As they moved toward the meeting point, Naruto's heightened senses picked up signatures—twelve of them no— thirteen, he recounted there was a signature similar to Carla, each emanating impressive levels of power despite their suppressed temperaments leaving only one, the Carla equivalent signature. His Sage Mode allowed him to perceive the subtle nuances of their magic, the way it flowed and intertwined with the natural energy of the world. It was a stark reminder that he was no longer in his own world, where chakra was the dominant force. Here, Ethernano reigned supreme, and its users were formidable in their own right.
"So this is it," Naruto murmured, his voice barely audible. "The big leagues in the world of magic."
The three walked out of the cargo they hitch hiked with and gave the man their gratitude, as well as handing the man a hundred jewel for their travels. Their eyes met the lone building in the middle of the forest.
"Looks like we're the last ones..." Naruto commented. Wendy glanced at him, worry evident in her eyes. He responded with a gentle pat on her head, noting how she had acclimated to his presence. Whether by choice or instinct—perhaps due to her upbringing by a dragon—Wendy seemed to have developed a resistance to his syphoning aura.
At the large door, Naruto felt an eerie similarity between an odd signature inside, a very distinct one compared to the rest of the present wizards at the building. Pushing the thought aside, he opened the door, revealing several figures from the allied guilds.
Lamia Scale's contingent included Jura Neekis, a bald, muscular man exuding a calm yet formidable presence, alongside Lyon Vastia and Sherry Blendy. Fairy Tail's representatives were Erza Scarlet, clad in her iconic armor with scarlet hair flowing; Natsu Dragneel, with his spiky pink hair and signature scarf; Gray Fullbuster, already shedding his shirt; Lucy Heartfilia, wearing her blue and white ensemble; and Happy, a small blue bipedal cat similar to Carla. From Blue Pegasus came Ichiya Vandalay Kotobuki, a stout man with a distinct cologne, accompanied by the Trimens: Hibiki Lates, Eve Tearm, and Ren Akatsuki, each exuding their own charm.
As the three of Cait Shelter scanned the room, numerous comments were directed at them.
"A girl?!" Lyon and Gray exclaimed in unison.
"A kid?!" Sherry and Lucy followed.
"A-a child?" Ichiya stammered, moments before being stepped on by the armored red-haired mage of Fairy Tail, as if emerging from a less-than-child-friendly establishment.
"So that's the famed... Sky Dragon Slayer of Cait Shelter. Then that means... the other one is... the infamous 'Leech, the Orange Leech,'" Erza commented, removing her foot from Ichiya's head as she scrutinized the Sky Dragon Slayer and her partner.
Whispers circulated about Naruto's feats—the most efficient man, according to tales from their clients. It was often said that Cait Shelter operated in stark contrast to Fairy Tail, executing missions with unparalleled efficiency, even under the most challenging circumstances that hypothetically expected massive casualties. In the past six months, Cait Shelter had completed the equivalent of an entire year's worth of missions, all accomplished by a single team of three.
As the murmurs settled, the room's attention focused on the newcomers, anticipation and curiosity evident in the eyes of the assembled mages.
"We sincerely apologize for our tardiness," Naruto said, bowing respectfully. Wendy and Carla mirrored his gesture, though Wendy's voice wavered slightly as she added, "W-we sincerely apologize."
Jura Neekis of Lamia Scale acknowledged their apology with a nod, his composed demeanor reflecting his status as one of the Ten Wizard Saints.
The atmosphere shifted as members of Fairy Tail took note of Carla's presence. Happy, the blue Exceed, gasped in delight, his eyes widening. "Wowee!" he exclaimed, his wings fluttering with excitement. He immediately approached Carla, offering a large fish he seemingly produced from nowhere. "For you, my lady," he declared with a hopeful grin.
Carla regarded the offering with a critical eye, her tail flicking. "Hmph," she huffed, turning her nose up, though a faint blush betrayed her surprise.
Naruto observed the interaction with amusement before addressing the group. "We understand the gravity of the situation with Oración Seis," he began, his tone serious. "Rest assured, Cait Shelter is committed to this alliance, and we will contribute our utmost to ensure the mission's success."
Erza Scarlet stepped forward, her armor clinking softly. "Your reputation precedes you," she said, her gaze steady.
She extended a gauntleted hand toward Naruto, who grasped it firmly in return. "I'm Erza Scarlet, S-Class Mage of Fairy Tail. I've heard stories of your missions—swift, efficient, and flawless. I look forward to seeing firsthand if your abilities truly live up to the image you've created."
Naruto gave a lopsided smile, his golden eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and determination. "Heh, no pressure, huh? We'll do our best not to disappoint."
The rest of the Trimen from Blue Pegasus shifted their attention toward Wendy with their usual antics.
"That girl is going to be gorgeous when she grows up," Ren Akatsuki commented from the sidelines, his gaze lingering on the blue-haired lass of Cait Shelter.
"She's already very cute," added Eve Tearm, his expression softening.
"Come, Miss. Right this way~" Hibiki Lates gestured dramatically, guiding Wendy toward a plush couch positioned at the right side of the hall. The three men surrounded her like hosts entertaining a VIP guest.
"They work fast!" Lucy exclaimed, her eyes wide and tone comically exasperated at the Trimen's efficiency in executing their signature charm. Their charms seemed to work to the lass as she gave up and smiled at their antics.
"You shouldn't smile at men so much," Carla commented toward Wendy, standing at the table placed in front of the couch.
"I-I didn't mean to!" Wendy squeaked, glancing at her feline companion.
The Trimen piled up around her.
"What kind of man is your type?"
"Would you like some cake too?"
"Seriously, you're too cute!"
Wendy comically sweatdropped buckets at their antics.