Natsu vs. Zeref is the 294th episode of the Fairy Tail anime, and the 17th episode of the 2018 series.
Guilds all across Fiore join Fairy Tail in the battle against Zeref's armies. Meanwhile, Natsu and Happy speed off to the west to defeat Zeref once and for all.
Summary
At the Fairy Tail guildhall, Makarov states to the Mages that even though they defeated the enemy's first wave, the continent is still surrounded, to which Jet and Droy comment that they will be aided by the rest of Fiore's guilds in the war, a fact that greatly disheartens Mavis. Down at the dungeon, Macao and Wakaba comment on an imprisoned Brandish's attire, before getting reprimanded by Lucy and Cana. Lucy then continues to ask the Shield of Spriggan about her connections with her mother, prompting Brandish to remark that they should just kill her while they have the chance. Outside the guild, a sneaking Marin lurks in the distance, preparing to use Rules of the Area to infiltrate the guild. At the far west of Magnolia, Invel informs Zeref about Brandish and Ajeel's fall, much to Yajeel's despair, who is then reassured by his emperor that the two Shields are still alive. As the Alvarez eastern army storms through Bosco, the northern army will soon clash with both Sabertooth and Blue Pegasus while the southern forces meet Mermaid Heel and Lamia Scale.
Motivated by their allies' actions, the Fairy Tail Mages decide to aid their comrades, with Mavis dividing teams of the guild between the north and the south, tasking Lucy and Cana with monitoring their prisoner and ordering the remaining members to defend their stronghold. Warren then reveals that the east side is being guarded by three of the Four Gods of Ishgar and Jura Neekis, who form the current Magic Council, much to the the Mages' joy. It is then revealed through Warren's Magic Radar that Natsu and Happy have went on their own to fight Zeref, shocking the guild. Gray quickly decides to follow him up but is stopped by Erza. Mavis then ultimately decides to believe in him and proceed with their plan. After finding the army, Natsu compares it to a giant black carpet, before piercing through the front lines with his Fire Dragon Slayer Magic. After blowing through the enemy's forces with the devastating Fire Dragon King's Roar, Zeref appears before the Dragon Slayer, signalling the start of their fight.
Natsu, having removed the seal on his arm, enters Fire Dragon King Mode and continues to overwhelm the Black Mage. However, Zeref quickly retaliates and strikes Natsu, scarring his cheek. He then questions his opponent's newfound powers, to which Natsu reveals to be the last lingering amount of Magic Power left by the Fire Dragon King, Igneel in his body, surprising Zeref. Sensing that his wish might finally come true, Zeref begins tearing, while thanking everyone who has helped him before.
Characters in Order of Appearance
- Warren Rocko
- Mavis Vermillion
- Ajeel Raml
- Erza Scarlet
- Cana Alberona
- Brandish μ
- Lucy Heartfilia
- Makarov Dreyar
- Jet
- Vijeeter Ecor
- Droy
- Laxus Dreyar
- Max Alors
- Romeo Conbolt
- Elfman Strauss
- Mirajane Strauss
- Lisanna Strauss
- Nab Lasaro
- Kinana
- Laki Olietta
- Freed Justine
- Bickslow
- Evergreen
- Ichiya Vandalay Kotobuki
- Macao Conbolt
- Wakaba Mine
- Marin Hollow
- Invel Yura
- Yajeel
- Zeref Dragneel
- Orga Nanagear
- Minerva Orland
- Frosch
- Rogue Cheney
- Hibiki Lates
- Yukino Agria
- Jenny Realight
- Sting Eucliffe
- Rufus Lore
- Lector
- Eve Tearm
- Nichiya
- Ren Akatsuki
- Dobengal
- Risley Law
- Araña Webb
- Millianna
- Beth Vanderwood
- Ooba Babasaama
- Toby Horhorta
- Kagura Mikazuchi
- Lyon Vastia
- Sherria Blendy
- Yuka Suzuki
- Gajeel Redfox
- Levy McGarden
- Panther Lily
- Gray Fullbuster
- Juvia Lockser
- Wendy Marvell
- Carla
- Jura Neekis
- Warrod Sequen
- Draculos Hyberion
- Wolfheim
- Happy
- Natsu Dragneel
Battles & Events
- Natsu Dragneel vs. Zeref Dragneel (started)
Magic, Spells, and Abilities used
Magic used
- Thought Projection (思念体 Shinentai)
- Transformation Magic (変身魔法 Henshin Mahō)
- Aera (翼 Ēra)
- Dragon Slayer Magic (滅竜魔法 Metsuryū Mahō)
- Fire Dragon Slayer Magic (炎の滅竜魔法 Honō no Metsuryū Mahō)
- Black Arts (黒魔法 Kuro Mahō)
- Teleportation Magic (瞬間移動の魔法 Shunkanidō no Mahō)
- Ankhseram Black Magic (アンクセラムの黒魔術 Ankuseramu no Kuro Majutsu)
Spells used
- Max Speed (MAXスピード Makkusu Supīdo)
- Fire Dragon's Wing Attack (火竜の翼撃 Karyū no Yokugeki)
- Fire Dragon King's Demolition Fist (炎竜王の崩拳 Enryūō no Hōken)
- Fire Dragon's Flame Elbow (火竜の炎肘 Karyū no Enchū)
- Fire Dragon King's Roar (炎竜王の咆哮 Enryūō no Hōkō)
- Death Orb
Abilities used
- Flight
- Hand-to-Hand Combat
- Fire Dragon King Mode (モード炎竜王 Mōdo Enryūō)
Items used
- Magic Sealing Stones (魔封石 Mafū Seki)
- Magic Radar (魔導レーダー Mahō Rēdā)
Weapons used
- Magic Spear
Manga & Anime Differences
- The following scenes only occur in the anime:
- An image of Bisca in Wakaba's depiction of western women's attire.
- Face shots of all the prominent guild members traveling to each war post.
- Natsu's and Zeref's back and forth quick clashing differed between the two media.
- Minor members in the background have different appearances in the anime.
Avatar arc | Alvarez Empire arc | Water Dragon God arc |
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