Ok... can we just go back to the usual daily affairs of Hime pursuit already? Feel like i havent seen Hime in ages... long before Arimura tried to assault a drunk and barely conscious Mina. After that started this Aki/Tobacco saga.
Have you ever been in a car with a highly insecure beginner driver who constantly alternates between accelerating and braking every second or two?
That's how unpleasant this series has been ever since the focus shifted towards the ex.
So
1. Yes, the series has tanked.
2. Yes, the 4-panel format really doesn't work for this.
But don't let us keep you from enjoying this story.