As Episode 4 of *Gachiakuta* unfolds, Rudo steps into the hallowed halls of Cleaner HQ, where he crosses paths with Semu, the organization's sharp-eyed receptionist. Her most prized possession? A pair of glasses that serve as her gateway to a wealth of information. Yet, the moment her gaze lands on the boy, an odd, inexplicable blur dances before her eyes, leaving her momentarily stunned. Despite this anomaly, Semu keeps her silence, offering only a cursory assessment of Rudo's physical capabilities. Enjin, however, senses an underlying discord, his intuition tingling with unease.
Venturing deeper into the heart of the HQ, the trio finds themselves in the bustling cafeteria, surrounded by a throng of cleaners. Introductions are swiftly postponed, the sheer number of individuals rendering any immediate acquaintance impractical. Their next destination: the boss's office, where Rudo's official induction into the team awaits. Before they even reach the threshold, Enjin reiterates the unspoken rule – Rudo's quest for assistance must come with a price, a trade-off that cannot be overlooked.
However, as Rudo pushes open the door, anticipation gives way to surprise. The boss is nowhere to be found, having embarked on a journey of unknown duration, leaving his return date shrouded in mystery. Sensing an opportunity amidst the uncertainty, Riyou proposes an alternative: since Rudo cannot yet join as a full-fledged member, he should accompany her on a mission as a trainee. It's a chance for him to immerse himself in the workings of the job and gain firsthand knowledge of the treacherous terrain known as the Ground.
Rudo eagerly agrees, and together with Riyou and three additional supporters – seasoned members who lend their expertise to the givers – they set off towards a polluted expanse, a haven for the monstrous trash beasts that lurk within. The sight of these grotesque creatures sends a shiver down Rudo's spine, but Riyou remains unfazed, her demeanor a blend of nonchalance and confidence. Even when formidable foes emerge, she dismisses them as mere weaklings, her composure unbroken.
But then, chaos erupts. A colossal monster crashes through the barricade that had served as their fragile shield, sending shockwaves through the group of cleaners. To Rudo's astonishment, rather than cowering in fear, Riyou's eyes light up with a fierce excitement, her body primed for battle. With a flick of her wrist, she hurls a pair of scissors skyward, which morph into an enormous weapon. Seizing it with her legs, she propels herself into the fray, slicing through the horde with effortless grace.
Yet, the danger is far from over. Other trash beasts linger in the shadows, their presence a constant threat. One such creature launches a surprise attack on Rudo, who, momentarily distracted, fails to notice the impending danger. Thankfully, a quick-thinking supporter intervenes, saving Rudo from certain harm and reminding everyone that vigilance is key in this perilous realm.
Witnessing the collective effort of everyone around him, Rudo initially harbored only the intention of lending a helping hand while attempting to make his way back up, but now a wave of shame washed over him. As one of the supporters dropped to his knees in exhaustion, the young boy sprang into action, clutching a pipe and eager to assist, determined not to be a mere burden. However, his inexperience with his newfound powers became evident as the pipe in his grasp contorted into an odd, web-like shape. Just as the monster threatened to shatter his makeshift defense, Riyou swooped in to save the day, commending him for his bravery in putting himself at risk to aid another. With a nod of gratitude, she quickly returned to the fray, battling the colossal trash beast, which seemed impervious to harm even after being sliced in two.
The clash escalated to such a fever pitch that the very earth beneath them trembled and began to crumble. In a desperate move, a supporter dashed forward to rescue Rudo once more. Breathless, he urged the boy to focus on his objective and charge headlong towards it, assuring him that he could glean wisdom from their collective experiences.
Meanwhile, Riyou, with a swift and precise strike, severed the creature's "hair" and uncovered a glimmering object nestled within its head. Channeling her strength, she unleashed a powerful blast that finally vanquished the trash beast. Yet, as the dust settled, she realized with a start that the shining object had been a crucial component, a vital instrument fueling the monster's relentless might—an unexpected twist that nobody had anticipated or even known was possible.
Elsewhere, one of Rudo's kidnappers awoke to find himself alone. Mentioning a spherite in a daze, he inadvertently piqued the interest of a mysterious, hooded figure lurking in the shadows. And with that tantalizing cliffhanger, the episode drew to a close.
