"Wait a minute..."
Kuro's highly intelligent brain, boasting an IQ exceeding 120, was desperately trying to process the situation.
He had calculated everything meticulously—but never anticipated that Natsu, whom he rescued from the sea, would be a companion of Eden and the others.
"This is way too coincidental, right?!"
"Hehe\~"
Buggy quietly gave Kuro a sympathetic thumbs-up. He'd felt the exact same way upon first encountering Juvia. Who could've guessed these monstrous powerhouses were all teammates?
Speaking of which, it was utterly baffling that a faction capable of nurturing such powerful beings had remained unknown in this world. According to Buggy's understanding, despite Eden's formidable strength, he wasn't even the strongest in Fairy Tail—that title belonged to the legendary monster, Gildarts.
Fairy Tail had at least three other powerhouses at Eden's level. Truly, a terrifying force.
"Since you're all companions, why don't we just sit down and calmly talk things over?" Nami suggested nervously, wiping the cold sweat from her forehead as she stepped between Natsu and Eden, attempting to defuse the tension.
"But Kuro did save my life," Natsu pointed out, no longer hiding his identity. His arms crossed over his chest thoughtfully.
"Yes, exactly!" Kuro exclaimed, seizing the opportunity. "Fire Dragon, remember—I saved your life! I'm a good person! It's your friends who've wronged me!"
"No! My friends would never wrong a good person," Natsu declared confidently. "If they say you're bad, then you must be bad."
Kuro froze, utterly dumbfounded. What kind of logic was this?
"Hmm... You're a bad guy, but you're also my savior," Natsu pondered aloud, then his eyes brightened. "I've got it! After I defeat Eden to repay your kindness, I'll just beat you up myself afterward!"
"What logic is that?" Kuro muttered weakly, feeling his brain short-circuit.
"Natsu," Eden chuckled, cracking his knuckles ominously, "your confidence has really skyrocketed since Tenrou Island. Seems we have to settle this now."
"Aren't they teammates? Why are they suddenly fighting?!" Nami exclaimed in confusion.
"Don't worry, Nami. This is just everyday practice for us Fairy Tail wizards," Juvia reassured her calmly.
"Aye\~" Happy echoed cheerfully. "Just another normal day."
"This is normal for your guild?!" Nami felt her eyelid twitch.
"At last, the 'Fire Dragon' and the 'Sea Emperor' are facing off. This might be my chance..." Kuro thought, eyeing the unfolding conflict with anticipation.
"Don't even think about moving," Zoro warned coldly, pressing his sword against Kuro's neck. "My sword doesn't discriminate."
Kuro sneered but took note of the blade. "That sword isn't ordinary."
Meanwhile, Usopp and the others watched helplessly, completely bewildered by the sudden escalation.
"Haha! Things just got exciting!" Luffy laughed enthusiastically. "I wish Eden and that fire guy could join my crew."
Suddenly, Eden and Natsu unleashed their powerful magic, causing the entire area to shake violently, unsettling the villagers and alarming the sea.
"It feels like a battle between two Wizard Saints," Juvia murmured in awe.
"Fire Dragon Iron Fist!" Natsu charged forward, flames swirling around him.
"Sea King Dragon Crushing Fist!" Eden swiftly responded, smacking Natsu's head sharply, causing him to collapse immediately.
"Instant knockout?!" Everyone stared in disbelief.
"Aye\~ knocked out in one move," Happy nodded casually. "Natsu's never beaten Eden."
"Had enough, Natsu?" Eden asked confidently.
Instead of responding, sparks of electricity crackled around Natsu's fallen form. "Lightning Flame Dragon... Mode."
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~# Every 20 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter