Good news! The first chapter addresses my complaint with last volume about not really getting Tonari's motivations. The flashbacks here explain it and show some great sides of her character. Bad news. This volume also addressed my issues with Parona's story line being dropped by the series by

revealing she was killed by Hayase, who returns as an antagonist.

And the main antagonist revealed for this arc is an absolute weirdo. I don't know why she's licking Fushi, but she's creeping me out.

This volume offers more of the interesting philosophical discussions that are a big part of the series's themes, great art, and some more growth for Fushi in interesting directions.