Well, that fight didn’t last very long. It’s about a sixth of the episode and that’s counting the OP. I can’t say I’m that disappointed, however. Despite its short length, the fight between Kafka and Soshiro is pretty darn entertaining (not to mention, very well animated). All the character-driven moments and plot development that occurs in the rest of the episode is quite good too so I’m not that upset at how the overall episode turns out.
Truth be told, you don’t really get to see Kafka go toe to toe against Soshiro. Thing is, regardless of whether or not Kafka can harm the vice captain, he understandably doesn’t want to do that so he’s mostly trying to get away. Still, this fight offers a glimpse at how powerful Soshiro is. While Kafka believes Kaiju No. 9 is stronger, he notes that Soshiro is faster and it’s that speed that allows the swordsman to land some pretty nasty hits on him. This encounter also establishes a new weakness for Kaiju No. 8. While Kafka can heal and regenerate himself, it’s very exhausting for him to do that so he can’t actually take a lot of hits. The longer a fight gets, the harder it is for him to maintain his kaiju form. I haven’t minded Kafka’s power level too much so far but I definitely like that the show is trying to keep that in check. Anime has enough overpowered protagonists as is.
From slashing away enough, Soshiro locates Kafka’s core at around his torso, much like with Kaiju No. 9. Kafka correctly anticipates that Soshiro would attack there however so he uses his powers to tank the blow and break Soshiro’s sword, giving him an opening to escape. Once again, I’m liking how often Kafka uses his brain and this is perhaps his greatest asset, as opposed to his raw power. Following the fight, Soshiro determines that Kaiju No. 8 might be a daikaiju, the rarest and most powerful kaiju type. I feel like that should be a given when numbered kaiju are supposed to be special but whatever. What I find more puzzling is that Soshiro notices No. 8’s humanlike behavior and restraint and yet, he doesn’t put two and together and figure out Kafka’s identity. If he has come to that conclusion, it’s not explicitly stated or implied throughout this episode.
As expected, the humanoid kaiju is indeed named Kaiju No. 9 by the Defense Force. I figured since Reno and Iharu knows what its human form looks like, that its cover is blown but it is revealed that No. 9 can absorb and assimilate any human it kills like it’s The Thing. That alone is creepy as hell but it gets even more eerie the more you think about it. Like, this guy could very well assimilate one of the Defense Force officers and none of our heroes would be none the wiser.
Sometime later, Kafka and Kikoru visit a recovering Reno and Iharu. That Reno almost spills the beans about Kafka’s secret because he doesn’t realize Iharu is in the same room as him is very funny. Iharu fails to connect the dots but honestly, I’m kind of convinced that he would keep his lips zipped if he did figure it out. He appears to speak pretty glowingly about Kaiju No. 8. Once Reno and Iharu are discharged, the Third Division hold a party celebrating the two’s recovery and the recruits’ successful first mission. This part of the episode offers some insight to Haruichi Izumo (Shunsuke Takeuchi), one of the auxiliary recruits who I totally have not forgotten to mention. Haruichi is revealed to be heir of Izumo Tech, the corporation responsible for the equipment used by the Defense Force. It’s implied that there’s some beef between him and his father, to the point that they’re not on speaking terms. I’m curious what that’s all about.
At the end of the party, Soshiro announces that Kafka will become a full fledged officer in light of his contribution to the Sagamihara mission. Mina officiates the promotion and while she reminds Kafka that he still has a long way to go, she more or less reveals to Kafka that she still remembers the promise they made together. She also reveals that Soshiro is the one who recommended Kafka for his promotion. I’m somewhat convinced that Soshiro has an ulterior motive here. Like surely, he still suspects something about Kafka and this promotion is an excuse to keep him around longer for his investigation. The only problem with my theory is that Soshiro hasn’t really been snooping around. Hell, he somehow fails to connect the dots earlier in the episode. That all said, Soshiro was genuinely appreciative of Kafka’s intel during the Sagamihara mission so clearly, he sees some sort of potential in the rookie. He certainly suggests that much at the end of the episode.
The very last scene sets up the next action set piece for the season. Some flying yoju arrive at the base and they’re led by yet another humanoid kaiju. Seeing as this one can talk, I’m guessing this guy will inevitably be designated as Kaiju No. 10. Dang, we’re moving onto the next, next sequel! Kind of surprising to see another humanoid, I thought these guys were supposed to be rare of something, but throwing in another one does make the show feel less predictable.
Watch Kaiju No. 8 on Crunchyroll
Xenodude Scribbles 