The ninth and final season of the Fairy Tail anime series was directed by Shinji Ishihara and produced by A-1 Pictures, CloverWorks, and Bridge.[2][3] Like the rest of the series, it follows the adventures of Natsu Dragneel and Lucy Heartfilia of the fictional guild Fairy Tail. The season adapts the remaining volumes of the Fairy Tail manga by Hiro Mashima, beginning with the last chapter of its 49th volume. The first story arc continues from the final two episodes of season eight, where Natsu, Lucy, and Happy embark on a journey to reorganize their disbanded guild. The second arc focuses on the guild's war with the militaristic Alvarez Empire, culminating with Natsu's final battle with the dark wizard Zeref and the evil dragon Acnologia.