- #74
Second, this guy has already marked Natsu as a dear friend thanks to being Igneel's son. So it's not hard to imagine that he would sacrifice himself for Natsu.
Third: Dragon Slayers get stronger with Dragon Blood. But as we see here, Natsu is never going to kill a dragon especially not ones that show even a shred of kindness. So where else would he get his blood power up if not from Atlas' sacrifice. This would also match up with Mashima's warning that we are going to cry.
And fourth: Natsu called him uncle meaning he is already very important to Natsu. That's pretty much a deathflag for sure right there.