Thunder 3, the summer 2026 anime adaptation of Ikeda Yuki’s manga, aired its fifth episode — “REBELLION” — on August 5, 2026, via Fuji TV’s +Ultra block. The episode delivered one of the series’ most emotionally intense installments yet.

About Thunder 3

Thunder 3 is based on Ikeda Yuki’s manga serialized in Kodansha’s Monthly Shonen Magazine since 2022, which concluded in June 2026 just before the anime began airing. The series was nominated for the “Tsugi ni Kuru Manga Taisho 2022” award. The story follows Tezuka Pyontaro and his two close friends Azuma Tsubame and Ochanomizu Hiroshi — collectively known as “Small 3” — who set out to find Pyontaro’s missing little sister, Futaba, after she is abducted by aliens.

Episode 5 Synopsis: “REBELLION”

College student Segami Teiichi is introduced to the inner workings of Rebellion, a human resistance organization fighting back against alien invaders. He meets Kisaragi Mio, a beautiful former Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldier, and the imposing Yamamoto Yutaka, a former SAT police officer. The two show Segami a staggering cache of weapons — machine guns, alien combat suits and more — explaining they were retrieved with the help of “Genius,” real name Sumeragi Kyoji, a key figure in Rebellion. Segami, who describes himself as “just a karate guy,” is visibly overwhelmed.

Small 3 Meets Segami

As Segami leaves the Rebellion office and gazes up at an alien aircraft overhead, Small 3 suddenly appears. Pyontaro cries out that the very same type of ship abducted Futaba, and pleads with Segami for help. Meanwhile, a JASDF F-15 fighter jet engages the alien craft in aerial combat above the city.

A Fighter Pilot’s Final Act

In a flashback, pilot Yamashina — previously unlucky in love — meets a quiet woman named Kana at a mixer, bonding over the film Planet Wars. The two quickly grow close, marry, and are expecting a child. Then tragedy strikes: Kana’s car is crushed by an alien tank. Consumed by grief and rage, Yamashina flies his jet in a kamikaze charge against the alien mothership, tears streaming down his face. Onlookers on the streets below erupt in shock and awe, and Segami is visibly shaken by what he witnesses.

A Devastating Phone Call

Just as Segami agrees to take Small 3 to the Rebellion office, his phone rings. His mother’s voice — barely holding together — tells him their home has been destroyed by aliens, and that his father, who tried to resist, has met a terrible fate. Segami breaks down in tears, recalling his father’s words: “I’ve realized lately — every single person in the world is the main character of their own story.”

Tashiro Ryoka and the Shibuya Mission

The next day, Segami brings Small 3 to the Rebellion office, where he unexpectedly runs into Tashiro Ryoka — the most popular girl from his high school class. Though she doesn’t seem to remember him, Segami is clearly flustered. The mood quickly shifts when a Rebellion officer makes a major announcement:

“Tomorrow we execute the Shibuya Mission. Reward: 200,000 yen, plus a bonus for every alien eliminated. Participation is voluntary. Meet here at 4 PM tomorrow — we head out by bus!”

Segami stares wide-eyed at the news. Small 3, meanwhile, are told by Yamamoto to come back in three days.

Cast Reactions

Ending theme artist 音羽-otoha- posted on social media: “My emotions completely broke down… this is no time for a carefree song. The urgency of the voice acting and sound effects in the anime was incredible. Next week that kid shows up — can’t wait.”

Hirose Yuki, who voices Tashiro Ryoka, wrote: “Episode 5 was one of my favourite chapters in the manga, and it hit me right in the chest. Tashiro Ryoka has finally appeared! Next episode, the battle between humans and aliens truly begins. So excited.”

Maekawa Ryoko (Mio) shared: “My heart ached during the recording session too… Mio senses the change in Segami. Even in times like these, her charm is extraordinary. He’s going to fight tomorrow… what will happen to him?”

Watariya Miho, who plays Segami’s mother, said: “The story moved so intensely — I kept holding my breath. The heartbreaking scenes were almost too much. I wonder what Segami will do from here.” Watariya also voiced the elegantly beautiful Makino Reika in the previous episode.

Broadcast Information

• Broadcast: Every Wednesday at 24:45 on Fuji TV (+Ultra) and other stations
• Streaming: Netflix (worldwide exclusive)