Kaiju No. 8: Kaiju No. 9, Explained

Key Takeaways

Kaiju No. 9 is the main antagonist with superior intellect, shapeshifting abilities, and is the progenitor of powerful Kaiju.
No. 9 is ruthless and calculated, desires a Kaiju-ruled world, absorbs and evolves from defeated Kaiju, and spawned Kaiju from Nos. 10-15.
No. 9 has a dark and mysterious past, originated as a weak creature, encountered a terrifying entity, and has a deep connection to the Asahina clan.

As a seasoned anime enthusiast with a penchant for the fantastical and the macabre, I find myself utterly captivated by the enigmatic figure of Kaiju No. 9. Having traversed countless worlds teeming with mythical creatures, I must admit that No. 9 stands out as one of the most intriguing entities I’ve encountered.

The following contains major spoilers for Kaiju No. 8, which can be streamed on Crunchyroll, or read via VIZ Media’s website.

In the thrilling world of Naoya Matsumoto’s “Kaiju No. 8”, I find myself constantly on edge due to the looming presence of Kaiju No. 9, the primary adversary. This formidable foe made its debut as early as episode 4 in the anime series. With an uncanny intellect, a knack for disguise, and an alarming capacity to learn and adapt to various knowledge, not to mention the chilling ability to resurrect other Kaiju, No. 9 stands head and shoulders above the rest, even surpassing the colossal Kaiju that had wreaked havoc before the series began.

In the ongoing struggle against the monster in the manga “Kaiju No. 8,” we’re learning more about this enigmatic creature. Now, you might be wondering, what’s Kaiju No. 9 all about? What’s its mission or purpose?

Upon Introduction

The Enemy of the Defense Force

Initially in the series, character No. 9 disguised itself by assuming the forms of people it had killed, while working undercover at the post-Kaiju cleanup service where Kafka was employed. This shapeshifting ability allowed it to operate freely, as its strength wasn’t particularly formidable at the time, necessitating the use of its strategic intelligence and disguise. By resurrecting Kaiju previously defeated by the Defense Force, No. 9 orchestrated a series of attacks that ultimately led to an assault directly on the Defense Force. This unexpected attack served as a grim reminder to humanity of the evolving nature of the Kaiju, suggesting they were developing enough intelligence to strategically target humanity’s only line of defense against them.

Initially, I perceived this Kaiju as weak and intelligent, living a secluded life away from humans. However, it turned out on that particular day that my supposed weakness was just an illusion, for I discovered my strength surpasses that of humans.

Characteristic of Number 9 is its relentless ruthlessness and chilling, strategic demeanor, capable of sparing the innocent if it means evading detection. It possesses a sharp perception, and aspires to construct a world dominated by Kaiju. Therefore, its infiltration of organizations such as the Professional Kaiju Cleaning Company Monster Sweeper Inc. is driven by its intent to reclaim Kaiju powers that humans have supposedly “taken.” Despite being detached and devoid of empathy for other living beings, it admires humanity’s resilience. In chapter 113, during a dialogue with Kafka, Number 9 shows profound interest in understanding humanity, our motivations behind our actions, including fearlessly confronting adversaries much stronger than ourselves.

What Are No. 9’s Abilities?

Shapeshifting, Absorption, And Even Works As a Spawn-Point: No. 9 Is a Harbinger of Doom

Number 9 possesses a variety of talents, among them the transformative ability of shapeshifting, which can enhance its battle-readiness. Initially, No. 9 appears sinister with a slender frame, sporting a hammer head and a mushroom-like hood concealing tiny eyes. It has the capacity to create Kaiju, serving as the parent of numbers 10 through 15, and an endless horde of Honju. The sheer power in its ability to breed formidable Kaiju is astounding, but it also has the capability to assimilate any Kaiju it encounters, a feat that allowed it to absorb No. 2, previously defeated by Captain Shinomiya and transformed into a weapon. This absorption gave No. 9 control over No. 2’s powers as well as those of one of humanity’s most formidable adversaries, not to mention that it claimed the life of Shinomiya himself.

It has grown stronger over time due to its assimilations, becoming significantly more powerful since its debut. Upon assuming the role of No. 2, it acquires an additional head and a set of arms sprouting from its back. In the epic confrontation against Kafka, injuries to its core trigger a rapid evolution into a form that’s even more frightening. Its visage splits apart, revealing numerous eyes, and it develops eight arms, resembling the mythical beings known as Asuras in Hindu and Buddhist lore – often symbolizing chaos, malevolence, or “antigods”. Notably, it performs a mudra (a significant hand gesture) soon after this transformation, which aligns with its origins.

Who Exactly Is Kaiju No. 9?

“The Daikaiju Of The Meireki Era”

Initially, Entity No. 9 perceived itself as weak. It was once tiny and frail, but one day discovered that it possessed strength greater than humans. A voracious appetite for learning followed suit. Curiosity piqued, No. 9 sought to explore the influence it could wield on human society, which it had once shunned desperately. Over time, it accumulated more knowledge. However, in the depths of antiquity, Entity No. 9 encountered a horrifying being – a writhing, sinuous amalgamation of Kaiju, a creature that left no trace of escape for any living being or Kaiju known to history. According to No. 9, this encounter was destined from the start, and it was ultimately consumed by this fearsome entity. Thus, Entity No. 9 is an incredibly potent beast, its emergence evoking images straight out of Eastern depictions of Hell, masking its immense power until Kafka caused damage to its core.

Although linked to a formidable being from its past, Mina Ashiro’s resilience during its transformation echoed an earlier encounter – with a member of the Asahina Clan, dating back to Japan’s Sengoku Period, around the 15th and 16th centuries. Not long after sustaining internal damage, No. 9 strikes a fatal blow against Kafka, merging their minds for a conversation. It presents him with a gory battlefield, where Kafka recognizes a traditional mask (symbolizing vengeful spirits), and it confesses defeat. A subsequent strike from Kafka throws its balance off, causing the countless Kaiju within to riot. It queries if this scene seems familiar at all, and flashes images of a masked samurai before transforming into its monstrous true form – known as “The Daikaijuu of the Meireki Era”. There is an ancient bond between No. 8 and No. 9, dating back to the 1600s, but more details are yet to emerge.

2024-10-15 19:33