Chainsaw Man Volume 18’s Cover Could Be Setting Up Both Nayuta and Reze’s Returns

In chapter 172 of Chainsaw Man, it was revealed just how destructive Denji can be when he fully embraces his role as the Hero of Hell. This transformation was triggered by Barem showing Denji what was supposedly proof of Nayuta’s death. However, some fans noticed discrepancies between the actual appearance of Nayuta and the head shown in chapter 171, leading them to question the validity of Nayuta’s supposed demise.

Some fans have recently pointed out that the cover art for Chainsaw Man volume 18 could potentially be hinting at Nayuta’s survival. Despite the skepticism of the majority of the fandom, there is speculation that Reze’s potential reappearance and Nayuta’s survival could play a significant role in Denji’s journey back to humanity, particularly after the events of chapter 172.

Please note: This article contains significant spoilers for the Chainsaw Man series.

Chainsaw Man: Reze and Nayuta’s survival is integral for Denji’s own return

Nayuta as shown in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Ever since Fujimoto used Nayuta to trigger Denji’s breakdown, her true fate has been a highly debated topic among fans. Chapter 171 later revealed that Nayuta was seemingly eliminated and used as leverage against Denji, ultimately resulting in him losing control and transforming into his Hero of Hell form.

Despite Nayuta’s absence in several chapters of the manga and her head being the only part revealed in chapter 171, many fans were quick to notice the absence of a mole under her left eye.

As a result, numerous fans began to speculate that the Nayuta presented to Denji was in fact a counterfeit designed to unleash the Black Chainsaw Man. The cover art for volume 18 of Chainsaw Man further supported this theory, with Nayuta positioned in a field and flashing a victory sign for the camera.

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

Examining the cover art alone does not contribute to the evidence supporting Nayuta’s survival. However, when paired with brief dialogues from part 1 of the manga, it can support this possibility. Additionally, all of the devil hybrids previously under Makima’s control have reappeared in the story, including Barem and Katana Man who play significant roles.

It can be inferred that Reze’s exception to the rule suggests that Fujimoto may have intentionally concealed her status for a future plot development. Reze had previously hinted at having an arrangement to keep Denji hidden from the Public Safety Department at a school in Japan. Though she did not disclose the specific location, it is likely that she sought refuge at this safe house after breaking free from Makima’s manipulation.

Makima as shown in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Despite the speculation that Reze may have taken Nayuta away to her safe house due to Denji’s importance to her and Nayuta being one of his only connections to a normal life, the volume 18 cover art has been interpreted by fans as a possible farewell to Nayuta. Additionally, some fans have also noticed similarities between the cover art and a potential picture that could be sent to Denji as proof of Nayuta’s survival and well-being.

Makima had even mentioned a farm she frequented and enjoyed, and it is likely that Nayuta had somehow found his way there. The cover art serves as evidence of this. In chapter 172, Denji is unquestionably at his lowest, having given up and taken on the role of the Hero of Hell.

Reze as shown in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

There are currently no other plot devices that could reverse Denji’s Hero of Hell transformation, aside from his ultimate defeat or Nayuta’s return. It is highly likely that Reze’s reappearance in the story will result in the revelation of Nayuta’s survival and Reze’s continued existence, ultimately leading to Denji’s return to sanity.

Final Thoughts

Despite having a somewhat convincing argument, the theory falls apart if Fujimoto chooses to no longer bring Denji back to sanity and instead has him eliminated by Asa to progress the story. The manga for Chainsaw Man is currently on hiatus and is set to resume on August 6, 2024, with the release of chapter 173.

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