The following contains spoilers from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga.
Summary
Fighting demons who are gifted with supernatural powers and are immune to most attacks is a daunting task that very few are brave enough to handle. Unfortunately, such brave battles fought against the forces of evil are critical for the survival of the human race, as Muzan and his underlings threaten to take over the world in theDemon Slayermanga and anime.
Throughout the series, demon slayers valiantly foughtmalicious and sadistic monsterswho take pleasure in hurting others. It should come as no surprise, then, that many such brave fighters lost their lives fighting demons. These members of the Demon Slayer Corps met tragic ends, sacrificing their lives for a brighter future that they themselves would never get to see.
7Muichiro Tokito
The Mist Hashira
WhenMuichiro Tokitocrossed paths with Kokushibo, he understood that he was fighting one of the strongest beings in existence. Kokushibo’s mere presence sent shivers down Muichiro’s spine. But despite knowing the threat, the young demon slayer bravely put up a fight, without ever thinking about himself.
Remember that boiling anger. Even if I lose my memories, my body will remember that anger that will not leave me until I die. It’s why I trained so hard that I vomited blood to destroy demons. And more, to eradicate them!
Unfortunately, the battle was a mismatch and put Tokito at a huge disadvantage. By the time others arrived on the scene, Muichiro already had serious injuries and was bleeding profusely. Overlooking his own well-being, Muichiro kept fighting Kokushibo and eventually passed away after receiving a fatal blow from the demon. But he played a crucial role in weakening the Upper-Rank One, which helped others bring down the demon.
6Mitsuri Kanroji
The Love Hashira
In the Infinity Castle arc,Kanroji, accompanied by Obanai Iguro, confronted the new Upper-Rank Four, Nakime. Soon after the battle, she joined the most skilled members of the Demon Slayer Corpsto fight the Demon King. While the legendary group managed to bring down Muzan, the battle was violent and took many lives. Kanroji was one of them, as she succumbed to her injuries in Obanai Iguro’s arms.
5Obanai Iguro
The Serpent Hashira
One ofObanai Iguro’s last memories was watching Mitsuri die in his arms. He was already struggling with his own injuries, but acted bravelyuntil the Love Hashirasuccumbed to her wounds. He promised her that the two would live together and get married if they were reunited in another life. Iguro wasn’t lying, as he was painfully aware of his own approaching death. Soon after he made his promise to Mitsuri, he too passed away holding the Love Hashira.
Obanai and Mitsuri’s deaths were painful for fans, too, as it highlighted the tragic cost the duo had to pay for the greater good. Interestingly, Iguro kept his promise, as their reincarnations many decades later ended up together.
4Gyomei Himejima
The Stone Hashira
In the final battle,Gyomei Himejimaplayed a crucial role in the victory ofthe Demon Slayer Corps. He initially joined hands with Genya, Sanemi, and Muichiro to fight and defeat the Upper-Rank One, Kokushibo. Despite sustaining several serious injuries in the violent battle, he remained committed to fulfilling his duties as a demon slayer.
We are proud to live and die as human beings. Don’t act like your worthless ideas are supreme and force them on others.
The Stone Hashira went on to fight the Demon King along with his comrades. He figured out the secrets of Muzan’s strange physiology and made it possible for others to exploit his weaknesses. His valuable insight played a crucial role in defeating Muzan Kibutsuji. But his injuries eventually proved to be too severe, and he ended up succumbing to them. Gyomei never reunited with Sayo, the child he had saved in the temple many years ago. He could not get the much-needed closure he deserved. Meanwhile, Sayo also did not get the opportunity to apologize to him for unknowingly playing a part in his condemnation.
3Shinobu Kocho
The Insect Hashira
There are many deaths throughout the series, but no one is arguably as gruesome asShinobu Kocho’s. Ever since her sisterwas killed by Doma, she dreamed of the day she could avenge her. In the Infinity Castle arc, she finally confronted the demon, knowing that she was no match for him.
Shinobu was well aware that she could never defeat the Upper-Rank Two alone. So, she hatched a sinister plan, absorbing highly concentrated wisteria-based poison for many months before she fought Doma. When the two clashed, Shinobu expected to be defeated and eaten alive by the demon, who would then be killed by the poison. Her brave sacrifice transpired exactly as she had hoped, and she ended up playing a major role in Doma’s downfall.
2Kyojuro Rengoku
The Flame Hashira
In the Mugen Train arc, Tanjiro and his friend teamed up withRengokuto investigate the disappearances of over forty people on the mysterious locomotive. Their probe led to a direct confrontation withEnmu, the Lower-Rank One of the Twelve Kizuki. Although the demon slayers won the battle, dark forces soon enveloped the region. As Upper-Rank Three Akaza made an unexpected appearance, Rengoku knew he had to fight alone, as others were already injured or too exhausted.
Life is a series of decisions. You never have unlimited options or unlimited time to think, but what you choose in that instant defines who you are.
TheFlame Hashira put up a valiant battle, even surprising Akaza on a few occasions. But he was nowhere near as powerful as the demon. Eventually, Akaza managed to land a fatal blow and escaped as the sun rose. Rengoku, having fought an epic battle, accepted his death. Tanjiro and Inosuke witnessed the entire fight and went on to be influenced by Kyojuro’s bravery.
1Yoriichi Tsugikuni
The Greatest Demon Slayer Ever
Yoriichiwas born in the Sengoku Era, and had a natural gift for the sword. Gifted witha Demon Slayer Markfrom birth, his powers and movements were almost superhuman. Yoriichi fought many battles in his life, but perhaps the most epic was his fight against the Demon King Muzan. He could have defeated Kibutsuji had the demon not fled from the scene. His unparalleled strength meant that no demon could pose a challenge for him. But he eventually grew old, and when he was around 85, he confronted his brother, who had turned into a demon named Kokushibo.
Even at such an advanced age, Yoriichi was still agile and powerful. Despite receiving Muzan’s blood, Kokushibo struggled to keep track of his movements, which made it incredibly difficult to fight him. Yoriichi could have easily defeated the demon, but old age finally caught up to him. After just attacking once, he froze in his stance and passed away. Kokushibo could never defeat his brother while he was alive, and it continued to haunt him for many centuries after that.
