Notice that Makarov says that Juura is a match for Gildarts... but says nothing about himself. yeah, yeah, we all know makarov is stronger (1 shot natsu so easily) but I think it's cute anyhow.

I think that is more for the readers. We at least have a basic understanding of Gildarts' power, but not Makarov's. If he had compared Juura to himself we as the readers would have no clue how powerful Juura was in comparison to the rest of the characters in the story and competing because we don't know Makarov's strength yet. It also shows Gildarts is qualified to be a 10 Wizard Saint.

Love Marvis' interference in this chapter and Makarov's reaction.

The best part of the chapter though was the preview title for the next chapter. Been waiting for Laxus to get his turn. I'd rather see him fight Iwan though.

He should pound Alexei with almost no effort and then send some form of challenge like a glance or a point at his father.

________________
Banana Gecko!!

[B]

Seeing Laxus fight is gonna be interesting! i also hope we get to see the gathering of the 10 Wizard Saints since we really dont know much about them right now

I don't think Laxus is gonna win... I think that Raven Tail saying "NOW we will fulfil our TRUE mission" is ominous.
Think about it. Laxus father son connection. Gajeel supposed to discover Laxus for a rescue. Mysterious artificial lycryma implanted.

My bet is that their whole mission includes kidnapping Laxus. Or stealing his Lacryma. Or something which is bad for Laxus.

And I'm SURE they're gonna succeed. Not that Laxus is weak, it's just plot foretelling... they probably formed the team of mages as a specific Anti-Laxus team or something so he stands no chance.

And then the rest of Fairy Tail will rescue Laxus.

Well, I think so anyway.

Er, actually, I have a better idea of Makarov's strength and weaknesses than Gildarts. Makarov has actually made more appearances and fought more battles. Makarov has some rather impressive feats, including that secret spell that kos all enemies and doesn't hurt friendlies, holding back the apocalypse dragon, koing Natsu in 1 punch, growing large enough to push that airship (imagine if he hit someone with a punch at that size, I am sure he would KO any fairytailer).
Gildarts and Laxus and Mystogan and (lol) fake Mystogan and Juura all seem to be about the same strength level, based on interbattles between them. Might be some difference but they're probably good fights.
The only fairytailer whose strength is hard to gauge is IMHO Erza. She seems to have He-man style plot related power levels.
Natsu is CONFIRMED plot related power levels, lol. He is as weak or as strong as necessary based on what would be most entertaining lol.

Ha! I was close! It's not just anti-Laxus, it's anti-Fairy Tail!

Must be kickass illusion magic considering that any SENSIBLE contest organizer would have safeguards against cheating...