Nayuta: Are Nayuta and Makima the same in Chainsaw Man? The Control Devil's incarnations, explained

Are Nayuta and Makima the same in Chainsaw Man? The Control Devil's incarnations, explained

Modified Jul 28, 2024 02:30 GMT

Makima and Nayuta (Image via Sportskeeda) — Makima and Nayuta (Image via Tatsuki Fujimoto, Viz Media)

Makima from Chainsaw Man has established herself as one of animanga's most twisted and diabolical villains. Sweet, charming, gentle, and friendly on the surface, she is the perfect example of "appearances can be deceiving."

It is eventually revealed that she is the Control Devil with a single aim - to bring Chainsaw Man under her control and shape the world as she sees fit. However, her plans never reach fruition as she is killed by Denji in a final confrontation.

But given the Devil's life cycle, she is reincarnated as a young girl named Nayuta. Nayuta is the new Control Devil. So, Nayuta is the reincarnation of Makima, possessing the same abilities and powers, but different in strength.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinions. Reader's discretion is advised.

Are Nayuta and Makima the same in Chainsaw Man?

Makima in Chainsaw Man (Image via MAPPA)

Makima is the previous incarnation of Nayuta, or Nayuta is the reincarnation of Makima. Following her defeat and subsequent death at Denji's hands, Makima was reincarnated into the world as Nayuta.

Kishibe found the latter and brought her to Denji, so he could raise her as his own, essentially as his little sister. The veteran Devil Hunter wanted a different fate for the Control Devil and chose Denji over handing her to Public Safety.

So, to put it simply, they are the same yet different. They are the same as they were and are essentially the Control Devil. However, they are different with respect to powers, abilities, and personality.

The life cycle of Devils explained

Bat Devil in Chainsaw Man (Image via MAPPA)

Devils begin their lives in Hell. All Devils are born with a "name" that corresponds to a concept, which can be tangible (Sea Cucumber, Fish) or abstract (Future, Curse). The concept of need can also refer to something fictitious, like angels, ghosts, zombies, etc. Thus, even these names have corresponding Devils.

Each name is unique to its respective Devil, though some overlap based on specificity. For instance, War Devil and World War II Devil. Devils take form according to the collective consciousness surrounding their names like the Gun Devil is composed entirely of guns and possesses gun-related abilities. Devils embody a fear that can be named and exist as long as that name is feared.

Devils that die in Hell reincarnate into the human world and vice versa. But the catch here is that they remember nothing of their past lives and their entire personality resets. Though they reincarnate, Devils are not immortal. Being born out of humanity's fear of a concept means that it will cease to exist if all of humanity forgets that concept.

How Nayuta and Makima are different

Denji and Nayuta in Chainsaw Man (Image via Tatsuki Fujimoto, Viz Media)

Makima and Nayuta are essentially different individuals, due to the hard reset that occurs upon reincarnation. In terms of appearance, Nayuta is a young girl with braided hair and eyes that resemble Makima's. Both possess similar abilities and powers (Control Devil) but the difference is that Nayuta is a little weaker, able to use just 3 chains at once and with limited control over people.

Personality-wise, living with Denji molded Nayuta to grow similar to him. She shares a common trait with Makima - a love for dogs. She behaves majorly like Denji given that she spent most time with him. Nayuta has quite an amoral personality, where her sense of morality is dictated by personal preferences.

Initially, the feeling of pity for Denji confused Nayuta. She used her powers to control him, learned about her past, and sought to fulfill Makima's objective. But time with Denji changed her, making her care for him. Makima, on the other hand, solely used Denji for his being Chainsaw Man, who she wanted to ultimately bring under her control. Other than that, she had no attachment to or cared for Denji.