[thundrakkon]

Originally Posted by Ash Falls Town

Spoiler for Speculation Etc:

I'm actually not sure about that to me it seemed like Fried and Juvia were put into the arc because it makes sense for them to be in the exam as opposed to being in the exam because the plot requires them to be in the exam.

After watching this episode I think only Cana (because plot forshadowing) or Natsu (since he DID beat Gildarts also he's the main) are possibilities for the next S Class mage.
And I'm sort of wondering whether Cana might do something really stupid and inadvertently betray Fairy Tail or get disqualified or something considering how depressing she is in the opening.

However, you forgot about the other "partner" that is with Juvia, who is none other than Lisanna. She suddenly reappears, is part of this arc, and putting up a fight. They would not set her up like that if she will not be a major player in this arc.

Yes, Fried has pretty much served his purpose, so I don't expect much more of him.

I am also going to guess that upcoming bad guys or that guy that brings death is probably related to Kana in some way. I don't think she will betray Fairy Tail, but she will be conflicted.

Also, I am going to predict that Natsu will not become S-Class after this arc. He really doesn't need it, essentially with what he said to Gildarts this episode. Also, the strongest team in Fairy Tail already has a S-Class in Erza.

It is either going to be Kanna or no one for S-Class. Out of all the years that the S-Class exam are done, only 5 are/were in Fairy Tail (Erza, Gildarts, Mirajane, Laxus, and Mystogan) that we know of. Hence, it is not a guarantee that any one will make S-Class this year either.