"As expected... they've all left..."
When Yukino returned to the preparation area, dragging her injured body, her teammates from Sabertooth had indeed already departed.
Yukino gave a bitter smile and staggered out of the arena as well.
At that moment, Yukino's mind was filled with fear of the unknown.
She was terrified that the Sabertooth Guild Master would expel her from the guild because of her defeat.
In truth, Yukino loved the guild deeply.
Much like Lucy before she joined Fairy Tail, Yukino, who had been an orphan since childhood, had always admired Sabertooth, the only guild in her city.
However, as Sabertooth grew stronger, it became increasingly difficult for Yukino to join.
It wasn't until last year that Yukino, thanks to her exceptional Celestial Spirit Magic, was accepted into Sabertooth by the Guild Master.
But now, it seemed she couldn't stay in this guild any longer...
Stumbling along the path toward the guild's lodging, Yukino was lost in despair when she accidentally tripped over a raised stone slab and fell forward.
"Be careful!"
Sorano, who had been following her sister, panicked and rushed to her side, catching Yukino.
Yukino felt herself embraced by someone familiar.
Looking up, she saw a face she had never encountered before.
"Thank you."
The facial modification necklace that Ankh had distributed to the combat team of Ram Company functioned similarly to the charm ring used by the fake Salamander, Bora.
The wearer's face remained unchanged, but due to the necklace's effect, no one could recognize the familiar features.
As long as this disguise wasn't "understood," it couldn't be seen through.
Seeing Yukino walking forward in a daze, Sorano grew more worried.
She jogged a few steps to support her and said, "Are you alright? I... saw the match earlier, you were badly hurt."
Yukino smiled bitterly. "Miss Kagura already went easy on me. I'm just useless..."
"What are you talking about!"
Sorano retorted, "Kagura is the strongest Mage in Mermaid Heel! Not just you, even your arrogant teammates wouldn't necessarily fare well against her."
Yukino looked surprised at this kind stranger, feeling that this older sister's appearance was very gentle.
Perhaps due to a connection deep in their bloodline, the usually aloof Yukino became more talkative. "
But everyone is so strong. I'm only a substitute because the young lady isn't here, and yet I still made mistakes."
Yukino gazed wistfully toward the distant Fairy Tail tavern where the victory celebration was being held, murmuring softly.
"If only I had Miss Lucy's strength, maybe I wouldn't have embarrassed Sabertooth."
"Lucy? She's weak too!"
Having gotten along well with Lucy recently, Sorano's first instinct was to disparage her close friend.
Seeing Yukino staring at her in astonishment, Sorano grabbed her sister's shoulders and looked seriously into her eyes.
"She won because she has companions who will cry and laugh with her regardless of victory or defeat. They can accept all the troubles Lucy brings."
"Fearless of consequences, confident in the path ahead—Lucy's determination to fight for her guild and companions is the key to her victory."
Looking at her dazed sister, who was clearly emotionally manipulated by her guild, Sorano spoke with heartache.
"But look at you—one loss has reduced you to this state. Not even one person came to pick you up, not a single word of concern. What kind of guild is that!"
Seeing Sorano's indignant expression, Yukino felt touched deep inside and couldn't help but smile, making Sorano momentarily stunned.
"But... I really do like Sabertooth."
As Sorano grew anxious and was about to speak, Yukino smiled and interrupted her.
"When I... was little, my parents were killed by Zeref's followers, and my sister was taken away by them."
Sorano fell silent, listening to her sister recount her story.
"I wandered to a city where Sabertooth was the only guild. Kind people from the guild took me in and sent me to church to learn reading, writing, and Magic. Everyone in the guild brought me delicious food and beautiful clothes..."
"Back then, Sabertooth was poor and unknown, but very warm. Everyone took care of me, so I vowed to join the guild when I grew up."
"Later, the guild changed Guild Masters. Although many things changed... it seemed to become better, so I'm willing to give my all for Sabertooth."
Sorano silently watched Yukino lost in memories, then spoke coldly.
"No, it hasn't become better."
Yukino's memories were cut short as Sorano looked at her with deep concern.
"That gentle Sabertooth is gone. The new Guild Master only worships strength—it's long ceased to be the guild you once admired."
As the sisters walked and talked, they unknowingly arrived at the inn where Sabertooth was stationed.
After a long silence following Sorano's words, Yukino spoke with profound sorrow.
"To make the guild stronger... this might be a necessary path."
"Thank you, big sister. I must go face my fate now..."
Watching the lonely figure turn and walk step by step into the inn, Sorano couldn't help but grit her teeth in frustration.
Only when Yukino's figure disappeared did Sorano stomp her foot angrily.
"What's there to miss about such a guild?!"
"Some damn necessary path to strength! From what I see, they're only growing weaker and heading toward inevitable collapse!"
After venting her anger, Sorano silently began chewing her nails, thinking anxiously about a countermeasure.
She couldn't let her sister stay in such a place any longer.
No matter how much Yukino loved it... she'd have to wait until Sabertooth changed before returning.
There was no point in rushing to accept abuse.
"Hey, Sorano, what's troubling you?"
A familiar voice came from behind.
Turning around, Sorano saw Jellal, Macbeth, and Erik standing calmly behind her.
"You guys? Weren't you attending Fairy Tail's gathering? And doesn't the medical ward need protection too?"
Jellal smiled. "Ultear and Meredy were called over by the boss. Wendy has fully recovered too. With sufficient manpower, we came to check on you."
Erik looked curiously at the inn before them. "So your sister insists on accepting Sabertooth's punishment?"
"Yes." Sorano nodded, then her eyes turned sharp as she addressed Jellal:
"Jellal, please request instructions from the boss for me. I might... need to do some wrong things."
Jellal looked as if he'd expected this, smiling as he replied, "Why do you think we're here?"
"Anyway, with the necklaces, no one would recognize our Magic after seven years..."
Erik, already understanding the situation, began stretching and warming up.
Macbeth looked at Sorano with his usual cool demeanor.
"The boss asked us to relay a message: If anything happens, he'll handle it. Protect family first, no need for hesitation."
Sorano was momentarily stunned, then broke into a bright smile.
"He really understands me."