Fast becoming one of the more anticipated chapters in the manga's history, what with a title translated as "Naked Battle."
There are heavy hints of fanservice forthcoming what with the tease of Brandish inviting Lucy to join her in Lucy's own bath.
Fairy Tail fans are bringing on the predictions, specially with one of the most powerful Spriggans right in the middle of Magnolia.
Mangahelpers forumhad this prediction from User Niven: "Come to think of it, if Lucy still has Aquarius stardress, she'll have that upper hand in the bath fight thats coming up if she sinks, but yeah, Marin is there too so she can't. But the fight will be interesting, thats the best I can say. I smell plot progression with Brandish looking at Lucy interestingly. Or I maybe wrong if she's a new addition to Lucy's ever increasing harem."
Interesting that there is the possibility that Brandish is not just playing around, but actually has serious intentions with Lucy. That's a real possibility that is also discussed in Reddit.
User Flukeyyyy: "The Brandish/Lucy stuff is 50/50 to me at the moment. Im excited to find out what the hell brandish is up too. Yet at the same time this whole bath tub thing. I don't mind Fan servcie but in the middle of a huge war arc is stupid. Lucy has no chance in beating Brandish so im thinking they are just gona' chat. I swear to God though i hope Brandish is not another double agent. Thats getting old(sic)."
Fans are speculating on Hiro Mashima possibly getting tired of an old plot line and trying to make pre-empt some surprises. However, the possibility that a full-on battle would happen has also been nitpicked, and they have candidates on who should face off with Brandish. Back to Mangahelpers:
User SnailBeast: "There's another FT member with size-magic.
Makarov.
He can grow bigger while Bran-chan can make him smaller he can become bigger.
Who's more size changing?"
Which prediction will hold true and who will win "The Naked Battle?"