Kikuhiko and Hatsutaro, promoted to futatsume, left their master's house to live an impoverished life on their own. Ever since changing his name to Sukeroku, Hatsutaro's popularity has skyrocketed. Even Kikuhiko is shocked by his unwavering ability to make people laugh at difficult stories. Meanwhile, Kikuhiko is working to feed the both of them, so much so that he can't even get good training done. To cheer him up, his master introduces him to a geisha called Miyokichi...

Kikuhiko's tour with the 7th Generation Yakumo was a huge success. His master is satisfied with Kikuhiko's growth, and plans to promote him to shin'uchi soon. The problem is Sukeroku, whose behavior is forcing Yakumo to bend over backwards to get him promoted. Meanwhile, Sukeroku learns something surprising from Miyokichi: that Kikuhiko didn't even tell her about his trip. Her face is sad, but accustomed to heartbreak... and beautful.