Yellow!

Hey lads, how y'all doing?

Its been a while I know, hope you guys are excited.

We did have a somewhat intense chapter where we last left off. I mean forgetting the intense conversation between Makarov and Laxus, we had that scene with Naruto and Ultear and it was a bit wild.

Not too much, but certainly intriguing if you ask me.

Anyway, we can't read the chapter if I drone on and on, right?

So let's begin.

Start:

Cheers and yells of ecstasy rang throughout the guildhall as Fairy Tail wizards celebrated the triumphant return of their members from the battle against Phantom Lord. The air was thick with jubilation, permeated by the clinking of glasses and the boisterous laughter that bounced off the walls.

It had been hours since Naruto, Makarov, Laxus, and Ultear had returned.

Yet despite that, the party was still in full swing as people cheered, got drunk, made bets, and all the fun stuff that people do in a rambunctious party. It was even night time now, and soon, the partying needed to stop lest people file a noise complaint.

Though there was no guarantee that the mages of Fairy Tail would take heed.

In one corner of the hall, however, the celebration was a touch quieter. Naruto sat at a table as far away as possible from the main crowd, sipping his drink and enjoying a more subdued conversation with Mira.

Despite the chaos of happiness around them, Naruto's expression was thoughtful, almost pensive.

He hadn't forgotten the flux of negativity that he felt from Mira before he and the rest had left to the phantom guild, though it was more diluted, he could still sense her melancholy.

Problem was, he didn't know how to broach the topic with her. It was easier said than done to confront someone on an emotional level when they haven't done anything to exhibit sorrow. Naruto only knew that the fairy tail cover model was sad because of his unique ability to detect negative emotions.

But sometimes… one had to dive straight into the belly of the beast without any assistance or clues, and that was precisely what the blonde was going to do.

Though let it be said, he did not think of Mirajane as a beast.

"Mira, there's something I've been meaning to—"

His words were abruptly cut off. Without warning, a burst of fire exploded in the center of the guildhall, drawing startled shouts from the nearby members. Naruto and Mira turned simultaneously, their conversation halted mid-sentence. The source of the commotion was immediately apparent:

Natsu, in his typical fiery enthusiasm, had somehow managed to ignite a blaze at his rival, why… nobody knew. Gray, ever the rival, retaliated with a vengeful uppercut that sent Natsu spiraling backwards.

The pinkette's unexpected flight path collided directly with Elfman, whose broad frame was caught off guard. The impact jostled Elfman into Erza, just as she was delicately balancing a plate with a perfectly crafted slice of strawberry cheesecake. The plate wobbled precariously, and then, with a dramatic slow-motion effect, it tipped and the cheesecake plummeted to the floor with a tragic splat.

The entire guildhall froze. Time seemed to stand still as every eye tracked the falling dessert, culminating in its messy demise on the floor. The silence was profound, almost reverent, as if mourning the loss of such a splendid treat.

Then, as if the fallen cheesecake was a signal, all hell broke loose.

A roar erupted from Erza as she turned, her face a mask of comical horror and rage. "My cake!" she bellowed, and that was enough to break the spell. What followed was a cacophony of yells, laughter, and playful scuffles as more members joined the fray, either to avenge the lost dessert or just to partake in the sudden chaos.

Naruto, seeing the unexpected, but also somewhat expected turn of events, acted on instinct.

Just as Mira stood up, likely to either calm the situation or scold the brawlers, Naruto swept her off her feet. With swift, decisive movements borne of years of intense training, he bolted out of the guildhall with Mira in his arms, dodging a flying chair and a squirt of what suspiciously looked like squid ink.

Outside, the cool air was a sharp contrast to the heated atmosphere of the guildhall. Naruto set Mira down gently, ensuring she was steady on her feet before he let go. He gave her a small, apologetic smile.

"Sorry for the abrupt exit," he said, his voice tinged with humor. "But I figured it was safer outside than in the middle of... whatever that's turning into."

Mira laughed, shaking her head in disbelief. "Only in Fairy Tail could a celebration turn into a war zone over a slice of cheesecake." Her eyes twinkled with amusement as she looked up at Naruto. "Thanks for the rescue, though. It seems you're always saving me from one chaos or another."

Naruto simply grinned, a charming uplift of the lips that unexpectedly sent butterflies fluttering through Mira's stomach.

Her legs felt wobbly, and she silently thanked the heavens for choosing to wear her usual maroon dress that evening—the soft fabric hid her sudden weakness well, shielding from Naruto the effect his simple smile had on her. She returned his smile, trying to mask her momentary disarray, then turned her gaze to survey the surroundings with a thoughtful hum.

"What are you thinking?" Naruto asked, his voice carrying a light, curious tone as he watched her contemplative expression.

Mira glanced back at him, her smile broadening under the moonlit sky. "It's such a beautiful night, isn't it? Seems perfect for a walk," she suggested, her voice airy, almost whimsical.

Naruto nodded in agreement, a relaxed ease settling over him. "Yeah, it does. Let's take one then." He replied, gesturing for her to lead the way.

Together, they began a leisurely stroll through the town, the sounds of crickets filling the quiet night, adding a serene soundtrack to their walk. The streets were nearly empty, the festive chaos of the guildhall a distant echo behind them, allowing them to appreciate the stillness that only a night walk could offer.

As they reached the edge of town, their path veered closer to a canal that meandered alongside the road. The water mirrored the clear night sky, stars twinkling on its surface like scattered diamonds. Deciding to make the walk more scenic, they moved to walk along the canal's edge, where the path narrowed and the stakes of a misstep meant a playful tumble into the shallow waters below.

The proximity to the water, coupled with the night's calm, lent an intimate, almost romantic quality to their stroll.

Mira, feeling the tranquility of the environment, turned towards Naruto, her large eyes meeting his darker ones in the moonlight. The lunar glow bathed her in a soft, ethereal light, highlighting her features in a way that made her look almost otherworldly.

A gentle breeze teased strands of her hair, prompting her to raise a finger to tuck them neatly behind her ear before she smiled softly at him.

"So, what was it you wanted to talk about earlier?" she asked, her voice soft yet carrying a hint of curiosity, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them.

Naruto, momentarily caught in the vision of her illuminated by the moonlight, took a second longer to respond.

He cleared his throat, pulling his thoughts back to the present. "Right, I was wondering... are you okay? You seemed kind of sad lately, not just today but the day before yesterday too," Naruto observed, his voice tinged with concern as he glanced at Mira across the gentle glow of the moonlit path.

Mira blinked, taken aback by his perceptiveness. For a moment, her expression faltered, her lips tugging downwards in a faint frown of self-reflection. "I'm alright," she started hesitantly, then sighed, "I just sometimes wish I wasn't so... useless."

Naruto's brow furrowed, surprised by her harsh self-criticism. "Useless? Mira, that's not true at all. You're one of the most capable people I know."

The waitress gave a small, humorless chuckle, her gaze dropping to the ground as they walked. "Maybe once, but not anymore. I used to be an S-class mage, Naruto. Now, all I seem capable of is being held hostage or forced to stay away from the conflict because I'm not as strong as I used to be."

Truth be honest, learning that the woman right next to him used to be an S-class mage was surprising, considering that he had never seen an ounce of bloodlust coming from her.

Or any demonstration of physical or magical abilities.

But even as the surprise wavered, Naruto remained silent, unsure how to counter her somber revelation. The air between them thickened with the weight of her words.

After a moment, Mira shook her head slightly, trying to dispel the heavy atmosphere she'd created. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring down the mood," she apologized, managing a weak smile.

Naruto looked up, his expression serious. "Mira, I feel useless too sometimes. Back home, no matter how strong I became, it didn't help those who needed me. I just kept failing."

A more recent example was Sasuke. Had Naruto been stronger when they were in the space between dimensions, had he been faster, maybe his Uchiha friend wouldn't have had to resort to pushing him out of the space between dimensions.

Mira's eyes widened slightly in surprise, then softened with understanding.

She listened intently as Naruto continued, his voice gaining a determined edge. "But I know my friends wouldn't want me to dwell on that. Just like how everyone in Fairy Tail wouldn't want you to be sad. And, uh..." he added, slightly embarrassed, "they—and I—would much rather see you smile more, you do have a nice smile."

The compliment caught Mira off guard, and she couldn't help but perk up a little, her earlier gloom momentarily forgotten. "Oh? So you think my smile is beautiful?" she teased, a playful twinkle returning to her eyes.

Naruto nodded, his face coloring slightly under the soft moonlight. "Yeah, I do."

A comfortable silence fell over them then, as they continued their walk alongside the tranquil canal. The serene night and their shared vulnerabilities seemed to draw them closer in an unspoken bond of mutual understanding and support.

After a few moments, Mira spoke up again, her voice warm with gratitude. "Thank you, Naruto, for your concern... and for the talk."

"It's no problem at all," He replied, his tone sincere. "You're one of my precious people here, Mira. It's natural for me to care."

Mira laughed softly, the sound light and carefree. "Are you trying to woo me, Naruto?" she teased, glancing at him with a mischievous smile.

Oh, ohhhhh.

Naruto's cheeks tinged with a deeper shade of red, but he managed a small, embarrassed grin, looking directly at Mira with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "I don't know, am I?" he teased, leaning slightly closer with a playful tilt of his head.

Mira gasped dramatically, her hand flying to her chest as she feigned shock and indignation. "Naruto Uzumaki, are you implying that your heart remains untouched by my charms?" she exclaimed, her voice thick with mock offense and her eyes wide with playful reproach.

"Maybe I am," Naruto replied, his smile widening as he played along with her theatrics. "What are you going to do about it?"

Mira narrowed her eyes in a playful glare, stopping her walk and prompting the shinobi to do the same.

"Oh, you challenge me?" she quipped, her tone teasing yet tinged with a faux seriousness. "For such an affront, I might have to take drastic measures." Her voice then lowered conspiratorially, as though sharing a secret battle strategy. "Did you know, Naruto, that all it would take is one well-placed push with my hips to send you tumbling into the canal?"

As though on instinct, Naruto turned to look the other way, and true enough, all it would take was a slight push for him to fall, the unshakeable and absolute truth and burden of being the one who was walking on the edge of the road

He raised his hands in mock surrender, taking a cautious step back, his eyes never leaving hers. "Okay, okay, truce!" he chuckled, his laughter mingling with the gentle night sounds surrounding them. "No need to demonstrate your... formidable tactics."

Though truthfully, Naruto wouldn't mind if he got to feel her hips for a second.

Dispelling that thought right away, lest he actually contemplate it, the shinobi brought himself back into the present.

Mira's serious facade broke into a wide smile, and she joined in the laughter, her previous feigned insult dissolving into the warmth of genuine amusement. "I'll let you off this time," she said magnanimously, her eyes sparkling with humor. "But be warned, Naruto, I'm keeping that move in reserve."

"Fair enough," Naruto agreed, still chuckling. "I'll be on my best behavior then. Wouldn't want to end up swimming tonight."

Their laughter gradually subsided into a comfortable silence as they resumed their leisurely stroll along the canal. The night air was crisp, and the tranquil sounds of water lapping gently at the canal's edge provided a soothing backdrop.

Naruto looked up into the starry sky, his gaze lost among the constellations. For a moment, his mind wandered to his home world—the friends he had made, the battles he had fought, and the incredible sights he had witnessed.

With a deep breath, Naruto brought his gaze back down, turning to look at Mira who walked quietly beside him. He noticed the contemplative expression on her face, reflecting the moonlight's soft glow. Deciding to address the thoughts that had clearly been weighing on her, he spoke gently, his voice breaking the silence between them.

"Mira, I want you to know something," he began, his tone earnest. "You're not useless. Everyone has their own kind of strength, their own unique gifts. What you bring to Fairy Tail... it's something no one else could. Everyone contributes their worth in their own way."

He paused, ensuring his words were not just heard but felt. "It might not always be about fighting. There are so many ways to be strong. Your kindness, your spirit, the way you care about everyone... that holds us together. And I know everyone else sees that too. Just… remember that."

Mira remained silent, her expression unreadable in the dim light. He watched her, apprehension in his eyes as the seconds stretched on—one, five, ten. He worried he might have overstepped, but just as he was about to speak again, he felt Mira's hand gently gripping his. Surprised but reassured, he tightened his hold, offering her a comforting squeeze in return.

Neither of them spoke as they continued their walk, the serene night enveloping them in a cocoon of privacy. The only sounds were their soft footsteps and the occasional distant call of a night creature. The simplicity of the moment was just enough and right for them.

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Time-skip: The next day.

"Akane Resort?" Naruto repeated, his eyes lighting up with interest as he looked over at Lucy.

Lucy nodded enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yes! It's supposed to be amazing this time of year. The hot springs, the scenery—it's the perfect place for a getaway!"

Next to her, Natsu could barely contain his excitement and actually exploded into flames, how said flames didn't cause anything to catch on fire, the shinobi didn't know.

They sat at a table, he, Natsu, Lucy, Gray, and Juvia.

Curiously enough, Gajeel wasn't with them, but the shinobi already spotted the iron dragon slayer and he seemed to have already made a friend, if the way that blue-haired girl talking animatedly to him was anything to go by.

And two more enemies if the way those two men who glared lividly at Gajeel was anything to go by as well.

Still, it was good to see the iron dragon slayer mage getting along with those around him.

"You said you got the tickets last night?" The shinobi couldn't help but ask, intrigued.

"Yes!" The Heartfilla replied happily, before she began explaining how after she and the group had returned from the Heartfilla mansion, how Loki confronted her privately, and how it turned out that he was dying because he wasn't actually human, but was rather, a celestial spirit.

A concept that initially confused Naruto before Lucy actually demonstrated said ability by summoning a few of her spirits including Loki, now known as Leo the lion.

It was pretty cool and basically worked like a summoning but through the usage of those keys.

Anyway, after the demonstration, Lucy had resumed explaining how Leo was banished and how Lucy ended up talking to the spirit king, culminating into the king deciding to lift his banishment and allowing Leo to return back.

With Leo's key now in her possession along with the tickets for the resort that he planned to give her as an apology for making her feel as though she was a terrible person due to his experience with a previous celestial wizard.

"And you've been a very good friend to me, Naruto, so I wanted to see if you'd like to join us. By us, I mean me, Erza, Natsu, Gray, and Juvia," Lucy said, her smile genuine as her eyes lit up with earnest appreciation.

Naruto returned her smile warmly, his eyes flickering with a touch of hesitance as he mulled over her invitation.

After a brief moment, he inwardly grimaced, knowing in his heart that despite the potential joy the trip promised, he had other plans that needed attention. "Lucy, that sounds like a fantastic trip and I'm really flattered you asked me," he started, his voice tinged with regret. "But I think I need to pass this time. I've been planning to do a bit of exploring around, learn more about this land on my own."

"I do intend to come back though, don't worry, and I'll book a reservation for us all to go on this Akane resort, so no worries."

Gray, raised an eyebrow at Naruto's response. "Do you know where you're going? When you'll come back? And honestly speaking, do you plan on ever joining Fairy Tail? You'd still be very welcomed to be here even if you decide otherwise, but I know everyone would be happy if you do decide to join us."

The table suddenly grew quiet, all eyes on Naruto as Gray's questions hung in the air.

Naruto nodded solemnly, his decision clear in his mind despite the sudden attention. "For now, I'll just be exploring wherever to be honest, just simply enjoy seeing what this land has to offer, as for how long, can't say much, but I won't be gone longer than two weeks."

"As for joining Fairy Tail…" Naruto took a moment to collect his words, aware that his friends leant in as they awaited his response.

"I can't give a definite answer, but I will say this, the more I think about it, the more I see the value in joining. You guys have been really good to me, and while the opposite is true, the fact is, I'd love to spend my life being around those whom I consider precious to me, and Fairy tail as a whole is becoming more and more precious to me with each day."

Naruto's words caused smiles to erupt from those around him.

"That said, there's still so much about this land that I don't know. I want to explore a bit more before I make any final decision." The shinobi added.

At that moment, Cana, who had been eavesdropping from a little distance away, let out a loud and dramatic cry as she lunged forward, wrapping Naruto in a tight hug from behind. He nearly jumped, startled by her sudden closeness. "You're not allowed to leave! You're practically part of Fairy Tail now!" she declared, tightening her grip and resting her chin on top of his head.

Naruto couldn't help but laugh, touched by her dramatic display of affection. "I'll only be gone for a little while, Cana," he reassured her, even as she planted a sloppy kiss on his cheek before skidding off to the bar, joining Mira.

His cheeks burned with a heavy shade of pink at the brunette's affection.

Trying to ignore how hard he must have been blushing, Naruto turned back to the rest of his friends and tried to lighten the mood. "Don't worry, as I said, I'll be back in two weeks, max, and even if I don't join, that doesn't mean that I can't visit and spend time with you guys."

Natsu, energized by the assurance, pumped his fist. "You better be! I want a rematch, Naruto!"

Naruto grinned, accepting the challenge. "You got it, Natsu, if fact, let's have one tomorrow."

That caused the dragon slayer positively drooled with excitement at that. unfortunately, not everyone shared his excitement.

Rolling his eyes, Gray then chimed in, his voice serious. "Just make sure it's no longer than two weeks. The Harvest Festival is coming up soon. You shouldn't miss it."

"Harvest Festival?" Naruto echoed, puzzled, while Juvia, equally confused, leaned closer to Gray for an explanation.

Gray nodded, launching into an explanation. "It's one of the biggest events in Magnolia. Games, contests, the whole town gets involved. It's a lot of fun, and it'd be a great way for you to see another side of our community here."

Naruto absorbed the information, intrigued by the prospect. "Sounds like something I shouldn't miss then. Thanks for the heads-up, Gray."

As Gray nodded in response, Natsu dramatically clutched his stomach and feigned a loud gag, exaggerating his disgust. "Listening to Gray makes me wanna puke!" he declared theatrically, making a show of wiping his mouth.

Gray's face turned a shade darker, his jaw clenching as a vein throbbed visibly on his forehead. Beside him, Juvia's eyes ignited with a fiery gleam, her body tensing as if preparing for battle, ready to defend Gray's honor. "Gray-Sama is not to be mocked!" she seethed, her voice frothing with rage.

The defense from the woman in love was much appreciated and the resident stripper of Fairy tail made sure to convey his gratitude as he turned to Juvia and nodded, not paying attention to the swoon that followed as he turned his attention back to Natsu.

"At least I don't lower everyone's IQ just by existing, you charcoal for brains," Gray retorted sharply, his glare intensifying.

The two glared at each other, the air crackling with their usual competitive tension. Without warning, the argument escalated as they lunged at each other, fists and magic ready. Juvia threw herself into the fray, water swirling around her as she aimed to assist Gray, effectively starting another all-out brawl within the guild.

Naruto and Lucy simply deadpanned, too accustomed to the chaos to be surprised or overly concerned.

The shinobi shook his head, then cleared his throat to regain Lucy's attention. "You know, Lucy, I still owe you a date."

Lucy, taken aback by the sudden shift in conversation, blushed and nodded shyly. "Yeah, you do."

Encouraged by her response, Naruto grinned and added, "And since I'm planning to take us all to the Akane Resort, maybe I could take you out on a date there? It sounds like a great place."

Lucy's eyes widened, and she hastily shook her head. "You don't have to do that, Naruto! The Akane Resort is very expensive, and I don't want you to spend so much just because—"

Naruto laughed lightly, cutting off her protests. "Lucy, don't worry about the cost. I've got it covered. Actually, I've got too much money now, thanks to a little project of mine, and honestly, I don't even know what to do with it all."

Pushing aside a flicker of envy, Lucy's curiosity got the better of her. "You're rich? I know you said so a few nights ago when we were talking about what to do with Jose but how did that happen? What kind of project?"

He nodded, a slight flush coloring his cheeks as he thought about the nature of his work. "I published a few books while I was here. They've become super popular."

Lucy gasped, her admiration and surprise mingling. "You're a writer? That's amazing! Can I read your books? I've always wanted to write a famous story myself. Maybe you could give me some advice?"

Naruto's flush deepened as he remembered the content of some of his books—a mix of adventurous narratives with a strong dose of romance, and a bit of… Icha Icha, not unlike the Icha Icha series his Godfather created. "Uh, sure, I'll show them to you, and I'd be happy to help. But let's save that for our date at Akane Resort, okay?"

The Heartfilla heiress pouted but ultimately agreed.

They continued chatting afterwards but as they did so, Naruto's mind began to drift subtly.

While part of him was engaged in the conversation, another part started to contemplate the details of his upcoming journey. Where would he go first? What would he see? The thrill of the unknown began to bubble up within him, mingling with a sense of adventure that had always fueled his spirit.

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Cold brown eyes bored into the newspaper clutched in her hands, fixating on a photograph that captured a handsome young man with striking blue eyes, blonde hair, and distinctive whisker marks. The bold headline above the image declared him "Hero of Magnolia." As she read the title, a sneer twisted her lips—a visible contortion that twisted her normally composed features into a mask of fury and promised vengeance.

The paper trembled slightly in her grip, the corners crinkling as her fingers tightened. To the world, Naruto Uzumaki was a savior, a beacon of heroism and bravery. To her, he was the thief of her happiness, the destroyer of her contentment. Only weeks ago, she had learned of him, and in that short span, he had unwittingly ripped away the peace she had meticulously crafted around her life.

In the dimly lit room, shadows clawed at the edges of her stark, sparse sanctuary, playing over features hardened by resentment. She tossed the newspaper aside, the fluttering pages landing with a slap against the cold, hard floor. Rising from her chair, her silhouette was a dark stain against the flickering light of a single bulb that swung gently overhead.

She hated him.

She despised him.

And once she got her hands on him….

Her ruthless brown eyes flashed an ominous crimson.

End.

So, this chapter was much more peaceful than the next, but the chapter afterwards is when we finally begin Naruto's journey outwards into Earthland, some pretty exciting stuff will happen.

But worry not lads, because our boy will return to Fairy Tail.

That said, the last bit, the ending of the chapter… now that was interesting.

We'll see what happens in future chapters lads!

I do hope you all enjoyed this chapter though, I know it's not as intense as the previous ones, but I still hope it was to your liking.

More Chapters are posted on my p.a.t.r.e.o.n Feel free to check it out lads, here's the link

www.#patr#eon.#com/Demon_Knight939 (Just remove all the hashtags)

Anyway, enough said from me.

Take care lads.

Peace.