Episode 3 of Season 2 of "Alice in Borderland" kicks off with a poignant flashback depicting Tatta in his former life as a diligent mechanic. A catastrophic incident unfolds when a jack malfunctions, causing it to fall and leading to a devastating accident that forces his colleague, Kato, into retirement due to the psychological trauma. Trapped in a cycle of helplessness, Tatta too is compelled to leave his job, haunted by the echoes of that fateful day.
This poignant backdrop mirrors the dire circumstances of the present, as Tatta finds himself gambling with mere minutes remaining in the game. Meanwhile, Arisu intervenes and saves Usagi from Niragi's clutches, narrowly averting her abuse. Safely escorting Usagi back to their base, Arisu's thoughts are drawn to Kyuma's words of wisdom about the essence of leadership, prompting him to venture out towards the shores where Kyuma, the King of Clubs, stands solitary.
Arisu expresses his gratitude to Kyuma for enlightenment on leadership and proposes a final handshake, symbolic of their journey together. To everyone's astonishment, upon clutching hands, Arisu's score skyrockets by 500 points! The revelation unfolds: Tatta, armed with a daring plan, had prearranged a critical maneuver. Possessing 10,100 points on his bracelet, Tatta convinces Arisu to snap his wrist, dislodging the bracelet and pocketing it, thereby outwitting Kyuma. This moment, though echoing Tatta's past trauma where Kato lost his hand, now marks a triumphant sacrifice as it tips the scales in their favor – if they can only cling to victory.
Intriguingly, Kyuma's team isn't depicted as outright villains, making the game's outcome all the more poignant and complex. His comrades do not fault him for his defeat or laxity, acknowledging their debt to him for bringing them this far. However, Kyuma himself remains enigmatic, refusing to divulge the meaning behind this world and its games when quizzed by Arisu. "You are the captain of your own destiny," he cryptically asserts before walking away to embrace his fate, leaving a profound impact on all who witness his dignified acceptance.
Arisu is consumed by guilt, a burden that grows heavier still when Kyuma reminds him of their long-standing friendship. "Forge your own path," Kyuma urges, his words resonating as he offers Arisu a heartfelt thank you before spreading his arms wide, resigning himself to his fate. As Kyuma and his comrades fade away, the blimp, in a fiery spectacle, plummets into the depths of the sea. Tragically, Tatta too succumbs, his life ebbing away due to excessive blood loss.
Determined not to let Tatta's sacrifice be in vain, the remaining members of the group steel themselves for the road ahead. Niragu, however, grapples with survivor's guilt, ultimately choosing to distance himself from the group—a move perhaps beneficial for all.
Meanwhile, at Teio Prison, another game commences, with Chishiya emerging as a key player. A diverse assortment of men and women are assembled in a single cell, where the Jack of Hearts oversees a harrowing round called "Solitary Confinement." Each contestant is outfitted with a neck collar, tasked with deciphering a symbol within a stringent time limit. Upon expiration, they return to their individual cells to submit their answers. A correct response grants them continued participation; an incorrect one, a swift and brutal end.
This cycle of anticipation and revelation stretches on indefinitely, with ample provisions ensuring their physical survival, yet isolating them in a mental prison akin to solitary confinement. The sole escape lies in deceiving the Jack of Hearts, who lurks among them in plain sight, undetected.
The ensuing game is a captivating dance of trust and psychology. A substantial alliance forms under the leadership of Urumi, a figure reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland, navigating the first round unscathed. However, the second round proves far more harsh, as a rage-filled man takes out his frustration on a helpless child, manipulating the innocent into deceit.
Consequently, Urumi persuades his sizable group to deceitfully mislead the unsuspecting youth, having himself indulged in similar deceitful practices earlier. This action sets the stage for the unfolding drama, where larger factions begin to methodically dissect the characters, each at Urumi's whimsical command, akin to a puppeteer reveling in his mastery. Mistrust weaves its insidious threads through their ranks, yet a twist arises when one of Urumi's companions seeks a contrary perspective... only to discover she too has been ensnared by lies. Gradually, this formidable group dwindles to a mere quartet, with Urumi eliminated and the once cohesive dynamic shattered.
Chishiya endeavors to rally Ippei, his constant companion throughout this ordeal, urging him to maintain hope and perseverance. Sadly, Ippei chooses silence within the confines of his cell, embracing his impending fate and welcoming death's embrace. Now, Chishiya stands alone, with but five souls remaining in this残酷 game.
