Takeshi, the favorite to win the competition, has been waiting for Kousei for two years. Aspiring to play like Kousei, he has worked tenaciously to improve himself so that he can reach even greater heights. His performance is met with thunderous applause. After listening to Takeshi’s performance, Emi quietly approaches the stage. She had been in awe of the young Kousei, vowing to become a pianist herself. Ever since Kousei vanished from the scene, she has lost her motivation, and has been an erratic performer for the past few years. But after being reunited with Kousei at this competition, she gives the performance of her life. Her emotions become one with the swelling of the music she’s playing, appealing to the audience’s sentiments. Among them, Kaori feels something about Emi’s playing resonate within her.