Kikuhiko's tour with the 7th Generation Yakumo was a huge success. His master is satisfied with Kikuhiko's growth, and plans to promote him to shin'uchi soon. The problem is Sukeroku, whose behavior is forcing Yakumo to bend over backwards to get him promoted. Meanwhile, Sukeroku learns something surprising from Miyokichi: that Kikuhiko didn't even tell her about his trip. Her face is sad, but accustomed to heartbreak... and beautful.