Episode 8 of *Gachiakuta* opens with Rudo mired in a swamp of depression and self-loathing. He's consumed by an overwhelming sense of guilt, unable to bear the thought that history has repeated itself—that just as Regto had perished protecting him before, so too had Gris met a similar fate. The weight of these losses presses down on him, and he's left questioning his own growth, wondering how, after everything he's endured, he still hasn't transformed as profoundly as he'd hoped.
Amidst this turmoil, Enjin steps forward, suggesting that Rudo pay his respects to Gris. Imagine Rudo's stunned disbelief when he enters the room to find Gris not only alive but beaming, chatting away cheerfully from his bed. The sight leaves Rudo feeling utterly bewildered and a touch embarrassed, his eyes refusing to believe what they're witnessing.
It turns out that the Cleaners possess a Giver named Eishia, blessed with extraordinary healing abilities. Even in Gris's most critical state, Eishia managed to work a miracle, pulling him back from the brink. Demonstrating remarkable maturity, the supporter offers praise to Rudo, Eishia, and Follo for their unwavering efforts. He also expresses his joy that his amulet played a part in saving Gris, urging Rudo not to dwell on its disintegration.
And then, the moment everyone has been waiting for arrives—the boss finally makes his appearance. Having witnessed Rudo's change of heart from a temporary presence to a committed ally, and recognizing the power he wields to aid others, the boss, Arkha, fully acknowledges Rudo as a bona fide Cleaner. He even requests a private conversation with Rudo.
In this intimate setting, Arkha reveals the significance of the border Jabber had mentioned—it seems the Raiders are after something connected to the Sphere. He recounts a tale of a traveler who stumbled upon a woman dwelling in the desolate No Man's Land near the border. When questioned about her presence there, she replied that she was keeping watch over those who had plummeted from the skies above. She further disclosed that there were individuals who traversed this realm without succumbing to death.
Arkha suggests that if Rudo were to seek out this enigmatic woman, she might be able to guide him to the people she had observed. In doing so, he could uncover the secrets to crossing the border unscathed and, perhaps, find his way back home. Faced with this tantalizing prospect, Rudo resolves to embark on this perilous journey, no matter the dangers that lie ahead.
However, his enthusiasm often gets the better of him, and Follo finds himself constantly trying to rein Rudo in, preventing him from venturing off alone. Rudo only heeds reason when Enjin points out that he's still largely ignorant about the extent of his powers and thus needs to remain where he is. They also delve into the topic of the Raiders being Givers. Rudo had always held the belief that bad people didn't treat objects with care, so it was perplexing to learn that those Raiders cherished their vital instruments so deeply.
Afterward, Rudo finds himself bored in his room, at a loss for what to do. Fortunately, Riyou pounds on his door and offers to take him on a tour of the HQ, showing him every nook and cranny of the Cleaners' abode. Yet, there's something even more enticing than the tour. She can offer him sweets. Up in his previous home, only the wealthy could afford such treats, so Rudo had never tasted any before.
When he catches sight of the array of sweets Enjin possesses, he's instantly smitten. There's such a dazzling variety that he loses all self-control and doesn't even consider sharing. However, his indulgence goes too far, and he devours the entire stash. Consequently, he balloons in size to the point where he needs to go on a diet.
Finally, his training commences. Zanka hands him a knife, but despite remembering how he transformed Gris's talisman, he fails to replicate the feat. Then, Zanka has a brainwave. He brings in a heap of garbage and instructs Rudo to sift through it for anything that catches his eye.
As Rudo rummages through the pile, he successfully transforms three different objects. But afterward, his nose starts bleeding profusely, indicating that's his limit. Enjin explains that the higher the quality of an instrument—meaning the more care it receives—the greater its power will be. Hence, such side effects might be inevitable.
Zanka also starts to wonder if this phenomenon might be related to the series. Almost as if she's reading his thoughts, Riyou inquires about it, but the boy remains clueless.
Then, the anime whisks us away to another location—the Raiders' base. Their boss is there, lost in contemplation about various things, much like Rudo: a city of art, the vital instruments, and more. That's when we learn the name of the series: the Watchmen series. And it turns out he possesses a part of it as well.
