Kaiju No 8 Season 2 Episode 8 Review

The episode centers on Ichikawa’s decision to wear the Number Six Weapon to protect Kafka. However, after donning the weapon, Ichikawa initially loses control, prompting Furuhashi to intervene. Ichikawa eventually regains control but is physically weakened, limiting his fighting capacity.

The team realizes that to defeat the Kaiju, they must expose its core and shoot it directly. Furuhashi attempts this despite his combat power being only 24%, but it soon rises to 41%, then fluctuates as he fights the Kaiju. Yugo notices Furuhashi’s growing power and believes with proper guidance, Furuhashi could become a formidable warrior.

Meanwhile, Ichikawa reflects on his journey, admitting he is neither a genius nor a destined hero, but he is determined to break through obstacles to protect the future of the country. Furuhashi and Ichikawa work together to attack the Kaiju, eventually exposing its core and destroying it with a single shot, much to Yugo’s amazement. This victory triggers memories of Hikari’s past and her test to become the Number Four Weapon wielder, highlighting the rigors and responsibilities of wielding such power.

Kafka, overwhelmed by fear after Ichikawa’s success, faces challenges of his own. Vice Captain Shashi attacks Kafka, scaring him into submission and emphasizing the risks of frequent transformation, which might prevent Kafka from returning to human form. Shashi advises Kafka to move forward as himself rather than relying on his Kaiju form, encouraging him to train and grow stronger naturally.

Shoshiro decides to mentor Kafka, taking him to the Ryone Temple, a historic site from the Edo period where many fought and died battling Kaiju. This place symbolizes the spirits of past warriors, motivating Kafka to train seriously. During training, Shashi dominates Kafka in combat, revealing Kafka’s over-reliance on his Kaiju abilities and lack of control without transformation.

Shashi pushes Kafka to learn a powerful anti-Kaiju combat technique previously mastered by Director A Saw, enabling him to fight without relying on his Kaiju form or weapon power. Kafka realizes he must become stronger and fight not only for survival but to protect the future, aiming to claim Captain Mina’s seat as a symbol of his growth. The episode closes with Kafka praying at the temple, experiencing a mysterious vision before it vanishes, leaving him puzzled and eager to understand what it means.

This episode skillfully blends action, character development, and thematic depth, setting up crucial arcs for Ichikawa, Kafka, and their comrades as they prepare for increasingly dangerous encounters. It emphasizes that true strength comes not only from power but from control, mentorship, and understanding one’s identity and history.