At the local hospital, Hikuma's medical tests are finished, and things in his life have changed. Returning to Misaki high school, the band informs him that the Vice Principal has withdrawn the band from competition. Hikuma and his daughter plead their case; the band will go on to competition. But, as punishment, they are barred from the school's music room for 10 days. Hikuma and the band find another place to practice, under a shed in the open air. Clashes within the band lead Hikuma to invite the band over to his house for dinner after band practice. Lead Clarinet player Nagisa goes home, however, to continue connecting with her stepmother and stepbrother. To change the Vice Principal's image of the band, Hikuma has them cleaning the school of rubbish and weeds. Then, he hands out letters to the student's parents to attend their stage performance. Nagisa is torn by this invitation, since her birth parents are divorced. Nagisa's mother was a Clarinet player, and encourged her and members of "The Law" to express themselves through music when they were children. One night, after band practice, Nagisa is reported missing by her parents; Hikuma finds "The Law" members and the search for her is on. She is found near the harbor, where they used to practice playing their instruments; Hikuma implores her not to "lose her fire," After days of indecision, Nagisa invites her entire family to the band performance. The next day, Hikuma goes to draw for the band competition and draws #1!

Later that day, as the Hikumas and the band sneak to their off campus practice shed, the Vice Principal stops them. Since they are a nuisance to the neighborhood, he has no choice but to keep them on campus...in the music room! Several band members are at odds with having their family attend the band competition, but all is well, otherwise. That evening, at the local hospital, Hikuma's daughter learns that the hospital tests have revealed advanced Pancreatic cancer! She hurries home to find he father unconscious, in front of the family altar.

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.