The following contains spoilers from the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga and anime.
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Demon Slayer: Infinity Castlemovie is all set to cover the eponymous arc that features some of the most intense battles of the series and sets the stage for anepic showdown with the Demon King. Each fight is expected to be critical for the future of humanity and will eventually play a crucial role in Muzan’s downfall.
The official trailer has hinted at three major battles so far. Among them, Doma versus Shinobu Kocho seems to be the most mismatched, since Doma is significantly stronger than most demons, with the exception of Kokushibo. Furthermore, unlike Tanjiro, Shinobu has not yetmanifested a Demon Slayer Mark. With so many disadvantages, does Shinobu even stand a chance?
Understanding Shinobu’s Antagonism for Doma
Insect Hashira Detests Doma For Killing Someone Special
Shinobu was born in a privileged familyand lived a peaceful life during her formative years. Her parents loved her deeply, and she also had the guidance of her elder sister, Kanae. The Kocho family was doing great, but their hopes and future were snatched away when a demon managed to get into their house one night. Shinobu’s parents put themselves in harm’s way to protect their children. While they succeeded in stopping the demon for a while, they ended up losing their lives in the process.
I once believed that the road of happiness continued forever and ever into the distance. When it was destroyed, I realized for the first time that it lies upon a thin sheet of glass. And just as we were saved, there were those whose happiness that haven’t yet been destroyed. So I wanted to get stronger and protect them. That’s what we promised each other. Even if we’re weak and can’t cut off demon heads, if we defeat one demon, we can save dozens of people. And if we can defeat an Upper Rank Kizuki, we can save hundreds. It isn’t about whether we can or cannot do. There are things we have to do.
Shinobu and Kanae would have met the same fate hadStone Hashira Gyomei Himejimanot arrived at the scene just in the nick of time. After their rescue, he trained the Kocho sisters, and they eventually ended up becoming the Hashira. After losing both parents, Kanae meant everything to Shinobu, and the two sisters wanted to make the world a better place by eradicating demons. But tragedy struck one more time and changed Shinobu forever.
On one unfortunate night, Kanae accidentallyran into Upper-Rank Two, Doma. Since she was alone, the Flower Hashira was pushed to fight or perish. Although she displayed remarkable bravery, she was too underpowered to fight an Upper Moon. Doma seriously injured Kanae and would have devoured her alive if not for the sunrise. By the time Shinobu arrived at the scene, her sister was already taking her last breath. Kanae asked Shinobu to leavethe Demon Slayer Corpsand not think of revenge, as she feared that she, too, would meet the same fate as her.
Infinity Castle Movie Will Reveal Who is Stronger
Shinobu Faces Her Biggest Battle Yet
Insect Hashira Shinobu Kochois not the strongest demon slayer of her generation. In fact, she admits that her short stature and unremarkable strength put her at a disadvantage. That’s why she had to invent the Insect Breathing that mimics insects and relies heavily on lethal wisteria-based poisons to subdue the enemy. While the technique can send a shiver down the spine of most demons, it becomes less and less effective against stronger adversaries.
Shinobu’s antagonism toward Doma drives her to confront thedemon in the Infinity Castle. If the trailer is to be believed, she is all set to fight him alone. As mentioned before, the Flower Hashira has not manifested a Demon Slayer Mark yet. This puts her at a serious disadvantage since a demon slayer with the mark would have also struggled against someone of Doma’s stature.
Until now, Shinobu’s poison has done wonders against weaker enemies, but it is improbable that the same dosage will work on Upper Rank Two. On the other hand,Doma’s blood demon artis extremely dangerous. In fact, it could incapacitate even the best demon slayers if they are not vigilant around him. Even if one survives Cryokinesis, they will have to deal with Doma’s Tessenjutsu, abnormal regeneration, and a host of other powers that make him seem invincible.
Shinobu Kocho will have to find a unique way to surprise Doma, but even doing that will take an almost perfect plan combined with perfect execution. Tricking Doma is probably the only hope for her, and even that seems highly unlikely. But it would be foolish to underestimate Shinobu, who has always known that she will be fighting her sister’s killer someday.
The Flower Hashira is known for beingextremely smart, and it appears that the fate of her battle will be more about strategy and less about strength. If she manifests the Demon Slayer Mark, it would change everything dramatically and might just give Shinobu the edge she needs. It remains to be seen how the battle unfolds and what tricks Shinobu has up her sleeve that will tip the scales in her favor.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle trilogy’s first installment is scheduled to be released in the United States onSeptember 12, 2025.
