A Chair's Feelings

Replying to Denji's dismissive question, Sword Man clarifies that he is the sword hybrid Makima once kept on a leash. Still fuzzy on the details, Denji notes that he was not the Chainsaw Man fighting in that conflict, then heads off to class. There the hybrid surfaces as Miri Sugo, a newcomer from Kanagawa described as athletic, skilled at piano, and uninterested in friendship. Swarmed by curious girls at his desk, he quietly asks Denji to help drive them off, which only puzzles his classmate further.

Outside, Denji's attempt to grill Miri is complicated by Fumiko perched on the transfer student's back. Miri lays out the offer: the weapon hybrids stand with the Church, which is dangling a senior post for Denji, complete with near-total freedom over assignments, rewards, and steak at every sitting. The pitch derails into a debate over ideal meals, Fumiko favoring sushi and parfaits, Denji wanting Chinese food, before Miri steers it back. He recalls being trapped like Denji until Denji freed him, which is why he gladly devotes himself to the Church and urges Denji to follow. Fumiko warns the group may be using him, and Miri counters that watching Chainsaw Man reduced to a chair feels wrong. Denji answers that his current life, flawed as it is, still lets him enjoy himself and live his dream, so he turns the offer down. A frustrated Miri leaves, admitting he wanted Denji's friendship, and tosses out that membership came with countless women. Moments later Denji catches up to him and announces he has changed his mind.

Published August 16, 2023 in Volume 16, this Chainsaw Man Church arc chapter takes its title Isu no Kimochi from Miri's objection to Denji being used as furniture. The closing gag, with Denji flipping his decision over the promise of romance, drives him deeper into the Church's orbit for the chapters that follow.