"Do you have time for a spar?"
Based on the tone of the Master's grandson, his strength seemed to be even greater than Erza's. Consequently, Goku was more than happy to initiate a challenge.
"What did you say?!"
Hearing Goku refer to him as "the Master's grandson" and challenge him in the same breath, Laxus surged to his feet. Golden lightning crackled violently around his body, and his face twisted with rage.
In his heart, Laxus loathed being addressed by his relationship to the Master. In his youth, many people had looked at him through a biased lens, assuming his status as an S-Class mage was merely a result of his grandfather's favoritism. For Goku to call him "Master's grandson" was an instant trigger.
Coupled with Goku's public provocation, Laxus was on the verge of exploding and teaching the brat a lesson. Sensing Laxus's hostility and his massive magic power, Goku's expression turned serious, and he dropped into the Turtle School starting stance.
"Laxus! What do you think you're doing? Get out and get to work!" Makarov roared.
The outburst caused Laxus to stiffen. He glared at Goku one last time before transforming into a bolt of lightning and vanishing from the guild hall. However, before he disappeared completely, a cold voice echoed through the room.
"Old man, you're past your prime. You should retire and hand over the Master's seat sooner rather than later."
"Goku, don't mind him," Makarov sighed, rubbing his temples. "He's always had that temper, but he isn't truly rotten at heart. Just go and bring Natsu back."
Makarov wasn't overly bothered by Laxus's words. It wasn't the first time he'd demanded the position. However, until Laxus fixed his twisted philosophy, Makarov would never consider him as a successor.
"The location for Natsu's mission is Galuna Island," Gray said, stepping forward. "It's west of Hargeon Port. To get there, you usually have to take a boat from the harbor. If we head to Hargeon now, we can cut them off."
Gray's job was to assist Goku. While Goku was incredibly powerful, he was still a naïve child in Gray's eyes, and someone needed to handle the logistics and "adult" decisions.
"Hargeon Port? Oh, I've been there."
Goku thought for a moment, placed a hand on Gray's shoulder, and vanished instantly via Apparition.
When they reappeared, the salty scent of the sea hit their noses. They were standing on the docks of Hargeon.
"At Natsu's speed, they probably won't arrive until the afternoon," Gray calculated. Natsu and Lucy had left Magnolia the night before, and since there were no night trains, they likely traveled by carriage. "We'll wait here. They can't get to the island without a boat."
"Then we wait," Goku nodded. "As soon as they enter the harbor, I'll be able to sense their *ki*."
...
At 2:00 PM, a boy, a girl, and a cat finally appeared at the port.
"How nostalgic! This is the city where I first met you guys!" Lucy looked at the rebuilt harbor with a look of sentimental longing. This was where she'd met Natsu, defeated a slave-trading mage, and joined Fairy Tail.
"What's so nostalgic about it? It wasn't even that long ago," Natsu grunted, waving a hand. It had been less than a month.
Happy, perched on Natsu's shoulder, added: "Lucy sounds like an old lady."
"You two!" Lucy barked, her teeth turning into shark fangs. The only reason she'd agreed to this illegal S-Class mission was that the reward included a Golden Zodiac Key. As a Celestial Spirit Mage, her power depended on her contracts, and the Golden Keys were the ultimate prizes.
"Alright, let's find a boat to take us to Galuna Island," Lucy said, heading toward the rental stalls.
The mention of a boat made Natsu's legs tremble. "Um... how about we just swim there?"
Lucy immediately shot down the absurd suggestion. But just as they were about to move, a familiar voice drifted from behind them.
"You don't need a boat. You're coming back to the guild with us!"
"GRAY! GOKU!"
The trio jumped in fright. They spun around to see Gray and Goku standing right behind them. The moment they had entered the harbor, Goku had sensed them and teleported Gray over.
"The gig is up," Gray said, arms crossed. "The old man sent us to drag you back."
"What?! Caught already?!" Natsu clearly hadn't expected to be found so fast, but he set his jaw stubbornly. "I'm not going back! I'm going to finish an S-Class mission and make Laxus and the others shut up for once!"
"Heh, with your current strength? If you won't come willingly, Goku will just knock you out and we'll carry you back," Gray countered, confident in the powerhouse standing next to him.
Seeing the odds, Happy immediately flew over to Goku's side. "Goku! Gray! Save me! I was kidnapped by these two reckless fools!"
"Happy, you traitor! You're the one who stole the flyer from the second floor!" Lucy shrieked.
Natsu's eyes darted around, landing on Goku. A mischievous grin spread across his face as he leaned in. "Hey, Goku... you should come with us! Galuna Island is also known as the 'Island of Demons' or 'The Cursed Island.' They say there are tons of terrifying monsters and powerful demons there. If you come, you might get to fight someone really strong!"
"Fight strong demons?!" Goku's eyes instantly lit up. He was constantly looking for ways to push his limits and improve his training. Natsu had hit his weakest point.
"Goku, don't listen to—"
Gray started to protest, but suddenly, his world went dark. Natsu had circled behind him and delivered a swift chop to the back of his neck.
"So, what do you say? It's a rare chance!" Natsu urged.
"Okay," Goku nodded after a brief moment of thought. "We can go fight, then go back to the guild later."
In Goku's mind, the Master had told him to bring them back, but he hadn't specified *when*. Going to the island for a good fight before heading home seemed like a perfectly logical compromise.
"YES! And I finally don't have to take a boat!" Natsu cheered, jumping for joy. With Goku around, they had the Flying Nimbus.
"NIMBUS!"
With a loud whistle, a streak of golden cloud shot across the sky and stopped in front of Goku. Since bringing it to this world, Goku had let it roam free in the forests, and it was always ready for a call.
"Lucy, take this."
Goku pulled a Nimbus 2000 from his storage box and tossed it to Lucy. He and Natsu hopped onto the golden cloud.
Lucy caught the broom and straddled it, slumping the unconscious Gray over the front of the handle. "Why do I have to use the stick while carrying this guy? The cloud looks way more comfortable..."