Summary
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The last two Arcs of theDemon Slayermanga series are being adapted into anime movies. In this first arc, Infinity Castle, there is a full-blown war between the Demon Slayer Corps and all the demons. This final battle was instigated by Muzan, who brought in every member of the Demon Slayer Corps into his Infinity Castle for the final battle.
Tengen Uzui,the flashy and flamboyant Sound Hashira, was a fan favorite inDemon Slayer. However, as the final battle looms in the Infinity Castle arc, many fans are wondering why he’s nowhere to be seen. Aside from the fact thathe wasn’t brought into the infinite castle by the blood demon art, there are other reasons why he won’t be part of this decisive battle. His absence is not just a coincidence, it’s the result of the retirement path he chose.
His Time To Retire
His Spirit Was Willing, But His Body Was Weak
For demon slayers, retirement often meant victory, death, or, as in Tengen’s case, sustaining career-ending injuries. Tengen is one of the only known demon slayers and Hashira to retire due to being permanently disabled. He had sustained severe injuries in what became his last battle as a swordsman.
During the Entertainment District Arc, he, alongside Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Innouske, all fought together againstthe Upper Moon Six, Gyutaro, and Daki. This fierce battle left him with permanent injuries. Tengen had lost an arm and an eye against one of the most powerful demons in the show; this is one major reason for his early retirement, and why he wouldn’t be a part of the battle in the infinity castle.
Honoring A Wife’s Wishes
A Reason To Move On As Normal People
Tengen was also married and had three wives.Due to his unique upbringing as a member of a shinobi familythat practiced polygamy, he was given three wives at the age of 15. He had listened to one of the wishes of his wife, which influenced his decision to leave the front lines of battle and retire. When faced with the possible reality of losing one of his wives, Hinatsuru, he remembers her request she made in the past to live normal lives.
Once we defeat an Upper Moon, let’s retreat from the frontlines. (Demon SlayerManga, Chapter 90)
A task she knew was easier said than done for shinobis who constantly kept putting their lives on the line for the sake of others. Barely escaping with his life against an Upper Moon, Tengen might have put his wife’s happiness first, even though he still wanted to be on the frontlines. Living out the rest of his life with his three wives and making up for their past mistakes added to his reasons for withdrawing from the fight in the Infinity Castle. His absence in the final war was a direct result of this conscious decision to prioritize peace over battle.
Believing In Tanjiro
Hope For The Future Of Demon Slayers
Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira, had rushed to support in the fight against the Upper Moon six, but he was late; the battle was over when he arrived. he asked Tengen if he could continue to fight in his condition, and Tengen declared his retirement.
There was a brief argument between the two about the future of the Demon Slayer Corps,
Right now, too many youngsters are dying off, without showing any signs of growth (Demon SlayerManga, Chapter 97).
ButTengen assured Obanai that Tanjiro was growing and showing great promise. He had already placed his hopes in Tanjiro, who delivered the final blow to Gyuto during the fight. It seemed like he was confident in retiring, knowing Tanjiro was still alive and well. This trust in the next generation further solidified his decision to remain off the battlefield, even when war erupted.
Tengen Influence On The Next Generation
Playing His Part In Full
Just after losing an arm in battle, he gets back up to intervene and save Tanjiro. He fought back with all he had and continued to fight at the same intensity, even after losing an eye. Similar to the formerFlame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku, he had passed on his fireto the next generation of demon slayers, fighting for what was most important.
Tengen’s personality left a lasting impact on a lot of members of the Demon Slayer Corps and a bigger impact on Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke. His motto was to live a flashy life, and he did everything as flashy as he could. His retirement did come as a shock to them after the battle against the Upper Moon, but his consistency in character served as an inspiration to them.
Although he’s now handicapped, he was still able to taketraining sessions for the younger set of the Demon Slayer Corps. He had relaxed into this new role and took good care of his students. Still showing capabilities in his conditions, he completed his training for Tanjiro when he came and other students. In every way, he continued to serve, just not on the front lines.
The Effects Of Tengen Retirement
Until one of the Upper Moon was brought down but Tengen, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Innouske, none of the Upper Moon had died in over 100 years. This new development was shown to be a sign of hope and a major turnaround for the good of humans.
Dying in battle was very common among the Demon Slayer Corps, especially against the Upper Moon. It was a unique victory for him, even though he had the option to continue what was thought to be an unending fight against demons. Tengen won, survived, and chose love and peace with his family, making it a very rare occurrence in the storycompared to the fate of other Hashiras.
He Chose His Happy Ending
His character arc played a more pivotal part in the bittersweet ending of themasterful series.He had endured his loss at a younger age and grown to find new things and people to live for and protect. This one character’s story seemed intentionally written to feel more complete than others.
Tengen was one of the few characters to receive something close to a happy ending. Though it happened early in the story and is often overshadowed by later events, his decision to step away after sacrificing so much allowed him to live the rest of his life peacefully. That choice, rooted in loss, love, and purpose, is why he doesn’t appear in the Infinity Castle battle.
Demon Slayer
Based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s shonen manga, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is an action anime set in Japan during the early 20th century. Seeking revenge for the murder of his family while also looking to save his sister, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps as they attempt to eradicate Demons led by Muzan.
