Episode 5, My Own Steel

A new trope seems to be more frequent in anime and manga, “focusing on the villains perceptive.” This makes the series more than just a kill all the demon series. It will still be that of course. However, by given the demon’s backstory reminds us that he was once human. Like many he was a victim of a demon, before he became one. Tanjiro is a different kind of hero, he’s full of kindness and sympathy. Whether this series makes that a weakness remains to be scene, but so far it appears that it’s an asset.

Speaking of kindness, one of the new Demon Slayer members turns out to be an ass. He abuses one of the twins, grabbing her by the hair. Although she does seem to care. He’s likely to have a terrible backstory that explains his behavior. One of the other new members seems like he’s a bit of a coward. We get more details on the world of Demon Slayer. The Corps have ten ranks with the lowest being “Mizunoto.” Of course this is were our new heroes start. Each will have to choose and ore, because their sword will be made for them in a few days. It isn’t made clear which ore they should choose.

Interestingly, they are each assigned a Kaugai crow for communication and uniforms. Tanjiro returns home to Nezuko and Urokodaki, who’s understandably happy he survived. He informs Tanjiro that he believes the reason Nezuko sleeps a long time is because she doesn’t eat humans. This is both a good consequence for not eating humans and a convenient way to keep her out of the direct story. 15 days later, Tanjiro gets his sword from the odd, Haganezuka. Tanjiro gets his first mission, from a Kaugai crow that actually can speak.

---

Episode 6, Swordsman Accompanying a Demon

Tanjiro puts on his uniform. Urokodaki explains that it’s made out of special fabric that low-level “demon’s talons or fangs couldn’t even manage to tear it.” Tanjiro’s Nichirin sword is a rare color (Black), such that it’s considered to be wielded by weak swordsmen. He then gives him a “Cloud Mist Pine box,” to put Nezuko in. He heads to the town to begin his mission. Kazumi explains what happened when his girlfriend, Satoko vanished. Tanjiro track’s the demon scent.

Another young girl is abducted by a demon that can liquify itself and pass through doors. When Tanjiro smells the demon he gives chase, however, he can’t see them. He stabs the ground and rescues the girl. He gives her to Kazumi as he prepares to battle the demon. Said demon reappears now split into three. He uses eighth form water basin and cuts off the arms of all three demons. However, the attack is too “shallow,” and fails to do serious damage.

The demon mocks them, claiming that they already ate Satoko. Kazumi begins to cry, as Tanjiro gets overwhelmed by the demon. Nezuko joins in. The demon is surprised that a demon and swordsmen are teaming up together. We get a flashback of Urokodaki telling Tanjiro that he used “hypnotic suggesting on Nezuko.” He told her that “all humans are your family,” and “that demons are her enemies.” Muzan Kibutsuji the first demon is the only one that has the means to save Nezuko. This information isn’t useful now, as Tanjiro has to get stronger first.

Yet another factor is introduced for keeping Nezuko demon urges in check. Whether, her sleeping long periods and hypnotizing are significant enough to tame her completely. Some might see this as an easy way out of potential conflict. However, I think that they will introduce conflict later in the series.