The Trail Where Lilacs Bloom

Satori Kishimoto enters Hokuno University's veterinary program. After her grandmother Chidori took her in three years earlier, she gradually recovered from life as a shut-in and now dreams of becoming a veterinarian. As she adjusts to campus life with her roommate Ayaka and fellow student Zansetsu, her resolve grows stronger until she faces a heartbreaking decision over a life. (C) NHK / TELEPACK

Devastated after Natsuna tells her to quit, Satori returns to Tokyo, convinced she isn't cut out to be a vet. But when Chidori reveals her late mother's heartfelt wish, Satori finds the courage to return to Hokkaido. Uncovering the real reason behind Natsuna's harsh words, she renews her vow to become a veterinarian and sparks her first romance. (C) NHK / TELEPACK

When Chidori is hospitalized, Satori rushes to Tokyo and reunites with her estranged father, who asks her to move back in. Now a fourth-year student gaining hands-on experience through clinical internships alongside Ayaka and Zansetsu, Satori faces her biggest challenge yet: an urgent call about a difficult birth that puts her training to the test. (C) NHK / TELEPACK

In Hokkaido, fifth-year veterinary student Satori and friends Ayaka and Zansetsu work toward their dreams. At a clinic, Satori spots a tumor on Nozaki's dog, Kinako. Realizing Kinako can't be saved, Nozaki chooses euthanasia. Although Satori struggles to accept his decision, she senses Nozaki's deep anguish. She supports him and joins them for Kinako's final walk. (C) NHK / TELEPACK

Kentaro Inukai from the Livestock Hygiene Service Center comes to give a lecture, where Satori, Ayaka, and Zansetsu learn about foot-and-mouth disease in cattle and pigs. In their sixth year, Satori and friends take the national veterinary exam and forge their own career paths. Now a new large-animal vet, Satori discovers a severe abnormality in a cow at Orihara Farm. (C) NHK / TELEPACK

Zansetsu cares for red-crowned cranes, while Ayaka works for a pharmaceutical company and struggles to get farm owner Goda's attention. Meanwhile, foot-and-mouth disease strikes Orihara Farm. Under Inukai's direction, Satori and Nomi are tasked with culling every cow at the farm. Speechless before the distraught Orihara family, Satori enters the harrowing culling operation. (C) NHK / TELEPACK