How did the author decide to introduce new characters in this volume?
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Soul Eater, Vol. 9

Soul Eater, Vol. 9
La discussion entre lecteurs est ouverte maintenant. Un auteur vérifié pourra intervenir après avoir revendiqué ce profil.
How did the author decide to introduce new characters in this volume?
Did anyone else feel the pacing slowed down a bit in the middle of this volume?
What do you think led to the decision to focus more on character backstories here?