Denji’s first season in Chainsaw Man is marked by unrelenting challenges and perilous encounters. His brief moments of confidence are shattered when Samurai Sword and a group of terrorists launch a brutal assault on Japan’s Public Safety Unit.
The rigorous training under Kishibe pushes him to his limits, leaving him doubting his capabilities and questioning his future as a devil hunter. Despite these hardships, Denji finds companionship with Power and the eccentric members of Division 4, whose chaotic energy mirrors a rebellious ensemble.
His primary goals—to destroy the Gun Devil, earn Makima’s approval, and find personal fulfillment—remain central, though his progress by the season’s end is marked more by resilience than outright victory.
Samurai Sword’s brutal attack sends shockwaves through Japan’s Public Safety Unit (Photo: Chainsaw Man/MAPPA)A Heated Clash Between Denji and Samurai Sword
The climactic battle between Denji and Samurai Sword reveals aboard a speeding train in Tokyo. Unlike their first encounter, where Denji was easily defeated, he fights with improved tactics, utilizing speed, aggression, and enhanced regenerative abilities. Yet, as the fight drags on, Denji begins to weaken due to blood loss, allowing Samurai Sword to gain the upper hand and slice him apart.
In a clever twist, Denji feigns defeat to bait his adversary into overconfidence. Using his remaining strength, he deploys a saw from his leg, delivering a decisive and gruesome blow that splits Samurai Sword in half. The strategic and brutal maneuver evokes the ferocity of a video game finisher.
Hayakawa’s Revenge and Sawatari’s Mysterious Death
Hayakawa faces Sawatari, who commands the Ghost Devil corrupted by her actions. Empowered by a message from Himeno written on a cigarette, Hayakawa overcomes his fears and defeats the Ghost Devil without resistance.
He apprehends Sawatari to extract valuable information, but before she can be questioned, her Snake Devil consumes her. The circumstances of her death remain ambiguous, with speculation about whether it was self-inflicted or the result of a devil contract loophole. Makima, unfazed, appears satisfied with the outcome, further deepening suspicions about her intentions.
Makima’s Efforts to Track the Gun Devil
Makima continues her pursuit of the Gun Devil by collecting flesh fragments during recent battles, bringing her closer to her elusive target. Her cryptic interactions with superiors hint at hidden motives, leaving her true objectives open to interpretation.
The season’s final scenes feature her enigmatic smile, suggesting she may have played a role in orchestrating some of the chaos, setting up potential revelations for the next chapter.
Strengthening the Bond Between Hayakawa and Denji
After defeating Samurai Sword, Denji and Hayakawa capture him in his human form. While awaiting law enforcement, Denji convinces Hayakawa to enact an unconventional form of retribution—kicking Samurai Sword in the groin repeatedly.
The act serves as emotional release for Hayakawa and strengthens his connection with Denji. This shared moment, filled with dark humor, solidifies their relationship as they pass grief and vengeance together.
A Growing Sense of Family Within Division 4
As calm temporarily returns, Hayakawa begins to view Denji and Power as family. Together, they celebrate their victory, finding solace in one another’s company. Hayakawa reconciles with Himeno’s loss, cherishing the present while embracing the fragility of life. Smoking the cigarette left by Himeno becomes a symbolic gesture of acceptance and healing.
These moments highlight the importance of their bond as they prepare for the looming danger of the Gun Devil and its allies. Meanwhile, Denji’s recurring dream of Pochita warning him not to open a mysterious door hints at troubling revelations yet to come.
Reze’s Arrival Hints at Chaos Ahead
The season concludes with the introduction of a shadowy figure targeting Denji. Identified by manga readers as Reze, or Bomb Girl, this assassin wields the power to transform her body into devastating explosives. Her likely ties to the Gun Devil signal an impending confrontation.
This ominous finale leaves viewers eager to see how Denji and his newfound family will face Reze’s threat. The tension and mystery set the stage for a gripping continuation of the series.
