Shinichi Chiaki is quickly becoming a well-known name as the main conductor for the revived Roux-Marlet Orchestra, and Megumi "Nodame" Noda is advancing as a pianist at the Conservatoire de Paris. However, tension between the two grows as Nodame feels neglected by Chiaki's ever-growing successes and close relationship with piano prodigy Rui Son. Despite Professor Charles Auclair's advice, Nodame enters a piano competition to jumpstart her own career. Meanwhile, those in Chiaki and Nodame's inner circle face their own hardships. Rui begins to doubt herself after hearing Nodame's playing and being denied tutelage from Auclair. Maestro Franz von Stresemann comes face to face with his own mortality, while pianists Yunlong Li and Tatiana Vishneva prepare feverishly for a competition. The latter struggles with her growing feelings towards oboist and fellow student Yasunori Kuroki. As Chiaki, Nodame, and their friends move forward on their respective paths, they must stay true to themselves while remembering where they came from.