Soshiro Hoshina(Japanese: 保科宗四郎, Hoshina Sōshirō) is the vice-captain of the Third Division of the Defense Force and a prominent member of the Hoshina family, a distinguished lineage of swordsmen dating back to the Muromachi period. He is also the younger brother of Soichiro Hoshina. From a young age, Soshiro dedicated his life to the art of swordsmanship. Through all seasons and special occasions—be it rainy days, snowy days, birthdays, or New Year’s celebrations—his focus remained unwaveringly on the blade. He has spent his life refining his sword techniques and wielding his weapon with the hope that it might bring about some form of salvation. His philosophy is captured in his words: “If there’s even the slightest thing that can be saved by any of that… then I’ve got no choice… but to wield my sword.” Soshiro plays a significant role in Kaiju No. 8: B-Side, a spin-off series of Kaiju No. 8, where he continues to showcase his skills and uphold the legacy of his family’s storied history.

Soshiro Hoshina possesses an athletic frame characterized by his average height and compact, muscular build. His distinctive dark violet hair, cut in a bob style, complements his youthful features. Typically, his eyes—naturally a striking shade of red (altered to purple in the anime)—remain closed, contributing to his habitual easygoing and jovial expression. This demeanor, however, shifts when faced with intense situations. During such moments, he opens his eyes to reveal an imposing, sharp gaze that contrasts sharply with his usual relaxed appearance. In terms of attire, Soshiro adheres to the Defense Force’s standard dress code while on duty, opting for the regulation uniform designed for practicality and combat readiness. When active in the field, he switches to the standard combat suit worn by all Defense Force members. However, his appearance takes on a more formidable edge when wielding the Numbers Weapon 10. The suit transforms into an intricate, light-purple armor, resembling scales, highlighted with vivid green accents. This specialized armor includes a long, mechanical tail, adding to its dragon-like appearance, and prominently features Kaiju No. 10’s signature eye at the center of the chest plate, symbolizing the power he channels through the weapon. As a child, Soshiro’s appearance had many similarities to his current look. He often wore traditional training attire, underscoring his early dedication to mastering swordsmanship—a commitment that has shaped both his character and his combat style throughout his life. His childhood outfit further reflects the historical lineage of his family, renowned for their mastery of the sword.

Soshiro Hoshina is known for his laid-back demeanor, often seen with a smile on his face, radiating an air of ease even in the most challenging situations. Rarely does he appear dejected, preferring to approach life with a casual, almost playful attitude. This carefree nature often surfaces in his interactions, as he enjoys teasing others, particularly Kafka Hibino, whom he views as a source of comic relief. Despite his easygoing manner, Soshiro possesses a serious side. In moments of importance, his usual smile fades, and he opens his eyes, speaking with a firm, measured tone to convey the gravity of his words. This shift highlights his ability to assess situations and respond appropriately.

Soshiro’s light-heartedness extends to his relationship with fellow Defense Force members, including his playful teasing of First Division Captain Gen Narumi. However, beneath this jovial exterior lies a sharp and intuitive mind. Soshiro was the only individual who correctly suspected Kafka’s true identity as Kaiju No. 8. His intuition and strategic thinking led him to accept Kafka into the Third Division, not out of mere goodwill, but to keep a watchful eye on him—a decision that showcased his dedication to his duty and his perceptiveness in evaluating others.

Soshiro’s connection to his family and its swordsmanship heritage greatly influences his worldview and character. Raised in a family renowned for its mastery of the blade, he faced his father’s skepticism about his abilities and felt overshadowed by his older brother, Soichiro Hoshina. These challenges drove Soshiro to refine his skills, devoting himself entirely to the art of swordsmanship. This dedication is seen even in his solitary late-night training sessions, where he mentally revisits past battles, constantly striving to perfect his technique. His encounter with Kaiju No. 12 revealed a deeper layer of his character. Through Kaiju No. 10’s probing into his psyche, Soshiro came to acknowledge that his true motivation for wielding the sword stemmed from the simple enjoyment of the act itself. Accepting this intrinsic simplicity became the core of his resolve to fight and improve.

Soshiro’s connection to his family and its swordsmanship heritage greatly influences his worldview and character. Raised in a family renowned for its mastery of the blade, he faced his father’s skepticism about his abilities and felt overshadowed by his older brother, Soichiro Hoshina. These challenges drove Soshiro to refine his skills, devoting himself entirely to the art of swordsmanship. This dedication is seen even in his solitary late-night training sessions, where he mentally revisits past battles, constantly striving to perfect his technique. His encounter with Kaiju No. 12 revealed a deeper layer of his character. Through Kaiju No. 10’s probing into his psyche, Soshiro came to acknowledge that his true motivation for wielding the sword stemmed from the simple enjoyment of the act itself. Accepting this intrinsic simplicity became the core of his resolve to fight and improve.

Soshiro is well aware that the era of swords has long passed, and many within the Defense Force view his traditional fighting style as outdated. Nevertheless, he remains committed to his chosen path, believing it to be his duty to wield the sword that he has spent his life mastering. He recognizes that this skill, despite its anachronism, is his most effective method for combating the Kaiju threat. In battle, Soshiro’s keen perceptiveness becomes apparent. He can gauge the mental state of his opponents and sense the shifting dynamics of a skirmish, allowing him to adapt his strategy in real time. His ability to read the battlefield sets him apart, making him not only a skilled swordsman but also a formidable tactician.

Soshiro Hoshina serves as the vice-captain of the Third Division of the Defense Force, showcasing formidable combat skills that allow him to stand toe-to-toe with some of the most dangerous Kaiju, including Kaiju No. 10. While his abilities may present limitations against larger-sized Kaiju, Soshiro excels in battling small to mid-sized Kaiju, a proficiency that even surpasses that of Gen Narumi, the captain of the First Division and widely known as “Japan’s Strongest Anti-Kaiju Combatant.” This distinction underscores Soshiro’s expertise in close-quarters combat and highlights his adaptability in various battle scenarios.arrondissementof Paris, which was built by architect Alphonse de Gisors and given to ENS by law in 1841.^[27]Above the entrance door are sculptures of two female figures who respectively represent letters and sciences. They are portrayed sitting on either side of a medallion of Minerva, who represents wisdom. A formalised version of this frontal piece is used as the school’s emblem.

Soshiro’s combat capabilities experienced a significant shift after he began using Numbers Weapon 10. This particular weapon is unique within the Defense Force’s history, as it possesses a sentient mind of its own. Consequently, wielding it has slightly dampened Soshiro’s physical attributes, presenting a challenge unlike any other weapon used by Defense Force members. However, when Soshiro achieves temporary synchronization with the weapon, his power increases dramatically, enabling him to overpower minor Kaiju with relative ease. This synchronization allows him to harness the full potential of Numbers Weapon 10, transforming him into an even more formidable force on the battlefield.

One of Soshiro’s most significant battles is his confrontation with Kaiju No. 12, the evolved and final iteration of Kaiju No. 10. Initially, Soshiro finds himself at a disadvantage, as Kaiju No. 12 exhibits superior speed, strength, and combat abilities compared to its predecessor. Despite being pushed to his limits, Soshiro reveals a hidden technique, momentarily gaining the upper hand against the monstrous foe. However, the battle quickly shifts as Kaiju No. 12 adapts to Soshiro’s fighting style, nullifying his advantage.arrondissementof Paris, which was built by architect Alphonse de Gisors and given to ENS by law in 1841.^[27]Above the entrance door are sculptures of two female figures who respectively represent letters and sciences. They are portrayed sitting on either side of a medallion of Minerva, who represents wisdom. A formalised version of this frontal piece is used as the school’s emblem.

In a prolonged and grueling duel, Soshiro digs deep into his reservoir of skill and ingenuity, ultimately developing a new technique during the heat of combat. This innovative approach enables him to finally overcome Kaiju No. 12, securing victory despite the monster’s adaptive abilities. The encounter not only showcases Soshiro’s strength but also his ability to learn and evolve as a swordsman, proving his dedication to mastering his craft and his unwavering resolve in the face of overwhelming odds.

As the vice-captain of the Defense Force’s Third Division, Soshiro Hoshina wields an impressive level of combat prowess and physical abilities that set him apart from most other combatants. His mastery over his combat suit and weapons is evident in both his offensive and defensive capabilities.

Soshiro’s skill in utilizing his combat suit is exceptional, allowing him to access a high percentage of its power. In a standard Defense Force combat suit, he can reach an impressive 92% of its maximum output, though prolonged use at this level risks overheating the suit. However, when equipped with the Numbers Weapon 10, his unleashed combat power elevates even further, permitting him to use the suit’s full 100% potential. This increase not only enhances his offensive abilities but also bolsters his physical attributes, making him a formidable opponent on the battlefield.

Soshiro possesses extraordinary physical strength, demonstrated through his ability to slice through the incredibly tough hide of Kaiju No. 8 with ease. His swordsmanship surpasses even that of Kikoru Shinomiya, as he was able to pierce the hardened skin of Kaiju No. 10 despite sustaining heavy damage himself. His raw strength is not limited to weapon use; during a training session with Kafka, he overwhelmed his opponent without the aid of a combat suit, sending Kafka flying with a single punch while holding a reinforced training bag. This feat underscores Soshiro’s natural strength and precision, honed through years of relentless practice.

A key component of Soshiro’s combat effectiveness is his immense speed and quick reflexes. His agility allows him to execute swift, precise strikes, sometimes so fast that his movements are nearly imperceptible. His speed has repeatedly impressed other characters, including Kafka, who described Soshiro’s movement as being on a completely different level compared to other skilled fighters like Kikoru. Even Kaiju No. 10, known for its remarkable speed, acknowledged Soshiro’s agility during their battles. He has demonstrated the ability to dodge high-velocity attacks from both Kaiju No. 10 and the even faster Kaiju No. 12 at point-blank range, a testament to his razor-sharp reflexes.

Soshiro’s physical resilience is just as notable as his offensive abilities. In combat, he has shown an extraordinary level of durability, remaining unscathed after being sent flying through a building by Kaiju No. 10. His endurance is equally remarkable; despite sustaining severe injuries from Kaiju No. 10’s powerful strikes, Soshiro continued to fight on, even after his combat suit overheated. In one particularly grueling encounter, he managed to push past his limits and utilize 63% of his suit’s power while in a heavily fatigued state. This capacity to endure and fight through pain and exhaustion underscores his indomitable spirit and commitment to his role within the Defense Force.

Soshiro Hoshina is renowned as one of the most skilled swordsmen within the Defense Force, owing his expertise to the long-standing traditions of the Hoshina family, a lineage of Kaiju slayers that dates back to the Muromachi period. His swordsmanship skills set him apart as a formidable blade specialist. Whether wielding his custom-made twin swords or a katana, Soshiro demonstrates exceptional speed and precision, quickly cutting down his adversaries with practiced ease. According to his father, Soshiro’s mastery of the blade would have marked him as a prodigy even during the Edo period, further emphasizing his extraordinary talent from a young age. His prowess is not limited to mere technique; during his battle with Kaiju No. 12, Soshiro showcased his adaptability and creativity by devising a new form of swordplay on the spot. His older brother, Soichiro Hoshina, the captain of the Sixth Division, acknowledges Soshiro as the foremost swordsman in the family’s history, past or present, attesting to his unmatched skill with the blade.

While Soshiro’s primary focus is swordsmanship, he is also a highly proficient unarmed fighter. His close-quarters combat abilities are considered the strongest within the entire Defense Force. During training sessions, he has demonstrated the ability to overpower opponents like Kafka Hibino with ease, employing Isao Shinomiya’s fighting style with remarkable proficiency. Not only can he emulate these advanced techniques, but he also has shown the capability to evolve and improve upon them, further cementing his status as a versatile and formidable martial artist.

Soshiro is not just a skilled fighter; he also possesses a sharp and analytical mind. He has demonstrated his intellect by providing detailed explanations of the threats posed by Kaiju No. 9 to the Eastern Division of the Defense Force. His ability to assess situations quickly and accurately allows him to devise effective strategies in the heat of battle. Soshiro also showcased his forward-thinking nature by asking Konomi Okonogi to develop a new secret weapon, anticipating that Kaiju No. 9 might have observed his fight with Kaiju No. 10. This proactive approach to planning further highlights his strategic acumen and dedication to safeguarding the Defense Force’s future.

In his role as vice-captain, Soshiro has exhibited strong leadership qualities, commanding platoons and directing multiple officers during large-scale battles. His ability to stay calm under pressure and provide strategic direction makes him an invaluable asset to the Defense Force. His guidance and decision-making during crucial operations have contributed to the success of his division in numerous encounters with Kaiju threats.

Soshiro Hoshina favors close-range combat, opting for swordsmanship over firearms due to his relatively low proficiency in using the latter. Unlike most Defense Force officers, who rely on more conventional tactics, Soshiro employs his family’s traditional fighting style, the Hoshina Style (保科流, Hoshina-ryū). This unique approach to swordsmanship has been passed down through generations of his family, defining Soshiro’s combat methods and setting him apart from his peers.

Soshiro’s expertise lies primarily in the sword-slay technique, which he executes using the Dual-Blade Form (二刀型, Nitō-gata). This dual-wielding style grants him the versatility to confront various Kaiju, even those classified as “Identified class,” such as Kaiju No. 8, No. 10, and No. 12. His proficiency with the Dual-Blade Form allows him to fight on equal footing with these formidable creatures, displaying both his raw power and refined technique.

Over time, Soshiro’s adaptability in combat has become evident. During his battle with Kaiju No. 12, he managed to innovate on the fly, creating a new form in the midst of the fight. This improvisation showcases not only his deep understanding of his swordsmanship but also his continuous improvement and growth as a warrior.

In addition to his signature dual-blade style, Soshiro has shown exceptional skill with the quick-slash technique and the single-blade form. The latter is traditionally his older brother Soichiro’s specialty, yet Soshiro wields it with remarkable precision, further emphasizing his versatility and comprehensive mastery of sword-based combat.

Soshiro vs Kaiju No. 8 (Interrupted): Chapter 19 – Chapter 20

Soshiro vs Kaiju No. 10 (Interrupted): Chapter 25 – Chapter 30

Soshiro, Kikoru Shinomiya and Mina Ashiro vs Kaiju No. 10 (Win): Chapter 30 – Chapter 31

Soshiro and Numbers Weapon 10 vs Chofu Airport Kaiju (Win): Chapter 73 – Chapter 75

Soshiro and Numbers Weapon 10 vs Kaiju No. 12 (Win): Chapter 76 – Chapter 93

During earlier battles, Soshiro Hoshina wore the standard Defense Force combat suit. Designed for versatility and protection, this suit allowed him to engage Kaiju with enhanced physical abilities. Although effective, the regular suit was eventually replaced when Soshiro transitioned to a more specialized weapon.

Despite having a lower proficiency in firearms, Soshiro has been seen wielding a rifle on the battlefield. While he primarily relies on his swordsmanship, the rifle serves as a supplementary weapon, highlighting his willingness to adapt his combat strategy depending on the situation.

In the midst of battle, Soshiro equips a respirator mask. This protective gear not only shields him from hazardous conditions, such as airborne toxins released by certain Kaiju, but also adds to his imposing battlefield presence.

Soshiro’s primary equipment is the Numbers Weapon 10, a unique combat suit provided by Izumo Tech and crafted from the body of Kaiju No. 10. This suit features light-purple, scale-like armor with green outlines, a long mechanical tail, and the signature eye of Kaiju No. 10 embedded in the chest plate. Notably, it is the first Numbers Weapon in Defense Force history to possess a will of its own, making it both a powerful ally and a challenging piece of equipment to master. By synchronizing with the weapon, Soshiro gains enhanced combat abilities, allowing him to confront even the most formidable Kaiju.

Soshiro’s signature weapons are his twin swords, marked SW-2033 and provided by Izumo Tech. These swords are engineered to be exceptionally sharp and durable, capable of slicing through the tough hides of powerful Kaiju such as Kaiju No. 8 and Kaiju No. 10. His reliance on the dual-blade technique is complemented by the fact that he carries multiple swords as backups, ensuring he is never unarmed even in the most intense battles.

Marked SW-1023, Soshiro also wields a single katana as a concealed weapon. Though typically associated with his older brother, Soichiro, Soshiro has mastered its use to devastating effect. The katana is sharp enough to cut through even the hardened defenses of Kaiju No. 12. Similar to his twin swords, Soshiro keeps multiple katanas in reserve, reflecting his preparedness for any combat scenario. This strategic use of weaponry underscores his adaptability and deep connection to his family’s swordsmanship tradition.