Read this in one sitting, that was incredible and a very fun decon—seeing analogies used to explain things that still make sense was a little tickling and very naughty. Loved it.
But yeah, going right away for a full 9-course round-robin just for practice with the big bad was good for laying the basics and make the premise work, but it didn't help longer-term publication. Would've loved to see more, though.
The pacing itself was absolutely no problem when read through in a single sitting, maybe in tankoubon format if we're talking print, but it would've been a very quick hype-kill for regular releases. It is what it is, I guess.
Also, this and Shoujo Kishidan means I've read two sword-sports manga that I found endearing suffering from the axe. Sigh.
Thanks for the TLs!