Natsu and the crew finally feel earned, the romance between them isn't dangled as bait anymore, it's just how they are now, and that matters. The new continent and five-dragon mystery give the series permission to risk something genuinely unknown after decades of predictable guild arcs. Animation that doesn't cut corners during fights helps, but what makes this work is simpler: these characters have saved each other so many times that when they walk into danger together, you believe the weight of it.

The Fairy Tail Guild has one assignment that has gone untouched for more than a century: the 100 Years Quest. Nobody has dared accept it until now. Natsu Dragneel sets out with Lucy, Gray, Erza, Wendy, Happy and Charlés for the northern continent of Guiltina, where five enormously powerful Dragon Gods can only be stopped by sealing them away. Along the way the team comes across a mysterious town, a puzzling spirit and a frightening new enemy. They are not the only ones hunting the dragons. Diabolos, a guild made up of Dragon Eaters, wants to devour them to strengthen its own Dragon Slayer magic. Back home, the guild's newest member, Touka, seems to be keeping a dark secret while its strongest wizards are away. This fantasy adventure blends action and comedy.