A sudden whoosh of air heralded their arrival—Leo, the Leo Celestial Spirit now bound to Lucy.
"Leo!" Wendy gasped.
Leo leaned close to Wendy and whispered in her ear. Her cheeks flushed a deep pink. Lucy and Natsu exchanged amused glances—Leo had always been a notorious charmer, even enrapturing the granddaughter of a Councilor.
Leo straightened. "I've located four Councilors' hiding places. Let's move."
Back at the guild hall, Makarov stood before every Fairy Tail member, his voice ringing clear.
"The enemy is Tartaros!" he proclaimed. "One of the Balam Alliance's infamous guilds—alongside Oración Seis and Grimoire Heart. We've already defeated two of their members; now the Gate of Hades will meet the same fate!"
He raised his cane. "Our comrades have suffered. Their blood calls to us! Turn our grief into fury—our bonds into strength! Today we declare all-out war on Tartaros!"
A thunderous cheer answered him.
Four strike teams formed instantly:
Team 1: Natsu, Lucy, Wendy
Team 2: Gray, Juvia
Team 3: Gajeel, Levy, Jet, Droy
Team 4: Mirajane, Elfman, Lisanna
Others remained on standby, ready to deploy once new locations emerged.
At the secluded home of former Councilor Michelo, Natsu, Lucy, and Wendy arrived without incident.
Lucy bowed before the elderly mage. "Councilor Michelo, please come with us to Fairy Tail. We will protect you."
Michelo peered at them. "You found me—how?"
"Let's just say we have… feline friends," Lucy replied as Happy popped up and waved.
Michelo chuckled. "That old trick of yours—I remember it well. You think Fairy Tail's guild hall is a safe haven? You want me as bait?"
Carla, Michelo's granddaughter, stepped forward. "Grandfather, they risked everything for you. Fairy Tail is your safest refuge."
Michelo sighed. "You're too kind—but I won't just leave."
A young woman entered with a cup of tea. "Grandpa, they came for you. Be polite."
Wendy's blush deepened—this was Carla's reputation in action.
Lucy pressed on, "Do you know why Tartaros is targeting Councilors?"
Michelo's face hardened. "Too many reasons to list—ancient grudges, dark guild enmities… even petty squabbles among regular guilds we've disbanded. But…" He trailed off, beads of sweat forming on his brow.
Suddenly, Natsu's nose twitched. He grabbed Carla and Michelo, flinging them behind him.
Lucy and Wendy tumbled as well.
An ear-splitting explosion rocked the house, leveling walls and sending debris flying.
"Councilor Michelo's home—!" Lucy cried.
Yet when the dust settled, everyone staggered to their feet—completely unhurt.
Natsu rubbed his belly with a grin. "Devoured it just in time—otherwise we'd all be toast."
A crisp voice cut through the smoke. "You're tougher than I expected."
Jackal of the Nine Demon Gates of Tartaros stepped into view, folding his arms. "Hunting Hades, are we?"
Natsu straightened. "I'm Natsu of Fairy Tail. If you think you can terrorize Councilors—think again."
Michelo sputtered, "What sort of mage can survive that blast?!"
Lucy shouted, "Councilor—he's here for you! Run!"
Michelo shook his head. "I'm not bait!"
Natsu clenched his fists. "Don't worry—I'll beat you senseless and bring you back."
He turned to Jackal, eyes blazing. "I swear by Fairy Tail's honor!"
Above them, the sky crackled with magic. The hunt for the Gate of Hades had begun.