Kaiju No. 8 episode 4: A humanoid Kaiju and the strengthening of Kafka and Kikoru’s friendship

The highly anticipated fourth episode of Kaiju No. 8 was released worldwide on Saturday, May 4, 2024. It continued the thrilling second stage exam for the Kaiju Defense Force, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Fans were particularly eager to see how Kafka would fare after his previous injuries, and they were not let down by the outcome.

Despite not much information being available about this creature, it is clear that the talking humanoid Kaiju introduced in episode 4 of Kaiju No. 8 came as a surprise to viewers and is set to become the main antagonist in the series. Their role is expected to be one of opposition, with their power potentially rivaling or surpassing that of Kafka’s.

Kaiju No. 8: Episode 4 Introduces Key Villain for Series

Brief episode recap

Kafka Hibino's resolve was on full display in Kaiju No. 8 episode 4 (Image via Production I.G) — Kafka Hibino’s resolve was on full display in Kaiju No. 8 episode 4 (Image via Production I.G)

The fourth episode of Kaiju No. 8 opened with Kafka Hibino standing on his injured leg. Soshiro Hoshina agreed to let him continue the exam, but warned that he would activate the shield if needed. Kafka then attempted to convince Ichikawa to proceed without him, but Ichikawa refused and instead carried Kafka on his back as they continued the exam.

Despite Kafka and Ichikawa’s disapproval, Kikoru continued her solo mission through the battlefield, effortlessly defeating countless kaiju without assistance. After successfully taking down all the Yoju, she swiftly defeated the Honju, ultimately completing the exam.

During Kaiju No. 8 episode 4, Hoshina and his team started the recovery procedures, with both him and Mina Ashiro noting the speed and lack of events during the exam, which they attributed to Kikoru’s help. It was later revealed that Kikoru was the daughter of “Director Shinomiya,”presumably the head of the Kaiju Defense Force.

Kaiju No. 8 episode 4 touches on Kikoru Shinomiya's origins (Image via Production IG) — Kaiju No. 8 episode 4 touches on Kikoru Shinomiya’s origins (Image via Production IG)

While Kikoru was rejoining the others, a humanoid Kaiju suddenly emerged from behind and launched a surprise attack on her, striking her in the heart. As Kafka and Ichikawa conversed about Kikoru’s monstrous nature, the Yoju nearby suddenly started to revive.

In episode 4 of Kaiju No. 8, Kafka’s mind immediately turned to Kikoru as she struggled to protect herself. The humanoid Kaiju, on the other hand, appeared to be reviving Honju. To Kikoru’s surprise, the humanoid Kaiju was able to communicate and asked about the state of her combat suit. The awakened Honju was reassured that the suit could handle her.

Despite Kikoru’s attempts to shoot the clearly intelligent Kaiju, it suddenly developed eyes and launched multiple unseen projectiles at her, resulting in her screaming out in pain. Hoshina and the rest of the group quickly realized that the Kaiju were in the process of reviving and that the resurrected Honju was even more formidable than before.

Kafka and Kikoru begin to bond in Kaiju No. 8 episode 4 (Image via Production I.G)

In episode 4 of Kaiju No. 8, Mina and Hoshina prepared to take action as the examinees were instructed to evacuate. However, Kikoru was determined not to give up, knowing that if the Honju was not stopped, countless lives would be lost. Despite her physical state, she persisted in the fight, driven by the words of her father echoing in her mind.

Despite her best efforts, the Kaiju effortlessly swept Kikoru away, causing further injury. This triggered a flashback of her time in school, where she excelled on an exam and was praised by her classmates. However, she was reminded that she was the only one without a parent present to celebrate with her. Instead, her family butler arrived to pick her up.

Upon arriving home, she excitedly shared the news with her father. However, instead of sharing in her happiness, he responded coldly and advised her to focus on the next mission rather than celebrating her results. Disheartened, young Kikoru was visibly dejected. In the present, episode 4 of Kaiju No. 8 showed Kikoru being motivated to fight by her father’s words. Despite her determination, she was relentlessly overpowered by the Honju, resulting in her right arm being rendered completely useless.

Despite having its offensive uniorgan severed, the Honju was observed regenerating and becoming even stronger. While Ashiro and Hoshina were still some distance away, Kikoru resigned herself to her fate as the Honju prepared for a devastating attack. As she tearfully begged for forgiveness from her father, Kafka suddenly appeared and transformed into No. 8, intercepting the Honju’s attack just in time.

After thanking her for ensuring everyone’s timely evacuation, he instructed her to leave the rest to him. In episode 4 of Kaiju No. 8, the other examinees were shown evacuating and questioning the source of the explosion they heard. Ichikawa was then seen pursuing Kafka, triggering a flashback revealing that Kafka had abandoned him after learning that Kikoru was in danger.

Upon realizing that he was about to undergo a transformation, Ichikawa wasted no time in rushing to Kafka and Kikoru. While doing so, Kafka beseeched Kikoru, who was clearly bewildered, to keep his newfound ability a secret. Ichikawa then effortlessly deflected another attack from the Honju before informing them that they would discuss the matter further after he had dealt with the Honju. His fortitude number, which appeared on his readings, was an impressive 9.8, solidifying his position as one of the most formidable Kaiju in history.

In episode 4 of Kaiju No. 8, Kafka charged up a powerful punch to defeat the Kaiju with a single blow, leaving Kikoru in shock. He then reverted back to his human form as Ichikawa appeared. Kikoru fainted as Ichikawa scolded Kafka. Later, Hoshina and Ahsiro arrived at the corpse of the Honju and Hoshina recognized it as the same Kaiju that Kafka had defeated three months ago.

After being accompanied by Ichikawa, Kafka returned to the hospital where they discussed their dreams and hopes for the test results. As they finished their conversation, Mina Ashiro entered the room, having been listening outside the door. She expressed her gratitude to both of them for bringing Kikoru to safety and aiding in her rescue before leaving.

Kafka hesitated to call out to her, choosing instead to wait until he achieved the rank of officer before expressing his desires. In the meantime, Hoshina paid a visit to Kikoru, who promised to keep Kafka’s secret. Kikoru also revealed to Hoshina that she was the one responsible for defeating the reanimated Honju. Later, in episode 4 of Kaiju No. 8, the humanoid Kaiju responsible for reviving the Honju and its companions were shown listening to a news report about the incident while in a bathroom.

He couldn’t believe that there were no casualties, wondering if it was because a powerful “Captain”had prevented any. As he was watching the news, he learned about Kaiju No. 8 and immediately received a call. This led him to transform back into a human and join Kafka and Ichikawa’s former cleanup team. The episode concluded with them discussing the incident at the exam site, as the humanoid Kaiju’s transformation briefly malfunctioned.

In review

Despite not meeting the expectations of many fans in terms of pacing, Kaiju No. 8 episode 4 still delivers an exhilarating addition to the series that clearly sets the stage for future developments. This is highlighted by the introduction of a talking humanoid Kaiju and the revelation that he, like Kafka, possesses the ability to transform into a human.

The episode effectively portrays the growing romance between Kikoru and Kafka, without explicitly stating their feelings. Additionally, Ichikawa’s friendship with the two is established, setting the stage for the development of this trio as the series continues.

In summation

Despite the uncertainty of what the upcoming installment will focus on, Kaiju No. 8 episode 4 remains a thrilling and captivating addition to the series. With its intense action and introduction of the series’ main antagonist, this episode is undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating so far. Fans can eagerly anticipate the next episode, as it is sure to be just as exciting and enthralling.