Denji twists Makima's words in Chainsaw Man part 2 in classic Fujimoto fashion

Modified Nov 28, 2024 13:08 GMT

Denji alter Makima's word in Fujimoto-esque manner (Image via MAPPA)

Chainsaw Man part 2 continues to witness the magic of Tatsuki Fujimoto's storytelling via the quirky and unpredictable Denji. The mangaka has a knack for subverting expectations which is on full display as Denji delivers a moment that turns a seemingly straightforward situation on its head.

In a true Denji-esque manner, he is able to take what others say and twist them into something else entirely. This works well to showcase the essence of Denji's character and the blend of naivety, humor, and intelligence it exhibits. Along these lines, a recent discussion has sparked among fans following a link made between Chainsaw Man parts 1 and 2.

It showcases a segment where Makima attempts to break Denji further through a verbal attack. But in part 2, the boy manages to twist her words and yield a positive outcome for himself.

Disclaimer: The article contains spoilers.

Chainsaw Man part 2: Denji alters Makima's words in a Fujimoto-esque manner

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Before delving in, reference must be made to Chainsaw Man part 1 and more specifically, chapter 82. Following the death of Aki Hayakawa, Denji was extremely distressed. Makima then appeared to "soothe" his pain, but instead, put him in a state of shock by killing Power before his eyes. Too stunned to even speak, he followed what she said and sat down with her for a conversation.

It is within this little exchange that the crux of this feature lies. Resting her head in Denji's lap, Makima revealed her true intentions to him - she was going to create happiness for him before brutally destroying it. She revealed that she would henceforth control his joy. If he got better and made friends, she'd kill them and if he started a family, they would die too as Denji needed to "atone for his sins."

With this and more manipulation, she sought to completely destroy Denji's spirit in her quest to control Pochita/Chainsaw Man. At the time, this seemed like the most diabolical move ever. Makima staged every single one of Denji's happiness before yanking it off of his hands. Her deeds only added further despair to his already turbulent and difficult life, which was finally seeming a little bright.

Now, in part 2, Denji seems to have turned that around. Specifically, in chapter 184 of Chainsaw Man part 2, Denji has a revelation that changes his outlook. Getting trapped in the Aging Devil's world made Denji spiral once more down a pit of helplessness. However, a brief vision involving Pochita and his past happy memories looks to have reinvigorated him.

As the Aging Devil attempts to compel him to have Pochita eat it, Denji speaks his mind. The former downplays Denji's love for Nayuta as she seems to be dead. But Denji responds with resilience. He says that he would find another family sooner or later and if they were to be harmed, he would do the same again. In a sense, he would create a "perpetual motion machine".

This mindset redefines Denji’s struggles. No longer does he see himself as a victim of inevitable circumstance, but rather as someone capable of creating joy despite loss. His “perpetual motion machine” analogy in Chainsaw Man part 2 highlights his acceptance of life's cyclical nature, i.e., embracing love, loss, and renewal as intrinsic parts of his existence.

Such resilience marks his development and graduation from being emotionally fragile in part 1. Fans now see a stronger and more intelligent Denji who is prepared to face any difficulty coming his way. In essence, Denji’s growth is visible in his refusal to allow despair to shape him. Moreover, it is also symbolic of Pochita's wish for him to keep moving forward despite the obstacles ahead.

Also read: Why did the War Devil kiss Denji in Chainsaw Man?

Final thoughts

Denji's evolution from a broken and manipulated boy in part 1 to a resilient and self-assured individual in Chainsaw Man part 2 reflects noteworthy character growth. Though Makima wove an incredible plan to break his spirit by orchestrating devastating losses, Denji eventually moves on to reclaiming his agency by accepting the impermanence of joy and the strength in renewal.

This is exactly what his response to the Aging Devil captures. He does not want to let such immense despair define him. Instead, it seems like he is committing to creating joy even when faced with unavoidable pain. Denji's growth embodies resilience, underscoring how important it is to persevere and find meaning even through life's hardships.