Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer, or Kimetsu No Yaiba follows the journey of Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is brutally murdered by a demon. As he follows the difficult path of becoming a pro-Demon Slater, the story introduces complex themes such as the struggle between good and evil, the bonds of family, and the quest for redemption.

From the ranks of demon slayers to the masterful breathing techniques they possess, the series expands upon a richly constructed world that fascinates its audience.

This page will dive into the key aspects of “Demon Slayer,” exploring its ranks, the Hashira, the breathing techniques, the significance of Nichirin swords, and the essential characters that elevate the storyline. Join us as we uncover the depths of this phenomenal series.

In Demon Slayer or Kimetsu no Yaiba, a Demon Slayer refers to a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, an organization committed to getting rid of demons who pose a threat to humanity. The main character is Tanjiro Kamado, who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered by demons, transforming his sister, Kamado Nezuko, into one herself.

The anime showcases these warriors wielding Nichirin Swords and mastering unique Breathing Techniques that boost their physical abilities. This allows them to engage in the battle for survival against bloodthirsty powerful demons.

There are ranks within the Demon Slayer corps, such as the Hashira, these are the most powerful swordsmen within the corps. There are a total of nine Hashira with each having a unique breathing style, sword, and abilities. Throughout the series, the Demon Slayers seek to achieve a peaceful life by aiming to defeat the king of demons, Kibutsuji Muzan.

The Demon Slayer franchise has extended from a shonen anime into a broader anime phenomenon, including a 26-episode anime television series adaptation and more arcs such as the Mugen Train and the Swordsmith Village arc. As of now, in 2024, the latest season of Demon Slater follows the Hashira Training arc.

The path to becoming a Demon Slayer is filled with danger, requiring candidates to successfully navigate the Final Selection, a strict test set on the dangerous slopes of Mount Fujikasane. For an entire week, candidates face the threat of demons while proving their survival skills, honed under the watchful eye of a Hashira. Mastery of your breathing technique is pivotal to advancing further in the exam

Upon completing the Final Selection, the Demon Slayers receive their uniform and the privilege to develop their Nichirin Sword from a metal capable of vanquishing demons. These unique blades are reflective of the wielder’s individuality and strengths. Further complementing their weapon is a Kasugai Crow, a helpful ally granted to each Slayer for communication.

Process of Becoming a Demon Slayer:

• Survive Final Selection: Seven days on demon-infested Mount Fujikasane.
• Training: Undergo rigorous training, typically under a Breathing Style expert.
• Nichirin Sword: Choose one for a personal demon-slaying sword.
• Demon Slayer Uniform: Standard attire provided post-selection.
• Kasugai Crow: Assigned for communication among Demon Slayers.

Remarkably, there have been instances where individuals join the ranks without prior training, a testament to their exceptional strength and determination

Within the Demon Slayer Corps, a structured ranking system categorizes the strength and experience of its members. New inducted members who beat the challenges of the Final Selection enter the corps as Mizunoto, the entry-level rank.

Demon Slayers climb this hierarchical ladder through bravery and accomplishments in their rough battle for survival against bloodthirsty demons.

The rank directly correlates with a Demon Slayer’s skills of the Breathing Technique and success in missions:

• Mizunoto (Lowest Rank)
• Kinoe (Highest Rank)

Hashira are elite warriors within the Corps, and beyond this ranking system. Instead of a rank, these unmatched swordsmen bear the respected title of ‘Hashira’—a testament to their skills and powers.

In Demon Slayer/ Kimetsu no Yaiba, the title of Hashira stands as a testament to the pinnacle of strength and skill within the Demon Slayer Corps. These nine elite warriors are the most powerful swordsmen and have to face demons from Upper Moons that threaten humanity’s peaceful life.

A Hashira, also known as a Pillar, possesses mastery over a unique Breathing Technique, which they use to enhance their combat abilities to superhuman levels. These techniques are derived from the fundamental “Total Concentration Breathing” a method that all demon slayers learn and then specialize into different forms.

Each Hashira’s breathing technique is as distinctive as their personalities and fighting styles.

Below is a list of the nine Hashira and their related Breathing Techniques:

These Hashira also shoulder the heavy responsibility of training the less experienced Demon Slayers, including protagonists like Tanjiro Kamado and his sister Kamado Nezuko. They do this in order to improve their abilities and prepare them to confront dangerous demons, like Kibutsuji Muzan, and Upper Moon demons.

Breathing Techniques in Demon Slayer are specialized forms of breathing that enhance the physical abilities of the Demon Slayers, allowing them to perform superhuman feats. These techniques imitate nature and elements, helping demon slayers harness their concentration and strength in battles for survival. All breathing techniques are derived from Sun Breathing.

Breathing Styles are taught and practiced extensively within the Demon Slayer Corps, with each style having its own unique forms and applications.

Here’s a list of the known Breathing Styles and their primary users:

Tanjiro Kamado employs Water Breathing initially, then learns the original Sun Breathing, the origin of all the other styles. Each technique requires strict training to master, which is shown through arcs like the Hashira Training Arc.

Nichirin Swords, or known as Blades of Destruction, play a key role in Demon Slayer series. These special weapons are made from a unique material that constantly absorbs sunlight, one of the few weaknesses of demons. The creation of a Nichirin Sword is a detailed process, handled by expert swordsmiths within the Swordsmith Village. Each blade is tailor-made to its wielder, a Demon Slayer, transforming in hue when first held.

The importance of Nichirin Swords cannot be overlooked. They are the primary weapons used by the Demon Slayer Corps. These swords are one of the few methods to kill demons effectively, as they decapitate or inflict wounds that prevent regeneration. This allows Tanjiro Kamado and his allies for example to stand a better chance against the demons they encounter.

Characteristics of Nichirin Swords:

• Material: Special ore absorbing sunlight
• Creation: Forged by Swordsmith Village experts
• Customization: Color changes upon first contact with the owner
• Purpose: Main weapon against demons, enabling Slayers to kill or incapacitate them

The significance of these blades extends beyond their physical attributes.

Current Hashira:

• Giyu Tomioka – Water Hashira
• Kyojuro Rengoku – Flame Hashira
• Shinobu Kocho – Insect Hashira
• Muichiro Tokito – Mist Hashira
• Gyomei Himejima – Stone Hashira
• Tengen Uzui – Sound Hashira
• Mitsuri Kanroji – Love Hashira
• Sanemi Shinazugawa – Wind Hashira
• Obanai Iguro – Serpent Hashira

Former Hashira:

• Sakonji Urokodaki – Former Water Hashira
• Jigoro Kuwajima – Former Thunder Hashira
• Kanae Kocho – Former Flower Hashira

Noteworthy Demon Slayers from the Demon Slayer Corps:

• Tanjiro Kamado – Protagonist seeking to restore his sister, Nezuko Kamado, to human form.
• Nezuko Kamado – Transformed into a demon; unique in her resistance to human blood.
• Zenitsu Agatsuma – A companion of Tanjiro, known for his Thunder Breathing Technique.
• Inosuke Hashibira – Recognizable by his boar’s head mask; known for his Beast Breathing Technique.
• Kanao Tsuyuri – A talented demon slayer under the tutelage of Shinobu Kocho.