"Speech"

'Thought'

"Attack/beast"

Chapter 3. The S-class Mistake

(Outside of the Fairy Tail guild)

Standing at the massive doors to their future, Naruto, Wendy and Jellal all stood in momentary silence. Their imaginations each playing out a different scene as they listened to the loud bustling guild. Trying their hardest to figure out just what they were in store for.

"I'm a little nervous." Wendy admitted softly.

"You'll be fine Wendy. You have me and Menma with you." Jellal replied in a calm and reassuring voice, as he gave the small wizard a pat on the head.

Beaming at the older boy with a smile as bright as the sun, Wendy quickly felt at ease with the boy she saw as an older brother at her side.

"That does make me feel better!"

"Well." Naruto began as he placed his hands onto the doors and pushed them open. "Let's rip this bandage off and go join a guild."

Upon pushing the doors open the sight of chaos came on full display for the trio. Finding numerous individuals either engaged in high spirited drinking and partying or quick tempered exchanges of fists in an all out fight. Naruto himself blinked underneath his mask, as the Fairy Tail he was currently looking at was nothing like his father's stories.

"Now I'm starting to wonder if this place will be safe for Wendy." Jellal mumbled under his breath.

"I mean can't judge a book by its cover right?" Naruto added in with an awkward laugh.

"All the same, we should find the Master."

Naruto nodded and walked into the threshold of the guild first as Wendy followed his lead and Jellal stood protectively behind the Dragon Slayer. Yet as he walked a scene to the side caught his attention.

"You two never learn do you?" A commanding voice shouted loudly. "Seriously, how many times do I have to scold you?"

"We are sorry!" Two terrified voices cried back, which earned snickers and laughs from other onlookers within the guild.

Glancing at the voice, Naruto saw a girl with crimson red hair who was dressed in armor scolding two boys. One of the two was a boy around his age with pink hair and a scarf, but the other was someone Naruto recognized instantly as his mother's old student Gray Fullbuster. The same student his mother gave her life to protect. Naruto himself didn't expect to run into someone from his past within this guild and honestly, with knowing the role Gray played in Ur's fate. Naruto didn't know what to feel at the moment.

Yet Naruto wasn't the only one caught off guard by the trio, as Wendy kept her eyes on the boy with pink hair. Since with her heightened sense of smell, she could smell the scent of a dragon on him. Meanwhile even Jellal was at a loss of words, as he could only look at the girl scolding the boys with an aching heart. Since he was staring at the alternate version of someone who was very dear to his heart.

"Well you three look new." An unfamiliar voice pointed out with a small laugh, which broke each child out of their thoughts.

Naruto and Jellal both looked down, while Wendy stayed eye level with the speaker. All three finding themselves looking directly at the master of Fairy Tail, Makarov Dreyar. Who's reputation as a short old man definitely lived up to itself.

"We are new!" Wendy giggled in a happy and excited voice, as she gave the master a friendly smile. "Me and my big brothers are here to join Fairy Tail."

"Is that so? Well lucky for you, I just so happen to be the master of this guild!"

Wendy's eyes grew wide at the revelation and Jellal remained unmoved by the information. Naruto on the other hand knew the man instantly from his father's old pictures and stories. Unlike the guild, Makarov had at least on first impressions been like his father's stories. A short, but cheery and kind old man who oversaw everyone within the guild.

"Master Makarov." Naruto suddenly spoke up as he pulled out a letter for the powerful wizard to read. "Here is a detailed letter from the Sage."

Makarov merely tucked the letter into his clothing and nodded. "Jiraiya already told me a few things. Let's head into my office."

Following the master into his office, Wendy and Jellal took a seat across the Wizard Saints desk. Naruto on the other hand simply placed one hand onto the door and used his free hand to click his finger.

"Rune Magic: Silent Binding." Naruto mumbled before the entire room was instantly engulfed in runes from every corner.

Makarov watching this display from his desk let a small smile slip. "You're really his son aren't you? To command such powerful Rune Magic so effortlessly. Can you do this old fool a favor and remove your mask?"

Grabbing his mask and pulling it down to reveal a face identical to his father's, Naruto merely sighed. "I wouldn't say effortlessly, but no one should interrupt us."

"Well Naruto I'm overjoyed to finally have Minato's son coming to my guild. Even if the circumstances are under some complications."

"It's nice to meet you as well Master Makarov. My old man told me a few stories about you and this guild."

Makarov grinned ear to ear. "Well perhaps we can swap stories one day! I'd love to hear more about you. I can even tell you a few things about your parents."

Naruto felt a tightness within his chest, as his family had quickly become a sore subject within his life. Yet he couldn't lie, Naruto wanted nothing more than to learn about his parents past. Especially if it pushed him in the direction of finding his father.

"I would like that."

Makarov nodded and turned his attention to the other two in the room. "Well I've handled most of the paperwork and have set up a place for you three to live. Wendy, you'll be living in the Fairy Hills girls dorm. I am also going to have a very respected wizard from the guild be your mentor as you adjust. Her name is Erza Scarlet."

Jellal slightly flinched at the girl's name, but kept his thoughts to himself.

"I can't wait to meet her master!"

"She's strict, but will take care of you. Now Naruto and Jellal or should I get into the habit of calling you Menma and Mystogan?"

Naruto held his hand up. "I prefer Naruto. Just call me Menma around others."

"I have no preference, but you can call me by my name in private as well." The boy from the other world added.

"Well, Fairy Tail is lacking a male dorm like we do for the girls. However, I've set each of you up with a nice apartment of your own. The rent is cheap and Jiraiya has covered the first few months. Still you'll need to take jobs to keep your apartments."

"That's fine. I was planning to take several quests to gather more experience anyway." Naruto admitted. "And I know Jellal is planning to do the same."

Grabbing a small device used to stamp guild marks onto new members, Makarov approached the three children. "Well let's make it official! Where would you like your guild marks?"

Jellal, exposing his right bicep, bent down and allowed Makarov to give him a dark blue Fairy Tail insignia just below his shoulder. Wendy following next eagerly stepped forward to get a guild mark that was identical to the one Makarov had given Jellal. Leaving Naruto as the final one to get a guild mark. So following Jellal and Wendy's example, Naruto got a guild mark below his right shoulder. However, unlike the others his guild mark was pitch black.

"We are finally Fairy Tail wizards!" Wendy cheered with excitement as she gazed at the mark on her arm with wonder and amazement. "This is the best day ever!"

"Well let's go introduce you to everyone?" Makarov proposed with a wide smile, but paused when he noticed Naruto slightly hiding his face with his mask before grabbing the door.

"Actually, if it wouldn't be an issue. I would like to speak to you in private." Naruto explained as he left the door open for both Wendy and Jellal.

"Not at all my boy. Wendy and Mystogan go mingle with the guild and I'll be out shortly to show you all around."

Jellal nodded and silently led Wendy out of the office, which left Naruto and Makarov alone in the office. This caused the blond to close the door once more and remove his mask.

"What can I do for you my boy?"

Naruto sighed and his fingers pressed ever so slightly harder onto the mask within his hands. "I want to know more about my father."

Makarov merely kept a neutral expression. "If that's all, don't worry. I already said I'll tell you all kinds of stories about his time in the guild."

"That's not what I mean." Naruto began as he felt a lump behind his throat, finding it harder to get the words out as he spoke. "I know nothing about my father. I know he married my mother and was a wizard. That's it. I don't know how he knew Layla, I don't know where my father came from or if I have grandparents. I definitely don't know what mission he took that forced my family into hiding and caused him to disappear. Neither Jiraiya or Layla would ever tell me anything."

"And with good reason." Makarov replied sternly as he folded his arms. "Your father is a complicated man with an even more complicated life. Both in the past and present."

"So like everyone else you're gonna keep secrets from me?"

"Now don't go throwing accusations around. Both Layla and Jiraiya withheld truths from you for your own safety. You're still just a child, my boy."

"A child who has mastered two extremely powerful magics." Naruto snapped back with fire behind his eyes, which did make Makarov chuckle.

"Mastering a magic and becoming a master in its application are two completely different things. And I'm afraid you're far behind an actual master in practice. Especially when compared to your father."

Naruto remained silent, as he was smart enough to know the master was correct. Even if the truth sparked a good deal of frustration within himself.

"Still I sympathize with you Naruto." Makarov began softly as he closed his eyes. "You've experienced far too much loss for someone your age, but yet you still push forward and fight against the impossible. You're just like your father in so many ways that it terrifies me. I've hardly known you, but it's like stepping back in time with your father once again."

"And why does that terrify you?"

Makarov sighed. "Because your father, despite being a noble man with good intentions, always jumped head first into everything. I mean this Anima situation you and young Jellal are undertaking is the kind of world disaster level situation your father would find himself in. And I can only guess the reasons why you would take up such a dangerous quest with no actual experience are exactly the same reasons as your father."

"I'm not like my father. I'm not helping Jellal out of the kindness of my heart or desire to save the world. My reasons are completely selfish." Naruto replied, but was quickly taken back by the older wizards' booming laughter.

"By the gods you're Minato made over a thousand times!"

Naruto gritted his teeth. "What is so funny!"

Wiping a tear from his eye, Makarov's face shifted into a more serious expression. "Just tell me the girl's name."

"What?"

Forcing himself to keep a serious expression, Makarov pointed to the wall. Where Naruto saw the same picture his father had shown him all those years ago. A picture that held the younger versions of both his parents within its frame along with other wizards of Fairy Tail's past. "Like I asked my boy. What's her name? For your father the answer was Ur Milkovich."

Lowering his head, Naruto quickly realized the master was right about him. "Lucy Heartfilia." The young wizard mumbled softly, which made Makarov smile.

"Layla's child huh? The world is a funny place is it not?"

Naruto was annoyed by the man's response, as once again it just hinted more to the past involving his father and Layla. A past he knew nothing about.

"She's precious to me. Without Lucy I would have never got over my Mother and older sister's deaths. Our parents knowing each other may have brought us together, but our bond is deeper than just our parents." Naruto paused on his words and felt the slightest pain within his chest. "Or at least it was."

Makarov nodded. "Have you spoken with her since the day the incident happened?"

"Jiraiya told you about that?"

"He is in the business of giving information."

Naruto snorted. "When it's convenient."

"When it comes to keeping you safe." Makarov corrected.

"Well if you two are allowed secrets just know Lucy will be mine to keep."

"So that's a no then on talking to her." Makarov replied back, which did make Naruto's eye twitch in response. Giving the seasoned wizard his answer.

"I'm keeping my distance." Naruto grumbled with annoyance under his tone. "If it's so dangerous for me to be known publicly as Naruto Namikaze. Then I'm not placing Lucy in danger. Not unless I'm confident in my ability to keep her safe. And besides that, there are the other complications of our relationship. First off the issue of Lucy thinking I'm a killer, which isn't a lie."

"You're not a killer." Makarov cut in with anger and authority that genuinely caught the young blond off guard. "You never intended to kill that man and I won't stand for you calling yourself a killer."

Naruto nodded at the man, but still hung his head in shame. "There is also the fact I left Lucy alone and wasn't there for when Layla passed."

"People can be forgiven for their mistakes. Never forget that my boy and don't choose a path you'll regret. Some precious bonds are worth the effort and risk to keep them."

"Thank you master, but I'd rather die than be the reason Lucy gets hurt or worse."

"Then like you said. Get stronger to protect her." Makarov proposed with a simple smile.

"I know I'm young, but don't confuse my age for ignorance. My father was one of the strongest within all of Fiore and he still lost my mother, sister and Layla. Hell for all I know he is dead as well. Being strong can't protect everyone."

"Actually my boy we will never know, as your father was never around to see if he was strong enough to protect them. He was always running and fighting a battle within the shadows, which is a path you're walking down."

"What are you getting at?"

"Perhaps if Minato would have leaned on others more and made better choices things would have worked out differently. Most certainly you could agree him hiding everyone and shouldering all his burdens alone was a poor choice. I know Jiraiya, Layla, myself and many others would have helped years ago if he would have let us. After all, you experienced first hand the impact having Layla in your life had. So imagine being raised like that from the start."

"It's rather pointless at this point to talk about what ifs master."

"Yes, but it's not pointless to learn a lesson from your father's actions."

Naruto folded his arms and lifted his brow. "So what? Are you telling me to lean on others more?"

"You have a large group of people behind you currently and within Fairy Tail that number will only grow. I'm sure you've already seen your mother's student."

"I have. I hold no resentment for Gray, but I won't be going out of my way to talk to him. I'll keep him at the same distance as everyone else."

"Even young Wendy?"

"I don't want to push anyone away. I hope you know that master, but I'm tired of losing people."

"Naruto I see such a bright and brilliant young man in front of me. One who is just as talented as his father. Unfortunately like Your father you believe distancing yourself is the best way to keep someone. However, all you're doing is losing the people around you and squandering the time you could have had."

"Then what should I do? Follow my father's example? Hide myself Like Jiraiya wants? Or just say to hell with it all?"

"For now, play the role of Menma and get stronger. Get yourself to a point where you can at least protect yourself. Then when you feel like you're ready, take a path different from your father."

"But when will I know I'm ready?"

"Trust me kid. You'll know when the time is right, but if that answer isn't good enough. How about a deal?"

"What kind of deal are we talking about master?"

Makarov gave his new wizard a cheeky grin. "If you become an S-class wizard and then introduce me to a girlfriend who you truly love. Then I'll tell you every damn thing I know about your father. His past and his present for that matter."

"Really master?" Naruto grumbled with annoyance.

"That's my deal Naruto. Take it or leave it."

"I can understand being an S-class wizard, but why do I have to get a girlfriend?"

"Because that will place you right at the same fork in the road as your father. However, when that time comes hopefully you will have grown enough to make a better choice than Minato. Just maybe when you have a bond that deep you won't follow your father. Instead you will take the road to happiness instead of isolation and misery. So how about it? Do we have a deal?"

"I'll take the deal master."

Makarov grinned ear to ear and motioned to the door. "Then let's start your journey as a Fairy Tail wizard!"

Placing his mask back to conceal his identity, Naruto nodded and dropped the runes around the room. "After you master."

(One Year later, x778)

Walking down the main street of Magnolia, Naruto was currently returning to the place he had called home for the last year, Fairy Tail. He had been gone the last several weeks on a few A-class missions and closed a few Anima portals. Leaving the coin pouch within his requip space a little heavier and his goal on saving Earthland growing closer by the day.

Yet as he traversed the streets of Magnolia many onlookers whispered and pointed at the masked wizard. Considering within the last year Naruto or how he was known to the public Menma, had earned a rather impressive reputation. Rarely did Naruto ever showcase his Light Magic and mostly stuck to utilizing his Rune Magic along with the sword Jiraiya had gifted him. This coupled with his masked identity that left an air of mystery behind him quickly earned him the title of The Ghost of Fairy Tail.

Naruto himself didn't quite care for the attention he was gathering, as it seemed every reporter in Sorcerer's Weekly wanted to unmask him, which was annoying. However, if it wasn't reporters trying to get a peak at his identity his guild mates were equally as bad. Since a majority of them had tried everything from trying to force his mask off to pressing Wendy for answers. These advances normally resulted in Naruto kicking someone's ass until they were too afraid to test him.

Of course Naruto wasn't the only identity people were obsessed with, as Jellal got a fair amount of people trying to unmask him as well. However, Jellal's response to these attempts was a simple sleep spell and avoiding the guild for the most part. Two things that Naruto never partook in, as even though he would never admit it. He truly loved the chaos of the guild and the people within it.

Yet as Naruto arrived at the doors to Fairy Tail he pushed the doors open and quietly entered the loud rambunctious building. Though a single mop of blue hair quickly snapped her gaze at him the moment his scent reached her heightened sense of smell.

"Big brother you're back!" Wendy called out happily as she quickly darted directly to the masked boy's side. Wasting no time throwing herself into Naruto's side and giving him a strong hug.

Naruto patted the small girl's head and chuckled softly. "Sorry I took so long. My last quest ended up taking longer than expected."

A small white cat poking herself from Wendy's shoulder, Naruto was quickly met with a disapproving gaze. "Honesty Menma would it be so hard to send word that you would be late returning home? You had Wendy worried sick."

Naruto slightly cringing under his mask held his tongue at the talking cat. A few months ago Wendy and Natsu had found two eggs that hatched into talking cats and each cat had taken a liking to one of the Dragon Slayers. The particular cat with Wendy was Carla. Who was rather protective and stern with Wendy, but overall cared for the girl a lot.

"Carla, it's okay! Both Menma and Mystogan have very important duties and can't always be here for me!" Wendy defended in response, which made Naruto smile. "Plus Natsu, Happy, Lisanna and you have been keeping me out of trouble!"

Carla huffed in response, while Naruto bent down onto one knee to be eye level with Wendy. "Natsu? Keeping you out of trouble? Now I find that hard to believe." Naruto began with a laugh as he gave Carla a friendly pat on the head. "But Carla is right. I need to do better as your older brother. Maybe we can go for lunch tomorrow? My treat!"

"That would be wonderful! And maybe a quest too?" Wendy replied with stars in her eyes.

"Sorry kiddo, you know my quests are too dangerous for you." Naruto explained in a stern voice. "You're not ready for my kind of missions yet."

"But do you always gotta take such difficult quests?"

Naruto sighed. "If I plan to make it to S-class then yes. Laxus was selected this year, but I'm going to do everything I can to make S-class next year."

"I can help!" Wendy cried back, as she wanted nothing more than to spend more time with Naruto or Jellal. "Natsu and Erza both have been helping me with my offensive spells and my support spells have only gotten better."

"Maybe one day Wendy. When you're a little bigger."

Wendy hung her head in defeat. "Okay big bro."

Naruto was about to respond to Wendy, but a sudden heat to his backside made him react on instinct. So by twisting his torso, Naruto spun around and grabbed onto the wrist of an individual to his backside. Then using all his strength, Naruto slammed his attacker onto the guild's floor. Then by pulling the person's arm behind their backside, Naruto forcefully placed his knee directly into their spine.

"Really Natsu?" Naruto chuckled in a low voice, as he watched the fire magic within the boy's hand disappear. "Still trying to get the jump on me? You know if you want an ass kicking you just have to ask."

Growling in frustration and wiggling with no success of getting free, Natsu looked over his shoulder to the masked boy. "Damnit Menma! How did you know I was coming! I swore Wendy had you distracted!"

A blue cat floating over the two boys, Naruto smirked under his mask. "Well you're as loud as a herd of wild beasts on your feet. Plus your fire magic gives off a sudden heat that is an obvious give away. Wouldn't you agree, Happy?"

"Aye sir! Natsu just can't learn he can't fight you or Erza."

Naruto snickered and looked back down at Natsu. "You're still trying to fight red too? Damn at this point I think either me or her have given you brain damage at this point."

"Then let's go for real! I beat you for sure!" Natsu declared loudly.

Rolling his eyes, Naruto used his free hand to slowly draw a few quick runes onto the boy's back. "Rune Magic: Heavy Binding."

Naruto watching the runes glow on the boy's body merely stood upright and folded his arms. "Counter offer. You stay right there for a few hours and think about why you should leave me alone."

Finding an overbearing weight pressing him onto the floor, Natsu glared at Naruto. "Just wait till I get up! I'll sock you good jerk!"

Naruto rolling his eyes looked over at Wendy. "You wouldn't have something to gag him do you?"

"Nope."

Naruto sighed. "Oh well, I'm going to go find the master. Can you make sure that hot head doesn't hurt himself?"

Wendy giggled and gave the older wizard a salute. "Can do!"

Nodding and walking off, Naruto received a few waves from several wizards and shouts of recognition. However, Naruto only gave small gestures back and kept his eyes towards the guild's bar. Where the master was found lazily sipping on some beer with a tinted redness to his face.

"N-Menma! My boy! Glad to see you're back!" Makarov yelled drunkenly as Naruto approached, which did make Naruto sigh at his master's drunken state.

"I'm glad to be back master." Naruto replied as he folded his arms over his chest. "All my missions were a perfect success."

Having his mug rested against his lips, Makarok smirked with pride at Naruto's results. "If I remember right you took multiple A-class quests at once. Nicely done brat."

Naruto chuckled under his breath as he watched Makarov down his mug of beer. "Just trying to prove I'm ready for S-class."

Slapping his mug onto the bartop, Makarov let out a loud laugh. "Well someone is aiming high and at a rather quick pace!"

"Just doing my part of the deal, Master." Naruto replied as he pointed one finger to the side of forehead and tapped his mask. "Don't forget your end."

Makarov snorted. "I remember brat, but making S-class was only half of the bargain. What have you done about the other half of our deal?"

"I'm taking one problem at a time." Naruto grumbled in response, which made Makarov laugh back. "It's not that funny master!"

"For my amusement it is!" Makarov shouted back.

"Well I'm glad I can be a source of entertainment, but I'm trying my best Master. Give me a chance to prove I'm S-class material. Let me take at least one S-class job."

Makarov frowned. "Not this conversation again."

Naruto nodded. "Absolutely! I've proven that A-class quests are too easy. Just let me take one S-class job. I won't let you down."

"You need to be S-class in order to take an S-class quest or have an S-class wizard with you. Unfortunately Gildarts isn't around-. . ."

"But I am." Came the sly voice of the Master's own grandson, Laxus Dreyar. Who casually moved himself into the conversation by taking a seat at the bar.

Naruto glanced at his fellow blond. He himself had very little interactions with Laxus, as Naruto was eleven and Laxus was four years older at fifteen. Laxus also showed little interest in others within the guild and mostly watched the guild from the sidelines. Only ever getting involved with his group of friends consisting of Freed Justine, Evergreen and Bickslow.

"Are you saying you'd take me on an S-class mission?" Naruto asked with curiosity behind his tone, while Laxus smirked.

"I might." The lightning scarred boy replied as he produced a mission request out for Naruto to see. "The Magic Council sent out a request to all S-class wizards within Ishgar. Only main requirement is the need for a team of five wizards, with one of those five being an S-class wizard."

"Absolutely not!" Makarov shouted in defiance, as he glared at the two boys. "I know what damned quest that is and none of you are going. Especially you Menma!"

"Well saying that makes me want to go even more!" Naruto replied back loudly.

"Come on Gramps, it's just a simple recon mission. We don't even have to fight or do anything dangerous." Laxus argued back.

"And why are you so keen on going all of the sudden?" Makarov grumbled at his grandson. "Last I heard you had no interest in this request!"

"Just trying to foster the future of my guild. That and see under Menma's mask."

"You want to see my face?" Naruto grumbled in response.

"It's a fair trade for getting taken on an S-class quest. You get your quest and I have something to hold over you."

Naruto narrowed his eyes under his mask. "So that's your aim huh? Afraid I'm climbing the ranks too fast?"

Laxus got a rather dangerous gleam behind his eyes and lightning sparked around his torso. "Not at all."

"None of this matters!" Makarov roared loud enough to silence the entire guild, which in turn placed every eye onto their conversation. "Neither of you are taking that quest! Laxus you're a newly appointed S-class mage! You're not ready to lead a dangerous mission. Especially with three people like Freed, Evergreen and Bickslow who are not ready for S-class missions. And Menma you're not stepping foot near that mission. Strong enough or not, I refuse you permission above everyone else!"

Laxus clicked his teeth and stood up. "Whatever old man." The rebellious teen muttered before stomping off.

Naruto equally as upset turned off towards the guilds exit and kicked the doors open in anger. Making his way back to his apartment with a sour mood and his mind pondering over why Makarov was so against him taking the mission. Wondering just how dangerous an S-class quest really is or if there was a hidden reason behind the master denying him the quest. Naruto was leaning towards the latter, but couldn't figure out why. All Naruto did know was that Makarov, like many others, kept a great deal of secrets. Something that pissed Naruto off more than anything.

"This is ridiculous." Naruto growled loudly, as he quickly approached his apartment. Yet as he drew closer he caught a glimpse of Laxus leaning against his door. A sight that only added onto Naruto's growing frustration. "What do you want?"

Holding out a request, Laxus grinned like the devil about to strike a deal. "The quest is in one month. Keep things to yourself and we can take it without Gramps knowing."

"You're wanting to go behind the Master's back?"

Laxus shrugged his shoulders. "I've learned it's better to ask forgiveness than permission with that old geezer. Plus when we complete the mission he won't be able to complain."

"And in return I'll have to show you my face?"

Laxus chuckled. "So I take it you're in?"

"Absolutely." Naruto replied without hesitation. "I'm tired of people hiding things from me. I want to know why the master is so against me taking this mission."

"Well in that case take this." Laxus replied as he tossed the request to Naruto and started to walk off. "Your payment for me bringing you along can come later."

Walking into his apartment and opening the rolled paper, Naruto felt his heart rate increase as he saw the writing on the request.

Urgent S-Class Request!

Objective: Infiltrate the Alvarez Empire and aquire any sensitive information possible.

"Where the hell is the Alvarez Empire?" Naruto mumbled as he walked into his apartment and took a seat. Eyeing the request over and over trying to figure out what made this mission so difficult. "And why is the old man so against me going there?"

Groaning in frustration, Naruto dropped the request within his hands onto the ground and tossed his head back. Then by grabbing his mask, Naruto removed the part of his attire that concealed his identity.

"I can't ask the Master or Jiraiya. Those old farts would figure out what I'm planning on doing. I also can't risk the Master catching me researching the place either." Naruto mumbled as he closed his eyes. "I guess the best way to find out is by heading there myself."

Opening his eyes and noticing a green glow under his clothing, Naruto slightly smiled. "That time of the day huh?" Naruto mumbled as he grabbed his necklace and channeled his magic into the crystal. Then for the next several seconds Naruto stayed silent and kept his thoughts to Lucy. Then just as soon as the crystal started glowing, Naruto frowned as he watched the light die down. Something that made Naruto stop pushing his magic into his necklace and allowed the jewelry to fall against his chest.

"I'm gonna get stronger, Lucy. I'm not there yet, but I won't stop." Naruto mumbled to no one besides himself. "I just hope when the time comes you'll forgive me."

(One month later)

Standing at the side of a large passenger ship, Naruto leaned against the railing of the ship that was bobbing against the ocean waves. The hot ocean breeze blasting against his exposed face, as he wasn't wearing his usual mask. Instead Naruto wore a simple pair of black sunglasses to partially conceal his identity. Yet the lack of his mask wasn't the only change to his normal outfit, as he was playing the role of a tourist on vacation. So his sword had to be sent into his requip space and his usual clothing was swapped for a pair of blue shorts and a red sleeveless button up shirt. With his Fairy Tail guild mark wrapped in bandages to further conceal his identity as a wizard. Keeping the only item of his usual attire as his necklace that was slapping against his chest from the wind.

"Nervous?" A cocky voice asked from Naruto's side.

Glancing to Laxus, who was dressed like someone on vacation with shorts and a beach button up. Naruto fought the urge to roll his eyes. "Not really. I know nothing about this vacation spot."

Joining Naruto who was trying to speak in a non suspicious way, Laxus gazed out to the sight of land in the distance. "Well that makes two of us."

"How wonderful. Where are the others?"

Laxus kept his voice low. "They took off and are making arrangements in case we want to end our vacation early."

Naruto nodded at the response. "So what is on our agenda?"

"I was thinking about sightseeing at the capital."

"That's a reasonable place to start. How long do you think until Gramps knows we are here?"

Laxus sighed and closed his eyes. "If he hasn't put two and two together already. I'm sure he will soon."

"He's gonna be pissed isn't he?"

Laxus looked at the younger blond with a confident smirk. "Not after he hears how our time here went."

Naruto kept quiet and simply looked forward. Completely unaware of the living nightmare that was awaiting him on the shores of the Alvarez Empire.

(Chapter End)