diff --git a/blue_archive/constants.py b/blue_archive/constants.py
index d2b78b7..16546d1 100644
--- a/blue_archive/constants.py
+++ b/blue_archive/constants.py
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ BUNDLED_DB = Path(__file__).parent / "ba_students.json"
 BANNER_FILE = Path("data/ba_banner_state.json")
 ASSETS_DIR = Path(__file__).parent / "assets"
 BG_PATH = ASSETS_DIR / "gacha_bg.png"
+GACHA_ANIM_PATH = ASSETS_DIR / "Arona_Blue_Gacha_Animation.gif"
 
 # ── APIs ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 BANNER_API = "https://api.ennead.cc/buruaka/banner"
diff --git a/blue_archive/gacha.py b/blue_archive/gacha.py
index 9a729ea..120f9ab 100644
--- a/blue_archive/gacha.py
+++ b/blue_archive/gacha.py
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ from .data import (
     get_rates_for_banner,
 )
 from .gacha_renderer import render_pull
-from .constants import SPARK_TARGET, BANNER_FILE, DEFAULT_RATES, PULL10_RATES
+from .constants import SPARK_TARGET, BANNER_FILE, DEFAULT_RATES, PULL10_RATES, GACHA_ANIM_PATH
 
 log = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
@@ -258,8 +258,8 @@ class BlueArchiveGacha(commands.Cog):
                 banner_name = f"{gtype} — {rateups}"
                 rates = get_rates_for_banner(banner)
 
-        # "Opening envelope" teaser
-        teaser = await ctx.reply("Opening recruitment envelope" + ("s..." if count > 1 else "..."))
+        # "Opening envelope" teaser — send animation GIF
+        teaser = await ctx.reply(file=discord.File(str(GACHA_ANIM_PATH)))
 
         # Build the banner-specific character pool
         if banner_id and banner_id != "regular" and banner: