Chainsaw Man’s Foreshadowing of Yoru’s Actions Towards Denji

In recent months, Chainsaw Man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto has taken readers on an intense journey marked by unexpected chaos. Beginning with chapter 167, fans have witnessed the protagonist Denji facing increasingly dire circumstances, reaching a peak in chapter 181 where he adamantly accepts the weight of his actions, contemplating spending over a thousand years in penance.

The emotional turmoil experienced by Denji undoubtedly stems from the events ignited back in chapter 167, specifically due to Yoru’s shocking behavior, which escalated in chapter 168 and culminated in chapter 181. Yoru’s harmful actions towards Denji have been subtly hinted at since the beginning of the manga’s second arc, known as the Academy Saga.

Yoru’s character in Chainsaw Man Part 2 reveals blatant disregard for consent, deeply affecting Denji

Yoru’s narrative within Chainsaw Man Part 2 is troubling, as she consistently shows a blatant disregard for consent. She routinely puts forth Asa’s body for sacrifices that serve her own ambitions, giving no consideration to Asa’s well-being or permission, despite being a tenant in Asa’s own body.

From her very introduction, Yoru’s lack of respect for consent is evident. Although she presents what seem to be contractual terms to Asa when she is at her most vulnerable, she fails to genuinely procure Asa’s consent to revive and inhabit her body. Instead, Yoru manipulates Asa into thinking they share an equal partnership, when in reality, this is little more than a coercive scenario.

This dynamic implicitly foreshadows the sexual assault and manipulation Yoru later inflicts upon Denji in chapters 167, 168, and now 181, marked by her non-consensual kiss. What is most disturbing is that each instance of this behavior serves her interests rather than Denji’s own desires.

In the earlier chapters, her aim appears to be pulling Denji from his despair to encourage him to engage with her as Pochita. By chapter 181, she attempts to console Denji with a kiss, apparently feeling remorseful for provoking such a sorrowful response in him. Yet, these actions revolve solely around Yoru’s desires, disregarding Denji’s intentions, which categorically constitutes sexual abuse.

Such conduct is undeniably reprehensible, and while this narrative unfolds in a fictional landscape, it does not lessen the severity of the themes presented. Yoru’s actions align perfectly with her characterization as the War Devil, embodying a force that knows no bounds of consent. War demands sacrifice without care for individuals’ feelings or consequences. Despite Fujimoto’s skillful storytelling, this portrayal remains indefensible.

Concluding Remarks

Yoru perceives both Denji and Asa merely as instruments for achieving her ultimate goal (Image via Shueisha)

While some fans argue that Yoru’s sexual abuse of Denji appears abrupt, it has been subtly foreshadowed since the outset of Part 2. Many hope to witness Yoru face consequences for her actions against Denji and the injustices she has inflicted upon Asa in her pursuit of manipulation.

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