Who is Kaigaku?
Kaigaku, initially a Demon Slayer turned demon, rises to the position of Upper Rank Six within the Twelve Kizuki, a group of powerful demons serving Muzan Kibutsuji. Affiliated with the Twelve Kizuki, he holds the position of Upper Rank Six, stepping in after the demise of Daki and Gyutaro.
Kaigaku’s past involves being a former Demon Slayer and the senior disciple of Zenitsu Agatsuma under Jigoro Kuwajima, the former Thunder Hashira. However, during Hashira Training, he embarked on a mission where he encountered Upper Rank One, Kokushibo. In a move to save himself, Kaigaku swiftly surrendered, leading to his transformation into a demon and subsequent elevation to Upper Rank Six within the Twelve Kizuki.
What defines Kaigaku’s Personality and Background?
As a human, Kaigaku possesses the appearance of a muscular young man with average height. His short, spiky black hair is accentuated by two thick strands framing his face, and his dull, cold turquoise eyes are framed by thick, arched eyebrows. His unfriendly countenance is perpetually set in a semi-permanent snarl. Upon transforming into a demon, Kaigaku undergoes significant physical changes. His demonic traits include four black flame-like markings on both sides of his cheeks, elongated canines resembling fangs, sickly pale skin, sharp blackened nails, and pointed ears. As a member of the Twelve Kizuki, holding the position of Upper Rank Six, his eyes bear the kanji symbols for “Upper Rank” and “Six.”
In his human form during training under Kuwajima, Kaigaku is depicted wearing a black kimono with a white collar, worn loosely to expose his chest, and his signature magatama-necklaces around his neck. As a Demon Slayer, he adopts the Corps’ standard uniform, featuring a black gakuran-like jacket, black tattsuke-hakama pants, a white belt, white kyahan wrapped around his ankles, and tabi socks with zori. Upon becoming a demon, Kaigaku combines his signature kimono with his Demon Slayer uniform, accentuated by yellow flame-like markings near the chest area. He adorns his forearms with material resembling kyahan and wears multiple necklaces on his neck and wrist, with green-colored strings securing blue magatama-like pendants.
Kaigaku’s personality is characterized by arrogance and opportunism. Despite being diligent and talented, he exhibits an inflated sense of self-preservation and grew up resorting to thievery on the streets. Unlike other Demon Slayer Corps members, he lacks a desire to protect people or slay demons. Hypocritically, Kaigaku professes to follow the strong and despise weakness. He bullies and belittles Zenitsu for his perceived lack of dignity and perseverance. However, Kaigaku’s true nature is revealed when he cowers in fear before Kokushibou, willingly accepts Muzan Kibutsuji’s blood, and becomes a demon. His cowardice extends to betraying his mentor and fellow pupils to the demons, a deed Zenitsu would not commit.
Kaigaku retains his memories after his transformation, emphasizing the genuineness of his evil nature. He shows no remorse for his treachery and insults his master, Jigoro Kuwajima, upon learning of Zenitsu’s suicide. Even in defeat and near death, Kaigaku expresses no regret for his actions, only relishing the hope that Zenitsu would die alongside him. His final moments are marked by a scream of rage as his body disintegrates after Zenitsu’s rescue by Yushiro.
What’s the History Behind Kaigaku
Kaigaku’s history is marked by a contrasting outward demeanor and inner character. Despite appearing brash and arrogant, he harbors deep-seated cowardice and selfishness. Growing up as an orphan on the streets, he resorted to thievery and immoral means for survival, showcasing a willingness to sacrifice others, particularly the orphans under Gyomei’s care, to save himself.
Being an orphan and thief, Kaigaku faced the harsh reality of having to eat scraps and steal to stay alive. Gyomei Himejima cared for him at his temple, but Kaigaku’s actions, such as stealing temple money, led to his expulsion. Subsequently, he encountered a demon at night, allowing it into the temple in exchange for sparing his life.
Kaigaku’s belief system evolved to prioritize strength and survival as the only qualities deserving respect. He adopted a pragmatic approach, even being willing to grovel and beg for his life if necessary. Jigoro eventually took him in, along with Zenitsu, for Thunder Breathing training. Kaigaku aspired to become Jigoro’s successor and the new Thunder Hashira. However, Jigoro insisted that both Kaigaku and Zenitsu would inherit his teachings, despite Zenitsu’s perceived weakness and timid nature.
What are the Prominent Abilities of the Kaigaku?
Overall Abilities:
Kaigaku, positioned as Upper Rank Six among the Twelve Kizuki, displays immense power. Proficient as a Demon Slayer, coupled with demonic traits, makes him a formidable adversary. Having received a significant amount of Muzan Kibutsuji’s blood, Kaigaku’s transformation into a demon is a testament to his resilience against the Demon King’s blood. Zenitsu notes Kaigaku’s strength, emphasizing the impact of his consumption of human flesh.
Yushiro remarks that Kaigaku, during his tenure as Upper Rank Six, hasn’t fully mastered his abilities, indicating untapped potential and the ability to further enhance his skills.
Physical Abilities
Immense Speed & Reflexes: As a Thunder Breathing user turned Upper Rank demon, Kaigaku possesses remarkable speed and reflexes, attributes inherent to the Thunder Breathing style that emphasizes swiftness. Assimilating Muzan’s blood amplifies his speed, enabling him to keep up with and overpower Zenitsu during their clash.
Fighting Style
Master Swordsman: Expected to inherit Jigoro’s position as the Thunder Hashira, Kaigaku showcases exceptional swordsmanship. His unique style involves placing his sword sheath at his back. Despite his proficiency, Kaigaku’s journey to Upper Rank Six is further empowered by his Blood Demon Art.
Breathing Style
Thunder Breathing: Kaigaku, trained by former Hashira Jigoro Kuwajima, excels in Thunder Breathing. Despite his inability to master the first form, Thunderclap and Flash, Kaigaku’s mastery of the other five techniques is noteworthy. His transformation into a demon manifests Thunder Breathing into reality, allowing manipulation of lightning and electricity, surpassing conventional Thunder Breathing.
Blood Demon Art
Electrokinesis: Kaigaku’s Blood Demon Art grants him electrokinetic abilities. Manipulating black lightning and electricity from his flesh, this Art enhances the lethality of his attacks. The combination of Thunder Breathing and Electrokinesis makes Kaigaku a formidable opponent.
What are the Techniques used by Kaigaku?
Second Form: Rice Spirit
Kaigaku releases five arched slashes accompanied by lightning.
Third Form: Thunder Swarm
Surrounds the enemy with waves of arched lightning, attacking from all directions.
Fourth Form: Distant Thunder
Generates a ball of electricity releasing multi-directional lightning bolts from afar.
Fifth Form: Heat Lightning
Unleashes a long-ranged upward sword slash accompanied by lightning.
Sixth Form: Rumble and Flash
Releases powerful, long-ranged lightning attacks striking the opponent from a distance.
