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"Normal Dialogue"
'Inner thoughts'
[Year X788]
~ With Shisui ~
Shisui sat in silence, absorbing Macao's words. The guild master had laid out a grim picture, one far less glamorous than the legendary Fairy Tail that most of Fiore still remembered. After a few moments, he raised his gaze to meet Macao's.
"I don't mind the consequences," he said finally. "And while this began as a mission, it's also a choice I'm making."
Macao looked surprised at this, clearly having expected more resistance.
"I've been a traveler in this world for as long as I can remember," Shisui continued carefully. "Always moving from place to place, taking on jobs, never staying anywhere long enough to put down roots."
He looked toward the window, where he could see the city of Magnolia extending into the distance. "For once, I'd like to try something different."
What Shisui didn't reveal was perhaps his strongest motivation. The mysterious being who had brought him to Earthland three years ago had left him with a simple instruction: "Live. Be free." Those words had echoed in his mind countless times during his time in this new world, a reminder that this second chance at life wasn't meant to be spent in isolation or solely focused on missions.
In his previous life, duty had consumed him completely. He had defined himself by his service to his clan and his village, to the point where his own identity existed only in relation to his responsibilities. Here in Earthland, he'd been given an opportunity to discover who he was beyond his usefulness as a tool.
For the past year, his work with Warrod had given him purpose, but it was still fundamentally the same familiar pattern: receive mission, complete mission, report back. Joining Fairy Tail could be something new for him, a chance to belong somewhere without sacrificing who he was.
"I would like to request one thing," Shisui said, interrupting Macao's contemplation.
"What's that?"
"Please don't tell the others that I'm the one who's been making donations to the guild. I'd rather that remain between us."
Macao's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Why? They'd be grateful. It might even help them accept you faster."
"That's exactly why," Shisui explained. "I don't want to be accepted because I've been financially supporting the guild. I'd rather earn their trust through my actions while I'm here."
He paused, choosing his next words carefully. "Money creates obligation. I don't want them to feel obligated toward me."
A smile slowly spread across Macao's face. "I see," he said, nodding in understanding.
"That's... well, that's actually quite admirable." He leaned back in his chair. "I think you'll be a good addition to our family, albeit temporarily."
Macao then turned the letter around, pointing to a specific paragraph near the end. "Warrod also states here that you're to be recognized as an S-class mage under his authority. Apparently you've likely already completed numerous S-class missions, and he personally vouches for your strength."
Shisui's right eye twitched again, prompting a chuckle from Macao.
"You know, you don't act like any S-class mage I've met before," the guild master observed, his tone lighter now. "Most of them tend to be a bit more, well, imposing."
A fond look crossed his face. "Or destructive. Almost reminds me of Gildarts, in a way. He never stood on ceremony either."
Though annoyed by Warrod's presumption, Shisui understood the Wizard Saint's reasoning. Without direct assignments from Warrod, Shisui's ability to help the guild financially would depend on the missions he could take. Being designated S-class from the start was logical, if somewhat embarrassing.
"I wouldn't mind starting from the bottom rank," Shisui offered. "If that's how your guild typically operates, I'm willing to work my way up."
Macao shook his head. "Normally, yes, we have trials for S-class promotion. But these aren't normal times. If Warrod Sequen himself says you're S-class material, that's good enough for me."
He leaned forward, his expression turning more official. "I'll announce it when I introduce you to everyone. Fairy Tail hasn't had an active S-class mage in four years. It'll be good for morale."
Shisui sighed in resignation but nodded his acceptance.
"Now then," Macao said, opening a drawer and pulling out what looked like a stamp. "Where would you like your guild mark and what colour?"
"Right shoulder, green please." Shisui decided after a moment's consideration.
Macao stood and came around the desk. Shisui adjusted his clothing to expose his shoulder, and with a quick press, Macao applied the stamp. A brief tingle of magic later, the mark of Fairy Tail appeared on his skin in a deep green color.
"Welcome to Fairy Tail, Shisui." Macao said with a genuine smile, extending his hand.
Shisui accepted the handshake. "I look forward to working with you and the guild."
"Let's get you introduced to the rest now, shall we?" Macao said, rising from his chair. Shisui followed him out of the office and onto the interior balcony that overlooked the main guild area.
The conversations below quieted as guild members noticed the pair standing above them. Eyes shifted between their Master and the unfamiliar figure beside him. From this vantage point, Shisui could see all of Fairy Tail's current membership gathered in small clusters.
Macao coughed pointedly to ensure he had everyone's attention.
"Everyone, listen up," he called ou. "I've got one bad news and two good news to share with you today!"
The announcement format caught the members off guard, several exchanging confused glances. Macao let the suspense build for a moment before continuing.
"First, I want to officially welcome our newest guild member, Shisui!" He gestured toward Shisui with a flourish reminiscent of a showman introducing the main act.
The guild hall fell into stunned silence. Eyes widened as members processed the unexpected announcement. It had been four years since anyone had joined their ranks. Since then, they'd only watched their numbers dwindle as former comrades departed one by one.
Before anyone could voice a response, Macao continued, "However, it comes with the condition that he may leave after five years. His joining was due to a personal request by Warrod Sequen himself, that much I can confirm."
At the mention of Warrod's name, chaos erupted. Questions flew from all directions, voices overlapping in a confused jumble:
"A Wizard Saint sent him?"
"Why only five years?"
"What kind of request?"
"Is this some kind of mission?"
Macao spotted his son among the crowd, Romeo's expression darkening at the revelation that this newcomer hadn't joined of his own free will but through some arrangement with a Wizard Saint. Before Romeo could voice what was clearly building into an objection, Macao raised his hand for silence.
"I understand that some of you have your reservations," he said once the noise had subsided. "However, as Guildmaster, I hope that the rest of you can give him a chance."
To everyone's surprise, Macao's included, Shisui stepped forward and bowed deeply at the waist, a formal gesture of respect that seemed to catch the entire guild off guard.
"I know my joining is not through conventional means," Shisui stated clearly and sincerely as he maintained the bow. "But I sincerely wish to be a part of Fairy Tail, and I hope you will allow me to prove myself worthy of being called a Fairy Tail mage."
The unexpected humility from someone introduced through a Wizard Saint's authority left many members speechless. They had anticipated arrogance or entitlement, perhaps even condescension toward their struggling guild. Instead, they witnessed deference and what appeared to be genuine respect.
As Shisui remained in his bowing position, a mischievous smirk spread across Macao's face.
"And for the second good news," he began, deliberately drawing out his words to build suspense. The reminder that there was still another announcement pulled attention back to him, momentarily setting aside their conflicted reactions to Shisui's arrival.
Macao's next words landed like a bombshell. "After four long, and painful years, Fairy Tail finally has in its ranks an active S-class mage!"
The proclamation was met with complete, pin-drop silence. Expressions froze in various stages of disbelief as they processed the implications.
The newcomer, Shisui, who had just bowed so formally to them, was an S-class mage? The rank that had been absent from their guild since the disappearance of Tenrou Island?
Shisui's right eye twitched noticeably at Macao's dramatic delivery, which only seemed to amuse the guild master further. In the midst of the shocked silence, Macao's laughter rang out, the only sound in the otherwise still guild hall.
~ End of Chapter 35 ~