Sakonji Urokodaki

Sakonji Urokodaki is a retired member of the Demon Slayer Corps, having held the position of the previous Water Hashira. He is the main cultivator of the Water Breathing style, having trained Makomo, Sabito, Giyu Tomioka, and Tanjiro Kamado.

Appearance
Sakonji is a reasonably tall elderly man, as noted by the countless number of students he has trained, along with his silver-colored hair. His face has never once been revealed or depicted throughout the entire completed manga; he is always seen wearing a tengu mask that covers his entire face although Tanjiro states through a Taisho Secret that Sakonji's face is very gentle and calm.

He is always seen wearing a cloud-patterned jinbei kimono with navy colored pants which are fastened at his shins by white kyahan guards. He also wears traditional black tabi socks, and sandals similar to Tanjiro, except his sandals have blue straps. On the occasions when Sakonji travels, he wears a white cloth that covers his head and wraps around his neck.

When he was younger, his hair was black and fashioned into a topknot.

Personality
As a trainer and former Demon Slayer, Sakonji is pragmatic, strict, and vigilant, while simultaneously sympathetic and understanding. When first meeting Tanjiro, he was quick to criticize him for his weak resolve and innate kindness, harshly telling him the solution to when Nezuko eats someone is to kill her and then himself. He possessed a no-nonsense demeanour while training Tanjiro, repeatedly kicking, beating, and harshly instructing him to get his bearings together and get things quickly and properly; he even began to utilize traps armed with knives and spikes when Tanjiro began to improve his descent of his mountain. That said, he became incredibly proud of the Demon Slayer he would become.

As a cultivator who had lost so many student over the years, Sakonji was haunted by his association with the Hand Demon, realizing it had been the demon to kill his past 13 students. He flatly told Tanjiro that he had no intention of sending him to Final Selection and believed the giant boulder he had set on the boy was too big to cut. Taken aback by his student's accomplishment, he hugged him and told him to come home. Upon seeing that Tanjiro would indeed return from Final Selection, Sakonji embraced him and cried in relief. He also commended him for being the one to kill the Hand Demon.

He showed great dedication to Nezuko, attempting, and successfully, to implant suggestions within her to protect humans and kill demons. He wrote to Kagaya Ubuyashiki his belief that Nezuko was completely able to withstand her hunger of humans, even putting his own life on the line by promising to commit suicide should the occasion ever arise.

History
Sakonji was a capable Demon Slayer trained with the style of Water Breathing, and was solely responsible for capturing the Hand Demon and imprisoning him on Mount Fujikasane. He would then go on to become the Water Hashira for an undisclosed period of time, before retiring to become one of the cultivators of the Water Breathing style to Demon Slayers.

Final Selection Arc
Having received a letter from Giyu Tomioka requesting that he train Tanjiro Kamado, explaining the boy and his sister's circumstances, Sakonji set forth from his home to find the two. Upon finding them, he stops Tanjiro from attempting to kill a demon with his knife, stating that he will be unable to kill the creature with such a weak weapon. Admonishing the youth for his question of how to properly defeat the beast, Sakonji watches as Tanjiro struggles to come up with a way to dispatch the creature. Sniffing the youth, Sakonji deems him unworthy to be a Demon Slayer, as he still has the scent of kindness even when confronted by a vile demon.

While Tanjiro is continues struggling to kill the demon, Sakonji buries the victims of the creature, afterwards kneeling by their graves with his hands together in prayer. After Tanjiro's hesitation leaves the demon to die in the sunlight, he then introduces himself to Tanjiro, asking if he is the one Giyu spoke of in his letter. Getting an affirmation to his inquiry, Sakonji goes on to ask the boy on what he will do if his sister decides to feast on a human, slapping him when he hesitates to answer. He admonishes him on his slowness to answer, stating that he lacks determination, and stresses that he must not allow his sister to harm another human under any circumstance. Getting an answer of conviction from Tanjiro, the trainer agrees to test the boy to see if he is worthy of becoming a Demon Slayer, telling him to bring his sister and follow him.

Sakonji then swiftly makes for his home, with Tanjiro struggling to keep up with his pace. Arriving at his hut, Sakonji tells the exhausted youth that the test begins now, instructing him to hike up the mountain. He travels with Tanjiro part way up the mountain before suddenly telling him that he must make his way back to his home before dawn. He then vanishes into the heavy fog surrounding them. Later, having made his way back down the mountain, Sakonji drapes a blanket over Nezuko, before noticing a noise at his door. A heavily exhausted and injured Tanjiro opens the door, prompting Sakonji to recognize his abilities and his passing of the test.

Sakonji explains his profession as a cultivator to Tanjiro, as well as how to join the Demon Slayer Corps: surviving Final Selection. To prepare him for this trial, and to see if he is worthy of even being able to participate in it, Sakonji begins to train Tanjiro in the way of the sword. He explains and drills him in how to descend the mountain successfully and repeatedly, how to breathe properly to gain power, the intricacies of the weapon and the forces behind it, sparring with Tanjiro to improve his endurance and stance using only his bare hands, and getting him used to harsh conditions.

When Nezuko continues to fall asleep without waking up, Sakonji calls for a doctor, who cannot find anything wrong with her. Finally, after a year has passed, the elder tells Tanjiro that he has nothing more to teach him, instructing him to prove himself by improving the basics he has been taught. He then leads the boy to a huge boulder, telling him that if he can cut it in half, he will be permitted to go to Final Selection. When Tanjiro hesitates, overcome by doubt, Sakonji leaves without a word, his hand in the boy's training completed.

Six months later, after Tanjiro finally succeeds in slicing the boulder in half, Sakonji explains his reasons for not wanting Tanjiro to go to Final Selection, complimenting the boy on his accomplishment. He then wraps Tanjiro in a hug, urging him to come back alive from the Demon Slayer Corps' test. Before Tanjiro leaves, the trainer gives him a mask to ward off bad luck. Additionally, Sakonji explains that demons increase in power by consuming humans, and that Tanjiro will be able to figure out how many humans a demon has consumed if he increases the sensitivity of his nose. When Tanjiro wishes him farewell, asking that he look after Sabito and Makomo, Sakonji wonders aloud how the boy knew the names of his two dead apprentices.

After Tanjiro returns from the Final Selection, Sakonji and Nezuko embrace him, the old trainer weeping tears of joy over the long-awaited return of a student of his. Fifteen days after this, Haganezuka arrives with Tanjiro's new sword, but ignores the youth's attempts at hospitality, prompting Sakonji to note to himself that the swordsmith's behaviour had not changed. He then agrees with Haganezuka when he notes that Tanjiro's blade may turn red, watching shortly after that as it instead turns black. Noting this, the elder watches as Haganezuka throws a fit over this unexpected development.

Sakonji then watches in silence as Tanjiro buttons up his uniform, and subsequently shows him a box made out of "Mist Cloud Fir", for which he can hide Nezuko from the sun with. He speculates that Tanjiro's sister may have fallen into her coma because she was attempting to regain strength through sleep, rather than through consuming humans. He goes on to tell Tanjiro that while she was sleeping, he gave Nezuko some suggestions to her subconscious to defend humans as her family from other demons. He also informs his apprentice about Blood Demon Arts and the sole demon responsible for the creation of all other and the likely murderer of Tanjiro's family, Muzan Kibutsuji.

Rehabilitation Training Arc
After Nezuko's existence was discovered by the Demon Slayer Corps, Sakonji sends a letter to Kagaya Ubuyashiki. In it, he requested Tanjiro Kamado be forgiven for harboring a demon and explained Nezuko's unique circumstances. He further wrote that if Nezuko were to ever kill a human he, Tanjiro, and Giyu will all commit seppuku to repent.

Infinity Castle Arc
While Tanjiro and the remaining Hashira engaged Muzan and the remaining Kizuki in the Infinity Castle, Sakonji was summoned to the Butterfly Mansion to protect Nezuko, whose newfound resistance to sunlight Muzan now seeks. He also gave her the cure developed by Tamayo, which would turn her back into a human and thus ruin Muzan's plans. While tending to her as she fell ill as a result of taking the cure, Sakonji thought about everything that happened since he met her and Tanjiro and told both of them not to lose.

While watching over Nezuko, she suddenly wakes up and leaves the Demon Slayer Corps.

Abilities
Overall Abilities: Sakonji is a very powerful and capable swordsman. As the former Water Hashira, he was once one of the Demon Slayer Corps' most powerful fighters. He singlehandedly captured and imprisoned the Hand Demon on Mt. Fujikasane, a notable feat considering the presumed challenge of disabling the powerful demon without killing it. As the cultivator of Water Breathing, he is both incredibly knowledgable and an accomplished teacher, having trained at least 14 students in the art. Even in his old age, a young and physically fit Tanjiro barely kept up with him while running and Sakonji was strong enough to flip him over and fend his attacks off without exertion.

Enhanced Speed: Sakonji is shown to be incredibly fast; during his confrontation of the Hand Demon, he was able to catch the demon off-guard and slice it several times, despite the demon already having consumed several victims. He was ultimately able to appear behind it and end the battle with its capture.

Enhanced Sense of Smell: Sakonji has a heightened sense of smell, revealed when Giyu Tomioka writes to Sakonji asking for him to train Tanjiro, citing that he also possesses the same ability as the cultivator. This was shown during his first meeting with Tanjiro during his battle against the Temple Demon, where Sakonji was able to smell out Tanjiro's emotions and detect the scent of sympathy and consideration even when considering to kill the demon. Later, he also informs Tanjiro that should his sense of smell sharpen as he trains, he can determine the number of victims a demon has eaten.

Enhanced Stealth: Sakonji possesses a light footstep while moving, which was noted by Tanjiro during his attempt to follow him back to Mount Sagiri. Even while running at a considerable pace, his feet barely made a sound.

Breathing Style
Water Breathing (の): Sakonji is the primary instructor of this Breathing Style. He has taught ten breathing techniques to both Tanjiro Kamado and the successor of his former position as Water Hashira, Giyu Tomioka. The user can increase the amount of oxygen in one's blood by controlling their breathing pattern. Doing this increases his strength and agility to equal a demon's. It is currently unknown what his level of skill while utilizing this style is, but it can be assumed that he was a formidable swordsman as a former Hashira.

Techniques

 * First Form: Water Surface Slash (ノ　り) - The user generates enough momentum to create a powerful single concentrated slash.


 * Second Form: Water Wheel (ノ) - The user leaps and vertically spins forward in the air while releasing a flowing attack in a circular motion.


 * Third Form: Flowing Dance (ノ　い) - The user swings and bends their blade in a winding motion along with their body and dances in a flowing pattern, slicing everything in its path.


 * Fourth Form: Striking Tide (ノ　ち) - The user makes multiple consecutive slashes while twisting their body and sword in a flowing fashion to deliver multiple blows simultaneously.


 * Fifth Form: Blessed Rain After the Drought (ノ　の) -  The user changes the grip on their sword and decapitates the opponent in a single flowing strike that causes little to no pain. It is a “sword strike of kindness” used when the enemy willingly surrenders.


 * Sixth Form: Whirlpool (ノ　ねじれ) - The user fiercely twists their upper and lower body, creating a whirlpool of air that cuts anything caught in it. Its effect and efficiently is enhanced underwater, where the user can draw water around their weapon to enhance their slashes.


 * Seventh Form: Drop Ripple Thrust (ノ　き) - The user performs a fast and accurate stab, capable of reducing the impact of a moving target.


 * Eighth Form: Waterfall Basin (ノ) - The user cuts the target vertically in a flowing motion which is most effective when they are falling downward.


 * Ninth Form: Splashing Water Flow, Turbulent (ノ　・) - The user changes their footwork in a way that minimizes the landing time and surface needed when landing, allowing the user to move without limits. Ideal when fighting in a place with no solid foothold.


 * Tenth Form: Constant Flux (ノ) - The user performs a continuous flowing attack which seemingly takes the form of a water dragon that increases in strength and power with each rotation due to momentum.

Game Exclusive Techniques

 * Eight Form: Waterfall Basin, Destruction (ノ　・) - The user leaps forwards towards their enemy in a spinning motion and slashes them as they past. They then turn around and leap behind the enemy to slash them with a curved strike, before uppercutting them while leaping high into the air and then falling down with great force in a overhead strike, smashing the enemy to the ground and unleashing multiple gargantuan waterfalls that pulverize their opponent.


 * Master's Wisdom (の) - The user sets a trap on the ground that releases sharpened bamboo shoots protruding from the ground once the opponent walks on it.

Trivia

 * Sakonji was ranked in 14th place as of the first character popularity poll with 213 votes.
 * Sakonji's surname, Urokodaki, contains the Kun reading of "fish, scales" (鱗) and the rendaku reading of "waterfall, cascade, rapids" (滝). His given name, Sakonji, consists of the kanji for "left" (左), the Kan'yo-on reading of "near, close" (近), and the Kan'yo-on reading of "order, sequence" (次).
 * Sakonji doesn't drink alcohol and has a very low alcohol tolerance.
 * In Kimetsu Academy, Sakonji is the school janitor.
 * The only type of masks he makes are fox masks. This is apparently simply because he likes foxes.
 * Sakonji started wearing his mask because demons used to make fun of his gentle face.
 * Sakonji receives money from Kagaya Ubuyashiki, but he never spends it and prefers to live a self-sufficient lifestyle. He did, however, use it to pay for the nutritious food he gave to Tanjiro while he was staying with him, and for the traps he had his hunter friends set up.
 * Sakonji resembles real life swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. Like Sakonji, Musashi lived out his twilight years meditating in remote mountains, he described his dueling style in a memoir titled The Book of Water, and most damningly, Musashi also had a long line of prodigies who met unfortunate ends before he himself passed.

Quotes

 * (To Tanjiro Kamado about Nezuko) "Your sister must never take the life of an innocent person!"
 * (To himself regarding Tanjiro and Nezuko Kamado) "Tanjiro... when I think about it, ever since you brought your younger sister, who had become a demon I've felt as thought large cogs have been turning. If this war is a giant machine then when the two cogs that are you and Nezuko fitted into place, it caused a stagnant situation to suddenly begin moving. Don't lose, Nezuko. Don't lose, Tanjiro. You must not lose."

Navigation
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