The magic-powered craft sped across the endless sea, kicking up magnificent waves.
Standing at the front of the boat, a red-haired girl in silver-white armor faced the wind, her long crimson hair fluttering behind her, giving her an awe-inspiring presence.
She was Erza—Fairy Queen Erza!
The first companion summoned by Sullivan upon establishing the Fairy Tail guild.
Serious and bold, she has a fierce passion for her work. Just like Mirajane, she's Sullivan's most reliable right-hand woman.
"Guild Master."
While Nami was still stunned, Erza leapt and landed steadily on the deck.
"The seven islands—including Zero Island and Potato Town—bandits eliminated, sea kings slain, pirates defeated… all missions are complete. Here's the mission report."
Erza gave her report seriously, handing Sullivan a stack of completed commission papers.
"As expected of Erza!"
Sullivan couldn't help but praise her.
"Good work, Erza. Now get some proper rest," Mirajane said with a smile.
Erza nodded.
Then her gaze shifted to Nami.
Feeling the intense and dignified gaze of Erza, Nami instinctively flinched.
She had heard of the legendary Fairy Queen. But seeing is believing—Only now, face to face, could she truly feel Erza's overwhelming strength.
"Erza, this is Nami, the newest member of Fairy Tail," Mirajane quickly introduced.
"I know," Erza nodded.
At first glance, she had already noticed the Fairy Tail mark on Nami's shoulder—The symbol of a guildmate!
"Hello, I'm Erza. As fellow members of Fairy Tail, let's look after each other."
Erza extended her hand.
"Yes, Miss Erza! I look forward to working with you," Nami responded nervously.
After the short greeting—
Erza's eyes turned serious again as she looked at Sullivan.
"Guild Master, what's going on here?"
She pulled out a newly issued wanted poster—Sullivan's 80 million Berries bounty.
To see her guild master suddenly branded a wanted man left Erza both confused and furious.
"Erza, let me explain..." Mirajane stepped in and recounted the entire incident.
"What!? Are you kidding me!?The so-called righteous Navy colluding with pirates? Scum like that deserve to die a hundred times over! The guild master was obviously doing justice—why is he the one being hunted!?"
Erza's voice was filled with righteous anger.
"This is just how this world works, Erza," Sullivan said gently, raising his hand to ruffle her head. "All we can do is act according to our conscience. Let others say what they will—it doesn't matter."
"…Understood."
Erza nodded.
Then she turned back to Nami, who swallowed nervously.
Before she could say anything, Erza placed a firm hand on her shoulder and suddenly pulled Nami into a strong embrace.
Thunk!
Nami's forehead bumped hard into Erza's armor-plated chest.
Tears welled up in her wide eyes from the pain—But more than that, she was stunned by Erza's sudden gesture.
"Nami, it's okay now. You're one of us—part of Fairy Tail. From now on, no one will ever bully you again."
Erza spoke with conviction.
Only then did Nami realize what this embrace meant. It was Erza's way of showing affection and protection.
Knowing her past, Erza had opened her arms to accept her, offering her a place to belong.
Although...
This "embrace" was a little too hard.
Nami rubbed the small bump on her forehead, feeling both deeply moved and a bit sore.
"Miss Erza, thank you. If you were a man, I might've fallen for you already," Nami said with a laugh.
"Hey now, Nami, shouldn't you be falling for me? I'm the one who beat up that dragon and those rats for you yesterday," Sullivan said teasingly.
"If you hadn't blackmailed me, maybe I would have," Nami replied with a playful smile.
"Then forget it—business is business," Sullivan replied seriously.
"What!? You're not following the script! You're supposed to say, 'Then I'll cancel your debt'!" Nami protested fiercely.
"Alright, alright, the situation in the East Blue is mostly wrapped up. Next up—Let's head to the Grand Line!"
Standing tall at the bow of the ship, Sullivan gazed out at the vast ocean, his voice filled with ambition.
"Hey! Don't change the subject!"
Two days later.
Sullivan and his crew arrived at the final stop of the East Blue—Loguetown, the town of beginning and end!
As the Fairy Tail ship sailed into the harbor—
It immediately drew attention from all sides.
"Hey, look!"
"That's Fairy Tail!"
"No way! I've heard of them!"
"They're a guild that solves people's problems—a real friend to the people!"
"Shhh! That info's outdated now!"
"Friend to the people? Do you even know what they did a few days ago?"
"That guy Sullivan attacked a Navy base. He's got an 80 million Berries bounty now!"
"What!? Eighty million!? Isn't he a super dangerous criminal!?"
"Exactly—don't get close! We need to report this to Captain Smoker right away!"
All around the port, whispers and gossip buzzed among the townsfolk.
Erza's ears twitched. A hint of anger crossed her pretty face, and she was about to step forward and argue—
But before she could say anything, Sullivan gently stopped her.
"People love to gossip. As long as we have no regrets in our hearts—that's all that matters."