Yeah, this arc brings out the best in most of the lead characters, Nao's growth, Yokoya actually putting his wit and intelligence to use, instead of the usual trope of "death game so the biggest asshole willing to cross the most ethical lines wins", Cult granpa putting his social programming to use, and team Akiyama barely inching the win precisely because they have Akiyama for brains and Nao for social abilities, very well structured game this is.