Episode 3, Sabito and Makomo

This episode opens up the world a little bit. We are introduced to the Demon Slayer Corps. A group that has “several hundred members,” they aren’t unrecognized by the government and seem to have no leader. It seems obvious to me that Tanjiro will become that leader. Demon’s are explained further, as demons go in anime nothing is new. They have powers, they regenerate and they’re stronger than human etc…

Meanwhile, Tanjiro begins to train. Sakonji explains that he is only one of several trainers. In order to join the Demon Corps, Tanjiro must survive the “Final Selection process.” Sakonji determines whether Tanjiro qualifies. This is all interesting except that we all know that Tanjiro will pass, otherwise how does the show go on. Throughout the training Tanjiro writes a diary detailing the daily training.

Somehow Nezuko has been asleep for six months. The training arc is seamlessly speed up a year. After the training ends, Sakonji tells Tanjiro that he will support his candidacy for the Demon Corps if he can cut a bolder. He keeps trying and failing. He meets a mysterious man (Sabito) who question his manhood. He attacks Tanjiro and challenge him to a fight. Tanjiro is outmatched by him. He says that Tanjiro has only memorize what he was taught, not internalized his lessons psychically.

After he knocks Tanjiro out, Sabito tells Makomo to take care of him. She’s corrects Tanjiro’s technique. Sabito and Makomo were both raised by Sakonji. She further explains the value of the “Total Concentration Breathing.” It’s a way to make you as strong as a demon. She tells him the only way to accomplish this is to “train to death.” Sabito and Tanjiro have a final showdown, with Tanjiro quickly defeating Sabito. The ending makes it unclear whether Sabito and Makomo are real. Regardless, Tanjiro cuts the bolder, meaning he’s going to the Final Selection.