After Ears, Chainsaw Man Erases Yet Another Key Organ in Chapter 174

The title of “Ayyy, Aging”was given to Chainsaw Man chapter 174, which was released on August 13, 2024. The chapter largely centered on the Public Safety Department’s strategy to offer up many children as a bargain to eliminate the Primordial Aging Devil, with the voluntary cooperation of Chainsaw Man.

Despite the chapter’s overall focus on discussions between Fumiko and high-ranking officials in the Japanese government, it ultimately led to the Hero of Hell sealing his own ability by erasing the concept of “mouths.”

Knowing that previous chapters had shown Pochita’s ability to expel the devil through his mouth, it is plausible that he deliberately sought out the Mouth Devil and relinquished his most valuable power.

Note– This article includes spoilers for the Chainsaw Man manga.

Chapter 174: Mouth Devil is erased

Chainisaw Man as shown in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

The happenings in chapter 173 sparked speculations about the possible motives behind the Public Safety Department’s decision to send the Ear Devil, despite knowing that it would ultimately be devoured by the Hero of Hell and completely eradicated, along with its associated concept.

Chapter 173 uncovered various revelations, one of which was that the Public Safety Department strategically orchestrated the Ear Devil’s consumption as a means to test Pochita’s abilities.

Despite the anticipation of fans for the Hero of Hell’s consumption to increase in the following chapters, chapter 173 brought about a change in focus with the introduction of the “Aging Devil,”now identified as a primordial being.

In the previous chapter, the Hero of Hell was held captive and compelled to expel the Ear Devil, resulting in the return of ears. However, the latest installment of Chainsaw Man (chapter 174) unveiled that the Hero of Hell had accidentally encountered the Mouth Devil and devoured it, causing the eradication of mouths in existence.

The chapter also uncovered that the removal of ears did not hinder the ability to hear or the functioning of devices such as radios or phones. However, it transformed the understanding of “ears”into an unfamiliar concept, rendering tools like ear picks obsolete and impractical.

While some fans may argue that it is unnecessary as “speaking”can still occur, it appears that the concepts of “ingestion,””chewing,”and “speaking”will ultimately be eliminated due to their strong connection to the mouth.

It is anticipated that the Public Safety Department will find a way to maintain communication. However, their main objective of having the Aging Devil defeated by the Hero of Hell will be impeded as Pochita is currently without a mouth.

In the final panels, the Hero of Hell is depicted standing in an alleyway, clutching a disfigured “Mouth Devil”as his own mouth appears to have been completely erased.

Final Thoughts

The exact cause of the Hero of Hell’s encounter with the Mouth Devil remains a mystery. However, it is plausible that Pochita, the true consciousness of the Hero of Hell, actively sought out this devil in order to suppress his own power and prevent the resurrection of other devils.

This new development has jeopardized the Devil Hunter’s plan, as their main objective of having Pochita consume the Aging Devil has now become “locked”due to the Hero of Hell’s inability to erase anything. The release of Chapter 175 is scheduled for August 20, 2024.

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