The Fiore Kingdom Branch of the Magic Council was a towering, intimidating structure of pristine white stone that loomed over its surroundings, a testament to law and order in the world of wizards. Kira found himself marching into its grand halls alongside the ever-silent Toad Messenger.
It was well past noon, and under normal circumstances, Kira would have been enjoying a nap, basking in the warm glow of the summer sun with a gentle breeze wafting through his shop. Instead, he was here, accused of crimes he didn't think were particularly serious.
"All this because of Lalabai," Kira muttered to himself, his hands tucked casually behind his head as he strolled. "That's Zeref's fault. Why not blame Natsu? He's Zeref's brother, after all."
Every few minutes, Kira fired off questions at the Toad Messenger: "How much farther is it? What's going to happen next? Do I get lunch?"
"Will you stop?!" the Toad snapped, his patience wearing thin.
Unlike the other so-called criminals the Council dealt with, Kira didn't seem the least bit afraid. While others quaked at the thought of a Council interrogation, Kira acted as if he was on a casual sightseeing trip.
"Don't you have any awareness of being a criminal?" the Toad Messenger finally asked, exasperated.
"What criminal? I've done nothing wrong," Kira replied with mock indignation. "Justice will clear my name, and fairness will see me freed!"
The Toad Messenger grumbled, "You kept a dark magic artifact from the Book of Zeref! What else would that be if not a crime? What do you think you are, some kind of hero of Fairy Tail?"
Kira snorted, "What would you know, you slimy little toad? I'm preserving it for research and innovation, for the advancement of magic, the betterment of society, the progress of civilization—"
He trailed off mid-rant as his gaze fell on two figures standing a short distance ahead in the grand hallway.
One was a middle-aged woman, her hair tied into a severe bun, exuding an air of dignity and authority. This was Councillor Belluno, the fifth seat of the Magic Council. Her reputation for being both firm and compassionate had earned her deep respect among her peers.
The other figure, however, caught Kira's attention like a lightning strike. A tall, muscular young man with wild, jet-black hair and a face adorned with iron piercings stood before her. His tattered cloak hung off his shoulders, radiating arrogance and menace. It was none other than Gajeel Redfox, the Iron Dragon Slayer and ace of Phantom Lord.
Gajeel's expression was one of barely restrained irritation, his posture screaming defiance.
"I told you already, old woman," Gajeel snapped, glaring at Belluno. "Stop sticking your nose into my business!"
Belluno didn't flinch. "I've told you before, Gajeel. The Phantom's activities will only lead to ruin. If you continue on this path—"
"Enough!" Gajeel cut her off. "Mind your own business! What I do has nothing to do with you!"
"Whether you like it or not, I care," Belluno replied, her voice calm but firm. "I see too much of a lost child in you, Gajeel. You push everyone away because you're afraid of being alone."
"You don't know anything about me!" Gajeel spat, turning away. "I've got all the meaning I need in my life—Phantom Lord! And soon enough, we're going to crush Fairy Tail!"
Hearing those words, Kira's casual demeanor vanished in an instant. He stepped forward with a deliberate swagger, his tone dripping with mockery. "Crush Fairy Tail? Oh, this I have to hear."
Gajeel turned to face the source of the voice, his red eyes narrowing. "And who the hell are you supposed to be?"
"Kira Hopelet," Belluno interjected before Kira could respond, her tone heavy with recognition. "Of Fairy Tail. A promising young wizard."
Kira smirked. "You've got guts, Iron Dragon. But you're going to need a lot more than guts if you think you can handle Fairy Tail."
"Ha!" Gajeel sneered. "What's Fairy Tail? A guild full of weaklings pretending to be strong."
"Pretending?" Kira's chuckle was low and condescending. "You must not get out much, do you?"
Gajeel bristled, his fists clenching. "You want to go right now, punk? I'll show you how strong I am!"
Kira held up a hand, feigning boredom. "Please, save it for Natsu. He's the Dragon Slayer in our guild, and honestly, you'd make a good warm-up for him."
"Natsu? That pink-haired moron?" Gajeel laughed derisively. "Don't make me laugh. He wouldn't last a minute against me!"
Kira's smirk widened. "I'll be sure to tell him you said that. Don't be surprised when he hands your scaly backside to you."
"Say that again, I dare you!" Gajeel roared, lunging forward with an iron-clad fist.
Before his attack could connect, Kira caught Gajeel's wrist effortlessly, his grip firm. "You're so predictable, Iron Dragon," Kira said, his voice calm. "Maybe spend less time posturing and more time learning to use that brain of yours."
"Why you—!"
"Enough!" Belluno's voice rang out, sharp and commanding. "This isn't the place for a fight!"
Kira released Gajeel's arm and stepped back, his expression unbothered. "I'll leave you to your war plans, Iron Dragon. Just make sure you know how to write your surrender letter. If not, I'm happy to tutor you."
Gajeel's face turned a shade of furious red. "You're dead next time, Fairy Boy!"
"Looking forward to it," Kira replied, turning away with a lazy wave.
Belluno sighed as Gajeel stormed off. "Kira, you know you didn't have to provoke him like that."
"Provocation is an art, Councillor Belluno," Kira said with a wink. "Besides, he needs someone to keep his ego in check."
Belluno shook her head, watching Gajeel disappear down the corridor. "That boy reminds me too much of someone I once knew... someone who lost his way."
"Maybe," Kira said, his tone uncharacteristically thoughtful. "But he'll find it eventually. They always do, don't they?"
Without waiting for a response, Kira resumed his march toward the Council chambers, his smirk firmly back in place.
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