What Is Gildarts Clive'S Relationship With Natsu?

The beauty of Gildarts and Natsu’s relationship lies in its simplicity. Here’s this unstoppable S-Class mage who could bench-press a mountain, and instead of dismissing Natsu’s hotheadedness, he *encourages* it—but with purpose. Their bond isn’t spelled out in dramatic monologues; it’s in the way Gildarts grins when Natsu picks a fight, or how Natsu’s whole face lights up when Gildarts returns from a job. They’re kindred spirits in destruction, sure, but there’s genuine warmth there. Gildarts is the closest thing Natsu has to a father figure after Igneel, and it shows in how he pushes Natsu to grow without ever doubting him. Even their fights are lessons—like when Gildarts crushed Natsu’s arm to teach him about real power gaps, but then casually bought him food afterward. No sugarcoating, just raw respect. It’s refreshing compared to typical mentor-student tropes.

Man, Gildarts and Natsu’s relationship is like if a tornado adopted a firestorm. They’re both forces of nature, but Gildarts is the only guy Natsu actively looks up to without reservation. It’s not just about strength—though Gildarts is basically the guild’s boogeyman in the best way—it’s how he treats Natsu like an equal despite the gap between them. Remember when Natsu tried to punch him on sight, and Gildarts just laughed it off? That’s their whole vibe: brutal honesty wrapped in camaraderie. Gildarts doesn’t coddle him; he throws Natsu into the deep end (sometimes literally) and trusts him to swim. And Natsu? He thrives on that challenge. Their dynamic is messy, loud, and perfect for 'Fairy Tail’s' found-family theme.

Gildarts Clive and Natsu Dragneel share this wild, almost father-son dynamic in 'Fairy Tail,' but it's way more chaotic than your typical family bond. Gildarts is this legendary mage who's basically untouchable in power, and Natsu idolizes him—not just because he's strong, but because he's one of the few people who genuinely understands Natsu's reckless drive. Their first meeting was hilarious; Natsu challenged him to a fight immediately and got absolutely wrecked, but Gildarts respected the guts it took. That moment set the tone for their relationship: playful rivalry with deep mutual respect.

What really gets me is how Gildarts subtly mentors Natsu without ever being preachy. He doesn’t hand him lessons—he lets Natsu figure things out through experience, like their reunion after the Tenrou Island arc. Natsu’s grown stronger, but Gildarts still effortlessly schools him, showing there’s always another level. It’s not just about strength, though. Gildarts’ care shows in small ways, like when he encourages Natsu after a loss or casually drops wisdom about life. Their bond feels organic, like two kindred spirits who just *get* each other. Plus, Gildarts being the only one who can shut Natsu’s impulsiveness down with a single word? Iconic.

Gildarts and Natsu? Pure chaos chemistry. He’s the only person Natsu can’t beat (and doesn’t resent for it), which says a lot. Their relationship thrives on playful antagonism—Gildarts teasing Natsu’s weakness, Natsu vowing to surpass him—but underneath is solid trust. Like when Gildarts trusted Natsu to handle Acnologia’s threat, or how Natsu immediately sought him out after the timeskip. No tears, no grand speeches—just fists and fire. Perfect for 'Fairy Tail’s' tone.