That's a really interesting point about the uncle - if it was an actual uncle, you'd assume Noji would have their contact. But the idea that Nika doesn't keep any connection with his uncle through this trauma is strange: surely Noji would be enlisting their help? SO I guess as you say, a mf.
And yes, I'm hyped for the dojo and the bar opening. Screw it, I'm hyped for next chapter, all the bits. My guess is we'll get strung along, enough answers will be hinted, but they'll just give rise to more questions: Answers will be indirect, hinting at new theories. We're less than 20% of the way in renderwise, so Frist act sets the scene, second act explains the problem, third act, heroic problem solving, 4th act, it all goes to shit, relf reflection required, fth act, the true understanding.
That's at least how a lot of RPGs go. Mysteries have to be tantalising and revealing layers until that moment when all is reval, and everything falls apart for the MC. Then still time to rebuild their courage for the end game. Same same but different in this cas I guess.