Kaiju No. 8 chapter 119: Kafka's timely revival saves Narumi's life as the fight's final act begins

With Kafka Hibino’s flashback experience learning of his powers’ origins now over and done with, Kaiju No. 8 chapter 119 was expected to see him return to life in reality. Officially released on Thursday, December 19, 2024, the installment did indeed show just that, although in a more delayed timeframe than fans were expecting.

Rather than simply opening up with Kafka’s return, mangaka Naoya Matsumoto took time to create some drama in the opening section of Kaiju No. 8 chapter 119. Likewise, it seems that Gen Narumi’s long-term fate and role may have already been decided, seeing him truly take after mentor Isao Shinomiya in the most meaningful way.

Kaiju No. 8 chapter 119 sees Gen Narumi decide to sacrificially “pass the baton” to the next generation

Kaiju No. 8 chapter 118: Waning hope

Kaiju No. 8 chapter 119 begins immediately where the last issue ended, seeing Kafka Hibino cry out as he undergoes his heart’s transformation into a new kaiju core. The voices of the deceased soldiers lamenting their fates overwhelm Kafka as the transformation takes place. The oni-mask warrior questions if he can handle the weight of a centuries-long grudge, but Kafka makes it clear that he understands his role here, wanting to “shoulder this burden.”

Focus then returns to reality, where Kafka’s body twitches slightly, which Mina Ashiro notices. She initially doubts herself after asking for Kafka’s vitals, which haven’t changed. She questions if she’s seeing things, but remembers that when Kafka passed out after fighting Isao Shinomiya, he returned to his human form automatically. Likewise, she asserts that he hasn’t given up yet since he’s still in his transformed state.

Kaiju No. 8 chapter 119 then sees her train of thought interrupted by a massive explosion, caused by Gen Narumi and Soshiro Hoshina’s fight against the Meireki Era Mega Monster (Meireki for short). It’s revealed that both are quickly approaching overheat, meaning they’ll be unable to fight after hitting that point. Hoshina and No. 10 realize that this is their best chance to strike, but Hoshina explains that Meireki’s attacks make no sense.

Gen Narumi proves himself an integral part of the fight against Meireki in Kaiju No. 8 chapter 119 (Image via Production I.G)

However, Narumi is still able to read and dodge them thanks to Numbers Weapon No. 1, with focus shifting to Narumi as Hoshina says this. Narumi comments on how his surefire hits are being blocked even while reading Meireki’s electrical signals. He then adds that he’s seeing multiple futures unfold simultaneously, which is messing with No. 1’s ability to function properly, commenting on how there’s more to Meireki than he thought.

Kaiju No. 8 chapter 119 then sees Narumi suddenly realize that the countless number of Kaiju within Meireki are what’s causing issues with his abilities. Narumi reports this analytical data after realizing it, which shocks the scientists who say reading all of those signals is impossible. Narumi then lands a seemingly major hit on Meireki, with Hoshina commenting that Narumi truly is the biggest monster of them all.

Narumi then launches a flurry of attacks on Meireki, which Hoshina says are working. Narumi then yells at Hoshina to put some more effort into it, the two bickering in typical fashion as they shout at each other. Hoshina recognizes that this is his last attack, using his Seventh Form: Duodecimal Strike to attack alongside Narumi. However, Narumi overheats before Hoshina does, clearly taking significant damage as a result.

Kaiju No. 8 chapter 119: A sacrifice prevented?

Shockingly, Kaiju No. 8 chapter 119 sees Narumi forcibly reactivate No. 1, one of his pupils appearing Kaiju-like as he smiles menacingly. The scientists at headquarters warn Narumi that he’ll fry his brain if he does this, but Narumi says he doesn’t care. Akira Kurusu then realizes that Narumi is acting exactly like Isao did when he chose to sacrifice himself, while Narumi says that he is the connection, and that others behind him will win if he fails

He confirms his intent to simply buy them time and get as much information on Meireki as he can before sacrificing himself, a bloodthirsty look on his face as he says so. He then thinks to himself that he now has to pass the baton Isao gave to him onto the next generation, asking Isao for confirmation of this as he attacks Meireki. However, Meireki stabs him through the chest in an area close to his heart as he prepares to attack.

Kafka's climactic return in Kaiju No. 8 chapter 119 saves Narumi's life (for now) (Image via Production I.G)

Kaiju No. 8 chapter 119 sees Narumi and the others respond to this in shock, while Hoshina says his body can’t keep up with his mind. He’s likewise knocked aside by Meireki before its focus turns to Narumi, who is seemingly on death’s door. Meireki then uses its psychic-like attack to create a ring of glyphs around Narumi, setting him up for a final killing blow as he sits there motionlessly.

While Akira shouts out to Narumi, he says that he did it, looking to the side as something in the distance is flying towards them. This is revealed to be a fully revived Kafka, who has a determined and angry look on his face. The chapter ends with Kafka landing a devastating blow on Meireki, as Narumi smiles and tells Kafka to show them what he’s got while seemingly reactivating No. 1, likely to support Kafka with.

In summation

Kaiju No. 8 chapter 119 is an incredibly exciting issue which pushes the fight against Meireki to what is almost certainly its final act. Likewise, the stakes are incredibly high, not only for Kafka’s allegedly now-permanent state of transformation, but also for the status of Narumi, who is seemingly about to die. Thankfully, fans won’t have to wait too long to get any answers, with the manga following its typical biweekly schedule for its next release.