Fans were excited this week as Chainsaw Man chapter 166 was officially released, signaling the comeback of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s popular manga series. The return was especially significant as readers were eagerly anticipating Denji’s decision between saving Nayuta or satisfying his own physical desires.
As expected, in Chainsaw Man chapter 166, Denji ultimately chose the latter option. While this decision may have disappointed fans, it still resulted in significant character growth for Denji. Throughout the process and aftermath of his choice, fans witnessed Denji go through a major breakdown, with one particular scene leaving a lasting impression.
As chapter 166 of Chainsaw Man shows Denji deep in thought about his decision, he can be seen touching his face in a way that is recognizable to longtime fans of the series. This powerful scene implies that Denji is still haunted by his abuser Makima, as indicated by his actions which bring back memories of their past interactions and the current situation.
Denji’s Ongoing Obsession with Intimacy Reflects Makima’s Lingering Trauma in Chainsaw Man Chapter 166
Prior to Chainsaw Man chapter 166, Makima had already introduced Denji to the notion of love, connecting it to the idea of being close and familiar with someone. She used this to support her argument that physical intimacy is most fulfilling when shared with a person one has a strong bond with. During this scene, she also made distinct gestures and had Denji perform certain actions in accordance with her beliefs.
In chapter 166, Denji is seen repeating these gestures as he contemplates whether or not to prioritize his search for Control Devil Nayuta or to go through with a trip to the soapland brothel. It is evident that he is struggling with the decision and is attempting to calm himself by resorting to familiar actions. This is most likely because a trip to the soapland brothel involves seeking physical intimacy.
During a time of difficulty surrounding physical intimacy, Chainsaw Man chapter 166 depicts Denji revisiting a past experience where his abuser provided him with a sense of comfort and security in that aspect. This strongly implies that Denji is still affected by Makima, both as a significant figure in his life and as the cause of his trauma as his abuser.
Despite feeling vulnerable about love and intimacy, he relies on the lessons she taught him to guide him through this difficult moment. This further emphasizes the impact of her teachings. Additionally, his tendency to seek physical intimacy instead of addressing the root of the issue by finding Nayuta, follows the lesson Makima instilled in him to act like a dog and blindly follow his carnal desires instead of thinking for himself.
Denji’s reaction upon discovering the destruction of the soapland brothel in Chainsaw Man chapter 166 reinforces the fact that he is still trapped in an abuser mentality. His breakdown reveals that he does not truly desire to continue behaving in this manner, but is unable to escape this mindset.
Despite his efforts to mimic the gestures and behaviors that Makima had taught him, it is evident that she still maintains a strong hold on him. Whether she is influencing his desires and actions or simply serving as a source of emotional support in moments of vulnerability, it is clear that he has not fully moved on from Makima and the impact she had on him.
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