Dandadan, a supernatural battle-action series, follows a high school girl who believes in ghosts and an otaku boy who believes in UFOs as they fight against various paranormal threats. In this review, we dive into Chapter 181, where an unexpected truth about the so-called “old man” from the cursed trunk (Danmanra) is revealed!
Recap of Previous Chapters
Before jumping into the latest developments, let’s quickly recap what happened in Chapter 180.
After setting up surveillance cameras, three teachers approached Yukishiro to speak with him:
• Queen-sensei: Expressed concern about Yukishiro’s health.
• Adachi-sensei: Asked about the class situation.
• Sanjoume-sensei: Brought up the mysterious “Himitsu Mitsuke” (Found a Secret).
While Momo suspected Sanjoume, something even stranger was happening. Behind Adachi, who had left school claiming his mother was sick, an army of jiangshi (hopping vampires) appeared!
Dandadan Chapter 181: The Schoolyard Showdown
As school ends for the day, a group of delinquents gathers at the school gates, making it difficult for students to leave. Among the crowd, Okarun and Bamora (carrying Momo on her shoulder) arrive and quickly realize that the delinquents are part of Zuma’s gang.
When Okarun steps forward to ask them to move aside, his bravery catches the attention of the students watching. However, the delinquents fail to recognize him at first—until one of them suddenly realizes who he really is.
As they begin whispering among themselves, Zuma finally arrives.
Zuma’s Return – But Something’s Different
Zuma looks completely different from before—his hair is longer, and he’s wearing glasses. This change is so drastic that even Okarun and Momo don’t recognize him at first!
Once they confirm it’s actually Zuma, Momo calls out to him. However, Zuma can hear Momo’s voice but cannot see her! It turns out that Momo shrank in size after eating the cursed sweets from the Danmanra.
Zuma also reveals that his eyesight has rapidly deteriorated since escaping from the Danmanra, but more importantly, the so-called “old man” who emerged from the Danmanra is in serious trouble.
The Truth About the “Old Man” from the Danmanra
The mysterious “old man” who came out of the Danmanra is actually Daiki Hakono, a teenager who has aged decades due to the time-distorting effects of the trunk.
Daiki received the Danmanra as a birthday gift and unknowingly got trapped inside while playing with it. Within the Danmanra’s supernatural space, time flows much faster, causing him to age rapidly while only four years passed in the real world!
This shocking revelation explains why Daiki’s clothes seemed out of place and why his behavior was so unusual—he was mentally still a teenager, but physically an old man.
A Heartbreaking Homecoming
Thanks to Detective Bega, Zuma managed to track down Daiki’s family home and took him there. However, when Daiki finally saw his parents after all these years, they failed to recognize him as their son.
Feeling helpless, Zuma turned to Momo, desperate to find a way to return Daiki to his original age.
Meanwhile, Jiji and Aira arrive near the school gates and notice a strange boy (Zuma) holding Momo in his arms. Misunderstanding the situation, they immediately assume that Momo is being kidnapped and rush in to “rescue” her!
Analysis & Theories: What Happens Next?
1. Zuma’s New Look & Character Growth
Zuma’s new glasses, longer hair, and softer gaze make him feel like a completely different person. His bond with Detective Bega, whom he now calls “Oyaji” (old man/father figure), also adds a touching dynamic to his character development.
2. The Growing Reputation of Okarun
Okarun’s courage in confronting the delinquents has made him more respected among his classmates. However, this might not sit well with Hase, who already feels overshadowed by Okarun. Will this create more tension between them?
3. Daiki’s Dilemma: Can He Be Reversed to His True Age?
Now that we know Daiki was originally a teenager, the biggest question is: can they restore him to his true age?
• Possible Solutions:
• Could they use the Uchide no Kozuchi (Magic Mallet) to reverse the aging?
• Does the Danmanra have another ability that could undo its effects?
• Are there any other supernatural artifacts that could help?
4. A Growing Mystery: Who Gave Yukishiro’s Classmates Their Abilities?
The person responsible for giving Yukishiro and others supernatural powers is still unknown. Now, with Daiki’s situation added to the mix, it seems like this arc will continue to expand!
Final Thoughts
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