Chapter 64

Strength of the Upper Moons, Strength of the Pillars is the sixty-fourth chapter of Koyoharu Gotōge's Kimetsu no Yaiba. It was published in the 27th issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump on June 5th, 2017.

Summary
Tanjirou looks on with concern as Akaza tells an injured Kyoujurou not to die, while Inosuke notes that he cannot assist the Pillar, as he can sense that he would only be in the way. Akaza warns Kyoujurou of the futility of his attacks and points out the extent of his numerous injuries, while also noting that none of this would be an issue if he were a Demon.

Tanjirou attempts to help his superior, but cannot due to the side effects of The Dance of the Fire God. Despite his injuries, Kyoujurou's determination is unwavering as he prepares to unleash his next attack, much to Akaza's delight. The Upper Moon responds with his own attack, causing a large explosion. Tanjirou and Inosuke watch helplessly as the dust clears to reveal Kyoujurou impaled through the chest by Akaza's arm. The latter repeats his desire for the Flame Pillar to become a Demon, stating that he is one of the strong ones that has been chosen.

Kyoujurou then has a flashback from his childhood, where his mother asked him why he was born stronger than other people. The young Kyoujurou told her that he didn't know. She told him that it was to save the weak, that it was the obligation of anyone born strong to fulfill this duty, and to make sure he never forgot this, to which Kyoujurou agreed. She then hugged her son, tearfully noting that she would not be alive for much longer, but that it was a blessing to be the mother of such a strong, gentle child.

Back in the present, the Flame Pillar swings his sword at Akaza's neck, much to the latter's astonishment. Kyoujurou thanks his mother for giving birth to him, calling it an honor, and presses the attack deeper into the Demon's neck. Akaza attempts to punch the Pillar with his free arm, but Kyoujurou stops it with his own, to the Upper Moon's continued shock. He then notices that the sun has begun to rise and attempts to finish Kyoujurou off, but realizes that his arm is stuck in the Pillar's abdomen. Kyoujurou determinedly vows to not let Akaza escape.

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * Kamado Tanjirou
 * Rengoku Kyoujurou
 * Akaza
 * Hashibira Inosuke
 * Rengoku Matriarch
 * Rengoku Senjurou
 * Enmu