Carla hesitated before nodding. "It's possible. A part of me wants to believe that the Jellal Wendy remembers is real—that he wasn't the same man we met. But even so…" She sighed, her tail flicking with frustration. "We can't be sure." Naruto hummed in thought, his mind piecing things together. Before he could respond, an old but firm voice called out. "Naruto." He turned, spotting Roubaul approaching with slow, deliberate steps. "Old man! Still up?" Naruto waved casually, masking the unease he felt from the guild master's expression. Roubaul stopped in front of them, his gaze solemn. "I need to speak with you both. It's about the guild." Naruto's eyes narrowed. So, this is it. He had known for a while now—Roubaul had told him the truth during his first week in Cait Shelter. But hearing it now, at this moment, felt heavier. "I've already discussed this with the wizards of fairy tail, as they seemed to have been attached to Wendy." "We're… moving to Fairy Tail?" Naruto's voice was steady, but there was a weight behind it. He glanced at Wendy's sleeping quarters, already dreading how she would take it. Carla stiffened. "What's the meaning of this, Master?" she demanded, ears flattening. Roubaul exhaled deeply. "It's time you both knew everything." And so, he told them. It was time for goodbyes. As the first light of dawn crept into the room, Naruto gently shook Wendy awake. Her eyes fluttered open, meeting his with a sleepy smile. "Naruto? What's going on?" she asked, rubbing her eyes. Carla perched beside her, her usual stern expression softened by concern. "Wendy, there's something important we need to discuss." Sensing the gravity in their tones, Wendy sat up, her heart beginning to race. "What is it?" Naruto took a deep breath, glancing at Carla before speaking. "It's about Cait Shelter... and Master Roubaul." Confusion clouded Wendy's features. "What do you mean?" Before they could continue, Roubaul entered the room, his presence commanding yet gentle. "Wendy, my dear, there's something I must tell you." Wendy's eyes widened, a sense of dread settling in her stomach. "Master? What's happening?" Roubaul motioned for her to sit, his expression somber. "Please, listen carefully." As he began to speak, Roubaul revealed the truth about Cait Shelter. He explained that the guild, the members, and even he— himself were illusions, created to provide Wendy with a sense of belonging after she was left in his care. The weight of his words hung heavily in the air. Tears welled up in Wendy's eyes, her voice trembling. "So... none of it was real?" Roubaul's eyes softened with sorrow. "The feelings were real, Wendy. The love and care we have for you are genuine. But it's time for you to join a guild where you can have real companions, a real family." Wendy's tears flowed freely as she attempted to cling to Roubaul, but her hands passed through his spectral form. The reality of the situation began to sink in, and she collapsed to her knees, weeping. "Wendy," Erza and Natsu called out in unison, stepping forward to offer their support. "Erza, Natsu..." Wendy sniffled, looking up at them through her tears. Gray, Lucy, and Happy waved at her, their faces filled with concern and encouragement. "Gray, Lucy, Happy..." Wendy's voice trembled. Even the members of Blue Pegasus, including Ichiya and the Trimens, offered their own unique brand of support, hoping to uplift her spirits. Roubaul smiled gently at Wendy. "You're not alone anymore, Wendy." "Master..." Wendy's tears welled up even more, and she cried openly, feeling the profound loss but also the warmth of the newfound family around her. Before Roubaul dissipated completely, the old man and Naruto had a silent conversation between old men. "She's in your hands now Naruto." Carla eyed the two's silent connection, then at long last Roubaul who finally got to leave it all behind. Feeling some sort of a silent promise from the two Carla patted Naruto's right leg, and he leaned in to ruffle her head. X784 - Fairy Tail The lively atmosphere of the Fairy Tail guild hall was as raucous as ever, the chatter and laughter of its members filling every corner of the grand building. At the center of it all, atop the bar, Makarov stood proudly, puffing his chest as he gestured to the three newcomers standing before him. "Listen up, you brats! Today, we welcome three new members into our family!" Makarov bellowed, his voice instantly silencing the guild as all eyes turned to the front. Standing beside him, Wendy shifted nervously, her small hands fidgeting with the hem of her dress. Carla, ever composed, stood tall with a watchful gaze, making it clear she wouldn't tolerate any nonsense. And then there was Naruto. Despite the attention, the blonde stood relaxed, his arms crossed, an easy smirk playing on his lips. He had been through this before—the wary glances, the whispered conversations. His reputation had preceded him, and from the murmurs, it was clear that at least a few members of Fairy Tail had heard of the Orange Leech. "Oi, oi, no way. That's him? The one from Cait Shelter?" A guild member muttered. "You mean the guy who finished all those impossible missions? The one who—" "Ahem!" Makarov coughed loudly, cutting through the noise. "Yes, him! Now, where was I? Ah, right! These three have already fought alongside some of you against Oración Seis, so they ain't strangers. Treat 'em right!" Before anyone could react, the silence was shattered by Natsu's unmistakable roar. "Naruto!" The pink-haired Dragon Slayer launched himself forward, fiery determination in his eyes. "We never got to finish our fight!" Naruto blinked, then sighed with a tired grin. "Man, I was hoping you'd forget about that." Lucy groaned, palming her forehead. "Natsu, can we not start a fight in the middle of introductions?!" "Forget that!" Gray interjected, smirking as he crossed his arms. "I want a piece of him too. I saw how he handled himself back then. That kind of skill ain't something you see every day."
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