The Last Soloist (さいごのソリスト Saigo no Sorisuto) is the twelfth episode of the third season of the Hibike! Euphonium anime series. It aired on June 23, 2024.
Synopsis[]
Kumiko reflects on Kanade’s words from a previous episode as she prepares for her audition. Giving it her best shot, she waits anxiously for Michie to announce the Nationals participants. Although Kanade isn't selected, Michie reveals that Kumiko and Mayu will be the soloists, causing confusion among everyone.
Michie clarifies that the two will face off in one final audition, with the band voting on who should be the soloist for the soli part. Later, Kumiko discusses the situation with Taki, who explains that he found it difficult to choose and wanted the band to make the decision since Kumiko is the president. Kumiko suggests they perform in different areas to help the band decide who sounds better.
Taki praises Kumiko and the students he guided, agreeing to her suggestion. Kumiko heads to the train station, where she meets Reina. She asks if Reina would be upset if Mayu wins. Reina admits she would be, as Kumiko had assured her that her musical talent was on par with hers. Kumiko promises to give it her all.
Returning home, Kumiko notices a career survey on her desk with a note from Mamiko, promising support no matter what Kumiko writes. After filling it out, Kumiko hands it to Michie, who was expecting her choice and assures her of support. Michie promises to send the necessary documents, and Kumiko comments on the admirable nature of grown-ups. Michie predicts that Kumiko will one day admire the next generation.
Kumiko and Mayu head to the audition stage, where Kaori and Reina once competed. Taki asks them to practice for their audition. Kanade encourages Kumiko, expressing her desire for Kumiko to win. Kumiko asks Kanade to listen carefully and choose the best musician.
Before the audition, Michie gives the girls numbered playing cards to determine who plays first. While waiting, Kumiko and Mayu open up to each other. Kumiko apologizes for her initial fear and misunderstanding when Mayu transferred in. Mayu shares that she faced trauma in middle school when chosen over an upperclassman, and Kumiko empathizes, seeing similarities in their situations. Mayu reveals her connection with a friend who quit music because Mayu was always chosen over her. Kumiko encourages Mayu to give her best, despite being rivals.
The re-audition begins with both playing behind a curtain. Reina joins visibly but doesn't vote. Once they finish, Taki asks the band to vote. Yayoi counts the votes, revealing a tie, until Reina casts the deciding vote for the first candidate, who turns out to be Mayu. Kumiko reflects on Taki’s values of fairness and steps forward to rally the band, emphasizing their goal of winning gold at Nationals. Mayu, tearful but smiling, appreciates Kumiko’s encouragement.
Later, someone informs Kumiko that Reina left early. Kanade, upset, confronts Kumiko, who comforts her before meeting Reina at Daikichiyama. Seeing Reina sobbing, Kumiko reassures her, performing a comforting gesture from a previous season. She acknowledges Reina’s rightful choice and reminds her of her specialness.
Despite her disappointment at not playing alongside Reina at Nationals, Kumiko finds solace in their bond as the episode closes with a shot of the final competition’s building.
Trivia[]
- The results actually deviate from the original source material. In the original, Kumiko is voted on instead of Mayu.
Gallery[]
