Chainsaw Man chapter 165: Denji’s Rejection of Normalcy and Katana Man’s Offer of a Dream Opportunity

On Tuesday, May 14, 2024, fans eagerly awaited the release of Chainsaw Man chapter 165, which continued Denji’s partnership with Asa Mitaka and Famine Devil Fami. One of the main points of interest was the potential reveal of the current situation of Nayuta, Denji’s adoptive sister and the Control Devil. Finally, the highly-anticipated issue was officially unveiled, satisfying the curiosity of readers.

Despite initial expectations, Chainsaw Man chapter 165 proved to be a rather uneventful installment, with a strong emphasis on the growth of Asa and Denji’s characters rather than significant plot progression. This ultimately leads to a surprising finale, hinting at the fulfillment of one of Denji’s long-held aspirations in the series.

The Offer Denji Can’t Refuse in Chainsaw Man Chapter 165 From His Old Adversary

Chapter 165: A Plan Revealed

Chapter 165 of Chainsaw Man opens with Denji and his companions strolling through a train station filled with lifeless corpses. Denji expresses worry, but Haruka Iseumi, Asa, and the rest reassure him that it is nothing out of the ordinary and to be expected. They board a train and Fami mentions two exceptional sushi restaurants she was aware of, but sadly both were closed due to unforeseen circumstances – one’s chef had passed away and the other’s establishment had burnt down.

They also agree to go to a low-priced sushi restaurant called Sushishi, known for serving fresh fish. Nobana Higashiyama mentions that he has only tried their tea before, but it was of good quality. On the other hand, Denji sits in silence and observes a sleeping mother and child across from him, with the view of damaged buildings through the window behind them.

In chapter 165 of Chainsaw Man, Denji questions Asa about her sudden desire to fight him. Asa’s response is that defeating Denji will ultimately save him. Denji then inquires if her reasoning is influenced by the “weird cult,”or the Chainsaw Man Church. Asa denies this and asks Fami to clarify. She explains that Denji’s power as Chainsaw Man comes from his heart and is a result of a contract.

Fami displays a shockingly deep knowledge of Denji and Pochita's contract in Chainsaw Man chapter 165 (Image via MAPPA Studios) — Fami displays a shockingly deep knowledge of Denji and Pochita’s contract in Chainsaw Man chapter 165 (Image via MAPPA Studios)

According to her, his agreement with Pochita, the Chainsaw Devil, stipulates that he must lead a regular life. Should he violate the terms, the true owner of the heart will surface, referring to the true Chainsaw Man who was witnessed fighting against Makima in the last moments of Part 1. Fami proceeds to disclose the details of her scheme, stating that by vanquishing the authentic Chainsaw Man and replacing his demonic heart with a human one, Denji can return to being a normal human once more.

In chapter 165 of Chainsaw Man, Denji becomes concerned when he asks Fami why she is aware of everything. Despite his question, Fami remains silent, causing Denji to turn to Asa and question her belief in Fami’s words. Asa defends Fami by mentioning her assistance in rescuing Denji, and explains that while Fami may have made mistakes in the past, her intentions are pure and they both share the same desire to aid others.

Asa inquires Fami for verification, but she stays quiet except for her stomach comically grumbling at that precise moment. Denji then inquires Asa about her definition of normal, to which she responds with returning to his previous routine of attending school every day and having a home to come back to.

Normalcy is not the cure for Chainsaw Man chapter 165.

In Chainsaw Man chapter 165, it appears that Asa realizes she misspoke when she follows up by promising that Nayuta will also show up. She believes that someone, possibly the police, is keeping Nayuta safe and that she is unable to contact Denji after their apartment building was destroyed. Asa reassures Denji that everything will eventually return to how it was before, as she confidently states that she knows this.

Denji initially remains quiet, but eventually inquires whether she has ever consumed toilet paper. Although she doesn’t reply, it is evident that she is interested, causing Denji to reveal that he used to eat it as a child whenever he was hungry while at the public restroom in the park. However, once he was no longer experiencing hunger, he could not bring himself to consume toilet paper again.

In chapter 165 of Chainsaw Man, Denji asks Asa if she comprehends his meaning. In response, Asa requests that he refrain from using abstract metaphors as they only confuse her. The following panel shows Denji stating that he can never return to his past life, with burning buildings in the background. Asa meets his gaze before mirroring his expression and looking down at the ground.

Fami's behavior in Chainsaw Man chapter 165 could lead to Asa suspecting her of betrayal in the near future (Image via Shueisha) — Fami’s behavior in Chainsaw Man chapter 165 could lead to Asa suspecting her of betrayal in the near future (Image via Shueisha)

Despite her doubts, she assures him that she will restore his life and protect him at all costs. While taking puffs of his cigarette, Katana Man interrupts and remarks about how young people are feeble and complain like women. He argues that eliminating Chainsaw Woman will not honor his grandfather’s memory, but will instead cause him to roll over in his grave.

In chapter 165 of Chainsaw Man, Asa defends Denji by reminding others that he is both hungry and missing his only family member. She also reminds him that smoking is not allowed on the train, causing him to extinguish his cigarette on the floor. Denji then suggests they go to a place that is sure to cheer him up, instead of going for sushi.

The issue concludes with Katana Man clarifying that he is referring to a soapland brothel, which, although legally considered a private bath house, operates as a brothel in secret. Denji, appearing uninterested, watches as Katana Man asserts that nothing cheers up a man more than being intimate with a woman.

Chainsaw Man Chapter 165: In Summation

Despite not meeting the expectations of certain fans, chapter 165 of Chainsaw Man is a remarkable installment in terms of character growth. The spotlight is on Asa and Denji, as they form a strong bond and come to understand just how alike they are.

The upcoming issue continues to present a moral dilemma for Denji in the next release, without any breaks. While Denji has longed to visit a soapland brothel, his recent actions indicate that he may not be interested in actually partaking in the experience.