Chapter 29

Tenroujima – Fairy Tail S-Class Trials Camp Site

"What's with your eye, Naruto, dear?" Mirajane asked as she joined them for breakfast, still wrapped in bandages.

"Dear?" Naruto sighed, shaking his head while the rest of the group looked on curiously. Gone were his well-known goat-like eyes and orange markings. In their place was a pair of heavenly cerulean eyes—at first glance, they appeared to be normal blue, but a closer look revealed an ethereal radiance shimmering within them.

"Ah, this?" He gestured toward his eyes. "You guys already know about the weird seal I was working on, right?"

The group nodded. That very seal was the source of his famed draining ability, the reason behind his epithet—the Orange Leech.

"Well, the seal's finally complete, and these changes in my eyes are one of its effects."

A collective "Ahh." of understanding followed.

After breakfast, everyone began to split into groups, stretching their legs and mingling. Levy spent time with Laki and Gajeel, while Laxus reunited with his crew—Fried, Bickslow, and Evergreen. Meanwhile, Natsu was with Erza, Gray, Juvia, Lucy, and Happy. Cana spent time with her father, Gildarts, while Mirajane and Elfman joined Master Makarov.

Naruto, on the other hand, sat with Mystogan, Wendy, and Carla in their own corner of the camp.

"Wendy, Carla, can you join Natsu and the others for a bit?" Mystogan asked, his voice calm but firm. "I need a private word with Naruto."

Wendy blinked in surprise but nodded. "Alright, Mystogan."

Carla gave Naruto a brief glance before following Wendy toward Natsu's group. Once they were out of earshot, Naruto leaned back against a tree and crossed his arms.

"It's about what happened after you left, right?" Naruto asked, his cerulean eyes locking with Mystogan's. He had left out some crucial details in his earlier story—details only he and Mystogan knew. After all, he had promised to tell him everything.

"Truth be told," Naruto continued, "there's not much difference from what I shared earlier, except that I left out a key part. After I defeated that dragon, Acnologia, Zeref showed up. He and I had a talk. It was about Natsu."

Mystogan studied Naruto for a moment, his curiosity piqued. He had heard Naruto mention Natsu's name in connection with the dark wizard before, but now he was wondering what the connection between Natsu and Zeref was. "Go on," Mystogan urged.

Naruto didn't hesitate. "First off… Natsu is Zeref's younger brother."

The words hit Mystogan like a physical blow. "W-what?!" he exclaimed in a hushed voice, his mouth agape in shock. The surprise was so intense that his fancy mustache nearly fell off.

"You heard me," Naruto confirmed, his expression serious. "Natsu isn't just some ordinary dragon slayer. He traveled here through time, using the Eclipse Gate. He came from 400 years ago. He arrived in the year X777, if I remember correctly."

Mystogan struggled to process the revelation, but Naruto wasn't finished.

"But that's not all," Naruto added. "Natsu… he's not entirely human."

Mystogan stiffened. "What are you saying?"

Naruto's voice was steady, but there was something grim beneath it. "Natsu was one of Zeref's demons. In fact, he was Zeref's strongest creation—END." He let that sink in for a moment before continuing, "Etherious Natsu Dragneel. Zeref's dead brother, resurrected as a demon with the sole purpose of killing him."

Mystogan remained silent, his mind reeling. The weight of the revelation settled in his chest like a boulder. One of their most cherished friends, their guildmate, wasn't just connected to Zeref—he was his creation.

Naruto gave him a moment before pressing on. "Zeref created demons for one reason—to destroy their creator. Natsu still has a dormant power inside him—one that, if fully awakened, could strip him of his humanity. If that happens, his only instinct will be to kill Zeref."

A heavy silence followed.

Mystogan took slow, deliberate breaths, forcing himself to gather his thoughts. This truth—this horrifying, impossible truth—threatened to shake the very foundation of everything he knew.

"Mystogan," Naruto said with a soft smile, "I hope this doesn't change your opinion of Natsu. No matter what he is, he's still Natsu. Natsu of Fairy Tail."

Mystogan remained silent, his mind deep in thought. He understood the words, but the truth didn't make the weight any lighter.

"If Natsu... was one of Zeref's demons, what would happen if he succeeded in eliminating him?" Mystogan asked, his voice laced with concern.

"I'm not letting Natsu do that," Naruto replied firmly, his resolve unwavering. "I won't let him stain his hands with his brother's blood. No matter who Zeref is, he's still Natsu's family, his brother. I'll find a way around the curse and get Natsu to knock some sense into him."

Naruto muttered quietly to himself, almost as if lost in thought, "I guess it's fate. They are brothers, after all." The words felt heavy on his tongue, a painful reminder of his own past, of Sasuke and the choices that had haunted him.

Mystogan repeated his question, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "But what would happen if Natsu did succeed in eliminating Zeref?"

Naruto's expression hardened, his eyes full of grim resolve. "He dies," he said bluntly, the gravity of the statement clear in his tone.

"I know this is a lot to take in," Naruto said, his voice steady but carrying the weight of the revelation. "That's why I planned to tell Master first. He's the one guiding us, and it should be his decision on how we handle Zeref."

Mystogan nodded, his expression serious. He understood the gravity of the situation.

"What about Zeref?" Mystogan asked, his curiosity piqued. "You told me you were planning to use him as a way back to our world. What's the deal with that?"

Naruto looked at Mystogan, his face serious. "About that deal… I told him I'm going to make Natsu stronger, and once he's strong enough to defeat him, he'll give us passage." He paused and glanced at Mystogan carefully. "Just so you know, when I say 'defeat,' I don't mean killing him. I meant it as making him see reason by Natsu knocking some sense into him."

The air between them grew heavy again, the weight of their conversation pressing down on them. The usual sounds of the morning—birds chirping, leaves rustling—seemed distant, swallowed by the gravity of their discussion.

Naruto's eyes remained steady, filled with quiet determination. Mystogan, still stunned, found himself staring at his friend, realizing just how much weight Naruto had been carrying alone.

After a long silence, Mystogan finally spoke. "You're taking on a hell of a burden."

Naruto smirked, rubbing the back of his head. "What else is new?"

Mystogan chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You really are something, Naruto."

Naruto closed his eyes, a confident smirk.

Then, in the distance, Makarov's familiar voice broke the silence. "So this is where you brats are…" His voice was cheerful, as if he had found some troublemakers. The sound of his steps grew louder, and soon the small, old figure appeared, walking with his usual lively pace, his white beard swaying with each step.

Makarov took in the scene around them, noticing the serious mood. His expression softened a little, and he shared a brief, knowing look with Naruto and Mystogan. It was clear something had changed in the air.

Naruto and Mystogan exchanged a quiet glance, and Naruto gave Makarov a solemn nod. It was a silent agreement that something important had just been discussed. The old man didn't need any more words. He could feel the shift in the air.

Makarov's eyes first turned to Naruto, studying him with a knowing look. He had seen a lot in his time, but this was different. After a few moments, he tilted his head as though weighing the truth of what he had just heard.

The world seemed to pause for a moment as Naruto spoke, explaining his deal with Zeref, revealing Natsu's true origins, and the heavy burden their friend carried. Makarov listened carefully, his eyes growing more serious with each new detail. The cheerfulness he usually had was replaced by a somber understanding. His posture stiffened slightly, not as the cheerful master, but as a man bearing the weight of responsibility.

There was no outburst, no anger. Instead, Makarov's silence spoke volumes. His hands, always steady, tightened just a little at his sides. His gaze shifted between Naruto and Mystogan, absorbing the full truth about Natsu and the curse that loomed over him.

As the weight of the situation settled around them, the world seemed quieter. Even the birds stopped singing, the air thick with the tension between them.

Naruto, determined, spoke again. "I swear won't let anything happen to Natsu. I won't let him fall under his brother's script. Natsu will knock some sense into his brother."

Makarov's face remained calm, but there was a deep sadness in his eyes. He had seen many tragedies in his time—many choices that had changed everything. And now, standing before him was Naruto, the young man who had once been an outsider, carrying a promise that could change everything.

For a long moment, Makarov didn't speak. He simply stood, letting the gravity of the situation sink in. There was a quiet understanding between them all, a bond that didn't need words.

Finally, Makarov let out a slow breath and nodded. His voice, softer than usual, spoke, "I trust you on this one, Naruto."

The heavy atmosphere around them eased up when they heard a commotion from their campsite.

"HELL NAW! BATTLE ROYAL!" Natsu, the local Fire Dragon Slayer, shouted, his voice full of energy. "There's no way we're leaving without a winner here! Let's settle the S-Class trials with a good ol' clobbering! GRAAAAAHHH!"

"O-oi, Natsu!" Gray called out, trying to calm him down.

"What's up, Gray? Aren't you not satisfied? Or are you just handing the S-Class promotion to me? GYAHAHAHA!" Natsu laughed, his words striking a nerve with Gray, who couldn't help but be annoyed that Natsu was right.

"Screw it, let's go!" Gray grumbled, stripping off his clothes and jumping into the fight with Natsu.

Makarov, Mystogan, and Naruto watched the chaos unfold, a smile tugging at their lips. Despite the heavy atmosphere, it was lightened by their pink-haired troublemaker's antics.

"I suppose we should settle what to do with the trials before heading home…" Makarov murmured.

Later that day, despite being covered in bandages, the guild decided to stay on the island a little longer. Makarov called for a meeting in a large tent set up specifically for the occasion. Gathered inside were the S-Class wizards—Gildarts, Mystogan, Laxus, Erza, and Mirajane—along with Naruto, the unofficial S-Class member.

"Alright, brats," Makarov began, crossing his arms. "With the trials suddenly interrupted, we need to decide whether to continue them or not."

Mystogan raised a hand. "Wouldn't it be better to ask the candidates themselves? They were the ones taking the trials, after all."

Makarov nodded in agreement.

"But what about those who already passed the first trial?" Mirajane chimed in. "Elfman completed his, and so did Juvia."

Erza added, "That still leaves Natsu, Gray, Wendy, Carla, Levy, and Cana. They haven't finished theirs yet."

"O-oh, Naruto, our big day is coming soon~," Mirajane teased with a playful smile.

Naruto stiffened. "O-oi!" He quickly recalled their bet and shrank back, flustered.

"Congratulations, Naruto!" Gildarts boomed, only adding fuel to the fire.

"HEY!" Naruto shouted, face burning red as the others laughed at his expense.

As the sun dipped lower, casting golden hues over the battered island, Makarov gathered everyone together, his voice steady but firm.

"For today, I want everyone to rest—especially those who haven't completed their trials yet," he announced, his sharp gaze sweeping over the group. "Tomorrow, we resume the Power and Luck trial. However, since this is a repeat attempt, you will have to face the challenge without a designated partner."

A ripple of surprise and determination spread through the crowd. Natsu, Gray, Wendy, Carla, Levy, and Cana perked up at his words, bracing themselves for the increased difficulty.

"Still up for the challenge?" Gildarts nudged Cana with a grin.

Cana smirked, rolling her shoulders. "Of course." She had already come to terms with her father, but that didn't change why she was here. She was still determined to prove herself.

"ROUND TWO, BABY!" Natsu roared, despite being wrapped in bandages like a half-mummified idiot, a result of an earlier scuffle with Gray.

"Aye!" Happy chimed in, wings fluttering excitedly beside him.

Natsu's grin stretched wide. "Whether it's Gildarts, Mystogan, Laxus, Erza, Mirajane, or even Naruto—I WILL SURPASS THEM ALL!"

"Dream on, Natsu," Gray shot back, smirking.

Within seconds, the two were at it again, wrestling on the ground, growling insults and throwing weak, exhausted punches while the others sighed in exasperation.

"Wendy, can you handle tomorrow?" Carla asked, her sharp feline eyes studying her closely.

Wendy smiled, her strength fully restored. "Of course, Carla. What about you?"

In response, Carla transformed into her pristine human form, her stance poised with graceful confidence. "Naturally," she replied, flicking her hair with a refined nod.

"I don't know if I'll pull through tomorrow, but I'll do my best," Levy muttered, mostly to herself, trying to psych herself up.

A heavy hand ruffled her hair from behind. "Heh. You got this, shorty," Gajeel muttered gruffly.

Levy blinked in surprise before a warm smile spread across her face. "Yeah. I got this."

Tenroujima - Year X784

Trial of Power and Luck

The next day, those who had been given a second chance to retake the trial stood at the entrance of the challenge, anticipation heavy in the air. Before them lay multiple paths, each leading into the unknown—some would pit them against the formidable S-Class wizards serving as obstacles, while others would offer treacherous traps and rough terrain instead. It was a test of both strength and fate, a gamble where luck was just as crucial as skill.

As the trial was about to begin, an unexpected announcement came.

"Naruto, you're participating as well."

"Huh?" Naruto blinked in confusion, tilting his head. "I thought I was just supposed to run around and annoy people as an obstacle?"

By the time the words left his mouth, the rest of the participants—Natsu, Gray, Wendy, Carla, Cana, and Levy—had already chosen their paths and disappeared into the trial grounds.

Mystogan, standing calmly before him, shook his head. "Master made a last-minute decision. You're officially in the trial now."

Naruto scratched the back of his head. "O-Okay then…"

Without a second thought, Naruto stepped forward, choosing one of the cave entrances leading into the first phase of the trial. The moment he disappeared inside, Mystogan melted into the shadows, joining the other S-Class wizards, each waiting to test the hopefuls in their bid to rise to the top.

One by one, the participants found their challenges.

Wendy, Carla, Levy, and Cana managed to enter the trap-laden routes, dodging pitfalls, illusions, and environmental hazards designed to test their awareness and adaptability. But for the others, fate was far less merciful.

Natsu stumbled right into the waiting presence of Gildarts.

Gray found himself face-to-face with Mystogan.

And Naruto…

Naruto had the misfortune of walking straight into both Mirajane and Erza.

Meanwhile, at an isolated spot deeper in the trial grounds, Laxus stood alone, arms crossed, leaning against a rock. No challengers in sight. His brow twitched.

"Looks like I'm gonna be standing here for a while, huh," he muttered, shaking his head.

Naruto's Path

"Oh, come on! This feels rigged! Of course, I get stuck with you two dirty bastards!"

Across from him, Mirajane smiled sweetly—too sweetly.

"Naruto~" she practically purred, eyes twinkling with sadistic amusement. "Remember our promise~? Elfman has already cleared the first round, and Wendy and Carla… well, they're still wandering around somewhere~ fufufu~" Her eyes darkened as her lips curled into a predatory smirk. "Your balls? They're mine now."

There was no flirtation in her voice anymore. No teasing. It was an ownership.

Naruto took a step back, eyes wide with sheer horror. "HELL NAW! Wendy and Carla will pull through this!"

Before he could fully recover, another voice cut in.

Naruto's stomach dropped.

He turned slowly—Erza stood beside Mirajane, smirking like a demon in armor. The red headed bastard had fully embraced her new arsenal of nasty tricks, adding innuendos to her already bullshit mind games.

She had no shame.

No limits. No mercy.

"GAH! Screw it! Just come at me, you bastards!" Naruto clenched his fists, ready to throw hands.

"Nope," Mirajane and Erza said in perfect unison.

Naruto blinked. "Hah?"

He processed that for half a second before scoffing. "Oh, I get it. You ain't gonna mess with my head this time, huh? Blue balls? Fine—I'll come then!"

Silence.

Then—

"Ew." Erza deadpanned.

Mirajane chuckled behind her hand, eyes twinkling with mischief.

Naruto's whole face went red.

These bastards were mixing up the mind games now.

Hours had passed since the re-do of the first trial began.

At the main camp, Makarov sat cross-legged on a tree stump, pipe in hand, waiting for the results. The other guild members had taken the opportunity to kick back and relax, enjoying the island's warm breeze and lush scenery.

The first to return was Wendy, followed closely by Carla. The two walked in mostly unscathed, aside from a few minor scratches from traps. Makarov gave them an approving nod.

"Good job, girls," he said.

Wendy bowed politely. "Thank you, Master!"

Next came Cana and Levy, staggering in with matching levels of bruised-up misery. Levy rubbed her sore arms, while Cana groaned, cracking her back.

"Ugh... That was a nightmare..." Levy muttered.

Cana sighed. "I swear, I stepped on every damn trap in that place. Might as well have just walked in blindfolded."

Makarov chuckled. "At least you made it back in one piece."

Then, a heavy presence swept into the camp as Mystogan and Gildarts appeared, dragging in Gray and Natsu—both exhausted, but standing tall.

Natsu cracked his knuckles, still buzzing with leftover adrenaline. "I finally got to put up a fight better than my last!"

Gray scoffed, rolling his shoulder. "Almost got his damn mustache."

Makarov nodded in satisfaction. Five had returned. That only left—

Suddenly, a low moaning noise drifted from the jungle.

Heads turned.

Footsteps thumped against the ground, and out from the trees stumbled Naruto—his clothes dirtied, his hair a mess. But that wasn't the shocking part.

He was dragging two bodies behind him.

And not just any two.

Erza. Mirajane.

Both completely drained, clinging onto Naruto like they were about to die of exhaustion—yet still talking shit.

"Haaah~ we had so much fun, didn't we, Naruto~?" Mirajane cooed, voice thick with innuendo as she leaned into him.

Erza, equally as half-dead yet persistent, smirked. "You really lasted longer than I expected, Naruto. I'm impressed~."

Naruto twitched violently.

"AGH! STOP IT ALREADY!" He shook his arms, desperately trying to shake them off. "THE MATCH IS OVER! YOU TWO ARE DONE! ENOUGH WITH IT ALREADY!"

Mirajane giggled. "Mmm~ but we're still so worked up, Naruto~"

Erza nodded smugly. "Yes, I think I need a bit more satisfaction."

Naruto froze in horror. "OH HELL NAH!"

The entire camp BURST into laughter.

Laxus stood with his arms crossed, leaning against a massive boulder, his expression blank as he stared off into the empty path before him.

Still no challengers.

The jungle around him was silent, save for the occasional rustling of leaves and chirping of distant birds.

He let out a deep sigh, tapping his foot impatiently. "Uhhh… Anyone? Hello?"

Nightfall draped Tenroujima in silence, save for the distant crash of waves against the cliffs. The fires of the camp flickered softly, casting long shadows across the resting warriors. With the first challenge of the S-Class Trial behind them, Makarov had made his decision.

He would not waste time.

Tomorrow, the final test would begin—a race to find the founder's memorial hidden deep within the island. But for now, he would allow the participants to rest, their bodies still aching from the brutal clashes with Grimoire Heart and the first trial.

Makarov exhaled, turning his gaze toward the lone S-Class wizard standing beside him—Mystogan.

"I will set out tonight," the old master declared, his voice steady. "By sunrise, the last challenge begins. You know your role—see that the rules are upheld. I will be waiting for the one who proves themselves worthy."

Mystogan gave a small nod. "Understood."

With that, Makarov rose from his chair, slipping into his sandals before stepping outside his tent. The cool night air greeted him, carrying the distant scent of salt and damp earth. Mystogan followed in silence as the old man began his trek toward the rendezvous point.

As they walked, Laxus emerged from the shadows, arms crossed, golden eyes sharp under the moonlight. "So," he muttered, looking at Mystogan. "Guess you're the old man's right-hand now, huh?" He scoffed. "Going for the 'Master' title while you're at it?"

Mystogan let out a quiet chuckle. "With you back? I doubt I'd have a chance."

Laxus clicked his tongue. "Tch. After the crap I pulled a few months back? It'll take time before I make amends for all that." He glanced at the sky. "Gildarts? He's a nomad. Erza and Mirajane? A bit too immature." He looked back at Mystogan, expression unreadable. "But you? You're different."

Mystogan raised an eyebrow.

Laxus sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "You're a veteran. The others look up to you. You're fun. You've already got everything it takes." He paused before adding, almost begrudgingly, "You'd make a damn good Guild Master."

Mystogan stared at him for a moment before turning his gaze upward, toward the endless night sky. "…Thank you."

But even as he said it, Laxus felt something gnaw at him.

He wasn't the type to get sentimental, but something about Mystogan's presence felt… fleeting. Like the guy wasn't meant to stay.

The two S-Class gazed at the dark night sky.

The first light of dawn had yet to break, and the air was still heavy with the crispness of the fading night. The trial participants stood in front of Mystogan, who remained ever stoic in his usual attire—a sleeveless black spandex top, baggy gray pants, black sandals, and of course, his ever-trusty fake fancy mustache.

His voice, calm but commanding, cut through the early morning air.

"I hereby announce the second and final challenge for Fairy Tail's X784 S-Class Trials. The rules are simple: before sundown, locate the founder's grave hidden within Tenroujima. Master will be waiting for the lone victor. Only one will succeed."

Mystogan's gaze swept across the assembled mages. "I repeat—only one will be promoted to S-Class."

A heavy silence followed before movement rippled through the crowd.

Cana felt a firm push from behind—her father, Gildarts. She groaned but couldn't help the small grin tugging at her lips as she nudged Lucy. "One last favor, Luce?"

Lucy sighed, crossing her arms. "As long as it doesn't involve fighting those monsters," she grumbled, jerking her thumb at Natsu, Gray, and Naruto, who were already cracking their knuckles and stretching like they were about to brawl. "Then this is cake."

Wendy hesitated, glancing around nervously. "W-What about those of us who don't have a partner?"

A sudden blur drifted in front of her dramatically, nearly making her jump.

"At your service, young lady!" Bickslow saluted, flashing his signature wild grin.

Carla, in her human form, shifted uncomfortably under Happy's stare. "W-What are you looking at, Happy?"

Happy, still very much the blue cat he had always been, blushed. "I-It's just that you look amazing!"

Carla turned away with a faint pink on her cheeks. "Hmph."

"Miss Laki, I'll need your assistance once again," Carla said, regaining her composure.

Laki, playfully acting like a personal maid, gave a dramatic bow. "Of course, Lil' Miss Carla~ At your service!"

Natsu grinned, throwing an arm over Happy. "Alright, Happy, let's get me that S-Class title today! And next year, we'll make YOU an S-Class!"

Happy puffed his chest proudly. "Aye, sir!"

Levy let out a relieved sigh. "Fuu~ at least it's not combat-centric—"

Gajeel smirked.

Levy froze. "Wait…"

Gajeel cracked his knuckles. "Didn't say not combat-centric, Shrimp."

Juvia clutched her chest dramatically. "Oh, I do not wish to rob my dear Gray of his promotion! I feel guilty, guh…"

Gray rolled his eyes. "Juvia, I don't do handouts. If I win, it's gonna be fair and square. Give it your all!"

Juvia melted on the spot. "Yes, my dear Gray~!"

Fried and Loke, both watching the exchange, chuckled.

"Better keep her on her toes, Gray, so she doesn't slack," Fried remarked.

"Brother-in-law!"

Naruto stiffened. That voice.

"Oh no…" he muttered as Elfman stormed toward him, chest puffed out with pride.

"You don't have to be shy, Naruto! You are my brother-in-law!"

Naruto recoiled. "Oh no— no you don't Elfman, I'm taking the cake, my manhood is at stake."

Elfman raised a mighty fist. "FOOLISHNESS MY BROTHER-IN-LAW MY SISTER IS THE CAKE!"

"GLASSES! HELP ME!" Naruto prayed to the heavens.

And like a goddess answering his call, Evergreen appeared, adjusting her glasses. She shot Elfman a sharp glare.

Elfman straightened up instantly.

"GOD TIE HIS ASS UP, EVERGREEN!" Naruto celebrated.

Evergreen sighed, exasperated. "At last— you finally said my name correctly."

But just as Naruto thought he was free—

"Don't reject fate, Naruto~" Mirajane purred behind him. She leaned closer, voice teasing, sultry. "I can already hear the wedding bells… and the destroyed beds in our wake."

Naruto shuddered. "G-GYAH! STOP IT, WOMAN!"

And with that, the trial began.

The competitors and their partners set off, disappearing into the dense forests of Tenroujima, leaving the S-Class wizards behind, lounging comfortably in camp with breakfast and zero stress.

Gildarts leaned back, stretching. "Sooo… anyone wanna bet on who's gonna win?"

Mystogan, Mirajane, and Erza spoke in unison.

"Naruto."

Laxus snorted. "Pfft—hah!"

Erza turned to Mirajane, raising an eyebrow. "Thought you'd bet on your brother?"

Mirajane waved a hand dismissively. "Erza, let's be realistic here."

"Touché." Erza admitted, sipping her tea.

Makarov sat in front of Mavis Vermillion's grave, the wind carrying the salty scent of the sea. Leaves rustled softly, and waves crashed in the distance, their steady rhythm blending with the quiet.

Beside him, a half-empty bottle of liquor rested against the stone, forgotten. His old, tired eyes stared at the name carved into the grave—Mavis Vermillion. The woman who built Fairy Tail from nothing. The heart of their guild.

He took a slow breath.

"Acnologia." The name felt heavy on his tongue, a shadow that had once loomed over their future. A monster so terrifying that even the strongest mages had trembled before it.

His fingers curled around the bottle, but he didn't drink.

"Porlyusica told me I'd meet a boy with blue eyes… a boy who could defy fate." He let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. "I thought she was just being dramatic. I never realized… she meant him."

Naruto Uzumaki.

"That reckless brat did the impossible."

Makarov exhaled, staring at the sky. "He bends fate like it was never set in stone to begin with. Breaks the rules of this world without even trying." His voice turned thoughtful. "Tell me, Master… is he a blessing? Or a storm waiting to turn everything upside down?"

The wind had no answer.

He closed his eyes, resting a hand on the grave. After all these years, even as an old man, he still sought wisdom from those who came before him.

Then—footsteps. Light, steady.

Makarov didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

"Master!" Naruto's voice rang out, as lively as ever.

Makarov sighed, looking up to meet the blond's bright blue eyes. The eyes of a boy who refused to be bound by fate.

"You're early. Too early, you brat." He huffed. "I pity the fools still wandering around, searching for the grave."

Naruto grinned, scratching the back of his head. "Can't help it. My feet just kinda led me here."

Makarov raised an eyebrow. "And how exactly did you find it so fast?"

Naruto tapped his temple. "The island led me. This place is rich in ethernano. My sensory abilities usually track people, but they work on places like this too."

Makarov nodded. He wasn't surprised. Naruto always had a way of doing the impossible. Maybe this was just another sign that his promotion was inevitable.

Then, Naruto turned to the grave and bowed his head.

"Thank you, Master."

For a second, Makarov thought Naruto was speaking to him. But no—his words were meant for Mavis, their founding master.

The boy stood there in quiet prayer, hands clasped together. There was something in his expression, something deeper than simple respect. Gratitude. Like he owed her something—Naruto did told him it was the founder that helped him on his recent breakthrough.

Makarov watched him, a warmth settling in his chest.

After a moment, Naruto turned back to him with a grin. "Well, guess we should go find the others, huh?"

Makarov smirked. "Hah. You do it. No point making those poor fools struggle when the trial's already over."

Naruto chuckled. "Roger that."

Chapter End