Kaiju No. 8 chapter 118: Kafka’s revival comes at a heavy cost as the Flying Larva’s origin story ends

Kaiju No. 8 chapter 118 was expected to continue focusing on Kafka Hibino’s conversation and journey with the oni-mask warrior, the Flying Larva, who gave Kafka his powers. Officially released on Thursday, December 5, 2024, the issue continued focusing on the pair, but not exactly in the way fans expected.

Many readers assumed that Kaiju No. 8 chapter 118 would show the Flying Larva’s full backstory, leading to its choosing Kafka and explaining why it chose him. However, the issue took a different turn, seemingly ending one of the biggest plot points surrounding Kafka heading into this latest battle.

Kaiju No. 8 chapter 118 forces Kafka to choose between his powers, and his humanity

Kaiju No. 8 chapter 118: Origins and connections

Kaiju No. 8 chapter 118 picks up immediately where the last issue left off. The oni–mask warrior explains that they were as powerless and insignificant as a small insect upon first being reborn as the Flying Larva. Focus then shifted out of the flashback to Kafka, his eyes glazed over and crying both regular tears and what seemed to be tears of blood. He then discovered a larger version of the Flying Larva behind him, having been resting on it.

The Flying Larva is crying in the same way Kafka is, while cursing its powerlessness repeatedly. Kafka immediately recognizes the Flying Larva despite its size, while the oni-mask warrior claims that the Meireki Era Mega Monster’s (Meireki for short) rampage lasted 100 days. He calls it the Great Disaster, explaining that it lasted until the power Meireki had stored underground was exhausted.

Kaiju No. 8 chapter 118 sees the oni–mask warrior explain that their hearts formed a core due to resentment. This combined with the “dragon vein” underground, allowing them to become a “formless monster.” The oni-mask warrior removes his mask as he says this, revealing him to look exactly like Kafka with some added scars. This would likewise seemingly suggest him as Kafka’s ancestor, given Soshiro Hoshina’s ancestor was also in that fight.

Kafka regains his life and powers in Kaiju No. 8 chapter 118, but at a heavy cost (Image via Production I.G)

The oni-mask warrior calls the Flying Larva the fruit of his and his allies’ grudges, which prompts Kafka to ask why he’s being shown all this. The oni-mask warrior puts his mask back on as he explains that Kafka originally made the decision to fight, but he can’t win as things currently are. The oni–mask warrior asserts that the only path forward is to deepen their connection and unite as one, holding out Kafka’s heart in his hand as he says this.

Kaiju No. 8 chapter 118, sees the oni-mask warrior explain his intent to return it to Kafka after he beat Meireki. However, since he’s lost his core, the only way to keep fighting is to transform his heart into a new core. The oni-mask warrior likewise asks Kafka whether he’ll accept the heart as is and return to being a human, or turn it into a new core and remain as a monster.

Likewise, it’s revealed that if he chooses the latter, he’ll become the same as them and will never again be a human. Images of Reno Ichikawa, Kikoru Shinomiya, and Soshiro Hoshina appear as the oni-mask warrior pointing out that doing so will both betray his friends who care for him and his younger self. A panel of young Kafka appears as he says this, following it up by plainly asking Kafka whether he still wishes to fight or not.

Kaiju No. 8 chapter 118: A choice

Kaiju No. 8 chapter 118 sees Kafka shocked at this choice, prompting the oni-mask warrior to assert that they didn’t want to ask this of him and are sorry for having to do so. Kafka looks at the Flying Larva before asserting he’s the same as them, confusing the oni–mask warrior. He explains that there are people they couldn’t save and promises they couldn’t keep, but they kept fighting despite the pain and frustration, unable to give up.

Kafka calls what he’s going through nothing compared to what they’ve suffered, asserting that he’s only gotten this far because of them in the first place. He thanks them, which clearly shocks the oni-mask warrior. Kafka then slaps himself and says it’s time he returns the favor to them, saying it’s rematch time. The oni–mask warrior ensures he understands there’s no going back, which Kafka emphasizes is fine with him.

Kaiju No. 8 chapter 118 sees Kafka plainly says that he’ll fight despite the cost, prompting the oni-mask warrior to change Kafka’s heart into a new core and offer it to him. As the core enters Kafka’s chest, bolts of energy shoot out from his chest, with Kafka’s human face contorting into a monstrous guise. The issue ends with Kafka shouting out as the bursts of energy increase and his face maintains its kaiju-esque appearance.

Kaiju No. 8 chapter 118: In summation

While chapter 118 doesn’t quite delve as far into the Flying Larva’s backstory and choices as fans were expecting, it’s nevertheless an incredibly exciting issue. Kafka’s return to the battlefield is now imminent and will likely come with a massive powerup based on the oni-mask warrior’s verbiage. This is further supported by the fact that Kafka won’t be able to transform into a human again, suggesting his sacrifice will be given some reward.

Speaking of Kaiju No. 8 chapter 118’s condition for Kafka’s return, it’s unclear where the series will head with that plotline as of this article’s writing. The single biggest factor in whether or not Kafka will or won’t become a human again is whether or not Meireki is defeated in the upcoming fight. If it isn’t killed in the coming issues, then it seems likely that Kafka will at least be spending some time in the series stuck in his kaiju form.