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Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaibafocuses on a violent and never-ending battle between demons and swordsmen. Over the course of millennia, countless battles have been fought that caused untold misery and left deep wounds. Such tragedies have not only reshaped the world but also fomented rivalries that lead to more violence and suffering.
Like most demon slayers,Tanjiro Kamado also had the misfortuneof shouldering the burden of unimaginable loss that continues to haunt him to this day. As an all-out war breaks out between Muzan’s underlings and demon slayers, Kamado is all set to fight a war of vengeance against Akaza who took the life of his dear friend. But is he even strong enough to fight such a battle? Let’s look at their rivalry and understand their powers to make an educated guess.
Akaza and Tanjiro: A Bitter Rivalry
The Upper Rank Three Killed Flame Hashira
Ever since Tanjiro Kamado became a demon slayer, he has been fortunate enough to work alongside some of the most talented swordsmen of the Taisho era. He has also crossed paths withMuzan and befriended Tamayo, one of the oldest demons alive. These experiences have shaped him into the fighter he is today but not all of his lessons have been pleasant.
There were never any Flames among all the Hashira I’ve killed until now. And no one ever took me up on my offer, either. Why do you think that is? As a fellow martial artist, I just don’t get it. Not when only the chosen ones can become demons!… Watching the hideous decline of someone blessed with extraordinary powers… it pains me! I can’t bear it! Die, Kyojuro… while you’re still young and strong. ~ Akaza
In the Mugen Train arc,once Enmu was defeated, it seemed that demon slayers had accomplished their mission successfully. But life was about to take a tragic turn for Tanjiro and his friends. When they had barely managed to recover from the injuries caused by the train crash and fighting Enmu, Akaza arrived on the scene with a sinister plan.
Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengokuunderstood that Tanjiro and his friends were not in a position to fight, so he took it upon himself to fight the Upper Moon. Unfortunately, the power gap in such battles is so significant, that Rengoku’s bravery can just as easily be deemed a suicidal mission.
Someone of his experience perhaps even knew that, but Kyojuro was not the kind of person to let Akaza hurt the young and promising demon slayers. When they fought, Flame Hashira exceeded all expectations and landed several serious attacks, but the demon’s superior regenerative power was hard to keep up with. Eventually, the battle of endurance pushed Rengoku to his limits and just before sunrise,Akaza landed a fatal blowthat killed him soon afterward.
Infinity Castle Movie Will Reveal Who Is Stronger
Tanjiro Will Confront Akaza in the Infinity Castle
Watching Kyojuro Rengoku take his last breath had a deep influence on Tanjiro. Even in his last moments,the Flame Hashira remained kindand generous, speaking words of wisdom that became a guiding light for Kamado and his friends. Ever since Rengoku’s death, Tanjiro has been waiting for the day when he will finally confront Upper Moon Three for his crimes.
As an all-out war finally breaks out following the Hashira training, the time is finally right for Kamado to confront Akaza. If Tanjiro had fought the Upper-Rank Moon before, he would have faced a much worse fate than Rengoku because of the power gap. But he is no longer the demon slayerhe was when he first met Akaza.
Since then Tanjiro hasbecome adept at using Sun Breathingand has also played a crucial role in defeating Hantengu, Gyutaro, and Daki. These Upper Moons were no pushover and forced Kamado to reinvent his fighting style. Interestingly, he not only evolved every time but also revealed he is adaptable enough to use techniques developed by his friends.
Perhaps Tanjiro’s most praiseworthy achievement since the battle on the Mugen train has been manifestingthe Demon Slayer Mark. The superhuman powers granted by the mysterious marking significantly enhance a demon slayer’s fighting capability to the point that Muichiro single-handedly defeats Gyokko.
You misunderstand, Tanjiro. I only despise the weak. I only spit on weaklings. Yes. Weaklings make me sick. It is the law of nature that they be weeded out. ~ Akaza
But as great as the Demon Slayer Mark’s influence has been, it would be foolish to expect that the top three Upper Moons will also be vulnerable because of it. Akaza, Kokushibo, and Doma appear to have the ability to regrow their heads even after they are decapitated by a Nichirin blade. Their regenerative powers are so extreme that even fatal attacks don’t make them flinch. Even while fighting Kyojuro, Akaza took too many direct and painful hits, but every time he seemed to shrug them off as if they didn’t bother him.
When Tanjiro finallyconfronts him in the Infinity Castle, he will have to be on his toes every second. Even a slight opening will be fatal. Sun Breathing with the Demon Slayer Mark will surely give Tanjiro an edge but will it be enough against someone of Akaza’s caliber? The Infinity Castle trilogy will shed light on the harsh reality of fighting the top three Upper Moons and also reveal if Tanjiro has finally become stronger than Akaza or not.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle trilogy’s first installment is scheduled to be released in the United States onSeptember 12, 2025.
