Original subtitles

Fine, suit yourself, I'll move the car.

[KAFKA] Whoa, that suit.

♪

[creaking]

[screaming]

[thudding]

Who... Who are you?

Examinee number 2016.

Kikoru Shinomiya.

My hobby is hunting Kaiju.

Don't you dare forget it.

[RENO] Shinomiya?

[sniffs]

Hey, old man, is it me...

or do you reek of Kaiju?

[gasps]

Maybe so, we work in Kaiju disposal!

What're a couple of disposal workers doing here?

- [metal creaking] - Hm. Hm?

[KAFKA] Upsy daisy.

[gasps]

Wait, no way, the old man has a private suit too?

[KAFKA] Examinee number 2032.

Kafka Hibino.

Remember the name, aight, li'l missy?

[sighs]

[tires screech]

How dare you steal my space while I'm bantering!

[KAFKA] Quit being so good at your job!

Well...

I'd planned on treating this test as a formality,

but it could be good for a bit of fun.

Huh?

[KIKORU] Prepare yourself, Kafka Hibino.

I'm about to make a fool of you.

Hmph.

[KIKORU] Let's head inside, Sebasu.

[SEBASU] Madam.

♪

- [thumps] - [gasps]

[groaning]

Didn't take long to use your powers.

[laughs]

Okay, fair, but it's cool that I only transformed

the parts of me she couldn't see, right?

You think that's the problem?

[MALE GUARD 3A] Hey, we heard a loud noise over here.

- Is everything okay? - Huh.

[KAFKA] Yeah, everything's fine, no problems!

[MALE GUARD 3B] Then get going already.

[RENO] Right, sorry!

[sighs]

If you pull another dumb stunt like that,

I'm sending you home.

[laughs]

Okay.

♪

[KAFKA] I thought it was over,

but now I've got one more chance

to stand by her side.

I can't throw it away.

♪

This time... I won't give up!

[grunting]

[KAFKA] Wait. What the hell?

Why can't I keep up?

I've stuck to my training routine all these years,

and I've been doing hard, physical labor every day!

Now, the second stage.

A fitness test, followed by an aptitude test.

That's right.

The problem is there's no real way

to prepare for the aptitude portion,

which means...

We gotta score as many points as we can

during the fitness test.

[grunting]

♪

[KAFKA] Back in the day,

I was just barely shy of average.

But now...

[screams]

♪

[KAFKA] Seriously?

Is this just what happens to your body

when you turn thirty?

♪

If I used my power,

I wonder if I could make it to the front of the pack.

Damn, it's like my body's made of lead!

[grunts]

[paper rustling]

Huh.

I've already made a fool of you.

It didn't take long, did it?

[gasps]

Kafka Hibino...

remember the name, aight li'l missy?

Li'l Missy. Missy.

[screams]

[KAFKA] Don't remember the name! Forget it!

Forget my face, forget everything I've said!

[chuckles]

[sobbing]

[RENO] Well, I feel better.

And, you really didn't use your power, huh?

Good job sticking it out.

[grunts]

[KAFKA] They all worked their butts off to get here.

Using my power to get a leg up just isn't right.

But it is exactly what I should have done!

What was I thinking, acting cool?

I haven't tried this test in friggin' years!

I don't think you placed as poorly as you did

just because you've gotten rusty, sir!

Huh?

[paper rustling]

[HOSHINA] Here's our applicant pool for this year.

Got some really interesting candidates.

Or, y'know, someone with interests

outside of killing Kaiju would think so.

Continue, I'll listen while I work.

Well that is unexpected.

Since you're so excited, there are quite a few folks

in this batch worth keeping an eye on, like...

Haruichi Izumo.

Graduated top of his class from Tokyo Neutralization U.

[RENO] He's the number one prospect

out of that school for the year.

Good luck out there.

And that guy, Iharu Furuhashi.

[RENO] Valedictorian at Hachioji Neutralization Tech,

and a real powerhouse.

Yeah, get wrecked!

[RENO] The Ground Self-Defense Force prodigy,

Aoi Kaguragi.

He'd be a shoo-in for any elite unit in the JGSDF,

but he gave it up to transfer here.

And that's just the start.

There're more applicants

from neutralization universities and colleges

than most years.

These guys are executive-level prospects.

And this year they're having to fight

just to get in the door.

Damn, no wonder I'm getting the brakes

beat off me, huh?

But the one everybody's got their eye on is her.

Hm?

[RENO] Attended California Neutralization University.

Graduated at age 16,

as their youngest valedictorian ever.

They call her history's greatest talent.

Kikoru Shinomiya.

I'm gonna kick her ass.

[HARUICHI] All right,

let's see how I stack up next to this girl.

[AOI] Show me something good.

So, it's Kikoru Shinomiya at the top, then a few dozen

of the toughest applicants in years.

So, I'd say you're somewhere around...

[gasps] Wait, you mean that girl...

[KIKORU] Oh, my.

Could it be that you've finally begun to grasp my brilliance?

Well, Kafka Hibi--

Nobody told me you were

- a big frickin' deal! - [thumping]

[MALE GUARD 3C] Keep your hands off the mistress!

Yo, what's up with that old dude?

Shinomiya fanboy, maybe?

[groans]

[KIKORU] Twice today now, you've been made a fool of,

Kafka Hibino.

There's a chance you could

still set a high mark in something.

[chuckles]

[groaning]

You won't be smirking when I make a fool outta you!

[chuckles]

[panting]

But, when I look at it objectively, though,

I'm kinda boned.

[RENO] Don't lose hope yet, sir.

Huh?

You could bring it all back in the last portion of the exam.

It's been Kaiju disposal for the last two years.

Hm? Wait, what?

It tests your Kaiju knowledge,

and your ability to work as a team.

There is more to neutralizing Kaiju than killing them,

and they want their officers to recognize that.

That's why I signed on with your crew

- for my part-time job. - [grunts]

- Hell yeah! - It's do-or-die time!

Cool!

[whistling]

That's huge.

Hello there, folks, I'm Vice-Captain Hoshina

of the Defense Force's Third Division,

and I'm heading the second stage exam committee

for this year.

Beyond the big door, you will find

the aptitude testing area.

♪

[machine beeping]

[door opens]

Your final task will be to track down

all the Kaiju inside.

[KAFKA] And clean up their bodies!

And subdue them in combat.

[thudding]

[both gasp]

[RENO] In. [KAFKA] Combat?

- [roaring] - [both gasp]

[thumping]

[roaring]

[gasps]

[metal clanging]

[guns load]

[gasps]

[roaring]

[gasping]

[groaning]

[chuckles]

[gasps]

♪

[laughs]

Huh?

You said we'd be doing disposal.

Why did you lie to me?

I just said that's what it's been

for the last two years!

This sucks for me too!

But of course, we can't just throw you

into the Kaiju cage empty-handed, which is why...

we'll need you to put these on.

So this is what they're making at Izumo Tech.

The G-X four-five-five-two, huh?

♪

[RENO] What is this?

Oh, wow.

The suit is molding itself to the shape of my body.

[MALE GEAR VOICE 3A] Body measurements

and shape adjustment are now complete.

Kaiju muscle fibers operating normally.

[gasps]

[RENO] It's like it's becoming a part of me.

I can feel my muscles getting stronger!

And it's hot.

So this is...

[HOSHINA] That is a Defense Force Kaiju combat suit.

It's made from organic material taken from Kaiju bodies,

and massively multiplies the combat power of its wearer.

For the moment, your suit is the most valuable weapon

you have in your fight with the Kaiju.

We now have several fully suited up.

Taking combat power readings.

[HOSHINA] Right.

[KONOMI] Reno Ichikawa.

Unleashed combat power, eight percent.

Haruichi Izumo, 18 percent.

Yeah, 'bout what I expected.

[KONOMI] Aoi Kaguragi, 15 percent.

Copy that.

[KONOMI] Iharu Furuhashi, 14 percent.

Say what?

[KONOMI] That's your unleashed combat power,

how much of the suit's power you're drawing out.

For reference, a fully trained officer

would usually top out around twenty.

We're already seeing a few recruits over ten.

For most years we would be lucky to get one.

Good stuff.

We might be looking at a bumper crop

of historic proportions here.

[indistinct chatter]

Kikoru Shinomiya, unleashed combat power,

46 percent!

[chuckles]

[indistinct chatter]

[HOSHINA] Hey, hey, slow down.

You're already on par with a platoon leader.

The greatest talent in history.

So that's gotta be a new pre-enlistment record, right?

And I got a whole eight percent.

[HOSHINA] No need to get down on yourself over it, Ichikawa!

Eight percent is a great place to be on your first go,

but honestly, nobody's getting disqualified

based on their initial reading.

Maybe for a zero,

but I dunno if that's ever even happened before.

[KONOMI] Kafka Hibino, unleashed combat power...

zero percent!

[all gasp]

Huh?

Oh, sweet lord, how do you even do that?

It could be a measurement error?

Wait, gimme a sec, it's comin' out!

Just gotta give it one more push!

[laughs]

[HOSHINA] You're not taking a dump!

S'not like you can push it out!

[laughs] Oh, that old guy, man.

I swear, he's gotta be my favorite out of 'em all!

[inhales deeply] God, I wish he had a chance in hell.

Could you please take this seriously?

[KAFKA] Why?

Damn it!

There's gotta be some trick to this,

and I have to figure it out before the test is over!

[KIKORU] Now you've got me irritated.

Kafka Hibino,

hurry up and show me that power I saw

in the parking lot already.

Time is running out!

[door opens]

[all gasp]

Hey!

[HOSHINA] All right, looks like everyone's all suited up.

Time to get started!

Let's do it.

♪

[HOSHINA] Here's how this test will work.

You'll be neutralizing multiple targets,

36 Yoju, and one Honju, placed at random points

throughout the urban training area.

These Kaiju caused 16 deaths

during an incident in Hachioji last year.

We captured them alive just for use in training exercises.

You'll be armed with the Defense Force's

standard-issue anti-Kaiju weapons.

We'll be monitoring each of you from the Operations Room.

Using these tracking drones.

If the determination is made that your life is in danger,

our operators will be able

to remotely activate a shield in your suit.

But be aware, if we have to do that,

you've failed the exam.

Hm.

And even then, we can't guarantee anyone's survival.

So, if you understand the stakes

and you're still ready to go,

then go.

♪

[grunts]

[grunts]

[FURUHASHI] What the hell?

♪

[gunshots]

[KONOMI] Yoju one-two, down.

[gunshots]

Yoju oh-three, down.

Whoa.

- She's a natural. - Wow.

[KAFKA] Damn it, we can't let her show us up.

Let's get a move on, Ichikawa!

[RENO] I should be the one saying that!

[KAFKA] This kit is ridiculously heavy

without the Kaiju fibers helping you carry it!

That's something you can only learn

through the power of zero!

[RENO] Don't say "zero" like it's cool!

What do we do about this?

We can't come close to that kind of offensive power.

[HOSHINA] Hey, me again!

Forgot to mention something.

We've got a special guest.

Captain Mina Ashiro herself is here to observe you.

So do your best to impress, folks!

[gasps]

We'll both join and see

who can be a cooler Defense Force officer!

[KAFKA] That's right.

What difference does it make if you put up a zero?

Just calm down.

This is the last chance you're ever gonna get.

[KAFKA] Ichikawa. [RENO] Huh?

[KAFKA] Riddle me this.

Why would the proctors track each applicant

with their own individual drone?

[Reno gasps] Good point.

They would be able to track our kills through the sensors.

If they want a full view of everything we do,

there must be another reason.

[KAFKA] Yup, they're after more than just a kill count.

They wanna see how well we can adapt.

[RENO] Makes sense, so if we can't compete

with the top guns in terms of offensive power.

[KAFKA] Exactly!

[gun cocking]

We can still help 'em out with the mission!

[RENO] Right!

[gunshots]

[roaring]

[MALE APPLICANT 3A] Damn it!

[RENO] Sir, engagement to our right!

[KAFKA] Roger, we'll close on its flank

and back 'em up!

[gunshots]

[roaring]

♪

- [gunshots] - [roars]

[KAFKA] Those hooves on his fingertips.

I know this guy!

We did a joint disposal on one with Iida Cleaners!

So that's it.

They outfitted us with exactly the tools we need

to deal with the Kaiju we're facing!

[clicking]

[KAFKA] Eat this!

[grunts]

[explosion]

[groaning]

♪

[RENO] That a stun grenade?

[KAFKA] These Kaiju can barely see,

but they've got super-developed hearing to make up for it.

If you can deafen them, they're easy targets!

Hey!

The skin on their bellies is way thinner

than anywhere else on their bodies!

Aim for the belly!

What?

[roaring]

[gun firing]

[groaning]

[thudding]

Whoa.

Hey, thanks for the heads-up, creepy Shinomiya fanboy!

[KAFKA] I am not a fanboy!

♪

Huh.

♪

[panting]

[RENO] That was great, sir!

[KAFKA] Yeah, you and I have been up close and personal

with more Kaiju bodies than we could count.

We've seen more than anyone here.

We know these guys inside and out!

I can do this!

I don't have to use my Kaiju power!

Now's my chance to redeem myself for all my screw-ups!

[RENO] I'll throw the next grenade.

Let's keep up the pace!

[thumping]

[gasps]

[coughs blood]

[gasps]

[groaning]

[RENO] Another one?

- [growls] - [grunting]

[thudding]

[RENO] Sir!

[KONOMI] Area Delta, two-oh-three-two is hurt.

Vital signs are irregular, recruit can't fight.

Yoju two-three is continuing to approach.

[HOSHINA] Prepare to activate his shield.

[thumping]

[KAFKA] Ah, crap.

This is bad, they're about to deploy my shield!

If we have to do that, you've failed the exam.

[grunts]

[KAFKA] Stand up, come on!

She's watching you right now!

[groaning]

You can't keep embarrassing yourself in front of her.

Not anymore!

Remote shield ready, activating!

[HOSHINA] Yeah, I had a feeling he'd be the first to drop out.

He gave me some good laughs, though.

Too bad.

[gunshots]

[both gasp]

- [gunshots] - [blood splattering]

[thudding]

Huh?

[KIKORU] I do believe that makes three, Kafka Hibino.

[gasps]

No quitters and no casualties.

Not when I'm on the battlefield.

Kikoru, you saved--

Now then, pardon me,

but I have a fight to win.

You can just lie there and wallow in your inadequacy.

[scoffs]

[groaning]

She's going for the big one?

[FURUHASHI] I can beat her to it!

- [gunshots] - [blood splattering]

[gasps]

Try not to get distracted.

[groans]

[FURUHASHI] How is she hitting so hard?

Is that even the same gear we've got?

[AOI] So that's how much of a difference

her unleashed combat potential makes.

Agh, dammit, I gotta go... [grunts]

[RENO] Sir!

[KAFKA] Is it broken?

I can't stand up!

[HOSHINA] Two-oh-three-two, do you read?

Hoshina here, up in the operation room.

[gasps]

We're seeing irregularities in your vital signs.

More than likely, you've suffered

multiple bone fractures.

And on top of that, you may have sustained

some organ damage.

But then, I...

♪

[KAFKA] Do I have no choice but to give up?

No.

If there's still a chance, any chance at all, I...

[gasps]

♪

[KAFKA] I don't have what it takes to stand by her side.

The real talents are leaving me in the dust... again.

♪

[HOSHINA] As your exam proctor, I recommend you drop out.

Even those shields can only handle so much.

[grunting]

[KAFKA] You can recommend whatever you want,

but it's my call.

[RENO] Sir.

Clinging to a dream at my age might be pathetic.

[gasps]

[breathing heavily]

[KAFKA] But whatever anyone here thinks about me.

[breathing heavily]

[KAFKA] I'm risking everything,

this whole life I've built.

To chase my dreams again!

[machine beeping]

[gasps]

And this time.

[inhales]

This time, I am not giving up, no matter what!

♪