Chapter 16

First Taste (はじめての味, Hajimete no Aji) is the 16th chapter of the Chainsaw Man manga series.

Summary
Himeno reawakens Denji and informs him that they're still stuck. Whilst Aki has continued to hunt for the demon, Arai has grown restless and locked himself away whilst Kobeni was forcibly knocked out after attempting to drink from a toilet. Himeno presumes Power is equally unhinged, however Denji reveals she always acts bizzarely.

Whilst the trio wait for Aki to return, Himeno explains that she gave Aki an appreciation for cigarettes. In a flashback, a younger Aki and Himeno discuss cigarettes, and Himeno reveals that the short average life-span of devil hunters means they can afford to indulge in them.

As the pair walk outside, Himeno is approached by a woman who suddenly slaps her. After the woman has left, Himeno explains she was her ex-partner's girlfriend. Himeno reveals she has come to expect such abuse, as a way for the grieving families to vent their frustration. In retaliation, Aki sticks gum in the girl's hair, causing Himeno to laugh.

At a nearby diner, Himeno asks Aki to take up smoking as a symbol of their relationship.

In the present, Aki returns, revealing he's discovered the Eternity Demon. However, rather than the small and human-esque shape it took before, it has multiplied into a large and imposing wall of flesh. The Eternity Demon mocks the group, before offering them a contract; promising to release them in return for eating Denji. Suddenly, Kobeni appears with a knife, demanding they accept the contract.

Characters

 * Denji
 * Himeno
 * Aki Hayakawa
 * Hirokazu Arai
 * Kobeni Higashiyama
 * Power
 * Eternity Devil