Makarov returned after going to the toilet once Caesar had finished firing his kunai. He said nothing about what happened earlier. Instead, he handed Caesar a sketch with great interest.
Caesar looked at the building on the paper. It looked similar to one that appeared later in the story. He nodded and expanded a small dark room next to the girls' bathroom. He planned to turn it into a boys' bathroom.
Makarov seemed disappointed. Caesar raised an eyebrow. Makarov was not a bad man, but he was lustful. Caesar wanted to change that and make him a convincing master.
As for the swimming pool Makarov imagined, Caesar planned to expand it. He was confident that he could remove the Fairy Ball. So, the idea that Fairy Tail lost seven years of combat power no longer applied. Under Caesar's hands, Fairy Tail would grow stronger and stronger.
He didn't want the small pool to feel crowded. Making it bigger was the best choice. All supporting facilities must be included — open-air cafés, small shops, and underground entertainment areas.
The guild's floor area expanded to 3,000 square meters. It now had three floors, a clock tower, and a flag at the top. Makarov had already arranged the required documents. It seemed he had been planning this reconstruction for a while.
Night fell. Because the guild was destroyed, the wizards couldn't take any missions that day and went home. Still, after Caesar's reminder, everyone stayed alert. Even without protection, they didn't want to be caught off guard.
"I don't know if everyone can handle it," Levi said, holding a kunai. "Even if Caesar is strong, if they all attack together, he can't protect everyone."
"Don't worry, Levi. We'll protect you," Sarusuk and Doler promised. Levi sighed. Their team was weak. It was no wonder Caesar gave them ritual kunai for safety.
"I still don't know how Caesar became so strong," Levi muttered. Sarusuk and Doler glanced at each other. Rivals in love.
They had both confessed to Levi and were rejected immediately. Still, they liked her. Even though Caesar was married, they feared Levi might fall for him. If that happened, they would lose their chance.
Their jealousy grew stronger.
"Hehehe... three weak fairies."
A voice came from above a tree as the three walked home. The figure hidden in the branches watched them closely.
"Iron Dragon's Club!"
He leapt out, stretching his metallic arm and smashing it toward Levi and her friends.
"Careful!" Sarusuk and Doler reacted quickly. Doler threw down seeds that turned into vines, forming a wall. But the iron blow shattered it. The two were sent flying, knocking Levi over too.
"Guard!" Levi shouted as glowing words appeared from her pen. A barrier formed, blocking the next attack.
"Levi, are you okay?" Sarusuk asked.
"Go! I can't hold on much longer!" Levi gritted her teeth. The barrier trembled under the attack.
"Hehehe... too weak! Go to Rift!" Gajeel laughed and struck again.
Boom!
A golden fist hit Gajeel in the face. He flew backward.
"It's Caesar! Caesar's here!" Levi shouted in relief. Sarusuk and Doler were jealous again.
"The Phantom's Iron Dragon?" Caesar said calmly, facing Gajeel.
Gajeel froze. Cold sweat ran down his face. He turned and tried to run.
"Trying to escape?" Caesar moved instantly, blocking his path. His punch hit Gajeel squarely. Gajeel's arms cracked under the impact. He coughed blood.
"Y-you…"
Smack! Caesar's palm hit him across the face. Gajeel spun in the air.
Smack! Spin.
Smack! Spin.
It went on and on. Levi couldn't bear to watch.
"Caesar, maybe that's enough?" she said softly.
Caesar stopped. Gajeel's face was swollen and bruised. Relief washed over him. Levi looked like an angel to him — kind and merciful.
"For your sake, I'll stop," Caesar said. Then his palm glowed with flames.
"But first…"
He stabbed his clawed hand into Gajeel's abdomen. Gajeel spat blood and passed out. Caesar pulled his hand back and looked at the glowing seal marks.
"Five Elements Seal. He won't be resisting anytime soon," Caesar said coldly.
Sarusuk and Doler felt pity for Gajeel. He was unlucky. He shouldn't have picked Fairy Tail as a target.
Did Phantom Lord really think Fairy Tail was weak? Caesar the Tyrant, Mirajane the Demon, Erza the Queen, Laxus the Thunder God, and Natsu the Fire Dragon — none of them were to be messed with.
Joseph, the master of Phantom Lord, had crossed the line.
The signal for war was lit. Fairy Tail would destroy Phantom Lord completely.