Sakuta Azusagawa, Kaito Ishikawa, is navigating the quiet aftermath of Shoko Makinohara’s arc by celebrating Mai Sakurajima, Asami Seto’s graduation, while juggling college entrance exam prep and watching his sister Kaede Azusagawa, Yurika Kubo, make her return to school.
During a meeting with a school counselor about where Kaede should study, doubts surface as the counselor points out her absences and suggests that an online-based high school might be a better fit; Kaede retreats to her room while Sakuta and their father consider their options.
Still unsure about online schooling, Sakuta attends an orientation class and discovers it may be a good fit for Kaede after hearing testimonials from other students, including idol Uzuki Hirokawa, Sora Amamiya. He then asks Kaede where she would like to go to school and she reaffirms Minegahara as the place she wants to attend.
With tutoring from Mai, Nodoka, and Sakuta, Kaede feels confident with her exams and submits the application form. However, Sakuta notices bruises on Kaede that remind him of her Puberty Syndrome and gently confronts her about keeping it secret, reassuring her that she can always count on him to help her reclaim her place in the real world.
On the day of the exams, Sakuta is called to the school because Kaede fell ill during lunch. In the nurse’s office, Kaede tells him she did well on the tests thanks to tutoring, but a former classmate’s intrusion triggered memories of bullying—and her bruises return. She scolds Sakuta, questioning whether he supported her or the “other Kaede,” and whether he did what was best for his sister. Sakuta gathers her things from the exam room and reads the journal Kaede had kept.
Back at home, Sakuta shows Kaede the online school brochure and calls Nodoka for a favor. As they walk, Kaede and Sakuta encounter a live event by the idol group Sweet Bullet, and he tells her that the lead singer also attends the online school. Uzuki’s presence helps Kaede see that normal school life and online schooling aren’t mutually exclusive, and that both have their own positives.
Uzuki’s own story—her upbringing and how she initially skipped traditional schooling before transitioning to online classes—offers Kaede a perspective on what “normal” could look like. When Kaede asks which path is better, Uzuki explains that both options have benefits, and the choice is about what works for you. This conversation gives Kaede the courage to explore her options, and she decides to enroll in online school, showing her friend what’s available and sharing a sense of relief and happiness.
Soon after, Kaede receives a call confirming her acceptance to Minegahara due to the school needing to meet a class quota, but she weighs the pros against staying with online schooling. After careful thought, Kaede reaffirms her decision to pursue online classes, and Sakuta can’t help but smile as he heads off to work, proud of her resolve and the path she’s choosing.
