Episode 4 of Asura kicks off with a phone call jarring the girls awake, informing them of a fire at their father's residence. Kotaro, indulging in a nighttime cigarette habit, accidentally sets the cushions ablaze. Though the blaze was minor, sparing the need for the fire brigade's intervention, the sisters nonetheless converge under the cloak of darkness to lend Kotaro a hand in tidying up the mess. Sakiko, now a mother with Jinnai and seemingly thriving, arrives at the scene in her sleek car. Makiko, privy to the existence of Takao's mistress—even knowing her name—finds it arduous to mask her discomfort, pretending all is well.
Once the cleanup concludes, the sisters settle around, their conversation drifting towards Fuji. Takiko ponders whether Fuji would still be alive if Kotaro had never strayed. Tsunako counters that the affair was merely a coincidence in Fuji's predetermined departure from Kotaro's life. Makiko disagrees, her mind replaying Fuji's collapse and the poignant, heart-wrenching look in her eyes. Sakiko, worn out from juggling her infant and her mother-in-law's company, is the first to drift into slumber, prompting her sisters to whisper about her understandable exhaustion.
Takiko's curiosity about Kotaro and his mistress's continued contact piques, with Sakiko, who has been eavesdropping, sharing that severing ties isn't as straightforward as it seems; they likely still cross paths. Tsunako then recounts a childhood anecdote, revealing that Kotaro had another mistress then, and Fuji was aware of it. The following morning, Kotaro sneaks out early, avoiding breakfast with his daughters.
Katsumata joins the girls during their morning meal, explaining that he came to check on Takiko after she received the call at his place. Takiko, less than thrilled by Katsumata's unexpected visit, attempts to dissuade him. Undeterred, Katsumata stays put, offering his assistance. Later, the sisters embark on distributing Fuji's clothes, each taking a piece of kimono as a cherished keepsake.
Later in the day, Kotaro visits Takao at his office, introducing us to Takao's rumored mistress, Akagi, his secretary. Meanwhile, Sakiko grants an interview to reporters at Jinnai's gym, sharing her family's story and her pivotal role in supporting Jinnai's career. Their apparent bliss is further evidence of their happy union, as earlier that morning, their phone flirtations had hinted at.
Takao had made a heartfelt promise to his daughter, Yoko, to take her out to the movies, yet the demands of his work intruded upon their plans. Sensing their disappointment, Akagi gracefully stepped in, offering to accompany Yoko since her schedule was clear for the remainder of the day. After an enchanting movie experience, Akagi and Yoko shared a delightful dinner, engaging in a lively discussion about careers. To Yoko's surprise, she learned that being a secretary was viewed with disdain in their society, a revelation that stirred her hope for a future where societal perspectives would evolve. With a dreamy gaze, Yoko confessed her aspiration to become a secretary. Akagi, ever curious, inquired about Yoko's family life, and Yoko, with an open heart, shared every intricate detail without hesitation.
Upon returning home that evening, Makiko's curiosity about Yoko's evening with Akagi was palpable. Yoko recounted their adventures and conversations, lavishing praise on Akagi's exquisite beauty—slim and with legs that seemed to stretch endlessly. While rummaging through their mother's belongings, the girls stumbled upon some erotic artwork, sparking different reactions within them.
Sakiko, introspective and thoughtful, approached Jinnai with a poignant request. She asked him to grant her a divorce if their love ever waned, disturbed by the revelation that Kotaro had shared intimate relationships with women other than Fuji, yet remained committed to her when she bore their child. Jinnai, understanding her turmoil, reassured her that her birth was no mistake but a cherished desire shared by both Fuji and Kotaro for another child.
Takiko's reaction to the artwork was starkly different. She was overwhelmed with self-consciousness, her heart racing with anxiety. That night, in the solitude of her home, she meticulously applied makeup, striving to enhance her appearance. When Katsumata knocked on her door, she shied away, refusing to let him see her in her vulnerable state.
Makiko, on the other hand, was deeply emotional. Her heart ached for her mother, who had married young and harbored deep desires for Kotaro, while he was out indulging in affairs. Fuji, loyal to the core, waited patiently at home, concealing her desires as she had hidden the artwork. Makiko's emotional outburst touched Takao, who suddenly felt an urge to draw closer to his daughter.
Elsewhere, Tsunako pined for her married boyfriend. On a whim, she dialed the Masukawa restaurant, but his wife answered. Embarrassed, she hung up, but the wife was already aware of the caller's identity. She phoned her husband but kept the caller's identity a secret. Disappointed, Tsunako's boyfriend did not come to her, and the episode concluded with Tsunako feeling utterly alone, longing for someone to hold her close.
