Chapter 162: Ch 162 : Growth
Tenrou Island, Route E.
Scorching flames danced in the air, only to be sliced apart repeatedly, failing to land a hit.
Due to the impact, Natsu slid backward a short distance, breathing slightly heavier as he gazed at Gildarts, who remained completely at ease, not even a single drop of sweat on his face.
"You've gotten stronger, Natsu." Gildarts looked at Natsu with admiration.
The brief yet intense battle had already shown him that Natsu's strength had improved significantly.
Though Natsu was still at an absolute disadvantage, he was now much calmer and more cautious, often striking once before retreating, never giving Gildarts a chance to counterattack.
This was a stark contrast to the reckless, hot-blooded fighting style that Gildarts remembered from before.
"I haven't been slacking off these past three years, Gildarts." Natsu clenched his fist, Dragon Slayer flames coiling around his body.
The aura he emitted was not as overwhelming as before, but it felt far more dangerous.
"Not bad, Natsu. I've got a good grasp of your strength now. As your examiner, I could pass you based on that alone." Gildarts glanced at Natsu's unconvinced expression and smiled faintly.
"...But I know you wouldn't accept that. So, I won't hold back." Gildarts' expression turned serious, and his cloak began to rise as if caught in an unseen force.