Who is Kaiju No. 10 in Kaiju No. 8? Explained

Kaiju No. 8 is one of 2024’s most loved animes, and this is because of its amazing story, amazing characters, and superb worldbuilding. Though it is an action and adventure anime, it still feels like a slice-of-life due to the relatability of its characters. Kafka Hibino, the protagonist, is heavily adored by older fans because they can live vicariously through him.

Kaiju No. 8 is also loved due to its power system which doesn’t leave room for unanswered questions. However, there is one question commonly thrown by fans and it is, “Who is Kaiju No. 10?” In short, Kaiju No. 10 is a prototype created by Kaiju No. 9. After its defeat by the Third Division, it became a Numbered Weapon for Soshiro Hoshina, the Vice Captain of the Third Division.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers.

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No. 10's origins and role in Kaiju No. 8

Kaiju No. 10 after his defeat by Soshiro Hoshina (Image via Production I.G)

Before Kaiju No. 10 became a weapon, his primary purpose was battling with members of the Defense Force. In his first appearance, No. 10 attacks the Tachikawa Base and faces members of the Third Division. He is so powerful that the members of the Third Division pick heavy injuries in a battle against him.

After the battle, No. 10 makes a deal with Soshiro Hoshina, that he would reveal every information about Kaiju No. 9 only if he becomes the Vice Captain’s weapon. Soshiro agreed to the demands of No. 10 and all the details of Kaiju No. 9 were released.

Kaiju No. 10's conscience remains intact even after he becomes Soshiro Hoshina’s weapon. The two then go on to other battles with the most notable being the battle with Kaiju No. 9’s new prototype, Kaiju No. 12. This battle drives Soishiro to the brink of death, but he is saved by Kaiju No. 10. They finish the battle victorious with a stronger bond forged between the two.

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No. 10's abilities as a Kaiju and Numbers Weapon

Hoshina's battle with Kaiju No. 10 (Image via Production I.G)

As a Number Weapon, Kaiju No. 10 is one of the strongest in Kaiju No. 8. What makes No. 10 remarkable is its incredible chemistry with Soshiro Hoshina; this makes it stand out from other Number Weapons. Kaiju No. 10 retaining its conscience and ability to move helps it and Hoshina attack simultaneously. This was seen in its battle with Kaiju No. 12, where No. 10 grabbed a sword and could combine attacks with Hoshina.

As a Kaiju, No. 10 had no rivals except for Kaiju No. 9 and Kaiju No. 8. His fortitude level was 8.3 when first encountered, a level that could rise to 9.0, when he used his full power. During his battle with Soshiro Hoshina, the Vice-Captain remarked that No. 10 might be on par with Kaiju No. 8.

Kaiju No. 10 has many abilities, like Kaiju control, which he used when he attacked Tachikawa Base. He is also gifted with super speed and strength, and one hit of his shattering buildings. He also has hyper durability, as he can tank hits without a scratch.

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Final Thoughts

Fans have asked “Who is Kaiju No. 10” for a long time, with some speculating he is like Kafka Hibino, Kaiju No. 8. Further reading of the manga reveals that Kaiju No. 10 is a prototype of Kaiju No. 9. He is birthed from No. 9’s ability to create other Kaiju.

His fellow prototype, Kaiju No. 12 was also created by No. 9 and eventually lost to both Kaiju No. 10 and Hoshino’s efforts. He is the first Kaiju to offer himself and the only Numbered Weapon that is sentient.

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