Kaiju No. 8 Chapter 38 – The Kaiju Weaponry

Clarity has finally been attributed toward the intentions of the Kaiju faction antagonizing humanity. Not only do the Kaiju seek to eliminate humanity but they also wish to recover the power of their brethren that have fallen into the hands of humanity over the decades. And in humanities case, we also learn how the option of converting Kaiju into weaponry has supplemented their fear and added to the opposition of alternative methods in dealing with Numbered Kaiju. Kafka’s case and Isao’s desire to use his power is unprecedented. Humanity in the past (in regards to Japan) were too afraid of the Kaiju that they never once considered that the Kaiju they were exposed too weren’t representative of every single Kaiju in existence. If humanity were aware that there were Kaiju that were willing to work with humanity, would they act differently?

Kaiju No. 8 Chapter 37 – The Human Of Monster #8

Cornered into a position that threatens his promise, Kafka consolidates every essence of his being to will his body into action and away from the blind rage consuming the Kaiju within him. To stop Monster #8, Kafka first stops himself. The hand that pierced his core jolted his mind back into consciousness. Injured yet in control, Kafka meets Isao’s regret with a expression of who he is. Kafka is not Monster #8, he IS Kafka Hibino. After such a display, beyond the terror Monster #8 can bring, the Defense Force now has concrete proof that Kafka can stop himself from running rampant if such a situation arises. The evidence Kafka has provided should be enough to merit his survival despite the risk it could pose to the Defense Force. And if Chief Shinomiya oversees Kafka’s presence, the Defense Force should be more comfortable allowing Kafka to remain within the Defense Force.

Kaiju No. 8 Chapter 36 – The Kaiju Of Monster #8

As suspected, Chief Shinomiya seeks to test Kafka by cornering him physically and mentally. The unexpected variable is the Kaiju linked to Kafka and its ingrained nature of killing Kaiju. The presence of Monster #2’s power within the ARMS and Suit Chief Shinomiya is wearing on top of the threat faced to Kafka has brought the nature of the Kaiju residing within Kafka to the surface. Whatever the reasoning, the Kaiju that bonded with Kafka has a mission to kill Kaiju and right now within the situation against Chief Shinomiya wielding the Monster #2 ARMS and Suit, it interprets Chief Shinomiya’s presence as a Kaiju. Can Monster #8 be stopped by having Chief Shinomiya disengage the Monster #2 ARMS or will Kikoru assist in bringing Kafka’s consciousness back by conveying to Kafka that her father never intended to kill him and has been testing him the whole time? Can Kafka convey to the Defense Force that he is not just a Monster governed by destruction and rage.

Kaiju No.8 Chapter 35 – Chief Shinomiya VS Kafka

You shrewd man Isao Shinomiya. The whole display by him against Monster #8 is most likely his attempt to provide the Defense Force leadership with a foundation of confidence on which he can propose his request. Chief Shinomiya’s intention was never to eliminate Monster #8 but rather to provide concrete evidence that he is capable of dispatching Monster #8 if a situation arises that calls for it. More than anyone in the Defense Force, Chief Shinomiya likely understands what the Kaiju are capable of and what they are able to endure. Chief Shinomiya has reminded the Defense Force that he is still as powerful as he once was and established that he is more than enough to take down Monster #8 if Kafka ever decides to betray the Defense Force. After such a display, the Defense Force would have little doubt in Chief Shinomiya’s abilities and may just approve a certain request he is likely to make such as working with Kafka to learn more about the Kaiju, their functionality and the structure of hybrids.

Kaiju No.8 Chapter 33-34 – The Heart Of A Monster

Kafka has been captured and the fear overwhelming the Defense Force Leadership has directed their mindsets to the termination of the source behind their terror. Fear of the power the Kaiju possess and fear of the uncertainty surrounding the Kaiju’s existence. The line between Humanity and Kaiju has been drawn in their minds and to keep their sanity within the confines of their understanding, the actions they arrive at involve treating Kafka as the Monsters they combat against. Although unlike the rest, the Chief of the Defense Force, Isao Shinomiya, takes a direct approach in assessing the danger Kafka possesses. If Chief Shinomiya believed wholeheartedly that Kafka was a complete threat, the Defense Force would be executing him. But instead, Chief Shinomiya has opted to test Kafka, both his DNA and human tendencies. Kafka is undoubtedly a Hybrid, but can he prove to Chief Shinomiya that the heart he possesses is not that of a monster but that of himself – someone born with the desire to help others?

Kaiju No.8 Chapter 30-32 – Eyes Of Enmity

It was an inevitability. The current separation of Humanity and Kaiju is one entrenched in conflict. A deeply rooted past that has conditioned the minds of the Defense Force to treat any and all Kaiju as destructive enemies to humankind. Regardless of the circumstance, the figure that stands before them has the form of their “enemy” and at a loss for what else to do, the Defense Force soldiers fall back on what they know, protocol. Apprehend the embodiment of their terror. A form resembling their enemy. One humanity associates only devastation, animosity and trauma with. The confrontation between two childhood friends dawns a reality filled with ruthfulness. Will their paths resolve to continue forward together or will this moment fracture it into division?

Kaiju No.8 Chapter 29 – The Battle Princess Arrives

It makes sense now why Soshiro took such a liking to Kafka. The situation with Kafka reflected his own in a way. Just as how Soshiro wanted to push himself in a direction others saw as a futile struggle with an inevitable end, Kafka now seeks to accomplish something he doesn’t appear to be suited for. There is the obvious difference of Kafka possessing a Kaiju within him but from Soshiro’s perspective, Kafka is someone seemingly unfit for the Defense Force yet an individual possessing an immense amount of passion to exceed their limitations. Soshiro resonated with the struggle Kafka was going through and sought to be the support for Kafka which he didn’t have until he met Mina. Soshiro understands there is merit behind that which isn’t noticeably apparent at first glance and if given the chance, anyone can begin to substantiate their value. And Soshiro wasn’t wrong, thanks to Kakfa’s experience as a Kaiju dismantler, he brings a very unique perspective to the Defense Force which has displayed utility in the previous Kaiju attacks they were in. Likewise, Soshiro’s efforts in this current battle against the Humanoid Kaiju (Kaiju #10?) has carved the path out for Mina to unleash. And with the Battle Princess now at the scene, the Humanoid Kaiju can get the fight it so intensely craves.

Kaiju No.8 Chapter 23-27 – Kikoru Rising

Destruction. That is the objective sought by the Kaiju currently in the process of assaulting the Defense Force base. More than one Humanoid Kaiju determining such a tactic, the planned attack appears scripted by a larger force heading the Kaiju terrorizing the denizens of the world. Whether that goal be the extermination of humanity or a distraction for a more overt mission or the desire to draw out Monster #8 or something else entirely, the Kaiju faction behind this attack are committed. The Kaiju prepared countermeasures for the attack patterns utilised by the Defense Force and even singled out the strongest member on the base to keep them away from the Kaiju infantry. With Soshiro occupied by the Humanoid Kaiju, it has been left to Kikoru to lead the others troop members against the Base Kaiju.

Kaiju No.8 Chapter 19-20 – Kafka VS Hoshino

Exhilarating. How spectacularly intoxicating. Kafka in his Kaiju #8 form being forced to survive Vice-Commander Hoshino’s assaults was a sight to see. Kafka experienced first-hand the capabilities of Soshiro and how fighting an upper agent of the Defense Force is like. Kafka may have been holding back because Soshiro is his commanding officer but I wonder if Kafka could really have taken on someone of Soshiro’s capabilities if Kafka did not have that relation holding him back. Possibly, but it would have severely exhausted Kafka.What is clear though is that Kafka has a lot to learn and he definitely needs to be more careful around the Defense Force going forward. They are out to get Kaiju #8.

Kaiju No.8 Chapter 18 – Kafka VS Humanoid Kaiju

Rage. Unbridled and Seething. The sight of his comrades state drives Kafka into a mode completely dominant over the Humanoid Kaiju that moments before had it playing with Reno and Iharu’s lives by experimenting on the resilience of their battle suits. Now with Kafka’s response precipitated, the Humanoid Kaiju attempts to collect Kaiju #8 as a corpse yet the ignorance shaping its perspective makes it blind to the true monster standing in front of it. Unleashed and craving retribution, Kafka closes in to the Humanoid Kaiju with the stare of an executioner.