Warning: Contains spoilers for Chainsaw Man chapter #192Chainsaw Manhas been at the center of controversy for some time over its latest stretch of chapters.Concluding one of its most ambitious arcs yet, Denji relinquished control as Chainsaw Man, Pochita fought Yoru, and the protagonists were sent to another world all in the span of about two volumes of manga.The Aging Devil arcwas a fast-paced emotional roller coaster that once again saw Denji put through the ringer, before coming out on the other side victorious over his devilish enemy.
What many felt might be a transformative experience for the series' main character, however, ended with the tragic hero seeminglyfalling back into his same old habits. At the very moment Yoru so much as attempted to flirt with Denji, he fell to his knees and followed her command. As if to add insult to injury, the War Devil referred to him as her dog,like her sister Makima so maliciously did in the past.
The small section of the story was met with an overwhelming amount of criticism from fans, who felt Denji should have grown out of falling victim to his own desires by this point in the series. Though,there’s a chance fans may be focusing on the wrong character. The most recent chapter #192, titled “How Devils Play”, suggests there might be something more to the increasingly apparent parallels between Yoru and Makima. Parallels that prove the War Devil could never fill her sister’s shoes.
Denji and Yoru Have a Twisted Devil Date
Yoru Takes Denji On the Worst First Date Ever
Following her dehumanizing comments towards Denji, Yoru ripped him out of his seat, and proceeded to show him how devils have fun. While a large portion of the fan base was busy focusing on Denji’s supposed regression, wagging his tail once more for aHorseman, there’s reason to believe author Tatsuki Fujimoto has been using recent chaptersnot to focus on his protagonist, but on Yoru. From the very beginning, the War Devil has time and again reminded the readers she intends to make Chainsaw Man a weapon.
In this regard, she isn’t much different from Makima, who intended to use Chainsaw Man as a weapon in her pursuit of a perfect world. However, the violent first date between Denji and Yoru, without Asa’s inclusion anyway, proves she is not her sister.She may not act upon it properly, but Yoru isundeniably gaining some sort of twisted attraction towards Denji, as seen in her determination to cook for him, and also in how his words reach her. On more than one occasion, Yoru has tried and failed to console Denji in someway.
When Denji told Yoru he didn’t care whether she tried turning him into a weapon, she had a notable reaction to what he was saying. And more than that, she then took a seat on his lap. Fans weren’t happy to see Denji go along with the twisted date, but it seems Tatsuki Fujimoto wants the reader to focus more on Yoru in chapter #192. While what she says mirrors Makima, there’s a stark difference between the two that matters quite a bit. Makima hated Denji and loved Chainsaw Man.Yoru hates Chainsaw Man and likes Denji, in some way.
Yoru Is Makima’s Opposite in Nearly Every Way
The War Devil Mirrors Control, But Cannot Be Her
At the current moment, Denji is in survival mode. Everything has been ripped from him once more, and falling back onto old habits isn’t necessarily a surprise given the character’s long history of trauma responses. What is arguably more interesting than Denji’s actions during these moments, though,are Yoru’s responses to his behavior. As seen from the ending ofChainsaw ManPart One, Makima never saw Denji once, and only looked through him, towards Chainsaw Man in his chest.
Yoru, on the other hand, is clearly affected by him in some way. Whether that’s Asa’s doing or her own individual feelings will likely later be revealed, but it poses a problem for her plans. Denji is currently following her every word, being her dog. That might be a regression of character, butit’s telling that Yoru hasn’t already turned him into a weapon. Instead, she gives a flimsy excuse about wanting to “play with him a little,” before doing so. There seems to be hesitation, but for what reason is a mystery.
Chainsaw Man: Why the Aging Devil Arc Marks Denji’s Most Vital Move Yet
Chainsaw Man has just wrapped up its latest arc, and despite a mixed reception to its ending, Denji finally seems to have matured.
What her actions do prove, however, is that Yoru is Makima’s total opposite, regardless of the similarities in their words or goals. Makima represented Control, and desired a perfect world rid of all devils that might threaten it.Yoru represents the chaos of war, and desires nothing more than violence, pain, and a ruined world. Makima was cold to Denji, as though he didn’t exist, while Yoru cannot help but jump all over him given any chance.Denji’s character isn’t the current focus, the War Devil is.
Denji’s Fight For His Humanity Has Only Just Begun
Yoru Is Tempting Denji With a Devil’s Lifestyle
Criticism towards Denji’s actions in recent chapters is fair, but might also be overblown. Rather than fighting his urges,a larger battle is beginning for the series' titular hero. With their recent outing, Yoru seems to be attempting to convince Denji that a devil’s lifestyle is more enjoyable than that of a human, and she has a point. Humans have never really been kind to the protagonist, while numerous devils have shown him kindness and even admiration. This is represented inhis mention of Power in the latest chapter.
The struggle between a ‘normal’ life and being Chainsaw Man has defined the majority of the series' second part, and it seems that struggle is currently coming to a head. With nothing left to lose besides a couple of friends who share a body, the story is asking its audiencewhether Denji will, or even should, continue to choose his humanity.Chainsaw Manseems to be combating recent criticism by instead posing more pressing questions.
On one hand, Denji must choose whether to remain human or become a devil. On the other, Yoru must contend with whatever strange feelings she has towards Denji in pursuit of her goal, as taking the Makima route goes against the behavior she’s shown as of late. It’s become somewhat popular to lobby criticism towardsChainsaw Man, but until Denji’s choice comes,it might be wise to reserve any judgment on his character.
Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Manis a dark fantasy manga created by Tatsuki Fujimoto. The series follows Denji, a young man who merges with his devil-dog Pochita to become Chainsaw Man. He joins the Public Safety Devil Hunters to fight devils threatening Japan. The series explores themes of violence, power, and survival. Since its debut in 2018,Chainsaw Manhas gained immense popularity, leading to a critically acclaimed anime adaptation.
