Sabertooth Tiger Headquarters, Hotel Lobby
Jiemma, President of Sabertooth, stood before her guild members, her voice sharp as a blade.
"Pathetic! You can't even shed tears—what use is sympathy? Remember why we're Sabertooth, the guild that bites the sword! Don't waste time whining—trample anything weaker than us! Shake the heavens, boil the earth, and silence the seas!"
She fixed Sting with a steely gaze.
"Sting Eucliffe—don't disgrace yourself or this guild again. One more misstep, and I'll cast you out."
Sting bowed his head.
"Yes, President. I will not fail you."
"Yukino Aguria—no excuses. You gambled your life and lost. You've sullied our name."
Yukino knelt as grapes rained onto her head.
"I understand—please punish me as you see fit."
Jiemma's face hardened. "Strip off your guild coat of arms!"
Trembling, Yukino removed her uniform, then knelt bare-shouldered before her president.
"I… I am sorry for betraying your trust."
"Get out," Jiemma snapped. "Trash."
The lecture was over. Guild members dispersed in silence.
Hallway Outside the Rooms
Sting and Rogue walked side by side. Sting rubbed his temples.
"Our president really goes to extremes."
Lector chimed in, "That's how the strongest survive—no mercy."
Flo whimpered, "I feel so lonely…"
Rogue sighed. "Is this what a 'guild' means?"
Sting frowned. "Yukino was one of us—lost only for lack of strength. Hard-hearted as it seems, that's Sabertooth's way."
Flo brightened. "Hey, Rogue—does that mean you'll stick around, no matter how weak I am?"
Rogue smiled. "Don't worry, Flo. I'm not going anywhere."
They paused outside their doors. Rogue's thoughts drifted: Fairy Tail has returned with terrifying power. Can Sabertooth still claim to be the strongest?
Gildarts Tavern, Crocus
Master Makarov stood on a table, glass raised high.
"To our victory today—cheers!"
Fairy Tail's two teams had suffered only minor setbacks, then triumphed in every duel. With over ten points' lead on the next guild, the guild's future shone bright.
Glasses clinked. Natsu whooped with joy. Erza, feeling the night air on the roof, needed a moment's peace—and fresh breath.
Suddenly, a voice called out: "I finally found you!"
Erza spun, sword at the ready. A figure stepped forward, hat tilted low. The newcomer lifted it—revealing golden curls and kind eyes.
"Millianna?!" Erza exclaimed.
"Erza! I missed you so much!" Millianna flung herself into his arms.
Erza laughed, relief flooding him. "You joined a guild?"
"Mermaid Heel—only women may join. Hugh and Wally are still roaming; Simon's here too, with his sister in our guild."
Erza was thrilled. "Simon found family again—wonderful!"
Millianna beamed. "And you—just like before, stronger than ever."
Erza's chest tightened with pride. "You haven't changed a bit. Good to see you."
"How could I stay away when Fairy Tail returned? I had to see you all again!" Millianna said, clasping his hand.
They drifted to the balcony, laughter echoing above Crocus as old friends reunited under the stars.