Chapter 179: The "Chainsaw Man" Volume Release

Chapter 179: The "Chainsaw Man" Volume Release

Yang Shuzhun put down the magazine in his hand. "I didn't expect it... It was Himeno's death after all, huh?"

After finishing last week's issue, he thought this week might be Aki Hayakawa's death. But surprisingly, it wasn't Aki who died, but rather Himeno, who harbored feelings for him.

The most critical part was...

He furrowed his brows. "Himeno's character arc isn't even fully developed yet, and they've already decided to kill her off..."

It seemed like an unwise choice.

Even if it was something like Maine's death in *Cyberpunk: Edgerunners*, which was decently built up before their death.

Although Himeno's words to Aki before her death were quite touching to Yang Shuzhun, he still felt that her character development was incomplete.

At least it wouldn't be enough to bring the audience to tears, right?

However, after reading *Fire Punch*, Yang Shuzhun couldn't be too sure.

"Lin Qingshan is such a genius... What if there's a twist in the upcoming plot?"

In conclusion, Yang Shuzhun felt that Lin Qingshan's storytelling was unpredictable.

"But that's what makes it interesting."

He smiled. "The popularity of my *Gods* is getting closer to yours."

"If it stays like this, surpassing you won't be fun at all..."

...

The latest developments in *Chainsaw Man* sparked a small debate among fans.

"I didn't expect... Himeno-senpai to be the one who gets 'axed' this time."

"Himeno-senpai was so great... She sacrificed everything for Aki Hayakawa."

"I'm crying... I didn't think Himeno-senpai would be the one to die."

"The flower Himeno-senpai was holding in the panel was a daisy... The daisy's meaning is hidden love, unrequited love..."

"And Himeno said she hoped Aki would cry for her, but she never said that she hoped Aki would love her..."

"No, Himeno didn't even voice that hope aloud... That was her inner voice!"

"I really... want to cry... Himeno liked Aki so much, but Aki liked Makima instead."

"Don't cry, the female lead, Makima, is dead too..."

"Sigh, Himeno realized she didn't have much time left after being shot, so she chose to sacrifice everything to save Aki."

"Regardless, if Aki had died, with Power running away and Denji down, Himeno wouldn't have survived either."

"She should have just pulled Denji's chainsaw cord earlier... No need to risk Aki and Himeno."

"Right, Power should have pulled the cord right away."

"I can't stand Power anymore, how could she just run away like that!"

...

Some fans were grieving over Himeno's death, but Fan Siwei was feeling a bit numb. He actually liked Himeno's character a lot.

After all, who wouldn't like a cheerful, beautiful, and well-proportioned older sister?

"Sigh... Himeno-senpai..."

Despite his sadness, Fan Siwei wasn't as devastated as before.

[Translator: sauron]

Comparing *Chainsaw Man* to *Cyberpunk: Edgerunners* and *Fire Punch*, the pain from *Chainsaw Man* felt relatively bearable.

"Denji... make sure to avenge Himeno-senpai."

In the end, Fan Siwei could only hope that Denji would take brutal revenge on Himeno's behalf.

When dealing with villains, you must punish them harshly!

Only by making them pay with their lives can one be truly satisfied!

Not only Fan Siwei, but most *Chainsaw Man* fans shared the same sentiment regarding Himeno's death.

However, Yang Shuzhun's observation was correct.

At this point, Himeno's character wasn't fully developed, so her death was just somewhat touching.

After all, she sacrificed everything for her unrequited love for Aki.

More fans, though, were making light of the situation and poking fun at Lin Qingshan.

"This knife strike! I know it well! Isn't it the same way Pilar and Gloria died?"

"Have you seen a knife strike that falls from the sky?"

"He really is unpredictable... You can never tell who's going to get axed next..."

"Just a moment ago, she made a pact with Denji as fellow jilted lovers, and two chapters later, she's dead..."

"I'm crying! My poor Himeno-senpai!"

"Don't forget about Makima too... That was even more shocking, left me speechless."

The forums were buzzing with fan discussions, but it seemed that, at the moment, Himeno's death hadn't left a deep emotional impact.

Only a few fans were truly sad, or perhaps...

Most of Lin Qingshan's fans had developed some resilience; this level of sadness wasn't too much for them to handle...

But... will it really stay that way?

...

"Sensei..."

Wu Shiqing sniffled as she worked on her tasks. "You're so heartless..."

They were currently completing the art for the latest chapter.

Wu Shiqing had just finished drawing that special "cigarette," leaving the rest for Lin Qingshan to draw the characters.

Chen Chunqiang and Jie Jianyu's eyes were a bit red, clearly not unscathed by the emotional blow.

"Not too bad."

Lin Qingshan sighed. "This is the final development for Himeno's character. I hope... people will cry for her."

"This is what you meant by completing a character's arc through death, isn't it, sensei?"

Jie Jianyu asked with teary eyes.

"Yes..."

Lin Qingshan smiled. "This is how you make a character truly unforgettable. After all, often, it's only after death that a person's full story is revealed."

"A person's past, their true personality, their obsessions, their dreams, and their emotions..."

"All of these are fully unveiled after their death, and finally... they achieve a kind of transcendence!"

Wu Shiqing, now fully understanding, nodded while wiping away tears.

Lin Qingshan had been right. Only in death could a character's true essence be fully revealed.

Afterward, their character arc could reach a perfect culmination.

Chen Chunqiang and Jie Jianyu, having been involved in the final development of Himeno's character, also gained a deeper understanding.

"I couldn't wait for you to come clear the cupboards~"

Suddenly, Lin Qingshan's phone rang.

Seeing the caller ID, he answered, "Ayumi? Moshi moshi?"

"It's me, Sensei."

Ito Ayumi responded. "I'm calling to tell you something."

"What's that?"

Lin Qingshan asked directly.

"It's like this, *Chainsaw Man* is ready for its first volume release. You don't have any objections, right?"

Ito Ayumi asked.

"Huh? Already releasing a volume?"

Lin Qingshan exclaimed in surprise.

(End of Chapter)