Gachiakuta Episode 21: Five Cleaners vs One Old Man Gets Insane

Bundus, a veteran vital instrument Raider
Bundus, a veteran vital instrument Raider (Image Source: Studio Bones)

Gachiakuta Episode 21 took an ordinary tool like construction equipment and turned it into a high-powered weapon. The team of animated icons at Studio Bones (led by Yutaka Nakamura and Vincent Chansard) did an amazing job at creating one of the most excitingly animated episodes of the fall season. You can't help but watch this episode again because of how amazing it is.

Through breaking before breaking through, Rudo discovered the full potential of his 3R gloves by using up all of it. Rudo's ability wasn't simply a power-up or plot device; it was an evolution of the power, and how Bundus' prosthetic arms were entirely more than 20 years old now. It put the entire power system of Gachiakuta in perspective as to how it is utilized.


Bundus Proves Why Experience Matters

Enjin's vital instrument (Image Source: Studio Bones)
Enjin's vital instrument (Image Source: Studio Bones)

Gachiakuta Episode 21 featured our first look at all that Bundus can do with his unique style of fighting. One of his most powerful tools is the prosthetic arms he has created throughout each period in his life, as each arm has a different ability. Additionally, Bundus demonstrated why he deserves to be part of the Raiders by taking on five Cleaners at once.

As Bundus fights, he is supported by his multiple arms, which have specific functions, such as blocking blades, squeezing opponents, cutting through defenses, and even using ghostly finger puppets to attack. We saw many extended moments in this episode where we watched the amazing way that Enjin and Riyo work together, while Bundus was able to easily counter both of their attacks combined.


Rudo's 3R Transformation Breaks New Ground

Rudo's Railgun made through his 3R (Image Source: Studio Bones)
Rudo's Railgun made through his 3R (Image Source: Studio Bones)

The centerpiece of Gachiakuta Episode 21 arrived when Rudo discovered a crucial limitation of his powers. Instead of making three separate transformations with the same energy, he used all that energy to enhance the power of one weapon, and as a result, their 'nail gun' is now a cannon-class weapon.

The visuals during the transformation sequence looked a lot like the many great moments from My Hero Academia. The way the camera was moved around and the changing angles made for an awesome visual experience. The music that was playing at the same time, Super Natural High by Paledusk, really added to how great this moment felt when Rudo first unlocked this power.


Zodyl's Strategic Victory in Gachiakuta Episode 21

Bundus is trying to stop Rudo's Railgun's nail-bullet (Image Source: Studio Bones)
Bundus is trying to stop Rudo's Railgun's nail-bullet (Image Source: Studio Bones)

While Gachiakuta Episode 21 had plenty of fighting, it also pushed the story along a ton. Zodyl was never gonna fight anybody; his real goal was to use the Cleaners as guinea pigs to see if they could cross the taboo border.

The villain came away with everything he wanted without doing anything. He learned about the Cleaners and what they could do, he confirmed the theory he had about the trash beasts, and he had total control. The fact that he left before things got really exciting shows how calculating he is.

Zodyl uses a different strategy to separate himself from most of the other shonen battle villains. Rather than fight against people with the biggest muscles or strongest punches, he figures out a way to rig the game in his favour.


Noerde's Dramatic Return

Gachiakuta Episode 21 ended with a shocking twist: Noerde was completely healed from being shot in the head. She’s now got her hair all messed up, and there are sparks of electricity coming off of her. She’s going after Riyo with only one thing on her mind.

This was a direct result of Riyo promising not to kill anyone when he made the deal with Enjin. That shows you how expensive mercy can be when the most dangerous adversary just gets stronger.

With only three episodes before the end of the season, Gachiakuta episode 21 has raised the stakes for the finale. The animation is still being done by Studio Bones, who have obviously put a lot of work into maintaining this quality up to the end of the season.

Edited by Akihito Chakma