With each new chapter of Chainsaw Man , Tatsuki Fujimoto proves that he is always one step ahead of his readers. In chapter 198, a shocking twist shaken the base of the fans: the girl that many believed to be death was, in fact, hunger, while death was disguised as her sister, PHIC.
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This revelation not only deconstructed several theories, but also rekindled memories of Makima's iconic arc - the controller. Now it seems that we are about to dive again in a cycle of manipulation, loss and transformation.
Death follows Makima's footsteps: a dark and intentional parallel
It is no coincidence that the narrative structure of Chapter 198 refers directly to the moment Makima revealed its true identity as the demon of control. As in part I, where Makima's mystery culminated in catastrophic events for Denji and his allies, we now have a new element of tension: the revelation that death was already present among the characters - hidden in the sight of all.
Fujimoto once again uses the weapon of disappointment as a narrative device, mirroring the trajectory of the previous villain to build an atmosphere of unpredictability and anxiety. The manipulation of the identity of death and the reversal with hunger create not only a moment of shock, but a narrative trigger that promises to trigger a sequence of violent and emotional events.
Remembering Makima: A cycle that repeats itself in Chainsaw Man?
In Chainsaw Man, the height of the conflict began when Aki was possessed and attacked Denji, generating one of the most tragic scenes in the series. Shortly thereafter, Power was brutally murdered by Makima - an action that emotionally shattered the protagonist. If death follows the same path of control, manipulation and destruction, we may see new characters suffer similar losses.
In addition, the old plot culminated in the release of Denji's “hero of hero”. Considering that we are dealing again with a Knight of Revelation, there is a strong possibility that new transformations will emerge. The presence of death, with its hidden potential, can serve as a catalyst for the release of true powers that characters like Yoru, Farm and even Nayuta still hide.
Sight transformations: the true power of the knights
A recurring point in Chainsaw Man is that appearances are deceiving - literally. Even Pochita, the original chainsaw demon, disguised as a harmless puppy. If we apply this logic to the four knights, it is plausible that its current forms are only facades. And chapter 198 is already beginning to suggest this.
Yoru, war, with its unpredictable and aggressive nature, is the main candidate to reveal a more powerful way. But death, now totally unmasked, will certainly have an even more destructive role. If the three knights - death, hunger and war - decide to act together or in direct conflict, we are facing a new apocalyptic war.
Also, the return of Nayuta cannot be ruled out. Makima's reincarnation, now under Denji's tutelage, can represent a key piece in this new board. If it intervenes, we may have an attempt to prevent the story from repeating-or ironically to complete it.
Denji's future: redemption, ruin or repetition?
Denji's position remains one of the greatest mysteries. He has already been manipulated, betrayed and shattered emotionally. With the return of chaos established by the knights, is he ready to face a new wave of losses? Or will we see a more mature Denji, who can anticipate the manipulation games?
There are evidence that Fujimoto is building a similar arc from part I, but with new nuances. The difference now is that Denji carries with him memories and scars. He is no longer the naive boy who sought a normal life. Perhaps it is precisely this growth that prepare it for a new clash - this time against death in person.
A new apocalypse at Chainsaw Man?
Chapter 198 of Chainsaw Man rekindles the flame of a plot that many believed have already reached its peak. With the revelation of death and the reminder of Makima's impact, it seems that the plot is about to dive again into a sea of chaos, losses and surprises. Fujimoto continues to play with the expectation of readers, delivering not only action, but deep layers of symbolism and psychological drama.
If the story really follows the footsteps of the past, we can expect not only epic struggles, but also an intense journey of maturity, sacrifices and perhaps redemption. The stage is mounted - and the four knights are about to dance once again.
