AN: So as I am sure some people were wondering, I have decided for both my 'Ten Tailed Wolf' story and my 'Old Man in a Young Man's Body' story, to keep the originals on the website and maybe clean them up and potentially continue if I find the motivation.

However I have also decided to rewrite them adding in new ideas and fine tuning some of the issues I think the previous stories had. There will be some changes form the originals as I remove things I didn't think quite worked and add in new things that I do think work.

However I will mostly be revamping the old chapters, making them flow better, improving characterisation and weening out the things I didn't like about them. So hopefully it won't take me too long to get the stories back to the point at which I stopped them. Though I won't be ignoring my other stories, as I am already in the midst of updating two of my other ones.

Also like with my other story, MY original story that I am rewriting. The initial idea came from reading LordVanity's Irresponsible Master Naruto! With the Author's full permission and support.

That being said the first chapter of my N/Fairy Tail story has been done and the second is almost there. I will endeavour to do a chapter a week until I catch up to where I was previously.

Hope you all enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Fairy Tail.

( - )

Chapter 1

(In the town of Magnolia)

It was late at night in the town of Magnolia, and it was raining. Currently all the denizens of the fair town were huddled away in either their homes or in bars, waiting out the rain as they spent time with their friends and those close to them.

At the edge of the town though, in a small yet comfortable house that had been built into a tree, two people were sat around a table discussing less than pleasant things. One of the people was a short, elderly looking man with a shock of white hair protruding from the sides of his head, and a bald dome on top. A large whiskery moustache covering his upper lip as he clasped a mug of ale in one hand, a slight frown on his face as he was lectured by the other person in the room. This person being a tall, stick thin woman, with greying, pink hair tied in a bun at the back of her head, and old looking reddish coloured eyes. A stern expression prominent on her face as she laid into her guest.

"You're an old fool Makarov! And when I say old I mean it. You're not a young man anymore, the stress of running the Guild and being a Wizard Saint, it's too much. If you continue to push yourself like this, then I'm not sure how much longer you'll be able to keep it up!" Porlyusica, a former member of the Wizarding Guild Fairy Tail, scolded. The frown on her face intensifying as she saw the stubborn expression on Makarov's face. A mixture of irritation and concern for one of her closest and oldest friends, forcing her to intervene before the silly man worked himself to death.

Letting out a sigh as she saw the man's frown, Porlyusica let out a slight sigh. "Makarov, you need to retire, or at the very least you have to take a break as Fairy Tail's Guild Master."

"Nonsense!" Makarov Dreyar, the current Guild Master of Fairy Tail, replied stubbornly, the frown still on his face as he tried to ignore the concern he could see in Porlyusica's gaze. Only for his scowl to falter as he felt the woman's gaze boring into him, "You're worrying about nothing. I mean, I'm feeling just fine, I'm just a little stressed is all!" Makarov continued, skirting around the truth, as deep down he knew she was right. He was old, he was tired and the stress of the Guild was not making it any easier on him.

"Just a bit stressed?! You're just as big a fool as you always were. You look like you're about to collapse any moment now!" Porlyusica replied harshly, her face darkening as she tried to impress upon Makarov the importance of what she was saying, "If you keep this up, you'll die, you silly old man!"

"I won't die, not with you by my side," Makarov replied with a dry chuckle, half-joking as he sent his friend a crooked half-hearted grin. Trying to put her mind at ease and also get her off his back. Not that it worked on getting the scowling Porlyusica to divert her attention from the current conversation.

"You know as well as I do that I'm not a miracle worker. Not even I can help you if you die... Makarov!" Porlyusica responded, a slight sigh leaving her mouth as she brought one of her hands to her temple and began massaging it. What was it with Dreyar men and being stupidly stubborn?

As if sensing what she was thinking, Makarov's half-grin grew a bit more genuine, much to Porlyusica's irritation.

"Look, I'm not saying you have to retire for good. Like I said, just take a break or a holiday, not a long one, maybe just a few months. You just need a break from the stress of being Guild Master. You can have Erza or Laxus maybe even Gildarts's if you can find him, take charge until then," Porlyusica continued, trying a different tack with the stubborn old man. After all she truly was just trying to look out for his well-being. As while it was true that she disliked most people, Makarov was one of the few she did like, an exception to the rule so to speak.

Makarov sighed slightly as he heard her suggestion, his brow furrowing as he thought about the prospect of taking time away from Fairy Tail, and the kind of shenanigan's its members, his pseudo children, would get embroiled in without his guiding hand, "I can't... those children, my children, they need me..."

"I'm sure they do, but at this rate your body will fail you and then you'll die... for their sake, if not for your own I suggest you either retire or at the very least take a break. What you do is up to you of course, but if you want to die then so be it! I'll morn you, and I'll miss you, but I will also know I did everything I could do to help you." Porlyusica replied bluntly, her tone turning slightly solemn as she spoke of the fate that could befall Makarov if he were not careful. Her sharp words cutting through Makarov's excuses and hitting home as his smile faded.

"I guess you're right, I guess I really do need to relax," Makarov finally admitted, letting out a sigh, deflating a bit as he sagged slightly in exhaustion. Her words had finally reached him. The elderly woman only nodded, glad that he had at last heeded her words, seeing this Makarov continued, "I guess I'll have to think about who the new part-time guild Master will be..."

( - )

(Fairy Tail Guild Hall, the next day)

The rain of the day before had given way to bright sunshine and clear skies in Magnolia, and taking advantage of the change, the streets were filled with people. Some of them were flitting through the bustling market stalls, whilst others were sat in one of the large parks that were dotted around the town, luxuriating in the warmth of the day.

Makarov however, was currently in the ever loud and boisterous Fairy Tail Guild Building, a large, one hundred year old, wooden building that overlooked the sea, and the home to the Fairy Tail Guild. One of the strongest Wizarding Guild's in the entire of Fiore, and one of its most infamous. Not for any sinister reasons of course, but more because of their often and flagrant flouting of some of the Magical Council's more petty rules.

At the moment, the short Guild Master was standing on the counter of the worn out wooden bar that extended across one side of the Guild. Behind which, Mirajane, Fairy Tail's beautiful bartender, usually worked, a smile almost constantly on her face and a kind word ever on her lips.

As he stood there, he couldn't help but just watch as his Guild Members, his children, fought, drank and laughed with each other, smiles on their faces as they laughed out loud and joked together. He had seen most of them grow up from young children and teenagers who first came to the Guild, often frightened and alone, into the fine young men and women they had become today. No matter what anyone said, no matter how many complaints the Magical Council sent him, he couldn't be more proud of his children.

'This is only temporary Makarov, it is not a goodbye no matter what, because even if I can't see them… even if we are separated, far apart from each other… I'll always be watching over them. I'll definitely watch over them, forever…,' Makarov thought as his soft eyes moved over the members of his Guild, a sad smile on his face at having to be separated from them, even for a short time. Still Porlyusica had a point, if Makarov wanted to live to see what else the little rascals would get up to, then he would need a break.

Nodding his head at that though, he knew it was time, no more waiting, no more prevaricating. It was time to l finally tell them his news. After all, he had gathered them all here for that express purpose, he was sure many of them would have preferred to have been outside enjoying the sun, or on missions. But still they had all come at his request.

"Listen up you brats!" Makarov bellowed, his voice echoing throughout the large building as he got his rambunctious children's attention. The slightest of smiles on his face as he saw them all looking at him, all of them silent as they waited for him to continue.

Waiting a few seconds as a curious silence hung in the air, all of them looking expectantly at their Guild Master, waiting for him to make the 'important announcement', that he had gathered them all here to hear.

Letting out a slight cough, Makarov decided to just come out and say it. Which is why, as bluntly as possible he said, "I have decided to step down as Guild Master."

A few moments of silence followed this, as many of the Guild Member's gawped at him in confusion. Unfortunately though, the silence didn't last.

"WHAT?!" Was the sudden deafening outburst of a number of the Guild Members, the Guild Hall soon becoming filled with shouts of protests, and exclamations of both shock and surprise.

Of course some of the reactions were a bit more comical, as some who had been drinking booze at the time, spat out their drinks in shock. The most obvious being Cana Alberona, a very attractive brunette Wizard, one who specialised in 'Card Magic', but was better known for her ability to out drink almost anyone. Who at the time of Makarov's announcement had been chugging from a small keg, meaning that in her surprise she had drenched Macou and Wakaba, two of Fairy Tail's veteran Wizards in a shower of beer.

"T-This is a joke, right?!" Gray Fullbuster, an athletic, dark haired teen, infamous for his control of 'Ice Make Magic', and his proclivity for unconsciously stripping naked for no apparent reason, gasped out. The teen in question staring at the Makarov in shock, ignoring for a moment that he was half naked and currently being held in a headlock by the pink haired Fire Dragon Slayer, Natsu Dragneel.

"I-Is Fairy Tail disbanding?!" Elfman a tall, powerfully built man, with spiky white coloured hair and a rather prominent scar running down one side of his face shouted out, almost hyperventilating. Though whether that be from the news he had just heard, or from his current positon, being buried under several other Fairy Tail members was unknown, however what was obvious was the fear and worry in his voice.

A soft smile spread across Makarov's face as he saw and heard his children's shenanigans, even as he shook his head in response to Elfman's question, "No, Fairy Tail is more than a Guild Master it is a family and it has been here long before all of us were born and it will be here long after we are gone. No, I am temporarily stepping down as Guild Master because my health isn't the best at the moment, and if I want to live to see the next generation of Fairy Tail, then I'll have to take a break for at least a little while. Which is why, until I return, someone else will be taking over my role as Guild Master..."

At that proclamation a wave of relief rushed through the Guild. After all if it was only a temporary situation, then that meant that Master Makarov would probably just go on a holiday, maybe to Akane Resort, for a couple of months so he could kick his feet back and relax. After all everyone needed a holiday once in a while, and Makarov had spent the last forty years acting as Guild Master of Fairy Tail, if anyone deserved a break it was him.

After the confirmation that he was not leaving for good settled in, the whispers of who the next Guild Master would be, even if they would only be part time, began circulating through the crowd. Several of the Guild Members beginning to start throwing around guesses of just who the next Guild Master might be.

"It'll be Gildarts for sure!" Natsu Dragneel, a lean, athletic young man of average height, with a slightly tanned skin tone, black eyes and spiky pink-coloured hair shouted out enthusiastically. The pink haired Wizard being one of Fairy Tail's most troublesome members, renown for being both of user of 'Fire Dragon Slayer Magic', and for causing the most collateral damage to personally property whilst on missions.

"It'll definitely be Laxus!" Evergreen, an attractive and busty brunette wizard, with glasses smirked. A haughty expression on her face as she looked around the Guild Hall, as if daring someone to challenge her claim.

"Ha! No way, my money is definitely on Erza, she's one of the strongest in the Guild, and has the experience and the right temperament," Macou, a middle-aged man with slicked back dark blue hair stated confidently, as he slammed one of his feet on a wooden bench to emphasis his point.

"No, you're talking out of your arse. Erza's too young, and too strict to be Guild Master yet. If you ask me it'll be Laxus. He has the power and the reputation, plus as Makarov's grandson he has the lineage!" Wakaba, a middle aged Wizard with brown hair in a pompadour style and a cigarette in his mouth said. A smirk on his face as he met Macou's gaze.

"No It will be me! I AM A REAL MAN!" Elfman bellowed excitedly, while pounding his chest trying to show his manliness to the world as he did so. The heavily built Wizard making a great show of flexing his muscles as he did so.

"Ha! In your dreams Elfman!" Gray shouted in response, finally breaking Natsu's headlock and leaping at the now free Elfman. Tackling him into the ground as he did so, which in turn made the white haired Wizard stumbling backwards into a number of other Fairy Tail Wizards.

Within moments the gossiping and newly begun fighting was once again interrupted by Makarov, who upon seeing that he was about to lose their attention, decided to clear up a few more things, "I have an idea on who I want to be the next Master, but I haven't asked the question yet or gotten an answer. But that is a problem for later, let us not worry about this, no for now, for now is the time to celebrate, let's party!" Makarov roared a mug of ale held aloft in one of his hands.

In response everyone began to loudly cheer in agreement to their Master's proclamation, before things once again descend back into the chaos that was Fairy Tail on a normal day.

( - )

(One Day Later, the Fairy Tail Guild Hall)

"Oi, old man, what the hell did you call me here for? I'm a busy guy you know?!" Laxus Dreyar, a tall, powerfully built young man with blue eyes, tanned skin, spiky blond hair and a distinctive lightning bolt scar running down the side of his face, growled at his grandfather, Makarov. A prominent scowl on his face as he glared down at the old man, his impatience clear to see.

Currently they were on the second floor of the Guild Hall, in Makarov's cluttered little office, surrounded by large stacks of paperwork, most of which were complaints about the damage the members of the Guild had caused whilst out on missions. Most of which was courtesy of Natsu.

Ignoring his surroundings for now, Laxus instead focused on his frowning grandfather, his blues eyes narrowing as he gestured to the other occupant in the room. "And why the hell is he here?! Is this about you leaving?!"

The person Laxus had been referring to was a tall, young looking man, with medium length, wavy and spiked dark-blond hair. The man had thick eyebrows, twinkling blue eyes and tanned skin. He actually looked quite similar to Laxus, only shorter and less brawny, with slightly softer facial features. A slight smirk playing around his mouth as he watch Laxus's theatrics.

The other blonde was wearing a black, button up, long-sleeved shirt, over the top of which he wore a dark brown leather jacket with a folded, grey fur-trimmed collar and breast pockets on either side. He also wore simple black jeans with frayed hems and battered dusty brown leather boots. Overall he cut quite an unremarkable figure, neither as large or imposing as Laxus, or as small and striking as Makarov.

"Yes Laxus, my leaving is exactly the reason I called you. In fact it is why I called you both here from your obviously busy schedules. And before you ask, that is because I've decided one of you will be Fairy Tail's new Guild Master," Makarov replied whilst looking the two young men over, sending a slight frown to Laxus because of his abrasive attitude.

Ideally he would prefer for Laxus to have had a few more years of experience, and to have matured more, before he offered him the position of Guild Master, even if it were only temporarily. Unfortunately though he was the second best option, and so had been invited here in case Makarov's first choice refused, which knowing him was a likely possibility.

"I know you are both powerful, and that you both have the potential to be great leaders, which is why before I choose I just want to hear something from you two before I make my final decision on which one of you it will be." Makarov continued giving the other man in a room a pointed look at that. After all the job was his, all he had to do was say yes. Not that he would tell his grandson that, the man's ego wouldn't accept being second choice.

"It'll be me obviously! I'm mean why the hell do you think this guy could do it? You would think that the Guild Master would at least be someone from Fairy Tail! This bastard, he's just a nobody!" Laxus responded, his voice raising as he glared at his fellow blonde. He knew who the other man was, though he suspected there was more to it than he had been told. Still he knew the man, even if only a little, and he didn't particularly like him.

"To be fair, young Laxus make a good point. After all Makky, I'm not even a Fairy Tail mage anymore!" The young looking man finally spoke up, his tone soft. Though as he spoke, there was an amused look on his face. The slightest of grins present as he watched the interaction between grandfather and grandson, it seemed a lot had changed since the last time he had visited. "I mean has your old age finally caused you to become senile?! Do you want me to take you to a retirement home or something?" He continued, letting out a bark of laughter at the scowl the old man sent him.

"It wouldn't be fair if he became Master!" Laxus spoke up, cutting Makarov off as he did so. "Like he said old man, he isn't a member of Fairy Tail, at least not anymore. Come on just think about it, we've seen him what, like once or twice in the last decade. Fairy Tail's Guild Master would have to actually be a member of the Guild, and not some flaky, unreliable bastard, whose leadership would make the Guild weaker than it already is!" Laxus continued to say alternating glares between his fellow blonde and his grandfather. And to be honest he did have a good point.

"Damn kid what happened to you? I mean you used to be such a sweet kid, don't get me wrong though, you were a pretty bratty teenager, but I thought you would have grown out of that by now!" The blonde haired man replied, the faintest hint of disappointment in his tone as he met Laxus's gaze. Easily dismissing the other blonde's harsh glare. "I'm a bit disappointed kid, you had the potential to be great. But look at you, you're squandering your talent and allowing your ego to change who you are."

"I don't give a damn if you're disappointed Uncle! You mean nothing to me, you speak of wasted potential. But just look at yourself, you're little more than weak trash! Actually, now that i think about it, can you even use magic?" Laxus sneered, his anger getting the best of him as he snapped out at his Uncle, Naruto Dreyar.

"Don't let your temper get the best of you Laxus, despite what you think and what he says, he is in fact a powerful Wizard, and a member of Fairy Tail. He still has his Guild Mark, and so for as long as he bears it he will remain a member of Fairy Tail!" Makarov replied, his tone more tired than before as he brought his hand to his head and massaged his temples.

Naruto and Laxus had once been so close. Back before the unpleasantness with Laxus's father, Ivan, had gone down. Looking at them now though, he could see the bond they had once shared had all but dissipated. The cause being Naruto's frequent absences from Laxus's life, and the bitterness and ego that had consumed his grandson over the last few years.

"Alright I'll give you that much, I've still got the mark." Naruto replied, absentmindedly rubbing his covered shoulder "But it's been years since I was an active member. I mean ignoring Laxus's bullshit, he did have a point. I'm not really that well known the Guild anymore, it'd be only the older members who would really remember me, and even then they won't have much more than a passing familiarity with me."

"I'm mean seriously, how long ago were you a member!?" Laxus spoke up, his irritation forgotten for the moment as he instead gave Naruto a curious/ suspicious look. "You've barely aged since the last time I saw you, how bloody old are you Uncle?"

"Didn't you know it's rude to ask someone their age?" Naruto replied dismissively. Not because he had any insecurities about how old he was, but more because he knew the Magic Council would be a right pain in the arse if some of Naruto more well-guarded secrets got out, and that was hassle he wasn't interested in at the moment.

"Hn! Whatever!" Laxus said with a grunt, pushing aside his curiousity as he instead went back to scowling. "Keep your secrets old man, it doesn't matter. What does is that you're unsuitable to be Guild Master."

"Which is something I totally agree with." Naruto responded with a nonchalant shrug, a slight smile playing around his face, as he saw Laxus's surprised look and Makarov roll his eyes.

To be fair Makarov should have expected this, after all Naruto was not interested in positions of power. He had grown up a lot since he was a kid, and had realised that positions of leadership came with great responsibility and often demanded great sacrifices. Which as an overconfident kid with nothing was fine and dandy, but as a grown adult with loved ones, was not something he was willing to do, not if there was someone else suitable for the task.

"I know your opinion already Naruto, but I disagree. You lecture Laxus about wasted potential, but then you try to avoid position of authority where you could do a great deal of good and help a lot of people. Many people would call you a hypocrite." Makarov spoke up, knowing as he did so that those words would hit Naruto hard. After all Naruto was many things, he was kind and noble when he could be, ruthless and merciless when he had to be, but hypocritical, that was one thing Naruto allow himself to be seen as. It was a low blow, but one Makarov was happy to dish out.

As he suspected Naruto frowned as he heard that, his brow furrowing being the only sign of irritation he showed. Though deep down Makarov knew Naruto embodied the Dreyar fury and the hot-headedness that all the members of their family seemed to have.

Ignoring that for now though, Makarov instead surveyed the two prospective candidates for Fairy Tail's next Guild Master. Naruto was generally quite carefree, irresponsible, and a little eccentric. Laxus meanwhile was seriously power-hungry, arrogant and had an issues control his anger, however there was still goodness in him, hidden under all the blunder, arrogance and old hurt. But yes deep down inside he was genuinely good.

But unfortunately only one of them would be Master. Even if Laxus did make a good point about Naruto not being Master because he hadn't been around for a long time, out of his two family members Makarov figured Naruto would make a better Master.

Despite this he still owed Laxus a chance to prove himself if Naruto rejected his offer. Plus if Naruto did accept, then the blow to Laxus's ego could do him some good. It could bring his grandson back down to earth, and knock some of the arrogance out of him.

Laxus was right though, Naruto once was a member of Fairy Tail. That had been many years ago though, it was likely that not many people remembered the blond ever being a member. Mainly though that was because most of the current Guild Members weren't members at the time, with some of them having not even been born.

Makarov looked at Naruto's right shoulder, even though the blonde had his leather jacket on, he knew Naruto still had the orange Guild mark he had gotten many years ago. Makarov also knew that Naruto still bore the mark with pride.

"Makky," Naruto finally spoke up, his voice as cheerful as ever as he pointed at Laxus, "I may not be the best choice for the positon, but it kinda surprises that me you are considering making this brat the Guild Master of Fairy Tail."

Laxus growled in annoyance as he heard that, his eyes narrowing as he glared at his Uncle. Though whether the blonde was really his Uncle was questionable considering Laxus's father, Ivan, never had a brother.

"You got a problem with me?! I don't care if you're family, I will break you if you get in my way! I'm the only one in the Guild who deserves the position! Gildarts is too unreliable and Erza is too weak and inexperienced. I'm the only real choice!" Laxus growled out as he glared at Naruto.

His hands clenching into fists as he shrugged off the big, thick fur-trimmed over coat he was wearing over his shoulders like a cape, leaving him in a purple button up shirt and black leather trousers. A few moments after he did this lightning began to crackle and jump around him as he began to draw on and release some of his magic. The action causing the air to become thick with power and static, the smell of ozone beginning to fill the room.

"Laxus there will be no fighting, especially between family!" Makarov snapped at him, his eyes flashing golden for a moment as his voice deepened. "My decision as Master will be final and you will accept it no matter what the result may be!"

"Hmph, whatever, just make me Master already!" Laxus snapped back, though as he did so he stopped releasing his power, both because his grandfather had a dangerous look in his eyes, a look that warned of impending doom, and also because his Uncle didn't look at all bothered by his display, in fact he just looked bored.

Makarov stayed silent. Before he spoke, "I want both of you to tell me why you want to be the Guild Master, and if you did become Master... what would your goals for this guild be? Don't think of lying either, because I will be able to see right through your lies."

"Oi, I don't want even want to be the Guild Master!" Naruto spoke up first, raising his hand in a last futile attempt to avoid having to answer, "I mean it's just too much work, why would I want to be a Guild Master for such a troublesome guild? Hell think of all the stuff I could do instead, you know hit up a few bars and casinos. Maybe get out of Fiore for a bit, I've heard Seven is nice this time of year."

Makarov ignored that comment resignedly, and instead turned to Laxus, "Laxus, I want you to answer the question!"

Laxus smirked as he clenched his right fist in front of him, "I want to be the Guild Master to make Fairy Tail even stronger... I want to have everyone fear and respect us! I'll kick out the weak trash that don't deserve to be in this Guild old man, and Fairy Tail under me will become truly the strongest Guild in Fiore."

"I see..." Makarov sighed at this. It wasn't wrong to have ambition, but Laxus's way, he just didn't like it one bit. Laxus loved Fairy Tail, and he knew that, but his way wasn't the Fairy Tail way, he would only lead the guild to ruin that way. Looking at the expression on Laxus's face and hear his words, Makarov knew his grandson had a lot of growing up to do before he would be ready to become a Guild Master.

"Naruto... your turn," The old man said as he turned to Naruto, not missing the faint frown that was on the other blondes face as he heard Laxus's answer.

"Eh? Are you deaf? Or is your age finally catching up to you? I told you I don't want to be Master... it seems like way too much work for me!" Naruto said with a bark of laughter, though Makarov did notice that his protests were not as vehement as before. The other man having obviously realised just how unsuitable Laxus was for the positon.

"Let's say hypothetically you were Guild Master then, what would you do?" Makarov replied simply, the faint smile around his mouth telling Naruto that he had seen through him. The other man may like to think he was a former Shinobi, but subtly, by his own admission was never the greatest of his abilities.

"Nothing." Naruto's responded, his answer simple and to the point.

'Like always you're a hard to understand man.' Makarov thought while he sweat-dropped, he was doomed! He could already imagine the Guild being destroyed due to the blonde's carefree, lazy personality! Clearly heh ad underestimated Naruto's reluctance to become Guild Master. That being said though, he had to admit he did like Naruto's response better than Laxus's, it was more the Fairy Tail way.

"Very well!" Makarov said after a short pause, nodding as he sent the now wary Naruto a slight smirk, "Naruto you will be Fairy Tail's new Guild Master!" Makarov continued on, the smirk turning into a full grown grin..

"WHAT?!" Both Naruto and Laxus yelled in union.

Laxus almost growled in rage after he heard Makarov's announcement, "You'll leave the Guild in the hands of this fool? He is not fit for it! Does he even have magic?! I've never seen him use any before, and I don't sense any coming from him now?!" Laxus snapped out whilst he glared at his Uncle.

"Oi, don't act like you're fit for it to brat!" Naruto snapped back, his sharp blues eyes meeting Laxus's raging ones. One of his hands going into the inside pocket of his jacket, and pulling out a small hipflask, which he then proceeded to swig from. The harsh spirit inside dribbling down Naruto's chin, as he tried to think of a way out of this situation, that wouldn't leave the Guild in the hands of Laxus.

"See?! He's dribbling like a child, and drinking, how the hell is that responsible!" Laxus shouted, gesturing at Naruto as he did so.

"Everyone dribbles occasionally, but unlike them, I do it openly and don't try to hide it, as for the alcohol have you ever actually been in the Fairy Tail Guild Hall!" Naruto replied as he stoppered the flask and stuck it back in his pocket, one of his hands coming up to wipe his mouth.

"Very wise words, Naruto!" Makarov nodded ignoring Naruto's actions, "Do you know how many times I have to hide my dribbling, one of the curses of old age I'm afraid? The fear of being caught doing it is unbearable!"

"Stop joking around old man!" Laxus snapped at Makarov, "Get serious and make me Master!"

Makarov suddenly turned serious again as he heard that, the glint of danger returning to his eye, making Laxus regret what he had just said. Continuing to glare at Laxus, Makarov said, "I've made my decision Laxus. Naruto will be part-time Master whether you like it or not, and nothing will change my decision, not you, not the gods and certainly not Naruto!"

"OI, so I get no say in this?!" Naruto snapped out, his voice slightly raised as he frowned at Makarov indignantly, before saying, "Do you want to die old man? You already got one foot in the grave I'll gladly help you find peace!"

"Yes you have no choice Naruto!" Makarov glared at him ignoring his tasteless joke, knowing that his defiance was more for the sake of being defiant than him actually being unhappy. After all Naruto likely knew as well as Makarov did that he was the only viable choice.

"You rotten brat, if dear Rita was here I bet she'd beat your ass into the ground for your insolence!" Naruto snapped back, though like before his tone held no real heat or anger to it.

"Just follow me Naruto." Makarov continued ignoring his remark for the most part, save for a slightly nostalgic smile at the reference to his mother, as he and Naruto walked out of his office, and into the stairway of the second Guild Hall floor. Leaving behind a very angry Laxus.

A few moments later the two of them made it to the balcony that overlooked the main hall. Where as they stood they could see everyone in Fairy Tail was doing their own thing i.e. drinking, fighting, gambling, talking etc. Though from the sounds of it they were mostly all wondering who the new part-time Guild Master would be! Would it be Erza? Laxus? Mirajane? Gildarts? Hell would it be Natsu?!

"Oi, listen up you brats! I bring you the new part-time Master for Fairy Tail!" Makarov all of a sudden yelled from the second floor, grabbing everyone's attention, "Meet Naruto Dreyar, your new Guild Master!"

There was a few moments of surprised silence as they heard that. All of them watching as a blonde haired man, who looked vaguely similar to Laxus walked forth. A slightly bored expression on his face as he scanned the crowd of Wizards below.

"Yo!" Naruto said uncomfortably, giving a short half-hearted wave, his gaze scanning the watching Wizard. A part of him really not wanting to be here right now.

Everyone inside Fairy Tail thought the same thing as they heard the Master's announcement, and saw their new Guild Master.

Who the hell was the blond?!

( - )

AN: So as some might have been able to notice I altered a few bits and pieces of Naruto's character that I thought were too infantile. On top of which I made it so Naruto and Laxus were acquainted, though Laxus only considers Naruto a distant and eccentric relative.

This was something someone picked up in the reviews on the original. How it didn't really make sense how Laxus would have no clue who Naruto was. Taking that into account I made a few minor changes. I also added a bit more development to their initially characters, something I think was missing from the original.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed it.

My next update will hopefully be next week. Though if I get the motivation I'll try to get it out later this week or on the weekend.

Also at the moment I am still fine tuning my improved plot for Ten Tailed Wolf, and so won't publish the first chapter of that until I have solidified what I want to do and who, what and why my characters are like they are.

My 'Road to Hell' story should be getting updated tomorrow, for those who are interested.

Thanks for reading, hope you all leave a comment or a review.

Seagate.