Laxus led the small group inside.
Only then did Caesar notice them.
Newcomers?
Caesar set the fish down.
He looked at the group calmly.
Yes.
You are the Guild Master.
You handle this.
Laxus pointed behind him.
Then he walked away.
Caesar glanced at them.
They were all very young.
The oldest looked sixteen or seventeen.
The youngest was only about ten.
Caesar did not mind.
After Fairy Tail won the Grand Magic Games, many people came.
Lone mages.
Dreamers.
Those who wanted a better future.
They all gathered here.
Compared to seasoned veterans, Caesar preferred youngsters.
The guild's ideals must be passed down.
Veterans often chased reputation.
They did not truly accept Fairy Tail.
People like that were not welcome.
These children were different.
They were seedlings.
They could grow slowly.
So Caesar was patient.
He pulled a chair over.
He sat down.
There were sixteen of them.
So.
Tell me.
Why do you want to join Fairy Tail?
Because Fairy Tail is strong.
Because it is cool.
So I will not be bullied.
The voices overlapped.
Most of them admired strength.
Then let me ask again.
What defines a Fairy Tail mage?
Only the strong can join.
You must be powerful.
This is the strongest guild in Fiore.
Only the strongest belong here.
Caesar sighed inwardly.
These children had misunderstood.
Fairy Tail was not about that.
He clapped his hands.
The noise stopped.
Listen carefully.
Train your skills.
Accept jobs.
Earn tomorrow's food.
That is our daily life.
There are sunny days.
There are stormy days.
Some missions are easy.
Some require blood and tears.
But tomorrow always comes.
And we always move forward.
That is Fairy Tail.
Caesar stood up.
We do not need people who look down on comrades.
We do not need people who despise other guilds.
A guild is not just for work.
It is a family.
People form guilds because they are afraid to stand alone.
That is why we have comrades.
To survive.
To fight side by side.
To support each other.
You still have a long road ahead.
The group fell silent.
Alright.
I will give you a chance.
Caesar spoke calmly.
Attack me.
If you touch me, you may join Fairy Tail.
Only the first three attackers count.
Whispers spread instantly.
One boy lost patience.
He raised his hand.
A fireball shot forward.
Caesar did not move.
A gust of wind erased it.
Only three can qualify.
Chaos followed.
Everyone rushed forward.
Caesar's eyes dimmed slightly.
Then he noticed her.
A small girl.
Short white hair.
While others rushed in, she stepped back.
She distanced herself.
When she saw Caesar looking, she smiled.
She shook her head.
She understood his words.
That was enough.
Caesar waved his hand.
All magic vanished.
You are not qualified.
You may leave.
Fairy Tail is not for you.
Their faces fell.
Like wilted plants.
As they left, Caesar spoke again.
You.
Come here.
You passed.
Me?
The girl froze.
She had not fought.
She had chosen restraint.
That choice saved her.
Those who left looked back.
Envy.
Jealousy.
Resentment.
One boy sneered loudly.
Thirty years east.
Thirty years west.
Do not underestimate me.
Caesar almost slapped him.
Almost.
He restrained himself.
What is your name?
Caesar asked gently.
Yukino.
Yukino Agulia.
She spoke softly.
I am a Celestial Spirit Mage.
I have keys.
She raised her keyring.
Two golden keys shone brightly.
Caesar froze briefly.
Yukino.
Sorano's younger sister.
She should have joined Sabertooth.
Yet fate brought her here.
What is wrong?
Yukino asked nervously.
She feared rejection.
Nothing.
Caesar smiled.
Your name reminds me of a friend.
Her name is Sorano.
You will meet her one day.
You are very alike.
Sorano.
Sister.
Yukino screamed.
Her eyes filled with light.
She had searched for years.
Finally.
News.
Tears fell freely.
She cried openly.
People rushed in.
Those outside misunderstood.
They stared at Caesar.
Their looks were strange.
Caesar rolled his eyes.
Did I make her cry?
It seems so.
He scratched his head.
Never mind.
I will borrow Sorano for a while.
Let the sisters reunite.
That will settle everything.