Season 3 of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba delves deeper into the fight against demons, introducing a compelling cast of characters alongside familiar faces. From the enigmatic demon doctor Tamayo to the formidable Hashira, this season unveils allies and adversaries who shape Tanjiro’s journey in unexpected ways. Prepare to encounter unwavering resolve, hidden depths, and the unwavering pursuit of a cure for demonism as we explore the heroes and villains that define Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Swordsmith Village Arc.
1. Tanjiro Kamado
Tanjiro Kamado, the resolute hero of Demon Slayer, embodies unwavering determination and kindness. Raised in a mountain village, he cared for his siblings after his father’s passing. This instilled in him a deep compassion. A demon attack shattered his peace. Witnessing his family’s slaughter and his sister Nezuko’s transformation into a demon, he vowed to find a cure and eradicate demons.
Fueled by love for his sister and a thirst for justice, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps. His ultimate goal is to defeat Muzan, the progenitor of all demons. Tanjiro’s journey transforms him into a formidable swordsman. He masters the “Water Breathing” style under a skilled teacher.
What truly sets Tanjiro apart is his unwavering compassion. Unlike vengeance-driven demon slayers, Tanjiro retains empathy even for the demons he battles. This compassion manifests in moments of mercy. Even in the face of relentless attacks, Tanjiro clings to his humanity.
Adding to his arsenal is Tanjiro’s extraordinary sense of smell, an invaluable asset. This heightened sense allows him to detect demons, navigate treacherous environments, and even differentiate between individuals based solely on their scent. Tanjiro Kamado is more than a skilled swordsman; he’s the embodiment of unwavering determination, compassion, and spirit. His journey is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, a beacon of hope that even in darkness, kindness can prevail.
2. Nezuko Kamado
Nezuko Kamado, a unique female demon in Demon Slayer, embodies a fascinating duality. While possessing immense power exceeding most humans, her core personality remains childlike and compassionate. Her demon form grants incredible strength, regeneration, and even immunity to sunlight, making her a formidable opponent. She’s proven her prowess against powerful demons like Daki and Gyutaro, relying solely on sleep for regeneration instead of human blood.
However, Nezuko’s true strength lies in her unwavering loyalty and protective nature towards her brother, Tanjiro. Although unable to speak, her actions and expressions speak volumes. Her unwavering will to resist Muzan’s influence and her refusal to harm humans set her apart from other demons.
Yet, Nezuko isn’t without weaknesses. Her demon instincts can occasionally flare up, requiring Tanjiro’s calming presence. Additionally, her physical combat skills, while improving, still lag behind her raw power.
3. Muichiro Tokito – The Mist Hashira
Muichiro is a captivating character who appears somewhat apathetic, though his indifferent nature doesn’t stem from malice. The Mist Hashira exhibited a multitude of impressive moves, defeating Gyokko after manifesting his demon slayer mark and completely annihilating the twisted artisan who reveled in mutilating bodies for his sickening amusement.
Pushed to the brink, Muichiro managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, single-handedly killing an Upper Rank demon—an impressive feat. His tragic backstory adds depth to his character, fostering a strong connection with viewers throughout the series.
What sets the Mist Hashira apart is his rapid ascent to the rank of Hashira within two months of joining the Demon Slayer Corps. He successfully confronted an Upper Five demon and survived, undergoing a significant character transformation due to Tanjiro’s influence during the Swordsmith Village arc. As one of the youngest Hashira, Tokito still has ample room for growth as a warrior.
4. Mitsuri Kanroji
At first glance, the Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji, may not appear to be a fighter with overwhelming raw strength, but she currently holds the title of the most powerful female Hashira in Demon Slayer. Despite initial impressions, Kanroji possesses one of the highest levels of raw strength among the Hashira, evident in her ability to effortlessly rip out Muzan’s tentacles.
Kanroji’s initial motive for joining the Demon Slayer Corps was not to enhance her combat skills but to find a husband stronger than herself. Her journey to the rank of Hashira and the formidable strength she demonstrates along the way make this quest challenging, despite her best efforts. One distinctive feature of Kanroji’s combat style is her unique sword, a whip-like blade that complements Love Breathing’s fluid motions, making it challenging for demons to predict.
The Swordsmith Village arc showcases Kanroji’s true strength as she wields a distinctive nichirin blade with whip-like flexibility, giving even Hantengu’s toughest form a formidable challenge. During this arc, she swiftly manifests the demon slayer mark, allowing her to engage in an equal and victorious battle against this powerful foe.
In the manga, Kanroji’s clone possesses power equivalent to four Upper-Rank demons. Furthermore, during the Infinity Castle Arc, she fearlessly confronts Nakime, the new Upper-Rank Four, and successfully lands a blow on Muzan that catches him off guard.
5. Genya Shinazugawa
Genya Shinazugawa stands out in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. A member of the Demon Slayer Corps, Genya harbors a deep grudge against his older brother, Sanemi, stemming from a troubled past. This brooding young man is easily identified by his tall stature, sharp black hair, and a prominent scar – a mark of the fierce battles he’s endured. Unlike other Demon Slayers, Genya possesses a unique ability: consuming demon flesh grants him temporary access to their powers. While this proves advantageous in combat, it comes at a cost. Overindulging risks Genya succumbing to a more demonic state, endangering himself and others. Despite this perilous gamble, Genya remains resolute in his duty – to protect humanity and vanquish demons.
Genya’s significance extends beyond his combat prowess. He embodies the sacrifices and struggles Demon Slayers face to safeguard humanity. The strained relationship with his brother Sanemi highlights the emotional toll this mission takes, adding depth to his character. Beneath his gruff exterior lies a fiercely loyal and determined individual. Genya’s unwavering commitment to protecting his loved ones, even at great personal risk, serves as a powerful reminder of the fight against demons’ true cost. He embodies the unwavering spirit and resilience required to persevere in the face of immense adversity.
6. Hotaru Haganezuka
Hotaru Haganezuka from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a captivating enigma. This skilled swordsmith for the Demon Slayer Corps has a signature style. He often sports a vibrant haori adorned with sunflowers, a spotted scarf, and a traditional Hyottoko mask, concealing his face and adding to his mystique. When traveling, he opts for a wide-brimmed hat adorned with wind chimes, a practical touch that complements his air of mystery.
The Swordsmith Village Arc reveals a hidden aspect of Hotaru. His intense mountain training results in a more muscular physique, hinting at a strength that belies his usual demeanor. Glimpses beneath the mask showcase sharp eyes, long black hair, and striking eyebrows. However, a brutal encounter with Upper Rank Five demon Gyokko leaves a permanent mark. Deep scars crisscross his body, culminating in a prominent facial scar and the loss of his left eye – a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft and his unwavering loyalty to the Demon Slayer Corps.
7. Gyokko
Gyokko stands out as a formidable antagonist in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’s Season 3. As an Upper Rank Five demon, he holds a prestigious position amongst the elite ranks of Muzan Kibutsuji’s demon followers – the Twelve Kizuki. This powerful group serves a singular purpose: to eradicate the Demon Slayer Corps, the last line of defense against the demonic threat.
What truly sets Gyokko apart is his grotesque, aquatic-like appearance. Imagine a monstrous fusion of human and fish, with a bulbous, scaled body and a wide, menacing grin revealing sharp teeth. Further enhancing his intimidating presence is a pair of round spectacles perched on his grotesque visage.
Beyond his menacing exterior, Gyokko possesses a unique and deadly fighting style. His mastery of pottery transcends the realm of mere art; it becomes an extension of his demonic power. This “demon art” allows him to manipulate water and special, intricately crafted ceramic pots. These pots serve as both offensive and defensive tools. He can launch potent water-based attacks or even trap his enemies within a personal dimension – a watery realm teeming with deadly aquatic creatures.
Gyokko’s personality is as chilling as his appearance. He embodies arrogance and cruelty, deriving pleasure from tormenting his opponents. Confident in his abilities, he views those he considers weak with disdain. Despite his loyalty to Muzan, Gyokko harbors a rebellious streak – often voicing his opinions with a tinge of sarcasm and mockery. His unique abilities, combined with his imposing figure and twisted personality, solidify him as a truly memorable Demon Slayer Season 3 character.
8. Hantengu
Hantengu, despite his Upper Moon 4 status among the Twelve Kizuki, presents an initially timid and cowardly demeanor. This apparent weakness is, in fact, a clever ruse, as he adopts a crawling, fearful posture to deceive both friends and foes. His true strength lies in a unique ability – when beheaded, he can split into multiple demons, showcasing up to four alternate personalities, each associated with a distinct emotion. Additionally, Hantengu has two more forms that can be unleashed under specific circumstances, making him an incredibly elusive and challenging demon to confront.
This intricate array of forms reveals Hantengu’s emotional instability, as he perceives himself as innocent and a victim despite his numerous crimes. Each alternate personality has a unique name and set of powers. The main body, while lacking special abilities, exhibits exceptional durability. Sekido (anger) engages in ranged, electric attacks; Karaku (pleasure) wields fans capable of creating powerful gusts of wind; Aizetsu (sorrow) relies on long-range spear strikes, and Urogi (joy) can fly and employs ear-piercing sound waves.
Hantengu’s role in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba positions him as a significant antagonist within the Twelve Kizuki. His human past involves a history of murder and thievery, where he exploited a frail appearance and elderly guise to feign innocence, consistently shifting blame onto others to gain public sympathy. This complex character adds layers to the narrative, showcasing the diverse nature of the demons faced by the series’ protagonists.
9. Muzan Kibutsuji
Muzan Kibutsuji serves as the central antagonist in the ‘Demon Slayer’ series, holding the significant title of the first demon and the origin of all subsequent demons. His character is marked by a chilling ruthlessness and an unwavering pursuit of eternal life. Possessing unique shape-shifting abilities, Muzan can seamlessly integrate into human society, posing a constant challenge for the Demon Slayer Corps.
Centuries ago, during the Heian Era, Muzan’s transformation into a demon occurred as a result of an experimental procedure aimed at curing a fatal disease. Since then, his primary objectives have revolved around achieving true immortality, either through the elusive Blue Spider Lily or by creating more demons, hoping one might overcome the vulnerability to sunlight. Despite the ever-changing nature of his appearance, Muzan is often depicted as a refined gentleman with unmatched strength and capabilities.