I just spent the last few days rereading this whole manga non-stop from the start, right from the chapters in challengers, and I can definitely say the pacing feels right. Seriously, if you guys want to complain so much because it has been years, you are just forgetting the rest of the story, I bet you don't remember half of what's happened. it has only been a couple years for the characters, even though its been like 20 for us. Try reading from the start and get some better perspective, please
I've thought this for a long time, but I think Souichi is Autistic. There are many reasons for me thinking this, I can explain further if anyone wants.
I also feel he is on the asexual spectrum. To me this is obvious