Chapter 74

What the Waves Say (のう) is the 74th chapter of the Chainsaw Man manga series.

Summary
Aki visits Angel Devil's hospital bed, having explained his future vision to him. Angel Devil asks why he is being informed, given that the vision is supposedly 'unavoidable'. Aki explains that with the loss of both of his arms, there is a possibility the bureau will put Angel Devil down. As such, he and Kishibe wrote a letter of recommendation, with which he could transfer to Public Safety and be put to work there. As Angel Devil questions Aki's devil-hating reputation, Aki suddenly informs him of the plan to hunt the Gun Devil beginning on the next day, and that they may never see one another again. Angel Devil stops him, explaining that the humans who's lifespan he's absorbed often haunt his nightmares, and offers to do whatever he can to prevent Aki's death so the same doesn't happen with him. He then suggests asking Makima for advice, as the two leave to find her.

As they walk, Angel Devil suggests Aki run away and leave his life behind in order to prevent his own death. Aki refuses however, citing Denji, Power and Makima as reasons to stay. Surprised by his mentioning of Makima, Angel Devil comments on Aki's feelings for her, asking why he likes her. As the pair spot Makima standing on a beach and wave at her, Aki also quietly begins to wonder why he liked her.

Aki asks why she is stood on the beach, to which she responds she is 'waiting'. She asks why they are there, as Aki explains his vision and desire to keep Denji and Power safe. Blaming himself for his brother's death, he asks the same be prevented with them, and promises to make any contract with any devil to do so. Makima looks him in the eye, before asking him to make a contract with her, in order to give him strength in return for all of himself. Aki reacts with shock, as Makima repeats herself, now commanding him to accept the contract.

As Angel Devil looks on, he slowly begins to remember the beach as the location he was first found. He gradually remembers a community of people who took him in and looked after him, before focusing on the young woman from his previous memory, remembering her as "The one I loved, and the one who loved me". He then remembers Makima arriving on the beach, and asking to see his powers. Though he refused, she insisted, ordering him to use them. He then re-awoke hours later, having absorbed the lives of everyone in the village. Snapping back to the present, Angel Devil reacts with horror as he sees Aki accept Makima's contract.

Characters

 * Aki Hayakawa
 * Angel Devil
 * Makima