Chapter 82

["This was bought with my reward."]

[Black Natsu responded.]

["Then... since that's the case, I'll reluctantly accept it, by the way, take this."]

[Saying that, Igneel took out a bracelet embedded with red scales.]

["Originally, I wanted to make it a scarf for you, but Anna said you don't seem to like wearing scarves, so I made this for you, just wear it."]

[Saying that, Igneel threw the bracelet into Black Natsu's hand.]

[Feeling the bracelet emitting strong magic power, Black Natsu shook his head with a smile.]

["What a hypocritical old man."]

[Time fast-forwarded to the next day.]

[Like the white world, the little guys here also had no classes.]

[Today, the five giant dragons all brought their children to this forest to participate in that final party.]

[The moment they saw Black Natsu, the eyes of the little guys lit up.]

[They all stepped forward to tell their longing, and asked what the outside world was like.]

[Especially Gajeel, this little guy had been holding it in for a long time.]

[Just to find Black Natsu and then test the new move he developed.]

[However...]

[This was almost a battle without suspense.]

[Even Black Natsu from half a year ago was already far ahead of Gajeel.]

[Not to mention Black Natsu, whose strength had undergone earth-shaking changes after half a year.]

[Almost without any effort, Gajeel was hung and beaten by Black Natsu with one hand.]

[That insurmountable gap almost made Gajeel despair.]

[Although he was hung and beaten before, it was obvious that Black Natsu now was more relaxed, as if... he just casually swatted away an ant.]

[The defeated Gajeel didn't even have the heart for the following party, his mind was full of how to surpass the current Black Natsu.]

[However, Sting and Rogue were quite happy, after all, they had graduated from Anna's place, naughty children are always high-spirited.]

[But Anna seemed to have discovered something and came to sit beside Black Natsu.]

["What's wrong? Are you unhappy?"]

[Black Natsu, who was watching several giant dragons with their arms around each other's shoulders and several Dragon Slayer Mages constantly being naughty, came back to his senses.]

[Then he shook his head gently.]

["Nothing."]

["Really?"]

[Anna looked at Black Natsu suspiciously.]

[Hearing this, Black Natsu also showed a smile.]

["Don't worry, Teacher Anna! I'm really fine, just a little unaccustomed, it will be fine soon."]

["That's true, you've been outside for so long, it's normal to be unaccustomed."]

[Anna nodded gently, then took a skewer of roasted beast leg from the barbecue grill behind.]

[And handed it to Black Natsu.]

["Here! Your favorite."]

[Black Natsu didn't be polite, took the skewer, and ate it happily.]

[At least, he appeared very happy, no different from the other little guys.]

Mavis: "Black Natsu must have noticed something, right?"]

Makarov: "This is certain, unlike Natsu who has thick nerves on our side, Black Natsu seems to have a particularly keen observation ability."]

"He should have captured that hint of sadness about to part."]

Natsu: "That, Master, do you have to damage me every time?"]

Makarov: "This is not damaging you, just stating the facts."]

"Also, to be honest, I don't even know how your brain grew, why is the difference so big?"]

"Could it be... that you were dropped on your head when you were young?"]

Speaking of this, Makarov suddenly realized!

His bright eyes stared fixedly at Natsu in the guild.]

"That's right! You must have been dropped on your head when you were young, otherwise, why are you clearly the same person, but the gap is so big in all aspects?"]

Makarov's analysis seemed to answer everyone's doubts in the guild!

Countless people suddenly realized.]

Erza: "So... that's how it is?"]

Gray: "If you put it that way, it makes sense, Natsu's brain must have been broken."]

Gildarts: "Everyone, I'm sorry, I'm afraid I have to take the blame for this!"]

"Every time Natsu fought me when he was young, I hit him on the head."]

"Now it seems that it's probably the sequelae left at that time, sigh... blame me!"]

Mirajane: "Actually, it's not necessarily true, after all, Black Natsu has been smart since he was a child."]

"That is to say, Natsu on our side has had a broken brain since he was a child."]

Happy: "Pfft pfft~~ Natsu's brain is broken!!!"]

Natsu: "Hey! You guys have had enough! How could I be that bad! Am I not quite smart at times?"]

Gajeel: "Hmm, this cannot be denied, however, I am more willing to call it the occasional flash of inspiration of a stupid idiot."]

The Fairy Tail guild was full of joy.]

And the images on the celestial screen were still continuing.]

[The banquet gradually dispersed as the sky darkened.]

[Several Dragon Slayer Mages bid farewell to Anna one after another, and then followed their parents to leave this forest.]

[Until this moment, perhaps they didn't think that it would be difficult to meet again after this parting.]

[At night, the starlight scattered in this forest.]

[Igneel sat in the habitat.]

[Listening to the light breathing coming from Black Natsu who was leaning on it.]

[It raised its huge head and looked at the sky.]

[Its expression was somewhat lonely.]

[It seemed to recall that figure, that figure... bathed in dragon blood.]

["Acnologia..."]

[Igneel murmured softly.]

[Then, it lowered its head to look at the sleeping Black Natsu.]

[On its ferocious dragon face, a human-like smile was revealed.]

["Natsu..."]

[Igneel whispered.]

[Hmm...]

[Black Natsu seemed to be still sleeping, and turned over to make himself sleep more comfortably.]

["You've become stronger!"]

[Igneel sighed.]

["In this half year, I wanted to help you countless times, but I held back."]

["And you have truly proven that even without relying on me, without relying on anyone, you can be so outstanding."]

[Seemingly thinking of something, Igneel couldn't help but laugh.]

["Even, you're still so young, and you've already found a wife who is devoted to you, it's truly amazing."]

["I am proud of you! Natsu."]

[Igneel murmured softly like this.]