So Kaisei not only took the Shin’uchi test, but also failed it. Not only to add, moreover, the smile he gives as we see Kaisei crying. I guess he sees the potential of Akane and Kaisei competing and raising their skills. Still, it does highlight how great of a master Issho is regarding the art of Rakugo. He is not someone who will be there to support you like Shiguma was for Akane.
I really liked the focus on the importance of drawing an audience. After all, the art is all well and good, but it means nothing if you can’t get people wanting to watch your performance. Interestingly enough, as we see with Hikaru, there are other factors that people could come and see you perform. Also, word of mouth, I assume, plays a role as well. Though seeing the crowd Kaisei pulls out is very interesting.
