Chapter 30

Naruto set out to gather his scattered guildmates, who were still searching for the founding master's grave on Tenroujima, unaware that the trial had ended—and that he had emerged victorious.

By the time he returned to the campsite, the entire Fairy Tail guild was assembled, their chatter dying down as Makarov stepped forward.

Then came the announcement.

"Naruto Uzumaki… is now an S-Class Wizard!"

A collective wave of reactions swept through the crowd. Natsu groaned, slumping onto the ground with his arms crossed, smoke practically puffing from his nostrils in frustration.

"Damn it! I was this close!" Gray rubbed the back of his neck, letting out a defeated sigh.

"Guess I should've seen that coming…" Wendy and Carla, who had taken her human form for the occasion, exchanged looks before sighing in resignation. It wasn't that they doubted Naruto's ability—far from it. He was the one who had trained them, shaped them into the mages they had become. If anything, they had expected this outcome. Still, that little sting of defeat remained, just a bit. After all, Naruto had raised them to be competitive.

Juvia dramatically fell to her knees, tears welling in her eyes. "Juvia… Juvia is happy for Naruto… but also sad for Gray…" she mumbled, glancing toward him, hoping for comfort.

Levy, who had been silently brooding, finally let out a sigh of defeat. Her lips curled into a smile despite herself. "Well, can't say I'm surprised," she admitted.

Beside her, Gajeel scoffed before giving her a playful nudge. "Oi, don't mope. You'll get another shot."

As for Cana… she took it differently. While there was a hint of disappointment in her expression, it quickly faded, replaced by something lighter—satisfaction. Her goal in the S-Class trials had never been about prestige. It had been about proving herself to her father, about being acknowledged. Now that she had finally done that, she knew she had time. There would always be another chance.

Meanwhile, the rest of the guild found ways to cheer up the runners-up. Gajeel nudged Levy with a smirk, reminding her that she was still plenty strong. Happy floated around Natsu, trying to lighten his mood with some teasing. Loke patted Gray's shoulder with a knowing grin, while Bickslow offered Wendy a reassuring thumbs-up. Laki gave Carla a friendly nudge, and Fried exchanged a few words of encouragement with Juvia.

As the S-Classes had predicted, it was Naruto who found Makarov at the founding master's grave—the one chosen to be promoted to S-Class, joining their esteemed ranks.

Gildarts smirked, resting his chin in his palm as he enjoyed his morning drink. He had heard from his daughter, Cana, about Naruto's role in her growth—the one who gave her the courage to face him in the S-Class trials. It was Naruto who trained her, who devised the wristband that ultimately led to his own defeat. The very tool that bound his immense magic, forcing him to kiss the dirt, was of Naruto's making. A masterful strategy on Cana's part, using the wristband to hold him down. He may have lost, but he couldn't have been prouder of her progress, her wits, and the strength she had gained. Naruto had a hand with her development and perhaps if he didn't back her up he'd still be unaware of Cana's identity, Gildarts shuddered at the thought and a huge gratitude towards the blonde.

Laxus was no different. He had only recently gotten to know Naruto after his return—just days ago, in fact, following their battle against Master Hades. The guy had an odd way about him; despite his overwhelming strength, he eroded any sense of presence, never flaunting his power. But after witnessing Naruto's legendary feat, Laxus had made up his mind—Naruto was now his goal. Once, that spot had belonged to Gildarts, but now, it was Naruto who stood at the peak. It might take years, even decades, but one day, Laxus would reach that level. And along the way, he would make amends for his past mistakes.

Erza, on the other hand, had expected this outcome from the very beginning. After all, she was the first to taste Naruto—not in that way, of course. But ever since her initial loss to him, she had considered him her rival. The problem was… the gap between them had become almost insurmountable. Worse yet, he had grown completely immune to her cheap tricks and innuendos. She let out a hum, getting lost in thought as she devised new ways to trip him up. Perhaps a well-timed, nasty innuendo followed by the most devious of attacks? Kekeke…

Mystogan let out a quiet huff, adjusting his ridiculous fake mustache. Among his guildmates, Naruto was the one he was closest to—his kindred spirit, a fellow wanderer from another world. It was Naruto who had pulled him out of his shell, encouraging him to spend more time with Wendy and, in turn, Carla—reclaiming the role of their caretaker.

Naruto's promotion to S-Class had been inevitable. Everyone knew he was stronger than most of the current S-Class wizards, but after his recent feat—defeating Acnologia—his place among the strongest was undeniable. In fact, there were only a handful in the world who could rival him now. No, perhaps just one—Zeref, the key to their respective worlds.

Naruto walked to Mirajane with a triumphant stride.

"HAHAHA! It's your loss, Mira!" Naruto bellowed with a triumphant grin to the white haired menace.

Mirajane, lounging effortlessly on a rock, simply smirked. She wagged a finger at him, her expression teasingly serene. "Tsk, tsk, tsk," she clicked her tongue. "Technically, I didn't lose."

Naruto's victory stance wavered. "Hah?" He blinked in confusion.

Mirajane folded her arms, her smirk deepening into something dangerously smug. "The bet was—" she cleared her throat dramatically, "'If Elfman becomes S-Class, you are mine. And if Wendy or Carla gets to be S-Class, I will stop teasing you.'" She let out a graceful, almost mischievous chuckle. "Fufufu~"

Naruto's eyes widened as realization dawned on him.

A second of silence.

A moment of recollection.

A cold, sinking feeling of betrayal—by himself.

"Geh—" Naruto jerked back, replaying the exact words of their agreement in his mind. His brain scrambled for a loophole, a technicality, anything he could argue in his favor. Surely there had to be something, right?

Nope.

The pause stretched.

"…Goddammit." Naruto finally slumped in defeat, arms falling limply to his sides. It wasn't a complete loss, but it sure as hell wasn't a victory either.

"Fufufu~" Mirajane giggled, stepping closer as she tilted her head at him, her white hair swaying with the motion. "Just accept your fate, Naruto. Even destiny doesn't want me out of your life~"

"Hey, hey, hey—nobody won, alright?! That doesn't mean I'm fated to be chained by you!" he shot back, crossing his arms defiantly.

Mirajane only leaned in with a knowing smile, her face inches from his. "Hmm~ but that also means you didn't win, which means… I still get to keep you close."

Naruto felt a shiver run down his spine. Not from fear. No, definitely not fear. It was just—dammit, why did she have to say things like that with such a dangerously sweet smile?!

"Ugh…" He groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Fine! Whatever, do whatever you want. I ain't got time to argue with you."

"Good boy~" Mirajane cooed, reaching up to pat his head.

Naruto swatted her hand away with a glare, but the blush creeping onto his cheeks completely betrayed him.

Makarov, watching from the sidelines, chuckled and took a swig from his flask. "Ah, young love. Ain't it a beautiful thing?"

"SHUT UP, GRAMPS!"

The ship swayed gently as it sailed toward Magnolia, the salty breeze carrying the chatter and laughter of Fairy Tail's members as they celebrated their return. Some were huddled together in groups, sharing stories of the trials, while others simply enjoyed the peaceful journey back home.

Naruto, however, stood alone near the ship's railing, gazing out at the endless horizon. His new eyes—the Aokugan—gleamed as they took in the scenery with newfound clarity. Every ripple in the water, every shift in the wind, every subtle dance of sunlight against the waves—it all pulsed with life. The world felt different now. Brighter. Deeper.

He let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. Man… this is something else.

As he was lost in his thoughts, Cana approached, a bottle of booze in one hand. She took a long sip before nudging him with her elbow.

"Enjoying the view?" she asked, her tone casual yet warm.

"Yep," Naruto replied, inhaling the crisp sea air. "Just getting used to these new eyes of mine. It's… weird, but in a good way. Feels like I'm seeing the world for the first time."

Cana tilted her head, studying him for a moment before shifting her gaze to the horizon. "Sounds like a hell of a perspective shift."

Naruto chuckled. "Yeah… you could say that."

A comfortable silence settled between them, the rhythmic crashing of the waves filling the space. Then, Cana looked down at her wrist, her fingers gently brushing over the black training wristband Naruto had given her. The very same one that had led to her victory—her father's acknowledgment.

She held up her arm, twisting it slightly to watch the band catch the light. "You know," she began, voice softer now, "this thing isn't just a piece of training equipment anymore."

Naruto turned to her, raising an eyebrow.

She smirked. "It's kinda sentimental to me now. Because of this, I got the courage to finally face my old man. It wasn't just training—it was a push in the right direction."

Naruto smiled, eyes twinkling. "Cana, you did all the work. I just gave you a little boost."

She scoffed, taking another swig from her bottle before grinning. "A little boost? You practically rigged my victory, heard it from Mystogan ya' know."

He laughed. "I call it… strategic support."

Cana rolled her eyes, but her smile lingered. "Well… thanks, Naruto. Really."

Before the moment could settle too much into sentimentality, a familiar booming voice cut through the air.

"Oi, Cana!"

Gildarts strode toward them with his usual easygoing grin, arms crossed over his chest. His eyes flicked between the two before a knowing smirk tugged at his lips. "So… you sneakin' off to have a heart-to-heart with Naruto, huh?"

Cana sighed, already knowing where this was going. "Dad—"

Gildarts wagged a finger at her. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were into him."

Cana's face turned bright red, and in a panic, she practically choked on her next words.

"HE'S A MARRIED MAN, DAD! A MARRIED MAN! AGH!"

Naruto burst out laughing as Cana stomped her foot in frustration. Without another word, she grabbed her father by the collar and started dragging him away.

"Okay, we're done here! Time for you to go bother someone else!"

Gildarts let himself be dragged along, grinning like an idiot. "Hahaha! Alright, alright! But y'know, it's good to see you getting along—"

"WE'RE DONE HERE, OLD MAN!"

Just before Gildarts was fully out of sight, though, the older man shot him one last glance. His grin softened, he simply said—

"Thanks, Naruto."

There was only sincerity in his voice—a father's gratitude.

Naruto smiled and gave him a nod. No words were needed. They understood each other.

They were the same, after all.

Fathers.

As Gildarts and Cana disappeared from his sight, Naruto's gaze returned to the sea, his mind drifting elsewhere.

It had been almost a year since he arrived in this world.

Was his family okay?

Hinata… was she safe? Wherever Kawaki had sent them, he had done so with conviction, misguided as it was. But Naruto trusted him—trusted their bond. Kawaki would never let harm come to her. He had to believe that.

Boruto… how was his Karma progressing? His son had always carried burdens beyond his years. That mark on his palm—it was a scar, a symbol of Naruto's failure to protect him from the path forced upon him. He clenched his fist. Was he holding up? Sasuke was with him, but still…

And Himawari… his little girl. Unlike Boruto, she wasn't a fighter—she was just a child. Innocent. Oblivious to the dangers surrounding them. Was she safe? Was she happy? Or had she been forced to grow up too fast, just like Boruto?

The waves stretched endlessly before him, but for Naruto, they weren't just waves. They were a reminder of the vast distance between him and his family—one he had no way of closing.

Not yet.

But he would find a way.

And Zeref holds that passage.

Tartaros, year X784

An unsettling stillness pervaded the continent. Deep within the abyss of the dark guild Tartaros' floating fortress—the Cube—Mard Geer Tartaros, self-proclaimed Underworld King, sat upon his thorned throne, reveling in the orchestration of chaos and dreaming of the resurrection of their ultimate master, E.N.D.

Without warning, the oppressive atmosphere shifted. An ethereal presence materialized before Mard Geer—Zeref, the legendary dark wizard and creator of the Etherious demons. The unexpected arrival sent a tremor through Mard Geer, a rare flicker of trepidation crossing his otherwise composed demeanor.

"Lord Zeref," Mard Geer intoned, bowing deeply, his voice laced with a mixture of reverence and unease. "To what do I owe the honor of your visit?"

Zeref's gaze, inscrutable and piercing, bore into him as he replied, "Rise, Mard Geer. I wish to hear of your progress concerning the resurrection of E.N.D."

Straightening slowly, Mard Geer hesitated before choosing his words. "Our plans proceed, my lord, though the path to our master's revival remains arduous. The seeds sown within the Magic Council require time to germinate—we anticipate that several more years are necessary for our machinations to come to fruition."

A contemplative silence fell before Zeref's lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile. "Ah, perhaps we can accelerate that process."

Mard Geer's eyes widened, a flicker of hope mingling with apprehension. "Yes?" he managed.

"Raise your head, Mard Geer," Zeref commanded softly. Complying, Mard Geer met Zeref's gaze, feeling the weight of his creator's presence press upon him.

"Tell me," Zeref began in a tone that was casual yet carried an undercurrent of intensity, "what are your thoughts on the so-called light guilds, particularly Fairy Tail?"

Mard Geer's expression darkened, disdain evident. "They are nuisances, clinging to their ideals of bonds and justice—mere obstacles to our objectives."

Zeref's smile widened, though it remained devoid of warmth. "Indeed. Yet within their ranks lies an opportunity—a means to expedite E.N.D.'s awakening."

A puzzled look crossed Mard Geer's features. "I... do not understand, my lord."

Zeref's eyes seemed to pierce right through him as he continued, "One of Fairy Tail members—Natsu Dragneel, harbors a latent power within him. Unbeknownst to them, he is the vessel of E.N.D.—Etherious Natsu Dragneel, my dead brother resurrected as a demon for the sole purpose of annihilating me."

For a long moment, shock rendered Mard Geer speechless. The revelation that their revered master slumbered within a member of Fairy Tail—a guild they despised—was bitter irony incarnate.

Then Zeref's voice lowered further, imbued with a subtle urgency and a hint of warning. "But there is more. Do not forget, Mard Geer, that among these so‐called nuisances stands a man whose abilities defy mortal reckoning. Naruto Uzumaki—yes, the very man who defeated Acnologia, a feat few can claim—is one of the only beings I consider equal. His power is not born solely of brute force but of a singular human reasoning and ambition that compels him to think beyond the confines of endless conflict."

Mard Geer's eyes narrowed, uncertainty mingling with cautious respect. "Naruto…? The one who turned the tide against a Dragon King?"

Zeref inclined his head. "Precisely. His insane ability, forged in the crucible of human spirit and tempered by wisdom, marks him as a force beyond mere combat. His reasoning—his capacity to see beyond violence—aligns with his ambition to not only survive but to guide others. For Tartaros, our designs for resurrecting E.N.D. are paramount, yet know this—you and your kin cannot hope to defeat him in direct conflict. His path, intertwined with Natsu's growth, ensures that even if Natsu is destined to confront me, it will be to surpass the very darkness that haunts our past."

A heavy silence fell as Mard Geer absorbed the weight of Zeref's words. Slowly, his voice emerged, laced with both awe and bitter irony. "So you propose we rethink our methods? To look beyond mere conflict and harness what might be learned from that mortal's way?"

Zeref's gaze softened ever so slightly, his tone both cautionary and contemplative. "Exactly. Do not underestimate Naruto's ability to bend fate itself. Instead of clashing head-on, consider adapting—learning from his human reasoning. For while you pursue the resurrection of our master E.N.D., remember that Naruto's strength was forged not only in battle but in the relentless pursuit of growth for his and his friends. Let that ambition be a lesson—the true victory lies in transcending conflict."

Mard Geer bowed his head once more, the wheels of fate shifting in his mind. "Your wisdom illuminates our path, Lord Zeref. We shall redirect our efforts accordingly."

A slow, calculating smile spread across Mard Geer's face as he added, "We shall bring your wish to fruition, Master Zeref. Together with E.N.D., we will succeed in eliminating you—if that is indeed your desire."

Zeref's expression grew somber, a fleeting shadow of melancholy crossing his features. "Indeed," he murmured, more to himself than to Mard Geer.

"That is the ultimate purpose of the Etherious. Ensure that you do, Mard Geer. The era of darkness draws near, and with the awakening of E.N.D., our destiny—and the reckoning of those like Naruto who defy fate—will be sealed."

As Zeref's form began to fade, dissipating like mist, Mard Geer stood alone in the oppressive stillness of his chamber. The revelation of Naruto's unparalleled ability and human ingenuity now mingled with his plans—a knowledge that would forever alter their strategies. The wheels of fate had shifted, and the resurrection of E.N.D. was no longer a distant aspiration but an imminent reality intertwined with the destiny of the light guilds and the man who had defied even a Dragon King.

Magnolia Outskirts - the Forest

A new year had arrived. The crisp morning air carried the distant hum of Magnolia's awakening streets, but here, deep in the forest, the only sounds were the rustling of leaves, the rhythmic thuds of combat, and the occasional grunt of exertion.

Naruto and Mystogan stood side by side, watching intently as Wendy and Carla engaged in a fierce sparring session.

Unlike traditional battles that relied heavily on magic, this was something else entirely. A test of pure skill, of close-quarters combat honed through relentless training. It was a style Naruto had drilled into them over time—stripping away their reliance on spells, forcing them to rely on instinct, agility, and precision.

Wendy moved with a new sense of grace, her strikes flowing with deliberate accuracy. She had taken what Naruto had taught her and adapted it, incorporating techniques from her acupuncture studies into her blows. Though the Gentle Fist was originally designed for a specific dojutsu, she had adjusted it to suit her strengths—targeting pressure points with wind-infused precision, forcing her opponent to stay on the defensive.

Carla, in her human form, had grown exponentially. What had once been a glaring disadvantage—her smaller frame and lack of physical prowess—was now a weapon in its own right. Her cat-like reflexes were sharper than ever, her movements unpredictable. She weaved through Wendy's attacks, using the terrain to her advantage, moving with a fluidity that was nothing short of terrifying.

Mystogan adjusted his ridiculous fake mustache, a twitch betraying his amazement. He had watched over Wendy and Carla for months now, ever since their reunion in Fairy Tail, but no matter how many times he saw them train, the sheer intensity of their battles always left him questioning one thing.

"What the hell were they eating under Naruto's care?" he muttered under his breath.

Naruto chuckled, arms crossed as he continued to observe. "Good to see you're still struggling with that question."

Mystogan sighed. "I've seen them spar countless times now, but it still baffles me. I knew Wendy had potential, but this... this is something else."

"She made her own adjustments," Naruto admitted, a hint of pride in his voice. "Gentle Fist wasn't exactly meant for her, but she figured out a way to make it work. As for Carla, she had the hardest time at the start, but now... well, she's basically my friend of mine—Rock Lee if he were a cat."

Mystogan blinked at the comparison, watching as Carla flipped over Wendy's strike and countered with a devastating roundhouse kick that sent a gust of wind blasting through the clearing.

"...I have no idea who that is, but I'll take your word for it."

Naruto only smirked as they continued to watch.

The spar ended in a draw, both fighters breathing heavily but smiling in mutual respect. Naruto let out a satisfied sigh and gestured for them to perform a unison sign—their usual ritual after every match. Without hesitation, Wendy and Carla mirrored the motion, sealing the session with a bond deeper than words.

And then came the final part of their tradition.

With a familiar goofy grin, Naruto pulled out a twin popsicle, effortlessly snapping it in half before handing a piece to each of them. Wendy and Carla accepted it eagerly, savoring the small but well-earned reward.

As he watched them rest, Naruto couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. They had come so far from where they started, growing stronger with each passing day.

Mystogan, standing beside him, took note of the warmth in Naruto's blue eyes—the quiet admiration of a teacher who had given his all to his students. It was a rare sight, one that spoke volumes.

While Wendy and Carla sat nearby, enjoying their popsicles and chatting, Mystogan turned to Naruto, his expression thoughtful. There was something he needed to ask—something that had been weighing on his mind.

"Naruto," Mystogan began, his voice calm yet firm. "How's Natsu?"

Naruto glanced at him before looking back at the sky. "Training," he replied casually. "I gave him my training wristbands. Same as his whole team—Erza, Gray, Lucy, and even Happy."

Mystogan raised an eyebrow. "All of them?"

Naruto chuckled. "Yep. Can't have the others lagging behind. Besides…" He smirked. "Who else is gonna stop Natsu if he starts doing something stupid?"

Mystogan let out a small, knowing sigh. "True."

A quiet moment settled between them as they both gazed at the sky, lost in thought. The missing Anima… Zeref's passage to their respective worlds… and Natsu—the key to everything.

It was only a matter of time now.

Breaking the silence, Naruto smirked. "Speaking of training wristbands—Laxus came to me asking for some after he heard Cana mopped the floor with Gildarts." He chuckled at the memory.

"Oh?" Mystogan mused, intrigued.

"Yep. And since almost all the S-Class mages had access to them, I went ahead and gave one to Mira and her brother, Elfman."

Mystogan chuckled knowingly. "Knowing Mira, she probably took it… in a different light."

Naruto rolled his eyes, smirking. "Nah. She was sentimental about it. Mira's never really cared to pry into our otherworldly conundrums, but she's got an inkling. She might be head over heels, but she's not unaware of what's going on around her."

Mystogan smiled at that, but it was a somber one.

Naruto exhaled, his gaze returned to the sky. "…I'm gonna miss this world, not gonna lie."

Mystogan's smile deepened, a quiet understanding passing between them.

"Me too," he said softly.

Chapter End