After the intense showdown with Murakami, fans anticipated Dandadan chapter 188 would shift the spotlight to the clash between Ken “Okarun” Takakura and Kinta Sakata. Released on March 31, 2025, this chapter indeed brings forth their battle against Hase and the formidable Jet Booster Exosuit Kur.
This latest chapter, however, diverges from what many fans had predicted. Instead of splitting the combatants into individual confrontations, Okarun and Kinta appear to be teaming up against their adversaries. Hase is attempting to sway the Jet Booster Exosuit Kur to focus her attacks solely on Kinta, revealing a strategic twist in their fight.
Jet Booster Exosuit Kur: A Revelation in Her Backstory
The chapter opens with chaos in Kami High as Hase and the Jet Booster Exosuit Kur pursue Okarun and Kinta. Amid the destruction, Kinta questions the nature of their pursuers as Hase utilizes his Jumping Crone yokai abilities to launch an attack on Okarun, sending him crashing into a building. Cleverly, Okarun uses his nanotech gauntlets to deploy airbags, cushioning his descent as he retreats, calling out to Kinta.
Okarun expresses his concern about relying too heavily on airbags for defense, while Kinta seems more inclined to flee than fight. Okarun’s priority is locating Rin Sawaki and Kouki Yukishiro, indicating his desire to protect his friends amidst the chaos. He also recognizes Hase as the focus shifts back to him, revealing Hase’s weariness from his transformations as he acknowledges the toll it takes on his abilities.
In his frustration, Hase admonishes the Jet Booster Exosuit Kur for her nonchalance during the fight, essentially urging her to concentrate on the battle against Sakata. She, however, appears distracted, voicing her irritation at Count Saint-Germain over the suit’s complexity, which is accentuated by glyphs reminiscent of Egyptian hieroglyphs.
Hase demands the Jet Booster Exosuit Kur’s attention, stating they share a common objective: to capture Okarun’s abilities. His claim that he would relinquish these powers after defeating Okarun adds a layer of intrigue to their rivalry. As he transforms once more, Hase warns her to stay out of his path, or face dire consequences, suggesting he is willing to become increasingly aggressive in their encounter.
Amidst his transformation, Okarun receives upgraded equipment from Kinta, a protective jetpack-like chestplate and gauntlets that can shoot pile bunkers. Kinta also transforms into his Great Kinta mecha, a move that draws Okarun’s concern regarding the incomplete nature of his armor.
As the encounter escalates, Hase attempts to reassert his dominance over the Jet Booster Exosuit Kur, but when she attacks Okarun, her kick is ineffective against his new protective gear. Kinta explains that this experience has taught him the importance of durability in his armor designs, although he also notes that the weight slows them down during combat.
Amidst Kinta’s efforts to strategize, Hase manages to kick him away while the Jet Booster Exosuit Kur confronts Okarun, accusing him of having stolen everything from her. Okarun counters by pointing out that she was the one who took his family jewel first, escalating their confrontation. The Jet Booster Exosuit Kur reveals her tragic backstory, stating her planet’s destruction by the Kur led her to seek vengeance, only to have her plans thwarted by Okarun in a previous arc.
Despite her claims of resentment, Okarun attempts to reason with her, yet she remains resolute in her intent to kill him and subsequently perish herself. The chapter concludes with a powerful emotional note, starting her origin flashback as she is seen in a tender moment with her presumed husband.
Conclusion: Hints of Redemption?
While Dandadan chapter 188 may not follow the anticipated trajectory, it introduces engaging developments that lay the groundwork for future confrontations. The emerging story of the Jet Booster Exosuit Kur hints at potential shifts in allegiances, echoing a pattern seen with other former antagonists throughout the series. This unexpected twist invites readers to ponder the complexities of each character’s motivations and what lies ahead in their intertwined fates.