Denji's desires come full circle in Chainsaw Man chapter 181

Modified Nov 07, 2024 11:51 GMT

Chainsaw Man chapter 181 was officially released on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, bringing with it the continuation of Denji and Asa Mitaka’s adventures in the Aging Devil’s world. While the issue didn’t move this plot forward in a terribly significant way, it did offer some worldbuilding to Aging’s domain, specifically on how to escape.

This likewise led to Denji’s closing words in Chainsaw Man chapter 181, which saw him decide to become a tree and spend a thousand years in Aging’s world repenting for his sins. While this obviously gave fans insight into Denji’s current mental state and how he views himself in the here and now, it also offered a full-circle moment that most fans missed.

Chainsaw Man chapter 181 sees Denji yearn to become a tree after truly wanting to be the series’ titular hero

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Chainsaw Man chapter 181’s full circle moment is born out of Denji’s words in the final chapters of the manga’s first part, also called the Public Safety Saga. Despite the rock bottom he had hit emotionally throughout the end of the Public Safety Saga, chapter 93 saw Denji proclaim he still wanted to be Chainsaw Man. He came to this decision after hearing public cries of support for himself, making him realize he truly wanted to be the hero.

In other words, it’s the effect he had on people’s lives that made him want to pick up the mantle again despite all the horrible events he lived through. The manga clearly establishes the main motivation for Denji picking up the mantle again, even if there are other factors that were influenced by this public celebration of him. Nevertheless, their adoration can be called the root cause of Denji’s perseverance as the titular hero.

Yet in Chainsaw Man chapter 181, a full circle moment occurs as Denji longs to be a tree rather than a chainsaw due to the effect his actions have had on other people. While the general public praised him and only benefited from his existence, Part 2 (the Academy Saga) has seen many people suffer from Denji’s actions. Control Devil Nayuta is the best example of this, while War Devil Yoru and Asa Mitaka have also been impacted by his actions and identity.

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It’s a moment that highlights that Denji’s life has been completely turned upside down, to the point where he doesn’t even believe in the capability for goodness within him. He instead views himself as the root cause of the suffering unfolding all around him, even if it is technically others’ desire for Pochita causing these tragedies.

However, there is some good that may come from this full-circle moment in Chainsaw Man chapter 181. For example, Denji’s proclamation of wanting to continue to be Chainsaw Man in chapter 93 directly led to the happiness he experienced while living with Nayuta. Given that this is a full circle moment, it’s likely that a similar emotional high and redemption is around the corner for him once he and Asa escape Aging Devil’s world.

Final thoughts

Pochita may be the root of Denji's problems, but he still suffers emotionally all the same (Image via MAPPA Studios)

A hallmark of Denji’s character growth has been a constant struggle of two steps forward and one step back. This latest low for him is yet another example, especially considering the full circle context and closure it provides to Denji’s journey so far. However, Denji’s story doesn’t end here, and his return to happiness will likely be as grand and impactful as his descent into his current self-hatred and depression.