Arakawa, Naoshi

"The music competition is in full swing, with both of Kosei's old rivals, the genius Takeshi Aiza and unstable prodigy Emi Igawa, energized by his return. When it's finally Kosei's turn, he lives up to his reputation, playing precisely and flawlessly at first. But before too long, the phantom of his mother reappears, casting him back in the dark, uncertain abyss"--Back cover.

"Kosei's road back to playing the piano has been rough, but he's finally beginning to regain his confidence, even though he still has trouble hearing the notes. But as his first solo competition in years closes in, Kosei will have to deal with reentering a cutthroat world, where old rivals still remember - and resent - Kosei's younger self, the precocious Human Metronome. Kaori's support is unwavering, but will it be enough to push Kosei through all the toxic memories this experience dredges up?"--Back cover.

"Kosei's return to the stage as Kaori's accompanist was a complete disaster. He couldn't hear the music, he lost track of the tempo, and they stopped and restarted the piece. But it did accomplish one thing: it reminded him of the thrill of playing for an eager audience. Now, Kaori's demanding Kosei enter a piano competition solo, but he's terrified that, alone on the bench, the ghost of his abusive mother will paralyze him yet again..."--Back cover.