I would say that this would be setting things back to square one, but that's not quite true. Aqua's presence outside the Realm of Darkness as the Sapphire Sorceress did change up a few things that ultimately made a difference. The most notable difference is Kairi being at least nearly on Aqua's equal in terms of combat strength now instead of a novice. Should this be continued in a follow up story once the LONG awaited Kingdom Hearts III FINALLY comes out, I have no doubt that these changes will become very prominent.

Let's hope that next chapter involves the demise of Aquanort and complete return of Master Aqua.

I really hope those two knock the Xehanort out of Aqua!

Oh no... She's become one of Xehanort's vessels, hasn't she?

Looks like Aqua is back. Yay! Now where's the punchline? What's this 'horrible truth'?

It looks like Aqua really won't be back for a bit, so it will be full Kairi POV for a while.

I wonder... would this qualify as Kairi's Mark of Mastery Exam?

I have a feeling that this battle is going to drag out for a while.

The fated duel will now begin.

Now it looks like Auxaq has descended into melancholy, or at least as close as she can get to it as she is right now.

What I'm looking forward to is seeing what will happen when the fake Kingdom Hearts gets a giant hole punched into it. Will Aqua's heart be freed?

Looks like Axel is about to pull his Heel Face Turn.

Auxaq is not making it easy for Kairi to tell her why her heart has not returned.

Kairi is really starting to come into her own as a fighter.

Auxaq is really losing her sanity. Saving her will not be easy.