Natsu, now a 10 year old, stood in the clearing, his muscles tense as he prepared for the next round of training with his father, Igneel. The forest around them seemed to hold its breath, anticipating the clash between father and son. Suddenly, a blast of fire came hurtling towards Natsu from behind, and with lightning reflexes, he leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding the attack. Before he even landed, he countered with a blast of his own, sending a compressed ball of fire racing towards the source of the attack. The explosion that followed left a sizable crater in the forest floor.
"That didn't get him," Natsu muttered to himself, a hint of frustration in his voice.
"No, but close," came a deep voice from above.
Natsu looked up to see his father, Igneel, landing gracefully beside him, causing a small earthquake with his massive weight.
"Seriously, how can you be so fast and silent? You're GIGANTIC!" Natsu exclaimed, a mix of awe and amusement in his voice.
"Not telling," Igneel replied with a smirk, enjoying the playful banter with his son.
"Whatever… you're still fat though," Natsu teased, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
Igneel feigned offense, looking mockingly hurt before bursting into laughter along with Natsu.
After their laughter subsided, Igneel spoke, "Well, we should head back now, Natsu."
"We're done already? I didn't even hit you," Natsu said, surprised.
"No, you did actually," Igneel replied, revealing a few scratches on his wing that were still emitting heat.
"That is barely a scratch," Natsu scoffed, but there was pride in his voice.
"Most dragons can't even do that. For a scrawny 10-year-old, you are tremendously powerful," Igneel remarked, his eyes gleaming with pride for his son.
"Oh yes, I almost forgot I am awesome," Natsu said with a grin, puffing out his chest proudly.
With their training session concluded, father and son made their way back to their home, nestled within the safety of a mountain cave system protected by powerful magic barriers.
As they approached their home, Igneel spoke up, "Your brother will visit us soon."
"Cool, think he has some cool new magic for me?" Natsu asked eagerly.
"Is my magic not cool enough for you?" Igneel teased, feigning offense once more.
"It is, but you don't know demon magic, Dad," Natsu replied, his eyes lighting up with excitement at the thought of learning new abilities.
"Yes, yes, I know. I'm just messing with you. He's going to bring someone with him this time," Igneel said, hinting at the surprise visitor.
"Do you know who?" Natsu asked, curiosity evident in his voice.
"No, I haven't met her yet. She's here for you, so go on, groom yourself, make yourself presentable. Don't want to make a bad impression, do you? She may be one of your future wives if you're lucky," Igneel teased, trying to embarrass Natsu.
"Dad, I'm 10, not some kind of pervert!" Natsu exclaimed, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Igneel chuckled at his son's reaction, thoroughly enjoying the playful banter between them.
"Anyway, let's eat something, and then you are free to do what you want. You'll need more raw power for the more advanced magic we have for you," Igneel said as they entered their home, ready to enjoy a well-deserved meal together.