I really liked how they ended this arc with the cast taking a bow, just like the play would have ended. It provides a nice complement to how this arc opened, with the cast introductions to start the play.

Something I like about this arc is how neither Akane nor Kana really feel like they “won” and they both are motivated to do better going forward. I think it is actually fairly reflective of people that are very passionate about something that they always feel the drive to do better. It would frankly be out of character if either of them decided that they were good enough to rest on their laurels and gloat over the other. Without getting into spoilers, I think this arc leaves an impression on Ruby as well that will reverberate forward into the story.

When I first read this part of the manga, the half-brother thing caught me completely by surprise. However, Aqua finally has something of a concrete lead to work from. So, strap in everybody!