Episode 3 of Asura kicks off with an unexpected scene where Sakiko collapses at her workplace, weak and faint from exhaustion. Hiroo, who had thoughtfully brought his classmates to the cafe for a coffee break, swiftly calls for Makiko's assistance. The revelation unfolds that Sakiko has been neglecting her own nourishment, driven by Jinnai's desperate attempt to shed weight for an impending boxing match. Sakiko, loyal to the core, refuses to let Jinnai embark on this grueling journey alone, and thus, she too denies herself food.
Makiko gently guides Sakiko back home, but their arrival is met with an unwelcome sight. Jinnai is entertaining a girl, and amidst Sakiko's starving plight to support him, the two share a steaming bowl of ramen with obvious relish. Jinnai's lack of remorse when confronted by Makiko, who urges him to apologize, only deepens the wound, as he labels Sakiko as selfish in her concerns.
As they sit down for supper at Makiko's cozy abode, Makiko tenderly suggests that Sakiko sever ties with Jinnai and seek solace with their parents. However, Sakiko's mind is made up; she recalls Fuji's enduring presence in their house, steadfast and devoted to Kotaro despite his betrayals. The notion of returning to that environment, scarred by Jinnai's infidelity, seems unthinkable.
Elsewhere, Katsumata finds companionship with Takiko in the tranquil library. As twilight descends, he leads her to a secluded park, where he symbolically burns every shred of evidence he's gathered regarding Kotaro's affair. Katsumata grapples with the uneasy truth that their relationship blossomed from his investigative mission. Their impromptu bonfire soon spins out of control, leading to their arrest for minor offenses. A frantic call to Makiko's residence results in Takao's swift intervention, convincing the authorities to let Takiko and Katsumata go with a mere slap on the wrist.
Amidst this turmoil, Takao shares his insights with Sakiko at Makiko's place, hinting that Jinnai's defeat might have bruised his masculine ego. Perhaps, he suggests, Jinnai's erratic behavior is a subtle push to distance Sakiko, overwhelmed by her unwavering support. Makiko, keen to dissuade Sakiko from further entanglement, attempts to paint Jinnai in a less favorable light, hoping Sakiko will agree to end the relationship. Yet, Sakiko remains steadfast; she resolves to return to Jinnai, fueled by a relentless determination. She envisions a future where Jinnai continues to fight, unyielding, and together, they will silence all the doubters who ever cast aspersions on their love.
Next, Takao embarked on a two-day business trip, yet fate had other plans as he inadvertently dialed home, inadvertently inviting someone else to lunch before boarding his train. Makiko's suspicions hardened into certainty; Takao was seeing someone else and had fabricated the work trip as a cover. Later that fateful day, Tsunako accompanied Makiko to Fuji's place to lend a hand in the kitchen. Confiding in Fuji, Makiko unloaded her burden of discovery, but Fuji counseled silence, believing that speaking out would only inflame the situation further. Drawing strength from Fuji's composure, Makiko hoped to emulate her resilience, considering it the sole refuge for women in such predicaments.
Post their visit, Makiko and Tsunako's fortunes intertwined at a charming cafe. They marveled at Fuji's ability to coexist with Kotaro, despite knowing about his infidelity for years. They were awestruck by her transcendence of hatred and resentment. Tsunako reassured Makiko, likening her to Fuji—both possessing hearts of remarkable magnitude.
As their paths diverged, Makiko found herself drawn to the apartment where Kotaro's mistress and their son resided. Earlier, Kotaro had shared a meal with them and was now escorting them to an arcade. Outside this apartment, Makiko unexpectedly encountered Fuji, who suddenly collapsed, prompting a hasty rush to the hospital.
Meanwhile, Tsunako faced an ominous confrontation at her home. Toyoko, the wife of Tsunako's lover, confronted her, demanding the return of her husband. Toyoko brandished a gun, pointing it menacingly at Tsunako. Emerging from hiding as the situation escalated, Tsunako's lover failed to stand up for her, instead cowering behind her. Fortunately, Toyoko's weapon was a mere toy, intended to intimidate. Following Toyoko's departure, Tsunako received a call about Fuji's hospitalization.
Gathering at Fuji's bedside, the women and Takao waited anxiously, while Kotaro enjoyed himself with his mistress and her son. The mistress casually mentioned her desire to marry, to which Kotaro offered his blessings. He later hurried to the hospital, where Makiko, unable to restrain her anger, confronted Kotaro about his affair. Takao came to Kotaro's defense, arguing that seeking companionship outside the marriage wasn't wrong given his lifelong dedication to supporting his family. He accused Makiko of having no right to judge, since Fuji had ostensibly forgiven Kotaro and never discussed the affair. Makiko's fury intensified; Fuji's silence was not forgiveness but a manifestation of her jealousy, sadness, and heartbreak—an emotional turmoil that culminated in her fainting at the mistress's apartment.
Sakiko, who had reconciled with Jinnai and was now engaged, expecting their first child, thought the girls were mistaken in blaming Kotaro. The episode culminated in a leap forward in time, based on Sakiko's pregnancy, to a family gathering around Fuji's grave, painting a poignant picture of life's bittersweet continuities.
