(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?

(W) Yuki Suenaga (A) Takamasa Moue Akane begins training with rakugo master Urara in preparation for the upcoming Rokumeikai, an event where each participant must perform a newly learned story. If she doesn't master a new story in the limited time left until the event, she won't be allowed to perform! What sort of hint will help Akane depict a bewitching courtesan in the tale Urara suggests she tell? Then, Kaisei appears, bearing fascinating news for Akane...

(W) Yuki Suenaga (A) Takamasa Moue Akane is set to appear in the zenza Renseikai, hoping to seize a chance to appear in the four-person event featuring a group of talented futatsume said to lead the next generation of the Arakawa School in rakugo. In order to get into the four-person event, she must come in first at the Renseikai. While Akane is considered a favorite to win, a familiar dark horse contestant appears-one driven by a recent bitter defeat at the hands of Akane.

(W) Yuki Suenaga (A/CA) Takamasa Moue Shinta Arakawa wants nothing more than to pass his shin'uchi exam-the test that would make him a top-rank headliner and master storyteller in the traditional Japanese art of rakugo. Akane Osaki, his daughter and biggest fan, spies on him while he practices and learns his routines for herself. When rakugo master Issho Arakawa expels everyone after the exam with no explanation, a fire is lit inside Akane. From that day forth, she has had one goal-to avenge her father and prove his art was worthy of the title of shin'uchi. After the first contestant of the four-person selection event receives a stern reception, the audience and other contestants begin to realize how high the stakes truly are. Kaichi is second to take the stage, and his style, while not meshing with the judges, has a particularly familiar element to it that can be attributed to only one master in the Arakawa School. Soon to follow is Hikaru, who vows to use all her training and every new skill she's acquired since their first encounter to get her revenge on Akane! Once all of her r

(W) Yuki Suenaga (A) Takamasa Moue Akane is finally able to show off her father's rakugo to the world, but in doing so, she discovers there was something lacking?which means there's a chance for his style and for herself to grow. After the four-person selection event, Kaisei has some harsh words for Akane, but they don't deter her from continuing on her path alongside Shiguma's other apprentices toward greater heights. Then, Akane is presented with the chance of a lifetime when a certain master who can help get her promoted to the rank of futatsume comes into the picture.