Responses
Tbh I really, really like the flashback's story and the contrasts with the present time, but I do agree. I think it'd be better if the flashbacks were shorter and scattered throughout the story when relevant, personally.
Like that is almost 30% of the story so far haha. It removes a lot of tension from your plot when you take a huge break for so long. The main cast will return and we'll be like who tf is this again?