Discussion Fairy Tail Power Ranking Thread

[Ronin31]

Yes I think Mashima is talking about Natsu's own powers : Flames, LFD FDK (residual after his tatoo's gone). What he can use at will by himself without any external help.

--- Double Post Merged, Apr 15, 2026, Original Post Date: Apr 15, 2026 ---

His current power is a gift from external source. And it will be consume like before.

--- Double Post Merged, Apr 15, 2026 ---

But what about his own Dragon Force, the one he enters with anger like he did against Aldoron God Seed, not the one with external power source like Ignia's ?

 

[GodSlayer666]

Yes I think Mashima is talking about Natsu's own powers : Flames, LFD FDK (residual after his tatoo's gone). What he can use at will by himself without any external help.

No, Mashima is disregarding any buff, even the most ordinary and natural ones. He did that when he placed Natsu at 600 too, Cobra was 500 for example.

 

[Ronin31]

No, Mashima is disregarding any buff, even the most ordinary and natural ones. He did that when he placed Natsu at 600 too, Cobra was 500 for example.

I don't think so. LFD & FDK can be use at will, anytime by Natsu. Except they are residual forces from the external original source.

We know Natsu's own FDK attacks are far less stronger than when he had the tatoo or far less than his actual power level. The gap is huge.
Natsu said, pre time skip when he faced Max, that his LFD roar was far from the original one when he ate Laxus' lightning as well.

But Lightning and FDK are part of his own. Just like Demon Slayer's powers are part of Grey. They use their attacks like ougis because they cost more MP for more damage.

Mostly questionable is Dragon Force, the one he can tap into by anger and his own will. Not the one who far exceed his own abilities due to incredible power source like Etherion or Ignia's flames.

 

[WoWfan]

I don't think so. LFD & FDK can be use at will, anytime by Natsu. Except they are residual forces from the external original source.

We know Natsu's own FDK attacks are far less stronger than when he had the tatoo or far less than his actual power level. The gap is huge.
Natsu said, pre time skip when he faced Max, that his LFD roar was far from the original one when he ate Laxus' lightning as well.

But Lightning and FDK are part of his own. Just like Demon Slayer's powers are part of Grey. They use their attacks like ougis because they cost more MP for more damage.

Mostly questionable is Dragon Force, the one he can tap into by anger and his own will. Not the one who far exceed his own abilities due to incredible power source like Etherion or Ignia's flames.

Yeah, the forms he can enter naturally are his own power, the first time modes like with Etherion, Flames of Rebuke, Laxus’ MP, Igneel’s MP, those don’t stay with him and that goes away eventually. Whatever level of power Natsu has on his own

 

[GodSlayer666]

don't think so. LFD & FDK can be use at will, anytime by Natsu. Except they are residual forces from the external original source.

If the words used were protagonist buff, then he opened a room for anything. Protagonist buff don't need to be temporary, even the emotional buffs can be used every single arc, but protagonist buff has no limits on its definition, don't need to be residual, don't need a external source, don't need anything. I would bet with you that if Mashima was the DBZ writer he would call the Super Saiyan forms as protagonist buffs

We know Natsu's own FDK attacks are far less stronger than when he had the tatoo or far less than his actual power level. The gap is huge.
Natsu said, pre time skip when he faced Max, that his LFD roar was far from the original one when he ate Laxus' lightning as well.

But Lightning and FDK are part of his own. Just like Demon Slayer's powers are part of Grey. They use their attacks like ougis because they cost more MP for more damage.

Mostly questionable is Dragon Force, the one he can tap into by anger and his own will. Not the one who far exceed his own abilities due to incredible power source like Etherion or Ignia's flames.

He still one shotted two spriggans with the standard FDK at Alvarez. Current LFDM one shotted Wed

Like i said, protagonist buff is a term that don't restrict the kind of buff. DF status may be debatable, but it doesn't matter if the term using wasn't as restricting as temporary buffs only

 

[Shoutmon]

Yeah I don't think Igneel's residual flame is gonna be a temporary power-up, 'cause so far it's not being treated like one.

Even in the new chapter, Natsu and his alternate personality seems to be discussing Igneels flame and how to manage/ handle it, after he used it pretty exhaustively

 

[aymen24]

This statement was posted on Reddit via
Ok_Idea_9126

For those who did not see the images

i love fantasizing about future battles when a character debuts. I think to myself: 'How will they be defeated? Who will defeat them?' Specifically regarding Laxus, he is defined as a very strong character, so I felt that Natsu wouldn't be able to beat him alone. That is why I decided on the team-up between Natsu and Gajeel; I thought that would be a good combination."
"This might be quite rare compared to other shonen manga, but the power balance in 'Fairy Tail' hasn't actually changed much. There are times when Natsu becomes very strong due to 'protagonist buffs' or the power of friendship and emotions, but fundamentally—as a fixed definition—Natsu cannot beat Laxus in a one-on-one fight. He also cannot beat Gildarts one-on-one, and he cannot beat Erza. That is the definition I've set.
Even as we've entered the '100 Years Quest,' this might remains the case. There might be temporary power-ups, but the power balance itself does not collapse. I work with the goal of maintaining that."
"Therefore, even in '100 Years Quest,' Acnologia is still defined as someone who is insanely strong. He was the final boss of the original story, and he is defined as incredibly powerful. This is a small point of 'insistence' (Kodawari) for me as a creator. As of right now, if they were to face off directly in a one-on-one battle, Natsu might not beat Laxus. That's how it feels."

another translation

Whenever a new character appears, I love fantasizing about future battles. I think, 'How will they be defeated?' or 'Who will defeat them?' Especially regarding Laxus, he is defined as an incredibly strong character, so I felt that Natsu could not beat him alone. That is why I decided on a tag-team battle between Natsu and Gajeel. I thought it was a great combination.
It might be rare compared to other Shonen manga, but the power balance in Fairy Tail hasn't actually changed much. While there are times when Natsu becomes extremely strong due to 'protagonist correction' (plot armor), friendship, or the power of emotions, fundamentally—by design—Natsu cannot beat Laxus in a one-on-one fight. Furthermore, he cannot beat Gildarts or Erza in a one-on-one either. That is the definition I have decided upon.
Even moving into the 100 Years Quest, this situation likely won't change. There might be temporary power-ups, but the power balance itself will not collapse. I draw with the goal of maintaining that balance.
Therefore, even in 100 Years Quest, Acnologia is still defined as an insanely powerful being. He was the final boss of the main story and is set as an incredibly powerful existence. This is a bit of my 'obsession' as an author. As of right now, even if they had a direct head-to-head confrontation, Natsu might still not be able to beat Laxus. That is how it feels

 

[WoWfan]

I do not think they are talking about Igneel’s flames since they are talking about it being the first time (as he used it before against Zeref), I think they are talking about Ignia’s Black Flames as something he hasn’t gotten use to yet.

 

[Ronin31]

He still one shotted two spriggans with the standard FDK at Alvarez. Current LFDM one shotted Wed

I have nothing against that. Natsu has grown stronger and stronger in MP in every Arcs, but still, it remained the power he can produce by himself.
Look at his FDK (yes it's tremendeously strong by itself) but can you compare it to the level he currently was when he one shotted Bestia then fight Ignia and Faris ?

By himself, no external power source to amp his abilities, Natsu is already one of the strongest striker in the Manga.

There might be temporary power-ups, but the power balance itself will not collapse. I draw with the goal of maintaining that balance.

aymen24's quote answers you by himself here. "Outside temporary power-ups, the power balance itself will not collapse".
In that so, the author takes into account Natsu's all willing abilities.
We have the Monster Trio, then Natsu and Grey by definition.
Natsu & Grey can't beat the Trio but they can be close tier. Natsu & Grey are monsters.

 

[Darklord#10]

I have nothing against that. Natsu has grown stronger and stronger in MP in every Arcs, but still, it remained the power he can produce by himself.
Look at his FDK (yes it's tremendeously strong by itself) but can you compare it to the level he currently was when he one shotted Bestia then fight Ignia and Faris ?

By himself, no external power source to amp his abilities, Natsu is already one of the strongest striker in the Manga.



aymen24's quote answers you by himself here. "Outside temporary power-ups, the power balance itself will not collapse".
In that so, the author takes into account Natsu's all willing abilities.
We have the Monster Trio, then Natsu and Grey by definition.
Natsu & Grey can't beat the Trio but they can be close tier. Natsu & Grey are monsters.

So how did natsu beat wed? I bet this is good for you cuz you always wanted Erza>natsu

 

[Ronin31]

So how did natsu beat wed?

By his own strength. What the problem with that ?

--- Double Post Merged, Apr 15, 2026, Original Post Date: Apr 15, 2026 ---

I bet this is good for you cuz you always wanted Erza>natsu

It's not my words here but Mashima's. Nevermind what I want or not. I only have a point of view, my verity like you have yours.
But Mashima's words are The Verity. He is God, the Creator of the Manga.

In my mind, circumstances can turn battles. It's not all about pure strength. For me, Erza and Natsu are in the same tier. Circumstances can turn the battle for one or the other. Natsu is potentially stronger as a striker. Erza is the ultimate tank.

But if Mashima says so, then sorry, but yes, Erza, Laxus and Gildarts are slightly above him.

 

[Darklord#10]

By his own strength. What the problem with that ?

I remember him shrugging Erza's top attack like nothing and getting lashed by natsu

It's not my words here but Mashima's.

In my mind, circumstances can turn battles. It's not all about pure strength. For me, Erza and Natsu are in the same tier. Circumstances can turn the battle for one or the other. Natsu is potentially stronger as a striker. Erza is the ultimate tank.

But if Mashima says so, then sorry, but yes, Erza, Laxus and Gildarts are slightly above him.

Never said it was your words I said you like this development because it's good for you right? Erza>natsu right?

 

[Ronin31]

I remember him shrugging Erza's top attack like nothing and getting lashed by natsu

I see Erza with new Armor recently, so perhaps her last enchantment wasn't her strongest.
WED countered an attack of her arsenal ? Well great, but without any repercussion.

She didn't unleashed everything she had in the fight. Usually, Erza is a diesel in a fight. She is likely "weak" for the first half then reverse the situation completely.

Natsu is a striker, Erza is a tank : 2 different types or way of fighting. Did you see Erza in danger vs WED ? Because I was not. She was more in danger in her battle vs Misaki for exemple.

And like WED said, Erza's true strength doesn't remain in her armor or enchantment but in her heart. Her true strength is revealed when she is defensless and when she has people's lifes on her shoulder.

Never said it was your words I said you like this development because it's good for you right? Erza>natsu right?

You act against me like I am a Natsu's hater. Sorry but I am not. For information, ma cat's name is Natsu and I like this character.
I only have an opinion about some power level.

Like Jubia said in Fairy Tail battle 2.0 when the team searched to capture Laxus, Jubia said "is there anyone strong enough to stop him" or something like that. It's a key as powerlevel for Laxus for exemple as Natsu was involved. He is one of the team.
Erza could contain Laxus until both magic exaustion.

The Hero doesn't have to be the strongest to be a great character. He is one of the strongest for sure, like Erza is in Fairy Tail verse. For me, both are great characters.

If you have something to say, say it to Mashima. It's not my text here. For information, I was thinking Natsu's power level with his new mode, as the strongest by far in the Guild, as a permanent power boost. It seems it's not permanent. And I was ok to see this new Natsu as the strongest one.

Do not attack me because I have an opinion. Sometimes, I can be wrong, sometimes I can be right. Our opinions are not Mashima's.
Here, it's Mashima's, so we can't go against The Verity.

 

[GodSlayer666]

I have nothing against that. Natsu has grown stronger and stronger in MP in every Arcs, but still, it remained the power he can produce by himself.
Look at his FDK (yes it's tremendeously strong by itself) but can you compare it to the level he currently was when he one shotted Bestia then fight Ignia and Faris ?

By himself, no external power source to amp his abilities, Natsu is already one of the strongest striker in the Manga.

But why should we assume that powers that he can produce by himself aren't included in the protagonist buff ? I wanna a single reason for that.
Never thought this power up would last long so forget Bestia and Ignia fight, he was already folding Wed before that. And to also explain the Cobra's 500 to Natsu's 600 we need to take the power that he can produce by himself as protagonist buff.

The thing is, he became a stronger striker than even Erza by himself after Wed.

aymen24's quote answers you by himself here. "Outside temporary power-ups, the power balance itself will not collapse".

This might be quite rare compared to other shonen manga, but the power balance in 'Fairy Tail' hasn't actually changed much. There are times when Natsu becomes very strong due to 'protagonist buffs' or the power of friendship and emotions, but fundamentally—as a fixed definition—Natsu cannot beat Laxus in a one-on-one fight. He also cannot beat Gildarts one-on-one, and he cannot beat Erza. That is the definition I've set.
Even as we've entered the '100 Years Quest,' this might remains the case. There might be temporary power-ups, but the power balance itself does not collapse. I work with the goal of maintaining that."

hile there are times when Natsu becomes extremely strong due to 'protagonist correction' (plot armor), friendship, or the power of emotions, fundamentally—by design—Natsu cannot beat Laxus in a one-on-one fight. Furthermore, he cannot beat Gildarts or Erza in a one-on-one either. That is the definition I have decided upon.
Even moving into the 100 Years Quest, this situation likely won't change. There might be temporary power-ups, but the power balance itself will not collapse. I draw with the goal of maintaining that balance.

In both translations of Mashima statement, he mentions other things beyond temporary power ups, it's not the only possible option, that's why i'm insisting on protagonist buffs not being temporary nor external. Protagonists buffs can definitely be his own power. And this is not even the first time Mashima made this kind of statement. This post shows that. With protagonist buffs Mashima didn't knew who was stronger between him and Laxus

--- Double Post Merged, Apr 15, 2026, Original Post Date: Apr 15, 2026 ---

But if Mashima says so, then sorry, but yes, Erza, Laxus and Gildarts are slightly above him.

You really need to prove that protagonist buff is necessarily temporary to say that

 

[Ronin31]

The thing is, he became a stronger striker than even Erza by himself after Wed.

Like said, Natsu is a striker, Erza is a tank. 2 different ways of fighting.
* Strength is only one parameter.

Exemple :
Erza had difficulties with Kyria. Laxus low-diffed Kyria with his Base Lightning. Then, Erza tanked a stronger version of Laxus until exhaustion.
* By your previous logic, Laxus should have crushed Erza by Low/mid-Diffing her with the base Lightning used to destroy Kyria.
* Still, Raiko wasn't enough to destroy her, then to destroy the orb. Without Kyria, the orb shouldn't have been destroyed.

But why should we assume that powers that he can produce by himself aren't included in the protagonist buff ?

You really need to prove that protagonist buff is necessarily temporary to say that

Mashima said :
There are times when Natsu becomes very/extrêmely strong due to 'protagonist buffs' (in both versions).

* If "there are times", it's not persistant/permanent all the time. So it's temporary.
* Natsu's LFD & FDKM (no tatoo) are persistant and can be use all the time.

You have to proove the contrary as well.

 

[GodSlayer666]

Like said, Natsu is a striker, Erza is a tank. 2 different ways of fighting.
* Strength is only one parameter.

Exemple :
Erza had difficulties with Kyria. Laxus low-diffed Kyria with his Base Lightning. Then, Erza tanked a stronger version of Laxus until exhaustion.
* By your previous logic, Laxus should have crushed Erza by Low/mid-Diffing her with the base Lightning used to destroy Kyria.
* Still, Raiko wasn't enough to destroy her, then to destroy the orb. Without Kyria, the orb shouldn't have been destroyed.

Somehow Fairy Tail is the only media where people makes overconvoluted analysis to dismiss ABC logic when nothing in the freaking manga suggests that you should dismiss ABC logic. If character B can beat C but not A then A>B>C, simple like that. But even with spriggans people want to overconvolute when he is not even a hax user, Kirin>RL Laxus>Wall, simple like that. Same logic if Character C can't beat character B but Character A can, A>B>C: Natsu>Wed>Erza don't try to overconvolute when none of them are hax users. Erza can become stronger than Wed in next chapters, but by now she is weaker than both.

Kyria had hypnosis hax, don't try to overconvolute things when there is no hax involved. And Erza used enchantments to match Laxus, he seemed to be able to low diff Base Erza at the time as he one shotted her lightning armor.

Mashima said :
There are times when Natsu becomes very/extrêmely strong due to 'protagonist buffs' (in both versions).

* If "there are times", it's not persistant/permanent all the time. So it's temporary.
* Natsu's LFD & FDKM (no tatoo) are persistant and can be use all the time.

You have to proove the contrary as well.

I don't even think that DF Natsu was stronger than Gildarts back at Aldoron arc, so yes, there are times.

Fine, in Alvarez context Mashima give 600 to Natsu without buffs https://i.ibb.co/d7XPdDL/20240502-031935.jpg And 500 to Cobra https://i.ibb.co/Kz9Fgqy/20240502-032004.jpg Even now current Cobra can just extreme diff Blade while Natsu one shotted two spriggans. The gap between them wouldn't be justified with these numbers unless this is just Base Natsu and not FDKM Natsu, as Alvarez Base Natsu should be even weaker than Jacob.

And of course there is this

I'm based on feats and logic to say that protagonist buffs are not temporary. What's your basis ? Your wish of Erza being stronger ?

 

[Ronin31]

you like this development because it's good for you right? Erza>natsu right?

If it had been the "Natsu>Erza" development, wouldn’t you like it ? You’re blaming me with personal attacks, whereas you were the first to attack all the people who like Erza on the site. Did you see me personally attack the Erza’s haters and pro Natsu after this text ?

For your information, I am free to like this or that comment, this or that character, and to have my opinion on certain things.

There is no Absolute Truth in our discussions, just views and we are free to adhere or disagree respectfully. The Absolute Truth comes from the Author. If it had been Natsu> Erza, I would have had no problemand would have accepted it, without a personal attack on anyone.

--- Double Post Merged, Apr 15, 2026, Original Post Date: Apr 15, 2026 ---

Somehow Fairy Tail is the only media where people makes overconvoluted analysis to dismiss ABC logic when nothing in the freaking manga suggests that you should dismiss ABC logic. If character B can beat C but not A then A>B>C, simple like that. But even with spriggans people want to overconvolute when he is not even a hax user, Kirin>RL Laxus>Wall, simple like that. Same logic if Character C can't beat character B but Character A can, A>B>C: Natsu>Wed>Erza don't try to overconvolute when none of them are hax users. Erza can become stronger than Wed in next chapters, but by now she is weaker than both.

Kyria had hypnosis hax, don't try to overconvolute things when there is no hax involved. And Erza used enchantments to match Laxus, he seemed to be able to low diff Base Erza at the time as he one shotted her lightning armor.



I don't even think that DF Natsu was stronger than Gildarts back at Aldoron arc, so yes, there are times.

Fine, in Alvarez context Mashima give 600 to Natsu without buffs https://i.ibb.co/d7XPdDL/20240502-031935.jpg And 500 to Cobra https://i.ibb.co/Kz9Fgqy/20240502-032004.jpg Even now current Cobra can just extreme diff Blade while Natsu one shotted two spriggans. The gap between them wouldn't be justified with these numbers unless this is just Base Natsu and not FDKM Natsu, as Alvarez Base Natsu should be even weaker than Jacob.

And of course there is this

I'm based on feats and logic to say that protagonist buffs are not temporary. What's your basis ? Your wish of Erza being stronger ?

I see. No problem.

I personally have no wish. I forgot we can't speak here, specially about Natsu & Erza. Apologizes.

I will stay with Mashima's words. We can agree to disagree. Natsu is currently the strongest with his current mode. We'll see if he masters it permanently.
Erza is a weakling, no problem with that.

 

[Rigel]

So, do you think Juvia has had any significant evolution in terms of power? She was already quite prominent in the fight against Anchor, but she didn't show anything new.

 

[WoWfan]

considering that Juvia injured a dragon (a high ranked one) with her own power is impressive enough as it is.

 

[Rigel]

considering that Juvia injured a dragon (a high ranked one) with her own power is impressive enough as it is.

People are mentioning that she used Anchor's magic against him. I don't think that's a fact, but rather an interpretation of the scene.