Mizuki is pregnant, but Shigeru, not wanting to admit it is his own child, shuns her. Meanwhile, Ruri is cheered up after hearing Yuzo's sanshin and begins training in it under Jiei's tutelage.
Kawashima and Ruri go to Tokyo upon hearing that Shomei has been hospitalized. Not being able to see his daughter, Izumi, saddens Shomei. The two find Izumi but she refuses to see Shomei.
Ruri invites Satoru, a kid adopted by Jiei, to perform the sanshin at the upcoming island's festival, and begins to learn it in earnest. Meanwhile, a large typhoon is approaching the island.
Ruri can't get over the loss of Shomei. In the meantime, Yuzo and others are near the end of their rope as a persistent reporter attempts to interview the children about becoming foster children.