Akane-banashi, Vol. 12

Akane takes on the world of rakugo to avenge her father! Shinta Arakawa wants nothing more than to pass his shinuchi examthe 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 goalto avenge her father and prove his art was worthy of the title of shinuchi. Even though its Asagao's futatsume promotion, Akanes own promotion recommendation is on the line with this performance as the zenza opening act. The one judging her is not only a friend of Chochos and Taizen, one of the Arakawa Arch Four, but also a longtime friend of her own father. Taizen recognizes Akanes talent but is threatened to not recommend or promote any of Shigumas students by Zensho, another one of the Arch Four. Will Taizen make the right decision, or will he succumb to his peer? Meanwhile, Maikeru Arakawa is gearing up to be the first person in the Arakawa school to take the shinuchi test since the expulsion scandal.