Chika and the other club members are having trouble understanding Satowa's instruction. Later, 2 girls from the elite Himesaka Girls Academy randomly show up at the clubroom that seem to know Satowa!

The koto club gets to hear Kanagawa's number 1, Himesaka, perform at Meiryo high school. Overwhelmed by the performance, Takezo seems shaken and it seems to have an effect on the whole group.

The training camp has come to an end and the High School Students' Kanto Region Traditional Japanese Music Festival is finally around the corner. To the gang's surprise, the koto clubs from Meiryo and Himesaka are participating in the festival too.

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.

It’s nearing Takezo’s and the other’s time to perform but Chika’s hand injury is starting to really swell up. He’s determined to still perform with the others but is that a decision they will regret?

Tokise High School's koto club finished their performance. Despite the mistakes in the first half, they made a remarkable comeback in the second half. Now, they nervously await the results of the competition.

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.

"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.