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.

The high school Kitauji fanfare begins its intensive summer camp before the Kansai competition. Kumiko is still trying to find out more about Asuka's refusal to reinstate Nozomi and intends to respect her promise to the girl.

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 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.

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.

The three-day summer camp has begun, and members of the concert band are faced with a rigorous training regimen. Mayu hesitates to audition yet again, afraid that she'll take the soli part from Kumiko. Motomu speaks to Midori in private.

Mayu taking the soli part has made the concert band uneasy. Despite Kumiko's insistence that this is how it should be, several members take issue with Taki's decision.

The final competition for the third-years is at hand. The Kitauji High School Concert Band performs together one last time in a bid for National gold.