The recent release of Chainsaw Man chapter 196 on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, has captivated fans, especially following the gripping cliffhanger of the previous issue. This installment confirmed the identity of the mysterious new character as the Death Devil, a revelation that many in the community had speculated.
Perhaps even more intriguing is how chapter 196 subverts expectations regarding the Death Devil’s characterization. Unlike the complexities often associated with devils in the series, she appears to be straightforward and candid in her demeanor. This leads to yet another suspenseful cliffhanger, teasing resolutions to some lingering questions from the narrative’s latter half.
The Return of Fakesaw Man and Revelations in Chapter 196
The chapter opens with a new transfer student, the apparent Four Horsemen Devil, as she awkwardly introduces herself to her classmates. Despite her feelings of empathy, expressed through tears, her classmates seem uncertain how to respond. In a peculiar habit, she bites her right index finger whenever she feels anxious.
During a conversation, a male student enlists her help for the school festival, but her response is less than typical. She agrees under the condition that her involvement will genuinely contribute to their salvation. When asked to simply take out the trash, she belittles the task as unworthy of her abilities, pointing out that the others lack powers.
The situation escalates as the reluctant male student complies with the request, resulting in some students expressing discomfort and confusion about her peculiarities. They recount their struggles, noting her behavior is disruptive and dampens the festive spirit among them.
One student provocatively suggests that if she truly wishes to save them, she should go outside and crush ants. Taking the comment to heart, she finds herself outdoors, literally killing ants, when the boy approaches her. Their conversation delves deeper, as the student empathizes with her, revealing the collective trauma they endure due to recent calamities.
She listens quietly, her tears indicating her emotional state, while he urges her to contribute to their happiness. However, she pessimistically predicts the festival’s doom, further alienating the boy and emphasizing her belief that she possesses the power to bring an end to their suffering. As she touches his forehead, she cryptically declares her intention to “release them from their Earthly suffering,”thus confirming her identity as the Death Devil, a conclusion that resonates deeply with the fanbase.
The atmosphere intensifies when the sound of a motor captures the Death Devil’s attention. She looks up to see a figure that resembles Chainsaw Man atop the school’s roof. With a fiery determination, he claims to have emerged from the depths of hell to help those in need, revving his engine, ready to plunge into action.
As the scene unfolds, the Death Devil asserts her desire to save him too, to which Chainsaw Man retorts that he confronts devils using their own powers while establishing justice through his abilities. This dramatic exchange occurs with him poised before the Death Devil, clandestinely covered by what appears to be a fleshy cape. The chapter concludes with a shocking look at Chainsaw Man—though it’s more accurately a hint at Fakesaw Man, whose skeletal form starkly contrasts Denji’s recognizable transformation.
Conclusion: The Unfolding Drama in Chainsaw Man
In summary, Chainsaw Man chapter 196 serves as a thrilling addition to the storyline, marking the arrival of the Death Devil and potentially reintroducing the enigmatic Fakesaw Man, suspected of having a dark connection to Yuko’s demise. While readers will have to endure a hiatus for the next answers, the anticipation for future developments remains high. The diverse character dynamics and plot intricacies leave fans eager for what’s to come.