A/N: This one is also a long ass chapter. Heads up though, this chapter doesn't have any action
(Previously)
"Oi, Natsu! Don't do that!"
Just as Natsu was about to swing a punch, ignoring the warning, the room seemed to freeze as he was suddenly pinned to the ground. The weight on his back was firm, unyielding.
"I don't know who you are," a calm, commanding voice said from above him, "but I don't appreciate people fighting in my Guild Hall."
Every head in the room turned towards the newcomer. Standing atop Natsu, his expression cool and authoritative, was none other than Naruto Uzumaki, the Fifth Guild Master of Fairy Tail. The room fell silent, a mix of awe and anticipation filling the air.
(Present)
The room was thick with tension as Naruto stood atop Natsu, his stern presence almost suffocating. The Tenrou group, who had just returned, exchanged bewildered glances, struggling to comprehend how this stranger had so effortlessly subdued Natsu without any of them noticing.
Natsu, his pride wounded and his face pressed against the cold floor, growled in frustration. "Oi! Who the heck are you?" he demanded, trying to push himself up, only to find the weight on his back unyielding.
Naruto's eyes narrowed, his voice cold and commanding. "I should be asking you that, brat. I don't appreciate people causing a ruckus in my Guild Hall."
Before Natsu could respond, Bisca hurried forward, her expression a mix of relief and concern. "Naruto, stop! These people… they're from Tenrou Island! They are members of Fairy Tail!"
Naruto's gaze shifted to Bisca, his stern demeanor softening ever so slightly. He turned his attention back to the Tenrou group, his eyes scanning each face with a cool, calculating indifference. "Tenrou Island?" he repeated, his tone flat, as if the words held no significance to him. "So... these are the members who disappeared seven years ago?"
"That's right," Bisca confirmed, offering a small, tentative smile, though she could still feel the tension radiating off Naruto, making her concern at his sudden hostility.
Naruto's eyes flicked over the group once more, his expression unreadable. "Hm… I don't like them," he stated bluntly, his voice carrying an edge that cut through the room like a knife.
His words hung in the air, leaving the entire guild stunned into silence, especially the Tenrou group. Makarov's mouth fell open in shock, Erza's brow furrowed in anger, and the rest of the group looked on, dumbfounded by the sheer audacity of this stranger's declaration.
But before anyone could respond, Naruto turned his attention to a shocked Macao, his tone shifting back to calm, as if the growing awkwardness didn't concern him in the slightest. "Oi, old man, just so you know, I'm a clone. The boss won't be back for about an hour; he's still at the meeting with the other Wizard Saints. I was just sent here to collect some papers he forgot, so I'll be on my way now." He shot Macao a pointed look, his expectations clear. "Make sure they don't cause any trouble before the boss comes back."
In a flash of yellow light, the clone vanished, leaving the guild hall in stunned silence. But just before he disappeared, those who were watching closely might have caught a fleeting glimpse of a small mischievous smirk on his face.
'Of course it had to be a clone.' The current members of the guild simultaneously thought in annoyance, now realizing why their guild master had acted so differently.
Natsu being the first to recover, leaping to his feet with fists clenched and frustration evident in every line of his body. "Hey! Who was that jerk? And where did he go!?"
The same question echoed in the minds of the other Tenrou members, still reeling from the encounter.
"That was my big brother, Naruto-nii! The guild master of Fairy Tail!" Asuka's proud voice rang out, drawing all eyes to her. She stood with her little chest puffed out, a smug grin on her face. Her declaration sent ripples of shock through the Tenrou group, their disbelief turning into murmurs of surprise.
Asuka, not missing a beat, smirked at the fuming Natsu. "How does it feel to be beaten by my brother's clone in one second? And you think you can challenge him? Dream on, flame brain!"
Natsu's eyes flared with defiance. "Hey! He didn't beat me! He just caught me off-guard!" he shouted, though his words did little to diminish the sting of Asuka's taunt.
Erza's voice cut through the tense atmosphere like a blade, her tone devoid of emotion but carrying an undeniable authority. "Natsu, shut up and stop acting like a child."
The sharpness in her words instantly silenced Natsu. His bravado faltered, and he turned to Erza, swallowing nervously. "Y-Yes, Erza…"
As the tension between the two settled, Natsu couldn't resist casting one last glare at Asuka, still fuming from the earlier exchange. Asuka, unfazed, merely stuck out her tongue in defiance, her smirk growing wider. Natsu's eyes twitched in irritation, but he wisely chose not to respond, knowing Erza's patience had already worn thin.
The rest of the Tenrou group, still in shock from the earlier encounter, watched in bewilderment as the scene unfolded. It was difficult for them to reconcile the image of this brash, unfamiliar man—this Naruto—with the position of guild master, a title they had always associated with Makarov.
Makarov himself, though initially shocked, seemed to recover quickly, his face creased with a thoughtful expression as he considered the situation. He cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention back to him. "Well, it seems we have a lot to catch up on, Macao," he said, his tone more measured now as he and the others stared at the man for a bit more explanation regarding their new Guild master.
Macao sighed, rubbing the back of his head with a hint of frustration at the attention, "Yes, his name is Naruto, and yes, he is indeed the current guild master of Fairy Tail."
"How can you let such a rude and disrespectful person be your successor, Macao!?" Erza questioned the man with a furious expression, not liking the way the blonde had just brushed them off without even greeting them.
Noticing that most of the Tenrou group held the same opinion as Erza, Macao quickly added, wanting to calm them down, "I know that was a bit… harsh. But you have to understand, like Asuka-chan mentioned, it was just a clone of Naruto… and his clones can be a bit different from the original."
Gray, curious, furrowed his brow. "So he uses… clone magic?"
Macao nodded. "Yes, well… sort of." He hesitated, not wanting to delve too deeply into Naruto's complex abilities, as it would probably take him about an hour or two to finish explaining the blonde's numerous magic.
Erza, still fuming but struggling to control her temper, asked, "You said the clones act differently. How so?"
Macao took a deep breath, searching for the right words. "Naruto, our Fifth Guild Master, is a good man. He's strong, kind, and genuinely cares about everyone in the guild. Not to mention, pretty carefree and easy-going. But his clones… they're not exactly him. Some have their own personalities and sometimes act on impulse, like the one you just met."
Natsu frowned, crossing his arms. "So you're telling me that wasn't really him?"
"Not entirely," Macao confirmed as his eyebrows twitched a little at Natsu's denseness. "The original Naruto is still at the meeting with the Wizard Saints. He uses his clones to handle things when he's busy. The clones inherit his memories and abilities, but they can be a bit more... blunt and sometimes even dumb. They don't always show the same restraint or patience that the original does."
Lucy, still grappling with the new information, asked, "So the real Naruto wouldn't have… you know, pinned Natsu like that?"
Macao chuckled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "To be honest, the real Naruto might have done the same if Natsu pushed him too far. He's a fair and kind guy, but he doesn't tolerate nonsense, especially when it comes to keeping the peace in the guild."
The Tenrou group, as well as some of the current guild members, sweat dropped at this revelation.
Erza's eyes narrowed, but she seemed to soften slightly as she absorbed the context. "I don't like him," she stated bluntly.
Bisca, standing nearby, quickly interjected, "Naruto's been a great Master for the guild. He just doesn't tolerate property damage or fights inside the guild hall. He takes his responsibilities seriously. I think you guys should give him a chance."
Makarov, who had been listening quietly, let out a low chuckle, his eyes twinkling with approval. "A brat after my own heart," he mused, stroking his beard. "He understands the importance of keeping the guild together and not causing property damages, even if it means being strict."
Macao chuckled, nodding in at his predecessor. "Yes, he's done wonders for us. He may sometimes be quite hot-headed, but he has been a really great leader for the guild. Lord knows, what would have happened if he hadn't joined us. I seriously doubt whether we would have survived for another year without him."
As the Tenrou group absorbed the story, Lucy, always eager for details, seized the opportunity to ask, "Macao, what do you mean by that? Did something really bad happen when we were gone? And what happened to our guild hall?"
The questions hung in the air, capturing the attention of the Tenrou group as they were also curious to know what had happened to their beloved guild and their old guild hall in the last seven years.
All eyes were on Macao, whose face showed a mix of concern and weariness. Macao, feeling the weight of their gazes once more, glanced at Wakaba for support, who merely shrugged in return and decided to help out his old friend.
With a slow drag on his cigarette, Wakaba began, his voice steady despite the gravity of the topic. "Well, it's a bit of a story. The guild faced a lot of trouble after you all disappeared seven years ago. Without your leadership and presence, Master, Fairy Tail struggled financially and lost many members. We fell deep into debt, particularly with a guild called Twilight Ogre. They were relentless, making it nearly impossible for us to keep the guild running."
The Tenrou group listened intently, their expressions turning from shock to sympathy. They couldn't comprehend what their friends had to go through during their absence.
Wakaba continued, "Things got pretty bleak. We had to leave our old guild hall as we couldn't pay the upkeep, and many members left or joined other guilds due to scarcity of job request. It was honestly Naruto who came to our rescue. He joined the guild three years ago on Yajima-dono recommendation. The kid didn't just save us from closing down; he revived the guild."
Macao took over, adding, "He worked tirelessly to improve our situation. He managed to give us hope and uplifted our spirits. Thanks to him, we were finally able to pay off our debts to Twilight Ogre and the town council. We're even moving back to our old guild hall next week after some renovations."
Wakaba nodded in agreement and smiled with a bit of pride. "The kid also helped boost our reputation and attract new members. The guild has been growing stronger, and we're starting to rebuild everything we lost."
Bisca, who had been keenly listening, smiled warmly. "Without him joining the guild three years ago, like Macao have mentioned, I honestly don't think we would have survived for another year." She then looked at Makarov. "I think you should thank your old friend Yajima-dono when you see him, Master."
The third guild master eyes softened as he stroked his beard. "I suppose I should," he said nostalgically, thinking of his old friend and deciding to give him a visit to check how that old fart was faring after all these years.
The Tenrou group looked around the guild hall with a mixture of admiration and relief. Erza, though still cautious, seemed to soften as she absorbed the impact of their new guild master contributions. "So, he really did turn things around for Fairy Tail," she said, her tone reflecting both acknowledgment and grudging respect.
"Master Naruto seems like a really great guy," Wendy shyly added, gaining a small nod of approval from Carla who was sitting beside her.
Even Natsu's usual fiery temper subsided and in spite of their recent encounter, he couldn't help but begrudgingly respect the blonde.
Makarov, his pride in Fairy Tail shining brightly, looked around at the gathered members with a broad, heartfelt smile. "It sounds like you've all endured so much, but I'm immensely proud that despite every challenge, you didn't give up. You kept Fairy Tail's spirit alive, that's something to be truly proud of and I deeply want to thank you all for that."
His words struck a deep chord with the guild, and many faces grew misty as they absorbed the genuine emotion behind them. The weight of the trials they'd faced seemed to lift slightly as they clung to the comforting reassurance from their beloved master.
Makarov's gaze swept over the unfamiliar faces now present in the hall. "And it looks like we have some new faces among us?" he observed, his voice tinged with curiosity and warmth.
Macao, trying his best to not tear up, nodded with a touch of pride replied to his old master, "Yes, we've welcomed some new members into our ranks."
Makarov's eyes softened with a mixture of warmth and gratitude as he took in the sight of the entire guild. "Stories of the past can wait. For now, let's introduce ourselves and celebrate this long-awaited reunion."
A wave of cheers and applause erupted, lifting the mood and breaking through any lingering tension. The room, once heavy with the weight of the past, now buzzed with excitement and joy. Guild members and the Tenrou group eagerly mingled, their introductions filled with enthusiasm and curiosity.
*Line Break*
(A few moments ago, Unknown Location)
Naruto sat in a dimly lit room where shadows danced on the walls, thrown by the flickering candles that adorned the U-shaped table. The table itself was imposing, its dark mahogany surface reflecting the dim light. Eight prominent figures were seated around it, their silhouettes partially concealed by the shadows, with the exception of Naruto's blond hair, faintly visible in the fifth seat. The ten seats at the table were meticulously numbered, with the first and tenth conspicuously empty, their significance unclear but undoubtedly important.
The meeting room was steeped in an air of quiet tension, as the members of the Ten Wizard Saints gathered for their bi-monthly assembly. The meetings had been established just a year ago, following Naruto's revelation to the Magic Council about the threat posed by Tartarus. The council, alarmed by the potential danger, had mandated these sessions to consolidate their knowledge and strategize against Tartarus and its dark allies, aiming to mitigate public panic while utilizing the collective strength of the Ten Wizard Saints.
Naruto, ever the unconventional member, was sprawled in his seat, his head resting heavily on his palm as he feigned attentiveness. The pretense of his focus was almost convincing until the figure in the second seat, a stern-faced man with sharp features, began speaking with a tone that carried the weight of authority.
"The council has expressed concern over Tartarus's silence. As they remain the only significant force within the Balam Alliance, it's imperative we address this. Naruto, you gathered the latest intel—please present it."
Naruto's only response was a soft snore, his head dipping lower. This elicited a visible twitch of annoyance from the Second, whose red eyes seemed to flare with irritation. The figure to Naruto's right, a more relaxed individual with a wry grin, stifled a chuckle, while the person beside him gave an almost imperceptible smirk.
In a swift and calculated move, a pencil was propelled through the air from the shadows. It struck Naruto's arm with pinpoint accuracy, causing his head to jolt upward and his body to jerk. The impact of his head hitting the table was loud and jarring.
"Ow… Did you really have to do that, Hyberion?" Naruto groaned, rubbing his head with a wince.
"How many times do I have to tell you not to sleep during our meetings!?" Hyberion's voice was sharp, his red eyes glowing ominously as they cut through the shadows.
The Third, a grizzled man with a perpetual frown, shook his head in disapproval. "Oi, this new generation is growing increasingly disrespectful. They should learn proper decorum."
The Fourth, a figure with an enigmatic smile, leaned back with an air of casual amusement. "I find it rather refreshing. Without young Naruto's antics, these meetings would be dreadfully dull. At least Hyberion has someone to spar with."
The Seventh, a man with a stern expression, grunted in disdain. "This is why I argued against promoting him. We might need to implement stricter requirements for advancement, including a minimum level of respect."
Naruto shot a defiant look at the Seventh,"You're just bitter about dropping from 6th to 7th rank, Ares. That was Jura's doing, not mine."
Jura, ever the kind and calm presence among the group, simply offered a serene smile. 'Naruto-dono, you haven't changed at all. Still the same troublemaker who joined us last year..'
Ares, his face a mask of barely contained frustration, was about to speak when Naruto cut him off, his voice commanding. "Do you want to know what I found or not?"
Ares anger flared briefly before he clenched his fists, his knuckles whitening. "Finally… go ahead."
Naruto's playful demeanor evaporated, his face taking on a grim seriousness. "A few months ago, during an infiltration mission, I stumbled upon a dark guild calling themselves the Trinity Rave. I tracked them to their base—Death's Head Caucus."
The room fell silent, the tension palpable as the weight of Naruto's words settled over the gathering.
The eighth-seated member's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait a minute. Death's Head Caucus? I thought Tartarus wiped them out. Are you telling me you took down nearly a hundred mages, including the Trinity Raven?"
Naruto's lips curled into a slight smirk, the shock on his fellow Saint's face giving him a momentary satisfaction. "That's right. But the real prize wasn't their defeat—it was the intel I managed to extract before taking them down. What I found… it's disturbing."
Hyberion, the first-seated member, leaned forward, his interest piqued. "What did you uncover?"
Naruto's expression hardened. "Tartarus has been unusually quiet, and for a reason. They're planning something colossal—something that, if we even catch wind of it, we'll have to mobilize immediately. The problem is, I don't know what their plan entails."
Ares, the third-seated member and notorious skeptic, opened his mouth to make a snide remark, but a stern glare from Hyberion silenced him.
The ninth-seated member, usually composed, showed a flicker of concern. "What should we do? Acting rashly might tip them off."
The room was steeped in silence, each member weighing the potential consequences of a misstep.
Finally, the third seated member spoke, his voice measured but firm. "We need to proceed with caution. Gathering more intelligence without alerting Tartarus is paramount. Mobilizing our forces prematurely could be disastrous. Let's focus on subtle surveillance and intelligence-gathering to pinpoint their plan."
Naruto nodded, his expression resolute. "I'll continue gathering information and have my team increase surveillance. But we need to be prepared for anything. From what I've gathered so far, Tartarus isn't just a dark guild; they're a force capable of altering the balance of power in Fiore."
The leaders exchanged glances, the gravity of the situation pressing heavily on them.
Hyberion spoke with authority. "We'll deploy undercover agents and expand our intelligence network. Staying one step ahead is crucia…"
Before he could continue, a sudden flash of yellow light illuminated the dimly lit room, causing several members to tense up in alarm.
"Yo, boss! I brought you the papers you asked for!" A cheerful voice broke through the tension, revealing the source—a clone of Naruto.
Relief washed over the room as the members recognized the clone, the tension dissipating.
"What took you so long?" Naruto stood up from his chair, glaring at his clone. "And why are you kneeling like I'm some kind of Yakuza boss?"
The clone, still kneeling, responded with exaggerated reverence, "Well, you are my boss, aren't ya? It's only right that I kneel before you."
Naruto sighed in exasperation at his clone's antics. "Just hand me the papers and dispel."
The clone saluted sharply before handing over the papers. "Sure, boss! Oh, and by the way, I've got good news and great news for you!"
Naruto raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "And what's that?"
The clone grinned, his excitement evident. "The good news is that the Tenrou group—the Fairy Tail members who disappeared with Tenrou Island—they're back! And most importantly, they haven't aged a day in those seven years!"
A stunned silence fell over the room as the significance of the clone's words sank in. Even the seasoned Saints, used to incredible news, found themselves momentarily speechless.
Naruto blinked, processing the information. "Wait, what? The Tenrou group… they're back?"
The clone nodded enthusiastically. "Yep! They just showed up at the guild, not a day older than when they vanished. It's like they were frozen in time or something!"
The eighth-seated member spoke up, incredulous. "How is that even possible? We all read the eyewitness reports—Acnologia completely destroyed the island in a single roar! How did they manage to survive that? And not even age a year? That's preposterous!"
The room erupted into murmurs, the Saints exchanging glances as they considered the implications of this revelation.
The fourth-seated member, shook his head and spoke up, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "They must have used the spell of the first Fairy Tail guild master, Mavis—Fairy Sphere. It's a powerful technique that puts the user and those they wish to protect into suspended animation. It would explain how they survived and why they haven't aged."
The room quieted down, the other Wizard Saints processing the explanation.
Naruto looked at Warren, feeling a pang of inadequacy. "I forgot how old you were, Warren. It almost slipped my mind that you were once a founding member of Fairy Tail," he admitted, his pride as Fairy Tail's guild master slightly bruised at not knowing about Mavis or Fairy Sphere—which honestly he couldn't blame himself, but still...
Warren offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, young Naruto. For someone as young as you, you've done a marvelous job leading the guild. In just two years, you've managed to get them out of debt and increased their reputation. Now you have a group of powerful members at your disposal. Anyone in your position would be tempted to send that team to the Magic Games."
Naruto eyed the former Fairy Tail member curiously. "Were they really that powerful?"
Ares snidely remarked, "You must have been living under a rock before you joined Fairy Tail. That group of mages on Tenrou Island was the reason why Fairy Tail was once the number one guild in Fiore."
Naruto resisted the urge to retort with a clever comeback, instead offering a wry smile at Ares' statement. 'Oh, if only you knew,' he thought to himself.
"Boss! Boss!" The clone interrupted, waving his arms frantically to get the blonde's attention.
Naruto turned his gaze back to the clone, mildly amused as he noticed the clone practically bouncing on his feet in uncontained excitement. "What is it?"
The clone beamed, clearly excited. "Do you want to hear the great news now?"
Naruto sighed, shaking his head with a small smile. "Sure, lay it on me."
"Well, you'll be pleased to know that I made one heck of an impression on the Tenrou group! They might have been skeptical at first, but after I laid down the law and showed them what kind of Guild Master you are, they're all in. They know who's in charge now!"
Naruto raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? What exactly did you do?"
The clone puffed out his chest, proud of his actions. "When they showed up, they were confused and curious about how things were being run. So, I gave them a little demonstration of your skills and authority. Let's just say they won't be questioning your position anytime soon. They know Fairy Tail's in good hands."
Naruto chuckled, a mix of pride and relief washing over him. "Good work. I'm glad they're finally back… and that they respect the position."
The clone grinned, pleased with the acknowledgment. "It's what I do, boss. You just focus on the big stuff—I'll handle the rest," the clone said, giving a thumbs-up before saluting. "All right, I'll be dispelling now, boss. Just summon me whenever you need me. I'll be there to help ya in a poof!"
Naruto chuckled at the clone's antics as he dispelled in a cloud of smoke. 'Well, at least one of my clones does its job properly…' Naruto thought with a fond smile, which slowly started to strain as his face began losing color, little by little. The memory he received from the clone began to replay in his mind in all its horrific detail.
"That idiot…" Naruto moaned, his hands flying to his head dropping the papers he was holding as he started to scramble his hair in frustration. "Who told him to do that!?"
Naruto felt like the floor was falling out from under him. He could see it now—the Tenrou group, fresh out of a seven-year time skip, bewildered and maybe even slightly impressed by the new guild master, only for his clone to go full-on dramatic. The demonstrations, the puffed-up chest, the exaggerated speech about "not causing ruckus in the guild hall.." and the poor attempt to look cool and mysterious. It was like watching a train wreck in slow motion.
His heart sank as he realized how thoroughly his first impression must've been ruined. These mages were supposed to be the core of what made Fairy Tail a powerhouse, and his clone had turned their reintroduction into a farce.
"They're going to think I'm some kind of overbearing dictator," Naruto groaned, slumping back in his chair and collecting the papers from the ground. "All those years they spent thinking of Fairy Tail as home, and now they probably think I'm running it like a military camp!"
The other Saints watched him with a mix of confusion and amusement as most of them had already witness the blonde's clones sometimes going wild.
Ares, never missing a chance to needle Naruto, raised an eyebrow. "What's the matter, Fifth? Did your clone go off-script?"
Naruto shot him a half-hearted glare but couldn't muster the energy for a comeback. "You have no idea…" he muttered, rubbing his temples. "It's worse than I could've imagined. They're probably plotting a coup right now—gathering pitchforks and torches, wondering how to take back their guild from the madman in charge!"
Jura chuckled softly, trying to ease the blonde's anxiety. "Now, now, I'm sure it wasn't that bad. They're good people—they'll see through any misunderstandings, Naruto-dono."
Naruto looked at him with wide eyes, almost pleading. "But what if they don't? What if they think I'm some kind of megalomaniac? What if.."
"Enough with your shenanigans, Naruto." Hyberion promptly cut-off the blonde's ramblings with a stern voice, getting the attention of the other Wizard Saints, "Let's get back to the meeting and finish the important matters first. We can discuss about the Tenrou Island group later on."
"Alright." Naruto mumbled numbly, still not fully recovered from what he had witness in his clone's memory. Deciding to just handle it later on like a man, he let out a defeated sigh and stood up in order to continue on with the meeting, "This papers.." he started raising the papers that his clone had brought for all to see, "..contains information regarding information about dozens of dark guilds that had previously allied with the Balam alliance. It also contains some information that were gathered by my spies regarding some of the supposed guild members of Tartarus…..
*Line Break*
(Few Hours later, Fairy Tail Guild Hall)
Naruto reappeared in his small office with a flash of yellow light, the familiar sensation of Hiraishin grounding him after the grueling meeting. The moment his feet touched the worn wooden floor, a wave of relief washed over him. His sanctuary, dimly lit by a few candles, provided the briefest of respites. Kinana had probably lit them before heading home, leaving the room bathed in a warm, flickering glow that made the stacks of paperwork on his desk seem less oppressive.
"Damn, that took forever," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck as if to shake off the hours of tense discussions. The words carried the weight of exhaustion rather than anger. He hadn't expected the meeting with the Wizard Saints to drag on for so long. They had dissected every detail with surgical precision, leaving no stone unturned. By the time they adjourned, the moon was high in the sky, casting its pale light across Magnolia. All Naruto wanted now was a few hours of peace—something as elusive as an S-Class mission without casualties.
Leaning against his desk, Naruto let out a heavy sigh, his blue eyes staring into the distance, but his thoughts were elsewhere. They circled back to the one thing that had been gnawing at him since earlier: the return of the Tenrou group. The shock of their sudden appearance hadn't worn off, and now, alone in the quiet of his office, the weight of it pressed down on him. He ran a hand through his spiky blonde hair, his fingers catching in the unruly strands as he groaned in frustration.
The memory of his clone's disastrous introduction replayed in his mind, and he winced at the embarrassment. "Damn it! Why do my clones always have to act so carelessly?!" he muttered, smacking his forehead. It was bad enough that the group had returned after years of being thought dead; the last thing they needed was to be greeted by his clone's over-the-top rude attitude. It was like the clone had been actively trying to make him look like a dictator of sorts. The irony of scolding himself wasn't lost on him, but it didn't make the situation any less frustrating.
Naruto shook his head, trying to push away the lingering anxiety. "Pfft, it's not like I'm worried about what they think of me or anything," he muttered to himself, though his voice betrayed a hint of uncertainty.
He straightened up and rolled his shoulders as if shrugging off the invisible weight. "Yeah, who cares what they think? I'm the guild master now, and they'll just have to deal with it!"
But even as he said it, a small voice in the back of his mind piped up, "Sure, that's why you're heading to the guild hall in the middle of the night for a drink. Totally not because you're hoping to bump into someone and make things right…"
"Shut up, brain," he grumbled, running a hand through his hair again. It wasn't that he was scared of the Tenrou group or anything. He wasn't the kind of guy to worry about whether people liked him. No, he just didn't want any unnecessary drama. After all, a divided guild was a recipe for headaches, and Naruto had enough of those already. His life was complicated enough without adding internal strife to the mix.
A glance at the clock told him it was late—most of the guild would have probably gone home by now, seeking rest after a long day. He sighed, deciding to head to the guild hall. A drink sounded good right about now, something to help clear his mind and figure out his next move.
As he exited his office and made his way through the quiet corridors of the guild, he started to relax. The familiar creaks of the old building, the soft glow of the few remaining lights—it all reminded him of why he loved this place. It wasn't just a guild; it was home. And sure, maybe the Tenrou group were a little intimidating, and sure, maybe his clone had botched their first meeting, but he wasn't going to let that get him down.
As he descended the stairs, the sound of laughter and chatter reached his ears, stopping him in his tracks. It wasn't just a few voices; it was a lively buzz, full of energy. Naruto shook his head in disbelief. "It's like these guys never sleep," he muttered, half-amused and half-annoyed.
When he silently entered the hall, the sight that greeted him was far from the quiet scene he'd expected. Just from the buzz alone, he had anticipated to see various members in the hall, still continuing their celebration for the Tenrou group return.
What he didn't expected to see was, a small group gathered around the tables and bar stools, their voices loud and animated as they shared stories and drinks. The usual suspects were there—Macao, Wakaba—but it was the others who caught his attention. As they were faces he didn't recognize, yet there was a flicker of familiarity in their features, as if he'd seen them in old guild photos or…
Naruto's eyes widened slightly as he recognized the four unfamiliar faces at the bar from the memories his clone had left him. 'So these are some of the Tenrou group… 'He mused in interest as he took a minute to take in their appearances, realising that they still haven't noticed his presence.
He took a deep breath, trying to shake off the awkwardness of the situation. He might not know their names yet, but he could recognize a lively scene when he saw one. The bar was buzzing with energy, and Naruto couldn't help but crack a smile as he watched the small group of mages enjoying themselves like they hadn't just returned from who-knows-where after seven long years.
He leaned against the doorway for a moment, observing the scene. A beautiful white haired woman was busy behind the bar, expertly mixing drinks with a smile that lit up the room. The two men sitting at the bar—one with wild orange hair and a hearty laugh, the other a short elderly man with a mischievous glint in his eye—were deep in conversation with Macao and Wakaba. And then there was the woman at the table, chugging from a barrel like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Naruto raised an eyebrow, silently wondering how someone so petite could drink like that and still stay upright.
As if on cue, Macao glanced up and noticed Naruto standing in the doorway. He blinked in surprise before breaking into a grin. "Master! When did you get back?" he called out, drawing the attention of the others.
The laughter and chatter paused as the group turned to look at him. Naruto could feel their eyes on him, sizing him up, and he resisted the urge to fidget.
"Just a few minutes ago," Naruto replied, scratching the back of his head. "The meeting dragged on way longer than I thought it would. Those old guys can debate the tiniest details for hours."
"Sounds about right," Wakaba chuckled, taking a puff of his cigar. "But hey, you're here now, and that's what matters. Come on, grab a drink!"
The short elderly man, with a spark of youthful mischief in his eyes despite his years, leaned forward on his barstool holding a large mug of beer. "Well, what are you waiting for, lad? Come, sit! Have a drink with us!" His voice was warm and inviting, the kind of tone that made it hard to refuse. The man's enthusiasm was contagious, and Naruto found himself nodding, a nervous smile tugging at his lips.
"Uh….yeah, sure. Why not?" Naruto replied, trying to match the old man's cheerful energy. He moved to the bar and took a seat next to Wakaba, who gave him a knowing smirk, clearly enjoying seeing his guild master a bit out of his element.
As Naruto awkwardly settled into his seat at the bar, feeling the weight of everyone's gazes on him. It was like being the new kid in class all over again—except this time, he was the guild master.
Before Naruto could say anything, Macao took the opportunity to break the ice, his face looking a bit flush due to the amount of alcohol he had consumed. He turned to the group with a grin that spelled mischief. "Hey, since our master here is looking a bit like a fish out of water, let me do the honors of introducing you all. These fine folks just got back from their little seven-year vacation, so they might not recognize our young and illustrious leader."
The white-haired woman behind the bar chuckled softly, clearly amused by the situation, while the others turned their attention to Macao with curious as well as amused looks.
"This here," Macao said, pointing first to the elderly man who had invited Naruto for a drink, "is Makarov Dreyar. You might know him as the former Guild Master, but don't let his size fool you—this old man's got more tricks up his sleeve than a magician at a kid's birthday party."
Makarov gave Naruto a playful wink, raising his mug in a salute. "Don't worry, lad. You don't have to feel so awkward around us. Macao and Wakaba has already explained about your clone's… unique problems. So yeah, you don't have to worry about us holding a grudge."
Naruto blinked, then grinned sheepishly, and gave Macao and Wakaba an appreciative nod, a weight lifting off his shoulders as he exhaled in an exaggerated manner. "Thanks for clearing that up, you two. For a second there, I thought I'd have to start running laps around Magnolia to make up for my clone's 'attitude problems'.
Makarov chuckled into his mug, taking a sip before setting it down with a satisfied sigh. "No need for that, lad. We've all had our moments, trust me. Besides, anyone who can keep this guild from collapsing into complete chaos for even a year or two deserves a medal—or at least a drink." He raised his mug again, this time in a toast, prompting a round of laughter from the group.
Naruto grinned sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "Well, I'll take the drink over the medal any day. Less paperwork involved."
Seeing the positive interaction, Macao's grin widened as he gestured to the wild-haired man next. "This orange-haired fella is Gildarts Clive, our resident S-Class wizard and all-around powerhouse. He's usually out on jobs that involve toppling mountains or something equally ridiculous."
Gildarts let out a hearty laugh and clapped Naruto on the back with enough force to nearly knock him off his stool. "Good to meet ya, kid! I heard you've been doing a bang-up job here while we were out taking a nap. Keep it up, and I might just take you out on one of my little adventures."
Naruto managed to recover his balance, his head spinning slightly. "Uh… I'll keep that in mind," he said, though he wasn't sure if he should be thrilled or worried at the prospect.
Macao then turned to the white-haired woman behind the bar. "And this lovely lady is Mirajane Strauss, our own demon in disguise. Don't let the sweet smile fool you—she can knock you flat if you get on her bad side."
Mirajane giggled, her smile brightening the room even more. "Nice to finally meet you, Master Naruto. I've heard so much about you from the others."
Naruto felt the heat rise to his cheeks as Mirajane's smile seemed to radiate warmth like the sun itself. He awkwardly scratched the back of his head, trying to keep his composure. "Uh, yeah… nice to meet you too, Mirajane. You, uh, seem really strong yourself."
Before he could make any more potentially embarrassing comments, Macao, who was clearly enjoying himself, moved on to the last introduction. "And over there," he said, pointing to the brunette who was practically hugging a barrel of booze, "is Cana Alberona. She's our resident card sharp and… well, let's just say she can hold her liquor better than most."
Cana raised her barrel in a lazy salute, sloshing some of the contents onto the table. "Master Naruto, huh? Hope you can keep up with us, 'cause if you can't drink, you can't be the boss around here!" she teased, her voice slightly slurred but full of good-natured humor.
Naruto chuckled nervously, his eyes darting to the massive barrel Cana was holding like it was a glass of water. "I think I'll pass on the barrel, but maybe I'll join you for a… smaller drink."
"Small drink?" Gildarts boomed, his voice filled with mock outrage. "There's no such thing in Fairy Tail! Here, we drink to celebrate, to forget, and sometimes just because it's Tuesday!" He laughed heartily, almost causing Naruto to topple over again.
"Or, in Cana's case," Macao added with a smirk, "because it's a day ending in 'y'."
The whole group burst into laughter at that, and even Naruto found himself relaxing a bit. His earlier worry and nervousness about how he should interact with them after his clone's mishap fading away.
As the laughter settled, Makarov cleared his throat, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "Naruto," he called out, "I've heard a lot about you from Macao and the other guild members. I just wanted to thank you personally for everything you've done for Fairy Tail."
Naruto, still a bit on edge, responded with a cheerful grin. "Thanks, old man. I mean, uh, Makarov. It's really great to meet you and all." He scratched his head awkwardly, oblivious to the ripple of amusement that followed his slip.
Makarov's eyes widened in surprise as he stumbled slightly, clearly taken aback. The room erupted into laughter, with Wakaba grinning widely. "I told you, didn't I? Naruto doesn't really care about titles or respecting the elders. He's just like that!"
Cana snorted as she raised her barrel in mock salute. "See? I knew this guy was gonna be fun! If he can handle Makarov's old man jabs, he's got the guts for sure."
Mirajane's smile widened as she poured a smaller glass of beer for Naruto. "Here, this should be a good start. We don't want you passing out before you get to know us better."
Naruto took the glass from Mirajane, raised the glass to his lips, taking a sip, and was pleasantly surprised at the taste. "Not bad," he murmured, nodding appreciatively at Mirajane, who smiled back warmly.
Makarov, still chuckling from the earlier banter, leaned in a bit closer to Naruto, his expression turning just a shade more serious. "Naruto, my boy, I have to say—while everyone here respects what you've done for the guild, not all the members are as… mature as us."
He glanced at Gildarts, who was now trying to balance a spoon on his nose, and Cana, who had begun dealing cards to herself, apparently having a conversation with them.
Naruto raised an eyebrow, glancing between the group at the bar and the bustling guild hall behind them. "What do you mean by that, old man?" he asked, catching himself before correcting, "Uh, I mean, Makarov."
Makarov let out a sigh, taking a long swig from his mug before continuing, "What I mean is, some of the members, especially the younger ones, can be a bit… hot-headed. They might not take to a new guild master so easily. They're used to doing things their way, and well… they might test you."
Naruto's eyes narrowed slightly in thought. He already was aware that something like this could occur. He'd dealt with plenty of tough situations back in his world, but handling a bunch of rowdy mages who didn't know him from a hole in the ground? That was a new challenge.
"Test me, huh?" Naruto repeated, a determined glint in his eye. "Well, I've dealt with worse. I'll just have to show them I'm not someone they can mess with!"
Gildarts, who had finally managed to balance the spoon on his nose, burst into laughter at Naruto's declaration, the spoon clattering to the floor. "That's the spirit, kid! But just remember—when someone in Fairy Tail says they're going to test you, it could mean anything from a friendly arm-wrestling match to being caught in the middle of one of Natsu's fire-breathing fits!"
Cana smirked, tipping her barrel towards Naruto as if to say welcome to the madness. "Fairy Tail's all about surprises, Master. We might be loud, rowdy, and a little insane, but once you're one of us, we'll have your back no matter what."
Makarov nodded, his expression softening as he looked at Naruto. "That's right. The guild is a family, with all the ups and downs that come with it. They might be wary at first, but once you've proven yourself, they'll be your most loyal allies."
Naruto felt a warmth spread through him at Makarov's words. It reminded him of his own bonds with his friends back in Konoha. He looked around at the people gathered at the bar—Macao, Wakaba, Gildarts, Cana, and Mirajane—all watching him with varying degrees of amusement and expectation.
"Thanks, old man," Naruto said with a grin, once again catching himself before correcting, "I mean, Makarov. I'll make sure to earn their trust. But don't blame me if I accidentally knock a few heads together along the way."
The room burst into laughter again, with even Makarov letting out a hearty chuckle. "I wouldn't expect anything less from a man like you, Naruto. Just be careful—some of these kids are as stubborn as they come."
Naruto leaned in conspiratorially, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Don't worry, I've got my own ways of dealing with stubborn folks. A little persuasive talk and a good ol' punch in the arm usually does the trick."
The group erupted in laughter again, with Cana nearly spilling her barrel of booze. "Oh, I like this guy! Sounds like he'll fit right in with the rest of us!"
Gildarts gave Naruto a hearty pat on the back that nearly knocked him off balance. "Just remember, if you're going to use punches, make sure they're gentle. You don't want to end up with Natsu, Gray and Erza hunting you down because they think you're challenging them!"
Mirajane chuckled as she slid Naruto's glass of beer across the bar. "And don't forget—sometimes a good chat and a shared drink can work wonders too. Even if it's probably not as fun as a fistfight."
Naruto took a careful sip of the beer, trying to look dignified but failing as a bit of foam escaped and landed on his nose. "I'll keep that in mind. I'm all about finding the right balance. And if things get too wild, well, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve."
Makarov's eyes twinkled with amusement as he raised his mug in a toast and laughed, "Well, I'm curious to see what those tricks may be, my boy."
As the laughter from Naruto's comment died down, Maryjane's observant eyes flicked between him and Makarov, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "So, now that we have two masters in the guild, how do we handle the titles?" she asked, genuinely curious.
"Who should we call 'Master' now?" Makarov, who had been enjoying his drink with a relaxed air, raised an eyebrow and looked over at Naruto. "Ah, that's a good question. What do you think, Naruto? How should we sort out this title business?"
Naruto blinked in surprise, then scratched the back of his head, clearly not having anticipated this twist. "Uh, well… I guess I don't mind if you all just keep calling me 'Naruto' or 'Guild Master' or something. I mean, it's not like I care about formalities and all."
Makarov chuckled heartily. "Well, since Naruto here is the current Guild Master, it seems fitting that he keeps the title of 'master'. I'm retired, after all. Not to mention, I can also see that he seems to have a good shoulder on his head, so I think I can trust him to lead the guild."
Mirajane's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Alright then, so 'Master Naruto' it is!" She poured a fresh glass of beer for Naruto with a flourish.
As the conversation about titles settled, no one noticed Macao and Wakaba exchanged glances, a shared sense of relief evident in their eyes.
Naruto took another sip of his beer, trying to savor the taste while the conversation continued around him. The lively atmosphere in the guild hall was a stark contrast to the somber, tense meeting he'd just come from.
As Mirajane poured him another glass with a theatrical flourish, he could almost forget the pressure of his responsibilities—almost.
Mirajane slid the glass over to him with a playful wink. "There you go, Master Naruto. Drink up. We wouldn't want you to lose that title for not living up to it!"
Naruto chuckled, raising his glass in a mock toast. "Well, if keeping this title means I get to hang out with you guys, then I guess I'm all in."
Cana, still holding her barrel like it was her beloved pet, smirked at Naruto. "Just remember, 'Master,' if you ever need to escape the chaos, you can always join me for a barrel. It's the ultimate stress reliever!"
Naruto laughed, shaking his head. "I think I'll stick with the smaller drinks for now. You guys seem to have the whole barrel thing down to an art.
Gildarts, who had managed to balance another spoon on his nose, broke into laughter again, causing the spoon to clatter to the floor. "You'll fit right in with the rest, Naruto! The only rule here is to have fun, and from the looks of it, you're already doing great."
Makarov, with a twinkle in his eye, added, "And if you ever need advice on dealing with the rowdier members, just ask. I've had my fair share of dealing with Natsu's firebreathing antics and Gray's… wardrobe malfunctions."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Wardrobe malfunctions?"
Macao, unable to resist, chimed in with a grin. "Oh, you'll see. Gray has this tendency to strip off his clothes during fights without even realizing it. It's quite a spectacle."
Naruto burst into laughter, nearly spilling his drink. "Seriously? It seems there are quite of a lot of weird characters that I'll have to deal with!"
Wakaba, leaning casually against the bar, added with a proud grin, "See, I told you guys you'd come to like Naruto once you met him. He's not only strong and perfect as a guild master but also has this knack for making things interesting."
Makarov let out a hearty laugh, "I can't argue with that, Wakaba. Naruto's done a great job leading Fairy Tail, and it's good to see he's got a sense of humor, too. I approve of him. He's got the spirit of our guild in him."
Despite what he had told himself earlier, Naruto couldn't help but feel a wave of relief wash over him, his tension easing as he looked around at the approving faces. He raised his glass, offering a genuine smile. "Thank you, old man. I'll make sure to not let you and the others down."
Gildarts gave him a hearty slap on the back, almost causing him to drop his glass again. "That's the spirit! Just remember, if you ever need backup, I'm always around. And if you want a break from all the madness, just let me know. I'll take you out for some fun."
Naruto managed to steady his glass, chuckling nervously. "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind."
Mirajane, from behind the bar, poured herself a glass and joined in the conversation with a friendly smile. "And don't forget, we're here to help each other. We might have been gone for a while, but Fairy Tail's spirit hasn't changed. We're all in this together."
Cana, who had been quietly enjoying her drink, looked up with a smirk. "So, what's the plan now? Are we going to have a proper party to celebrate or what?"
The room erupted in laughter, the tension breaking as everyone began to relax and enjoy the moment. Naruto felt the camaraderie and warmth of the guild and a sense of belonging. Maybe dealing with the other members of the Tenrou group wouldn't be that hard at all.
*Line Break*
(Next Morning, Fairy Tail Guild Hall)
As the morning sun stretched its golden fingers across Magnolia, Naruto approached the Fairy Tail guild hall with a spring in his step. His heart was light from the previous night's laughter and interaction. The way Makarov and the others had welcomed him—despite 'their' first encounter—left him feeling optimistic and ready to tackle whatever came next. He even had a pretty good idea to handle the rest of the Tenrou group now.
"Ah, what a beautiful morning," he murmured, taking a deep breath of the crisp, fresh air. Naruto savored these early moments, where the world seemed to exhale peace before the inevitable whirlwind of the day began. Being among the first to arrive at the guild hall meant he could relish a few quiet moments before the usual uproar began.
As he pushed open the old oak doors of the Fairy Tail guild hall, expecting it to be either empty or with just Kinana bustling about, preparing for the day. However, as the doors swung wide, he was met with an unexpected sight.
He paused in the doorway, blinking a few times to make sure his eyes weren't playing tricks on him. There, in the early morning light filtering through the windows, was a sight he hadn't anticipated. Mirajane, her usual radiant smile firmly in place, was behind the bar alongside Kinana, both of them setting out glasses and arranging bottles. And then there was Makarov, looking a bit worse for wear, hunched over a steaming cup of coffee with a newspaper spread out in front of him. The older man's normally lively eyes were squinted in concentration—or maybe it was the hangover from last night.
Naruto's face broke into a broad grin as he stepped inside. "Good morning, everyone!" he called out cheerfully, his voice ringing with genuine warmth. "I didn't expect to see you two here so early. Usually, it's just me and Kinana holding down the fort at this hour!"
Kinana's eyes lit up with a mix of surprise and affection as she glanced up from her work. "Good morning, Master!" she greeted brightly. "It's not every day we have such esteemed company this early, is it?"
Makarov, still half-hidden behind his coffee cup, muttered something incoherent, his grumbling suggesting he wasn't fully awake yet. Mirajane, her smile a perfect blend of sweetness and mischief, gave Naruto a playful wink.
"Well, someone has to make sure Makarov doesn't faceplant into his coffee," she teased. "Besides, I thought I'd lend a hand to Kinana. I used to handle the bar myself, after all."
Naruto chuckled, making his way to the bar and grabbing a stool. With a practiced twirl, he plopped down with a relaxed air, feeling the warmth of the guild's atmosphere embrace him. "I'm glad to have the company this morning," he said, casting a friendly smile at Makarov, who responded with a gruff nod, still not fully engaged with the conversation.
Kinana's curiosity was piqued. She glanced between Naruto and the others, her eyes twinkling with interest. "Master," she began, her tone hinting at a mix of curiosity and admiration, "when did you meet… uh, Master Makarov and Mirajane? You seem pretty comfortable with them already."
Naruto leaned back slightly, his grin widening as he met Kinana's gaze. "Actually, we met last night," he explained, his voice carrying a note of weariness but also satisfaction. "The Wizard Saints meeting went on longer than I expected, and by the time I got back to the guild, it was quite a scene—Mirajane, Makarov, Gildarts, Cana, Wakaba, and Macao were all here."
Mirajane's smile softened, her eyes reflecting a mix of warmth and amusement as she remembered the night's events. "It was quite the introduction, wasn't it? We ended up sharing a few drinks and getting to know each other better. It was a fun night, despite the rocky start."
Kinana's smile grew as she prepared a fresh cup of coffee and set out a simple breakfast for Naruto. "It sounds like you all had quite the evening. I'm glad it went well," she said, her voice gentle and kind.
Naruto's grin widened, matching Mirajane's as he recalled the previous night's events. "It was a blast," he agreed. "I'm really looking forward to getting to know the rest of the guys better."
Makarov, his hangover slowly dissipating, seemed to focus more on the conversation now. His gaze sharpened as he took another sip of his coffee, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Now that you mention the Wizard Saints," he began, his voice gruff but carrying a note of curiosity, "I almost forgot—Macao and the others mentioned you're one of them, Naruto. Is that true?"
Naruto's smile widened, a glint of pride in his eyes as he nodded. "Yup, it's true. I'm one of the Ten Wizard Saints."
Makarov's eyebrows raised slightly in surprise, impressed despite himself. "That's quite an accomplishment for someone so young. What rank are you, if you don't mind me asking?"
Naruto's grin took on a confident edge, his eyes sparkling with a mixture of pride and humility. "I'm currently the 5th-ranked Saint."
Makarov's eyes widened in shock, the revelation cutting through the remnants of his hangover like a splash of cold water. "5th rank!?" he exclaimed, his voice full of disbelief. "You're kidding!"
"I'm not kidding at all, old man," Naruto declared with a hint of playful defiance, clearly enjoying the astonished expression on the older man's face. "I was promoted to the 5th rank just a little over two months ago."
Mirajane, who had been quietly listening to their conversation, looked at Makarov with curiosity. "Um, Master Makarov, what do you mean by the rank of Wizard Saints? Are the Wizard Saints also given ranks or something?"
Before Makarov could respond, Naruto, thinking Mirajane was addressing him, quickly jumped in with an explanation. "Well, Mirajane, in the Ten Wizard Saints, we have rankings from the 1st rank to the 10th rank. The rankings are determined by the Magic Council, considering a mage's strength as well as their accomplishments," he paused for dramatic effect, his grin widening as he enjoyed the look of curiosity on Mirajane's face. "This technically means that I'm considered by the Council to be the 5th strongest mage in all of Fiore!"
Mirajane's eyes widened in astonishment at Naruto's bold declaration. She turned to Makarov, seeking confirmation. "Is that true, Master Makarov?"
Makarov let out an exasperated sigh, still grappling with the idea that someone so young could hold such a high rank. "Well… there are certain formalities the Council considers when giving a mage their title and rank," he began, his tone carrying a mix of respect and disbelief as he glanced at Naruto, "but yes… by all accounts, the brat here is likely considered the 5th strongest mage in this land by the Council."
Mirajane's eyes remained wide with astonishment as she processed the information. Her gaze shifted from Makarov back to Naruto, now filled with newfound respect and curiosity. "Naruto… how old are you exactly?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. "I mean, to be the 5th strongest mage in Fiore… you can't be that much older than me."
Naruto chuckled, leaning back in his chair with a casual ease. "I'm 21," he replied, his tone light but carrying a hint of pride. "I guess I've packed a lot into those years, huh?"
Mirajane's jaw dropped slightly as she did the math in her head. "21…" she murmured, almost to herself. "That's… incredible." Her voice was filled with genuine admiration. "You're only a few years older than me, but you've already achieved so much."
"Well… what can I say," Naruto replied with a mock confident grin, scratching the back of his head. "I guess I'm just awesome like that." He puffed out his chest slightly, his tone playful but with a hint of pride.
Mirajane couldn't help but chuckle at his antics, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Don't get too cocky now," she teased, her tone lighthearted. "You might make the rest of us look bad." Her comment eliciting a round of laughter from both Makarov and Naruto.
Kinana, who had been listening intently to the conversation, approached with a warm smile, balancing a plate of fried rice, an omelette, and a steaming cup of coffee. She placed them in front of Naruto with practiced grace. "Here you go, Master. Your usual hearty breakfast to match your, well, hearty accomplishments," she teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she was already aware and used to Naruto's claims about him being the 5th strongest mage in Fiore—which she didn't doubt a bit, as she has witnessed his incredible power firsthand.
Naruto grinned, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "Thanks, Kinana-chan. You always know how to keep me going," he said, before quickly digging into his breakfast.
Makarov raised an eyebrow, his curiosity clearly piqued about the blonde enigma as he watched him enthusiastically dig into his breakfast. "So, Naruto," he began, leaning forward slightly, "Apart from this clone magic of yours, which I must admit I've never heard of before, what kind of magic do you use?"
Naruto paused mid-bite, a mischievous glint sparking in his eyes. He swallowed his mouthful of food and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. "Well, old man," he said with a Cheshire grin, "explaining my magic would take a long time. It's… complicated, to say the least."
Makarov's curiosity only deepened, his eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to read the younger mage. "Complicated, huh?" he mused aloud, scratching his chin. "You've got me intrigued now, brat."
Naruto chuckled, clearly enjoying the attention. "Trust me, you'll get to see it for yourself later today," he said, his tone playful but with a hint of promise. "I'd hate to spoil the surprise."
Mirajane, who had been watching the exchange with amusement, leaned in with a grin of her own. "Are you sure it's not just an excuse to keep us all guessing?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Naruto put on a mock-serious expression, raising a hand as if taking an oath. "I swear on the finest ramen in Magnolia along with Kinana-chan's ramen," he declared, causing Mirajane to giggle and Makarov to chuckle. "You'll see my magic in action soon enough."
Kinana, who had been silently enjoying the banter, chimed in with a sly smile. "Trust me, you two, it'll really take a long time to explain master's magic," she said, her tone warm as she refilled Naruto's coffee cup. "He really does have a knack for the dramatic."
Naruto gave her a grateful nod, picking up the steaming cup of coffee. "Just trying to keep things interesting," he quipped before taking a sip.
Makarov shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips. "You certainly know how to keep us on our toes, that's for sure," he remarked, leaning back in his chair with a sigh. "Alright, I'll hold you to that promise, brat. But if it turns out to be something underwhelming, you owe me a drink."
Naruto grinned widely, raising his coffee cup in a mock toast. "Deal!" he declared, his voice full of confidence.
Mirajane chuckled, leaning her elbows on the table as she looked at Naruto with a mix of admiration and amusement. "I can't wait to see what you've got in store for us, Naruto," she said, her voice sincere.
Naruto shot her a wink, clearly enjoying the attention. "You won't be disappointed, Mira," he said, his tone teasing as he went back to his breakfast.
After a few minutes, Naruto glanced at the clock hanging on the wall. He drained the last of his coffee and set the cup down on the bar with a satisfied sigh. "Well, as much as I'd love to sit here and enjoy this peaceful morning, duty calls," he said with a touch of reluctance. "I've got some paperwork waiting for me in the office."
Makarov snorted, shaking his head with a wry grin. "Good luck with that, brat. I'm glad I don't have to deal with that mountain of paperwork anymore," he said, taking a long sip of his beer. "You've got my sympathy. That desk is a cursed relic."
"Yeah, it honestly feels like the paperwork's never ends," Naruto groaned a bit in frustration, agreeing with Makarov's comment. He then stood up from the stool, stretching his arms above his head, "Oh…I forgot," he paused and turned to Kinana, "Kinana-chan, make sure to call me down when everyone's gathered in the hall. I want to give a proper introduction to the rest of the Tenrou group."
Kinana nodded, her smile warm and understanding. "Of course, Master. We'll make sure to let you know."
Naruto returned her smile with one of his own. "Thanks, I'll see you guys in a bit then." With that, he turned and made his way towards the staircase leading to his office upstairs, the sound of his footsteps gradually fading as he ascended.
2 hours later, Fairy Tail guild hall.)
The Fairy Tail guild hall buzzed with excitement as the guild members began to fill the space. The atmosphere was lively, with chatter and laughter mixing with the clinking of glasses and the occasional burst of magical energy. The return of the Tenrou group had everyone in high spirits, eager to see what had changed in the guild since their disappearance.
At the bar, Gildarts was deep in conversation with Macao and Wakaba. The conversation was lively, with Macao and Wakaba recounting the guild's ups and downs over the past seven years in an exaggerated manner. Gildarts was visibly amused, laughing at some of the more outrageous stories. Makarov, sitting nearby with his third cup of coffee, listened with a bemused expression, occasionally joining in with a comment or two.
Cana was nestled at a table, her fingers tapping rhythmically on a deck of cards as she engaged in a game with Elfman. Elfman was trying his best to keep a straight face, but his competitive nature was evident. "You're not going to beat me with those cards, Cana!" Elfman boasted, though his grin betrayed his excitement.
Wendy, Carla and Lisanna were playfully interacting with Asuka, who was happily bouncing between them. The duo was demonstrating their magic tricks to the young girl, much to the delight of Alzack and Bisca, who watched from a nearby table.
Levy was sitting with Jet and Droy, who were eagerly recounting their recent missions. The two men were clearly relishing the chance to brag about their newfound strength, their exaggerated gestures and dramatic pauses making Levy chuckle. She listened with genuine interest, occasionally asking questions that made them puff up with pride.
Lucy, on the other hand, was engrossed in a conversation with Yukino. The two celestial wizards had quickly bonded over their shared interests, and their conversation flowed smoothly as they exchanged tips and tricks about celestial magic. Their new friendship seemed to be strengthening with each word exchanged.
Across the hall, Gray was searching for his shirt—again. He frowned, his brow furrowed in concentration as he scanned the room. "Where the hell did I leave it this time?" he muttered to himself, frustration evident in his tone.
Laki and Juvia were taking it easy in a corner, Laki lounging comfortably with a satisfied look on her face. Juvia, sitting beside her, was flipping through a book on 'love charms' while casting occasional glances at the lively scene around her. They seemed content to observe the interactions, their own quiet companionship a pleasant backdrop to the guild's bustling activity.
The Thunder Tribe, minus Laxus, was clustered in a corner of the hall, chatting animatedly about their new guild master. Bickslow was enthusiastically discussing their new guild master reported abilities, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Freed was nodding along, occasionally interjecting with thoughtful observations, while Evergreen was more skeptical, expressing doubts about Naruto's supposed strength and lamenting Laxus's absence for not being there to meet him.
Gajeel, meanwhile, was seated at a table along with Panther Lily, munching on nails with a cup of tea in hand. His gruff demeanor seemed unchanged, but there was a glint of interest in his eyes as he observed the guild members' interactions.
Natsu was pacing around the guild hall, his energy palpable. His eyes were darting around the room, eager to get a glimpse of Naruto, "Why's the jerk still not here yet? Did he run away!?" he mumbled to himself as he anxiously continued to paced around the room.
Happy, munching contentedly on his fried fish while perched on Romeo's shoulder, eyed Natsu curiously. "Natsu, why do you look so anxious? Did you eat something spicy again?" he asked, his voice full of mischief.
Natsu, still pacing like a caged tiger, glanced over at Happy, his expression a mix of determination and impatience. "It's not the food, Happy!" he huffed, running a hand through his spiky pink hair. "I'm just pumped up to meet this Naruto guy! I want to challenge him to a fight!"
Romeo, trying to balance both his posture and the weight of Happy on his shoulder, chuckled at Natsu's enthusiasm. "You're always looking for a fight, Natsu. But didn't Master Naruto already beat you yesterday?"
Natsu paused mid-step, his face scrunching up in irritation. "That was just a fluke! I wasn't ready. This time, I'll show him the true power of the Dragon Slayer!" He clenched his fists dramatically, fire flickering around his hands as he spoke, "and Romeo, I don't consider him to be the guild master yet!" he added hotly, as Romeo just sigh at his stubbornness.
Happy, swallowing the last of his fish, shrugged. "If you say so, but you're always getting worked up over nothing." He leaned closer to Romeo and whispered loudly enough for everyone around to hear, "He's just scared he'll lose again!"
Natsu's face turned red—whether from anger or embarrassment, no one could tell. "I'm not scared! I'm just… overly prepared!" he protested, stamping his foot.
From across the room, Gray, still searching for his missing shirt, overheard the conversation and couldn't resist chiming in. "Overly prepared? Is that what you're calling it now?" He smirked, dodging Natsu's fiery glare.
"Shut up, Ice Princess!" Natsu shot back, his fists blazing with heat.
Before the two could start one of their infamous brawls, Lucy sighed loudly from her spot next to Yukino. "Natsu, you're going to get us all in trouble before the new guild master even gets here," she warned, but her exasperation was laced with fondness. "Can't you just sit still for once?"
Natsu crossed his arms, puffing out his chest. "Sitting still is for losers! Real men stay on the move!" He struck a ridiculous pose, one foot propped up on a chair as he pointed heroically toward the door.
Happy, now perched on Romeo's head, mimicked the pose with his tiny paw. "Aye, sir!" he chirped, his wings flapping as if to emphasize the point.
Meanwhile, across the hall, Gajeel, who had been quietly observing the scene, let out a loud snort. "Natsu, you're so loud you're scaring the iron out of my nails," he grumbled, though there was a trace of a smirk on his face. Panther Lily, sitting next to Gajeel, nodded solemnly. "Indeed. Perhaps it's best if you conserve your energy, Natsu. You'll need it if you're planning to challenge the new master."
Natsu paused, considering Panther Lily's words. "Hmph, maybe you're right. I'll save it… for when Naruto shows up!" His eyes blazed with renewed determination, though it was hard to take him seriously with Happy still balanced precariously on Romeo's head, trying to imitate Natsu's intense expression.
Asuka, who had been playing with Lisanna and Wendy, suddenly ran over and tugged on Natsu's sleeve. "Natsu-nii! Can you show me your fire magic again? It's so cool!" she pleaded, her big eyes sparkling with admiration.
Natsu's fiery bravado melted instantly, replaced by a wide grin. "Of course, Asuka-chan! Anything for you!" He crouched down to her level, ready to perform a small, harmless flame in his palm, much to Asuka's delight.
Happy leaned down from Romeo's head, whispering loudly, "Looks like Natsu's been tamed!"
Everyone within earshot burst into laughter, with even Natsu cracking a smile despite himself. No one was quite sure how, but despite their initial rocky introduction, Natsu and Asuka had somehow become fast friends. Perhaps it was the fiery enthusiasm they shared, or maybe Natsu had a soft spot for the guild's youngest member—whatever it was, their bond had grown quickly.
*Line Break*
Erza's patience was wearing thin as she watched the lively chaos of the guild hall. With a sigh, she turned to Kinana and Mirajane, who were bustling behind the bar, preparing plates of food and serving drinks. "Hasn't Naruto arrived yet?" Erza asked, her tone laced with a hint of frustration. She took another bite of her strawberry cake, her eyes narrowing slightly as she scanned the room for any sign of their elusive guild master.
Though she was still unsure about Naruto being their guild master, hearing about his contributions to the guild's stability during their absence had made her more receptive to the idea. Even Makarov and Gildarts had vouched for him after they had met him last night, and she was willing to give him a chance, though her patience was clearly wearing thin.
Kinana and Mirajane froze as Erza's question hung in the air. They exchanged a quick, sheepish glance before Kinana stepped forward, trying to maintain her composure. "Uh, well, Master was actually the first to arrive this morning," she started, her voice slightly shaky. "He's been working in his office, doing paperwork. He told us to call him down once everyone was here."
Mirajane, nervously arranging a tray of snacks, chimed in, "But, um, we got so caught up in serving everyone and preparing things... we kinda forgot to call him."
Erza's brow furrowed in frustration, but before she could respond, Happy, who had been perched on Romeo's head, piped up with a mischievous grin. "So you're saying Naruto's been here all along? That's one way to keep him away from us!" His wings flapped as he tried to suppress his giggles.
Lucy, overhearing, couldn't help but laugh. "Well, at least he's not hiding from us. Just buried under a mountain of paperwork," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Erza sighed deeply. "I suppose that's one way to avoid meeting us. But you know what? It's probably best if we let him finish his work in peace. He's clearly been busy."
Mirajane and Kinana looked visibly relieved. Kinana quickly added, "I'll get him down here right away!"
Mirajane glanced over at Makarov, who was calmly enjoying the scene with a knowing smile. With a puzzled look, she asked, "Why didn't you remind us to call Naruto down?"
Makarov chuckled softly and shook his head. "Sometimes it's good to let people handle their own timing. Besides, I figured the brat needed some time to ease into things. He's been through quite a bit lately."
Mirajane gave Makarov a deadpan expression, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You know, Master, it's pretty clear you forgot about Naruto too," she said, her tone carrying a hint of amusement.
Makarov's face fell, and he let out a sheepish chuckle. "Alright, alright, you got me. I did get caught up in the moment," he admitted, scratching the back of his head. "I suppose I should have reminded you all."
Mirajane simply shook her head with a smirk, and went back to her work.
The guild hall buzzed with renewed energy, as Kinana rushed upstairs. Natsu, having finished his demonstration for Asuka, resumed his pacing, though now with a slightly less frantic demeanor. "Guess I'll just keep waiting, huh?" he grumbled, though the fire in his eyes showed he was still as eager as ever.
Happy, still perched on Romeo's shoulder, leaned in to whisper, "Looks like Natsu's fire might finally be matched by the new master's paperwork!"
Natsu's face turned red once more, and he threw a playful scowl at Happy. "Just you wait! When Naruto gets down here, I'm going to challenge him to a fight! Paperwork or not!"
*Line Break"
Kinana, impatient and eager to get Naruto down from his office, knocked on his door and called out, "Master Naruto, everyone is here! You need to come down now!"
When no response came, she tried again, her voice louder this time. "Master Naruto? It's really noisy out here! We need you downstairs!"
Still no answer. Frowning in confusion, Kinana hesitantly turned the doorknob and pushed the door open. The scene inside was a bit of a shock. Naruto was sprawled out on his desk, sound asleep, with his head resting on a large pile of paperwork. A few stray papers had fallen onto the floor, and Naruto's drooling had dampened the top sheet.
Kinana let out a deep sigh, trying to suppress her amusement. "So this is why you didn't hear all the noise downstairs, huh?" she said, shaking her head as she walked over to gently nudge Naruto awake.
Naruto stirred, blinking groggily as he lifted his head from the paperwork. His hair was a mess, and he had a rather comical smudge of drool on his cheek. He squinted up at Kinana, clearly disoriented. "Huh? What's going on?"
"Everyone's waiting for you downstairs," Kinana said with a hint of exasperation. "You might want to wake up and make your grand entrance before they start rioting."
Naruto rubbed his eyes and looked around, finally taking in the mess of papers. "Oops," he muttered, chuckling awkwardly. "Guess I got a little too comfortable with these papers. Let me just…clean up."
He scrambled to tidy up his desk as best he could, shuffling papers into some semblance of order while still half-asleep. Kinana watched with an amused smile, finding the whole situation both endearing and absurd.
Naruto and Kinana descended the stairs, and as they entered the bustling guild hall, a hush fell over the room. The lively chatter and clinking of mugs ceased abruptly as all eyes turned towards the blonde.
Naruto, feeling the weight of so many gazes, gave an awkward cough to clear his throat. His attempt to look composed was undermined by his disheveled appearance and the faint hint of drool still visible on his cheek. He scanned the faces of the Tenrou group, who were seated at various corners of the hall. Makarov gave a knowing smile, while Mirajane raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a suppressed grin realizing the cause for the blonde appearance.
Naruto took a deep breath and began, "Uh, Yo! good morning, everyone. I'm Naruto Uzumaki, the 5th Guild Master of Fairy Tail," He gave a slightly uneven bow, trying to regain his balance. "and I know that,..um, Macao and the others have already cleared out the misunderstanding, however, I would like to personally apologize for the…less-than-ideal welcome you received from my clone yesterday. It seems he, uh, might have handled things a bit awkwardly."
He glanced at the Tenrou group, who were staring at him with varying degree of expression, "Anyway, I assure you, we're all happy to have you back, and I'm looking forward to getting to know each of you better."
The guild hall remained quiet for a moment, and then Natsu couldn't contain himself any longer. "So, you were just napping in your office?" he asked, barely suppressing his laughter.
Naruto blushed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I guess I might have dozed off a bit. But hey, I'm here now, right? Ready to get things rolling!"
Gray snorted. "Well, at least you're not a total stickler for formalities. That's something."
Mirajane grinned and poured a drink for Naruto. "You look like you could use this," she said, handing him a mug. "Maybe it'll help you wake up a bit more."
Naruto accepted the drink with a grateful smile. "Thanks, Mirajane. I think I definitely need this."
Naruto took a long, grateful sip from the mug Mirajane handed him, feeling the warmth of the coffee slowly shake off the remnants of sleep. He faced the guild hall once more, his senses fully returning to him. The room, packed with Fairy Tail members old and new, still had an air of anticipation. He could see that everyone was eager to get to know him better—or at least get a read on the guy who had taken charge during their absence.
Naruto cleared his throat, this time with a bit more confidence. "So, uh, is everyone here?" he asked, scanning the room as if he could count all the faces himself.
Makarov, still sitting comfortably with a small, amused smile, nodded. "Yes, brat, everyone's here. We've been waiting for you."
Naruto took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "Alright then, I've already met and know Cana, Mirajane, Gildarts, and Master Makarov," he said, motioning towards each of them as he spoke. "But I don't know the rest of you. So, how about we do some introductions? I'd like to get to know everyone."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than Natsu jumped to his feet, practically vibrating with excitement. "I'm Natsu Dragneel! And I'm the strongest wizard here!" he declared, flames flaring around his fists. "Now that you're finally here, let's have a fight! I want to see whether you are strong enough to be our guild master!"
Naruto sweatdropped, a sudden, vivid memory flashing in his mind—the image of his clone easily pinning Natsu to the ground like a misbehaving child. "Uh, yeah, I remember you," Naruto said with an awkward chuckle. "But maybe let's save the sparring for later, okay?"
Lucy, who had been sitting next to Natsu, gave him a sharp elbow to the ribs. "Natsu, behave yourself! This is supposed to be a formal introduction, not a brawl!" She turned to Naruto with an apologetic smile. "Sorry about him. I'm Lucy Heartfilia. I'm a Celestial Spirit Mage, and it's nice to meet you, Master Naruto."
Naruto nodded appreciatively. "Nice to meet you, Lucy. Thanks for keeping things under control."
Erza, who had been watching with her usual serious expression, stood next. Her presence immediately commanded attention, and Naruto felt a twinge of nervousness as she stepped forward. "I am Erza Scarlet, S-Class Mage and former leader of the Fairy Tail Team. I want to thank you, Master Naruto, for taking care of the guild during our absence," she said, her voice steady but with a note of caution. "While I'm still skeptical about you, I'm willing to give you a chance to prove yourself."
Naruto blinked, caught off guard by her blunt honesty. He fumbled for a response, feeling the weight of her words. "Uh, thanks, Erza. I… I'll do my best not to disappoint you." He could feel the eyes of the entire guild on him, and he scratched the back of his head, unsure how to handle the tension. 'Man, she's intense…'
Wendy stepped up next, her demeanor a complete contrast to Erza's. She gave a polite bow, her blue hair bobbing as she did. "I'm Wendy Marvell, a Sky Dragon Slayer. I'm happy to be back and to meet you, Master Naruto."
Naruto's tension eased a bit at Wendy's soft-spoken introduction. "Nice to meet you too, Wendy. I'm sure you'll fit right in." He smiled, feeling slightly more at ease.
Next was Gajeel, who simply crossed his arms and grunted. "Gajeel Redfox, Iron Dragon Slayer." He paused, eyeing Naruto with a challenging look. "We'll see if you're as tough as they say."
Naruto felt another sweatdrop form at the rough introduction "Right… looking forward to it, Gajeel."
Juvia followed, her eyes filled with adoration as she introduced herself. "Juvia Lockser! I'm a Water Mage, and I'm looking forward to working under you, master."
When it was Gray's turn, he stepped up casually, one hand in his pocket. "Gray Fullbuster, Ice-Make Mage. Good to meet you."
Naruto's eyes widened as he noticed something odd about Gray's appearance. "Uh, Gray…where are your clothes?"
Gray looked down and sighed, realizing he was in nothing but his boxers again. "Damn it, not again!" he muttered, hurriedly grabbing a nearby towel to cover himself, much to the amusement of everyone around.
Naruto chuckled, shaking his head as he watch the ice-mage frantically search for his missing clothes, "So this is the guy that Macao was talking about..'
Levy stepped up next, her bright and cheery attitude immediately lifting the mood. "I'm Levy McGarden, and I was in charge of the guild's library before! If you ever need any information, just let me know!"
Naruto gave her a thumbs up. "I'll definitely keep that in mind, Levy. Thanks!"
The Thunder Tribe introduced themselves next—Evergreen, Freed, and Bickslow—all giving their own unique greetings, each radiating a different level of intensity that made Naruto feel like he was meeting a whole mini-guild within the guild.
Lisanna was next, her gentle smile making her introduction warm and welcoming. "I'm Lisanna Strauss, and it's great to finally meet the person who's been keeping the guild together."
Naruto smiled back. "Nice to meet you, Lisanna. I've heard good things about you from your sister.
Elfman followed with a booming voice. "Elfman Strauss, the manliest man in Fairy Tail! If you ever need someone to back you up in a fight, I'm your guy!"
Naruto laughed, feeling a bit more relaxed with each introduction. "I'll definitely remember that, Elfman."
Finally, it was the Exceeds' turn. Happy, Carla, and Panther Lily stepped forward, and Naruto's eyes widened as he took in the sight of three talking cats. "Okay, now I'm seeing things," Naruto mumbled, rubbing his eyes.
Happy floated up to Naruto's eye level with his small wings. "I'm Happy! Aye, sir!"
Carla gave a polite nod. "Carla. I'm Wendy's partner."
Panther Lily, with his serious demeanor and warrior-like presence, simply stated, "Panther Lily. I work with Gajeel."
Naruto stared at them, somewhat baffled. "So… talking cats. This is new," he said, scratching his head and wondered whether they were some kind of summons.
Makarov chuckled from his seat. "You get used to it."
Naruto, still a bit wide-eyed, nodded slowly. "Yeah… sure. Well, it's good to meet you all. I'm looking forward to working together. Let's make Fairy Tail the best it's ever been!"
The guild erupted Into cheers, with the Tenrou group's skepticism slowly melting away as they saw the genuine warmth in Naruto's demeanor, which was completely opposite of the one that they had seen yesterday from his clone.
As the cheers died down, Naruto couldn't help but feel a wave of relief wash over him. The Tenrou group was starting to accept him, and the tension in the room had noticeably eased.
Macao and Wakaba, who had been watching the scene from the sidelines, exchanged a glance, both of them grinning from ear to ear. Macao took a swig from his mug, nudging Wakaba with his elbow. "See? I told you the kid would win them over eventually," he said with a chuckle.
Wakaba nodded, puffing on his pipe. "Yeah, but I didn't think it would happen this soon. It's like he's got some kind of magic for making people like him."
Bisca and Alzack stood nearby, also watching with relieved smiles. Bisca leaned into Alzack, whispering, "I'm glad they're starting to see what we see in Naruto. He's got a good heart, and it's clear that he cares about the guild."
Alzack nodded, his hand resting on Bisca's shoulder. "Yeah, I think he's going to fit in just fine."
Back in the center of the guild hall, Naruto noticed the older members' smiles and felt a bit more confident. However, before he could say anything else, Natsu suddenly piped up again, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
Before Naruto could say anything, Natsu sprang to his feet again, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Alright! Introductions are over—now let's fight, Naruto! I wanna see what you've got!"
Naruto blinked, caught off guard by Natsu's sudden challenge. "Uh—wait, what?"
Before Natsu could charge at him, Erza swiftly intervened, delivering a sharp smack to the back of Natsu's head. "Calm down, Natsu," she said sternly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "There's a time and place for fighting, and this isn't it."
Natsu winced, rubbing the back of his head. "But Erzaaa—" he whined, only to be silenced by Erza's withering glare.
Naruto couldn't help but chuckle at the scene, feeling a bit more at ease now that the attention was off him, even if just for a moment. "Thanks, Erza," he said, offering her a grateful smile. "I was about to say something, but I guess Natsu was a bit too eager."
Erza nodded curtly, her expression softening just a bit. "Proceed, Master Naruto."
Naruto took a deep breath, once again facing the gathered guild members. "Right, as I was saying before we got sidetracked—thank you all for the warm welcome. I know things are a bit different now, with me being the guild master, but I want to assure you that I'm committed to making Fairy Tail the best it can be."
He paused, scanning the room and catching the eye of each member, old and new. "I know I've got big shoes to fill, but I'm not here to change everything. I'm here to help us all grow stronger together. So, let's do our best and have some fun while we're at it."
The guild members, even the skeptical Tenrou group, nodded in agreement, their expressions softening as they began to warm up to Naruto's sincere words.
Natsu, ever the impatient one, crossed his arms and grumbled, "Alright, alright, I get it. But seriously, when's the fighting gonna start?"
Gray, having finally found his clothes, shot Natsu a glare. "Will you cool it already? Not everything has to be a brawl, flame-brain."
Before another argument could break out, Naruto held up his hands in mock surrender. "Tell you what, Natsu—how about we save the sparring for later? As I'm going to be holding an evaluation for you guys later, anyways. You know, after I've had a chance to get to know everyone a bit better. That way, when we do fight, it'll be even more fun."
Natsu's eyes lit up at the prospect of a future fight. "Deal! But you better not chicken out later!"
Naruto's attempt to calm Natsu was interrupted by Lucy's curious voice cutting through the guild hall's chatter. "Wait, Master, what's this about an evaluation?" Her question was echoed by several of the Tenrou members, including Makarov and Gildarts, who looked just as puzzled.
Naruto blinked, momentarily thrown off. He glanced at Macao and Wakaba, who were now shifting uncomfortably and scratching their heads. "Didn't you guys mention to the Tenrou group about our evaluation process?" Naruto asked, raising an eyebrow.
Macao and Wakaba exchanged sheepish glances. "Uh, well," Macao began, rubbing the back of his neck. "We kinda forgot to mention that part."
Wakaba, puffing on his pipe, added with a shrug, "It slipped our minds. We were so focused on the celebration, I guess it didn't come up."
Naruto sighed, feeling the weight of the situation. "Great. So, it looks like I'm the one breaking the news now." He turned back to the guild members, trying to regain his composure.
Naruto started, trying to sound as official as possible despite the situation, "So, about this evaluation—let me fill you in on a few things. You've probably heard that the guild struggled a lot during your absence, right?"
The Tenrou group nodded, their interest piqued.
"Right," Naruto continued, his tone growing more serious. "The guild's financial situation was pretty dire. For a long time, we barely had enough job requests to keep things going. We started receiving more job requests about two years ago, but they were mostly low-paying ones—D or C rank. As you can imagine, those aren't exactly high on anyone's list, especially when they're tedious and time-consuming."
Naruto glanced at Max and Jet, as well as some of the other members, who shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. They coughed awkwardly, clearly feeling the weight of the implication.
"Despite that," Naruto went on, "we did manage to get a few S-rank jobs here and there, about one or two a month. I took on most of them myself because, well, there weren't any other S-rank mages around at the time." He paused, letting that sink in.
The room was silent as the Tenrou grouped absorbed the Information.
Naruto continued, his gaze sweeping across the guild hall, noting the varying expressions of curiosity and concern on the faces before him. "So, to tackle the backlog of D and C rank jobs and improve our overall efficiency, I implemented a few changes. Instead of having members pick jobs directly from the request board as was done before, I now assign jobs based on each member's experience and overall skills— which I assess using an evaluation process once every three months."
A murmur of surprise rippled through the guild hall. "Does that mean we don't get to choose our jobs anymore?" Gray asked, his tone mixed with curiosity and a hint of irritation.
Naruto shook his head reassuringly. "Not exactly. You'll still have input, but the initial assignment will come from me. This way, we can make sure that jobs are distributed in a way that best suits each member's abilities and helps us clearing the backlog more effectively."
Lucy raised her hand tentatively. "And what about higher-ranked jobs? How do we get to do those?"
Naruto's eyes softened as he addressed her. "That's a good question. To earn higher-ranked jobs, members need to complete a certain number of D rank jobs first. I've set this requirement to ensure that everyone has a solid foundation and is fully prepared before taking on more challenging tasks. It's not just about the rank of the job but also about building up your skills and experience."
Erza, looking slightly skeptical, crossed her arms. "And what if someone is already experienced or strong enough to handle higher-ranked jobs right now? Are they still going to be held back?"
Naruto nodded. "I understand your concern, Erza. In such cases, there are exceptions. I assess each member individually and make adjustments as needed. But for the most part, this system is designed to help us recover from the tough times we've been through and to ensure that everyone is up to the task before we take on the bigger challenges."
Makarov, who had been listening intently, nodded in approval. "It sounds like a practical approach, Naruto. It's important to ensure that everyone is on the same page and well-prepared. Not to mention, it looks like this system has work wonders for the guild, seeing that you were able to pay such huge amount of debts in such a short time."
Naruto smiled, appreciating Makarov's support. "Thanks, Old man. I hope this helps you all understand where we're coming from. My goal is to strengthen the guild, while also ensuring that each member or team works efficiently during their jobs."
Gildarts leaned back, his eyes twinkling with interest. "So, when do we start with these evaluations?"
Before Naruto could respond, Natsu's eyes lit up with excitement. He practically leaped out of his seat and asked, "Does this evaluation include sparring like you mentioned before!?" His enthusiasm was infectious, and soon Gajeel, Elfman, and Gray were nodding eagerly, their own excitement mirrored in their expressions.
Naruto's grin widened. "Yes, it does include sparring. But there's one more test you'll need to take before we start with the sparring."
The room buzzed with curiosity as Tenrou members leaned in, asking, "What is it?" and "What's the test?"
Naruto chuckled, "It's a simple one. If you're interested, we can do it right now. It won't take more than 20 minutes."
A chorus of eager "Yes!" and "Let's do it!" erupted from the crowd. Even Erza raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself.
Naruto could hardly keep a straight face as the guild members' enthusiasm reached a fever pitch. The Tenrou group's eagerness was palpable, with Natsu bouncing in his seat and Gray cracking his knuckles in anticipation.
Macao and Wakaba exchanged amused glances, while a few of the other members couldn't suppress their smirks.
Macao leaned back and, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, said, "You know, I can't wait to see their faces when they realize what the test is. Especially Natsu and Gildarts. It's going to be priceless!"
Wakaba chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh, absolutely. I still remember the first day the brat gave us a test like this. We thought we were in for some intense training or a grand challenge. Little did we know, it was a pretty dark day for us."
Makarov, who was listening intently, perked up at the mention of the "dark day." He glanced at Asuka, who was perched contentedly on his shoulders, and then back at Macao and Wakaba. "What do you mean by a 'dark day'? Sounds intriguing."
Macao and Wakaba exchanged amused smirks. "We'd love to tell you, but we wouldn't want to spoil the surprise," Macao said, winking.
Wakaba added, "Let's just say it's something that makes even the strongest members question their life choices. Trust me, it's all in good fun!"
Makarov's curiosity was piqued, but he shrugged, deciding to wait and see.
Naruto noticed the Tenrou group's eager anticipation and felt a mix of amusement and apprehension. With a deep breath, he turned to Kinana, who was observing the scene with a hint of amusement.
"Kinana-chan, could you please bring me the papers?" Naruto asked, trying to sound as official as possible.
Kinana's eyes twinkled with understanding. She gave Naruto a playful nod and a knowing grin. "Sure thing, Master. I'll be right back." With that, she headed upstairs with a lighthearted bounce in her step.
As Kinana disappeared up the stairs, Naruto could barely contain his grin. The anticipation in the guild hall was palpable, with the Tenrou group practically vibrating with excitement. Natsu was practically jumping out of his skin, and Gray was stretching in preparation, while Gajeel and Elfman exchanged competitive glances, even Gildarts looking completely focused and excited for the test.
As Naruto waited for Kinana to return, the guild hall was buzzing with anticipation.
Lucy, Lisanna, and Wendy huddled together, their faces a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "Do you think it's going to be something really intense?" Lucy asked, trying to sound casual but failing to hide her nervousness.
Lisanna bit her lip, glancing at the eager faces of Natsu and Gray. "I don't know, but with Natsu and the others so pumped up, it must be something big."
Wendy, clutching her hands together, nodded in agreement. "I hope it's not too hard. I've been working on my magic, but I'm not sure I'm ready for a really tough challenge."
Levy, who was nearby, overheard their conversation and chimed in with a reassuring smile. "Well, from what Jet and Droy have told me, it's probably something to do with physical strength or endurance. They said it's meant to test how well we handle pressure and teamwork."
Natsu, who had been bouncing in his seat, overheard Levy's speculation and couldn't contain his excitement. "That's awesome! Maybe it's some cool challenge like scaling a mountain or battling a giant monster!" His eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.
Happy, who was perched on Natsu's shoulder, added in his usual cheerful tone, "Aye! I'm ready for anything! This is going to be great!"
Lucy and the others exchanged glances, their nervousness mingling with a flicker of excitement. The anticipation was palpable, and even though they were unsure of what to expect, they couldn't help but get swept up in the excitement of the moment.
Just then, Kinana returned with a stack of papers, her playful grin still in place. She handed the papers to Naruto, who took them with a nod of thanks.
"Alright, everyone," Naruto said, trying to stifle a grin. "It's time to kick things off. But before we dive in, why don't you all grab a seat? I'll explain what the first test entails."
As the Tenrou members settled into their seats, their faces a mix of anticipation and excitement, Naruto noticed Mirajane standing behind the bar, casually polishing a glass. A hint of confusion crossed his face when he saw she hadn't joined the others.
"Mirajane, are you not participating in the test?" Naruto asked, his tone a blend of curiosity and mild concern.
Mirajane looked up, her expression both serene and playful. "Oh, I don't plan on joining the test. I'm quite happy here, serving drinks and keeping things running smoothly. Besides, Kinana and I have an important role as bartenders."
Naruto blinked, momentarily taken aback. "But aren't you supposed to be an S-Class Mage? Shouldn't you be involved in the evaluations?"
Mirajane's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Well, I did achieve that rank, but I've found my true calling here behind the bar. You see, I enjoy the camaraderie of serving drinks and chatting with the guild members. It's my way of contributing."
Kinana, who had been listening from the sidelines, nodded in agreement. "Mira's right. We're a great team here. Besides, it's not like she's slacking off. Her skills are always at the ready if needed."
Naruto scratched his head, still somewhat perplexed but accepting of their explanation. "Alright, if that's how you want to contribute, I guess we can't argue with that."
Mirajane gave him a warm smile. "Exactly. And I'm sure you'll manage just fine without me. The test sounds like It's going to be an interesting challenge!"
Naruto then glance at Makarov, who was watching the scene with an amused grin and a bemused Asuka perched on his shoulders. The tiny girl looked just as intrigued as the rest of the guild. "Old man, don't you want to join in on the fun too?" Naruto asked, with a playful lilt in his voice.
Makarov fixed the blonde with a deadpan stare that made it clear he wasn't planning on participating. "I've seen more than enough of these evaluations over the years, brat," he replied dryly. "I'd rather enjoy the show from the sidelines and let you handle the excitement." Asuka, perched contentedly on Makarov's shoulders, let out a soft, almost imperceptible snort that seemed to echo the sentiment. It was clear she was just as uninterested in participating as Makarov was.
The sight of Makarov and Asuka sharing the same dispassionate expression was enough to send a ripple of laughter through the guild hall.
Naruto laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. I guess you and Asuka-chan have earned the right to be spectators."
He turned his attention back to the gathered members, whose eagerness had not waned. He took a deep breath and looked at the eager faces of the Tenrou group.
"Alright, let's get this started. The first test is…" He paused for dramatic effect, only to have Natsu's impatient bouncing and Gray's cracking knuckles make the suspense almost unbearable.
Naruto finally declared with a grin, "The first test is…a written test!" he finished, unable to hide his grin as he watched the excited expressions on the Tenrou group's faces morph into shock and confusion.
The guild hall fell Into a stunned silence, the only sound being the faint rustle of test papers being handed out by Kinana, who was barely holding back her laughter. The Tenrou members stared at the sheets in front of them as if they were alien artifacts.
Natsu was the first to break the silence, his voice echoing through the hall. "What the heck is this?!" he yelled, his eyes wide in disbelief. "A written test? Are you serious?!"
Beside him, Gray was equally stunned, though he tried to maintain some semblance of composure. "This has got to be a joke… right?" he muttered, glancing over at Naruto, who was grinning like a fox.
Lucy, who had been mentally preparing herself for some kind of physical challenge, was completely caught off guard. "A written test…? I didn't study for this!" she wailed, clutching her head in panic.
Even Erza, usually unflappable, looked bewildered as she read through the questions. "Is… is this really necessary, Master Naruto?" she asked, her voice laced with disbelief.
Naruto chuckled, his amusement evident. "Oh, absolutely! Not every job can be done with brute strength, you know. Some missions require critical thinking, problem-solving, and a sharp mind. That's why this test is necessary—to assess how well you can handle those situations!"
The Tenrou group exchanged uneasy glances, clearly not thrilled by the prospect of a written exam.
"Come on, Master Naruto," Natsu whined, leaning back in his chair. "Can't we just skip this and get to the real action?"
"Sorry, Natsu," Naruto said with a sly smile, "but this test is non-negotiable. I need to know you're not just all brawn and no brain. Besides…" He let the suspense hang in the air for a moment, watching as their curiosity piqued. "The one with the highest score will get to join me on an official S-class mission given to me by the Magic Council."
This announcement sent a ripple of interest through the group, though the idea of a test still seemed to be a bitter pill to swallow. The promise of an S-class mission, however, was too tempting to ignore.
Alzack, Bisca and Laki, along with rest of the spectators were struggling to contain their laughter as they watched the Tenrou members' predicament unfold. "I knew this was coming, but it's even better than I imagined," Alzack whispered to Laki, who nodded in agreement.
Makarov, who had been quietly watching the scene along with Asuka perched on his shoulders, was shaking with laughter. "I've never seen them so flustered. It's brilliant!" he exclaimed, wiping a tear from his eye. "Why didn't I think of this before? This is pure genius!"
"Grandpa, why are they so confused? Tests are easy!" Asuka said, her innocent comment only adding to the humor of the situation.
Makarov, suppressing a grin, patted her hand. "Not for everyone, Asuka-chan. Not for everyone."
Back at the table, Natsu had started to furiously scratch his head, trying to make sense of the questions in front of him. "What kind of magic is used to solve a riddle?! This isn't fair!" he protested.
Happy, who was peering over Natsu's shoulder, added his own commentary. "Aye! I think you're supposed to use your brain, Natsu!"
"That's the problem!" Natsu shot back, causing another wave of laughter to ripple through the hall.
Erza, determined to rise to the challenge, was already scribbling answers with fierce concentration. "If this is a test of our abilities, then I'll pass with flying colors!" she declared, though there was a hint of worry in her voice as she faced a particularly tricky question.
Gray, not to be outdone, leaned back in his chair with a smirk. "This is nothing. I'll ace it, no problem," he said confidently—until he flipped to the next page and his expression faltered.
Levy, on the other hand, was deep in thought, her eyes scanning the questions with intense focus. "This is actually quite interesting… though I didn't expect this from you, Master Naruto," she admitted, glancing up at him with a wry smile.
Naruto shrugged playfully. "Gotta keep you on your toes, right?"
While the other members look completely stressed out, Wendy, on the other hand, seemed almost unaffected by the situation. She tackled the test with a calm and focused demeanor, quickly answering the questions. Her confidence was evident as she breezed through each one. "This is actually pretty straightforward," she said softly, her brow furrowed in concentration.
Lisanna, sitting beside Wendy, was trying to keep up but seemed a bit overwhelmed by the sudden academic challenge. "Wow, this is definitely not what I expected," she muttered, glancing at Wendy's quick progress with a hint of admiration. Then came a question that nearly made her do a double-take. "What's the ideal topping combination for a perfect bowl of ramen?" she read aloud, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Is this… is this a serious question?"
Naruto's expression turned sage-like as he folded his arms, nodding solemnly. "That's a very important question, Lisanna. It's crucial for assessing your ability to handle complex, high-pressure situations."
Right next to Lisanna, Gildarts looked thoroughly confused as he flipped through the pages. "What's the best way to stop a brawl inside a building without smashing anything?" he read aloud, scratching his head. "I usually just smash the bar… what's this about avoiding property damage?"
Elfman, with his usual straightforward approach, tried to apply his physical thinking to the questions but was struggling. "These questions are weird… I don't get it. How am I supposed to use my strength to solve these?"
Cana, ever the card player, approached the test with a strategic mindset, though she seemed slightly baffled. "How do you handle an angry client without violence? This feels like trying to win a game of cards with no strategy," she said, trying to keep her frustration in check.
Freedom, Bickslow, and Evergreen had their own reactions. Freedom looked at the questions with a perplexed expression. "This is… not what I expected. How am I supposed to answer these?"
Bickslow, who was usually more relaxed, appeared genuinely stumped. "These questions are like riddles. How am I supposed to handle them?"
Evergreen, though maintaining her usual composure, was clearly thrown off by the test. "This isn't what I signed up for. I didn't expect to have to use my brain this much."
Macao and Wakaba struggled to contain their laughter as they watched the scene unfold. Macao leaned towards Wakaba, his voice full of amusement. "I knew this was going to be good, but seeing Gildarts so confused is priceless."
Wakaba nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. And look at Natsu—he's about to blow a fuse!"
As the Tenrou members continued to grapple with the unexpected challenge, the rest of the guild watched on with barely contained glee. Even Mirajane, who had initially opted out of the test, couldn't help but smile in amusement as her friends tried to tackle one of their toughest task of their life.
Natsu flipped to another page and read aloud, "What's the best way to stop a brawl in a bar without smashing anything?"
Gray snorted. "Probably not the way you'd handle it, flame brain."
Natsu growled but was quickly distracted by the next question. "You accidentally knock over a stack of barrels, and they're rolling towards the town's mayor. What do you do? This is so unfair!"
Lucy shook her head in disbelief, "These questions are all about avoiding property damage… no wonder Master Naruto is in charge," as she recalled Bisca mentioning how their new master absolutely hated any sorts of property damages.
Juvia, who had been silently working through the test, suddenly spoke up, her voice filled with dread. "Question five: What is the appropriate reaction if a cat is stuck in a tree? Juvia is not sure if this is a trick question…"
Gajeel's eyes narrowed as he read over the questions. "These all sound like traps… no way I'm falling for this."
Naruto folded his arms, satisfied with the chaos he'd unleashed. "Alright, everyone! You've got twenty minutes. Let's see who's got the brains to match their brawn!"
The Tenrou group's faces were a mix of determination, confusion, and in some cases, sheer panic as they began scribbling answers, their earlier excitement now replaced with the challenge of surviving this unexpected test.
Naruto couldn't help but chuckle as he watched the Tenrou group wrestle with their unexpected test. The excitement that had initially lit up their faces had quickly turned to pure, unfiltered confusion, and he was enjoying every second of it.
Jet and Droy, sitting at a nearby table, exchanged knowing looks. Jet, leaning back in his chair with a smug grin, nodded towards the Tenrou group. "I feel their pain. You remember when we had to go through this, Droy?"
Droy shuddered at the memory, his eyes widening in sympathy as he watched Gray muttering curses under his breath while flipping through the pages. "Yeah, man. I thought I was gonna lose my mind… those questions about property damage were brutal. But at least we survived."
Max, who was polishing a broom in the corner, chimed in with a snort. "They've got it easy. Naruto's probably going soft on them. I remember the time he asked us how to stop a runaway carriage without damaging the goods or scaring the horses… I still have nightmares about that question!"
Back at the table, Natsu was on the verge of a meltdown. "What does Naruto mean by 'creative problem-solving'? How am I supposed to answer that?!" he shouted, his voice carrying through the hall.
Happy floated by his side, giving him a sideways glance. "Maybe you should try thinking for once, Natsu."
"That's not helping, Happy!" Natsu shot back, glaring at the blue cat.
Gray, meanwhile, had started tapping his pencil against the table, staring blankly at a question that read, "How do you defuse a situation with an angry client without resorting to violence?" He groaned, rubbing his temples. "This isn't what I signed up for… I thought being in Fairy Tail meant smashing stuff, not this."
Erza, ever the determined warrior, was furiously scribbling down answers, though the small furrow in her brow indicated that even she was struggling. "I've never faced an enemy like this… but I'll conquer it, just like any other challenge!"
Naruto couldn't resist poking a little more fun at them. "Don't worry, Erza. The real challenge comes in the essay section."
Erza froze mid-sentence, her pencil hovering over the paper as her eyes widened in horror. "Essay section…?"
Natsu, already pale from stress, nearly fell out of his chair. "An essay? We have to write an essay?! I didn't sign up for this… I thought we'd be fighting dragons, not writing papers!"
Warren and Vijteer, who had been watching the entire scene from their usual spot by the bar, were now openly laughing. Warren leaned over to vijteer, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes. "I've never seen them this rattled before. I mean, look at Natsu—he's on the verge of a breakdown!"
Vijteer nodded, grinning ear to ear. "I knew this was gonna be good, but it's even better than I imagined."
Over at the bar, Kinana was also enjoying the spectacle, her eyes twinkling with amusement. She caught Yukino's eye and smiled. "I remember how nervous you were when you took this test. Look at them now—they're so serious about it!"
Yukino nodded, though her lips were twitching in a barely suppressed smile. "I was terrified… but seeing them like this makes me feel a little better about how I did. At least I didn't yell at the paper like Natsu's doing."
Meanwhile, Naruto continued to enjoy the chaos he'd unleashed. He watched as Gajeel, ever the skeptic, scowled at the questions, muttering under his breath. "This is ridiculous… all these questions about avoiding property damage. I thought we were Fairy Tail, not some repair crew!"
Levy, sitting next to him, gave him a teasing smile. "Maybe that's why we're in this situation, Gajeel. We do tend to break a lot of things."
Gajeel huffed, crossing his arms. "I still think this is a trick… but fine, I'll play along. Not like I'm gonna let someone else take that S-class mission."
As the minutes ticked by, the tension in the hall grew thicker. Naruto could see beads of sweat forming on Gray's forehead, while Erza's determined expression had turned into one of grim resolve. Even Natsu, who had been ready to throw in the towel, was now furiously scribbling down answers, his face scrunched up in concentration.
And then there was Juvia, who was staring at a question with wide eyes, her hand trembling slightly. "What if you accidentally spill water on a client's expensive rug…? Juvia would never do that! But what if…?"
Naruto hid his grin behind a hand. "Alright, everyone! Time's almost up. Finish up those last questions!"
The Tenrou group collectively groaned, the reality of their situation hitting them full force. Natsu was still frantically writing, Lucy was on the verge of tears, Gray looked like he was ready to punch something, and even Erza seemed to be questioning her life choices.
As Naruto finally called time, the members put down their pencils, looking thoroughly drained. The room was silent for a moment as they all exchanged glances, the weight of their predicament settling in.
Naruto clapped his hands, breaking the tension with a bright smile. "Well done, everyone! I'll be grading these, and we'll see who gets to join me on that S-class mission. But no matter the results, you all gave it your best shot."
The Tenrou group didn't seem entirely convinced by Naruto's cheerful tone, but they nodded wearily, glad that the ordeal was over.
As Naruto collected the papers, he couldn't resist one last comment. "Oh, and by the way, this wasn't just about the answers. I'll be looking at how you handled the pressure, too."
Natsu's eyes widened in horror. "What?! You mean it wasn't just about getting the right answers?!"
Naruto just grinned, turning away with the stack of papers. "You'll see soon enough, Natsu. You'll see."
The Tenrou group slumped in their seats, utterly exhausted, the rest of the guild couldn't hold back their laughter any longer. Even Erza, the ever-composed warrior, had to admit that Naruto had outsmarted them all.
As Naruto retreated to his office, a stack of papers clutched in his arms, the mood in the guild hall shifted dramatically. What had been a tense, almost somber atmosphere now erupted into an uproarious blend of laughter and playful banter.
Natsu, his usually spiky hair looking more like a bird's nest and his face flushed from a mix of embarrassment and anger, glared around at his guildmates. "Why didn't anyone tell me the first test was supposed to be written?!" he bellowed, his voice echoing off the walls with a comical mix of frustration and disbelief.
Romeo, Macao, Jet, and Droy nearly collapsed with laughter. Romeo, struggling to suppress his giggles, managed to choke out, "We thought it was pretty obvious, Natsu. Did you really think Naruto would make it easy for you guys?"
Macao, with a grin that threatened to split his face, pointed at Gildarts, who was sitting at the bar with an expression somewhere between shock and horror. "Looks like Gildarts wasn't the only one who got blindsided! I swear, his jaw almost hit the floor when he saw that paper."
Gildarts, usually the epitome of composure, let out a dramatic groan that seemed to resonate with the room. "I'm never living this down, am I? My pride's been thoroughly shredded!"
Gray, still steaming and making no effort to hide his irritation, muttered through gritted teeth, "I should've known something was up when Naruto started grinning like a cat who just caught the canary."
Makarov, observing the chaos with a twinkle in his eye, chuckled heartily. "Well, I have to say, I'm more impressed with Naruto now. He's certainly got a knack for keeping things interesting. I see why he's the guild master."
Erza, who had been trying valiantly to maintain her stern demeanor, finally let out a chuckle. "I suppose we were all a bit too eager to leap into action without thinking it through."
Asuka, still perched on Makarov's shoulders with a wide grin, chimed in innocently, "You all did your best, but you looked pretty funny with those test papers!" Her comment elicited a round of winces and hearty laughter from the Tenrou members.
Mirajane and Kinana, with amused smiles on their faces, began circulating water to the weary contestants. Mirajane leaned in close to Erza, whispering with a teasing tone, "Don't worry, Erza. Even the best have their off days. Besides, it's not every day you get to see a dragon slayer sweat over a written test!"
Yukino, having observed Lucy's focused yet slightly bewildered attempts at the test, tapped her on the back with a friendly nudge. "Well, you did better than you think. I saw you managing to keep your cool through most of it."
Lucy, still dabbing at her eyes from the laughter and her own embarrassment, managed a sheepish smile. "Thanks, Yukino. I guess I did alright considering I was trying to decipher Naruto's bizarre questions."
Wendy, blushing from the unexpected attention and surrounded by her friends Carla, Lisanna, and Laki, beamed as they showered her with praise. Carla clapped her on the back. "Wendy, you were fantastic! You handled that test like a pro. I almost thought you were channeling some secret magic to get through it!"
Lisanna, her eyes sparkling with excitement, added, "Yeah, I think you might've even had the highest score! Master Naruto's going to be impressed!"
Laki, with a grin so wide it seemed contagious, joined in. "Well, you definitely made an impression! I bet Master will think twice before challenging you again!"
As the laughter and good-natured ribbing continued, the Tenrou group began to relax, their initial discomfort melting away in the warmth of camaraderie and jest. The banter lightened the mood, and even the most skeptical members found themselves caught up in the fun.
Line Break*
(A few minutes later)
As the guild hall buzzed with laughter and chatter, Naruto reentered the guild hall, a stack of test papers in hand, his usual laid-back demeanor replaced with a deadpan expression that made everyone hold their breath. The stack of test papers in his hand seemed to hold the weight of the world—or at least the fate of the guild's pride.
Naruto glanced around the room, his gaze lingering on the Tenrou group, who now looked more like a group of guilty schoolchildren than seasoned wizards. Clearing his throat, he began, "Well, I've gone through the tests… and I have to say, I'm thoroughly impressed… with how creative some of you can be when you have absolutely no idea what you're doing."
The room erupted Into nervous chuckles, with Natsu's face turning an even deeper shade of red. Naruto continued, flipping through the papers with exaggerated seriousness. "Let's start with some of the highlights, shall we?"
He pulled out a sheet of paper and squinted at it, trying to keep a straight face. "Here's a gem from Natsu: 'If all else fails, set it on fire.' I'm assuming you didn't notice the part of the question that said, 'without causing property damage,' right?"
The room exploded with laughter, and Natsu looked like he wanted to sink into the floor. Gray, despite his earlier grumpiness, couldn't resist jabbing Natsu in the ribs. "Typical."
Naruto continued, "Gray… you answered the same question with, 'Keep Natsu as far away from buildings as possible.'" This elicited another round of laughter, especially from Natsu, who jabbed a finger at Gray.
Naruto held up another paper, raising an eyebrow. "And then there's Gajeel's solution to conflict resolution: 'Just hit them harder until they stop moving.' You know, Gajeel, the idea was to avoid violence, not encourage it."
Gajeel grunted, crossing his arms with a smirk, "Hey, it's a tried and true method."
The guild members couldn't contain their amusement, and even Naruto cracked a smile before moving on to the next answer. "And this one… Erza, 'Intimidate them into surrendering.' I mean, sure, it's effective, but… you really think that's the best approach?"
Erza's cheeks flushed, and she quickly adjusted her armor, muttering, "It's… worked before."
"Lucy," Naruto said, catching the celestial mage's attention, "you actually tried to answer the questions seriously, but…" He held up her paper, pointing to a section filled with crossed-out answers and scribbles. "I think you spent more time debating with yourself than actually answering."
Lucy buried her face in her hands, groaning in embarrassment. "Why did it have to be so confusing?"
Makarov, wiping a tear of laughter from his eye, leaned in to Asuka and whispered, "I knew those kids were in trouble the moment he handed those papers out."
Naruto set down the papers and looked around the room with mock disappointment. "All in all, I have to say… most of you failed. Miserably."
There was a collective groan from the Tenrou group, with Levy burying her face in her hands and Lucy practically sliding off her chair in embarrassment. The rest of the guild burst into laughter, with Wakaba and Macao high-fiving each other in the background.
Lucy, still red-faced, managed to stammer out, "W-Well, if we all failed, who… who got the highest score?"
Naruto chuckled softly before glancing around the room. "Well, when all you were practically trying to destroy the papers, one of you did manage to impress me. Despite the chaos, someone kept their cool, focused on the task, and gave thoughtful answers."
Naruto's expression softened slightly as he looked toward Wendy, who had been quietly sitting with Carla and Lisanna, trying to stay out of the spotlight. "She was the only one, who actually took the time to read the questions, think them through, and come up with practical, non-destructive solutions."
Wendy's eyes widened as Naruto walked over to her, holding out the test paper with a small smile. "Congratulations, Wendy. You're the winner."
The room erupted into applause and cheers, with Carla practically glowing with pride. Wendy, blushing furiously, accepted the paper with a shy smile. "I-I just tried my best."
Naruto gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "And that's why you'll be joining me on that S-class mission. You've earned it."
The guild hall filled with excitement as everyone congratulated Wendy, the atmosphere now completely shifted from earlier. Even Natsu, despite his earlier frustration, couldn't help but grin at Wendy's success, throwing an arm around her. "Alright, Wendy! You show 'em how it's done!"
Naruto's smile widened as he raised his hand, motioning for everyone to quiet down. "Alright, alright, settle down! Now that the test is over, you can all enjoy some well-deserved rest," he announced, his voice carrying a playful lilt. "But don't get too comfortable! We'll begin the sparring section of the evaluation in the evening."
As soon as the word "sparring" left Naruto's lips, Natsu's eyes lit up with fiery enthusiasm. "Finally!" he roared, practically leaping into the air, his fists ablaze. "I've been itching for a fight all day!"
Gray, who had been standing nearby, rolled his eyes. "Of course you have, flame-brain. But don't go burning the guild down before we even get started!"
Natsu spun around to face Gray, his grin widening. "Oh, you wanna go right now, ice princess? I'll take you on anytime, anywhere!"
The room buzzed with anticipation as Natsu and Gray squared off, their playful bickering escalating into the usual banter. Just as Natsu was about to throw the first punch, Erza stepped forward, her voice cutting through the commotion like a sword slicing through the air.
"Master Naruto," she began, her tone carrying the weight of someone who had seen too many brawls to count. "I trust we're not going to be sparring inside the guild hall?" She crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering as she looked at Naruto, her skepticism evident.
Naruto met Erza's gaze with an amused smile, his eyes narrowing slightly as if he were sharing a secret joke. "Erza," he started, his tone light but firm, "you and the others should know that there's only one thing I hate almost as much as bad ramen—"
"Burnt ramen?" Natsu interrupted, earning himself a light thump on the head from Gray.
"No, you dolt," Gray muttered, shaking his head in exasperation.
Naruto chuckled, shaking his head, "Close, but no. It's fighting inside the guild hall." He paused, letting his words sink in, before continuing, "That's why I've had an area built specifically for this kind of evaluation. You'll be sparring there, not here."
The Tenrou group collectively sighed in relief, although some, like Natsu, looked a little disappointed that their usual battleground was off-limits.
Erza, however, seemed satisfied with Naruto's response, her serious expression softening slightly. "So, where exactly is this place?" she asked, still a bit cautious.
The blonde grinned mischievously. "You'll see soon enough. But I can guarantee you it's sturdy enough to handle even some of your enthusiasm." He shot a pointed look at Natsu and Gray, who were already squaring off again, oblivious to the conversation.
Erza raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but still cautious. "Sturdy enough, huh? We'll see about that," she muttered, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword, as if preparing for a challenge
Naruto then turned to the excited and clapped his hands together, drawing everyone's attention. "Alright, that's enough tension for now! I want everyone to rest up before we head out. Trust me, you're going to need it."
The end*
A/N:I know this chapter was quite boring for you all, but oh well, I tried.
Note: Yukino was promoted to S-class recently.
Anyways, next chapter will include the sparring part, and I want to know what you guys think I should do.
— Have Naruto 1v1 the Tenrou mages, or
— Have the mage's 1v1 among them like in the chunin exams.
Please, do leave a review. Bye.
