Having won first place at the Kyoto competition, Kumiko and the band are preparing to compete in the Kansai competition. A shadow looms over them when an old member, Nozomi Kasaki, enters the picture.

Asuka's mother wants her to quit the concert band. This upsets everyone -- including her mother.

Taki decides to let the band executives choose their competition piece this year. The leadership deliberates on this decision while trying to get the rest of the band ready to perform at the Sunrise Festival.

The Kansai competition is right around the corner, and the band's dissent about Taki-sensei's decisions only continues to grow. Kumiko goes to speak with him, and she has to decide whether to speak her mind.