I need to rant about how over-looked Natsu as a character is undermined.
I don’t enjoy how a majority of the fandom makes Natsu this idiotic oaf. I’m not saying Natsu isn’t an idiot, he is. He’s actually insane, but that’s what makes him so inherently smart. His smartness is not a traditional one. I’ve probably talked about it before but the way Natsu’s ideas, actions, and thoughts always play out (when they’re not jokes) usually ends in him getting what he wants.
Natsu is a sweetheart and he is not scared of anything. Natsu is a foil to Zeref, and it’s evident by the way he gets everything he wants when he wants it (in a traditional sense, he wants to fight he’ll get one) I’m not saying Natsu is the smartest tool in the shed, I’m simply saying Natsu’s ability to communicate and warm the people around him is an ability that takes charisma and charm. I don’t like how that is overlooked or brushed off to make him this dog that doesn’t know left from right.
I love this about his character and I think it reminds me a lot of Zeref. Without meaning to both of them have created communities around each other that treasure them to the moon and back and nobody ever likes to talk about it.
I also do not like how people write off a lot of Natsu’s deeper thoughts into nothing. I think Natsu struggles a lot when it comes to his mental issues, I just think he ignores them.
At some point Natsu has to feel alienated from the people around him. He’s constantly being called this monster that has to choose and his response is always “I’m Natsu” which is incredible funny. I don’t even think anyone could answer it better.
I know a lot of people believe Natsu doesn’t look at his past or his traumas heavily, because to be honest it seems like he doesn’t, but there’s time and time that’s shown that Natsu has guttural physical reactions to things in his body and maybe that’s a separation between his soul and body.
Either way I just want to see that explored more often
I also have something else to talk about, the way Natsu and Zerefs relationship is kind of put off at the end. I’m not sure what makes me feel this way because I understand why Zeref died the way he did. However, I can’t help but feel Natsu holds Zeref closer to him than he lets on.
I know this sounds like it’s just something I’ve made in my head, but having your mind suddenly remember an older brother that took care of you and made sure you had a chance at life is something Natsu would get attached it. In fact that’s Natsu’s entire thing, he beleives Zeref is inherently good, because him and Zeref are incredibly alike.
I know a lot of people don’t characterize Zeref this way, but I find Zeref to be as much of a sweetheart as Natsu. They both wear their heart on their sleeve and that leads to their pain.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen this said, but Natsu’s anger and resentment for Zeref at the beginning could’ve absolutely been a consequence of the fact Zeref wanted Natsu to remember and smile at him.
Which is why I get so confused at the disconnect and bluntness of Natsu when Zeref does have to die. We are talking about the same person who cries over any family member that tries to die, in fact loathes when anyone chooses to die
I love Mavis and Zeref I absolutely do, I don’t even hate how Zeref died. However, I find it slightly ridiculous that Zerefs death is not connected to Natsu whatsoever. What pulls my strings even more is the fact that Zeref is reincarnated after. I know people find familial bonds boring, and even less important than the majority of the romantic plots.
But I cannot be the only one who believes Zeref would be incomplete without knowing his brother, and Mavis would be heartbroken to be without her guild.
I understand why Natsu is never shown to have the same bond as a Mavis & Zeref, but that’s Natsu’s entire thing. Natsu is inherently more intrigued by friends and family, Natsu still cries over igneel when he is mentioned or seen.
I think it’s utterly ridiculous to say that Natsu is somewhat un-interested in his brother when he always raised and brought him back from death.
In a hundred years quest there’s an entire segment where he just sees them living happily because deep in his subconscious he thinks his brother is good.
It truly just confuses me on why Natsu as a character is given this one dimensional note, when he is a complex character that strives for emotion and love. I think Natsu is much more connected to Zeref in that regard, as they both see one another as inherently innocent whether they realize it or not.
I just get sad and emotional thinking about what they could’ve been to one another.
