Naruto x Fairy Tail: Fairy's Shadow

My trip has ended and I have returned to civilization

Bonus Chapters every 100 Power Stones

"Normal Dialogue"

'Inner thoughts'

[Year X788]

~ With Shisui ~

Shisui walked alongside Alzack and Bisca as the couple's faces practically glowed with accomplishment, and even Shisui found himself enjoying their infectious enthusiasm as they made their way back to the Fairy Tail guild hall. After all, this wasn't just any completed job that they had done.

This was Fairy Tail's first successful A-rank mission in over a year.

"I still can't believe we pulled it off," Alzack said, adjusting the traveling bag on his shoulder. "That beast was at least twice the size they described in the request."

Bisca laughed as she joined her husband's enthusiasm. "Did you see the mayor's face when we came back without a scratch? He was convinced we'd either run away or end up as monster food."

"You two handled it perfectly," Shisui said, offering a small smile. "Your coordination has improved significantly."

In the two months since joining Fairy Tail, Shisui had become a catalyst for change within the struggling guild. He'd completed dozens of missions: thirty-five C-rank and twenty B-rank by his count. Sometimes he completed them solo, but often inviting guild members to join him. The strategy served multiple purposes: it gave his guildmates valuable field experience, strengthened their teamwork, and most importantly, provided them with much-needed income.

The approach was working. Mission completion rates had steadily climbed, and the guild's reputation was very slowly starting to recover from years of decline. Clients were beginning to trust Fairy Tail with more jobs again, culminating in today's A-rank monster subjugation mission.

"I swear Shisui, if you don't stop being so modest, I'll have Bisca shoot your hat off," Alzack joked. "We all know those twin manticores would've torn us apart if you hadn't been there."

Bisca bumped her shoulder against her husband's.

"Give yourself some credit, Alzack. Our aim was perfect." She turned to Shisui. "Though I have to admit, your support made all the difference. You kept them isolated exactly where we needed them."

Shisui shook his head. "I barely did anything. The plan was yours, and so was the execution."

It was true that Shisui had deliberately taken a backseat role during the mission. When the request first arrived at the guild, he'd immediately recognized it as an opportunity for the Connells to rebuild their confidence. The couple had powerful magic abilities but had grown hesitant after years of setbacks and smaller jobs.

"You know, when you first invited us on this mission, I thought you were crazy," Bisca admitted as they passed under the archway leading to the main market street. "An A-rank job? After everything we've been through?"

Alzack nodded in agreement. "We tried to convince you to take it solo, remember? Told you that you deserved it after all the work you'd put in."

Shisui remembered that conversation clearly.

~ Flashback ~

Shisui, Alzack and Bisca had been sitting at the guild hall when a request came in. Macao had almost fallen off his chair when he saw the A-rank designation on the mission scroll. The first such request Fairy Tail had received in years. When Macao presented the mission to Shisui, he had immediately invited Alzack and Bisca, who had refused just as fast as how Shisui had invited them.

"I'm Shisui the Teleporter," he told them with uncharacteristic directness. "I've been completing S-rank missions for Warrod for a year. This A-rank job isn't something I need."

His tone then softened. "But it's exactly what you two need. You have the skills. What you're missing is the chance to prove it to yourselves."

Bisca looked skeptical. "But what if we mess up? This could be Fairy Tail's one chance to show we can still handle serious jobs."

"Then I'll be there to make sure you don't," Shisui replied simply. "But you won't mess up."

~ End of Flashback ~

His confidence had finally convinced them, though they'd spent the entire journey to the neighboring town double-checking their equipment and reviewing strategies.

The mission itself had gone remarkably well. When they arrived at the town of Freesia, the mayor had briefed them on the twin manticores terrorizing local farmers. Shisui had deliberately stepped back, allowing Alzack and Bisca to develop the battle plan.

"We'll lure them to the eastern ravine," Bisca had suggested. "The narrow space will limit their movement and give us clear sight lines."

Alzack had added, "I can set up a perimeter of magic shots to keep them from escaping while you take position on the ridge."

During the actual confrontation, Shisui's role had been largely supportive. Using his Body Flicker technique to herd the creatures whenever they tried to escape, creating openings for the Connells' marksmanship level shots, and occasionally deflecting attacks meant for his teammates.

But the bulk of the combat was handled by Alzack and Bisca, their magical bullets finding vital points easily.

Now, as they approached the guild hall, Shisui could see their confidence had been restored. They walked taller and spoke more assuredly. They were once again the skilled mages they'd been before years of setbacks had worn them down.

"Do you think everyone will be surprised?" Alzack asked, his pace quickening as the guild hall came into view.

Bisca grinned. "Shocked is more like it. No one expected us to get an A-rank job, let alone complete one without a hitch."

"They'll be proud," Shisui said. "This is a milestone for all of us."

As they reached the steps leading to the guild entrance, Shisui paused. "Before we go in, I want you both to know that this victory belongs to you. You earned it."

The Connells exchanged a look, a silent conversation passing between them before Bisca spoke. "We know what you've been doing, Shisui. Not just with us, but with everyone. You're rebuilding this guild one mission at a time."

"You could have just dominated every job yourself," Alzack added. "Instead, you've been lifting all of us up. That's... that's what Fairy Tail is supposed to be about."

Shisui felt an unexpected warmth at their words. In his former life, acknowledgment had rarely come with genuine appreciation. It was almost always tied to expectation of further service. This felt different. Purer, somehow.

"Let's not keep everyone waiting," he said, moving toward the door. "I'm sure they're eager to hear how Fairy Tail's best gunslingers handled those monsters."

The guild hall doors swung open, and before anyone could greet them, a small blur of motion shot across the room. Asuka Connell launched herself straight toward her mother like a guided missile, her pigtails flying behind her.

"Mama! Papa! You're back!" she cried as Bisca caught her mid-leap. "Did you beat the big monsters? Did you use your cool guns? Did Shishi-nisan help?"

Bisca laughed, spinning her daughter around once before setting her on her hip. "We sure did, sweetie. And yes, we used our cool guns, but we didn't need much help from Shishi-nisan."

The rest of the guild members had paused whatever they were doing, their eyes fixed on the returning trio. Shisui noticed their careful scrutiny. The way they searched for injuries, the tentative hope in their expressions. When they registered the relaxed postures and satisfied smiles, a wave of understanding passed through the room.

"You did it!" Max exclaimed, breaking the silence. "The A-rank job! You actually pulled it off!"

The guild erupted into cheers before they'd even received confirmation. Mugs banged on tables, whistles pierced the air, and several members rushed forward to clap Alzack and Bisca on the shoulders.

Macao pushed through the growing crowd, his face split with a grin that made him look years younger.

"Let me guess. Success?" he asked, though the answer was obvious.

"Complete success," Alzack confirmed, his chest puffing out slightly. "Those twin manticores won't be bothering Freesia Town anymore."

"And the reward?" someone called from the back.

Bisca patted the pouch at her side. "Full payment, plus a bonus for quick resolution."

Another round of cheers filled the hall, louder than before. Shisui stood slightly behind the Connells, content to let them enjoy the spotlight. This was exactly what the guild needed. Proof that they could still handle serious challenges despite their reduced numbers.

"Hold up, hold up!" Wakaba's voice cut through the noise as he approached, his ever-present cigarette dangling from his lips. "Before we break out the good stuff, I've got one important question."

His expression turned serious. "What were the damages?"

The room fell abruptly quiet.

Fairy Tail had a notorious reputation for destruction that preceded even their current troubles. That reputation had only worsened when they could no longer afford to cover repair costs, leading to complaints from towns and the Magic Council alike.

For a moment, Bisca's face remained neutral. Then her lips split into a grin wider than before.

"Zero," she declared triumphantly. "Not a single building damaged. Not even a fence post."

The silence deepened as the guild processed this information.

"Wait, what?" Jet blinked in confusion. "But it was a monster subjugation. Two monsters, even."

Alzack nodded. "Thanks to Shisui, the creatures never got near the town. Whenever they tried to run, he'd appear and drive them back toward us. We kept the fight contained to the eastern ravine. Nothing there but rocks and dirt."

"Are you saying," Wakaba's cigarette nearly fell from his mouth, "that this is the first A-rank monster subjugation in Fairy Tail history with zero collateral damage?"

"That's exactly what we're saying," Bisca confirmed.

.

.

.

The guild exploded. If the earlier celebration had been enthusiastic, this was absolute pandemonium. Macao shouted for Kinana to break out the special-occasion drinks they'd been saving. Guild members danced and embraced one another. Some were actually wiping away tears. The significance of completing not just an A-rank mission, but one without incurring debt, was overwhelming.

In the midst of this growing revelry, the guild doors burst open once more. This time, Romeo Conbolt strode in with his head held high and a confident swagger in his step. His clothes were dusty from the road, a small pack slung over his shoulder, and a satisfied grin on his young face. He paused dramatically in the doorway, clearly savoring the moment.

"Wow," he said, looking around at the celebration. "I didn't expect such a welcome!"

He placed a hand on his hip and struck a pose. "But I guess my first solo monster hunt was pretty impressive, huh?"

The guild's celebration faltered as attention shifted to Romeo, whose entrance had gone unnoticed by many in the excitement. Confusion crossed several faces as they tried to connect Romeo's words with the ongoing festivities.

Romeo didn't seem to notice the momentary awkwardness. He walked further into the hall, nodding appreciatively at what he assumed was applause for his accomplishment.

"Thanks, everyone, really," he continued, his voice carrying a note of exaggerated humility. "I mean, it was just a C-rank Vulcan problem. Handled it solo, by the way, so you don't have to make such a big deal about it." He emphasized the word "solo" with obvious pride.

"But I appreciate the support! This is just the first step as I climb the ranks."

The guild had fallen completely silent now, staring at Romeo with expressions ranging from amusement to sympathy. Romeo continued his speech for several more seconds before finally noticing the strange atmosphere.

His confident smile faltered.

"Uh... what's going on?" he asked, looking around uncertainly. "Why is everyone looking at me like that?"

Wakaba was the first to recover, clearing his throat. "Hate to break it to you, kid, but the celebration isn't for you."

Romeo blinked. "It's... not?"

"Nope," Wakaba continued, gesturing toward the Connells and Shisui. "These three just came back from Fairy Tail's first successful A-rank mission in over a year. And they did it without destroying anything."

Romeo's travel pack hit the floor with a thud. His jaw dropped open comically wide as he stared at the trio, then back at Wakaba, then at the celebration drinks being poured.

~ End of Chapter 40 ~

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