To Defeat Muzan Kibutsuji (
Synopsis[]
The Hashira, Sanemi and Iguro, along with their comrades head to an abandoned castle on top of a mountain for a mission, while Tanjiro is being treated at the Butterfly Mansion for the wounds he suffered at the Swordsmith Village. Later on, the Hashira gather at the Ubuyashiki Mansion to hold a Hashira meeting, where Muichiro reveals how the marks manifested. In an effort to strengthen the entire Demon Slayer Corps from the bottom up, the Hashira Training begins...[1]
Plot[]
Obanai and Sanemi on a joint mission.
In a remote forest, accompanied by two Demon Slayers, Wind Hashira Sanemi Shinazugawa and Serpent Hashira Obanai Iguro stalk an abandoned castle, which Obanai surmises has been forgotten since the Meiji Restoration. A Demon Slayer confirms a woman from a nearby village has been abducted, but they found nothing when they investigated the castle, and despite the Demon Slayer Corps being on high alert, this is now the second disappearance. Sanemi rebukes them for their lesser skill, allowing the kidnapping to occur when Obanai spots a demon below their position.
They see him carrying the missing woman and give chase. As he makes his way to the castle, the demon realizes he is being followed and berates himself for not previously killing the Demon Slayers. The four enter the castle, but unbeknownst to them, it is crawling with numerous demons; one pounces on a Demon Slayer, but it is quickly killed by Obanai, while another is beheaded by Sanemi. As the demons begin to attack, the Hashira are able to kill them, but the weaker Demon Slayers struggle to fight back. Obanai orders them to retreat while he continues the mission with Sanemi. When one insists on staying to help, Sanemi dismisses them as hindrances and repeats the order, causing them to retreat.
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Sanemi uses Wind Breathing, Second Form: Claws - Purifying Wind.
Obanai notes that something is amiss, and Sanemi confirms his suspicions; they have never seen demons collect in a swarm before. He then hears the woman cry for help and leaps onto an upper floor, housing a large horde of demons. Using Wind Breathing, Second Form: Claws - Purifying Wind, Sanemi eviscerates the horde in one ripping attack. More demons converge on him when Obanai then appears, performing Serpent Breathing, Fifth Form: Slithering Serpent, and beheading them in a single, fluid slash. Sanemi expresses annoyance at his assistance when they see the kidnapper holding the woman.
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Obanai uses Serpent Breathing, Third Form: Coil Choke.
The demon flees upon realizing his pursuers are the Hashira, as Sanemi demands his surrender, killing the demons in his path. They follow the kidnapper outside the castle and are surrounded by more demons. Wondering where they are coming from, Sanemi allows Obanai to take over as he goes for the woman, leaping onto the rooftops. Obanai uses Serpent Breathing, Third Form: Coil Choke, leaping off the edge to kill the demons in a rapid-winding attack. Sanemi corners the kidnapper and notices him surrounded by lesser demons. The demons attack, but Sanemi kills them all with Wind Breathing, Fourth Form: Rising Dust Storm, showering himself in blood.
Sanemi and Obanai stumble upon the Infinity Castle.
The kidnapper then surrenders the woman by throwing her off the roof, but she is caught by Obanai. The Hashiras chase the demon as he falls back into the castle, but when they leap inside, they instead see a vast, endless space of wooden halls and lamp-lit rooms, crawling with even more demons. The Infinity Castle then collapses in on itself as they fall inside; Sanemi attempts to kill the kidnapper but only manages to stab the ground as the alternate dimension vanishes. Obanai questions where the demons are now, but Sanemi crudely responds that he is as unsure as he is.
Riding a cart through the countryside, Kanao Tsuyuri is asked by the puller if he should leave her at the crossroads. She thanks the man and makes her way to the Butterfly Mansion. Kiyo Terauchi greets her and is joined by Naho Takada and Sumi Nakahara in welcoming her back. Kanao sees Shinobu Kocho and announces her return. Shinobu notes that the attack on the Swordsmith Village was just as she described, but thanks to the efforts of Muichiro, Mitsuri, Tanjiro, and more, two Upper Ranks have been killed. The revelation that Nezuko is immune to sunlight is also key, as it signals significant developments to come. Muzan Kibutsuji will now hunt her to gain immunity to sunlight. An emergency Hashira meeting has been called, and as Shinobu makes her way to the mansion of the Ubuyashikis, she asks Kanao if she can watch over Nezuko. She is surprised by this, but Shinobu has faith in her.
Tanjiro and Goto discuss the events in the Swordsmith Village.
Still recovering, Tanjiro speaks with Goto and learns the Swordsmith Village is being moved. Goto notes that the swordsmiths are working hard to move and restore the village. As he remarks that it was miraculous that the damage wasn't too severe, Tanjiro remembers the incredible power of Hantengu’s manifestations. Goto adds that the Corps has previously made hidden villages to protect the swordsmiths in the aftermath of an attack, amazed by the foresight of Kagaya Ubuyashiki. He then wonders if Tanjiro is okay eating so quickly after his ordeal, but he mentions that Mitsuri has already started eating. When Goto asks if it is true that both the Love and Mist Hashira were asleep for two days before recovering on the third, Tanjiro confirms it.
As he remarks that Tanjiro, quickly eating his food, seems to be becoming more like the Hashira, Goto asks about what happened to Nezuko. Tanjiro responds that she has gained immunity to sunlight, but it is unclear if she is turning back into a human or evolving as a demon. Goto, thinking that Shinobu is examining her, is corrected by Tanjiro, who says that it is in fact Tamayo who is examining Nezuko. When Goto asks Tanjiro who Tamayo is, he attempts to speak when he suddenly begins choking on his food, which the Kakushi chides him for. He adds that since Nezuko's immunity was revealed, the Corps has been on high alert.
Gyomei expresses his relief at Mitsuri and Muichiro's survival.
At the emergency meeting, Sanemi and Obanai join the remaining Hashira; the latter apologizes for their late arrival, but Gyomei Himejima instead commends them for their mission. Sanemi asks Mitsuri and Muichiro if they really fought Upper Ranks; the two confirm they did, causing him to express annoyance at never being able to face them. Obanai asks them about their physical wellbeing; Mitsuri excitedly tells him she is doing well, ecstatic to hear his worry about her, while Muichiro comments that, while better, he has not fully healed. Gyomei adds that losing more Hashira would put the Corps at risk and is relieved they survived after killing the Upper Ranks. Shinobu also mentions that their wounds have healed abnormally quickly.
Amane Ubuyashiki leads the meeting, taking Kagaya's place.
As Giyu Tomioka wonders if Kagaya will address the new developments, the meeting commences with the arrival of Kagaya's wife, Amane, and their children. Amane informs them that Kagaya's health has worsened to the point where he can never appear before them again, bowing to the Hashira. They are shocked by the news but bow to her in return, with Gyomei praying that Kagaya may find the strength to live on even a bit longer and for Amane to remain strong. She thanks him for his words and addresses the news that a demon immune to sunlight has been found; Muzan Kibutsuji will become more focused than ever to take Nezuko, and thus, an immense confrontation is upon them.
She then addresses Mitsuri and Muichiro, being told that mysterious marks appeared on them during their battles and hoping they can explain how to induce them. She explains that during the Sengoku period, the Demon Slayers of the first Breathing Style, who nearly defeated Muzan, all bore a mark akin to demonic patterns. Sanemi mentions he has never heard of such marks, to which Amane notes that many have brooded over the mark not appearing in them. Information is scarce and vague; only one record exists about it, written in the personal notes of a Demon Slayer who used the first Breathing Style.
Muichiro, Shinobu, and Giyu listening to Mitsuri's explanation.
It explains that when the mark appears on one person, it will manifest to those around them in resonance. The first person to gain the mark in their time was Tanjiro, but when asked how it appeared, he could not give a clear explanation. As such, Amane hopes that Mitsuri and Muichiro can explain. Put on the spot before, Mitsuri, who had been admiring Amane's beauty, refocuses her to give her explanation, but her vague and confusing slew of gestures and onomatopoeia only bewilder the Ubuyashikis and Hashira, and the embarrassed Love Hashira apologizes, wishing she could crawl into a hole.
Muichiro explains conditions he felt when he gained the mark.
Muichiro then speaks up; though he was unaware of the mark at the time, looking back, he could remember several notable details, believing that these conditions, if met, could manifest it. In his previous battle, he was poisoned and paralyzed, but seeing a boy about to be killed trying to save him, Muichiro regains his memories, and overwhelming rage overcame control of his emotions. He believes his heart rate exceeded 200 beats per minute and his body temperature exceeded 39 °C. Shinobu questions if he could even move during such precarious conditions, but Muichiro believes reaching the point of no return and surviving is the difference between manifesting the mark and not.
Amane asks how he could know his temperature, to which he explains that he was treated for a fever after the battle and that his body had a reading that felt the same as during the battle. When Sanemi questions if the conditions could truly be so simple, Giyu remarks on his envy in Sanemi's simple thinking to believe it as such, though he does not speak when the angered Wind Hashira asks to repeat himself. Shinobu reasons that their top priority is to awaken these marks, and Gyomei tells Amane to reassure Kagaya that they will succeed. However, she adds one more caveat about the marks, and those who have it can do nothing but accept it. The Hashira are shocked to hear about what will happen when they gain it.
Giyu dismisses himself from the meeting.
Later, after Amane has left, Gyomei wonders what will become of him after hearing about the caveat. Giyu decides to leave the meeting, but Sanemi orders him to stay as they must decide their respective roles. Giyu replies that it does not concern him but the six of them, leading Obanai to accuse him of forgoing his duties as a Hashira and getting a headstart in training. Shinobu pleads with Giyu to explain himself, but he only remarks that he is not like them. Angered by the comment, Sanemi recalls him saying the same phrase and asks if he is looking down on them. Mitsuri tries diffusing the tense situation, but Giyu begins to walk away. Sanemi tries to grab his shoulder to stop him when Gyomei claps his hands, shaking the entire room and silencing everyone. The Stone Hashira orders them all to sit and explains a proposal he has.
Zenitsu returns and is greeted by Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho.
After providing Tanjiro with more food, Goto asks for the whereabouts of Nezuko, Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho, also noting that Aoi Kanzaki is also absent. Tanjiro replies that since no one is in need of medical attention, they've spent time playing with Nezuko, adding that they have been teaching her to speak again. The Kakushi remarks that all is at peace until the arrival of Zenitsu Agatsuma, just as the Demon Slayer reaches the Butterfly Mansion. Kiyo calls out to the others that Zenitsu has returned; Sumi commends him for completing his mission, but Zenitsu is instead wondering if they came to welcome him back.
He mentions that his mission was difficult, but he persevered under the belief that he would be missed if he died; the girls deny missing him if he did, although Sumi mentions that they are happy that he returned alive, causing him to sheepishly thank them. Aoi arrives and commends him on his mission, but soon grows annoyed when Zenitsu immediately asks if she was lonely without him. Nezuko then appears behind the gate to greet him as well, causing Zenitsu to yell out in excitement at seeing her once again, much to the discomfort of the girls as they cover their ears from his loud shouting. He takes her hands and asks why she is now talking, if it was for him, and remarks that they can finally get married.
Zenitsu threatens to kill Inosuke after being addressed as him by Nezuko.
Aoi attempts to pull Zenitsu away from her, but he continues to bombard Nezuko with compliments and the things he wishes to do once they are married. Nezuko then tells him, "Welcome back, Inosuke," causing the girls to grow amused but nervous at her blunder. Zenitsu repeats Inosuke's name, and she addresses him as Inosuke once again. Deeply angered that the girl he loves has called him an entirely wrong name, he demands to know Inosuke's whereabouts in order to kill him, as Aoi reprimands him for his violent intent.
Goto questions where Inosuke is now, but Tanjiro, despite seeing him in the morning, is unsure. He mentions that Inosuke had been teaching Nezuko to say his name, which Tanjiro was unaware of before asking Goto for more dango, much to the Kakushi's chagrin. Hotaru then appears in the room, uncharacteristically quiet and panting heavily. The Demon Slayer welcomes him but grows concerned about his wellbeing, seeing that he is in visible pain. Hotaru gives him his new Nichirin katana, and Tanjiro is amazed to see Kyojuro Rengoku's tsuba installed on the blade, thanking him for saving Kotetsu as he begins to tear up.
Hotaru explains the origin of Tanjiro's blade to him.
Offered a seat by Goto, Hotaru attempts to tell Tanjiro to see the blade, which he unsheathes to reveal its unique pattern. He remarks that the steel is of notably high quality, and its previous owner was likely a powerful swordsman. Tanjiro sees the kanji for "slay" etched onto it; the swordsmith explains that the sword's creator likely made it with the goal of killing all demons. It was forged before the Corps' ranks were introduced, hence why only the Hashira have their blades etched with the phrase "Destroyer of Demons." When Tanjiro asks why he couldn't see its pattern when he used it, Hotaru angrily answers that it was because it was only polished to the first stage when it was taken from him, and even now, he is in much pain because of his wounds.
He pulls on Tanjiro's cheek while ranting about having to start again when he was interrupted; when Goto interjects by noting that the Demon Slayer's injuries are worse than his, Hotaru threatens to kill him. He then demands that Tanjiro bring him mitarashi dango till his death; Tanjiro obliges, and eventually, Hotaru slowly walks out of the room. Though he had heard rumours of Hotaru, Goto notes that it is quite different seeing him in person. Though Tanjiro adds that despite being in pain, Hotaru was actually calmer than usual.
Inosuke crashes through a window of the Butterfly Mansion.
A voice next to them asks if they could be quieter; Genya, lying in bed nearby, is irritated by the commotion. Tanjiro apologizes for the noise when Inosuke suddenly bursts through the window of the hospital ward. As the masked Demon Slayer loudly exclaims in excitement, Goto warns him about Shinobu after smashing the window. Genya covers his ears and bemoans his predicament, wishing to be in a separate room. Inosuke claims that joint-strengthening training is about to commence, but when asked by Tanjiro about what it entails, he does not know.
The Hashira discuss Gyomei's proposal of "Hashira Training".
As the Hashira meeting enters the night, they discuss the finished training plan, with Sanemi adding that the dates and time are left to add. Gyomei believes they must begin in three days; time is against them, and they do not know Muzan's plan for the future; thus, he wants them all ready. Obanai mentions that when demons begin to attack again, they won't be prepared. To this end, Shinobu asks if they will attack during training; Gyomei explains that since the Swordsmith Village's attack, demon activity has decreased significantly.
Until now, the Hashira could only dedicate time to training their Tsugukos and their duties, but now they must train the entire Corps. Hence, he has proposed Hashira Training. One by one, the Hashira voice their acknowledgement and unanimously agree with him; when Obanai asks if they alone will be enough, Gyomei proposes bringing the retired Hashira to help, which they do not object to. With that, Shinobu remarks that their last issue to solve is Giyu's lack of involvement.
Tanjiro grows excited at the prospect of Hashira Training.
While speaking with Tanjiro, Zenitsu bemoans having to return to training despite just completing his recent mission. Tanjiro is excited at the prospect of Hashira Training, but his friend vehemently disagrees, calling it horrible and hellish and believing whoever thought of it should die. Tanjiro tells him that sparring with superiors is a shortcut to improvement, only to have Zenitsu angrily gnaw on his forehead while yelling that they are no longer friends while he is so optimistic about it. He tells Tanjiro he is only acting as such because he is in a bed in recovery while he must train now.
As he walks away, Tanjiro calls out to Zenitsu and thanks him for his advice about Thunder Breathing, as it helped greatly in the battle against Hantengu, though he was not as fast as him. Believing that connections can help in tough situations, he hopes that what they learn in Hashira Training will lead to a better future. However, Zenitsu instead interprets his words to believe that everyone is helpless without him, smiling brightly as he bids him goodbye. Nonetheless, Tanjiro thanks him.
Assigned to assess stamina, Tengen Uzui is unimpressed the trainees' weakness.
Watching as several Demon Slayers struggle to run, Tengen Uzui chastises them for their lack of fitness and demands they hasten themselves as if being attacked by a demon. Several of them soon collapse in exhaustion, to Tengen's annoyance; he beats on one with a wooden sword while remarking that the active Hashiras' training will be harder. Seeing him as lively as ever, Hinatsuru, Suma, and Makio join him in his efforts and prepare onigiri and miso for the trainees. Makio calls out that lunch is ready, causing the trainees to run for food, though some continue to lie in the dirt, unable to move. Hinatsuru gently asks Tengen not to act too harshly on them, but he replies that if the Demon Slayers are not sufficiently trained when sent to the next Hashira, he will be blamed.
Given miso by Makio, Tengen takes a sip as he tells the exhausted trainees that what they are dealing with now is nothing compared to what is to come. Suma asks him about the other stages, to which Tengen replies that, upon completing his stage, the next is Muichiro's high-speed movement training, followed by Mitsuri's flexibility training. After that is Obanai's training to improve swordsmanship, Sanemi's endless striking training, and lastly, Gyomei's muscle strengthening. The Hashira themselves also must improve their strength by sparring with the Corps members, and though Tengen wishes to train with everything he can give as well, he leaves it to them instead.
Obanai at his stage, improving swordsmanship.
Several trainees fly into the air during Sanemi's stage as he lands a powerful blow, knocking them all away. He realizes his efforts won't raise his temperature if his opponents are too weak. In Mitsuri's stage, trainees cower in fear as she stretches one of them with her strength. Obanai, in his stage, chastises the trainees as he knocks them down with his serpent-like swordsmanship, instructing them to feel where the enemy will strike. In Muichiro's stage, a trainee struggles to defend himself from the Mist Hashira as he criticizes him for the numerous openings in his stance.
Standing beneath a torrent of water, trainees in Gyomei's stage struggle to keep upright; several of them collapse and float down the water as Gyomei tells them to give their all, for the sake of Kagaya, for the Demon Slayers who have fallen in battle, and for those who are still alive.
Kagaya thanks Amane for everything she has done for him.
While in bed reading, Tanjiro hears his Kasugai crow pecking on the window, though he is pecked on the head as he opens it. Given a letter from Kagaya, Tanjiro reads it and is shocked to learn Giyu is not participating in Hashira Training. While tending to Kagaya, Amane informs him that the Hashira have begun training the Corps members for the coming battle. She also tells him that his children carry his will and have connected with his feelings, willing to act with the ambition to defeat Muzan. Kagaya then quietly calls to her; as she takes his hand with hers, he thanks her for everything she has done, causing Amane to tear up and reply that it has been her pleasure.
In the forests surrounding a distant town stands a hidden house, masked by Yushiro's talismans. While writing in her journals, Tamayo hears something in her window. A Kasugai crow greets her and explains that he is the messenger of Kagaya Ubuyashiki. He commends Tamayo for hiding so well, as Kagaya had become immobile during the time he had been searching for her. Tamayo questions how he found her, to which the crows answer that he had identified the house's previous owner and examined how Yushiro's Blood Demon Art worked. Being a mere crow ensured no one would suspect him, and he reassured her that he had no intentions to harm them.
Tamayo grows nervous at the idea of joining the Corps as a demon.
Tamayo asks for his intentions, wondering if Kagaya is attempting to deceive her, before wondering about Yushiro. The crow eases her concern by noting that Yushiro is above them and unharmed. He explains to Tamayo that within the Demon Slayer Corps is a young woman who also possesses knowledge about demon physiology and pharmacology. He asks if she would join the Corps to help in examining Nezuko and defeating Muzan, inviting her to the residence of the Ubuyashikis. Shocked by the message, Tamayo questions how a demon like her could possibly be invited to the Corps' headquarters.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
- Obanai Iguro
- Sanemi Shinazugawa
- Kanao Tsuyuri
- Kiyo Terauchi
- Naho Takada
- Sumi Nakahara
- Shinobu Kocho
- Tanjiro Kamado
- Goto
- Gyomei Himejima
- Mitsuri Kanroji
- Muichiro Tokito
- Giyu Tomioka
- Amane Ubuyashiki
- Kiriya Ubuyashiki
- Kanata Ubuyashiki
- Aoi Kanzaki
- Zenitsu Agatsuma
- Nezuko Kamado
- Hotaru Haganezuka
- Genya Shinazugawa
- Inosuke Hashibira
- Murata
- Takeuchi
- Tengen Uzui
- Hinatsuru
- Makio
- Suma
- Kagaya Ubuyashiki
- Tamayo
Anime Notes[]
- The opening scene, portraying a mission undertaken by Sanemi and Obanai to pursue a demon and inadvertently discovering an entrance to the Infinity Castle, does not appear in the manga.
- The anime adds an extra scene of Kanao returning to the Butterfly Mansion on a cart and being greeted by Shinobu who recaps the events in the Swordsmith Village.
- In the anime, the scene of Tanjiro remarking on Hantengu's power includes a series of flashbacks showcasing the abilities displayed by each of his manifestations.
- Narration explaining the aftermath and contingency plans of the Swordsmith Village is replaced by Goto during his conversation with Tanjiro.
- In the anime, when Amane begins to explain the caveat to awakening the mark, it begins to rain, showcasing a more serious tone. This was absent in the manga.
- The anime extends the scene where Zenitsu witnesses Nezuko in the sunlight by having Sumi, Kiyo, Naho, and Aoi greet him first as he returns from his mission.
- The scene where the Hashira, with the exception of Giyu, finish their discussion of preparing training loosely adapts narration in the manga. In addition, the panel that describes the lack of demons as "the calm before the storm" while showcasing Doma, Kokushibo, and Akaza is absent in the anime.
- Takeuchi makes a cameo appearance while running with a bunch of Demon Slayers, alongside Murata. This marks his debut in the anime, despite making his first appearance in the Infinity Castle Arc in the manga.
- In the manga, narration explains the different stages of Hashira Training, from Tengen's role in basic-stamina to Gyomei's muscle strengthening. In the anime, it is Tengen himself who explains each stage as he relays it to his wives. Additionally, when discussing each of the Hashira's section, Tengen does not include himself, and as such does not adapt the panel of him with Mitsuri and Muichiro.
- The anime includes small snippets of each Hashira's training exercises.
- The scene where Kagaya thanks Amane for all that she has done, causing her to cry, does not appear in the manga.
- In the anime, the scene of Kagaya sending a crow to invite Tamayo to the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters happens much earlier than it does in the manga.
References[]
- ↑ Episode 56 on the Official Website