Episode 3 (S01E03)

After their debut performance, Kikuhiko becomes painfully aware of the gap in skill between him and Hatsutaro. Hatsutaro suggests he try erotic tales, but Kikuhiko is so overwhelmed just memorizing beginner routines that he can't even consider it. With school every morning, the divide only widens against Hatsutaro, who can devote his days to rakugo. Still, Kikuhiko gradually grows to love the art and begins building something like a normal life. Yet the looming shadow of war threatens to tear apart rakugo, love, and friendship.