Akane-banashi, Vol. 9

Shinta Arakawa wants nothing more than to pass his shin’uchi exam — the test that would make him a top-rank headliner and master storyteller in the traditional Japanese art of rakugo. Akane Osaki, his daughter and biggest fan, spies on him while he practices and learns his routines for herself. When rakugo master Issho Arakawa expels everyone after the exam with no explanation, a fire is lit inside Akane. From that day forth, she has had one goal — to avenge her father and prove his art was worthy of the title of shin’uchi.

Akane is finally able to show off her father’s rakugo to the world, but in doing so she discovers there was something lacking…which means there’s a chance for his style and for herself to grow. After the four-person selection event, Kaisei has some harsh words for Akane, but they don’t deter her from continuing on her path alongside Shiguma’s other apprentices toward greater heights. Then, Akane is presented with the chance of a lifetime when a certain master who can help get her promoted to the rank of futatsume comes into the picture.