Various band members pressure Kumiko to do something about Asuka's home situation during her visit, including Natsuki, who has been chosen by Taki as Asuka's understudy. While returning the clubroom key to the teachers' office with Reina, Kumiko expresses exasperation about the situation, but Reina agrees that Kumiko has a way with words when it matters most. While returning the key to Taki, Reina notices a photo on his desk with Taki's wife in it. The next day Kumiko goes to Asuka's house, and Asuka opens up to her about her situation: Asuka's father is a famous euphonist whom her abusive mother has prevented her from ever meeting, he is the one who sent her her euphonium as a child, and that he is set to be a judge at the national competition. She wanted to go to nationals so that he would hear her play. The two of them go out to the riverbank, where Asuka plays for Kumiko.