Takeshi looked in the direction of the sound and saw a familiar figure emerging from under a girl's pants.
With cherry-blossom colored hair and a dragon-scaled scarf, it was Natsu, accompanied by a small blue cat, Happy.
Natsu, upon seeing that the person was not Igneel as he had expected, immediately became so awkward that he started sweating. "Who are you?"
"I am Salamander, you should know, right?"
The man struck a pose he thought was cool, but before he could finish speaking, Natsu and Happy had already squeezed out of the crowd and walked away dejectedly.
"They left so fast."
Seeing their idol being ignored, many girls immediately rushed over, grabbed Natsu's scarf, and dragged him back.
"Why are you two so rude?"
"Exactly. Salamander-sama is a very powerful Mage."
"Apologize to him."
Natsu was somewhat bewildered at this point. "What are you doing?"
The man waved his hand and said magnanimously, "It's alright. Looking at him, he doesn't seem to have any ill intent."
"Ah! So gentle!!"
All the girls' eyes turned into hearts.
The man took out an autograph board, wrote 'Salamander, and handed it to Natsu. "This is my autograph, take it and show off to your friends."
"Ah! How enviable!"
"I don't want it."
As soon as Natsu finished speaking, he was picked up and thrown out by the girls protecting their idol.
"What do you mean!"
"Get lost!"
The man snapped his fingers, and a ball of red flame rose from his feet, carrying him into the air.
"Thank you all for your warm welcome, but I have something to do at the port ahead, so I'll take my leave now. Tonight, I'll be holding a party on the ship, so everyone please come and join."
After saying that, he waved his hand and quickly flew away on the flames.
"Yeah!!!"
"We'll definitely be there!!"
This magical scene made many girls cheer with excitement.
"What's that guy up to?" Natsu was a bit confused at this moment.
Just then, Takeshi's voice rang out. "Natsu, Happy."
"That voice!"
Natsu and Happy froze, then quickly looked in the direction of the voice, seeing Takeshi standing not far away, smiling at them.
"Takeshi!"
Seeing Takeshi, Natsu and Happy were both delighted.
In half a year, Takeshi, Natsu, Happy, and everyone in Fairy Tail had become very familiar. Since Takeshi moved into his new home, the two of them would occasionally give him a visit, making them very close friends.
"Takeshi, you're back!" Happy happily ran over.
"Yes, I'm back."
Natsu immediately scurried over and hugged Takeshi's legs. "Takeshi! Save me! Please buy me food quickly! I'm starving to death!"
"You've been causing trouble everywhere again, haven't you?"
Seeing Natsu like this, Takeshi guessed that he had probably caused trouble and lost money during a quest. Otherwise, with Natsu's ability, a 200,000 Jewels quest would be very easy for him.
"Aye! This time we lost money again." Happy gave a definite answer.
Takeshi shook his head helplessly. "Let's go, I'm hungry too. I know a restaurant ahead that's affordable and tastes good."
"Yay!"
Natsu and Happy both jumped up happily.
Suddenly—
A voice sounded behind them.
"If it's alright, I'll treat you to this meal."
Hearing this, the three of them paused. They turned around, and saw a very cute girl standing behind them.
The girl had brilliant golden hair, with a strand tied up with a blue bow, looking playful and adorable.
She wore a white top with blue trim and short sleeves, and a blue pleated skirt. Her skin was very fair, and she was very cute, especially her impressive figure, which was a beautiful sight.
Takeshi couldn't help but be stunned when he saw her. Although there were some differences between the real person and the anime, he still recognized her at a glance: she was the female protagonist of Fairy Tail, Lucy Heartfilia.
"Thank you all for just now." Lucy raised her hand and smiled in greeting.
"Huh?"
Natsu and Happy were a bit confused. Lucy's words were directed at them, but they couldn't remember doing anything that deserved thanks.
Lucy explained, "That man named Salamander used a magic called 'Charm'. This magic seduces people and was banned from sale many years ago. Using such magic to lure girls is a vulgar act. Thanks to you breaking through, the magic I was under was dispelled, so please allow me to treat you to a meal to express my gratitude."
Natsu and Happy looked at each other. "I see, but it's not necessary, Takeshi will be treating us."
Natsu chuckled and patted Takeshi's shoulder.
"Aye! Takeshi will treat us."
Natsu and Happy knew that Takeshi was practically the biggest spendthrift in Fairy Tail. One of his quests earned him more than they made in a year.
This time, Takeshi had gone out for an S-Class Quest, and judging by his appearance, he must have completed it successfully. It was a good opportunity to make him pay for a meal.
Takeshi rolled his eyes helplessly. "Haven't you two mooched enough?"
He didn't mind treating them to a meal. Occasionally, he would also invite guild members he was close with to his home for meals and gatherings.
"Still, let me do it. If I don't express my gratitude properly, I'll feel bad."
Hearing Lucy's words, the three of them no longer refused, and they all went to the restaurant together.
"My name is Lucy, what are your names?"
"Takeshi."
"Natsu."
"Happy."
Lucy said, "Takeshi, Natsu, Happy, huh? Oh, by the way, don't let my appearance fool you, I'm also a Mage, but I haven't joined any guild yet."
"A guild is an organization that gathers many Mages, acting as an intermediary to provide Mages with quests and information. If a Mage doesn't work within a guild, they can't be considered fully capable."
"There are many guilds in the world, but for famous guilds, the conditions for joining are quite strict."
"In the guild I most want to join, there are many powerful Mages."
"Ah... what should I do? I really want to join, but the conditions must be very strict."
"Ah! I'm sorry, I talked a bit about the Mage world, you probably don't quite understand."
"But I must join that guild. It seems I can get many substantial quests there."
Takeshi, Natsu, and Happy looked at Lucy with bewildered expressions and retorted, "You talk a lot."
Ever since they first met Lucy, her mouth had been chattering non-stop. It was their first meeting, and she was already so talkative.