I didn't think Denji was different from Yoru, but the War Devil's words in Chainsaw Man chapter 203 proved it

Chainsaw Man chapter 203 continued the battle between Denji and Fakesaw Man, who had put the teen in a tough situation. Having absorbed and made arms of the Fire Devil contractees, the imposter made it difficult for Denji to attack him without harming them. The orange-haired boy was taken aback, unable to decide what to do next.

Adding even more chaos to the mix was Yoru, the War Devil. She offered Denji a word of advice that was oddly terrifying. Put simply, she urged him to attack Fakesaw Man regardless of the civilians attached to him. While this was a way to fight back, it wouldn't happen without compromising the contractees' safety. At this point, Chainsaw Man chapter 203 proved that Denji was nothing like Yoru.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion.

Chainsaw Man chapter 203 proves that Denji and Yoru are not alike

Chainsaw Man chapter 203 illustrates that Denji and Yoru are indeed not alike. The former, despite his painful experiences and internal conflicts, retains his humanity beneath the exterior of Chainsaw Man. However, by the end, Yoru proves again that she is still a Devil. Before this, her behavior towards Denji hinted at a change of heart, but as it stands, that may have just been a façade.

The incident in question involves Yoru encouraging Denji to attack Fakesaw Man without hesitation. She argued that feeling sorry for the civilians attached to the impostor wouldn't allow him to win. In essence, his hesitation could cost him dearly if he doesn’t retaliate soon. Her statement is plausible from the perspective that Denji is currently only taking damage, not dealing it.

However, the teenager's response in Chainsaw Man chapter 203 reveals a disconnect between the two — he wants them to survive so there will be more people who like him. This desire stems from the civilians’ joy and relief at seeing Chainsaw Man fight for them. Yet, as mentioned, it also underscores Denji's struggle to hold on to his humanity. He doesn't want to become a monster.

In comparison, Yoru's reply to him is very Devil-esque. She tells him that even if he saved them, he'd soon be forgotten, similar to Asa when she was briefly popular. Once again, her facts are not incorrect. However, her response leans more toward recognition, something that Devils thrive on. They grow more powerful as the fear of the concepts they embody increases. That is how Devils exist and what defines them.

Chainsaw Man chapter 203 thus reiterated the contrast between the two. Even as Chainsaw Man, Denji cared for human life and wanted to protect it as he yet yearned for genuine connection. Importantly, he wants others to "like" and not "worship/fear" him. This is a deep human craving, fueled by a challenging life so far. He is emotionally scarred, having never experienced kindness or belonging.

This is what connects him to his humanity. Elsewhere, Yoru’s harsh logic testifies to what it means to be a Devil — cold, utilitarian, and based on self-preservation through fear and dominance. Her reply suggests a reluctance to look past notoriety when it comes to human connection.

Thus, a rift has been established here — empathetic Denji vs pragmatic Yoru — and a potential future clash could be on the horizon.

Final thoughts

Chainsaw Man chapter 203 deepens the philosophical divide between Denji and Yoru. The chapter doesn't focus on the Fakesaw Man fight but presents Denji with a moral dilemma. His refusal to harm the contractees highlights his humanity, driven by a desire for a sense of belonging through public approval and appreciation.

In contrast, Yoru’s indifferent response offers a cold rationale that reflects the instinct of Devils—feeding on fear while disregarding emotional nuance. Their vastly different worldviews are revealed through her advice to attack regardless. However, Denji’s response unveils his longing for a genuine human connection. While advancing the story, Chainsaw Man chapter 203 establishes a clash of ideas.

One thing is certain—the tension between Denji and Yoru is too obvious at this stage and could soon reach a boiling point.

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About the author

Casey has been an anime writer at Sportskeeda since almost a year. Being drawn into the world of animanga after watching the Dragon Ball series almost a decade ago, Casey's interest in the genre, along with his love of crafting plot theories influenced his writerly endeavors. Presently pursuing a Master's degree in International Business, Casey worked for Uneake and FootballExpress for 1.3 years before joining Sportskeeda.

Casey's writings reflect his commitment to producing the most reliable content, evidenced by his flair for in-depth reporting. He places a high value on meticulous research and complete factual accuracy.

Although it was legendary Akira Toriyama’s magnum opus that influenced his love of animanga, Casey soon branched out and explored other titles. The unique ways in which mangakas express ideas, as well as their far-reaching effects, have inspired Casey in his creative pursuits.

When not busy writing, Casey enjoys working out, listening to music, strumming the guitar, and playing football.

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Edited by Casey Mendez