The audience erupted in excited cheers.
The members of Fairy Tail all turned to look at Kaien.
Kaien shrugged. "That wasn't my doing. He added that drama all on his own."
[The rules of the match are as follows: Each side will send one participant into a one-on-one battle. It's a six-versus-six rotating match. The first team to run out of fighters—loses.]
[The winning guild will not only earn the title of the strongest mage guild in Fiore, but will also take half of the ticket revenue from the event—twenty million J!]
"Twenty million J?!!"
Makarov's eyes instantly lit up. That amount was almost enough to rebuild the entire guild hall.
"You brats better beat the crap out of them! We're taking that twenty million J no matter what!!"
"Yeahhhhhhh!!"
[Now starting the first round! Fighters from both sides, please enter the arena!!]
"I'm up—!!"
Almost before the announcement ended, Natsu charged straight out onto the field.
"Natsu!!"
"That idiot! Still as impulsive as ever! At least check who the opponent is first before rushing in!"
Gray looked like he was losing his mind. He just couldn't deal with Natsu's lack of self-control.
But Natsu had run out of patience. He'd been itching to fight ever since Phantom Lord's earlier provocation, and now that he finally could, of course he was the first to leap forward.
"You Phantom Lord bastards! Get out here!!"
Natsu roared, flames bursting from his head.
[Fairy Tail has sent out Natsu! How will Phantom Lord respond?]
"If he's a Fire Mage, then I'll handle it."
Jose remained seated, a cold smirk on his face. "Go all out. I don't care if you kill him. Make sure every clueless spectator sees just how vast the gap is between Fairy Tail and Phantom Lord."
"Yes, sir!"
[Oooohhh!! Phantom Lord has sent out one of their Four Western Elements—Totomaru of the Flames!!]
A man dressed like a samurai, with a katana at his waist and striking black-and-white hair tied high behind his head, stepped into the arena from the Phantom Lord side.
"OHHHHHH!!"
Compared to Natsu—whom the announcer hadn't even given a title—Totomaru of the Four Elements had much greater fame among the public.
"They actually sent out a Fire Mage? Then this round's as good as ours!"
Hearing the opponent was a Fire Mage, the members of Fairy Tail got excited. After all, Natsu was a Fire Dragon Slayer, the natural enemy of all fire-based mages.
[Looks like both sides are ready!]
[Fairy Tail vs Phantom Lord—Round One!!]
[Begin————!!]
DONG—————!!
As the gong sounded, the match officially began.
"RAAAAAAAAHHH!!"
The instant it rang out, flames swirled around Natsu's fists as he charged straight at Totomaru.
WHAM!
"Whoa!!"
But before Natsu could even reach him, his own flaming fist smashed right into his own face.
"WH-WH-WHAAAT?!"
Natsu tumbled across the ground in a series of chaotic rolls before coming to a stop.
"Natsu!!"
Everyone in Fairy Tail looked stunned.
"What just happened?! Why'd Natsu punch himself?"
"It must be the opponent's trick."
"Bastard!!"
Though Natsu didn't know what was going on, he immediately charged in again, flames swirling around his fist.
"Whoaaa!!"
But the flames went out of control again, circling wildly around Natsu and trapping him.
Totomaru seized the chance, lunging forward and slamming a knee into Natsu's gut.
"UGH!"
Natsu was knocked flying once more.
"I am Totomaru, wielder of flame manipulation. I control all fire—whether natural or summoned. Even your flames are mine!"
"What did you say?! These flames are mine!!"
"Bad luck for you, Fire Mage. Azure Flame!!"
With a flick of his hand, Totomaru unleashed a wave of cool blue fire at Natsu.
Seeing flames, Natsu instantly opened his mouth and began devouring them.
"He's eating the fire?!"
"…He ate it?!!"
The audience erupted in shock.
"Mmm! So cold!! I've never eaten flames like this before!" Even though it was fire, Natsu felt like he was tasting ice cream.
"Ah, so you're the legendary Fire Dragon Slayer, huh? Figures. Our guild has a Dragon Slayer too. I'm not surprised you can eat flames."
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
"It means fire doesn't work on either of us."
"Don't be so sure. You haven't tasted my flames yet."
"I already told you—flames can't hurt me. If it's fire, I can control it."
"Then how about this? Fire Dragon's…"
Natsu puffed out his cheeks. Totomaru raised his arms, already preparing to seize control of the magic. He knew Natsu's tricks—spitting flames from his mouth. Child's play.
"Useless."
"…SALIVA!!"
Natsu spat a mouthful of drool directly into Totomaru's face.
"Hahahahahaha!!"
Seeing his prank succeed, Natsu burst out laughing.
"You disgusting bastard!! You tricked me!! Orange Flame!!"
Totomaru flung out a new set of flames. Natsu grinned and prepared to chow down.
"Fire magic's my favorite snack. Wonder what flavor this one is—"
But the moment the flames surrounded him, a putrid stench hit him from all directions.
"What the—?! That smell!! It reeks!! AAAAAGHH!! My nose is dying!!"
Natsu clutched his nose in agony.
"Hahahaha! That's the stench of the Rotten Flames!"
"Your taste is trash!!"
"You started it!!"
"You bastard!! I'll make you pay!!"
This time, Natsu rushed in with his fists, no magic involved.
"Going melee now? Then this is my advantage—I'm armed!"
Totomaru unsheathed his blade and slashed repeatedly, forcing Natsu onto the defensive.
Seeing Natsu fall behind, Gray muttered, "That idiot! I told him not to charge in! Now look what happened!"
With Totomaru relentlessly pressing the attack, Natsu was finally forced to use magic again.
Totomaru sneered, "You really are a brainless fool!"
Just as Natsu's flaming fist flew forward—it twisted toward his own face again.
"These are my flames!! You don't get to control them!!!"
Natsu roared. Suddenly, the fire poised to strike him froze in midair.
"What?! I can't control it anymore?!" Totomaru was stunned. "Did he… actually overcome my control mid-battle?!"
"So that's it. I've figured out your magic. Now grit your teeth—"