Wow so Brandish knew Lucy's mother, we might get some development there on what happened to Layla. Though this clinches what most of us thought already, Brandish is going to turn the good side by the end of this arc, just like with Silver in the Tartarus arc, she is some how related to Lucy, maybe not by blood, but whatever grudge she has against Layla, it is probably some misunderstanding, and it will be worked out and than Lucy and Brandish will get along famously.
Though what is Brandish relationship Layla, my guess right now is they were guild mates long ago in Alverez, and Layla left for Ishgar, or maybe Brandish was her student, I don't think they are related by blood, I don't think Brandish is Lucy's aunt or cousin. And I love that Marin finally got his, payback for the pervert at least, though Brandish reaction, maybe she does care about him a little.
And Cana shows up to help, that gets me excited, because if Cana gets in a jam perhaps that is when Gildarts will finally show up.
As for the rest of the chapters, looks like Natsu and Erza are going to win their fights. I hope these guys have a counter, at least Ajeel, I don't care about his subordinates, Natsu should kick their butts anyway, but Ajeel should not be losing this early, than again after Lexus kicked his butt already, maybe he is the weakest of the 12 and just on the level of S Class.
The first half was great, I love the fan service, and Layla being mentioned, and Brandish has some connection to her, and I think now it is done, Brandish is going to be nakafied.
