Misaki high school's brass band plays their best and score a gold award, which puts them into contention for the regional competition. They are one of three selected, and a celebratory party is held at the music room. Hikuma and Natsuki go to the hospital, and are told by the doctor that he needs immediate surgery. Hikuma asks if the operation can be scheduled on the same day of the band"s regional competition. Later he and Natsuki arrive at the band room and inform the band that he has cancer and his surgery will keep him from the regional trials. Hikuma tells them that he will be on stage with them at the national competition. While Hikuma is in the hospital, getting therapy before surgery, Natsuki will lead band practice. Aoshima and others wonder aloud if Hikuma's surgery is as ordinary he says it is. Natsuki's first band practice leads to them visit Hikuma in the hospital.After the band leaves the hospital, Aoshima goes back, with Kitora nearby, alerted to the band's win and Hikuma's illness. They arrive just in time to carry Hikuma back to his room. Hikuma regards Aoshima and Kitora, and tells them the truth; if the operation is unsuccessful, he has at most, six months to live. Natsuki continues band practice, recording each session for Hikuma's critique, which mostly centers on "getting what the band members have inside rather than imposing her will." Time counts down to the Prefectural trials, and Kitora is having grave doubts about preparing to study abroad instead of being with the band. On the day before competition, he visits Natsuki and asks to be part of the competition; Aoshima and the gang arrive to urge Kitora to "see the world as a professional musician."On the day of the band competition, Kitora leaves his final music exam and hurries to rejoin the brass band. Just before heading for the concert stage, Natsuki plays Hikuma's speech of encouragement. Kitora arrives and begs to be allowed to return; Aoshims gruffly tells him "don't hold us back." With that, the band assembles on the stage, and Hikuma's surgery begins.