Endings are a make-or-break moment—divisive, emotional, and often the final verdict on an entire series. They've been known to unite or fracture fandoms, making creators tread a fine line between closure and controversy.

Take Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and Cowboy Bebop: two anthologies that are repeatedly lauded for delivering deeply resonant finales—endings that feel earned, poignant, and satisfying. On the flip side, some anime, like Darling in the Franxx or Death Note, have become infamous for endings that felt abrupt, undercooked, or disconnected from the essence of the story. It's a powerful reminder that even within the same medium, endings evoke vastly different responses—and while art is ultimately subjective, few would claim that every anime reaches a “perfect” ending.

Now, let’s talk about Chainsaw Man, the edgy, surreal, and philosophically charged sensation by Tatsuki Fujimoto. The franchise exploded globally thanks to MAPPA’s visceral, pulse-pounding anime adaptation—bringing Fujimoto’s raw blend of biblical allegory, metaphysical themes, and gut-punch narratives into vivid life. The manga first debuted in late 2018, and before long, audiences were treated to an anime that left jaws dropping and discussions raging. 

As of now, there's no official conclusion—Chainsaw Man remains open-ended, both in manga and anime form. But big things are brewing:

• Recap Films Incoming: Two feature-length compilation movies—Chainsaw Man – The Compilation: Part 1 and Part 2—are coming this September via Crunchyroll. Beyond revisiting Denji’s wild ride so far, these films will feature new bonus content adapted from the “Chainsaw Days” episodes.

• Reze Arc Movie: Following those recaps, the much-anticipated theatrical film Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc will premiere. In Japan, it hits theaters on September 19, 2025; internationally—like in the U.S.—it arrives on October 29, 2025, with other regions released around that period.

  This cinematic adaptation dives into chapters 40–52 (the Bomb Girl arc), reintroducing Denji’s life post-first season and his entanglement with the enigmatic Reze. As the film concludes, expect a bridge into the upcoming International Assassins arc.

• Musical Talent: The movie’s opening theme, “Iris Out,” is by Kenshi Yonezu, paired in a double A-side release with the ending theme—“Jane Doe,” a powerful collaboration between Yonezu and Hikaru Utada.

Notably, Studio MAPPA’s president has indicated that the cinematic format was chosen deliberately for the Reze Arc, citing its heightened intensity and action which shine on the big screen. However, they emphasized that this doesn’t set a precedent—future arcs may still be adapted as TV series depending on what fits best.

Because Chainsaw Man isn’t close to wrapping up, it's fertile ground for fan speculation. Ending theories abound—what will Denji choose? How will the Reze storyline affect his fate? And what shape will the ultimate conclusion take?

Lets take a deep dive into some those theories:

When Denji Becomes a Devil Messiah

Denji’s journey isn’t just a fight—it’s a radical transformation. At its heart, there's a shift waiting to happen: from Devil Hunter to Devil Messiah. As someone who’s both human and devil, Denji sits at the crossroads of two worlds—poised to bridge the chasm between them and redefine how humanity and devils co-exist.

Already, Chainsaw Man has amassed a cult following, captivated by Denji’s brutal charm, enduring spirit, and the bizarre blend of horror and hope he represents. If Fujimoto leans even further into this potential, Denji could ascend into the role of a savior—an icon born from sacrifice, yet far from divine.

In many ways, he’s already begun this journey. Denji’s combat is a form of devotion; his fight for others is met with adoration from some, and fear from others. He could be seen as a tragic messiah—on the precipice of full recognition as a symbol of salvation by the close of the story.

1. Biblical Echoes & Angelic Parallels

• A compelling allegory emerges in Chainsaw Man’s use of angelic hierarchy symbolism. In Chapter 83, devils named Seraphim, Power, Dominion, Virtue, Princi, Angel, Beam, and Galgalgi mirror the celestial Choir of Angels—and Denji fits the missing piece: Archangel. This positions him as a chosen vessel, loved and followed by these fiends 

• A widely discussed interpretation sees Pochita in a messianic light—the dying sacrifice that fuses with Denji, granting life and purpose, much like Christ’s death and resurrection echoing through Denji’s rebirth 

2. Messiah or God–Like Figure?

• One of the top fan theories suggests Denji isn’t just a savior—he becomes worshiped. Fans envision Chainsaw Man transcending fear to become a god of both terror and reverence 

• Another fan claim suggests Denji, suffering through betrayal and crucifixion (via Curse Devil), mirrors the passion of Christ: suffering, dying, and resurrecting—not only as savior but as a symbol of redemption 

3. Duality, Destruction, and Identity

• Denji’s chainsaw powers embody duality—destruction and liberation all in one. His force is visceral, chaotic, yet inexplicably transformative—a strip-down of societal expectations.

• His existence as both devil and human reflects thematic explorations of identity, morality, and belonging. This tension of choosing between humanity or embracing his devilish freedom resurfaces time and again 

4. Suffering as a Catalyst for Power

• Tumblr analysis delves into how Denji embodies suffering. His transformation isn’t about shedding pain—but about facing it head-on. Denji owns his hurt, and like a chainsaw-fed engine, pain fuels his strength. That raw suffering enhances his narrative power, elevating him to something beyond mere weapon—almost divine .

Summary: Denji as the Devil Messiah

Denji’s arc is poised at a crossroads between savior, deity, and tragedy. As he transforms from a hunted youth into a mythic hybrid, the lines between human, devil, hero, and god blur beautifully. Whether he becomes a messiah who saves both worlds—or a fallen icon worshipped to his downfall—remains to be seen, but the symbolism is rich and intentional.

When Nayuta Becomes the Control Devil

In the world of Chainsaw Man, devils aren’t easily wiped from existence—they reincarnate. And in this case, the Control Devil may have come back as Nayuta. After Makima's death, Nayuta emerges—not just as a new face, but as the reincarnated successor to the Control Devil, destined to inherit her power.

Denji, once her target, now becomes her flesh-and-blood guardian. Raised as his younger sister, she steps into Makima’s shoes—yet he’s determined she won’t repeat her predecessor’s path. But beneath the surface, the Control Devil’s innate power lurks: Nayuta's ability to manipulate minds and demand obedience hint at a power that could rival or even eclipse Makima's.

Makima symbolized tyranny cloaked as salvation. Nayuta, shaped by Denji’s care, represents a potential reversal—transforming fear into trust, and control into gentle guidance. Through the age-old debate of nature versus nurture, Denji's love and upbringing could rewrite the future of the Control Devil, guiding Nayuta toward becoming a peaceful leader rather than a tyrant.

Insights & Lore from the Manga & Fandom

Confirmed Reincarnation & Backstory

• Nayuta is officially the Control Devil reincarnated after Makima’s demise, discovered in China by Kishibe and entrusted to Denji to prevent a repeat of Makima’s fall into tyranny. 

• Unlike her predecessor, Nayuta grows up under Denji’s guardianship, living with him as a sister who loves sliced bread, dogs, and—most importantly—being cherished. 

• Pochita reveals that the Control Devil’s deepest desire was connection and family, and urges Denji to give Nayuta lots of hugs—an emotional reframe from fear-based control to loving bonds.

Power & Personality: From Makima to Nayuta

• Nayuta shares many power traits with Makima—mental chains, controlling adversaries, and enforcing strict rules. Consider her behavior toward Asa: transforming her into a dog and layering memory manipulation. 

• Despite these similarities, she’s distinct: more childlike, honest, and emotionally driven. Her possessiveness over Denji stems from affection, not malice, giving a gentler weight to her dominion. 

Reincarnation Nuances & Memory

• There’s evidence Nayuta may retain fragmented memories of her past life. In Chapter 131, she addresses Famine Devil Fami as “sis,” suggesting a deep, instinctual bond that hints at past-life recognition. 

Fate and Fan Speculation

• Spoilers from Chapter 192 strongly imply that Nayuta is indeed gone forever. Yoru remarks the incoming Control Devil will not be her, signaling her demise. Fans have theorized further reincarnations, pointing out that devils cycle between Earth and Hell, and the concept of the Control Devil may return even if Nayuta isn’t around.

• Reddit conversations explore ideas like Nayuta’s unique personality being shaped by each reincarnation, suggesting future Control Devils may diverge even further from Makima or Nayuta. One user speculated:

  “Each reincarnation of Devil control ends up being killed by Denji and the cycle repeats itself.” 

Recap 

Nayuta’s arrival as the reincarnated Control Devil opens a compelling thematic journey: will she continue to embody tyranny, or will Denji’s compassion reshape what it means to hold such power? Her fate, hinted as tragic and definitive, casts her arc in bittersweet light—but also plants fertile ground for exploring what control can mean when love, not fear, is the guiding force.

Can Asa and Denji Rule Together—or Not?

In Chainsaw Man Part 2, the evolving bond between Asa Mitaka and Denji feels like more than just chance—almost destined. Both harbor devils within them, and if they joined forces, they could stand as a beacon amid a world dissolved in chaos. Two hybrid souls, wielding devilish power and human resilience, might reshape how devils and humans understand each other.

Yet, their paths are far from seamless. Asa carries the weight of the War Devil—her insecurities, fear, and a protective shell around her vulnerability—while Denji is impulsive, chaotic, and more driven by instinct than strategy. Their connection runs deeper than mutual powers—it’s about two fractured individuals reaching toward each other. The question is: will their contrasting approaches unite them as saviors—or push them apart before they ever get close?

What the Story (and Fans) Reveal

Their Relationship Blossoms—Unexpectedly

• In the “Dating Denji” arc (Chapters 112–120), what starts as a tactical move—Asa using Denji as a weapon—gradually blossoms into something real. Stuck inside an aquarium together, their awkward interactions evolve into genuine affection. Denji even invites Asa on a second date—a small step that signals emotional growth and connection. 

• Chapter 116 delivers a heartwarming thrill for fans: a date turns unexpectedly delightful. Denji finds Asa’s quirks endearing, and Asa, once repulsed by him, starts to warm up to the Chainsaw Man. 

Denji’s Growth: Moving Beyond Toxicity

• In Chapter 117, it's clear—Denji has grown. No longer trapped in Makima-esque webs, he seeks a healthier, more honest connection. His willingness to ask Asa on a second date—even when she's still a Fiend—marks a significant emotional shift. 

• Denji admits in Chapter 149: "I’ve kissed a bunch of times up until now, and it always went horribly wrong. That kiss with Asa was the one time I didn’t get hurt." That moment blurs boundaries between chainsaw-fueled violence and genuine intimacy. 

Shipper Reactions: “Asaden” Takes Flight

• On Reddit, the ship Asa × Denji (aka "Asaden") garners praise for its emotional authenticity. One fan writes:

  “Two broken people… seeking companionship and understanding… their romance is more gradual and feels naturally integrated.” 

• Another emphasizes how unique their bond is:

  "Asa, unlike every other Denji love interest, doesn’t care about Chainsaw Man; she sees Denji, not CSM. That’s what he desperately wants." 

Yet Tensions Remain—And Yoru Complicates Things

• Denji now faces a tangled love triangle that could define his fate. Yoru, the War Devil, expresses affection, but it's under complex emotional layering—part Asa, part devilish manipulation. Asa’s own reluctance and Yoru’s volatility cast doubt on a calm, happy pairing. 

• Denji even refers to Asa as an “ex-potential girlfriend” in Chapter 126—hinting at both lingering affection and fading hope. 

• Chapter 135 adds a touch of whimsical sincerity: Asa’s feelings surface humorously through a poem in her mind—another hint of deeper emotional undercurrents. 

The Big Picture: Do They Belong Together?

The possibility of Asa and Denji “ruling together” carries emotional weight and thematic resonance. Together, they’re symbols—two damaged souls standing in a world blinded by fear and destruction, offering hope for coexistence.

Yet, their journey remains uncertain. Will they unite, broken but together? Or will external forces pull them apart before they can truly heal? One thing's clear: their connection is real, raw, and deeply human—and that makes their “ruin or reign” all the more compelling.

Death Is the Final Villain

One of the Four Horsemen May Conquer All

In Chainsaw Man, devils are born from fear, and the Four Horsemen—Control, War, Famine, and Death—embody humanity’s deepest, most primal anxieties. We’ve seen the Control Devil in Makima/Nayuta, the War Devil in Yoru, and the Famine Devil in Fami. But the final Horseman, Death, remains unseen—perhaps held back by Fujimoto as the ultimate, most haunting revelation yet. After all, what could be more terrifying than death itself?

A Villain Beyond Fear

Death isn’t just another adversary—she’s the personification of life’s greatest certainty. As Screen Rant explains, “Death Devil embodies the primal fear of death, so it would be the strongest of the Four Horsemen… a character as powerful as this will most likely be introduced as some kind of final boss.”

This looming presence sets Death apart: more than a devil, she’s fate, inevitability, and the purest terror, reversed from chain-saw fuel to existential weight.

The Rise of an Invisible Puppet Master

It’s not hard to imagine Death pulling the strings behind the scenes. The theory goes: devils reflect human dread, and nothing drives fear like the end of existence. Could Death be orchestrating the events of the entire story—tipping the scales, colliding devils and humans alike toward an apocalyptic finale?

As Chainsaw Man historian and fandom insight reporters suggest, Death’s eventual arrival would “seal off the series”—making her debut both the climactic showdown and the narrative’s final act.

Awakenings and Theories from the Fandom

Fans have let their imaginations run wild interpreting the Death Devil’s nature:

• Many believe Death is a primal fear devil elevated to Horseman status—so deeply feared that her presence lingers before her arrival.

• A popular twist: Denji or Pochita as Death in disguise. One fan reasons that Pochita’s unique ability to erase devils permanently feels more like the Death Devil’s domain—perhaps explaining why he was hunted so intensely in Hell.

• Another theory proposes Death as a parental or older sister figure to the other Horsemen—both familial and foundational to their genesis.

• Others see Yoshida, the mysterious classmate, as a potential vessel or avatar of Death—but details remain inconclusive.

What If Death Already Walks Among Us?

One captivating speculation suggests the Death Devil arrived earlier than expected—and the figure we see in school may not be the primal fear, but a Horseman version with a twist. She doesn’t kill outright; she manipulates, perhaps even offers false salvation.

Bringing the Threads Together

Death as the ultimate villain isn’t just dramatic—it’s deeply philosophical. It reframes the series’s core conflicts, posing the question: can Denji, Asa, or any hybrid of human and devil defy the one thing every being fears most?

Will Death emerge as the final reckoning—or has she already begun her quiet conquest?

Chainsaw Man Resets the World

Denji May Offer Humanity a Restart

In the chaotic, fear-driven world of Chainsaw Man, Denji's power goes deeper than just cutting down devils—he can erase them completely. Not only their physical presence, but also humanity’s memory of them. That erasure, stretching across past, present, and future, hints that Denji might be more than a hunter—he might be the catalyst for a total reset.

Denji isn’t just on a mission to slay devils—he might be rewriting reality itself.

Every devil he eats vanishes entirely, even from collective memory. Wars, diseases, and traumas become blank slates. In a world built from fear, Denji holds the power to remove those fears from existence—effectively resetting history and crafting a new future.

If he continues erasing devils, could he wipe pain and suffering from the world? Could Denji’s existence reshape humanity into something entirely different—maybe even a utopia free of fear? And in this reckoning, what becomes of him? Is he half-devil, a savior—or something far more complex?

New Insights from the Manga & Fandom

A Reality-Altering Power

• In Chapter 84, Makima calls Denji the “Hero of Hell” and reveals his terrifying gift: any devil he consumes disappears—not just physically, but from memory and history. Whether it's a massacre, war, or disease—if Chainsaw Man eats its devil, that concept vanishes entirely. Even Makima isn’t immune to the effect.

The Reason Devils Fear Chainsaw Man

• Denji’s erasure power makes him the most dreaded devil of all—capable of permanently removing threats to their existence. Even other devils shudder at his name.

A World Rewritten—and Reborn?

• One fan theory imagines what happens if Denji eradicates the Death Devil. Erasing death might mean no one ever dies—immortality become permanent. This could spiral into an eternal battlefield, where wars have no end.

Challenging Moral Norms

• From a symbolic angle, Denji’s power raises the question: is erasure a blessing or a curse? Could it be seen as a holy act—stripping away evil to bring humanity closer to redemption—or is it rewriting humanity’s identity?

The Fandom’s Wildest Speculations

• One posted theory suggests that Denji—or specifically Pochita—holds the power not to destroy but to reset: “What if Denji’s evolution isn’t as a destroyer but as a savior?” Sometimes erasure might pave the way for devotion and coexistence.

• Others question the mechanics of erasure. How does Denji's power interact with reincarnation, hybrids, or those close to him, like Nayuta? Even though he erased Makima, she reincarnates as Nayuta—so erasure might have unexpected loopholes.

Summary Table

In a world built on fear, Denji isn’t just cutting through devils—he’s cutting through reality. His power to erase isn’t just violence—it’s rewriting the world’s narrative.

Power Finally Returns

"Grovel, Humans!"

Few deaths in Chainsaw Man have hit as hard as Power’s. Her sacrifice, raw and heart-wrenching, left a void in both Denji’s journey and the hearts of fans worldwide. Yet, as with all Devils in Fujimoto’s cruel and surreal world, death may not be the end.

Before her demise, Power entrusted Denji with her final gift: her blood. With it came a promise — that if Denji sought the Blood Devil in Hell, she could one day return. This wasn’t just a tender farewell; it was a seed of hope, planted in the middle of a tragedy. Hope that Power’s chaotic laughter, her reckless loyalty, and her unshakable bond with Denji could one day bloom again in the story.

Her return wouldn’t just be fan service. It would reinforce one of Chainsaw Man’s most poignant themes: love and rebirth. Power’s bond with Denji was not built on manipulation like Makima’s, nor on distant admiration — it was messy, unfiltered, and deeply human. Denji’s grief for her reflects one of the few genuine connections he ever had. Bringing her back, even in a new form, could mark a thematic rebirth not only for her but for Denji himself.

And the manga has already laid its breadcrumbs. Devils reincarnate in Hell after dying on Earth. The Blood Devil still exists. In fact, some fans speculate that Power’s resurrection may be directly tied to Denji’s ultimate role as both protector and eraser of Devils. Her fiery, unhinged personality would contrast beautifully against the looming specter of Death, the last and most terrifying of the Four Horsemen yet to be revealed. Imagine Power — the Blood Devil, reborn — standing alongside Denji and Asa in the climactic battle against Death, her defiance echoing through the pages: “Grovel, Humans!”

MAPPA’s anime adaptation could also breathe life into this arc. The studio has already shown that it thrives on emotional peaks, and the reintroduction of Power in her most explosive form could set the stage for one of anime’s most unforgettable moments.

Power wasn’t just comic relief or a sidekick — she was a mirror to Denji’s humanity, the proof that Devils could form real bonds beyond fear and control. If she returns, her place in Chainsaw Man’s endgame may not just be about resurrection. It may be about redemption — for herself, for Denji, and maybe even for the chaotic world they both call home.

Denji Is Given A Normal Life He Despises

"A boring life is worse than death."

In Chainsaw Man Part 2, Tatsuki Fujimoto does something almost cruelly ironic: he gives Denji exactly what he once dreamed of — a normal life. A bed to sleep in. Food on the table. A little sister figure to protect. Even the fleeting chance at romance. It’s the kind of stability that countless heroes in other stories long for when their wars are over. And yet, for Denji, it’s not paradise. It’s a prison.

From the very beginning, Denji’s character was defined by his hunger — not just for bread or jam on his toast, but for connection, purpose, and excitement. Back when he was killing Devils to pay off his father’s debts, he thought something as simple as a hug, or sleeping next to someone he cared for, would be the pinnacle of happiness. But the tragedy of Denji’s journey is that he got those things — and then they lost their meaning.

Now, trapped in the monotony of school life and mundane routines, Denji finds himself restless, suffocating. He’s surpassed his basic human needs, and instead of relief, it has left him hollow. Stability doesn’t suit him; chaos does. Fujimoto seems to suggest that Denji, having been forged in blood and Devil fights, can never truly fit into the shape of a "normal boy." To cage him in everyday life is more cruel than killing him outright.

It’s a twisted subversion of the “retired hero” fantasy. Where other protagonists might find peace in anonymity, Denji finds only despair. Normalcy, for him, is not healing — it’s punishment. A calm and peaceful life, the very thing people yearn for, becomes the one thing he cannot endure.

This is echoed in how Denji still recklessly seeks attention as Chainsaw Man, even outing himself when Asa asks him to keep his identity hidden. Fans have pointed out that Denji craves chaos because it validates his existence — the world noticing him, needing him, even fearing him. Without that, he feels like no one at all.

And so, Fujimoto flips the script: the Devil Hunter who once wished for nothing more than a girlfriend and a slice of toast now finds those desires shallow. The irony is tragic, but also deeply human. Denji is proof that what we think will save us doesn’t always fulfill us. Sometimes, the quiet life is the harshest curse of all.

Humanity Is To Blame For Suffering

"Devils don’t crawl out of hell to torment us. We build them ourselves."

One of the most chilling truths in Chainsaw Man is that the Devils humanity fears aren’t invaders from some alien realm — they are born from us. Every Devil is shaped by collective fear, every nightmare given flesh because people believe in it. Fujimoto doesn’t just point the finger at supernatural monsters; he turns the mirror back on humanity.

Take the Gun Devil, perhaps the most infamous example. Its existence is directly tied to humanity’s paranoia and obsession with firearms. The more people feared gun violence, the stronger it became — a horrifying commentary on how modern hysteria and media-fueled dread can manifest into something larger than life. Fans often note the eerie parallels between the Gun Devil’s backstory and real-world anxieties over mass shootings and military power. In a way, Fujimoto is saying: you feared it into being.

But it isn’t just the Gun Devil. From the primal terrors of Death, Famine, and War to contemporary anxieties like Darkness or Control, Devils represent both ancient inevitabilities and modern self-inflicted wounds. Unlike famine or death — forces humans can’t escape — Devils tied to man-made fears are born from cycles of paranoia, greed, and violence we refuse to break.

Makima, the Control Devil, embodies this cycle perfectly. She’s not just a villain; she’s a personification of humanity’s eternal urge to control, to suppress, to rule. Her tyranny is not an aberration but an inevitability. In her, Fujimoto critiques totalitarianism and the seductive lie that order can be achieved through dominance. She is the shadow cast by human desire to erase pain, even if it means creating more of it.

Even characters like the Angel Devil echo this irony — a being meant to symbolize divinity and salvation, yet warped into a weapon of mass suffering by humans who fear death and seek power. Aki, too, becomes a tragic victim of this cycle, ground down by fears that were never his own, caught in a system built by human mistakes.

In this light, Chainsaw Man isn’t a story where humanity bravely fights against Devils. It’s a story where humanity manufactures its own demons, both literally and figuratively. The Devils are not foreign enemies. They are consequences.

And perhaps that’s Fujimoto’s most brutal thesis: it’s not Devils who are to blame for suffering. It’s us. The monsters aren’t intruding on our world. They are our world — the inevitable children of human fear.

Denji’s Final Sacrifice — Even Chainsaw Man Isn’t Immortal

Denji has always been a boy caught in contradiction — half human, half devil, half dreamer, half executioner. But in the end, Chainsaw Man may demand the cruelest symmetry of all: Denji sacrificing himself, just as Pochita once sacrificed for him.

On paper, the idea feels almost predictable. The tragic hero who finally finds a shred of happiness only to pay the ultimate price — it’s a narrative as old as myth. But in Fujimoto’s hands, predictability is rarely without irony. Denji’s death wouldn’t just be a cliché; it would be melancholic poetry. A closing of the loop that began the day a starving boy hugged his only friend and begged for a tomorrow.

Pochita gave his heart so Denji could live. What if the story ends with Denji giving his life so others can? This parallel is what makes the theory sting — not just because it hurts, but because it feels inevitable.

The cruelty of such an ending lies in how Denji has clawed his way toward something resembling normalcy. He’s tasted fame, touched intimacy, flirted with the dream of being loved not as a weapon but as a person. Fans have theorized that Fujimoto could strip all this away at the last moment — a devastating commentary on the fleeting nature of peace in a world where suffering endlessly regenerates.

Yet, there’s another layer to this sacrifice. Denji’s death would not just be martyrdom — it could be liberation. Throughout the series, Denji has been little more than a pawn: first to the yakuza, then to Public Safety, then to Makima, and even to the global hysteria surrounding Chainsaw Man himself. If he chooses to lay down his life, it would be the one act that isn’t stolen from him. It would be his choice. His freedom.

And perhaps that is Fujimoto’s quiet genius — reminding us that the hero doesn’t win by living forever. He wins by finally living on his own terms. By breaking the binary between human and devil, chainsaw and boy, pet and master. If Denji dies for others, he ceases to be a pawn of fear and becomes something far greater: a boy who was once powerless, deciding his own ending.

In this way, Denji’s sacrifice wouldn’t just echo Pochita’s. It would fulfill it. Because Pochita didn’t just want Denji to live — he wanted Denji to live a life with meaning. And sometimes, the cruelest, most human kind of meaning comes in the act of letting go.

Denji as the True Villain — The Chainsaw Man Theory That Turns Everything Upside Down

For years, Chainsaw Man fans have mourned Denji’s pitiful life — the boy who sold organs to survive, who lived in debt to the yakuza, who clung to his pet devil Pochita as the only friend he ever had. He’s been painted as a tragic underdog, clawing his way toward scraps of love and belonging. But what if that sympathy was misplaced all along? What if Denji wasn’t the victim — but the villain?

This theory reshapes the entire story. Instead of Devils being humanity’s greatest threat, perhaps the real antagonist was Denji himself. His pain and hunger for affection may have looked pure on the surface, but beneath it lies a chilling pattern: Denji rarely hesitates to kill if there’s something in it for him. Whether it’s survival, a meal, or the faintest promise of intimacy, he’ll carve through devils, humans, and anyone unlucky enough to be in his way. In that sense, Chainsaw Man doesn’t symbolize salvation — he symbolizes erasure. A force that wipes things from existence without remorse.

Fujimoto himself has played with this idea in subtle ways. The Chainsaw Man that the world reveres isn’t the Denji we follow, but a legend — a mythic figure feared by Devils because he literally eats them out of reality. Denji, basking in that reputation, becomes less of a hero and more of a chaos-bringer whose very existence disrupts balance. The unsettling part? Denji doesn’t see it that way. He believes he’s been doing the right thing — and that’s where the true horror lies.

Much of Denji’s moral detachment can be traced to manipulation. Makima, the Control Devil, didn’t just use him as a pawn — she shaped his worldview, nurturing his obedience while eroding his sense of right and wrong. Fans theorize that this conditioning never truly left him. Even after Makima’s death, Denji operates with fractured ethics, unable to distinguish love from control, desire from violence. In a world built on fear, he becomes just another force of fear himself.

And perhaps that’s the most disturbing element of all: Denji may not even realize he’s the villain. History is filled with figures who believed their violence was righteous, who justified cruelty as the cost of a “better future.” Denji could stand among them — a boy who thought he was fighting for love and freedom, but who instead ushered in destruction under the banner of his own self-righteousness.

If true, this flips the entire story on its head. Chainsaw Man wouldn’t be a saga about a hero born from tragedy, but about how tragedy itself can twist someone into a monster. And in Fujimoto’s world, that would be the cruelest irony of all: that the boy we cheered for was the devil in disguise.

Denji’s story has always walked the razor’s edge between heroism and horror. But if this theory holds true, then the tragedy of Chainsaw Man is not that Denji fought against devils — but that he may have become one in spirit. Whether savior or destroyer, Denji embodies the fragile line between love, fear, and violence in Fujimoto’s masterpiece.

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