Golden City — Central Square
"Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah!"
"Fairy… Fairy Tail!!!"
"It's Fairy Tail!"
"The new Four Emperors—Sugisawa Yuuto! H-He actually came to the Golden City!"
"What are they doing here? Are they after me?"
"Something terrible's going to happen, isn't it?"
"This isn't good—my uncle's being targeted by Fairy Tail!"
As the massive airship emblazoned with the Fairy Tail insignia descended from the sky, the entire Golden City erupted into chaos.
The smiles that once filled the square were replaced by shock and horror.
Many residents panicked, slamming their doors shut and trembling in fear. Those with guilty consciences couldn't help but think Fairy Tail had come for them—retribution for their crimes.
But in truth, they were overthinking it.
Fairy Tail wouldn't mobilize its full strength just to deal with a few petty thugs.
More than a month had passed since their adventures in the Land of Wano.
Today, Sugisawa Yuuto had brought his comrades to this famous entertainment paradise—a reward for their hard work and an opportunity for the guild to relax and strengthen their bonds.
And above all, it was to celebrate Fairy Tail's first full gathering.
"The legendary Golden City… they say the streets are paved with gold! If I pry loose a couple of bricks and run off with them, nobody would even notice!"
Nami's eyes sparkled like coins, already enchanted by the glimmering cityscape.
"The world's largest entertainment city, huh? Sounds like it'll be exciting."
Erza crossed her arms, a rare hint of anticipation in her tone.
"Guild Master, about the Golden Emperor—Tezoro…"
Robin approached, handing Yuuto a neatly stacked set of authorization documents.
"We're here on vacation, Robin. Let's put work aside for now."
Yuuto chuckled as he accepted the papers, glancing through them briefly.
"Everyone—let's enjoy ourselves!"
"Yeah!!!"
The guild members shouted in unison, their enthusiasm echoing across the square.
Just then, the roar of engines broke the moment.
A convoy of sleek golden sports cars—turtle-shaped cruisers native to the city—rolled up beside Fairy Tail's airship.
The doors swung open, revealing a tall, elegant woman in a crimson dress with high slits. Her every movement exuded poise and allure.
"Honored guests of Fairy Tail," she greeted with a polite bow, "welcome to the Golden City. I am Baccarat, chief receptionist under Lord Tezoro himself."
Baccarat—the woman blessed with the power of the Lucky-Luck Fruit—smiled graciously.
"Master Sugisawa Yuuto, Lord Tezoro has arranged a grand banquet in your honor. He requests that you and the ladies of Fairy Tail join him this evening."
The girls all turned to Yuuto, eyes gleaming with expectation.
"In that case," Yuuto said with a calm smile, "let's go meet our host."
Five minutes later, the Fairy Tail convoy of turtle cars pulled up before the grandest structure in the city—the Golden Tower.
At the same moment, another convoy arrived from the opposite direction.
"Perfect timing!"
Gildarts Tezoro—draped in gold and jewels—grinned widely as he stood at the entrance. Though Fairy Tail had crushed both the Donquixote Family and the Beast Pirates, he wasn't entirely unprepared.
Even facing Sugisawa Yuuto—the man who single-handedly destroyed Pirate Island—Tezoro remained cautious. The Golden Emperor wasn't foolish enough to underestimate a man called a "New Four Emperor."
But just as that thought crossed his mind…
Something utterly unexpected happened.
"Kildas! Who exactly are we meeting? I'm still tipsy!"
Kana complained, stumbling slightly as she stepped out of the car.
"Hahaha, sorry, Kana—but trust me, you'll want to meet these people! Now come on!"
Kildas chuckled, ushering her out.
"Oh, fine!"
Kana sighed, stepping out reluctantly.
Across the courtyard, Yuuto and the Fairy Tail girls had also exited their cars.
As soon as their gazes met, the air grew still.
Even Baccarat, poised to make introductions, froze mid-step.
And then—
"Kana!"
"Kildas!"
"Miss Kana!"
"Master Kildas!"
Mirajane, Erza, Wendy, Juvia, and Carla all gasped in shock.
"Mira! Erza! Wendy! Juvia! Carla—everyone?!"
Kana's wide eyes shimmered with disbelief and joy.
"Hahahaha! See, Kana? Didn't I tell you you'd want to see them?"
Kildas puffed his chest proudly.
But Kana shot him a glare.
"Really, you idiot! You could've warned me! I'm not even dressed up, and I reek of alcohol!"
Kildas's smile froze.
This is so unfair… but she's my daughter—I can't even be mad.
Meanwhile, Erza and the others turned to Yuuto with teasing suspicion.
"Guild Master, you already knew about this, didn't you?"
"Kana and Kildas being here too—it can't be a coincidence!"
"Honestly, you could've told us!"
Yuuto smiled faintly. "I did mention that this trip was for a full guild gathering, didn't I?"
"That's true…"
"Well, who cares! Kana, get over here already!"
The girls ran forward, laughing and pulling Kana into hugs. Within moments, even newcomers like Nami, Vivi, and Perona were chatting with her like old friends.
"Guild Master, it's an honor to finally meet you in person," Kana said softly, stepping closer. "You're even more handsome than in the latest news photos."
"Haha, and you're just as beautiful as they said."
Yuuto's tone was light but genuine.
"Ehehe…"
Kana's cheeks flushed crimson—an expression Kildas hadn't seen in years. He stood there, heart twisting as he watched his daughter smile so brightly at another man.
He'd endured her cold rejection countless times, but Yuuto's few casual words drew out the warmest smile he'd ever seen from her. The thought stung more than he wanted to admit.
And yet, no one's mood soured more than Tezoro's.
Watching the reunion between Fairy Tail and their companions, the Golden Emperor's jaw dropped.
The guild that had just shaken the world was laughing, cheering, and smiling before him—completely at ease in the heart of his city.
For the first time in a long while…
Tezoro, the man who ruled over gold itself, found himself utterly speechless.