If this had been a thread a week ago, it would have been Laxus alone.
But now Mashima has created the potential for Erza to be Master, again.
I will say that I was annoyed that Hiro didn't let Erza stay 7th Master. Erza could have got development from that. But it wasn't in Hiro's plans because he probably wanted her to be a fighter in the war, so I get that.
But Erza pretty much handed the title away, just like Gildarts did. There's no coming back from that, unless there is a change in character. And it just so happens that there is a potential for said change now... because Erza witnessed Makarov's death as well as being the recipient of Makarov's last words. His words weren't necessarily "This is what you need to be Master" advice. Makarov might have said it to Erza because she's the most plot-important character there... or it could be timely words for Erza to hear before a 'shock development' with Irene.
IF this causes Erza to take on more of a 'parent' role than she could be Master.
The same thing could happen with Gildarts too. Perhaps witnessing what Makarov did might change his ways. For me Gildarts is a wise person, and he cares about the younger generation (as well as having the respect of everyone in the guild, only Cana talks back to him)... but it's his thirst for adventure that comes between him and the GM role.
So Laxus is definitely a candidate for me. Erza and Gildarts are potential GM's.
Mirajane, Gray and Lucy would also be fine. Natsu could be Master too if he grew up a bit, he's inspirational enough as a leader.
That said, I feel the role of Master has lost it's importance than it did at the start of the series. So, the criteria for this role doesn't have to be as strict as I might have implied in my post.
But now Mashima has created the potential for Erza to be Master, again.
I will say that I was annoyed that Hiro didn't let Erza stay 7th Master. Erza could have got development from that. But it wasn't in Hiro's plans because he probably wanted her to be a fighter in the war, so I get that.
But Erza pretty much handed the title away, just like Gildarts did. There's no coming back from that, unless there is a change in character. And it just so happens that there is a potential for said change now... because Erza witnessed Makarov's death as well as being the recipient of Makarov's last words. His words weren't necessarily "This is what you need to be Master" advice. Makarov might have said it to Erza because she's the most plot-important character there... or it could be timely words for Erza to hear before a 'shock development' with Irene.
IF this causes Erza to take on more of a 'parent' role than she could be Master.
The same thing could happen with Gildarts too. Perhaps witnessing what Makarov did might change his ways. For me Gildarts is a wise person, and he cares about the younger generation (as well as having the respect of everyone in the guild, only Cana talks back to him)... but it's his thirst for adventure that comes between him and the GM role.
So Laxus is definitely a candidate for me. Erza and Gildarts are potential GM's.
Mirajane, Gray and Lucy would also be fine. Natsu could be Master too if he grew up a bit, he's inspirational enough as a leader.
That said, I feel the role of Master has lost it's importance than it did at the start of the series. So, the criteria for this role doesn't have to be as strict as I might have implied in my post.