(W) Yuki Suenaga (A) Takamasa Moue Akane unintentionally stirs up the specter of scandal when she's discovered taking informal lessons from her father's former teacher, Shiguma Arakawa. But she's about to make even bigger waves, because her first step in climbing the ranks of rakugo performer from zenza opening act to shin'uchi headliner is exchanging her secret lessons for formal training. And she'll still have to finish high school and navigate her relationship with Shiguma's existing apprentices, all while learning that becoming a stellar rakugo performer takes much more than just being good at performing!

(W) Yuki Suenaga (A) Takamasa Moue Akane accompanies her senior apprentice Kyoji to a retirement home where she's going to act as his zenza opening act before he performs. Her assignment is to offer rakugo that pleases the audience in front of her. How will Akane meet that goal? Later, she learns about a rakugo competition for students, with the presiding judge being none other than Issho Arakawa-the man who banished her father from the Arakawa school. Desperate to take part in the competition, her rakugo master Shiguma grants her permission under one unique, tongue-twisting condition?'Jugemu.'

(W) Yuki Suenaga (A) Takamasa Moue The student rakugo competition known as the Karaku Cup is about to begin. Akane immediately draws the attention of the crowd with her connection to the Arakawa school's rising star Kaisei Arakawa, Issho Arakawa's apprentice, and her own amazing rakugo skills. With her ani-san Koguma's advice in her back pocket, she figures out the key to winning the competition with 'Jugemu,' a rakugo story famous for its long, repetitive tongue twister. But she'll have to deal with impressive rivals with unique styles of their own? Will she be able to overcome this battle of wills, wits, and dreams?

(W) Yuki Suenaga (A) Takamasa Moue During the final round of the Karaku Cup, Akane delivers a performance that spellbinds the audience. As the crowd is gripped with emotion, Akane receives a shocking review from her most hated foe, Issho Arakawa. Who will emerge victorious at the competition and have a one-on-one talk with the man who ruined the life of Akane's father? As the thrilling Karaku Cup comes to a conclusion, a new chapter unfolds? What awaits Akane on the next stage of her journey to become a professional rakugoka?

(W) Yuki Suenaga (A) Takamasa Moue As a prominent rookie with a target on her back, Akane takes an opening slot with the goal of clapping back against the veteran futatsume, Rien Konjakuan, who insulted her. While her crisp rakugo performance wows the crowd, Karashi finds something about it worrying? Then, a shocking truth is discovered about Akane's repertoire, leaving her at a huge disadvantage as a zenza. How will Akane overcome this next big hurdle in her training?