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Ryohei Arisu (有栖 良平 Arisu Ryōhei?) is the protagonist of the Alice in Borderland series and its direct sequel Alice in Borderland Retry. He is a former member of the Beach. Arisu is known for playing heart games.
Appearance[]
Arisu is shown to have long-medium length, bluish-black/darkish blue/black hair that is extremely messy and spiky. He also has light neon violet/blue colored eyes. His skin is pale colored and he’s usually seen wearing his high school uniform (a white long-sleeved shirt with a red t-shirt inside and a blue-colored pants with a light soil colored belt with pale aquamarine sneakers).
Personality[]
A third-year high school student with the hidden potential to be an amazing analyzer, Arisu is able to look at things from afar and checks every detail he can find. He keeps track of everything in the he learns to find a way to put an end to this twisted game. Though he still has a long way to go, he further develops his Borderland abilities, a place where games and human lives are no different. His deep observational skills is a consistent, recurring element that helps him throughout all of his games.
He is often compared to his younger brother by his father, resulting in his lack of self-confidence and pent up frustration. He would often daydream and wish that he and his friends would go far away from reality, from his overly demanding father and stuck up younger brother. Though he is shamed for being dumb, he actually is quite intelligent in terms of street smarts, not academic smarts. However, his intelligence does have a limit.
Regardless of his father, he's able to enjoy life and forget all of his worries when he's with his two best friends, Chota Segawa and Daikichi Karube, both of which are with him in Borderland. When he’s with them, he’s able to be very silly and carefree. Whenever he loses his sanity to the games, he always thinks of his friends, their sacrifices, and his promise to them.
However, Arisu is capable of being extremely selfish, and that is mainly due to the little attention and love he received as a child. He thought that he would be incapable of giving love since he never received it, and his trauma gradually manifested through his time in the Borderlands. He was angry at Yuzuha Usagi when she rejected his advances, got his friends together to attempt to clear the King of Clubs on the First Day of Exhibitions due to how desperately he sought the answer, and paired Usagi with the man who raped her, Suguru Niragi, all because he was afraid to endure the ensuing awkwardness of being paired together with her. Everything he did was about him, and he always thought of himself. For a long time, he never realized this. It wasn’t until Ginji Kyuma talked to him mentally, and Niragi savagely teared into all his flaws, that he finally realized how selfish he was. After that moment, he began working on himself, wanting to change. He began to consider that it wasn’t always what he wanted to do, but what others wanted to do to. In the end, he said without the slightest hesitation to Usagi in the Queen of Hearts that she is who kept him afloat, and he would be willing to lay down his life without a single moment of hesitation.
After arriving back on Earth, Arisu had a new sense of determination. He wanted to live life to the fullest, and carry on his friends. He wanted to go to college, and get a good job. From that day on, he started to commit to what he wanted to do.
History[]
Arisu came from a prestigious family. His father is a superintendent in the education department.
Arisu not understanding why he cant see his mother
Arisu lost his mother as a child. He asked his father during the cremation why they couldn't see her anymore to which his father responded by reprimanding him, saying that he did not like stupid people and that if he wanted his affection, he had to become the child he wanted him to be.
Arisu as a child being beaten up by another child
When Arisu was in 5th grade, he was in the same class that Karube was in. After being beaten up by another child, Karube arrived to help him, but the children ran away when he saw him. When Karube asked if he was all right, he answered that he saw a massive mole on the children's neck and a weird hair growing out of it while he was beating him up. The next day they went around spreading the word and even followed the children on the way home until he finally broke down and surrendered. His father would often meddle with Arisu's life and compare him to his competent younger brother to the point when his father sometimes complimented him, Arisu felt like he didn't even exist.
Arisu throwing a rock on his house
When Arisu arrived at High School, he was enrolled in the same class as Chota. His first impression was that he was idiotic and hopeless and didn't want to become friends with him. When Arisu began practicing guitar due to his well-intended teacher's influence, his father moved him away from Arisu's school to cease Arisu's newfound hobby. Full of anger, Arisu threw a rock on one of the glasses of his house. He immediately regretted it because he'll be compared to his brother, but Chota arrived and said that he could tell his father he threw it and ran away. The next day he gave a piece of bread to Chota to thank him and asked why he did this. Chota answered that he looked sorrowful, and he'll do it again if he'll give him some bread. Arisu realized that he was idiotic and hopeless, but he was also the world's kindest person. From this day, they became close friends. Arisu's younger brother at most of the time, belittled him and showed little respect to his older brother. He placed 10th in a national mock exam and showed off and beat his older brother in academics and sports.
Arisu, Karube and Chota in Karube's bar
One day he and Chota were robbed of their money and beaten up by gangsters. Karube arrived and asked if he remembers him. Then he beat up the gangsters. After that, he became close friends with the two. Even though they are minors (age of adulthood in Japan is 20), they often hang out at his bar and drink. When the story starts, Arisu has inevitably failed a mock exam. He talked to Chōta, and pointed out that there was a statistical chance of him passing even though he bubbled “C” for every answer. After that we can see him in his room, dazed. When his brother came in, he started scribbling, probably pretending to study. His sibling tells him that their dad wants to talk to him. Later he went to Karube's bar to avoid being compared again to his brother by his father. When Karube warned him that wasn't the right solution, Arisu wished to win at the lottery or that a disaster happened to the city so he could be more responsible. Chota proposed them to go to Shibuya to party. When Arisu told him that they aren't any train at this hour, he simply said that they'd walk. After a long walk, they decided to wait for the first train to go home because they were too tired. While they were waiting, they saw fireworks, which surprised them because it's 4 AM. When suddenly, a big one exploded and dazzled them.
Arisu, Karube and Chota dazzled by the fireworks
Story[]
Arrival at Borderlands[]
The three wake up in Karube's bar, all covered in dust. They go outside and see that there is no one present in the city. While Karube remains worried about what occurred within the city borders, Arisu and Chota were excited because of their newly gained feelings of freedom, and consider the occurrences as a dream and start to enjoy themselves. At this point, Arisu sees that his wish for a new life has been granted, and that he has the ability to "restart" his life. However, while discussing this topic with his friends, Arisu and Chota come to an agreement that this can be nothing more than a dream. However, Karube tells them that it's time to take "this situation seriously", and "that this world is real". Suddenly they hear some music and discover a temple/ game area full of food. Arisu and Chota run in and start to eat, but Karube warns them that something is wrong. A woman emerges from the restrooms in the temple. When Chota asks if she wants to play with them, she asked if it's their first time and if they entered the temple without knowing anything about their current situation. When Karube proposed that they get out of here, she warned them that now they were inside, they couldn't leave and they had to stop thinking it was a dream or they'd die. They discovered that lasers blocked all the entrances. A screen appeared with, written on it, "Game" and an image of a card: "Three of Clubs".
Arisu, Karube and Chota blocked in a "Game"
Three of Clubs[]
The girl presented herself as Saori Shibuki. After explaining the rules, Arisu asked what the meaning was for all of this, but Saori answered that now was not the time to ask questions. Karube draws a paper fortune first and obtains a "Best luck". Then Chota draws one and obtains "Little luck" with an equation to resolve. Arisu tried to help him. Chota answered wrong and nearly escaped from the fire arrows thrown at him. It's Shibuki who draw the next paper fortune and obtained "Misfortune". While she and Karube were trying to find the answer, Arisu realized that he was selfish to desire to leave his old life and want to go back. Karube and Shibuki answered the questions but got it wrong. When the arrow started to be shooting, Arisu's legs refused to move.
Karube kicking Arisu's legs
Karube kicked in his legs and yelled that he could do it because he's his friends. Arisu's legs finally moved, and he was able to put himself in a shelter. But Chota didn't make it in time and received an arrow in the leg. Karube arrived and protected him with a table. Impressed and determined, Arisu went to draw the last paper fortune wishing to be "Great Luck" but fall in despair when he saw that it was "Terrible Luck". But to Arisu surprise, Karube decided to answer and entrusted his life to his judgment.
While he was thinking about the answer, he asked himself why he used a paper fortune for the answer. Then he suddenly understood the purpose of this game and answered the question. But to the surprise of the others, he answered wrong.
He explained to the others that there was no way they could've solved this problem and that he understood that the paper fortune's utility is to indicate where is to arrows will be thrown or where is the safe point with Karube's fortune (south).
The four ran in this direction. They found a hidden shelter and get into it in time. A message announced to them that they've won the game. After a short celebration and they discovered that a sort of register print of each them a 3 of clubs card and a paper called "visa". The four went to the hospital to heal Chota's wound. Shibuki explained what she knows about this country: The Borderlands.
Arisu, Karube, Shibuki and Chota running
Visas[]
She explained that many people like us are there: the players. Every game starts at nightfall and may take place everywhere. But before she could say more, they arrived at the hospital. While Saori was healing Chota's wound and Karube searching for food, Arisu waited on the top of the roof when he met another player. The player told him that all his friends are dead, and even if he survives, there will always be another game. Because he is fed up with these games, today is his last day because he quit the game. Arisu asked him what does he mean by there will always be another game. The player replied that the visa ends today witch means it's the end before being hit by a laser on the head coming from the sky. Arisu understood that because of the game with a difficulty level of 3, there was a visa expires in 3 days. So they must continue to participate in these games if they want to live.
Second Day of Sojourn[]
The next day, the four went fishing and had a lot of fun. During this moment, Arisu realized that even if he is in an awful place for the first time in his life, he is glad to be alive and doesn't feel alone. After diner, Karube proposed that tonight they participate in another game. It is finally decided that Chota won't participate to a game to heal his wound, and Shibuki will stay with him. Arisu and Karube went into the area of a game the "Five of Spades".
Arisu, Karube and Nitobe waiting
Five of Spades[]
They sympathize and bond with another player, Nitobe, who explains to them what means the value of the card and the suit. After the explanation of the rules, the three stayed group and waited to see "it". After a moment, they heard a strange noise upstairs. They went to see what was going on, and they saw "it": the Horse Head with a machine gun. The three ran away as fast as they can. While they were going on the floor below, Arisu understood that they wouldn't make it if they keep running downstairs, so he and Karube stayed on the floor below while Nitobe kept going downstairs. Like Arisu thought: "it" went downstairs and killed Nitobe before he could be reached and Karube started to look for the safe zone, but they found "it" and were separated. Karube ran away, and Arisu hid while "it" passed next to him. He was trembling, but thought that the Horse Head can't see him beacuse of his mask. After that, he rested a bit and started to think of what "it" would do to win this game. He understood that "it" was prepared that players could try to chase him and would carry multiple guns. After that, he realized that "it" tried to make sure that no players stayed on the 4th floor by shooting on them even if they are to fare away to be hit, which means that the safe zone is on the fourth hallway.
Arisu and Karube leaving
Only one minute remained when he arrived in the fourth hallway. "It” was waiting there, but Karube knocked him down from behind. Arisu took advantage of it and started to look for the safe zone and finally found it, but when he entered in, he discovered that two buttons must be touched at the same time to clear the game. He yelled for help, and Yuzuha Usagi came in the safe room. They both pressed the buttons in time and cleared the game with make "it" head exploded. Arisu proposed to Usagi to come with them, but Usagi and warns him that some game would require betrayal between players. Finally, he and Karube, who has been injured, left and found Shibuki and Chota.
Third day of Sojourn[]
Arisu started to actually feel alright in this world. He appreciated the sunset, asking himself if it always as that beautiful. Later he meets with Karube, that told him about what he heard in the radio.
Seven of Hearts[]
Fourth day of sojourn, Karube, Arisu, Shibuki and Chota decides to play the next game as Chota and Shibuki's visa was about to end. They enters the game venue - botanical garden, difficulty level - 7 ♡, game name - Hide and Seek, game characters - Sheep and a Wolf.
Arisu hiding after ending his friendship with Chota
They find some tools and collars on a table. After taking the equipment they enter the arena, where the rules are explained. Chota becomes the first Wolf, he looks at Arisu and he becomes the next. They realize there's no reason for the sheep to hide. Arisu looks at Shibuki and the wolf is passed to her. Shibuki tries to run away with the wolf, but Karube stops her and asks her to look at him and threatens her with an Axe. He puts the Axe down to choke her when she takes it and hits him. Karube gets injured and lets her free. She unintentionally looks at Chota, and the wolf passes to him. He starts running with the wolf role and Arisu follows him. He looks at Arisu and the roles again gets changed. Chota asks for an apology, but Arisu breaks off their friendship and Arisu starts running away, when suddenly everyone stops trying and communicates through the choker, recalling their friendship days. They discuss their dreams and realizes for them a friends life matters as much as their own. Shibuki says even though she wanted to live she can't shoulder the burden of all the lives. Arisu asks everyone to show up but everyone gives up and hides well. Karube asks Arisu to look for the beach, and that he may get an answer there. The time gets up, the collar of the sheep blow off killing them. Arisu grieves at his friend's death and returns to the enterance. Arisu got sheep mutton as a reward, but threw it. After that, he burned down the venue.
Finding the Beach[]
Arisu trying to get information about the Beach
After his friends death, he became depressed. He didn't want to do anything, as he lied down on the path for about 3 days. But when Usagi found him, she helped him by taking him to her tent. There she fed him, and Arisu claimed that this was the first time in his entire life he has eaten something this good. Moreover, she gave him clean clothes, but asked him not to complain, as she doesn't have a fashion sense. The next day Arisu tried to ask some strangers near games about the Beach, but didn't get any useful information. During the night, he wanted to sleep out, but he got bitten by a mosquito and joined Usagi in her tent. As the time passed, he learned a lot of hunting information from the woman.
One night, he got an idea. He didn't want to ask someone about the Beach, since he knew they wouldn't tell them anyway. So he sought people with key-bracelets around their wrists in the game venues, and as soon as the game ended, he followed them with Usagi. After that they heard a strange sound around the corner, and found out that the Beach residents can use working cars. They decided to move their tent closer and closer every time they saw where they went, and they finally saw the Beach in a couple of days, after Arisu saw it on a map.
The Beach[]
Arisu wasn't very sure of the Beach at first. It looked like one big party. But Hatter showed him the answer to leaving Borderlands, which made his hopes go up. Whomever, there was a catch. Only one person could escape after getting all of these cards.
In the night, Arisu stood in front of the militants to protect Usagi. They wanted to break his legs, but before they could, the Hatter came. He later explained that the no.1 will protect them, because they're his pawns, collecting cards.
Four of Hearts[]
Stealing the Cards[]
10 of Hearts[]
Interval[]
Second Stage[]
Arisu, Kuina, Usagi and Chishiya went outside and saw a broadcast from the Borderland citizens, saying the 2nd phase is about to commence. after finding Tatta, the King of Spades starts shooting. They arrive at the King of Clubs venue.
King of Clubs[]
Exhibitions[]
Third, Fourth, and Fifth Day of Exhibitions
Seventh Day of Exhibitions[]
Queen of Hearts[]
After Borderland[]
After returning to the real world, Arisu learns that his father and younger brother actually cared about him and watched over him while he was in a coma. He looks at the screen listing the victims of the meteor incident, and griefs over the death of Chōta and Karube. He asks his brother to mentor him, if there was just one college, any college, that might accept someone like him. His brother smirks and agrees. Later, he reunites with Usagi in the hospital. He awkwardly went with the flow and asked her out for a date while feeling a strange bond. They fell in love and the two eventually marry and Arisu also begins mountaineering under Usagi's guidance. Arisu gets accepted to college and studies psychology.
Retry[]
Now a licensed clinical psychological counselor, Arisu works in a school to help out students with psychological issues. While returning from a seminar in Shizuoka, he receives Usagi's phone call that she is entering labor. Rushing through Tokyo under the storm, he is hit by a fallen billboard alongside 5 other people, and they are sent to the Borderland together to participate the Nine of Hearts game.
When he arrived in the Borderlands again, he regained all of his memories for when he last was there and managed to understand how the game works. His wife and their newborn are the driving forces of Arisu to depart the Borderland for a second time.
In the end, Arisu and two other players survive the game and rejoin to the real world.
Etymology[]
- His character is based off of Alice from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Arisu is the Japanese pronunciation of "Alice".
Quotes[]
- (About Karube) "With you here, I might be able to face this new reality."
- (To Aguni Morizono) "Don't you dare look down on us that are there still struggling to survive!"
Trivia[]
- Counting games only from the main series, he is tied with Usagi for having the most confirmed games cleared; a grand total of 7.
- Counting games from the entire franchise, he is the character with the most games cleared; a grand total of 8.
References[]
See also[]
| Players | |
|---|---|
| Beach | Hikari Kuina • Kodai Tatta • Morizono Aguni • Rizuna An • Ryohei Arisu • Shuntaro Chishiya • Suguru Niragi • Takatora Samura • Takeru Danma • Taketo Serizawa • Yuji Mahiru • Yuzuha Usagi |
| Others | Akane Heiya • Akifumi Seto • Akitomo Mino • Benzo Yashige • Chota Segawa • Daikichi Karube • Eiji Mitsurugi • Genki Kiriu • Gentle Girl • Hannibal • Hayato Dodo • Hinako Daimon • Ippei Oki • Kaito Kameyama • Kaito Kameyama • Kaito Yamane • Kakeru Kishoin • Kassai Rokudo • Kotoko Shiga • Kunio Kariya • Lieutenant Dan • Masaki Aizen • Meisa Tokui • Motohiko Kaneko • Nitobe • Rui Hibino • Saori Shibuki • Takashi Asuma • Tsuyaruki Hatta • Urumi Aramaki |
| Alice in Borderland Retry | |
| Himari Horikawa • Masatsugu Kito • Nanase Onoue • Naomichi Taiga • Yuzuru Horikawa | |