Back at full health, Michiko itches to perform surgeries again. But with shifting hospital priorities and a handsome new surgeon, chances are limited.

When the press spots the hospital public relations chief dining with a government official, Hachisuka worries about missing out on a research grant.

Ebina's job is on the line when he clashes with the internal medicine department over who should treat a musical performer with thyroid cancer.

A nurse with the personality and competence to match Michiko begins working at the hospital and soon gets under Korogi's skin in the operating room.

Akira arranges for the son of an extremely wealthy Chinese businessman to have surgery at Totei, but does not put Michiko forward as the lead surgeon.

Eager to build on the power and success of the hospital, Hachisuka invites Dr. Morimoto to make use of his newfound influence as an online celebrity.

An old friend of Jonouchi visits the hospital with her son, hoping that the chemical surgery department might be able to treat her late-stage cancer.

Plans for the Infection Research Center consume Hachisuka as he maneuvers Hiruma out of power. Hiruma's wife visits the hospital with her own problem.

The hospital tumbles into chaos at the announcement of a new virus. Despite the new safety measures, Michiko still demands to operate on Hachisuka.