Kumiko and the others prepare for Sunrise Festival. Kumiko and Shuichi talk about Taki-sensei on the way home from school, when they run into Reina.

The band is hard at work preparing for the audition and the competition. Aoi has trouble with her part, to which Taki says, "when will you be better by?"

Taki-sensei's proposal relieves the upset within the band, and everyone returns to practicing. Reina no longer isolates herself either, much to Kumiko's relief. But then she sees Yuko, who's been antagonizing Reina, speaking with her.

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.

Only three schools will be selected at the Kansai Concert Band Competition to compete in the Nationals. Will Kitauji High School be one of them?

Asuka invites Kumiko over for a study party. With Kumiko's sister quitting college and Asuka's band membership uncertain, Kumiko and Reina are forced to contemplate the role of music in their lives.