Chapter 192 of Dandadan delivered an intense continuation of the arc following Momo Ayase and Seiko Ayase on their journey to the Izumo Grand Shrine. While expectations were high for their arrival at the shrine and further progress in their search for the uchide-no-kozuchi, the chapter's focus surprised viewers by delving even deeper into the drama surrounding Momo. Adding to the tension, old enemies reappeared, further heightening expectations for future episodes.
The narrative continues the detour begun in the previous chapter, solidifying the end of the struggles of Ken “Okarun” Takakura and his allies. Furthermore, it also concludes Mika Adachi's involvement with the Orchestrator, following her mistake in attacking Takeshi Murakami. However, the true impact lies in the revelation that only Jin “Jiji” Enjoji still remembers Momo, marking a dark turning point for the story.
Jiji is the only one who still remembers Momo in Dandadan.
The chapter picks up exactly where the previous one left off, with Momo worried about ending up like the pygmies, small spiritual creatures. Jiji, aware of the gravity of the situation, asks Vamola if she can see Momo, who was on her shoulder. The answer is devastating: Vamola not only can't see Momo, but also has no idea who Jiji is talking about.
Desperate, Jiji tries to explain to Seiko that Momo's condition is worsening. However, to the readers' horror, his grandmother also has no memory of Momo. In an effort to help Seiko remember, Jiji even mentions that the group should remember why they are traveling. However, the bad news doesn't stop there: Unji Zuma can barely see and Daiki Hakono is unable to walk, forcing Vamola to guide Zuma by the hand.
Jiji concludes that his strong spiritual sensitivity is what still allows him to perceive Momo, and promises her that, regardless of what happens, he will not forget her. The relationship between the two gains even more importance in the face of the collective amnesia that settles within the group.
Zuma's past and the importance of friendship
While Momo and Jiji race against time, the chapter turns its attention to Daiki Hakono and the characters' past. After being helped by Raiya, Zuma's friend, Daiki asks the reason for his kindness, recalling that they were initially hostile towards each other. Raiya reveals that in the past, after being bullied, he was saved by Zuma, who always protected his friends and never left anyone behind.
The story then shifts to a poignant flashback involving a young woman about to take her own life with pills. Zuma and Raiya find her and, even without knowing exactly how to help her, they take her in. Zuma acknowledges that he wasn't good with words, but praises her ability to make everyone around her laugh—something he himself couldn't do.
This memory explains why so many troubled young people gathered around Zuma: he became a safe haven amidst their difficulties. Raiya, in the present, reinforces that everyone just wanted someone to tell them they were okay, and that Zuma represented that hope for many.
The return of the Kito family changes the course of the story in Dandadan
Just when the chapter seemed to be carrying enough emotion, a new threat emerges. On the other side of the airport, members of the infamous Kito family attack a bus transporting prisoners, reuniting with Jiji, with whom they share a troubled past.
During the escape, one of the Kito family members identifies Jiji among the people present. Although they cannot see Momo, they are certain she is nearby. The matriarch Naki Kito expresses her anxiety about the reunion, making it clear that a major confrontation is approaching.
The chapter ends with tension in the air: the Kito are now pursuing Momo and her allies towards the Izumo Grand Shrine, while time is running out for them due to the rapidly intensifying curses.
Dandadan is available on the Manga PLUS .
