http://kadokawa-anime.jp/itsu-ten/story/post-46.php
The rest of the character designs got released, there will be a VA announce PV on 5 Aug.
It also state that the new arc will start from ep6, so some butchering and altering is expected for sure. (But at least I'm glad to be able to see Izumi in action quite faster)
BTW I've read Vol.1 of a manga adaptation of Kurenai Gekkou no Seitokaishitsu series(or the high school arc) as well as some parts of vol.2 of the novel.
This is surely a masterpiece and a must read for all Itsuten fan!!
It shows the another side of each characters that we won't be able to see in the main arc along with great comedy. Reading this together with the main arc is the only way to bring 100% potential of each characters' charm and it makes me love all of them much more than before.
And also Vol.8 is really filled with heavy plots and unexpected twist, can't wait for the next volume on December.