The Great White Tower

Brilliant surgeon Goro Zaizen seeks to become a professor at the university hospital where he works, but his ambition rubs some the wrong way.

Zaizen agrees to operate on the pancreatic cancer patient, but his insistence on doing so quickly without Azuma and Ugai's knowledge angers Satomi.

Zaizen is introduced to Iwata, a medical association president who helped Ugai become a university professor. Iwata pledges to do the same for him.

To Azuma's chagrin, a construction company president asks Zaizen to perform his surgery. Later, a saleswoman collapses in front of Zaizen and Satomi.

Zaizen grows concerned after meeting Kikukawa, a successful professor who Azuma intends to be his successor. Later, Kikukawa turns down the position.

Okochi is chosen as the selection committee chairman. Worried, Zaizen tries to solidify his position by hinting to Tsukuda about Azuma's intentions.

Zaizen surprises Azuma by asking to serve as his assistant in an upcoming surgery. After learning Hayashida has passed away, Satomi confronts Ugai.

Zaizen makes a spirited attempt to win over Okochi but is met with stony silence. Moments later, Okochi offers Satomi a promising opportunity.

Azuma's stunt leads to a revote between Zaizen and Kikukawa being scheduled for a week later. Shocked by this result, Tsukuda makes a desperate move.

Ugai hounds Zaizen over his subordinates' mistake, but Zaizen responds by threatening Ugai into continuing his support. The vote is held the next day.