Ugh, another "rival" arc. They aren't so bad in general, but not back-to-back, even with a different main character. It's really starting to feel like the story is being forced, as if the author has a contract for x chapters but has run out of ideas. This is a writing 101 error too; a dramatic arc should be followed with a lighter one, to give the reader a chance to breathe and possibly reveal more of the characters' quirks and/or growth.
I'm really disappointed, because the early chapters had me totally hooked. sniff
Maybe I should jump into fanfic lol.