Fairy Tail’s titular character, Natsu Dragneel, has never been short of friends as his warm demeanor and approachable personality lends him a list of close friends and acquaintances. Natsu values his friends above all else, and he is willing to lay down his life for the people he holds dear. The series has also cemented that Natsu’s true power lies in his bonds of friendship, as these profound emotions have led to several unexpected victories.
Growing up without a family and losing his adoptive father early on led Natsu to attach considerable value to his friendships. While Natsu holds the entire Fairy Tail guild close to his heart, a few members stand out as his best friends. These friends have stuck through thick and thin, even becoming pivotal to Natsu’s growth and development as a person.
7 Gildarts Clive
Natsu's Father Figure
Gildarts was one of Natsu’s first close relationships after joining the Fairy Tail guild. Losing his adoptive father left Natsu without a parental figure, yet Gildarts took on this role quite earnestly. He looked after the young mage as if he were his own, and mentored him in terms of honing his magic prowess.
Despite leaving for a century-long quest, Gildarts held a special place in Natsu’s heart. Gildarts screen time may have been the lowest compared to other ancillary characters, yet the series still managed to convey Natsu and Gildarts profound relationship.
6 Makarov Dreyar
Natsu's Guild Master
As the guild master, every single member of Fairy Tail looked up to Makarov as a father figure. However, these sentiments were exacerbated for Natsu due to a lack of parental figures in his own life. Makarov took Natsu in as his own and looked after him alongside the rest of the guild.
While Natsu’s behavior towards Makarov may seem a bit nonchalant, he truly respects him as a mentor and a guild master. Makarov practically raised Natsu and treated him like family, and their familial bond stems from this endearing beginning.
5 Wendy Marvell
Natsu's Sibling-Like Friend
Wendy is a slightly newer addition to the show’s character roster, yet she was able to cement herself as a significant member of team Natsu quite early on. Her relationship with Natsu is akin to a brother-sister dynamic, since she looks up to him as an older brother.
Natsu and Wendy’s friendship also transcends space and time as the two were part of the 400 Years Plan, a fact that explains why Natsu felt Wendy’s presence to be familiar. The two grow closer as the series continues, and much of Wendy’s growth and confidence can be attributed to being under Natsu’s wings.
4 Gray Fullbuster
Natsu's Rival
On the surface, Natsu and Gray’s friendship may seem more of a heated rivalry, yet the two actually share a bond of trust and respect. Since both mages were taken in by Makarov at a young age, the two grew up together like siblings, an attribute that is vividly apparent in their friendship.
Despite their constant bickering, Gray and Natsu have always looked out for each other, even going as far as risking their lives for one another. The two may never openly state it themselves, but it's clear that their relationship has grown far beyond a mere friendship.
3 Erza Scarlet
Natsu's Dependable Friend
Erza’s indifferent demeanor may lead many to mistake her for a coldhearted person, yet her warm and receptive friendship with Natsu proves this narrative wrong. Similar to Gray, Erza grew up with Natsu in the Fairy Tail guild, and she took on the role of being a caring elder sister.
Even as an adult, Natsu’s utmost respect for Erza shines through, a sentiment that he expresses through constantly demanding a fight with her. The Tower of Heaven arc proved early on that Erza is willing to go to any lengths to save Natsu, even sacrificing her own life. Natsu and Erza’s friendship might not be the most expressive one, yet the subtleties in their interactions showcase their deep bond of friendship.
2 Lucy Heartfilia
Natsu's Romantic Pairing
From introducing her to the Fairy Tail guild to saving her life countless times, Natsu has made it apparent on multiple occasions that he cares deeply for Lucy. In fact, their friendship runs deeper than most, as the series has continuously hinted towards a romantic pairing between the two.
Keeping the romantic aspects aside, Natsu and Lucy have been nothing short of inseparable friends from the very beginning of Fairy Tail. Be it the Phantom Lord’s invasion or the Infinity Clock absorbing Lucy entirely, the series has cemented that Natsu is at his best whenever Lucy is in danger.
1 Happy
Natsu's Closest Friend
As Natsu’s very first friend, Happy holds a special place in his life, with the young mage even considering the cat his own family. Despite belonging to different races, Natsu and Happy are two peas in a pod, with their humor and personality almost seeming identical.
While Natsu experiences crippling motion sickness on any sort of transport, he remains unaffected by Happy’s flight. This subtle aspect reveals the profound bond they share, as Natsu doesn’t think of Happy as some sort of means of transport. Instead, Natsu views him as a brother, and their countless journeys together have only strengthened this deep bond.
Fairy Tail
- Release Date
- October 12, 2009
- Creator
- Hiro Mashima, Masashi Sogo
- Based On
- Manga
- Studio
- A-1 Pictures, Satelight, Bridge, CloverWorks
