Kaiju No. 8 Episode 8: No. 9 Officially Introduced as Kafka Gets a Moment with Mina

The much-anticipated episode 8 of Kaiju No. 8 was finally released on Saturday, June 1, 2024, continuing the highly successful Spring 2024 anime series. Fans were especially eager for this episode as it promised to showcase the intense battle between Kafka Hibino (as the main monster) and Soshiro Hoshina.

Despite the disappointment of many fans, Kaiju No. 8 episode 8 ended the fight much earlier than expected. Fortunately, the show appears to be redeeming itself by introducing another humanoid talking Kaiju, who appears to be commanding a group of flying Kaiju in an attack on an unknown target.

Kaiju No. 8 Episode 8: Introducing a New Humanoid Kaiju Threat – No. 9

Summary of Events

Soshiro's skills serve as the introductory scenes to Kaiju No. 8 episode 8 (Image via Production I.G) — Soshiro’s skills serve as the introductory scenes to Kaiju No. 8 episode 8 (Image via Production I.G)

The eighth episode of Kaiju No. 8 opened with the confrontation between Kafka Hibino (aka the titular monster) and Soshiro Hoshina. Kafka was initially hesitant to use his fists against Hoshina, fearing the potential for injury. However, it soon became clear that holding back would only lead to his demise. Hoshina charged at Kafka with incredible speed, preventing Kafka from hardening his skin in time.

While engaging in a game of cat and mouse, Hoshina persisted in his war of attrition, gradually wearing down Kafka until his core was exposed. Although Kafka was able to regenerate his body and protect his core, it was becoming evident that he couldn’t sustain this strategy for much longer due to its draining effect on his stamina. Briefly questioning the strange sensation he was experiencing during the fight, Hoshina ultimately dismissed it as unimportant.

In episode 8 of Kaiju No. 8, Hoshina powered up his weapons and unleashed a series of invisible slashes, including a third attack called the Mist Slasher, against Kafka and Hoshina. However, Kafka was able to defend himself by growing teeth out of his chest and was able to break Hoshina’s sword. This gave Kafka the opportunity to escape and ultimately end the fight without any injuries to either himself or Hoshina.

Kafka is able to escape Hoshina with both of their lives intact in Kaiju No. 8 episode 8 (Image via Production I.G)

In episode 8 of Kaiju No. 8, Hoshina expressed frustration over his failure to neutralize No. 8, confiding in Mina and showing clear signs of distress. Meanwhile, Kikoru Shinomiya sat atop a mound of defeated Kaiju, contemplating Kafka and appearing worried for him. In that instant, Kafka returned, visibly exhausted from the two battles he had participated in.

After apologizing to Kikoru for not being able to kill No. 9, he attempted to find the injured Reno Ichikawa and Iharu Furuhashi. However, Kikoru intervened and reminded him that he could not help them and needed to focus on his own safety. She emphasized this by pointing out that they had been seen by officers and had already made contact with Hoshina.

In episode 8 of Kaiju No. 8, Mina Ashiro approached Hoshina and noted that it was unusual to see him looking so down. She asked him about the strength of No. 8, and he replied that he assumed it was a Daikaiju. However, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something about the battle didn’t make sense. He thought to himself that No. 8 fought more like a human than a Kaiju. Mina encouraged him to rest and reminded him that it was their duty to neutralize any Kaiju, regardless of its identity.

Mina's words on No. 8 in Kaiju No. 8 episode 8 set up a fateful confrontation between her and Kafka (Image via Production I.G) — Mina’s words on No. 8 in Kaiju No. 8 episode 8 set up a fateful confrontation between her and Kafka (Image via Production I.G)

Upon discovering the humanoid Kaiju’s ability to transform into a human, Ikaruga informed Hoshina and Mina. The attention then turned to the Kaiju, who was walking on a highway in its human form. A driver honked at it and approached to confront the creature, but it consumed him and assumed his form. As it drove away in the man’s car and listened to the radio, the Kaiju was given the official designation of Kaiju No. 9.

In episode 8 of Kaiju No. 8, No. 9 questioned how it could defeat No. 8, realizing it would have to hide while adapting to its new body. The focus then turned to Reno Ichikawa who was in the hospital with Kikoru and Kafka by his side. Ichikawa expressed his relief that Kafka was unharmed and thanked him for rescuing both him and Furuhashi.

Despite Furuhashi’s discovery that he was in the same room, he continued to question their intentions. However, his gullibility caused him to believe their first excuse and he quickly shifted his focus to admiring the strength of No. 8. Eventually, Furuhashi and Ichikawa returned to the Third Division base where the rest of the team celebrated their successful mission, now that both Furuhashi and Ichikawa were healthy.

In episode 8 of Kaiju No. 8, it was revealed that Haruichi was the next in line to inherit Izumo Technologies, the leading manufacturer of anti-Kaiju weapons and combat suits in Japan. The soldiers were also treated to a lavish feast, as Hoshina gave a brief speech encouraging them to make the most of this rare opportunity.

During a conversation between Ichikawa and Hoshina, they remarked on the happiness of everyone present. This prompted Hoshina to announce that the show was about to begin. Right on time, several officers started arguing, which quickly escalated into a heated disagreement among all of them. However, Ichikawa soon realized that the topic of discussion was the mission at hand, and how they could improve by identifying their weaknesses and finding ways to overcome them.

In episode 8 of Kaiju No. 8, tensions rose as Izumo and his father became estranged due to a new focus. Aoi Kaguragi was aware of this but chose not to investigate further. Additionally, Hoshina announced Kafka’s promotion to full officer for his valuable intel during the recent mission, and officially welcomed him into the Third Division.

As the celebrations were in full swing, Aoi and Izumo arrived, causing Aoi to remark that it had been a great night and he would make sure that no one would be lost under his watch. Izumo echoed this sentiment as the rest of the group cheered for Kafka. The next day, Kafka had a private meeting with Mina to discuss his official promotion to the rank of officer.

In episode 8 of Kaiju No. 8, Kafka started to depart, but Mina cautioned him against getting too carried away as he still had a long way to go before fighting alongside her. Kafka was pleased that she remembered their agreement, but he mistakenly called her by her first name, resulting in a punishment of fifty push-ups for not addressing her by her title. Mina then disclosed that she would be attending a meeting at headquarters to discuss No. 9 and No. 8, and that Hoshina would handle the necessary paperwork for their promotions.

Furthermore, she verified that it was Hoshina who proposed that Kafka should be promoted to officer. The attention then turned to later that evening when Kafka was still engrossed in his studies. As he prepared for bed, he noticed the lights were still on in the training room and upon investigation, he found Hoshina practicing his bladework inside. However, it soon became evident that Hoshina was recreating his intense battle with No. 8, leaving Kafka to watch in terror.

In episode 8 of Kaiju No. 8, Hoshina revealed that he had developed a plan to eliminate No. 8 as soon as he encountered him again. He also acknowledged that No. 9 is likely equally powerful, and therefore, he must take on both of them alone in order to protect his fellow officers. The episode concluded with the appearance of another humanoid Kaiju, accompanied by a group of dragon-like Kaiju.

In Review

The final scenes of this latest installment are particularly captivating, as they introduce yet another talking humanoid Kaiju and leave open the potential for future developments. While it may be frustrating that the episode ends on this note, it adds to the overall mystique and intrigue surrounding this reveal.

The events of Kaiju No. 8 episode 8 are particularly noteworthy as they appear to be creating an internal conflict for Kafka. This is evident in his promotion from cadet to officer and the added pressure he now faces in the ongoing battle against Hoshina. It seems that Kafka’s secret will soon push him to a breaking point.

In summation

This latest addition to the series sets the stage for an exhilarating finale to the first season. Although the future is currently uncertain, viewers can anticipate a thrilling and fast-paced journey with the arrival of the newest talking Kaiju.