Ep 11. Polish nova

As the 11th episode of the first season of Forest of Piano titled "Polish Nova" begins, we are immediately transported to Poland, where Kai and other young pianists have arrived to participate in the Chopin Competition. The atmosphere is tense, as the competition in Poland is considered one of the most prestigious in the world, and the stakes are high. Amidst this pressure and excitement, Kai can feel the heavy weight of his own expectations pressing down on him, as he is determined to push himself to his limits and win the top prize.

The episode begins with Kai and a fellow competitor, an American girl named Leichter, talking about their experiences in the competition so far. Leichter, who has already made it to the final round, tells Kai about how her own father constantly pushed her to become a pianist, and how she has always felt like she is living in his shadow. Kai sympathizes with her, and tells her that he also struggles with the expectations that others have for him, particularly those of his own father. The two bond and share a touching moment before they are called away to their respective competitions.

Back in Japan, Kai's friends Amamiya and Takahashi watch a live stream of the competition and cheer Kai on. They are joined by Ajino-sensei, who reveals to them that Kai has been practicing for this competition since he was just a child. Ajino-sensei tells them about the incredible sacrifices that Kai's father has made for him, and how Kai's dreams of becoming a world-class pianist have become intertwined with his father's own desires.

As the episode progresses, we see Kai give an emotional performance of Chopin's "Polonaise in A-flat major", a piece he has been practicing for years. The judges are impressed, and Kai is one step closer to realizing his dream of becoming a world-class pianist. However, there are still more challenges to face, as he must now face his toughest competitor yet, a young Polish prodigy named Zelkov.

In the final scene of the episode, Kai and Zelkov prepare to face off in the final round of the competition. The stakes are high, as both have the chance to prove themselves as the best pianist in the world. As they begin to play, the tension is palpable, and the scene is set for a stunning musical showdown.

Overall, "Polish Nova" is an emotionally charged episode that explores the intense pressure that young musicians face as they compete at the highest levels. Through Kai's journey, we see the sacrifices that are made in pursuit of excellence, as well as the emotional toll that these sacrifices can take. The episode also serves as a stunning showcase for the incredible talent of the young pianists, with breathtaking performances that are sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats.