《機動戰士鋼彈0080：口袋裡的戰爭》第三集副標題為〈彩虹的盡頭有什麽？〉，於1989年隨OVA系列播出。作為六集中的中段，本集開始進一步揭示吉翁軍與聯邦軍在Side 6「里伯」殖民地內的對抗，同時也深化角色之間的情感糾葛，逐步營造出「悲劇必然降臨」的氛圍。

劇情方面，獨眼巨人隊在成功潛入Side 6後，開始策劃針對聯邦新鋼彈的破壞行動。然而，行動並不順利，他們需要在嚴密監控的殖民地環境中隱秘行動，這讓任務的壓力與風險倍增。對比之下，阿爾的生活卻依舊天真無憂，他依然熱衷於追逐機動戰士，甚至主動為巴尼與獨眼巨人隊提供協助，完全沒有意識到這些「朋友」所代表的是戰爭的殘酷。這種「小孩的遊戲心態」與「軍人的生死任務」之間的巨大反差，正是本集最鮮明的戲劇張力所在。

另一方面，克莉絲的戲份在這一集中也逐漸增加。作為聯邦軍新型鋼彈的測試駕駛員，她在日常生活中依舊扮演著鄰家大姐姐的角色，對阿爾表現出溫柔與關懷，但在軍人身份上卻必須面對殘酷的戰爭責任。這種雙重身份的衝突，使克莉絲的形象更加立體，也為後續她與巴尼的命運交錯埋下更強烈的伏筆。

從演出層面來看，本集延續前兩話的寫實氛圍，但更突出「日常生活與戰爭陰影的重疊」。標題〈彩虹的盡頭有什麽？〉，正象徵著戰爭逐漸滲入到殖民地平靜的街頭巷尾。畫面中經常出現殖民地孩子的天真舉動，與暗處中潛藏的吉翁士兵形成對比，觀眾能清楚感受到一種「日常正在被吞噬」的不安氛圍。戰鬥場面雖然不多，但張力十足，尤其是潛入與偵查的片段，將OVA的精緻作畫和節奏控制發揮得淋漓盡致。

市場評價方面，第三集被認為是整部OVA中「情感漸入佳境」的一集。許多評論指出，雖然動作場面相對有限，但卻進一步強化了作品的主題深度。阿爾的童真與巴尼的苦澀命運在這一集交錯得更加明顯，讓觀眾開始預感到結局的悲劇性。評論普遍認為，這集是整部作品的情感轉折點，從單純的鋪陳走向更為壓抑與嚴肅的氛圍，為最終的心碎結局作出強烈的鋪墊。

總體而言，〈彩虹的盡頭有什麽？〉不僅是劇情推進的重要一環，更是深化角色、鋪墊悲劇氛圍的關鍵篇章。它讓觀眾從阿爾的單純視角中，逐步感受到戰爭的冰冷陰影如何一步步侵蝕日常生活，展現出《口袋裡的戰爭》最動人心弦的核心魅力。

The third episode of Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket, subtitled “And at the End of the Rainbow?”, was released in 1989 as part of the OVA series. Positioned at the midpoint of the six-episode arc, this chapter begins to further reveal the conflict between Zeon forces and the Federation within the Side 6 colony of “Libot,” while also deepening the characters’ emotional entanglements and gradually building the sense of an inescapable tragedy.

In terms of plot, the Cyclops Team, having successfully infiltrated Side 6, sets out to plan the destruction of the Federation’s new Gundam. However, their mission proves far from easy; the strict surveillance and controlled environment of the colony greatly heighten both the pressure and the risks of their operation. By contrast, Al’s life remains blissfully innocent. He continues to immerse himself in his fascination with mobile suits and even offers help to Bernie and the Cyclops Team, entirely unaware that these “friends” embody the harsh reality of war. This sharp contrast between a child’s playful mindset and the soldiers’ life-or-death mission forms the most striking dramatic tension of the episode.

Meanwhile, Chris takes on a larger role in this chapter. As the test pilot for the Federation’s new Gundam, she must balance her dual identities: the kind, caring “big sister next door” to Al in daily life, and the soldier burdened with the heavy responsibilities of war. This internal conflict makes Chris’s character more layered and complex, while also laying stronger narrative groundwork for her fateful connection with Bernie in later episodes.

From a production perspective, the episode continues the realistic atmosphere established in the first two, but places greater emphasis on the overlapping of everyday life with the looming shadow of war. The title, “And at the End of the Rainbow?”, symbolizes the gradual encroachment of war into the seemingly peaceful streets of the colony. The juxtaposition of children’s innocent play against the lurking presence of Zeon soldiers conveys an unsettling sense that normal life is being eroded. Although the battle sequences are relatively sparse, the tension is palpable, particularly in the infiltration and reconnaissance scenes, where the OVA’s detailed animation and pacing shine at their best.

In terms of reception, the third episode is often considered the point where the OVA’s emotional depth truly takes hold. Many critics noted that while the action was limited, the thematic weight was significantly strengthened. The contrast between Al’s innocence and Bernie’s bitter fate becomes increasingly pronounced, foreshadowing the inevitability of a tragic end. Reviewers widely regard this installment as the emotional turning point of the series, shifting from mere narrative setup toward a heavier, more somber tone that lays the foundation for the heart-wrenching conclusion.

Overall, “And at the End of the Rainbow?” is not only a crucial step in advancing the story but also a key chapter in deepening the characters and establishing the tragic atmosphere. Through Al’s pure, childlike perspective, viewers gradually witness how the cold shadow of war seeps into daily life, showcasing the poignant emotional core that makes War in the Pocket one of the most moving entries in the Gundam franchise.