Struggling comedian Tokunaga meets intense senior comic Kamiya at a festival and asks to become his apprentice. Kamiya agrees on one condition.

Kamiya's comedy duo relocates to Tokyo, and he and Tokunaga grow closer. Meanwhile, Sparks gets their first shot at an audition to play a real venue.

Prospects for Sparks are looking better every day as New Year's approaches. Kamiya moves in with a woman named Maki, but his career is going nowhere.

Tokunaga and Yamashita juggle part-time jobs and comedy gigs, but when Yamashita is offered a movie role, they both have to think about their future.

Sparks and Ahondara perform in a variety show where the audience votes for the winner. After the results are announced, Tokunaga makes a change.

Sparks prepares for the first stand-alone show. Meanwhile, Kamiya's situation with Maki has grown precarious, and he asks Tokunaga for help.

Sparks goes from a radio gig to a spot on a TV comedy contest. Ahondara performs on the show, too, exposing the difference between their styles.

Tokunaga's TV appearances earn him a higher income; they also open a gap between him and Kamiya, whose debts and life are spiraling out of control.

Plans for a regular spot on a TV show fall through, making Sparks has-beens overnight. Tokunaga wants to keep going, but Yamashita has his own ideas.