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Although their time together was short, Rengoku significantly influenced Tanjiro’s growth throughoutDemon Slayer.While the two did not meet on good terms, Rengoku is the type of person who is influenced by results and determination, which Tanjiro has demonstrated without fail throughout the series.
However, during the Mugen Train arc, Rengoku profoundly influenced Tanjiro, gaining his utmost respect and admiration for the fallen Hashira and defending his honor when it was insulted. Rengoku and Tanjiro are connected through Flame andSun Breathing;however, there is more to their relationship than echoes of the past.
A Hint About The Past
A Meeting That Will Inspire And Give Clues Toward the Past
The initial encounter between Kamado Tanjiro and Rengoku Kyojuro was less than desirable, as Rengoku exhibited immediate aversion and disdain toward the circumstances involving Tanjiro and Nezuko. Given his exceptional strength and proficiency, Rengoku Kyojuro held the esteemed position of Flame Pillar within the ranks of the Hashira, making him a formidable ally.
There’s no need for a trial here! Protecting demons is clearly a violation of conduct! We can deal with it by ourselves! We’ll decapitate every demon!
As theFlame Hashira, Rengokuis undeniably passionate and enthusiastic about everything he does, including his duties. Many of the Pillars, such as Kochi Shinobu, have a deep hatred for demons and thus have made it their life’s mission to subdue and kill all demons within their paths, making them unlikely to accept a demon such as Nezuko, who had yet to show any hostility towards humans.
Though Rengoku is one of many eccentric Hashira, he takes his duties seriously, even though his passionate and boisterous personality may make him seem like an airhead. Rengoku initially disliked Tanjiro precisely due to his insubordination and defiance of the Demon Slayer Corp’s conduct. Rengoku, along with Shinazugawa Sanemi and Obanai Iguro, were the only Hashira that disagreed withUbuyashiki Kagaya’s ruling of allowing Nezuko to live. While Rengoku profusely respected the head of theUbuyashiki Family, allowing Nezuko to live would contradict everything the Demon Slayer Corps have been working towards.
However, after Nezuko and Tanjiro prove the Hashira’s wrong and gain their respect, Rengoku, although initially disliking Tanjiro, admires his dedication towards finding andkilling Kibutsuji Muzan, thus earning his respect from here on out. It was during the Mount Natagumo arc that Tanjiro used the Hinokami Kagara for the first time, as its breaths and techniques seemed similar to that of the Breath of Flames, it was Kocho Shinobu who directed Tanjiro to meet with Rengoku. Unfortunately, it was to no avail as Rengoku was unaware of the Hinokami Kagura, also known asSun Breathing, even though it had been written in the Flame Pillar records, which hisfather Rengoku Shinjuro owned.
Although meeting Rengoku yielded little results at the time about the Hinokami Kagura, it was a fateful meeting in which Tanjiro gained immense respect and admiration for Rengoku and was in awe of his swift defeat of the demon in the carriage. After explaining the existence of the Hinokami Kagura, Rengoku also asked Tanjiro to become his Tsuguko, a successor to the Breath of Flame and potential Hashira.
54 - 66
Episodes
27 - 34
The duration of time spent together by Rengoku and Tanjiro was brief, spanning only a few hours from the evening until dawn. Nevertheless, during this period, the bond they cultivated became increasingly profound. Notably, both Hashibara Inosuke andAgamatsu Zenitsuharbored respect for the Flame Hashira; however, Tanjiro was the most profoundly impacted and continues to embody his will.
The rapid development of this bond can be attributed to the personalities of Tanjiro and Rengoku. Tanjiro is characterized by his warm, compassionate nature and a strong desire to assist others, aligning himself with justice. Similarly, Rengoku shares this temperament, displaying enthusiastic zeal and a commitment to protecting others and doing what is right. Their matching personalities likely facilitated their quick rapport despite their initial impressions of each other.
Throughout the battle during the Mugen Train arc, Tanjiro, each time Rengoku displayed his abilities, Tanjiro would become impressed with his ability to grasp their situation quickly and effectively lead the group with motivation and enthusiasm, showcasing his leadership skills with ease.
One of the primary reasons Tanjiro has been significantly influenced byRengoku pertains to his exemplary leadership skills. Following the incident in which Tanjiro sustained a stab wound to the abdomen and experienced considerable blood loss, it was Rengoku who adeptly guided him toward effective methods for enhancing his Breath techniques. Rengoku possessed the remarkable capability to instill calmness in those around him through his unwavering enthusiasm and instructional guidance.
Another factor contributing to Tanjiro’s profound grief overRengoku’s deathwas his inability to prevent it at the hands ofUpper Moon Three: Akaza. Tanjiro has consistently demonstrated a selfless disposition, always prioritizing the safety of others and striving to shield them from harm whenever possible.
The loss of Rengoku, who was not only a remarkable Hashira but also a significant source of inspiration for Tanjiro, left him in a state of distress and deep remorse for his perceived inadequacy in safeguarding his mentor. Furthermore, it is essential to note that Rengoku, the Flame Hashira, defended Tanjiro’s honor as a warrior in the face of Akaza and recognized his potential, even during moments when Tanjiro felt vulnerable due to his inability to swiftly recover from a potentially life-threatening stab wound.
Live with your chest high.
Although their time together was short, Tanjiro learned valuable lessons from Rengoku, gaining unwavering respect for him and leading Tanjiro to continue honoring his memory. After visiting the Rengoku house to pay his respects and learn more about the Hinokami Kagura, Tanjiro received a generous gift from Kyojuro’s younger brother, Senjurou: Kyojuro’s sword guard from his Nichirin blade. This precious token was something Tanjiro would cherish deeply. Ultimately, Tanjiro avenged Rengoku by defeating Akaza duringthe Infinity Castle arc.
Demon Slayeris now available to stream onCrunchyroll.
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 try to eradicate Demons led by Muzan.
