Chainsaw Man Chapter 168: Denji’s Realization of His True Dream

Chainsaw Man chapter 168 was recently made available on various Shueisha platforms, generating immense anticipation as one of the series’ most highly awaited releases. The excitement and buzz surrounding this release was due to its potential resolution of recent intense events, and it certainly lived up to expectations.

Although Chainsaw Man chapter 168 primarily focused on War Devil Yoru’s recent actions involving both Denji and Asa Mitaka, it also highlighted the different ways in which they were impacted. While Yoru’s healing process was more evident and vocal, Denji remained silent and appeared to be overwhelmed by the situation he was in.

Despite this, in Chainsaw Man chapter 168, Denji did receive a few lines of dialogue that may seem insignificant at first. However, these few words from Denji in the latest installment hold more meaning than any lengthy monologue he could have given. They hint at his growing understanding of his true dream.

Chainsaw Man: Denji’s Unconditional Love Resurfaces in Chapter 168

In chapter 168 of Chainsaw Man, Denji’s dialogue is limited to less than two lines. He starts to question Yoru (who he believes is Asa) about why she kissed him. After Yoru kisses him again, he asks her if she has feelings for him, placing emphasis on the word “like”to clarify his romantic inquiry. Disappointingly, Yoru turns him down, leaving Denji to contemplate her explanation in silence afterwards, still unsure of its true meaning.

Despite receiving an answer from Yoru, Denji is most likely contemplating his own desires and reflecting on what truly drives them. This chapter highlights Denji’s growing awareness that his longing is not for physical intimacy, but rather for unconditional love.

Even before Chainsaw Man chapter 168, there were hints of this, particularly in Denji’s relationship with Nayuta. Through their life together, which included pets and a younger sister, Denji experienced love that knew no bounds. But after losing this life due to his own actions and those of others, he is desperate to regain the peace and happiness he once had, resorting to any means possible.

In typical Denji fashion, he turns to physical intimacy as a means of experiencing these emotions, often confusing love with the act itself. This tendency is established well before chapter 168, when Makima first mentions that physical intimacy is more meaningful with someone familiar. Although Makima intended for emotions to precede the act, Denji’s natural inclination is to believe that the act itself will evoke those emotions.

Despite Chainsaw Man chapter 168 making it clear to Denji that Yoru’s response to his question about her feelings towards him is not what he initially believed, it is unlikely that this realization will bring any significant changes to his character in the immediate future. However, it does highlight to Denji that love and physical intimacy can be separate, causing him to reevaluate his beliefs. Unfortunately, given his current state of trauma, any major changes in his behavior are unlikely to occur.

Despite this, it seems that Denji is on track for significant long-term character development due to these recent events. Although his upcoming battle with Yoru may not be the catalyst for this growth, it is likely to be the final step in Denji’s character regression before the period of growth commences. We can only hope that Fujimoto successfully executes this transformation and brings out the best version of Denji’s character.