Chapter 149 of Chainsaw Man was released on November 21, 2023, marking the continuation of the Chainsaw Man War arc. While fans have been enjoying the arc so far, many were hoping for a focus on Asa Mitaka and War Devil Yoru in this latest release. However, the chapter shifts the perspective back to Denji, Control Devil Nayuta, and Fumiko Mifune. This change leads to some intriguing developments, including Nayuta's inner Makima coming out and Denji confronting his feelings for Asa.
Chainsaw Man chapter 149 sees Nayuta show some startling Makima-like signs of hostility
Chainsaw Man chapter 149: Vindicated
The start of Chainsaw Man chapter 149 takes us to a new viewpoint, focusing on the street preacher we encountered in the second part of the series during the Yuko arc when the Bat Devil made a comeback. He is now seen preaching to a crowd about how he had predicted the arrival of this war, claiming that the current calamities are "divine punishment" for disregarding "the prophecy."
He then invites the bystanders to join him in "obeying the voice of God," guaranteeing that together they will reduce the Chainsaw Man army to ashes. The crowd begins to chant for the burning of Chainsaw Man, while the perspective shifts to Denji and his friends, hiding in a nearby alley. Fumiko Mifune remarks on how the situation has escalated into something straight out of a movie, prompting Denji to suggest transforming into Chainsaw Man.
In chapter 149 of Chainsaw Man, Mifune explains that this would be the worst time to transform, as the people nearby are determined to destroy the hero. She asserts that she will protect the two of them, but Nayuta insists that they don't need her protection and will kill anything that attacks them, as she is the strongest among them.
The people of Tokyo are now targeting Denji's transformative abilities in Chainsaw Man chapter 149, following recent events (Image via MAPPA Studios).
Mifune questions Nayuta about her willingness to kill humans, which she confirms is not a problem. She then turns to Denji and asks what he has been teaching Nayuta, to which he responds with "whatever’s on educational television." He expresses concern about their apartment, to which Nayuta mentions that their pets are likely hungry. Denji then insists that they need to go home.
In Chainsaw Man chapter 149, Mifune tells Denji and Nayuta that they can't go home because the members of the Chainsaw Man Church have staked out their apartment. Despite this, Denji and Nayuta insist they need to go feed the pets. Mifune tries to stop them, saying they'll all shelter at a Public Safety facility instead.
Ignoring Mifune, Nayuta suddenly shoots a chain from her fingers at her, causing her to dodge and accidentally hit a woman in a nearby window. Nayuta then forces the woman to start choking herself. Denji intervenes by tickling Nayuta to release her hold on the woman and free Mifune.
Chainsaw Man chapter 149: Feelings confronted
In Chainsaw Man chapter 149, Denji tells Mifune to run and reassures her that they can handle the situation. He warns her that Nayuta will kill her if she sticks around. After Mifune leaves, Nayuta suggests that they should go home. Denji confronts her, questioning if she really intended to kill Mifune. Nayuta responds by justifying that it's acceptable for Devils to kill living beings. She compares it to the natural instincts of fish swimming and trees photosynthesizing, and insinuates that Denji must also feel a similar urge to harm others. She asks him if it makes him feel alive, to which Denji remains speechless. Nayuta then invites Denji to join the side of the Devils, leaving him in disbelief at her proposal.
Denji is forced to confront his feelings for Asa Mitaka in Chainsaw Man chapter 149 (Image via MAPPA Studios)
She says she’s given it a lot of thought, citing human culture as fun but suffocating, before explaining the freedom they’d have in food and pet ownership by ruling over humans. Denji responds by questioning what would happen to their friends at school, to which she says she doesn’t care. Chainsaw Man chapter 149 then sees Nayuta assert that Denji doesn’t care either, since she herself is all he needs.
Nayuta realizes that Denji is preoccupied with Asa Mitaka, pressing him to explain why she’s so important to him and why he risked his life to protect her. She expresses confusion, prompting Denji to reveal that their kiss was what made her different from the others he had kissed, where things didn't go wrong or lead to his injury.
In Chainsaw Man chapter 149, Nayuta questions Denji about his feelings for Asa, to which he responds by holding up his hands to indicate the extent. When she asks how much he likes her, Denji responds by silently extending his hands even farther. Nayuta smiles at this and then embraces him, promising not to harm any humans and urging Denji to hurry home with her.
Chainsaw Man chapter 149: In summation
Chainsaw Man chapter 149 delivers an exciting and compelling story, shifting focus back to Denji and Nayuta from Asa Mitaka and Yoru. The exploration of Denji's true feelings adds depth, revealing shared romantic goals between Denji and Asa, despite Asa's unawareness. The issue also effectively portrays Nayuta's Devilish side and her internal struggle with joining the Devils' side, as well as Denji's success in preventing her from becoming Makima once again. This sets the stage for future conflicts and progress in the current arc.
Be sure to keep up with all Chainsaw Man anime and manga news, as well as general anime, manga, film, and live-action news as 2023 progresses.
Editor's P/S
In chapter 149 of Chainsaw Man, we witness a darker side to Nayuta, reminiscent of Makima. This revelation adds depth to her character and raises concerns about her true intentions. Her willingness to harm humans and her manipulative nature are reminiscent of Makima's actions throughout the series. It will be interesting to see how Denji grapples with this newfound knowledge and how it affects their relationship.
Denji's confrontation with his emotions is another compelling aspect of this chapter. His feelings for Asa and his concern for Nayuta's well-being create a complex internal conflict. The chapter delves into the moral dilemmas faced by Denji as he tries to balance his personal desires with the responsibilities that come with being the Chainsaw Man. Overall, chapter 149 of Chainsaw Man delivers intriguing developments that leave readers eager for the next installment.