With a multitude of wonderful characters, from demon slayers like Tanjiro and Zenitsu to Hashira like Mitsuri and Muichiro, there are so many people that truly summarize exactly what it means to be a hero inDemon Slayer, through their actions and not just words. The series' main character, Tanjiro Kamado, embodies these principles of heroism well, transforming from an average human boy to a courageous demon slayer in an effort to save his younger sister, Nezuko, who was turned into a demon against her will.
Tanjiro is respectable and one of anime’s best protagonists indeed, but I actually believethere is a character who surpasses him when it comes to bravery, valor, and overall heroism.This character I hold in such high regard is Kyojuro Rengoku, the former Flame Hashira. He may be a somewhat unexpected choice for the spot ofDemon Slayer’sultimate hero, since his time in the series was not very long and other characters killed more demons during their careers than he did, but in my mind, one pivotal fight was what forever solidified Kyojuro Rengoku’s status asDemon Slayer’smost commendable hero.
Rengoku and Akaza’s Final Fight is the Best in the Series
Rengoku Refused To Let Anyone Else Get Involved, Bearing the Full Weight of Akaza’s Attacks Like a Valiant Hero
Years after the fact, Rengoku and the Upper Rank Three demon, Akaza’s,final fightin the Mugen Train arcsticks in my head as the best in the series.This fight was the climax ofDemon Slayer’ssecond season, pitting the former Flame Hashira against the strongest demon to make an appearance in the story at this point (other than Lord Muzan). With Enmu defeated, Akaza was the last hurdle for the demon slayers to cross. Just when they believed the battle was over, Akaza stormed onto the scene and engaged the exhausted former Flame Hashira in the fight of his life.
Only One Demon Slayer Villain Was Truly Worthy of Tanjiro’s Mercy
Akaza is most deserving of Tanjiro’s piety due to his morals, devastating past, and the fact that he was never truly evil.
Although Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Nezuko were present, Rengoku took the lead in this altercation, realizing his comrades were worn out and injured from the prior clash with Enmu. This is just one occurrence ofRengoku sticking up for those around him and putting his own life on the line, rather than allowing someone else’s to be threatened. Rengoku showed off four different forms of his Flame Breathing, even managing to slice off the demon’s arm. The encounter raged on for quite a while, as Tanjiro looked on in awe, unable to even focus because both parties moved so quickly, they were undetectable.
Even Demons Recognized Rengoku’s Power, Proof of His Amazing Skill
Rengoku fought to the point of near collapse, after already taking down Enmu just moments prior and exerting almost all of his energy during that challenge. Not once did the smile leave Rengoku’s face or the determination leave his eyes, ashis heroic persistence carried him further than the physical limitations of his bodycould normally allow him to go. Even Akaza the demon was moved by Rengoku’s efforts, pleading with the Hashira to join the demons instead and put his talents and headstrongness to a better use. Although Rengoku honorably refused, the fact Akaza asked a human to join him proves Rengoku is gifted.
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Demon Slayer’s Hashira are some of the strongest characters in the series, but some Hashira are much stronger and more powerful than their peers.
At any point,Rengoku could have accepted the tempting offer Akaza kept making and spare his own life, but his morals would not let him stoop so low. In my opinion, Rengoku’s commitment to fighting evil, even when it would have been easier and more beneficial to him to begrudgingly give in to Akaza’s pleas as a way to save himself, is another facet of his heroic personality I greatly admire. After a final flashback in Rengoku’s mind, in which he said his goodbyes to his beloved mother, Ruka Rengoku, he began to breathe his last, pushed beyond his body’s limits.
Rengoku’s Noble Sacrifice Cemented His Status as the Greatest Hero
Someone Who Is Able To Smile Reassuringly to Others as They Face Their Death Is Worthy of Being CalledDemon Slayer’sHero
Even as he lay dying when Akaza fled to the forest to shield himself from the sun, Rengoku did not despair. Tanjiro called after Akaza angrily, insisting that Rengoku won the battle, not him, because Rengoku was committed enough to not give up and flee like Akaza and careful not to cause unnecessary harm to others. I believe Tanjiro’s words are correct, and although Rengoku did not survive this clash, he won in the end bysticking to his heroic code of honor and forever symbolizing what it means to bear the title “hero,“or more specificially inDemon Slayer, the rank “Hashira.”
I will never forget the way Rengoku fought until his body gave out to protect Tanjiro and his friends, who could have easily been killed by such an accomplished demon as Akaza. Rengoku’s last actions were truly selfless, as he was only thinking of how to keep humanity and his loved ones safe, not his own well-being. Rengoku’s sacrifice was a tremendous loss that every Hashira and demon slayer mourned deeply, andit’s one of the only scenes that brings me to tears every single time.Rengoku’s death exemplifies what heroes truly stand for: protecting others, as an example for those who follow after him.
Demon Slayer’s Rengoku is Deeper in the Anime Than in The Mugen Train Movie
The serialized adaptation of Demon Slayer’s Mugen Train movie expands on Rengoku significantly, giving him a whole episode’s worth of focus.
Tanjiro carries Rengoku’s sword guardwith him for a reason: Rengoku is a hero Tanjiro hopes to emulate and never wants to forget. Rengoku’s mother always told him,“it is the obligation of those born strong to defend the weak,“and Rengoku’s final fight put this lesson into clear action. Even though many other characters inDemon Slayermade incredible sacrifices, such as Shinobu avenging her sisters, for example, Rengoku’s altruism, strong morals, unshakable resolve, and ability to laugh and smile during such dire circumstances as his own death will always stick with me and earn him the title ofDemon Slayer’sbest hero.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Cast
Set in Japan’s Taisho Period, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba follows Tanjiro, a young boy whose family is killed by demons. With his sister Nezuko transformed into a demon, Tanjiro embarks on a quest to become a demon slayer, seeking vengeance and a cure for his sister’s condition.
