Episode 5 of *Gachiakuta* kicks off with a drowsy Zanka rousing from his slumber in the dead of night, only to stumble upon a lively party unfolding in the canteen. Riyou fills him in, explaining that it's a welcome bash for Rudo, but the boy's heart is heavy with sorrow, leaving him uninterested in celebrating. His spirits have been low ever since his powers faltered during their mission.
At that moment, Gris, the supporter who had once lent a helping hand to Rudo, steps in to lift the boy's mood. Yet, Rudo remains downcast, insisting he did nothing to aid his comrades during the mission. Despite his efforts to assist Follo, the other supporter, he blundered at the most critical juncture. Even back in his hometown, he always relied on Regto to bail him out of trouble. He feels like he perpetually falls short of others' expectations.
Gris then takes it upon himself to enlighten Rudo about Follo's aspirations. The boy is driven by a desire to wipe out the trash beasts, but to achieve that, he must embody the spirit of a giver. Hence, he assumed the role of a supporter to "nurture" an object, hoping to transform it into a crucial tool down the line. Nevertheless, even as a giver, he intends to continue his work as a supporter, determined to prove their significance within the organization.
Gris advises Rudo to emulate this mindset, urging him to concentrate on his own desires rather than succumbing to the pressures of others' expectations. With a gentle pat on the head from Gris, Rudo is on the verge of tears, but he manages to hold back when Enjin swoops in to stir up trouble. By this point, Zanka and Riyou have also joined the fray, and the group heads off to grab a bite together.
Meanwhile, the enigmatic and malevolent figure from the previous episode continues to torment the mercenary. When the man pleads for mercy, the shadowy assailant finally puts him out of his misery. Now, this ruthless and mysterious individual possesses all the information he could gather about Rudo and has set his sights on acquiring him as a trophy.
The following day, Semiu summons Zanka and a host of supporters for a new assignment. She also includes Rudo, as the mission directly pertains to him. A trash beast has launched an attack on a merchant's cargo—a living Sphereite. Given the rarity of encountering a Sphereite alive, discovering another could yield valuable clues. Without hesitation, Rudo agrees to participate, despite his lack of proficiency with his instrument.
As they make their way to the designated meeting spot, Rudo discovers an intriguing facet of Gris's character—he eschews the use of weapons, relying solely on a diminutive knife for self-defense. Instead, Gris prefers to engage in combat with his bare fists. Yet, he never ventures out without his trusty safety amulet, which he fervently prays to before embarking on any mission. This revelation serves as another reminder to Rudo of the man's inherent kindness.
Upon encountering the merchant, Rudo inquires if she wishes to trade the Sphereite, only to be met with a firm refusal. Doubt lingers in his mind, and he's not alone in his skepticism; Zanka, too, finds it peculiar that a trash beast would abduct a person.
Entering a building, they come across an individual seated in a chair. The woman among them suddenly shrieks, identifying the figure as the Sphereite, and begins shoving the group closer. As they draw nearer, however, it becomes apparent that the "Sphereite" is nothing more than a doll. But the realization comes too late. The ground gives way beneath them, and they all plummet into a hidden pit. In that moment, the merchant points a accusatory finger at Rudo, declaring him to be the Sphereite she seeks, before transforming into a viscous puddle of mud.
It's then that two Raiders, members of a notorious band of sadistic bandits, make their presence known. Rudo and his allies scramble to find an escape route, while Zanka remains behind to confront the threat. He even taunts the mercenaries for their singular focus on capturing Rudo, yet he remains oblivious to their true motive. They are desperate to uncover the secret behind how the boy managed to cross the border—a feat that Zanka has never encountered or even comprehended.
The woman possesses the ability to manipulate her instrument to craft an army of mud dolls. Undeterred, Zanka remains confident that the battle will be a straightforward one. And for a brief moment, it seems as though he might be right. However, her partner has a trick up his sleeve—he can conceal himself within the dolls, launching surprise attacks when Zanka least expects it. The clash ensues, with the pair constantly outmaneuvering the Cleaner, no matter what tactics he employs.
Despite his lack of prowess in direct combat with living opponents, Zanka is a master of his vital instrument. He slams his stick against the ground, using it as a makeshift sensor to pinpoint the hidden foe's location. With this obstacle overcome, he swiftly dispatches the duo in a mere two strikes.
Just as he begins to relax, thinking the ordeal is finally over, the other enigmatic Raider—the one who first learned of Rudo's existence—materializes behind him, ready to continue the fight.
