Ep 1. Moanin'

In Kids on the Slope season 1 episode 1, titled "Moanin'," the story begins with Kaoru Nishimi, a new student at a high school in Kyushu, Japan. Kaoru is a gifted pianist and has always been a loner, preferring the company of his music over people. His family moves a lot due to his father's job, and as a result, Kaoru has never had a chance to make friends.

On his first day at the new school, Kaoru catches the attention of the class troublemaker, Sentaro Kawabuchi. Sentaro is a skilled drummer, but he's also known for his rebellious and unpredictable behavior. Despite Kaoru's attempts to avoid him, Sentaro chases him down after class and demands that he play the piano accompaniment for a jazz piece he's been practicing.

Kaoru is hesitant at first, but once he starts to play, he becomes completely absorbed in the music. The two boys begin to jam together, and for the first time, Kaoru feels a sense of belonging.

Later, Sentaro invites Kaoru to join him and his friends at a jazz club run by a family friend, Ritsuko Mukae. Ritsuko is the daughter of a jazz-loving record store owner, and she's always been drawn to the music and the lifestyle surrounding it. She's also been friends with Sentaro since they were little, and she takes an immediate liking to Kaoru's quiet and introspective personality.

At the club, Kaoru is introduced to Junichi Katsuragi, a gifted trumpeter and the son of a wealthy family. Junichi is also known as "Jun," and he's the complete opposite of Sentaro in terms of personality and behavior. Where Sentaro is wild and impulsive, Jun is calm and reserved. Nevertheless, the three boys bond over their shared love of jazz, and they spend the night playing together and discussing their musical idols.

As the episode comes to a close, Kaoru reflects on the events of the day and realizes that he's found something he never knew he was looking for: a group of friends who accept him for who he is and who share his passion for music. He's excited about the prospect of playing jazz with Sentaro, Jun, and Ritsuko, and he can't wait to see where their newfound friendship will take them.

Overall, Kids on the Slope season 1 episode 1 is a charming and heartwarming introduction to the world of jazz and the power of friendship. The episode does an excellent job of establishing the main characters and their personalities, as well as setting up the overarching themes of the series. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves music, coming-of-age stories, or just a good old-fashioned feel-good anime.