Awakened from surgery, Hikuma is shown the Gold certificate the Misaki High School brass band won at the Prefectural level. He congratulates the band members around his bed, and vows to lead them at the Kanto level contest next month. Natsuki meets with the doctor and gets bad news, which she keeps from her father and the band. At band practice, Natsuki has to contend with a restive group, wondering if Hikuma will return to lead them. Aoshima and the ex-Law members encourage the band to set aside their concerns and concentrate on moving onto the national level. Later that day, Aoshima visits Natsuki for an update; Natsuki, unable to contain herself reveals that Hikuma's Pancreatic cancer surgery was unsuccessful and he has six months left. The ex-Law members keep this shattering news to themselves, while Natsuki continues to record band practice and seeks guidance from her father. Hikuma has been busy with physical therapy and is encouraged when band members visit. One day he collapses and coughs up blood. Natsuki and the doctor confer; Hikuma must stay in the hospital and can't make the Kanto level contest.
One day at band practice, Natsuki breaks the news to the members, who are at loose ends. The ex-Law members step up and tell the band members to remember the life lessons Hikuma has taught them. The day of the Kanto trials arrives, and the rival high school band leader asks Natsuki where Hikuma is. The band moves into the practice hall without incident. Natsuki finds the band unable to focus; The Law delivers Hikuma to the hall, and he tells them to be themselves when they play. Dressed for battle, the Misaki High School brass band performs "El Camino Real" with spirit. At the awards ceremony, Natsuki rides herd on the band. Later, Hikuma expresses his apology for being absent when he was most needed. The rival high school band leader, who's band made it to the Kanto level, suggests things to work on "for next year," then expresses his admiration at their stellar performance.
Hikuma starts to leave for the hosiptal, amid congratulations and muted goodbyes. At graduation, a service/recital is held in the band room for their deceased teacher. Natsuki reveals her initial objection to her father's involvement with Misaki High School, but confirms her dedication to keeping watch over the band members. For a final salute, the band plays the traditional Meiji era graduation song, "Aogeba Toutoshi."
A year later, the new Misaki High School brass band under Natsuki is in contention for the national level competition. The old brass band members are in the audience and cheer as this band makes it to the national level. The band members are headed in different directions, one to study abroad, and Aoshima to college to become a music teacher! At the beach, they reflect on the influence that Hikuma had and has on their lives, as life goes on.
Sept. 11, 2016
