Chapter 26: Natsu: The Same Trick Won’t Work on Me

Several people suddenly went quiet. They all knew Kira's strength. Long recognized as an S-class wizard, his abilities were formidable, arguably surpassing even Erza's. In the guild, perhaps only Master Makarov and Gildarts could confidently defeat him. Anyone else, even as a group, would struggle to keep up.

But even knowing this, they still itched for the challenge.

In the hearts of Fairy Tail's younger members, Kira and Erza were like elder siblings—powerful, inspiring, and intimidating in their own unique ways. Erza was strict, upholding discipline and order. She hated the chaos that erupted during their frequent brawls. When she was around, they kept their fights discreet. If discovered, they would face her wrath, and no one dared to oppose her.

Kira, in contrast, was mischievous and playful. He enjoyed teasing his guildmates, backing it up with well-reasoned arguments that left them stumped. No one could out-talk him, much less outmatch him in combat. While Erza demanded obedience, Kira's authority came from his ability to consistently outwit and overpower them.

Still, Kira was deeply respected. His presence, much like Erza's, was a stabilizing force. In times of crisis, both of them were pillars of strength. Even so, Kira's penchant for sparring meant he regularly humbled Natsu, Gray, and others under the guise of "training." Though bruised and battered, the younger wizards admired him for it.

"You're mine this time!" Natsu declared, stepping forward with fire in his eyes. "No one else needs to get involved—I'll take you on myself!"

Cheers erupted from the guild members.

Kira grinned, amused. "Well, well. It seems you've gained some confidence, Natsu! I like your spirit. Maybe this year, you'll outpace Gray and the others to make it into the S-class trials."

The casual remark had its intended effect.

"WHAT?!" Gray spun around. "What do you mean by 'outpace Gray and the others'?!"

"Do you want to fight too?!"

"Settle it with your fists, if you're a man!"

In an instant, the room grew tense. Kira's offhand comment had effectively riled everyone up.

The tension shattered as the guild door slammed open. A striking figure with flowing crimson hair, gleaming armor, and a short skirt entered, carrying a massive monster horn over her shoulder.

It was Erza, returning from her latest mission.

The room fell silent. Even Natsu and Gray, who were mid-argument, froze in place. The sight of Erza sent a chill through the air.

This time, it had to be the real Erza.

She placed the horn on the ground with a heavy thud, the sound reverberating through the room despite her controlled strength.

"Erza! You're back!"

"Where's the master?"

Mira answered, "The master went to the guild council's regular meeting."

Erza nodded and scanned the room. Her piercing gaze landed on the disheveled crowd. "Were you all fighting just now?"

!!!

Busted.

"Not really..."

Before anyone could explain, Natsu charged forward with a fiery grin. "Hahaha! The same trick won't work on me again!"

BANG!

His flaming punch connected, sending Erza flying into the wall with a resounding crash.

"NANI?!" ×N

The room collectively gasped, unable to process what they'd just witnessed.

"Hehe, Natsu's dead."

"That idiot!"

Unaware of his grave mistake, Natsu laughed triumphantly. "Ahahaha! I figured it out! Even Erza's illusions can't fool me now! I sent her flying with one punch! I... uh..."

His laughter trailed off as a chilling realization dawned on him.

Erza's illusions passed through people...

"Natsu..."

The voice came from behind him.

Natsu turned, trembling. "E-E-Erza... you..."

Erza's expression was a mix of anger and disbelief. "Do you want to die?"

Without another word, Natsu dropped to his knees, clutching Erza's armored leg. Tears streamed down his face as he pleaded for mercy. "I'm sorry, Erza! Please forgive my ignorance and recklessness! It was Kira's fault!"

Erza's glare didn't soften. "Oh, I see. Well then... are you ready to face the consequences?"

BANG!

Erza's punch sent Natsu flying across the room. He crashed into the wall and slumped to the ground, his spirit visibly crushed.

Satisfied, Erza began her usual round of scolding.

"Gray, put your clothes on!"

"Kana, stop drinking in the middle of the day!"

"Wakaba, clean up that ashtray!"

"Nab, pick a mission already!"

No one escaped her reprimands, except for Mira, Kira, and Lucy. Mira was too composed, Kira too shrewd, and Lucy too new to draw Erza's ire.

Finally, Erza folded her arms. "This time, I'll let it slide. But remember—just because the master isn't here doesn't mean you can run wild!"

Lucy muttered under her breath. "You've already said so much..."

Kira placed a hand on Erza's shoulder, smiling. "Alright, alright, Erza. You don't need to be so serious all the time! Go easy on them. You don't know how they see you right now..."

"Um?"

Before he could finish, Gray and the others tackled him, covering his mouth. "Please, don't say anything more!"

Kira's grin was as radiant as the sun. "It depends on your behavior."

Erza watched the exchange with a puzzled expression. "What do you mean by 'how they see me'?"

"No—nothing! You're the most perfect person in the guild!"

Erza's stern demeanor softened. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks as she replied humbly, "I'm far from perfect, but... thank you."

The guild collectively exhaled in relief.

"Phew... we made it."

The return to normalcy didn't last long.

"You're all still so noisy," Erza said, shaking her head. "But I suppose this is what makes Fairy Tail... Fairy Tail."

Her words brought a smile to everyone's face, even as they scrambled to tidy the mess they'd made.

Lucy stood quietly in the corner, watching the scene unfold. Despite the chaos, she realized she was beginning to understand the bond that tied these strange, unruly people together.

It wasn't just about the missions or the fights—it was about the love they had for one another, no matter how it manifested.

This was Fairy Tail.

And she was starting to feel like she belonged.

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