Why Chainsaw Man’s Denji Is The Anti-Naruto - And Why That’s A Good Thing

Daksh Chaudhary
Mar 17
3 min read

Let’s get one thing straight: Chainsaw Man’s Denji isn’t your typical anime hero. He’s not here to save the world, become the strongest, or inspire anyone. In fact, Denji is the perfect anti-Naruto - a messy, selfish, and brutally honest protagonist who’d rather eat a sandwich than give a motivational speech. And that’s exactly why we love him.

If you grew up watching Naruto, you know the drill. Heroes are supposed to be selfless, driven, and obsessed with their dreams. Naruto Uzumaki wanted to be Hokage. Denji? He just wants to touch a boob. But here’s the twist: Denji’s raw, flawed humanity, and anti-Naruto traits make him one of the most refreshing protagonists in anime. Let’s break down why Denji flips the script on classic shonen heroes, and why that’s a good thing.

ALSO READ: Madara Vs Pain: Who Was The Better Villain In Naruto?

Denji Doesn’t Care About Dreams: He Just Wants To Live

Naruto’s entire character revolves around his dream of becoming Hokage. It’s his driving force, his reason to fight, and the core of his identity. Denji, on the other hand, has no grand ambitions. After years of poverty, debt, and selling his organs to survive, his goals are painfully simple: eat good food, sleep in a warm bed, and feel loved.

This isn’t laziness - it’s realism. Denji’s priorities reflect what many people actually want: basic comfort and human connection. He’s not chasing a title or destiny, he’s just trying to live a life that doesn’t suck. And when he does fight, it’s not for glory or ideals. It’s because he’s backed into a corner. That makes him relatable in a way Naruto never could be.

Trauma Doesn’t Make Denji Stronger - It Messes Him Up

Naruto’s tragic backstory orphaned, and hated by his village, fuels his determination to prove himself. His pain makes him stronger. Denji? Trauma just traumatizes him. He’s emotionally stunted, makes terrible decisions, and struggles to trust anyone. When he loses someone he cares about, he doesn’t give a speech about never giving up; he cries, rages, or shuts down.

This is where Chainsaw Man shines. It doesn’t romanticize suffering. Denji’s scars aren’t badges of honor; they’re reminders that life can break you. Unlike Naruto, who uses his pain as motivation, Denji wears his damage on his sleeve. He’s a mess, and that’s okay.

Denji’s Relationships Are Messy (And That’s The Point)

Naruto’s relationships are built on loyalty and mutual respect. His bonds with Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi are the heart of the story. Denji’s relationships? They’re complicated, toxic, and sometimes downright horrifying.

ALSO READ: What Happens When Devils Die in Chainsaw Man?

Take Makima, the manipulative Devil Hunter who uses Denji like a tool. Or Power, the chaotic Fiend who only cares about herself. Denji clings to these people because he’s desperate for connection, even if it’s unhealthy. This isn’t a flaw in the writing, it’s a deliberate choice. Chainsaw Man shows that not all relationships are wholesome, and that’s real.

Denji’s Power Is A Curse More Than A Gift

Naruto’s Nine-Tails power is treated as a burden at first, but it becomes a symbol of his strength and legacy. Denji’s Chainsaw Devil powers? They’re a curse. Transforming into a chainsaw monster is painful, grotesque, and alienates him from everyone around him. Even his allies see him as a weapon, not a person.

This ties back to Denji’s role as the anti-Naruto. His power doesn’t make him special, it makes him lonely. While Naruto learns to control his power and inspire others, Denji’s power traps him in a cycle of violence and exploitation.

Final Verdict: Denji’s Anti-Naruto Traits Make Him A Perfect Hero

Let’s be real: Denji would be a terrible Hokage. He’s selfish, impulsive, and has the emotional depth of a teaspoon. But that’s exactly why he matters. In a world full of polished, idealized heroes, Denji feels human. He’s not here to teach us about hard work or friendship. He’s here to show us that it’s okay to be a mess.

Chainsaw Man isn’t trying to be Naruto, and that’s its greatest strength. By rejecting shonen tropes, it gives us a protagonist who reflects the chaos, absurdity, and dark humor of real life. He’s just built differently, and that’s why we need him.