Gildarts declares Natsu has passed the first round, not because he won the fight, but because he learned the humility and courage necessary for an elite wizard. Impact on the Series
From the moment the battle begins, the power gap is staggering. Natsu launches himself at Gildarts with his signature , only for Gildarts to stop it effortlessly with his bare hands. Throughout the early phase of the duel, Gildarts remains largely stationary, dodging and repelling Natsu’s most creative attacks without moving a single step. (Dub) 99 : Natsu Vs. Gildarts
For the first time in the series, Natsu drops to his knees and surrenders, acknowledging a gap he cannot bridge through sheer willpower alone. Gildarts then delivers the core philosophy of the exam: Gildarts declares Natsu has passed the first round,
Annoyed by the relentless swarm, Gildarts returns Natsu to his original form. Natsu immediately seizes the opening to unleash his . While the massive explosion leaves Gildarts completely unharmed, it manages to do something unprecedented: it forces him to take a step back from his original position. For Natsu, who grew up being pummeled by Gildarts without ever making him budge, this is a monumental personal victory. A Lesson in Fear Throughout the early phase of the duel, Gildarts