed by a green-haired oaf, a beautiful woman in a baby blue cloak with feathers, and a robin-hood looking Mage with a red feathered cap.

Minerva Orland wasn't here either… Naruto shrugged, at least that was a win. What a nasty woman she was, 'I mean, our very first time meeting she tried to blow me… up… blow me up! It was kind of hot— psycho girls are something else!' He shook his head, sitting down as most of the fans in the stadium did after Mato made his way to the middle of the field.

The teams lined up around Domus Flau's battle area, Fairy Tail and Sabertooth took turns snapping at each other. Well, more Natsu and the Twin Dragon Slayers than the others, but the sentiment was shared between the remaining members of each team. Mato explained that there would be two events each day of the week, a surprise event and a battle event. For the surprise events, each team would receive points based on their performance— 1st would be 10, 8th would be 0– fairly simple and straightforward. In the battle matches, the winner received 10 points for their team, while the loser received none— a draw would be 5– what kind of losers would actually draw in a combat scenario?

Immediately the events were sent into action as Mato explained the rules of the first game called 'Hidden'. In the game, the participants would be sent to different locations in a town that was magically created, filled with clones of themselves and their competitors. However, Naruto ignored the explanation of point gain given that he was currently affixing a proposition for dear old Jellal Fernandes the criminal turned anti-Dark Mage— or anti-Zeref in general.

Once the battle rounds came along, Naruto would be paying a surprise visit to the Fairy Tail tunnel, right underneath Makarov's nose… Naruto almost shuddered in excitement, maybe it was the atmosphere in the stadium…? His blue eyes traced downwards to where Fairy Tail Team B sent out Juvia to be their competitor, which was probably a decent move given Juvia was the weakest amongst the team. Better to get her out of the way now than to have to use her later. Only problem was that Gray was sent out for Fairy Tail Team A, and Juvia was definitely not going to be 100% focused with her love, 'Gray-sama', in the way.

'I can't help it now,' Naruto smirked in anticipation, 'It's time for Naruto Uzumaki to become a household name!'

Just Before Mystogan versus Jura Neekis

Jellal walked towards the entrance to Fairy Tail's tunnel into the Domus Flau's Gladiator arena. His heart shone with joy, finally being able to pay a small price to Fairy Tail for saving his life and dignity. There was no better way to show Fairy Tail you cared then to fight alongside them, or in this case, for them. The false Mystogan owed it to Erza to show her he was different, that he still cared about her… in his own way.

Praised be Makarov Dreyar that allowed him this opportunity to investigate the embellishment of dark magic in the Capital while having a hand in Fairy Tail's rise back to Number One. If the blue haired man was honest with himself, it practically felt like he was a part of the miracle of Fairy Tail… although it would be a short time to relish the moment, he'd eventually have to go his separate way, so that the name Jellal Fernandes didn't tarnish their reputation. He could certainly help Fairy Tail's image as Mystogan, just not himself, and that was exactly what he was going to do.

However, as he waited for the announcing of names, the slow clicking of heels to concrete made his disguised face swing to the left.

"Man, where the hell is the bathroom in this place?" The male figure seemingly scratched his head, a puff of smoke escaping his lips in what Jellal could only assume was a cigarette or a cigar. As the man approached, Jellal saw hints of blonde hair, black and purple clothing and an intimidatingly tall stature.

The man sighed, coming to a stop just before the crossing of sunlight directed from the outside. "I think I'm lost…" He said raspily, a now icy-blue orb peering back at him from the darkness.

The glowing of the pale iris put the former criminal on guard. "You alright there?" Jellal asked warily, facing his robed-figure towards the muscular foe. "I think you're in the wrong place."

"Is this the Fairy Tail tunnel?" The man asked, turning his head to peer at the enclosed surroundings. "I heard that if you found the Fairy Tail bathroom… magical stuff would happen." He almost seemed disappointed, or was he pouting?

Jellal raised his staff towards the ceiling. "Not sure about the whole bathroom thing, or… whatever, but this is Fairy Tail's tunnel." The former Wizard Saint motioned to his borrowed garb. "I'm sure you've seen me… I'm Mystogan from Fairy Tail B. Not trying to be rude, but could you wait on the Bathroom thing, I'm about to fight."

"Mystogan?" The figure blinked— or winked? "Never heard of you." He said unamused.

Jellal eyes broadened, finding that unbelievable. His Edolas counterpart was definitely a popular S-Class before Fairy Tail disappeared, even though he covered his entire body like he currently did. The whole mysterious and bizarre identity was kind of Mystogan's bread and butter, and Jellal doubted that he'd never heard of him in passing.

"I'm an S-Class Mage of Fairy Tail…" The blonde shook his head negatively, "My Mage outfit is pretty recognizable…?" Laughing, the male shook his head again. "I was rated Number One on most Mysterious Mage in the Weekly Sorcerer…?" Once again, no recognition supposedly.

"Do you recognize me from anything?" Jellal questioned, a hint of amusement seeping into his tone.

The blonde hummed to himself in thought before replying. "Hmm, I never met Mystogan, but I have met you." Jellal's eyes narrowed, "I could recognize that hair anywhere, you're that Mage from the mountain!" He stepped into the light, finally revealing himself.

"Mage from the Mountain? Have we met before?" The blue haired man's voice wavered in confusion. Who had he met on a Mountain? Did Mystogan meet him before? 'Damn, what should I do?!'

However as Jellal began to piece together the familiar man's outfit, the bits of memories from a teenager in the mountains came rushing back. The Broadsword… smoking a cigarette, raspy voice, wearing an earring and a bandanna that covered his left eye. Shit… from the mountain… that kid who was looking for Crime Sorciere was here, now?!

And unless he met Mystogan before, that meant he knew who he was under the mask. If he remembered correctly, the boy didn't actually know he was Jellal Fernandes, but believed he was a treasure hunter. Even if he could fool this kid— could he even call that teenager who grew into such a massive being a kid?— how could he convince him that he was Mystogan?

Mystogan worked alone, always wore his mask and cloak… Jellal had been spotted with Meredy and Ultear… and he lied to him about being a Treasure Hunter to cover their tracks, only for the boy to find him dressed as Mystogan. But the worst of all… Mystogan was supposedly dead with the Tenroujima team! They met during the seven-year gap between Fairy Tail's demise and their reunification!

The large Mage squinted his eyes towards Jellal's masked face. "Yeah, I'm sure of it. You're that guy from the Mountain… weird… weren't you, uh, dead at that time?" He asked, confirming Jellal's worries. "Hmm, you're not actually Mystogan, are you? Are you an imposter or an impersonator… or both?"

Jellal took a step back, a trickle of sweat dribbled from his brow. "Oh, oh, now I remember you, yeah, yeah… Guild secret, I'm afraid. A lot happened back then, trust me, maybe we could talk about it sometime… Perhaps later?" He suggested, taking a glance down the tunnel at Mato entertaining the crowd. "My team is depending on a victory here, so…"

The blonde laughed, blowing a cloud of smoke towards his face. "Relax… I won't tell anyone, Fairy Tail is all about trust right?" A dark smirk wove its way onto his.

Jellal nodded despite frowning at the boy's insinuation. "We can talk after…"

"Ah, who am I kidding, I don't give a shit about all that." The blue orbed Mage put his hands in his pockets, inhaling another puff of his dart. "I'll be real with you… I know you're not Mystogan and I know that you lied to me up on that Mountain. And, I know you're not a member of Fairy Tail in general because— one— I'm a Fairy Tail Mage myself!" Jellal paled, his magic container tensing for altercation. "And two… Fairy Tail doesn't allow murderers in their Guild… Jellal Fernandes."

The Heavenly Body Magic user's eyes shook in shock. How could he have known this? Just because he was able to see blue hair? There's absolutely no way!

"The fact that you insinuate that I'm Jellal Ferna—"

The revealed Fairy Tail mage interrupted. "There's no insinuation, you are Jellal Fernandes. I've known who you and your friends were since the moment I saw you on that Mountain. Everything I told you there was a lie… I wasn't looking for Crime Sorciere, I was looking for Ultear Milkovich." He admitted, causing Jellal to pale further before Ultear's name was mentioned. Then, as if a flip was switched, the blue-haired man became completely defensive of his fellow Guild member.

"Is that right?" Jellal said, thinking of what to say. "How did you know?" He saw no point in lying now, it was obvious that the boy knew who he was.

"I ran missions for the Wizard Saints. Saw your 'brother' Siegrain all the time, wasn't any doubt in my mind that it was you on that mountain."

"I see." Jellal shuffled, tensing for an altercation. "No sense in lying I suppose."

"I would've known anyway if you did." He replied with a shrug, uncaring as he inhaled the cigarette in his mouth.

"May I ask why you were searching for Ultear?" Jellal questioned.

Shaking his head downwardly, icy orbs narrowed at the former Wizard Saint. "No."

"What about lying to us?" The blonde shrugged once more, "Why? You knew that you found us, found Ultear specifically, right? Why fabricate that story to us, why leave after you found what you were looking for?" Jellal questioned, throwing away his useless disguise.

The lone sapphire eye softened shortly before responding. "Don't know, it doesn't matter really. All that matters is that right now, you have something I want." Jellal could tell the boy was trying to steer away from the questions about his partner.

"I'm not sure I'm willing to give anything away. Even if you know I'm not Mystogan, Makarov knows too, it means nothing at this point. I'm here to prove something to Fairy Tail, to atone by lending my strength. You wouldn't want to hurt your Guild's reputation by outing me, right?" Jellal said, not allowing the tall Mage the upperhand.

Naruto shook his head, "Didn't you hear me before, I don't care for Fairy Tail's reputation or their beliefs. This has nothing to do with them, they're just a means to a new beginning for me." He scoffed at Jellal's question like it was an insult.

"Why are you telling me this? I may not be a member of Fairy Tail, but just because I'm not, doesn't mean I'll let you ruin this opportunity for them." The false Mystogan threatened.

The Fairy Tail Mage stood his ground, uncaring of the magic threatening to spill out the former Wizard Saint's container. "Oh I'm sure you would… hear me out though, Jellal Fernandes. Let's make a deal…"

The crowd roared outside the tunnel as the match was set to start in a few minutes, an image of the Four Gods of Ishgar revealed to wish the crowd a happy Grand Magic Games. Jellal glanced at the Coliseum before sighing and turning his attention back towards the blonde.

"Alright… I'm listening." Jellal sighed in defeat.

Back in the Stadium: Fairy Tail's Terrace

Fairy Tail's non-participating members stood behind the First and Third Master. The excitement for the upcoming match was at a high as Mato began to announce the names for the last battle of the day. Both Fairy Team's performed poorly, coming in 7th and 8th respectively and even with Lucy's loss— although not particularly her fault given Raven Tail's interference— they were still optimistic for 'Mystogan's' Victory. Even if it was against one of the strongest Mages in Fiore, Fairy Tail were used to being the Underdogs by now.

"Go! Go! Fairy Tail!" Makarov yelled, blaring his whistle while marching. His members responded in kind, bellowing their support. The First Master rocked her shoeless feet off the edge of their stone balcony, smiling cheerfully.

"And now… For our final battle of the day, between two of the strongest Mages in the Continent of Ishgar!" Chapati Lola came over the sound system, fans cheered amicably, raising majorly Lamia Scale favored memorabilia. Fairy Tail glanced around, still starstruck at the amount of fans in the crowd, probably reaching the hundred-thousand mark at the start of the day.

"From Lamia Scale… the Iron Mountain, the Fifth Ranked Wizard Saint, the Earthshaker… folks, get on your feet for Lamia Scale's Ace, JURRAAA NEEEKISSSS!" If it was even possible, the decibel levels reach insane highs as Jura revealed himself from Lamia Scale tunnel, his large arms folded in his combat Yukata and a silent confidence displaying on his monk-crewed face. A couple terraces away from their own, Ooba Babasaama and her members shouted Jura's name, clapping and chanting while their Master spun Toby in a circle using her Magic.

Cana sipped from her flask, "I can't believe Mystogan got paired with Jura, it's like they want us to lose." The daughter of Gildarts said with trepidation, trying to ignore the favoritism of the crowd.

"Well, the fans and the King practically decide the battle matches, so you can't really argue the choices. Gotta give the fans what they want." Max, the Sand Magic User said.

Lisanna playfully swatted both on the shoulder, "Oh c'mon, it's just the first day. Let's give 'Mystogan' our best, as I'm sure he'll do in return. Win or lose, there are still more chances. We have to tell the world that Fairy Tail is back, and what better way than one of our best taking on one of Fiore's best." She said, looking happily towards her brother and sister standing proudly amongst their teams.

Makarov nodded sagely, turning his head slightly to regard his members. "Well said, Lisanna."

"And his challenger… oh, hold on, Fairy Tail Team B has used their first substitution of the Grand Magic Games!" Fairy Tails' heads shot to the Movie Lacrima, Chapati Lola was displayed, surprise etched onto his round face. Jenny and Yajima leaned over the man, who read from a paper that was given to him. "It's been Confirmed, Fairy Tail Team B is replacing Mystogan for the Battle Round! What an incredibly ballsy play, folks!" The announcer laughed, stashing the paper aside. Makarov's eyes widened… he hadn't called for a substitution! Why would his B Team need a substitution!

The elderly Third and Sixth Master met eyes with Fairy Tail Team B, bits of anger leaking through his previous jovial expression. However, as he gazed at the members of his Guild, the same sense of confusion was written all over their faces. They stared at him, expressing the same perplexity.

His grandson met his eyes, shaking his head a silent question in the narrowing of his brows. 'Why did you substitute Mystogan?' The Lightning Dragon Slayer mouthed.

Makarov shook his head, looking to the Cana who titled her head back, brown eyes meeting his own. He was planning to use Fairy Tail Team B's reserve member as Cana! There shouldn't have been anyone else… 'I didn't.' He mouthed back, looking to his grandson, 'Cana was supposed to be your substitute and I'd never use her against someone like Jura.'

In return, the lightning-scarred Dreyar scowled, turning his attention back to the tunnel. Makarov weaved his head towards the Movie Lacrima, seeing Chapati shaking in excitement with his old friend, Yajima, sitting still in his chair with mouth open. Blue Pegasus' Jenny giggled, fanning her face while staring at whatever had been on that paper Lola received.

"Oh, do we have a special treat for you, folks! Making his debut at the Grand Magic Games, the Ace of Fairy Tail…" Makarov nearly had a heart attack on the spot. GILDARTS WAS HERE?! He would destroy the stadium!

'Why is Gildarts here? He left on his tenured missions again…' Makarov thought in bewilderment. 'And why didn't he tell me…? I didn't think he had a flair for dramatics…'

"My dad is here?" Cana whispered, her heart fluttering.

"The Bane of Mages, making S-Rank at the youngest age in History…" Wait a minute, Gildarts wasn't the youngest S-Rank in History… The crowd quieted, awaiting the reveal of Fairy Tail's substitute. The Finalists mimicked the action, making Chapati Lola the dominant voice in Domus Flau.

"Over the last seven years, he's completed 167 S- Ranked Missions! The incredibly hot, Anti-Mage, NARRRRUTTTOOO UZUMAKIIII!" The color in Makarov's face drained, stomach dropping at Chapati Lola's mention of the boy who'd evaded him since their return.

A marching band to his left started playing their Guild's musical theme. All of them dressed in black with a violet Fairy Tail symbol displayed on their chests and in black and purple. The conductor at the front of the rows of instruments placed a fold of bills into his back pocket with unforgiving greed.

'What the…?' Makarov held the tufts of hair on the sides of his head. 'I didn't hire a band…'

Out of Fairy Tail's tunnel, sure enough, a tall, broad shouldered blonde walked towards the middle of the field, his face turned away from the viewing booth. Dressed in a black muscle shirt that ended just above his abdomen, and baggy black pants tied around the ankle by violet adhesive-tape, the Fairy Tail Ace strolled unobstructed by the crowd above. That same Broadsword that Makarov remembered on that shorter boy, was evident on this hulking frame. The crowd roared at the new figure, the volume raising with every passing second as they witnessed the handsome blonde trek towards Jura.

Their head turned towards the Movie Lacrima when the feed changed to feature the grinning blond. His gleaming blue orb almost seemed teasing as he glanced back at the Fairy Tail terrace, meeting Makarov's astounded gaze. The Ace's lone eye shifted towards the First Master at his side, pulling a hand from his pocket to wave lazily.

"Naruto Uzumaki? Is that the S-Rank kid that Master hired before Tenroujima?!" Cana turned towards Macao, who's mouth still hung open at Naruto's appearance. "What happened to him…? What the hell did you feed him?!" The drunken Fairy whispered, inspecting the broad frame.

Cana's gaze lowered to his posterior, '…and he's hot… just look at that ass!' She bit her lip while leaning towards the Fourth Master.

"He ended up joining the Guild?" Lisanna wavered, smiling at their new member. "I had no idea! Why didn't you tell us?" The Animal Takeover user barraged Wakaba, who stood in a similar position to his friend.

Wakaba nearly choked on his cigar, being shaken by the Strauss sibling to respond. "Naruto… is, well… maybe you should ask Macao!" He stumbled before dumping the seemingly difficult conversation of the Fourth Master. The purple-haired man swerved his aging face towards the pompadour cutted Advisor, scowling at the fool's passiveness.

"He… um, Naruto is…"

Macao stuttered, turning towards Makarov for support, only to see the infamous man glowering at the blonde below. And even worse, Master Mavis had an emotionless expression, gazing at the boy below in what only could be trepidation. Seeing that he was going to get no help, Macao decided to make things simple. Knowing that everyone else besides the Tenroujima team had a relative idea of who Naruto was, the Fourth Master could give a basic overview until Master Makarov was willing to entail all of the finer details.

Sighing, the Conbolt father spoke, "Naruto is our Ace, yes. Joined right after we received the news about all of you… He's been a big— help, I think everyone is just stunned that he's here. Naruto is a… shy person, and normally wouldn't go to something like this. At least, I thought he wouldn't have, but— here he is…" He skipped over pretty much everything about Naruto. Plus, he didn't exactly lie… Naruto had been a decent help, especially in the last few months. The blonde was definitely more than what met the eye.

Lisanna's eyes narrowed at the frequent pauses. Her and Cana looked towards each other, seemingly sharing the same thoughts as they caught Macao glancing at Makarov throughout his little description of the blonde hunk. They were obviously being left out of the loop about something. Plus, with the First and Third Master practically staring holes through the Ace, Naruto Uzumaki didn't look to be a welcomed party by any means.

Naruto waved at the crowds, grinning charmingly as the women in the stands, single and married swooned. "Doesn't look that shy to me…" Cana drawled, trying to act unperturbed by the blonde's attractiveness.

"BIG BLONDE MAN!" Asuka yelled from her father's shoulders, waving her arms frantically to gain his attention.

'Well at least someone is happy to see him.' Cana chuckled at Alzack being directed to the front of the terrace by his daughter's pulling of his hair.

Naruto's face brightened further, laughing at the little cowgirl now standing off to the side of the First Master. "PRESENT! PRESENT! PRESENT!" She chanted loudly, gaining the attention of the Fairies. Bisca laughed as her husband's head was battered by Asuka fists banging on it.

"What's all that about?" Lisanna laughed along with them, whispering to Warren as she did so.

The Telepathy user chuckled, keeping his gaze towards Naruto holding a thumbs up, "Naruto promised Asuka a gift for when he returned from his job, but this is the first time we've seen him in almost a year, so that time seems to be now. I don't think she forgot his promise by any means." He grinned, a smile full of joy plastered on his darker features.

"He was gone almost a year? Sounds a lot like someone I know…" Cana said sarcastically, envisioning Gildarts in her head.

Max laughed, interjecting into the conversation. "Ha, this is nothing! After he joined, he left with a handful of S-Rank jobs and didn't return for almost five years! I almost expected to not see him for another five, to be honest, I can't believe he's even here… he skipped out on last year's games, and the years before that." The Sand Magic user folded his arms over his chest, shaking his head.

The women's mouths gaped, staring at the older Max. "Five years?! Holy shit, he was doing missions that entire time?" Cana sprouted, getting in the light-brown haired man's face. Holding his hands up, Max nodded in placation. "What an animal… He must've made a shitload of money."

"And what about the games! Macao said that Fairy Tail came in last every year, where was he during all of that?" Lisanna followed up. "Shouldn't he have supported the Guild as it's Ace?"

Max took a step back from the interrogative women. "I can't really say what he's been doing during those five years, or even a month ago. I mean, I can count the amount of times I've actually seen him on one hand… I barely know more than you guys to be honest." He paused, glancing at Macao with his hands on his son's shoulders. "The only one he really talks to is Macao, and even then, it's strictly business. So my guess, during last year's Grand Magic Games, Naruto either didn't want to participate or he was doing foreign missions like Gildarts."

The alternate Fairy Tail team stared at the tall figure talking quietly with the Wizard Saint across from him. Naruto Uzumaki, Fairy Tail's Ace during their time of disappearance, a mage who made S-Rank at the youngest age in history, beating out Mira and Erza. His Magic container was completely sealed off from their senses, almost as if nonexistent. The fact that they couldn't seem to pinpoint 'Mystogan' either was a massive concern. From this whole debacle, they could only assume that Naruto Uzumaki had done something to Jellal to get into the competition. Just what exactly he did, was the question on their minds.

Around the arena, many of the competing teams observed the coming battle with an excited attentiveness. Obviously, some had heard of Naruto in passing, whether through S-Ranks that happened to cross paths with the blonde or having seen the Ace themselves.

Mermaid Heel's Millianna pointed at the blonde, "Isn't that the hot guy from yesterday, Kagura?" The cat-girl squinted her eyes, testing whether her vision was betraying her. "That's gotta be him! I could never forget a cute ass like that nyaaa!" She purred, trailing her brown eyes towards his backside.

Kagura ignored her teammate as she too stared at the blonde Mage they'd met the night before. 'So that's Naruto Uzumaki, the youngest S-Rank ever… I've only ever heard of him, I would've known who he was if I'd seen him before. But, since he was a part of Fairy Tail, I considered him nothing but a nuisance, considering how weak of Guild Fairy Tail became. I thought he was weak himself, but seeing as how Fairy Tail's Master substituted him for the infamous Mystogan, he must be one of the strongest in Fairy Tail even with all of their members returned to life.' A frown crossed her lips as she took in his completely relaxed state. Uzumaki didn't seem remotely nervous that he'd be facing one of the Wizard Saints. Either he was overly confident and stupid…

Or he actually was a match for Jura Neekis…

'Yesterday he was talking about how he wasn't very strong and that he had doubts about joining the games because of all the strong competitors.' She thought back to the blonde's apprehension. 'Was is it all a joke? Had Naruto Uzumaki been messing with them? If he was, then calling her team strong… was a lie, and he was openly mocking them to their faces!' Her frown deepened, a glare twitching onto her pale features.

"So that hottie was actually Naruto Uzumaki, huh? I would've never guessed." Arana chuckled, placing a hand on her webbed-painted hip. Her face was still decorated with scratches from her fight against Ren Akatsuki. "He doesn't really fit the Fairy Tail archetype, I'd say he'd fit perfectly alongside Sting and Sabertooth. They look similar enough with the whole charming womanizer look."

Beth shook her head as her lips thinned. "Our Guilds are allied, why didn't he introduce himself to us last night? I'm pretty sure he knew who we were." The freckled faced woman echoed with a bit of heat in a rare moment of anger.

Risley leaned against the railing, glancing at their leader's eyes focused upon the handsome Mage. "Well it is a competition, even if we are allied, doesn't mean that he'd openly give himself up if he was meant to be a surprise weapon for Fairy Tail. That being said, to put him up against Jura… that must be Fairy Tail's crazed confidence at work. You'd think they'd save him for another fight that'd be easier." She voiced her opinion, seeing the value in Naruto's withholding of his identity.

'Risley's thoughts hold some weight.' Kagura shifted her weight so that she stood straight against the railing, hoping to appear unperturbed by the blonde's revealing. 'I guess we won't know until he fights. If Naruto Uzumaki is actually strong, then I'll know that his false anxiety was just a facade used to mock my team.'

Across the way, Sabertooth overlooked the tall Mage with curious gazes. All of their current S-Ranks had been warned of Uzumaki's possible appearance before the games by Master Jiemma. Most had heard about him beforehand due to Minerva's known displeasure towards the blonde's apparent rude behavior and refusal of their Master's offer in acceptance to their Guild.

Jiemma sat in the stands, his massive stature easily exceeding the crowd around him. His burly forearms were crossed over his chest as his face scrunched scornfully, probably equally displeased at seeing the S-Rank having officially displayed himself to the public under the Fairy banner.

Rufus Lore the slim, flamboyant Memory-Make mage stood with his back to the terrace's stone wall as the team observed a muted conversation between Jura and Uzumaki. "How interesting… our Master's intuition bears fruit. It is most unfortunate that Our Lady cannot attend this first event, surely she'd find the current venue enticing." The long, bright golden haired youth smirked, brushing his forefingers across the brim of his cap.

Lector, the red furred Exceed grinned, hopping to Sting's side. "Isn't that the guy Our Lady got really angry about, Sting? Wasn't it over him not joining our Guild?" He asked the White Dragon Slayer.

The handsome blonde Sabertooth member nodded at his companion as he inspected the tall frame of Fairy Tail's new ace. "I think you're right, Lector. I knew that guy joined a Guild, but I wasn't sure where. He must've known about Fairy Tail's return… otherwise he wouldn't have joined such a weak Guild. Well, at least they used to be weak. With Natsu Dragneel back, they are definitely strong again, so to be considered the Ace of Fairy Tail when Gildarts Clive is alive is pretty impressive." Sting said, smirking at the new opponent. In the end, it would just be another person for him and Rogue to crush in their path towards proving they were stronger than Natsu Dragneel and all other Dragonslayers.

"I think so too!" Frosch cheered from Sting's side.

Rogue crossed his arms over his dark cloak, frowning as he listened to his Dragonslayer partner. Sting made a good point, Naruto Uzumaki was strong, he just had to be in a Guild filled with mages like Erza Scarlet, Laxus Dreyar, and of course Gajeel Redfox. His pale features twisted into a scowl in remembrance of the cruel Iron Dragon Slayer. His red orbs pointed oppressively at the long black haired mage who stood confused amongst Fairy Tail Team B.

Orga Nanabear laughed heartily, shaking his shoulder length emerald locks. "Our Lady will definitely be happy to see him! Remember the last time you brought up Uzumaki, Sting?" The confident blonde paled. "She fucked your shit up, bro!" Orga laughed, shaking Yukino's shoulder who could only smile mournfully in Sting's direction.

"That never happened… Our Lady is a kind and caring woman." Sting recited robotically as if someone forced him to do so. Lector comforted Sting by patting his leg, seeing that his friend was shivering but trying his best to hide it.

"Look at Fairy Tail, they are more shocked than everyone else around us, it's like they didn't know he was coming." Yukino chimed in, getting away from the previous fight's winner in favor of standing next to the stoic presence of Rogue.

Rufus hummed, posing elegantly. "It is fairly peculiar, dear Yukino. Perhaps Uzumaki must've not related news of his presence in the games to his Guild. How magnificent, I shall remember their mute expressions…" He smirked, finding enjoyment in the confusion of the former Number One Guild.

"Does it matter?" Rogue muttered, "Whether they knew or not, we have to focus on Uzumaki's abilities for the next round. We have to tell Our Lady of his strength or we'll get… beaten again."

"I think so too." Frosch added.

Sting smirked, "Sure thing Rogue, you're right." He nodded before turning his dark blue eyes towards the burly figures below. "A fight with two Guild Aces should be good…"

"Fighters Ready?" Mato bellowed, alerting the members of Fairy Tail to the start of the Battle Round. The blonde swordsman nodded as did Jura, however both competitors stood across from each other unmoving. On the Movie Lacrima, a confident smirk crawled onto the half covered face of Uzumaki as smoke rose from the end of his dart. The Fifth Ranked Wizard Saint kept his arms interlocked in the oversized sleeves of his yukata as amusement danced between the elder man's eyes. The pumpkin mascot shuffled away from the S-Ranks, giving himself plenty of time to get away from the chaos that was sure to ensue.

Makarov's eyes were trained upon the arena floor, waiting for the golden chance to see Naruto Uzumaki's capabilities and magic prowess as described to him by Master Mavis. In his peripheral vision, he could tell that the First Master was doing the same, however her expression was merely curious as opposed to his angered obsession. It wasn't all too surprising given that she was optimistic, stating that although Uzumaki knew about Fairy Heart, she was willing to give him a chance to prove he wasn't a meddling force taking advantage of their Guild's kindness and reprieve.

Perhaps he would too in this case… a win for Team B would be a nice way to end the day. However, even that wouldn't come easily with Jura Neekis as the meddling blonde's opponent.

"FIGHT!"

Outside Crocus

'That magic… where have I felt it before?' Ultear gripped her head. Her eyes squinted shut, trying to remember the signature of Magic that she had felt the hour before. The answer was close, heg she couldn't grasp it!

"Ultear, are you alright?" Meredy asked worriedly, placing a hand on the older woman's shoulder.

The daughter of Ur nodded, smiling warmly at the pink haired girl. She placed her hand atop Meredy's as she overlooked Domus Flau from a distance. For the moment, Ultear chose to ignore the feeling knowing that the memories would come back to her eventually.

"I'm fine. Let's just watch Jellal and hope that he doesn't get worked up and blow his cover." They both turned towards the Lacrima device set before them. On the screen, instead of Jellal, another mage stood across from Jura Neekis. The crowd bellowed in the background as Jellal was nowhere to be seen in the frame.

"Where's Jellal?" Meredy whispered.

A tall frame with black and purple clothing and a broadsword with a bandana draped over half of his face greetes their sight. Ultear's eyes widened in recognition of the familiar earring dangling from his right ear.

"That's… that's the boy we met!" Meredy said, echoing what Ultear was thinking. "He's a Fairy Tail Mage?!"

However, Ultear unknowingly ignored her fellow Guild member as she stared pointedly at the violet colored earring. Seemingly entranced, images of her Mother danced in her memories as Ur used her Ice-Make magic. When she was a little girl, her mother had always sculpted her ice to create a violet rose for when she was crying. Other children had teddy bears and stuffed animals, she had her mother's ice constructs.

…and that earring… the violet rose looked exactly like the one's her mother used to make for her… exactly like she remembered… it couldn't be a coincidence!

"…that earring he's wearing," Ultear's eyes widened fractionally.

"That's my mother's ice!"

End

Thanks for coming back for another chapter. This was a long one, sorry to end on a cliffhanger (I'm not really, I do this every chapter.) Please review and tell me your thoughts.

Next, I finally get to write a fight where Naruto will show some of his abilities and make the others shit their pants. It might not be 6k like this, but you never know I get carried away easily.

Anyone know any good Isekai, I'm getting stir crazy after finishing Eminence in the Shadow.

Continue to vote for pairing please!

Peace