Everyone stared at the new intruder, whose very presence seemed to bend the air around him. He was strong. Very strong. But what truly paralyzed everyone wasn't his figure or his aura"it was the ability he had just used.
The eyes of Sengoku, Garp, Aokiji, and the admirals widened in shock.
"That's... "Aokiji murmured, disbelief in his voice" Kara's ability...
But it wasn't just that.
A power similar to the Conqueror's Haki burst out for a moment, but it was different"denser, older... more brutal.
The vice admirals began gasping as if crushed by tons of invisible pressure. Even the commanders of the Yonkos nearly fell to their knees.
And then... it vanished. As if it had never been there.
Amid the awe and confusion, the intruder spoke as if it were the most normal thing in the world:
"Like I said... I came to give my daughter a good spanking for disobeying. Have you seen her around? She's usually pretty cheerful, full of energy... just like her father. She used to chase me all over Fiore yelling, "Daddy, wait!" "he added with a proud grin, as wide as a mountain and as ridiculous as a cartoon.
It was Gildarts Clive, the living calamity of Fairy Tail, smiling as if he were looking for a lost puppy and not standing in the middle of a world war.
"That's not true! "a furious female voice yelled.
All eyes turned to Kara, who now had... a paper bag over her head.
"Why are you wearing that, Kara? "Chopper asked, tilting his head in confusion.
"Sis, the drawing's upside down... "added Uta, holding back her laughter.
The bag had a scribbled face... but it was on the wrong side.
"What are you talking about? That's always been my face... "Kara said nervously under the paper bag, like a child caught stealing cookies.
Meanwhile, Garp hadn't taken his eyes off Gildarts, analyzing every inch of the man with the intimidating seriousness only a Marine grandpa could pull off.
But Gildarts completely ignored him and calmly walked over to Kara, recognizing her voice.
Now they stood face to face. Kara, taller than before, matched him in height. Droplets trickled softly from beneath the bag.
Gildarts raised both hands, gently removed it... and saw his daughter's face, covered in tears.
"I found you "he said with such powerful tenderness that it made hearts ache.
"You took too long... idiot "Kara murmured, throwing herself into her father's arms.
"In my defense, it's only been a few days... for me "Gildarts replied, with no intention of letting go.
As everyone watched their reunion, Kaido snorted.
His brow furrowed.
His body crackled.
And in an instant, he transformed into his massive dragon form.
"Boro Breath!! "he roared, unleashing a torrent of fire and destruction straight toward Gildarts and Kara.
Everyone screamed, but before anyone could move... the attack shattered into cubes, dissolving like toy blocks.
A deathly silence fell.
Kaido, now back in his hybrid form, reached for his cheek. A square hole bled steadily from it.
Even his commanders were left speechless.
"Sorry "Gildarts said with a calmness so chilling it was terrifying". I'm busy reuniting with my daughter.
Kaido, far from angry... smiled with excitement.
"HA! That was awesome! Finally, someone hurts me! But we're at war, you sentimental idiot. Save the family soap opera for later.
"Alright... "Gildarts looked over the battlefield, then at his daughter". Kara, whose side are you on?
"The seagull idiots'. But if I get to kick Magma-head's butt, I'm in with even more enthusiasm "Kara replied as Chopper treated her.
"Perfect. "Gildarts began walking toward the battle like someone going out to buy bread.
Sengoku, seeing the outcome of the clash between Gildarts and Kaido, mustered his courage.
"Regroup! Everyone, forward! "he shouted, and the war resumed with renewed force.
Kara looked at Garp uncertainly.
"Old man, I...
"I already knew "Garp interrupted, brushing off his clothes". That son of mine is so unbearable, there's no way he could've produced someone as wonderful as you. But it doesn't matter. You're my granddaughter, and no one's changing that.
"...Haha, true "Kara smiled, wiping her tears". Maybe I won't send you to a retirement home after all.
"Hmph! I'll show you I'm not ready for a cane yet! "Garp replied, marching back to the front lines.
"Kara, lie down already so I can set your splints! "Chopper shouted, while Uta improvised a stretcher.
Kara laid down with a smile but suddenly frowned.
"Wait... if my dad is here... where are the others?
And as if the universe had been waiting for the question, something tore through the sky.
"What is that?! "shouted one of Kaido's pirates, pointing upward.
A massive ship flew through the air, sails flapping with the symbol of Fairy Tail.
"No way... "Kara whispered, eyes wide as plates.
At the bow, swaying and unsteady...
"Uuugh, I'm gonna puke! "groaned a pink-haired boy from the crow's nest.
"Hang on, Natsu! We're almost there! "shouted a blue-haired girl". I can smell Gildarts nearby!
"Why did you put him up there in the first place? "asked a blonde girl from the deck, smiling in amusement.
"He's our bloodhound... He was supposed to track down Gildarts, but the second the ship left port, the useless idiot was already completely lost! "complained a black-haired young man, casually chewing a piece of metal like it was gum.
"Bwahahaha! You guys are awesome! "laughed a boy with a straw hat, mercilessly amused.
"Luffy, don't laugh at other people's problems! "scolded a girl with orange hair, crossing her arms.
"We're super arriving at Marineford!" shouted a nearly-naked pervert happily, wearing only a shirt and a thong.
"Hey, you should put some clothes on," commented another young man... who was even more naked than the first.
"Grey, you're really not the one to talk," intervened a beautiful silver-haired girl with a sigh.
Grey looked down, froze, and screamed:
"WHEN!?" Then bolted off to find clothes, leaving behind dramatic smoke and frantic yelling.
"Silence! You're disturbing our guests!" roared a redhead in armor, arms crossed, a vein pulsing on her forehead.
"N-no-no! You're not bothering us, it's funny!" said a young girl dressed like an angel with a nervous giggle. "Issho, don't go faster"I want to see Kara!" she told her bounty hunter guildmate.
"I can already sense we've arrived," said Issho with a calm smile.
He was the one using his ability to move the ship through the sky. He and Koki had met up with the Fairy Tail crew while watching over the Straw Hats on Ace's request.
Both groups quickly became friends, realizing they were heading to the same place"searching for someone.
Everyone leaned over the edge of the airship.
"It's true!" exclaimed a tiny old man with a wide, cheerful grin.
"Wait! Did she say Kara?" asked a blond man to the group. No one paid attention.
"IDIOTS, I'M TALKING TO YOU!" he shouted indignantly as golden lightning crackled around him.
"Pfft, there are tons of Karas in the world. After we catch my ba" ahem, Gildarts, we'll deal with her," said a long-haired young woman, looking away.
Then, the same girl leaned over the edge of the ship, scanning the ground. She spotted Gildarts in the crowd… but her gaze quickly shifted. There, among the rubble, she was. Sitting, smiling nostalgically at the sky.
"…Kara," she whispered. And without hesitation, she jumped off the flying ship straight toward the battlefield.
"KARAAAA!!" she shouted as she dived.
She drew several cards from her belt, activated one with a spin, and launched a burst of flame to propel herself forward. Kara immediately stood up, catching her with a smile.
BOOM!
The blast sent them both flying backward, debris flying everywhere.
"Ow... I think I broke the last bone I had left," Kara laughed, staring at the sky. Her sister held her tightly, both covered in dirt.
"Kara! You have no idea how worried we were… Where've you been? And why are you so tall now?" Cana asked, scanning her from head to toe.
"Good nutrition…" Kara replied with a pained smile.
Then Cana noticed all the injuries.
"Wendy! Kara's hurt, hurry up!" she shouted to the ship.
"Coming!" responded a small blue-haired girl riding a white cat in a dress. Wings sprouted from her back as they flew straight toward the battlefield.
Meanwhile, Kaido growled.
"Damn flies! Always ruining my fun. King, deal with them."
King, clad in black leather with wings dark as night, flew straight at Wendy, sword drawn. Just before he could strike…
KRAKABOOM!
A golden lightning bolt fell from the sky, blocking the attack and taking on a human form"it was Laxus.
"If you want to attack someone from my guild…" he growled, "you ask me first!"
With a single lightning-charged punch, he sent King flying back, leaving a visible burn even through Haki.
King stood up, clutching his chest in pain. Meanwhile, Wendy landed safely next to Kara and immediately began healing her.
Chopper, amazed, muttered:
"That was… incredible."
"Wendy's awesome!" exclaimed Carla, the white cat, eyeing Chopper curiously. "What kind of Exceed are you?"
"Exceed? I'm a reindeer!" Chopper replied, confused.
"A reindeer… that's weird," Carla frowned.
"A talking cat's way weirder," Uta chimed in with a delighted smile as she stared at Carla.
"Hmph. Unfortunately, I'm not the only one," Carla replied as two more figures descended from the sky… also riding flying cats.
"HAHAHA! I'm totally fired up!" shouted Natsu, staring at the battlefield. "Let's go, Happy! Let's join in!"
"Aye!" cried Happy as they dove down.
As soon as he landed, Natsu threw a punch… straight at Tokikake.
"Hey, wait! That symbol is just like Kara's"you must be her friends! I'm her teammate!" Tokikake yelled, defending himself with his sword.
"Oh yeah? Then I'll hit the next one!" said Natsu, turning toward another… who happened to be another Vice Admiral.
"GIGI! You moron! Obviously, if you're gonna hit someone, go for the strongest!" yelled Gajeel, turning his arm into a sword and charging straight at Kizaru.
"Oh… how scary~," Kizaru commented lazily, letting the attack pass through him as his body turned to light. "But you know… we're also friends of Kara."
"STOOOOOOP, YOU IDIOTS!!!" roared Makarov furiously.
He scanned the field with a single glance. He looked at Kara's clothes, the people around her… and understood everything instantly. After all, he was a Saint Wizard.
"I apologize for the disturbance. I'm the guild master of these idiots. We came looking for one of our missing members… and it seems she joined your ranks. Judging by her condition, you've taken good care of her. If she's fighting in this war… even preparing to use that magic…"
He paused. Then smiled.
"Fairy Tail will be your ally. As a token of gratitude, we'll fight by your side. Free of charge, of course. Though if you insist on paying for our services…"
"Master…" Mirajane gave him a sharp look.
"Ahem. Just a joke," Makarov said quickly. Then, to prove they were worthy of joining the war, he put on a serious expression.
In that moment, a wave of magic surged from his small body, momentarily matching Gildarts' overwhelming presence. Everyone shuddered at the feeling.
The Fairy Tail members smiled with pride… and one by one, they jumped from the flying ship, ready to dive straight into the war"
Even if someone dared to say no.