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Chainsaw Man features an exciting narrative with powerful characters. Learn about the deuteragonists and their impact on the story.
Denji’s life took a 360-degree turn when Pochita saved him, turning him into a half-fiend. Chainsaw Man showcases incredible power dynamics and has epic fight scenes. As of now, the anime is ongoing with Part 1: Public Safety Saga. Additionally, Part 2 Academy explores events that take place afterward, featuring a new set of characters.
When it comes to deuteragonists in Chainsaw Man, two characters fit this role: Aki and Asa. Both play important parts in the story, and the series takes an interesting approach by introducing two distinct characters to fill this space of being the deuteragonist. Let’s take a closer look at how they contribute to the story.
The Status of Chainsaw Man’s Deuteragonist
First, we will talk about why we have two deuteragonists in this series. Chainsaw Man has been made in a manner that it has two parts. The creator has separated them as they have different characters; only Denji is still in the center of the story. It is canon that Aki Hayakawa is the deuteragonist in the anime. But by the end of Part 1, Aki is killed by the Gun Devil, transforming into a Gun Fiend in the process.
Chainsaw Man Part 1 doesn’t have a clearly defined deuteragonist, as multiple characters shape Denji’s journey in significant ways. Aki Hayakawa is often considered the closest to that role, given his deep connection with Denji and his tragic arc. But the debate isn’t settled. Makima’s influence is undeniable—her manipulation drives much of Denji’s development, making her just as crucial to the story. With so many supporting characters leaving their mark on Denji, it’s difficult to assign the title to just one person. While Aki fits the role best for many fans, the narrative structure of Part 1 leaves room for interpretation.
While Part 2 started in the manga, we have a set of new characters, and it feels like Denji is not the main focus of the story. The creator has shifted his writing style in this, so the pace and characters have a different impact. We have Asa, who shares half her mind with the War Devil, and for now, we are sure that she takes the role of the deuteragonist.
Why Aki Is the Deuteragonist in Chainsaw Man Anime?
When Aki was introduced to Denji, he was given the responsibility of looking after him. They started off fighting, but this tension eased when Makima ordered them to work together. Denji was even told to move in with Aki, and the two began living together.
At first, Aki Hayakawa sees Denji as obnoxious, but over time, he comes to view him as a brother. He plays a central role in this arc and gets enough screen time to support this claim. Eventually, Aki becomes protective of Denji.
While he initially comes off as stoic and slowly and painfully kills devils, he also threatens Denji, warning him that he will not spare him if he gives in to his devil side. Despite this ruthless exterior, Aki shows kindness, such as when he retrieves Denji’s severed arm.
His character started off hating devils, whether they were half-fiends or full-fledged devils. However, after spending time with Denji (and Power), we see him open up and come to terms with his past hatred.
Without a doubt, Aki Hayakawa is the deuteragonist of Part 1: The Public Safety Saga.
Why Asa Can Be Considered As the Deuteragonist in Chainsaw Man Part 2?
After Part 2: The Academy Saga started, we didn’t see Denji in the manga for a while. During this time, the author introduced us to Asa and slowly built the world for this arc. From the very first chapter of Part 2, the author creates a deliberate parallel—when Asa is introduced, they title the chapter “Bird and War,” whereas they introduce Denji in “Dog and Chainsaw.” Both titles include the animals associated with them, which could symbolize that Asa will significantly influence Denji. Fans speculate that she might even become the main antagonist.
When Asa was introduced, there was an arc called the “Dating Denji Arc,” where Asa and the War Devil were instructed to kill Denji. However, she failed—and in the process, she also developed feelings for him. The War Devil, who shares half of Asa’s brain, eventually admits that she also sees Denji as a romantic interest in the latest chapter after the Aging Devil arc is over.
Furthermore, during the latest arc, when the Aging Devil sent Asa, Yoru, and Denji into a world where no one can age or die, trapping them for eternity, both Asa and Denji helped each other stay hopeful. Denji even came up with a plan to escape eternal hell after being motivated by Asa.
Can Others Be Considered To Take This Spot?
We have two names that could potentially take the spot. In Part 1: The Public Safety Saga. If we were to replace Aki with someone else, many fans would immediately think of Power.
Power, the Blood Devil, worked alongside Denji under the Public Safety Devil Hunters. She and Denji started on the wrong foot, but she eventually became incredibly important to both him and Aki. She had a major influence on Denji, as he learned to care for and protect her. Since she lived with both of them, their relationship was deeply intertwined.
Power and Denji had a unique dynamic, filled with humorous moments that added levity to their bond. Unlike anyone else in the series, Power provided Denji with a sense of family, and in return, he saw her as one. She supported him in a way no one else could.
In Part 2: The Academy Saga, readers could consider Asa as a second lead. That would open up the spot for Yoshida Hirofumi as the deuteragonist. When the author introduced him, his main role was to ensure that Denji kept his identity as Chainsaw Man a secret. On several occasions, he acted as a high-class bodyguard, tasked with keeping tabs on Denji.
He initially seemed like a minor support character, but during the International Assassins Arc, we got to see more of him. Since he was appointed by Makima, fans speculated about how trustworthy he was. Even though he doesn’t have a significant amount of screen time, he still makes a lasting impression on fans.
Conclusion
As of now, Chainsaw Man’s current deuteragonist is Asa. However, if the author gives her a fate similar to Aki’s, we never know who might take the role in Part 3.
Tatsuki Fujimoto has confirmed that Chainsaw Man will have a third part, though whether he chooses to continue the story beyond that remains uncertain. The series, currently one of the most popular manga serialized by Viz Media, stands out for its mature themes and unpredictable storytelling.
What makes Chainsaw Man truly unique is how it constantly keeps readers both confused and excited. One particular chapter had no dialogue and was intentionally rough in its artwork, yet it still managed to generate hype among fans. This unpredictable and experimental approach is part of what makes the series so compelling.
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