For more direct control, use Inverse Kinematics (IK) to drive the entire tentacle chain with a single target controller. 2D Workflow (After Effects)
To achieve a professional "anime" look, apply these stylistic principles: How I Animate a Scene from Beginning to End PB HD - Tentacles for anime girl.mp4
Convert pins into "bones" using the Duik Angela or Duik Basel plugins. Use FK (Forward Kinematics) for rotation animation, which creates natural deflection. For more direct control, use Inverse Kinematics (IK)