The Zuiun Prize is underway, and eyes from inside and out of the rakugo world are taking notice. Akane once again is up against her old rivals Hikaru and Karashi, who have both leaped ahead in notoriety and skill since their last competition. Per the instructions of her new master, Issho, Akane attempts a performance that does not make her audience laugh. How will her old rivals and the judges feel about her rakugo when they must judge it on everything but humor? Will she be able to emerge from this wild and unpredictable preliminary round to take her place in the finals?
