Ep 1. The School's Going to be Shut Down

In the first episode of Gakuen Alice, we are introduced to Mikan Sakura, a lively and energetic young girl who lives with her grandfather in a small village. Mikan has never been able to make friends her age, and is constantly teased by the other children in the village for her clumsiness and lack of talent.

One day, Mikan receives a letter from her best friend Hotaru, who she thought had moved away years ago. The letter invites Mikan to attend a school called Alice Academy, where Hotaru has been studying for the past two years. Hotaru claims that the school is a place for children with special abilities, and that she wants Mikan to come and join her.

Excited by the prospect of seeing her best friend again, Mikan travels to the city where the Alice Academy is located. However, when she arrives, she finds that the school is in chaos. The Principal has announced that the school will be shut down in three months time, due to financial difficulties. The students are devastated by the news, and the atmosphere at the school is tense and uncertain.

Despite this, Mikan is determined to stay at the school and make friends. She quickly discovers that the school is indeed a place for children with special abilities, known as "Alices". Each Alice has a unique talent, such as telekinesis, mind-reading or shape-shifting. Mikan is surprised to discover that she herself has an Alice ability, which allows her to cancel out the powers of other Alices.

As Mikan begins to explore the school and make new friends, she realises that there is a troubled history behind the institution. Some students speak of a dark force known as the "Black Cat", which terrorises the school and its inhabitants. Mikan also learns that the school's founder, Mr. Bear, had a vision for the school that was vastly different from its current state. Mr. Bear dreamed of a nurturing and supportive environment, where Alices could be themselves and develop their abilities in a safe and caring space.

Mikan's desire to learn more about the school and its secrets leads her on a journey of discovery, as she navigates the complex social hierarchy of the students and tries to uncover the truth about the Black Cat. Along the way, she makes new friends and allies, and faces down her own fears and doubts.

As the three months until the school's closure rapidly approach, tensions rise and the students become increasingly desperate to save the institution from being shut down. Mikan is determined to do her part to help, but she must decide where her loyalties lie, and who she can trust.

The first episode of Gakuen Alice sets up a rich and fascinating world of abilities, magic and mystery. With a compelling protagonist in Mikan, and a diverse cast of supporting characters, the series promises to be a thrilling and emotional ride. As the stakes get higher and the pressures mount, Mikan must face her own fears and insecurities, and discover the true meaning of friendship and loyalty in the face of adversity.