Demon Slayers Failed to Utilize This Character’s Potential, and Here’s Why it Matters

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The following contains spoilers from the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga and anime.

The anime “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” showcases characters hailing from various walks of life, all bearing the weight of inexplicable hardships in their histories. Some find strength in these trials to strive for a brighter future, while others are gripped by bitterness and skepticism that they seem to have forsaken their own humanity.

In the show, numerous characters keep viewers engaged, but a sword-wielding enigma from the Sengoku period stands out due to his terrifying skills and compassionate nature. Regrettably, although he is perceived as the strongest character in the series, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba failed to fully exploit Yoriichi Tsugikuni’s potential. Here’s why it makes such a significant difference.

Yoriichi Tsugikuni: The Savior From the Sengoku Era

Tsugikuni Revolutionized Demon Slayer Corps

  • Manga Debut: Chapter 81
  • Anime Debut: Episode 8

In the Sengoku period, Yoriichi Tsugikuni was born bearing the Mark of a Demon Slayer. From the moment he grasped a sword, his innate skill was evident, allowing him to perform extraordinary feats. His unmatched ability quickly earned him recognition, and ultimately led him to become part of the Demon Slayer Corps.

In my heart, I yearned for a tranquil existence with my family within a cozy abode, where we’d rest in harmony, our heads touching. Just being near enough to catch glimpses of my wife and child’s cherished faces and reach out to hold their hands was all I desired. Yet, even this simple dream eluded me. Evil lurks amidst the beauty of our world. ~ Yoriichi Tsugikuni (paraphrased)

Tsugikuni significantly transformed the ancient swordsmanship organization by introducing Sun Breathing. This innovation served as a foundation for developing various other swordsmanship techniques that greatly enhanced the effectiveness of the Demon Slayer Corps. Furthermore, Yoriichi not only revolutionized this technique but also assisted other swordsmen in unlocking their Demon Slayer Mark, marking the beginning of the golden era for demon slayers.

It might seem reasonable to expect that Tsugikini’s accomplishments would lead to more focus on him, but unfortunately, this is not the case. Similarly, despite Yoriichi’s richness as a character, his true potential remains unexplored in the narrative.

The Tragic Hero Could Have Added More Depth to the Narrative

Yoriichi Tsugikuni is the one and only Demon Slayer who ever faced both Kokushibo and Muzan in battle, effortlessly overpowering them without breaking a sweat. His strength was so immense that Kibutsuji fled in terror, while the Upper Moon One felt like an apprentice swordsman in his presence. Remarkably, despite his incredible achievements, his journey garnered little of the recognition it truly deserved.

It’s unfortunate that very little is known about the individuals who were influenced by this swordsman and how he evolved into such a powerful legend, with his might still resonating during the Taisho era centuries afterward. Although the Infinity Castle storyline may provide some insight into his life, based on the manga, it seems his narrative won’t receive much attention. Regardless of any creative freedom taken by the producers, Yoriichi appears unlikely to have a significant role in the Final Battle arc beyond brief instances.

It’s regrettable that viewers won’t be able to immerse themselves in the grandeur of the Sengoku era, an epoch when Yoriichi tipped the balance between good and evil, leaning humanity towards overpowering demons. This era significantly influenced modern swordsmanship, yet its history will remain partially veiled due to the lack of information about Tsugikuni’s breathing styles, as he was the one who invented them. The legendary swordsman’s legacy leaves us with an element of mystery that may never be fully uncovered.

What is the value of a life to you? ~ Yoriichi Tsugikuni to Muzan Kibutsuji

However, the greatest pity in all of this might lie in the fact that fans won’t witness the full extent of Yoriichi’s swordsmanship prowess. Remarkably few accounts exist of his battles against demons from his time, and even his encounters with Muzan and Kokushibo were relatively short-lived. As a result, instances showcasing Tsugikuni at his peak will be sparse.

In other words, delving further into Yoriichi’s past and his journey would have significantly enriched the story. However, it appears that Yoriichi’s role in the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba narrative was merely a fleeting mention rather than the epic backbone it could have been. By not fully utilizing Yoriichi as a compelling character, the series didn’t live up to Tsugkuni’s legacy and fell short of expectations for fans as well.

The initial part of the “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Trilogy” is set for release in the U.S. on September 12, 2025.

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2025-08-01 19:08