A new artisan, Kisaichi Hiiro, arrives at Ryokushou. Enchanted by artisan Tatsumi Masa's sculpted sweets, Hiiro decides to become a wagashi artisan herself. However, her overly serious mindset and perfectionism cause her to lose sight of her surroundings and to make mistakes. She becomes despondent, then Masa teaches her about the spirit of an artisan. Amidst all of this, due to a whim of Nagomu's, Ryokushou holds a "Hands-on Wagashi Class" at the elementary school Itsuka attends.

One day, with Christmas near, a message and a fir tree sent by Itsuka's mother arrive. Remembering back to the broken promises from when she was little, Itsuka is afraid to make another promise with her mother. But Nagomu's words give her a push, and she tells her mother that she'll be waiting. Yuzu yokan causes Nagomu to remember a conversation he had with his grandfather.

For Itsuka's birthday, Nagomu uses his "Going Somewhere Together" ticket and takes her to Hirakata Park. While out with Nagomu, Itsuka's remembers when she went to the park with her father. When they get back to Ryokushou, they find a wagashi cake and birthday party for Itsuka waiting for them. Itsuka always seems to be chasing after the shadow of her father. Concerned, Nagomu comforts her. And in reply to Nagomu's words, Itsuka...