"I heard Grandpa say you weren't in great shape before, but starting now, training hard is still in time." Kurosaki smiled as he spoke, sunlight flashing off his white teeth. "And Dragon Slayer Magic really is incredible. That move just now, Lightning Dragon's Roar, was honestly impressive. I'll be looking forward to you challenging me again anytime."
Then he lifted his hand, palm open, and his tone turned a little more earnest.
"How about we train together from now on? We can spar and help each other out. You help me improve the precision of my control, and I'll help you get more familiar with your magic. I've got a feeling that short blade of yours still has a lot of powerful moves you haven't shown yet."
He meant it. If he could keep crossing hands with Laxus, he could polish Unohana's swordsmanship deeper and faster, and reach those hidden layers of power sooner.
"Sure!" Laxus's eyes lit up instantly, and the gloom from losing vanished as if it had never existed.
He clasped Kurosaki's hand tightly, like he could already see a future where he grew stronger at top speed through training together.
Smack.
Their palms met, firm and real.
A rare friendship officially began in that moment.
"Alright." Makarov, who had been quietly watching the entire exchange, finally stepped forward. "Since the fight is over, then by our agreement, Laxus still can't join Fairy Tail for now. Let's go get treated."
He had seen it clearly. Kurosaki had held back. And he was genuinely relieved to see the two kids click like this.
"Yes, I get it. I won't try to cheat and go back on my word." Laxus turned his head slightly, voice carrying a trace of grievance, but he still kept the promise.
"Grandpa, I actually think Laxus can join Fairy Tail now," Kurosaki said suddenly.
"Huh?" Laxus hesitated and looked back at him. "But I lost. A bet is a bet. I know the rules."
Kurosaki didn't answer him directly. He looked at Makarov instead.
"Grandpa, does joining Fairy Tail mean you have to start taking jobs right away? I've been in the guild for more than a year and I haven't completed a single request. Letting Laxus join isn't a problem. And he really is strong. Don't shut the door on talent like that."
"But…" Makarov frowned, worry plain on his face.
He knew his grandson's personality too well. If Laxus joined, he would rush to prove himself, and Makarov feared he wouldn't be able to stop him from taking dangerous jobs.
"Grandpa, I'll train hard. I won't disgrace Fairy Tail. Please let me join." Laxus clenched his fists, eyes stubbornly steady.
Kurosaki pressed while Makarov's resolve wavered.
"Grandpa, just accept him for now. Worst case, in two years, I'll go on jobs with him. I'll stay with him the whole time. You've seen my healing ability. Even if something happens, I can treat him right away. I won't let anything happen to him."
As he spoke, he activated Unohana's power again. Soft white light bloomed in his palm, a quiet promise.
Makarov stared at the two boys' unwavering eyes.
Finally, he exhaled.
"Fine! As Fairy Tail's Third Guild Master, I permit you to join Fairy Tail!"
He trusted Kurosaki's ability. He also believed in Laxus's grit. These two would shine in the guild one day.
Makarov swung his small hand sharply to the right, cloak snapping in the wind, looking strangely imposing for such a short old man.
"OHH!!"
Excitement wiped away Laxus's pain in an instant. Like a child who had just gotten his favorite toy, he hopped in place, grabbed Makarov, and started spinning in circles, joy overflowing from his face.
"Honestly, you're still such a kid, Laxus." Kurosaki raised a hand to his forehead, half-exasperated. Somewhere in his mind, a strange feeling surfaced, like he almost preferred the future version of Laxus with that wild, arrogant edge.
"You're a kid too!" Laxus snapped back immediately, even while he was still riding the high, smugness creeping into his voice.
Then Makarov looked at Kurosaki, his expression turning gentler.
"Kurosaki, I also want to tell you something. I don't know what you're carrying in your heart, but Grandpa wants you to live happily. You're only eight or nine. This is the age where you should be playing. You can't spend every day training. Go out more. Enjoy childhood."
For the past year, Makarov had watched Kurosaki closely. It felt like the boy always had some target in mind, training desperately, day after day, either tempering his body or polishing his ability, barely making time for fun.
He didn't know the real reason.
Kurosaki was racing to unlock all of Unohana's hidden combat power, and then to reach the next captain's ability as soon as possible.
Because in a world full of danger, only enough strength could protect the people he cared about.
"I understand, Grandpa. I just have something I want to accomplish." Kurosaki grinned, teeth bright, scratching the back of his head as he joked to keep the mood light. "Besides, there weren't any kids my age in the guild before. Do you want me hanging out with Wakaba and Macao all day, drinking and smoking?"
"Bastard! I never told you to do that! And I absolutely won't allow it!" Makarov's forehead veins bulged, a dark aura practically hanging over him. He looked like he might go bald if he got any angrier, and he roared right at Kurosaki.
"Alright, Grandpa, let's go home." Kurosaki laughed and dodged the oncoming rage, grabbed Laxus by the hand, and followed behind Makarov toward the house.
As they walked, Kurosaki felt Minazuki warm slightly in his grasp.
A sign of growth.
That duel with Laxus had pushed Unohana's proficiency up again. He was one solid step closer to unlocking her release and the refined sword forms hidden behind her "basic" techniques.
...
Back at the guild, Kurosaki helped stamp Laxus's guild mark, pressing it onto the left side of Laxus's ribcage.
"Alright. Congratulations, Laxus. You're officially a member of Fairy Tail now."
"I finally joined Fairy Tail!" Laxus clenched both fists and shouted with all the excitement he could hold.
Watching him, Kurosaki thought quietly, This is absolutely going to be blackmail material later, Laxus.
From the bar, Wakaba turned around with his pipe in his mouth, lifting a mug as he teased, "Laxus, you're a little man now. Want a beer to celebrate?"
Thud!
Before the sentence even finished, Wakaba took a heavy punch straight to the chin. The impact sent him rocketing through the roof like a cannonball, shooting into the sky.
Makarov pulled his fist back, then turned to Kurosaki and Laxus with a warm smile.
"Kids. Remember, minors can't drink alcohol."
After that brutal punch, the smile somehow felt a little terrifying.
Kurosaki and Laxus immediately clung to each other, shivering, and answered in unison, "Yes! We understand!"
Satisfied, Makarov's gaze snapped toward Macao, turning razor-sharp in an instant.
"Yes, Guild Master!" Macao saluted under the pressure and responded quickly. "I understand! I absolutely won't let Laxus or Kurosaki drink a single drop!"
Makarov nodded, then looked back at the two boys.
"In a few days, it'll be the Fantasia Parade. Since you've joined the guild, you'll both participate."
"Sure!" Laxus answered immediately, eyes full of anticipation. "Grandpa, are you coming too?"
"No." Makarov smiled. "That stage belongs to you youngsters. I'll watch from the audience and let you perform as much as you like."
"But I'm worried I won't be able to find you," Laxus said, brows tightening with concern.
"Don't worry about me." Makarov waved it off. "You and Kurosaki should focus on what you're going to perform."
Laxus thought hard, then his face brightened.
"Ah, I've got it! During the parade, I'll do this."
He raised his right hand high, extending his index finger and thumb, with the index finger pointing straight at the sky.
"What does that mean?" Kurosaki asked, curious.
"It's a message." Laxus explained seriously. "Even if I can't find Grandpa during the parade, I'll still be watching him the whole time. Like I'm always looking at him."
"Makarov…" Sitting at the bar, Makarov's eyes widened. In an instant, his eyes turned wet, and his nose almost started running. He looked deeply moved, and also a little ridiculous.
"Grandpa, just watch!" Laxus's voice trembled with excitement he could barely contain.
Kurosaki watched the grandfather and grandson quietly, feeling a small surge of emotion.
So I get to witness this scene up close. The place isn't exactly the same as I remember, but that sky-pointing gesture is still here.
It's the promise between Laxus and Makarov, and one of Fairy Tail's most iconic signs.