![[Trivia] 20 Astonishing Foreshadowings in Chainsaw Man! Unveiling the Hidden Storylines](https://storage.mangazamurai.com/article/24071506/thumbnail.webp)
Hello, I’m KENTA, a Japanese manga enthusiast! In this article, I will unveil the shocking foreshadowings hidden in Chainsaw Man. We’ll delve deep into how the fates of Denji, Makima, and Aki Hayakawa intertwine and drive the story forward. By reading this article, you’ll be drawn into the captivating world of Chainsaw Man. Let’s unravel the mysteries together!
1. Himeno’s Cigarette
Chainsaw Man features many emotional scenes, but one of the most impactful involves Himeno’s cigarette. Himeno and her buddy Aki Hayakawa frequently smoked during their demon-hunting missions, with the cigarette becoming a symbol of their bond.
When Himeno first partnered with Aki, she forcibly gave him a cigarette, saying, “It looks like we’ll be working together for a long time.” However, since Aki was a minor at the time, the cigarette ended up with Himeno. She kept it, saying she would give it back when he needed something to lean on.
During the Katana Man’s attack, Himeno sacrificed herself to protect Aki, giving everything to the Ghost Devil and leaving only the cigarette behind. Later, when Aki fought the Ghost Devil, he was initially overwhelmed. But at that moment, the Ghost Devil returned the cigarette Himeno had kept, with the words “Easy Revenge” written on it. This message from Himeno helped Aki regain his composure, remember the Ghost Devil’s weakness that Himeno had told him about, and ultimately win the battle. This foreshadowing is a touching testament to Himeno’s deep affection for Aki.
2. The Flower Connecting Reze and Denji
The story of Reze and Denji, known as the “Reze Arc,” is so meticulously crafted from start to finish that it could be a standalone movie. Their encounter begins with a flower given as a reward for donating. Denji, meeting Reze for the first time, performs a magic trick and gives her the flower.
Unbeknownst to Denji, Reze is a spy from an enemy nation with the heart of the Bomb Devil. She approached Denji to obtain the heart of the Chainsaw Devil, killing many in the process and repeatedly bringing Denji close to death. However, Denji ultimately defeats her in an underwater battle using the swimming techniques Reze taught him.
Afterward, Denji, who had fallen deeply in love with Reze, proposed they run away together. Reze initially declined but, upon receiving the same flower from the donation-seeking woman at the station, decided to join Denji. Unfortunately, just before reaching the café where Denji was waiting, she was killed by Makima’s forces. This intricate scene, where Reze, nicknamed “the guinea pig,” is killed by the Control Devil, is a masterful portrayal of tragedy. Her bittersweet love story with Denji is highly anticipated to be animated.
3. The Quirky Names of the Fiends
The fiends in Chainsaw Man have some unusual names, so much so that even Denji can’t help but comment on them. Initially, only the names of Power, Beam, and Princi were known. However, near the story’s end, the names of many fiends affiliated with Public Safety were revealed.
Denji’s earlier remarks about the fiends’ “stupid names” turned out to be foreshadowing. It was revealed by Makima that all devils and fiends under Public Safety were servants of Chainsaw Man. Makima disclosed their names, saying they were all named after ranks of angels: Seraphim, Beam, Galgali, Dominion, Virtue, Power, Princi, and Angel. The leader of these angels is, of course, God.
The first episode of Chainsaw Man is titled “Dog and Chainsaw,” referring to Pochita, whose true form is discussed in detail in a video. Please check it out for more insights.
4. “Only Retrieve the Bodies”
In the “Four Horsemen Arc” starting from volume 7, there’s a scene where Makima instructs Princi to “only retrieve the bodies of fallen comrades.” At first glance, this seems like a caring superior’s wish to recover the bodies of their deceased comrades. However, this statement is significant foreshadowing.
Later in the story, when Makima reveals herself as the Control Devil, the true reason for this order becomes clear. As the Control Devil, Makima could use the powers of any devil contracted by a deceased Public Safety Devil Hunter by controlling their bodies. This allowed her to use these devils without risk and without forming contracts herself.
Furthermore, devils like Michiko Tendo and Yutaro Kurose, who were killed by American assassins and left in the mountains, were also controlled by Makima. Many readers were shocked to discover that what seemed like an act of kindness was actually a calculated move to use the bodies as tools.
5. Makima’s Nose
Early in the story, Makima tells Denji that Pochita, the Chainsaw Devil, lives inside him and that she can smell both human and devil scents. She also mentions, “I have a very keen sense of smell.” This line seemed like a comforting lie to encourage Denji, but it turned out to be crucial foreshadowing.
Devils have a far superior sense of smell compared to humans. Makima’s keen sense of smell hinted at her divine nature from her first appearance. This ability plays a crucial role in her final battle with Denji. For more details, please watch the video on Makima’s true identity.
6. Frequent Depictions of Small Animals
In Chainsaw Man, many scenes feature small animals like crows and cats. These seemingly trivial depictions are actually significant foreshadowing related to Makima’s abilities. As the Control Devil, Makima could use the ears of small animals to eavesdrop on conversations.
Scenes with small animals indicate that Makima was monitoring everything, controlling the situation. For instance, during the final stages of the Reze Arc, when Reze discusses “country mice and city mice” with Denji, Makima, who was not supposed to be there, suddenly says, “I like country mice too,” showing she had been spying on them.
Makima’s eavesdropping ability had been in use since the beginning of the story. For example, during Denji’s first breakfast at Public Safety, she accurately predicts his wishes, which amazed readers. This, too, was part of her abilities.
7. Devils Grow Stronger with Fear
In Chainsaw Man, devils have a unique trait: they grow stronger the more they are feared. Thus, primal fears like the Darkness Devil, who has never experienced death, is depicted as the strongest devil. During battles, if a devil is feared, they become more powerful, as seen with the Eternity Devil.
Kishibe mentions that “Devil Hunters with a few screws loose are the strongest,” because such hunters can fight without fearing devils and instead instill fear in their enemies, gaining an advantage.
Denji, with the heart of the Chainsaw Devil, is the most unhinged character, instilling fear and growing stronger, leading to numerous victories. His battle with Santa Claus, who had absorbed pieces of the Darkness Devil, was won by causing the Doll Devil to fear him through his erratic actions. This unique concept of gaining strength through fear adds depth to Chainsaw Man.
8. Makima’s Lies
As mentioned earlier, devils grow stronger the more they are feared, which means they weaken when they are not feared. In Chapter 32, Makima tells Kishibe that if Chainsaw Man is widely publicized, it will be easier to save people from devils. Kishibe calls her a liar, and rightly so.
Makima’s true intention was to make the public fear Denji and Power, setting the stage for her battle against Denji. By making Chainsaw Man appear as a hero in the media, she successfully weakened him by reducing the public’s fear, leading to his significant power loss.
Makima’s plan to use public perception to weaken Chainsaw Man was foreshadowed from the start.
9. Makima’s Type
In the first chapter, when Denji asks Makima about her type of man, she replies, “Someone like you, Denji.” Initially, this seemed like a playful comment to manipulate Denji, but it was actually a critical foreshadowing.
Towards the end of the story, it is revealed that Makima was a huge fan of the Chainsaw Devil, who had merged with Denji’s heart, Pochita. From their first meeting, Makima was solely interested in Chainsaw Devil, not Denji. After realizing this truth, Denji used it to his advantage to ultimately defeat Makima. This revelation of Makima’s true feelings makes for a poignant scene.
10. Beam and Denji’s Similarity
In the Reze Arc, when Beam becomes Denji’s partner, Makima comments that Beam and Denji look alike. However, they look nothing alike. This statement reveals that Makima cannot remember human faces, an important foreshadowing.
As the Control Devil, Makima remembers people not by their faces but by their scents. This is hinted at by her being portrayed as a dog lover with a keen sense of smell. Makima’s inability to distinguish Denji from Beam shows she never considered Denji important. Denji used this fact to his advantage to defeat Makima, though it left him feeling bittersweet.
11. Aki Becomes the Gun Fiend
Aki Hayakawa, Denji’s senior, is eventually killed by the Gun Devil and becomes the Gun Fiend. Having his body taken over by the devil that killed his family and attacking his loved ones, Denji and Power, before being killed by Denji, is the worst way for Aki to die.
Aki’s name comes from the AK-47 rifle, and his fate was decided from the start. However, there is another foreshadowing hinting at his fate: the cover of volume 4. It features Aki alone, with the background resembling a rifle scope, indicating he was targeted by the Gun Devil. Author Tatsuki Fujimoto later revealed this cover secret.
12. Makima’s Tears
In Chapter 39, titled “She’ll Cry,” Makima and Denji spend a day watching movies, shedding tears at the same scenes. The movie features two men embracing each other, highlighting their loneliness.
Denji, burdened by his father’s debt and treated as less than human, longed for genuine connections. Makima, as the Control Devil, could only dominate others, longing for an equal relationship. Both shed tears at the movie, seeing themselves in the characters and envying their family-like bond.
Denji and Makima’s first embrace and Makima’s reincarnation as Nayuta both highlight their shared longing for equal relationships, culminating in a beautiful conclusion to Chainsaw Man’s first arc.
13. The Painting in Makima’s House
In Makima’s home, a large painting of Lucifer falling into hell is displayed. This is an illustration from John Milton’s “Paradise Lost,” where Satan tempts humans and rebels against God. Lucifer, jealous of Christ’s position, leads a rebellion but is cast into hell, becoming Satan.
This painting symbolizes rebellion and ambition, and its placement in Makima’s house suggests she sees someone in the story as Lucifer. The most likely candidate is Chainsaw Man, given his rebellious nature and the presence of a character named Seraphim among his followers.
Chainsaw Man contains many religious references, including the Book of Revelation, enhancing its thematic depth.
14. Denji’s Door
Throughout the story, a sealed door in Denji’s mind is repeatedly shown. This door appears in his nightmares, at the Hayakawa residence, and when Power waits behind it after being summoned by Makima. Denji hesitates to open it, but does so on Makima’s orders, leading to Power’s death.
Later, under Makima’s psychological assault, Denji finally opens the door in his memory, revealing the traumatic event of killing his father. This door symbolizes Denji’s repressed memories and is a crucial foreshadowing element.
15. Why Kishibe Wasn’t Killed
In Volume 10, Chainsaw Man kills Makima but spares Kishibe, despite recognizing him. This decision has a solid reason.
Kishibe had previously told Denji that if their plan failed, they would have a real fight, and Denji promised not to kill him. Chainsaw Man, true to Denji’s promise, spared Kishibe, honoring his word.
16. From Bread to Steak
Before becoming a Devil Hunter, Denji dreamed of eating bread with jam. After joining Public Safety, this dream was fulfilled, and jam bread became his regular breakfast. However, by the story’s end, Denji confessed that he had grown tired of jam bread and wished to eat steak every morning.
Makima quickly fulfilled this wish by making him eat meat daily to prepare for their final confrontation. Ironically, Denji later tells Kishibe that he no longer craves meat, revealing Makima’s unintentional fulfillment of his desires.
17. Makima Biting Denji’s Finger
Early in the story, Makima bites Denji’s finger, telling him, “Remember this feeling even if you go blind.” This memorable scene is significant foreshadowing.
As mentioned, Makima is consumed by Denji, and the Control Devil reincarnates as Nayuta. When Denji meets Nayuta, her biting his finger makes him realize she is Makima reborn. Makima’s effort to make Denji remember her bite ultimately pays off, highlighting Denji’s enduring love.
18. Makima’s Desire to Be Eaten
Makima aimed to control Chainsaw Man and erase things she deemed unnecessary from existence. However, she also desired to be eaten by Chainsaw Man, becoming a part of him. Despite being killed 26 times by Chainsaw Man, she was never eaten.
Makima’s wish was fulfilled when Denji ate her, not Chainsaw Man. This act did not trigger the Prime Minister’s contract since it was not an attack. However, being eaten by someone she did not recognize must have been humiliating for Makima. The reasons behind Chainsaw Man not eating Makima are explored in another video.
19. Jump’s Cover
The cover illustration of Chainsaw Man’s debut in Jump shows Denji’s chainsaw reflecting Makima. This foreshadows the final scene where Denji defeats Makima in a similar pose. The cover from the series’ start hinting at the climax is a brilliant piece of foreshadowing.
20. The Worst Death
Aki Hayakawa was foretold to die the worst possible death by the Future Devil. This prediction and its foreshadowing are worth exploring. The Future Devil, known for demanding significant sacrifices for contracts, predicted Aki’s death and wanted to witness it.
Aki, driven by the desire to avenge his family killed by the Gun Devil, eventually abandoned this goal to protect Denji and Power. When he sought Makima’s help, his body was taken over by the Gun Devil, becoming the Gun Fiend. He ended up killing those he cared for and was killed by Denji, fulfilling the Future Devil’s prophecy in the worst way.
That’s all for now. At MangaZamurai, we bring you in-depth analyses of Japanese manga for a global audience. This article unveiled the astonishing foreshadowings involving Denji, Makima, and Aki Hayakawa in Chainsaw Man. Explore our other articles to dive deeper into the fascinating world of manga.
