As all the applicants are gathered, they begin intense idol training which, to their surprise, involves combat skills and self defense. The manager, Tsubasa Katagiri, reveals that, in order to be selected, the applicants must protect AKB during a guerilla concert. As Nagisa and Yūka argue about Chieri's change in attitude, they stumble across AKB0048 practising and learn how hard they practise and how their occasional squabbles help improve each other. The day of the concert come and the applicants find themselves up against the DES, with many of the girls failing under pressure. As Nagisa and Chieri fight together, Chieri gets shot whilst protecting Nagisa. Thankfully, it is revealed the DES attack was simply a simulation using paint balls. Having taken note of their friendship and teamwork, Tsubasa announces that Nagisa, Chieri, Yūka, Orine, Suzuko, Makoto and Sonata have all successfully passed and will become the 77th generation understudies.
いよいよ二次オーディション開始。
その課題は「歌って踊らせること」。
自分たちが踊るのではなく、ゲリラライブを行うAKB0048の護衛をすることだった。
華やかな芸能の世界に憧れて集まってきた少女たちに、戦闘経験などあるわけもなく……。
突然始まった過酷な戦闘訓練とつらい生活環境に、候補生たちの不満は募っていく。
