I know what everyone wants to say.
Yes, this volume is indeed a bit too short! At least, in terms of word count.
But there's really no helping it—this volume corresponds to Volume 3 of the original work, which was Tokisaki Kurumi's main stage as an ally of Apocalypse Sanluo (Tenqi Sanluo). Moreover, since this is the first time Sanluo meets Shidou, she wouldn't be proactively involved in the story. I can't just copy everything from the original to pad the word count, can I?
As I said, Sanluo isn't the type to be "captured" within a single volume.
Of course, that doesn't mean the next volume will just hand her over easily, either.
This volume mainly serves as a transition, allowing Shidou to show his face to Sanluo and leave an impression—at least enough so that when they meet again, Sanluo might allow him a chance to say his last words before dying.
Since this is her first time coming to Tenguu City, and because Sanluo doesn't yet know how to remain in one city for a long time in a stable way, both the progress of the story and the development of their emotional bond need time. These things can't happen overnight.
Just as her character profile says, Sanluo's positioning is similar to Takamiya Mio's.
If she were to be easily "captured" just like that, wouldn't that be a loss of dignity?
Also, let me explain why this volume is titled "Itsuka Entangle."
In my opinion, Kurumi's true main stage should be in the later 204th Loop—that's the key arc where Kurumi gained a massive following.
As for this volume, I see it more as Shidou confronting the question of how to keep saving Spirits even when faced with those who aren't so kind. That's what truly matters.
In a way, this also serves as a small setup for Shidou's future attempt to "capture" Sanluo.
Because only through inner conflict can there be true growth.
In the original, Shidou's growth isn't entirely absent—but it isn't all that obvious either.
When writing the emotional connection between the two, I want to explore how the clash of values between Shidou and Sanluo can drive his growth.
Simply put, I want to show how Shidou evolves from a gentle, overly kind "yasashii" nice guy into someone whose kindness still exists—but with sharper edges, with more definition and strength.
Even putting that aside, at the very least, I want to raise Shidou's combat capability—such growth is necessary.
To be honest, in a standard "Spirit arc" like this, finding a natural way to include Sanluo without making it feel forced is quite challenging.
Well, anyway, I'll have to give this a lot of careful thought.
That's all for now—
Let's meet again in the next volume.