Time flowed, and it became X770.
For nearly a year, Kurosaki threw himself into training with everything he had. Every day he went to the waterfall in the eastern woods, sitting beneath the crashing torrent and letting the water hammer his body to strengthen his physique.
At the same time, he honed control of his spiritual pressure. He circled and outmaneuvered the magical beasts in the forest, sharpening endurance through constant pressure and close calls.
Whenever he was injured, he used Unohana's healing ability on himself.
Day after day, the proficiency climbed without him even noticing, until Unohana's ability reached 30%.
Now he could easily heal moderate minor injuries, and he could even briefly boost his own stamina, and other people's as well. Compared to a year ago, his spiritual pressure had grown much denser.
During this year, Laxus vanished without a trace. Makarov said his father, Ivan, had taken him away.
Because Kurosaki often got clawed up in training, Makarov occasionally brought him to Porlyusica's place for treatment.
That was how Kurosaki got to know Porlyusica from Edolas, and he also met Grandpa Rob. While spending time there, Kurosaki quietly used Unohana's ability to ease the strain in Porlyusica's hands from making medicine.
The thoughtful gesture raised Porlyusica's opinion of him considerably.
As for Gildarts, he was still out on missions. The entire year passed without him returning to the guild even once.
Today, like always, Kurosaki finished training and headed home. With his improved body and spiritual pressure, he could already defeat low-grade monsters in the forest on his own. He sold their hides for a small reward.
It was not much, but enough to buy little things he liked.
The moment he opened the door, he saw a small boy sitting on the couch.
Messy bangs, long blond hair, a red short-sleeved shirt with a lightning symbol, and blue jeans. Cute enough to make Kurosaki almost blurt out something ridiculous.
He barely managed not to shout, "Lax-baby, Mom loves you."
This was the famous future leader of Fairy Tail's "thunder," the boy who craved companions but forced himself into a tough image, leaving him without friends in the guild and desperate for recognition.
Laxus Dreyar.
"You're Laxus, right? I'm Kurosaki. Nice to meet you." Noticing Laxus staring at him, Kurosaki smiled and waved first.
"Laxus, say hello to Kurosaki. He's staying with us for now." Makarov walked out from a room, only then remembering he had forgotten to tell Laxus about Kurosaki lodging there.
"I'm Laxus Dreyar. Just call me Laxus." Laxus hopped off the couch and stood in front of Kurosaki, smiling openly as he offered his hand. "I use lightning magic, and Lightning Dragon Slayer Magic."
So he already has Dragon Slayer Magic. That means his father took him to get the Dragon Slayer lacrima implanted during that year he disappeared.
Honestly, his personality is so nice at this stage.
I have to watch him carefully. I can't let him turn back into that prickly, arrogant version of himself again. He needs to understand that his mouth isn't only for eating, it's for talking properly too.
Kurosaki shook his hand lightly, then let go.
"You already joined Fairy Tail?" Laxus asked. "What kind of magic do you use?"
When Kurosaki walked in, Laxus had seen the guild mark on the back of his hand. At this time, Laxus himself had not officially joined yet.
"Yeah, I joined. Mine is healing-type. I awakened it a year ago. It can treat wounds and restore stamina. Now I can heal moderate injuries." Kurosaki explained with a smile, then gently stirred his spiritual pressure. A faint white glow appeared in his palm, just enough to show a hint of Unohana's power.
Laxus blinked, eyes wide with curiosity. "Are you strong?"
"I'm okay. Not especially strong." Kurosaki scratched his forehead honestly. "Right now my ability is mostly healing. My combat power isn't outstanding. But compared to when I first awakened it a year ago, I'm much stronger."
"Grandpa, why can he join Fairy Tail but I can't?" Laxus blurted, clearly upset. Joining Fairy Tail was something he had dreamed about for a long time.
"Laxus, you're still young," Makarov said without hesitation, having expected this question. "Kids should play more. When you're older, you can join. There's no rush."
Laxus clenched his fists, cheeks puffing slightly. "Grandpa, he can use magic, right? Then let's have a duel. If I win, you have to agree to let me join Fairy Tail."
"Laxus, you..." Makarov sighed, wanting to refuse. As his grandfather, he did not want him getting hurt.
Kurosaki spoke up quickly, cutting in before Makarov could shut it down.
"Grandpa, I think it's fine. But it's late. Let's duel tomorrow instead. How about it, Laxus?"
He knew how stubborn Laxus could be. Forcing a hard refusal would only make it worse. And Kurosaki also wanted to use this duel to test how much his physique and spiritual pressure had improved, and maybe push Unohana's proficiency a little higher.
Besides, joining Fairy Tail was not truly hard. Even if Makarov agreed, he would not immediately send Laxus on dangerous jobs. This was more about a grandfather's care and stubborn protectiveness.
If Makarov refused outright, Laxus might throw an even bigger fit.
"Fine. It's a deal!" Laxus thrust his clenched fist straight toward Kurosaki.
Kurosaki bumped it lightly with his own.
With that small contact, their promise was set.
"You two brats don't just decide things on your own!" Makarov roared, voice shaking the room. "Seriously!"