Katana Man Arc
Chapters 23-39 / Himeno's Sacrifice
| Arc Overview | |
|---|---|
| Chapters | 23 - 39 |
| New Characters | Katana Man, Akane Sawatari |
| Antagonist | Katana Man / Akane / Snake Devil |
| Key Event | Himeno sacrifices herself to save Aki |
| Tone | Tragedy, revenge, conspiracy |
| Part | Part 1: Public Safety Saga |
Last updated: 2026-06-03
Arc Summary
The Katana Man Arc is a turning point in Chainsaw Man. The yakuza, funded by Gun Devil flesh, deploy Katana Man (a sword hybrid) and a private army led by Akane Sawatari to eliminate Division 4. The ambush comes during a routine mission, and the team is overwhelmed. Katana Man, whose grandfather was the yakuza boss killed by Denji, seeks personal revenge. The arc delivers the series' first major character death and reveals the full scope of the Gun Devil conspiracy.
Himeno, seeing Aki about to be killed by the Snake Devil, offers her entire body to the Ghost Devil. The Ghost Devil manifests in its full, terrifying form but is immediately consumed by the Snake Devil. Himeno dies in Aki's arms, passing him her cigarette in one of manga's most iconic farewell panels. This death establishes Chainsaw Man's core rule: no character is safe, and heroism guarantees nothing.
Aki's Revenge and the Curse Devil
Devastated by Himeno's death, Aki confronts Katana Man alone, activating his Curse Devil contract. The Nail Sword ritual requires striking the target three times from behind, and Aki lands all three strikes despite taking severe wounds from Katana Man. The Curse Devil materializes and crushes Katana Man, but Aki pays a heavy price in lifespan. Denji and Power arrive for the final confrontation, with Denji's creative brutality eventually defeating Katana Man. Akane is killed by the Ghost Devil's lingering connection to Himeno, a final act of vengeance from beyond the grave.
Conspiracy and Aftermath
The arc concludes with Katana Man captured and the revelation that Gun Devil fragments have been traded internationally, arming criminal organizations worldwide. The conspiracy reaches the highest levels of government. For Denji, Power, and the surviving Division 4 members, the loss of Himeno becomes a scar that never fully heals. The arc's themes of cyclical revenge, the cost of violence, and the fragility of found family resonate throughout the rest of the series.
