Exploring the Theme of Child Weaponization in Chainsaw Man: Chapter 176 Confirms It

In the latest installment of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s acclaimed Chainsaw Man manga, chapter 176, fans were particularly surprised by the depth of the War Devil Yoru’s character revelations. This chapter not only disclosed Yoru as the mother of the Tank and Gun Devils but also depicted her ability to transform her children into weapon gauntlets, highlighting her essence as the War Devil.

This moment significantly contributes to Yoru’s character development, emphasizing her identity deeply rooted in the overarching themes Fujimoto weaves throughout Chainsaw Man, particularly in Part 2, known as the Academy Saga.

Chainsaw Man Expounds on the Weaponization of Children

Chainsaw Man quickly uses Aki and Denji as the foundation for this theme (Image via MAPPA Studios) — Chainsaw Man quickly uses Aki and Denji as the focal point for this theme (Image via MAPPA Studios)

Since the inception of Chainsaw Man, Fujimoto has centered the weaponization of children as a pivotal narrative element. Denji, introduced at merely 16 years old, is immediately exploited by Control Devil Makima and Public Safety as a weapon. At that time, the legal age of adulthood in Japan was 20, illustrating that Denji was still a child—albeit now a teenager.

This theme intensifies with Aki Hayakawa, who is implied to also be a teenager upon joining Public Safety. Aki’s situation suggests that the weaponization of children extends beyond those with extraordinary abilities, indicating that all children in the manga’s world are viewed as potential tools for exploitation.

Denji’s backstory underscores this notion as he is coerced into repaying his father’s debt to a debt collector, the yakuza gang boss. Even though he had Pochita by his side as he began working for the gang, the debt collector’s demands placed Denji, a regular child, in a vulnerable position ripe for exploitation.

Famine Devil Fami and the Chainsaw Man Church illustrate the theme of weaponizing children (Image via Shueisha) — Famine Devil Fami and the Chainsaw Man Church illustrate the theme of weaponization of children (Image via Shueisha)

Part 2 also presents explicit instances of literal weaponization, as seen in how Denji is perceived by both the Chainsaw Man Church and Public Safety. Each organization views him simply as a means to exploit Pochita for their selfish agendas. This is further demonstrated by the Chainsaw Man Church’s attempts to figuratively weaponize Denji through Control Devil Nayuta, Denji’s adopted sister.

Following the events of chapter 155, where Barem Bridge and the Church held Nayuta hostage, Denji sought help from Famine Devil Fami, the Church leader, and Yoru/Asa Mitaka. The hostage situation exemplifies the figurative weaponization of Nayuta as a method of manipulation towards Denji.

This theme also extends to Nayuta’s own literal weaponization, illustrated by her death, used shockingly to catalyze Denji’s transformation into the Hero of Hell in chapter 171. Naota’s origins fill this theme, as Kishibe remarks that if raised by the Japanese government, “she’ll turn into another Makima.”

Additionally, in Part 2, Miri Sugo appears to be a high school student (his official age remains unclear). He declares “I am a weapon” in chapter 143, attempting to affirm that he has control over his body and life, even while preparing to murder innocent individuals alongside other Hybrid Devils, further illustrating the in-universe weaponization of children.

Moreover, The Chainsaw Man Church exemplifies how teenagers are conscripted to enhance the Fire Devil’s powers, transitioning into literal weaponization during Special Division 7’s attack on the Church in chapter 144 and the subsequent Fakesaw Men transformations beginning in chapter 146.

War Devil Yoru’s Sacrifice and Characterization

Fujimoto builds War Devil Yoru as the epitome of Chainsaw Man’s themes (Image via Shueisha)

Every aspect, particularly the emphasis on the weaponization of children in Part 2, culminates in War Devil Yoru’s arc. Initially, she aimed to utilize her allies to combat the Chainsaw Devil Pochita before the series commences, with the Gun and Tank Devils—her children—being part of this fight, reflecting literal weaponization.

After her loss to Pochita, Yoru arrived on Earth, where she manipulated Asa Mitaka’s body for her own purposes. Further, she coerced Asa into compliance under the threat of death, disregarding Asa’s lack of responsibility regarding Yoru’s grudge against Pochita.

Chapter 167 depicts Yoru using Asa’s body in an intensely intrusive manner, attempting to uplift Denji’s spirits about Nayuta so he could transform and combat her as Chainsaw Man. This not only showcases Yoru’s manipulation of Asa but also Denji, emphasizing her readiness to sacrifice others for her objectives.

The characterization of Yoru makes her sacrifice of the Gun and Tank Devils, whom she calls her children, in chapter 176, significantly impactful. This act aligns with her characterization as the War Devil, mirroring the historical weaponization of children during war. It notably marks the first instance where she sacrifices anything for her goal of triumph over Pochita.

Moreover, after Asa’s lone arm was severed—rendering her unable to fight—Yoru sacrificed both Tank and Gun, effectively weaponizing Asa until there was nothing left. This illustrates Yoru’s willingness to leverage anyone to achieve her ambitions, highlighting her ruthlessness as the War Devil.

Conclusion

Chainsaw Man's narrative reveals how children are viewed as mere tools (Image via MAPPA Studios) — Chainsaw Man’s narrative reveals how children are viewed as mere tools (Image via MAPPA Studios)

Chainsaw Man chapter 176 encapsulates War Devil Yoru’s embodiment of the series’ core theme regarding the literal and figurative weaponization of children. Fujimoto masterfully intertwines this with Part 2’s narrative, significantly impacting the overarching story arc. The relationship between the Japanese government and the Aging Devil serves as a prominent example of this theme’s reinforcement within the narrative. This latest chapter solidifies its legacy within the Academy Saga, marking it as a literary triumph.