Akamatsu is full of little references like that. Negi's frenzy form seems to be derived from several different sources.
Some people are saying we're moving towards the end but, I think maybe only the end of this arc. Fate and his merry band of assholes is just another stepping stone on the way to the end. I don't think that we'll see Negi squaring off against the Lifemaker here.
EDIT! Akamatsu V28 & 29 Q&A session translated.
- Grumpy Uncle Gearhead
Some people are saying we're moving towards the end but, I think maybe only the end of this arc. Fate and his merry band of assholes is just another stepping stone on the way to the end. I don't think that we'll see Negi squaring off against the Lifemaker here.
EDIT! Akamatsu V28 & 29 Q&A session translated.
- Grumpy Uncle Gearhead