Denji can only be truly saved in Chainsaw Man by one horrifying way

Denji in Chainsaw Man (Image via MAPPA)
Denji in Chainsaw Man (Image via MAPPA)

Denji’s journey in Chainsaw Man has been fraught by endless struggle, trauma, and manipulation. Initially, he viewed becoming Chainsaw Man as a route to power, fame, and stability. But instead, he was bestowed with a complex array of consequences, isolation, and exploitation.

His battles and their effects on him hint at a growing need for freedom from his chainsaw-infused identity. However, his power seems to keep him trapped and at the center of a violent loop. There is speculation that Denji can only be truly rescued horrifyingly: the ultimate sacrifice with a twist.

But this idea seems a bit too extreme and aligns with the distinct dark tones of the series, exploring the paradox of Denji’s existence. Here's a closer look.


Chainsaw Man: Denji might achieve true safety through only one twisted way

Denji (Image via MAPPA)
Denji (Image via MAPPA)

A recent intriguing but dark theory has been circulating in the fandom. It surrounds the true safety of the protagonist, Denji, and what he must do to achieve it. Starting off, it refers to Chainsaw Man's ability to erasure through consumption. Considering the present scenario, the theory speculates that whatever needs to happen will happen.

But moving forward, towards the manga's end, Denji might take a drastically dark step to save himself. To elaborate, through the Devil erasure ability, Denji will consume himself and put an ultimate end to the Chainsaw Man. This will wipe the character completely from existence and the fear associated with it entirely. Hence, the violent loop that Denji is stuck in will be undone.

Such an event will lead to a bittersweet conclusion to what has been a stellar piece of work. Creator Tatsuki Fujimoto is no stranger to adding dark twists and turns to his series and this speculation believes such an ending could be on the cards, considering the themes of the manga.


Is the ultimate sacrifice really the way to go?

Katana Man vs Chainsaw Man (Image via MAPPA)
Katana Man vs Chainsaw Man (Image via MAPPA)

This theory may be intriguing, but it is unlikely that the manga will take this route. It does not seem plausible for such an event to occur. Denji needing to consume himself to break the cycle and find peace is an extreme answer that is unfeasible. Moreover, it goes against Denji’s core character growth.

Firstly, through Parts I and II, Denji has developed and his identity has now gone beyond simply being Chainsaw Man. He has learned many things about life and relationships in general and has been attempting to balance his Humanity and Devilhood. This dynamic is what ultimately defines his journey. Eating himself would erase his powers and his sense of self, ironic and self-destructive.

Further, the story seems to underscore survival through adaptation, not elimination. Death is presented as pervasive, not an answer to struggle. In Denji's case, it pushes him to carve out his own existence amidst the chaos. He is now more than his base survival instincts and shows the desire to understand himself, cultivate relationships, and build a personal life.

These traits suggest that his path ahead will likely include making peace with himself and accepting his nature before changing it. Self-consumption would imply that the only means of escape is annihilation, hence diminishing the takeaway of finding purpose.


Final Thoughts

Denji as a child (Image via MAPPA)
Denji as a child (Image via MAPPA)

Such an ending is quite dark, even for Fujimoto himself. The themes of this manga and the message here will lose value if Denji consumes himself. It seems too vague and self-destructive to end it all once the smoke clears. After all, Denji has worked hard to reach where he is, given his turbulent beginnings.

In the end, Denji’s journey holds significance and conveys his need and attempt to bring order to his chaos. He is far more likely to resolve his struggles and the "loop" he finds himself in by facing his nature and his responsibilities head-on. Escaping from them in a dead-ended and self-nullifying way isn't the solution.


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Edited by Bharath S
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