Naruto x Fairy Tail: Fairy's Shadow

Bonus Chapters every 100 Power Stones

"Normal Dialogue"

'Inner thoughts'

[Year X788]

~ With Shisui ~

"A-rank?" Romeo squeaked, his voice cracking slightly. "An actual A-rank mission? And I wasn't here?"

His face contorted through several emotions in rapid succession. Shock, disappointment, disbelief, and finally, a theatrical despair that had him clutching his head between his hands.

"I can't believe it!" he groaned dramatically. "The one time I leave for a few days, and we get an A-rank mission! This is so unfair!"

The guild's tension broke as laughter spread through the room. Romeo's genuine disappointment was tempered by his comedic overreaction, allowing everyone to relax and resume their celebration.

Macao walked over to his son and placed a consoling hand on his shoulder.

"If it helps, we're all really proud of your successful mission too," he said earnestly. "Completing a C-rank solo at your age is impressive. I know if Natsu and the others were here, they'd be bragging about you to everyone."

At the mention of Natsu, Romeo's expression softened. He straightened up, gathering his dignity. "Thanks, Dad."

Then, as if a switch had been flipped, Romeo's eyes lit up with excited curiosity. He turned toward Shisui and the Connells, his previous disappointment seemingly forgotten.

"So what was it like? What kind of monster was it? How big? Did you use your new combo attack, Bisca? Was it scary?" The questions tumbled out rapidly as he bounded over to them, his enthusiasm completely restored as the guild gathered around to hear the detailed account of the mission.

~ With Shisui, a few weeks later ~

"Keep your core tight," Shisui instructed, circling Romeo as the boy held a basic fighting stance.

Sweat beaded on Romeo's forehead despite the cool morning air. They'd been at it for nearly two hours already. "Power comes from rotation, not just your arms. Turn your hips when you punch."

Romeo nodded and adjusted his stance, throwing a punch with noticeably better form. The movement was smoother, more efficient, and Shisui nodded in approval.

"Better. Now do it fifty more times."

"Fifty?" Romeo groaned but immediately started the repetitions without further complaint.

During the first two months, their training sessions had become a regular fixture at the guild. What began as basic instruction had evolved into a structured regimen that pushed Romeo's limits while respecting his young age. Shisui approached teaching with the same approach he brought to combat. Breaking down complex movements into digestible components, building foundations before advancing to more challenging techniques.

Since the success of the A-rank mission three weeks ago, Romeo had become even more dedicated. The day after Alzack and Bisca's triumphant return, he'd approached Shisui with fire in his eyes.

"I want to train harder," he'd declared. "If I'm going to take on A-rank missions someday, I need to be stronger. Can we increase the intensity?"

Shisui had agreed, but with clear boundaries. No matter how eager Romeo was, he was still a child. Growth required patience as much as effort.

Romeo finished his fiftieth punch with a determined grunt. "What's next?"

Before Shisui could answer, the back door of the guild hall swung open. Max stood in the doorway, his usually relaxed expression replaced with barely contained excitement.

"Shisui! Romeo! Master wants everyone inside right away. Says he has an important announcement."

Romeo's eyes widened.

"Did it finally happen? Are we going to reclaim our spot as Fiore's number one guild?" He turned to Shisui, practically vibrating with anticipation. "This is it! I can feel it!"

Without waiting for a response, he sprinted toward the guild hall, leaving Shisui and Max behind.

"What's this about?" Shisui asked, raising an eyebrow at Max's amused expression.

Max shook his head. "Better if you hear it from the Master himself. Trust me, you'll want to be there for this."

Shisui followed Max inside, his curiosity piqued by the obvious excitement. As they entered the main hall, he was surprised to find every guild member present. Even those who typically took morning missions or slept late had assembled. They sat clustered around tables, an air of anticipation hanging over the room. Several heads turned when Shisui entered, expressions brightening.

Macao stood at the front of the hall, arms crossed, deliberately building suspense. When he spotted Shisui, his face broke into a broad grin.

"Ah! The man of the hour has arrived!" he announced with theatrical flair, gesturing grandly toward Shisui.

Shisui paused mid-step, immediately wary. In his experience, being called "the man of the hour" rarely preceded anything good. He moved cautiously to an empty spot near the bar, acutely aware of the expectant gazes following him.

Macao cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention back to himself.

"Friends, family, fellow Fairy Tail members," he began. "For four long years, we've endured loss after loss. We lost our strongest mages at Tenrou Island. We lost our position as Fiore's premier guild. We lost members who couldn't weather the storm with us."

The room grew solemn as Macao continued. "We went from being the strongest guild in the kingdom to being its laughingstock. Every mission failure, every debt, every time Twilight Ogre came to gloat. They were all reminders of how far we'd fallen."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the assembled mages. "But no more."

Macao's voice rose as he pounded a fist against the wooden railing. "This year, fate has smiled upon us! Lady Luck herself has delivered to our doorstep the catalyst for Fairy Tail's resurrection!"

He pointed dramatically at Shisui. "Since Shisui joined our ranks, what have we seen? More missions coming our way. Higher-paying jobs. Completed requests with satisfied clients."

His voice dropped to a stage whisper. "Even an A-rank mission without property damage."

This earned appreciative chuckles from the guild. Macao continued, his enthusiasm building.

"We haven't attracted new members yet, but it's only a matter of time. Our reputation is slowly recovering. People are beginning to remember that Fairy Tail mages get the job done!"

The guild members nodded in agreement, many sitting straighter in their seats, pride evident in their postures. Macao's words were resonating deeply, acknowledging their struggles while kindling hope.

Through all this, Shisui maintained his neutral expression, though inwardly he grew increasingly puzzled. This speech felt like it was building toward something specific, but he couldn't guess what.

"Master," he finally interrupted, raising a hand. "What exactly is this about?"

Macao's grin widened. "I'm glad you asked, Shisui."

He paused dramatically, milking the moment. "Every year, the kingdom holds a competition to determine the strongest guild in Fiore. A tournament where guilds showcase their power, their skill, their magical prowess."

Romeo practically bounced in his seat. "The Grand Magic Games," he whispered reverently.

"The Grand Magic Games!" Macao echoed, throwing his arms wide. "And this year, Fairy Tail will once again participate!"

The guild erupted in cheers, feet stomping, hands clapping. Macao waited for the noise to subside before delivering his coup de grâce.

"And we won't just participate," he declared. "With Shisui leading our team, we will WIN!"

The cheering redoubled, guild members jumping to their feet in excitement. Wakaba slapped the table. Jet and Droy hugged each other, tears streaming down their faces. Even the normally reserved Alzack and Bisca were caught up in the excitement, Asuka giggling on her father's shoulders.

Only Shisui remained seated, his expression unchanged. As the celebration continued around him, he cleared his throat.

"I refuse."

Two simple words, spoken just loudly enough to carry over the noise. At first, only those closest to him heard, their celebrations faltering in confusion. Then the effect rippled outward, silence spreading through the guild hall like a wave until every eye was fixed on Shisui in disbelief.

"What?" Macao asked, his triumphant smile frozen on his face.

Shisui looked at the guild master directly. "I said I refuse."

The silence that followed was absolute, the previously jubilant atmosphere replaced by utter shock. Even Asuka, too young to fully understand what was happening, seemed to sense the sudden tension, her small hand clutching her father's hat tightly.

The silence in the guildhall stretched for nearly a full minute. Then, as if a dam had burst, chaos erupted.

Questions and protests poured from every direction, voices overlapping in a confused jumble that filled the hall. Jet and Droy were the most animated, their arms flailing as they wailed about missed opportunities and lost glory, while others stood in stunned disbelief.

"What do you mean you refuse?" Jet's voice rose above the others.

"This is our chance!" Droy added desperately.

"But why?" Came from several directions at once.

"Is it because we're too weak?" Someone asked, the question tinged with hurt.

As the confusion mounted, Shisui simply raised a single finger. The small gesture somehow commanded more attention than Macao's earlier shouting, and the guild gradually fell silent, eyes fixed on him.

Shisui sighed as his gaze fell on Asuka, who was giving him an exaggerated sad face with wide, pleading eyes. He caught the slight smirk on Bisca's face and realized the mother had put her daughter up to this manipulation attempt. The sight almost made him smile despite the tension in the room.

"I'll explain my reasoning," Shisui said calmly. "If I participate in the Games, whatever achievement Fairy Tail earns won't truly belong to the guild. It will be mine alone."

Several members opened their mouths to protest, but Shisui continued before they could interrupt.

"Think about it. I've been here for only two months. I wasn't part of Fairy Tail during your struggles. I didn't endure what you all endured."

He looked around the room, meeting their eyes one by one. "If I lead a team to victory, or even to a high ranking, would that really be Fairy Tail's achievement? Or would it simply be the result of adding one strong mage to a struggling guild?"

The bluntness of his question seemed to catch many off guard. They exchanged uncertain glances, their earlier enthusiasm dampened by doubt.

"What does it matter as long as we win?" Max challenged. "A victory is a victory."

Other voices joined in with similar sentiments, the mood shifting toward defiance rather than understanding. Shisui allowed them to voice their thoughts briefly before raising his hand again for silence.

"Alzack, Bisca," he said, turning to the couple. "When was the last time you participated in the Grand Magic Games?"

Alzack looked uncomfortable. "Last year. X787."

"Who else represented Fairy Tail?"

Bisca answered this time. "Max, Jet, and Droy went with us. It was the same team we sent in X786."

Shisui nodded. "And what position did Fairy Tail achieve in these Games?"

The question seemed to drop the temperature in the room by several degrees. Alzack shifted awkwardly, looking anywhere but at Shisui. Bisca's usual confidence faltered, her shoulders slumping slightly.

"Of all the major guilds that participated," Alzack finally admitted, his voice quiet, "we came in dead last."

A collective wince passed through the guild members. Some looked down at their hands, others stared into their drinks, as if physically trying to avoid the harsh truth.

"Not just last," Bisca added reluctantly, "but we were the only major guild that didn't make it past the qualifying round."

The revelation sent the guild into a deeper state of dejection. Shoulders slumped around the room, expressions falling into familiar patterns of disappointment and resignation. Jet and Droy looked particularly miserable, with Droy stress-eating a bread roll he'd pulled from somewhere.

The oppressive gloom lasted until Romeo suddenly stood up, his young face determined. "But with Shisui, we could break into the top twenty! Maybe even higher! We'd be a real contender again!"

Slowly, other guild members began to nod, latching onto this new hope. Smiles tentatively returned to some faces as they considered the possibility.

"That's exactly my point," Shisui said, his voice firm but not unkind. "Any success would be because of me, not because of Fairy Tail. And that's not what this guild needs."

~ End of Chapter 41 ~

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