Fairy Tail: Igneel's eldest son in Anime Multiverse

The long-drawn selection tournament for Hagun Academy's representatives had finally reached its final round.

Twelve undefeated contestants remained after over a dozen matches, and from this group, the final six who would advance to the Seven Star Sword Art Festival would be decided.

Among these six matchups, the most anticipated by far was the clash between the "Worst One" and "Raikiri."

Ikki Kurogane had always been a focal point of discussion at Hagun Academy.

Since the beginning of the selection matches, despite being an F-rank Blazer, he had consecutively defeated top-ranked fighters like "Hunter" and "Speed Junkie."

He continued his winning streak with poise, defeating opponents with abilities far superior to his own.

Just as Gensai had feared, many had begun to idolize Ikki Kurogane.

The recent espionage incident had only added more fuel to the fire, putting him at the center of public attention. Now everyone was watching to see whether Ikki would perform another miracle in this final match.

Especially since his opponent was none other than the academy's strongest student—Toudou Touka. The audience was abuzz with excitement to see how far the "Worst One" could go.

Charles had dispatched his own opponent in just three seconds and secured his spot as a representative. Then, he made his way to the arena where Ikki's match would take place, waiting for his friend to arrive.

As expected, this match had drawn massive attention. The arena was packed to capacity. Charles couldn't even find a seat.

Shinomiya Kuroko spotted him and waved him over to a spot beneath the viewing platform.

"I thought you'd be at the entrance with Shizuku, waiting for him?"

Charles shook his head. "No need! I already asked Shizuku to pass my message to Ikki. I told him I'd be waiting for him right here."

Nishigami Nene fanned herself with a folding fan and teased, "You two really are close friends, huh?"

Nene understood their bond well—after all, she and Shinomiya Kuroko shared a similar friendship.

Just then, an unwelcome voice interrupted them.

"My, my. You all seem quite at ease, don't you?"

The three turned to look, each of them showing undisguised distaste. The voice's owner was not someone they were glad to see.

It was Akaishi Mamoru, wearing his usual red Ethics Committee suit, his barrel-like body waddling over while dabbing sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief.

"Ah, what sweltering weather we're having today!"

Nene quipped sharply, "What brings the Red Tanuki here?"

Akaishi, unfazed by her barbed words, chuckled. "Oh, don't be so hostile! I'm not here on my own account—I'm here with a guest. I ran into him by chance and he asked me to guide him."

"Ah… Master, right this way!"

At that moment, the group finally noticed the elderly man following behind Akaishi.

There was a reason Akaishi showed such deference—the short old man in the traditional kimono bearing a family crest was no ordinary person.

"Ah, finally found you! This school is way too big. I couldn't tell left from right!"

He looked just like a kindly, lost grandpa. But no one in their right mind would treat him as an ordinary man.

"Eh? You crusty old geezer!"

Nene reacted most strongly—this was someone she knew all too well. It was her mentor, Japan's oldest active Blazer, the 92-year-old "War God" Nangou Inotsugu.

"Hohoho! My favorite disciple is still just as sharp-tongued as ever—but that's what makes you so endearing!"

Nene, who was often called a "walking indecent exposure charge" by Shinomiya, looked nothing like her usual self—she now resembled a shy little girl.

"C-cute, my ass! Don't be gross, you lecher!"

Nangou turned to Shinomiya next. "Kuroko, it's been a while too. Last time I saw you, you were still waddling around with that big belly. Was the delivery smooth?"

Shinomiya chuckled. "Yes, thanks to your blessing."

Finally, Nangou's gaze fell on Charles.

"You're the kid from Shinryuuji, aren't you?"

Charles nodded. "That's right. I'm honored to be in your care."

Nangou waved a hand. "Please, no need for that. The Shinryuuji elder helped me out plenty back in the day—this is just a little payback."

"Oh, right. How is the old man doing these days?"

Charles smiled. "Still full of life—especially when he's lecturing us. His voice shakes the mountains!"

"Haha! He used to scold me too. I know your pain!"

Nangou's reputation as a master was well-earned. His ninety-two years were a testament to his vast experience and wisdom, which he wielded deftly to quickly establish rapport with Charles.

Shinomiya then asked, "So what brings you here today, Master Nangou?"

He replied, "Why else? I came to watch Touka's big fight, of course. I could wait until the main tournament, but once I heard her opponent was a Kurogane, I just had to come!"

Touka Toudou, like Nene, was one of Nangou's disciples. Her "Raikiri" was born from fusing Nangou's "Otokiri" sword technique with her own ability.

And Nangou had a long-standing connection to the Kurogane family.

Decades ago, Nangou and the man who would later become known as the "Great Hero," Kurogane Ryouma, had risen to prominence in Japan's Blazer world.

They competed, fought side-by-side on the battlefield, and earned fame together. They were comrades—and lifelong rivals.

Now, hearing that his disciple would face his old rival's descendant, how could Nangou not come see it with his own eyes?

"But Master Nangou," Akaishi cut in suddenly, "it's quite possible today's match might be called off."

Everyone's expression changed immediately.

"What did you say?" Shinomiya's brow twitched. Akaishi's malice was palpable, setting off alarm bells in her heart.

At that moment, the arena broadcast echoed out across the stadium.

"Attention all spectators: the scheduled match between contestants Ikki Kurogane and Touka Toudou is about to begin. However, Ikki Kurogane has not yet reported to the preparation room.

According to selection match regulations, if Ikki Kurogane does not report within ten minutes, he will be disqualified by default. We apologize for the inconvenience."

"Didn't Chairman Akaishi say he would escort Ikki here personally? That's why he declined our offer to go meet him!" Shinomiya's voice trembled with suppressed fury.

Akaishi grinned. "Oh hoho! My deepest apologies. I completely… forgot. But it's not far from the branch headquarters—he can catch a train himself, can't he?"

He added with a sinister smile, "That is, if he hasn't collapsed along the way from feeling ill!"

"Damn it! I should've known better!"

Shinomiya was livid. She never should've believed a single word from this vile man!

Ikki was already going to face Touka in a ruined state. And now this coward tried to keep him from even reaching the match.

Shinomiya raised her fist, ready to summon her Device and obliterate this bastard on the spot.

But Nene held her back and said coldly, "Kuroko, don't lose your cool. No matter what, Ikki has already accepted the match. We have to see it through.

If you want to kill him—do it after everything's over."

Her tone was icy and full of murderous intent, but it calmed Shinomiya down nonetheless.

Charles, on the other hand, was actually impressed that Akaishi could still laugh while being targeted by not one, but two former world-ranked third-place Blazers.

He could feel their murderous intent—it was real. No matter the outcome of this match, they would not spare Akaishi.

Nangou turned to Charles. "You don't look too worried. Aren't you supposed to be that Kurogane kid's friend?"

Charles grinned. "Because I know he won't lose to something like this. He'll be here. And he'll win."

And Charles's faith was not misplaced. Just a few minutes later, the arena broadcast announced that Ikki Kurogane had arrived.

The match was finally about to begin.

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