After returning to the guild, Yukino handled the task carefully, did some necessary preparations, and planned to set off to visit Kono in the prison.
However, two little cats stopped her before she left.
"Yukino~" a small green cat dressed in a pink frog costume called out to Yukino in a cutesy voice.
"Master Floros?" Yukino habitually used a respectful title, crouched down, and petted the cat's head, "Is something the matter?"
"It's Dobe Gal. Rogue said he's been acting strange ever since he returned, and Fro feels the same way." Floros tilted its head up and continued in a cute voice, "Did something happen?"
Since coming back last time, Dobe Gal had started intense training, saying only that he felt his power was insufficient when others asked.
Training is normal, but some people noticed his former arrogance had disappeared, and the intensity of his training looked more like self-torment.
As one of the top ten mages in the guild, Dobe Gal should be proud enough, considering it's the first guild in Fiore.
According to some people's unique calculations, the top 10 of the first guild are essentially the top 10 in Fiore.
He's already so strong, why pretend to be working hard, is he running for president?
Some people can't stand him, but naturally, some people are concerned.
Sabertooth's aces, Stinger and Rogue, still care about their companions, though this is not prevalent in the guild, and they have to maintain a cool demeanor as top fighters.
So, Rogue's good partner Floros became the best choice to inquire about this matter, probably the most concerned about his companions in Sabertooth.
As for Stinger's partner Rekete—a little red cat, he's now influenced by the guild's atmosphere, thinking highly of himself despite being weak, looking down on everyone except Floros the Transcender and the guild's top few.
"Master Dobe Gal?" Yukino pondered and answered seriously, "He suddenly found a goal he wants to pursue, so he's training hard."
"A goal to pursue?" Floros tilted its head, looking a bit cute and confused.
Rekete asked coolly, "Is it Stinger? It's a nice dream, but impossible to achieve."
In Rekete's eyes, Stinger is number one in the world.
Yukino smiled and said, "No, it's someone even stronger than Master Stinger."
This statement, however, stirred up a bit of trouble.
Nearby people couldn't help but put down their drinks, wanting to hear who it was.
In their understanding, there aren't many people in the world stronger than Stinger, right?
Rekete was the one who couldn't accept it, urgently asking, "Who is it? Could he have been defeated outside?"
Yukino felt a bit troubled, thinking it best not to mention the minor conflict between Master Dobe Gal and Master Rhode.
But with everyone watching, it was impossible not to answer at all.
She considered her words and said, "Actually, during our task, we encountered Master Rhode who was traveling outside, and we were fortunate to witness him in action.
"Both Master Dobe Gal and I believe he's an opponent truly beyond our reach, even if St... no, anyway, it's a power beyond our imagination."
Yukino stopped here, feeling a bit relieved she didn't say 'even Master Stinger couldn't compare.'
However, for Sabertooth, this was already explosive enough.
"Rhode, is he the one at the bottom of the Ten Wizard Saints?"
"Isn't that a mage from Fairy Tail?"
"That guild again, actually flaunting strength in front of Dobe Gal."
Yukino felt a bit sad to find that despite her attempts to avoid putting the two guilds in opposition in her account, her companions somehow turned it that way.
How can I make everyone face Fairy Tail seriously?
A cacophony of debates rose in the guild, Stinger and Rogue didn't mind it, they had little interest in Rhode.
Comparatively, Natsu and Gajeel were more worth the attention.
Stinger was very interested in Natsu's current situation, Rogue secretly followed news on Gajeel but never admitted it.
As for whether Rhode's strength was as Yukino said, they could check with Dobe Gal later when bored.
If it could knock him down to that extent, it should indeed be something, right?
Amid the noisy chatter, Sabertooth's president Jerman emerged from the back of the guild.
He held high prestige in the guild, and many people stopped talking unconsciously upon seeing him.
When Jerman sat in his president-exclusive, throne-like seat, the guild was already silent.
Despite everyone stopping their discussions, Jerman still heard part of it. He rested his chin on one fist, elbow on the armrest, and asked authoritatively:
"Someone in Fairy Tail that Sabertooth's mages can't possibly match? Who's talking such disgraceful nonsense?"
The people around spread out silently, revealing Yukino in the center of the crowd just moments ago.
Yukino bit her lip, as a newcomer, she was somewhat fearful of the imposing president: "I'm sorry, President, for mentioning some things that happened during the task without permission."
"Yukino~" Floros softly voiced a sound of concern.
Rekete, however, dragged Floros away to prevent him from invoking the president's anger.
"It's you again, newcomer," Jerman said discontentedly, "Didn't I warn you last time?"
Yukino cautiously argued, "No, President, it was just a normal chat, I... didn't do anything to disgrace Sabertooth."
She glanced around for help, but facing the clearly angry president, no one dared speak up for her.
Floros wanted to speak, but his courage was already small, now further warned by Rekete to stay silent.
If Dobe Gal were here, he might stand up and share some of the criticism, but unfortunately, he was still in training.
After hearing Yukino's argument, Jerman obviously grew angrier, reached into his bosom, and flung out a document, which landed with a plop at Yukino's feet.
"Didn't do anything to disgrace Sabertooth? Tell me what this is!"
Yukino had a slight premonition of trouble as she picked up and looked at the document.
It was a document from the Council to Sabertooth, asking for confirmation if Yukino Agria was affiliated with Sabertooth.
The reason being she had submitted an application to visit a convicted felon, requiring the Council to repeatedly verify her identity before officially approving it.
"This is..." Yukino didn't know what to say because she didn't understand why the president was so angry.
It's just a simple identity verification.
Jerman said in a deep voice, "Answer me, why are you getting involved with Dark Guild scum?"