I kind of was expecting a bunch of gags thrown into this episode to try and lighten the mood. But no, this episode almost entirely plays Kafka’s predicament completely straight. I’m not opposed to some levity but I’m glad that this episode doesn’t try and risk screwing things up. It really sinks in just how serious the situation is. That this episode is so committed to the tone makes this one of my favorites in the season.
Following Kafka’s arrest, the Third Division is ordered to hand him over to a maritime base in Ariake so that the top brass can conduct some tests and determine Kafka’s fate. Once Kafka’s taken to an armored truck, Mina reveals to him that everyone in the Third Division still views him as a friend and they are going to do whatever they can to convince the top brass to spare him. I really like that this is where Mina opens up the most to Kafka. The logistics certainly allow it. There’s no cameras in the truck and Kafka technically isn’t an officer right now so Mina doesn’t need to pull rank to keep up appearances. Mina admittedly doesn’t act any differently than she does, she is still a military captain after all, but the fact she skips procedure and tells Kafka she’ll still be waiting for him to fight by her side says a lot. Even after all those years and even after Kafka reveals his kaiju form, she still believes in him.
There’s a bunch of other neat moments where the other characters show their support. Just as Kafka leaves his division, Reno shouts out that he has faith his senpai will be return. A risky decision when there’s the deputy director is present but Reno’s always had Kafka’s back since Day 1 so I can see him taking that risk. Soshiro and the rest of the division saluting Kafka, under the guise that they’re saluting Mina. That’s just great. I imagine Soshiro is still a little annoyed that he failed to identify Kafka as Kaiju No. 8 but it’s nice to know that even after such a big reveal, he still wants Kafka on the team. There’s a curious moment where Haruichi’s rival/buddy Aoi Kaguragi (Shunsuke Takeuchi) very bluntly reminds his friends that there’s only so much they can do to help Kafka. A cold remark but in Aoi’s defense, he’s been a stoic character throughout the whole show. I really like it then that this is followed up by scene in Aoi calls his former commander in the JSDF to try and pull some strings.
Of course, the most notable contribution is Kikoru trying to advocate for Kafka to her father Isao (Tesshō Genda). While I’m sure Mina and her team can lawyer up, I do think Kikoru has the best shot out of anyone to save Kafka. She does have a complicated relationship with her father but she is nevertheless the Director General’s daughter. If there’s anyone Isao would listen to, it’d probably be her, more so if she’s ignoring rank and waltzing right into his office. I love that Kikoru addresses Isao first as a subordinate and then as his daughter. It really shows how serious she is about convincing her father and saving Kafka. I would call Isao a stubborn old man for refusing Kikoru’s request but to be fair, he does have evidence supporting his decision such as an X-ray scan revealing that Kafka’s heart has been replaced with a kaiju core. Can’t say I blame him for sticking with his gut.
While all of this is going on, Mina reveals to Reno, Iharu, Haruichi, and Aoi that they are going to be transferred to other divisions to continue training while the Third Division rebuilds itself. This move does make sense. The Third Division’s base is completely wrecked. Hell, I’m shocked Mina still has an office. The recruits simply can’t train here for the time being. At some point, Kaiju No. 8 ought to unveil the other divisions so this could be their way of doing just that. I do however feel that I’ve only just gotten to know the whole cast and see them bond. It just feels too soon to see everyone go their separate ways.
At the maritime base, Isao decides to personally handle Kafka’s execution and the disposal of his kaiju parts. To even the odds, Isao equips a pair of gauntlets made from the remains of Kaiju No. 2, making it the first time we get to see a Numbers weapon. When Kikoru brought this up earlier in the show, I thought the concept of specialized weapons made from kaiju remains sounded awesome. At the same time however, I got concerned that these would not show up until a couple arcs later. I’m so stoked then that this season managed to show off one before it ends. A really cool detail I dig about the gauntlets is how some of Isao’s attacks emit the image of Kaiju No. 2. It’s as though the monster is still alive somehow.
Wanting to prove he’s human, Kafka tries not to attack back at Isao and use his kaiju form as little as possible. But as the fight escalates and Isao almost kills him, Kafka has no choice but to fully transform. Further complicating the situation is Kafka actually losing control of his body. Somehow, the kaiju that infected him at the start of the show takes the wheel and it makes Kaiju No. 8 go berserk. I imagine Kafka will be able to regain control. The question is whether or not that’ll help him in proving his humanity or if his loss of control will convince the Defense Force to continue on with getting rid of him.
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