As Episode 4 of Alice In Borderland unfolds, Usagi commences her journey by tenderly attending to a rabbit trapped in a net. The presence of animals in this realm is unmistakable, and with a swift, decisive motion, she ends its suffering, setting off down the street with her evening meal in hand.
Her path crosses that of Arisu, who lies prostrate and overwhelmed with grief upon the pavement. As she draws near, his somber prophecy of impending doom falls on seemingly deaf ears. Yet, when fate brings them together again later that day amidst the relentless downpour, Usagi's heart softens towards him, the rain mirroring their shared turmoil.
Flashbacks paint a poignant picture of Usagi's strained relationship with her father. Once a bond filled with love and shared adventures, it gradually deteriorates as her father chooses to venture into the mountains alone, leaving her behind. This fateful decision marks the last time she sets eyes on him, as news spreads of Shinegori Usagi, the world-renowned mountaineer, vanishing without a trace. Rumors swirl, hinting at suicide or a solo ascent without oxygen. Ironically, Usagi's subsequent days are punctuated by moments where she finds herself mirrored in Arisu's desperate, face-down posture.
Returning to the present, Arisu awakens, his mind consumed with guilt over the loss of his companions. His curses echo against the heavens as Usagi grounds him with her own confession of despair and self-blame, reminding him that he is not alone in his suffering.
Usagi, filled with gratitude for Arisu's bravery in saving her life during their game of tag, vows to repay the kindness. This vow seems to ignite a spark within Arisu as day gives way to night, as the pair prepares to plunge into another perilous game . In an underground car park, a graffiti-laden bus stands as the ominous gateway to their next challenge.
The other boys, mobile phones clutched in their hands, greet the duo warmly. Arisu's gaze falls upon Takuma, a boy whose sprained ankle speaks volumes without words, reminding him of Chota. The game's rules are straightforward: survive the trial, navigate the gauntlet, and reach a designated distance within a generous timeframe. However, the bus's empty fuel tank presents a dire predicament. In a noble act of self-sacrifice, Takuma decides to put himself at risk to save the rest. Though troubled by this, Arisu joins the others and they set off on their feet.
Their journey persists until they stumble upon a replenishment station. Usagi hesitates, unsure about the drinks offered there, and instead, they share a small bottle they brought among themselves. But soon, their situation escalates drastically as they are hunted by a menacing, bloodthirsty panther whose snarls echo through the air. The chase intensifies as the panther snatches Seizan, one of the boys, and flees with him.
As Arisu continues onward with the remaining group, his eyes catch a glimpse of a motorcycle in the back of a truck, sparking an idea. Reluctant to see another person sacrifice themselves for his sake, Arisu races back with the motorcycle, determined to rescue Takuma.
He too manages to return, yet Usagi finds herself in a precarious situation after reaching the targeted distance of 12,000 meters. To her dismay, she discovers the tunnel obstructed. Just as it seems all hope is lost, the tunnel's seams burst open, unleashing a torrent of water that pursues her relentlessly through the dark passageways. Fortunately, she narrowly escapes this aquatic peril and makes it back to Arisu and Takuma, who swiftly open the bus doors, rescuing Usagi from impending doom at the eleventh hour. Ironically, their entire journey could have been avoided had they simply remained on the bus, the word "Goal" emblazoned on its side hinting at their fate.
Though battered and bruised, Takuma bids them farewell with the hope of meeting again soon. Meanwhile, Arisu stands alongside Usagi, pondering whether they should venture to the beach to confront the mastermind orchestrating these events. With a bicycle and a basket laden with luggage, the duo sets off, determined and ready to confront whatever challenges may await them at the shore.
