What are Numbers Weapons in Kaiju no 8? Powerful Kaiju weapons explained

The Numbers Weapons in Kaiju no 8 represent humanity’s best defense against the monstrous Kaiju that wreaks destructive havoc.

These powerful combat gear, crafted from the remains of defeated Kaiju, are a testament to human ingenuity in the face of existential threats.

These Kaiju weapons harness the strongest Kaiju’s special abilities, allowing elite Defense Force soldiers to go toe-to-toe with even the most dangerous Daikaiju class of monsters.

However, wielding this devastating power comes at a steep price. Only a select few within the Defense Force possess the strength and mental fortitude to don these suits and become humanity’s monstrous champions.

Warning: Major spoilers for fans who have not read the manga.

What are Numbers Weapons in Kaiju no 8?

Developed by Izumo Tech, Kaiju weapons are very different from standard Defense Force weapons and combat suits. They are, in essence, powerful exoskeletons constructed from the remains of vanquished Kaiju.

These suits offer the potential to wield these colossal beasts’ very strength and abilities, granting the wearer immense destructive potential. However, wielding such power comes with significant drawbacks.

Compatibility is a critical factor. Only some soldiers can don a Numbers Weapon and expect to become a monster-slaying champion.

The human body must first synchronize with the deceased Kaiju’s residual energy and cellular material. This process triggers a neurotransmitter surge, pushing the user’s physical and mental fortitude to their absolute limits.

Because of the demanding synchronization process and immense physical strain, Numbers Weapons are reserved for the Defense Force’s elite — from seasoned captains and vice-captains to only the most exceptional rookies with the potential for greatness.

Furthermore, the primal instincts inherent to the Kaiju can cloud the user’s judgment, potentially leading to self-inflicted injuries. Repeated use of a Numbers Weapon exacts a heavy toll on the user’s body, accumulating strain and potentially shortening their lifespan.

In the Kaiju no 8 manga, users of Numbers Weapons often experience ghostly visions of the suit’s previous wearers. For instance, Kikoru Shinomiya is assigned to use Numbers Weapon 4, the same weapon her mother, Hikari Shinomiya, wielded as the captain of the Second Division.

While using the suit, Kikoru sees apparitions of her mother in action, making her connection to the weapon both eerie and deeply personal.

The Northern Division’s captain suggested that these may be lingering memories, while First Division captain Gen Narumi suggested they could be the deceased Kaiju’s consciousness clinging to the suit.

Numbers Weapon 10 is a unique case as it functions as a sentient weapon. This suit contains the lingering consciousness of the battle-hungry Kaiju no. 10, enabling it to speak and exhibit some autonomous movement whenever Third Division vice-captain Soshiro Hoshina uses it.

All Kaiju no 8 numbers weapons and their users

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