Yooooo!

Sup lads, how y'all doing? Good? That's wonderful to hear.

I'm doing good too! Thank you for asking. The reason I'm doing good is cause we have a new chapter today.

It's gonna be good!

Now, without further ado, let's begin!

Start:

The Magic Council's grand hall buzzed with heated debate, the tension thick enough to cut through with a blade.

Councilwoman Belno currently stood at the center of it, her voice sharp and resolute. "We finally have the vital information on Tartarus that we've been longing for, and now you're telling me we shouldn't use it? This is the height of foolishness!"

"Watch your tone Belno." Yuri, the oldest of the group, replied unamusedly. "While this matter is of utmost seriousness, that does not excuse your childish behaviour. Even Siegrain and Ultear are behaving professionally."

Belno scoffed. "That is so like you, to trivial yourself with matters that are redundant when we have more important concerns to address." She glared at him. "Why are we even debating this? It should already be clear that we promptly attack Tartarus. We have our information, let's use it!"

"While I would have worded it more politely, I do not disagree with Belno." Councilman Leiji, seated nearby, nodded in agreement, his eyes narrowing with determination. "We've been chasing shadows for years, and now we have something solid. It's time we strike, not cower behind caution."

But Councilman Yajima, the elder statesman known for his wisdom and compassion, shook his head. "Charging in without thorough preparation would be a reckless mistake. We have to think this through. A single misstep, and we'll pay for it with the blood of our wizards."

Leaning forward, he added gravely, "If we send our forces in unprepared, not only will we lose valuable mages, but it will weaken the nation's security as a whole. Tartarus won't just retaliate; they'll strike where we're vulnerable. And if not them, then other dark guilds or even the neighbouring countries."

Everyone in the room collectively flinched at the thought.

Even Ultear and Jellal, two dark mages blending in, felt discomfort at the notion of an all out war or invasion.

And even if an invasion or war was not a possibility, both of the secret dark mages had their own reasons for why they wanted this specific pillar of the three pillars of the Balam alliance to collapse.

Yajima glared at Leiji and Belno. "You may not care for our wizards who are ready to lay down their lives for our country, but I do. And even if you may not care for them, you cannot deny that our wizards are important to nation security. So I suggest you both grow a consciousness!"

The room erupted into a cacophony of voices, some in support of Belno and Yuri, others backing Yajima.

Siegrain, actually invested in a council matter for once, spoke over the rising din. "And while we prepare, what do you think Tartarus is doing? Preparing as well. We give them more time, and they'll be ready for us when we finally do act. Then we'll be the ones caught off guard."

The debate grew louder, each council member contributing their opinion, the bickering spiraling out of control.

Chairman Gran Doma slammed his gavel down with a resounding bang, his deep voice booming through the chamber. "Order!" The room fell silent, every pair of eyes turning toward the chairman. His expression was stern, cutting through the chaos with a single glance.

He straightened, addressing the entire council. "Four days ago, we managed to extract vital information from two of the three Tartarus members we captured. From their confessions, we have learned key details about their leadership, their strongholds, and, most concerning, the treachery of former Chairman Crawford." A ripple of discomfort ran through the room at the mention of Crawford's betrayal, a bitter reminder of the council's vulnerability.

Gran Doma continued. "Now we know the scope of Tartarus' plans, but information without action is useless. The question is no longer whether we should act, but what kind of action we must take, and how to take it in a way where as mentioned by councilmen Yajima, does not result in needless death from our wizards."

A moment of silence followed his declaration, the weight of the council's responsibility hanging heavy in the air.

…

…

Siegrain leaned forward, an uncharacteristic seriousness settling over him. "If I may propose something," he began, catching the attention of the entire room. "We could assemble a strike team, anywhere between six to ten mages long. A small, elite group capable of both reconnaissance and attack. It's the best way to handle this effectively."

Intrigued, Gran Doma stroked his chin. "A strike team... It's a sound idea. I approve."

"We should take a few days to carefully consider who must be part of this strike team, along with back up members who could take the place of the ones whom won't be able to join." Yuri proposed

"No." Councilman Org interjected, causing everyone's attention to be fixated on him. "We don't have the luxury of time."

He eyed his fellow members, the look on his eyes grave. "While I agree with the importance of caution and preparation, and I wholeheartedly agree with Yajima about caring about the livelihood of our wizards, there's something else we must also consider." His voice was calm but carried an undeniable weight. "And that is that we are working with outdated information. Perhaps they've already replenished their numbers, or maybe they've chosen a different base to operate in temporarily."

Org continued, his voice stern "It's been nearly three weeks since Naruto Uzumaki, the hero of Magnolia, took down 200 dark mages and four demons from Tartarus, three of whom are in our custody. He crippled a portion of their forces, and thanks to him, we now know much about how they operate, their members, pretty much everything of value minus a few certain topics."

"But we learnt all of this from the captives that were captured nearly three weeks ago. Tartarus has likely moved—or they're preparing to move… if they haven't already." He stated grimly.

Everyone grimaced at his point.

The council's attention sharpened. Org continued, "If we delay too long, all the reconnaissance and preparation in the world won't matter. Tartarus could disappear again, slipping through our fingers, and we'll be back to square one. We need to act before they vanish, and that means that this matter must be resolved today, we can't afford to waste time." Org concluded sharply.

The Magic Council's grand hall remained silent for a moment after Councilman Org's stern conclusion. The weight of his words pressed down on everyone present. Councilman Leiji, his brow furrowed, was the first to break the quiet.

"But what if they have already vanished?" Leiji asked, his voice calm but tinged with doubt. "If they've moved and we charge in blindly, all our efforts might be for nothing. We'd waste precious resources and risk our people for no gain."

Org met Leiji's gaze, unflinching. "If they've moved, then at least we'll be ready for when they re-emerge. A confrontation is inevitable, Leiji. Tartarus won't stop until their agenda is fulfilled, and their strength grows by the day. If the battle doesn't happen now, then soon. Even if they're gone, assembling a strike team now ensures that when the time comes, we won't be scrambling to respond."

Leiji sat back in his chair, arms crossed, but said no more. A heavy silence fell over the room again, the tension palpable as everyone considered the gravity of the situation.

Chairman Gran Doma, sensing the need to act before the debate spiraled further, called the meeting to attention once more. "Councilman Org is right," he stated firmly, his voice brokering no argument. "This matter must be concluded today. We cannot afford to delay this any longer."

Gran Doma's steely eyes swept across the council chamber. "Now, we must decide on the formation of the strike team. We have discussed the urgency, but who will be the ones to execute this mission?"

He paused, waiting for someone to step forward with a suggestion.

Belno, the councilwoman who had sparked much of the initial debate, was the first to speak. "I nominate Iron Rock Jura," she said confidently. "He's one of the Ten Wizard Saints, with formidable power and experience. He has proven himself time and again, and I can think of no one better suited to lead this team."

(I know I said this in the very first chapter, but it's a been a long while so I'll say it again, many characters have the appearance, abilities of after the seven year time-skip, Jura for example has his appearance and power level of after the Tenrou arc, the people of Sabertooth are the same, they might be more but none come to mind currently apart from the ones mentioned)

(And Ultear simply has the design of how she looks after the seven year time-skip, but her abilities and everything is that of before the Tenrou arc)

Several murmurs of agreement rippled through the chamber. Jura's reputation as a formidable and honorable wizard was well-known.

Councilman Leiji was quick to add his own nomination. "Laxus Dreyar," he said firmly. "He's the grandson of Makarov, master of Fairy Tail, and he possesses immense strength. His combat prowess is extremely impressive, and he's a man who knows how to get results."

Gran Doma nodded, considering the suggestion. "Laxus Dreyar is certainly a powerful candidate."

Before the chairman could say more, Councilman Michello raised his hand. "I propose Yukino Agria and Rufus Lore from Sabertooth," he said. "Yukino's precision and ability to wield celestial magic would provide excellent support, while Rufus's memory-make magic offers versatility. Together, they could cover a wide range of tactics."

Michello then grimaces as he continues. "And as much as I loathe to say it, Ichiya from Blue Pegasus should also be considered. He's eccentric, yes,"—the council members sweatdropped at the mention of Ichiya's odd behavior—"but he's also highly skilled in reconnaissance and powerful in his own right. We'd be foolish not to take advantage of his unique talents."

The room collectively sighed. Ichiya's bizarre antics were infamous, but no one could deny his capabilities. The council mulled over Michello's suggestions, balancing the oddity of Ichiya with the undeniable potential of Yukino and Rufus.

"Approved" Gran Doma declared curtly.

Siegrain leaned forward, a smirk playing at his lips. "I nominate Bacchus Groh from Quatro Cerberus," he said smoothly.

A chorus of groans immediately erupted around the room. Bacchus was known for his wild, reckless behavior, fueled by his love of alcohol and tendency to be... unpredictable in the heat of battle.

Even Ultear, usually a woman who enjoyed the unconventional, sent an annoyed look at Siegrain, her eyes twitching as she remembered Bacchus's inappropriate remarks and his annoying antics.

"Are you serious, Siegrain?" Michello snapped, glaring at him. "Bacchus? The drunkard? You'd trust him with something as crucial as this mission? Ichiya is one thing as that man can actually focus and get the job done, but Bacchus!? He's a rude drunk! His unpredictability would do more harm than good!"

Siegrain shrugged, unbothered by the pushback. "He's strong. In close combat, there are few who can rival him. His methods may be unconventional, but in a fight, he delivers. That's what matters. We need someone who can hold his own if things get ugly, and Bacchus can."

The room buzzed with mixed reactions. Siegrain had a point, but Bacchus's reputation made many uneasy.

Chairman Gran Doma, sensing the argument escalating once again, slammed his gavel down. "Order! We are here to select a team, not bicker over personalities." He turned to Councilman Org, who had remained silent during the recent nominations. "Org, do you have any nominations to add?"

Org shifted his gaze to Ultear, who had also remained quiet. The two shared a look before Org spoke. "Before I nominate anyone, I want to stress once more that time is not on our side. We need to ensure that whoever we choose can act swiftly and decisively. Power alone won't be enough."

Ultear smiled, her eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief as she took her turn to speak. "I have someone in mind, Chairman." All eyes turned to her, curious. "I propose we add Naruto Uzumaki to the team."

For a brief moment, the room was silent as the council processed the unexpected suggestion. Org, seated to Ultear's right, nodded approvingly. "That's exactly who I had in mind," he stated, his deep voice carrying a note of satisfaction. "Naruto Uzumaki…His role in subduing those 200 dark mages along with defeating four powerful demons from Tartarus and doing so while protecting citizens during the entire ordeal cannot be understated."

"Naruto Uzumaki is a must have for the assembly of the strike team." Org finished

Chairman Gran Doma leaned forward, his brow furrowing slightly. "Naruto Uzumaki. I believe he still hasn't given an answer as to whether he'd become a wizard saint." Gran Doma set his gaze on the time-mage. "Where is he now, Councilwoman Ultear? Is he currently stationed at Fairy Tail?"

Ultear, with a pout, shook her head. "No... it turns out he's not even a member of Fairy Tail." Her voice had a faint tinge of amusement, as if this unexpected fact had caught even her off guard, which it did.

A collective gasp echoed through the chamber as several council members exclaimed in unison, "He's not?"

Gran Doma blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting that answer. "He's not affiliated with Fairy Tail?"

Ultear gave a light shrug, her tone still carrying that teasing edge. "No, Chairman. He's a free agent. I confirmed it myself." She paused for effect, letting the room settle before continuing. "However, I do know where he is."

Gran Doma leaned back, his stern gaze narrowing slightly. "And where is he now?"

Ultear gave a confident nod and gestured to the communication lacrima she carried at her side. "He's currently in Crocus. I have his contact information in my communication lacrima and spoke with him recently."

The chairman's eyes lit with recognition, and he wasted no time. "Good," he said, his tone authoritative. "Inform him of this assembly. Let him know that we are putting together a strike team to deal with Tartarus, and we wish for him to join. Additionally, extend the invitation to Laxus Dreyar as well."

Ultear's lips curved into a small, knowing smile as she responded with a cool, "Understood."

Gran Doma sat back, his expression unreadable as the council members glanced at each other, processing the idea of Naruto Uzumaki being on this mission. "Now," he continued after a pause, his tone regaining its commanding edge. "While we have strong candidates in mind already, we need to discuss more options in case those we've nominated are unavailable or unwilling to join."

The weight of his words hung in the air as the council refocused on the task at hand.

Sighing at what was undoubtedly going to be a long meeting, Ultear resigned herself to the enemy of fun… boredom.

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Time-skip: Four days later (Five days since Naruto defeated Monster Tomato)

The train station at Crocus was eerily quiet, bathed in the pale light of the flickering lamps that dotted the platform. It was dead at night, and the only sounds were the distant hum of the train engine, preparing for its next journey, and the soft rustling of leaves as a cool breeze swept through. The station was nearly empty, devoid of the usual bustling crowd that filled it during the day. The stars were veiled by clouds, leaving the world below cast in a muted twilight.

Naruto stood on the platform, his pack slung over his shoulder, ready to move on from Crocus. He had spent the last five days in the city, enjoying a rare reprieve from his usual wandering life. But now, the time had come for him to continue his journey. Standing beside him, Robin, her presence a comforting warmth, looked up at him with her soft, knowing eyes.

Without a word, Robin leaned up on her toes and kissed him, her lips gently pressing against his as if savoring the moment. Naruto responded by wrapping his arms around her, pulling her closer, enjoying the softness of her lips and the warmth of her body pressed against his. For a moment, time seemed to still as they shared the kiss, lost in each other's embrace.

When Robin finally pulled away, her lips curled into a beautiful smile. Her eyes sparkled in the dim light of the station as she looked at him. "Don't be a stranger," she said softly, her voice carrying a playful edge. "Come by more often, won't you?"

Naruto grinned, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. "With kisses like that, how could I resist?" he teased, his tone light but sincere.

Robin giggled, her laughter soft and melodic, the sound filling the otherwise still night. "Flatterer," she replied, giving him a playful nudge. "But seriously, don't wait too long next time. I'll be here."

Naruto's grin widened, and he reached up to gently tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'll definitely be back. Can't stay away from you for too long, now can I?" His words were playful, but there was an underlying warmth in his voice, a promise unspoken but understood.

Robin's smile faltered for just a moment, a flicker of something more serious passing through her gaze before she regained her usual playful demeanor. She stepped back slightly, her hands resting lightly on his chest as she looked up at him with a mixture of affection and resolve.

"Naruto," she began, her tone soft but steady. "I've really enjoyed these last few days with you. Every moment, every laugh, every kiss... they've all meant a lot to me. But I want you to know something." She hesitated for a brief second, her eyes searching his as if trying to find the right words. "I know that I'm not entitled to your affection. I'm sure there are others in your life—people you care about just as much, if not more."

Naruto's expression softened as he listened to her, his gaze steady as he waited for her to continue. "Robin, I do care for you," he began, but before he could say more, Robin gently placed a finger on his lips, silencing him with a tender smile.

"I know," she said softly, her voice gentle. "But you don't belong to me. And that's okay." Her eyes gleamed with understanding and acceptance as she spoke. "I don't expect anything more than what we've shared, and I don't need to. But if you ever want more... if you ever want some fun, some intimacy, I'll be here." She leaned in and placed a light peck on his lips, her touch feather-light and affectionate.

Naruto's heart warmed at her words, appreciating the sincerity and maturity in what she said. There was no pressure, no expectation—just the offer of something simple, something real. He returned her smile, his gaze soft as he looked at her.

"Thanks, Robin. I'll keep that in mind," he replied, his voice low but genuine. He pulled her into another hug, holding her close for what felt like the last time that night. Robin melted into the embrace, her arms wrapping around his waist as she rested her head against his chest.

The moment stretched out between them, a shared understanding passing in the quiet of the night. The sound of the train's whistle echoed through the station, signaling the time for his departure. Slowly, reluctantly, they pulled away from each other, the weight of the moment settling between them.

Robin smiled up at him one last time, her eyes glistening with a hint of emotion as she waved goodbye. "Take care of yourself, Naruto. Don't be a stranger."

Naruto chuckled, waving back as he took a step toward the train. "I won't. I promise."

With one final glance over his shoulder, Naruto turned and walked toward the waiting train, his steps steady as the platform began to fade behind him. The door hissed open, and he boarded the train, the sound of it closing behind him marking the end of his time in Crocus.

As the train began to move, pulling away from the station, Naruto leaned against the window, watching as the platform—and Robin—disappeared into the distance. He couldn't help but smile to himself, the memory of her kiss and the warmth of her embrace lingering with him as the train carried him away into the night.

Perhaps the relation he shared with Robin wasn't healthy, or too fast, or something else along those lines.

But Naruto cared for Robin regardless, and after missing his chance with Hinata… he was not going to repeat the same mistake and lose out on intimacy and warmth with woman whom he could learn to value.

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Time-skip: A few hours later

Iron Rock Jura stood tall, his posture exuding a quiet but powerful confidence as he surveyed the group assembled before him. The air inside the council's private meeting hall was thick with tension, the kind that came with the gathering of some of the most powerful wizards in Fiore.

Each one of them had earned their place on this strike team through raw strength, skill, or reputation, and Jura couldn't help but feel the weight of the task ahead.

Laxus Dreyar stood closest to Jura, arms crossed and an impatient scowl on his face, his golden hair spiking upward as if charged with electricity. His piercing gaze flickered between the other members, clearly assessing each one of them. His presence was imposing, and he looked every bit like the grandson of Makarov, radiating raw power and the kind of arrogance that came with it.

Jura respected him, knowing full well that Laxus could back up that arrogance with brute force.

Beside Laxus stood Yukino Agria and Rufus Lore from Sabertooth. Yukino's calm expression betrayed little emotion, but there was an intensity behind her eyes, a quiet determination to prove herself.

Rufus, on the other hand, wore a smile of casual confidence, his hat tilted at a jaunty angle. He stood with an air of ease, though his sharp eyes flickered with the readiness to react at a moment's notice.

Further down the line was Ichiya, the eccentric wizard from Blue Pegasus, who stood with a dramatic flourish.

His strange antics had already drawn a few sighs from some of the council members who couldn't mask their annoyance at his quirks, but Ichiya didn't seem to care.

Despite his odd behavior, there was no denying that Ichiya's skills as a reconnaissance expert were invaluable, and his magic was nothing to scoff at either, which was why Jura had no issue with him being on the team.

Jura's gaze then shifted to Bacchus Groh, leaning back casually with a bottle of sake in hand, taking a long swig before giving a satisfied exhale.

His carefree attitude masked the wild strength he was known for, his combat skills unpredictable yet undeniably effective. He gave Jura a lazy nod, acknowledging his presence with the kind of nonchalance that he always carried.

Jura took in all these powerful wizards, knowing full well that their success would depend on how well they could work together. They were an eclectic group, each with their own unique magic and personalities, and bringing them together for this mission would be no easy feat. But Jura was determined.

This mission against Tartarus required the best, and these wizards were nothing if not the best.

The council above them appointed him as the leader of the group, and he had no intention of letting them down. The safety of Fiore's citizens depended on it.

Now all that was required was their last missing member.

Jura looked forward to meeting with him.

The room was tense as the wizards were forced to contend with the scrutiny of the council and some rune knight captains. Eventually running out of patient, Laxus broke the silence, his voice gruff. "So, are we just waiting around, or what?"

Before anyone could answer, the large double doors creaked open, causing all heads to turn. The familiar sound of steady footsteps echoed through the hall as a figure stepped into the room, his whisker-like marks immediately recognizable.

Naruto Uzumaki entered, his bright blonde hair catching the light as his blue eyes scanned the room. A confident grin spread across his face as he took in the council, his new strike team members, and some rune knights. "Sorry I'm late, I ended up getting lost on the road of life."

…

…

Judging by the livid expressions of most of the people here in this room, from some of the council members, many rune knight captains, and a few of the mages, Naruto could successfully deduce that he had pissed of a lot of people with his entrance.

…

Oops

End.

Hope you all enjoyed the chapter lads, not much really happened in this one, but this was the set up for the new arc we're entering…. Which I have to think of a name for.

But this arc would take place in the same time as the tower of heaven arc, only… Ultear, due to Naruto changing the worlds events, doesn't betray the council, only Jellal.

Now it's obvious but I'm going to say it, and that is that we won't focus on the tower of heaven as we'll focus on this arc I have, it's going to be a long one, so I do hope you guys enjoy it in the coming chapters.

More Chapters are posted on my p.a.t.r.e.o.n Feel free to check it out lads, here's the link

www.#patr#eon.#com/Demon_Knight939 (Just remove all the hashtags)

And that's all I have to say for now, take care lads!

Peace.