Chainsaw Man chapter 171: What to expect

Modified Jul 11, 2024 03:31 GMT

Chainsaw Man chapter 171: What to expect (Image via Shueisha)

Following the harrowing reveal of Control Devil Nayuta’s apparent current status in the previous installment, fans are more anxious than ever for Chainsaw Man chapter 171’s official release. Unfortunately, the next installment of author and illustrator Tatsuki Fujimoto’s flagship manga series is still roughly a week away as of this article’s writing.

Thankfully, there are some aspects of and events within Chainsaw Man chapter 171 that fans can likely count on being present, even without the help of verifiable spoilers. Unfortunately, these mostly revolve around Nayuta’s status, as well as what Denji’s next move may be depending on the ultimate reveal regarding Nayuta’s status.

Chainsaw Man chapter 171 could see a hidden detail fans noticed, theorized on proven correct after all

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To provide a brief recap, the previous issue saw Denji being served Nayuta’s severed head on a sushi conveyor belt. However, many eagle-eyed fans noticed that Nayuta’s head was missing what appeared to be a mole or freckle underneath her left eye.

Likewise, many have theorized that Chainsaw Man chapter 171 will reveal that this is not Nayuta, again given this missing detail. That being said, Fujimoto has been known to miss subtle details like this before, clouding the certainty of this situation somewhat.

Thus, the two main routes the issue will take likely depend on whether or not Nayuta is dead or not. If she isn’t dead, the issue will likely open with a brief focus on Denji, showing his initial shock and disbelief at the situation as he stares at Nayuta’s head. The others will likely begin asking Famine Devil Fami and Barem Bridge what’s going on, which should then reveal that Barem was acting on Fami’s orders all along.

Chainsaw Man chapter 171 should then see Fami speak, explaining that they need Denji to be at his lowest to combat the Death Devil. She’ll likely acknowledge that while Nayuta would’ve been a major asset in the fight, securing the core of the plan, which centers on Denji and War Devil Yoru/Asa Mitaka, was more important. It’s at this point that focus should return to Denji, seeing his expression change slightly for some reason.

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Barem will likely be shown as recognizing this change in expression as Denji pulls his ripcord, transforming into the titular hero and immediately charging at Barem. He’ll likely begin laughing and say it was a good prank, but that he and Fami didn’t quite get all of Nayuta’s features right. The issue will likely end with Fami and Barem both cursing the fact that he saw through their plan as both prepare to fight, with Asa and Yoru likely also getting involved here.

However, if Nayuta is actually dead, the upcoming issue will be a much darker and more serious one. An introspective on Denji is likely to open the issue, his mind flooding with thoughts of self-hatred, longing for Nayuta, regret over his choices, and a myriad of additional negative emotions. As this happens, Fami and Barem will likely be speaking to him and the group in general, explaining the sentiment behind their killing Nayuta in a manner similar to that above.

From here, Nayuta’s head will likely begin speaking to Denji, asking Chainsaw Man to save her in the same way a dying Makima did in part 1’s final arcs. At this point, the Hero of Hell should be summoned, prompting the others to head outside and away from Denji where they’ll be cornered by Public Safety. Chainsaw Man chapter 171 should then end with Denji also heading outside in his berserker state, showing the beginning of his fight in the final panels.