After the dramatic reemergence of Fakesaw Man at the end of the previous chapter, readers were primed for intense confrontations in Chainsaw Man chapter 197. Released on March 25, 2025, this chapter indeed delivered thrilling action as Fakesaw Man faced off against the formidable Death Devil.
Unveiling the Death Devil’s Abilities
In this installment, not only did we witness a fierce battle, but we also gained deeper insights into the Death Devil’s unique abilities, which diverged from fan expectations. Additionally, this chapter sheds light on Fakesaw Man’s true nature through pivotal dialogues, adding layers to the narrative.
Revelation of Fakesaw Man’s Power Source
The chapter opened with a high school boy, previously attempting to befriend the Death Devil, mistaking Fakesaw Man for Chainsaw Man. Fakesaw, responding with confidence, assured the boy that he was there to rescue him, dismissing the tension as a mere joke. However, as Death embraced the confrontation, Fakesaw sprang into action, deftly slicing off her arm with a swift strike.
A Clash of Powers
The battle escalated rapidly; Death attempted to retaliate with a kick, only to have her leg severed in a similar fashion. As the engagement intensified, her body was sliced into multiple pieces, prompting Fakesaw to question whether this was truly the right adversary. He then called upon a mysterious ally who had never misled him before, reintroducing himself as Chainsaw Man, the “Devil-killing avatar of justice”, determined to thwart Nostradamus’ ominous predictions.
Fakesaw accused the Death Devil of being a malevolent force contributing to Tokyo’s current turmoil, which drew a skeptical response from the boy, who dismissed her as merely a “cringey weird kid.” In a foreboding tone, Fakesaw countered, stating unequivocally, “we don’t make mistakes,” and declared that the Justice Devil, identified as the Fire Devil, resided within him.
The boy, frustrated and feeling unheard, suddenly noticed Death’s arm reaching for him. Despite Fakesaw’s warning, she swiftly drained his lifeforce, prematurely aging him to his death. As she recalibrated her severed form, Death began to analyze Fakesaw’s combat style, deducing that he had training in karate and boxing, identifying his limitation to physical attacks.
The Intense Finale
With an impending sense of doom, Death declared her intention to “save”him within three seconds, and both prepared for another clash. Yet, Fakesaw again bested her, slicing her into pieces once more, leaving her pleading for mercy. The chapter concludes with Fakesaw, astonished by Death’s weakness, signaling a potential shift in the power dynamics of this conflict. Importantly, there’s no hiatus before the release of chapter 198, ensuring readers won’t have to wait long for the next thrilling installment.
Conclusion: A Transformative Chapter
Although Chainsaw Man chapter 197 may seem chaotic at first glance, it effectively serves as a vital exposition for the series. Fakesaw clearly confirms the influence of the Justice Devil (the Fire Devil) in his powers, unveiling critical aspects of his background. The chapter also implies that despite her formidable abilities, the Death Devil lacks the competence needed for effective combat, hinting at her potential defeat in forthcoming battles.