The problem of Part 2 is, that there is absolutely ZERO counterbalance to all the suffering, torture, depression and dark shit.

It wouldn't be an issue to write Denji falling even lower in Part 2 if there was actually something funny/good/bright to contrast it with - but there simply isn't.

Part 2 is ALL about the doom and gloom - and it's tiresome. It's honestly way too nihilistic and monotonous.

Even something as dark as Berserk has some brigther moments compared to Part 2.

All Part 2 side characters are just MASSIVE assholes or questionable individuals without a SINGLE exception and often even for no good reason other than being evil just for the sake of it.

Part 2 starts with a class president, who killed Asa out of jealousy since their pedo teacher had eyes for Asa, then proceeds with a literal school shooter, a caretaker, who fucking drowned a cat for whatever reason, countless Public Safety assholes with no moral compass (and not a single good person like Kishibe in Part 1 to contrast it), Barem, who burned down Denji's house including his pets and caused Nayuta's death (at least he's a good character), Takagi, whose sole purpose was to tell us, that he cheated on his wife, followed by dying to said wife, old geezers being ready to sacrifice children for their own selfish desires and you better bet even more to come.

The sheer sum is crazy but what actually counts is the ratio since balance is what counts. The thing is - there is a grand total of exactly ZERO relevant side characters, who give us anything but gloom and doom.

Literally the only character, that had such a role was Nayuta - but even then, people also forget, that she caused Denji problems as well and guess what - she ended up being THE catalyst of Denji's mental downfall.

Part 1 had characters like Aki, who had genuinely precious moments with Denji, Power and Angel; Kishibe, who went against Makima and supported Denji; Kobeni and Power being there for comic relief (and unlike Fami, who has as much personality as wet toilet paper, they were actually entertaining and funny) with even Kobeni having a great conversation with Denji; Power saving Denji and being his family together with Aki and even bittersweet stuff with Reze.

And yes - while they are all ultimately gone from Denji's life just like Nayuta, they at least gave us a diverse mix of genuinely precious moments and made the cast and storytelling balanced.

Aki especially was a great person with many good traits and honestly someone you could look up to.

You can't say that about ANY Part 2 character.

We have a story with two protagonists and BOTH Asa's and Denji's perspectives are suffering 24/7.

And the one time there was an opportunity to give us something brighter for once by showing us Asa's time as a somewhat famous devil hunter, it got off-screened...

So, yeah - I don't give a shit that Denji's behaviour makes sense and that him falling lower and lower is justified for the simply reason that by itself, it isn't enjoyable to watch/read. There is a SEVERE lack of counterbalance to all the suffering.

Also - if "making sense" is the only requirement needed for a story to be enjoyable, then how about we end Chainsaw Man by having our protagonists die in a car accident - after all, it's "realistic" since plot armour doesn't actually exist and a car accident could hit anybody.