Chapter 41

Before the Storm (嵐の前, Arashi no mae) is the 41st chapter of the Chainsaw Man manga series.

Summary
Aki is on duty with the Angel Devil, hoping to kill more Devils and earn respect within the bureau so as to be put on the Gun Devil taskforce. Angel Devil complains of the effort involved, instead wanting to sit and eat ice cream, however Aki warns him that a lack of co-operation will lead to his extermination. Considering this, Angel Devil concludes that dying is slightly more effort than work, and agrees to move.

A flashback shows Makima introducing the Angel Devil to Aki. Aki still shows reluctance about working with Devils, as Makima explains the Angel Devil is the most powerful Hunter besides Kishibe. She elaborates he has the ability to absorbs the life-force of anyone he touches, transforming it into weapons with powerful properties. She explains when he was discovered, he'd absorbed an entire village.

Later, the pair stand over the corpse of a Devil they've killed. Angel Devil discovers the dying body of a freelance Devil Hunter. Aki requests Angel Devil kill the main painlessly, but Angel Devil refuses, stating that as a Devil, he believes humans should suffer as they die. Aki kills the man, as the pair calmly conclude that neither can get along with the other on a personal level.

Meanwhile, Denji returns to the cafe, unsure of whether his heart lies with Makima or not. As he enters, Reze comments he's eaten there everyday that week. She invites him to sit at her table, as he mentions he is unable to read. He reveals the only kanji he can write is 'Balls', causing her to laugh. He states his desire to learn how to read, with Reze moving closer and inviting him to attend night-school with her. A flustered and blushing Denji accepts.

Elsewhere, a scarred, half-naked man looks down into a water-filled sink. He speaks to the Typhoon Devil, asking why the devils desire the Chainsaw Devil's heart. From the sink, the Typhoon Devil's voice emerges, responding that he doesn't need to know and reminding him of the terms of their contract: Use of its powers forever in return for Denji's heart. The man then tells a story of how he killed a highly-feared Chinese Devil Hunter by kidnapping, murdering and skinning his family.

Characters

 * Aki Hayakawa
 * Angel Devil
 * Makima (Flashback)
 * Power (Flashback)
 * Pig Devil (First Appearance) (Death)
 * Denji
 * Reze
 * Typhoon Devil (Voice)