Kaiju No 8 Season 2 Episode 9 Review: Calm Before The Storm

The 9th episode of Kaiju No 8 Season 2 is here, and it was a good preparatory episode. Let’s discover how this episode plays out.

Kaiju No 8 Season 2 Episode 8 Recap

Here, for the first time, Iharu proves that he isn’t dead weight, as his output rises from a modest 20% to over 40% depending on how he applies himself. When fully focused, his power nearly matches Reno’s, showing he has the potential to stand as a hero in his own right. What makes his role more compelling is his determination, where, even knowing he isn’t on Reno’s level, he pushes forward to fight Kaiju head-on.

Together, the two achieve a decisive victory, and Reno is formally entrusted with Kaiju No. 6’s power. It also becomes clear that Iharu plays a key role in helping Reno maintain control. Meanwhile, Kafka struggles with self-doubt, questioning whether he has any worth outside of Kaiju No. 8’s strength. He believes people rely on the monster inside him rather than the man himself. That insecurity is shattered when Hoshina steps in, thanking Kafka for risking everything to protect his squad by revealing his Kaiju form, despite the consequences. Hoshina urges him not to transform again, declaring that he’ll take on Kaiju No. 9 himself, since further transformations could cost Kafka his humanity.

Still, after recognising Kafka’s unwavering resolve to fight, Hoshina changes his approach. He decides to personally train Kafka, refining his combat skills. We then see real progress, as Kafka picks up boxing fundamentals and begins holding his own in close-quarters combat, though he remains far from Hoshina’s level. Even so, Hoshina praises his determination and unique fighting style, assuring Kafka that he will help him grow stronger.

Kaiju No 8 Season 2 Episode 9 Review And Recap

This episode showcases that the Defence Force is gearing up for a full-scale fight against the Kaiju monsters. Kafka is training with Hoshina, and other members are also doing their own thing to prepare for the upcoming battle. Here, we get to see that Kikoru is going to wield the Kaiju No 4 suit, a Kaiju that killed multiple members of the Defence Force, including her mother. She does her special training with Gen, who has promised to make her as strong as him.

On the other hand, very strange creatures are slowly emerging within the city, which are sometimes humanoid and sometimes look like monsters. They appear randomly and then randomly disappear before the Defence Force can come and engage them in a battle. The Defence Force realises that Kaiju No. 9’s ability to create Kaiju is way faster than they had anticipated. He can strike with his army of new monsters very soon, so they should prepare accordingly.

Later, we see Kafka finally having a chat with Mina, where they discuss the upcoming fight and their past connection. Here, Mina assures him that he doesn’t have to stay strong for others as others, and herself can fight and will share his burden. Other than that, Kafka finally also reconnects with others from the third division as he realises that they never hated him for turning out to be Kaiju No. 8.

Verdict

Today’s episode was really good as it focuses mainly on the internal struggles of the characters and their interpersonal connection. I absolutely loved how slowly the story is building up, and I believe that this season is going to be even better than the previous one.

Must Read: Kaiju No 8 Season 2 Episode 8 Review: Kafka Accepts His Destiny