Denji's flashback of Power and Aki in Chainsaw Man chapter 182 will bring more pain

Modified Nov 06, 2024 12:30 GMT

Chainsaw Man chapter 182, released on November 6, 2024, teased a flashback that involved Denji's old partners, Power and Aki. Moreover, Aki also had one of his hands cut off, which meant this flashback might be from a time after the battle against the Darkness Devil. This could only mean the flashback is from the Hayakawa Family trip to Hokkaido.

During the trip, Aki indirectly thanked Power and Denji for making his life better, which became one of the protagonist's most fond memories. Considering Denji's current mental state, this flashback might take a toll on his body in a way fans aren't expecting because this would refresh his happiest memories and make him depressed inside the Aging Devil's world.

Disclaimer: This article contains potential spoilers from the Chainsaw Man manga series and has the author's opinion.

Chainsaw Man: Why Denji's happiest memories might lead to him suffering even more

Power and Aki as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Chainsaw Man chapter 182 saw Denji and Yoru continue their conversation inside the Aging Devil's world until Denji started vomiting. He vomited the head of the Snow Devil, and the Aging Devil's world transformed into a snowy landscape with a focus on a ship.

On top of the ship were two of Denji's closest friends, Power and Aki Hayakawa, whom the protagonist mistakenly killed in Part 1. This teased a flashback that the fandom might have already witnessed. A key giveaway of the final visual of chapter 182 was Aki, who only had one hand.

During the International Assassins arc against the Darkness Devil in Hell, Aki Hayakawa lost his hand. So, this flashback might be from the time after this. Given the clothing of Power and Aki in chapter 182 and the snowy environment, the flashback would most likely be from the Gun Devil arc when Aki, accompanied by Denji and Power, went to visit the Hayakawa family grave in Hokkaido.

Aki Hayakawa as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

During this trip, Denji made his fondest memories, which involved playing in the snow, eating out with Aki and Power, and enjoying their time at an inn. However, the highlight of this trip was when Aki indirectly thanked Denji and Power. Unlike in the past, when Aki had only thought of depressing things when visiting his family's grave, he had no time to think of such things due to his friends.

Given the wholesome aspect of this scene, this might be Denji's most cherished memories with his friends. Sadly, with this flashback set to appear in the future of Chainsaw Man, it could cause Denji more damage than healing. Currently, Denji is repenting before Asa because everyone who gets involved with him suffers.

The added trauma of being inside the Aging Devil's world could lead to Denji falling into depression thinking of the good memories he made with his friends whom the protagonist got killed (killed Aki, not knowing he was the Gun Devil, got Power killed when he was staying with Makima).

Final thoughts

The main protagonist trio enjoying good times (Image via Shueisha)

The flashback to the Hayakawa Family trip might include additional panels that weren't included in the Gun Devil arc. This could mean there is no telling whether the flashback might contain Denji's good memories or bad ones. However, given the plotline of the series, it might include something that would cause Denji suffering.

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Edited by Shreya Das