When it comes to talking about the Hashira of Demon Slayer, one name cannot be forgotten — Kyojuro Rengoku. After the Mugen Train Arc, Rengoku has easily become one of the most beloved characters in the franchise. Putting it that way, featuring him may be long overdue, so let’s get right on to it.
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But just like those times when the other Hashira, like Mitsuri Kanroji and Sanemi Shinazugara, were featured, this article will contain some manga spoilers. It would be in the best interests of anime-only fans to proceed with a little bit of caution.
Who is Kyojuro Rengoku?
It’s no secret that Rengoku is one of the most beloved Hashira, both by the fandom and the other characters. He served as the Flame Hashira during the stupid trio’s — Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke — tenure as Demon Slayers. He is also the first Hashira to take the trio under his wing, promising to train them into proper members of the corps. Unfortunately, he didn’t live long enough to fulfill his promise, as he fell under Akaza’s martial arts.
Rengoku was known for being enthusiastic, optimistic, and kind. He exuded a contagious energy that inspired those around him, especially since he always encouraged others to strive for their best. His sense of duty extended beyond mere combat. He was deeply compassionate and empathetic, often going out of his way to help and uplift others. As a matter of fact, Mitsuri Kanroji, the present Love Hashira, trained as his Tsuguko, which allowed her to develop her signature Love Breathing.
Rengoku was also one of the few characters who got along with almost every other character in his verse. So when the news of his passing reached the other Hashira, it spurned their raging will to eliminate all demons.
Kyojuro Rengoku had family problems
Kyojuro hailed from a family of Demon Slayers. Before him, his father, Shinjuro Rengoku, was the Flame Hashira. Kyojuro had a lot of fond memories of his father during his childhood years. Shinjuro dearly loved his family, often training his sons in swordsmanship. However, things changed when Ruka, Shinjuro’s wife, perished from an untreatable disease.
It was during Ruka’s death that Shinjuro learned of Hinokami Kagura’s existence. After learning that Hinokami Kagura, which was also known as Sun Breathing, preceded all other Breathing Styles, Shinjuro lost all direction in life. He became a negligent and abusive father, often disregarding his sons. He would even mock Kyojuro’s achievements as a Demon Slayer, constantly telling him he would amount to nothing.
Even after hearing the news of his son’s death, Shinjuro was dismissive and apathetic. It was only with Tanjiro’s intervention that he ultimately showed his true feelings, though it was already too late for Kyojuro to hear his sentiments. But even though Shinjuro veered from being the ideal father, Kyojuro remained a good person. He encouraged his brother’s pursuit of swordsmanship and remained hopeful of his father’s redemption.
How strong is the Kyojuro Rengoku, the former Flame Hashira?
As a Hashira, Kyojuro possessed exceptional battle prowess. He commanded great mastery over Flame Breathing, which he mostly self-learned after Shinjuro stopped training him. Kyojuro’s physical abilities were also top-notch. He had incredible speed and stamina, as showcased during their battle with Lower Moon One, Enmu. At the time, he single-handedly took care of multiple train carts, ensuring no civilian was hurt. Furthermore, Kyojuro was strong enough to take care of Lower Moon Two, Hairo, all on his own. The demon even acknowledged the Hashira’s swordsmanship during its last moments.
Beyond his physical abilities, Kyojuro’s strength was also rooted in his unwavering determination and resilience. This was vividly demonstrated during his battle against Akaza. Despite being overpowered, Kyojuro fought Akaza with relentless tenacity. Even when the Upper Moon pierced his chest, he used his remaining strength to hold onto Akaza’s arm, almost exposing him to the sun.
Due to his untimely demise, however, Kyojuro’s combat abilities no longer developed. He would become the only Hashira in his time to fail to take down, or at least contribute to taking down, an Upper Moon. In addition, he also didn’t get the chance to awaken his Demon Slayer Mark, which further brings his power ranking among his cohorts a couple of levels down.
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