Natsu's 'Fire Dragon' title has gradually started to spread.
However, it's not around the Fairy Tail Guild, but from the vicinity of his last mission location.
People in Magnolia heard about this title quite late.
The news arrived around late September, and by then it had already been completely distorted.
Probably only when Natsu makes a big commotion again will new rumors spread and gradually be corrected.
Yet even so, it still made Fairy Tail's reputation a bit bigger.
Og City, Master of Ghosts.
"What Fire Dragon, just wait and see, this sky doesn't need two dragons!"
The Iron Dragon Slayer Mage Gajeel, who had once been impersonated by Rhode and Mira, said this.
...
Near some lesser-known small guild.
"Mr. Natsu is so strong. Someday, I want to be like him and make the 'White Dragon' name spread across the entire continent!"
A light blonde-haired 11-year-old boy had such an aspiration.
A deep red cat followed by his side: "If it's Stinger, he can surely do it; Stinger is the strongest."
...
On the other side of the mountains, southern Fiore Kingdom.
A small blue-haired girl spoke with some longing:
"Carla, there are dragon legends near that guild again. Do you think they might know where Grandeeney is?"
The white cat poured cold water: "Don't think so carelessly; when things spread so far, they've long lost their original meaning."
"Ugh..."
The white cat was a bit flustered, trying hard to keep a stern face: "Don't cry at random, try to be a bit stronger."
...
"Partial Receive·Beast Arm·Lizardman!"
Scales grew on Elfman's arm, and his palm turned into beast claws.
"Partial Receive·Shadow Wolf's Claw!"
Rhode's arm flashed with spots of light, transforming into wolf claws.
The two stepped forward, swinging their arms with a whistling sound, accompanied by Elfman's shout:
"Man!!"
Thud! Elfman's fist hit the pad of Rhode's palm, making a dull thud.
Rhode's received wolf claw surprisingly has pads!
And they provided quite good cushioning.
Even so, Elfman's beast arm's immense power made things difficult for him.
Shadow Wolf is actually not the type adept at frontal combat.
The two exchanged several rounds of blows, and Rhode was showing signs of being suppressed.
If his wolf claw extended its tips and tore forcefully, he could actually rip through Elfman's scales.
But... it's one thing to look bruised among companions, but looking bloodied isn't pretty.
Rhode took a few steps back, Shadow Wolf's arm disappeared: "Seems like it's hard to win against you with just partial receive."
"Full body receive is fine too, if you're a man, come at me with full strength!"
Brother, if it's full strength, a pack of wild monsters has already trampled across your face.
"Alright, full body receive·Gorge Swift Crab!"
Full strength is definitely not possible here; how could I go all out against Mira's brother.
It's just practice for receiving magic and bonding.
Seeing Rhode's full body receive appearance, Elfman paused slightly, then his eyes almost brimmed with tears:
"This stance is truly! Manly!!!"
Compared to fluffy wolf claws, this set of crab armor with mechanical texture probably touched Elfman's aesthetic more.
His eyes lit up as he rushed up to engage in close combat with Rhode.
"Beast Arm·Iron Bull!"
Elfman's right arm turned into a metallic mechanical arm, possessing the strength of a bull and metal hardness.
Rhode clashed with him several times, feeling his carapace was at risk of shattering.
Brother, this is aquatic armor, agility set!
He lightly dodged Elfman's punch, left arm armor morphing into a crab claw, firmly clasping Elfman's wrist.
Then he went to grab his arm, shoulder bash his chest, and then waist and arm exerted force, tossing the big guy out.
Thud! Elfman landed flat on his back, and by counting knockouts, he was already defeated.
Rhode felt his victory was a bit cheeky, but against someone like Elfman, he had to win once first.
Elfman sat up cross-legged, rubbing his back, grumbling:
"You guy, when you fight, sometimes you look like Natsu, sometimes like Kana, and sometimes like Jet?"
Fighting Rhode feels like a relay match against several people, sometimes a lapse in battle rhythm caused disruption.
"Haha, I can't help it. With insufficient battle experience, the fastest way to become stronger is to learn a bit from everyone during fights, and I haven't formed my own style yet."
If one had to say his own style, Rhode was best at surprise attacks and ambushes.
Shadow Wolf lurking to attack, Beaked Bird from the air, Stone Beetle from underground...
Yet using those tricks against Ghost during clashes with Elfman would be inappropriate.
Rhode released receiving magic, extending a hand to Elfman sitting on the ground: "Thank you for taking time to practice with me."
"No need to thank for such trivial matters, my sister asked me to do it, also your receiving magic used..."
Elfman's attitude was fine as he stood up holding Rhode's hand, but suddenly changed when he talked about something.
"Here's another thing, you're not learning receiving magic just to get close to my sister, are you!"
Rhode shook his head: "No, it was actually a coincidence."
When he planned to learn receiving magic, it was just because it was strong.
But... what's coincidence, coincidence is fate, you'll call me brother-in-law eventually.
Elfman patted the dirt behind and prepared to leave: "Next time, let's duel again, I'll become stronger! Man!"
"Ah, good luck."
Rhode also hoped he could become stronger, the stronger the better, until he could completely overcome his psychological shadow and use full body receive.
By doing so, Mira's heart would be much eased.
After all, he was the person she cared most about now.
At this time, Mira appeared at the door, Elfman paused: "Sister? Have you been watching all along?"
Mira waved her hand: "No, I just arrived, so how did it go?"
"Oh! A man would never lose! Man!" Elfman shouted his catchphrase as he walked into the tavern.
Mira looked at Rhode.
Rhode smiled, raising his hand: "Yes, I'm the man he's talking about."
Elfman couldn't refute, and thus Mira understood the result, she said with a smile:
"Don't be discouraged, Elfman.
And, Mr. Man, can you come help? We're short on hands today."
"No problem."
...
The tavern was indeed crowded, not just the twenty-something tables, even a few stools in front of the counter were filled with people.
"Poro Delicacies over here!"
"Two portions here! And two mugs of beer!"
Poro Delicacies had officially made it onto the guild menu.
Many were curious about the food named after that cute little furball.
Of course, initially, it caused a bit of misunderstanding—everyone thought Rhode had stewed Warm, that heartless guy.
Busy with the hustle throughout noon, Rhode and Mira and the others cleaned up the tableware together.
He asked, "Why so many customers today? It seems like it's been increasing since the day before yesterday."
Mira said with some mystery:
"Because many people have returned from outside, and recently folks in the guild haven't taken distant, time-consuming missions.
It's always like this every year because 'that' is coming soon."
Rhode looked at Mira, although her slightly leaning forward posture, raising a finger, and blinking was very cute.
But this kind of teasing behavior made people...
Want to accompany it.
Rhode asked, "'What' is coming?"