“To Your Eternity Episode” 4 introduces us to the Land of Yanome! After speaking his first words of gratitude, Fushi warms up to his new friend March. Together with Parona and Hayase, they enter the city where new things await them! This episode is an interesting one because we get to see more of Fushi’s mysterious immortal abilities and hear Parona’s backstory. The episode is titled, “A Large Vessel.”
Away from Ninannah
“To Your Eternity” episode 4 begins with Fushi, March, and Parona on their way to the city of Yanome. While inside their carriage, Parona dreams about a memory of her older sister. Apparently, young Parona was away during their sacrificial ritual. She discovers that her older sister purposefully hid her away and hurriedly runs to find her. Back in the present, she expresses her contempt for the ritual and how it must be stopped.
March is as cheerful as ever. She thoughtfully cares for Fushi and feeds him fruits. Fushi is now able to express the words, “Thank you.” While the group washes by the river, Fushi leans in to wash his face and as soon as he touches the water, the electric zap comes over him.
He sees a memory of the nameless boy — the boy who gave him his first name, home, and friend. Fushi hears his last words, “Remember me forever”, and transforms to his human form immediately. Seeing this nameless boy’s form still gives me heartache, don’t you think so too?
Inside the Vibrant City of Yanome
Despite being treated as prisoners during their trip, Hayase gives them new clothes. As “To Your Eternity” episode 4 progresses smoothly, we see stunning visuals of vibrant lights, taller houses, and delicious food of the bright city. March finds herself missing her parents and wishes to send them a letter to say she’s okay.
However, we discover that none of them at Ninannah wouldn’t understand a written letter. Parona decides to keep the letter anyway. They have a delicious dinner afterwards. March tries to teach Fushi table manners but Hayase boastfully mentions how Yanome has better manners. The three suddenly become sleepy and realize that Hayase had put something in their food.
Thrown into Prison
Hayase’s kind and respectful demeanor may have fooled March and Parona, but her character was suspicious from the beginning. I don’t really like her. She did try to murder March, after all. When March, Parona, and Fushi awaken, they find themselves in prison cells. Hayase’s interest all along was to bring Fushi to Yanome where he could be used to reach future goals.
Hayase also cruelly gives March the assignment of attending to the injured Oniguma. Keeping her cheerful and thoughtful demeanor, she tends to the giant bear, removing all the arrows on his back. She eventually becomes emotional but continues to talk and comfort Oniguma. “To Your Eternity” episode 4 serves us feels right here. March is such a wholesome and adorable character despite her tragic situation. I just want to pick her up and protect her.
Parona’s Resolve
Meanwhile, Parona is carefully biding her time to prepare and plan for their escape. Parona thinks about the sacrifice of her older sister and becomes determined to live so she can save March’s life and prove that the ritual should be stopped. Parona displays true strength and courage. With rope made out of fur and a leap of faith (literally), she creates an opportunity for escape.
Fushi’s Ability to Connect and Learn
One of the greatest highlights of “To Your Eternity” is the mystery behind how Fushi’s immortality and mimicry works. It seems that with each new experience, Fushi makes a connection that makes him learn. For instance, in episode 4, Fushi hears the expression, “It hurts!” right after he attacks the prisoner who hurt him back.
He then learns how to express pain. The odd thing about it though is that Fushi repeatedly says this while he is with Oniguma. When March tends to Oniguma’s wounds and finishes, Fushi suddenly looks at her and says, “Thank you” as if relaying the words. We wonder about Fushi’s abilities when the narrator (and the title as well actually) says, “another vessel has opened.”
In “To Your Eternity” episode 4 we can’t help but wonder what conditions Fushi’s abilities have. Even from afar, he connects with the people around him. For instance, when Parona fell by herself and then Fushi said that it hurt. It seems these all happen in very emotional moments. Perhaps it is the collection of all the wishes of the beings he connects with?
Joanne’s wish was to go back home. The nameless boy’s wish was to go out and see the world. Oniguma’s wish was to get rid of his pain. Fushi has neither identity nor emotion, but through these connections and experiences, he becomes more and more human. Now, he recognizes gratitude and pain, what will it be next?
Bracing Myself for the Emotions
“To Your Eternity” episode 4 leaves us with plenty of questions, but it does the job of keeping us hooked and wanting more. It has this bewitching mysterious sense of magic, and I’m very curious to see how the immortal Fushi’s journey will unfold. The emotions and storytelling that this show offers is very unique, beautiful, and amazing. My favorite part about episode 4 is the fact that it expands March and Panora’s story.
In addition, the visuals and music is always a delight. I am really enjoying the entire vibe of the show, and I can’t help but feel emotions for things I don’t even understand yet. All I know is that the first episode left a big impact on me, and I carry that heartache as a reminder of what this show may have in store for us soon.
The next episode of “To Your Eternity” is titled “Those Who Follow” and it will air on Monday, May 10 at 10:50 PM (JST). It will be available to watch on Crunchyroll, though in selected regions only. If you enjoyed “To Your Eternity” episode 4, make sure to vote for it on our weekly poll! Read all our other “To Your Eternity” articles here.
“To Your Eternity” is an anime adaptation of the manga series written by Yoshitoki Ōima. It follows the story of a mysterious orb sent to Earth. It has no identity nor emotions, but through time it learns to take different forms. One day, it acquires the form of a boy and gains consciousness. The boy, Fushi, sets off to travel in search of new experiences, places, and people. “The journey begins.”
All images via Crunchyroll
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