When I launch Shakura's quantum projectile, it's like a 50/50 chance that it will start damaging nearby enemies.

When I recall the projectile, it instantly starts damaging enemies, but I can't figure out the pattern to begin the damage when I first launch it. What am I missing here?

I've tried shooting it, having it pass through enemies, having it pass near but not through, being really far, being really close, etc, but I can't figure out how to enable its damage for sure except by recalling it to Valeria.