Explosion

Final scene of Episode 3, showing the newly expanded percussion section.

**"Explosion"** is a Season 1 episode of the series Taranai Yūsu Ōkesutora. It is the 3rd episode of Season 1, as well as the third episode of the series overall.

## Synopsis

The Taranai Youth Orchestra faces its toughest challenge yet: mastering the explosive fusion of "Explosion," a new piece blending tradition with rock. Tomasoto, Nancai, and Husako hover on the periphery, tempted by the music but wrestling with self-doubt.

## Plot

The episode opens with an orchestra rehearsal, with Jodai Topomo pushing the orchestra even further due to their first concert coming up. Ranai is visibly annoyed about this.

Jodai then announces the final piece for the concert, "Explosion". This piece presents a new challenge for the greater dynamic variation, going from a quiet start, a slow crescendo, a climax, then the aftermath. Emily Wassen is depended on heavily here, as the explosion sound relies heavily on the percussion section.

The next scene shows Husako Tiwe again being pressured by his cousin Adino Tiwe to pursue guitar and form a rock band. However, Husako grows angry and tells his cousin that he will continue to pursue drums instead, and join the orchestra. Adino accepts this and the two have a bonding moment before Adino leaves to return to Tokyo.

In the next scene, posters are put up around the schools advertising the orchestra's first ever concert, where they will play their three songs. Tomasoto Yeseke sees the poster and decides to go and watch. Nancai Shen also sees the poster from her own school and also decides it is worth attending.

Back at Taranai Boys' High, Edgar, Tomasoto, and Husako have another music duel. Edgar starts by picking up the violin and playing through a beautiful rendition of "Morning in Taranai", his first time attempting vibrato proving to be successful. Husako goes next, and plays a rock beat on the guitar before jumping onto the drumset and initiating a drum solo.

Finally, Tomasoto walks to the piano, and plays, "The Ghost of Topomo Bridge". Neither Edgar nor Husako have heard it played this way before, and Tomasoto's shadow appears taller here, implying he is being guided by his grandfather, who secretly played piano as well as violin. Both Edgar and Husako acknowledge that Tomasoto is the victor.

The day of the concert arrives, and Husako, Tomasoto, and Nancai take their seats in the audience. The orchestra opens with "Morning in Taranai", and the audience visualises the snow-capped peaks that mark the region. The next song is, "The Ghost of Topomo Bridge". Tomasoto's shadow can be seen swaying to the beat of the song.

The orchestra moves into their final song, "Explosion". It begins with some quiet harmonics from the violin section, followed by a slow beat from the timpani. The orchestra gradually begins to grow in speed, volume, and intensity. Near its peak, Ranai launches into a speedy viola solo, growing faster and more intense until the sudden loud note from the timpani, where the orchestra grows silent. The violins again move to quiet harmonics, finishing the piece.

The audience applauds as the orchestra bows. Jodai then announces that the orchestra is small and anyone wishing to join may join.

Tomasoto is the first to approach Jodai, and tells her that he wants to play the piano. However, Jodai says the orchestra does not have a piano, so he joins the percussion section instead.

The next person to approach is Nancai, who wants to play violin. However, she sees a mocking smile from Ranai and loses her nerve, instead deciding to join the percussion section where Emily is.

Husako then steps up and says that he will join with the drums. The newly expanded percussion section then greets each other, and the episode finishes with a shot of the newly expanded percussion section.

## Characters

### Main Characters

* Jodai Topomo
* Emily Wassen
* Edgar Rice
* Tomasoto Yeseke
* Nancai Shen
* Husako Tiwe

### Minor Characters

* Ranai Yuke
* Dakin Han
* Kiel Pisutu
* Stanoyo Trume
* Adino Tiwe