After reading vol. 2 of Gokurakugai I was concerned about where exactly the story was going. Apparently Sano's editors also had the same concern because my interest definitely bounced back with volume 3. They've moved away from the monster-of-the-week pacing of volume 1 and in volume 3 we're getting the big picture for where the story can go. The first half of the book actually starts with a bit of a downer for Alma, but we are rewarded with character development. "You can't grow unless you're self-aware," indeed. I am very much looking forward to volume 4.