This article includes spoilers for the manga “Chainsaw Man”. Reader discretion is advised.

Chapter 171 of “Chainsaw Man” is a major turning point for the manga. The second part was built up little by little until the big bombshell of Chapter 167 took everyone by surprise. Since then, creator Tatsuki Fujimoto hasn't taken his foot off the accelerator. Chainsaw Man isn't just about bloody fights, outrageously explicit scenes, and a juvenile sense of humor.

Tatsuki Fujimoto's manga is also known for its deeper themes, and this was more evident than ever in Chapter 170, when Barem Bridge served Nayuta's head to Denji on a silver platter. This caused Denji to face the harsh reality of what really happened to his younger sister, but in the latest chapter, Denji gives in to his darkest impulses to fight a ghost from his past.

Barem Bridge's plan to turn Denji into the "real Chainsaw Man" definitely works and doesn't do him any favors. No one has control over Denji at this point in the series except for the late Nayuta. The only person who could influence him is Asa, but given his fight with Yoru after his infamous fight with Denji in Chapter 167, it's doubtful that the War Demon will be able to help in this situation.

With no one to get in Denji's way, the author lets the beast out for the first time in 70 chapters. In one of the most brutal “Chainsaw Man” scenes in years, Denji rips off the head of the Flamethrower Demon hybrid, while Denji’s own entrails emerge from his body and wrap around his neck. This scene multiplies the body horror of Chainsaw Man tenfold and makes the shock of seeing Nayuta's disembodied head seem insignificant in comparison.

But did you know that the episode had an inexplicable censorship? There is a notable difference between the Japanese version and the international version of the chapter that fans quickly discovered. It turns out that In the Japanese version we can clearly see how Denji pulls the rope from his chest to become Chainsaw Man again.but in the international version this small panel does not appear, instead Asa's reaction to his transformation is shown.

• On the left, the Japanese version, on the right, the international version.

What is the purpose of this change between versions? Some believe that Tatsuki Fujimoto made a last-minute change that was not reflected in the international version of the chapter. (since Manga Plus receives the chapter several hours or days in advance to prepare the translation), but in the Japanese version. Still, the impact of this chapter was more than welcome.

While previous episodes have dropped major bombshells that have dramatically increased enthusiasm for the series, the latest chapter of “Chainsaw Man” definitely feels like the chapter this entire run has been building toward. If Fujimoto had held back or avoided the conflict for a few more episodes, it could have severely hurt the series.

Source: @kalingaddynasty on Twitter