The Magnificent Kotobuki Side Story: Harukaze Squadron in the Sky Episode Rating Graph

Kotobuki Squadron visits Arushima to restock. Kylie gets ambushed while eating by a group known as Harukaze Squadron, who revere her and her group of flyers as living legends. Chika intervenes, jealous that Kylie started eating without her, but this causes an even bigger commotion. The two are forced to retreat back to the airship leaving Harukaze Squadron in awe (and in possession of Kylie's trademark flight cap).

Harukaze Squadron has nothing to do, so Yuka tells the story about how they all first met each other. One by one, the squad members recall their motivations to join, how they became a part of Harukaze Squadron, and why they all make the perfect team.

Harukaze Squadron visit a sketchy (and expensive) exhibition of a mysterious creature known as a "fish". They learn that a long time ago, when the planet still had oceans, these creatures lived in great numbers and swam from one part of the world to the next. But a group of pirates have their eyes on this valuable, and possibly very tasty, creature.

Three of the Harukaze girls visit a seedy bar, looking for something to eat. They notice some men playing dice with a woman who is effortlessly taking all of their money. Struck with the thrill of winning by luck, Belle accidentally gambles away the squad's food money. It looks hopeless until she uses her emergency cash and rallies, winning it all back and then some. Lola & Fio of the Gekitetsu Family watch on as the losers cry foul right before local police walk in to see the illicit activity. Lola creates a distraction that allows the Harukaze girls to escape... without their money or their food.

Harukaze Squadron gets hired for guard duty at an airfield. They have no idea what it is they're suppose to be guarding until they come face to face with the famous Kotobuki Squadron. After getting over their initial shock, they start talking about the history of the basin the airfield is situated in and how it used to be a vast ocean with water as far as the eye could see in every direction. From there, the conversation takes a turn for the weird with stories about ancient clothing known as swimsuits and which fighter plane each of the girls best represents.

Yuka finally achieves her dream of meeting Reona of Kotobuki Squadron in person. Harukaze Squadron proceed to engage in some very overt hero worship. Reona and Zara attempt to bring them back down to Earth by admitting that they make mistakes and fail sometimes themselves. However, they end up making Harukaze Squadron even more starry-eyed than before.

The Harukaze girls enjoy some down time at their company building. They all exchange stories about their personal encounters with the Kotobuki Squadron girls. Though, there are some disagreements over certain details which leads to a very serious discussion about personal hygiene.

Councilor Yuria personally inspects the Hagoromo-maru Mk. II before it disembarks. Meanwhile, Kotobuki Squadron discuss failed (and potential) relationships between colleagues with Ririko at the local saloon - before Yuria walks in to personally inspect the drinks on tap. All is well, except that First Officer Saneatsu is worried that, with all the modifications made to the airship, a close friend's services may no longer be required.

Several flyers from different groups crash land on an old mountaintop airfield. While waiting to be rescued, they try to get to know each other. One of them finds a very old case of alcohol which causes the meet & greet to become much more impassioned.

In preparation for their mission alongside Kotobuki Squadron to protect the Hagoromo-maru Mk. II from pirates, Harukaze Squadron decides to ask the Magnificent Kotobuki for advice directly. Despite the girls of Harukaze Squadron being so forward, all the girls of Kotobuki Squadron gladly share their experiences and advice with the fledgling flyers... save for one member.

One year after the Battle of Ikesuka, there is still a civil war raging and an increase in crime in Aleshma. Harukaze Squadron, Kotobuki Squadron, and girls from different groups and families are all wandering around the city. They all converse about their experiences with each other and how things might turn out for everyone in the future.

Harukaze Squadron regroup at the fountain at the center of Aleshma, boasting about their increasing notoriety and wondering if the portal to the Yufang will ever reopen. Yuka rallies the troops with an inspirational speech and they walk on through the city, missing the Kotobuki Squadron by a matter of seconds.