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.

Kumiko and her buddies head to the pool for one last breath of freedom before their grueling concert band training. There, Nozomi reveals some of what had happened the year before.

Nozomi finally meets Mizore. She learns, the hard way, why Asuka had been keeping her away.

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?

It's the school festival at Kitauji High School. Kumiko's sister insists on quitting college, while Taki reveals some things about his past with his wife.

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

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.

Asuka is about to lose her seat competing in the Nationals. But that might not be why she invited Kumiko over.

Taki's deadline for Asuka draws near. She refuses to admit that she wants, more than anyone, to compete in the Nationals.

With Asuka back in the competition, the orchestra is just about set for the Nationals. Meanwhile, Kumiko tries to understand why Reina is upset at her.

It's the big day: the All Japan Concert Band Competition Nationals.

With the competition over and the third-years graduating, Kumiko is left to sort through her feelings: Is it a love of concert band, of the euphonium, or of something else?