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 the advancement of the search for the uchide-no-kozuchi, the chapter's focus surprised by delving even deeper into Momo's drama. To add to the tension, old enemies returned to the scene, further heightening anticipation for the upcoming 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 the mistake he made in attacking Takeshi Murakami. However, the real impact comes from the revelation that only Jin "Jiji" Enjoji still remembers Momo, marking a dark turn in the story.
Jiji is the only one who still remembers Momo in Dandadan
The chapter picks up right where the previous one left off, with Momo worried about ending up like the pygmies, tiny spiritual creatures. Jiji, aware of the gravity of the situation, asks Vamola if she can see Momo, who was perched on her shoulder. The answer is heartbreaking: Vamola not only can't see Momo, but she also has no idea who Jiji is talking about.
Desperate, Jiji tries to explain to Seiko that Momo's condition is worsening. However, her grandmother, to the readers' horror, also has no memory of Momo. In an effort to revive Seiko's memory, Jiji even comments that the group should remember why they're traveling. However, the bad news doesn't stop: Unji Zuma can barely see, and Daiki Hakono is unable to walk, forcing Vamola to lead Zuma by the hand.
Jiji concludes that his strong spiritual sensitivity is what allows him to still perceive Momo, and promises her that, no matter what happens, he will not forget her. The relationship between the two takes on even greater importance given the collective oblivion that sets in within the group.
Zuma's past and the importance of friendship
As Momo and Jiji race against time, the chapter turns its attention to Daiki Hakono and the characters' past. When Zuma's friend Raiya helps him, Daiki asks why he's so kind, recalling that the two were initially hostile toward 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 segues into a heartbreaking flashback involving a young woman about to take her own life with prescription drugs. Zuma and Raiya find her and, even though they don't know exactly how to help her, 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 youth rallied around Zuma: he became a safe haven amidst their hardships. 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 history in Dandadan
Just when the chapter seemed to be packed with emotion, a new threat emerges. On the other side of the airport, members of the infamous Kito family attack a bus carrying prisoners, reuniting with Jiji, with whom they share a troubled past.
During their escape, one of the Kito family members spots Jiji among the bystanders. Although they can't see Momo, they're certain she's nearby. Matriarch Naki Kito expresses her eagerness for the reunion, making it clear that a major confrontation is approaching.
The chapter ends with tension in the air: the Kito now pursue Momo and her allies towards the Izumo Grand Shrine, while time runs against them due to the rapidly intensifying curses.
Dandadan is available on the Manga PLUS .
