Ah, so you like it”Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba“, huh? Let’s take a look at the Hashira, those mysterious and powerful guys who appeared at the beginning of the series.
They are the elite of the Demon Slayer Corps, so fierce that even the Twelve Kizuki, these powerful demons, respect them. Over time, the Hashira gained more space in the story, going from quick appearances to key characters in several arcs. But the life of killing demons is tough, and not all of the Hashira survived until the end of the series.
Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira
First, let’s talk about Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira. He shined in the “Mugen Train” arc, saving 200 people before being defeated by Akaza, Upper Three. His legacy remains strong, inspiring characters like Tanjiro Kamado and even his colleague Hashira Tengen Uzui. At the end of the manga, which takes place generations later, Kyojuro’s spirit lives on in Tojuro Rengoku, a descendant of his brother, Senjuro.
Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira
Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira, is the focus of the “Entertainment District” arc. He survives facing the demons Daki and Gyutaro, but loses an arm and an eye in the process. Even though he had to retire, Tengen still appears in the series, helping to train Corps members and being present in the final battle against Muzan. In the end, a descendant of his, Tenma Uzui, appears as an Olympic gymnastics medalist.
Shinobu Kocho
Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira, had a heroic death in the “Infinity Castle” arc. She faced Doma, the Top Level Two, and even though she was overpowered, she managed to poison him with the wisteria poison in his blood, allowing Kanao and Inosuke to defeat him. At the end of the manga, the reincarnations of Shinobu and her sister Kanae are shown as students.
The Tragic Fate of Muichiro Tokito
Mist Hashira, Muichiro Tokito, met a very violent end in the “Infinity Castle” arc. He fought against Kokushibo, the Top Rank One, who eventually discovered that Muichiro was his descendant. But that didn’t stop Kokushibo from brutally attacking Muichiro, cutting off his arm, stabbing him in the chest, and more. Muichiro still managed to wound Kokushibo before dying, but ended up as just a head on a limbless torso. At the end of the manga, we see the reincarnation of Muichiro and his twin brother Yuichiro as babies in a stroller.
Gyomei Himejima and his Final Act
Gyomei, the Stone Hashira, was the strongest of the Pillars, but his destiny was sealed. In the “Infinity Castle” arc, he fought knowing he would die soon, having manifested the Mark of the Marked after the age of 25. He defeated Kokushibo and faced Muzan, but ended up losing a leg and dying from his injuries and the Mark. In the final chapter, Gyomei’s reincarnation appears as a burly teacher at a preschool.
Iguro and Mitsuri: Together Until the End
An Unshakable Union in Battle and Death
Serpent Hashira Iguro and Love Hashira Mitsuri fought together in the “Infinity Castle” arc. They faced Nakime, the Upper Rank Four, and then joined in the fight against Muzan. Mitsuri was seriously injured and Iguro took her to safety before returning to battle. In the end, they die in each other’s arms, confessing their love. In the manga, we see their reincarnation as the owners of a bakery.
Sanemi Shinazugawa: Tormented Survivor
The Wind Hashira That Defied Fate
Sanemi, the Wind Hashira, was one of the few who survived the “Infinity Castle” arc. He fought against Kokushibo and Muzan, losing some fingers and witnessing the death of his brother, Genya. Despite being seriously injured, Sanemi chose not to join his family in the afterlife, being “expelled” from Hell by the spirit of his abusive father. At the end of the manga, Sanemi’s reincarnation appears as a police officer.
Giyu Tomioka: The Promised Guardian
Giyu, the Water Hashira, survived after fighting alongside Tanjiro against Akaza and Muzan. Even though he lost an arm, Giyu remained firm until the end. He was devastated to think that he failed to protect Tanjiro, but managed to stop Tanjiro, transformed into a demon, from doing any harm. In the end, Giyu’s reincarnation is seen heading to school, symbolizing the legacy he left behind.
Each Hashira played a crucial role in the story, showing strength, sacrifice, and a deep human connection. Their journeys, battles and legacies are essential parts of what makes “Demon Slayer” so special and exciting.
Demon Slayer is available on Crunchyroll.
