This article contains spoilers for the Chainsaw Man anime season 1 episode 10 “Bruised & Battered.”
A number of people died, came back to life, and even revealed hidden talents in Chainsaw Man episode 9. It was a chaotic experience for the audience. We can’t let our guards down just yet because season 1 still has a few episodes left, despite the fact that the mayhem seemed to have subsided somewhat at the finale. Fortunately, episode 10 gives viewers a much-needed respite from all the tragedy and battle to show the team processing their grief and figuring out how to become stronger. It remains to be seen if this will aid them in their fight against Katana Man and the Gun Devil.
Recap of Chainsaw Man’s First Season, Episode 10
The episode begins with a news broadcast that describes the recent Katana Man event and provides additional information about Public Safety Division Four. In the hospital room where Aki is recuperating is a television airing the news. Denji and Power are nibbling and reading magazines next to Aki’s bed, while he appears to be in deep meditation. When Denji and Power continue to fight with him, Aki finally asks them if anyone from Division 4 survived the battle.
Denji relays the few remaining survivors, including Kobeni and Madoka, who had already surrendered. It is evident that Aki is devastated by all of this news, but he does not make a scene and instead remains sorrowful and subdued. Before he and Power leave for their appointment with Makima, Denji leaves Aki an apple, as he appears uncertain of what to say.
Following their departure, Aki retrieves his sword and unsheathes its point. “How much time do I have left?” he inquires. “Two years,” the Curse Devil responds. He is overcome with thoughts of Himeno as he attempts to light a cigarette, forcing him to drop it before he ultimately breaks down in tears. Outside the door, Denji hears Aki sobbing and initially appears to criticize him, but he soon realizes that, despite everything he’s been through recently, he has yet to shed a tear.
He ponders whether he would shed tears for any of his coworkers if they passed away, deciding that he might be sad for three or four days if Makima died but would be alright after that. He concludes that he is callous in more ways than one and decides not to linger on these subjects. Yutaro and Michiko enter Aki’s room as Denji and Power eventually depart the hospital. They inform him that they have traveled from Kyoto to assist in coaching Special Division 4.
She informs Power and Denji during their meeting with Makima that she is relatively certain the enemy is after him. Therefore, she intends to reinforce Division 4 by having them train with Himeno’s former master, Kishibe. Before he enables Makima to completely introduce him, Kishibe asks them a series of questions to determine how they feel about their colleagues’ deaths and whose side they are on. Power and Denji respond to each inquiry indifferently, demonstrating that they are each pursuing their own interests. Kishibe, exceedingly pleased with their responses, informs them that they have passed his test and calls them a rare breed.
After Makima’s departure, Kishibe begins training immediately. Before snapping their necks, he first embraces them and introduces himself thoroughly. As they lay immobile, he explains that while they are physically identical to humans, their ability to heal with blood distinguishes them as devils. Denji attempts to comprehend Kishibe’s recent behavior. Given that the Gun Devil appears to be wanting Denji’s heart, it is Denji’s responsibility to make them as powerful as he is. He tells them he will continue pursuing them till then.
Denji and Power believe Kishibe may be insane, but face him in battle regardless, assuming he will be simple to defeat. Power throws a blood hammer to Denji, who then charges Kishibe. Before Denji can even land a blow, he has already stabbed him multiple times. Power tries to ambush him from behind, but her throat is slashed. As they both bleed to death, Kishibe realizes that they are essential, if not entirely, immortal. He will be able to train them without fear of harming them, thereby significantly enhancing their abilities.
In his hospital room, Aki attempts to conjure the Fox Devil, but it does not respond, presumably because he has abused its power. Yutaro observes that Aki can still utilize Curse Devil, and Aki quickly knows why they are here. Yutaro and Michiko have arrived to assist Special Division 4 with employment advice. They question why he has not yet resigned before informing Aki that, if he remains, he would be required to form contracts with even more powerful devils in order to contribute. Given that the Gun Devil is still at large, Aki has no intention of quitting, therefore Yutaro and Michiko will deliver his paperwork to him by tomorrow.
You Can Also Read: Chainsaw Man Episode 9 Review and Insights
Ending Explained
Yutaro and Michiko explain that making a deal with a more powerful devil entails a more stringent contract as they enter the basement lock-up where Public Safety keeps the devils they have captured. Yutaro wonders as they stroll through the corridors if the woman who visited Aki in the hospital was his girlfriend. He discloses that it was Himeno’s younger sister. Instead of arriving to reprimand him as anticipated, he brought him letters from Himeno. Himeno frequently discussed Aki in her letters to her sister, notably her efforts to convince him to break up with her.
Yutaro pauses in front of a door in the basement and informs Aki that he is about to enter into a deal with the Future Devil, who resides within that room. Two other devil hunters have already signed contracts with it, at the expense of half their lives or the majority of their senses. The episode concludes with Aki entering the cell and confronting the Future Devil.
This episode contained a healthy mix of emotional and action-packed moments. It was also one of the season’s lighter episodes, with Power and Denji’s relationship dominating the majority of their scenes. It’s lovely to watch Denji creating these intimate bonds, but as viewers, we know better than to become too connected to any of the people because they could disappear at any time. However, episode 10 provided a welcome respite from the violence and tragedy by showcasing how various demon hunters cope with loss. With only two episodes remaining, it will be intriguing to watch if Katana Man makes another appearance before the end of the season.
