Chainsaw Man Chapter 181: Denji’s Struggles and Yoru’s Insights on the Rules of Aging’s World

Chainsaw Man: In chapter 181, fans anticipated a major spotlight on Denji after his prolonged absence from the narrative. Released on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, the chapter did touch upon Denji’s character, but not to the extent that many were hoping.

Instead, Chainsaw Man chapter 181 primarily delved into the story of Asa Mitaka and War Devil Yoru, unveiling a startling secret about the Aging Devil’s realm. Although this revelation hints at a potential escape route from the Aging Devil’s world, it certainly complicates the process significantly.

Chainsaw Man chapter 181: Asa and Yoru discover their centuries-long punishment

Astonishing revelations in Chainsaw Man chapter 181

Chapter 181 opens with Asa Mitaka navigating the forest, clutching what seems to be a piece of cloth. She reassures herself not to panic, recalling past events, likening her current distress to her encounter with the Eternity Devil, believing she can find a way out.

Her strategy involves claiming the space as her own and utilizing her weaponization powers to transform it into one of her creations. Asa thinks this could lead her and Denji back to their reality. But then, War Devil Yoru intervenes, attempting to harness the Gun Devil’s powers on herself. Asa, taken aback, questions her actions before realizing that nothing comes of it.

In this chapter, Yoru reveals her struggles to use the Gun Devil’s powers not once but twice, attempting to create a Twig Sword, only to be thwarted again, indicating that their Devil powers are ineffective in this bizarre environment. Asa, ceding control of their shared body, asks Yoru what their next move should be.

Yoru realizes Devil powers are ineffective in the Aging realm (Image via Shueisha)

Yoru admits to Asa that she is powerless against the Aging Devil’s might. When Asa inquires about their next steps, Yoru, frustrated, lashes out at a nearby tree, only to discover a woman’s face emerging from the trunk, expressing her discomfort.

Overwhelmed with fear, Asa regains control and flees the scene, tripping over Denji as she goes. This reintroduction of Denji from chapter 180 leads the Devil Hunter to greet Asa, now calling her Sanae instead of Ritsuko, and inquiring about her encounter with the tree woman.

The Devil Hunter explains that individuals residing in this realm for a millennium can evolve into trees. The use of “can”implies that there might be some choice involved in this transformation, shedding light on why some characters descend into madness—perhaps their sanity waned before reaching the thousand-year mark, blocking their chance to transform properly.

Chainsaw Man chapter 181: A potential escape route?

In a pivotal moment, the Devil Hunter indicates that becoming a tree is crucial for returning to the real world. After undergoing this transformation, the tree must decay into the soil, fully allowing those trapped to merge with nature. Only then can they reclaim their existence.

As the narrative unfolds, several forest scenes show trees with faces, suggesting that a vast number of inhabitants have succumbed to this fate. However, this raises questions given that only one individual has ever successfully left this world, hinting that the path to freedom is complicated and far from straightforward.

Nonetheless, the story circles back to Denji, who remains unconscious, with Yoru looming over him. She bluntly states that everything is his fault and begins to punch him, even as he sleeps, voicing her frustration over his constant entanglement with powerful Devils.

Denji appears hopeless in Chainsaw Man chapter 181 (Image via MAPPA Studios)

Awakening with tears streaming down his face and blood trickling from his nose, Denji immediately expresses remorse. He laments that everyone connected to him ends up suffering and apologizes profusely. He declares his intention to stay “right here”until he transforms into a tree as a form of punishment.

He believes this punishment stems from acting on his primal desires without contemplating the consequences of his actions. His sobs are sincere, reflecting his belief that he is the source of suffering for himself and those around him.

Yoru, now apparently moved by his tears, warns him to stop crying or face her wrath again. Yet, Denji continues to sob and apologize, causing Yoru’s demeanor to shift, indicating developing feelings for him. As she seems prepared to strike once more, she instead leans in to kiss him, revealing a happiness that contrasts sharply with the tears on her face as this chapter concludes.

In conclusion: Chainsaw Man chapter 181

Rather than concentrating on Denji, Chainsaw Man chapter 181 prioritized detailing the dynamics of the Aging Devil’s world through the experiences of Asa and Yoru. This direction highlights that escaping this realm is anything but simple. The chapter wraps up with a hint that Yoru really does have deep feelings for Denji.

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