Overview
**Spoiler Alert** The newly inducted Third Division heads toward Sagamihara for their first real mission. Onboard, Kafka and Kikoru revisit his kaiju secret. At the site, squads are divided into platoons with orders to neutralize the Yoju. Captain Mina Ashiro leads the charge against the Honju as the battle begins.
Plot
Opening
Inside the Defense Force transport vehicle, the rookies prepare for their first kaiju extermination mission. Soshiro reminds them to stay focused and uphold their responsibilities. Kikoru takes a seat across from Kafka and brings up his confession from the restaurant — that he’s secretly Kaiju No. 8.
Quotes
“"You’re a monster, Kafka… but I’ll be the one to kill you if I have to." – Kikoru Shinomiya”
“"Don’t die on me, alright?" – Leno Ichikawa”
“"Everyone… it’s time to move out!" – Soshiro Hoshina”
Notable Panels
Kikoru confronting Kafka
A quiet, tense reminder of the deadly trust she’s offering him.
First view of the Honju
The massive kaiju’s scale shocks Kafka and Leno, setting the stakes.
Rookie squads deploying
The new generation takes its first step into real battle.
Themes & Analysis
Theme: Trust under pressure — Kafka must rely on Kikoru keeping his secret while proving himself worthy of it.
Tone: Building tension with subtle character humor — the calm before the storm.
Foreshadowing: Kikoru’s threat looms as a warning, while platoon roles hint at future character dynamics.
Power & Abilities
Yoju
Lesser kaiju encountered in swarm-like numbers. Serve as cannon fodder and field-test opponents for rookies.
Platoon Division
New rookies are split into three squads led by different captains for tactical operations.
Continuity
Kafka’s kaiju identity is now known to two people: Leno and Kikoru.
This is the first official mission for all rookie characters introduced in previous chapters.
Platoon formations introduced here will play key roles in the coming battle chapters.
Reader Experience
Reception
Readers appreciated the mix of humor and suspense leading into the series’ first major mission arc.
Fan Notes
Kikoru’s threat to Kafka became a standout moment — fans praised her mix of deadly poise and emotional complexity.
Chapter Notes
Third Division departs for Sagamihara to engage in real combat.
Kikoru recalls Kafka’s confession about his kaiju transformation.
Kikoru agrees to keep Kafka’s secret — with conditions.
Rookies are split into three distinct platoons for the mission.
Captain Mina Ashiro leads a separate unit targeting the Honju.
Mission officially starts as Yoju appear in the neutralization zones.