Kaiju No. 8 Ending Explained: What Happened to Kafka and What’s Next?

Kaiju No. 8 has officially ended with Chapter 129, and fans are still talking about it. If you’re wondering what exactly happened in the last chapter and what it means for Kafka Hibino and the rest of the characters, from Kafka Hibino’s surprising fate to the future of the Defense Force and the unresolved bond with Mina Ashiro, the ending gives us a lot to discuss. Here’s a simple and complete breakdown of how it all wraps up.

What Happens in the Final Chapter of Kaiju No. 8?

The final chapter is set four months after the intense battle known as the Great Cataclysm, where Kafka fought Kaiju No. 9 and the massive Daikaiju from the Meireki Era. During that battle, Kafka sacrificed his kaiju core for his final hit, seemingly dying in the process. His lifeless body was shown sinking, and everyone assumed he would die.

However, Kafka wakes up in a hospital bed. It’s revealed that he was saved by the spirit of Isao Shinomiya, who sacrificed his own heart to replace Kafka’s destroyed core. This brings Kafka back to life, restoring his human body. Even though he’s now human again, Kafka realizes that he can still transform into Kaiju No. 8. The exact reason isn’t fully explained, but it’s hinted that the power might be connected to lingering spiritual energy from the ancient samurai or a little something left behind by Isao’s will.

Is Kafka Still Fighting?

Yes, Kafka returns to active duty. His kaiju identity is kept a secret from the public to avoid panic and controversy, with only the Japan Anti-Kaiju Defense Force are aware of the truth. He is promoted and reassigned to a newly formed unit called the Field Analysis Support Squad.

Although Kafka is now much more physically weaker after the battle aftermath, he continues fighting to protect humanity.

What Happened to Kafka and Mina’s Relationship?

One of the biggest disappointments for many fans was the lack of anything between Kafka and Mina. They were childhood friends who promised to fight kaiju together, and their relationship was filled with a lot of unresolved feelings, mutual respect, and shared struggles.

However, the final chapter offers no significant romantic moment between them. When Kafka wakes up, Mina greets him, but their interaction is short and quiet. There is no heartfelt conversation, no confession of love, and no emotional reflection on everything they’ve been through.

This does feel in line with Mina’s calm and professional nature, but many readers were left wanting more. While they are together, the ending leaves their relationship open to interpretation.

How Did the Other Characters End Up?

The rest of the cast also saw major developments by the end of the story. Kikoru Shinomiya was promoted to Vice Commander of the First Division, continuing her parents’ legacy and becoming one of the youngest people to hold that rank. Reno Ichikawa, Iharu Furuhashi, Haruichi Izumo, and Aoi Kaguragi were all promoted to platoon leaders, showing how much they had grown through the battles. Hasegawa was transferred to the central headquarters and took on a leadership position.

Interestingly, the chapter showed Gukki and Rei Tsukino getting married while Kafka was in a coma. No one knows who they are so it was kind of random, but hey, atleast someone is happy.

Are the Kaiju Gone for Good?

The kaiju threat isn’t over. While the final battle ended the immediate crisis, the manga shows that kaiju are still appearing. The Defense Force is stronger than ever, and public support has grown. Enlistment numbers are way up, and morale is high but peace is still not anywhere near.

Kaiju No. 9’s body is being preserved in a secure facility, and several powerful kaiju, which includes Kaiju No. 12 are now being studied for potential weapon use.

Conclusion

Not really? But it did end with a hopeful message. Kafka survives, regains his human form, keeps his transformation powers, and continues serving with the Defense Force. The team grows stronger, and the world begins to rebuild. There is always hope.

About Kaiju No.8

Kaiju No. 8 or Monster #8 is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Naoya Matsumoto. It has been serialized for free on Shueisha’s Shōnen Jump+ from July 2020.

In Japan, creatures are known as kaiju frequently attack the nation with the Japanese Defense Force in charge of dealing with and killing them.

Childhood friends Kafka Hibino and Mina Ashiro vow to become members of the Defense Force after a kaiju destroys their home. Mina becomes a famous commander of the Force while Kafka fails the exam multiple times and becomes a monster sweeper, those in charge of cleaning up a monster’s dead body.

One day a small talking kaiju enters his body through his mouth and he can now turn into a Kaiju himself. This is dubbed “Kaiju No. 8” by the Defense Force.