Warning: SPOILERS for chapter #113 of Chainsaw Man
Denji proves that he has really evolved as a character in Chainsaw Man Part 2. While in Part 1 Denji was almost a slave to his desire to live a good life, which led to him becoming for a time Makima's lapdog, in Part 2 Denji shows that he is now thinking with his own head, and not even a beautiful woman can manipulate him anymore.
In Chainsaw Man, Denji grew up living a miserable life, after inheriting his father's debts with the Yakuza. When Makima found him, Denji has just made a contract with his only friend, the Chainsaw Devil Pochita, who restored the boy to life in exchange for the promise of living a 'normal life' filled with pleasant things like good food and women. However, this also left Denji vulnerable to the manipulations of Makima, who used the boy's simple desires to turn him into an obedient slave, until she revealed that she was only interested in Chainsaw Man. In part 2 of the manga, however, Denji has evolved and grown past his over-reliance on others, especially women.
In chapter #113 of Chainsaw Man, Denji has gone out on a date with Asa Mitaka, a girl from his school. Unknown to Denji, however, Asa is the host of the War Devil, who wants to get rid of Chainsaw Man. Unaware of Denji's true identity, Asa plans of befriending him and make him fall for her before using the War Devil's powers to turn him into a mighty weapon to use against Chainsaw Man. Their date at the aquarium, however, does not go as planned. Asa is really boring and bossy and wants to force Denji to listen to endless lectures about sea anemones and starfish. When she refuses to go see penguins, Denji bails on her and leaves, saying that he has decided 'to think about stuff in my own way'.
Denji's Reaction To Asa's Behavior Proves He Has Evolved As A Character Since Makima
This small exchange is actually very meaningful and confirms the evolution of Denji between Part 1 and 2 of the manga. Women are still a big weak spot for Denji, as proved by the fact that his main goal at the moment seems to be revealing his secret identity as Chainsaw Man in the flashiest way possible. Getting a date with a beautiful girl like Asa has always been one of his dreams, but his experience with Makima taught him a lot. Now, Denji will prioritize his own desires and independence, and he will not let himself be easily manipulated anymore. This is why Asa's plan to make Denji fall for her fails: she thought she could dismiss the boy's feelings and desires, but she was wrong.
Denji's dreams are what sets him apart from other shonen heroes, and they remain the same. He does not want to save the world, he just wants to live a good life. However, this is no longer a weakness that makes Denji gullible and easily manipulated, which proves that Chainsaw Man's main character has really evolved over the course of the series.
The latest chapter of Chainsaw Man is available from Viz Media.