View source for Hikari Kuina (Netflix)

{{Media icons
| M  = Hikari Kuina
| NF = #
}}
{{Infobox character|NF
| image             = 
<gallery>
Kuina Season 1 Poster.jpg|S1
Kuina Season 2 Poster.jpg|S2
Kuina Season 3 Screenshot.jpg|S3
</gallery>
| kanji             = 水鶏 光
| romaji            = Kuina Hikari
| alias             = 
| gender            = Female
| hair color        = Brown
| eye color         = Dark Brown
| age               = 
| birthday          = 
| relatives         = Unnamed father<br>[[Kimiko Kuina (Netflix)|Kimiko Kuina]] (mother)
| status            = Alive
| occupation        = {{SpoilerInfobox|Karate teacher}}
| former occupation = Apparel clerk
| citizenship       = [[Player]]
| specialty         = {{s|Spades}}
| affiliation        = 
| former affiliation = [[Beach (Netflix)|Beach]]
| position          = 
| former position   = 
| rank              = 
| former rank       = 028
| live-action actor = [[Aya Asahina]]<br>Rihito Itagaki (younger in a flashback)
| episode debut     = [[Episode 5 (Season 1)|Episode 5]]
| EN voice actor    = Juliette Gosselin
}}
{{Nihongo|'''Hikari Kuina'''|水鶏 光|Kuina Hikari}} is a major character in ''[[Alice in Borderland (Netflix)|Alice in Borderland]].'' Her specialty changed from [[Clubs]] ({{Clubs}}) to [[Spades]] ({{Spades}}). She is portrayed by [[Aya Asahina]].

== Appearance ==
Kuina is a tall slim young woman who is always seen wearing a bikini swimsuit (as part of the regulations of the [[Beach (Netflix)|Beach]]), or a bikini top with figure-hugging navy jeans that have many embedded silver beads, and open-toed thick black sandals. She has long black dreadlocked hair pulled back in a ponytail, and she is often depicted with a fake cigarette in her mouth or in her hands. 

== Personality ==
Kuina has an easy-going and casual demeanor; she gets along with everyone, including [[Shuntaro Chishiya (Netflix)|Chishiya]]. Throughout the series, she is shown to care for the surrounding people, and is ready to stand up for those she thinks are doing the right thing. From her reflections on her past, it is revealed that she is fiercely independent and has a strong desire to survive, especially due to her attachment to her sick mother.

== History ==
Kuina is a transgender woman. Born as the only son to a family of martial artists, she was trained by her father in various fighting techniques in a dojo. However, Kuina did not have the disposition for martial arts and was often unable to finish a fight or land the final blow, which resulted in heavy abuse from her father. When she realized she liked herself wearing makeup by putting on lipstick, her father got furious and threw all the cosmetics away. After Kuina decided to leave home, he told her to never return, even though her [[Kimiko Kuina (Netflix)|mother]] did not wish to lose her child. 

Having changed her gender, Kuina started working as a sales clerk, and then at some point she found out that her mother was in the hospital, so Kuina went to visit her. Her mother recognized her despite a drastically different appearance and called her beautiful, which made Kuina very happy, as it was the first time her family truly accepted her. Kuina then dedicated her time to taking care of her mother until the day she was transported to the [[Borderland]].

== Story ==
=== Season 1 ===
{{Ep|[[Episode 5 (Season 1)|Episode 5]]}}
Kuina is first introduced plotting with [[Shuntaro Chishiya (Netflix)|Chishiya]], and it is quickly established that they are scouting [[Yuzuha Usagi (Netflix)|Usagi]] and [[Ryohei Arisu (Netflix)|Arisu]] to see if the duo are good for Chishiya's plan. 
[[File:Kuina in the Four of Diamonds.jpg|left|thumb|Kuina in the Four of Diamonds|alt=Kuina standing next to a closed door while the rules of the "Light Bulb" game are explained]]
She ends up being put into the [[Four of Diamonds (Netflix)|Four of Diamonds]] game alongside Arisu, [[Rizuna Ann (Netflix)|Ann]], and [[Kodai Tatta (Netflix)|Tatta]], and they have to guess which of the three switches turns on the lightbulb. Although staying calm at first, after the water becomes dangerously high, Kuina begs either Arisu to just flip a switch, or Ann, who has already worked it out, to tell them the solution. Per Arisu's request, she closes the door and waits, and then Arisu asks Kuina to touch the lightbulb, which she confirms to be hot. This solves the game and proves that the correct switch is A, since electricity generates heat. 

While talking to Usagi and Arisu after the game, Kuina shares her feelings about her sick mother and her wish to return to the real world and help her. She admits that she even stopped smoking to be fit and healthy enough to survive. As the militants walk into the area, she quickly explains to Arisu who they are and advises him to stay away from them. When Arisu tries to protect Usagi, she urges him to stop.

After the commotion is over, Chishiya walks up to Kuina and asks for her opinion on Arisu, to which she responds with a positive comment.
{{clear}}
{{Ep|[[Episode 6 (Season 1)|Episode 6]]}}
[[File:Kuina helping Chishiya steal the cards.jpg|right|thumb|Kuina helping Chishiya steal the cards|alt=Kuina on the lookout holding a walkie-talkie]]
After Arisu discovers the corpses of traitors in the dumpster, Chishiya and Kuina reveal their plan to stage a coup and steal [[Takeru Danma (Netflix)|Hatter]]'s stack of cards. During Arisu's unsuccessful attempt to open the safe in Hatter's suite, Kuina is stationed in a corridor keeping watch for militants with a walkie-talkie. Arisu and Usagi get caught but Chishiya uses it to his advantage and repeats the attempt himself later that day. Kuina is again on the lookout, talking to Chishiya through the walkie-talkie, and his words make her realize that Chishiya betrayed them so he could discover where the real safe was. When [[Takatora Samura (Netflix)|Last Boss]] walks past, Kuina winks at him so he does not get suspicious. 

When Chishiya is ready to leave the [[Beach (Netflix)|Beach]] with the cards, Kuina expresses her guilt over betraying Arisu and Usagi, but Chishiya questions her morals, which pushes her to leave with the deck anyway. However, before she can walk through the exit, Chishiya stops her as he notices something strange. He throws his bracelet through the archway, and it gets hit by the [[laser]], which proves that the entire complex has become a game venue. The pair go to the lobby and find [[Momoka Inoue (Netflix)|Momoka]]'s dead body along with an announcement that the game is "Ten of Hearts".
{{clear}}
{{Ep|[[Episode 7 (Season 1)|Episode 7]]}}
[[File:Kuina and Chishiya observing the Witch Hunt.jpg|left|thumb|Kuina and Chishiya observing the "Witch Hunt"|alt=Kuina and Chishiya standing in the security room and looking at the cameras, commenting on how everyone is shooting each other]][[File:Kuina defeating Last Boss.jpg|left|thumb|Kuina defeating Last Boss|alt=Kuina kicking Last Boss in the neck at the end of their confrontation in the bar]]
Kuina and Chishiya quickly leave the lobby before the chaos ensues and spend the first part of the game in the security camera room, pointing out that either one of them could be the Witch. Kuina feels confused about the reason everyone decided to start killing each other, as she watches multiple people die on the screens. Eventually, both decide to take action, and while Chishiya leaves to confront [[Suguru Niragi (Netflix)|Niragi]], Kuina goes to help [[Rizuna Ann (Netflix)|Ann]] with her search for clues. 

Ann reveals she was a forensic scientist and is attempting to discover who stabbed Momoka. However, as they are moving rooms, they are confronted by Last Boss, who has set the hotel on fire. Kuina distracts him, using her martial arts skills, so Ann can continue, and leads him to the bar. She avoids his chaotic katana swings through the use of shields and evasive movements. The confrontation makes Kuina remembers her past: she was born as a son to a martial arts master in a dōjō. Her father constantly tried to make her stronger, even when it reached the point of physical abuse. After she first tried applying makeup and discovered her true self, her father kicked her out of the house. 

The fight against Last Boss initially makes her feel like they are similar, both hated by the people around them. But when he openly disregards his past, claiming he has none, Kuina understands just how different they are. Realizing she can only defeat him if she comes to terms with the martial arts skills her father taught her, Kuina announces that she will confront her past instead of hiding from it, which is how she knocks Last Boss down with a kick to the head, dealing the final blow with her fist.
{{clear}}
{{Ep|[[Episode 8 (Season 1)|Episode 8]]}}
[[File:Kuina Chishiya Arisu and Usagi see Mira.jpg|right|thumb|Kuina, Chishiya, Arisu, and Usagi see Mira|alt=Kuina standing in the Dealer's hideout along with others, when Mira's image appears on the screens]]
Kuina finds Ann unconscious and carries her to the lobby so she can reveal who the Witch is. After the Witch has been deduced, and the hotel starts collapsing in on itself, the players try to clear the game by throwing Momoka's body into the Fire of Judgement, but Niragi suddenly reappears and opens fire. Kuina manages to escape, and she is then seen approaching the table where the final card is. She talks to Chishiya who has already collected it, calling him persistent, and the duo leaves the burning building together. 

Chishiya uses a piece of paper he collected from a [[Dealer]] in a [[Five of Spades (Netflix)|prior game]] to navigate the underground tunnels and find the Dealers' lair, which Usagi and Arisu have also discovered. Although there is some tension about Chishiya leaving the other two to die, the meeting is civil and somewhat friendly. Suddenly, the monitors in the room turn on, revealing [[Mira Kano (Netflix)|Mira]], an executive Beach member, announcing herself to be a game master and promising a present for the survivors. Kuina expresses her hope that they can return home, but Mira is excited about new games in the near future. Arisu states that this is their new target, and the quartet moves outside to watch from [[Shibuya Crossing]] as huge zeppelins holding [[Face Cards|Face Card]] signs begin to fly over the city.
{{clear}}

=== Season 2 ===
{{Ep|[[Episode 1 (Season 2)|Episode 1]]}}
[[File:Kuina and others waiting for the game to commence.jpg|thumb|left|Kuina and the others waiting for the game to commence|alt=Kuina sitting on the ground at the Shibuya Crossing, while Chishiya, Usagi, and Arisu are standing in the background behind her]]
Before the beginning of the [[Second Stage]], Kuina, Chishiya, Arisu, and Usagi are waiting at the [[Shibuya Crossing]], looking at a huge screen with the "NEXT STAGE START" announcement. There are no people around, and nothing is happening. Kuina wonders about the game rules that have not yet been explained. Suddenly, the quartet hears the sound of car engines, and soon all the surviving [[Beach (Netflix)|Beach]] residents arrive at the game venue, stating that they have heard about the commencement of the new Stage. The conversation is cut short, as one of the players is shot dead out of nowhere, and then more and more people get violently eliminated. As Chishiya identifies the weapon as an anti-tank rifle, everyone starts running away, unsure where exactly the attacker is shooting from. The quartet hides behind a small building, and Kuina repeats her question about the rules, but Arisu is convinced that it is a mass murder with no rules. Kuina notices the change in the gunshot sounds, and Chishiya confirms that now the attacker is using an assault rifle. As more people arrive at the venue, Kuina is surprised to see just how many people have survived so far. Realizing the necessity to keep running away, Arisu tells the others to split up and hide, so Kuina and others scatter in panic. 
{{clear}}
[[File:Chishiya identifies the opponent as the King of Spades.jpg|thumb|Kuina and Chishiya see the blimp with the King of Spades card|alt=Kuina and Chishiya hiding behind a car and looking up when the King of Spades card floats by]]
Some time later, Kuina is shown behind a car on another street, where she notices Arisu and Usagi, and urges them to stay focused on their survival. She and Chishiya get shot at, and Kuina, annoyed, loudly wonders where exactly the attacker is. As they look at the sky, they notice a large blimp, carrying a massive card image, which represents the [[King of Spades (Netflix)|King of Spades]]. Chishiya gives Kuina a DIY explosive, calling it a "good luck charm", and instructs her to use it when she is in extreme circumstances. As Usagi and Arisu move closer, Kuina states that it is unsafe to stay in one place, but Usagi is convinced that they will get shot if they run.

Luckily for the quartet, [[Rizuna Ann (Netflix)|Ann]] and [[Kodai Tatta (Netflix)|Tatta]] arrive in a car and urge everyone to get in. Usagi, Arisu, and Kuina make it to the car, but Chishiya is forced to stay behind. Kuina yells out his name, as she watches him take cover, and then worries whether he is going to be okay on his own. Arisu's attempt to reassure her makes it worse, and she exclaims that they do not know the rules and did not register for the game. 
{{clear}}
[[File:Kuina, Arisu, and Usagi during the car chase.jpg|left|thumb|Kuina, Arisu, and Usagi during the car chase|alt=Kuina in the car with her friends with a scared and confused expression on her face]]
The discussion is interrupted by the King of Spades, who has taken one of the Beach cars in order to catch up with the group. He shoots right at them, and a car chase begins. Making a sharp U-turn, Ann manages to pull away from the attacker, but not for long, and his car starts hitting theirs. In an escape attempt, the group accidentally crashes into another vehicle, and their car turns over, while the King of Spades drives past them and gets hit by other Beach residents. All five survive and crawl out of the car, with Kuina stating that she has broken her fingernails. The King of Spades opens fire once again, forcing players to split up, so Kuina, Arisu, Usagi, and Tatta lose Ann in the process and escape.

The quartet takes cover in a building and rests. Kuina sits on a sofa, looking at the explosive Chishiya gave her earlier, and wonders if he and Ann are going to survive. When Tatta decides to go and find a car for the group, she reluctantly joins him, grabbing his arm and joking that he has never had a woman by his side before. 

They find a shop with multiple old cars, and Tatta is excited to touch them, while Kuina states that those who were rich in the real world likely suffered the most after arriving in the [[Borderland]]. She also mentions having credit card debt previously.  

On the way back, they pick up Arisu and Usagi, and Kuina claims that they chose a car Tatta fell in love with.
{{clear}}
[[File:Kuina and others voting to participate in the King of Clubs game.jpg|thumb|Kuina and others voting to participate in the King of Clubs game|alt=Kuina sitting on the floor and looking at the map of Face Card game venues]]
The next day, as the King of Spades' blimp starts getting closer to the group's location, they begin brainstorming ideas on how to survive the game that spans the whole city. Arisu suggests participating in another game, assuming that the Face Card game masters would not invade each other's venues, and Kuina agrees that they have been forced into the games regardless of their wishes, so staying in one place means impending death at the King of Spades' hands or with their [[visa]]s running out. Seeing as Tatta is unwilling to participate in another game, Kuina suggests voting and goes with Arisu, and then eventually all four agree to join the [[King of Clubs (Netflix)|King of Clubs]] game.  

They drive towards the venue and see a lot of shipping containers. There is a table with wristbands and a note that there have to be five players in order to participate. At first the quartet thinks there are not enough of them, but suddenly a familiar voice breaks the silence, and they see [[Suguru Niragi (Netflix)|Niragi]] behind them with a wristband already on his wrist. Kuina refuses to be on a team with such a person, but eventually gives in, seeing as Usagi and Arisu put their wish to survive above their previous arguments with Niragi.

The doors open, and the group enters the game arena. The screen lights up with "The Sology" logo, and the announcement states that the King of Clubs team has arrived. Four people walk towards them from different directions, followed by a completely naked man who welcomes them and introduces himself as [[Ginji Kyuma (Netflix)|Kyuma]], the King of Clubs. He then introduces [[Sogo Shitara (Netflix)|Shitara]], [[Uta Kisaragi (Netflix)|Uta]], [[Takumi Maki (Netflix)|Maki]], and [[Goken Kanzaki (Netflix)|Goken]], and Uta jokes that he scared the guests with his appearance, but Kyuma is convinced that walking around nude is completely natural, as it is humanity's true form. In response to Arisu's question, Kyuma explains that they are [[Citizen]]s of this country. 
{{clear}}
{{Ep|[[Episode 2 (Season 2)|Episode 2]]}}
[[File:Kuina confused by Kyuma's explanation.jpg|left|thumb|Kuina confused by Kyuma's explanation|alt=Kuina raising her hand to ask a question]]
Upon learning of Kyuma's status as a Citizen, Kuina and the others are left utterly confused, as they have never encountered the term prior. Moreover, as Kuina points out, all players live in the Borderland, which is why referring only to some of them as "Kokumin" does not make much sense to her. 

This detail is often lost in the translation of "Citizen", as <br>
{{N|国}} (koku) = country, nation <br> 
{{N|民}} (min) = people <br>
Together, {{N|国民}} (kokumin) literally means "people of the nation" or "nationals", which refers to everyone who lives in the country without highlighting their legal status.

When Kyuma's explanation of the [[King of Clubs (Netflix)#Rules|rules]] gets too long, Kuina wonders how to remember them all, so Kyuma suggests a demonstration and gives everyone a random number of points. His statement about getting 10 000 points after touching the enemy's base confuses Kuina even further, as both teams start the game with that exact amount. 

After all the rules have been clarified, Kyuma and his team return to their side of the arena, so the players are left alone at their base. Kuina initiates the discussion about the points distribution, and the group comes up with an effective strategy, suggested by Arisu.
[[File:Kuina asking about Arisu's relationship with Usagi.jpg|thumb|Kuina asking about Arisu's relationship with Usagi|alt=Kuina and Arisu near shipping containers]][[File:Kuina has found the first item.jpg|thumb|Kuina has found the first item|alt=Kuina inside a shipping container happily announcing her success]]
Eventually, the plan is the following:
# The faster runners (Usagi and Kuina) get 300 points;
# The slower runners (Niragi and Arisu) get 4700 and 4600 points respectively;
# The goalkeeper at the base (Tatta) gets 100 points, the least number possible, as he is able to get infinite points by touching the base;
# Pairs of fast and slow runners (Arisu + Kuina, Usagi + Niragi) search for items together, because, while battling against a duo, opponents cannot see the individual points distribution between all teammates and see only the combined points instead. 

Kuina and Arisu are unlucky with items at first, and she asks why Arisu paired Usagi with Niragi. Arisu attempts to label it as a strategy, but Kuina quickly sees through his pretense and demands an explanation about what is going on between the two.
{{Q|If something has changed between you and Usagi, shouldn't you tell us?|Kuina pressures Arisu for answers}}
Arisu brushes off her questions and opens another container, which happens to have a button inside, so Kuina runs in and presses it, discovering the first item and gaining 2 000 points from it to her personal score, which allows her to have 2300 points, and her team's score changes to 12 000 points. As they close the container, they see Kyuma, who intends to battle them and convinces Arisu to do it without pairing, despite Kuina's intention to take him down together. 

At the end of the first round, Kuina and Arisu corner Maki, winning another 500 points in the battle. Kuina apologizes to Maki, who gets visibly irritated by the situation. 

As the quartet returns to the base, Tatta compliments their success, and Kuina gives Niragi a high-five, acknowledging his contributions and stating that she "almost forgot he was one of the bad guys". Kuina, Arisu, and Usagi touch the base to return to active status and discuss what they have learned about the enemy team, deciding to focus on their search for items.

When the second round of battles begins, the players' team successfully claims another item, but they see a sudden announcement about a major change in the score, and a GAME OVER for someone on the King of Clubs team. They return to the base and find out what happened from Tatta. After an argument, the group decides to split up and search for items while avoiding battles.
[[File:Kuina defeated by Maki.jpg|thumb|left|Kuina defeated by Maki|alt=Kuina lying on the ground after being thrown down]]
During the unsuccessful search, Kuina encounters [[Takumi Maki (Netflix)|Maki]], who challenges her to a one-on-one battle, seeing as she is alone and realizing his advantageous position. Kuina claims she will make the battle difficult and promises to knock Maki out cold for the rest of the gamebut Maki easily avoids all her punches. As she jumps onto the wall to kick him from above, he grabs her leg and drops her on the ground, initiating and winning the battle on contact. Defeated, Kuina wonders why Maki let her brag, as she did not expect him to be able to fight.

The players return to the base once again and come up with a new plan. At first, Kuina and the others are skeptical of the idea of attacking the enemy base, but Arisu convinces them otherwise. 
{{clear}}
[[File:Maki kicking Kuina to stop her from touching the base.jpg|thumb|Maki kicking Kuina to stop her from touching the base|alt=Citizens and players near the Citizens' base with Kuina running towards the metal pole and Maki kicking her in the side with a jump]]
Kuina's role in the new strategy is to distract Maki and touch the base. She pretends to reach for the metal pole and starts kicking Maki, which provokes him into fighting back and letting go of the pole, losing the advantage. Niragi's actions create a gap for Kuina, and she runs towards the base, but Maki gets up and kicks her at the last second, which renders her unable to touch the pole and earn any points, additionally depriving her of 500 points due to a battle initiated on contact.

Back at their own base, Kuina takes the blame for the failure, but Arisu claims his plan was not good enough. Seeing as Usagi decides to keep fighting anyway, Kuina calls her strong and admits her own inability to continue. She then walks towards an empty area and sits on the ground, feeling guilty and sorry for herself.
{{clear}}
{{Ep|[[Episode 3 (Season 2)|Episode 3]]}}
[[File:Kuina waiting for the Osmosis game to end.jpg|left|thumb|Kuina waiting for the "Osmosis" game to end|alt=Kuina looking up at the timer and talking to herself]]
Looking at the timer, Kuina feels like her impending death is taking an eternity. Suddenly, she sees that the scores have been updated, and the King of Clubs team has lost a battle. As the game is over, the player team's victory is announced, and the King of Clubs blimp blows up. 

Kuina returns to the base and finds Usagi unconscious. She tries to wake her to let her know that they have won, assuming that Arisu saved them somehow. They hug but then hear Arisu's screams and run to him. They see Tatta covered in blood and Arisu trying to shake him, but Tatta is unconscious. Kuina screams that he should hold on, but in vain.

[[Kodai Tatta (Netflix)|Tatta]] dies, so [[Ryohei Arisu (Netflix)|Arisu]], [[Yuzuha Usagi (Netflix)|Usagi]], and Kuina bury him nearby. Kuina puts flowers next to the pillar, which serves as a gravestone, and points out that it is a beautiful place to rest. She is determined to make sure his death was not for nothing, so she wishes to continue to keep Tatta's memory alive. 
{{clear}}
{{Ep|[[Episode 4 (Season 2)|Episode 4]]}}
Kuina treats Usagi's wounds when they and Arisu find a temporary indoor shelter. After Arisu falls into despair, she reassures him, saying that there might still be a way to return to the real world. She is determined to keep playing the games to find that out. 

In the morning, Kuina admits she is worried about [[Rizuna Ann (Netflix)|Ann]] and [[Shuntaro Chishiya (Netflix)|Chishiya]], so she takes a backpack and leaves to search for them.
{{Q|We need more allies if we are going to take down the King of Spades. And the more games we beat, the closer we will be to our goal.|Kuina explains her reasoning}}
She promises Usagi that they will see each other again, urges her to get some rest, tells Arisu to take care of her, and walks away.

{{Ep|[[Episode 5 (Season 2)|Episode 5]]}}
Kuina is briefly shown fighting against other participants during the [[Jack of Spades (Netflix)|Jack of Spades]] game. The rules of the game are not stated clearly, but it seems to be the "last one standing" type of battle. Kuina uses her martial arts skills to defeat the opponents, but since melee weapons are allowed, she ends up bruised and cut. After the game is over, she looks at herself in a bathroom mirror, admitting that the [[Face Cards|Face Card]] games are no joke, and tries to clean her wounds. Despite the pain, she is determined not to give up.

{{Ep|[[Episode 6 (Season 2)|Episode 6]]}}
Kuina slowly walks around the overgrown city and arrives at the hospital where her sick mother had been staying in the other world. She walks into the room and sees her mother's unmade bed, as well as her name on the wall and a picture of her and Hikari on the table. The photo frame is covered in dust, but it gives Kuina the motivation she needed, because she wants to see her mother again. Looking at the empty bed, she promises to go back home no matter what.

{{Ep|[[Episode 7 (Season 2)|Episode 7]]}}
[[File:Kuina and Ann uniting to beat the Queen of Clubs.jpg|thumb|Kuina and Ann uniting to beat the Queen of Clubs|alt=Kuina and Ann in the venue for the "Target" game, grabbing each other's hands as a symbol of readiness to fight together]]
Kuina enters the [[Queen of Clubs (Netflix)|Queen of Clubs]] venue, waiting for the game to commence. In the crowd, she notices [[Rizuna Ann (Netflix)|Ann]] and walks towards her, admitting that Ann is strong, so her survival was expected. Despite them both feeling like death would be a lot easier, they decide to team up and fight together.

The game begins, and their task is to throw glowing balls of different colors at their opponents in order to knock them off the platforms. They stand close to each other and attack other players on different fronts. After the game is over, Kuina and Ann leave the venue, and the Queen's blimp explodes behind them, falling down and indicating her demise.

The next morning, Kuina and Ann are seen running among the others towards the Shibuya Crossing, while the [[Isao Shirabi (Netflix)|King of Spades]] is firing at them. They spot [[Ryohei Arisu (Netflix)|Arisu]] and [[Yuzuha Usagi (Netflix)|Usagi]], so the four reunite, hiding behind cars. Kuina asks about Chishiya, and Arisu reassures her that he is okay, so she proposes to defeat the King together. While trying to escape the attack, Ann separates from the others and falls, so the King comes dangerously close to her. Kuina kicks a mirror off one of the vehicles, launching it towards Shirabi's head to distract him, making him her new target and allowing Ann to get up and run away. 

While other players try to injure the King, Kuina and Ann manage to escape and then reunite with Arisu and Usagi in an overgrown tunnel. [[Akane Heiya (Netflix)|Heiya]] joins the group as well, and soon afterwards [[Morizono Aguni (Netflix)|Aguni]] follows. Aguni's strategy is to lure Shirabi into an area where the blimp cannot drop supplies, which would leave him defenseless if he cannot restock the ammo. Kuina suddenly remembers that Chishiya gave her a DIY bomb, calling it a good luck charm, and Arisu designs a plan to use it at close range while causing an explosion in a nearby drugstore. Aguni volunteers to be the bait, but Usagi decides that they all need to help him, so she, Kuina, Ann, Heiya, and Aguni take on the job to lure Shirabi there through a narrow alley.
[[File:Kuina attacks Shirabi using martial arts.jpg|left|thumb|Kuina attacks Shirabi using martial arts|alt=Kuina mid-jump after hitting Shirabi with a wooden sign that shattered on impact]]
Kuina is the first to shoot at the King, but she quickly realizes that her gun is ineffective. While she escapes the counterattack, Ann opens fire on Shirabi from behind, allowing Kuina to hit him with a wooden sign using her martial arts jump attack. Then they engage in close combat, and he is about to shoot her, but Ann uses her gun just in time to save Kuina and allow her to run away. Kuina complains that Ann almost hit her as well, but Ann claims to know what she is doing. Kuina runs towards a car, on top of which is Heiya, who covers her by shooting arrows at Shirabi. They both run away, and Kuina opens a car door to slow down the incoming bullets.

After the King walks farther into the alley, Aguni opens fire on him, so Kuina pushes one of the tables from a nearby cafe to stop his counterattack and then hides behind it. Others make a few more moves, and Aguni jumps on Shirabi at close range, so Kuina kicks a gun out of one of Shirabi's hands to even the odds. Ann attracts his attention, and he opens fire on her, but all the girls escape the attack. A few moments later, seeing as the King has defeated Aguni, Usagi jumps at him from above, holding him down, but as soon as Kuina runs towards them, the King throws Usagi at her. Soon afterwards, Heiya and Ann become the first victims, and Kuina watches them in shock. 
[[File:Shirabi stabs Kuina.jpg|thumb|Shirabi stabs Kuina|alt=Kuina on the ground with her mouth open, Shirabi's hand holding the knife plunged into her side]]
Enraged after seeing Heiya's wounds, Aguni attacks Shirabi multiple times but eventually gets overpowered, and Shirabi attempts to strangle him. Kuina rushes towards the King and kicks him off Aguni, sits on top of him, and starts punching him in the face, full of anger and grief over her friends' grave injuries. Shirabi takes out a knife and stabs Kuina's abdomen multiple times, making her scream in agony, until Usagi grabs his arm to stop him. After he kicks her towards the wall, Kuina attempts to help her by grabbing Shirabi, but he stabs her once again, and blood pours out of her mouth. Despite that, she keeps trying to be of assistance to Usagi until the King kicks her in the stomach and sends her flying towards Ann's body. 

After the game is cleared, Kuina realizes that she cannot get up, and Ann whispers that there is only one more game left. Kuina is surprised and happy to see Ann still alive, and Ann asks her to become friends if they ever meet again. However, she then loses consciousness, and Kuina assumes the worst.
{{clear}}
{{Ep|[[Episode 8 (Season 2)|Episode 8]]}}
Kuina lies slowly bleeding out in the alleyway until Usagi and Arisu complete the Queen of Hearts. The announcement across the [[Borderland]] congratulates all the survivors and offers them a choice: stay in the Borderland and become a [[Citizen]], or refuse the permanent residency. 
{{Q|I decline.}}
Turning her head towards [[Rizuna Ann (Netflix)|Ann]], Kuina sees no light in her eyes, considering her to be gone, but she takes her hand anyway and invites her to return home together. 
[[File:Kuina in Shibuya moments before the meteorites.jpg|left|thumb|Kuina in Shibuya moments before the meteorites|alt=Kuina in the middle of the crowd looking up in the sky]]
A flashback follows: {{#section: Ryohei Arisu (Netflix) | The meteorite event }}
{{clear}}
[[File:Kuina hugging her mother.jpg|thumb|Kuina hugging her mother|alt=Hikari and her mother Kimiko Kuina in the hospital, the camera angle shows Kimiko's back as she wraps her arms around Kuina, who responds to the embrace and closes her eyes]]
Later, Kuina is seen walking through the hospital hallway, leaning on a nurse. She notices [[Kimiko Kuina (Netflix)|her mother]] in a wheelchair and rushes towards her, dropping to her knees and hugging her. Kimiko smiles and welcomes her home and then turns to look at Hikari's father. Hikari looks down, as if feeling ashamed, but her father calls her by her name, and she realizes that he has been worried about her. Hikari and her mother start crying while her father stands beside them.
{{clear}}

=== Season 3 ===
{{Ep|[[Episode 6 (Season 3)|Episode 6]]}}
[[File:Kuina talking to Arisu at the end of Season 3.jpg|left|thumb|Kuina talking to Arisu|alt=Kuina sitting on a sofa opposite Arisu during her therapy session]]
Kuina makes a brief appearance at the end of the episode, when multiple survivors of the [[Tokyo Meteorite Disaster]] come to Arisu one by one to share their feelings about their current lives. Arisu wonders what makes her life worth living, and Kuina smiles:
{{Q|I guess it's doing karate. Recently, I even started teaching at my dad's dōjō. Seeing all the kids practicing so full of life... that makes me happy now.|Kuina to Arisu's question}}
Kuina laughs as Arisu smiles and gives her an approving look.
{{clear}}

== Games Played ==
{{GamesPlayed|name=Hikari Kuina}}

== Gallery ==
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" captionsize="large" spacing="small">
Kuina asking Chishiya about Arisu.jpg|Kuina and [[Shuntaro Chishiya (Netflix)|Chishiya]] talking about [[Ryohei Arisu (Netflix)|Arisu]] and [[Yuzuha Usagi (Netflix)|Usagi]]|alt=Kuina wondering about the newcomers that Chishiya is looking at
Kuina during the Light Bulb game with a fake cigarette in her mouth.jpg|Kuina during the [[Four of Diamonds (Netflix)|Four of Diamonds]]|alt=Kuina with a fake cigarette in her mouth
Four of Diamonds Netflix.png|The "Light Bulb" players|alt=Kuina during the Four of Diamonds game
Kuina at the Beach.jpg|Kuina looking at the militants|alt=Kuina sitting by the pool with a fake cigarette in her mouth
Chishiya and Kuina leaving the Beach.jpg|Kuina and Chishiya finding out the [[Beach (Netflix)|Beach]] is a game venue|alt=Kuina and Chishiya walking towards the exit of the Beach before they realize the place is surrounded with lasers
Chishiya and Kuina during Ten of Hearts.jpg|Chishiya and Kuina during the [[Ten of Hearts (Netflix)|Ten of Hearts]] game|alt=Kuina is standing in the crowd alongside Chishiya looking at Momoka's body
Kuina and Ann splitting up after encountering Last Boss.jpg|Kuina and [[Rizuna Ann (Netflix)|Ann]] splitting up after encountering [[Takatora Samura (Netflix)|Last Boss]]|alt=Kuina protecting Ann and letting her escape
Kuina fighting Last Boss during Ten of Hearts.jpg|Kuina fighting Last Boss during the "Witch Hunt"|alt=Kuina and Last Boss in the bar with her jumpkicking him while he is swinging his katana
Kuina and Ann telling everybody who the Witch is during Ten of Hearts.jpg|Kuina and Ann telling everybody who the Witch is during Ten of Hearts|alt=Ann and Kuina hugging as they watch Aguni and Arisu's drama unfold, and Asahi admits being a Dealer
Kuina separating from Arisu and Usagi to find Chishiya and An.jpg|Kuina separating from Arisu and Usagi to find Chishiya and Ann|alt=Kuina with a backpack looking at her friends before leaving them
Kuina in her mother's room in the Borderlands.jpg|Kuina in her mother's room in the Borderland|alt=Kuina sitting near an empty hospital bed with her arms crossed
Kuina and Ann during the Queen of Clubs.jpg|Kuina and Ann during the [[Queen of Clubs (Netflix)|Queen of Clubs]]|Kuina and Ann standing on a platform with colored glowing balls in their hands, looking down after one of the players got eliminated
Ann and Kuina not looking at the explosion like cool girls they are.jpg|Kuina and Ann walking away from the game venue|alt=Kuina and Ann leaving after the Queen of Clubs is cleared, and the blimp behind them explodes
</gallery>

== Trivia ==
{{Etymology}}
* In the [[Hikari Kuina|original manga]], Kuina ended up hating Chishiya over the course of the [[Ten of Hearts|"Witch Hunt"]] events, comparing him to Niragi later on, however, in the live-action adaptation they remained friends, separated by accident, and she was constantly worried about his survival.

== See also ==
{{NavboxPlayersNF}}
[[Category:Characters (Netflix)]]
[[Category:Returnees (Netflix)]]