User blog comment:IamJakuhoRaikoben/Chapter 402: Iron Fist of the Fire Dragon, Review./@comment-24546844-20140930003119/@comment-31.61.129.96-20140930115951

I felt like maybe Natsu somehow got stronger due to Igneel's presence? It would also explain why Marde suddenly decided he has to do something to accelerate the Face, but he seemed to be worried about dragons more than Natsu.