Makima Recruitment of Denji

Lore & Background

While Denji perceives this as a second chance at humanity, Makima's interest in him is rooted in his unique nature as the Chainsaw Man. Her recruitment strategy relies on emotional manipulation rather than force, making her control more effective over time. This event sets the stage for the formation of Special Division 4, eventually bringing together key figures like Power and Aki Hayakawa under her watchful eye.

In Their Own Story

Rain slicked the pavement as Denji stood alone, his hands trembling from adrenaline and hunger. The government soldiers had their weapons trained on him, ready to end the threat he represented. Then she appeared, calm amidst the chaos. Makima stepped forward with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. She told them to stand down, claiming jurisdiction over this new devil hunter. When she turned to Denji, she offered not just safety, but a future. A job card was placed in his hand, warm from her grip.

Reader's Guide

Following the tragic death of his dog partner, Denji awakens as a devil-human hybrid capable of transforming with chainsaws. Initially hunted by government forces who fear his power, he is intercepted by Makima, a high-ranking official within the Public Safety Devil Hunters organization. She intervenes to stop his execution and offers him employment instead. This recruitment marks a pivotal shift in Denji's life, moving him from a Yakuza pawn to a state-sanctioned hunter. Makima promises to clear his debts and provide food, appealing directly to his basic needs. In exchange, she demands loyalty and obedience during missions. The event establishes the core team dynamic seen throughout the first story arc. Under Makima's supervision, Denji eventually partners with other hunters like Power and Aki Hayakawa. While Denji views this as a chance to live normally, readers later learn Makima harbors deeper motives for controlling him. This recruitment serves as the foundation for the Control Devil's long-term plan.

Did You Know?

• Makima pays off Denji's debts to his former Yakuza handlers immediately after hiring him.
• Denji is given a new identification card that legitimizes his status within society.
• This recruitment allows Makima to keep the Chainsaw Man close for her own objectives.
• The team formed under this contract eventually becomes known as Special Division 4.

The Public Safety Recruitment

Following a traumatic betrayal by the yakuza that resulted in his death, Denji was resurrected as a hybrid after merging with Pochita, the Chainsaw Devil. This new existence came with a strict condition: to live a humble life. However, his path shifted dramatically when he encountered Makima, the leader of the Public Safety Division, a government agency dedicated to hunting Devils that threaten Japan. Recognizing Denji's unique potential as a weapon against powerful entities like the Gun Devil, Makima recruited him into her ranks. This recruitment marked Denji's transition from a debt-ridden outcast to an official operative within a structured hierarchy. He was paired with experienced hunter Aki Hayakawa and Power, a Fiend born from the Blood Devil, forming a team tasked with eliminating supernatural threats. While Denji initially sought simple desires like food and companionship, his integration into Public Safety placed him at the center of a larger conspiracy orchestrated by Makima, who secretly aimed to control Pochita's ability to erase concepts from existence.

Makima's Hidden Agenda

While publicly serving as the benevolent leader of the Public Safety Devil Hunters, Makima was revealed to be the Control Devil, an entity with far more sinister objectives than mere public safety. Her primary goal was not just to manage Devils but to dominate Pochita specifically, leveraging his unique power to consume other Devils and permanently erase the fears they represent from human memory. This ambition drove her manipulation of Denji throughout their time together, treating him less as a partner and more as a vessel for her ultimate plan. Her machinations escalated when she deployed the Gun Devil against herself, only to defeat it and force its possession upon Aki Hayakawa, turning him into the Gun Fiend. In a brutal display of control, Makima later killed Power in front of Denji, leaving him catatonic and forcing Pochita to take over his body. Her actions were calculated to isolate Denji emotionally while securing her access to the Chainsaw Devil's erasure capabilities, culminating in a conflict where Denji was eventually forced to kill her to stop her dominion.

The Aftermath and New Guardianship

In the wake of Makima's defeat, the landscape of the Public Safety Division shifted significantly. Denji survived the ordeal but faced the heavy burden of caring for Nayuta, a young girl who turned out to be the reincarnation of the Control Devil. This responsibility marked a new chapter in his life, moving away from the direct command structure of Makima toward a more personal and protective role. As he navigated this new reality, Denji attempted to balance his duties as a student with his ongoing existence as Chainsaw Man. The dynamic changed further when Nayuta seemingly sacrificed herself during an attack by Barem Bridge, a figure linked to the cult-like Chainsaw Man Church controlled by Fami. Following events where Denji was imprisoned and harvested for parts before being rescued by allies like Asa Mitaka and Yoru, his relationship with Nayuta evolved into one of deep guardianship, even as the threat of global apocalypse loomed due to the erasure of death.

Global Impact and Critical Reception

Since its serialization began in late 2018, Chainsaw Man has achieved massive commercial success and critical acclaim worldwide. By June 2026, the manga had circulated over 36 million copies, establishing itself as a modern classic in the shōnen genre. Its narrative depth, dark humor, and graphic violence have been widely praised by critics, leading to prestigious accolades including the Shogakukan Manga Award in 2021 and multiple Harvey Awards for Best Manga between 2021 and 2023. The series' popularity extended beyond print, with Viz Media handling English licensing and an anime adaptation produced by MAPPA airing in late 2022, followed by a film focusing on the Reze Arc in September 2025. Set in an alternate late 1990s where the Soviet Union still exists, the story's unique premise regarding Devils born from human fear has resonated with audiences globally, securing its place as a defining work of contemporary manga.