Setsu's unconventional mother, Sawamura Umeko, has suddenly descended and forced him to enroll at Umezono Academy. In helping to assemble a shamisen which has lain long disused, he meets Maeda Shuri, a girl in the same grade as him. While all this is going on, Setsu reunites with his older brother, who he hasn't seen in a while, and they play shamisen together...

Shuri is caught listening to music during class and has her cellphone confiscated. The song heard through her earphones is Setsu's grandfather, Matsugoro's, improvisation piece "Shungyou." How? How does she know that song? When Setsu asks about it, Shuri tells him that's a song that holds precious memories for her and her grandmother.

Setsu plays, following his heart. He sets an image within the notes. With all his heart, he tries to convey it. The sound that pours from Setsu' shamisen draws forth memories from everyone who hears it. Then, the favorite for first place, Tanuma Souichiro's performance begins. The sound is overwhelming. Waves of it shake the auditorium and his performance charms the audience. With both of their performances over, the conclusion of the tournament brings...