As we delve into Kaiju No. 8 Chapter 123, anticipation among fans was high for Kafka Hibino’s confrontation with the formidably evolving Meireki Era Mega Monster, or Meireki for short. Released on March 13, 2025, the chapter showcased Kafka’s formidable challenge against the newly unveiled original form of Meireki, which proved to be significantly more powerful than 400 years ago.
In this latest installment, viewers witnessed Kafka, despite his enhanced abilities, grappling with the overwhelming force of Meireki’s true form. This struggle ultimately led to an exciting twist at the issue’s conclusion, introducing Kikoru Shinomiya, who arrived on the scene equipped with her Numbers Weapon 4, accompanied by Gen Narumi wielding his Numbers Weapon 1.
Kikoru Shinomiya: A Milestone in Kaiju No. 8
The chapter opens with Kafka requesting an expansion of the danger zone, referencing the tense moments from the previous issue. Soshiro Hoshina is seen questioning the situation, while Kafka elucidates that they are facing Meireki’s true form, responsible for the destruction of Tokyo centuries earlier and the undercurrent of Kaiju menace that persists to this day.
As Meireki’s original form fully materializes, shock ripples among the group, including Soshiro, Gen Narumi, and Keiji Itami, who are left speechless. Just as Kafka prepares for battle, Meireki lunges towards him, catching the attention of Mina Ashiro, who cannot conceal her astonishment. Narumi starts to understand the rapid escalation of monster signals, while Kafka narrowly escapes a devastating attack that obliterates a nearby building.
Despite recognizing Meireki’s intensified strength compared to centuries past, Kafka gears up to find a weakness while dodging its formidable attacks, including a powerful glyph strike that momentarily decapitates him, only for him to regenerate. As Kafka evades further onslaughts, Meireki emits a deafening scream that reverberates through the battlefield.
The power of Meireki’s scream has dire consequences, awakening numerous fallen Kaiju across Tokyo and the broader landscape of Japan. As Kafka acknowledges the urgency of the situation, he sets out to defeat Meireki quickly, realizing his allies are nearing their limits. However, he is astonished to find the colossal beast defending itself with a barrage of glyph strands that render Kafka unable to press forward. Hoshina declares that they have returned to square one, necessitating reliance on Narumi and the strength of Weapon No. 1.
As Narumi battles the surrounding Kaiju, Hoshina questions his stamina to challenge Meireki. Narumi emphasizes he is not concerned for his own capacity and directs attention towards a newcomer who launches projectiles at Meireki. While the group reacts in astonishment, Narumi reveals that this surprising ally is Kikoru Shinomiya. Initially depicted with closed eyes in her Numbers Weapon 4 suit, Kikoru ultimately unveils her capabilities by simultaneously wielding both Numbers Weapon 4 and 1—a groundbreaking moment within the series.
Looking Ahead
Kikoru’s dramatic entrance in the closing panels of Kaiju No. 8 Chapter 123 signals an impending shift in the battle against Meireki. While this may not indicate an immediate conclusion to the series, it promises an exciting progression in forthcoming chapters that will shed light on the unfolding narrative.