The piece for the qualifier has been decided. It's the piece that Satowa played at the National Koto Competition. Since Takinami's arrangement requires two 17-strings, Satowa goes to see her mother to borrow one.

Takinami decides to have Akira Dojima be the koto instructor for the club. Since she's from the Hozuki School, the club members have some reservations about her becoming their koto teacher at first.

Previously, Akira told Satowa that there was no need for Satowa to receive any lessons from her. Her attitude shows that she has resentment towards Satowa. What is it that she is carrying deep in her heart?

After telling Takinami that she'd quit as a koto teacher, Akira goes to the club room to find that something is different with the koto club members' sound. During the practice, Takinami stops by and asks Akira and Satowa to play together.

The members of the koto club have started thinking about what Takinami said: the meaning and role of their sound. In the meantime, Dojima arranges a meeting with the senior members of the Hozuki School.

The day of the qualifier for nationals has finally come. Seeing other students upon their arrival at the venue, the Tokise koto club members realize that they're all there seriously aiming to go to nationals.

After losing to the Hakuto at the music festival, the members of the Himesaka realize they are no longer the undisputed number one in Kanagawa. They decide to make a shortlist to determine which of them will compete in the national championship prelim. However, this decision requires great sacrifices from certain members.

Himesaka Girls' Academy gave a powerful performance. Now it's time for Hakuto High School to take the stage. Will they give a performance that's the "right answer"? Or will it be different this time?

"Don't forget why you want to go to nationals"... With those words by Takinami in their hearts, each member of Tokise High School koto club takes the stage.

Satowa confronts her mother and everyone waits for the results of the competition.