Episode 99

Natsu vs. Gildarts
Japanese Title	ナツ ｖｓ. ギルダーツ
Rōmaji Title	Natsu vs. Girudātsu
FUNimation Title	Natsu vs. Gildarts
Information
Japan Air Date	October 1, 2011
Episode	99
Arc	Tenrou Island arc
Opening Song	Towa no Kizuna
Ending Song	Kono Te Nobashite
Episode Guide
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Next Episode 100 →

Natsu vs. Gildarts is the 99th episode of the Fairy Tail anime. It first aired on October 1, 2011.

The S-Class Candidates who have chosen the paths that led to the current S-Class Mages are revealed. Juvia Lockser and Lisanna face off against Erza Scarlet where they are at a disadvantage. Elfman and Evergreen meet Mirajane while Natsu Dragneel battles Gildarts Clive. Although Natsu does not beat Gildarts, he passes the first phase due to the learning of knowing fear.

Summary

Juvia vs. Erza

In Route D, S-Class Candidate Juvia Lockser and her partner Lisanna battle Erza Scarlet, a current S-Class Mage. The two seem tired and battered but still try their best to overcome Erza's strength and advantage over Juvia because of her Sea Empress Armor. However, Erza anticipates Juvia's sneak attacks and easily dodges Lisanna's tackles due to her having troubles with distance. Erza questions if she has overestimated Juvia and slashes her sword. Meanwhile, in Route A, Elfman and Evergreen encounter Mirajane.

	The mini Natsus

Elsewhere, Natsu Dragneel confronts Gildarts Clive. Natsu gives him all he has while Gildarts just goes about dodging, blocking and basically repelling Natsu. While attempting to negate Natsu's breath attack, Gildarts' Disassembly Magic accidentally hits Natsu and causes Natsu to split into numerous little Natsus.

Gildarts covered by the mini Natsus

Gildarts almost considers Natsu beaten in that state, but the determined Natsus all charge against Gildarts. He attempts to block the little Natsus but he is overcome by their number. Eventually, Gildarts gets annoyed and turns Natsu back to his original form. Natsu takes this chance to use Crimson Lotus: Exploding Flame Blade against Gildarts. After the shock, they see that Gildarts is unaffected but it made him move a bit from his original position. Natsu considers this a great accomplishment as before, Gildarts used to pummel him without even moving a step.

Gildarts' Magic Power

As an examiner, Gildarts considers that Natsu has passed, but Natsu protests that if he can't beat Gildarts, then being S-Class won't mean anything. Gildarts hears this and then releases his aura which can be felt throughout the island. This aura makes the ground crack and emanates an incredible amount of intimidating Magic Power.

Natsu crying after Gildarts' speech

Natsu tries to charge at Gildarts but stops. Eventually, Natsu surrenders to him. Gildarts smiles and tells Natsu that he passes. He then explains his motives and why Natsu passed: fear is not evil, it is knowing one's weakness and through knowing one's weakness one can be stronger and kinder. This is very essential in becoming an S-Class Mage. Gildarts then encourages him to move forward and become an S-Class Mage which moves Natsu to tears.

Characters in Order of Appearance

1. Lisanna Strauss
2. Juvia Lockser
3. Erza Scarlet
4. Lucy Heartfilia
5. Cana Alberona
6. Elfman Strauss
7. Evergreen
8. Mirajane Strauss
9. Natsu Dragneel
10. Gildarts Clive
11. Happy

Battles & Events

• Juvia Lockser & Lisanna Strauss vs. Erza Scarlet (started)
• Natsu Dragneel vs. Gildarts Clive (started and concluded)

Magic, Spells, and Abilities used

Magic used

• Water (水流 (ウォーター) Wōtā)
• Take Over (接収 (テイクオーバー) Teiku Ōbā)
  • Animal Soul (アニマルソウル Animaru Sōru)
  • Satan Soul (サタンソウル Satan Sōru)
• Dragon Slayer Magic (滅竜魔法 Metsuryū Mahō)
  • Fire Dragon Slayer Magic (火の滅竜魔法 Ka no Metsuryū Mahō)
• Crash (粉碎 (クラッシュ) Kurasshu)
• Disassembly Magic (分開 Punkai)

Spells used

• Water Slicer (水流斬破 (ウォータースライサー) Wōtā Suraisā)
• Animal Soul: Wings
• Animal Soul: Harpy
• Animal Soul: Rabbit
• Water Cane (水流烈鞭 (ウォーターカーネ) Wōtā Kāne)
• Satan Soul (サタンソウル Satan Sōru)
• Fire Dragon's Iron Fist (火竜の鉄拳 Karyū no Tekken)
• Fire Dragon's Claw (火竜の鉤爪 Karyū no Kagitsume)
• Fire Dragon's Roar (火竜の咆哮 Karyū no Hōkō)
• Crimson Lotus: Exploding Flame Blade (紅蓮・爆炎刃 Guren : Bakuenjin)

Abilities used

• Hand to Hand Combat
• Immense Durability
• Immense Magic Power

Armors used

• Sea Empress Armor (海王の鎧 Kaiō no Yoroi)

Weapons used

• Crystal Sword

Manga & Anime Differences

• Juvia’s Water Slicer attack was reflected back by Erza in the anime, slicing the rocks instead, which did not happen in the manga.
• In the anime, Lisanna attempted two more Take Over attacks against Erza, allowing Juvia to attack Erza herself, but failing. None of this was included in the manga.
• The anime included a memory of Natsu continuously challenging Gildarts, but getting defeated each time, however the manga did not have this.

Navigation

Edolas arc

Tenrou Island arc

X791 arc