Ep 3. E 3

The third episode of GATE season 1 is titled "E 3". The episode picks up where the last one left off, with the Special Forces team of the Japanese Self-Defense Force (JSDF) trying to establish a base in the land beyond the gate, which is located in what seems to be medieval-era Japan.

The team leads by Itami, the protagonist of the series, who is tasked with gathering intelligence about the area beyond the gate. In their exploration, they encounter and engage in another battle with a fire dragon, one of the mythical creatures that inhabit the land. With the help of Princess Pina Co Lada of the Empire of Alnus, they are able to defeat the dragon and establish their base of operations.

As the team settles into their new base, they discover that they are not the only ones interested in exploiting the gate's connection to the other world. A group of American soldiers under the command of Lieutenant Rory Mercury appears at the gate, hoping to take advantage of the situation for their own country's benefit. The arrival of this new group causes tension and puts the JSDF team on high alert.

Meanwhile, the politics of the Imperial Court of Alnus come into play as Princess Pina's father, the Emperor, takes an interest in the JSDF's activities. He becomes suspicious of their motives and sends a group of knights to investigate. These knights, however, are not trained for combat and are easily defeated by the JSDF's superior firepower, causing the Emperor further concern.

Throughout the episode, Itami and his team's interactions with the Alnus people reveal the stark contrast between the two cultures. The Alnus people view the JSDF's behavior as barbaric, while the JSDF see themselves as protectors and enforcers of justice.

Overall, "E 3" is an action-packed episode that continues to explore the conflict between the JSDF and the inhabitants of the other world beyond the gate. It also introduces new characters and sets up plot points that will likely play a role throughout the rest of the season.