Asa is the only Chainsaw Man character who can save Denji now

Modified Oct 24, 2024 10:30 GMT

Chainsaw Man chapter 181 recently dropped and picked up with Asa Mitaka/Yoru getting a glimpse of the Aging Devil's terrifying world. The Aging Devil's world seems to have tree people, and as the former Devil Hunter explains, living in that world for about 1000 years would turn them into a tree. They would only seemingly return to their former selves once they rot and die.

But this isn't something Denji and Asa/Yoru can hope for or wait to happen. They must return to reality as soon as possible with the threat of the Death Devil's arrival looming and the Aging Devil present, too. However, this is also an opportunity for Denji and Asa to develop their relationship and forge a stronger bond as they attempt to escape this abysmal place.

With Denji in utter despair, only Asa will likely stand as a beacon of hope. A fresh theory speculates that Denji will return to his original form (from the black Chainsaw Man form) and bond with Asa over their respective truths.

Chainsaw Man: Asa might be Denji's only hope

Expand Tweet

It has already been established in Chainsaw Man that Asa Mitaka and Denji harbor feelings for each other. Given the present scenario, a recent theory speculates that Asa is the only one who can save Denji, considering his state. As seen in the chapter, Yoru blames Denji for getting trapped in the Aging Devil's world.

This sends Denji spiraling, as he begins to cry and despair that whoever gets involved with him ends up "miserable." As he loses heart, Asa/Yoru leans in and kisses him. This might be a positive revelation, as it likely happened because Asa’s feelings for Denji overwhelmed Yoru. Moreover, as Power had done previously, Asa will likely restore Denji's will to live.

The theory further speculates that Denji's renewed will to live will return to his original form since his character arc is incomplete, i.e., he hasn't confronted Barem.

Further, Denji and Asa will bond over their truths — Asa reveals Yoru being inside her, and Denji reveals Nayuta as the Control Devil. This will probably prompt Yoru to clarify that she didn't sense the Control Devil die, so Nayuta was still alive, thereby giving Denji a major reason to fight back and thus bring them closer.

Asa saving Denji might make the most sense

Asa/Yoru kisses Denji (Image via Tatsuki Fujimoto, Viz Media)

This theory is plausible, given that Tatsuki Fujimoto prioritizes character development, among other aspects. We haven't received another proper instance where the protagonist pair fully bond (barring the aquarium scene), and this just might be it. They are trapped in a strange world/dimension, and both parties will have to make efforts to escape.

While Asa/Yoru knows of Denji being Chainsaw Man, Denji does not know of Yoru and Asa's contract. This will be a major reveal when it happens and will likely even bring Yoru and Denji on the same page. Yoru and Pochita making peace now to stop the Death Devil isn't a bad idea. Again, Yoru not sensing the Control Devil die (presumably through a sisterly connection) will be a boost to saving Denji.

Finally, Asa doing this for Denji will be reminiscent of when Power did the same. During the Control Devil Arc, Power saves Denji by getting herself and him into a dumpster before expressing her happiness at seeing him and scolding him for giving up. This entire exchange served as an instance wherein Denji's will to live was renewed, and he could go on to defeat Makima.

Final thoughts

The events of the next few chapters will determine how Denji and Asa's relationship develops. Being trapped in the Aging Devil's world is a perfect opportunity for Fujimoto to show off his prowess in shaping his characters for the big finale.

In the present situation, Asa, like Power, might just help Denji get back on his feet once more. The pair might finally acknowledge their feelings for each other and take their dynamic to another level. If it does happen, it will only spell better things for Denji and Asa, who have been through hell to survive in this chaotic world.

Related links:

Edited by Shreya Das