In the last episode of Demon Slayer, Nakime discovered the location of the Ubuyashiki Mansion. First, we get the sad history of Gyomei Himejima, Giyu spars with Sanemi, and Tanjiro completes his training.
The tragic past of Gyomei Himejima
After Tanjiro’s training, Gyomei remembers his past in the orphanage. Gyomei reminisces about the orphans getting along well, supporting each other as a tight-knit group. He shares his wish to live that life forever. But then he reveals that one of the children was a traitor, breaking curfew and going outside after dark, where he encountered a demon. To save himself, the traitor offered all the other orphans sleeping in the temple as sacrifices to the demon, fleeing to escape with his own life.
At night, the orphan quietly extinguished the Wisteria incense around the temple. The demon arrived and slaughtered four of the eight children before Gyomei woke up to defend them. He saw three orphans run at the demon, only to be killed, leaving Sayo as the only one following his instructions. Gyomei, enraged by his failure, repeatedly punched the demon until daybreak. The next day, the villagers spoke to Sayo. She struggled to explain, saying the man was a monster who killed all the children. With the demon’s corpse disintegrated in the sun, everyone assumed she meant Gyomei, and he was imprisoned.
Tanjiro’s training is complete
Gyomei, in tears, reflects on his heartbreak in prison. He wishes Sayo could at least appreciate his efforts to protect her, driven by his care and affection, knowing she was bewildered by the demon attack and clueless about self-defense. He shares that he would have faced execution if not for Kagaya’s intervention. Gyomei admits to Tanjiro that he found it hard to trust others in the Demon Slayer Corps, including Tanjiro himself, until Tanjiro proved his worth. Promising to support Tanjiro in the future, Gyomei acknowledges Tanjiro’s determination. After patting him on the back, Gyomei declares Tanjiro’s training complete, and Tanjiro vows to keep giving his all.
Giyu and Sanemi spar
Tanjiro’s next training session is with Giyu. As he walks up the stairs to Giyu’s home he witnesses Giyu and Sanemi sparring using their breathing techniques. Sanemi uses Wind Breathing: First Form – Dust Whirlwind Cutter and Fifth Form – Cold Mountain Wind. Giyu counters with Water Breathing: Fourth Form – Striking Tide and Seventh Form – Drop Ripple Thrust. Tanjiro stares in awe at their immense strength and speed, quickly rushing in after the clash to stop Sanemi from trying to fight Giyu barehanded.
Sanemi angrily interrupts, reminding everyone that Tanjiro was originally forbidden to interact with him. His anger spikes when he hears Tanjiro mention his liking for red bean mochi, thinking that’s why they’re fighting. Giyu then asks Sanemi if he likes the food while Tanjiro brags about its taste. Sanemi punches Tanjiro, knocking him out briefly before storming off with a hostile demeanor.
Muzan arrives
The moment Muzan has been waiting for finally arrives this episode. As Kagaya receives comfort from Amane as he lies in his worsened state but quickly senses an unfamiliar presence. Despite his deteriorated condition, he detects the entrance gates opening for an intruder slowly approaching. Kagaya, with bandages over his eyes and decayed skin, glares towards the open doors, listening as the footsteps draw nearer. The ominous shadow disperses its aura, stopping at the back entrance of the estate. The visitor reveals himself to be Muzan, who stands before Kagaya. Muzan then comments on Kagaya’s appearance, calling it unsightly and hideous.
I’ve been waiting for this season to turn it up. The training and Hashira sparring was underwhelming. Now the rest of this season is likely going to be no stop action and unfortunately, probably a brutal reality for many in the Demon Corp. The conflict between Muzan and Kagaya is going to be interesting. The two are polar opposites, Muzan is insecure, vain, power hungry, and desperate for immortality, meanwhile, Kagaya has been suffering from a number of illnesses that have been killing him. What power he has he uses for others and he’s willing to die. Which I think he will.
