Chapter 53

Fuse (口火, Kuchibi) is the 53rd chapter of the Parasyte manga series, written and illustrated by Hitoshi Iwaaki.

Overview
''As Yamagishi's plan begins, they are able to kill the first parasite. A few days back Shinichi has a conference with Yamagishi, where he tells him flamethrowers would be an effective weapon, though Yamagishi prefers shotguns. Inside the City Hall, people become restless as they hear the gun fire, something Mayor Hirokawa takes notice too.''

Summary
The chapter begins with a flashback from a few days ago, wherein Hirama introduced Shinichi to Yamagishi. They discuss the existence of Gotou and what might be effective weaponry. Shinichi suggests flamethrowers due to a past discussion with Migi about how parasite cells instinctively shy away from fire. However, although Yamagishi acknowledges the possible usefulness of them, he states that they might be more harm than good due to the surrounding buildings.

The detected parasite from last chapter is separated from the rest of the crew, with Yamagishi musing the difficulties in killing something that won't go down until its heart is destroyed and the specialized equipment the soldiers are wielding. A soldier then shoots the parasite with a shotgun, punching a hole in her chest. She morphs her head into a blade and attempts to attack, but only manages to harmlessly knock the gun out of the soldier's hands before collapsing and shriveling away from the blood loss. Everyone around celebrates the quick kill before moving the buses to hide the body.

Inside, the civilians begin to become restless after hearing the blast. The soldier managing them attempts to calm them down, claiming that the supposed gunman on the roof had fired a warning shot and that the evacuation will continue in a few minutes. Several parasites in the crowd begin to question what to do.

The evacuation resumes, but no more parasites are to be found. Hirama calls Yamagishi, warning him about the possibility of parasite telepathy. Yamagishi decides to change his plans, and Hirama prepares to send Uragami to him. Their call is interrupted by news of Hirokawa making waves.

Despite the wall of soldiers inside, Hirokawa attempts to convince them to let his staff members back into the building for a staff meeting. Bewildered, the soldiers attempt to rebut the group's arguments. Upon hearing about the size of the group, Yamagishi tells them to stall and accepts the aid of Uragami. Witnessing this, Shinichi tries to get Migi to help the military too.

Unable to get past the blockade with words, Hirokawa then shouts at the soldiers for pointing guns at civilians. In the confusion, the evacuation continues.