Gyomei Himejima (
Summary[]
Through Genya's lesson on Repetitive Action, Tanjiro learns that it enables one to open all their senses, and Genya is able to do it, unlike Total Concentration Breathing. His and Gyomei's way involves remembering a painful or anger-inducing memory, allowing them to increase their body temperature.
Though Genya notes that while Tanjiro likely experienced something similar when he manifested his Mark, he and Gyomei have not. Following Genya's advice, Tanjiro makes his first attempt at Repetitive Action by remembering the faces of his family; he then remembers Kyojuro's words, "Keep your heart burning", as he had always used his advice to concentrate himself. Initially, the boulder does not move, but by repeating the process to exert his full strength, Tanjiro's body feels the familiarity of gaining his Mark, causing the boulder to move slowly.
Inosuke successfully moves the boulder.
As an amazed Zenitsu and Inosuke watch, Tanjiro concentrates on not stopping, using Gyomei's emphasis on his legs and hips to push. Following Tanjiro's lead, Inosuke motivates himself by thinking about tempura, giving him the drive to push his boulder. Zenitsu is angered that he is the last to move his boulder, but is surprised to suddenly see Chuntaro, crying while holding a letter.
Finally, Tanjiro moves his boulder one cho, completing Gyomei's training. He slumps over in utter exhaustion and dehydration as he wonders about his friends' whereabouts. He is suddenly greeted by Gyomei. Pouring water to quench the Demon Slayer's thirst, the Stone Hashira praises Tanjiro for not only completing his training but also for his actions at the Swordsmith Village. Confused by his words, Gyomei explains that he had prioritized the swordsmiths' lives over Nezuko's. Tanjiro corrects him by stating it was Nezuko who made the decision, as he couldn't act in the moment, believing he is not worthy of his respect.
Gyomei ponders this; he had long held the belief that children are not only pure and innocent, but weak, dishonest, and selfish, but he does not believe Tanjiro is any of those qualities. Tanjiro tells Gyomei he had wanted his path to be without mistakes, but since he can't know what lies ahead, someone will always help him, resulting in him getting by without making a mistake. Denying Gyomei's respect for him, he instead thanks him for the water and training. Gyomei tells him he now has no doubt and that, regardless of what others say, he respects him. Unsure of what he means, Tanjiro listens to Gyomei as he tells his story.
The traitor extinguishing the wisteria incense to allow the demon entry.
He once raised nine orphans at a temple; despite having no parents, they all lived harmoniously and cared for each other. One night, a child disobeyed the rules, left the temple at night, and encountered a demon. He offered the lives of Gyomei and the other children to save himself and extinguished the temple's wisteria incense. Upon entering the temple, it immediately killed four of the children. Gyomei attempted to protect the others, but they ran and ignored him, as his weak voice and skinny appearance didn't give them hope he could save them; the only child who listened was the youngest, a girl named Sayo.
Gyomei brutalized the demon with his bare fists to save Sayo.
The demon killed the children who ran away before attacking Gyomei, who had no choice but to fight back. Despite his immense disgust at his own violence, Gyomei punched the demon's head with all his might, crushing it and beating the creature into submission; he remarks he could have never known his strength had he not fought back. He continued fighting till dawn arrived, risking his life to save Sayo, but at the loss of the others. When people came to the scene, the traumatized Sayo said, "That man is a monster! Everyone... he... killed everyone!"
As a horrified Tanjiro listens on, Gyomei notes that it was natural for a young girl only four years of age to be confused. Despite always longing to have Sayo's gratitude for saving her, Gyomei believes children are simply concerned with themselves above all else. He was imprisoned for the murders and sentenced to death, only avoiding his fate due to Kagaya's intervention. Since then, he had become a deeply distrustful person, and naturally, he also didn't believe in Tanjiro. But he never ran, nor looked away, nor lied. He was straightforward and resolute. Though it sounds trivial, Gyomei does not believe most people are like that, having seen what people are truly like.
Calling Tanjiro a "special kid", Gyomei promises to help him stay on the right path. Touched by his sincerity, Tanjiro sheds a few tears as he promises to do his best and thanks Gyomei. The Stone Hashira gently pats him on the head, reminiscent of his time with Sayo, and declares his training with him now complete.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
Events[]
- Zenitsu receives a letter.
- Tanjiro passes Gyomei's training and is commended by him.
- Gyomei reveals why he possesses an objective and doubtful personality.