In the chaotic world of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Chainsaw Man, few characters command as much presence and complexity as Quanxi, the "First Devil Hunter." While her prowess as the Crossbow Hybrid is legendary, what truly humanizes this stoic assassin is her profound connection to her harem of four Fiends. Unlike typical shonen "harem" tropes that lean into fan service, Quanxi’s relationship with her girlfriends is a core narrative pillar that drives the emotional stakes of the International Assassins arc.

Quanxi is accompanied by four distinct Fiends: Pingtsi, Cosmo, Long, and Tsugihagi. These characters are not just companions; they are her romantic partners, her tactical unit, and the primary reason she remains tethered to a world of violence. To understand Quanxi is to understand the four women she would do anything to protect.

The Four Fiends of the Quanxi Harem

The composition of Quanxi's group is as diverse as it is deadly. Each girlfriend is a Fiend—a devil that has possessed a human corpse—which grants them supernatural abilities while maintaining a humanoid appearance.

Pingtsi: The Spokesperson and Tactician

Pingtsi is often the most vocal of the group, acting as a bridge between Quanxi and the outside world. Characterized by her dark blue ponytail and a cheerful, almost bubbly demeanor, she contrasts sharply with Quanxi’s silence.

In combat and reconnaissance, Pingtsi is invaluable. She possesses the ability to detect information about devils and contracts simply by looking at them. In our analysis of the International Assassins arc, Pingtsi’s role is critical during the initial skirmishes in Japan; she is the one who identifies threats and provides the necessary exposition for Quanxi to strike with surgical precision. Her personality is defined by a childlike enthusiasm—famously requesting 100 donuts as her reward for the mission—highlighting a tragic innocence within her monstrous nature.

Cosmo: The Cosmos Fiend and the "Halloween" Phenomenon

Cosmo is perhaps the most iconic member of the group due to her bizarre "Halloween" catchphrase. With short hair that exposes the right side of her brain and a heart-shaped pupil, her design is quintessential Fujimoto horror-surrealism.

While she initially appears as a mindless comic relief character who only says "Halloween!", Cosmo is actually one of the most powerful entities introduced in Chainsaw Man Part 1. As the Cosmos Fiend, she possesses total knowledge of the universe. Her ability involves dragging an opponent’s consciousness into her mental library, forcing them to understand everything in existence until they can no longer think of anything except the word "Halloween."

The "Halloween" effect is a masterful piece of cosmic horror. In the confrontation with Santa Claus, Cosmo proves that she is far more than just a follower. She represents the terrifying weight of infinite knowledge, and her loyalty to Quanxi suggests that even a being who knows everything finds value in Quanxi’s companionship.

Long: The Fierce Elemental

Long is easily recognized by her tall stature, purple hair, and the prominent horns protruding from her head, reminiscent of Power’s design but more refined. She is a powerhouse in her own right, capable of breathing fire—a trait that suggests her original devil form was likely related to dragons or intense heat.

Despite her intimidating appearance and combat capabilities, Long is relatively quiet compared to Pingtsi. Her relationship with Quanxi is shown through subtle gestures and combat synergy. She represents the raw, protective instinct of the group, often acting as a vanguard during their missions.

Tsugihagi: The Silent Sentinel

Tsugihagi is the most enigmatic of the four. Covered in stitches (her name literally means "patched" or "stitched"), she has short green hair and rarely, if ever, speaks. Her appearance is a nod to the "stitched woman" archetype often found in Japanese horror.

While her specific devil powers are less overtly displayed than Cosmo’s or Long’s, her constant presence at Quanxi’s side speaks volumes. She represents the quiet, unwavering support that defines a long-term partnership. Even without dialogue, her loyalty is palpable, especially during the group's final, tragic moments.

Beyond the Harem: The Motivation of Human Rights and Education

What sets Quanxi’s relationship apart from other manga portrayals of polygamy is the motive behind her actions. When the Chinese government approaches Quanxi to capture Denji (the Chainsaw Devil’s heart), she doesn't ask for money, power, or immortality.

Quanxi’s demands are simple but profound: human rights and a basic education for her girlfriends.

This request reframes the entire International Assassins arc. These aren't just "monsters" used for war; in Quanxi’s eyes, they are individuals deserving of dignity. In the world of Chainsaw Man, Fiends are generally treated as disposable tools by Public Safety or as pests to be exterminated. By demanding education and legal rights, Quanxi is fighting for their future. She wants them to have a life beyond the battlefield, a life where they can understand the world they inhabit—not just through Cosmo’s terrifying infinite knowledge, but through the structured learning of a human society.

This reveals Quanxi’s "Experience" as a long-lived Hybrid. She has seen empires rise and fall, and she understands that the only thing with lasting value is the well-being of those she loves. Her stoicism isn't a lack of feeling; it's a shield to protect her "family."

The Dynamics of the International Assassins Arc

The entry of Quanxi and her girlfriends into Japan shifts the tone of the series. They operate with a level of professional efficiency that the young and chaotic Division 4 (Denji, Power, Aki) simply cannot match.

The Battle at the Department Store

During the chaotic battle in the department store, we see the group’s tactical fluidity. Quanxi moves at speeds that outpace human reaction, while her girlfriends provide support. This sequence is a masterclass in visual storytelling, showing how the five of them move as a single organism.

However, this arc also introduces the vulnerability of the group. Despite their power, they are caught in the crossfire of primal fears and international conspiracies. When the group is dragged into Hell by the Darkness Devil, the power scaling shifts dramatically. The fear and trauma experienced by the girlfriends in Hell highlight that despite being devils themselves, they are susceptible to the same existential terror as humans.

The Encounter with Kishibe

The history between Quanxi and Kishibe adds another layer of depth to her character. Kishibe, the strongest human devil hunter, was once Quanxi’s partner and held unrequited feelings for her. When they meet again in the back alley, Kishibe attempts to recruit her to take down Makima.

Quanxi’s refusal—and the way her girlfriends react to Kishibe—shows where her priorities lie. She doesn't care about the politics of the Devil Hunters or the fate of the world. She only cares about her small circle. This interaction is crucial because it contrasts Kishibe’s lonely path of "becoming the strongest" with Quanxi’s path of "protecting the few."

Breaking the Shonen Trope: A Polyamorous Lesbian Relationship

Tatsuki Fujimoto is known for subverting expectations, and the portrayal of Quanxi’s harem is one of his most significant subversions. In many shonen series, a harem consists of multiple female characters vying for the attention of a male protagonist.

Quanxi’s harem is different in three key ways:

  1. Mutual Devotion: The girlfriends are not in competition. They share an established, consensual, and affectionate bond with each other and with Quanxi.
  2. Explicit Queerness: The series does not shy away from the nature of their relationship. It is presented as a matter of fact, without the "will-they-won't-they" teasing common in anime.
  3. Non-Sexual Focus: While they are her "girlfriends," the narrative focus is on their emotional bond and survival rather than fanservice.

This representation is significant within the context of mainstream manga. It provides a rare look at a stable, albeit unconventional, queer relationship in a high-octane action series. The tragedy of their eventual fate is felt more deeply because their love was presented as something genuine and grounded.

The Tragic Fate of the Fiends

The International Assassins arc ends in devastating fashion. The intervention of Makima, the Control Devil, marks the end for Quanxi’s peaceful dreams.

The scene where Makima decapitates the girlfriends in front of a surrendered Quanxi is one of the most polarizing and emotional moments in the series. It serves as a brutal reminder of Makima’s absolute power and her lack of empathy. For Quanxi, the loss of her girlfriends is the death of her motivation. When she is later revived as one of Makima’s brainwashed puppets in the Control Devil arc, the absence of her girlfriends' personalities—and her own—is a haunting visual of what happens when "human rights and education" are replaced by total control.

Even in her puppet state, the loss of the girlfriends looms over Quanxi’s character. It explains her total lack of resistance to Makima’s orders; without her "heart" (her girlfriends), there is nothing left to fight for.

The Philosophical Core: "Ignorance is Bliss"

One of the most famous quotes in Chainsaw Man comes from Quanxi: "In this world, ignorance is bliss."

This philosophy is tied directly to her relationship with the Fiends.

  • Cosmo represents the danger of knowing too much.
  • Pingtsi represents the utility of knowing just enough.
  • Quanxi herself is the protector of those who want to live simply.

By wanting her girlfriends to have "basic education," she isn't wanting them to know the secrets of the universe (like Cosmo already does); she wants them to have the human experience of learning and growing. She believes that a simple, educated life is the best defense against the horrors of the devil-hunting world. This irony—that the woman who loves a being of infinite knowledge advocates for the simplicity of ignorance—is the core of Quanxi’s tragic character arc.

How Quanxi and Her Girlfriends Impacted the Fandom

The introduction of these characters sparked a massive wave of fan art, cosplay, and discussion. Cosmo’s "Halloween" became an overnight meme, but the deeper appreciation for the group stems from their design and the maturity of their relationship.

Fans often discuss the "what ifs": What if Quanxi had succeeded? What if they had moved to a quiet village in China? These discussions testify to how well-realized these characters were, despite their relatively short time in the spotlight. They served as a bridge between the visceral action of the manga and its more philosophical undertones.

Conclusion: The Legacy of the First Devil Hunter's Heart

Quanxi’s four fiend girlfriends—Cosmo, Pingtsi, Long, and Tsugihagi—are more than just supporting characters. They are the emotional anchor for one of the most powerful beings in the Chainsaw Man universe. Their existence challenges the norms of the shonen genre and provides a poignant look at the struggle for dignity in a world that views certain beings as less than human.

While their story ends in tragedy at the hands of the Control Devil, their impact on the narrative remains. They transformed Quanxi from a cold-blooded assassin into a protective figure, showing that even in a world filled with devils and darkness, the desire for love, education, and human rights is the most powerful force of all.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happened to Quanxi's girlfriends? In the climax of the International Assassins arc, after Quanxi surrenders to Makima to protect her remaining girlfriends, Makima executes them by decapitation. Later, Quanxi is revived and controlled by Makima, but her girlfriends do not return in their original conscious state.

Why does Cosmo always say "Halloween"? As the Cosmos Fiend, Cosmo has access to all the knowledge in the universe. This "overload" of information effectively breaks her outward ability to communicate normally, leaving her with the single phrase "Halloween." However, within her mental dimension, she is highly articulate and intelligent.

Are Quanxi and her girlfriends a "harem"? While the term "harem" is often used by the fandom and the characters themselves, it is more accurately described as a polyamorous lesbian relationship. Unlike traditional harem tropes, the bond is depicted as mutually supportive and romantic among all members.

What are the powers of Quanxi’s girlfriends?

  • Pingtsi: Information detection and analysis of devils/contracts.
  • Cosmo: Inflicting infinite knowledge on targets (the "Halloween" effect).
  • Long: Fire-breathing and high-level physical combat.
  • Tsugihagi: While her specific powers are not fully detailed in the manga, she is a skilled combatant and stays by Quanxi’s side as a loyal protector.

Is Quanxi still alive in Chainsaw Man Part 2? Yes, Quanxi reappears in Part 2 of the manga. She is seen working as an agent for Public Safety’s Special Division 7. However, she remains as stoic as ever, and the loss of her original girlfriends continues to define her detached demeanor.

Why did Quanxi want human rights for them? Quanxi recognized that as Fiends, her girlfriends were treated as sub-human by governments and society. She wanted them to have legal protections and the opportunity to grow through education, showing her deep maternal and romantic care for their well-being beyond their utility in battle.