Chapter 569

【"However, the bridge will naturally straighten when it reaches the boat."】

【Looking at Gajeel, who was impervious to reason, Makarov sighed gently.】

【"Can I ask you a question?"】

【He said.】

【"Ah?" Gajeel turned his head.】

【"I want to know, when you came to wage war on us, what were you thinking in your heart?"】

【As soon as these words were spoken, Gajeel's heart sank violently.】

【But, before Gajeel could answer, Makarov's words continued to ring out.】

【"To you, what kind of existence is Phantom Lord?"】

【"How do you view the guild?"】

【"How do you view mages?"】

【A series of questions left Gajeel somewhat unable to start.】

【After being silent for a long time, he sighed helplessly: "Where is this a question?"】

【"It's the same question."】

【Makarov took a step, passed Gajeel, and came to his front.】

【His gaze stared at the sky in the distance.】

【"Simply put, I want to know how you view yourself as a person?"】

【"As long as it's an order issued by Jose, no matter what it is, can you do it?"】

【"Is he really an absolute existence to you?"】

【"If it's really like this, then what's the difference between you and a doll?"】

【"I don't think you would be such a shallow man."】

【Makarov's soul-searching question made Gajeel experience a moment of bewilderment.】

【He, who was frowning, suddenly had the thought of wanting to escape.】

【"Are you annoying or what? Anyway, just leave me alone!"】

【Makarov shook his head, turned around, and his gaze stared at Gajeel.】

【"Why do you have to jump into the darkness yourself?"】

【Gajeel looked blankly at the gaze Makarov cast at him.】

【It was strange, clearly he was just looking at him simply, but why... did he have a feeling of heart-trembling?】

【The goodwill contained in that gaze seemed to be something Gajeel had rarely encountered.】

【A bit strange, but he didn't feel annoyed?】

【"Perhaps some people like loneliness, but... no one can truly endure loneliness."】

【Makarov sighed with emotion.】

【In an instant! It was as if Gajeel's innermost thoughts had been completely grasped by Makarov.】

【An inexplicable feeling surged up.】

【Completely wrapping Gajeel!】

【That feeling... was like... grievance...】

【Yes, grievance!】

【No one wants to be lonely, even Gajeel is the same.】

【But, in Phantom Lord, in that place where strength is supreme.】

【There are no friends, no companions! There is only competition!】

【There is only violence.】

【Once upon a time, did Gajeel really not want to make a few intimate friends?】

【Did he really not want to laugh and chat with people?】

【It wasn't that, because of his strangeness, a freak who eats iron, everyone was staying away from him.】

【Even, they bullied him, mocked him!】

【In that place where thoughts were twisted, only by making oneself strong could one have a say, could one truly protect oneself well!】

【But... the price of this was being misunderstood, everyone was afraid of him.】

【Everyone would want to stay away from him even more.】

【He could only stay in a corner alone forever, eating food that others didn't understand alone, executing missions alone, and wandering in that kind of dark place alone.】

【These grievances, Gajeel once thought he had already abandoned them with strength.】

【But, why, at this moment, did they surge out like a tide?】

【Why??】

【Gajeel didn't understand, and his expression gradually became panicked.】

【"I... I destroyed your guild!"】

【"I haven't cared about that kind of thing for a long time, besides, haven't you already been punished? I heard you were cleaned up very miserably by this kid."】

【Makarov looked at Black Natsu, who had his arms crossed on the side.】

【To this, Black Natsu shrugged.】

【Makarov seemed to think of something else, and smiled: "And, didn't that brat just go and ask Crawford? Our new guild will be built soon."】

【"It's the first time I've seen that guy who likes to show off look so ugly, hahaha!"】

【Makarov's laughter didn't alleviate Gajeel's panic.】

【Realizing that he had told a cold joke, Makarov coughed twice.】

【His face became serious again.】

【"Anyway, if I were to turn a blind eye to a young man who is about to fall into darkness... I think I would be even more unable to forgive myself?"】

【Gajeel's body began to tremble slightly.】

【He seemed to feel a bit ashamed.】

【Gajeel bit his teeth tightly.】

【His fists kept pounding on his thighs.】

【"Damn... damn it... I..."】

【Makarov stared straight at Gajeel, then slowly extended his palm.】

【"I am not trying to save you, Gajeel!"】

【"I just want to guide you to the path leading to the future."】

【"Are you going to move forward bravely... or stop moving forward?"】

【"All of this is entirely up to you to decide!"】

【"But, no matter what, you must remember, not everyone has given up on you, Gajeel!"】

【"I... a person like me..." Perhaps it was out of instinct, or perhaps it was out of fear of the dark future.】

【Gajeel tremblingly extended his hand and firmly grasped Makarov's palm.】

【At this moment, Makarov laughed as if relieved of a heavy burden.】

【"Then, Fairy Tail, welcome you!"】

【Behind, Black Natsu, who had his arms crossed, looked toward Juvia.】

【At this moment, this girl seemed to truly feel Makarov's sincere heart.】

【Tears had already slid down her cheeks.】

【"Can we... can we really join such a guild? Sob sob sob..."】

【Black Natsu shook his head and murmured with a smile:】

【"Really, I can only say, as expected of the Master, he really has a way of pulling people in."】

【"Even I was a bit touched."】

【Makarov seemed to have heard Black Natsu's murmuring.】

【He turned his head and raised a proud smile.】 ===== CHAPTER 570 =====