The battle continues with Fairy Tail 456, entitled "Order." Fairy Tail fighters on counterattack.
Highlights of "Order" are the revelation of Mirajane Seylah takeover and Natsu's newfound maturity in conserving his energy understanding that there are bigger battles ahead.
But undoubtedly the most intriguing part of the chapter is Brandish inviting Lucy to join her naked in the tub! The fact that the next chapter is titled "Naked Battle" screams "fanservice!"
It's prediction time for the next chapter and these are the Mangahelpers forum experts with their best bets for Chapter 457.
Sir Samuel 016: "I doubt that Brandish and Marin would fight Lucy seriously at this stage.
I mean, turning up nude in her bath tub, and now having to strip. Its obvious that Brandish is either preparing Lucy for a revealing appearance in front of Zeref so he can then use her as leverage over Fairy Tail and Natsu, or that they're going to have some fun and Brandish is going to come over to Fairy Tail. I don't know why Mashima would take this path for the two to face off, but it isn't necessary from what I've read in this arc so far."
Brandish emphasized (quite accurately) that she can end the battle if she wants to. She even shrank the house next to Lucy's as a demonstration. What does she want from Lucy if she does not want to fight her?
Will there be a defection in the next chapter?
Meanwhile, Natsu's holding his powers back to conserve them, but what if he gets pushed to the brink of losing? Will he unleash his secret technique?
Demon King 888: "So Natsu could of ended alot of these fights one on one but he's holding back. It's awesome that's he is now planning ahead but it just makes me wonder. Is he still under Laxus, is he the strongest, when will he stop playing ahead?"
Erza is still gripped by the sands of Ajeel-will she need to be rescued? It is projected that Laxus will be the key to Ajeel's defeat.