Chainsaw Man teases Public Safety's role in Nayuta's death in latest volume covers

Modified Nov 25, 2024 10:30 GMT

Chainsaw Man volume 18 cover (Image via Tatsuki Fujimoto, Viz Media)

Chainsaw Man's recently dropped volume covers look to convey more than what meets the eye. Volume 18 features Nayuta sporting the "peace sign," finally giving a glimpse to fans who were wondering about her whereabouts.

Meanwhile, volume 19 features a familiar face in Fumiko Mifune, a character who seems to have had a hand in kicking off the chaos of Part II. But it is the position of each of these characters, Nayuta and Fumiko, that is intriguing. While Nayuta is showing off the "peace sign," Fumiko is sporting an upside "peace sign."

Many might opine that it is due to the way she is seated that she is lazily holding up the sign. However, there is possibly a deeper meaning when linking the events of Chainsaw Man.

Disclaimer: This article is speculative in nature.

Chainsaw Man: The latest volume covers show how Public Safety affected Nayuta's demise

Nayuta and Fumiko Mifune on the Chainsaw Man covers (Image via Sportskeeda)

As mentioned, the cover of Chainsaw Man volume 18 features Nayuta holding up the "peace sign." She has done this multiple times, and it has always been equally adorable. The next volume's cover features something similar, but instead of the normal, Mifune is holding the same sign in an upside-down fashion.

This seems to hint at Nayuta's fate in the series, considering the story as a whole. But before that, as a refresher, Nayuta was last seen alive during the Chainsaw Man Church Arc. Public Safety urges Denji to stop transforming by taking Nayuta hostage, to which he agrees. However, situations take an unfortunate turn when Denji and Nayuta visit the amusement park.

Moreover, the appearance of Barem Bridge, followed by Fumiko Mifune and Public Safety, worsened matters. Barem's cunning compels Denji to transform as chaos reigns with Chainsaw Hybrids running amuck. Witnessing the confusion, bystanders run to attack Denji.

Desperate, Nayuta urges Fumiko to help, but she flees, leaving the siblings to deal with the situation. Later, Nayuta is seen in the Current Arc as a severed head as Barem attempts to push his agenda.

Nayuta (Image via Tatsuki Fujimoto, Viz Media)

Considering the little girl's last appearance and the recent volume covers, parallels can be drawn. Public Safety seemed involved in most of the unfortunate events that befall Denji and Nayuta. Fumiko was present the day the siblings encountered Barem. Moreover, she and the other Public Safety agents could do nothing against Barem and his Weapon Hybrids.

Hence, Denji was compelled to transform into Chainsaw Man to protect Nayuta. Again, when the boy was overwhelmed by angry bystanders, Fumiko turned tail and ran instead of helping Nayuta. She was left to face the angry mob alone. Although what happens next is not shown, Nayuta's severed head in the following bit explains her demise.

Nayuta could have been saved if Fumiko had attempted to help her or even gotten her away from the situation. But then again, maybe this was the goal all along — isolate Denji. Nayuta was the closest to Denji, and Barem taking care of her worked in Public Safety's favor. Moreover, given all that he had faced, she was his rock in the present scenario. With her gone, it didn't take long for Denji to spiral again.

Final thoughts

Public Safety's role in Nayuta's death is evident in the way they reacted to the whole situation. Fumiko managed to survive and later brought forth the deal with the Aging Devil. As such, she proved to be diabolical and, in equal measure, cunning.

It can also be stated that Public Safety's sole focus was Denji, with others around him mere casualties. In this case, it turned out to be Nayuta, someone he grew extremely fond of, which explains his enraged outburst and transformation into the Hero of Hell.

Nonetheless, directly or indirectly, Public Safety had a hand in Nayuta's death, and the recent covers strongly hint at it, especially with Fumiko Mifune's appearance.

Related links:

Edited by Shreya Das