In this chapter, the narrator is introduced to a new character. He is introduced as a friend of the narrator's who saw the first performance of a new orchestra. The orchestra is called the Toru Kikuchi, and it is led by a woman named Miki. Miki is a former student of the university where the narrator was a principal player. She lost to Toru at an international competition. The narrator is shocked to learn that Miki has won the competition. He also learns that the young man who lost his love at the beginning of the chapter is now studying abroad.