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Based on the manga series written and illustrated by Kei Urana, ‘Gachiakuta’ (ガチアクタ) follows young protagonist Rudo’s (voiced by Aoi Ichikawa) quest for revenge, after he is falsely implicated for the murder of his beloved adoptive father Regto, and thrown to his death in ‘the pit’, a massive dumpsite below the city. However, Rudo survives the fall, finding himself in a ghastly world laden with trash heaps, monsters, and strange groups of people.
Also Read: Gachiakuta Episodes 3-4 Review: The Cleaners Want Rudo
Now that Rudo has gained his first on-the-job experience as a trainee with the Cleaners, fighting trash monsters alongside Riyo and her support crew, it’s time to party!
Titled Raiders, Episode 5 of Gachiakuta opens with a raucous party thrown in Rudo’s honor for joining the Cleaners, though as Enjin puts it, it’s really just an excuse for everyone to get drunk. Everyone is having a good time except Rudo himself, who sulks in the corner, frustrated that he wasn’t able to fully channel his powers during the battle. But there’s little time to mope, he’s quickly dispatched on another mission when the Cleaners are called to fight monsters and rescue a Sphereite.
The spotlight in Chapter 5 shifts to Zanka, the flamboyant, blue-eyed Cleaner who also happens to be Rudo’s assigned trainer. Still irritated by their disastrous first meeting, Zanka has no interest in mentoring the rookie, but as the title suggests, their mission is soon complicated by a run-in with a band of devious Raiders, making things far more dangerous than expected.
Episode 6, ‘One Good Strike‘, continues the clash between the Cleaners and the Raiders while formally introducing a new antagonist with his sights set on Rudo. He’s after him not only because Rudo is a rare Sphereite but also because he’s a Giver. The episode includes a poignant flashback of young Rudo and his foster father, Regto, highlighting Rudo’s deep sentimental attachment to discarded objects, explaining why he can wield more than one item as a “vital instrument.”
Together, Episodes 5 and 6 of ‘Gachiakuta’ deliver both violent face-offs and emotional depth. The introduction of new Raiders injects fresh conflict, while the exploration of Rudo’s past adds heart to the chaos. The climax of Episode 6 features a darkly amusing, violent showdown between Rudo and a powerful Raider. Admittedly, the battle leans a little too heavy on dialogue, more words and fewer punches, but it’s still entertaining, thanks to fantastical powers, flashy visuals, and an excellent soundtrack.
Watch Gachiakuta on Crunchyroll.
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