Ep. 22: Nodame performs with half-improvisation while Chiaki considers Europe and Sakuma reveals past motives

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Nodame completes the remainder of her performance through partial improvisation, receiving enthusiastic applause despite the consensus that she cannot win a prize. Although Chiaki attempts to lift her spirits by inviting her to travel to Europe, she remains disinterested due to her depression over the recent recital. With the New Year's concert approaching, Chiaki has not yet notified the Rising-Star Orchestra about his imminent departure from Japan or his successor, Matsuda. Additionally, Sakuma explains the motivations behind his assistance to Chiaki over the previous two years, which began following the pianist's Rachmaninoff performance.