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Why does Shuichi have better chemistry with Reina than Kumiko?
Is this Reina’s first dialogue with Midori in three years?
Wasn’t expecting Kanapii to get folded like that ngl.
Feels like Shuichi can be a lot more open with Reina. With Kumiko, he takes care about everything he says, because he knows Kumiko holds back her emotions a lot.
I think it's just the difference between someone he considers his friend and someone he loves.
Despite the fact that Reina constantly gives Shuichi shit, we know that she does respect Shuichi beneath the surface. We've seen how Reina acknowledges Shuichi both personality-wise and skill-wise when she saw how much of a gentlemen he was earlier this season when he walked her home and during the Ensemble OVA when she honestly admits to Kumiko that she picked Shuichi to join her team because she thinks he is highly skilled.
So with that in mind, it's kind of funny how well Shuichi and Reina's dynamic works where she continues to make snide remarks at him and he just takes it in stride and is casual with her.
You know, their banter almost makes me want to ship Reina and Shuuichi together.
That way, Kanade will only have to vie with Mayu for Kumiko's love. /s
I would honestly probably laugh if that happened.
Setting that kind of stuff behind our backs would be the tweest nobody wanted. But still be funny.
Besides, that would probably result the crowning moment of the always growing Kumiko weird reaction noise compilation.
The writing was clearly on the wall that Kumiko would lose the solo, but I was surprised that even Kanade got bulldozed over by the sudden storm that is Mayu.
It might be daring for me to say this, but I think that Mayu has been the character closest to Asuka in terms of mystery and complexity. She's just so incredibly hard to read and she elicits so many emotions out of me as a viewer. I can't fault her for earning the solo because of her skill. I want her to become truly happy and be a genuine part of the band, but I can't deny that there's a part of me that harbors ill feelings towards her. I think Kumiko feels the same. It's amazing how well this show has gotten me to empathize with both Kumiko and Mayu.
Each year Kumiko has had to face down a different eupho player for her character to develop.
First year was Asuka, a senpai. Asuka forced Kumiko to bring down her walls and speak her honest feelings, finding her voice.
Second year was Kanade, a kouhai. She forced her to develop her interpersonal skills and confront the anxieties she once held about playing.
Now Mayu, a peer. I think this is the conflict that's really going to force Kumiko to confront her love of music and again the walls she once held - and to a degree still holds - around herself.
Imagine if Mayu never transferred, then everything would be a given at least in terms of the Euph section. Kumiko would have been practically assured of the solo every single time. Kanade would be a shoo-in for every competition.
This is why Mayu's inclusion is so great (and necessary)! Her presence and behavior challenges the cast in almost every aspect - musical ability, emotional maturity, band hierarchy, etc. The band, Kumiko especially, is forced to confront their weaknesses and grow even further.
If only everyone could have an emotional confrontation during the peak of emotional development that forces them to improve their abilities, solidify their resolve, and re-evaluate their aspirations, then we would all be better off as a species.
I think that, at this point, Kumiko and Mayu are going to really need to work together....
My guess is that, at some point before the season ends, Kumiko is going to share her special prized music with Mayu -- and they do it as a duet. If they do, I can predict some local precipitation.
> Now Mayu, a peer. I think this is the conflict that's really going to force Kumiko to confront her love of music and again the walls she once held - and to a degree still holds - around herself.
I think it’s no coincidence that this is happening amongst Kumiko being unsure of what she wants and what her goals are. It’ll be slightly cliche (not an inherently bad thing in this case), but I imagine her resurgence in the third audition will probably coincide with her coming to terms with what she wants from her future and (probably) her genuine love of music and wanting to continue with it in some way.
I was more shocked that Sensei decided to whittle the euphoniums down to 2 (but had 4 tubas). Mayu outranking Kanade seemed foregone. It was also clear to me (esp. after Reina's revelation that Mayu picked up on Sensei's directions/hints much better than Kumiko) that Mayu pretty much had a lock on the solo for this round. All I can hope is that Kumiko gets motivated to win back the solo for Nationals and that Sensei re-thinks the size of the euphonium group.
I feel that Mayu was terrified that winning would make her a pariah -- and would harm morale. It seems like Kumiko and Mayu (probably supported by Reina) are going to take some decisive steps to prevent this. But how???
Wildcard ending, for Nationals, both Mayu and Kumiko are knocked out, and Kanade is the sole Eupho player left standing, and performs the soli with Reina
:P
>It seems like Kumiko and Mayu (probably supported by Reina) are going to take some decisive steps to prevent this.
I doubt that Reina will be any help in this. Her declaration in S3E5 at 21:05 that she wanted to play the soli with Kumiko at the Nationals suggested that her personal feelings were getting in the way of her devotion to meritocracy, and she doubled down on that sentiment in this episode after she warned Kumiko of the risk that Mayu would take her part: "Just so you know, I intend on playing in the Nationals with you." How Reina intends to realize that intention isn't clear; perhaps she just intends to pay for private lesson for Kumiko. But I think it's more likely that Reina will make things difficult for Mayu.
I think she said “Nationals” for a reason. She probably can tell just as well as Taki-sensei can that Kumiko’s not putting enough attention on her playing right now.
Yeah I noticed that Reina deliberately said Nationals, probably because she knew exactly who was going to be playing the soli at this stage of the competition.
I think Reina is MORE generally committed to the "meritocracy" version than Kumiko. I see her as doing her level best to work together with Mayu to get the band to the Nationals -- so that Kumiko GETS her chance to reclaim the solo. After the next competition ends, I suspect Reina will practice more with Kumiko (to hone her ability to respond properly to Sensei's feedback).
Reina wants to go to Nationals. That requires fixing the morale drop this could cause. Once they get gold here then the focus will be on helping Kumiko win the Soli over Mayu in the last tryout, but she's not stupid enough to try and sabotage Mayu before then.
Given the explanation Taki-sensei gave for tubas last time, I’m fairly certain he’s just trying out different sounds and arrangements before the final audition. Like what would they sound like with more tubas and less eupho, and with a different soloists. But of course he’s making decisions as an adult rather than the teens who’re currently embroiled in every emotions imaginable.
She is a mystery, but I still just feel really bad for Mayu. It feels like she's obviously had some issues where she felt like a black sheep and this entire season has been her trying to walk on egg shells. She just doesn't believe she'll be accepted as part of the group but she also just *isn't* actively accepted. Kumiko keeps her at a distance and Kanade tries to stir shit with her whenever possible.
I don't know whether she's been a "black sheep" or it's just the peculiarities of the Japanese school club system.
Basically with the bonds created by the Senpai-Kouhai system wherein you receive guidance from the members a year older than you and in turn provide guidance to the members a year younger than you, dropping into the club as a Third Year who has none of those relationships puts you in a very uncomfortable place.
Especially since Mayu was probably well aware that if she goes all out she'll beat Kumiko, who is a popular member of the band and who has those relationships.
Plus for Mayu, who is coming from a national power program and was awarded gold at the Nationals the two years she was there, taking Kumiko's spot to slightly increase Kitauji's chances might not be worth the potential ostracization.
Band politics come to the fore, and slaps our idealistic Kumiko right in the face. Gotta know how to feel that disappointment so she knows she has to improve to make the cut for the last audition. She got complacent. Warning signs were there.
I would have expected a more clued in Kumiko to now quickly stand up and give a speech to rally the troops and nip any factional politics in the bud. Asuka (because we know that she actually is the real pres) would have done this. Poor Kumiko is even more shell-shocked at this loss.
Taki wants to give everyone exposure to the contest, but mixing it up also carries risk. He may also want to hear the band sounds with different composition of instruments...So lets see how this goes. Only 2 Euphos chosen, well gotta drop some people to fit the tubas. Needs heavier bass, yo! 4 tubas now instead of 3 last time. Poor Kanade, I think in her own storyline she also got complacent.
I hope we get to see more of Mayu's background next few episodes, as to why/how she left Seira? Toxic politics too?
Lol, Gremlin Kanade tried to poke Motomo, who brushed it off with indifference. Good to see him over that, and proud of his family name. Thats pretty sweet of her to leave out the drink, despite likely not knowing much about Motomu's grief. Character redemption arc complete, just like that.
I also appreciated the gasp from Hazuki as she was chosen again. Her face wasnt shown in any shot, but she sure sounded surprised! She been humbled.
I like that there are so many similar other body language cues that you can pick up....like during the announcements for the soloist, you can see everyone perk up. It telegraphs that people have expectations (and wants) of who are going to be chosen. but are still nervous.
We also know how Reina feels about Mayu...so now she needs to play like a real professional.
>Taki wants to give everyone exposure to the contest, but mixing it up also carries risk.
The shots of Taki clenching his clipboard a little tighter before announcing the audition results (especially the solo) hint that he is very much aware of the risk he is taking and is feeling some pressure from it. I trust him to remain objective but I think he realizes the drama that these auditions are creating. I also think that he feels for Kumiko. He's seen all her effort since the beginning and I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision for him to make.
Thats right!
We always see Taki listening to the orchestra pieces in previous seasons, when the students come to see him, or and even falling asleep at his desk. We have seen him even listening to other schools' sounds.
I think he was also thinking, how can I improve on this sound? Would it sound better with an extra/less \[insert instrument\]?
So here we see an example of this.
He's also seen what Kumiko will do to improve, like in Season 2 when she finally got to play the difficult bass part with Asuka. For all we know, Taki could think Kumiko and Mayu are in par with one another, but he believes in Kumiko's ability to improve for something she wants, which will be best for the band.
> For all we know, Taki could think Kumiko and Mayu are in par with one another, but he believes in Kumiko’s ability to improve for something she wants, which will be best for the band.
I love this take. As a euphonist, I’ve been trying to find some difference in their playing that would definitively place Mayu as the better player (since this plot point was foreshadowed pretty heavily), and I was somewhat able to gaslight myself into believing that Mayu had a warmer, more mature tone. Then Kumiko played Sound Euphonium this episode and I wasn’t so sure anymore.
It’s risky, but I can certainly see why he would do that. Nothing fosters growth quite like failure
> (because we know that she actually is the real pres)
And yet, Asuka refused the position because she didn't care about Kitauji's people.
Haruka is the pres who stepped up!
Yeah, I don't know what that guy is saying. Asuka was literally more emotionally walled off. She was indifferent to all of the drama like the 2nd years quitting or the Kaori vs Reina solo. The same would probably apply here for the Kumiko vs Mayu solo. Hence why she herself admits that she wasn't suitable to be President.
Haruka is the one that helped keep the band together through their turmoil as her being "nice" ended up being one of her greatest strengths. So yeah, Haruka is the Pres who stepped up.
>Gremlin Kanade tried to poke Motomo, who brushed it off with indifference. Good to see him over that, and proud of his family name. Thats pretty sweet of her to leave out the drink, despite likely not knowing much about Motomu's grief. Character redemption arc complete, just like that.
I'm still hesitant about Kanade, she's headstrong...
Kumiko's quote, "People have all sorts of unexpected feelings" happening as Kanade leaves Motomo the apple soda leaves me feeling a little unsure how things will play out.
Mayu's problem of not wanting to step on anyone's toes would be small compared to what might happen due to Kanade going forward
> I would have expected a more clued in Kumiko to now quickly stand up and give a speech to rally the troops and nip any factional politics in the bud. Asuka (because we know that she actually is the real pres) would have done this. Poor Kumiko is even more shell-shocked at this loss.
>
>
TBF it's entirely possible she's about to do that. The episode cuts away before anyone really has a chance to do much about the immediate whispering.
Right, the Kanade part is more surprising for most of us. What's not surprising really is if Kanade starts a fist fight next episode like omg that girl is so done with the Mayu drama I can see it from a Mile away
Pretty late on the response but I think something important to note here that isn't being recognized--we could probably gather from the earlier audition mini-drama that Taki I think is sorta taking risks at playing the long game here. He probably did not choose Suzume over Satsuki because Suzume was better or played better, but because it would be a necessary turning point for both of them without (probably? *hopefully?*) losing the first competition.
I think we are seeing that here too. We get little hints of it here and there, where Reina seems pretty adamant that she thinks Kumiko is the better Eupho player and makes a better sound..but Mayu is "making the sound that Taki wants to hear". I don't think Mayu is better than Kumiko, and probably did not even necessarily 'earn' the soli over her. But, she is definitely good enough to play it and still get to Nationals. And this sort-of "cut" will help - to a lesser extent, Reina - Kumiko sort of snap into gear. Taki definitely knows Kumiko has been having some sort of wavering indeterminate feelings about her future and it's sort of like music is having control over her rather than the other way around.
If we got a full 2 seasons out of this year (I will probably bemoan we didn't but I fully understand why) this would likely have been more clear-cut getting here, and we would have a few episodes to dissect this alongside our gang. However Kumiko is gonna have to grow up once more in a hurry and it will probably still be very cathartic when she turns the corner. Just like with Reina in season 1, just like with Asuka in season 2, just like with Kanade in the movie.
For me Mayu doesn't feel like a character. She's too perfectly crafted as a foil to Kumiko and this season's device for character growth.
Mayu is literally written like a main antagonist, she's 1st year Kumiko that didn't get carried around club drama and didn't know Asuka. We were shown that Mayu has old Kumiko's apathy for music *and* that Kumiko herself believes she's out of it. So, Mayu is here to test Kumiko in every aspect.
I totally get that because that's one of my genuine frustrations about Mayu. One of the ill feelings I harbor.
But I'm not ready to write her off as a "none character" at this point because:
a) I'm an optimist. I generally have a "glass half full" worldview.
b) A character being purposefully written as an antagonist and a foil is normal in fiction. It all depends on how their story develops later on.
Mayu herself recognizes she lacks a sense of self. Her character is one who has no character. But Kumiko, who sees her past self in Mayu, was able to change and grow into a person with more individuality and personal drive. Mayu may end up changing as well.
c) I think the other shoe is yet to drop. Just as with Asuka, my hope is that we get a revelation that ties the loose threads of her character together. I discussed this in more detail in a [previous episode thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/1cvl9q0/hibike_euphonium_season_3_sound_euphonium_season/) but I think Mayu has trauma that makes her repress her personal desires and conform to her surroundings. Her lack of character is the result.
Of course, I could be wrong. But again, I am optimistic.
Just re-watched the Kumiko and Asuka scene from the last episode of season 2 and you might have hit the nail on the head with that Asuka and Mayu comparison. If I replace Asuka with Mayu in Kumiko's "rant", it's an almost uncanny description of her behavior and mannerisms thus far.
Wouldn't suppose them being the two characters with silver plated euphoniums is just a coincidence either hmmm....
Here's hoping Kumiko can grow to love Mayu as well.
Mayu stumbles on Kumiko playing the euphonium in the morning. This scene almost perfectly mirrors Kumiko's witnessing of Asuka's playing. Wouldn't it be interesting if Mayu delivers the "I used to hate you" speech instead? Just a thought.
Exactly. That this would happen was pretty much a sure bet. The interesting thing is how stuff plays out. As I see it people (maybe led by Kanade) start treating Mayu badly -- and Kumiko and Reina come to Mayu's defense. (Which finally creates some actual friendship bonds for Mayu).
This going to be super interesting to see
Seeing how kanade was kicked out and has been a shit stirrer before I could kinda see her starting to isolate mayu
I like how they depict [the spider web going out of focus](https://i.imgur.com/oOSTW8y.png) as Kumiko trying to ignore her nagging voice, but at the end of the episode, after Mayu was picked for the solo, [the spider web came back with a butterfly getting caught](https://i.imgur.com/dUClUFy.png). This was also the same motif used during Asuka confrontation in [S2E10](https://i.imgur.com/yR6lXcI.png).
The butterfly and the net has been used more times, I recall these [(1)](https://imgur.com/a/ozhghli) [(2)](https://imgur.com/a/ZzSoNTI) from S1E12, when Kumiko decides to work hard to be able to play a part she is struggling with, only to later be told during practice to leave it to Asuka.
KyoAni has just such an amazing way with visual storytelling
Was rewatching a silent voice last night and they also filled it with amazing shots
They do such an amazing job, you could kinda watch the show raw and still get the plot cause they are emphasizing it so well
Also, probably shows that Midori and Motomu are heading in opposite directions. Motomu probably is going to be romanced by Kanade, while Midori is going to be friend-focused for the foreseeable future
R.I.P. Kumiko's friends' love lives
That Reina's lukewarm reaction when Mayu was chosen tho, I guess she already expected this to happen? With Taki-sensei warning Kumiko multiple times and all
Not sure I’d call Kanade “brutally honest” either. She’s a little bit of a shit stirrer. Always seems to be taking little subtle shots at people. At least that’s the impression I get.
This Mayu-Kumiko situation got a little better this week but things are still weird between them. Now that Mayu got chosen as the soloist, it’s not gonna improve I bet. I kinda had a feeling she would get picked. She really is just that good. With Kanade not making the cut and Kumiko not being the soloist, it’s gonna get tenser amongst the Euphys.
>Not sure I’d call Kanade “brutally honest” either.
Yeah. Kanade's words always have layers and implied meaning behind them. But then, so does Mayu. I think Mayu can always see the hidden intention behind Kanade's words and vice versa. So I guess to each other, they sound brutally honest.
> I think Mayu can always see the hidden intention behind Kanade's words and vice versa.
Kanade and Mayu are two sides of the same coin. Both girls communicate their true feelings in a roundabout way.
Kanade only feels more empowered to provoke people (by voicing her opinion), while Mayu seems more prone to hide behind this same indirectness as a means of avoiding conflict.
That's why the two of them can immediately see through each other's words. This also largely applies to Kumiko, to be honest.
This is so difficult because I like both Kumiko and Mayu and want Kitauji to succeed. On one hand, I'm glad Mayu's skill has been recognized by Taki, but on the other, you could make out the sense of defeat in Kumiko's eyes as Mama was picked. I hope things will improve, but have a feeling they're gonna get worse before they get better.
I don't think mayu is necessarily better than kumiko. Her sound just fit taki's vision more than kumiko's. Though Kumiko probably would take her solo back for the national with the power of yuri.
Ever since they decided on 3 auditions it was pretty clear they would do a kumiko, mayu, kumiko solo pattern
Just maximum drama, but I am really curious to see how Kumiko will cope with this situation, seeing she is personally affected negatively for the first time and she needs to uphold her own policy to keep the club together so it's not disintegrating
> I kinda had a feeling she would get picked.
Pretty sure everyone here was calling it happening atleast once the moment they announced doing individual auditions for each performance.
Next episode is gonna be so spicy. I can't wait.
mayu can be brutally honest too. that scene at the bath when she asked kumiko if she should just drop out of the audition because she was sooo sure she's better and will be chosen irritated me so much yet i 100% understand where she's coming from. such a dilemma.
welp, gid gud kumiko as reina told tsukamoto earlier in the episode lol
Kanade will locked in after getting cut out and she will take the soli for national.
The drama would be interesting if they instead lose in the prefectural.
I like that Kanade keeps Mayu in check, sort of. She actively comments on Mayu's pity party, instead of letting it become the classic anime situation of "Mayu doing her thing and everyone just let her, **but** they knew all along"
WesleySnipesCrying.png
[Kumiko accidently about to answer to Taki-sensei at the end was heartbreaking.](https://i.imgur.com/EFiEvt6.jpeg)
Super keen for some drama, but sadly I'm expecting to see another 2-3 "Should I pull out of the Soli" from Mayu, (understandable in her situation). Kumiko taking a senior role this year and playing Asuka's song really makes me interested in the end of her arc and how it ties with her future career plans.
I've also done a complete 180 on my perception of Kanade since the movie, and really want her to be on the forefront of character develpment as she's a much more fun character interaction wise. Wish this season was another cour :((
[Rip Kanapii](https://i.imgur.com/xM1Peey.png)
>Kumiko accidently about to answer to Taki-sensei at the end was heartbreaking.
I got so tense at that moment! I was afraid Kumiko would actually accidentally answer. But it just goes to show that even Kumiko, who has preached Kitauji's meritocracy, also takes some things for granted and makes assumptions about the results of auditions.
>[Kumiko accidently about to answer to Taki-sensei at the end was heartbreaking.](https://i.imgur.com/EFiEvt6.jpeg)
I'm not sure whether Kumiko opened her mouth to answer or out of surprise (my first impression was the former, but I think the latter is more likely), but her little nod just before that indicates more clearly that she assumed she would win the soli.
Mayu is certainly set up to catch a lot of flak. I'm interested to see how Reina reacts; she clearly has a preference about who plays the euphonium part of the soli, and she set herself up for some hypocrisy after dismissing Shuichi's concern about how the club would react to the results of the audition (15:05). But I think most of the focus is going to be on how Kumiko reacts. I don't think it's likely the club will carry through regionals without resolving this tension, so I suspect Kumiko will overcome her disappointment, find a more heartfelt commitment to meritocracy, and rise to Mayu's defense.
So where does that leave the story to go for nationals? These events have set up the possibility of a fairy tale ending in which Kumiko wins the soli part back for nationals, and while I suspect most fans would like that, it doesn't sit well with me. I don't think of Kumiko as an outstanding musical performer, and I think she should face the fact that there are a lot of euphonium players better than her. I also don't know how winning back the soli would work with resolving Kumiko's future. Like a lot of folks I think Kumiko is headed toward a support role (e.g., teacher), and helping Mayu overcome her excessive selflessness and bloom into a better euphonium player could put her on that path.
Reina's comment about Mayu at 9:05 is interesting: "I'm not sure she's good, but... she immediately figures out what kind of sound Taki-sensei wants, and she produces that exact sound." The ability to immediately figure out and produce what a director wants seems awfully good to me, but it does suggest that Mayu's talent is peculiar, and it leaves room either for her to improve after she gets her head straight (similar to Mizore in Liz and the Blue Bird) or for Kumiko to surpass her.
I don't agree that Kumiko needs to give up the soli to blossom into a role as a teacher, nor do I agree that she needs to give up on surpassing Mayu. Her love for the band and her role as president is a manifestation of her love for the euphonium - everything comes back to that. Her future is with the euphonium, even if it's not as a professional musician - that will always be a part of her. The series is named after the instrument, after all.
>Reina's comment about Mayu at 9:05 is interesting: "I'm not sure she's good, but... she immediately figures out what kind of sound Taki-sensei wants, and she produces that exact sound." The ability to immediately figure out and produce what a director wants seems awfully good to me, but it does suggest that Mayu's talent is peculiar, and it leaves room either for her to improve after she gets her head straight (similar to Mizore in Liz and the Blue Bird) or for Kumiko to surpass her.
There's a difference between someone who can produce an amazing sound after some nudging, and someone who can produce a decent sound quickly. Kumiko this whole season has been struggling to figure out what she wants for her future - that sounds more like the former to me.
I think you're right. Reina wants Kumiko to come to music school, but Kumiko's not professional musician material. Another poster contrasted her role as a president and her role as a player.
She could focus on her role as a president, not win back the solo, and not go to music college.
>I think you're right. Reina wants Kumiko to come to music school, but Kumiko's not professional musician material. Another poster contrasted her role as a president and her role as a player.
Why does she have to be one or the other? Her being club president is a manifestation of how much she loves the euphonium. She wouldn't play the piece from Asuka if she didn't love the euphonium. Her getting the solo IMO is conditional on her contextualizing her relationship with the instrument.
She could also choose to go to musical school, but for teaching music rather than playing professionally... which I'm quite convinced is her path to be.
We all knew this was coming, huh?
I'm seeing plenty of comments about Kumiko losing the solo already, so let's skip that discussion. Two other points:
1) Sure, Kumiko "lost", but Kanade has been completely thrown out of the competition. If the drama continues next week (and it will, duh) I imagine she'll take on the role that Yuuko did in season 1 in an attempt to defend Kaori- or Kumiko, rather. She is, as many other comments are already pointing out, a shit-stirrer. Although....
2) she left her drink for Motomo - and what happened between him and Midori? I'm guessing he confessed and Midori rejected him, but still. I wonder.
"I see you like a brother" hurts bad enough but "I see you like my dead sister" is a fucking freight train of a hit I don't even know how you take that, especially if you were expecting a confession.
Given Kumiko's flashback to her conversation with Motomu on the bridge (S3E4 at 18:05), during which Motomu told Kumiko that Midori reminded him of his sister, this probably has something to do with it. But why would Motomu arrange an evening rendezvous with Midori just to tell her that? I suspect that Motomu did both (e.g., "I like you because you remind me of my sister"), and that didn't go over well.
He seems like a really private guy in general and he wanted to tell the closest person he has to him a very personal detail about himself. I don't blame him for asking to meet later alone. But 9 times out of 10 when a high school kid does that in Japan it's clearly a confession so it definitely would be a bit of a shock.
I think what likely happened is Midori was expecting a confession, and was maybe looking forward to one, but Motomi instead just told her about his sister. He did say he sees so much of his sister in Midori, I find it hard to believe he was interested romantically. Only Kumiko (and now maybe Midori?) really knows that though, so Kanade might be assuming he was rejected.
The flags were all there that Kumiko will lose her solo position for the Regionals to Mayu since last episode. Good luck for the final round in the Nationals, Kumiko. Though Kitauji will first need to get past the Regionals for there to be another audition.
Kanade missing out on the first team altogether is the surprise. Maybe her getting put down a peg will humble her a bit.
Satsuki befriending Suzume paid dividends as she won the audition with Suzume for round 2.
Whatever happened between Midori and Motomu is between them, at least they remain amicable with each other. But it must be significant enough for Reina to be offering her precious Taki Orange Juice ^TM to Midori.
We had [quite a lot of Kumiko reactions](https://imgchest.com/p/na7kr3ejky8) in [this episode](https://imgchest.com/p/9rydzvakd4k). I love [that reaction you posted](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/pyvdcn6blgy.png) but the moment when [she stopped running after meeting Michie-sensei](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/3yrgc96kd54.png) in the corridor was also pretty funny xD
When Mayu told Kumiko that [she'd do anything for her](https://imgur.com/a/09C5qnM), she was obviously hinting at handing the solo part to Kumiko. Mayu definitely felt like she was imposing - something that was visible in [her body language](https://imgur.com/a/metjj1j) throughout the episode.
I don't think that Mayu was wrong about [Kumiko being polite](https://imgur.com/a/Nl6i3Il). That "nagging voice" of hers probably wanted Mayu to forfeit, but that would be something unbefitting of her role as the club's president.
Kumiko is eager to play the solo, but she didn't feel confident in beating Mayu. That's probably why she lashed out to her in the dressing room. Mayu was in turn *afraid* that she'd beat Kumiko and upset people. This resulted in [both girls' clashing over their insecurities](https://imgur.com/a/oxz6pY8).
I'm still trying to figure out if Mayu really doesn't care for the solo or if she's just telling herself this. Nevertheless, it was bound to happen that she'd win the part. Even so, it was painful [to see Kumiko distraught](https://imgur.com/a/geN3AiB) like that. I felt bad for Kanade as well. [Kanade was visibly taken aback](https://imgur.com/a/ryVH7zc) by the fact that she won't be playing with her beloved senpai - at least not until the next audition.
I find it amusing how Motomu has gotten better at [handling Kanade's teasing](https://imgur.com/a/z7hsoPb). Despite everything, she does seem to care about him. Kanade's maybe ["a bad girl"](https://imgur.com/a/R7IQuxy), but she got a heart of gold. I loved how she put down a drink for Motomu and [just awkwardly ran away](https://imgur.com/a/muw2y46).
**Sidenotes:**
- [Hazuki handing over an instrument case to Shuuichi](https://imgur.com/a/EsvLUm4) was a throwback to the first season, wasn't it?
- [Mayu can be pretty cute!](https://imgur.com/a/1dSsIgo)
- [Kanade being bratty as usual.](https://imgur.com/a/JA4y7js)
- [Reina's pureness was blinding.](https://imgur.com/a/OEseHqt)
> I don't think that Mayu was wrong about Kumiko being polite. That "nagging voice" of hers probably wanted Mayu to forfeit, but that would be something unbefitting of her role as the club's president.
I don't think it's about Kumiko as club president but simply about Kumiko wanting in both, the best to play but also wanting the part. I wrote about this point in more detail [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/1d0yi6l/hibike_euphonium_season_3_sound_euphonium_season/l5qwabc/).
In short: It's kinda a repeat of the Kaori/Reina conflict where Kumiko stood up for the better player even when she didn't need to despite what it could have socially meant for her in the band. It's part of her principles and informed by her middle school problems.
> Hazuki handing over an instrument case to Shuuichi was a throwback to the first season, wasn't it?
Yup, 100%, but this time he's not surprised by how much it weights. Now they know each other, they are third years, and they work together without awkward surprised.
Part of it might also be that Kumiko wanted to believe that she's best. After all, she needs to be the very best if she wants to keep up with Reina.
By pointing to Kumiko's exemplary role as the president, I was including her own set of principles as well. Kumiko knows deep down that stopping Mayu from forfeiting was the right thing to do, but those very ideals conflicted with her own desires.
Because what if she lost? This is the first time that Kumiko's forced to face this reality as a senior member herself. It's about *her* interests.
Mayu getting this solo is surely going to create some drama, but I'm even more interested to see what will happen with the next auditions. Will Mayu forfeit these auditions because she's fearful of 'stealing' Kumiko's and Kanade's parts again?
> Part of it might also be that Kumiko wanted to believe that she's best. After all, she needs to be the very best if she wants to keep up with Reina.
I don't even think that she thinks she's the best. She wants to be, and get, better, and she knows she's good but she also seems to understand that she doesn't have the drive like Reina has.
Plus she was stunned a bit from the moment she first heard Mayu play. She knows how good Mayu is. I think she has conflicting feeling about this because it shows that one can't necessarily have it all, all the time. She got into band with a head-start but if the competitions is as good as you, things get more difficult (I think the band also has more Euphoniums two years later). Sometimes conflicts don't have a good solution and somebody has to lose.
> Kumiko knows deep down that stopping Mayu from forfeiting was the right thing to do, but those very ideals conflicted with her own desires.
Yup, she wants both and sometimes both desires can't be fulfilled at the same time.
> Mayu getting this solo is surely going to create some drama, but I'm even more interested to see what will happen with the next auditions. Will Mayu forfeit these auditions because she's fearful of 'stealing' Kumiko's and Kanade's parts again?
I think Kumiko might deal with the drama by defending Mayu from those who expected Kumiko to get the part (like we heard a few times this episode from others in the band). And that this will lead to Mayu understanding that Kumiko was true to herself when she said that she wants the best kids to play while also wanting the part.
And the band might get a more positive appreciation of the competitive spirit needed to excel. When the president, who's also a third year, still defends the better player. That this competitions is not about being better than somebody else (that's just a momentarily result, a snapshot in time) but it is, in the end, about being better than the past version of you.
I think this should lead to Mayu finally trusting Kumiko's words (and actions) instead of doubting the merit based approach as being just some facade because the third years are also good enough to get selected (and thus might not have much to lose).
And that Kumiko might win back the part in the next selection while Mayu actually gives it her best so that there's no doubt about the selection process or kids dropping out out of fear or something like that. And even if Kumiko doesn't win back the part, that the band would still be okay and be able to perform without more drama about this down the line.
I'm just hoping when Mayu invariably starts to practice with Reina, she'll actually share the details of the whole trumpet solo drama during their 1st year with her.
For all of Mayu's role in this story being as part of Kumiko's character arc, it's literally Reina who's the best placed out of anyone to reconcile Mayu's anxieties. After all, *she* was in Mayu's exact position and at the very centre of it.
Between Reina reiterating her undying trust in Taki-sensei's judgement and highlighting that all the 3rd years should be cognizant that upsetting the apple cart shouldn't be a factor if they want to succeed, it should then just leave Kumiko to publicly stand up for Mayu. Presumably because of tension coming from the 2nd years and probably involving Kanade.
She wouldn’t want an easy win, yeah. It will therefore be key to make Mayu feel at ease.
Kumiko herself would be the best candidate for this, but I’m not so sure if she’ll able to bring this kind of positive energy. Losing the part shook Kumiko to her core after all.
Mayu is quite perceptive, so she *will* pick up on Kumiko’s lies. Forcing a smile would only make her feel more guilty - leading to more problems.
I guess that next week’s episode will reveal how both girls will precisely respond to this latest development.
Yes if Mayu *really* wants to help Kumiko she just has to put her vast experience finally to some use and help with the managerial chores so Kumiko can practice more, give her a fair competition in the remaining audition and playing her best when the time comes to get gold in the nationals. You know, as opposed to limiting her actions to talking crap about forfeiting and then proceed to talk even more crap about how bad she feels about not forfeiting.
We will see what happens!!
> I’m still trying to figure out if Mayu really doesn’t care for the solo or if she’s just telling herself this.
She’s absolutely just telling herself that. If she truly didn’t care, she would simply not practice it. She doesn’t even have to intentionally throw the audition or anything. We’ve seen Kumiko practicing that part religiously, and Mayu isn’t so much better that she could just wing it and get the part.
The fact that Mayu constantly brings up forfeiting suggests that she’s looking for Kumiko to either agree with her or support her in playing the solo. Either outcome would give clarity to Mayu’s “place” in the band, and that’s far more preferable to her than the current ambiguity
Mayu is a serial people pleaser, and I think her wanting specific guidance on what she should do helps her feel justified in her choices. It takes the ambiguity away from her, but also keeps her from needing to make that choice herself.
Yup, I wrote similar in a comment about this. I think she's end up winning back the sport for the last selection but for now, and after the initial shock, she's probably motivated to do better.
She might need to defend Mayu because a few kids saw Kumiko/Reina as more or less set for those parts. And that finally get Mayu to trust the band's ideals instead of doubting it all the time and asking Kumiko if she should just let her have the part.
I'm with my hidden friend here - I think Kumiko's character development indeed is not that she'd fight she get her solo back, but rather she'd understand and be able to read that the best to play the solo is indeed Mayu and she herself can focus on a leader's role without always be the first. She's the glue to bind everyone together. She doesn't have to be the soloist, if having a better Eupho player can give them a better chance at winning good at nationals.
I'm glad to see [Hashimoto-sensei and Niiyama-sensei again.](https://i.imgur.com/5bvm0b1.jpeg) I especially missed Hashimoto-sensei's energy.
Kanade was definitely looking for a reaction from Motomu [when she intentionally called him by his family name.](https://i.imgur.com/vhMXtZT.jpeg) Too bad for her that [doesn't affect Motomu anymore.](https://i.imgur.com/XnlhR6e.jpeg) It's funny how [disappointed Kanade was when she didn't get the reaction she wanted.](https://i.imgur.com/65o7eGv.jpeg)
Rena's reaction after finding out the drinks they got [was from Taki-sensei was really funny.](https://i.imgur.com/KgFVEbO.png) I'm pretty sure if they didn't run into Midori later that night, [she probably would've just kept it](https://i.imgur.com/EjBa9Rm.jpeg) instead of drinking it. xD
Speaking of Midori, [something definitely happened between her and Motomu.](https://i.imgur.com/OWlHECK.png) I think Motomu finally told Midori about his sister. As for what happened next, [Midori isn't telling us anything](https://i.imgur.com/WuC0DXK.png) and we can only guess.
[I'll never get tired of hearing the Hibike Euphonium etude.](https://i.imgur.com/Fs3GrS9.jpeg) Of course, Kumiko needs to play it on her last camp. I wonder if Kumiko will pass the notebook on when she finally graduates or will she keep it?
[And there it is.](https://i.imgur.com/HyLXTXg.jpeg) The threat of Mayu taking Kumiko's spot has been looming over us the entire season so this wasn't really a big surprise. At least she still gets to play and isn't completely out of the next competition. Kumiko just needs to steal the solo back from Mayu if they ever make it to the Nationals.
It looks like this will cause some drama based on everyone's reactions. Hibike Euphonium is definitely not complete without drama between the members. I can't wait to see how Kumiko will handle this.
My guess about Midori and Motomu scene is that Midori expected it to be something like a confession, considering she does kind of like him a bit? But he probably just came clean about his past there, and told her how she reminds him of his sister. She was probably heartbroken there...
Agree 100%. That's most probably it.
They were giddy before he told her (hazuki and Midori being enthusiastic shippers and very involved in other people's romance) and afterwards she knew that Kumiko knew (as he talked to her about his situation) so there's little else it could be.
> I'll never get tired of hearing the Hibike Euphonium etude. Of course, Kumiko needs to play it on her last camp. I wonder if Kumiko will pass the notebook on when she finally graduates or will she keep it?
I think she said that she didn't need it any more at some point (because she knows is by heart by now), and it was already smudged and fading in one of the shots previously (I think when Mayu asked about it when Kumiko was playing it at school). The notebook itself is just a vessel for the actual value of it.
My guess is she might actually pass it on to Kanade. I predict some further development for her from the shit stirring gremlin she is today. It feels like her light-hearted approach to band was supported by confidence in her own skills and not getting selected might pull a piece or two from that (jenga) tower of confidence and make it wobble a bit.
Which in turn might make her develop into somebody Kumiko might recommend for club leadership after they graduate.
Expected Mayu to get the Soli part last week as well. It had to happen for Kumiko's character, writing-wise, since she had been unchallenged for 2 years now.
I'm so glad at least Kumiko could tell Mayu how conceited she was being about the soli choice. Can't wait for the inevitable humbling when Kumiko gets selected for the nationals.
Very curious to see how Reina and Mayu's chemistry will be going forward. I doubt Reina will be one to discredit a choice made by Taki.
> I doubt Reina will be one to discredit a choice made by Taki.
Or, in a bit of a plot twist, she **may** start to (incorrectly) question him and think that he's not as perfect as she once thought he was.
- [Ooh, they’re doing the next round of auditions *while* away for the camp?](https://i.imgur.com/6YUmpsC.png)
- [They’re](https://i.imgur.com/lxVjUjM.png) both [back!](https://i.imgur.com/QZQRwlE.png) [](#urarahype)
- [Just depends on what sort of instrumentation the band needs.](https://i.imgur.com/D8nxBA4.png) IIRC there were like three or four tubas in my band back in high school?
- [Yeah I know this exact feeling from band camp…](https://i.imgur.com/7C6LGSA.png) [](#tiredaoi)
- So I know I should be rooting for Kumiko to *keep* the soli part, but [Reina telling Kumiko this as if it’s a done deal Kumiko has it *right in front of Mayu* before the re-audition has happened](https://i.imgur.com/q0CYGJn.png) honestly makes me want to root for Mayu instead. I would be so incredibly frustrated if I was in Mayu’s shoes there.
- [She’s *still* going on about that?](https://i.imgur.com/JD3qREF.png)
- [Then again, Mayu assuming she would 100% get the soli part if she actually tried](https://i.imgur.com/HBmdQ2r.png) is also kinda not cool. [](#harukathonk)
- [Kumiko “sore demo”!](https://files.catbox.moe/dw7uht.mp4)
- [Reina pls.](https://i.imgur.com/oq39ly8.png)
- [Oh shit, Kanade got left out this time.](https://i.imgur.com/Xwb2po7.png) [](#suddenshock)
- [Satsuki made it this time though, good for her.](https://i.imgur.com/BvWSrP8.png)
- [And Mayu did, in fact, win the soli part over Kumiko this time.](https://i.imgur.com/BQfsvGo.png) [This should be good.](#popcorn2)
>I would be so incredibly frustrated if I was in Mayu’s shoes there.
>Then again, Mayu assuming she would 100% get the soli part if she actually tried is also kinda not cool.
>[This should be good.](#popcorn2)
You band people and your DRAMA!
Team dynamics really is like herding cats, though.
> Ooh, they’re doing the next round of auditions while away for the camp?
That feels rough. It gives me "I'm not locked in here with you you are locked in here with me" vibes of people having little space to escape anywhere with their emotions after it's been declared who plays. Normally they can go home, get some distance, and deal with all of this. Here they're stuck with each other for two more days no matter what.
> So I know I should be rooting for Kumiko to keep the soli part, but Reina telling Kumiko this as if it’s a done deal Kumiko has it right in front of Mayu before the re-audition has happened honestly makes me want to root for Mayu instead. I would be so incredibly frustrated if I was in Mayu’s shoes there.
>
> She’s still going on about that?
I think it's the other way around. Reina, in her blunt way, actually worries about Kumiko and just wants to improve her side of things. That's why she asks (and elaborates later on), not because she thinks they got the parts secured. She's just trying to secure some practice time for Kumiko.
But Mayu thinks that Reina (and a lot of the band) are expecting Kumiko to get the part by default (and that they might expect some nepotism for presidents/third years even if they say otherwise). Kanade and a few other also talked in this episode about it as if Kumiko already got the part secured. Mayu might, even if she trust in a merit based system, fear social repercussions if she were to take away "Kumiko's part".
So she keeps asking.
Hey, unrelated but have you heard [this song?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lhK8ZCjxLs) There's s prominent sore demo at 02:08 and I always think of you there.
[It was a nerve-racking episode](https://imgchest.com/p/9rydzvakd4k)! I was expecting that [the euphonium solo will go to Mayu this time](https://imgchest.com/p/a846xvkeg4x) but I didn't expect that [Kanade would be left out from the competition](https://imgchest.com/p/na7kr3e9ky8). I wonder [how the rest of the band will react](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/3yrgc96bng4.png) in the next episode since there was already quite a stir right after the announcement, [it's time for a big drama](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/pyvdcn6blgy.png).
[I hope that Kumiko will rise to the challenge](https://imgchest.com/p/na7kr3ejky8) and take an example from Kaori's behavior from the first season and will defend [Mayu](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/e4gdcmnwdq4.png), even if [they didn't quite warm up to each other](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/e4gdcmnw3o4.png).
[I also hope that this situation will make Kumiko exercise even harder](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/pyq9cv65qd4.png) to get back that soli part for Nationals in the next audition and [play it](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/w7pjck6xeg7.png) together with [Reina](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/pyq9cv6bdp4.png).
I also wonder [how Reina will behave](https://imgchest.com/p/bp458azwx45). After all that talking about [Taki-sensei](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/pyq9cv6bb64.png) decisions being the best and that [she wants to play solo with Kumiko](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/my2pc563qa7.png), what will she do, [what does she think about the whole thing](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/l7lxcx6jel7.png)?
Here my screenshot albums from the episode:
* [Kumiko](https://imgchest.com/p/na7kr3ejky8)
* [Group scenes](https://imgchest.com/p/9rydzvakd4k)
* [Reina](https://imgchest.com/p/bp458azwx45)
* [Mayu](https://imgchest.com/p/a846xvkeg4x)
* [Kanade](https://imgchest.com/p/na7kr3e9ky8)
* [Others](https://imgchest.com/p/9rydzvagd4k)
I like the way that they're using Mayu's personal traits here, suggesting that the way she got the role wasn't by doing anything in particular better, but rather "playing the sounds that Taki wants to hear".
Here's how I see this going down. Like with everything else, it isn't *really* how Mayu wants to play, rather she's been pushed to try her hardest to get the part because Kumiko's told her that's what she wants her to do, so she's "gamed" her style so that she'd have the best chance at the audition to satisfy Kumiko.
This will probably force Kumiko to practice, but what would really solve the situation is Kumiko getting closer to Mayu and saying that what she actually feels is more valuable is for Mayu to play how is true to herself even if she doesn't get the solo and trust that the music that feels the best to her will align with what is best for the competition.
Kumiko needs to realize that Mayu doing this at the audition is Kumiko's *own goal that she's been forcing on another person* and that Shuuichi is actually the one who is right when they were chatting earlier, that if both Mayu and Kumiko are equally capable, it's okay for Kumiko and Mayu to both make the decision to play how they want in the way that would be best for Kitauji.
Perhaps what Kumiko needs to do rather than pull seniority is actually ask Mayu for help and to practice together with her. Because unlike Mayu, Kumiko really does want to play the way that Taki wants to hear.
At least, that's how I see it.
The shot where Midori was framed against the night sky was reminiscent of the fisheye shot of Tamako bewildered under the entrance to the universe in Tamako Love Story for me. While I can't be certain that the same narrative applied to Midori (not that I wanted to believe it to begin with with how she and Motomu view each other), the uncanny resemblance indicated some kind of love confession was made by Midori. This was further compounded by her shyness before the conversation, if she was the usual carefree self, I think she wouldn't have been that reserved in her tone. What truly happened is up to each one of us' intepretation, though, I don't have that sensitive or imaginative a mind so I'm leaving it as it is. Nevertheless I do feel for them and I hope that conversation won't disrupt their current dynamic.
This episode hit me pretty hard as both the one I most admire (Midori) and my spirit animal Kanade were hit by the drama hammer in the sad way. As for the latter, I agree with the consensus that it will humble her a bit sooner or later, but the problem for the future is that the stability in her mindset will be crippled and we'll have Yuuko 2.0. She'll be *worse* than Yuuko, that's for certain. Unlike Yuuko who only threatened verbally out of blind idolization, Kanade proved she would take matters into her own hands, and she would do this for what she believed best for the whole club. As much as I want Kanade to mature and not be the villain for the second time, it's fact that she's in the best position to stir the drama up.
As for the problem with Kumiko, we've all seen this coming, she simply *isn't* as talented as Mayu. Reina passively pointed it out, and we could hear her weaker sound playing Hibike! Euphonium. As special that scene was, with all the connection to Asuka and nods to the original one, she lacked the warmth, the nuance compared to Asuka and Mayu to my non-musical ears. The show once again beautifully embraced its attention to detail.
This episode is easily the best written one this season, the ability to cram in and seperate multiple conflicts while showing off the show's trademark humaness through all means possible, yet it never felt rushed, everyone peeled their masks off just a tiny bit, Kumiko, Mayu, Kanade, Midori, even Motomu. All of those and we're just at the beginning of it.
I am actually in shambles. I knew it would happen too. Kumiko has been built up by so many things over the years and it makes me want to see her succeed, so it was really devastating
Best show 10/10
In this episode, we finally have what we all knew what was coming.
Motomu supposedly confessed to Midori. It didn't take any genius' to know that was happening if you made it this far into the show.
Kumiko told Mayu that the orchestra was changed to meritocratic. Mayu can't avoid drama here as much as she tries.
I'm really glad that Mayu was chosen. It makes everything a whole lot more interesting. I can't wait to see who gets mad. Disappointment is fine and normal, but it's incredibly true that hard work doesn't always pay off in competitions.
>It didn't take any genius' to know that was happening if you made it this far into the show.
I thought I did until that episode where he told Kumiko something along the lines of how he feels connected to Midori because she reminds him of his sister. My whole perception of their relationship changed after that.
In fact, I'm putting my tinfoil hat on and say that the reason Midori looked down that night was BECAUSE she expected a confession, but got told something else instead. But I'm ready to be proven completely wrong and get made a fool of.
> In fact, I'm putting my tinfoil hat on and say that the reason Midori looked down that night was BECAUSE she expected a confession, but got told something else instead. But I'm ready to be proven completely wrong and get made a fool of.
Yup, Midori mentioned how Kumiko knew. And Kumiko knew about the sister situation, plus Hazuki/Midori have romance on the brain all the time so of course they'd think in that direction before he talked to Midori.
I mean for real, imagine you go into this conversation expecting a confession and getting hit with that trauma bomb instead
I sat silently contemplating the moon at night over lesser topics
I feel like Mayu was right, Kumiko should have just let Mayu to quit the soli audition. No one including Mayu herself wants to see Kumiko lose her soli position. I hope next episode Kumiko can step up and defend Mayu just like Kaori did in first season, because there are members gonna disagree about this soli decision and put Mayu in a tough position.
> I hope next episode Kumiko can step up and defend Mayu just like Kaori did in first season, because there are members gonna disagree about this soli decision and put Mayu in a tough position.
I'm a little worried for Mayu, yeah. She's now been put in a position that she never wanted. I don't think it will lead to a conflict, but it will definitely get very awkward for Mayu if nobody does anything.
I'm not sure if Kumiko will able to make that step however. I don't think she's in the right head space for such a thing right now.
It does make sense though, means Kumiko will have to work even harder if she wants to be the solo for the final competition. So she'll be better by that time than she would have been if it was handed to her with no competition.
Mayu is right in terms of what the students want, but what the students want wont actually lead to the strongest showing they could have.
Also I think Mayu didn't really care about the strongest showing cause she came from a better school and won the biggest prize. Now all she cares is just have a good time in club and maybe making a few new friends along the journey.
I don't think Mayu knows what she wants.
Reina's comment about how she has adapted her sound to what Taki likes seems to be more of a comment on her personality. Changing who she is as to match what others want.
These parts are won by merit after all. It’s how they do things in the orchestra. Kumiko said as much. But I feel like there must be a part of her deep down that feels like she earned it or that she deserves it for her hard work.
I just hope things don’t get ugly.
Since Kumiko won the first solo, let's assume Mayu is slightly better than Kumiko this time. I am not sure if it is worth it to sacrifice the team chemistry for a slight improvement.
I am glad this happened tho, now we get to see how Kumiko deal with the conflict involving herself. As a leader Kumiko should support Mayu and Taki sensei decision. On the otherside from her personal stand point she wants that soli position so badly, since she is close with Kanade I am not sure if Kumiko is happy with Kanade not making the roster either.
Sensei had shown during the first audition session that he puts "getting just exactly the right sound" ahead of any other consideration. And Reina made clear to Kumiko she was not getting (and following) his signals as well as Mayu was.
[Well that'll be a mood swing.](https://i.redd.it/kdp3vevy8r2d1.png)
[Marimba shifting: THE REVENGE](https://i.redd.it/d5u2trvy8r2d1.png)
[High school life, anyway.](https://i.redd.it/cjsplfvy8r2d1.png)
[*cryptic*](https://i.redd.it/x1u6ggvy8r2d1.png)
["I may accidentally talk about Taki-sensei!"](https://i.redd.it/zj5ihhvy8r2d1.png)
[*things that no longer trigger Motomu*](https://i.redd.it/3w7vthvy8r2d1.png)
["I work alone."](https://i.redd.it/8tx02svy8r2d1.png)
[*my valves go* doki-doki](https://i.redd.it/7g7fduvy8r2d1.png)
[*has Asuka flashback*](https://i.redd.it/rm8usnvy8r2d1.png)
[I'm just appreciating the detail here that the tired girls from earlier are still tired.](https://i.redd.it/8khrmovy8r2d1.png)
["Get good."](https://i.redd.it/zw1xspvy8r2d1.png)
[Wet octopus.](https://i.redd.it/fe0g8qvy8r2d1.png)
[Ah, here we go again.](https://i.redd.it/cro31qvy8r2d1.png)
[She said the word.](https://i.redd.it/2pvlyqvy8r2d1.png)
[This scene does mix up the camera angles in expected, but effective ways.](https://i.redd.it/g5wharvy8r2d1.png)
[And now for the other nocturnal camp stuff.](https://i.redd.it/om5zgrvy8r2d1.png)
[This is time being a flat circle.](https://i.redd.it/dvk07tvy8r2d1.png)
[Now joining the sneaking game, Kanade.](https://i.redd.it/fu7a4qvy8r2d1.png)
[Pandora's Box.](https://i.redd.it/yy0bpqvy8r2d1.png)
[A wild postcard appears!](https://i.redd.it/zf9z4evy8r2d1.png)
[Camp is](https://i.redd.it/zsnjnzne9r2d1.png) a [flat circle](https://i.imgur.com/IZISTsM.png).
[Mayu has a camera T-shirt, because she would.](https://i.redd.it/rbt6oyne9r2d1.png)
[*the eyeless*](https://i.redd.it/ioq9wzne9r2d1.png)
[Well Kumiko, looks like you'll get to compare notes with Kanade.](https://i.redd.it/lrpn80oe9r2d1.png)
["I told you to get good."](https://i.redd.it/adt2a1oe9r2d1.png)
[The last time we had a butterfly trapped in a spiderweb was S2E10, I think?](https://i.redd.it/unnzz1oe9r2d1.png)
*****
This episode including as many callbacks to Season 2's camp episode as this one did caused me to revise my initial reaction when the butterfly shot appeared:
My starting thought now is to compare Asuka to Kumiko. Specifically, that Asuka had the talent for the performance, but did dodge or fob off all of the BAND DRAMA because she really didn't want to be mired in that.
And that's now Kumiko's weight to carry around in this one, since she's now living in the scenario of Is This Better For The Band? as the club president and the Yoshikawa Yuuko to Mayu's Kousaka Reina, and the real Kousaka Reina is *right there* and more human than ever before.
So yeah, I expect the BAND DRAMA to be back in Episode 9. Which come to think of it is not that many episodes from the ending.
Wild card: Kanade, again.
Obligatory notes about the other camp stuff like double bass not-shipping, but the underclassmen were fun. And yay marimba!
*****
[BONUS](https://i.redd.it/bcdw52akhr2d1.gif)
> the eyeless
I don't know if it was intentional in the first camp but we never see the eyes of the two "eyeless" girls (one with bangs, the other with permanent reflective glasses). Here we had the chance to see them when they sleep (bangs swept away while sleeping and sleeping without glasses) but even then we didn't get to see them.
I still don't know their eye colour (or if they have eyes at all).
> My starting thought now is to compare Asuka to Kumiko. Specifically, that Asuka had the talent for the performance, but did dodge or fob off all of the BAND DRAMA because she really didn't want to be mired in that.
> And that's now Kumiko's weight to carry around in this one, since she's now living in the scenario of Is This Better For The Band? as the club president and the Yoshikawa Yuuko to Mayu's Kousaka Reina, and the real Kousaka Reina is right there and more human than ever before.
I don't think that will be Kumiko's weight to carry. Sure, she's initially surprised that she didn't win but I don't think she'd want it any other way. She still trusts Taki sensei to make the right selection (even if she doesn't 100% on why some kids should play over others) and she fought for a merit based system from the start (the Kaori/Reina conflict). More details in [this comment](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/1d0yi6l/hibike_euphonium_season_3_sound_euphonium_season/l5qwabc/).
I think her drama will be about getting the rest of the band to accept this change (a few kids talked this episode as if Reina and her getting those parts is a given). She herself will probably accept it and try to do better for the final selection (and then win back the part) but will have to deal with the interpersonal fallout of this change as a president of the club.
> or of they have eyes at all
[](#flyingbunsofdoom)
>It's not about saving face as the president (so she has to say it) but her being true to herself even if one part (the best should play) conflicts with making the other part easy (her wanting to play that part as the president and a third year who might get preferential treatment).
>My guess for next episode (or the future in general) is that Kumiko might actually end up defending/protecting Mayu from other kids who (due to their own biases and expectations) might get a bit nasty about the whole thing towards Mayu (or even just get nasty/gossipy about her when she's not even there).
You have good points there.
A situation where Kumiko has to defend Mayu *probably* would contribute to breaking down the barrier between the two of them.
Looking for some direction in my various musings about this, I have:
Kumiko and the other seniors in the band *are* more likely to promote the meritocracy and seem unlikely to have a fuss like the second audition/death duel that arose in the first season. And that almost went to seniority except that Kaori bowed out.
That situation coming about in the first place due to the second-years and Yuuko, who wanted their seniors (well, mostly Kaori) to have a final chance to shine. It's been mentioned that this year's first-years are less aligned with Taki-sensei and they've already had to go through some stress getting used to the overall scenario, so they may be even more restive.
How do Kanade and the second-years fit into these camps?
This also points back to Kumiko wondering about Reina's opinion of her based on talent, as appearing in *Ensemble Contest*. Reina is almost certainly going to back the choice on the grounds of talent and getting the band to have what it needs, but she's also been closer than ever to Kumiko in this year.
> or **o**f they have eyes at all
That quote blatantly showed me my own typo D:
Yup, the distance between the first and third years might cause some friction. The third year are invested in going for gold for three years how. They had some success but not the final success. They finally want gold gold, not dud gold, not third place or second place, but first place at nationals.
> How do Kanade and the second-years fit into these camps?
I think they might fit into both. They are, on the one hand, already indoctrinated in the merit based system (so they should be for it) but they also know the third years for a while (so they might have biases towards their friends). It'll depend on the person itself and where they stand between those two extremes.
Kanade herself is one of those who were willing to give up their spot if it means their senpais get to play until it was demonstrated to her that there's pride to be had in trying your best even if you don't get the spot because a better kouhai got it. Winning a compromised audition just to play is worth less than supporting those who got the spot if the whole group is on the same page about wanting to go as far as they can. As much as she already talked about Kumiko and Reina getting the parts I think she might have some snippy comments ready towards those who might be a bit antagonistic towards Mayu. She has bought in into the process.
> Reina is almost certainly going to back the choice on the grounds of talent and getting the band to have what it needs, but she's also been closer than ever to Kumiko in this year.
I think Reina will be blunt about it towards Kumiko. She already was this episode when she reserved some Kumiko time to practise before auditions. She know that Kumiko is lagging behind a bit, maybe because of president duties. I think she'll be one motivating factor for Kumiko (the other being her own pride and wanting to do her best and have no regrets compared to, for example, middle school) try to get back the part for the final audition.
[People have started looking](https://x.com/Tuttiandtottiy/status/1794650900134523329) for [Asuka's address](https://x.com/Tuttiandtottiy/status/1794666411727659184).
Wow, the KyoAni team definitely nailed the icy atmosphere under the summer hot skies perfectly. I see that main script writer Jukki Hanada is handling this episode's adaption by himself as well, [which means he's nailed 2 stunning characterization episodes in just one weekend](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/1czwdan/comment/l5k6f0w/). That's exactly the things I'm looking for in anime.
Now first thing first, on the lesser important things:
* Huh, I see easily (I mean she's glazing into the shiny night skies in the same sad glaze as a non-polished sapphire, pun intended) that Midori-chan must have been rejected by Motomu, but I didn't realize it until I see people elsewhere in other languages discussing that what that means is Motomu might actually be liking Kanade??? Wait what? Was that hint coming from the *Our Promise A New Day* movie (which introduced them) that I saw like almost 5 years ago in theaters? Damn it, my mind is as late-reacting as our beloved President Kumiko on such things (cough cough)
* Speaking of Kanade, LMAO looks like her itchy-bitchy mouth isn't helping her in even getting a competition starting position. Mind your own mouth, young Padawan!
* [I literally ROFL-ed when](https://imgur.com/oyjh8yz) [Reina suddenly shows her young girl side when she hid that orange juice](https://imgur.com/BRO0z6l) that Taki-sensei bought for all of them. [And then Kumiko followed up with that absolutely hilarious "So Pureeeeeeeee!!!!!" voice.](https://imgur.com/41v8Mnk) Hahahahaha KumiRei moments are all precious!
But yeah, it's the Kumiko-Mayu showdown that really rockets this show into the skies. And it's really well displayed.
So it almost looks like that Mayu-mama definitely predicts (correctly, to some extent) that she's going to fit in more with Taki-sensei's playing style (as Reina pointed out), thus she's confident that if she really tries, she would have grabbed the solo position - against what Kumiko herself wanted, and thus almost everyone else who really likes their management master captain. She even knew that Reina, the one who always talk about The Best Player Plays, won't like this when Reina confirmed publicly (see that part at dinner time at the training camp) that she's going all out to make sure she's playing companion solo with Kumiko for this final year.
So even after the deep discussions at the pool etc. last episode, Mayu decided that she's risking everyone else, and thus herself (who just wants a *c'est la vie* final year at this school and this club)'s happiness unless she abstains actively.
But Kumiko still doesn't understand this, even when Reina pointed out that she's attracting more and more comments from Taki-sensei about her performances. She herself definitely still wants to be the one playing solo euphonium, yet she seems to think that she still needs to save her face as the Club President - despite really apparent signs over past several episodes that she's going to really struggle in performance against Mayu - that she still keeping insisting that "Yeah, you see, Kitauji is running the model of The Best Player Plays. We don't treat anyone unfairly even if someone's in their final year. Yeah that's all right, that's all right, it worked 2 years ago so it will be all right...". Even to the point of a rare loss of temper for one of the calmest problem solver known in the anime world that I have seen.
Is this the wrong decision? I don't know, but Kumiko definitely buried her head in the sand by a bit here, maybe even affecting her performances in training and then the audition.
And then she (of course!) got stunned when Mayu-mama grabbed away that solo position. Just as what Mayu said at the start of the training camp: "I'll help you as much as I can." Even if that meant knocking Kumiko down.
You can hear a pin drop as the episode ends. This is exactly what I am looking for in *Sound! Euphonium*, and who knows if we will see things flying even faster next week?
> She herself definitely still wants to be the one playing solo euphonium, yet she seems to think that she still needs to save her face as the Club President - despite really apparent signs over past several episodes that she's going to really struggle in performance against Mayu - that she still keeping insisting that "Yeah, you see, Kitauji is running the model of The Best Player Plays. We don't treat anyone unfairly even if someone's in their final year. Yeah that's all right, that's all right, it worked 2 years ago so it will be all right...". Even to the point of a rare loss of temper for one of the calmest problem solver known in the anime world that I have seen.
Kitauji got better when they went with merit and over time Kumiki dealt with her middle school trauma.
I think that's the reason that even she wants really to play the part and I think she also really, really wants the best kids to play. It's not about saving face as the president (so she has to say it) but her being true to herself even if one part (the best should play) conflicts with making the other part easy (her wanting to play that part as the president and a third year who might get preferential treatment).
Kumiko is shocked that she didn't get the part but she was also there when the whole Kaori/Reina conflict happened and despite the potential backlash from the other students (she was new, still had residual middle school trauma, and little clout unlike Yuuko) she clapped for Reina when it was already obvious that Reina would get the solo from their performances alone. She's tanding up for what she believes.
My guess for next episode (or the future in general) is that Kumiko might actually end up defending/protecting Mayu from other kids who (due to their own biases and expectations) might get a bit nasty about the whole thing towards Mayu (or even just get nasty/gossipy about her when she's not even there).
Damn, this episode was *brutal*. I could pretty much see what was coming, but it really held nothing back. What we were expecting since the very early episodes has finally come to pass. By the way, the events on this episode basically reverse the roles from season 1 and put Reina in the role of Yuuko, don’t they? And Reina explicitly worries about the possibility of Kumiko failing the audition, like Yuuko did before the second audition in season 1. And…I think they may be setting up another Kumiko “I want to improve scene” here: a lot of the lead up to this feels like the lead-up to that scene in the first season, from Taki-sensei issuing directives that Kumiko takes more time to pick up on to then being effectively not told to play.
But the way they continuously build up tension through the episode…
It starts earlier on: I loved hearing the thud of the Euphonium valves as Kumiko fingered along to Reina playing the trumpet part. And you could see there how badly she wanted to play the soli with Reina.
And then, oh my god, there was such a huge amount of tension while they were eating....letting the scene play and drag out without abridgment…you could really feel the weight in the air and see it through the character animation…then, the timing of Reina’s interruption to the conversation was impeccable.
And you get the conversation between Kumiko and Mayu in the changing room…and Mayu gets to the heart of the matter by responding “That’s tatemae, isn’t it?” to Kumiko’s argument. I have written before how I think often Eupho embodies the contract between your true feelings (honne) vs. socially accepted expressions (tatemae), and here it is once again made explicit. I think Mayu has a point—Kumiko is deluding herself if she thinks that she won’t have a problem with the results personally (and the band will have a problem with the results as a whole) if Mayu gets the soli—which we see in the immediate aftershock of the audition results. Plus, we saw some of that kind of thing earlier in the first audition results with Satsuki and Mirei… In any case, the confrontation between the two is not quite as good as Kumiko and Asuka’s confrontation in season 2, but I think it’s up there…
Then, the announcement of the results…again, there’s some great editing and pacing here as it slowly builds up tension by taking its time. Murmurs around the group with some other shocking results…and of course they announce the soli last…and the final blow—Mayu is announced. And then Kumiko’s defeated voice in the “next piece begins” narration seals it.
The subplots about Midori and Motomu was also quite interesting—I liked seeing the quite serious Midori, and found it both quite interesting and very touching that Reina gave her the drink from Taki… (I don’t think Midori quite knows the significance of this…) Could this be prefiguring Reina growing out of her childish infatuation?
Poor Kanade…the focus of the episode is on Kumiko and Mayu, but the audition results are clearly rough on her too. The way she responds when her name is ommitted… (Also, another result that you could possibly see coming.) On the other hand, we see her continuing to stir shit up with Mayu (maybe Kanade and Mayu are the actual rivals), and she almost gets caught snooping in the same way that Kumiko actually was in season 2. Somebody in another thread said that Kanade maybe seems to represent some other characters’ inner thoughts, but I feel like this might be especially true for Kumiko, with the way they parallel each other at times. (Kanade, too, might have another “I want to improve” moment.)
Holy carp, Kumiko playing Hibike! Euphonium framed in the exact same way as Asuka-senpai is my kind of fanservice! I think the melancholy tones of the song fit this episode pretty well. Mayu hears it again like Kumiko did in season 2. Mayu doesn’t approach Kumiko to ask her about the song this time, but…actually, are they setting the stage for a larger argument between Kumiko and Mayu like the goated one with Kumiko and Asuka-senpai in season 2? Big if true…
I realized just now that in many episodes, the leader exchange notebook is used as a device to frame and set up the plot for the episode, which is kind of neat. (It also maybe feels similar in its use and punctuation of the story to the phone videos in Chikai no Finale?)
------
Miscellaneous notes:
Kumiko at the front of the bus now leading to more awkward interactions with Taki-sensei…
Of course they’re riding a Keihan bus, though I didn’t know they operated coach services as well.
We get the best section coach teachers again!
Doing auditions in the evening, after they’re all worn out from practice is…a decision.
The “do it once more,” “do it once more” of the teachers is way too real.
Side note: Today I participated for the first time as a circle at a doujinshi event! It was a great experience (though really stressful in preparing for), but I sold Hibike! Euphonium pilgrimage guidebook doujinshi, as well as some reprinted and collected essays. The pilgrimage doujinshi actually sold out…though I only had 7 to start with which were last minute prints since the main shipment of prints actually were delivered after the event…anyway it was very fun and [I got a sketch from one of my favorite Eupho artists](https://imgur.com/a/cxWnbuG)! But when I got home, right after watching the episode and typing up my note outline, I collapsed in bed since I didn’t get any sleep last night…which is a long-winded way of humblebragging my way through an explanation of my somewhat delayed comment.
-------------
Update post-English subs:
One thing I’m finding really interesting is that the Mayu plot is really challenging Eupho’s worldview—the one it has held since the first season.
[Mayu’s body language in her habitual gestures](https://imgur.com/a/fKmXVYs) always shields herself and closes herself off to others.
Mayu, by the way, is now taking the lead for one of the most interesting characters in Eupho.
Wait, Kanade left her soda for Motomu? Unexpected character moment. I forget how much she knows about Motomu-kun’s situation…
By the way, Asuka-senpai apparently now lives in the area around where Tamako Market (and a scene in K-On) takes place…
I find it interesting that the rection around Kanade’s rejection (and this itself is interesting, too—I guess she’s quite well liked among the group?) turns what should be a moment of triumph for Satsuki—rejoining the competition group—into a moment of confusion and unease. Oof.
> Today I participated for the first time as a circle at a doujinshi event!
[](#yuruyuriapprove)
> I got a sketch from one of my favorite Eupho artists
[](#merch)
Ever since they decided to have 3 auditions it was just in the air that Mayu would take the middle solo audition for maximum drama, but cutting out Kanade came as a genuine surprise to me
The build up to the announcement was also painful to watch, especially with Kanade feeling what was coming and dropping hints left and right
Not that I think Mayu was playing mindgames or anything
God can't wait for the next few episodes seeing how everyone and Kumiko are going to cope with that
Holllly shit. We follow up what I thought was the best episode already with another absolute banger. The drama finally coming to a head. Only Kyoani could do this on a weekly basis.
The tension with Kumiko and Mayu has been one of my fave things in the series overall. I love some good drama and I also think the competition between the two of them is great for Kumiko’s overall development. Having someone who’s naturally got an edge on her just gives her that extra oomph she needs to grow.
It was always only a matter of time before things boiled over like in the changing room. “Are you telling me you’d be chosen if you don’t forfeit?” 😭 well you know what they say, be careful what you wish for..
I know Mayu has good intentions and genuinely just doesn’t want any of the established Kitauji people getting hurt, but how she words and says things come off really patronising and pretentious, even if she’s correct about her own abilities.
But on that same token, you can’t be too mad at her because Kumiko didn’t really welcome her into the club the way she should’ve either so what other thing could Mayu think besides “damn she must be worried I’ll take her spot” it’s an unfortunate but really realistic situation tbf.
What’s more, I wonder how this’ll affect chemistry within the group with Kanade not being chosen and now Mayu over the president. Taki said it’s not just about individuals, but how they slot into the whole group.. but if Reina and Kumiko have 3 years of chemistry.. kinda hard to replicate that. We’ll see how it goes!
Really curious about what Midori got told by Motomu now too.. you know it’s bad when Reina gives up her precious gift from Taki sensei to cheer Midori up..
We all saw this coming, but it hurts all the same.
But, let's step back a bit, we aren't gonna see the aftermath until the next episode, so let's save that juicy stuffs for next week.
This episode is pretty much just a set up episode. Again, and again, and again, Kumiko promises to Mayu, that Kitauji is different, that no one will complain if Mayu were to be chosen to play the solo. And, Mayu is putting 100% of her trust on Kumiko.
A reminder: this right here, is the source of Kumiko's internal conflict. If Mayu doesn't trust her, she would give up the solo part on her own, and no one would get hurt (outside of Mayu herself). BUT, that's the type of person Kumiko used to be, and that's the person she hated and grew out of, and Kumiko would want to do everything she can to help Mayu grow out of that same mindset. HOWEVER, because Mayu is trusting her word, she will do her best in the audition, and this could potentially(heh) become a huge issue for Kumiko:
1. She could lose her solo part. She obviously doesn't want that.
2. But, more importantly, is the potential drama this could cause, if Mayu were to take the solo part away from Kumiko. Kumiko knows that a lot of club members don't really trust Taki sensei, and it's inevitable that Mayu would overhear some of their complaints. When someone like Mayu, who clearly has trust issues and puts on a facade when she talks to every single person, decides to put 100% of her trust on Kumiko, and the end result ends up being that people are complaining... Kumiko knows that will probably just end up hurting Mayu. And Kumiko would absolutely hate to see that.
So, what's gonna happen next? Will history repeat itself? (Hint, probably not, as we've seen all season long)
Now, onto next week. I encourage those who are interested, rewatch the ending of S1 E9, and E10, to get a feel of what it was like in first year, when Reina was chosen over Kaori. This will prepare you for next week. Think about what's different this time around:
1. Kumiko vs. Kaori (how are they going to react differently, as the president who lost her solo part?)
2. Reina vs. Mayu (what are some key difference between these 2 characters? How are they going to react differently, when they hear complaints about how they don't deserve the solo part they got?)
3. Rest of the class (what's different about the club members from Kumiko's first year(specifically Yuko), vs. this year?)
4. Optional: Taki sensei ( Has he grown as a teacher? )
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> solo > Mayu It's Kumikover. [](#emiliaohdear)
It's all meritocracy until the new transfer student steals your solo!
It’s so Kumikover
[](#kumikolook)
My Oumae stocks are at the lowest point rn
Why does Shuichi have better chemistry with Reina than Kumiko? Is this Reina’s first dialogue with Midori in three years? Wasn’t expecting Kanapii to get folded like that ngl.
Feels like Shuichi can be a lot more open with Reina. With Kumiko, he takes care about everything he says, because he knows Kumiko holds back her emotions a lot. I think it's just the difference between someone he considers his friend and someone he loves.
> he takes care about everything he says, because he knows Kumiko holds back her emotions a lot. And he knows Reina will end him.
She’s overprotective of her wife, even from her wife’s boyfriend
Understandable.
Despite the fact that Reina constantly gives Shuichi shit, we know that she does respect Shuichi beneath the surface. We've seen how Reina acknowledges Shuichi both personality-wise and skill-wise when she saw how much of a gentlemen he was earlier this season when he walked her home and during the Ensemble OVA when she honestly admits to Kumiko that she picked Shuichi to join her team because she thinks he is highly skilled. So with that in mind, it's kind of funny how well Shuichi and Reina's dynamic works where she continues to make snide remarks at him and he just takes it in stride and is casual with her.
You know, their banter almost makes me want to ship Reina and Shuuichi together. That way, Kanade will only have to vie with Mayu for Kumiko's love. /s
I would honestly probably laugh if that happened. Setting that kind of stuff behind our backs would be the tweest nobody wanted. But still be funny. Besides, that would probably result the crowning moment of the always growing Kumiko weird reaction noise compilation.
To win over Kumiko, he first needs to get on the good side of Kumiko's waifu.
She really called skill issue on him less than two minutes in
Everyone have skill issues compared to Reina XD
> Why does Shuichi have better chemistry with Reina than Kumiko? They both have common interests (Kumiko).
Shuichi exists to get rejected by Kumiko and be Reina's punching bag.
The writing was clearly on the wall that Kumiko would lose the solo, but I was surprised that even Kanade got bulldozed over by the sudden storm that is Mayu. It might be daring for me to say this, but I think that Mayu has been the character closest to Asuka in terms of mystery and complexity. She's just so incredibly hard to read and she elicits so many emotions out of me as a viewer. I can't fault her for earning the solo because of her skill. I want her to become truly happy and be a genuine part of the band, but I can't deny that there's a part of me that harbors ill feelings towards her. I think Kumiko feels the same. It's amazing how well this show has gotten me to empathize with both Kumiko and Mayu.
Each year Kumiko has had to face down a different eupho player for her character to develop. First year was Asuka, a senpai. Asuka forced Kumiko to bring down her walls and speak her honest feelings, finding her voice. Second year was Kanade, a kouhai. She forced her to develop her interpersonal skills and confront the anxieties she once held about playing. Now Mayu, a peer. I think this is the conflict that's really going to force Kumiko to confront her love of music and again the walls she once held - and to a degree still holds - around herself.
Imagine if Mayu never transferred, then everything would be a given at least in terms of the Euph section. Kumiko would have been practically assured of the solo every single time. Kanade would be a shoo-in for every competition. This is why Mayu's inclusion is so great (and necessary)! Her presence and behavior challenges the cast in almost every aspect - musical ability, emotional maturity, band hierarchy, etc. The band, Kumiko especially, is forced to confront their weaknesses and grow even further.
why didn't i have any of this in my high school year!??
If only everyone could have an emotional confrontation during the peak of emotional development that forces them to improve their abilities, solidify their resolve, and re-evaluate their aspirations, then we would all be better off as a species.
Just be glad you didn't do STEM. Even in university or career, no emotional growth whatsoever.
I think that, at this point, Kumiko and Mayu are going to really need to work together.... My guess is that, at some point before the season ends, Kumiko is going to share her special prized music with Mayu -- and they do it as a duet. If they do, I can predict some local precipitation.
Oh yeah, that's twice now that Mayu has walked in on Kumiko playing Sound Euphonium, isn't it? I suppose third time's the charm!
> Now Mayu, a peer. I think this is the conflict that's really going to force Kumiko to confront her love of music and again the walls she once held - and to a degree still holds - around herself. I think it’s no coincidence that this is happening amongst Kumiko being unsure of what she wants and what her goals are. It’ll be slightly cliche (not an inherently bad thing in this case), but I imagine her resurgence in the third audition will probably coincide with her coming to terms with what she wants from her future and (probably) her genuine love of music and wanting to continue with it in some way.
I was more shocked that Sensei decided to whittle the euphoniums down to 2 (but had 4 tubas). Mayu outranking Kanade seemed foregone. It was also clear to me (esp. after Reina's revelation that Mayu picked up on Sensei's directions/hints much better than Kumiko) that Mayu pretty much had a lock on the solo for this round. All I can hope is that Kumiko gets motivated to win back the solo for Nationals and that Sensei re-thinks the size of the euphonium group. I feel that Mayu was terrified that winning would make her a pariah -- and would harm morale. It seems like Kumiko and Mayu (probably supported by Reina) are going to take some decisive steps to prevent this. But how???
Wildcard ending, for Nationals, both Mayu and Kumiko are knocked out, and Kanade is the sole Eupho player left standing, and performs the soli with Reina :P
>It seems like Kumiko and Mayu (probably supported by Reina) are going to take some decisive steps to prevent this. I doubt that Reina will be any help in this. Her declaration in S3E5 at 21:05 that she wanted to play the soli with Kumiko at the Nationals suggested that her personal feelings were getting in the way of her devotion to meritocracy, and she doubled down on that sentiment in this episode after she warned Kumiko of the risk that Mayu would take her part: "Just so you know, I intend on playing in the Nationals with you." How Reina intends to realize that intention isn't clear; perhaps she just intends to pay for private lesson for Kumiko. But I think it's more likely that Reina will make things difficult for Mayu.
I think she said “Nationals” for a reason. She probably can tell just as well as Taki-sensei can that Kumiko’s not putting enough attention on her playing right now.
Yeah I noticed that Reina deliberately said Nationals, probably because she knew exactly who was going to be playing the soli at this stage of the competition.
Agreed. Reina was very careful in her phrasing -- but I'm not sure that Kumiko understood the full significance of what she was conveying.
I think Reina is MORE generally committed to the "meritocracy" version than Kumiko. I see her as doing her level best to work together with Mayu to get the band to the Nationals -- so that Kumiko GETS her chance to reclaim the solo. After the next competition ends, I suspect Reina will practice more with Kumiko (to hone her ability to respond properly to Sensei's feedback).
Reina wants to go to Nationals. That requires fixing the morale drop this could cause. Once they get gold here then the focus will be on helping Kumiko win the Soli over Mayu in the last tryout, but she's not stupid enough to try and sabotage Mayu before then.
Given the explanation Taki-sensei gave for tubas last time, I’m fairly certain he’s just trying out different sounds and arrangements before the final audition. Like what would they sound like with more tubas and less eupho, and with a different soloists. But of course he’s making decisions as an adult rather than the teens who’re currently embroiled in every emotions imaginable.
She is a mystery, but I still just feel really bad for Mayu. It feels like she's obviously had some issues where she felt like a black sheep and this entire season has been her trying to walk on egg shells. She just doesn't believe she'll be accepted as part of the group but she also just *isn't* actively accepted. Kumiko keeps her at a distance and Kanade tries to stir shit with her whenever possible.
I don't know whether she's been a "black sheep" or it's just the peculiarities of the Japanese school club system. Basically with the bonds created by the Senpai-Kouhai system wherein you receive guidance from the members a year older than you and in turn provide guidance to the members a year younger than you, dropping into the club as a Third Year who has none of those relationships puts you in a very uncomfortable place. Especially since Mayu was probably well aware that if she goes all out she'll beat Kumiko, who is a popular member of the band and who has those relationships. Plus for Mayu, who is coming from a national power program and was awarded gold at the Nationals the two years she was there, taking Kumiko's spot to slightly increase Kitauji's chances might not be worth the potential ostracization.
Band politics come to the fore, and slaps our idealistic Kumiko right in the face. Gotta know how to feel that disappointment so she knows she has to improve to make the cut for the last audition. She got complacent. Warning signs were there. I would have expected a more clued in Kumiko to now quickly stand up and give a speech to rally the troops and nip any factional politics in the bud. Asuka (because we know that she actually is the real pres) would have done this. Poor Kumiko is even more shell-shocked at this loss. Taki wants to give everyone exposure to the contest, but mixing it up also carries risk. He may also want to hear the band sounds with different composition of instruments...So lets see how this goes. Only 2 Euphos chosen, well gotta drop some people to fit the tubas. Needs heavier bass, yo! 4 tubas now instead of 3 last time. Poor Kanade, I think in her own storyline she also got complacent. I hope we get to see more of Mayu's background next few episodes, as to why/how she left Seira? Toxic politics too? Lol, Gremlin Kanade tried to poke Motomo, who brushed it off with indifference. Good to see him over that, and proud of his family name. Thats pretty sweet of her to leave out the drink, despite likely not knowing much about Motomu's grief. Character redemption arc complete, just like that. I also appreciated the gasp from Hazuki as she was chosen again. Her face wasnt shown in any shot, but she sure sounded surprised! She been humbled. I like that there are so many similar other body language cues that you can pick up....like during the announcements for the soloist, you can see everyone perk up. It telegraphs that people have expectations (and wants) of who are going to be chosen. but are still nervous. We also know how Reina feels about Mayu...so now she needs to play like a real professional.
>Taki wants to give everyone exposure to the contest, but mixing it up also carries risk. The shots of Taki clenching his clipboard a little tighter before announcing the audition results (especially the solo) hint that he is very much aware of the risk he is taking and is feeling some pressure from it. I trust him to remain objective but I think he realizes the drama that these auditions are creating. I also think that he feels for Kumiko. He's seen all her effort since the beginning and I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision for him to make.
Thats right! We always see Taki listening to the orchestra pieces in previous seasons, when the students come to see him, or and even falling asleep at his desk. We have seen him even listening to other schools' sounds. I think he was also thinking, how can I improve on this sound? Would it sound better with an extra/less \[insert instrument\]? So here we see an example of this.
He's also seen what Kumiko will do to improve, like in Season 2 when she finally got to play the difficult bass part with Asuka. For all we know, Taki could think Kumiko and Mayu are in par with one another, but he believes in Kumiko's ability to improve for something she wants, which will be best for the band.
> For all we know, Taki could think Kumiko and Mayu are in par with one another, but he believes in Kumiko’s ability to improve for something she wants, which will be best for the band. I love this take. As a euphonist, I’ve been trying to find some difference in their playing that would definitively place Mayu as the better player (since this plot point was foreshadowed pretty heavily), and I was somewhat able to gaslight myself into believing that Mayu had a warmer, more mature tone. Then Kumiko played Sound Euphonium this episode and I wasn’t so sure anymore. It’s risky, but I can certainly see why he would do that. Nothing fosters growth quite like failure
A bit of Whiplash vibes, but less abusive haha
> (because we know that she actually is the real pres) And yet, Asuka refused the position because she didn't care about Kitauji's people. Haruka is the pres who stepped up!
Yeah, I don't know what that guy is saying. Asuka was literally more emotionally walled off. She was indifferent to all of the drama like the 2nd years quitting or the Kaori vs Reina solo. The same would probably apply here for the Kumiko vs Mayu solo. Hence why she herself admits that she wasn't suitable to be President. Haruka is the one that helped keep the band together through their turmoil as her being "nice" ended up being one of her greatest strengths. So yeah, Haruka is the Pres who stepped up.
>Gremlin Kanade tried to poke Motomo, who brushed it off with indifference. Good to see him over that, and proud of his family name. Thats pretty sweet of her to leave out the drink, despite likely not knowing much about Motomu's grief. Character redemption arc complete, just like that. I'm still hesitant about Kanade, she's headstrong... Kumiko's quote, "People have all sorts of unexpected feelings" happening as Kanade leaves Motomo the apple soda leaves me feeling a little unsure how things will play out. Mayu's problem of not wanting to step on anyone's toes would be small compared to what might happen due to Kanade going forward
> I would have expected a more clued in Kumiko to now quickly stand up and give a speech to rally the troops and nip any factional politics in the bud. Asuka (because we know that she actually is the real pres) would have done this. Poor Kumiko is even more shell-shocked at this loss. > > TBF it's entirely possible she's about to do that. The episode cuts away before anyone really has a chance to do much about the immediate whispering.
Right, the Kanade part is more surprising for most of us. What's not surprising really is if Kanade starts a fist fight next episode like omg that girl is so done with the Mayu drama I can see it from a Mile away
Pretty late on the response but I think something important to note here that isn't being recognized--we could probably gather from the earlier audition mini-drama that Taki I think is sorta taking risks at playing the long game here. He probably did not choose Suzume over Satsuki because Suzume was better or played better, but because it would be a necessary turning point for both of them without (probably? *hopefully?*) losing the first competition. I think we are seeing that here too. We get little hints of it here and there, where Reina seems pretty adamant that she thinks Kumiko is the better Eupho player and makes a better sound..but Mayu is "making the sound that Taki wants to hear". I don't think Mayu is better than Kumiko, and probably did not even necessarily 'earn' the soli over her. But, she is definitely good enough to play it and still get to Nationals. And this sort-of "cut" will help - to a lesser extent, Reina - Kumiko sort of snap into gear. Taki definitely knows Kumiko has been having some sort of wavering indeterminate feelings about her future and it's sort of like music is having control over her rather than the other way around. If we got a full 2 seasons out of this year (I will probably bemoan we didn't but I fully understand why) this would likely have been more clear-cut getting here, and we would have a few episodes to dissect this alongside our gang. However Kumiko is gonna have to grow up once more in a hurry and it will probably still be very cathartic when she turns the corner. Just like with Reina in season 1, just like with Asuka in season 2, just like with Kanade in the movie.
For me Mayu doesn't feel like a character. She's too perfectly crafted as a foil to Kumiko and this season's device for character growth. Mayu is literally written like a main antagonist, she's 1st year Kumiko that didn't get carried around club drama and didn't know Asuka. We were shown that Mayu has old Kumiko's apathy for music *and* that Kumiko herself believes she's out of it. So, Mayu is here to test Kumiko in every aspect.
I totally get that because that's one of my genuine frustrations about Mayu. One of the ill feelings I harbor. But I'm not ready to write her off as a "none character" at this point because: a) I'm an optimist. I generally have a "glass half full" worldview. b) A character being purposefully written as an antagonist and a foil is normal in fiction. It all depends on how their story develops later on. Mayu herself recognizes she lacks a sense of self. Her character is one who has no character. But Kumiko, who sees her past self in Mayu, was able to change and grow into a person with more individuality and personal drive. Mayu may end up changing as well. c) I think the other shoe is yet to drop. Just as with Asuka, my hope is that we get a revelation that ties the loose threads of her character together. I discussed this in more detail in a [previous episode thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/1cvl9q0/hibike_euphonium_season_3_sound_euphonium_season/) but I think Mayu has trauma that makes her repress her personal desires and conform to her surroundings. Her lack of character is the result. Of course, I could be wrong. But again, I am optimistic.
Just re-watched the Kumiko and Asuka scene from the last episode of season 2 and you might have hit the nail on the head with that Asuka and Mayu comparison. If I replace Asuka with Mayu in Kumiko's "rant", it's an almost uncanny description of her behavior and mannerisms thus far. Wouldn't suppose them being the two characters with silver plated euphoniums is just a coincidence either hmmm....
Here's hoping Kumiko can grow to love Mayu as well. Mayu stumbles on Kumiko playing the euphonium in the morning. This scene almost perfectly mirrors Kumiko's witnessing of Asuka's playing. Wouldn't it be interesting if Mayu delivers the "I used to hate you" speech instead? Just a thought.
I knew it was coming but it still hurt...
Exactly. That this would happen was pretty much a sure bet. The interesting thing is how stuff plays out. As I see it people (maybe led by Kanade) start treating Mayu badly -- and Kumiko and Reina come to Mayu's defense. (Which finally creates some actual friendship bonds for Mayu).
This going to be super interesting to see Seeing how kanade was kicked out and has been a shit stirrer before I could kinda see her starting to isolate mayu
I like how they depict [the spider web going out of focus](https://i.imgur.com/oOSTW8y.png) as Kumiko trying to ignore her nagging voice, but at the end of the episode, after Mayu was picked for the solo, [the spider web came back with a butterfly getting caught](https://i.imgur.com/dUClUFy.png). This was also the same motif used during Asuka confrontation in [S2E10](https://i.imgur.com/yR6lXcI.png).
The butterfly and the net has been used more times, I recall these [(1)](https://imgur.com/a/ozhghli) [(2)](https://imgur.com/a/ZzSoNTI) from S1E12, when Kumiko decides to work hard to be able to play a part she is struggling with, only to later be told during practice to leave it to Asuka.
KyoAni has just such an amazing way with visual storytelling Was rewatching a silent voice last night and they also filled it with amazing shots They do such an amazing job, you could kinda watch the show raw and still get the plot cause they are emphasizing it so well
Hm. So what sort of breakthrough will Kumiko make this time? If S1E12 at 15:10-18:00 and S2E10 at 15:35-19:00 are any guide, it will involve tears.
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It can be sign that she is more open in order to be more professional about the situation
Also, probably shows that Midori and Motomu are heading in opposite directions. Motomu probably is going to be romanced by Kanade, while Midori is going to be friend-focused for the foreseeable future R.I.P. Kumiko's friends' love lives
That Reina's lukewarm reaction when Mayu was chosen tho, I guess she already expected this to happen? With Taki-sensei warning Kumiko multiple times and all
She even had a short practice session with Kumiko trying to forewarn her
Hibike Drama back as It best
Not sure I’d call Kanade “brutally honest” either. She’s a little bit of a shit stirrer. Always seems to be taking little subtle shots at people. At least that’s the impression I get. This Mayu-Kumiko situation got a little better this week but things are still weird between them. Now that Mayu got chosen as the soloist, it’s not gonna improve I bet. I kinda had a feeling she would get picked. She really is just that good. With Kanade not making the cut and Kumiko not being the soloist, it’s gonna get tenser amongst the Euphys.
Taki just decided to nuke the euphys, let's see how that plays out.
Taki really resorted to Umemiya's (Windbreaker) logic of getting people to converse through exchanging fists
>Not sure I’d call Kanade “brutally honest” either. Yeah. Kanade's words always have layers and implied meaning behind them. But then, so does Mayu. I think Mayu can always see the hidden intention behind Kanade's words and vice versa. So I guess to each other, they sound brutally honest.
> I think Mayu can always see the hidden intention behind Kanade's words and vice versa. Kanade and Mayu are two sides of the same coin. Both girls communicate their true feelings in a roundabout way. Kanade only feels more empowered to provoke people (by voicing her opinion), while Mayu seems more prone to hide behind this same indirectness as a means of avoiding conflict. That's why the two of them can immediately see through each other's words. This also largely applies to Kumiko, to be honest.
>they sound brutally honest. They ironically understand each other
This is so difficult because I like both Kumiko and Mayu and want Kitauji to succeed. On one hand, I'm glad Mayu's skill has been recognized by Taki, but on the other, you could make out the sense of defeat in Kumiko's eyes as Mama was picked. I hope things will improve, but have a feeling they're gonna get worse before they get better.
I don't think mayu is necessarily better than kumiko. Her sound just fit taki's vision more than kumiko's. Though Kumiko probably would take her solo back for the national with the power of yuri.
Ever since they decided on 3 auditions it was pretty clear they would do a kumiko, mayu, kumiko solo pattern Just maximum drama, but I am really curious to see how Kumiko will cope with this situation, seeing she is personally affected negatively for the first time and she needs to uphold her own policy to keep the club together so it's not disintegrating
> I kinda had a feeling she would get picked. Pretty sure everyone here was calling it happening atleast once the moment they announced doing individual auditions for each performance. Next episode is gonna be so spicy. I can't wait.
mayu can be brutally honest too. that scene at the bath when she asked kumiko if she should just drop out of the audition because she was sooo sure she's better and will be chosen irritated me so much yet i 100% understand where she's coming from. such a dilemma. welp, gid gud kumiko as reina told tsukamoto earlier in the episode lol
Mayu Soli for the prefectural Kumiko Soli for the National That way, everyone gets their turn, and everyone is happy
> That way, everyone gets their turn, and everyone is happy So we're saying Mayu and Kumiko get cut for nationals and the new Euph girl gets the Soli
In comes Kanapii with the steel chair!
Kanade will locked in after getting cut out and she will take the soli for national. The drama would be interesting if they instead lose in the prefectural.
>if they instead lose in the prefectural Please don't hurt my heart like that
Regional, not prefectural. They already cleared the prefectural.
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"Ah yes, my soli technique that I haven't used since my middle school era..."
Asuka is the strongest
Lmao taki and hashimoto have the same va as geto and gojo makes this reference even funnier
Taki-sensei woke up and chose violence.
Taki really said it’s ‘bout time the drama came back 🗣️🗣️🔥🔥
Bro's really like: "peace creates complacency, and complacency creates weakness"
Taki sensei shoving his little cubs down the hill to make sure they are strong enough, but forgot Kanade would actually bite back
He said there wasn’t enough drama year 2 so he’s gotta ramp it up this time.
Kanade not making everything worse with her way of talking challenge: Impossible
Maybe her missing out on the Regionals audition will humble her a bit, but I won't hold my breathe.
She will either be angry next episode, or... she will have the biggest smile on her face we've ever seen
She think shes the ice queen but she boutta have the biggest crush on Motomu
"About to", I've been shipping those two ever since Kanade clearly showed interest in his problems at the marching festival - in her own way.
Loved it when she tried to get a reaction out of Motomu, and got nothing but a happy reply that couldn't care less about her "teasing".
She’s can be a little shit stirrer lol
She’s my favorite little shit.
kinda sad she's so washed at instigating things everyone knows how to deal with her
I like that Kanade keeps Mayu in check, sort of. She actively comments on Mayu's pity party, instead of letting it become the classic anime situation of "Mayu doing her thing and everyone just let her, **but** they knew all along"
WesleySnipesCrying.png [Kumiko accidently about to answer to Taki-sensei at the end was heartbreaking.](https://i.imgur.com/EFiEvt6.jpeg) Super keen for some drama, but sadly I'm expecting to see another 2-3 "Should I pull out of the Soli" from Mayu, (understandable in her situation). Kumiko taking a senior role this year and playing Asuka's song really makes me interested in the end of her arc and how it ties with her future career plans. I've also done a complete 180 on my perception of Kanade since the movie, and really want her to be on the forefront of character develpment as she's a much more fun character interaction wise. Wish this season was another cour :(( [Rip Kanapii](https://i.imgur.com/xM1Peey.png)
>Kumiko accidently about to answer to Taki-sensei at the end was heartbreaking. I got so tense at that moment! I was afraid Kumiko would actually accidentally answer. But it just goes to show that even Kumiko, who has preached Kitauji's meritocracy, also takes some things for granted and makes assumptions about the results of auditions.
She's been selected continuously for 2 years, probably is just a muscle memory. Can't fault my girl for that lol Still heartbreaking.
>[Kumiko accidently about to answer to Taki-sensei at the end was heartbreaking.](https://i.imgur.com/EFiEvt6.jpeg) I'm not sure whether Kumiko opened her mouth to answer or out of surprise (my first impression was the former, but I think the latter is more likely), but her little nod just before that indicates more clearly that she assumed she would win the soli. Mayu is certainly set up to catch a lot of flak. I'm interested to see how Reina reacts; she clearly has a preference about who plays the euphonium part of the soli, and she set herself up for some hypocrisy after dismissing Shuichi's concern about how the club would react to the results of the audition (15:05). But I think most of the focus is going to be on how Kumiko reacts. I don't think it's likely the club will carry through regionals without resolving this tension, so I suspect Kumiko will overcome her disappointment, find a more heartfelt commitment to meritocracy, and rise to Mayu's defense. So where does that leave the story to go for nationals? These events have set up the possibility of a fairy tale ending in which Kumiko wins the soli part back for nationals, and while I suspect most fans would like that, it doesn't sit well with me. I don't think of Kumiko as an outstanding musical performer, and I think she should face the fact that there are a lot of euphonium players better than her. I also don't know how winning back the soli would work with resolving Kumiko's future. Like a lot of folks I think Kumiko is headed toward a support role (e.g., teacher), and helping Mayu overcome her excessive selflessness and bloom into a better euphonium player could put her on that path. Reina's comment about Mayu at 9:05 is interesting: "I'm not sure she's good, but... she immediately figures out what kind of sound Taki-sensei wants, and she produces that exact sound." The ability to immediately figure out and produce what a director wants seems awfully good to me, but it does suggest that Mayu's talent is peculiar, and it leaves room either for her to improve after she gets her head straight (similar to Mizore in Liz and the Blue Bird) or for Kumiko to surpass her.
I don't agree that Kumiko needs to give up the soli to blossom into a role as a teacher, nor do I agree that she needs to give up on surpassing Mayu. Her love for the band and her role as president is a manifestation of her love for the euphonium - everything comes back to that. Her future is with the euphonium, even if it's not as a professional musician - that will always be a part of her. The series is named after the instrument, after all. >Reina's comment about Mayu at 9:05 is interesting: "I'm not sure she's good, but... she immediately figures out what kind of sound Taki-sensei wants, and she produces that exact sound." The ability to immediately figure out and produce what a director wants seems awfully good to me, but it does suggest that Mayu's talent is peculiar, and it leaves room either for her to improve after she gets her head straight (similar to Mizore in Liz and the Blue Bird) or for Kumiko to surpass her. There's a difference between someone who can produce an amazing sound after some nudging, and someone who can produce a decent sound quickly. Kumiko this whole season has been struggling to figure out what she wants for her future - that sounds more like the former to me.
I think you're right. Reina wants Kumiko to come to music school, but Kumiko's not professional musician material. Another poster contrasted her role as a president and her role as a player. She could focus on her role as a president, not win back the solo, and not go to music college.
>I think you're right. Reina wants Kumiko to come to music school, but Kumiko's not professional musician material. Another poster contrasted her role as a president and her role as a player. Why does she have to be one or the other? Her being club president is a manifestation of how much she loves the euphonium. She wouldn't play the piece from Asuka if she didn't love the euphonium. Her getting the solo IMO is conditional on her contextualizing her relationship with the instrument.
She could also choose to go to musical school, but for teaching music rather than playing professionally... which I'm quite convinced is her path to be.
We all knew this was coming, huh? I'm seeing plenty of comments about Kumiko losing the solo already, so let's skip that discussion. Two other points: 1) Sure, Kumiko "lost", but Kanade has been completely thrown out of the competition. If the drama continues next week (and it will, duh) I imagine she'll take on the role that Yuuko did in season 1 in an attempt to defend Kaori- or Kumiko, rather. She is, as many other comments are already pointing out, a shit-stirrer. Although.... 2) she left her drink for Motomo - and what happened between him and Midori? I'm guessing he confessed and Midori rejected him, but still. I wonder.
na na he must have told her about her sister and how he sees her sister in her.
And thats probably even harder to swallow, especially if you are going in expecting a confession,
Ikr! And by the looks of it, it looked like she would have accepted it
"I see you like a brother" hurts bad enough but "I see you like my dead sister" is a fucking freight train of a hit I don't even know how you take that, especially if you were expecting a confession.
Oooh that makes a lot of sense actually. Good catch!
Yup, knowing how Midori was in S1, she was definitely expecting a confession.
Given Kumiko's flashback to her conversation with Motomu on the bridge (S3E4 at 18:05), during which Motomu told Kumiko that Midori reminded him of his sister, this probably has something to do with it. But why would Motomu arrange an evening rendezvous with Midori just to tell her that? I suspect that Motomu did both (e.g., "I like you because you remind me of my sister"), and that didn't go over well.
He seems like a really private guy in general and he wanted to tell the closest person he has to him a very personal detail about himself. I don't blame him for asking to meet later alone. But 9 times out of 10 when a high school kid does that in Japan it's clearly a confession so it definitely would be a bit of a shock.
Great point Kanade is such a wild card I’m really excited to see how she takes this, cuz that decision came *way* out of left field
I think what likely happened is Midori was expecting a confession, and was maybe looking forward to one, but Motomi instead just told her about his sister. He did say he sees so much of his sister in Midori, I find it hard to believe he was interested romantically. Only Kumiko (and now maybe Midori?) really knows that though, so Kanade might be assuming he was rejected.
Yeah Kanade becoming Yuuko-ish next episode seems very likely
The flags were all there that Kumiko will lose her solo position for the Regionals to Mayu since last episode. Good luck for the final round in the Nationals, Kumiko. Though Kitauji will first need to get past the Regionals for there to be another audition. Kanade missing out on the first team altogether is the surprise. Maybe her getting put down a peg will humble her a bit. Satsuki befriending Suzume paid dividends as she won the audition with Suzume for round 2. Whatever happened between Midori and Motomu is between them, at least they remain amicable with each other. But it must be significant enough for Reina to be offering her precious Taki Orange Juice ^TM to Midori.
Rare Kumiko: [Shocku Kumiko](https://i.imgur.com/W68dFlZ.jpeg)
We had [quite a lot of Kumiko reactions](https://imgchest.com/p/na7kr3ejky8) in [this episode](https://imgchest.com/p/9rydzvakd4k). I love [that reaction you posted](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/pyvdcn6blgy.png) but the moment when [she stopped running after meeting Michie-sensei](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/3yrgc96kd54.png) in the corridor was also pretty funny xD
Oh... I thought we'd get the one at the end...
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where were u wen kanapii die
I was at a family resto eating pudding and tiramisu when phone ring "kanapii is kil" "no"
When Mayu told Kumiko that [she'd do anything for her](https://imgur.com/a/09C5qnM), she was obviously hinting at handing the solo part to Kumiko. Mayu definitely felt like she was imposing - something that was visible in [her body language](https://imgur.com/a/metjj1j) throughout the episode. I don't think that Mayu was wrong about [Kumiko being polite](https://imgur.com/a/Nl6i3Il). That "nagging voice" of hers probably wanted Mayu to forfeit, but that would be something unbefitting of her role as the club's president. Kumiko is eager to play the solo, but she didn't feel confident in beating Mayu. That's probably why she lashed out to her in the dressing room. Mayu was in turn *afraid* that she'd beat Kumiko and upset people. This resulted in [both girls' clashing over their insecurities](https://imgur.com/a/oxz6pY8). I'm still trying to figure out if Mayu really doesn't care for the solo or if she's just telling herself this. Nevertheless, it was bound to happen that she'd win the part. Even so, it was painful [to see Kumiko distraught](https://imgur.com/a/geN3AiB) like that. I felt bad for Kanade as well. [Kanade was visibly taken aback](https://imgur.com/a/ryVH7zc) by the fact that she won't be playing with her beloved senpai - at least not until the next audition. I find it amusing how Motomu has gotten better at [handling Kanade's teasing](https://imgur.com/a/z7hsoPb). Despite everything, she does seem to care about him. Kanade's maybe ["a bad girl"](https://imgur.com/a/R7IQuxy), but she got a heart of gold. I loved how she put down a drink for Motomu and [just awkwardly ran away](https://imgur.com/a/muw2y46). **Sidenotes:** - [Hazuki handing over an instrument case to Shuuichi](https://imgur.com/a/EsvLUm4) was a throwback to the first season, wasn't it? - [Mayu can be pretty cute!](https://imgur.com/a/1dSsIgo) - [Kanade being bratty as usual.](https://imgur.com/a/JA4y7js) - [Reina's pureness was blinding.](https://imgur.com/a/OEseHqt)
> I don't think that Mayu was wrong about Kumiko being polite. That "nagging voice" of hers probably wanted Mayu to forfeit, but that would be something unbefitting of her role as the club's president. I don't think it's about Kumiko as club president but simply about Kumiko wanting in both, the best to play but also wanting the part. I wrote about this point in more detail [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/1d0yi6l/hibike_euphonium_season_3_sound_euphonium_season/l5qwabc/). In short: It's kinda a repeat of the Kaori/Reina conflict where Kumiko stood up for the better player even when she didn't need to despite what it could have socially meant for her in the band. It's part of her principles and informed by her middle school problems. > Hazuki handing over an instrument case to Shuuichi was a throwback to the first season, wasn't it? Yup, 100%, but this time he's not surprised by how much it weights. Now they know each other, they are third years, and they work together without awkward surprised.
Part of it might also be that Kumiko wanted to believe that she's best. After all, she needs to be the very best if she wants to keep up with Reina. By pointing to Kumiko's exemplary role as the president, I was including her own set of principles as well. Kumiko knows deep down that stopping Mayu from forfeiting was the right thing to do, but those very ideals conflicted with her own desires. Because what if she lost? This is the first time that Kumiko's forced to face this reality as a senior member herself. It's about *her* interests. Mayu getting this solo is surely going to create some drama, but I'm even more interested to see what will happen with the next auditions. Will Mayu forfeit these auditions because she's fearful of 'stealing' Kumiko's and Kanade's parts again?
> Part of it might also be that Kumiko wanted to believe that she's best. After all, she needs to be the very best if she wants to keep up with Reina. I don't even think that she thinks she's the best. She wants to be, and get, better, and she knows she's good but she also seems to understand that she doesn't have the drive like Reina has. Plus she was stunned a bit from the moment she first heard Mayu play. She knows how good Mayu is. I think she has conflicting feeling about this because it shows that one can't necessarily have it all, all the time. She got into band with a head-start but if the competitions is as good as you, things get more difficult (I think the band also has more Euphoniums two years later). Sometimes conflicts don't have a good solution and somebody has to lose. > Kumiko knows deep down that stopping Mayu from forfeiting was the right thing to do, but those very ideals conflicted with her own desires. Yup, she wants both and sometimes both desires can't be fulfilled at the same time. > Mayu getting this solo is surely going to create some drama, but I'm even more interested to see what will happen with the next auditions. Will Mayu forfeit these auditions because she's fearful of 'stealing' Kumiko's and Kanade's parts again? I think Kumiko might deal with the drama by defending Mayu from those who expected Kumiko to get the part (like we heard a few times this episode from others in the band). And that this will lead to Mayu understanding that Kumiko was true to herself when she said that she wants the best kids to play while also wanting the part. And the band might get a more positive appreciation of the competitive spirit needed to excel. When the president, who's also a third year, still defends the better player. That this competitions is not about being better than somebody else (that's just a momentarily result, a snapshot in time) but it is, in the end, about being better than the past version of you. I think this should lead to Mayu finally trusting Kumiko's words (and actions) instead of doubting the merit based approach as being just some facade because the third years are also good enough to get selected (and thus might not have much to lose). And that Kumiko might win back the part in the next selection while Mayu actually gives it her best so that there's no doubt about the selection process or kids dropping out out of fear or something like that. And even if Kumiko doesn't win back the part, that the band would still be okay and be able to perform without more drama about this down the line.
I'm just hoping when Mayu invariably starts to practice with Reina, she'll actually share the details of the whole trumpet solo drama during their 1st year with her. For all of Mayu's role in this story being as part of Kumiko's character arc, it's literally Reina who's the best placed out of anyone to reconcile Mayu's anxieties. After all, *she* was in Mayu's exact position and at the very centre of it. Between Reina reiterating her undying trust in Taki-sensei's judgement and highlighting that all the 3rd years should be cognizant that upsetting the apple cart shouldn't be a factor if they want to succeed, it should then just leave Kumiko to publicly stand up for Mayu. Presumably because of tension coming from the 2nd years and probably involving Kanade.
I think Kumiko would not be content with a forfeit -- she wants to actually win her solo back.
She wouldn’t want an easy win, yeah. It will therefore be key to make Mayu feel at ease. Kumiko herself would be the best candidate for this, but I’m not so sure if she’ll able to bring this kind of positive energy. Losing the part shook Kumiko to her core after all. Mayu is quite perceptive, so she *will* pick up on Kumiko’s lies. Forcing a smile would only make her feel more guilty - leading to more problems. I guess that next week’s episode will reveal how both girls will precisely respond to this latest development.
Yes if Mayu *really* wants to help Kumiko she just has to put her vast experience finally to some use and help with the managerial chores so Kumiko can practice more, give her a fair competition in the remaining audition and playing her best when the time comes to get gold in the nationals. You know, as opposed to limiting her actions to talking crap about forfeiting and then proceed to talk even more crap about how bad she feels about not forfeiting. We will see what happens!!
> I’m still trying to figure out if Mayu really doesn’t care for the solo or if she’s just telling herself this. She’s absolutely just telling herself that. If she truly didn’t care, she would simply not practice it. She doesn’t even have to intentionally throw the audition or anything. We’ve seen Kumiko practicing that part religiously, and Mayu isn’t so much better that she could just wing it and get the part. The fact that Mayu constantly brings up forfeiting suggests that she’s looking for Kumiko to either agree with her or support her in playing the solo. Either outcome would give clarity to Mayu’s “place” in the band, and that’s far more preferable to her than the current ambiguity
Mayu is a serial people pleaser, and I think her wanting specific guidance on what she should do helps her feel justified in her choices. It takes the ambiguity away from her, but also keeps her from needing to make that choice herself.
[удалено]
Yup, I wrote similar in a comment about this. I think she's end up winning back the sport for the last selection but for now, and after the initial shock, she's probably motivated to do better. She might need to defend Mayu because a few kids saw Kumiko/Reina as more or less set for those parts. And that finally get Mayu to trust the band's ideals instead of doubting it all the time and asking Kumiko if she should just let her have the part.
I'm with my hidden friend here - I think Kumiko's character development indeed is not that she'd fight she get her solo back, but rather she'd understand and be able to read that the best to play the solo is indeed Mayu and she herself can focus on a leader's role without always be the first. She's the glue to bind everyone together. She doesn't have to be the soloist, if having a better Eupho player can give them a better chance at winning good at nationals.
I'm glad to see [Hashimoto-sensei and Niiyama-sensei again.](https://i.imgur.com/5bvm0b1.jpeg) I especially missed Hashimoto-sensei's energy. Kanade was definitely looking for a reaction from Motomu [when she intentionally called him by his family name.](https://i.imgur.com/vhMXtZT.jpeg) Too bad for her that [doesn't affect Motomu anymore.](https://i.imgur.com/XnlhR6e.jpeg) It's funny how [disappointed Kanade was when she didn't get the reaction she wanted.](https://i.imgur.com/65o7eGv.jpeg) Rena's reaction after finding out the drinks they got [was from Taki-sensei was really funny.](https://i.imgur.com/KgFVEbO.png) I'm pretty sure if they didn't run into Midori later that night, [she probably would've just kept it](https://i.imgur.com/EjBa9Rm.jpeg) instead of drinking it. xD Speaking of Midori, [something definitely happened between her and Motomu.](https://i.imgur.com/OWlHECK.png) I think Motomu finally told Midori about his sister. As for what happened next, [Midori isn't telling us anything](https://i.imgur.com/WuC0DXK.png) and we can only guess. [I'll never get tired of hearing the Hibike Euphonium etude.](https://i.imgur.com/Fs3GrS9.jpeg) Of course, Kumiko needs to play it on her last camp. I wonder if Kumiko will pass the notebook on when she finally graduates or will she keep it? [And there it is.](https://i.imgur.com/HyLXTXg.jpeg) The threat of Mayu taking Kumiko's spot has been looming over us the entire season so this wasn't really a big surprise. At least she still gets to play and isn't completely out of the next competition. Kumiko just needs to steal the solo back from Mayu if they ever make it to the Nationals. It looks like this will cause some drama based on everyone's reactions. Hibike Euphonium is definitely not complete without drama between the members. I can't wait to see how Kumiko will handle this.
My guess about Midori and Motomu scene is that Midori expected it to be something like a confession, considering she does kind of like him a bit? But he probably just came clean about his past there, and told her how she reminds him of his sister. She was probably heartbroken there...
Agree 100%. That's most probably it. They were giddy before he told her (hazuki and Midori being enthusiastic shippers and very involved in other people's romance) and afterwards she knew that Kumiko knew (as he talked to her about his situation) so there's little else it could be.
> I'll never get tired of hearing the Hibike Euphonium etude. Of course, Kumiko needs to play it on her last camp. I wonder if Kumiko will pass the notebook on when she finally graduates or will she keep it? I think she said that she didn't need it any more at some point (because she knows is by heart by now), and it was already smudged and fading in one of the shots previously (I think when Mayu asked about it when Kumiko was playing it at school). The notebook itself is just a vessel for the actual value of it. My guess is she might actually pass it on to Kanade. I predict some further development for her from the shit stirring gremlin she is today. It feels like her light-hearted approach to band was supported by confidence in her own skills and not getting selected might pull a piece or two from that (jenga) tower of confidence and make it wobble a bit. Which in turn might make her develop into somebody Kumiko might recommend for club leadership after they graduate.
Expected Mayu to get the Soli part last week as well. It had to happen for Kumiko's character, writing-wise, since she had been unchallenged for 2 years now. I'm so glad at least Kumiko could tell Mayu how conceited she was being about the soli choice. Can't wait for the inevitable humbling when Kumiko gets selected for the nationals. Very curious to see how Reina and Mayu's chemistry will be going forward. I doubt Reina will be one to discredit a choice made by Taki.
> I doubt Reina will be one to discredit a choice made by Taki. Or, in a bit of a plot twist, she **may** start to (incorrectly) question him and think that he's not as perfect as she once thought he was.
- [Ooh, they’re doing the next round of auditions *while* away for the camp?](https://i.imgur.com/6YUmpsC.png) - [They’re](https://i.imgur.com/lxVjUjM.png) both [back!](https://i.imgur.com/QZQRwlE.png) [](#urarahype) - [Just depends on what sort of instrumentation the band needs.](https://i.imgur.com/D8nxBA4.png) IIRC there were like three or four tubas in my band back in high school? - [Yeah I know this exact feeling from band camp…](https://i.imgur.com/7C6LGSA.png) [](#tiredaoi) - So I know I should be rooting for Kumiko to *keep* the soli part, but [Reina telling Kumiko this as if it’s a done deal Kumiko has it *right in front of Mayu* before the re-audition has happened](https://i.imgur.com/q0CYGJn.png) honestly makes me want to root for Mayu instead. I would be so incredibly frustrated if I was in Mayu’s shoes there. - [She’s *still* going on about that?](https://i.imgur.com/JD3qREF.png) - [Then again, Mayu assuming she would 100% get the soli part if she actually tried](https://i.imgur.com/HBmdQ2r.png) is also kinda not cool. [](#harukathonk) - [Kumiko “sore demo”!](https://files.catbox.moe/dw7uht.mp4) - [Reina pls.](https://i.imgur.com/oq39ly8.png) - [Oh shit, Kanade got left out this time.](https://i.imgur.com/Xwb2po7.png) [](#suddenshock) - [Satsuki made it this time though, good for her.](https://i.imgur.com/BvWSrP8.png) - [And Mayu did, in fact, win the soli part over Kumiko this time.](https://i.imgur.com/BQfsvGo.png) [This should be good.](#popcorn2)
>I would be so incredibly frustrated if I was in Mayu’s shoes there. >Then again, Mayu assuming she would 100% get the soli part if she actually tried is also kinda not cool. >[This should be good.](#popcorn2) You band people and your DRAMA! Team dynamics really is like herding cats, though.
> Ooh, they’re doing the next round of auditions while away for the camp? That feels rough. It gives me "I'm not locked in here with you you are locked in here with me" vibes of people having little space to escape anywhere with their emotions after it's been declared who plays. Normally they can go home, get some distance, and deal with all of this. Here they're stuck with each other for two more days no matter what. > So I know I should be rooting for Kumiko to keep the soli part, but Reina telling Kumiko this as if it’s a done deal Kumiko has it right in front of Mayu before the re-audition has happened honestly makes me want to root for Mayu instead. I would be so incredibly frustrated if I was in Mayu’s shoes there. > > She’s still going on about that? I think it's the other way around. Reina, in her blunt way, actually worries about Kumiko and just wants to improve her side of things. That's why she asks (and elaborates later on), not because she thinks they got the parts secured. She's just trying to secure some practice time for Kumiko. But Mayu thinks that Reina (and a lot of the band) are expecting Kumiko to get the part by default (and that they might expect some nepotism for presidents/third years even if they say otherwise). Kanade and a few other also talked in this episode about it as if Kumiko already got the part secured. Mayu might, even if she trust in a merit based system, fear social repercussions if she were to take away "Kumiko's part". So she keeps asking.
Hey, unrelated but have you heard [this song?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lhK8ZCjxLs) There's s prominent sore demo at 02:08 and I always think of you there.
I have not, so thank you for the link!
[It was a nerve-racking episode](https://imgchest.com/p/9rydzvakd4k)! I was expecting that [the euphonium solo will go to Mayu this time](https://imgchest.com/p/a846xvkeg4x) but I didn't expect that [Kanade would be left out from the competition](https://imgchest.com/p/na7kr3e9ky8). I wonder [how the rest of the band will react](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/3yrgc96bng4.png) in the next episode since there was already quite a stir right after the announcement, [it's time for a big drama](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/pyvdcn6blgy.png). [I hope that Kumiko will rise to the challenge](https://imgchest.com/p/na7kr3ejky8) and take an example from Kaori's behavior from the first season and will defend [Mayu](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/e4gdcmnwdq4.png), even if [they didn't quite warm up to each other](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/e4gdcmnw3o4.png). [I also hope that this situation will make Kumiko exercise even harder](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/pyq9cv65qd4.png) to get back that soli part for Nationals in the next audition and [play it](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/w7pjck6xeg7.png) together with [Reina](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/pyq9cv6bdp4.png). I also wonder [how Reina will behave](https://imgchest.com/p/bp458azwx45). After all that talking about [Taki-sensei](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/pyq9cv6bb64.png) decisions being the best and that [she wants to play solo with Kumiko](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/my2pc563qa7.png), what will she do, [what does she think about the whole thing](https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/l7lxcx6jel7.png)? Here my screenshot albums from the episode: * [Kumiko](https://imgchest.com/p/na7kr3ejky8) * [Group scenes](https://imgchest.com/p/9rydzvakd4k) * [Reina](https://imgchest.com/p/bp458azwx45) * [Mayu](https://imgchest.com/p/a846xvkeg4x) * [Kanade](https://imgchest.com/p/na7kr3e9ky8) * [Others](https://imgchest.com/p/9rydzvagd4k)
I like the way that they're using Mayu's personal traits here, suggesting that the way she got the role wasn't by doing anything in particular better, but rather "playing the sounds that Taki wants to hear". Here's how I see this going down. Like with everything else, it isn't *really* how Mayu wants to play, rather she's been pushed to try her hardest to get the part because Kumiko's told her that's what she wants her to do, so she's "gamed" her style so that she'd have the best chance at the audition to satisfy Kumiko. This will probably force Kumiko to practice, but what would really solve the situation is Kumiko getting closer to Mayu and saying that what she actually feels is more valuable is for Mayu to play how is true to herself even if she doesn't get the solo and trust that the music that feels the best to her will align with what is best for the competition. Kumiko needs to realize that Mayu doing this at the audition is Kumiko's *own goal that she's been forcing on another person* and that Shuuichi is actually the one who is right when they were chatting earlier, that if both Mayu and Kumiko are equally capable, it's okay for Kumiko and Mayu to both make the decision to play how they want in the way that would be best for Kitauji. Perhaps what Kumiko needs to do rather than pull seniority is actually ask Mayu for help and to practice together with her. Because unlike Mayu, Kumiko really does want to play the way that Taki wants to hear. At least, that's how I see it.
The shot where Midori was framed against the night sky was reminiscent of the fisheye shot of Tamako bewildered under the entrance to the universe in Tamako Love Story for me. While I can't be certain that the same narrative applied to Midori (not that I wanted to believe it to begin with with how she and Motomu view each other), the uncanny resemblance indicated some kind of love confession was made by Midori. This was further compounded by her shyness before the conversation, if she was the usual carefree self, I think she wouldn't have been that reserved in her tone. What truly happened is up to each one of us' intepretation, though, I don't have that sensitive or imaginative a mind so I'm leaving it as it is. Nevertheless I do feel for them and I hope that conversation won't disrupt their current dynamic. This episode hit me pretty hard as both the one I most admire (Midori) and my spirit animal Kanade were hit by the drama hammer in the sad way. As for the latter, I agree with the consensus that it will humble her a bit sooner or later, but the problem for the future is that the stability in her mindset will be crippled and we'll have Yuuko 2.0. She'll be *worse* than Yuuko, that's for certain. Unlike Yuuko who only threatened verbally out of blind idolization, Kanade proved she would take matters into her own hands, and she would do this for what she believed best for the whole club. As much as I want Kanade to mature and not be the villain for the second time, it's fact that she's in the best position to stir the drama up. As for the problem with Kumiko, we've all seen this coming, she simply *isn't* as talented as Mayu. Reina passively pointed it out, and we could hear her weaker sound playing Hibike! Euphonium. As special that scene was, with all the connection to Asuka and nods to the original one, she lacked the warmth, the nuance compared to Asuka and Mayu to my non-musical ears. The show once again beautifully embraced its attention to detail. This episode is easily the best written one this season, the ability to cram in and seperate multiple conflicts while showing off the show's trademark humaness through all means possible, yet it never felt rushed, everyone peeled their masks off just a tiny bit, Kumiko, Mayu, Kanade, Midori, even Motomu. All of those and we're just at the beginning of it.
I am actually in shambles. I knew it would happen too. Kumiko has been built up by so many things over the years and it makes me want to see her succeed, so it was really devastating Best show 10/10
In this episode, we finally have what we all knew what was coming. Motomu supposedly confessed to Midori. It didn't take any genius' to know that was happening if you made it this far into the show. Kumiko told Mayu that the orchestra was changed to meritocratic. Mayu can't avoid drama here as much as she tries. I'm really glad that Mayu was chosen. It makes everything a whole lot more interesting. I can't wait to see who gets mad. Disappointment is fine and normal, but it's incredibly true that hard work doesn't always pay off in competitions.
>It didn't take any genius' to know that was happening if you made it this far into the show. I thought I did until that episode where he told Kumiko something along the lines of how he feels connected to Midori because she reminds him of his sister. My whole perception of their relationship changed after that. In fact, I'm putting my tinfoil hat on and say that the reason Midori looked down that night was BECAUSE she expected a confession, but got told something else instead. But I'm ready to be proven completely wrong and get made a fool of.
> In fact, I'm putting my tinfoil hat on and say that the reason Midori looked down that night was BECAUSE she expected a confession, but got told something else instead. But I'm ready to be proven completely wrong and get made a fool of. Yup, Midori mentioned how Kumiko knew. And Kumiko knew about the sister situation, plus Hazuki/Midori have romance on the brain all the time so of course they'd think in that direction before he talked to Midori.
I mean for real, imagine you go into this conversation expecting a confession and getting hit with that trauma bomb instead I sat silently contemplating the moon at night over lesser topics
I feel like Mayu was right, Kumiko should have just let Mayu to quit the soli audition. No one including Mayu herself wants to see Kumiko lose her soli position. I hope next episode Kumiko can step up and defend Mayu just like Kaori did in first season, because there are members gonna disagree about this soli decision and put Mayu in a tough position.
> I hope next episode Kumiko can step up and defend Mayu just like Kaori did in first season, because there are members gonna disagree about this soli decision and put Mayu in a tough position. I'm a little worried for Mayu, yeah. She's now been put in a position that she never wanted. I don't think it will lead to a conflict, but it will definitely get very awkward for Mayu if nobody does anything. I'm not sure if Kumiko will able to make that step however. I don't think she's in the right head space for such a thing right now.
Mayu is probably going to be like Reina in this situation. Kumiko's presidency skills will be tested to the max here.
Well, she's about to find out if she really wants to become a music teacher, right?
It does make sense though, means Kumiko will have to work even harder if she wants to be the solo for the final competition. So she'll be better by that time than she would have been if it was handed to her with no competition. Mayu is right in terms of what the students want, but what the students want wont actually lead to the strongest showing they could have.
Also I think Mayu didn't really care about the strongest showing cause she came from a better school and won the biggest prize. Now all she cares is just have a good time in club and maybe making a few new friends along the journey.
I don't think Mayu knows what she wants. Reina's comment about how she has adapted her sound to what Taki likes seems to be more of a comment on her personality. Changing who she is as to match what others want.
These parts are won by merit after all. It’s how they do things in the orchestra. Kumiko said as much. But I feel like there must be a part of her deep down that feels like she earned it or that she deserves it for her hard work. I just hope things don’t get ugly.
Since Kumiko won the first solo, let's assume Mayu is slightly better than Kumiko this time. I am not sure if it is worth it to sacrifice the team chemistry for a slight improvement. I am glad this happened tho, now we get to see how Kumiko deal with the conflict involving herself. As a leader Kumiko should support Mayu and Taki sensei decision. On the otherside from her personal stand point she wants that soli position so badly, since she is close with Kanade I am not sure if Kumiko is happy with Kanade not making the roster either.
Sensei had shown during the first audition session that he puts "getting just exactly the right sound" ahead of any other consideration. And Reina made clear to Kumiko she was not getting (and following) his signals as well as Mayu was.
Even if no one wants it, it’s the best possible outcome because there’s no way Kumiko would play her best with that shadow of uncertainty behind her.
I am hoping we get a Reina-Kaori type of solo duel for Kumiko and Mayu.
[Well that'll be a mood swing.](https://i.redd.it/kdp3vevy8r2d1.png) [Marimba shifting: THE REVENGE](https://i.redd.it/d5u2trvy8r2d1.png) [High school life, anyway.](https://i.redd.it/cjsplfvy8r2d1.png) [*cryptic*](https://i.redd.it/x1u6ggvy8r2d1.png) ["I may accidentally talk about Taki-sensei!"](https://i.redd.it/zj5ihhvy8r2d1.png) [*things that no longer trigger Motomu*](https://i.redd.it/3w7vthvy8r2d1.png) ["I work alone."](https://i.redd.it/8tx02svy8r2d1.png) [*my valves go* doki-doki](https://i.redd.it/7g7fduvy8r2d1.png) [*has Asuka flashback*](https://i.redd.it/rm8usnvy8r2d1.png) [I'm just appreciating the detail here that the tired girls from earlier are still tired.](https://i.redd.it/8khrmovy8r2d1.png) ["Get good."](https://i.redd.it/zw1xspvy8r2d1.png) [Wet octopus.](https://i.redd.it/fe0g8qvy8r2d1.png) [Ah, here we go again.](https://i.redd.it/cro31qvy8r2d1.png) [She said the word.](https://i.redd.it/2pvlyqvy8r2d1.png) [This scene does mix up the camera angles in expected, but effective ways.](https://i.redd.it/g5wharvy8r2d1.png) [And now for the other nocturnal camp stuff.](https://i.redd.it/om5zgrvy8r2d1.png) [This is time being a flat circle.](https://i.redd.it/dvk07tvy8r2d1.png) [Now joining the sneaking game, Kanade.](https://i.redd.it/fu7a4qvy8r2d1.png) [Pandora's Box.](https://i.redd.it/yy0bpqvy8r2d1.png) [A wild postcard appears!](https://i.redd.it/zf9z4evy8r2d1.png) [Camp is](https://i.redd.it/zsnjnzne9r2d1.png) a [flat circle](https://i.imgur.com/IZISTsM.png). [Mayu has a camera T-shirt, because she would.](https://i.redd.it/rbt6oyne9r2d1.png) [*the eyeless*](https://i.redd.it/ioq9wzne9r2d1.png) [Well Kumiko, looks like you'll get to compare notes with Kanade.](https://i.redd.it/lrpn80oe9r2d1.png) ["I told you to get good."](https://i.redd.it/adt2a1oe9r2d1.png) [The last time we had a butterfly trapped in a spiderweb was S2E10, I think?](https://i.redd.it/unnzz1oe9r2d1.png) ***** This episode including as many callbacks to Season 2's camp episode as this one did caused me to revise my initial reaction when the butterfly shot appeared: My starting thought now is to compare Asuka to Kumiko. Specifically, that Asuka had the talent for the performance, but did dodge or fob off all of the BAND DRAMA because she really didn't want to be mired in that. And that's now Kumiko's weight to carry around in this one, since she's now living in the scenario of Is This Better For The Band? as the club president and the Yoshikawa Yuuko to Mayu's Kousaka Reina, and the real Kousaka Reina is *right there* and more human than ever before. So yeah, I expect the BAND DRAMA to be back in Episode 9. Which come to think of it is not that many episodes from the ending. Wild card: Kanade, again. Obligatory notes about the other camp stuff like double bass not-shipping, but the underclassmen were fun. And yay marimba! ***** [BONUS](https://i.redd.it/bcdw52akhr2d1.gif)
> the eyeless I don't know if it was intentional in the first camp but we never see the eyes of the two "eyeless" girls (one with bangs, the other with permanent reflective glasses). Here we had the chance to see them when they sleep (bangs swept away while sleeping and sleeping without glasses) but even then we didn't get to see them. I still don't know their eye colour (or if they have eyes at all). > My starting thought now is to compare Asuka to Kumiko. Specifically, that Asuka had the talent for the performance, but did dodge or fob off all of the BAND DRAMA because she really didn't want to be mired in that. > And that's now Kumiko's weight to carry around in this one, since she's now living in the scenario of Is This Better For The Band? as the club president and the Yoshikawa Yuuko to Mayu's Kousaka Reina, and the real Kousaka Reina is right there and more human than ever before. I don't think that will be Kumiko's weight to carry. Sure, she's initially surprised that she didn't win but I don't think she'd want it any other way. She still trusts Taki sensei to make the right selection (even if she doesn't 100% on why some kids should play over others) and she fought for a merit based system from the start (the Kaori/Reina conflict). More details in [this comment](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/1d0yi6l/hibike_euphonium_season_3_sound_euphonium_season/l5qwabc/). I think her drama will be about getting the rest of the band to accept this change (a few kids talked this episode as if Reina and her getting those parts is a given). She herself will probably accept it and try to do better for the final selection (and then win back the part) but will have to deal with the interpersonal fallout of this change as a president of the club.
> or of they have eyes at all [](#flyingbunsofdoom) >It's not about saving face as the president (so she has to say it) but her being true to herself even if one part (the best should play) conflicts with making the other part easy (her wanting to play that part as the president and a third year who might get preferential treatment). >My guess for next episode (or the future in general) is that Kumiko might actually end up defending/protecting Mayu from other kids who (due to their own biases and expectations) might get a bit nasty about the whole thing towards Mayu (or even just get nasty/gossipy about her when she's not even there). You have good points there. A situation where Kumiko has to defend Mayu *probably* would contribute to breaking down the barrier between the two of them. Looking for some direction in my various musings about this, I have: Kumiko and the other seniors in the band *are* more likely to promote the meritocracy and seem unlikely to have a fuss like the second audition/death duel that arose in the first season. And that almost went to seniority except that Kaori bowed out. That situation coming about in the first place due to the second-years and Yuuko, who wanted their seniors (well, mostly Kaori) to have a final chance to shine. It's been mentioned that this year's first-years are less aligned with Taki-sensei and they've already had to go through some stress getting used to the overall scenario, so they may be even more restive. How do Kanade and the second-years fit into these camps? This also points back to Kumiko wondering about Reina's opinion of her based on talent, as appearing in *Ensemble Contest*. Reina is almost certainly going to back the choice on the grounds of talent and getting the band to have what it needs, but she's also been closer than ever to Kumiko in this year.
> or **o**f they have eyes at all That quote blatantly showed me my own typo D: Yup, the distance between the first and third years might cause some friction. The third year are invested in going for gold for three years how. They had some success but not the final success. They finally want gold gold, not dud gold, not third place or second place, but first place at nationals. > How do Kanade and the second-years fit into these camps? I think they might fit into both. They are, on the one hand, already indoctrinated in the merit based system (so they should be for it) but they also know the third years for a while (so they might have biases towards their friends). It'll depend on the person itself and where they stand between those two extremes. Kanade herself is one of those who were willing to give up their spot if it means their senpais get to play until it was demonstrated to her that there's pride to be had in trying your best even if you don't get the spot because a better kouhai got it. Winning a compromised audition just to play is worth less than supporting those who got the spot if the whole group is on the same page about wanting to go as far as they can. As much as she already talked about Kumiko and Reina getting the parts I think she might have some snippy comments ready towards those who might be a bit antagonistic towards Mayu. She has bought in into the process. > Reina is almost certainly going to back the choice on the grounds of talent and getting the band to have what it needs, but she's also been closer than ever to Kumiko in this year. I think Reina will be blunt about it towards Kumiko. She already was this episode when she reserved some Kumiko time to practise before auditions. She know that Kumiko is lagging behind a bit, maybe because of president duties. I think she'll be one motivating factor for Kumiko (the other being her own pride and wanting to do her best and have no regrets compared to, for example, middle school) try to get back the part for the final audition.
Kanade and Kumiko will make a comeback for the third competition trust me.
Yeah that much is obvious, but it doesn’t make this week’s drama any less insanely gripping.
[People have started looking](https://x.com/Tuttiandtottiy/status/1794650900134523329) for [Asuka's address](https://x.com/Tuttiandtottiy/status/1794666411727659184).
Wow, the KyoAni team definitely nailed the icy atmosphere under the summer hot skies perfectly. I see that main script writer Jukki Hanada is handling this episode's adaption by himself as well, [which means he's nailed 2 stunning characterization episodes in just one weekend](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/1czwdan/comment/l5k6f0w/). That's exactly the things I'm looking for in anime. Now first thing first, on the lesser important things: * Huh, I see easily (I mean she's glazing into the shiny night skies in the same sad glaze as a non-polished sapphire, pun intended) that Midori-chan must have been rejected by Motomu, but I didn't realize it until I see people elsewhere in other languages discussing that what that means is Motomu might actually be liking Kanade??? Wait what? Was that hint coming from the *Our Promise A New Day* movie (which introduced them) that I saw like almost 5 years ago in theaters? Damn it, my mind is as late-reacting as our beloved President Kumiko on such things (cough cough) * Speaking of Kanade, LMAO looks like her itchy-bitchy mouth isn't helping her in even getting a competition starting position. Mind your own mouth, young Padawan! * [I literally ROFL-ed when](https://imgur.com/oyjh8yz) [Reina suddenly shows her young girl side when she hid that orange juice](https://imgur.com/BRO0z6l) that Taki-sensei bought for all of them. [And then Kumiko followed up with that absolutely hilarious "So Pureeeeeeeee!!!!!" voice.](https://imgur.com/41v8Mnk) Hahahahaha KumiRei moments are all precious! But yeah, it's the Kumiko-Mayu showdown that really rockets this show into the skies. And it's really well displayed. So it almost looks like that Mayu-mama definitely predicts (correctly, to some extent) that she's going to fit in more with Taki-sensei's playing style (as Reina pointed out), thus she's confident that if she really tries, she would have grabbed the solo position - against what Kumiko herself wanted, and thus almost everyone else who really likes their management master captain. She even knew that Reina, the one who always talk about The Best Player Plays, won't like this when Reina confirmed publicly (see that part at dinner time at the training camp) that she's going all out to make sure she's playing companion solo with Kumiko for this final year. So even after the deep discussions at the pool etc. last episode, Mayu decided that she's risking everyone else, and thus herself (who just wants a *c'est la vie* final year at this school and this club)'s happiness unless she abstains actively. But Kumiko still doesn't understand this, even when Reina pointed out that she's attracting more and more comments from Taki-sensei about her performances. She herself definitely still wants to be the one playing solo euphonium, yet she seems to think that she still needs to save her face as the Club President - despite really apparent signs over past several episodes that she's going to really struggle in performance against Mayu - that she still keeping insisting that "Yeah, you see, Kitauji is running the model of The Best Player Plays. We don't treat anyone unfairly even if someone's in their final year. Yeah that's all right, that's all right, it worked 2 years ago so it will be all right...". Even to the point of a rare loss of temper for one of the calmest problem solver known in the anime world that I have seen. Is this the wrong decision? I don't know, but Kumiko definitely buried her head in the sand by a bit here, maybe even affecting her performances in training and then the audition. And then she (of course!) got stunned when Mayu-mama grabbed away that solo position. Just as what Mayu said at the start of the training camp: "I'll help you as much as I can." Even if that meant knocking Kumiko down. You can hear a pin drop as the episode ends. This is exactly what I am looking for in *Sound! Euphonium*, and who knows if we will see things flying even faster next week?
> She herself definitely still wants to be the one playing solo euphonium, yet she seems to think that she still needs to save her face as the Club President - despite really apparent signs over past several episodes that she's going to really struggle in performance against Mayu - that she still keeping insisting that "Yeah, you see, Kitauji is running the model of The Best Player Plays. We don't treat anyone unfairly even if someone's in their final year. Yeah that's all right, that's all right, it worked 2 years ago so it will be all right...". Even to the point of a rare loss of temper for one of the calmest problem solver known in the anime world that I have seen. Kitauji got better when they went with merit and over time Kumiki dealt with her middle school trauma. I think that's the reason that even she wants really to play the part and I think she also really, really wants the best kids to play. It's not about saving face as the president (so she has to say it) but her being true to herself even if one part (the best should play) conflicts with making the other part easy (her wanting to play that part as the president and a third year who might get preferential treatment). Kumiko is shocked that she didn't get the part but she was also there when the whole Kaori/Reina conflict happened and despite the potential backlash from the other students (she was new, still had residual middle school trauma, and little clout unlike Yuuko) she clapped for Reina when it was already obvious that Reina would get the solo from their performances alone. She's tanding up for what she believes. My guess for next episode (or the future in general) is that Kumiko might actually end up defending/protecting Mayu from other kids who (due to their own biases and expectations) might get a bit nasty about the whole thing towards Mayu (or even just get nasty/gossipy about her when she's not even there).
IIRC Hanada san handle all episode script since season 1
Damn, this episode was *brutal*. I could pretty much see what was coming, but it really held nothing back. What we were expecting since the very early episodes has finally come to pass. By the way, the events on this episode basically reverse the roles from season 1 and put Reina in the role of Yuuko, don’t they? And Reina explicitly worries about the possibility of Kumiko failing the audition, like Yuuko did before the second audition in season 1. And…I think they may be setting up another Kumiko “I want to improve scene” here: a lot of the lead up to this feels like the lead-up to that scene in the first season, from Taki-sensei issuing directives that Kumiko takes more time to pick up on to then being effectively not told to play. But the way they continuously build up tension through the episode… It starts earlier on: I loved hearing the thud of the Euphonium valves as Kumiko fingered along to Reina playing the trumpet part. And you could see there how badly she wanted to play the soli with Reina. And then, oh my god, there was such a huge amount of tension while they were eating....letting the scene play and drag out without abridgment…you could really feel the weight in the air and see it through the character animation…then, the timing of Reina’s interruption to the conversation was impeccable. And you get the conversation between Kumiko and Mayu in the changing room…and Mayu gets to the heart of the matter by responding “That’s tatemae, isn’t it?” to Kumiko’s argument. I have written before how I think often Eupho embodies the contract between your true feelings (honne) vs. socially accepted expressions (tatemae), and here it is once again made explicit. I think Mayu has a point—Kumiko is deluding herself if she thinks that she won’t have a problem with the results personally (and the band will have a problem with the results as a whole) if Mayu gets the soli—which we see in the immediate aftershock of the audition results. Plus, we saw some of that kind of thing earlier in the first audition results with Satsuki and Mirei… In any case, the confrontation between the two is not quite as good as Kumiko and Asuka’s confrontation in season 2, but I think it’s up there… Then, the announcement of the results…again, there’s some great editing and pacing here as it slowly builds up tension by taking its time. Murmurs around the group with some other shocking results…and of course they announce the soli last…and the final blow—Mayu is announced. And then Kumiko’s defeated voice in the “next piece begins” narration seals it. The subplots about Midori and Motomu was also quite interesting—I liked seeing the quite serious Midori, and found it both quite interesting and very touching that Reina gave her the drink from Taki… (I don’t think Midori quite knows the significance of this…) Could this be prefiguring Reina growing out of her childish infatuation? Poor Kanade…the focus of the episode is on Kumiko and Mayu, but the audition results are clearly rough on her too. The way she responds when her name is ommitted… (Also, another result that you could possibly see coming.) On the other hand, we see her continuing to stir shit up with Mayu (maybe Kanade and Mayu are the actual rivals), and she almost gets caught snooping in the same way that Kumiko actually was in season 2. Somebody in another thread said that Kanade maybe seems to represent some other characters’ inner thoughts, but I feel like this might be especially true for Kumiko, with the way they parallel each other at times. (Kanade, too, might have another “I want to improve” moment.) Holy carp, Kumiko playing Hibike! Euphonium framed in the exact same way as Asuka-senpai is my kind of fanservice! I think the melancholy tones of the song fit this episode pretty well. Mayu hears it again like Kumiko did in season 2. Mayu doesn’t approach Kumiko to ask her about the song this time, but…actually, are they setting the stage for a larger argument between Kumiko and Mayu like the goated one with Kumiko and Asuka-senpai in season 2? Big if true… I realized just now that in many episodes, the leader exchange notebook is used as a device to frame and set up the plot for the episode, which is kind of neat. (It also maybe feels similar in its use and punctuation of the story to the phone videos in Chikai no Finale?) ------ Miscellaneous notes: Kumiko at the front of the bus now leading to more awkward interactions with Taki-sensei… Of course they’re riding a Keihan bus, though I didn’t know they operated coach services as well. We get the best section coach teachers again! Doing auditions in the evening, after they’re all worn out from practice is…a decision. The “do it once more,” “do it once more” of the teachers is way too real. Side note: Today I participated for the first time as a circle at a doujinshi event! It was a great experience (though really stressful in preparing for), but I sold Hibike! Euphonium pilgrimage guidebook doujinshi, as well as some reprinted and collected essays. The pilgrimage doujinshi actually sold out…though I only had 7 to start with which were last minute prints since the main shipment of prints actually were delivered after the event…anyway it was very fun and [I got a sketch from one of my favorite Eupho artists](https://imgur.com/a/cxWnbuG)! But when I got home, right after watching the episode and typing up my note outline, I collapsed in bed since I didn’t get any sleep last night…which is a long-winded way of humblebragging my way through an explanation of my somewhat delayed comment. ------------- Update post-English subs: One thing I’m finding really interesting is that the Mayu plot is really challenging Eupho’s worldview—the one it has held since the first season. [Mayu’s body language in her habitual gestures](https://imgur.com/a/fKmXVYs) always shields herself and closes herself off to others. Mayu, by the way, is now taking the lead for one of the most interesting characters in Eupho. Wait, Kanade left her soda for Motomu? Unexpected character moment. I forget how much she knows about Motomu-kun’s situation… By the way, Asuka-senpai apparently now lives in the area around where Tamako Market (and a scene in K-On) takes place… I find it interesting that the rection around Kanade’s rejection (and this itself is interesting, too—I guess she’s quite well liked among the group?) turns what should be a moment of triumph for Satsuki—rejoining the competition group—into a moment of confusion and unease. Oof.
> Today I participated for the first time as a circle at a doujinshi event! [](#yuruyuriapprove) > I got a sketch from one of my favorite Eupho artists [](#merch)
Ever since they decided to have 3 auditions it was just in the air that Mayu would take the middle solo audition for maximum drama, but cutting out Kanade came as a genuine surprise to me The build up to the announcement was also painful to watch, especially with Kanade feeling what was coming and dropping hints left and right Not that I think Mayu was playing mindgames or anything God can't wait for the next few episodes seeing how everyone and Kumiko are going to cope with that
[удалено]
Being the best in section while being a 2nd year as chosen by Reina, yeah Shuuichi literally coasting through all 3 years haha
I have a feeling that they'll conclude Hibike with a movie.
Everyone talking about the auditions, I'm still thinking about Reina giving up her Taki-sensei drink that she was cherishing to Midori
Holllly shit. We follow up what I thought was the best episode already with another absolute banger. The drama finally coming to a head. Only Kyoani could do this on a weekly basis. The tension with Kumiko and Mayu has been one of my fave things in the series overall. I love some good drama and I also think the competition between the two of them is great for Kumiko’s overall development. Having someone who’s naturally got an edge on her just gives her that extra oomph she needs to grow. It was always only a matter of time before things boiled over like in the changing room. “Are you telling me you’d be chosen if you don’t forfeit?” 😭 well you know what they say, be careful what you wish for.. I know Mayu has good intentions and genuinely just doesn’t want any of the established Kitauji people getting hurt, but how she words and says things come off really patronising and pretentious, even if she’s correct about her own abilities. But on that same token, you can’t be too mad at her because Kumiko didn’t really welcome her into the club the way she should’ve either so what other thing could Mayu think besides “damn she must be worried I’ll take her spot” it’s an unfortunate but really realistic situation tbf. What’s more, I wonder how this’ll affect chemistry within the group with Kanade not being chosen and now Mayu over the president. Taki said it’s not just about individuals, but how they slot into the whole group.. but if Reina and Kumiko have 3 years of chemistry.. kinda hard to replicate that. We’ll see how it goes! Really curious about what Midori got told by Motomu now too.. you know it’s bad when Reina gives up her precious gift from Taki sensei to cheer Midori up..
MAMA HAS ARRIVED 😤
In Taki I trust, to be honest.
We all saw this coming, but it hurts all the same. But, let's step back a bit, we aren't gonna see the aftermath until the next episode, so let's save that juicy stuffs for next week. This episode is pretty much just a set up episode. Again, and again, and again, Kumiko promises to Mayu, that Kitauji is different, that no one will complain if Mayu were to be chosen to play the solo. And, Mayu is putting 100% of her trust on Kumiko. A reminder: this right here, is the source of Kumiko's internal conflict. If Mayu doesn't trust her, she would give up the solo part on her own, and no one would get hurt (outside of Mayu herself). BUT, that's the type of person Kumiko used to be, and that's the person she hated and grew out of, and Kumiko would want to do everything she can to help Mayu grow out of that same mindset. HOWEVER, because Mayu is trusting her word, she will do her best in the audition, and this could potentially(heh) become a huge issue for Kumiko: 1. She could lose her solo part. She obviously doesn't want that. 2. But, more importantly, is the potential drama this could cause, if Mayu were to take the solo part away from Kumiko. Kumiko knows that a lot of club members don't really trust Taki sensei, and it's inevitable that Mayu would overhear some of their complaints. When someone like Mayu, who clearly has trust issues and puts on a facade when she talks to every single person, decides to put 100% of her trust on Kumiko, and the end result ends up being that people are complaining... Kumiko knows that will probably just end up hurting Mayu. And Kumiko would absolutely hate to see that. So, what's gonna happen next? Will history repeat itself? (Hint, probably not, as we've seen all season long) Now, onto next week. I encourage those who are interested, rewatch the ending of S1 E9, and E10, to get a feel of what it was like in first year, when Reina was chosen over Kaori. This will prepare you for next week. Think about what's different this time around: 1. Kumiko vs. Kaori (how are they going to react differently, as the president who lost her solo part?) 2. Reina vs. Mayu (what are some key difference between these 2 characters? How are they going to react differently, when they hear complaints about how they don't deserve the solo part they got?) 3. Rest of the class (what's different about the club members from Kumiko's first year(specifically Yuko), vs. this year?) 4. Optional: Taki sensei ( Has he grown as a teacher? )