User blog comment:IamJakuhoRaikoben/Chapter 464: Natsu vs Zeref, Review./@comment-24367018-20151130163847/@comment-24367018-20151130180303

Well there's always one awkward sod, isn't there? Of course it was an integral part of the story, the whole Alvarez Empire arc revolves around it. But how many chapters did Mashima have to actually give decent, properly paced hints at Zeref x Mavis? Like he has done with Erza and Jellal. He had 451 chapters. Instead, he fitted it into 3. That's not good enough for what is normally such a good and enjoyable manga in my view.

Even if you combine FT0 with the flashback, Mavis and Zeref had, from what we have seen; three encounters? That is why the whole romance, and subsequently those flashbacks feel forced. Which is why I didn't enjoy them. Being overcritical is a subjective assessment, I feel that my comments are perfectly valid given what my reasons are, but everyone has their own opinion on the matter. Most loved it, some hate it. I just happen to be more vocal about the latter.