WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Rust-Eater Bisco Season 1, Episode 3, "Tag-team," now streaming on Crunchyroll and Funimation.
Rust-Eater Bisco Episode 3 marks the official start of Bisco and Milo's journey for the storied Rust-Eater mushroom that will hopefully put an end to the Rusting sickness. The two may be on the same page for why they want to find it, but there are still several unanswered questions that may yet hinder their journey.
Episode 3 offers a larger glimpse at Bisco's character by continuing to highlight his emotional attachment to Jabi, as well as hinting at his altruism. Saving Jabi may be his primary goal, but Bisco could likely take up the task without going around and spreading mushrooms, especially knowing the danger it puts him in. Still, he's willing to take the time and explains that the mushrooms from his attack at the city gate need to be nourished so they can help against the Rusting. Not having read the room, though, his suggestion is ultimately ignored by the gatekeepers as they continue to shoot at him.
Thankfully, Jabi's explanation is better-received. After treating Jabi's wounds, Milo learns what he had long suspected about mushrooms to be true. Not only were his efforts to use them as medicine not in vain, but now he knows there might be one that can cure his sister, and anyone else who's succumbed to the Rusting.
Jabi also reveals the circular reasoning behind mushrooms and Mushroom Keepers being vilified, so it's not a large leap to think that the truth about mushrooms is kept hidden out of fear for how the Watch will retaliate. But what exactly does the government gain by keeping literal life-saving information like this hidden, and how does Governor Kurokawa's rabbit-masked troupe fit into it?
No other Watch members directly engage Bisco aside from Pawoo, but Rust-Eater Bisco makes it clear to viewers that Governor Kurokawa won't slow his efforts to stop him. While the group's only clear motive so far is apprehending Bisco, there is another reason for fans to keep an eye on them. Tirol, the young woman whom Bisco antagonized moments before Pawoo's ambush, appears to have bitten off more than she can chew with her work under Governor Kurokawa. Her wishy-washy feelings about the situation, combined with the preview for Episode 4, may hint at a possible change of alliances.
Milo's dedication to helping others was already evident through his willingness to risk prosecution to study mushrooms. Now that he knows there might be a cure that'll save his sister, he eagerly agrees to join Bisco to find the Rust-Eater mushroom. As the two embark on their search, fans get a glimpse at the world outside Imihara and what new possibilities for danger lie in wait.
Animals play unique roles in the world of Rust-Eater Bisco, so who knows if a crab that dwarves Bisco's companion Actagawa will be a friend or foe. Jabi also mentioned to Milo the existence of Mushroom Keepers -- who weaponize mushrooms for their own gain -- and viewers can't forget about what Pawoo might do when she wakes up and finds her brother gone. There's no shortage of tension as Bisco and Milo race against time to save what might be the only family either has left.
