Hairline cracks spread across the invisible barrier.
A faint pulse of energy—like a sprouting seed—forced its way out, growing stronger, breaking through that unseen resistance. Within moments, the energy unfurled like a great tree, flowing outward, guided purely by will.
"Using one's will to draw out the hidden power within the body, then channel it to the surface to reinforce defense… what a genius idea."
"It even blocks magic to some extent. So this is Armament Haki, huh? Impressive."
Dark energy bled over his palm, spreading until Makarov's entire right hand turned glossy black. He stared at it, flexed, and nodded in satisfaction.
As expected of the old man—after only one demonstration, he had comprehended the essence of *Armament Haki.*
In his words: "Haki, like magic, stems from the will. But where magic flows from within as energy, this… lies even deeper. Hidden in flesh itself."
Without a powerful body, one could never even sense this buried strength.
Makarov mused aloud, "If there's untapped energy in the body, then perhaps something similar slumbers within the spirit too?"
Noah blinked. *Since when did the old man turn into an honor student?*
Still… he had been thinking the same.
If Armament Haki fortifies the flesh, could there be another force residing in the mind—something capable of controlling perception?
Neither had time to pursue that mystery yet, though. Even mastering Armament Haki alone demanded long, grueling training. One step at a time was enough.
After verifying that the technique carried no risks, Makarov gave permission for Noah to teach any guild members with sufficient physical aptitude. Those too weak would need to train their bodies first before attempting it.
---
When Noah announced this in the guild hall, the reaction was instant and explosive.
"Enhances your defense?!"
"You mean we'll take less damage during brawls?!"
"SIGN ME UP!"
For a guild where friendly fights were practically routine, the words *'harder to get hurt'* were irresistible. Even mages who specialized purely in magical combat wanted in.
Erza was the most enthusiastic of all. The idea that Armament Haki could be wrapped around weapons to strengthen them fascinated her as a Requip mage.
Within hours, more people signed up for Haki training than had ever volunteered for Noah's physical combat classes.
Of course, not everyone passed the assessments—most lacked the stamina or control. In the end, Noah approved a first batch of twenty trainees.
For the next month, he trained them while practicing alongside them himself. Even he wouldn't admit it out loud, but there was no way he'd let his "students" surpass their own instructor.
---
Two weeks later, the first batch had already mastered the basics. In their excitement, Natsu and Elfman immediately clashed in a heated "practice duel."
Their shouts echoed throughout the guild—until Erza's iron fist ended the fight, leaving both of them flattened and fast asleep like babies. The sight alone killed whatever courage Gray had been gathering to challenge her next.
Noah felt a wave of relief. With Makarov's approval and the first batch stable, Haki training could continue without him micromanaging. He could finally go back to being a lazy homebody again—napping, playing with Cheese and Snowy, and living in peace.
Unfortunately, peace in Fairy Tail never lasted.
---
That afternoon, someone began pounding furiously at his dorm door.
Noah yawned, hamster Snowy resting on his head and snow cat Cheese in his arms. "I'm coming, I'm coming," he muttered, opening the door.
What he didn't expect was the sight before him.
"Oh? Laxus? What wind blew the mighty 'Thunder Dragon' to my humble door?"
His teasing tone made Laxus's brow twitch. He looked seconds away from punching the smirk off Noah's face—but restrained himself. He hadn't come here for a fight.
Curious, Noah invited him in. After pouring his "guest" a cup of hot water and settling with his own glass of warm milk, Noah asked, "Alright then, why has *Lord Laxus* descended upon my den of laziness?"
Laxus crossed his arms, face set in stone. "Teach me Armament Haki."
"…Huh?"
Noah blinked, then realized. Laxus had scoffed at the training before—too prideful to join. But seeing others, especially *Erza*, mastering it must've lit a fire under him.
And he was right.
Erza had thrown herself into learning Haki relentlessly. She had nearly reached the stage of "Haki Infusion," the level where it could be wrapped around weapons and armor.
Her **Lightning Empress Armor** already resisted electricity; if enhanced with Haki, her defense against lightning spells—like Laxus's—would skyrocket.
The thought alone gnawed at Laxus's pride. He was stronger in raw magic, yet never by a margin wide enough to crush Erza completely. Now, if she strengthened herself further…
The only power that could counter Armament Haki—was more Haki.
Determined, Laxus had swallowed his pride and come to him directly.
---
Noah leaned back in his chair, a devilish grin creeping up his face.
"Well, well… and *this* is how you come asking for help?"
The veins in Laxus's forehead pulsed. "Don't push it, Noah! Even without Haki, I can flatten you!"
The white-haired teacher only chuckled. "Careful, Thunder Dragon. You wouldn't want Erza to overtake you one day… or worse—beat you."
That landed harder than any punch.
Laxus froze. For a man obsessed with strength and pride, the thought alone was unbearable.
Finally, fists clenched, he exhaled through gritted teeth.
"Noah… teach me how to use Haki."
Noah cupped a hand to his ear, smirking. "What was that? I have a rank in this guild, you know."
Every muscle in Laxus's jaw twitched. *I'll kill him once this is over,* he swore silently.
"…Coach Noah," he ground out, voice barely above a growl.
"I… want to learn Haki."
Then—*click.*
A soft noise echoed through the room.
The magic crystal Cheese had been fiddling with flashed to life, recording the moment perfectly.
Laxus blinked. Realization hit like a lightning strike. "Wait—was that a recording lacrima?!"
Too late. Noah scooped up the innocent cat, holding it like a trophy, grinning ear to ear. "If you ever mouth off to Master again and make him mad, I'll make a hundred copies of this beautiful footage and distribute them to the guild!"
"NO!!"
Laxus lunged, grabbing for the lacrima, face red with fury and humiliation.
Noah danced out of reach, laughing wickedly. "Too late! The era of *Coach Noah* begins now!"
And across the room, the lacrima continued recording—every last second of Fairy Tail's strongest "Thunder Dragon Slayer" desperately chasing a giggling slacker around his dorm.
``
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