Summary
Any shōnen anime is incomplete without its own group of elite warriors, and in theDemon Slayerworld, this role is played by the nine Hashira. As expected, these fighters stand as the pinnacle ofstrength and skill within the Demon Slayer Corps, revered for their unparalleled abilities and dedication to eradicating demons. At the beginning of the series, their presence was almost mythical, with few characters even able to catch a glimpse of them. However, as the anime has progressed (particularly withthe conclusion of the Hashira Training arc), the Hashira have become increasingly central to the unfolding narrative.
The recent arc saw the surviving Hashira coming together to rigorously train the young demon slayers, preparing them for the final confrontation with Muzan. The stakes have never been higher, but hope was kindled when Muichiro Tokito and Mitsuri Kanroji manifested their Demon Slayer Marks during their intense battles against the Upper Moons. This rare phenomenon has given the Corps a glimmer of hope, asthese marks may be the key to finally overpowering the Upper Moons.As fans eagerly anticipatethe upcoming Infinity Castle arcinDemon Slayer, which is set to be adapted into a movie trilogy, the spotlight is firmly on the Hashira. Each of these warriors will be forced to face their own harrowing battle against one of the Twelve Kizuki. Whether they survive or fall, their role in the final showdown against the forces of darkness is undeniable and crucial to the fate of humanity.
Spoiler Warning: This section contains major spoilers for the final battle of Demon Slayer.
The Hashira’s Final Stand in the Infinity Castle Arc
In the Infinity Castle arc, the Hashira step into their most critical and dangerous roles yet. As the final battle againstMuzan and the remaining Upper Moons unfolds, the Hashira find themselves pitted against the Upper Moons and Muzan himself.
Despite their extraordinary skills and unyielding determination, the battle proves to be devastating. The toll on the Hashira is immense, with barely any of them surviving the grueling encounters. Yet, their sacrifices are not in vain. The Hashira’s relentless efforts and teamwork create the necessary openings and distractions, allowing the Kamado siblings to focus their energy on taking down Muzan.
The Insect Hashira Shinobu Kocho’s Sacrifice Against Upper Rank Two Doma
In the Infinity Castle arc, the Insect Hashira, Shinobu Kocho, faces off againstthe ruthless Upper Rank Two demon, Doma. The battle begins as Doma, already in the midst of consuming a group of his female disciples, notices Shinobu standing at the entrance to his room. He reacts with twisted delight, viewing her as a new meal delivered right to his door. Shinobu asks him about the haori with a butterfly wing design, which once belonged to her elder sister, Kanae. After thinking for a bit, Doma recalls Kanae and playfully expresses his regret at not being able to consume her due to the rising sun, further enraging Shinobu.
The battle that ensues is brutal. Doma proves to be an overwhelming opponent, and he eventually breaks Shinobu’s back before absorbing her. However, it turns out thatShinobu’s defeat was part of her calculated plan. Before the battle, she had infused her body with wisteria poison. This poison weakened Doma significantly, allowing Kanao and Inosuke to ultimately defeat him. Shinobu’s sacrifice was crucial; without it, Doma would have not only killed Kanao and Inosuke but also posed a significant threat in the final battle against Muzan.
Giyuu Tomioka Joins Tanjiro to Battle Upper Rank Three, Akaza
As Giyuu and Tanjiro navigate the halls of Nakime’s Infinity Castle, they are suddenly confronted by Upper Rank Three, Akaza—the very demon responsible for the death of the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku. Tanjiro, still deeply affected by Rengoku’s sacrifice, seizes the opportunity to avenge his fallen mentor.Giyuu, ever calm and composed, joins forces with Tanjiro, and the two engage in a fierce battle against the demon.
However, in the midst of this brutal confrontation, Giyuu experiences a breakthrough. As the battle rages on, he manages to awaken his Demon Slayer Mark, making himone of the very few slayers to do so. While Giyuu doesn’t have the chance to use his mark against Akaza (since the demon chooses to end his own life), this mark comes handy with he later joins Tanjiro against Muzan.
Mitsuri Kanroji and Obanai Iguro’s Against Upper Moon Four, Nakime
In one of the most pivotal battles of the Infinity Castle arc, the Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji, andthe Serpent Hashira, Obanai Iguro, face off against Upper Rank Four, Nakime. As the demon responsible for manipulating the labyrinthine structure of the Infinity Castle, Nakime proves to be a formidable opponent. Her ability to shift and control the rooms within the castle creates a disorienting and dangerous environment for the two Hashira, forcing them to fight not only against her but also against the constantly changing terrain.
However, the tide of the battle changes when Yushiro arrives to assist them. In a desperate move to gain control over Nakime’s vision, Yushiro places a paper talisman over one of her eyes and drills his fingers into her skull, taking command of her ability to manipulate the castle. With this,Yushiro begins to alter the structure of the Infinity Castle, shifting its rooms and eventually forcing the remaining Demon Slayers and Muzan Kibutsuji out into the open.
Thanks to the combined efforts of Mitsuri, Obanai, and Yushiro, the Demon Slayer Corps is able to bring the final battle out of the Infinity Castle, setting the stage for the ultimate confrontation with Muzan, the Sunrise Countdown Arc.
Muichiro Tokito, Genya and Sanemi Shinazugawa, and Gyomei Himejima vs. Upper Rank One, Kokushibo
In one of the most intense and decisive battles of the series, three Hashira—Muichiro Tokito, Sanemi Shinazugawa, and Gyomei Himejima—team up with Genya Shinazugawa to take on Kokushibo, the Upper Rank One demon and Muzan’s strongest ally.
The battle is a brutal and grueling affair, andwe loose a lot of the characters in the process. However, their combined efforts, teamwork, and unwavering resolve finally pay off. They manage to land a series of decisive blows that weaken Kokushibo, ultimately leading to his defeat. This victory comes at a great cost, but it is a critical turning point in the war against Muzan and his forces.
If Kokushibo had remained a threat, it would have been nearly impossible to take down Muzan. The combined might ofboth Muzan and Kokushibo would have been too overwhelming for any groupof demon slayers to handle. By eliminating Muzan’s strongest ally, the Hashira and Genya significantly increase their chances of success in the final battle, making it possible to focus all their efforts on bringing down Muzan and ending the demonic threat once and for all.
Demon Slayer
Based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s shonen manga, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is an action anime set in Japan during the early 20th century. Seeking revenge for the murder of his family while also looking to save his sister, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps as they try to eradicate Demons led by Muzan.
