Meiryo's brilliant performance has rattled some of the koto club members from Tokise. More schools perform but none seem to compare. Takezo's Aunt Isaki, however, doesn't seem so impressed by everyone's performances.

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 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.

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