Summary

Denji's character evolves as he meets Reze, showing new romantic depth.
Reze Arc will introduce key characters, exploring Denji's psychology.
Denji's forgiveness and empathy highlight his heroism in the Reze Arc.

The Chainsaw Man series stands out in many ways. It is set in a supernatural world, but more importantly, it consists of characters with unusual personalities. Denji is a great example of this statement. Unlike other main characters, he lacks heroic aspirations, and for the most part is only motivated by his feelings for Makima. But meeting Reze will bring a major change to his character.

The Chainsaw Man series is finally getting a sequel in the form of the upcoming "Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc". The anime's inaugural season was well-received and came to an end with Reze's first appearance. The ending gave a brief glimpse of the central character of the upcoming sequel. The Reze Arc will be essential as it will not only introduce new important characters but also take a deeper look into various aspects of Denji's psychology.

Chainsaw Man: Denji and Reze’s Relationship, Explained

Despite their orchestrated meeting, Denji and Reze's relationship has undoubtedly blossomed. However, has their spark been ignited or dampened?

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By Kelsey Knowles

The following content contains spoilers from the Chainsaw Man manga.

What Will Happen in the Reze Arc?

Denji's First Date

Throughout the first season, impressing Makima was one of Denji's main objectives. From joining the Public Safety Devil Hunters to going on dangerous missions, Denji did it all because he started liking Makima. The Reze Arc will finally acknowledge his efforts because he is invited on a date by Makima. They go on a movie date, which Makima calls a "Theater-Hopping Movie Marathon". Initially, Denji is displeased because a movie is not what he expected from a "date".

He notices that everyone around him is showing different emotions, but Denji and Makima seem unimpressed. With each passing movie, Denji also continues to admire Makima's cuteness. Finally, they watched one of Makima's favorite movies that makes Denji cry, and to his surprise, Makima too. After the movies, Denji asks Makima, "Miss Makima... Do you think I have a heart?" To which she replies positively, leaving Denji extremely joyful.

Meeting Reze

While hiding inside a phone booth from the pouring rain, Denji meets Reze for the first time. Reze could not hold her laughter because Denji's face looked like her dog, who had passed away. Denji responded to this by vomiting a flower that he had eaten earlier. To express gratitude for the flower, she invited Denji to the cafe where she worked part-time.

When she got to work, she was surprised to find Denji already waiting at the cafe. They immediately start bonding, and Denji starts to wonder if Reze likes him. He continues to visit the cafe for a straight week, suggesting that he has also started liking Reze.

The Bomb Devil

When Reze found out that Denji had never been to a school, she offered to explore a school after dark. During their visit, they were discovered by the Typhoon Devil, who tried to assassinate them but stopped when it realized Reze's true identity. Later, during their date at a local festival, Reze proposed that Denji quit his job and run away with her.

...I'm slowly figuring out how to handle buddies with crappy personalities too.

And I even finally hit it off with this older coworker I couldn't stand.

I even found, like, a career goal. I'm starting to enjoy it more and more...

Can I not keep working... And still see you?

- Denji, Chapter 44

But Denji gently declined, explaining that he enjoys his job and hopes to continue seeing her without quitting his job. Reze immediately kisses him, but in the process also bites his tongue off. She goes on to reveal her identity as the Bomb Devil.

A Heartbreaking Ending

After losing to Denji, Reze found herself lying on the seashore next to him. She questioned his decision to revive him, and Denji explained that he sympathized with her. Reze burst into a laugh and claimed that everything that she had done until this point was an act, and she never seriously liked Denji.

Regardless, Denji offered to run away, but Reze rejected. He announced that he would be waiting at the cafe later that noon. But Reze never showed up, leaving Denji feeling rejected.But little did Denji know that Reze had changed her mind and was on her way to visit him, but was stopped by Makima, who seemingly killed her.

Reze Arc's Impact on Denji

A Romantic Dilemma

Previously, Denji only romantically cared about Makima. Though he had perverted thoughts about other women, he never acted on them. In Season 1, Episode 8, despite being seduced by Himeko, Denji recalls a memory of Makima, which prevents him from crossing the line. But when he meets Reze, he seems increasingly interested in her.

Initially, he gets torn by the thought of having two women inside his head, but his feelings for Reze reach a level where he not only forgives her betrayal but is also willing to run away with her. This is the first time he finds himself capable of moving away from Makima's hold, which will affect him later in the series.

An Emphasis on Denji's Heroic Traits

Denji, on the surface, seems like a naive character who is motivated by mundane things. But beneath his silly behavior lies an empathetic heart. The Reze Ar c helps highlight Denji's heroic traits like forgiveness, sympathy, and positivity. Despite her betrayal, Denji could not bring himself to arrest Reze because it would end up making him feel pathetic. He would rather live a life where he dies endlessly than feel this way.

Even if I get beaten black and blue, go through hell and die again and again...

As long as I get to eat good, grub the next day, I can wipe the ledger clean.

But if I arrested you right here and turned you over to Public Safety...

I just feel like... There'd be a fish bone stuck in my throat.

- Denji, Chapter 51

When Denji declines Reze's offer to run away, we see him show loyalty to his existing friends and comrades. But at the same time, he forgives Reze's betrayal and offers to run away so he can increase her chances of survival. He does so because he likes her, but also because their similarities help him sympathize with her.

Chainsaw Man: How Denji's Loneliness Came to an End

Denji has faced a string of unfortunate events, yet he stays hopeful. Nonetheless, when Yoru confesses, his loneliness comes to an end.

Posts

By Kelsey Knowles

Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc will be released globally on September 24, 2025. The movie will continue the show's action-packed theme, but additionally, it will focus heavily on Denji's psyche. We are yet to see if the movie will make any major changes from the manga.